Grow For It!

Grow For It! is a business podcast designed to help you stay focused on your vision. This is meant for small business owners, managers and professionals trying to achieve more in a competitive environment. Jim Ray will provide insights, examples and raises questions to help you develop your mindset around issues that really matter, instead of distractions. Episodes will feature interviews and information about business development, business growth, marketing and other issues related to effectively owning and managing a business. Ready to move forward? Then let's Grow For It!

The Power of Human Analytics with Michael Hall 03/13/2023

The Power of Human Analytics with Michael Hall Episode 28: It’s my pleasure to welcome Michael Hall, Executive Advisor with Hall & Associates to discuss the topic of Human Analytics. As Mike describes it, think of this as Moneyball for companies. He uses analytics to help business leaders to gain valuable insights when it comes to managing, leading and inspiring employees and managers. Human Analytics Mike begins with a definition, from Google, that captures the essence of Human Analytics. “The systematic identification and quantification of the human drivers of business outcomes.” Similar to the move , this approach focuses heavily on analytic data, rather than the more subjective evaluations of a person’s innate wiring and likely performance in a particular role. Mike quotes Jim Collins from his book Good to Great, the objective is to “Get the right people on the bus, get the wrong people off the bus and the right people in the right seats.” Could You and Your Organization Benefit from a Conversation with Mike? Contact Mike Hall for a confidential discussion. Website: Phone: (502) 303-2164 Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. From more information on business-related issues, visit my website at . Got Podcast? Finally, if you’re interested in developing and launching a podcast for your business or organization, I’d be happy to help. I provide this service on a regional basis. Visit for more information. Until next time, remember, if you need help with your small business, Let’s Grow For It! /episode/index/show/growforit/id/26213166

Show Up Positive Book by Rita Ernst 07/07/2022

Show Up Positive Book by Rita Ernst Episode 27: I’m happy to welcome Rita Ernst to the studio to discuss the launch of her new Show Up Positive book. You may remember Rita from . She is an industrial/organizational psychologist, who became a business consultant and now, a published author. She’s appeared in the local news, on radio and to a book signing with 70 people. Let’s learn about how her approach to helping individuals to have a positive impact. To order a copy of the Show Up Positive book, click one of the links on this page: I want to thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. From more information on business-related issues, visit my website at . Got Podcast? Finally, if you’re interested in developing and launching a podcast for your business or organization, I’d be happy to help. I provide this service on a regional basis. Visit for more information. Until next time, remember, if you need help with your small business, Let’s Grow For It! /episode/index/show/growforit/id/23677241

HR Alliance Offers an Innovative Approach 04/18/2022

HR Alliance Offers an Innovative Approach Episode 26: I’m happy to welcome Marcy Young to the studio for today’s episode. Marcy is the Founder and CEO of HR Alliance LLC, in Louisville, Kentucky. She’s developed a business model enabling companies to contract with her and her team of HR specialists, without having to hire them in-house. It’s an ideal way to get the HR expertise a business needs for ongoing help, project-based initiatives or a hybrid plan customized to meet specific needs and/or situations. Does Your Company Need Help with an HR Issue? Contact Marcy Young and her team of HR Professionals for a confidential discussion. Website: Phone: (502) 689-6009 Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. From more information on business-related issues, visit my website at . Got Podcast? Finally, if you’re interested in developing and launching a podcast for your business or organization, I’d be happy to help. I provide this service on a regional basis. Visit for more information. Until next time, remember, if you need help with your small business, Let’s Grow For It! /episode/index/show/growforit/id/22826273

Cyber Liability Insurance Are You Covered? 09/02/2021

Cyber Liability Insurance Are You Covered? Episode 25: Cyber security and cyber theft are real issues for small business owners. There are now cyber liability insurance policies available to cover you, should you fall victim. In this episode, I interview Beth Combs and David Goheen from Gallagher, a large insurance company providing multi-line insurance, risk management and consulting services. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/20350733

Why You Should Write a Book - Cathy Fyock 04/20/2021

Why You Should Write a Book - Cathy Fyock Episode 24: Ever think about writing a book? In this episode, I interview Cathy Fyock who’s a professional book writing coach. We’ll discuss how she works with her authors, why you should consider writing book and part of the process involved in accomplishing it. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/18791096

