Small Business Stories

Welcome to Small Business Stories, the podcast that serves up a feast of real-life stories from small business owners who are bravely navigating the entrepreneurial landscape! I’m your host, Loralyn Mears, PhD (better known as "Dr. LL") a seasoned pro with a colorful career that includes three stints as a Fortune 100 executive and several startup adventures, including a couple of my own. In each episode, we dive into the inspiring journeys of small business owners, sharing their triumphs, challenges, and the hard-won lessons they've learned along the way. Expect relatable anecdotes and actionable tips that will ignite your entrepreneurial spirit, whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your business. Join us for candid conversations where we keep it real. No filters here! Being an entrepreneur isn't a walk in the park, but it's a wild ride worth taking. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by the heart and hustle of fellow entrepreneurs just like you. Let’s dig in together and celebrate the journey of small business ownership!

Building a Values-First Franchise: 180 Water Founder Jack Clark on Work-Life Balance and Growth 01/22/2026

Building a Values-First Franchise: 180 Water Founder Jack Clark on Work-Life Balance and Growth S6:E6 Loralyn Mears, PhD, aka “Dr. LL,” brings you thoughtful conversations with entrepreneurs and small business leaders navigating visibility, leadership, and growth. Thank you for being here. When the world feels heavy and your business still needs you to show up, it’s easy to live in a constant state of pressure. This episode is a calm conversation about building something real, staying steady through uncertainty, and creating structure that supports your life instead of consuming it. 👤 Guest: Jack Clark founder of 180Water Water well and filtration services, manufacturing, and franchising ⚠️ Core Problems Discussed: Managing seasonality and keeping revenue stable in a service business Growing through franchising without losing quality, trust, or values Working hard without burning out or becoming hardened 🥡 Practical Takeaways: Use simple structure and clear daily steps to reduce mental load and regain control Protect your relationships with defined boundaries that you can actually keep Grow in a way your customers recognize as trustworthy, not “corporate” or distant ⏱️ Timestamps: 02:44 Seasonality shifts: filtration and manufacturing to stay steady 06:18 Why franchising fits a “mom-and-pop” industry, and how trust scales 07:43 A realistic version of balance: home for dinner, clean lines, valued time 09:37 Avoiding burnout: refusing “stupid rules” and building real accountability 14:17 Rural perspective and the mental shift that helps you sleep again 🔖 Who This Episode Is For: Small business owners who feel stretched thin Consultants and coaches building trust online Solopreneurs who feel stuck or unseen Invisible brands don’t make money. At STEERus, we help small businesses get seen and get paid without losing their voice or their values. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on visibility, leadership, and growth 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard A Supportive Next Step After listening to Jack, you might notice a familiar tension: you are trying to hold growth, responsibility, and family life at the same time, and it can feel like there is never a clean finish line. Even when things are “going well,” your brain may stay on alert, scanning for the next problem, the next expense, the next customer issue. That is not a character flaw. It is what happens when you have been carrying the business alone for too long. If you want a calmer way to move forward, one gentle next step is a STEERus Visibility and Credibility Diagnostic. It helps you see what your market is actually experiencing when they find you online, what is unclear, what is missing, and what you can simplify so trust builds without you having to shout. If you’re noticing this pattern in your own business, this is a steady place to start. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: TikTok: #farming #smallbusiness #entrepreneurlife #franchise #worklifebalance /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/39822365

Emotional Intelligence at Work: How Clarity and Self-Awareness Help Leaders Navigate Uncertainty with Luz Gonzalez 01/21/2026

Emotional Intelligence at Work: How Clarity and Self-Awareness Help Leaders Navigate Uncertainty with Luz Gonzalez S6:E5 Loralyn Mears, PhD, aka, "Dr. LL," loves bringing you entrepreneurs, small business owners, and actionable advice to you every week. Thank you for joining us! When the world feels overwhelming, clarity isn’t a luxury. It’s a survival skill. This conversation is for anyone trying to lead, build, or simply stay grounded in uncertain times. 👤 Guest: Luz Gonzalez Founder, EQ Refined Emotional intelligence educator, leadership and communication coach ⚠️ Core Problems Discussed Navigating emotional overwhelm in the workplace Misunderstanding assertiveness as aggression Losing clarity and focus in high-pressure environments 🥡 Practical Takeaways How emotional intelligence begins with self-awareness Why boundaries without awareness can block healing How clarity and focus help leaders conserve energy and lead with intention ⏱️ Timestamps 02:12 – Why emotional intelligence changes how teams work together 05:04 – Authentic assertiveness vs. workplace “costumes” 07:12 – Why visibility feels risky and how to regulate that fear 14:55 – Focus as an act of self-respect 20:35 – Learning from patterns instead of repeating them BUY her new book: Authentic Assertiveness ENROLL in her upcoming 2-day workshop, "Clarity in Focus" Jan 30-31, 2026 🔖 Who This Episode Is For Small business owners who need a little help Consultants and coaches building trust online Solopreneurs who feel stuck Invisible brands don’t make money. At STEERus, we help small businesses get seen and get paid without losing their voice or their values. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: TikTok: #leadership #smallbusiness #entrepreneurlife #emotionalintelligence #professionaldevelopment /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/39816075

