"Quit trying to expand just to expand. Put a pause on that and focus on what you can do well with the people and the resources you have now."

Key Moments

01:29 Transitioning from Podcasting to New Business Ventures

03:13 Quitting the Right Way

07:42 Sustainable Business Growth

09:05 External Judgment When Making Decisions

11:14 The Power of a Focused Vision

17:11 Connections and Future Engagements

Connect with Will:

http://www.willtalksbiz.com/

Book I Can’t Read: A Guide to Success Through Failure

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/william-manzanares

After nearly two years of the podcast it is time to talk about making the tough decisions of when to pause or quit in business. The decision to step away from a project or job is rarely an easy one. There are times it just makes sense to quit. In fact, quitting is not always negative. It can be a positive and strategic choice. There are times when setting something aside will create room for high-value tasks and projects. As much reward are the podcast has brought us, it make sense to push pause and redirect attention to things that align with our current vision and goals. As exciting as the change can be, it is also easy to get swayed by outside opinions. Especially when they miss the value of knowing when it’s time to walk away.

As an entrepreneur I have learned the importance of maintaining focus on high-priority tasks and projects. It is important to evaluate when it may be time to close something up, even temporarily, in order to dedicate attention to new opportunities and ventures. Focus on making a business more efficient and customer-centric, rather than blindly expanding for the sake of growth.

Unfortunately, negative perspectives and judgments may arise when making the decision to pause or quit. Those are the times you should seek guidance from trusted mentors and experts, while being mindful of the opinions and feedback received from others. Don’t waste time filtering out distractions that can divert focus from the ultimate business goals and vision. You know why you are making the decision to quit, and that is what matters. Surround yourself with a supportive network that encourages and uplifts you.

While this may be the last “new” episode, you can always revisit past episodes. Continue listening and learning from the variety of episode topics. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the listeners, guests, and contributors who have made Will Talks Biz a phenomenal success. I'm looking forward to the next chapter and the opportunity to continue sharing valuable insights with you all.

If you'd like to stay connected or discuss anything related to the podcast, speaking engagements, or other topics, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

"You really can show your clients your desperation by your attitude.”

Key Moments

00:00 Current Trends in Business Billing

05:21 Contractor Trust and Prepayment

08:27 importance of Clear Payment Terms and Communication

09:57 Effective Communication with Late Payers

12:31 Importance of Professionalism in Billing

Connect with Will:

http://www.willtalksbiz.com/

Book I Can’t Read: A Guide to Success Through Failure

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/william-manzanares

How Should Contractors Bill Clients

Setting up billing structures and clearly outlining payment terms in contracts can help avoid confusion or disputes down the line. If you have a business model like mine that relies on retail and speaker fees, take time to learn about different billing methods. As an experienced contractor, Cassie has spent time learning about methods to bills clients, particularly using platforms like Stripe for invoicing. It's not just about getting paid, but how you approach billing that matters.

Asking for upfront payments from clients is not uncommon. However, there are potential challenges associated with it. When contractors asking for significant upfront payments it impacts the trust being built with clients. Business owners should work on striking a balance between addressing financial security concerns and maintaining a client-friendly approach to payments.

Once you set up your system, communication is a key aspect of billing and client interactions. Maintain open and transparent communication throughout the billing process, especially when following up on late payments. Over-communicating about payment structures and potential late fees is a way to ensure clarity. When the inevitable late payment happens, try to approach them with grace and understanding.

We cannot stress enough the significance of transparency, communication, and understanding in the contractor-client billing relationship. Make sure to listen to the full episode for more on navigating the nuances of billing clients effectively.

"Contractor in Charge is really about outsourcing what you don't know how to do well and let those who do and are trained to do them, do it for you."

Key Moments

05:46 Starting a business requires understanding strengths and outsourcing

09:43 Hire, train, and manage or outsource. Focus on revenue generation, not operations.

10:21 Outsource non-core activities for business success.

15:47 Understanding numbers is crucial for business success.

17:56 Client's success story: from struggling to thriving.

20:18 Discussing future of trades on contractorincharge.com/podcast.

Connect with Lynn

Contractor In Charge Website

Contractor in Charge on LinkedIn

Lynn Wise on LinkedIn

Transforming the Trades Podcast

Connect with Will:

http://www.willtalksbiz.com/

Book I Can’t Read: A Guide to Success Through Failure

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/william-manzanares

Becoming the Contractor in Charge

As an entrepreneur it is important to know when it is time to outsource key functions. The next step is figuring out how to do it. As a serial entrepreneur that has founded six businesses, Lynn Wise has discovered the impact of incorporating outside experts. That prompted her to found, Contractor in Charge, a successful outsourcing service. Her mission is to help others outsource what they don't know how to do well and letting those who are trained do it for them.

