Send us a text

LinkedIn strategist Al Kushner shares essential strategies for cutting through the noise and leveraging AI to establish yourself as a thought leader on the world's largest professional network.

• Creating an optimized LinkedIn profile is essential before any outreach
• Establishing yourself as a thought leader requires providing value, not just selling
• LinkedIn newsletters bypass spam filters and deliver directly to subscribers' inboxes
• Using AI can help craft better responses and engage with influential content creators
• Sales Navigator provides valuable insights into who's viewing your profile and who's active
• Focus on connecting with referral partners rather than direct prospecting
• Recent recommendations significantly impact how prospects perceive your credibility
• Responding to others' content is more effective than just posting your own
• Follow influencers and thoughtfully comment on their posts to increase visibility

If you want to learn more about optimizing your LinkedIn profile and leveraging AI in your professional networking, visit linkvantage.com where you can access Al's free ebook and other resources.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-kushner/

linkvantage.com

AlKushnerSpeaks.com

Send us a text

Southside Steve Rickman shares his journey from radio personality to entrepreneur, revealing how corporate radio's restrictions pushed him to bet on himself and build multiple businesses on his own terms.

• Began in radio accidentally by filling in for a voice talent at 96 Rock while working at an ad agency
• Became known on "The Regular Guys" morning show for outrageous stunts including being shot with BB guns
• Developed a loyal following but faced increasing corporate restrictions on content
• Was fired with no severance despite being a top revenue generator for the station
• Opened a Smokey and the Bandit themed bar while still working morning radio
• Faced challenges from skeptical family members during the transition to entrepreneurship
• Currently developing "Yeah C'mon" bourbon brand aimed at blue-collar consumers
• Runs his own radio platform on My Fox FM where he follows FCC rules but not "corporate woke rules"
• Maintains an optimistic outlook despite setbacks: "Even if it's half full, it's full"

Check out the Yeah C'mon Show podcast on YouTube, and follow Southside Steve on social media to keep up with his latest ventures.

Send us a text

Ian Hay returns to share crucial disaster preparedness strategies for business owners during hurricane season and National Preparedness Month, emphasizing self-reliance when government resources may be limited.

• Text instead of calling during emergencies and include specific location information
• Keep multiple backups of all cloud-based data in different physical locations
• Maintain cash in small denominations for emergencies when electronic payments fail
• Have essential emergency supplies readily available including water, food, and batteries
• Keep fire blankets accessible for electrical fires rather than just fire extinguishers
• Establish clear communication plans with employees including alternative contact methods
• Understand your business insurance coverage thoroughly before disaster strikes
• Consider carrying phones on different networks to maintain communication during outages
• For career transition and AI integration coaching, contact Ian at 770-293-8870
• Visit lickitysplitdisasterkit.com for a special discount on Ian's disaster preparedness video package

https://licketysplitdisasterkit.com/

Send us a text

In this episode, Eric Fortenberry takes us through his unique journey—from software entrepreneur, to running a construction company, to discovering firsthand the operational flaws that hold businesses back. What started as troubleshooting for his own company turned into the creation of JobTread, a platform designed to solve the biggest pain points in the construction industry.

Gold Nuggets from Eric’s journey:

• Working on Estimating First to get the profit built into the Job Upfront
• Building documentation systems that clearly define project scopes and make change orders simple and enforceable
• Fixing the “shopping and shit” TIME WASTER by moving crews from hourly pay to fixed-price work
• Driving a business turnaround from $5M to $8M in revenue with a 43% jump in gross profit in just one year
• Scaling JobTread from 200 customers in 2021 to more than 7,500 today (adding 500+ new accounts monthly)
• Structured onboarding, training programs to ensure customer success

Eric shares powerful insights that every business owner can use to tighten operations, boost profits, and scale with confidence.

Visit jobtread.com to learn more or schedule a demo. Eric is also active in the JobTread Pros Facebook group with over 7,000 members and can be reached directly at [email protected].

https://www.youtube.com/JobTread

https://www.facebook.com/JobTread/

https://www.instagram.com/jobtread

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jobtread/

https://x.com/JobTread

Send us a text

What happens when a business owner reaches their breaking point? In this raw, unfiltered conversation with business coach Ellen Tyler, we explore the reality behind those make-or-break moments that define entrepreneurial journeys.

The episode opens with host Chris Lalomia sharing his recent experience making the painful decision to let go of a 12-year employee after months of declining performance. This leads to a fascinating discussion about the fundamental difference between corporate management and small business ownership—when it's YOUR money on the line, tough decisions hit differently.

