The CoLab: Recent Episodes
Megan Marsh and Andres Munar
Do you feel stuck? Has your business gone stagnant? Do you feel trapped in your current job and dream of starting your own business but not sure where to start? Megan and Andre have been where you are and want to help you overcome the hurdles standing in your way of success. You don’t need a recruiter or big company telling you what will get you to the next level. You can get yourself there. You are the key, and you can make it happen. They want to share with you how they did it and why surrounding yourself with the right people, the right mindset and having the right tools can help your business explode!
Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are two very different people with very different backgrounds. Despite their unique personalities, skill sets, business acumen and ideas, they’ve found that their diverse backgrounds have lead them and their business to extreme growth. In only four years since teaming up, this diverse duo has tripled their business!
Find out more about The CoLab and visit our website at www.thecolablife.com.
Description:Mike McGavisk, a real estate brokerage owner, serial entrepreneur, and Operating Partner at Keller Williams Realty, prefers franchises over non-franchised businesses. Why? Let’s find out! Tune in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar, speak with Mike about the benefits of starting a franchise and the importance of intentionality and strategy in building your own real estate or mortgage business.
Show Notes:Do you want more out of your real estate or mortgage career? Do you want to build a business with a team; something of your own that gives you freedom and consistent income? Well, the people and businesses we network with and the choices we make determine the outcomes we see in our career. Here to break down the meaning behind that is Mike McGavisk, a real estate professional and entrepreneur with over 25 years’ of experience in the field. Listen in as Mike shares his top insights on why he prefers to start franchised businesses with ancillary businesses and the misconceptions people have about growing a real estate business/brokerage.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
● [02:44] Introducing Mike McGavisk, Broker & Operating Partner at Keller Williams Realty. Listen in to learn about his intriguing background in education and why he ventured into a real estate career.
● [10:51] How he went from selling real estate to owning a brokerage.
● [16:38] Most brokerages Mike owns are franchises. Why buy a franchise?
● [18:03] It doesn’t happen overnight… Mike shares his lessons learned from owning and growing multiple brokerages.
● [23:20] What qualities make for an ideal business partner?
● [25:20] Mike details why he owns ancillary businesses and how they’ve impacted his brokerages.
● [30:29] Tips and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on dealing with stress and overwhelm.
● [32:43] Misconceptions people have about how to grow a real estate business or brokerage.
● [36:57] As a business owner, do you still actively sell?
● [38:25] What Mike is most excited for in 2023.
● [41:08] To connect with Mike McGavisk, email him at mikerealtor@kw.com or call him at (302)-530-1553.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.
Description:Are you a recruiter or is recruiting part of your responsibility as a leader? Should recruiting be top of mind for you? If you haven’t even thought of recruiting, you might be missing a crucial element that could guide you and your business to success. Listen in as recruiting expert Richard Milligan joins Megan to break down the importance of recruiting in real estate and mortgage businesses, even if you’re not yet in a recruiting role.
Show Notes:Oftentimes, we operate within limitations for so long that we forget to dream. We forget that we have a vision for growth. Where do YOU want to be in 2032? If you want to have a team, be #1 in your market, and recruit the best salespeople… you need to become a Recruiting Leader. Having built 21 teams in the mortgage industry, Richard Milligan is a trusted leader in recruitment for mortgage brokers. Beyond direct recruitment, Richard helps leaders become the best recruiters possible. He even hosts a top-rated podcast, Recruiting Conversation, and authored a recruitment guide, How to Dominate Recruiting in a Digital World.
If anyone’s going to get you pumped up about recruiting, it’s Richard.
Ready to learn more? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB:
● [03:07] Introducing Richard Milligan, an accomplished speaker, author, podcast host, strategist, and recruiting coach.
● [06:29] What is a Recruiting Leader? & Richard’s framework for developing a Recruiting Leader.
● [10:39] “We have to become a person of value before we try to become a person of success.” – Richard Milligan
● [12:16] How toDominate Recruiting in a Digital World: Advice on preparing yourself for a recruiting role.
● [16:51] Types of people you should be looking for as a recruiter in the real estate and mortgage industries.
● [20:17] How to deal with people leaving your team & The #1 question leaders should ask in order to recruit and retain the best team members.
● [29:24] “Recruiting done right is actually communicating as a leader your vision for the future, your values of who you are, and the reason why you do this beyond the money, beyond the transaction.” – Richard Milligan
● [30:30] What it’s like to work with a recruiting coach.
Learn more about 4C Recruiting
Listen to Recruiting Conversations
Book a call with Richard
Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – for mortgage loan officers who want to start their own business. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/mortgagebroker
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Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.
Description:Fear is a powerful barrier that many of us face, especially when making difficult or life-changing decisions. Fear is an emotion based on a past experience, opinions that others have placed on you, or a made up story that you’ve held on to for far too long. Does fear ever stop you from chasing your dreams? Has it held you back from starting your own business or reaching out to that person you want to network with? You’re not alone… but learning tactics for dealing with fear and going after what you want is the key to making it big in this industry. Helping you face your fears, shift your perspective, and show you what’s possible is what The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsh and Andres Munar do best.
Show Notes:We all have different relationships with fear. But when we let fear and other emotions hold us back from succeeding in our careers, how can we ever expect to succeed? As Andres says, you don’t know what’s on the other side of fear until you pass it. So, tune in for a motivational chat with Megan and Andres and hear them share their personal experiences navigating fear. You’ll also hear their best advice for overcoming fear so you can achieve your biggest, dreamiest goals. Remember, anything’s possible if your heart’s in the right place!
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB:
● [02:59] We are SO done with all the fear circulating around the real estate industry.
● [06:05] Why Megan & Andres created their NEW course - Mortgage Broker Fast Track.
● [07:44] “With the knowledge that we have, it’s really just knowledge lost if we’re not passing that onto other people.” – Andres Munar
● [08:15] Megan shares a story that illustrates how fear almost held them back from finishing the My Broker Fast Track course (and the crazy leap they took to get over their fear).
● [17:18] Tips for overcoming fear as a real estate professional & Andre speaks on his relationship with fear.
● [20:49] There’s a huge difference between making decisions rooted in fear and making decisions rooted in confidence.
● [26:46] “We all have limited time. Don’t let having kids stop you, don’t let people’s opinions stop you, don’t let your mind screaming at you stop you. Do something scary.” – Megan Marsh
● [26:56] Using The Courage Scale to gain courage in making difficult decisions.
Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.
Description:Dan Patty took a risk, opened his own brokerage, and reached a level of success and fulfillment he had never felt before. Dan prides himself on a knack for creative problem-solving, so with over $200 million in lifetime loan origination volume under his belt, there aren’t many problems he can’t solve! Listen in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar, speak with Dan about the red flags that made him start his own business and why hiring a team was one of his best solutions.
Show Notes:Not sure how to start your own business? There’s no right or wrong way to build a business, you just have to find a strategy that works for you and the right people to support you. Dan Patty is proof that as long as you have goals, a vision, a plan, and a way to execute that plan, you can be a successful brokerage owner. Whether you want to work from home or from an office, be in business by yourself or with 20+ employees, you can do it! Listen in to hear Dan break down his favorite parts of owning a brokerage, the value in hiring a team, and what he would’ve done differently at the start of his entrepreneurial journey.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB
● [02:59] There’s a million ways to start a business, but you only need these 4 things to succeed in entrepreneurship.
● [05:28] Introducing Dan Patty, an experienced mortgage broker and Owner of Solcosta Home Loans. Listen in to learn the story behind why Dan left the retail industry and how he ended up starting his own mortgage brokerage.
● [11:09] Why do so many loan originators switch companies so often instead of opening a brokerage?
● [14:15] Dan shares his favorite part of owning a brokerage and being his own boss.
● [17:17] The advantages and disadvantages of having a team & What caused Dan to hire a team for his brokerage.
● [23:26] “[Hiring a team] may become your largest expense, but it is a business expense… You’re not paying this person out of your pocket, this is an expense that the company is bring on to grow, to serve more clients, to be better, and it’s a necessary business expense.” — Dan Patty
● [24:28] The HUGE value in creating written, step-by-step processes and procedures for your employees & More life-changing benefits of hiring a team.
● [29:49] What would you have done differently when starting your brokerage?
● [38:28] Dan sheds light on his vision and goals for the future of his business, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing yourself, your health, and your family.
● [41:03] Listen in to hear expert advice on building a mortgage brokerage business.
Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – for mortgage loan officers who want to start their own business. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/mortgagebroker
Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.
Description:Glenn Groves and Evan Wade are brokerage owners who aren’t done building their empires… As industry leaders in technology, marketing, and growth strategies, it feels like they’re just getting started! Tune in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsh and Andres Munar, speak with Glenn and Evan about the benefits of being a brokerage owner and how to successfully start and grow multiple brokerages.
Show Notes:Today’s guests believe that if you want to start a business, you should definitely give it a try! Of course, there will be learning curves and obstacles you need to navigate, but if you’re meant to own your own business, you can make it happen. Listen in as Glenn Groves and Evan Wade shed light on what you need to do before you start your own mortgage brokerage, the power of going into business with a partner, and their top tips for new and aspiring brokerage owners.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB:
● [04:45] Introducing Glenn Groves, Owner of GTG Financial, along with Evan Wade, Founder of Philadelphia Mortgage Brokers and President & CEO of Epoch Lending. Listen in to hear their unique backgrounds in the mortgage industry.
● [13:53] Glenn and Evan bust a few myths about owning a brokerage, including there being a lack of control.
● [18:36] The hardest parts of starting a mortgage business & The power of starting a brokerage with a partner.
● [26:14] Evan explains the main reason he opened two brokerages & What to look for in a technology/software vendor.
● [30:58] How they plan to evolve and/or scale their businesses + A look into their numbers.
● [37:57] The most rewarding benefits of owning your own brokerage.
● [45:05] Advice for new and aspiring broker owners
● [47:24] A great hack for making corporate processing easier for your loan officers.
● [52:06] Glenn’s and Evan’s #1 tip for loan officers who are interested in starting a business.
Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker FastTrack – for mortgage loan officers or real estate agents who want to start their own mortgage brokerage. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/sneakpeek
Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Description: Making the switch to entrepreneurship was a bold move for Staci Stanley. Once she saw an opportunity to leave her corporate job, she got her execution strategy ready, handed in her company laptop, and started her own LLC. Now, she’s using her 20+ years of mortgage lending experience to help people get the best mortgage rates in Colorado. Listen in as Staci shares the greatest lessons she has learned (and is still learning) throughout the transition from mortgage retailer to broker with The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar.
Show Notes:The #1 thing that prevents people from starting a business is fear. Since entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, how do you know if you have what it takes to run a successful business? For Staci Stanley, it doesn’t take closing 100 loans for her to feel happy and successful. Making the switch to entrepreneurship was more about the freedom, flexibility, and limitless potential for growth. She’s been using that freedom to learn and grow as an entrepreneur and mortgage broker, so let’s hear what advice she has for people who want to do the same!
If you’re an employee in the mortgage industry and you’re curious about opening up your own brokerage, you’re in the right place.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB:
● [02:28] The next few episodes will be showcasing unique business owners in the mortgage industry and the tactics they’ve used to overcome fear and successfully start and run their own business.
● [06:39] Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – which was created for mortgage loan officers who are either sick of the corporate life or want to start their own business.
● [07:50] Introducing Staci Stanley, the Owner of Access Home Loans, a Colorado-based company providing opportunities for low rate, hassle-free mortgages for buying or refinancing a home. Listen in to learn Staci’s background in mortgage lending and why she chose to become a broker.
● [10:46] You must balance the risk and the reward of staying an employee versus starting your own business. Staci breaks down how she overcame the biggest risk of opening a brokerage.
