Business Buffet: Recent Episodes
Ed Bejarana
Business Buffet, a podcast based business coaching environment where you gain personal-nourishment, professional growth, and recipes for success. My name is Ed Bejarana and I am your chef who’ll be fixing’ up a big helping of how-to, can-do, and what-to-do information all designed to inspire-you! So grab a plate as it is time for some Business Buffet!
Summary:
Welcome to the Business Buffet Podcast, where today, we're serving up stories of resilience against the harsh winds of inflation. Discover Jerry's innovative pricing strategies that helped his landscaping business bloom. Marvel at Maria's inventory mastery, which kept her flower shop afloat. Learn from David's employee-centric approach that fostered operational efficiency in his IT consulting firm. Explore Susan's creative income diversification tactics that reshaped her real estate business. And finally, admire Jessica's keen financial acumen, allowing her beloved gift shop to shine amid economic downturns. Stay tuned as we unpack these tales of tenacity and transformation in today's turbulent economic landscape.
Sponsor:
Are you an ambitious small business owner? Discover "Entrepreneur's Feast: Navigating Small Business Challenges with the Business Buffet" by Ed Bejarana - a game-changer for your entrepreneurial journey.
Empower your business potential; order your copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3obD71R
Embrace growth and make an impact. With "Entrepreneur's Feast”, it is time to Eat Hearty in Business!
Welcome to the Business Buffet Podcast, where today, we're serving up stories of resilience against the harsh winds of inflation. Discover Jerry's innovative pricing strategies that helped his landscaping business bloom. Marvel at Maria's inventory mastery, which kept her flower shop afloat. Learn from David's employee-centric approach that fostered operational efficiency in his IT consulting firm. Explore Susan's creative income diversification tactics that reshaped her real estate business. And finally, admire Jessica's keen financial acumen, allowing her beloved gift shop to shine amid economic downturns. Stay tuned as we unpack these tales of tenacity and transformation in today's turbulent economic landscape.
Sponsor:
Are you an ambitious small business owner? Discover "Entrepreneur's Feast: Navigating Small Business Challenges with the Business Buffet" by Ed Bejarana - a game-changer for your entrepreneurial journey.
Empower your business potential; order your copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3obD71R
Embrace growth and make an impact. With "Entrepreneur's Feast”, it is time to Eat Hearty in Business!
Welcome to the Business Buffet Podcast, where today we follow Jerry, a suburban landscaper, as he navigates economic turbulence due to relentless inflation. Through incremental price increases, improved value proposition, clear communication, bundled services, premium offerings, a loyalty program, and strategic timing, Jerry not only maintains but strengthens his customer relationships. His journey is a testament to how empathy and the right strategy can transform price hikes from a destructive process into a path of growth and deepened connections.
Sponsor:
Are you an ambitious small business owner? Discover "Entrepreneur's Feast: Navigating Small Business Challenges with the Business Buffet" by Ed Bejarana - a game-changer for your entrepreneurial journey.
Empower your business potential; order your copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3obD71R
Embrace growth and make an impact. With "Entrepreneur's Feast”, it is time to Eat Hearty in Business!
In this episode, we share the inspiring journey of Mary Sue, a small business owner of "Pawsh Pooches," a dog washing business. Struggling with brand visibility, Mary strategically uses her exhibition at a local trade show, ingeniously designed booth, and well-crafted qualifying questions to identify potential customers. Her prompt follow-up strategy post-event reinforces her brand image and boosts customer acquisition. Mary's persistent efforts transform her obscure local business into a recognized name in her town, demonstrating the power of trade shows for small businesses. Tune in for more on maximizing brand visibility and customer engagement.
Sponsor:
From expert website development to impactful audiobook production, professional voice overs, and compelling commercials, Zenith Exhibits is a game changer for small businesses and nonprofits. They also offer strategic marketing assistance and trade show consulting. Tune in to discover how Zenith Exhibits can amplify your brand’s voice and visibility. Learn more at www.zenithexhibits.com or call (208) 209-71
Quiet Quitting article on SHRM.com, https://bit.ly/3dtGLyE.
Interested in creating your own podcast? Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services. Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price. Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.
Did you know it is free to attend classes at the SBDC? Warren from the Small Business Development Center talks about the tax payer supported program available to all business owners (current and future) to help them navigate the business climate. Warren shares his insight on business and tips for success for local small businesses.
Search on Google for “North Idaho SBDC” or visit nisbdc.com
Interested in creating your own podcast? Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services. Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price. Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.
Joe Hume has been running his computer repair business in Rathdrum Idaho for over 20 years. In this episode he sits down with Business Buffet to talk about how he got into the business and shares tips for people who might be thinking about going into the computer repair business.
Interested in creating your own podcast? Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services. Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price. Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.
Teresa Bruni from Less Fear, More Flow shares her insight to starting a personal coaching business. She discusses the required skills, passions, and experience needed to become successful.
To learn more about Teresa, visit TeresaBruni.com
Books mentioned in the podcast:
- Three Simple Steps by Trevor Blake
- Business Secrets from the Bible by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
- The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Terriss
Interested in creating your own podcast? Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services. Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price. Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.
Steve Gray help my wife and I sell our home when I moved out of Oregon. The experience was top notch! I invited Steve on to Business Buffet to share his secrets to success for those who might be thinking about going into Real Estate. NOTE: His tips work in all business types!
Books mentioned by Steve: The Go-Giver by Bob Burg, The Go-Giver Sells More by Bob Burg, The Speed of Trust by Steven Covney.
To learn more about Steve, visit steveg.johnlscott.com or call (503) 320-4311.
Interested in creating your own podcast? Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services. Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price. Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.
Tabitha Kraack sits down with Business Buffet to talk about her side hustle podcasting gig and shares all the secretes to success. We talk about software, hardware, hosting options, marketing, mics, sound, interviewing…everything the small business person might need to know to start their own podcast.
You can listen to Tabitha’s podcast on Apple at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keepin-tabs-with-tabitha/id1517472872
Interested in creating your own podcast? Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services. Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price. Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.
Nathan Wallace with Wallace Wealth Management visits with Business Buffet and talks about being an entrepreneur running a Financial Planning business.
To learn more about Nathan, visit www.wallacewealthcda.com
Interested in creating your own podcast? Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services. Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price. Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.
Are you investing time in areas that improve your life and business or losing time to your competition? In today’s episode we explore the purpose behind The Business Buffet and some important lessons on time.
This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.
This is part 2 of why hackers want control of your computer and email. In today’s episode I am going to talk about SPAM and the costs to small business.
This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.