From Scientist to Small Business Owner: What Trial, Error, and Patience Teach You About Growth with Dr. Nivedita Lahiri 01/19/2026

Staying True to Your Values Builds a Profitable Business When Growth Gets Hard with Jessica Lowery 01/17/2026

Bodybuilding Fitness & Mindset: Stan Radomski on Consistency and Starting Again 01/10/2026

Bodybuilding Fitness & Mindset: Stan Radomski on Consistency and Starting Again S6:E2 If you’re carrying a lot right now, like work stress, business pressure, and "life stuff," this episode is a breath of steady encouragement. Season 6 is focused on health & wellness for real-world entrepreneurs, and this conversation is about something deeper than the gym: it's about how community and consistency keep you going when motivation disappears. In this episode, we talk about what actually builds trust over time: showing up, staying connected, and doing the next right thing, especially when life gets loud. 👤Guest: Stan Radomski Fitness Instructor • Mr. New Jersey Body Builder • Community/Scientific Events Coordinator (And a lifelong “connector” who’s built networks that lasted.) ⚠️Core Problems Discussed Wanting results fast (in fitness and business) while life is already exhausting Feeling intimidated to start then getting stuck in “safe zone” habits Losing community over time (and wondering why motivation disappears) 🥡Practical Takeaways Why relationships that “breathe” often become your strongest long-term network How to avoid the treadmill-only trap: build a simple plan that creates progress A healthier mindset shift: you can’t change the past: focus on present & future ⏱️Timestamps 01:19 – Relationships that matter (even when you don’t talk often) 05:18 – The invisible work behind building community (and burnout) 10:09 – Why making friends gets harder as we age 16:04 – The treadmill “safety zone” (and why most people quit) 22:28 – You’re not late: start now and stop punishing yourself ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: TikTok: #smallbusiness #entrepreneurlife #menshealth #wellness #bodybuilding #fitness /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/39685050

Herbal Medicine: Practical Health & Wellness for Overwhelmed Entrepreneurs with Lily Kunning 01/07/2026

Herbal Medicine: Practical Health & Wellness for Overwhelmed Entrepreneurs with Lily Kunning S6:E1 When everything feels like too much, small business owners don’t need more noise. They need steadier conversations they can trust. In this episode, we sit down with Lily Kunning, founder of Haven Herbs, to talk about wellness and business driving connections in a way that’s practical, grounded, and genuinely human. If people don’t trust you, they won’t buy from you. If they don’t remember you, they can't look for you. 👤Guest: Lily Kunning / Haven Herbs / Herbalist, educator, wellness founder focused on ethical, sustainable, customer-centered care ⚠️Core Problems Discussed: *Feeling dismissed or unseen by “systems” (and what that does to trust) *The tightrope business owners walk: education, compliance, and credibility *Scaling with automation without losing the human connection 🥡Practical Takeaways: *Why proactive communication reduces customer anxiety and support load *A simple anti-overwhelm practice: choose 3 priorities a day (and feel accomplished again) *How to design systems (CRM, workflows, FAQs) that sound like you and not a bot ⏱️Timestamps: 01:19 – Lily’s origin story: when herbalism helped her feel heard 08:58 – The business/legal line: what you can say (and why it matters) 14:20 – Building a CRM so no customer falls through the cracks 17:56 – “Pick 3 things every day” — a real-world approach to overwhelm 25:40 – Automation that still feels human (language, tone, relationship) LEARN MORE about LILY KUNNING & SHOP HER FABULOUS HERBS HERE: 🔖Who This Episode Is For: *Small business owners who need a little help *Consultants and coaches building trust online *Solopreneurs who feel stuck Invisible brands don’t make money. At STEERus, we help small businesses get seen and get paid without losing their voice or their values, especially when the world feels heavy and attention is scarce. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on visibility, leadership, and growth 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard #smallbusiness #entrepreneurlife #holistichealth #herbalism #entrepreneur Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: TikTok: /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/39652275