● [17:38] Embracing the broker lifestyle and being a solo broker were the biggest challenges she experienced (and still struggles with) as a new mortgage broker.
● [21:07] “Before I became a broker, I did no more than $15 million in a year… my year last year was about $27 million.” — Staci Stanley
● [25:38] Staci sheds light on the expenses of a mortgage brokerage, from clients’ credit reports to marketing and technology, and how expenses might shape your business model. Plus, she speaks on why she’s starting to outsource some of her work.
● [29:42] What does the future hold for Staci and Access Home Loans? Up until now, it’s been all about money and financial stability for her… but now, it’s becoming more about maximizing her free time and decreasing stress.
● [34:38] As a broker, you’re in control… and there’s many benefits to that!
● [37:24] Do you wish you had made the switch to entrepreneurship sooner? Staci says yes and no…
● [39:55] There certainly are hurdles you have to just over to open your own brokerage, but My Broker Fast Track can help you avoid the most common mistakes people make in the first year of being a broker. Listen in to hear Staci’s top piece of advice for new brokers!
Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.
Description:Selling a service is about more than just offering something that people need. It’s about building trust and confidence with potential customers. It’s about assuring them that you and your team are the best at what you do and the right people to purchase services from. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome sales expert Ryann Dowdy, founder of the Social Sales Academy, to discuss strategies on increasing sales for service companies. And how to take your service sales to new levels.
Show Notes:The saying goes that good products sell themselves, but anyone behind a service-focused business knows there’s more to it than that. Marketing a service is more complicated than just advertising a description and cost. It’s about relationship building because you’re not only selling your service but your expertise and knowledge behind that service.
How to successfully market your service—and yourself—continues to change as potential customers are seeking out and interacting with businesses through more than just traditional channels. That means you need salespeople with different skillsets who can navigate all sorts of environments: conferences, online platforms, cold calls, and much more. And those salespeople will look different than the stereotypical men in suits.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
- [02:01] Introducing Ryann Dowdy, founder, and president of Uncensored Consulting and co-founder of the Social Seller Academy. Before starting her own business, she spent 15 years in the corporate world building multi-million dollar sales organizations for start-ups in the marketing space.
- [09:20] While TV shows and movies often portray salespeople as aggressive men, the fact is there is plenty of room for women to succeed on sales teams and in their own businesses.
- [15:23] As social media plays a larger role in how consumers connect with businesses, it’s led salespeople to become social sellers—meaning social media becomes their primary tool for attracting sales.
- [27:28] Not every salesperson is the right fit for any sales job. If you’re looking to increase sales and want to bring someone on board to do so, be sure they are bringing the skills you need to succeed in the position. Once you hire, you’ll want to make sure they have access to resources and training to help them grow.
- [38:10] Like any job, money can be a motivator for salespeople to go above and beyond in their roles, but it’s important as a business owner to recognize that not everyone is driven by dollars. Find out what your employees value, like extra time off or the opportunity to travel for work.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Description:Many small businesses are borne out of their founders’ skills, but franchising is a business model that allows people with passion and drive to pursue starting a business of their own without having to define every aspect. But, how to pursue a franchise? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar talk the ins and outs of franchising with Lance Graulich, founder and CEO of ION Franchising. ION Franchising provides free franchise consulting services to assist people in making the best decision in buying a franchise, business, or business opportunity.
Show Notes:Starting a business can be rewarding but also extremely challenging. You’re responsible for everything, from defining your brand to creating operating procedures. For some, it’s too overwhelming of a dream to pursue. The good news is there are other options. Franchising is one way to get your foot into the business world without having to build every part of a company.
Not familiar with franchising? Think of it as a business in a box. You’re taking ownership of a business location with an established brand and reputation. In a new business that comes with the resources and support of a larger company. It’s still up to you to make your location successful, but there are corporate standards and resources already in place to help you.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
- [02:24] Meet Lance Graulich, a business startup expert with 25 years of experience working for big brand franchises such as TGI Fridays, Wingstop, Krispy Kreme and more. He also owns his own Las Vegas-based doughnut chain called Pinkbox Doughnuts.
- [08:57] When starting a business, it’s OK if you don’t have the skills or burning desire to create and build a brand. This is where franchising can come into play.
- [19:36] Fast food and dine-in restaurants are franchise examples that might immediately jump to mind for people, but with hundreds of categories and subcategories of franchises available, there’s something for just about every prospective entrepreneur.
- [25:07] Linking up a prospective entrepreneur with a potential franchise is almost like matchmaking. Your interests and passions can help steer you toward a franchise you’ll fall in love with running, from pets to ice cream to products for children.
- [38:02] As you might expect, franchisees are expected to hold up standards and work cultures created by the larger company. That means signing a franchise agreement stipulating everything from franchise fees to licensing for the use of brand trademarks.
- [45:01] As with any business venture, mentoring can play a large role in helping a new owner become successful. Among the resources and support that come with opening a franchise is the ability to talk with people like Graulich or other franchise owners for advice and guidance.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Description: The dream of owning your own business is often accompanied by thoughts of turning all that hard work into a big payoff. But many small business owners ask how to pay yourself? In reality, that paycheck may not be as big as you expect. In fact, many small business owners don’t take one the first few years their company exists. There are many misconceptions when it comes to paying yourself as a business owner, but The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have tips and resources to set you on the path to success and financial security.
Show Notes: It’s a rarely discussed topic but one that every small business owner eventually faces: How in the world do you pay yourself? Is there a secret formula? Does it depend on the business you’re in? There are right and wrong ways to pay yourself as a business owner. It’s tempting to think that any money that comes into your business bank account is yours for the spending, but figuring out your income is much more complicated than that. It’s important to do the research, lay the groundwork, and establish the right systems to set yourself up to be successful.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
- [00:36] The topic of paying yourself as a business owner can seem taboo to discuss but prepare to join The CoLab hosts in a deep and honest look at the subject.
- [05:46] You might think that starting a business means you’ll immediately be pulling in gobs of cash, but the reality is much more stark.
- [11:09] When it comes to paying yourself, there are four main areas to consider, the first of which is the type of business you have built.
- [17:27] How you literally pay yourself is another area to consider. Will you pursue the traditional W-2 route or perhaps pay yourself commission based on sales?
- [21:36] The question of how much to pay yourself is one that often befuddles business owners. It’s tempting to look at your business bank account and think all that money is your money, but it’s important to take a step back from that kind of thinking.
- [27:55] Business finances can be complicated, and it’s easy to make mistakes along the way that can cost you big time in the long run.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Standing out from the competition is necessary to attract new customers and maintain business growth, but are your current marketing efforts helping you reach this goal? If they’re not, you might find yourself lost in the sea while your competitors pull ahead. In today's episode, we are discussing how to grow your business through video with Jessica Edwards, a Realtor, and owner of Jessica Edwards & Associates is known for her innovative use of technology and video and cutting-edge marketing tactics. She joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to discuss how these tactics can be used to help small businesses grow.
Show Notes: Consumers are just a few clicks away from an endless sea of videos thanks to smartphones and computers. The use of video to market businesses, products, and services continue to rise. Luckily, you don’t need to invest thousands of dollars to break into video, so even small businesses have a chance to add it to their marketing toolbox. This week’s CoLab guest Jessica Edwards has been at the forefront of video marketing for Coldwell Banker. She shares her expertise with hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in this episode.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
- [01:15] Expensive commercials have long set the standard for video marketing, but video technology became more widely accessible in the mid-2000s. This prompted businesses big and small to harness its power for their own marketing platforms.
- [08:08] Video marketing gives business owners an avenue for building trust and connecting to clients before they even step foot in an office or store.
- [15:06] Video can be a daunting medium but Jessica says one of the keys to making it work is to keep yourself from overanalyzing and over-critiquing the content you create through it.
- [22:44] You don’t need thousands of dollars invested in equipment and software to make a splash with video. Start simply by recording on a phone and upgrade as demand for content increases.
- [31:52] Not every video you create for your company has to be promotional. Video also gives you an opportunity to put a personal touch on ordinary business practices, such as welcoming new clients.
Click here to purchase Blue Ocean Strategy and Blue Ocean Shift by Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Description: Bringing in revenue is crucial to the operation of any business, but some businesses are better at increasing their revenue than others. Diversifying revenue streams is one way The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have successfully grown their business. Now, they’re ready to share their 5 strategies to increase your business revenue with you.
Show Notes: Increasing revenue is about more than just growing your business. It’s about creating a better future for yourself, your team, and your family. The trick is diversifying your revenue streams. Think of it as a security measure against the possibility of demand dropping for one good or service your business provides.
Multiplying your revenue streams sounds complicated, but The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have strategies they’ve used successfully in their own businesses that will help you start your journey.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
- [04:15] It takes the right decisions and resources in order to increase your business revenue by creating multiple revenue streams.
- [06:38] There are five strategies recommended by The CoLab that you can use to increase your business revenue.
- [14:11] Don’t just focus on the money. It’s important to remember that passion for your products or services and customer service can earn you more in the long run than focusing on big sales increases in the short term.
- [21:39] Use your knowledge to promote yourself and connect with customers and other entrepreneurs. Your expertise can be shared across social media platforms, in publications, and many other avenues.
- [30:00] You’re not alone in your business journey, and The CoLab has a great resource for helping you take your first step toward increased revenue.
Take The CoLab’s Are You Built for Entrepreneurship? quiz if you have dreams of growing your business or starting an entrepreneurial journey.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Description: Are you a business owner who feels like you work all day but get nothing done? Many small business owners may feel trapped in a cycle of doing busywork that keeps them from growing their business—especially those without employees. If you want to break that cycle and make your first hire, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are here to walk you through bringing your first team member on board.
Show Notes: Being a solopreneur can be very rewarding. You’re your own boss, you make your own schedule, and you do the work you want to do—sometimes. Other times, your business is pulling your attention in a million different directions.
Being a one-person business limits your production to what you can get done. Bringing on an employee or two can cut down your to-do list and grow your business to new levels. That said, a bad hire can cost you valuable time and money, so The CoLab is here to help you do it right.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
- [04:23] Hiring the wrong person can be frustrating for small business owners with busy schedules and endless to-do lists. Having a consistent, thorough hiring process can help you select the candidates that will shine in the job.
- [12:22] The key to hiring the best person possible is to understand what you need help with and what kind of skills and characteristics a person would need to succeed in that role.
- [14:09] To understand where you need help, make two lists of business tasks. One list will be tasks you enjoy and are making your business money. The other will be tasks that don’t make money, you don’t like doing, or you don’t feel you’re good at.
- [21:48] Entrepreneurs are action takers. Preparing to hire that first employee can be daunting, but not bringing someone on board could have a negative impact on your growing business.
- [28:59] You don’t have to hire alone. The CoLab has a free masterclass in hiring you can take
Resources in this Episode:
- The CoLab’s [Masterclass Link] is free and the tool you need to successfully build your team.
- Listen to Episode 5: The Blueprint to Successful Team Building to learn more about The Busy Bee Blueprint.
- Listen to Episode 25: Virtual Assistants: Your Secret Weapon for Success to learn more about hiring virtual assistants.
- The CoLab recommends using Fivver for your freelance needs.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Description: The decision to start a business often punctuates a journey filling with planning, soul searching, and hardship. Andrea Dolci Baldini, owner of Ultimate Financial Help and an area manager for PRMG, has known hardship from a young age and has overcome it time and again on her entrepreneurial journey. She joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in sharing stories of business failure and triumph.