Hundreds of customers ask my, “why do hackers want to gain control of my computer, I am just a small business?” In today’s episode I am going to share the value of your business computer in the eyes of a hacker.
This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.
Today’s food for thought comes from Peter Drucker, he said; “There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.” Are you struggling with finding enough time in your business? You might be spinning your wheels in areas that you shouldn’t all because that is the way you’ve always done it.
This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.
In today’s episode we’ll discuss lack of experience and knowledge and what you can do to acquire the knowledge you need to either grow your business or keep up with the ever-changing marketplace demands.
This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.
Should you run that new business on the side or jump in with both feet and dedicate yourself to the new endeavor? Today on the Business Buffet, we’ll explore our options and I’ll share a story that helps drive the point home.
This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.
Using the SWOT Analysis tool can help pull you out of the business procrastination doldrums. In today’s episode I share how the SWOT tool works and how you can over come the fear of change that you may be facing.
This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.
If your business depends on a piece of software run from the cloud to continue operating, then you need to hear this episode! Today we turn to Colin Powell for out Food for Thought and discuss the idea of dealing with the unknown.
As a small business owner, you frequently face a crisis of confidence. Is your product or service good enough, is your competition beating you to market, are you good enough to stay in business…and a thousand other self doubt phrases. In today’s episode we’ll explore ways to re-build your self-confidence to the point it was when you ventured out on your own.
Are you looking to expand your business, maybe start a new podcast to market what you do, or maybe show the world a new side of you and your personality. Zenith Exhibits Studios would love to talk with you about producing your podcast. Visit www.zenithexhibits.studio or call (208) 209-7170.
You know you can make a mint if you just knew what products and services to sell. You’re unsure how to pick a niche. In today’s episode I share with you some stories on how I picked my niche and continue to reinvent my business.
Today’s episode is a work of business fiction that talks about an social media marketer who is having a hard time making financial ends meet. He has made bad decisions in the past, which he blames for the current situation: so now he is struggling with the unknown and fear of making another bad choice that could spell disaster for his business.
Today's episode is sponsored by:
- F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
- Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
- Oasis Lawn & Pest - oasislawnandpest.com
Today’s episode is a work of business fiction about a young man who feels stuck in a dead end job that is pulling him away from his family. Rather than accepting his situation as something that can not be changed, Tommy takes life in to his own hands and turns to entrepreneurship to fix things.
After last’s week’s episode, Phil and I decided ti was time to make some changes here on the Business Buffet. We created this channel to provide important how to information for you the listener. While we are not changing the goal, we are revamping the process how we present the information. In today’s episode Ed and Phil discuss the new podcast format and why making these changes are important for the future.
Today’s sponsors are:
F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
Oasis Lawn & Pest - oasislawnandpest.com
If there's one rule that applies to everything in life, it's that change is inevitable and the same goes for your business. Big changes aren't always needed to help your company. Sometimes it may only require a few tweaks and adjustments to stay current in today's market. But there ARE those times that it may take a monumental shift to do the trick. If you're not sure how to tell when, or even IF, it's time for a change Ed and I will talk about telltale signs that indicate you should look at making a change on todays episode of the Business Buffet.
Thank you to our sponsors for today’s episode:
- F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net 208-687-0183
- Oasis Lawn and Pest - oasislawnandpest.com 208-921-3686
- Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
Phil and I help lots of small business owners and more often than not, the reason a business is struggling is due to decision paralysis. The business owners know a decision much be made and even know the decision that must be made, but fails to pull the trigger. In today’s episode we will explore the pros and cons of waiting until something is perfect versus getting to market as soon as possible.
Thank you to our sponsors for today’s episode:
- Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
- F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
- Oasis Lawn and Pest - oasislawnandpest.com
The holidays are fast approaching. In this most unusual year of 2020, summer has flown by us and we’re now, unbelievably, in the month of Halloween, which means savvy small businesses are already looking ahead to the holiday shopping season. And that doesn’t mean JUST Christmas! Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday all count. And of course, there’s Thanksgiving, too! Smart businesses have reviewed data from last year to determine what promotions worked versus those that did not. They have defined and set sales goals, optimized their websites for desktop and mobile devices, and created marketing campaigns targeted to their ideal shopper. Is YOUR business ready for the holidays? Ed and I will light a fire under you on this episode of The Business Buffet!
For Small Business Saturday on November 28th make sure to add your business to the Shop Small map, and take advantage of free promotional materials available to small businesses.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Oasis Lawn and Pest https://oasislawnandpest.com
- Abandon Your Aches Massage https://ayamassagecda.com
- F1 for HELP
Guerrilla marketing is an advertisement strategy in which a company uses surprise and/or unconventional interactions in order to promote a product or service. It is a type of publicity. The term was popularized by Jay Conrad Levinson's 1984 book Guerrilla Marketing.
Guerrilla marketing uses multiple techniques and practices in order to establish direct contact with the customers. One of the goals of this interaction is to cause an emotional reaction in the clients, and the ultimate goal of marketing is to get people to remember products or brands in a different way than they are accustomed to.
Guerrilla marketing is relatively inexpensive, and focuses more on reach rather than frequency.[citation needed] For guerrilla campaigns to be successful, companies don't need to spend large amounts, they just need to have imagination, energy and time. Therefore, it has the potential to be effective for small businesses, especially if they are competing against bigger companies.
In today’s episode we are going to explore 7 online guerrilla marketing ideas that could give your business that extra oomph you need to rise about your competition.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
- F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
If there is one thing consistent in business, it’s that virtually ALL businesses THINK customer service is what separates them from their competition. Like the word ‘branding’, however, the words ‘customer service’ also has a different meaning to different people. In the past, people chose which companies they did business with based on price, or the product or service offered, but today the overall experience is often the driver. Is your business catering to the customer experience? On this episode of the Business Buffet, Ed and I will talk through and walk through some very important things to consider implementing before you start telling people YOUR customer service is second to none.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
- F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
Thomas Henry with AdWeek wrote an article titled A 4-Step Roadmap to Help Brands Create a Marketing Plan for the ‘New Normal’. He highlights four interesting areas, but as I was reading the article I didn’t feel the small business was being considered. Today Phil and I will explore the four suggested roadmap waypoints Mr Henry references and introduce our small business slant. At the end of this episode, you will be able to read the business climate for your industry and anticipate the new normal.
F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
Today, Ed and Phil are going to ask the questions, “Are you listening to your customers?” on this episode of the Business Buffet.
A big thank you to our sponsors:
Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
Today’s episode is a deep exploration of something a big box store is doing to succeed and then Ed & Phil drill down to the main elements any business can use to improve their business.
