The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.

The How of Business - how to start, run, grow and exit a small business - is a weekly show for aspiring Entrepreneurs and existing Small Business Owners. If you are looking for actionable advice, tips and techniques on how to start (including launching or buying your first small business), run, grow, and exit your small business, this is the podcast for you! In each episode we either discuss a business topic, or interview an existing small business owner or business service provider. The How of Business is hosted by Henry Lopez who shares the knowledge and experience he has acquired over his corporate and entrepreneurial careers.

603 – 5 Tips for Better Emails 04/06/2026

602 – Why Your Business is Stuck 03/30/2026

601 – 2026 Franchise Trends with Giuseppe Grammatico 03/23/2026

601 – 2026 Franchise Trends with Giuseppe Grammatico The latest in key franchise trends, including AI-driven efficiency, stronger franchisor support, and high-demand service industries. Show Notes Page: Franchising continues to evolve rapidly driven by advancements in AI, operational efficiency, and a renewed focus on franchisee success. In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by franchise expert Giuseppe Grammatico to break down the most important trends shaping today’s franchise landscape and what they mean for aspiring business owners. A major shift highlighted in this conversation is the increased level of support franchisors are providing. From AI-powered call centers handling hundreds of simultaneous interactions to more hands-on coaching and field support, franchise systems are investing heavily in helping owners improve performance and profitability. As Giuseppe explains, “Support was the major thing… brands are doubling down to make sure franchisees succeed.” They also explore why service-based industries, especially home services, restoration, and senior care, continue to see strong demand. Demographic trends, remote work, and rising home equity are fueling growth in these sectors, creating opportunities for both full-time and semi-passive franchise ownership. Another key takeaway is what it takes to succeed as a franchisee. Contrary to common belief, prior industry experience is often not required. Instead, success depends on transferable skills like leadership, sales, and, most importantly, coachability. Whether you're exploring franchising as a full-time venture or a side hustle to diversify income, this episode provides practical insights to help you evaluate if franchising is the right path for you. Giuseppe Grammatico - The Franchise Guide - is a franchise consultant, author, speaker, and host of the Franchise Freedom podcast. He specializes in helping individuals identify and invest in franchise opportunities that align with their goals, skills, and desired lifestyle. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/40546245

600 – Create Your Own Category with Kevin Maney 03/16/2026

600 – Create Your Own Category with Kevin Maney How small business owners can escape price-driven competition by redefining their market and creating a new category instead of competing in crowded spaces. Show Notes Page: Many small business owners enter crowded markets and end up competing primarily on price. But according to author and business strategist Kevin Maney, there is another path: create your own category. In this conversation, Henry Lopez speaks with Kevin Maney about the ideas in his latest book “The Category Creation Formula.” The discussion explores how entrepreneurs can redefine the problem they solve and differentiate their business in ways that eliminate direct price competition. Kevin explains that market categories exist primarily in the minds of customers. Businesses that successfully define a new category often become the default leader in that space and capture most of the attention and economic value. Rather than competing to be slightly better or slightly cheaper, the goal is to become meaningfully different. Kevin introduces the Category Creation Formula: Context + Missing + Innovation = New Category First, business owners must understand the context of how their customers’ world is changing. Next, they identify what is missing in the current solutions. Finally, they introduce an innovation that solves that missing piece in a compelling new way. The conversation also explores the importance of storytelling in marketing. Instead of starting with features or products, businesses should begin with the problem customers experience. When customers feel understood, they become more open to new solutions. As Kevin explains: “It’s better to be different than to try to be better.” Through examples ranging from laundromats in Brooklyn to dishwasher repair services, Henry and Kevin demonstrate how entrepreneurs can redefine a problem, create a new category, and stand out even in highly saturated markets. If you’re building or growing a small business, this episode offers practical insights into escaping the trap of competing only on price. Kevin Maney is a bestselling author, longtime business journalist, and co-founding partner of Category Design Advisors, where he helps leadership teams define and lead new market categories. He previously co-authored the influential book Play Bigger, which introduced the concept of category design to mainstream business audiences. Kevin’s writing has appeared in major publications including Newsweek, Fortune, Wired, USA Today, and The Atlantic. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/40487335