From managing leads to full-service accounting, Lynn's company provides essential services that many businesses struggle with. Her advice? Focus on what you do best and seek resources to handle other critical aspects efficiently. Lynn's transparency, focus on delivering quality, and building trust form the secret sauce behind maintaining strong client relationships. Her approach to business is a masterclass in building loyalty and trust.

When it comes to hiring, Lynn emphasizes hiring in areas that align with your revenue-generating activities. If you can't manage, train, or hire for a role, outsource it. This approach allows you to focus on what matters most to your business. Essentially, “cash is king." It is important to find ways to earn capital so you are able to align your business with your lifestyle. Overcoming early-stage challenges and understanding demand are crucial for business owners. Lynn's insight on pricing for efficiency is a game-changer.

Make sure to listen to this episode. Lynn's success stories are awe-inspiring. From helping a struggling client turn their business around to achieving an 8-fold revenue increase, her expertise in financial management is not to be overlooked. And if you can’t get enough, check out Lynn's podcast, Transforming the Trades. Each episode focuses on the future of the trades, new resources, and technological advancements.

“Learn from your mistakes. If you keep doing the same thing over and over, and expect great results, you’re going to keep running into failures.”

Key Moments

02:43 Crafting messaging using StoryBrand framework's essential.

04:15 Clarity in Marketing Comes Through Trial and Error

09:43 Reframe Success to Focus on Helping Others.

10:38 Oversharing Success can Cause Imposter Syndrome and Consumer Fatigue

13:45 Business Management of Service Pricing and Margins 

Connect with Will:

http://www.willtalksbiz.com/

Book I Can’t Read: A Guide to Success Through Failure

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/william-manzanares

How to Appropriately Brag About Your Success

Success is about more than just bragging. Talking about success is important in business, but you should also be aware of its impact on marketing and brand perception. There are a number of unanticipated pitfalls of using braggadocious content for recruiting employees and attracting customers. It's not just ineffective, it can backfire big time. 

Success talk can attract the wrong crowd, including the type of people you attract as potential employees. When I was using braggish content to recruit employees it led to some unexpected results. It's not about how long you've been in business, but how you've helped consumers and the value you offer. Focus on tangible impact, not just numbers and years in the game.

Shift the focus to storytelling that puts the customer's needs front and center. Highlight how you've added value, solve problems, and foster long-term relationships. That's the real currency. Bragging as a sales tactic can lead to imposter syndrome and consumer distress. Not a good look for entrepreneurs or personal brands. It's time to rethink how we share success and maintain authenticity in our messaging.

Stop the cycle of bragging and start emphasizing real impact and solutions. Let the success stories and customer testimonials do the talking. It's all about building trust and genuine connections in the world of business. The personal brand of an entrepreneur is crucial, and it's important not to come across as overly boastful. Consumers are seeking genuine connections and value, not grandstanding.

Keeping the focus on serving customers and employees, rather than flaunting financial success, fosters a healthy and authentic business environment. Consider reframing your messaging from bragging about your success to discussing the concrete ways you've helped your customers. Stay humble in the content, shifting the focus from personal success to providing value. Keep your intentions in the right place.

Remember, it's all about showcasing how you serve and provide solutions to your customers, not about flaunting your own achievements. Make sure to listen to this full episode for more on how to talk about success without coming off as braggadocious.

"Success is defined by your goals, your aspirations, and things you want to accomplish, not what others tell you is success."

Key Moments

04:15 Quick money isn’t always profitable in the long run.

07:52 The lure of get-rich-quick schemes between those that can  afford the risk vs. those who can't.

10:52 MLM business model.

13:34 Understanding brand revenue streams and residual commissions.

15:11 Evolution of entrepreneurial enthusiasm.

Connect with Will:

http://www.willtalksbiz.com/

Book I Can’t Read: A Guide to Success Through Failure

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/william-manzanares

A Discussion on MLMs

If a business opportunity seems too good to be true, there’s a chance it is. Multilevel marketing (MLM) companies are one of the business opportunities that are often questioned. My firsthand experience with MLMs has really opened my eyes to the pitfalls and success that can come when you follow the allure of quick money.