A big thank you to our sponsors:
- F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
- Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
When you’re in business for yourself you obviously need to have a business license, relevant supplies & business equipment, name & branding and a physical location, if applicable. Although you HAVE to have those things, there are other things almost as important. In this episode, Ed and Phil will talk about the top 8 things every business must have that will give them the best opportunity of being successful.
Thank you to our sponsors:
F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
Social Media Summit - https://www.smwcda.com
Have you heard about the business who was destroyed online because an employee said someone on a video that went viral? How about the business who got vandalized because they were not enforcing the mask mandate? My favorite is the business who got shut down by a mod of angry people because you gave money to a political candidate? These things all happen everyday and small business owners are scared to death. How you react to the initial attack is critical to surviving the onslaught. For that matter, knowing the attack is happening is the first step. It today’s episode, Ed & Phil will discuss how to monitor the internet for negative attacks and give you tips for dealing with the cancel culture.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Zenith Exhibits Studios - www.ZenithExhibits.Studio
F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
Cash is king. Businesses need cash. Cash is the lifeblood of your business. Without it, your business doesn’t function. You can’t pay for your supplies, you can’t pay your employees, you can’t pay your rent. 30% of small businesses fail because of a lack of access to cash. What can you do to handle cash flow issues in your business? How can you keep cash flow issues from happening? Ed and Phil will discuss those questions and provide sound and viable answers on this episode of the Business Buffet.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Abandon Your Aches Massage https://ayamassagecda.com
- Tails Foundation Inc. http://www.tailsfoundationinc.com
- F1 for Help - 208-687-0183 www.f1forhelp.net
Has COVID-19 slowed down you sales cycle? If so, then every at-bat is mission critical and thus you should take a closer look at your technique. If you are making the mistake of not taking the prospects point of view, then you could be leaking closed deals and wasting lots of time in the process. In today’s episode Ed & Phill will discuss this very common sales problem and what you can do to overcome the natural tendency to make.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Social Media Summit CDA - smwcda.com
- F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
Business owners already have it hard enough. They are responsible to their employees, their customers and/or clients and to the business itself. Those that pull the trigger on business ownership realize, all too fast, the challenges that can cripple the business from being successful. Then why would business owners choose to surround themselves with people who can speed up the process of business demise? How do you identify those people? Should you seek out relationships with people that can ONLY help your business? Ed and Phill will talk about that on this episode of the Business Buffet.
With 2020 being anything BUT what we all thought it might be, things are vastly different. Many of the norms we were used to in our daily lives have shifted to new norms. And that includes in business. Whereas there are many businesses who have benefitted from COVID-19, there are also plenty who have struggled mightily to keep their head above water. We have talked at length at what businesses who are suffering can do to keep their proverbial doors open and today I’m going to review some of those things on this episode of the Business Buffet!
A big thank to to our episode sponsor:
F1 For Help - Visit www.f1forhelp.net or call 208-687-0183
Is paid digital advertising even working for small businesses anymore? Everybody says you have to do paid advertising on Facebook, Google, and Twitter, but what are they really trying to tell you? can business only succeed if it pays for digital advertising, or are there other options a small business can turn to in these very confusing COVID-19 days? In this episode, Ed and Phil will discuss different digital advertising options that are not Google and/or Facebook.
A big thank to to our episode sponsors:
F1 For Help - www.f1forhelp.net
Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
Social Media summit - www.smwcda.com
When it comes to sports, whether it’s team sports or individual sports, there are coaches involved. But when it comes to business, many scoff at the idea of having a coach. In this Ingredients episode of the Business Buffet, we’re going to talk with business coach, Ted Schmidt, an award winning business & executive coach, trainer and speaker, who will walk us through some of the things he's helped his clients improve on.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Call F1 for Help at (208) 687-0183Visit
Social Media Summit CDA at https://www.smwcda.com
For more information on Ted Schmidt and Action Coach Northwest, please visit https://tedschmidt.actioncoach.com
Historically, it’s usually a gamble when businesses speak out about anything, but now with social media’s pervasiveness, vast reach and viral potential, brands are now put under a new global microscope. In today’s divisive social and political climate, brands face unprecedented challenges when engaging with consumer audiences on social platforms. As hot-button issues dominate headlines, many businesses and brands have struggled to navigate today’s biggest, and sometimes most controversial, conversations. On this episode, Ed and Phil will talk about how to navigate your business when you are thrust into the political spotlight when all you really want to do is serve your community by selling your products and services.
Corona-virus, nationwide protests, and finding local talent are all reasons why you might have implemented a telecommuting strategy for your business. The question is: is this approach helping or hurting? In today’s episode Ed & Phil will discuss different business scenarios and the impact of working from home might have. We’ll also explore the potential opportunities for those who might be struggling with the whole idea.
For months it seems like all we’ve talked about is how to get through a crisis in business. Whether it’s ‘Rona or protesters that are taking out their anger on brick and mortar stores, businesses have been hit from all angles. Today we’re going to shift gears a little bit and talk about the pros and cons of partnerships in business.
Today’s episode is sponsored by:
Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
Social Media Summit - swmcda.com
Over time, your service-based business will need to adapt to customer needs, industry shifts, technology advances, and economic conditions. Are you conditioned to be on the look-out for when a change is required or are you an individual who feels your business will never need to change? In today’s episode, Ed & Phil will discuss the types of changes that face different types of businesses and ways to embrace the change.
Today’s episode is sponsored by:
- F1 for Help - www.f1forhelp.net
- Social Media Summit - swmcda.com
- Abandon Your Aches Massage - ayamassagecda.com
It happens more times than we want but it IS a given, as business owners, we will have to navigate a storm, navigate said storm to the best of our ability, and hope for a positive outcome. We’ve had to do that through this Coronavirus lockdown, for sure, but sometimes the storm resides from within. We can TRY to prepare ourselves for whatever comes our way, but at the end of the day, we can’t predict every scenario. Zenefits Chairman and CEO, Jay Fulcher, knew from day one he had his work cut out for him as he was asked, in February 2017, to take over silicon valley’s sweetheart, Zenefits, a company headquartered in San Francisco that offers cloud-based software as a service to companies for managing their human resources, with a particular focus on helping them with health insurance coverage. On today’s Ingredients episode of the Business Buffet, Jay will share some of the challenges he faced and had to overcome, and the major move he made within the first week of taking over.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Visit Social Media Summit CDA at https://www.smwcda.com
Visit Abandon Your Aches Massage at https://ayamassagecda.com
Call F1 for Help at (208) 687-0183
For more information on Zenefits, visit https://www.zenefits.com
For small business owners, the last thing they need is another social media platform to learn and use. LinkedIn, however, is a must for any business that benefits from referrals, is a B2B business or a B2C business that needs great talent to hire and to stay informed about their industry. Today we will touch on the benefit of having a presence on LinkedIn during this 1st Business Buffet episode of season 2 and we’ll be doing it ‘live’ from Season’s Restaurant in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, during the Network CDA weekly lunch. The Business Buffet is open at Seasons. It’s time to eat hearty in business and eat hearty at Seasons! Let’s do this!