Mental Health Marketing Tips and Advice 03/05/2021

Mental Health Marketing Tips and Advice Episode 23: I invited my friend and colleague Andrew Aebersold to join me to discuss mental health marketing. He’s the Founder/CEO of Mediaura, a digital marketing company. We'll focus on issues related to effectively marketing a solo practitioner, a practice group or a larger company, such as a behavioral health facility. Both of us have experience in this healthcare segment. Marketing a mental health practice requires an understanding of the unique issues. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/18199007

Businesses Should Think Differently in 2021 01/15/2021

Businesses Should Think Differently in 2021 Episode 22: The business assumptions, rules and paradigms you used to guide your business through 2020 and previous years won’t necessarily apply in 2021. Join me for a discussion with Industrial psychologist and business coach Rita Ernst and photographer/brand & image consultant Coral Abood. If 2020 was the year of pivot, 2021 will be the year of flex. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/17566268

Protecting Your Healthcare Practice with Parker Wornall 10/09/2020

Protecting Your Healthcare Practice with Parker Wornall Episode 21: Louisville attorney Parker Wornall joins Jim to discuss the work he does for healthcare providers. His focus includes dental offices, foot and ankle practitioners, APRN practices, chiropractors, mental health practioners, adult day-care practices and others. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/16337396

Insurance Topics with Wendy and Alan Hall 09/17/2020

Insurance Topics with Wendy and Alan Hall Episode 20: Wendy and Alan Hall join me for a discussion about the Alan Hall Agency. They work with various types of insurance. Their business recently went through some changes, so I thought it would be a good idea to ask them to walk us through the process. We also discuss some common insurance pitfalls for business owners. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/16052813

Interview with Bellarmine's Dr. Frank Raymond 07/14/2020

Interview with Bellarmine's Dr. Frank Raymond Episode 19: I’m proud to welcome Dr. Frank Raymond. He’s Bellarmine University’s Interim Dean of the Rubel School of Business and MBA Director. We discuss how business owners are making sense of the 2020 economy. This discussion is an informal exchange of ideas. These ideas do not necessarily reflect the views of Bellarmine University. Seek advice from lawyers, accountants, tax consultants, financial experts or other professional advisors before making decisions that may impact jobs or businesses. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/15208457

Interview with Psychologist Tony Sheppard 06/17/2020

Interview with Psychologist Tony Sheppard Episode 18: There’s a lot of negative news with COVID-19, protests, riots and other factors. Jim and Dr. Tony Sheppard will discuss some useful perspectives and tips for filtering out that negativity so you can maintain positive mental health as you manage your business and protect your family. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/14866037

Interview with Bank President Jason Hawkins 05/20/2020

Interview with Bank President Jason Hawkins Episode 17: In this episode I interview Jason Hawkins, First United Bank’s CEO and President. We discuss a regional view of the economic crisis related to the COVID-19 lock down and its impact on small businesses throughout Kentucky. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/14503514

Reopening a Small Business During COVID-19 05/14/2020

Reopening a Small Business During COVID-19 Episode 16: Louisville Attorney Parker Wornall and I discuss small business guidelines and considerations for getting started, now that small businesses are reopening during the COVID-19 crisis. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/14421401

SBA Programs for COVID-19 Relief 04/18/2020

SBA Programs for COVID-19 Relief Episode 15: There’s no doubt the COVID-19 crisis has negatively impacted small businesses. In today’s episode, my guests will discuss what business owners should do now, and how they may be able to help. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/14038328

Interview with Dogwood Veterinary Clinic 03/31/2020

Interview with Dogwood Veterinary Clinic Episode 14: As we discuss topics related to new business start-up, marketing and other important topics, this episode features a conversation with husband and wife team who launched the Dogwood Veterinary Clinic. We’re going discuss their vision, their journey (so far) and a few comments on facts you need to know about your pet and the corona virus (Covid-19). /episode/index/show/growforit/id/13788392

Estate Planning with Kelli Brown 03/13/2020

Estate Planning with Kelli Brown Episode 13: Today, Louisville estate planning attorney Kelli Brown joins Jim Ray to discuss topics, including the March 20, 2020 launch of her 2nd book, Estate Planning When You Have Pets. The objective of your estate plan is to decide and document who should be in charge in the event of your incapacity or death. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/13538327