599 – When Should You Outsource Your Bookkeeping? 03/09/2026

599 – When Should You Outsource Your Bookkeeping? When to outsource your bookkeeping, how outsourcing compares to hiring an in-house bookkeeper, and best practices for working effectively with a bookkeeping service. Show Notes Page: Knowing when to outsource your bookkeeping is an important decision for small business owners. As your business grows, bookkeeping becomes more complex, more time-consuming, and more critical to making informed decisions. In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by bookkeeping expert Jodi Arrant to discuss when it makes sense to outsource your bookkeeping instead of doing it yourself or hiring a bookkeeper in-house. They explore the common signs that indicate it’s time to get help, the advantages of outsourcing, and what to look for when choosing a professional bookkeeping service. Henry and Jodi also explain how business owners should work effectively with a bookkeeper to ensure accurate financial reports and better decision-making. Even when you outsource bookkeeping, Henry emphasizes that business owners must stay engaged with their financials and review their reports regularly. “If you’re running your business without accurate financials, you’re steering partially blind.” - Henry Lopez They also discuss practical best practices for reviewing financial reports, communicating with your bookkeeper, and building the processes needed to keep your financial records accurate and useful. Henry also shares more about The How of Business: Bookkeeping, a service designed specifically for small business owners who want professional bookkeeping support without hiring a full-time bookkeeper. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/40351155

598 – Do Your Leaders Know the Score? 03/02/2026

597 – Why Your Business Will Sell 02/23/2026

596 – Marketing in the AI Era with Shannon Bailey 02/16/2026

596 – Marketing in the AI Era with Shannon Bailey How AI is reshaping small business marketing and why clear positioning and strong messaging matter more than ever. Show Notes Page: Branding and messaging expert Shannon Bailey shares her entrepreneurial journey and explains (starting at 11:10) why clear positioning and concise messaging are essential in the AI-driven marketing era. As AI tools like ChatGPT reshape how customers search for information, small business marketing is entering a new era that rewards clarity over cleverness and positioning over fluff. In this episode, Henry Lopez chats with branding and messaging strategist Shannon Bailey, founder of Make Progress Strategies. Shannon begins by sharing her entrepreneurial journey, from a career in sales and corporate leadership to launching her own consulting firm, and what led her to take that leap into business ownership. We then explore how AI is changing marketing. Shannon explains why AI doesn’t make marketing more technical, but more strategic. As AI platforms synthesize and recommend businesses instead of simply listing search results, vague positioning and generic messaging get exposed quickly. We discuss why small businesses may actually benefit in this shift, how earned authority now matters more than SEO tricks, and why niching down expands your reach instead of limiting it. Shannon also shares practical steps you can take today, including how to test your visibility using AI tools themselves. If you're feeling overwhelmed by AI disruption, this conversation will help you refocus on the fundamentals: clear messaging, strong positioning, and speaking directly to your ideal client, while also offering inspiration from Shannon’s own path into entrepreneurship. Shannon Bailey is a strategist and branding and messaging expert. She is the founder of Make Progress Strategies, where she helps small businesses and nonprofits clarify their value proposition, align brand positioning with growth objectives, and build strategic marketing plans that drive action. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/40115700

595 – Plan to Succeed, but Prepare to Fail 02/09/2026

R423 – Overcoming Decision Paralysis 02/02/2026

R423 – Overcoming Decision Paralysis How to overcome Decision Paralysis - assessing risk, limiting over analysis, and taking action are essential to moving a business forward. Show Notes Page: Decision paralysis keeps entrepreneurs stuck, and learning how to assess risk, limit over analysis, and take action is essential to moving a business forward. Decision paralysis, often called analysis paralysis, can quietly stall a small business or prevent an entrepreneur from ever getting started. In this episode, Henry Lopez and guest co-host David Begin unpack why decision paralysis happens, how it shows up differently in big strategic decisions versus daily operational choices, and why small business owners are especially vulnerable to it. Drawing from real-world experience, Henry and David explain how fear, risk miscalculation, perfectionism, and decision fatigue all contribute to inaction. They explore the difference between intuition and expertise, referencing Malcolm Gladwell’s book Blink, and discuss why relying solely on “gut instinct” can be dangerous for new entrepreneurs but powerful for experienced operators. The conversation also covers practical strategies to break through paralysis, including risk mitigation, breaking big decisions into smaller ones, setting go/no-go dates, and using a “pretend decision” technique to reduce pressure and clarify direction. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, leadership responsibility, and building teams that can make decisions independently. As Henry puts it, “There are no guarantees in business, but there is a cost to not deciding.” This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hesitant to make the next move in their business. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/39952490

