Publishing Power: Why Every Solopreneur Should Write a Book - SB031
Small Biz 101 Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Donna Kozik, USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author and creator of the "Write a Book in a Weekend" program. Donna also offers publishing services through her Done for You Publishing program, helping aspiring authors bring their books to life with ease. During our conversation, Donna shares why every small business owner should consider writing a book, the simplest way to get it done, and the steps to successfully publish and market it on Amazon. Whether you're looking to boost your credibility, connect with customers on a deeper level, or...
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Video Marketing Mastery: Creating Impactful Content with Jaya Rose - SB030
Small Biz 101 Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Jaya Rose, a renowned Speaker and Video Marketing Coach. Jaya's mission is to help individuals make a big impact with their work through the power of video marketing and authentic storytelling. Together, we explored various topics, including how to attract raving fans and paying clients using the power of authenticity on video, honoring your needs as a profitable business practice, and becoming the star of your brand by creating a super niche and movement message. About Jaya Rose: Jaya Rose is a distinguished Speaker and Video Marketing Coach known for...
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Burnout Be Gone Tips for the Exhausted Solopreneur! - SB029
Small Biz 101 Podcast
In this episode, we were joined by the incredible Daniela Wolfe, an expert in helping stressed and burnt-out professionals. Together, we uncovered the ways you might be setting yourself up for burnout and explored practical strategies to create more work/life balance. Daniela shared her invaluable insights on prioritizing self-care, managing stress, and transforming your daily routine for a healthier, more balanced life. About Daniela Wolfe: Daniela Wolfe is an LMSW with 27 years of experience in self-care, stress management, mindfulness, relationships, parenting, and managing daily...
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Automation Advantage with Michael Roach - SB028
Small Biz 101 Podcast
In this episode, we're joined by Michael Roach, the founder of Michael Roach Creative and a seasoned expert in marketing and communications. During our discussion, Michael shares his insights on the transformative power of marketing automation for small businesses. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or managing a small team, this episode is packed with actionable tips to streamline your marketing efforts and enhance your business's efficiency. Don't miss out on these valuable strategies that can help elevate your marketing to the next level. About Michael: Michael Roach is...
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From Surviving to Thriving: Insights from Health Coach Julie Takac - SB027
Small Biz 101 Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Julie Takac, a Certified Health Coach and owner of TakAction. Julie’s mission is to empower busy professionals to transform their lives from barely surviving to thriving in their health, home, and work lives. Together we discussed a variety of topics including how your health can impact your productivity, and some easy changes you can make right now to improve your health each day. About Julie Takac: Julie Takac is a Certified Health Coach and owner of TakAction. Her mission is to empower busy professionals to transform their lives from barely...
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Landing & Leading Impactful Speaking Gigs - SB026
Small Biz 101 Podcast
Joining me is international speaker, author, and consultant Alex Theis. In this episode, Alex shares his personal journey from introvert to sought-after speaker, offering valuable advice on honing your speaking skills, establishing credibility, and seizing speaking opportunities. From navigating the virtual vs. in-person speaking landscape to leveraging the power of props for impactful presentations, Alex covers it all. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this discussion is packed with actionable tips and inspiring insights to help you elevate your...
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Strategic Steps to Marketing Success - SB025
Small Biz 101 Podcast
In this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with Kristi Mitchell, Marketing Strategist and Consultant. During our discussion, we explored the difficulties business owners face in marketing and how Kristi helps them create a strategy that not only gets results but gets them excited. We'll also dive into a variety of marketing topics including how to market if you don't yet have a ton of contacts, creating a compelling lead magnet, and how to prioritize your marketing list and not get overwhelmed. About Kristi Michell Kristi Mitchell is a Marketing Strategist & Consultant....
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Money Moves: Unlocking Business Growth and Financial Freedom - SB024
Small Biz 101 Podcast
As a small business owner, do you ever find yourself thinking or feeling: You don't have what it takes to make this business work Guilty asking for money or a certain level of payment. You just want to provide your service and not worry about charging. Resistant to raising your rates to match the value you provide You hate selling When you do surpass your financial goals, you don't give yourself credit or celebrate Those are just some of the mindsets discusses the importance of overcoming on this call. Curious what Money Type you currently embody?...
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Sales Spark: Igniting Success In Your Small Business - SB023
Small Biz 101 Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by the founder and principal of Integrated Management & Sales Consulting Denise Horan. Denise also launched a national sales platform, Sales Club USA where sales and other professionals can go for resources, events, clubs, guest speakers and more. During our conversation Denise shares with us the importance of sales and marketing along with being active in your community. There are some great sales tips for small business owners that you’re not going to want to miss. About Denise: Denise Horan, the founder and principal of...
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How to Keep Clients Coming Back: Insights from Alex Theis - SB022
Small Biz 101 Podcast
In this special episode of the Small Biz 101 Podcast, we're thrilled to have Alex Theis, a renowned expert in client relationships and business growth, join us to delve into the critical subject of client retention. Discover how focusing on client retention can be your secret weapon for breaking through revenue plateaus and achieving long-term business success. About Alex: Alex is an international speaker, author, consultant, and podcast host. He specializes in helping organizations and individuals reach new levels of growth and success by breaking through their self-imposed...
info_outlineThis series is for people who are thinking about starting their own small business but may not be sure of the type of business or, who may know the type of business, but not be sure if it’s a viable one.