Perspectives for 2020 12/31/2019

Perspectives for 2020 Dream Big. Allow yourself to dream. Set Audacious Goals. Don't worry if they seem impossible. Become Your Biggest Cheerleader. Your progress, and happiness, is ultimately up to you. Expect the Storms. Life is full of them. You can and will get through them. Remember to Breathe. Stress will try to shut you down in your pursuit of those dreams. Be Thankful for What You Have; others worked hard to make your path a little smoother. There are opportunities out there. Have the courage to chance one of /episode/index/show/growforit/id/12577652

Interview with CPA Steve King 12/20/2019

Interview with CPA Steve King Today’s topic deals with Income Tax for Business Owners. My guest CPA Steve King offers advice on some of the impacts and changes to tax laws. We wrap up the episode with 5 End of Year Tax Moves. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/12482015

Leading with Gratitude 05/28/2018

Leading with Gratitude Episode 10. This is a podcast for small business owners, managers and professionals. Today’s topic is Leading with Gratitude. It’s the art of inspiring loyalty and performance through a simple, but important, action. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/6642351

Avoiding Negative Influences 05/14/2018

Avoiding Negative Influences Episode 9. This is a podcast for small business owners and other professionals. Today’s episode focuses on avoiding the things with the power to limit your progress and derail your ability to reach your full potential. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/6586508

Working ON Your Business Instead of IN Your Business 04/30/2018

Working ON Your Business Instead of IN Your Business Episode 8. Our discussion will cover important activities a small business owner must do to be successful over the long-term. The responsibility and the pressure that comes with running a business constantly temps us to work on tactics, when we really need to be focused on strategy. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/6539194

Cultivating Your Brand 04/16/2018

Cultivating Your Brand Episode 7. Today’s episode is Cultivating Your Brand. Your brand isn't your logo. A business owner or professional should be aware that a brand is what the market determines it is. The market assigns value based on interactions and factors related to your company's performance. The more opportunities you provide people to engage with your brand, the more comfortable they become trusting your brand. Communicating directly with your market is a key step in influencing how the market perceives your brand. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/6486447

Using Blue Ocean Strategy to Increase Margin 04/02/2018

Using Blue Ocean Strategy to Increase Margin Episode 6 of Grow For It! This episode is an introduction to BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY – A way to escape hyper-competitive environments and pursue those with higher margin opportunities and less competition. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/6433740

Overcoming FEAR by Listening to Your Heart 03/14/2018

Overcoming FEAR by Listening to Your Heart Welcome to Episode 5 of Grow For It! This is a podcast for business owners, managers and professionals. We’re going to consider reasons you should Harness the Power of Listening to Your Heart as a method to overcome FEAR. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/6365326

Gaining Insights from Customer Segmentation 02/28/2018

Gaining Insights from Customer Segmentation Welcome to episode 4 of GROW FOR IT! This is a business podcast for small business owners, managers and other professionals. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/6311859

Using SWOT Analysis to Gain Business Insights 02/14/2018

Using SWOT Analysis to Gain Business Insights In today's episode, I’m going to introduce you to a tool that can provide some valuable insights and structure to assist you in your planning and goal-setting. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/6259431

Setting Vision-Based Goals 01/31/2018

Setting Vision-Based Goals Your vision can be closely associated with your “WHY.” It’s something that should move or inspire you. It might elicit an emotional response from you (or others). It can also motivate others to join you along the journey. /episode/index/show/growforit/id/6192297

Aligning Your Activities with Your Vision 12/01/2017

Aligning Your Activities with Your Vision PODCAST EPISODE 1: Welcome to the first edition of my business podcast, GROW FOR IT! It's a podcast for small business owners, managers and professionals. I'm installing links on my website, adding episodes as blog posts and on my business Facebook page. You'll be able to find, listen and subscribe on various 3rd party channels such as iTunes. These are brief episodes are meant to help you focus on what you're doing and why. Each episode will contain a specific exercise to help you to put the concepts into action. I hope you'll take time to listen to this episode and consider sharing it with friends and colleagues. There will be a new episode every 2 weeks. I'll help you to consider key activities to help you achieve your business goals. We'll discuss issues and topics that occupy your head-space. I'll do my best to help clarify situations and to provide you with helpful tips and tactics to move forward. If you're ready, give this episode a listen. Let's get ready to GROW FOR IT! UiXpjI7MdawSm0INBFPX /episode/index/show/growforit/id/5999606

Grow For It!

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