594 – At-Will Employment with Claudia St. John 01/26/2026

594 – At-Will Employment with Claudia St. John What At-Will Employment really means for small business owners. Show Notes Page: At-will employment gives small business owners flexibility, but misunderstandings around documentation, retaliation, and protected classes can quickly turn a termination into a lawsuit. Most small business owners believe “at-will employment” means they can fire an employee at any time for any reason, but that misunderstanding is one of the fastest paths to an expensive legal dispute. In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by returning guest Claudia St. John, founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors, to break down what at-will employment really means under U.S. law. They explain why at-will employment is not a free pass to terminate employees without consequences, and how common mistakes (like poor documentation, vague termination explanations, and retaliation) create legal risk even when the employer’s decision was justified. Claudia shares real-world examples from her HR consulting practice, emphasizing why documentation of performance issues is critical, how progressive discipline policies can accidentally undermine at-will status, and why honesty during termination conversations actually reduces lawsuits. As Claudia notes, “If an employee is surprised, they’re far more likely to sue.” Henry and Claudia also discuss employee handbooks, offer letters, EPLI insurance, and when small businesses should consider professional HR support. This episode is a must-listen for any business owner who manages employees and wants to reduce risk while still leading with fairness and professionalism. Claudia St. John is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors, a national HR consulting firm that helps small and mid-sized businesses navigate compliance, hiring, and employee management with practical, evidence-based guidance. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/39861665

593 – How to Build Business Credit with Gerri Detweiler 01/19/2026

593 – How to Build Business Credit with Gerri Detweiler Business credit is a critical but often misunderstood tool that can unlock financing, protect your personal credit, and strengthen your small business. Show Notes Page: Many small business owners assume business credit “just happens” once they form an LLC, but that’s not how it works. In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by Gerri Detweiler, one of the leading experts on small business credit, to break down how business credit really works and why it matters far earlier than most owners realize. They discuss how business credit affects financing, vendor relationships, and even potential partnerships, and why larger companies often check your business credit before working with you. Gerri explains the fundamentals of establishing business credit, including whether you should start as a sole proprietor or form an LLC, how credit reporting works, and why payment history is the most important factor in building strong business credit scores. She also shares practical strategies for getting started such as using net-30 vendors, business credit cards, and equipment financing, and how to avoid common mistakes that can quietly damage your credit profile. “Business credit doesn’t build itself. You have to be intentional about it from day one,” Gerri explains. Gerri Detweiler has spent more than 30 years helping people make sense of credit and financing, with a special focus on helping small business owners. As an Education Consultant for Nav, she guides entrepreneurs in building strong business credit and understanding how it can open doors for growth. Gerri has answered thousands of credit questions online, written or coauthored six books, including Finance Your Own Business: Get on the Financing Fast Track, and has been interviewed in thousands of media stories as a trusted credit expert. Through her widely syndicated articles, webinars for organizations like SCORE and Small Business Development Centers, as well as educational videos, she makes complex financial topics clear and practical, empowering business owners to take control of their credit and grow healthier companies. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/39762755

592 – Smarter Inventory, Better Cash Flow 01/12/2026

592 – Smarter Inventory, Better Cash Flow Inventory is one of the most misunderstood and cash-intensive assets in a small business, and managing it strategically can dramatically improve cash flow, reduce risk, and support sustainable growth. Show Notes Page: Inventory is often treated as an operational detail, but for many small businesses it is one of the biggest drivers of cash flow strain and hidden risk. In this episode, Henry Lopez reframes inventory for what it really is - cash tied up on your shelves - and explains why poor inventory decisions can quietly suffocate profitability. Henry walks through the most common inventory challenges small business owners face, including trapped working capital, spoilage and obsolescence, shrinkage, unpredictable demand, and the temptation of bulk-purchase discounts that often do more harm than good. He explains why inventory typically lives on the balance sheet rather than the P&L (Profit & Loss Statement), and how that accounting reality can mask its true impact on business performance. On this episode of The How of Business podcast Henry also explores the origins of Just-In-Time inventory, its roots in Toyota’s post-war production system, and how small businesses can responsibly apply lean inventory principles today, especially now that most supply chains have stabilized after COVID disruptions. Finally, Henry outlines the core components of an effective inventory operating system, from software and supplier management to a short list of essential KPIs that help business owners stay in control. The key takeaway: inventory decisions are cash decisions and managing them well is critical to long-term business health and growth. Inventory management is not just about what you sell or use, it’s how you invest your cash, manage risk, and determine whether your business can grow and survive. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/39696990