Show Notes: Finding success meant taking a big step for Andrea Dolci Baldini. Without knowing a word of English, she set off to the United States from Brazil in search of opportunity. She got her start flipping burgers and delivering pizzas before an opportunity to co-own a nail salon presented itself. The business’ success and ultimate closure taught Andrea the lessons she needed to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities that have led to her owning a business and making her mark in the mortgage industry.
Andrea has overcome many challenges that threatened to derail her dreams, and she joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to pass on lessons learned and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
- [03:45] With dreams of making enough money to live comfortably in her home country of Brazil, Andrea set off to the United States as a young adult to find work. She had no idea a fast food job would be the first in a series of steps toward business ownership.
- [11:03] “There’s a purpose for everything. You know, at the beginning, you don't understand. I went through hell, it was hard. I didn't have money for anything. And I had no money to buy a box of diapers for my son who was about to born. But it was worth it.” —Andrea describing the fallout of losing her first business.
- [17:03] A key part of business success is the ability to learn something new in an industry you think you know everything about.
- [19:39] If you want to reach a goal and if you want to be successful in the pursuit of that goal, you have to do more than everyone else is doing.
- [25:56] Bringing in others to mentor and coach you can help you be successful in business. Even if it’s listening to a podcast or reading a book, the lessons others have learned can help you
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Description: There are many ways a person can do to be able to overcoming the odds. Adversity has been a recurring element of Talita Guerrero's life. Her family moved to the United States when she was 12, and she’s spent the last 20 years overcoming challenge after challenge to get where she is today: a successful business owner. Talita shares her story and advice for starting a business and achieving your goals with The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar. Show Notes: Passion. Ingenuity. Drive. The list of qualities for a successful business owner can go on and on. Among those qualities, Talita Guerrero has found resilience has carried her through many challenges she’s faced in life and in starting a business. She is currently a senior loan officer and partner at Right Key Mortgage LLC. The road to her success has been filled with ups and downs, but each came with a lesson that she has used to run her business and help others in her community reach their potential.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[02:08] Introducing Talita Guerrero, a senior loan officer and partner at Right Key Mortgage LLC. Talita has been in the mortgage business for over a decade and serves as a member of the Forbes Boston business council. [10:15] Building and learning a business or industry isn’t instant, but that pursuit of instant gratification is something that Talita says finds herself encountering as she mentors young or new loan officers in her business. [16:10] “I always wanted to be a business owner. I wanted to go into business for myself and create a legacy.” — Talita Guerrero. [24:40] As part of her passion for helping others, Talita has established a scholarship fund to help dreamers (as defined by the DREAM Act)—people who may not otherwise qualify for a scholarship. [35:32] If giving back to your community is important to you as a business owner, consider getting involved with mentorship opportunities. Your help could be the key to unlocking someone else’s success.
What are your stories about overcoming the odds? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Busy Bee Bluprint: 5 step process to hiring an all-star team.
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Description: Starting a small business is a personal endeavor for many entrepreneurs. It’s easy to be overprotective of a business you founded and have nurtured through success and difficulty. But, letting your employees see how everything works has the potential to make them feel part of something bigger and work harder for every win. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar practice open-book management and have tips on how to run a transparent business to share for implementing it at your own business. Show Notes: The inner workings of a business are often kept closely guarded by leadership. Unfortunately, this choice can create an environment that has the potential to breed misunderstandings and assumptions that can hurt employee morale—and potentially the bottom line. Increasing transparency is a great way to get employees to feel more invested in your business and its success.
It might sound unwise to open your books and let employees truly see your business operations—warts and all—but increasing your business transparency can build trust with employees and help them see beyond their position and into the big picture.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
● [01:03] One of the biggest gaps between small business owner and their employees is transparency. Without transparency, you as a business owner are leaving room for assumptions and ignorance to take hold. ● [12:01] Being transparent can help bring employees from working for your business to being committed to your business. ● [16:58] Seeing the big picture is important and getting your team involved in that vision helps them see the end goal for your business. ● [23:17] Increasing your business’ transparency also can help your employees understand the difference between earning and asking and how any decision impacts the bottom line. ● [31:42] Opening up your books and increasing transparency can help employees understand how each part of your business affects the other and encourages employees to come up with solutions for problems across operations.
What about you? Do you have any tips on how to run a transparent business to share with the community? Lets us know!
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. The Cólab Busy Bee Bluprint: 5 step process to hiring an all-star team.
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Description: Building a brand is vital for any business. It’s easy to think of it as just your logo or the color theme you use in business materials, but branding is so much more. It creates the first impression of your business, and you want to be sending all the right messages. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have each owned multiple businesses and understand the importance of branding your business for success and the art of rebranding. Show Notes: When you start a small business, you get to define nearly every aspect of it, from the name to the products to the look and feel of its physical space. For many, the topic of branding might not land at the top of your to-do list when first starting out, but it’s an incredibly important part of a business at any stage.
As your small business grows, you want to be sure it has an identity that consumers can recognize, remember, and connect to on a personal level. It also should accurately represent the product or service you provide. In time, a brand also reflects the reputation your company has built, so you want to be sure your business is being represented in the best possible light. Whether you’ve been in business for one day or one decade, rebranding your company could be the key to unlocking even higher levels of success.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
● [00:55] Think about your company’s brand. Is it reflective of a successful business or is there room for improvement to better represent your company? ● [12:39] The subject of branding comprises more than just a logo. It’s your company’s identity. It sets the tone for customers recognizing your business and interacting with it it. ● [17:32] Branding is powerful because it not only represents your company’s identity but its reputation and authority. At the end of the day, what do you want to be associated with your brand? ● [20:30] Businesses of any size need a brand, but what the brand is tied to depends on the company. For example, if your goal is to keep your company as a one-person operation, it makes sense to brand it with your name. ● [24:42] A key part of branding is making your business recognizable and memorable. People are creatures of habit, so successful branding will keep them coming back. ● [30:00] Branding can change over time, just like your business. If your company is undergoing change, such as opening new locations or launching new products or services that don’t quite fit in with your current brand, it might be time for a rebrand.
Share this with someone who needs to learn about the art of rebranding!
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Get ready to boost your business with The CoLab, a podcast for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to elevate and expand their enterprise through collaboration and teamwork. In this introductory episode, meet hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar. The pair are business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who have a passion and desire to help others succeed both personally and professionally.
Show Notes: Welcome to The CoLab, a podcast series focused on helping entrepreneurs grow their business ventures through collaboration and teamwork.
Podcasts hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar are the picture of collaboration. The pair combined their separate finance businesses four years ago and took it to a new level in just two years, ultimately doubling their team and tripling their revenue.
Together, Andre and Megan have a dream to use their extensive experience in business to teach others how they can become entrepreneurs by starting and operating their own businesses. Join them as they share their knowledge, resources, and more to help you start your journey of entrepreneurial growth and avoid costly mistakes along the way.
Do you feel stuck? That your hard work is going unnoticed and unappreciated? Megan and Andre have been where you are and want to help you overcome the hurdles standing in your way of success. You don’t need a recruiter or big company telling you what will get you to the next level. You can get yourself there. You are the key, and you can make it happen.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab:
[01:10] Welcome to The CoLab. Meet your hosts and business besties: Megan Marsh and Andre Munar. They each have spent 15 years in the lending industry. Four years ago, their finance companies joined forces and through the power of collaboration, doubled their team and tripled their revenue. [02:10] We know where you are. We’ve been there. It might be dealing with a bad boss, feeling stuck, getting fired, or reinventing a brand. Learn from our experiences and avoid making costly mistakes as you grow your business. [03:40] So what can you expect from The CoLab? Exercises, tips, tools, and resources that you can put into action and see results in your business right away that are presented by two knowledgeable business leaders. [06:50] Collaboration is key, and this podcast will help you connect with a community of people like you and leverage these connections to inspire business growth. [08:09] Ready to start your journey? Here is a preview of topics that will be covered in season one and two of The CoLab: how to take the leap from employee to employer, how to start your own business, how to build an all-star team, and how to deal with bad bosses.
Description: Content can be the connection to customers your business is missing. Whether it’s blogs, articles, or social media posts, content creates an opportunity for potential customers to find and interact with your small business. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar know firsthand the power that content holds. In this episode, they are joined by entrepreneur Scott Schang, co-owner of Buy Wise Mortgage and founder of Find My Way Home, to discuss the important role content plays in business growth, and how to create killer content. Show Notes: Businesses create products and services for customers, but there’s something else they should be creating, too—content. Content is more than just advertisements. It’s a means of connection and one that small businesses don’t have to invest an astronomical amount of resources into to get started.
The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have produced many types of content for their businesses. They’re joined this episode by Scott Schang to talk about the best strategies, tips, and more. Schang is the co-owner of Buy Wise Mortgage and founder of Find My Way Home, a website focused on empowering potential homebuyers with the knowledge to successfully navigate the homebuying process.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[00:29] Creating content can be a simple and cost-effective way to market your business, especially for young businesses that may not yet have the funds to pour into a robust marketing campaign. [06:23] Scot Schang’s content creation journey started in 2007 with a WordPress blog and an idea. [15:39] In today’s digital world, a video-first content strategy can really pay off for a small business. A video can be broken down into audio-only and also transcribed to create written content. [26:51] Building content does not replace person-to-person relationships—it helps amplify them. [34:24] Content should be created with a specific goal or purpose in mind. [44:38] Embrace opportunities to participate in newsjacking. That means getting out in front of news about your industry and having an opinion on it. Then share that content with your customers to establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry.
What about you? What are some tips, steps, and tricks you use to help others know how to create killer content?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Want to learn more about marketing? Listen to The CoLab Podcast episode, “How Can A Small Business Gain Traction With Marketing?” A helpful speech-to-text tool recommended by The CoLab is ai. You can connect with Scott Schang on his Facebook or LinkedIn
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: No one’s path to business ownership is the same, but even the most nontraditional path can lead to success and growth. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined this episode by Ryan Stewman, who has overcome a lifetime of challenges to get to where he is today: CEO of Hardcore Closer, an online learning resource for salespeople that includes coaching and training courses. Stewman also runs the Break Free Academy and is the host of the THC Podcast and The ReWire Podcast. Let's know how to rewire yourself for business success... Show Notes: Doubt is an often unwanted but persistent guest in the brains of small business owners. It’s there saying that running your own business is too hard, you’re not cut out to be an owner, or that everything you built is one bad decision away from total failure. Are there steps you take to rise above that negative voice? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have faced down these fears and others with the help of business coaches.
Ryan Stewman, CEO of Hardcore Closer, joins Megan and Andres to discuss strategies for rewiring your brain to shut down doubt and build yourself up to be the successful business owner you know you can be.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[04:46] When everything seems to be going wrong, and you’re struggling, it’s easy to consider yourself cursed and destined to fail. As hard as those struggles are to deal with in the moment, they can pave the way for bigger, better things. [11:45] Not all paths to becoming a business owner start with a college degree and a healthy pot of seed money. Your path to business success might be mired with challenges, but the right mindset and hard work can help you overcome them. [20:10] Starting a business can be a second (or third or fourth) chance for entrepreneurs to prove themselves and rise above difficulties that have held them back in the past. [35:54] Not every business model is successful or sustainable. Instead of dwelling on a failed business, use it as an opportunity to grow and learn. Then, apply those lessons to another venture. [42:05] Being resourceful is an important but uncommon skill that can give business owners the edge over their competition. [44:22] Sales, marketing, hiring, and training processes are key to helping your business reach new levels of growth and take your enterprise beyond a one-person show.
What about you? How do you rewire yourself for business success?