There are several things to keep in mind if you are worried about falling into an MLM trap.  Make sure you understand where your income comes from. The openness around those questions will help you get a glimpse into the values and ethics of the brand. Still unsure if something is legit or not? Seek feedback from seasoned business owners. That’s not all though. There are several other key takeaways from this conversation:

• Be cautious of opportunities that promise easy, quick money without tangible value or effort.
• Success is personal and defined by individual goals, not by others' standards or flashy marketing.
• When presented with business opportunities, ask critical questions to evaluate the legitimacy and sustainability of the venture.

This episode is a must listen if you've ever been approached with a similar business opportunity and are looking for advice or insights from experienced business professionals. Whether you're considering an MLM opportunity or navigating the world of entrepreneurship, it's essential to approach with critical thinking, diligence in research, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

"The way you respond to those negative reviews, that means more than the negative review itself."

Key Moments

01:37 Contractor Challenges in Business

04:11 Offering Money for the Removal of Negative Reviews.

07:58 Poor Handling of Customer Issues and Lack of Transparency

11:17 The Influence of Reviews on Customer Brand Selection

14:36 Bad Experiences May Lead to Negative Reviews.

Connect with Will:

http://www.willtalksbiz.com/

Book I Can’t Read: A Guide to Success Through Failure

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/william-manzanares

Will Spent $2,500 on What?!

It is not uncommon to encounter challenges with a contractor during a personal building project. However, a recent situation dealing with a difficult contractor left me facing some unanticipated ethical challenges.

After a less than favorable experience I was offered $2,500 to remove negative online reviews of a contracting company. This exchange was not only surprising but also raised ethical and legal questions about handling negative feedback.

Transparency in business culture is key. How a company handles challenges reflects its values. An ethical approach to customer feedback can elevate the reputation of any business. The offer of compensation for altering reviews is not just unethical, it's an indication of the company's underlying culture. Consumer trust is built on honest interaction and integrity.

Culture and leadership directly impact how a business interacts with customers. By prioritizing ethical conduct, companies can foster trust and loyalty, instead of resorting to short-term "solutions". In the world of business, the way a company responds to criticism speaks volumes. While it's acceptable to have flaws, it's how we address and learn from them that truly defines our character.

Make sure to listen to this episode to better understand the complexities of customer-business interactions and the evolving landscape of customer feedback in the digital age. There is a lot ot learn from experiences like this. As business owners, consider the impact of online reviews and how you respond to them. Prioritize engaging in thoughtful and ethical customer-business interactions, and to approach online reviews and feedback with integrity. By doing so, we can contribute to a culture of transparency, trust, and ethical business practices.

“In a world where hiring managers, leaders, business owners are flooded with 100, maybe even 1,000 of applications, taking one step further and reaching out directly and making that connection is oftentimes a way to stand out."

Key Moments

00:00 Job market challenges, importance of eagerness to learn.

03:55 People will say they read, but don't understand.

07:31 Use social media for research, make personal connections.

11:33 Consider employer, show flexibility, avoid last-minute issues.

13:56 Thank you, go check out Will's business.

Connect with Will:

http://www.willtalksbiz.com/

Book I Can’t Read: A Guide to Success Through Failure

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/william-manzanares

Standing Out as an Entry Level Candidate

There are a number of ways to stand out as an entry-level candidate in today's competitive job market. Many people think hiring decisions are all about qualifications. In reality, it is also about attitude, initiative, and dedication. Never underestimate the importance of making personal connections, researching the company you're applying to, and demonstrating flexibility as an entry-level candidate.

Make a personal connection by going beyond a generic application submission. Reach out directly to hiring managers or business owners. It is a fairly easy way to stand out from the sea of applicants. This personal touch can make a lasting impression and set you apart in the hiring process.

Once you get that call for an interview spend time researching the organization. Before an interview, make sure to learn about the position, the company, and its offerings. Demonstrate your knowledge by asking thoughtful questions about the role and the organization. This shows your genuine interest in the opportunity.

Be prepared with ways to show willingness to learn and be flexible. Whether through volunteer work, running programs, or other community involvement, showcase your dedication to personal and professional growth. Displaying a proactive and adaptable attitude will make you an attractive candidate for potential employers.

Make sure to take a listen to the full episode for more on strategies for young professionals and entry-level workers looking to stand out in the job market. Share this episode for anyone you may know that is looking for actionable advice on how to thrive in their job search and career development.

"A very valuable lesson comes by just identifying customer trends. Chick fil A clearly has capitalized on that trend where customers want fast service, and they want good service."

Key Moments

02:33 Theme park industry compeition 

04:07 Evolution of personal branding.

08:48 Customer service and experience can fuel competition.

13:39 Balancing continuous-improvement with serving customers efficiently.