Sponsors:
Social Media Summit CDA
F1 for Help - Call (208) 687-0183
Abandon Your Aches Massage
Phil and Ed discuss challenges small business faces with social distancing and the government ordered shut-downs as well as potential solutions to overcome the challenge. This episode is not about business as usual, but rather business survival in a COVID-19 World.
EatHeartyInBusiness, #COVID19Business, #SmallBusinessSuccess
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Social Media Summit CDA
- F1 for Help
Growing a brand is never easy. It takes forethought, commitment, perseverance and the strength to will it to fruition. Or in the case of today’s guest, the strength to will it into a mug, in the form of premium coffee. On the Business Buffet, we’re constantly talking about staying consistent with your brand down to every detail. Tom O’Keefe founded Tully’s coffee, and was a man so closely associated with the operation that his middle name IS the company’s name, Tully’s. He will talk about the challenges of taking on the industry leader, Starbucks, as well as ways in which he has given back to the community, in this Ingredients episode of the Business Buffet.
Thank you to our sponsor. Please visit https://www.smwcda.com for more information on Social Media Summit Coeur d’Alene and the Social Media Summit Inner Circle.
There are many reasons people go into business for themselves: They see an underserved niche and want to fill it, hate their jobs and want to become their own boss or think they can produce a better product and/or service than anyone else. There are no doubt many other reasons but many people simply realize exchanging hours for dollars is limited. Starting your own business means you can work as much or as little as you like and there is no limit to what you can earn. And all of this is true. But those that don’t take intentional thought into business ownership will likely get chewed up and spit out. If a small business owner can’t answer the question, “What separates your business from your competition” then there is a long uphill battle in their future. Today we will help you get over that hump and give you some tips and steps to consider when setting out to separate you from your competitors on this episode of the Business Buffet.
The terms “brand” and “business” are often used interchangeably. While the dictionary definitions might be similar, there is a distinct difference. Today we’re going to start with the very basics when it comes to branding and what that means on this Side Dish episode of the Business Buffet.
Thank you to our sponsor. Please visit https://www.smwcda.com for more information on Social Media Summit Coeur d’Alene and the Social Media Summit Inner Circle.
Business has become too dependent on digital marketing channels and has lost touch with the idea of marketing diversification. What happens when a digital channel shuts down? Until COVID, most businesses did not think that was possible. Reality is not only was it possible, but it has been happening more and more and started long before the coronavirus.
Political ideology, technology shifts, company acquisitions, and social trends all impact digital messaging and can push aside messaging that conform to norms. The key point for this podcast is to keep your digital marketing, but make sure you have other channels to reach your audience. The number one lead-generating marketing method is still tradeshow exhibiting.
In today’s episode we’ll talk with Mel White, VP of Marketing and Business Development for Classic Exhibits, a leading tradeshow and exhibit manufacture and get his take on the condition of the tradeshow exhibiting option for marketing your business.
There’s Google Ad words, SEO, Social Media, Print, Direct Mail, Radio, Television… how on earth can your business stand out in all of this marketing noise? Well, you may have to consider some off the beaten path marketing for your business and that’s what I’m going to talk about on THIS Side Dish episode of the Business Buffet.
Thanks to our sponsor, F1 for HELP. Please call them at 208-687-0183.
Google has over 92% of the global market share for searches culminating in over 7 billion searches per day. They built their business on reliable search results, and their position in the marketplace is well earned. Business has become dependent on the search results driving business, but now Google allows some political ideology to influence search results. We can only wish for the days when people were punished for crimes they committed, on the internet today (and the nation for that matter) punishment can be doled out for not doing something. And business can be devastated if it is not perceived as adequately woke. In today’s episode, we’ll stay clear of the politics behind the issue and instead speak to a solution. This is not a new-fangled solution with an unproved history, no today’s topic is based on a method with hundreds of years of provable success.
To maximize success on the tradeshow floor, one must plan correctly. The 5-step engagement process is a proven system for optimizing the limited tradeshow floor time and maximizing lead capture.
Small businesses are scrambling to gain a foothold on their business during this Covid-19 crisis. The tendency is to stop spending money which also means stop marketing. If history has proven anything, it is businesses MUST continue to market in a down economy. But many of those businesses that continue to market, do it from a transactional mindset. “What is the fastest way for me to get a return on my marketing investment?” Today we’re going to look at a different approach to marketing as we talk with Mark Schaefer, a globally-recognized keynote speaker, educator, business consultant, and author. His blog is hailed as one of the top marketing blogs in the world. Not only that, Mark has had a very up close and personal look at the Coronavirus. It’s time to step into the Business Buffet kitchen, open the recipe book and see some of the Business Ingredients Mark Schaefer uses on this Ingredients episode of the Business Buffet.
For more information on Mark Schaefer visit https://businessesgrow.com
Get your free Pandemic Playbook by visiting https://businessesgrow.com/pandemicplaybook/
Thanks to our sponsor Abandon Your Aches Massage. Please visit https://ayamassagecda.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/abandonyourachesmassage/
As we head out of the lockdowns, step by step, slow and methodical, the countdown is on to develop your marketing strategy so you hit the ground running. No pressure or anything, but this is important stuff! On this Side Dish Episode of the Business Buffet, I will outline some do's and don'ts, when it comes to marketing, to help you build and execute a winning marketing strategy out of the lockdown period and beyond.
A big thank you goes out to our sponsors:
Virtual Web Department: visit virtualwebdepartment.com
In recent weeks we have discussed the importance of giving of yourself as well as being yourself, in your business. This is more true now than ever before. With the lockdown in the early stages of loosening its grip throughout America, small businesses are having to look to different ways of gaining back the attention of the consumer or face possibly closing their doors. Since the creation of the always-evolving social media, it’s becoming more and more clear that small business has to get their message out in a more human way.
Today, Ed and Phil will dig deeper into what Human-Centered Marketing really means and some ways to implement it into your business's marketing strategies, on this episode of the Business Buffet.