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: The longer you own a business, the bigger the chance that you’ll have to confront internal and external challenges that threaten to derail the successful company you have built. In 2008, the mortgage industry was in tatters in the wake of a home lending crisis. Many businesses closed or laid-off employees. It was a time where being able to pivot meant the difference between surviving and closing. Brian Peart, founder, and CEO of Commercial Captial Ltd., joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to discuss the lessons he’s taken away from decades of owning a business in the mortgage sector and to speak about the power of the pivot and how he has had to lead his business through major economic crises since 1995. Show Notes: It takes the right people, skills, resources, and sometimes luck to keep a business running strong. With a solid foundation comes a better chance of weathering storms such as tanking financial markets, natural disasters, and shifting consumer preferences.
So what does it take to lead a business through challenge after challenge? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined this episode by Brian Peart, founder, and CEO of Commercial Capital Ltd., and author of How to Make 6 Figures in the Mortgage Business and 5 Steps to Buying Your Dream Home. Peart has successfully navigated his business through decades that included major economic crises, such as the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[04:04] When Brian Peart started a mortgage business in 1995, he wanted to grow it as fast as he could. In the years since the company has expanded to 40 branches and includes publishing and commercial divisions—but not without facing obstacles. [12:14] In business, you should hope for the best but you also should expect the worst and have a game plan ready for it as best you can. [16:11] Escaping a 9-5 job is a common reason entrepreneurs start their own businesses, but starting a business isn’t a replacement for that job. It’s a new experience entirely and one that will require a lot of work. [26:34] A mentor is an invaluable resource for new business owners. Their guidance can help you craft a business that works around you and your life. [33:24] Anybody can go into business, but you need to be ready because the process will test your biggest weaknesses.
What about you? What the power of pivot means to you? And how do you lead your business through difficult times?
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Putting together a marketing strategy for a small business is an often overlooked but incredibly important part of running a business. Your product or service could be the best out there, but if no one knows what your business does, it hurts your potential growth. Eric Varner, director of marketing for Keystone Alliance Mortgage and The CoLab, joins The CoLab podcast hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to offer tips on getting your marketing off the ground and how as a small business gain any traction with marketing. Show Notes: Successful marketing can be the difference between growth and loss in terms of running a small business, but where do you begin? Years ago, buying print ads and putting up billboards were the go-to marketing strategies, but the advent of the digital age has completely transformed the game. How can a small business hope to gain any traction in a space that seems too crowded to stand out in?
Eric Varner, director of marketing for Keystone Alliance Mortgage and The CoLab, has spent time in several marketing roles that have equipped him with the skills necessary to develop marketing for any type of business. In this episode, he joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to help small business owners figure out a starting point for their marketing efforts.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[00:28] Marketing is an ever-evolving field, and it may take a few tries before you find what works best for you and your business. [11:20] Because marketing is such a broad topic that covers so many mediums, it can be hard for business owners to figure out where to start. [15:10] Building trust and relationships with clients is key to business success. Producing content as part of your marketing strategy can be instrumental in reaching this goal. [23:53] A website can serve as a hub for all your marketing efforts, but who do you turn to build one? And to keep it updated? [29:12] Marketing tools tend to build on each other. Social media can drive people to your website. Your website includes features such as contact forms that capture information. That information can be loaded into a database and used for email marketing. [33:56] Let your website be your marketing starting point but don’t just stop at a homepage. Additional pages with content such as a blog give your site a better chance of popping up in people’s internet searches.
Resources mentioned in today’s episode:
godaddy.com hostgator.com wordpress.com
What about you? As a small business owner, how do you gain traction with marketing? Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: There’s a lot of freedom that comes with starting a small business. You can set your own hours and be your own boss. Marsha Marsh took the leap after finding herself in a job that restricted her from being there for her family as much as she wanted. She left that job and started her own real estate company. She and her son Laban Marsh join The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in this episode to share the story behind establishing Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services from the ground up! Show Notes: Freedom. It’s a driving force behind the decision to start a business for many people. It’s the reward for taking a leap of faith and trying something new. There’s no one right way to start a business and there’s no right time to do so either. When Marsha Marsh’s job didn’t afford her the flexibility she wanted nearly 15 years ago, she made a leap of her own into real estate and hasn’t looked back. So what does it take to start and run a successful family business from the ground up? Marsha and her son Laban share their story and reflect on their business journey with The CoLab.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[00:29] Introducing Marsha and Laban Marsh, a mother and son who have worked together to follow their business dreams and grow Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services into a successful family business. [07:32] There’s a lot to be afraid of when starting a new business. But sometimes the fear of staying in a job where you’re not happy can be an excellent motivator. [13:35] Small businesses face a lot of hurdles, but with the right partners—and help from a business coach—those obstacles can be overcome. [20:11] Mentorship can be key to success. As a business owner, you want to find people who will make you as a person better. Your business will be better, too, because of it. [29:52] In a way, business is like a two-way street. Sometimes people will come to you, but you can’t be afraid to ask for business. [ 35:21] If starting a business is one of your dreams, talk to someone who can meet you at a human level and help you take that first step toward founding a business.
What about you? Did you start from the ground up? Do you know someone who did? Share the story with us and let other people get inspired too...
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Presentations are the foundation of sale pitches but can fall flat without the right components to keep audiences engaged. As a small business owner, it can be difficult to carve out time to research new resources that will inject life into your presentations and increase engagement. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have given more presentations than they can count. They’re ready to share their tips for creating captivating presentations and the tools that will take your business presentations to the next level. Show Notes: When it comes to enticing new customers and growing your small business, how you present yourself and your company is everything. Your presentation could be full of interesting and valuable information, but if your delivery and slides don’t hold a potential client’s attention, you may as well be presenting to a wall. So, what’s the key to captivating presentations? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar break down the mindset and tools you need to create engaging presentations that will have clients hanging on every word.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[00:29] When giving a presentation, there’s a good chance others are looking up to you as a thought leader, a person who can bring expertise and influence to a topic. [09:13] Presentations are a common way of earning business, but it takes the right skills and tools to be a successful presenter. [15:00] Presenting is a mindset. It takes more than preparation and memorization. A successful presentation is more than an information dump—it’s an experience that offers value to those viewing it. [23:03] Creativity will set you apart from other businesses, but it shouldn’t stop at how your presentation looks. Incorporate thought-provoking questions, games, and personal stories into presentations to transform your meeting into an experience. [27:41] The right tools and platform can upgrade not only your presentation’s appearance but also add engaging activities, videos, and other content that will keep clients engaged.
To learn more about resources mentioned in this podcast, click on the product names below:
Kahoot, a game-based learning platform. Prezi, a virtual presentation software. PowToon, a visual communication platform.
What about you? Do you have tips for creating captivating presentations? Share them with us! Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: The concept of “thought leadership” exists in every industry. Thought leaders are out there influencing others with their stories, ideas, and innovation in order to drive change. So, what does it take to become one? And how to use thought leadership to establish authority? In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar take you through part of their thought leadership journey and provide tips for getting started on your own. Show Notes: Thought leadership takes many forms, but small business owners may feel too busy or unsure of joining the conversation. The fact is anyone can be a thought leader if they’re willing to take the steps necessary to get their voice out there. It could be writing articles, hosting a video blog, or making a presentation at an industry conference. The possibilities are endless but getting started will take a bit of thought and planning.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[01:02] As a business owner, your identity is often tied to your company and the duties that define your role within it. [11:41] Part of being a thought leader means receiving recognition for the authority you have built in your industry, including winning awards. [19:51] It sounds obvious, but having your thoughts in the form of a column or essay featured in trade or industry magazines and other publications can build up your authority. [25:00] In addition to writing, tapping into and refining your skills as a public speaker can be key to cementing your status as a thought leader. [34:43] If you want to attract the best employees and clients, you need to be seen as a thought leader—someone who isn’t afraid to try new things.
What about you? How do you use thought leadership to establish authority? Share with us!
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Customers are everywhere, and they expect the same of the businesses they patronize. That includes the vast digital expanse that is social media. Figuring out where to start and how to best use social media for business can be overwhelming, but The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar break down this complex topic. This is the second episode in a series focusing on marketing tips for new and small businesses. Today is about 5 Tips to Social Media Success for Your Business Show Notes: So much of modern business funnels through social media. It’s where companies connect with customers one post at a time through viral videos, stories that run the gamut from inspirational to cheeky, and pictures of everything from products to team retreats. Finding an audience is only the first step. Growing and maintaining it is vital for digital success, but this can be a challenging undertaking for new and small business owners.
In this episode, Andres Munar, The CoLab co-host and social media guru will walk you through five important tips you should know when establishing and running your business’s social media efforts.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[02:15] Using social media for business is an expectation at this point, so whether it’s you behind the posts or one of your employees, your business should build and maintain a presence on social media. [04:25] Tip 1: Post often. That doesn’t mean once every day or even once a day. We’re talking multiple times a day. That said, every post doesn’t need to be a deep dive into your business or product. Sometimes the best engagement comes from sharing something like a funny picture or a personal story. [09:15] Tip 2: Be yourself. That doesn’t mean be the perfect person you think people want to see on social media. It means being authentic and sharing your true self with your audience. [13:20] Tip 3: Put yourself out there. If you’re not creating content, people aren’t seeing it and connecting to you and your business. There is a difference between promoting yourself and bragging about yourself, so don’t shy away from sharing your accomplishments and expertise. [16:00] Tip 4: Grow and tend your friend's garden. Without people, there are no connections. If you’re using Facebook for your business, you can put your personal profile to work by adding friends who add value to your business—and purge the ones that don’t. [21:12] Tip 5: Just get started! Figure out where your customers are and start a profile or channel on that social media platform. Then get posting.
Listen to The CoLab’s first episode of this marketing series, “Level Up Your Business Marketing with Video Right Now” here.
Listen to The CoLab episode, “Virtual Assistants: Your Secret Weapon to Success” here.
Listen to The CoLab episode, “Boost Your Brand with Integrating Influencer Marketing” here.
What about you? Do you have tips for social media success for your business that you use and been successful?
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Being a small business owner means wearing many hats, one of the most important of which is the marketer. That said, you may find yourself competing for customers with hundreds of businesses across numerous platforms—from billboards to social media channels to print publications. What can you do to stand out and reach customers? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar can help you navigate the marketing space by sharing their successful strategies. This episode focuses on how to level up your business marketing with video marketing. Show Notes: Once only associated with TV commercials, video has become a driving force in marketing strategies for businesses large and small across digital platforms. If you’re a small business, you don’t need to spend thousands on video production to reach customers. It’s an accessible medium that in some cases only requires a smartphone and an editing app. Now is the perfect time to add a video to your arsenal of marketing tools.
The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have successfully integrated video into their business outreach. Their video formats range from lists of tips to deep dives in various aspects of the mortgage market, but their strategies can work for businesses of any type.
As mentioned in the episode, The CoLab recommends three apps to help you create simple but effective videos: VivaVideo, BombBomb, and Hippo Video.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[00:41] Marketing is an essential part of business, but what tactics and components will truly grow your business? This episode kicks off a series of shows focused on marketing. First up: video marketing. [04:36] Video can be an intimidating medium but with the right tools, you can make it work for your business marketing. But, you need to take the first step and try. [07:34] It’s easy to make excuses not to do a video for your business, chief among them that you’re concerned with embarrassing yourself. That’s understandable but try to set that fear aside. [14:48] Once you start making and posting videos, you need to stick with it. While some videos go viral, it usually takes time to build an audience and refine your content in order to continue expanding that audience. [16:45] While your business has a product or service to sell, don’t make your videos all about what you’re trying to sell. Instead, you can add value to your customers’ viewing experience by making videos that educate around topics related to your business and industry. [23:15] The CoLab recommends three apps to help you create simple but effective videos: VivaVideo, BombBomb, and Hippo Video.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Properly managing finances is a make or break for many small businesses, but keeping tabs on where your money is coming and going can be difficult. To help get small business by numbers on the right financial track, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined by Tom Ward, a longtime entrepreneur, founder of Majestic Mortgage Corporation and Mortgage ProfitAbility, and author of the book The Empathy Effect: Build Your Business —and Your Wealth—By Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes. Show Notes: Finances are one of the most important but challenging aspects of running a business. As a busy entrepreneur, it’s easy to overlook or focus on the wrong numbers and find yourself in a bind. It takes the right tools and resources to create a foundation for financial success.