591 – From Survival to Sustainable Business with Neri Sillaman 01/05/2026

R394 – Just Begin! with Norman Crowley 12/15/2025

R394 – Just Begin! with Norman Crowley Entrepreneur Norman Crowley shares his remarkable journey and explains why ideas matter far less than the courage to start and the discipline to execute. As Norman explains, "Just begin. The customer will fix your idea very quickly." Show Notes Page: What does it really take to come up with a good business idea, and does the idea even matter? In this compelling conversation, international entrepreneur Norman Crowley unpacks the truth behind entrepreneurial success, from his early welding business at age 12 to the billion-dollar gaming venture he nearly sold just hours before the 2008 financial crisis. Norman shares the mindset, discipline, and resilience required to build meaningful companies, including why execution - not the idea - is what actually determines whether you’ll succeed. He also discusses the role of luck, navigating stress and health challenges, building world-class teams, and why big missions attract big allies. One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Norman explains his “hot coals” framework for overcoming fear: “Filling your mind with happy thoughts, being clear on the destination, and just keeping walking.” Whether you’re dreaming of your first business or wrestling with your next one, this episode offers rare honesty, inspiring insights, and practical wisdom from decades of entrepreneurial wins, losses, pivots, and reinventions. Norman Crowley is an Irish serial entrepreneur and climate-tech leader, best known as the Founder and Chairman of CoolPlanet, a global decarbonization and energy-efficiency group helping major corporations reduce emissions and achieve net-zero goals. Before turning to climate innovation, he built and sold several successful technology companies including Trinity Commerce, Inspired Gaming Group, and The Cloud. He also founded AVA, which converts classic cars into high-performance electric vehicles. Today, Norman is recognized for combining deep entrepreneurial experience with a mission-driven approach to solving climate change through technology, data, and industrial systems. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/39398025

590 – Annual Strategic Planning 12/08/2025

589 – The Referable Client Experience with Stacey Brown Randall 12/01/2025

589 – The Referable Client Experience with Stacey Brown Randall A referable client experience is the key to earning organic referrals, and Stacey Brown Randall joins the show to break down how small business can get referrals without asking. Show Notes Page: In this episode, Henry Lopez welcomes back referral expert Stacey Brown Randall to explore how small business owners can generate referrals naturally, without asking. Stacey shares insights from her new book, The Referable Client Experience. She explains why great work alone doesn’t create referrals, and why the emotional experience you deliver matters just as much as the deliverables themselves. Stacey breaks down the three stages of the client experience - new, active, and alumni - and how relationship-building touchpoints in each stage make clients feel seen, supported, and confident referring you. “Great work gets you repeat business,” Stacey notes, “but relationships get you referrals.” Henry and Stacey also discuss how to identify referral “hot zones,” reinforce relationships without being pushy, and create organic moments where referral seeds can be planted authentically. Whether you’re a consultant, creative, coach, or service provider, this episode will help you map your client experience, balance work vs. relationship touchpoints, and strengthen the natural referral engine inside your business. Stacey Brown Randall is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and referral strategist who teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally, without asking, manipulating, or creating awkward moments. Her newest book, The Referable Client Experience, expands her proven framework for building a referral-rich business through intentional client experience design. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/39209960

588 – Bookkeeping Essentials with Jodi Arrant 11/17/2025

587 – Eisenhower Matrix Prioritization 11/10/2025

587 – Eisenhower Matrix Prioritization How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to cut through chaos, focus on what truly matters, and make faster, smarter decisions as a small business owner. Show Notes Page: Feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? In this episode, Henry Lopez explains how to use the Eisenhower Matrix—a simple yet powerful framework—to prioritize your daily tasks and regain control of your time. Originally developed by Dwight D. Eisenhower and later popularized by Stephen Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the matrix helps business owners separate what’s urgent from what’s important, so they can focus on activities that truly move their business forward instead of reacting to every fire. Henry walks through how this framework complements the Big Rocks time management approach (Episode 569) and why most entrepreneurs mistakenly live in “urgent mode,” constantly firefighting instead of leading strategically. He also shares how the Eisenhower Matrix inspired the creation of his free Task Management Tool, co-developed with his son-in-law, Colin Rhoades, using AI technology. “What is important is seldom urgent, and what is urgent is seldom important.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower Henry and Colin also discuss how AI made it possible to create this simple browser-based productivity tool in just a few hours - proof that automation can make business life simpler in more ways than one. Listen to learn how to: Reduce overwhelm by categorizing tasks by urgency and importance. Identify your “Big Rocks” and schedule them intentionally. Use the Eisenhower Matrix for daily and even hourly decision-making... This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/38973395