Ellen Tyler brings a refreshing perspective as a business coach who claims to "care less about your business" than about the person running it. Drawing from her successful career in financial services (a 95% male-dominated industry) and her experience coaching primarily women entrepreneurs, Ellen challenges conventional wisdom about what drives business success.

"It's never the money," Ellen explains, revealing how business owners often mistake revenue problems for deeper mindset issues. Her approach focuses on teaching clients to respond rather than react, start each day with intentional goal focus, and end with reflection on what went well. These simple yet powerful practices create the mental foundation for sustainable growth.

The conversation takes an illuminating turn when Ellen shares insights about women in business leadership, explaining why female entrepreneurs often "settle for less" and how they can overcome unique challenges in networking and scaling their companies. Her practical advice includes asking event sponsors to introduce you to "the three most interesting people in the room"—an ingenious way to overcome networking anxiety.

Whether you're struggling with difficult business decisions, seeking to improve your leadership approach, or simply looking for fresh perspectives on entrepreneurship, this episode delivers candid wisdom from two seasoned business owners and a coach who understands the human side of business success.

Send us a text

Ever wondered how some businesses seem to have plenty of cash while others with similar revenue struggle to make payroll? The secret lies in understanding the financial gap between money coming in and money going out—and nobody explains this better than Cashflow Mike.

In this eye-opening episode, Mike Milan shares his remarkable journey from state trooper to financial expert, revealing how accident reconstruction mathematics gave him the breakthrough he needed to understand business finances in practical, applicable ways. "I didn't understand math until I was a state trooper," Mike explains, describing how connecting abstract concepts to real-world scenarios transformed his relationship with numbers.

Mike introduces us to the counterintuitive concept of "growing broke"—being so successful that you actually run out of money. Through colorful stories about his experiences running multiple businesses (from janitorial services to restaurants and property management), he illustrates how extending payment terms to clients while still needing to meet regular expenses creates a dangerous cash flow trap that can sink even thriving companies.

The heart of this episode focuses on Mike's Clear Path to Cash program and how it helps businesses identify hidden cash through analyzing just nine key numbers from financial statements. This approach has helped his clients uncover over $150 million in hidden cash without increasing sales. Rather than chasing revenue, Mike emphasizes focusing on gross profit—the only cash available to cover operating expenses or contribute to net profit.

For business owners feeling the cash crunch despite solid sales, this episode provides practical insights into six key calculations that reveal where cash is hiding in your business. Whether you're running a construction company, a service business, or any small to medium enterprise, Mike's accessible approach to financial analysis will transform how you view your business finances.

Ready to find the hidden cash in your business? Visit cashflowmike.com for a free Seven Minute Conversation course that will help you understand your business finances better than you have all year.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemilan/

cashflowmike.com 

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=cash%20flow%20mike

clear path to cash

Send us a text

Ever wonder what keeps your friendly neighborhood business attorney up at night? Hint: it's watching entrepreneurs shake hands on partnerships without proper documentation, then having to pick up the pieces when it all falls apart.

Brandon Woodward, founder of Woodward, Kelly, Fulton and Kaplan, cuts through the legal mystique to deliver straight talk about protecting your small business. With 25 years of experience guiding entrepreneurs through the legal landscape, Brandon shares why waiting until there's a problem to seek legal help is like trying to buy insurance while your house is already on fire.

The conversation tackles those awkward but essential discussions business partners need to have while everyone's still smiling and optimistic. Brandon explains why documenting agreements upfront prevents costly disputes when unexpected circumstances arise. "Silent partners are never silent," he warns, highlighting how proper documentation protects everyone involved when reality inevitably differs from rosy projections.

Cash flow challenges get special attention as Brandon reveals why collections issues can sink even profitable businesses. "A business can run in the red for decades, but you can only run out of cash one time," he notes, offering practical advice for maintaining healthy receivables without alienating clients.

Perhaps most valuable is Brandon's guidance on building business cultures that retain talent. He shares a philosophy that resonates deeply: "Train employees so well they could work anywhere. Treat them so well they won't want to." Through profit-sharing and meaningful inclusion, Brandon demonstrates how legal structures can support rather than hinder positive workplace dynamics.

For business owners contemplating an exit, Brandon's insights on preparing years in advance for a sale prove invaluable. His free white paper (available at wkfklaw.com) outlines steps to maximize value and ensure smooth transitions.