How Storytelling Builds Trust, Visibility, and Sales for Small Businesses with Robert Kennedy III 01/03/2026

How Storytelling Builds Trust, Visibility, and Sales for Small Businesses with Robert Kennedy III S5:E40 If people don’t trust you, they won’t buy from you. If they don’t remember you, they won’t find you again. In this episode of Small Biz Stories, Robert Kennedy III breaks down how storytelling, video, and authentic communication help small businesses move from invisible to influential. 👤Guest: Robert Kennedy III CEO, Kinetic Communications Storytelling, video, and communication strategist ⚠️Core Problems Discussed Business owners relying on data instead of connection Fear of visibility and vulnerability on camera Confusing “stage” with “stadium” 🥡Practical Takeaways Why your origin story builds trust faster than credentials How to open presentations by focusing on your audience, not yourself Why authenticity outperforms polish, filters, and scripted humor ⏱️Timestamps 05:00 – “I’m a light”: redefining leadership and presence 11:35 – Origin story vs. sales pitch (Warby Parker example) 20:40 – The best way to open any talk: ask a question 24:30 – Why AI jokes fall flat (and what works instead) 36:05 – Redefining “stage”: YouTube, libraries, local rooms 🔖Who This Episode Is For: Small business owners who struggle with visibility Consultants and coaches building trust online Solopreneurs who know they need video but feel stuck Invisible brands don’t make money. At STEERus, we help small businesses get seen and get paid without losing their voice or their values. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on visibility, leadership, and growth 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard #StorytellingInBusiness #PersonalBranding #SmallBusiness #PublicSpeaking #Marketing Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Midlifesuccess Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus Facebook: https://facebook.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@steerus /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/39599880

Be a Lighthouse: Latino Student Success Through Belonging & Better Schools with Edgar Palacios 12/28/2025

Most Small Businesses Struggle With Marketing Because They Can't Find Their Audience by Nathan Yeung 12/26/2025

Human vs AI: The Customer Service Edge Small Businesses Can’t Ignore With Jessica Volker 12/17/2025

How to Double Your Business Profits in 9 Months Without Micromanaging Your Team with Cary Prejean 12/15/2025

From Stock Photos to Storytelling: Authentic Brand Photography for Small Businesses with Iri Grecco 12/09/2025

From Stock Photos to Storytelling: Authentic Brand Photography for Small Businesses with Iri Grecco S5:E35 In this episode of Small Biz Stories, Dr. LL sits down with Iri Greco, co-founder of Brakethrough Media, to talk about why stock photos are killing your brand – and what to do instead. Iri shares how she builds authentic, human-centered photo 📸 and video 🎥 for small and mid-size brands, why the future of marketing is less content but more meaning, and how solopreneurs can get high-quality visuals without monthly photo shoots. You’ll hear how she turned a nonlinear career (chef to food stylist to producer to media founder) into a visual storytelling studio that survived the 2008 recession and COVID. And she shares why community, connection, and lived experiences are now the strongest “growth hacks” your brand can have. ⌚Timestamps with Takeaway Tips 00:08:21 – 00:08:53 — “Less content, more meaning.” Iri explains the shift away from “feed the machine” posting toward less frequent but more meaningful, story-driven content. Small brands don’t need to flood the feed; they need clear stories and human moments. 00:11:31 – 00:12:23 — Design an experience, not just an ad. She breaks down how brands can think in terms of brand experiences instead of just ads: scenes, feelings, shared moments, not just product shots. 00:12:49 – 00:13:18 — How to mix pro shoots with DIY content. Iri gives practical advice: use pro shoots strategically for anchor content, then fill the gaps with simple behind-the-scenes content you create yourself. You don’t have to choose between “all pro” or “all DIY.” 00:15:35 – 00:16:13 — Hate being on camera? This is your workaround. She explains why you shouldn’t force a camera-averse founder onto video. Instead, she uses direction + environment to help people relax – or suggests using a brand ambassador if you truly can’t stand being on camera. 00:21:26 – 00:22:13 — Why pop-up events are exploding. Iri talks about the rise of intimate pop-ups and IRL experiences as an antidote to digital overload. For small businesses, this is a powerful way to build real relationships, not just collect likes. "Bonus” timestamp: 00:26:37 – 00:31:19 — The power of a nonlinear career. Iri walks through her journey from chef → food stylist → producer → media founder and gives implicit permission to pivot when you outgrow a role. Learn more about Iri and her work: ✴️https://www.brakethroughstudios.com/ ✴️https://www.brakethroughstudios.com/portfolio/portraits-business-headshots ✴️https://www.brakethroughstudios.com/portfolio/events-activations Don't forget to follow our YouTube channel - we'd love it if you did! #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #photography #smallbizstories #marketing #storytelling /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/39333915