In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar invite entrepreneur and business coach Tom Ward on the podcast to share his insight into how you can successfully manage your business finances and set yourself up for success.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[03:12] Introducing Tom Ward, an experienced entrepreneur and business coach who specializes in profitability. [11:54] Knowing your numbers is critical in business. Think of it as a sport. If you know your statistics as an athlete, you know if you’re improving or regressing. The same principle can be applied to business. [19:14] There are three critical numbers you should know and understand when running your business: revenue, expenses, and profit/loss. [29:23] Entrepreneurs have a tendency to put themselves on an island. It’s a mindset where if they talk to anyone about their problems, they’re showing weakness. Instead, reach to others with questions and use their advice to strengthen your finances and your business as a whole. [37:10] As a business owner, you should get to know your numbers by reviewing your financial statements at least monthly. It’ll help you create baselines that you can use in the future to judge your business performance.
You can learn more about Tom’s book, The Empathy Effect: Build Your Business —and Your Wealth—By Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes, by clicking here and his Mortgage ProfitAbility services by clicking here.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: You can’t do everything yourself as a small business owner, and many owners turn to assistants for help managing their workload. But the COVID-19 pandemic transformed bustling offices into ghost towns as many employees shifted to working from home. The new virtual world has business leaders thinking differently about staff and more open to the idea of hiring a virtual assistant. In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar discuss their success with virtual assistants and tips for how you can hire your own. Show Notes: As the past year has demonstrated, workers in nearly every industry have been able to navigate working from home. But long before the pandemic started, virtual assistants were available to help business owners with a variety of tasks. Virtual assistants can work from anywhere and often have specialities that can help grow your business while costing you less than an internal hire.
Think you could benefit from a virtual assistant or are just curious about how it all works? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar cover the basics of virtual assistants, where to find them, and dispel some misconceptions that surround these types of positions.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[04:03] In the wake of COVID-19, many businesses had to adapt to a virtual format, which opened the door for more small business owners to consider hiring virtual assistants. [06:31] Virtual assistants are people you can hire that will perform tasks remotely for your business. They could live in the same city or in a different country. Some are generalists while others have specialities. [20:44] Finding virtual assistants can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. [25:42] In addition to being cost effective, virtual assistants can provide support to business teams of any size and can be hired to do specific types of work that other employees may not have time to attend to, such as posting on social media. [35:13] Learn more about what it’s like being a virtual assistant from Jose, a sound engineer who works as a virtual assistant for Megan and Andres and helps produce The CoLab podcast. [50:00] Now hear from Justin, a virtual assistant who helps Megan and Andres with social media and other marketing efforts.
Hiring Resource: Megan and Andres recommend https://www.onlinejobs.ph/ for finding virtual assistants.
What about you? Have you experienced success with virtual assistants? Let us know in the comments below and share your story with us!
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Clients are the lifeblood of any business, but expanding a customer base can prove difficult for small businesses. This week, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome René Rodriguiz, a behavioral neuroscience specialist and a dynamic keynote speaker who has helped thousands of business leaders transform themselves and their businesses for success sharing with us how to grow your sales in 6 steps. Show Notes: Making sales is a step-by-step process, but are you using the right steps as a small business owner to attract new clients, keep them, and encourage them to refer you to their social circles? René Rodriguiz breaks down six vital steps for business owners to take to grow their sales base and connect with clients in ways that make them feel valued and wowed.
The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar highly recommend René’s signature course Amplifii (They've taken it three times!) to transform yourself as a business owner. Learn more about it here.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[02:22] Introducing René Rodriguiz, a behavioral neuroscience specialist and a dynamic keynote speaker who travels the world to transform how business leaders think and communicate. [04:49] Creating influence is vital in business. If you run a business, you're in the world of influence. You have to influence your clients to pay you and to buy from you. [09:04] There are only six ways that you make money in a direct-sales environment. These activities will help you generate leads, stand out, and build trust and relationships with clients. [25:25] Part of creating influence is engaging highly leveraged activities, such as content creation, face-to-face engagement with your clients and community, and generating press for achievements such as industry awards. [35:12] Getting in touch with purpose is everything. You can generate a business and generate profit, but lose sight of purpose and it means nothing.
Did you like our how to grow your sales in 6 steps episode? Share it with someone who will find it beneficial. And let us know in the comments below what do you do to grow your sales?
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: While many small businesses are vying for customers’ attention through traditional mediums and social media channels, there’s another platform you can use to promote your business: podcasts. This week, The CoLab Podcast hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined by Phil Treadwell, the National Director of Sales and Innovation and Strategy for Thrive Mortgage. Treadwell hosts the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast and has plenty of tips for small business owners to get started recording their own and grow your business through podcasting. Show Notes: The popularity of podcasts has exploded in recent years, but they’re not just for true crime aficionados or newshounds. Podcasts can be a very valuable marketing tool to businesses of any size. To help you get started on your own podcast, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome Phil Treadwell, the National Director of Sales and Innovation and Strategy for Thrive Mortgage and host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[01:33] Introducing Phil Treadwell, host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast and founder of Industry Syndicate, which is the first podcast network for real estate and mortgage professionals. [06:46] Podcasting (and other types of content such blogs) can serve as a means of getting your business name out there simply because it’s content that pops up in internet searches in addition to your business website or social media. [12:36] Starting a podcast requires the right mindset: abundance. As in, there is an abundance of business out there for entrepreneurs, so you’ll need to shed the belief that offering tips and resources is giving away your business’ proprietary information. [15:17] If the podcast you want includes interviews with industry experts or other types of guests, getting them on the show comes down to a simple bit of advice: Just ask. You never know who will say yes. [27:48] Starting a podcast doesn’t require investing in expensive sound recording equipment. A pair of earbuds and a recording app on your smartphone are all you need to get started. [32:28] Podcasts aren’t a short-term marketing solution. If you think it would be a good fit for you and your business, be prepared to invest time in producing and releasing your content and growing your audience.
Are you going to grow your business through podcasting? Let us know in the comments below. And share this with someone who needs it!
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: There are so many parts involved when it comes to running a business that it’s possible as an owner to lose sight of one of its most valuable assets: yourself and the value you bring to your brand. In the age of social media, there are endless opportunities to connect with customers both as a business brand and more personally as an influencer. In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome Nicki Maher, a former corporate executive turned brand advisor and founder of Nicki Marie LLC, through which she advises businesses and thought leaders on their omni-channel marketing and communications strategy and integrating influencer marketing. Show Notes: Influencer marketing has become a hot trend in business. Companies are paying influencers to promote their products or encouraging their staff to become influencers themselves in order to connect with audiences— and potential customers. As a small business owner, you can join this movement by implementing new marketing strategies that have the potential to put your product or service in front of millions of new customers while sharing your authentic self at the same time.
Integrating Influencer marketing gives business owners an opportunity to connect directly with audiences and purport themselves as real people looking to solve problems, pass on valuable information, or just entertain people—all of which can be leveraged into revenue for your business.
Get our 3 Step Guide to Getting Social Media Influencers to Promote Your Product or Service today!
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[02:33] Many people want to own a business but often find themselves stopped by feelings of doubt or fear because they recognize that owning a business and being part of one are very different experiences. [11:17] Everybody wants that management title but do they understand the difference between working on a project and leading the project and the people involved? [19:15] Marketing is changing, especially as people crave more authentic connections with others (including businesses) during times of social distancing. Influencer marketing is on the rise and it’s not just for twenty-somethings. [25:51] Social media is a medium you can monetize while connecting with your audience as a business owner or as a company. [31:36] A key component of using social media for business is your posts are not for you, they’re for your audience. You’re speaking directly to them so be sure the message you want to send caters to them. [36:55] Thinking about taking a step toward integrating influencer marketing into your business? Maher recommends identifying what type of leader you are and connecting and surround yourself with the opposite type of person—people that can get stuff done that you can’t.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Guide to Influencer Promotion: 3 Steps to Promoting Your Product or Business
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Description: Being a woman in the world of business comes with its own set of unique challenges. One of the biggest is the double standard of expressing emotion. The CoLab host Megan Marsh dives into this topic with co-worker Melissa Mueller, loan originator for Keystone Alliance Mortgage. Show Notes: Navigating the business world requires grit, tenacity, and passion. How those characteristics and others are interpreted is often defined by gender. Women are often socially penalized in business settings for expressing emotions that are considered masculine. Rather than being seen as strong, passionate, and direct, they instead are called bossy, over-emotional, and intimidating.
Understanding the energy behind emotions and casting their associated gender stereotypes to the side will help make you a better business owner and team leader.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
● [00:47] The topic of emotions in the workplace is often centered on women, but discussing this topic is valuable to anyone of any gender. ● [02:43] In the workplace, women often come under greater scrutiny than men for expressing emotion. ● [06:38] At the risk of being seen as unstable, women have to learn to adapt quickly and control their emotions, the expression of which is often incorrectly perceived as weakness. ● [14:24] A stoic exterior is often the expectation in business, especially in roles that deal directly with clients. But oftentimes, expressing emotions is more about energy leaving the body, not the feelings associated with them. ● [21:48] The perception of emotions in regard to women can negatively affect their advancement in the workplace. ● [30:29] In the moment, it's important to take a deep breath, sit for a moment, and think about the facts of the situation and the emotions they are triggering. ● [33:41] There are resources and strategies you can use while at work to help navigate situations that might trigger an emotional reaction.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: You’ve started your business and have hired your first staff member. Things seem to be going well and you have lots of new ideas to help your business, but one question keeps resurfacing in your mind: What’s next? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have been there and have a plan to help you and your business reach new heights. Show Notes: Each year, more than 600,000 new businesses open in the United States. If yours is one of them, congratulations! You accomplished something great, and it’s time to build on that foundation. Tackling the question of “What’s next?” can seem overwhelming, but The CoLab has tips to help you identify your priorities and turn that work into business growth. Ready to dive in and know what's next? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab: ● [1:28] It’s time to regroup and talk about next steps for your business. That includes identifying impact areas where you can increase your efforts and improve your business. This episode will focus on four key impact areas that should be your priority. ● [06:20] Impact area: Marketing. No matter what kind of business you own, you need to promote it. ● [13:40] Impact area: Sales. Sales can come from a variety of avenues, but it’s important to use these avenues to stay in front of your current and new customers. ● [21:00] Impact area: Finances. Staying on top of your finances is about more than watching your bank account. ● [29:40] Impact area: Human, community, and business relations. People are what drive the success of any business, so make sure you’re investing in your employees, clients, and partners.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Overflowing file cabinets and unorganized piles of documents are the bane of any business. The good news is there are plenty of resources available to help you transform your inefficient paper filing system into a streamlined digital storage system. In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar share tools they’ve used to successfully go paperless in their own businesses. Show Notes: Thanks to technology, business operations are no longer confined to paper. You and your employees don’t need to be chained to a desk and hard-line phone to make sales, check inventory, and review receipts. You can do it all from anywhere on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
With nearly endless digital storage at your disposal, have you considered cutting paper files from your operations? Going paperless will save your business time and money but also will likely be a big change for you and your team. You need the right tools to help your transition go as smoothly as possible. That’s where The CoLab comes in with resources to help you achieve your paperless goals.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
● [01:05] There’s an old school and new school way of managing your business. Which are you? ● [04:35] There are four questions you need to ask yourself to determine if you truly have gone paperless or if there is room for improvement. The first is: Do you have cloud storage? ● [09:35] How are you converting paper files into digital files? A tool The CoLab enthusiastically recommends is the SnapScan. ● [18:35] Do you have a software tool that can organize and edit documents on the go? ● [19:55] If you are out conducting business, do you need to return to your office in order to keep your process moving?