Thank you to our sponsors:
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What IS marketing? Wikipedia says Marketing is the study and management of exchange relationships. It is the business process of identifying, anticipating and satisfying customers' needs and wants. Because marketing is used to attract customers, it is one of the primary components of business management and commerce. This is just scratching the surface. I will drill a little deeper today on this Side Dish episode of the Business Buffet.
Thank you to our sponsors: Abandon Your Aches Massage visit https://ayamassagecda.com
Bob Burg is a Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker and Bestselling Coauthor of “The Go-Giver” and Go-Giver Book Series. A Go-Giver is a person who has learned that shifting their focus from getting to giving is not only a nice way to live life, but a very financially profitable way, as well. In this episode Bob and I will explore the idea of building a business offering on the idea of giving first and building the hero factor as a life-long relationship builder.
Bob’s Website: https://burg.com
The Go-Govier Website: https://www.thegogiver.com/
Link to The Go-Giver on Amazon: https://bit.ly/go_giver
Bob’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/burgbob
A bit thank you goes out to our sponsors:
F1 for Help: visit www.f1forhelp.net
Virtual Web Department: visit virtualwebdepartment.com
We’ve all gone to great lengths to diversify our business so we are not dependent on one client or business offering. What happens to your business if the country shuts down and you are prevented from delivering your products? Something we’ve never thought of before, or at least not in terms that are normal in a pandemic driven world that embraces social distancing. The obvious response is something like this will never happen again...are you sure? Social distancing has become the mode-de-jur and should a second virus flare up, are you sure your business will be able to continue as normal? We must spend time diversifying not just client mix, but business offering mix. In this episode, I’ll present information about how to add a business offering alternative that can keep your business afloat during times when the country is social-distancing.
A big thank you to today’s sponsor, Joe from F1 for Help. Visit www.f1forhelp.net and get the finest in computer support.
Also, visit thegogiver.com to learn more about Bob Burg’s book, The Go-Giver.
Stay tuned after this SideDish to learn how you could win a free copy of Bob Burg’s book The Go-Giver.
We’ve all gone through great lengths to diversify our business so we are not dependent on one client or business offering. What happens to your business if the country shuts down and you are prevented from performing your service or delivering your products? Something we’ve never thought of before, or at least not in terms that are normal in a pandemic driven world that embraces social distancing. The obvious response is something like this will never happen again...are you sure? Social distancing has become the mode-de-jur and should a second wave flare up, are you sure your business will be able to continue as normal? We must spend time diversifying not just client mix, but business offering mix. In this episode, we’ll discuss issues facing businesses in an age of social-distancing and pandemic worries and how using The Go-Giver Laws for Success to diversify your offering.
Bob’s Website: https://burg.com
The Go-Govier Website: https://www.thegogiver.com/
Link to The Go-Giver on Amazon: https://bit.ly/go_giver
Bob’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/burgbob
Thank you to our sponsors: F1 for Help visit www.f1forhelp.net and Northwest Pet Resort visit www.nwpetresort.com
We’ve all gone to great lengths to diversify our business so we are not dependent on one client or business offering. What happens to your business if the country shuts down and you are prevented from performing your service? Something we’ve never thought of before, or at least not in terms that are normal in a pandemic driven world that embraces social distancing. The obvious response is something like this will never happen again...are you sure? Social distancing has become the mode-de-jur and should a second virus flare up, are you sure your business will be able to continue as normal? We must spend time diversifying not just client mix, but business offering mix. In this episode, I’ll present information about how to add a business offering alternative that can keep your business afloat during times when the country is social-distancing.
A big thank you to today’s sponsor, Joe from F1 for Help. Visit www.f1forhelp.net and get the finest in computer support.
Also, visit thegogiver.com to learn more about Bob Burg’s book, The Go-Giver.
It’s been a week all about video. Monday was about using Facebook Live to grow your brand and Tuesday I blatantly said, it’s time to get over yourself when it comes to getting in FRONT of the camera. Should you do it? Or should you not take the chance? Ed has a different opinion than mine in some regard but today, we’re going to talk about an expert in the field of video, Nick Nimmin, who will hopefully put to bed this debate on this Ingredients episode of the Business Buffet.
If you build it, they will come. Right? Well, not so much. In today’s business world you need to build it and then seek out customers, craft a message that resonates with those target customers, and execute a multidimensional advertising campaign. Simple. Ok, how? In today’s episode, I’ll highlight the steps for developing market research for the purpose of finding customers.
Got questions or need help developing your market research? Visit businessbuffet.page and click Ask a Question.
Joe with F1 for Help sponsored today’s SideDish. Visit www.f1forhelp.net and support the business that supports the Business Buffet.
Let’s face it: MOST of us are camera shy. Yet, all we hear day in and day out is how small business owners must learn to, not only embrace social media, but we must also put our faces out there too, in the form of videos and still images. Sure that sounds easy if you’re an extrovert but what if you’re an introvert? Is it even possible? Today we will talk you off the ledge of fearing being in front of the camera and then give you five tips to get over yourself on camera.
As we’re still in the Coronavirus lockdown, small businesses have been sent into a tailspin and their ability to spin and pivot to something outside of their comfort zone is vital for survival. Today, we’ll talk all about how, if your business hasn’t already embraced Facebook Live, you need to do it now. As in today, on this episode of the Business Buffet Side Dish.
When it comes to business, it’s important to know your ‘why’. We’ve talked about that many times on the Business Buffet. If you don’t know your ‘why’, you’re destined for increased challenges when it comes to being successful in business. Is your ‘why’ more than just making a buck? It should be. It should come from a place that lives deep in your soul. Today we’ll talk with Mark Michaelis, Principal, CEO and Chief Technical Architect of IntelliTect Corporation about his unique journey in the business world and how his business has less to do with making money and more to do with changing the world on THIS Ingredients episode of the Business Buffet.
A national pandemic only seems to come around once every hundred years or so...while no one wants people to suffer and I don’t mean to make light of the national situation, but this COVID-19 thing is great for business. In today’s episode, we’ll look at ways to cut costs and improve the bottom line. We’ll also explore how to use the pandemic to better position your Profit and Loss for long term profitability.
The Small Business Development Center in Clackamas Oregon, and my operations professor in college, both agree that during times of recession, you package offerings. While technically not yet in a declared recession, with 17 million new unemployment claims and millions of businesses shuttered, America is in recessionary mode. These are times best suited for small business...yes, that is right, we have the advantage because we are more nimble. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss ways to capitalize on the pending recession and things you can do to prepare now.