Stop Bleeding Cash: How to Find Hidden Money in Your Small Business with Natalia Zacharin 11/30/2025

Stop Bleeding Cash: How to Find Hidden Money in Your Small Business with Natalia Zacharin S5:E34 In this episode of Small Biz Stories, Dr. LL sits down with the brilliant, intuitive, plant-loving fractional CFO Natalia Zacharin, a woman (and DEBT-SLAYER) who sees patterns in numbers the way gardeners see growth in spring. What starts as a conversation about debt and bookkeeping unfolds into a deeply relatable discussion on emotional decision-making, confidence, financial empowerment, and learning to trust yourself as a founder. Natalia shares why so many entrepreneurs unintentionally bleed cash, how EIDL loans became both a lifeline and a trap, and the real reason checking your bank balance is not the same as knowing your financial health. She talks pricing, delegation, forecasting, and how to find "hidden money" inside your business without burning yourself out or giving up lattes or joy. Her advice is firm, but nurturing, and she displays high emotional and intellectual intelligence. She delivers a 1-2 punch with strategy with heart. Just what women entrepreneurs (and honestly, all business owners) need more of. If you’ve ever felt guilty raising prices, avoided looking at your books, or delayed firing someone because you’re kind and human, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale and a warm “you’ve got this.” 🔥 Key Moments + Value Timestamps (With special guest appearances — The Cat) 🐱 Time Moment 04:21 — How cheap EIDL loans quietly became long-term business debt many founders now feel trapped by. 06:08 — Natalia reveals the #1 financial mistake she sees: founders don’t review their numbers, they just hope they’re okay. 09:04 — We debunk the myth: “My CPA will figure it out later.” Spoiler: that’s how profit leaks happen. 10:28 — CAT CAMEO #1 🐾 Kitty strolls into frame like she owns the company. 11:04 — Natalia breaks down how forecasting works even when you “have no idea what you’ll make.” 13:50 — Where to find “hidden money” in your business: pricing, subscriptions, efficiency and people. 14:53–15:45 — Permission slip moment: You’re allowed to raise your prices without guilt. 17:16 — Why women often undercharge + fire slowly and how Natalia trains herself to stay firm with love. 20:13–21:10 — The 3-interview hiring method + why character and culture fit matter more than resumes. 24:21 — CAT CAMEO #2 🐈 Everyone politely pretends to keep talking while the cat insists on being acknowledged. 25:47 — What business schools should teach: financials + SALES (even if you hate it). 27:55 — A mic-drop moment: don’t outsource sales until you're near $750K in revenue. 32:42–33:58 — Girl Scout wine-opening survival story — worth the episode alone. 😂🍷 You can learn more about Natalia and her accounting services for small businesses here: 👉https://zacharinconsulting.com/ Don't forget to 👍LIKE this episode and ✴️ follow on YouTube! #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #money #accounting #podcast #SmallBizStories /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/39213095

How Small Businesses Can Use Ethical AI to Finally Make Marketing Work With Steven Sakach 11/22/2025

Small Business Owners - Why Your Packaging Strategy is Failing You and How to FIX it by Jeremy Bower 11/16/2025

Small Business Owners - Why Your Packaging Strategy is Failing You and How to FIX it by Jeremy Bower In this episode S5:E32 of Small Biz Stories, Dr. LL sits down with Jeremy Bower, founder of Givr Packaging, chemical-engineer-turned-eco-entrepreneur, and one of the most refreshingly honest voices in sustainability. Jeremy doesn’t just sell boxes — he rethinks packaging from the ground up. You’ll hear how his background in paper science (yes, they actually award degrees for this specialty science and Jeremy has one) and sustainability led him to start Givr Packaging, why he fights to protect small businesses from predatory packaging minimums, and the surprising truth: most small businesses get packaging wrong and waste thousands. From sustainable materials like bio-polymers and chitin foam, to the brutal realities of recycling, to Jeremy’s no-minimum-order philosophy that helps startups scale responsibly — this episode is packed with practical insights and contrarian wisdom. ⏱️ Timestamp Highlights (Entrepreneur Value Moments) [3:03] — “I’m good at contrarian thinking.” → Jeremy shares how seeing holes others miss gives him a competitive edge. [7:25] — “We give sustainable startups traction they’d never get on their own.” → How Giver helps eco-innovators break into the market. [14:16] — “Our minimum order is one. People are shocked.” → Why serving tiny startups can produce massive long-term wins. [20:57] — “Get paid. Protect yourself. Only 2% will try to screw you — but they will.” → Critical advice for entrepreneurs dealing with receivables, contracts, and bad actors. [24:02] — “Don’t print your boxes. You don’t need it.” → The #1 packaging mistake entrepreneurs make that wastes thousands — and what to do instead. AND here's a first - we would have easily kept talking for another hour or so, but we lost power due to a thunderstorm and that was the end of the show! Clearly he has something against the letter "E" ... but you can follow Jamie: 👉 Instagram 👉 Web ✴️ You can follow @STEERus on Instagram and @MidlifeSuccess on YouTube #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #packaging #waste #sustainability /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/39052670