R393 – Rethinking Hourly Worker Motivation 11/03/2025

586 – The Power of Play in Business with Cas Holman 10/27/2025

586 – The Power of Play in Business with Cas Holman Toy designer and educator Cas Holman explores how embracing play can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help small business owners reframe failure as part of growth. Show Notes Page: Cas Holman, renowned toy designer, educator, and author of Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity, shares with host Henry Lopez how play isn’t just for children. It’s a powerful mindset for entrepreneurs. From her early projects like Rigamajig and playful installations at New York’s High Line to working with teams at Google, Nike, and the LEGO Foundation, Cas has made a career out of turning curiosity and experimentation into design breakthroughs. Cas and Henry discuss how small business owners can benefit from a more playful approach to work, shifting from rigid outcomes to exploration and possibility. Cas explains her “three essentials for adults to relearn play”: release judgment, embrace possibility, and reframe success. Together they reveal how these principles foster innovation, collaboration, and agility - qualities essential for thriving in today’s rapidly changing business environment. “The most important thing any human can be right now is flexible,” Cas shares. “A playful mindset makes us more creative, more agile, and more open to what’s possible.” You will be inspired to integrate play into small business meetings, problem-solving, and daily business life. Transforming creativity from a childhood memory into a strategic advantage. Cas Holman is an award-winning toy designer, educator, and author. Founder and Chief Designer of Heroes Will Rise and creator of the acclaimed Rigamajig building kits, her work focuses on the combination of creativity, design, and learning through play. Formerly a professor of Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design, Cas now consults with companies and teams around the world, including Google, Nike, and Disney Imagineering, on the power of play to inspire innovation. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/38781020

585 – Crafting Your Sales Pitch 10/20/2025

584 – Essential Legal Tips with Wesley Henderson 10/13/2025

584 – Essential Legal Tips with Wesley Henderson Attorney and entrepreneur Wesley Henderson shares practical legal insights every small business owner needs to protect their business and operate with confidence. Show Notes Page: Disclaimer: The information in this episode is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice; listeners should consult their own attorney for guidance specific to their situation. From forming an LLC to crafting airtight contracts, this episode is packed with essential legal guidance for small business owners. Henry Lopez welcomes Wesley Henderson, a business attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of multiple ventures including Drafted Legal and Henderson & Henderson Law Firm. Wesley shares how his early career in corporate law led him to focus on helping entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and proactively protect their businesses. Together, Henry and Wesley explore critical legal fundamentals including when to form an LLC, how insurance differs from legal protection, and why clear contracts can prevent disputes before they start. Listeners will learn how to navigate partnerships, set up operating agreements, avoid “scope creep” with service contracts, and safeguard intellectual property. Wesley also explains the real difference between LLCs, corporations, and S-Corp elections and clarifying common misconceptions that confuse many first-time business owners. They also discuss trademarks, non-compete and non-solicit clauses, and how to use ChatGPT safely when drafting or reviewing legal documents. Wesley emphasizes the importance of doing the right things early, not just staying busy because the right legal foundation can save you from future financial and emotional headaches. “Contracts aren’t just for protection,” Wesley explains. “They show professionalism and set expectations — they protect you and your clients.” This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/38549395

583 – Scaling a Software Startup with Joshua Talbert 09/29/2025

583 – Scaling a Software Startup with Joshua Talbert Engineer-turned-entrepreneur Joshua Talbert shares his journey from defense contractor to tech startup founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai. Show Notes Page: In this episode, Henry Lopez interviews Joshua Talbert, co-founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai, about his entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned in building and scaling startups. Joshua shares how his engineering background provided the problem-solving skills that have guided his ventures, including the successful growth and sale of his first med tech company. Joshua highlights the critical importance of strong partnerships, adaptability, and customer feedback, as well as the realities of startup life, where motivation and persistence are essential for the long run. Reflecting on MySherpas.ai, he explains how their platform transforms commercial lending by streamlining collaboration and communication between lending and borrowing teams, enabling faster go-lives and better borrower experiences. “It’s about breaking down complex challenges into manageable parts,” Joshua explains, “and listening to market feedback so you can adapt and keep moving forward.” Joshua shares insights on raising funding, developing MVPs, shifting go-to-market strategies, and building a strong company culture rooted in radical candor and continuous improvement. Joshua Talbert is the co-founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai, an AI-powered platform improving efficiency in commercial lending. With a background in electrical engineering and a track record of launching and growing successful startups, Joshua brings a unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/38377830