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: As a business owner, you need to be efficient, but that doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. Instead, you can add a host of tools and resources that not only will help you run your business better but also set it up for growth. To help you, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar share recommendations for tools that have helped transform their business. Show Notes: Finding the right tools to take your new or small business to the next level can be very overwhelming. A quick internet search or review of your phone’s app store reveals nearly endless possibilities. That’s why The CoLab has curated a list of resources to get you started. A special thank you to Brandy McAulay, owner of Universal Settlement Services of PA, for her help in creating this list.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[02:20] Trying to find a tool or app that has everything you need is more difficult or expensive than you’d think, leading business owners to put off integrating new systems into their company. [04:15] In order for a new tool to be successful, you’ll need buy-in from your team. Be sure to explain why you’re adding a new tool to your team’s workflow and to create accountability in terms of its use. [05:15] Ditch the expense of installing and maintaining a hard-line phone system for your business by adopting tools that utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calling. [07:15] Try out apps that will transform your cluttered file cabinet into an organized (and paperless) dream. [08:45] Invest in a customer relationship management (CRM) system as soon as you can. [10:20] Project management platforms allow your team to stay organized and updated on project deadlines, action items, assigned tasks, and more. [12:35] Go virtual with video, from meetings to content creation that you can share with customers. [14:40] Go digital with your networking and add a mobile business card to your toolbox. [18:00] Lead generation technology should be a vital piece of your business’ digital presence. [20:15] Take your presentations to the next level with accessories like learning games.
What tools and resources do you use that helped you and your business?
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Social media, blogging, and video creation have become part of the marketing essentials checklist for businesses, but is the content you’re producing doing as much as it can for you? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome special guest Kate Chernis to the show. Chernis is the founder & CEO of Lately, which uses artificial intelligence to transform long-form content such as blogs, podcasts, and videos into dozens of social media posts. Show Notes: Connecting with customers is the key to gaining trust and earning their business. Social media channels offer unlimited possibilities for connection but having engaging content is key for drawing in visitors and converting them into customers. Enter Lately, an AI-driven service that transforms your content in social media posts. In this episode of The CoLab, hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar pick the brain of Kate Chernis, CEO and founder of Lately, for steps business owners can take to improve their content output and engagement.
You can download Kate’s writing tips covered in this episode here.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
● [03:45] Introducing Kate Chernis, who founded her own business after realizing she was meant to work for herself. ● [13:00] A lot of people want to start a business when they’re unhappy with a job ● [19:05] Always look for the patterns in your business. Identify patterns of what is working and what is not working. It will help your business grow. ● [27:45] “We know we’ve got a tiger by the tail. We believe in what we’re doing, and we want to do this more than anything else. And that has to be the case.” — Kate Chernis. ● [29:00] Lately gives small businesses the army they need to put their content to work across social media. ● [38:10] If you’re not creating content, it’s time to start. ● [42:15] Everything is in front of you, it’s up to you to figure out what the customer wants and needs and then put your content to work. Know more about Lately from here: Request Demo Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Getting your finances together as a small business owner can be challenging, but you need to know your numbers now, this will help your business get to where you want it to be. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome special guest Kristine Mehler, CEO of the TLG Financial Foundation, which is an accounting, advisory and consulting firm designed to help businesses create cash flow, job cost, and grow profit. Show Notes: Every business owner has dreams and goals for their enterprise. Neither can become a reality unless they successfully manage their finances. It can be an overwhelming process to start, but there are resources out there to help you to know your numbers. In this episode of The CoLab, Megan Marsh and Andres Munar speak with Kristine Mehler, CEO of the TLG Financial Foundation, to uncover ways business owners can tackle their finances and create systems to help them stay on track and reach their goals.
Click here to access resources from Kristine.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
● [03:13] Introducing Kristine Mehler, who uses her background in accounting to help small businesses get their finances on track and help them grow through the TLG Financial Foundation. ● [09:15] People go to workshops or conferences, learn great things, but don’t implement them in their business. A coach or mentor can help change happen. ● [12:50] A lot of business owners are happy to make money with their business, but should also be putting a value on their time and skills. ● [15:50] Knowing your terms is important, such as the difference between cash flow and net profit. Understanding these terms and how they relate to one another will make managing finances less daunting for business owners. ● [21:45] Mindset is huge. Being adaptable allows you to take new ideas and use them to transform your existing business for the better. ● [24:15] When it comes to reducing costs, asking the right questions is key. Do you need it? Can you get rid of it without sacrificing quality of service or product?
We hope this was helpful to know your numbers. If you have more tips, let us know in the comments or on our social media.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: If the business you run feels more like a chore than a rewarding experience, it’s time to shake things up. In this episode of The CoLab, hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar offer seven steps to business transformation that you can take to totally transform your business into the dream job you hoped it would be when you started it. Show Notes: Whether you’re thinking of starting a business, recently took the leap and created one, or have run your own for years, you can always take steps to improve and transform your company. As business owners, Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have learned many lessons along their journey. Now, they’re passing them on so you can take your business to a new level and give yourself more time and freedom to do what you love.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
●[02:30] Many people start their own company to get away from the 9-5 grind or a bad boss, but they end up chained down by the demands of their business. ●[04:55] There are seven steps you can take to transform your business and give yourself more time and freedom. ●[07:19] Before we continue, be sure to download the 7 Steps To Small Business Transformation Roadmap and follow along. ●[08:00] Step 1: Go back to school. ●[09:54] Step 2: Choose the right people for your team. ●[11:19] Step 3: Practice makes perfect. ●[15:40] Step 4: Know your role. ●[20:05] Step 5: Create a game plan. ●[24:30] Step 6 Know your numbers. ●[32:00] Step 7: Create Accountability.
Do you have more steps that can help to transform businesses? Share them with our community!
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Not every business needs thousands of dollars in seed money to get off the ground, but if you’re planning to start a company with little to no money of your own, there are a few things and components to starting a business you should know before moving forward. In this episode of The CoLab, hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar retrace their steps through starting their own businesses and offer tips to get your new enterprise up and running. Show Notes: Plenty of successful businesses have grown from very humble beginnings. It’s possible to start a business with little or no money of your own, but it’s important to understand that money is only one part of the equation. As a prospective business owner, there are factors to consider other than where the money to run your business is coming from.
Four components that you need to evaluate before starting a business with little cash are: 1. Money - If you can’t bring a lot of seed money to your venture, what is your plan for securing enough funding to get your business up and operating? 2. Experience - Whether you’re a fresh college graduate or someone with decades of work experience, you need to evaluate how your experience will shape your future company. 3. Results - Do you have a successful track record of getting results? Having that drive will help you get your business started and may convince others to invest in your venture when they see your past success. 4. Time - How much time can you commit to your new business? If you’re starting out with little funding, are you willing to put in time without paying yourself to grow your business?
The combination of the four components will look different for everyone. Some people may have more time to dedicate to starting and maintaining a business but may lack relevant experience in that field. Others may have the experience and track record of successful results but may not have the time or money to step out on their own. That’s why it’s important to evaluate these four components and understand what you can bring to the table before you start making plans to start a business.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
● [02:00] It is possible to start a business without any money, but you need to be intentional. Start one you want, not one that costs the least amount of money to set up. ● [02:40] Four components you need to evaluate before you start a business are money, experience, results, and time. ● [06:45] As a business owner, you encounter a lot of expenses, so if you don’t have much money to invest upfront, you’ll need to find a way to make enough to cover your operating costs until you can establish a more reliable flow of revenue. ● [13:30] Everyone focuses on what businesses you can start with no money, but you need to think through the other three components to figure exactly what kind of business you want to start. ● [17:45] When you’re sitting down and thinking about the business you want to start, whether it’s your first or fifth, evaluate each of the four components and figure out what you can bring to the table.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Description: Employee pay may not be the first thing that comes to mind for a new business owner, but as you add people to your team, it becomes apparent this area requires a lot of thought, research, and strategy. The CoLab’s Megan Marsh and Andre Munar have five questions you should ask yourself as you dive into employee compensation and issues that can arise. Show Notes: Your business is booming, and it’s time to add employees to help keep operations running smoothly. Factoring in how to pay them without having to sacrifice your success can seem tricky. In this episode of The CoLab podcast, Megan Marsh and Andre Munar pose five questions that will guide you in creating fair and enticing compensation packages for your employees.
How do determine employee pay? How do you structure a compensation package? What are other benefits you can offer? Are there non-monetary benefits or perks you can offer? Considering all types of pay and benefits, what is the true cost of an employee?
If you can come up with the above numbers, you can put them into an employee cost calculator (you can use calculators offered by companies such as Intuit Quickbooks and TSheets) to show your total investment into your employees.
For example, consider an employee whose base pay is $35,000 and has the opportunity to earn bonus pay based on their performance.
Base salary: $35,000 Bonus: $5,000 + Holidays off (13 days per year) Paid time off (13 days per year) Paid breaks (30 minutes per day) + Workman’s compensation (1 percent of overhead costs) and unemployment insurance ($150 per year per employee) + Health insurance ($320 per year per employee) Life insurance and disability ($10 per year per employee) ——————————————————————————————— Total employer investment: $48,770
These types of costs might not come to mind if you don’t own a business, so be sure to illustrate for employees how much you’re really compensating them to work for you.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[04:48] Running a business means navigating sensitive topics such as losing employees, firings, and compensation. [05:55] Does this sound familiar? Employees coming to you as an owner with issues about their own or each other’s pay, benefits, and workspace. As business owners, Megan and Andre have heard it all. [08:45] 1. How do you determine an employee’s pay? Are there other incentives or benefits you can provide to employees? Create guidelines that establish pay standards and map out what factors (above average work performance, total sales, advanced degree, etc.) would lead to a pay increase or bonus compensation. Be clear upfront that bonus compensation can change from year to year. [15:42] 2. How do you structure compensation packages? Base pay is only one part of a compensation package. As an owner, you also need to consider benefits such as family leave and paid time off. Be sure you research what state and federal laws require you to provide as an employer. [20:10] 3. Are you going to offer other benefits? Other benefits, in this case, means health insurance (How much of the cost are you willing to cover for employees?), 401(k)s (Are you going to match a percentage of your employees’ contributions?), or offerings such as short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. [22:15] 4. What about offering non-monetary benefits? There are little things about your business that can make a big difference in employee morale. Are you willing to let employees work from home occasionally, work a half-day on Friday, or enjoy a casual dress day? [24:30] 5. What is the true cost of an employee? It’s about more than base pay. You can use an employment cost calculator to determine the total com...
Diversity in the workplace episode Description:
Diversity efforts continue to gain ground in workplaces across the globe. No matter the size of your business, diversity, and inclusion should be on your radar and part of your work culture. In this episode, The CoLab co-hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar bring a special guest into the conversation of diversity, female business leader Laura Brandao.
Show Notes:
You can’t be what you can’t see. For many workplaces, what remains unseen to business leaders in the rich diversity employees bring to the table. New ideas, perspectives, and cultures can elevate your business to a new level—but are you paying attention?