Leading With Love: How Dr. Roz Builds Stronger Relationships, Better Businesses, and a More Connected World 11/13/2025

UNFILTERED - Brandon Willington on DIY Marketing Ads & the LIES That Marketing Agencies Sell You 11/03/2025

The Truth About Digital Ads: What Google & Meta Aren’t Telling You by Jeff Greenfield 10/20/2025

Agentic AI for Small Businesses: Jim Weldon on Smart Agents, Meta-Models & Building Real Flywheels 10/16/2025

Agentic AI for Small Businesses: Jim Weldon on Smart Agents, Meta-Models & Building Real Flywheels S5:E28 If “AI” still feels like magic tricks and missed ROI, this episode will flip the switch. Dr. LL sat down with Jim Weldon (Founder/CEO, Prospect.ai) (one of the sharpest systems thinkers she has ever interviewed) to map a practical path to cash with agentic AI. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: ✴️A meta-model you can explain to your team in 60 seconds so everyone finally understands where AI value lives. ✴️A 2-week innovation cadence you can copy-paste into your org and no enterprise budget required. ✴️The lane strategy for seasoned operators vs. young ideators so you stop competing in the wrong game and start compounding wins. ✴️The unsexy USP that beats competitors: nail the basics (speed, follow-up, clarity, billing, referrals). ✴️How to become a utility in your market (the “water & power” behind others’ growth) instead of an easily replaced vendor. If you lead a small or midsize business and want results in the next 30 days, not theory, then this is the episode. 0:53 — Superpower: synthesis over “speeds & feeds.” Jim explains how to ignore noise and frame problems so solutions map to real market opportunities. 3:15 — The Meta-Model for AI. A memorable analogy for LLMs (answers), agentic flows (task chains), and enterprise-grade platforms plus where value will concentrate next. 10:45 — Beat “aging out”: redefine your lane. Mindset + role clarity: younger teams dominate ideation; experienced operators win in innovation, beta, and scale where cash is created. 11:58 — Two-week innovation cadence. Jim’s playbook: 48-hour prototype only after value is proven. Use no-code + agents to compress cycles. 34:16 — The most overlooked USP: do the basics flawlessly. Answer the phone, quote fast, follow up, bill clearly, ask for referrals. Master baseline execution before hunting fancy differentiators. ✴️You can find Jim on LinkedIn: ✴️Don't forget to subscribe to YouTube #ai #agenticai #technology #entrepreneur /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/38600865

Stop Chasing Shiny Objects: Lessons in Focus from Laurie Genevish 10/11/2025

Google Ads That Actually Work: John Horn Shares Advertising Strategies for Small Businesses to Grow 10/06/2025

Google Ads That Actually Work: John Horn Shares Advertising Strategies for Small Businesses to Grow S5:E26 In this punchy, practical episode of Small Biz Stories with Dr. LL, John Horn, CEO of StubGroup (a Google Premier Partner - note that very, very few companies have this distinction and honor!!), breaks down how small businesses can turn Google Ads into reliable profit instead of a money pit. From the Search Terms Report to negative keywords, smart budget math, and review mechanics, John gives you a field guide you can use today. KEY TIMESTAMPS [06:03–07:34] Cut wasted spend fast: Use the Search Terms Report and add negative keywords (e.g., “Dollar Tree” for a tree service) to block irrelevant clicks. [08:20–10:26] Budget reality check: Why ~$2K/mo is a sensible baseline (context matters by CPC), and why you must allow time to learn, iterate, and improve. [19:51–22:20] Prep before ads: Dial in your Google Business Profile, reviews, and get familiar with LLM-driven search (ChatGPT/Perplexity) to stay findable beyond Google. [23:33–25:28] Website that sells: Treat your site as your 24/7 reputation with proof, offers, awards, reviews, working links, and helpful content that establishes expertise. [26:46–28:43] Reviews that move the needle: Ask every time, make it frictionless (texted link/QR), and try incentives tied to the rep who served the customer. One-liners you’ll take away: • “Google makes it easy to spend money and hard to make it back.” • “PPC works when you measure, prune, and iterate.” • “Your website and reviews are the runway and ads are the takeoff.” ⭐Why listen now: StubGroup sits in the top 1% of Google partners, with 3M+ leads and $400M+ in revenue generated. John turns “complex” into checklist. ❇️ Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to YouTube for more great content like this! #googleads #smallbusiness #leadgeneration #digitalmarketing #entrepreneurship #advertising /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/38480495