582 – Broken Windows Theory for Small Business 09/22/2025

581 – Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies with Sasha Millstein 09/15/2025

581 – Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies with Sasha Millstein Entrepreneur Sasha Millstein shares her journey launching Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies and scaling this frozen comfort food brand from idea to shelves. Show Notes Page: Sasha Millstein, founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies, joins Henry Lopez to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey from concept to scaling a consumer packaged goods (CPG) business. Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, Aunt Ethel’s has sold over 75,000 units, secured placement in 100+ Wegmans stores, sold out on QVC in under six minutes, and earned features in The New York Times and How I Built This. In this conversation, Sasha reveals the origin story of Aunt Ethel’s, including her family’s entrepreneurial influence, the pivotal pop-up that validated the concept, and her innovation of the first-ever two-part pot pie that solves soggy crusts and long cook times. Sasha also discusses the challenges of packaging, co-packers, funding, navigating consultants, and ultimately landing major distribution. “In the first three years, I think I cried every single day. But ultimately what keeps me focused is having that North star - you have to know why you started this company.” – Sasha Millstein Listeners will gain valuable insights into perseverance, the realities of the CPG space, fundraising challenges, and why doing your research and knowing your numbers is non-negotiable for entrepreneurs. Sasha Millstein is the founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies, a Brooklyn-based frozen food company reinventing comfort food with innovation and hustle. Since launching in 2020, Sasha has scaled the brand into national retail and online channels, earning acclaim for her patented two-part pot pie design. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/38205145

R355 – 4 Reasons to Delegate 09/08/2025

580 – Unlocking Hidden Profits with Jamie Trull 09/01/2025

580 – Unlocking Hidden Profits with Jamie Trull How small business owners can unlock hidden profits by optimizing financial levers and making smarter money decisions. Show Notes Page: Small business owners often focus on chasing revenue, but revenue does not always equal profit. In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by Jamie Trull, CPA, financial literacy coach, and profit strategist, to discuss the essential profit levers that can transform a struggling business into a thriving one. Jamie shares her journey from corporate auditor at Ernst & Young and finance leader at Coca-Cola Enterprises to becoming a champion for women-owned small businesses. After leaving corporate life, she pivoted from one-on-one client work to scalable education programs and group coaching. Her mission is clear: help entrepreneurs understand their numbers and build profitable, sustainable businesses. Throughout the discussion, Jamie emphasizes that profit is simply the result of revenue minus expenses, but too many entrepreneurs focus on volume instead of fixing underlying financial inefficiencies. She breaks down profit levers such as price, average transaction value, and volume, showing why a simple 2% price increase can be more powerful than chasing dozens of new clients. Henry and Jamie also explore strategies for managing unprofitable products, such as re-pricing, reducing costs, and communicating value to customers when raising prices. They highlight how differentiation and branding help small businesses avoid competing on price alone. Debt strategy is another key theme. Jamie stresses that debt can be an effective tool when used wisely for investments and expansion, but warns against using it as a crutch to cover poor financial management. She compares debt to a snowball that can roll out of control if entrepreneurs aren’t intentional about their borrowing. “Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity. Don’t confuse the two.” – Jamie Trull Jamie also previews her upcoming book, Hidden Profit, releasing in October 2025, which offers actionable financial strategies for businesses scaling from $50,000 to $500,000 in revenue. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring and existing micro-business owners who want to improve profitability, strengthen financial foundations, and make smarter decisions about growth and debt. Jamie Trull is a CPA, financial literacy coach, and profit strategist who left a successful corporate finance career at Coca-Cola to help women-owned businesses take control of their money. Through online courses, group coaching, and now her new book Hidden Profit, Jamie empowers small business owners with the tools and confidence to improve profitability and achieve financial freedom. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/38020970