Laura Brandao joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in this episode. Brandao is president of American Financial Resources, Inc., a mortgage lending company based in Parsippany, NJ. She’s no stranger to being the only woman in the room, but that hasn’t stopped her from achieving success and finding new opportunities to help others thrive.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[04:50] Discrimination is real and affecting workplaces of all types. It’s time to face it and start talking about it. [09:30] Cultivating a diverse work environment that opens people up to new ideas and opportunities. [15:30] Introducing this episode’s special guest, Laura Brandao. [25:25] Everything you want is on the other end of your comfort zone. You need to step out of it to reach your goals. [31:55] “No one gave me the memo that I’m a woman because when I started in this business and throughout my entire career, in my mind, no one was going to stop me… I was going to get where I needed to be.” — Laura Brandao. [40:43] “The whole beauty of us is that you are the best you there ever will be in this world. You need to be the best for you. Not the best man, not the best woman, not the best whatever. Just the best you.” — Laura Brandao.
To access the resources mentioned in the podcast, join our Serving Up Success group on Facebook.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Episode Description: When you start a business, you’re doing everything. Meeting clients, posting to social media, keeping the books, the list goes on. In the midst of all your tasks, it’s easy to lose sight of big goals and ideas you have for your company. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar share the importance of staying in your lane and out of your own way when it comes to successfully growing your business.
Show Notes:
As an entrepreneur, there never seem to be enough hours in the day for you to complete all the tasks that keep your business running. There comes a time when the right choice is assigning some of these tasks to others, but you’ve built your company from the ground up and the thought of giving up control to other people may seem impossible.
As The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have learned throughout their years of being entrepreneurs, the key to successfully growing a business is collaboration. Part of this lesson was learning to stay in their lane and delegate to their team members.
Delegating tasks (and sticking to those decisions) means more time for business owners to focus on the big picture. In order for your business to grow, you should be working on it, not in it. So what does that mean? Take social media for example. If you as an owner are posting to social media, you are working in your business. If you are creating a social media strategy, you are working on your business.
The key to successful delegation often lies in creating systems and strategies that allow your business to function without your presence. An owner being able to step away is a true test of a business’ sustainability. In this episode, Megan and Andre share why staying in their lane as business owners has been a successful strategy for the companies they have built and how you can implement this strategy in your own business.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab "Stay In Your Lane":
[04:15] Staying in your lane can be challenging, but it’s an important aspect of growing your business. [5:45] What does staying in your lane look like? For many, it’s letting go of control, which can be difficult for business owners who have been involved in every element of their enterprise as it has grown. [10:45] It’s hard to imagine anyone doing what you do as a business owner but learning to trust others and getting out of your own way are two important steps for keeping your business sustainable. [13:20] By delegating tasks that are necessary for business operations, you can transition from working in your business to working on your business. [20:19] As an entrepreneur, one business is sometimes not enough. If you want to create multiple revenue streams through new companies, you’ll need to stay in your lane to grow your new enterprises. [26:00] You have to trust your team to do what’s best in your business, so you can work on it. Don't have a team yet? You can assemble one out of external service providers such as accountants and contractors.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If you liked what you heard please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people — just like you — move toward the business and life they want to have. Click here, then scroll to the bottom of that page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. We adding new episodes weekly to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
Episode Description: Bringing on new employees is an exciting but often time-consuming process for business owners. It’s important to present new team members with the information and expectations they need to do their job while still making them feel welcome and comfortable in their new position. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar share their experiences with onboarding and their resources for improving the process for your business.
Show Notes:
With business growth comes the need for more employees to keep expansion and productivity on track. For business owners new and old, the process of onboarding new team members can be stressful or even downright tumultuous without the proper systems and resources.
The onboarding process isn’t just about training, but introducing a new hire to your company culture and mission. How welcomed and comfortable they feel during this period is important as studies indicate that experiences (both positive and negative) in the first 90 days of a job determine whether an employee will stay with your company for more than the short term.
As business owners, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar are constantly tweaking and improving their onboarding process. In this episode, they share their tips and resources for successfully bringing on new employees, including a must-have checklist you can tailor to your own business.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab:
[06:50] Whether it's one person or several, onboarding people can be stressful if you haven’t created an effective process for adding people to your work team. [12:00] The best way to build a business and the security for all of your team members is to make it not about you . Put your ego aside and build up your business and team for success. [16:34] Making employees feel welcome and comfortable goes beyond the usual onboarding checklist of setting up a workspace and training. It can be small gestures such as a welcome bag or developing an onboarding buddy system. [25:15] Record as much as you can to make accessing information easy for new employees and to keep consistency between onboarding groups. [27:47] Creating a New Employee Checklist is crucial to ensuring your new employees can complete initial tasks and training before moving on to higher-level duties.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If you liked what you heard please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people — just like you — move toward the business and life they want to have. Click here, then scroll to the bottom of that page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. We adding new episodes weekly to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Episode Description: In this episode, The CoLab host Megan Marsh is joined by three inspiring women who work on her sales team. Together, the group explores the challenges women face in sales, what drives and inspires them, and what they enjoy most about their jobs.
Show Notes:
The male-dominated sales field can be an intimidating place for women to break into. Many don’t identify with words such as “aggressive” and “relentless” that pervade sales job ads. But statistically speaking, women in sales meet their commission goals more often than men and develop more diverse teams when placed in a leadership position.
In this episode, The CoLab host Megan Marsh is joined by three outstanding women from her own sales team who will share their expertise and insight regarding working as a woman in a sales-focused business. Joining Megan in this episode are:
Stephanie Turner, mortgage broker for Keystone Alliance Mortgage Ann Mowry, mortgage loan broke for Keystone Alliance Mortgage Melissa Mueller, loan originator for Keystone Alliance Mortgage
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
[03:18] Everybody sells, whether it’s parents convincing kids to do chores or a friend trying to persuade you to try a new restaurant. When selling is your job, the idea of living off only the commission you make can be daunting. [05:25] Introducing Stephanie Turner, Ann Mowry, and Melissa Mueller, all members of Megan’s Keystone Alliance Mortgage sales team. [9:53] What’s in a sales position? Is it all about being aggressive and relentless? Our guests see it less as sales and more as a service to help people. [14:50] “I’m building the brand of me. People want to buy from Melissa Mueller. And I have to be genuine, I have to take care of them, and make sure that I’m doing right by them… . I think that’s ultimately something that is so important when you are building a business or you are in sales. It’s not just about the quick dollar.” —Melissa Mueller. [23:10] We need more women to be sales leaders because we need more people who can understand women on our teams—to have someone in their corner fighting for them. [26:00] If you can’t find resources to connect with other professional women, start them. Create communities that support and uplift women in any industry. To access the resources mentioned in the podcast, join our group on Facebook.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If you liked what you heard please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people — just like you — move toward the business and life they want to have. Click here, then scroll to the bottom of that page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. We adding new episodes weekly to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Episode Description: Owning a business isn’t all fun and games. It comes with hard decisions such as letting employees go and evaluating if your work environment is driving away talent. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar are joined this week by Sam Parker, owner of My Credit Guy, to explore the meaning of being a bad boss and the sensitive subject of when and why to fire an employee.
Show Notes:
When you start a business, it’s easy to only think of the good things that come with it. Then reality sets in and you realize you’re now responsible for navigating issues with underperforming or negative employees and having to let them go if there is no improvement. Or you’re concerned about being the bad boss that is driving out talent.
As former employees and current business owners, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar have faced all of the above. They want to help you overcome these challenges and have invited a special guest, Sam Parker, co-founder and CEO of My Credit Guy, to help.
As an entrepreneur and business owner, you get to set the rules and standards of your work environment. It’s up to you to develop a supportive and productive environment instead of a toxic one. The CoLab team is here to provide you with tips for finding that balance between being a “cool boss” and a hardlined business owner.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab:
[05:13] Welcome special guest Sam Parker, founder and CEO of My Credit Guy. [08:48] Reasons for firing employees typically fall into the areas of lackluster performance or poor attitude. [16:04] As a business owner, if you’re not addressing issues head-on and not trying to correct situations with one individual, it can lead to your other employees becoming unhappy. There is potential for unaddressed issues with one employee to create a negative chain reaction among other team members. [18:30] Working for a bad boss can inspire people to leave and start their own business. As many people learn, leaving a job isn’t always as easy as presenting a two-weeks notice. There can be drama and even firings. [26:29] Some people never learn to be better bosses. They had a bad boss and became trapped in a mentality of being a bad boss. Instead, you should learn from bad bosses. Learn how to not to act, what not to do, and how not to treat people. Don’t become what you hate. [28:28] “I think that people leave bosses, environments, and cultures more than the job for sure. Those items are controlled by the boss. [As a boss], it’s my job to make sure no one would ever want to leave here. That I would never lose a talented or intelligent person or a person with a growth mindset because I can accommodate them every step of the way.” — Sam. [33:50] How can people who have been fired move forward with their career path in a professional way? Be honest and explain that you recognize the need for growth and are looking for the opportunity to do so.
To access the resources mentioned in the podcast, join our group on Facebook.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If you liked what you heard please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people — just like you — move toward the business and life they want to have. Click here, then scroll to the bottom of that page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. We adding new episodes weekly to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:
Episode Description: Jobs provide us with money to pay bills, but more and more people want something out of their career besides a paycheck. They want to feel like they matter and are making an impact. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar know this and want to share their best practices for building a business that matters to its employees, customers, and community.
Show Notes:
For so many people, having just a job is not enough. They want the work they do to have meaning and impact. When you build a business that matters, you create an opportunity for your employees to cultivate that meaning.
So where do you start? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have tips and resources to get you on the right track. You've got to find the things that are important to you and use them to drive your business, inspire your team, and be a force for good in your community.
When it comes to employees, you may sign the paycheck but it’s important to know your team members are more than cogs in a machine. Your business should make them better people and better leaders by doing work that matters. As for the community, there are so many ways to give back through volunteering, donations, and more. Keeping all of this in mind will help you build a business that matters.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab:
[07:30] Giving back to the community is a great way to build camaraderie among business teams. [11:50] As business owners and community leaders, who do we serve? We’re serving customers with our product but what is the meaning behind it? [15:28] Take time and effort to validate employees and make them feel like they matter. [19:39] Your product or service matters to someone. Encouraging employees to understand that concept and see the deeper meaning of a company’s mission helps connect them to feeling part of something bigger. [22:55] As a business, it can be tough to seem genuine on social media when you are giving back to your community. But as a business that matters, it’s about raising awareness about what is important to you and inviting the greater community to be involved. [25:39] People might think that giving back means donating money, which can be hard on new businesses. In reality, businesses of any kind can give back through volunteering and in-kind services.
To access the resources mentioned in the podcast, join our group on Facebook.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If you liked what you heard please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people — just like you — move toward the business and life they want to have. Click here, then scroll to the bottom of that page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. We adding new episodes weekly to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!
The Cólab Crush It Action Plan: 7 Steps to Small Business Transformation
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Episode Description: Building a brand can be challenging for entrepreneurs of any industry. TheCoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome special guest, Scott Hudspeth, an entrepreneur and author, for a discussion on what decisions drive the building of a successful brand.
Show Notes: Having a successful business is about more than just chasing money. It requires building a brand that consumers can trust and that inspires employees to be the best they can be while working for you.