Even if you already have a small business, this series may help you validate that you are doing the right thing and give you some additional ideas for making your small business even better.
Generating Small Business Ideas
How to Begin
In Episode 001, we explored getting to know you - doing a self-assessment of your skills/knowledge/strengths/passions /interests/curiosities. If you did not have a chance to listen to that episode, I encourage you to do so. If you don’t have time for that, take a few moments now to think about those aspects of you.
The ideal situation is to find a business that blends your passions/interests with your skills/knowledge/strengths. It often helps to jot your ideas down on paper, then begin generating ideas by combining some of your favorites.
Example provided of former college basketball coach, Ed Molitor, who transformed the skills/knowledge he gained from this and other positions into his own leadership development consulting firm where he is finding joy in living his “Why” by helping others every day.
To check out Ed Molitor’s work, please visit here.Three Key Business Styles
There exist a wide variety of business models that is growing and changing with our ever-expanding technologies and economics. In this segment, we explore the following three models most typical for a small business:
Instruction-based: You teach your client a skill Service-based: You provide a service for your client Product-based: You sell a tangible product to your clientInstruction-based
Have you or a member of your family ever been taught to play an instrument? Has a company you’ve worked for ever brought in a consultant to work with the sales staff to teach them effective selling techniques? Have you ever hired someone to come to your home to organize your office or garage then taught you how to maintain it so you are never mired in mess again? All of these individuals own or work for an instruction-based business.
The following are examples of instruction-based roles: Youth athletic skills coach Camp coordination advisor Human resource consultant Personal stylist Piano instructor Sailing instructor Sales or leadership consultant Social media marketing consultant Software consultant Weight-loss coach Weight training instructor College selection advisorThis type of work may take a variety of forms. It may involve working with a person or company, in-person, at your location or at theirs. Communications may also be handled electronically: via phone, email, or Skype. For some businesses, group classes – either in-person or virtual - may be the ideal format in which to provide instruction.
Service-based
With a service-based business, you perform a task or complete a project for your client. They likely also will learn in the process, but do not have a desire to know the entire process, so leave that up to you.
Examples of service-based roles: Financial Advisor (client) Website designer Tour Guide Computer maintenance technician Entertainer Lawn care Landscape designer Auto repair Insurance Broker (client) Camp coordinator Pet groomer, walker, or sitter (or all three) Photographer Property Manager Virtual assistant Tax PreparerProduct-based
With a product-based business, you sell something tangible to your customers. It may be something of your own creation: • Online courses or books • Artwork • Leather crafted jewelry • Blended essential oils • Sports-inspired home goods • FoodYou may also enjoy selling something that someone else has created and that has a strong business foundation already established behind it. Although it does not have to be, often these situations involve network marketing companies. Here you may enjoy selling things like:
• Skin care products • Coffee or tea • Amazon online or eBay product sellerHybrid
There is a common fourth alternative – a combination of any or all of the above.As a business coach, I provide instruction on many aspects of starting a business that my clients then run with. I also create their business plan, providing a service, so they don’t have to. If I offered a book on business planning, that might be my product. There – a hybrid business of all three styles.
Application
Return to your list of skills, knowledge, strengths, passions, and interests. Consider the three types of businesses. If you were to use some of your best skills or your favorite interests, which style of business would be the best fit?
Sources of Small Business Ideas
Still stumped or just want to look at more ideas? Check these resources out.Google It!
Conduct an Internet search for: • Small business ideas • Side business ideas • Best small businesses One article I frequently send people to is offered by Ryan Robinson, 101 Best Side Business Ideas to Start While Working Full-Time Whether you want to start your business as a side or full-time one, there are tons of great ideas in this article. Don’t limit yourself. Jot down ideas you see that may interest you that you would like to explore further.Entrepreneurial Magazines (online or paper)
My favorite magazine sources for business ideas are: • Inc. • Entrepreneur • SuccessIf checking these online, search for articles that reference small, side or home-based businesses. Look also for business “trend” ideas. Entrepreneur magazine’s December issue typically includes a “Hot Business Trends” article for the upcoming year.
Television Shows
Watching shows like The Profit and Shark Tank help generate unique and creative business ideas, along with valuable business development insights.
Amazon.com
Amazon is a terrific research resource. Search for books pertaining to small, side or home-based businesses. Review the preview pages for the books receiving the highest ratings. Often, just by reviewing the online (and free) tables of content, you may get some valuable ideas. If you see books that look particularly appealing, make the investment and research further.
Outrageous ideas
Looking for something particularly “out-there”? Check out www.Flythecoop.tv where the focus is on people turning sometimes bizarre – very creative passions into businesses. Watch the videos there. You never know what will come to you.
Application
- Think about the intersection of your favorite skills/strengths with your biggest passions and interests.
- Think about the different biz styles: service, instruction, product. Which appeals to you most or seems to be the best fit for your ideas?
- Explore! Conduct an Internet search for small business ideas. check Amazon. Check entrepreneurial publications. Review Ryan Robinson’s list of 101 side biz ideas.