It seems like GIF’s are EVERYwhere on social media. Wouldn’t it be great to have your own collection of GIF’s that help extend your brand? This episode will walk you through those steps so that you can start using your OWN GIF’s to make your points, rather than using those of others.
Are you using all the available resources in your business community to survive this pandemic? If you are like me, you’ve probably been a member of the local chamber for years...are you turning to them for help? Today we’ll talk with the VP of Membership for the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce and discuss ways the chamber is uniquely positioned to help you and your business.
To learn more about the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce visit their website at www.cdachamber.com
COVID-19 Link: Coronavirus Relief Options
Learn more about Chamber Events and Program by visiting: https://cdachamber.com/programs-events/
Derrell Hartwick
President/CEO
Derrell@CdAChamber.com
208.415.0104
Visit the North Idaho Small Business Development Center at https://nisbdc.com
Thank you to our sponsors:
Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce
Joe with F1 for Help can be reached at 208.687.0183 or visit him on the website www.F1forHELP.net
Virtual Web Department can be reached at (208) 286-2607 or on the web at www.virtualwebdepartment.com
As we all experience unsettled times as business owners it’s important to know the basics of what continues to work in the world of social media. Storytelling is still a strong play and will be for a long time. A business that is good at storytelling is a business that not only gets it but will also connect with their customer. Consumers love good stories. Today we’ll talk about how important storytelling is for your business and some tips that will help you shine while doing it.
COVID-19 has changed everything, and small businesses are itching to get back at it when this is all over. What do they have to do to hit the street running so that they minimize the effect this virus has had on their business?
To climb the ladder of success, you don’t need more techniques and strategies, you need more friends.
Do you love animals? Dogs in particular? I mean REALLY love them? Maybe you’ve thought about opening your own doggy daycare, then. You’re in luck! In today’s Business Buffet Ingredients episode, we are going to walk through set up costs and things to think about when opening a doggy daycare. Then we’ll talk with Scott Ansel from Northwest Pet Resort about some of the challenges he faced when opening his facility.
In today's episode, Phil talks about a keynote presentation he witnessed at Social Media Marketing World from Michael Stelzner. Michael Stelzner is the CEO of Social Media Examiner which runs the Social Media Marketing World conference in San Diego every year. Phil shares the key highlights from the presentation on what you should do in the social media world to help your business, in 2020.
COVID-19 has changed everything, what is your business doing to attract new customers? In this episode, we discuss virtual tradeshows and virtual networking meetings and how to attract new markets to you and your business offering.
Social media is constantly evolving and with that come apps to help with efficiency. Whatever your situation, managing social media requires the right strategy and the right tools. And while there are thousands of social media tools, not all of them can be classed as management tools. Today I’m going to focus on the best social media management tools that include these three key elements Engagement, Scheduling, and Reporting.
Are you an organized person who gets called on by friends and family to help plan parties and family vacation? Then you may have the make-up of a professional event planner. Today we’ll explore the career option of event planner and then talk with the expert of experts, Carolyn Wence with Plans & Action located in Portland, Oregon.
Music makes the world go round. It’s the international language, understood by most everyone. But when it comes to doing your work, do you have music playing? And, if so, is it soft and in the background, loud and in your face or somewhere in between? We’re going to talk about the pros and cons of “whistling while you work” as well as tips for working from home, on this episode of the Business Buffet.
When it comes to the new platforms for social media, Snap Chat and Tik Tok are usually near or at the top of the list. In this Side Dish episode, Phil spends a few minutes talking about IF your business should have a presence on these platforms and, if so, how to make them work for you.
You hear your marketing guru asking to define your target customer, but for you, everyone is a target customer. Why do marketing people want to define one type of person to market too? In today’s episode we’ll discuss developing a target client persona and how doing so will help maximize sales.
Do your employees bring you a hard decision or a selection of options? Business is the process of solving problems and making things easier, but yet we tolerate our employees making our life more difficult. In this episode, I’ll share with you one way you can get your team working towards making your life (as the boss) easier.
Running a small business requires the ability to wear many hats but it's one thing to put a hat on your head and another thing entirely to execute on wearing that hat well. One thing many small business owners don't know much about is doing their books, accounting, and taxes. Today we're going talk about a subject NOBODY enjoys talking about unless you're an accountant: Taxes. Specifically small business tax deductions that you may, or may not know about, on THIS episode of the Business Buffet.
In sales, too often, our emotions get the best of us. Many outside influences impact our psychological well being and ultimately have an adverse impact on your ability to sell your product or service. Today’s I share with you some tips on how to avoid or mitigate the social pitfalls that could impact your bottom line.
Is small business behind the curve when it comes to making changes to your product or service offering? In today’s episode, Ed and Phil will discuss the strengths and weaknesses, threats and opportunities for small business people when market conditions go soft. What should you do in your business if sales slump? Turn-in today and get ready to dish up the business buffet!
When it comes to running a small business, we have to be aware of every aspect of our brand. The smallest overlooked detail can lead to catastrophe. Even the words we use. Do the words you use to convey what your business represents?
In business, we can be the market mover and shaker or the one who gets shaken up by the marketplace. Resistance to change is a natural human instinct, but in business, it will kill your future. In today’s SideDish, I will present a simple solution you can use to be the instrument for market change.
In the ‘80s, it was desktop computers, in the ‘90s it was the world wide web. In the 2000s we saw a surge in telecommuting and home-based business and in the 2010s, mobile applications took the market by storm. These were all things business people resisted. What are the changes business people are facing today and what is the cost of resisting them? In today’s episode, Phil and I will share some personal stories about people we knew who resisted change and how that resistance impacted their business. Then we will explore the decision of 2020 that every small business person faces.
On this Business Buffet Side Dish Phil Anderson is going to give you a few of his favorite apps that he uses in his social media management company and tell you a little bit about them.
So you want to be a dentist. Let’s begin by saying that, as a dentist, you’ve chosen an amazing line of work with proven high success rates. Today we'll take a deeper look at the cost and income projections, start-up requirements, and considerations for your new dental practice. We’ll then explore the ups and downs of the business as we talk with, Dr. Brent Zastrow, a dentist who uses a unique business model for his dental practice on this Business Buffet Ingredients episode.
EVERY business should know their why. In today’s episode, Phil Anderson is going to talk about the Simen Sinek book, Start With Why.
It’s long thought that customer satisfaction is the number one goal of all businesses. After all, the happier the customers and clients, the bigger the bottom line, right? But what if you don’t have any customers or clients? Then customer satisfaction is irrelevant. So which is more important? We’re going to discuss that in today’s episode of the Business Buffet.