579 – Business Poll Results 08/25/2025

579 – Business Poll Results Business poll results reveal the biggest challenges small business owners face, from marketing struggles to sales fears, debt concerns, AI adoption, and growth barriers. Show Notes Page: In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez reviews recent poll results from listeners, highlighting the top challenges and concerns facing small business owners today. From avoiding common mistakes to embracing AI tools, these insights provide a clear picture of what entrepreneurs are struggling with most. According to poll responses, the leading concerns include poor marketing and the tendency to “do it all yourself.” As Henry explains, many owners fall into the trap of unfocused marketing or refusing to delegate, both of which limit growth. “If we try to be everything to everybody, we will likely fail,” Henry notes, emphasizing the need for a clear plan and target customer. Sales challenges also emerged strongly, with listeners citing not knowing what to say and fear of rejection as the hardest hurdles. Henry shares tips for crafting an elevator pitch and reframing rejection as feedback rather than failure, pointing listeners to related episodes on sales fundamentals and elevator pitches. Borrowing money was another hot-button topic. Many respondents admitted to fearing debt altogether or being unsure how much to borrow. Henry stresses that while personal finance often teaches us to avoid debt, smart leverage is essential for growth. He offers his free Small Business Borrowing Checklist to guide owners through best practices. AI usage continues to gain traction, with most listeners experimenting with platforms like ChatGPT or features embedded in existing tools such as QuickBooks. Henry encourages pushing beyond simple content creation to using AI as a true assistant in research, planning, and decision-making. When asked about the most important skills for success, self-discipline and resilience topped the list. Henry highlights how discipline and the ability to make tough decisions are critical traits for entrepreneurs transitioning from corporate roles. Finally, growth challenges tied to lack of strategy and weak marketing or sales reveal the importance of clear, focused planning. Henry reminds listeners that even a one-page strategic plan can create the clarity and consistency needed to scale. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/37931765

578 – Return on Experience with Vance Morris 08/18/2025

578 – Return on Experience with Vance Morris The loyalty, referrals, and pricing power a small business gains by consistently delivering remarkable customer experiences, even when the ROI isn’t directly measurable in dollars. Show Notes Page: Vance Morris shares how small businesses can create Disney-inspired customer experiences to drive loyalty, stop competing on price, and generate long-term profitability. Customer experience isn’t just for theme parks, it’s a competitive edge for every small business. In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez welcomes back Vance Morris, a customer experience expert, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, to explore how entrepreneurs can apply Disney-inspired strategies to delight customers and grow profits. Vance’s journey is as unique as his message: from working security at a birth control factory, to a decade leading operations at Disney, to running a premium carpet cleaning business, and now helping small business owners systematize exceptional service. Along the way, he discovered that systems equal freedom and that creating unforgettable experiences doesn’t require massive budgets—just consistency, creativity, and attention to detail. One of the key lessons is what Morris calls Return on Experience: while you may not be able to track every dollar of ROI like you would with a marketing campaign, great customer experiences yield loyalty, referrals, and pricing power. “You won’t profit unless you implement,” he reminds us, underscoring the importance of turning insights into action. From setting up daily team stand-ups (borrowed from Ritz-Carlton) to scripting customer interactions and reinforcing emotional connections, Vance illustrates how even trades-based businesses can elevate service. He highlights examples from Disney’s “line entertainment” practices to simple home service details like wearing booties or protecting corners, proving that small touches build big loyalty. Henry and Vance also dive into the Loyalty Profit Engine - a retention system designed to keep your business top of mind. With acquisition costs soaring, Vance explains why it’s far cheaper (and more profitable) to nurture existing clients. His approach includes monthly print newsletters, follow-up offers, and creative “wow” moments that ensure customers feel valued long after the transaction. Vance now leads immersive Disney boot camps, taking business owners behind the scenes to study customer experience in action. Participants leave with a blueprint to “Disneyfy” their business on Monday morning. As Henry points out, translating world-class service lessons into everyday businesses is challenging for many owners, and Morris’ work bridges that gap. Whether you’re in home services, retail, or professional consulting, this conversation will help you shift from competing on price to commanding loyalty through unforgettable experiences. As Vance puts it: “At the end of any interaction, you want your customers to say, ‘Oh my God, you’ll never guess what happened…’”—for all the right reasons. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website /episode/index/show/howofbusiness/id/37846280

The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.

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