18:06 The value of learning from other industries.

21:30 Handling unexpected situations in organizations.

Connect with Will:

http://www.willtalksbiz.com/

Book I Can’t Read: A Guide to Success Through Failure

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/william-manzanares

As a leader it is important to be aware of your competition and the impact they may have on your business strategies. Competition in the theme park industry is a great example of the impact of direct rivals, customer loyalty, and market dominance. Monitoring your competition is vital, but the magic lies in understanding how to then make your own business stand out and cater to the needs of your consumers.

Whether you operate in the theme park industry or in a completely different sector, you have to know your competition. Understanding who else is out here is what will help make sure you are staying ahead. Identify their strengths and weaknesses to capitalize on opportunities for improvement in your own business.

Make sure to strike a balance between learning from your competition and staying true to your business identity. Pay attention to the market and customer needs without fixating solely on your rivals. Staying in tune with your customers will help you provide them with the best possible experience.

Don’t let your curiosity cause you to lose focus on customer service. Exceptional customer service remains a key differentiator among competitors. Providing efficient service and creating a friendly atmosphere can contribute to customer loyalty. That is what will ultimately set you apart from competitors, enhancing your business's overall success.

“The difference that separates a great event or a great speakers, and everything in between is trying to actually connect to your audience and give them value.”

Key Moments

00:00 Importance of focusing on audience value over sales at events.

04:56 Expertise must be backed by real experience.

08:37 Speakers should focus on value-driven content for conference success.

10:05 Seek feedback for learning, growth, and improvement.

14:02 Openly sharing builds trust and relatability.

Connect with Will:

http://www.willtalksbiz.com/

Book I Can’t Read: A Guide to Success Through Failure

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/william-manzanares

Content Experts

The best way to grow as a content expert is by adding value in presentations and seeking feedback from those you serve. After recent experiences at conferences, Cassie and I both shared disappointment by not receiving the expected value from certain presentations. Part of the problem was a lack of speakers presenting in a way that offers genuine value and connects with their audience in a meaningful way.

As a business owner it is important to constantly be seeking and valuing feedback from others. Whether it’s asking for constructive criticism from an audience after a presentation or actively listening to customer feedback in business. Always stay open to learning and growing. Relatability, trust, and storytelling go a long way when connecting with others. People can tell when you have genuine intentions. Don’t set yourself up to a negative reputation by falling short in delivering it.

Build a reputation as an expert by sharing authentic experiences and by offering genuine value. When things don’t go well, embrace the lessons from failures and use them to foster growth in business. All of your experiences can help in delivering better presentations, improving customer service, and creating more excellent overall experiences for those they serve.

Make sure to listen to this episode for more on how to bring positive impact as a content expert. Remember, learning from mistakes and striving for improvement is the key to success in business.

"We can get very distracted from our goals or vision of success just based off of things that we follow and the influences that we listen to. They can cause us to compare and question what we're doing, changing our outlook on success."

Key Moments

01:24 Perceptions of success change over time.

04:22 Impacts of Imposter Syndrome.

07:06 The challenge of managing many employees.

10:54 Efficiency and profitability over escaping the business.

13:39 Overcoming business critics and compasion.

19:33 Setting meaningful business goals.

Recommendation

Get the Book Atomic Habits by James Clear 

Connect with Will:

http://www.willtalksbiz.com/

Book I Can’t Read: A Guide to Success Through Failure

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/william-manzanares

Shiny Object Syndrome in Entrepreneurship

The evolving perceptions of success can become a slippery slope for entrepreneurs. While continuous learning is important, it can also lead to shiny object syndrome. By having a clear definition of success you are less likey to fall into the trap that comes with critiques and comparison. Staying committed to your vision will help limit the shiny objects that tend to distract entrepreneurs from their goals.

Make sure to value personal growth as a measure of success. In fact, personal growth really has been my ultimate measure of success in entrepreneurship. Over time my perception of success has changed. Success is about personal development and learning from past mistakes. Never forget the importance of learning from mistakes and growing personally.

A big pitfall, or shiny object, in entrepreneurship is around the growth of a business. There is a common notion that the number of employees is a significant indicator of business success. This is incredibly shortsighted. Instead of focusing solely on the size of a team focus on customer impact and profitability. The importance of serving customers and being able to solve their needs is a great measure of business success.

Comparing yourself to others can lead to distractions and self-doubt. Instead, set clear goals for yourself and your business. Focus on achieving these goals through well-defined systems, ultimately leading to a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Make sure to listen to the full episode for more on not letting imposter syndrome and comparisons distract you from your vision of success.