On this Business Buffet Side Dish we are going to talk about SEO: Search Engine Optimization, for beginners.
This Side Dish we are going to dive into The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, a book that all business owners should read. This is part 2 of a 2 part Side Dish mini series on this book. Today we will explain the personalities of every business and how each play a vital role.
You’ve gone as far as you can with your green thumb and now the only other place to go is to own your own retail garden center and share your skills with the masses! Today we’ll explore the up and downs of the retail garden center business and then talk with Ben Christen of New Leaf Nursery in Hayden Idaho, whose family-owned nursery has been going strong for over 20 years on today's Business Buffet Ingredients episode!
This Side Dish we are going to dive into The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, a book that all business owners should read. This is part 1 of a 2 part Side Dish mini series on this book. Today we will talk about the maturity levels of a business.
Your price is the cost for the customer. The customer’s profit is the difference between the price you charge and the benefit they receive. They too want to maximize profits. Thus, a deal they cannot resist is one where their benefit by far exceeds the price they have to pay. A happy customer is a profiting customer. How does your company price your product or service? Are you seeking a win/win or maximum profits? In today’s episode, we’ll explore the idea that looking at a price from your client's point of view will be more profitable for you in the long run.
Today’s episode was published on the SCORE website and was written by Dee Hawkins, Founder, and CEO, A Better Answer Call Centers. If you work in the service industry, you probably know how tough handling customer complaints can be. Holding your own in a conversation with an upset person requires a certain set of social skills. For many, this kind of situation can be made even harder by the dynamic that exists between an employee and a customer.
You’ve finished your classes, you’ve graduated, and all the congratulations and parties are over. You’re a new doctor of chiropractic. Now what? Welcome to today's business ingredients episode on starting a chiropractic practice. In this episode, we'll look at the cost and income projections, start-up requirements, and considerations for your new chiropractic practice. We’ll then explore the ups and downs of the business and talk with, Dr. Ryan Bones, a Dr. of Chiropractic, who surveyed the nation for a place to start his practice and the steps he took to ensure his book was full of appointments before even opening his doors.
Is blogging dead? Is blogging REALLY all that important? Are you contemplating STARTING a blog or do you currently have a blog but wonder if it’s worth it anymore? You’re going to want to keep listening today because we are going deep into the weeds on whether or not you should have a blog.
In this two-part series we discuss one of the biggest enemies of small businesses: Cash Flow. We will discuss 8 Steps to Avoid Cash Flow Problems at Your Small Business. Part 2 of 2
In this two-part series we discuss one of the biggest enemies of small businesses: Cash Flow. We will discuss 8 Steps to Avoid Cash Flow Problems at Your Small Business on this episode of the Business Buffet Side Dish.
So you’ve got some computer skills and are thinking about starting your own computer consulting business. GetEducated.com reports the career is expected to grow by 83 percent this next year…Computer Consulting is the fastest-growing field in the industry and is excellent for a technically minded individual. However, keep in mind the industry is very susceptible to economic downturns and could cause financial hardship. Today we’ll explore the up and downs of the business and then talk with an over twenty-year veteran in the industry.
In part 1 of this podcast mini-series, we discussed how not being obsessed was the number one sales mistake business people make. In today’s episode we’ll dive deeper into the problem and then present some solutions.
Your success is largely determined by the choices you make. So why aren't more people equipped with useful decision-making skills? In today’s episode, we’ll learn how to improve how we make a decision, and watch your business grow.
In this two part tip we’ll explore how not being obsessed with the sales side of your business hurts. More importantly, we’ll explore a formula for changing your ways from a stalled process to a sales machine. Stephan published this book back in 1995 and it is hard to find in print these days, but it is well worth the read.
Blinkist is a premium book summary service helping you digest the key insights of books in a very short amount of time. Currently, they have a library of around 3,000 books. Is this a service that can help you in your business? This episode will help answer that question.
Welcome to today's business ingredients episode on starting a carpet cleaning business. My name Ed Bejarana, and in this episode, we'll look at cost and income projections, start-up requirements, and considerations for your new carpet cleaning business. We'll then talk within industry expert, Rex Grace, with APM Cleaning. Start in as we dish up the knowledge for your advancement.
In this two-part series, we discuss the importance of a business plan and give information on how it should be formatted and explain a little bit about each section. In part 2 we cover six parts of our business plan.
How can small businesses POSSIBLY compete with bigger businesses, larger corporations? A small bookstore competing with Amazon? Absurd! A national steakhouse vs a family owned restaurant? No way, right? What about a small, local bank winning against a behemoth bank? Absolutely not! Or, is it possible? Today we will discuss not only how small businesses CAN compete with bigger businesses but also win!
In this two-part series, we discuss the importance of a business plan and give information on how it should be formatted and explain a little bit about each section. In part 1 we cover what is a business plan, why we create it, and discuss the first two parts of the written plan.
If you didn’t know by now, I am an avid reader. Learning is a passion. My wife jokes that I would be a professional student if our finances allowed. I have a series of favorite information sources, one of which is Entrepreneur magazine. Jason Feirfer is the editor in chief and published many great articles. If you don’t already subscribe to Entrepreneur, I suggest you consider picking one up. In today’s podcast, I will share an article Jason published in the Fall 2019 Startups edition entitled Your Future Is Just Six Steps Away.
Running a conference is a unique way of creating another revenue stream as well as create MANY new relevant relationships. We take a look at starting and running your own conference and discuss the costs, skills required, and time commitments involved. We also have a discussion with an expert, Shelley Webb, who shares her insights on how to get started in the business of running a successful and profitable conference.
Hope is a powerful tool in your daily living arsenal. Are you using it as an active tool or a passive tool? Or are you void of hope? Today’s podcast episode is a republishing of an article written by Bill Howatt for TheGlobeandMail.com but is a worthy reminder of how critical HOPE is to success in life.
Small business people often make a huge business mistake right out of the gate, they waste time in the sales process by placing the burden for completing the sale on the buyer. The eight most miss-used words in sales are “Let me know if you ever need a” {fill in the blank}. Asking this question will not lead to many sales and thus force you to ask it more often in many different places—wasting loads of precious time. In today’s episode, we are going to discuss the sales process and how a small business owner can regain time simply by improving their sales process.
A SWOT Analysis is a simple yet powerful business development tool every business can use to identify problem areas and growth potential. A completed SWOT analysis is not the end goal, but the beginning of a strategic development process. It is intended to identify internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieving your business objectives. This episode presents information on how to complete your own SWOT Analysis.