Ready to protect what you've built? This episode delivers the legal wisdom every entrepreneur needs without the intimidating billable hours. Your business deserves more than a handshake and good intentions—give it the legal foundation to thrive.

linkedin.com/in/wkfklw.com 

wkfklw.com 

facebook.com/WoodwardCounsel 

Send us a text

James Holivsky of The Fran Dream shares his journey from corporate America to helping athletes and professionals find the right franchise fit, revealing what makes a successful franchise owner and which concepts offer the best opportunities today.

• After 25 years in corporate America, James helped grow a restaurant chain from 1 to 100 stores before partnering with NFL players on various concepts
• Athletes excel at franchise ownership because they're accustomed to following playbooks and betting on themselves
• The most successful franchisees follow established systems rather than trying to reinvent them
• Current hot franchise opportunities include indoor golf simulators with 24/7 access and minimal staffing requirements
• Dog grooming concepts with membership models offer strong margins and recurring revenue
• Home service businesses, children's education, and senior care will continue to be strong franchise sectors
• Semi-passive ownership is possible but requires initial hands-on involvement and strong managers
• James personally vets franchises by examining profit margins, startup costs, and franchisee satisfaction
• When evaluating franchises, the most important question to ask existing owners is "Would you do it again?"
• Finding the right franchise requires clarity about your goals: semi-passive income, multi-unit operation, or building generational wealth

If you're interested in exploring franchise opportunities, visit TheFranDream.com or email James at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhilovsky/

https://www.instagram.com/thefrandream/?hl=en

#franchise#franchisee#franchisor#professional#athlete#playbook#golf#goldsimulator#thefrandream#smallbusiness#money#love#joshaltman

Send us a text

Charles and Clay Gridley, the father-son duo behind Six Bridges Brewing, share their journey from homebrewers to successful craft brewery owners with two locations in Georgia's Johns Creek and Milton areas. They reveal how strategic infrastructure planning, distribution partnerships, and community engagement have helped them thrive for seven years in a competitive market.

• Started as homebrewers before investing Charles' retirement savings to launch Georgia's first father-son brewery
• Built larger infrastructure than initially needed to avoid costly upgrades later, making expansion easier
• Navigated Georgia's three-tier distribution system by carefully selecting the right distributor partner
• Boldly expanded to a second location during November 2020 despite pandemic uncertainties
• Created community gathering spaces with events, special releases like the popular "Love Tractor" peach IPA
• Integrated family throughout the business, with Clay's wife managing the Milton location and Charles' brother handling production
• Constantly adapting to industry trends while maintaining core business principles
• Named "Six Bridges" after the six roads with "bridge" in their names throughout Johns Creek

Come visit one of our two locations in Johns Creek or Milton to experience our craft beers, spirits, and community atmosphere. If you can name all six bridges without looking at our mural, your first pint is on us!

www.sixbridgesbrewing.com

https://www.facebook.com/6BridgesBrewing

https://www.linkedin.com/company/six-bridges-brewing/

https://www.instagram.com/sixbridgesbrewing/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/sixbridgescrabapple/?hl=en

#beer#love#money#distillery#taproom#beergarden#dogfriendly##packagebeer#livemusic#foodtrucks#beerdistribution#entertainment#patio#IPA#tiptop#lovetractor#sours#bourbon#rum#singlemaltwhiskey#whiskey#barbeque#prohibition#keylimepie# casualatmosphere#family

Send us a text

Derek and Andrea Johnston share their journey from enjoying a charcuterie board on their first date to founding The Gathering Board, a successful charcuterie business started during the pandemic.

• Started business without formal planning after discovering no similar services existed in their area
• Built their website in three days and received their first non-friend order while grocery shopping
• Initially operated as a "bootleg" business until securing proper licensing and a commercial space
• Gained traction through Facebook group "Cherokee Connect," generating 500 website visits overnight
• Adopted Gordon Ramsay's quality standards after Andrea watched Hell's Kitchen while recovering from a broken jaw
• Expanded from small home delivery boards to event catering, now representing 75% of their business
• Secured their liquor license to provide full-service events including charcuterie and their signature "Pasta Baby" dish
• Partner with Rally Foundation for childhood cancer research, raising $20,000 through donated services
• Now employ a manager plus several staff members after five years in business
• Maintain the same high standards for every client regardless of size or profile

Follow the same high standards for all your work because you never know when a small job will lead to a major opportunity – many clients try a small order before booking a wedding or large event.
[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/thegatheringboard.co/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/thegatheringboard.co/?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web#

www.thegatheringboard.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-johnston-70a8271bb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnston-4806746a/

#rallyfoundation#pastababy#focaccia#cherokeecountyfacebook#rallyontherunway#charcuterieboard#love#wine#pasta#grazingtables#catering#delivery#Atlanta#smallbusiness#money#entreprenuer