From CPA to Partner: Emil Abedian on Scaling Law Firms, Niching Down, and Finding Work-Life Balance 09/28/2025

From CPA to Partner: Emil Abedian on Scaling Law Firms, Niching Down, and Finding Work-Life Balance S5:325 In this episode of Small Business Stories, host Dr. LL sits down with Emil Abedian, CEO of Council CPAs and newly minted author of Council to Council. Emil shares candid lessons from 15+ years in entrepreneurship, scaling from a solo CPA to a trusted partner for law firms nationwide. 🚨 Most entrepreneurs make this $100,000 mistake. They treat their business like a job instead of an investment. My guest on Small Business Stories, Emil Abedian, learned this lesson the hard way — grinding through 80-hour weeks, doing everything for everyone, and nearly burning out. Then he made the shift: 👉 He niched down to focus only on law firms. 👉 He reframed compliance accounting into strategic partnership. 👉 He scaled his CPA practice into a thriving business — all while reclaiming time for family. In this episode, Emil breaks down: ✅ How to avoid the “hamster wheel” trap. ✅ The KPI red flags every small business owner should track. ✅ Why niching down is the fastest path to scaling up. ✅ The 80/20 rule for launching ANY product (including a book). If you’re a solopreneur, lawyer, or small business owner wearing 17 hats — you can’t afford to miss this. 🔑 Key Moments & Takeaways for Small Business Owners: [00:05:30] Balancing Business & Family: Emil reveals the tipping point that forced him to shift from 80-hour work weeks to protecting time with his kids — and how entrepreneurs can do the same. [00:12:45] Mindset Shift from Job to Business: Why too many professionals see their firm as a “job” instead of an investment, and how reframing this accelerates growth. [00:20:10] Lessons from Success vs. “Less Success” Stories: Emil explains why learning from both wins and mistakes helps entrepreneurs shorten the path to growth. [00:34:50] Beyond Compliance — Becoming a Strategic Partner: How CPAs (and other service providers) can add real value by moving from “check-the-box” compliance to year-round strategic insight. [00:47:15] Riches Are in the Niches: Emil’s bold pivot to exclusively serving law firms — and why specialization was the best business decision he ever made. 👉 follow us on YouTube ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩ #smallbusinessstories #entrepreneurship #financetips #worklifebalance #finance #podcast /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/38383480

Mastering the Mindset Game: Sofia Rozhko on Leading with Purpose & Power 09/18/2025

College Aid for Entrepreneurs: Brad Baldridge on FAFSA, Hiring Your Kids & Negotiating 09/10/2025

College Aid for Entrepreneurs: Brad Baldridge on FAFSA, Hiring Your Kids & Negotiating S5:E23 College financial planning meets entrepreneurial reality. Brad Baldridge, host of Taming the High Cost of College, breaks down complex rules into simple moves any small business owner can use to lower net price and avoid bad loans. He sat down with Dr. LL to share some INCREDIBLE cost-savings tips that you, as a small business owner, can do if you have a child in college. KEY TAKEAWAYS [06:04] FAFSA rule change for businesses.Small businesses under 100 employees now must be reported as assets. Brad explains what has value (e.g., real estate) vs. low-value consultancies—and why outdated blog posts still say otherwise. Takeaway: get current, not cached, guidance. [08:01] Put your kids on payroll (the right way). Paying teens legitimately can lower parent income without hurting aid (up to ~$11k earned income). Takeaway: move from “cash for shifts” to payroll to help taxes + aid eligibility. [08:50] Create a tuition reimbursement plan. Even small firms can mirror big-company education benefits (with rules—talk to your tax pro). Takeaway: convert wages into structured, policy-based education support. [11:06] How to negotiate offers. It’s not lawyer-vs-lawyer; it’s “can you help us?”—often led by the student. Many private schools discount; appeals are strongest with documented changes (disaster, disability, divorce, business shock). Takeaway: ask, document, and appeal respectfully. [27:11] Plan early with look-back income. Aid uses prior-prior year taxes (e.g., Class of 2025 aid uses 2023 income). MAIN Takeaway: founders who can shift income should start in 9th–10th grade to optimize the right tax years. Bonus gems throughout: model multiple income scenarios (7:20–7:44), understand “merit vs. need” by school type (18:01–19:50), and compare net prices across acceptances before falling in love with a brand name (16:15–17:12). Brad’s site & podcast: Taming the High Cost of College 👉https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/ Baldridge College Solutions / Wealth Management 👉https://baldridgewealthmanagement.com/ 🔻And don't forget to ✅SUBSCRIBE to YouTube ! #college #tuition #finance #smallbusiness #entrepreneur /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/38174240