Today I want to share a conversation I had a couple of weeks ago with Jayne from Cave B Winery which is located in Quincy, Washington. They are right next to one of the, if not THE most, beautiful amphitheaters in the world, The Gorge Amphitheater. Major acts from all over the world play this venue and are blown away at the magnificent view. It has made for some epic concerts to say the least. In fact, the Dave Matthews Labor Day concerts, which the staff at Cave B call the Labor Dave concerts, are nearly impossible to get a ticket to because of how great they are.
We take a look at starting your own social media marketing business and discuss the costs, skills required, and time commitments involved. We also have a discussion with an expert, Phil Anderson, who shares his insights on how to get started in the profession.
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber is a book published in 1986 but he “Revisited” and wove a story within the E-Myth concept, re-plublishing the book in 2004. The story is about a women who’s aunt owned and operated a bakery. This women LOVED the bakery and her aunt LOVED doing what she had a passion for: Baking. If Ed was here he certainly would have something to say about this! Anyway, her aunt passed away and this women took over the bakery. The problem was, it wasn’t HER passion and subsequently, she struggled at many aspects of the business. Her aunt clearly had a great system and didn’t mind getting up at 2 in the morning to go to “work”. But she wasn’t her aunt and those early mornings got very old very fast.
It’s not unique; as a business owner, we want something (the sale) and the client wants something (not overpaying). How you negotiate the deal can set the table for the rest of the business relationship. What if there is only one winner? Is that ok? In today’s episode of the Business Buffet, we’re going to talk about negotiations in business and how they can affect the lifetime business relationship.
Are you making it difficult for your customers to do business with you? Do your customers have to jump through hoops just to pay you for your products or services? Sometimes it is the little things that matter most. We talked about Consumer Friction in Mid October and I think we may not have completely explained what we meant by this term. Lucky for me, it continues to come up in my life. One such time was when I was in New York City recently.
We have all tried the new year’s resolution thing, you know, eat healthier, get more exercise, read more, spend more time with friends and family…yada yada yada. News Year’s Resolution is really just a joke seeking punchline. Heck, today is January 3rd and most of you have already broken your promises. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the idea of setting New Year’s Business Resolutions versus create Small Business Action Plans.
One thing that many bigger companies have is history. They’ve been around a while and have done things a certain way. Boeing, IBM, Ford, just to name a few, have clearly done things a certain way and its paid large dividends. But becoming a large company has its drawbacks. If they changed certain things during growth, would that have helped or hurt? Making changes to things that have historically worked is very hard, but just because you’ve done it a certain way for many years, doesn’t always mean that’s the best way to do things now. Today we’re going to give you some things to look out for, some reasons to consider change; not just for the sake of changing but changing for the better.
The US Census Bureau reports 9.1% of all US businesses are majority-owned by veterans, yet only .5% of the population ever served in the Military. Veteran-owned businesses in 2018 generated more than $1.1 trillion in revenue and employed more than 5 million people with an annual payroll of over $195 billion. On the surface, one could argue veteran-owned businesses have a higher than average success rate; what could other small business people learn from veterans who are in business? In today’s episode, we are going to explore business operations from a veteran’s point of view and see if there are some nuggets we can all add to our plate.
If you're in business for yourself you will invariably get a bad review, whether it's about your product, your service, or both. Is it ALWAYS bad to get a negative review? It could be unfounded. It could be a competitor trying to throw insults your way to get a competitive edge. It could also actually have merit. We'll walk you through one of the most debated issues pertaining to running a business. When you get a bad review, what SHOULD you do?
Small business owners make all the decisions and thus oftentimes lose track of the “outsiders perspective” on problem-solving. Industry trends, market conditions, and unknown competitors can all have drastic negative impacts on business operations. This podcast episode explores ways a small business owner can problem solve issues they may or may not know their business has.
Successful marketers have a secret they don’t want YOU to know about and that is, they learn the psychology behind marketing. The vast majority of marketers aren’t psychologists, but many successful marketers regularly use psychology in appealing to consumers. As today is Black Friday around the United States, it seemed appropriate to talk about certain psychological strategies marketers deploy, which includes, but is not limited to, the psychology of color. Smart, skillful, honest marketers use psychology legally, ethically, and respectfully to attract and engage consumers, and compel them to buy.
In today’s fast paced business world, technology, new regulations, market trends, industry standards, and consumer preferences constantly change. Small business owners are especially impacted because taking time to keep educated on important matters takes time, often time we don’t have. We are in a learn or die situation as business owners and thus must always be learning. Today’s podcast will go over things every business owner should stay current with and give time-saving tips on how to accomplish.
Being an entrepreneur is a very popular trend these days! But is everyone cut out to run their own business? The short answer is 'yes' but we'll dive into that deeper on today's episode of the Business Buffet!
The dream of the world-wide-web was very inexpensive business marketing opportunities. History being the best teacher, that vision didn’t really pan out. Instead, good old fashion hard work still holds true. However, in 1984 Jay Conrad took the business world by storm with his Guerrilla Marketing book. Over the last 35 years, the ideas of Guerrilla Marketing have been tried in the digital world, some efforts more successful than others. Today’s podcast explores Guerrilla Marketing in the digital age and gives small business owners tips for maximizing marketing effort while minimizing costs.
Sometimes the best time to hit the market is at good enough. This could be your product or service development or the marketing campaign to promote your business. The important thing to consider is getting to market and gaining valuable real world feed back.
Business is impacted by our personal emotional wellbeing, but we don’t look at emotional wellness as a business improvement activity. Sure we take vacations, but usually to recharge from the draining effects of business...what about vacation (type) breaks to improve business operation?
Are you making doing business with you difficult? Do your customers have to jump through hoops just to pay you for your services? Sometimes it is the little things that matter most. In this episode, Ed & Phil explore ways we make consumer friction hard on our business.
When starting a business or just rolling out a new service/product offering, you’ll be faced with this question. Should you brand the offering or not? In today's podcast we discuss small business options.
Your business is not limited by customer available, but by time to service the clients and prospects. Learning to identify the black-holes of time will save your business time and increase revenue. Ed & Phil share stories and discuss ideas of using the power of NO to better manage your limited business time.
All too often business owners who network use their 60 second elevator speech to verbally vomit on the people in the room. Ed & Phil discuss horror stories and ways to better communicate your business offering.
In sales, is it better to sell what the customer thinks they want or what you know they need? Ed & Phil discuss their thoughts & share stories on the idea.
Is your business giving good customer service? Ed & Phil discuss good and bad examples of customer service and highlight things small business people should consider when training their employees.