Scott Hudspeth, entrepreneur and author of Millionaire Loan Officer and Agent Mastermind, joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in this episode. Together, the trio tackle the topics of establishing and building a brand, being persistent and consistent in brand building, and trusting others to help you reach your entrepreneurial goals.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab:
[04:39] Consumers are more savvy than ever thanks to technology at their fingertips. Selling to them is no longer enough. Consumers want to be coached and educated when considering purchases. [09:20] When people go from having a job to survive to building their own business, they may still find themselves in survival mode and take the path of least resistance instead of continuing to build up their company, according to Scott. [11:50] “I could have said ‘I’m done,’ but I’m thankful for that time because I think it showed me there is no get-rich-quick scheme. You have to be very, very, very focused, surround yourself with a small village to grow, and you have to have people hold you accountable.” — Scott Hudspeth. [15:50] Start today and put yourself out there. Social media is a mirror. It shows people who they are on a social platform. Be yourself and remind people of what you do for a living in a way that makes them want to work with you and recommend you to others. [21:35] We spend our whole childhood being told not to talk to strangers. We’re fighting that nature when we try to reach out and market to potential customers. [27:25] A major misconception of brand marketing is that you need social media. You don’t. You need a phone, you need to connect and engage with people.
To access the resources mentioned in the podcast, join our group on Facebook.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If you liked what you heard please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people — just like you — move toward the business and life they want to have. Click here, then scroll to the bottom of that page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. We adding new episodes weekly to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!s
Episode Description: Behind every successful business is a great team. Maintaining a productive and welcoming work environment is vital to keeping your team members feeling empowered. Join The CoLab’s hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar as they reveal their blueprint for building an outstanding team.
Show Notes: A hive of bees is the picture of teamwork. Each bee has a role and they’re all working together for the benefit of the hive. As a business owner, you want your work environment to resemble a hive of bees collaborating toward success.
The key to reaching this goal is an effective team building. In this episode of The CoLab, hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar share their “Busy Bee Blueprint” for building and managing an all-star team.
Through their blueprint, you’ll be able to put systems in place that define your team members’ roles, empower them, give them a voice, and get them thinking about their long-term career goals.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab
[03:20] We’ve all worked in a less-than-ideal work environment. Teambuilding can key to creating a productive and successful environment. How do you manage and build an all-star team? [10:17] Exercises that ask employees to share, empathize, and connect with one another can bring your team together and make working relationships more productive. [19:00] Let your team have a voice. It will help your employees feel empowered and confident in their roles. [24:23] Write down everything you do in your business and everything you want to be doing. Organize these tasks into items you can continue to do and items you would like to delegate to your team.
To access the resources mentioned in the podcast, join our group on Facebook.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If you liked what you heard please consider the rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people — just like you — move toward the business and life they want to have. Click here, then scroll to the bottom of that page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. We adding new episodes weekly to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now! The Cólab Busy Bee Blueprint: 5 step process to hiring an all-star team.
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Episode Description: The right hire can make all the difference for a new or growing business, but where do you begin? Over the course of their time as business owners, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar have crafted a hiring process that delivers top candidates. In this episode, they walk you through their process for building a better hiring mousetrap and avoiding the hiring hangover.
Show Notes: Businesses need people to function, but finding and then hiring the right ones can be an exhausting process—especially for people starting their own business. It can leave you with a hiring hangover.
The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar bring you resources and systems to prevent that pesky hangover while building your all-star team. So what is a hiring hangover? It’s that feeling of regret when you realized you’ve hired someone that isn’t working out. Megan and Andre have developed a hiring system they call “The Mousetrap” that you can adapt to your business to ensure you are employing people who are the best fit for your company.
The Mousetrap consists of five steps: Create a separate email address for hiring. Check the separate email inbox once a day. Send ideal candidates a link to take a DISC (Dominance, Inducement, Submission, and Compliance) assessment. In emails to candidates, including specific instructions and exercises that can be changed based on the position or industry. Ask questions that not only explore a candidate's work experience but their motivation and goals for their career.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab:
[02:40] What’s a hiring hangover? Simply put, you’ve hired someone that you later regret. A bad hire can have negative long-term and short-term impacts on your business, so it’s important to bring the best onboard. [05:55] For entrepreneurs who feel like they need to do it all, hiring employees can be a complicated issue. In terms of cost, it may seem daunting to take a pay cut to bring on help. Keep the big picture in mind when it comes to hiring employees and the productivity increase they could bring. [08:25] Competition from other employers can add stressors to the hiring process. What kind of benefits can you offer to put you ahead of larger competitors? [12:15] Say hello to “The Mousetrap,” Megan and Andre’s success system for hiring the best fit for their businesses. This system makes finding the right candidates less overwhelming and repeatable for future hires. [17:00] Step 1: Create a separate email address for hiring to keep clutter from invading your main inbox. [21:56] Step 2: Check the separate email inbox once a day to review resumes for qualified candidates. [22:01] Step 3: Send your preferred candidates a link to complete a DISC behavior assessment. [23:29] Step 4: In your email, include specific instructions and exercises that can be changed based on the position or industry. [27:53] Step 5: Ask the right questions to determine if your candidate is capable and will fit with your current team.
To access the resources mentioned in the podcast, join our group on Facebook.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If you liked what you heard please consider the rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people — just like you — move toward the business and life they want to have. Click here, then scroll to the bottom of that page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. We adding new episodes weekly to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed,
Episode Description: Doing business online is a requirement in today’s digital age. Businesses that can’t adapt to this new reality are missing out on customers. Don’t let your business fall behind. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar are joined by businessman and author, Andrew Pawlak, who shares his strategies and tools for turning clicks into customers.
Show Notes: Technology has shifted many aspects of the business to online platforms. Everything seems instant. Customers can view recommendations and reviews, compare prices between companies, and purchase products and services in a matter of minutes without ever leaving their home. And businesses that refuse to adapt to our new digital reality are getting left behind.
Your business doesn’t have to be one of them. Change is overwhelming, but The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar are joined in this episode by special guest Andrew Pawlak to discuss how your business can embrace the benefits that going digital offers and the tools available to navigate that journey successfully. Pawlak is the co-founder and CEO of leadPops, a lead generation technology firm that provides cutting-edge services and products to grow the client bases of Realtors, mortgage professionals, and insurance agents. Pawlak also is the author of the book, The Mortgage Marketing Manifesto.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab:
[02:20] Small businesses are losing customers to online competition. The internet has become the go-to source for referrals, reviews, and purchasing services. Businesses without an effective online presence are getting lost in the mix. [10:00] Special guest Andrew Pawlak joins the conversation to share his personal story of success and introduce his tools and tips for converting website visitors into customers. [14:58] “You can be a normal person and build something awesome. You just have to believe in yourself and you have to jump. You can’t just sit there on the edge thinking about it. You have to jump in and see what happens,” — Andrew Pawlak. [16:28] Is your website getting traffic, but it’s not translating to customers? The problem may not lie with your marketing. You need an endpoint, a means of converting online visitors into leads, according to Andrew. You can’t do business with a click. You need to convert the click into a contact. [20:00] Ads and websites can point people in the right direction but you need to give them a destination to reach. A website with a call to action and lead generation capabilities will help convert visitors to customers. [27:52] Technology will continue to shift more and more aspects of the business to online and automated platforms. The more value you can add to your company through online lead generation, the more irreplaceable you become.
To access the resources mentioned in the podcast, join our group on Facebook.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If you liked what you heard please consider the rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people — just like you — move toward the business and life they want to have. Click here, then scroll to the bottom of that page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. We adding new episodes weekly to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!
Episode Description: Working for others may leave you feeling stuck and powerless, dreaming of a career that is more engaging and impactful. It’s feelings like these that often drive people to start a business and work for themselves. Going from employee to employer isn’t easy, but in this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar will share their personal stories and four key steps you can take to prepare for starting your own company
Show Notes: Running a business is not for everyone. It can be overwhelming, complicated, and downright scary. It takes the right combination of planning, people, and resources to make a business successful. Starting your own company can be incredibly rewarding but very daunting. The CoLab is here to help you take the next steps from employee to employer.
In this episode, hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar cover four steps you should take to prepare for running your own company or growing your current business:
Write a business plan—Create a blueprint for your business. Know your numbers—Understand your budgets, costs, and projections. Find the right people— Consider who will help you reach success. Spread the news—Find marketing avenues to promote your business.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab:
[00:42] Starting your own business can be intimidating, but The CoLab has resources to help you take that leap and start your entrepreneurship journey. [02:40] Megan and Andres share their personal stories of how they started their own businesses after experiencing frustration and challenges while working for others. [11:58] What does success look like to you? It’s different to everyone, but picturing your success will help guide and drive you as you seek to start or grow a company. In addition to picturing that success, there are four key steps you should take as you start and build your business and start the transition from employee to employer. [14:00] Step 1: Write a business plan. Creating a blueprint of your business will build a strong foundation for moving forward with next steps such as approaching a bank or investors for financing. [17:40] Step 2: Know your numbers. As you start your business, it’s important to create and maintain financial systems. It may not come easy for everyone, but there are resources out there to help create budgets, track revenue and expenses, and create projections. [21:30] Step 3: Find the right people. Who are the people you can rely on to help you start your business? From yourself to employees to business partners to attorneys to advisers, choosing the right people is key to your success. [31:05] Step 4: Spread the news. Businesses need customers, and effective marketing will bring them to you—but you need to put yourself out there first. Networking, creating a website, and posting on social media are all low-cost means of advertising your new business.
We mentioned a few resources for starting a business in this episode. Be sure to check them out as you start entrepreneurship journey:
Watch our video “Small Business Owners- Learn Where to Access Govt Money Fast” or join our Facebook group to gain access to even more of our resources.
Reach out to your local Small Business Administration. These government offices are designed to help you plan, launch, manage and grow your business. Visit https://www.sba.gov/ to find an office near you.
Visit the Start A Business webpage. USA.Gov has created a resource page that can help you make sure you’re ticking off all the boxes as you start a business. Head to https://www.usa.gov/start-business to get started.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Description: Get ready to boost your business with The CoLab, a podcast for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to elevate and expand their enterprise through collaboration and teamwork. In this introductory episode, meet hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar. The pair are business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who have a passion and desire to help others succeed both personally and professionally.
Show Notes: Welcome to The CoLab, a podcast series focused on helping entrepreneurs grow their business ventures through collaboration and teamwork.
Podcasts hosts Megan Marsh and Andre Munar are the picture of collaboration. The pair combined their separate finance businesses four years ago and took it to a new level in just two years, ultimately doubling their team and tripling their revenue.
Together, Andre and Megan have a dream to use their extensive experience in business to teach others how they can become entrepreneurs by starting and operating their own businesses. Join them as they share their knowledge, resources, and more to help you start your journey of entrepreneurial growth and avoid costly mistakes along the way.
Do you feel stuck? That your hard work is going unnoticed and unappreciated? Megan and Andre have been where you are and want to help you overcome the hurdles standing in your way of success. You don’t need a recruiter or big company telling you what will get you to the next level. You can get yourself there. You are the key, and you can make it happen.
Ready to dive in? Here’s a preview of this episode of The CoLab:
[01:10] Welcome to The CoLab. Meet your hosts and business besties: Megan Marsh and Andre Munar. They each have spent 15 years in the lending industry. Four years ago, their finance companies joined forces and through the power of collaboration, doubled their team and tripled their revenue. [02:10] We know where you are. We’ve been there. It might be dealing with a bad boss, feeling stuck, getting fired, or reinventing a brand. Learn from our experiences and avoid making costly mistakes as you grow your business. [03:40] So what can you expect from The CoLab? Exercises, tips, tools, and resources that you can put into action and see results in your business right away that are presented by two knowledgeable business leaders. [06:50] Collaboration is key, and this podcast will help you connect with a community of people like you and leverage these connections to inspire business growth. [08:09] Ready to start your journey? Here is a preview of topics that will be covered in season one and two of The CoLab: how to take the leap from employee to employer, how to start your own business, how to build an all-star team, and how to deal with bad bosses.