Myth-Busting Lead Generation, SEO & Paid Ads: How to Grow Your Business in 2025 with Justin Abrams 08/29/2025

Myth-Busting Lead Generation, SEO & Paid Ads: How to Grow Your Business in 2025 with Justin Abrams S5:E22 In this episode of Small Biz Stories, host Dr. LL is joined by Justin Abrams, a Business & Strategy Consultant who's helped over 250 companies achieve an average 350% sales growth and 10x audience expansion. Justin is the head of Aryo Consulting Group. Both the host and guest are among UpWork's Top 1% of more than 17,000,000 freelancers, so the conversation gets interesting! We dive deep into: ✴️Why your Google and Meta ads aren't working ✴️How to run smarter, low-cost TikTok Shop campaigns ✴️The truth about LinkedIn ad funnels ✴️How to get more Google reviews (even in “boring” industries) ✴️Why most lead generation tactics fail and what actually works Justin unpacks myths, shares insider strategies, and outlines a flywheel approach that helps small businesses outpace the competition in today's oversaturated, AI-noisy market. ⏱️ Timestamps (Valuable Nuggets for Entrepreneurs) [06:27] – Why Google and Meta ads are 4x more expensive and what to do instead Justin explains how ad costs have skyrocketed and why small businesses need to rethink their marketing budgets. [11:12] – The secret edge in 2025: Combine digital strategy with physical space Learn how businesses in "unsexy" industries are dominating with smart SEO and CRO tactics. [16:02] – Why A/B testing is dead and how A to Z testing wins on TikTok Shop Justin shares a low-cost, influencer-driven strategy that outperforms traditional ad campaigns. [20:22] – Newsletter marketing that works: The “flywheel” funnel that fuels 20% conversion rates Ditch the book flogging—this circular approach builds trust, authority, and recurring revenue. [25:40] – The #1 hack to get more Google Reviews without being pushy From tipping staff to donating to charities, Justin shares genius ways to ethically increase 5-star reviews. 👉 follow us on YouTube #podcast #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #smallbizstories #marketing #leadgeneration /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/38020485

Powerful Business Moves That Generated Millions with CFO Michael Barbarita 08/22/2025

Powerful Business Moves That Generated Millions with CFO Michael Barbarita S5:E21 In this Small Biz Stories episode, Dr. LL sits down with Michael Barbarita, Jr., a fractional CFO, award-winning speaker, author of Powerful Business Strategies, and serial entrepreneur who's helped generate millions across industries from retail to manufacturing. With over 40 years of financial leadership and firsthand entrepreneurial grit, Michael shares how small business owners can make smarter financial decisions, structure irresistible offers, and unlock hidden value in their companies. You’ll walk away with tactical advice on: 💰Making compelling offers rooted in financial logic 💰Avoiding rookie money mistakes 💰Scaling sustainably using simply money-making moves to sell more product 💰Building a business that sells itself—with numbers to back it If you’ve ever thought, “I need someone to make sense of my business finances,” this episode is for you. ⏱️ Highlights (Tips & Insights): “It’s not just about revenue. It’s about value.” Michael explains why adding real business value requires more than top-line growth; it’s about strategic financial infrastructure. “A compelling offer starts with understanding your costs.” Learn why most business offers fail and how anchoring your offer in margin and value unlocks results. “Hire a fractional CFO before you think you need one.” The right time to bring in financial help isn’t when you're drowning; it's before the flood. Michael explains when and why. “Small business owners should stop guessing and start forecasting.” Discover a simple forecasting framework any founder can use to predict cash flow and growth opportunities. “Financial clarity builds confidence for you and your investors.” Michael reveals how financial reporting done right can turn uncertainty into investor-ready trust. Don't forget to subscribe to YouTube #entrepreneur #business #money #smallbusiness #finance /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/37917270

The Client Flow Blueprint: Filip Sardi Shares the Secret to Turn eLearning Content into Revenues 08/13/2025

Empowering Women Through the Lens: Photography Tips & Personal Branding with Janet Joyner 08/06/2025

The AI Santa: How Jonathan Mast Empowers Entrepreneurs with Smart Tools for Revenue Growth & Success 07/30/2025

The AI Santa: How Jonathan Mast Empowers Entrepreneurs with Smart Tools for Revenue Growth & Success S5:E18 In this heartwarming and brilliant episode of Small Biz Stories, Dr. LL welcomes Jonathan Mast, affectionately known as “The Whitebeard of AI." He is a generous educator, strategist, and AI expert with a mission to make AI accessible for small business owners. Jonathan reveals the top 3 AI tools every entrepreneur should be using, how to overcome fear and overwhelm with technology, and how to create an AI-powered board of advisors (fictional and real!). He also shares touching and unexpected ways he’s used AI from health advocacy to writing a tear-jerking Mother’s Day letter. Whether you're AI-curious or already deep in prompt engineering, this episode will inspire you to embrace the future with practical tips, humor, and a Santa-sized dose of generosity. 🧠 Topics Covered: Must-have AI tools for beginners Prompting frameworks that work Overcoming AI fear with confidence Building your own AI board of advisors How AI can support emotional intelligence and relationships 🎯 Perfect for: Small business owners, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, consultants, and coaches. LEARN MORE ABOUT Jonathan Mast 👉https://jonathanmast.com/ JOIN his AI Entrepreneurs HUB 👉https://tac.whitebeardstrategies.com/communities/groups/ai-entrepreneurs/home ✴️And don't forget to follow us on YouTube @MidlifeSuccess ⏱️ Timestamp Highlights (SEO-Rich Tips): 1:12 – “You don’t need the perfect tool. You just need a tool—and start!” ➡️ Stop chasing perfection—Jonathan breaks down 3 simple tools to start your AI journey: ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Midjourney. 9:00 – “Use this 4-step framework for perfect prompts.” ➡️ Jonathan reveals his prompting method: declare the expert, give context, ask a question, then say: “Ask me any questions you have.” 15:13 – “I built a board of advisors using AI—real, fictional, and even dead people.” ➡️ A mind-blowing technique to simulate advice from Steve Jobs, Tony Stark, and others using generative AI. 23:00 – “The fear of AI is like asking someone out—you overthink it. Just try it.” ➡️ Jonathan likens AI hesitation to dating nerves—his advice? Jump in! It’s not scary, and it won’t bite. 26:22 – “Search ‘white beard AI guy’—you’ll find me.” ➡️ Jonathan’s signature branding: a heart-led leader whose goal is to help you save time, make money, and grow smarter with AI. 🔖#AI #JonathanMast #Entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #podcast /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/37610555

From Bankruptcy to Millions: Neil Twa on Amazon Fulfilment eCommerce & Mindset Shifts 07/16/2025

From Bankruptcy to Millions: Neil Twa on Amazon Fulfilment eCommerce & Mindset Shifts S5:E17 In this high-voltage episode, Dr. LL sits down with Neil Twa, substack writer of column, ⚡"High Voltage Business Builders" and author of Almost Automated Income with FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon). He shares hard-won lessons from going bankrupt to building a multimillion-dollar Amazon consulting business. Whether you're trying to break through a revenue plateau or reframe your leadership mindset, Neil's battle-tested advice is a game-changer for entrepreneurs ready to level up. For over 17 years, Neil has been constructing businesses both online and offline after departing his senior IBM role. Since 2012, he's launched 5+ personal brands, generated 10's of millions in revenues as 8 figures sellers, and assisted in the growth of 1000+ others through consulting, coaching, and mentoring alongside his partner, Reed, and their Voltage team. 🎯 Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs: Letting Go to Scale: Neil explains how fear and scarcity mindsets hold business owners back from reaching the $5M to $10M mark, and what it takes to shift. Failing Forward: Hear why "failing forward" is essential to success, and how reframing mistakes as momentum-builders transforms your journey. RGAs = Revenue: Neil introduces the concept of Revenue-Generating Activities and how focusing on RGAs keeps growth in motion. Hiring with Common Sense: Discover his practical approach to interviewing and why "firing fast" saves your culture and cash. Bankruptcy to Breakthrough: Neil opens up about hitting rock bottom—and how he rebuilt stronger by staying focused on the right high-leverage actions. ✉️neil@voltagedm.com 🌐voltagedm.com/ 👨‍👧facebook.com/neiltwa/ 📖to get a FREE copy of his book, enter the discount code SMALLBIZ on this website: ❇️Don't forget to subscribe to ✅YouTube @MidlifeSuccess and to 👍like this episode! #EntrepreneurMindset #AmazonFBA #SmallBusiness #businessgrowth #startup #ecommerce /episode/index/show/gritdaily/id/37424015

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