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

Outsourcing your back-office operations with Dida Clifton, founder and CEO of The Office Squad. She shares how outsourcing key operational tasks can free up time for small business owners to focus on growth. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/558-dida-clifton-outsourcing-back-office/ In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez welcomes Dida Clifton, the founder and CEO of The Office Squad. They discuss how small businesses can improve efficiency by outsourcing back-office operations, Dida's military-inspired approach to structure and processes, and the impact of delegating bookkeeping and administrative tasks. Dida Clifton is a business owner, entrepreneur, and efficiency expert with over 23 years of experience in supporting small business owners. As the founder of The Office Squad, she brings military discipline and operational structure to help businesses streamline their back-office operations. Dida is passionate about helping entrepreneurs regain control of their businesses by providing outsourced bookkeeping, administrative support, and operational solutions. Outsourcing Your Back Office: Dida's journey from the Air Force to entrepreneurship Why structured operations are critical for small business success The biggest back-office challenges small businesses face The role of bookkeeping and why it's more than just accounting How outsourcing back-office tasks can free up time for business owners How The Office Squad ensures financial security and prevents fraud Why hybrid work models can be more effective than fully remote teams The long-term benefits of outsourcing operations to prepare for growth or sale Top 3 Takeaways: Small business owners should focus on growth while delegating administrative and bookkeeping tasks to experts. Operational structure and bookkeeping are key to business success, not just tax compliance. Outsourcing back-office functions can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and make a business more attractive for future sale. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Building and sustaining a high-performance team is critical for small business success. High-Performance Teams with Vicky Brown, founder of Idomeneo Enterprises, an HR consultancy that helps business owners develop strong, engaged teams. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/557-vicky-brown-high-performance-teams/ In this episode, Henry Lopez talks with Vicky Brown, founder of Idomeneo Enterprises, an HR consultancy that helps business owners develop strong, engaged teams. Vicky shares strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent, along with insights from her entrepreneurial journey. Vicky Brown is a business leader, HR consultant, and author with decades of experience in corporate and entrepreneurial HR management. She is the founder of Idomeneo Enterprises, which provides HR support and leadership development for small businesses. She also hosts the podcast More Human, More Resources and is the author of Sing with Your Opera Voice: My Journey from Solopreneur to Entrepreneur. High-Performance Teams: Vicky's journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship Defining a high-performance team and why they matter How to attract and retain top talent in small businesses The role of workplace culture in building a great team Common HR mistakes that small business owners make Why delegation and leadership development are crucial The impact of micromanagement on employee performance How to create an effective hiring process that attracts high performers Top 3 Takeaways: Hiring is a marketing exercise—business owners must position their company as an attractive place to work. Leaders must delegate and avoid micromanagement to empower high-performing teams. A thriving company culture attracts and retains top talent, making HR strategy essential for growth. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

David shares expert insights into buying and selling small businesses, highlighting why acquiring an existing business can be faster, easier, and less risky than starting from scratch. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/556-david-barnett-buy-right-business/ Thinking about buying a business but unsure where to start? In this episode, David Barnett, business consultant, author, and expert in small business acquisitions, joins Henry Lopez to share practical strategies for buying and selling businesses successfully. David explains why acquiring an existing business is often faster, easier, and less risky than starting from scratch, how to find the right business to buy, and common mistakes to avoid when structuring a deal. David also breaks down key financial considerations, including seller financing, avoiding excessive debt, and ensuring cash flow sustainability. Plus, he shares insight into how to identify a motivated seller and why the so-called "silver tsunami" of baby boomer business sales may not be what many expect. "It's not about just getting the deal done - it's about ensuring you don't overpay and that the business will actually work for you after the purchase." – David Barnett Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make smarter business decisions and avoid costly mistakes. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Former tech executive LLance Kezner shares how he turned his passion for home cooking into Millie's Sipping Broth, a specialty food brand offering savory, health-conscious beverages in tea bag form. LLance discusses his journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a food business, and the milestone of landing his award-winning product on Walmart shelves nationwide. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/555-llance-kezner-kitchen-to-shelf/ In this episode, LLance Kesner, a former tech executive turned food entrepreneur, shares his journey from the corporate world to launching Millie's Sipping Broth, a specialty food brand that is now available in Walmart stores nationwide. LLance discusses how he and his wife, Lori, took a simple idea—creating a healthier, more convenient alternative to bouillon cubes—and turned it into an innovative product that combines the comfort of broth with the convenience of tea bags. LLance walks us through the early days of developing the product in their kitchen, validating demand at Seattle's Pike Place Market, and navigating the complex world of food manufacturing and retail. He also shares the challenges of scaling, including finding the right co-packer, securing funding, and ultimately winning Walmart's highly competitive "Golden Ticket" opportunity. Key Takeaways: Start fast, learn fast: LLance emphasizes the importance of getting a product to market quickly and refining based on real customer feedback. "Don't waste any time, don't overthink it. Really focus on the simplest application of your product and get it in front of people who might buy it." Solve a real problem: Millie's Sipping Broth fills a gap in the beverage market—offering a savory, low-calorie alternative to coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. "We were selling broth in the middle of summer, in 100-degree heat, and people were buying it. That's when we knew we had something special." Scaling smartly: LLance explains why finding the right retail partners at the right time is crucial and how their online success, including being featured by Weight Watchers International, helped prepare them for mass distribution. Now available in over 2,500 Walmart locations, Millie's Sipping Broth is a testament to the power of persistence, product-market fit, and strategic partnerships. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

When to quit - How to Know When to Pivot or Persevere. When to quit a project, a marketing campaign, a product line, a business model or perhaps an entire small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/554-when-to-quit/ When should you quit versus push through? In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez explores the challenging decision of whether to persevere through difficulties or strategically quit and pivot to something better. Inspired by The Dip by Seth Godin, Henry breaks down the difference between temporary struggles (the dip) and dead-end situations (cul-de-sacs), helping you make smarter decisions in your business. "Extraordinary benefit accrues to the tiny minority of people who are able to push just a tiny bit longer than most." – Seth Godin, The Dip This episode for small business owners addresses: How to recognize if you're in a dip or a dead end. The dangers of sunk-cost thinking and why quitting isn't failure. Why persistence leads to success—but only when applied in the right places. How quitting can free up resources for more promising opportunities. "Quit the wrong stuff, stick with the right stuff, have the guts to do one or the other." – Seth Godin, The Dip If you're struggling with whether to keep going or pivot, this episode will give you the clarity you need. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Randy's entrepreneurial journey, insights on scaling a small business, and the importance of making customers the hero by addressing their deeper needs and solving bottlenecks to achieve lasting success. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/553-randy-shaw-scaling-your-business/ In this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez interviews Randy Shaw, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of BRYTESIGHT, a leading technology design consulting firm. Randy shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from his psychology and pre-med studies at Yale to professional soccer and eventually becoming a business owner. He offers valuable insights into scaling a business, building a strong team, and the importance of focusing on customer success. Key topics include: Randy's transition from corporate roles to launching BRYTESIGHT and scaling it to multiple U.S. locations and Europe. The importance of making your customer the hero of the story, inspired by Donald Miller's Building a StoryBrand. Randy advises, "Always make your customer the hero of the story. You're Yoda, guiding Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi and win the day." Strategies for entering new markets and creating strong B2B relationships with architects, project managers, and contractors. Lessons on identifying bottlenecks and using them to drive operational improvements, influenced by The Goal and Critical Chain by Eliyahu Goldratt. Randy emphasizes, "There will always be a bottleneck. It's like the horizon—you never reach it. Instead, focus on moving it and optimizing as you go." Advice for entrepreneurs: follow your passion, embrace the process, and balance detailed planning with action. Randy encourages entrepreneurs to focus on the internal drivers of their customers, not just external factors like cost. He explains, "Customers buy for internal reasons like risk, achievement, or making their lives easier. If you focus on solving those deeper needs, you'll win their trust and loyalty." This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Growing a Veteran-owned Wagyu Beef Business, KC Cattle Company, with founder Patrick Montgomery. Patrick highlights his journey from military service to entrepreneurship and how he leveraged public relations with Megan Bennett to grow his premium brand while overcoming challenges and embracing adaptability. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/552-wagyu-business-patrick-montgomery/ From Army Ranger to Wagyu Entrepreneur: Patrick Montgomery's Journey Join host Henry Lopez as he welcomes Megan Bennett, a public relations expert from Light Years Ahead, and Patrick Montgomery, the founder and CEO of KC Cattle Company, to The How of Business podcast. In this episode, Patrick shares his remarkable story of transitioning from his military career as an Army Ranger to launching a successful premium Wagyu beef business. Patrick dives into the challenges he faced in starting and growing KC Cattle Company, the lessons he learned as an entrepreneur, and the skills he carried over from his military service to his business journey. He also discusses the importance of building a transparent, veteran-focused brand and how adaptability has been key to overcoming industry challenges. Megan Bennett provides insights into how public relations helped shape KC Cattle Company's brand story and elevate its visibility. She explains why PR is a powerful tool for small business owners and how consistent PR efforts have helped Patrick gain meaningful media exposure, stand out in a competitive market, and grow his customer base. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice for small business owners. Hear Patrick's tips for veterans exploring entrepreneurship and Megan's recommendations on investing in PR to build brand awareness and trust. Don't miss this insightful discussion about building a business with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to quality. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

From Self-Employed or Solopreneur through Serial Entrepreneur—what does it look like and what does it take, to go from running a one-person operation to managing a portfolio of successful businesses and creating a lasting legacy. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/551-5-stages-of-entrepreneurship/ In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez guides you through the 5 Stages of Entrepreneurship, providing a high-level roadmap to help you identify where you are on your entrepreneurial journey and how to move forward. The stages include: Self-Employed or Solopreneur: Running a business independently, relying on personal effort and expertise. Business Owner: Transitioning from solo work to managing a small team and creating sustainable systems. Entrepreneurial Stage: Scaling beyond a single business or location by leveraging market opportunities and innovation. Serial Entrepreneur: Building a diversified portfolio of businesses, with multiple income streams and a focus on leadership. Legacy Builder: Creating lasting impact through mentorship, investments, thought leadership, and philanthropy. Each stage is explored with key traits, advantages, challenges, and actionable steps to help you grow and succeed. Whether you're just starting out or looking to create a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and inspiration to help you progress. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Super Communicators - how to unlock the secret language of connection with journalist and the author Charles Duhigg. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/550-charles-duhigg-super-communicators/ In this episode, Henry Lopez interviews Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of The Power of Habit and Super Communicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. Their conversation explores the science of communication and its transformative impact on relationships and leadership. The Three Types of Conversations Duhigg introduces the three core types of conversations: practical (focused on problem-solving) emotional (centered on empathy social (addressing identity and relationships). He emphasizes the importance of aligning conversational styles to foster meaningful connections, avoid miscommunication, and build trust. These strategies are particularly valuable for leaders and business owners aiming to improve team dynamics and strengthen workplace culture. Actionable Techniques for Better Communication Several actionable techniques are shared, including asking deep, meaningful questions to uncover values and emotions, matching conversational styles for better connection, and using "looping for understanding" to ensure clarity and alignment. Duhigg also discusses how to adapt communication for remote and digital interactions, offering tips to maintain strong connections in these contexts. The Key to Leadership Success A key takeaway from the episode is that effective communication is a skill that can be developed through intentional practice. Duhigg encourages leaders to prioritize listening, empathy, and clarity in conversations, especially when managing difficult situations or delivering constructive feedback. By doing so, they can foster trust, resolve conflicts, and inspire their teams. The Broader Impact of Meaningful Communication The discussion also highlights the broader benefits of communication, including its role in personal happiness and fulfillment. Drawing on insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, Duhigg explains that building meaningful relationships through regular, intentional conversations significantly contributes to long-term well-being and success. This episode of The How of Business, the top-rated podcast show for small business owners, provides invaluable insights and practical advice for anyone seeking to enhance their communication skills, build stronger relationships, and lead more effectively. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Small Business Human Resources management with Claudia St. John. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/549-claudia-st-john-human-resources/ Are you struggling with hiring, retaining top talent, or building a positive workplace culture? On this episode Henry Lopez is joined by HR expert Claudia St. John, founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors. Claudia shares insights and tips on Small Business Human Resource management, including: The secrets to attracting and retaining the right employees in a tight labor market. How flexibility and growth opportunities are reshaping employee expectations. The critical role of training managers in essential leadership skills like empathy, feedback, and conflict resolution. She also offers practical advice for small business owners on HR compliance, recruiting, and creating a thriving workplace culture. Whether you're managing a team or preparing to scale your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights! This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Highlights from 2024 Top 5 Episodes, based on unique listener downloads. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/548-2024-top-5-episodes/ Discover the most popular episodes of 2024, based on listener downloads, to help you start, run, and grow your small business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned small business owner, these episodes are packed with actionable advice and insights to drive your success. Top 5 Episodes: Episode 510 – 7 Start-Up Mistakes Avoid common pitfalls that hinder small business success, from poor planning and hiring mistakes to ineffective marketing strategies. Learn practical tips to overcome these obstacles and set your business up for long-term success. Episode 506 – Budgeting Fundamentals Master the art of budgeting with insights into financial control, planning, and performance measurement. This episode provides a step-by-step guide to managing expenses and achieving your financial goals. Episode R504 – Annual Strategic Planning Explore the 10 steps to crafting a powerful strategic plan to guide your business toward sustainable growth. Gain best practices for aligning your goals, measuring success, and preparing for market changes. Episode R1 – Ready to Be Your Own Boss? Assess whether you're ready, willing, and able to start your entrepreneurial journey. This episode delves into the mindset, effort, and resources needed to take the leap into business ownership. Episode 509 – Finding Your Identity Learn how to cultivate a balanced identity beyond your role as a business owner. Gain insights into delegating tasks, setting boundaries, and pursuing personal growth to achieve resilience and scalability. Free Tools & Resources: Business Expense Budget Tool: Monitor your annual operating budget with ease. Marketing Budget Tool: Plan your advertising and marketing spend effectively. Cash Flow Worksheet: Stay on top of your business's working capital. Annual Strategic Plan Outline: Build a robust strategic plan for growth. Starting Your Business Guide: Assess your readiness to become your own boss. Workshops & Courses: Annual Strategic Planning Workshop Join Henry Lopez in this live online workshop to develop a roadmap for achieving your business goals. Starting Your Business Course Learn what it takes to launch your small business. Unlock the insights and tools that made 2024's top episodes a hit with small business owners and entrepreneurs worldwide. Listen now and elevate your small business journey! This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Lessons from The Art of Shaving: starting, growing, and selling The Art of Shaving company. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/547-eric-malka-the-art-of-shaving/ On this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by Eric Malka, co-founder of the luxury men's grooming brand The Art of Shaving and author of On the Razor's Edge. Eric shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, from starting with just $15,000 to building a globally recognized brand that was ultimately acquired by Procter & Gamble. Eric dives into: The importance of starting small and thinking big. How constraints can spark innovation and lead to success. The critical role of branding and intellectual property in building value. Why prudence, patience, and timing are essential for sustainable growth. The role of luck and how to position yourself to seize opportunities. He also reflects on key lessons learned from both successes and failures, offering actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. "Brands are more valuable than companies, and IP is the most valuable aspect of your brand." – Eric Malka Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to scale your small business, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and guide you. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to create a Strategic Plan for your small business. Use a Strategic Plan to set your goals, objectives and initiatives for your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r504-strategic-planning/ In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez dives into annual strategic planning - a critical tool for small business owners to achieve growth and long-term success. Strategic planning helps you align your goals, allocate resources efficiently, and create a clear action plan for the year ahead. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Why Strategic Planning Matters: Understand the benefits of having a focused and adaptable strategy for your business. The Key Difference Between Strategy & Planning: Learn how a clear strategy drives your planning process and positions your business to win in the market. 10 Steps to Build an Effective Strategic Plan: A comprehensive framework covering everything from reviewing the past year to setting goals, defining KPIs, budgeting, and adapting quarterly. Actionable Insights & Examples: Get practical tips to simplify your planning process, even if this is your first attempt at creating a strategic plan. Free Resource: Download the Annual Strategic Plan Outline to guide you through the process from the Show Notes page for this episode. Whether you're an experienced business owner or just starting, this episode will help you focus on what matters most, measure your progress, and achieve success in 2025. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to own a successful Power Washing franchise small business with Aaron Harper. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/546-aaron-harper-power-washing-franchise/ On this episode we dive into the world of franchising and small business success with Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds, the leading power washing business franchise. Aaron shares his inspiring journey from Hollywood executive to franchise business leader, offering insights into how franchising can empower entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses. Discover how Rolling Suds is transforming the power washing industry with its proprietary equipment, streamlined processes, and focus on professionalization. Learn why franchising is the perfect model for aspiring small business owners looking for a proven system and strong support. Whether you're interested in starting your own power washing business, exploring the franchise business model, or simply gaining inspiration from a compelling entrepreneurial story, this episode has something for everyone. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Overcoming Fear to start and grow your small business, with Ruth Soukup - author of "Do It Scared: Finding the Courage to Face Your Fears, Overcome Obstacles, and Create a Life You Love". Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r255-ruth-soukup-overcoming-fear / "The whole idea behind 'do it scared' is not that you don't ever feel afraid because we all feel afraid. It's that you take action even in the face of fear and you continually take action because ultimately action is the antidote to fear." Ruth introduces the concept of the Seven Fear Archetypes, which she developed through research involving over 4,000 participants. These archetypes include the Procrastinator, Rule Follower, People Pleaser, Outcast, Self-Doubter, Excuse Maker, and Pessimist. Each archetype reflects distinct ways fear manifests, such as procrastination driven by perfectionism or self-doubt stemming from insecurities. Understanding these archetypes allows individuals to identify their unique fears and develop targeted strategies to overcome them. Our discussion also focuses on principles of courage, including "owning your choices" and "recognizing that balance is overrated." Ruth argues that taking responsibility for one's life, while letting go of the myth of perfection and balance, empowers individuals to prioritize purpose over superficial ideals. She highlights the importance of rejecting excuses, embracing imperfections, and persistently moving forward, even when success feels uncertain. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow 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 https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to take control of your time, and trade stress, overwhelm and anxiety for peace, freedom and clarity, with Andrew Hartman. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/545-andrew-hartman-take-control/ Andrew Hartman introduces the "Time Boss" framework to help small business owners regain control over their time by setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and incorporating "whirlwind time" to manage daily interruptions. Andrew shares time management and productivity improvement tips and techniques for small business owners. He also introduces his time operating system designed to multiply your time. By adopting weekly planning and reflection habits, entrepreneurs can reduce stress and sustainably increase productivity without overworking. Andrew Hartman is the Founder of Time Boss, a training organization helping leaders and their teams take control of their time to get more done with less stress and anxiety. He founded Time Boss after burning out several times over, even losing his sense of smell for a season. He has taken all he has learned over the years to build a system to help business leaders avoid the same mistakes and chaos. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Henry's Top 10 Personal & Business Productivity Tools. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/544-top-10-productivity-tools/ In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez shares his current top 10 productivity tools that help him stay organized and efficient as a small business owner and business coach. These essential tools form the foundation of his daily operations, from using Outlook to manage all scheduling, to creating visuals with Canva, and simplifying client bookings with Calendly. Henry explains why he relies on ChatGPT for content creation, how Zapier automates repetitive tasks, and how Mailchimp and HubSpot enhance his client communication and relationship management. Listen to this episode to hear Henry's tips for choosing affordable, easy-to-use technology that can transform productivity and streamline operations for small business owners at any stage. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

1-3-1 Problem Solving Method, a simple yet effective approach to empower your team to independently tackle and solve problems in your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/542-employee-on-boarding/ **Episode Summary: The 1-3-1 Problem Solving Method for Small Business Owners** Co-hosts Henry Lopez and David Begin introduce the 1-3-1 Problem Solving Method, a simple yet effective approach to empower your team to independently tackle challenges. This method encourages critical thinking, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving by guiding team members to define a problem, brainstorm three possible solutions, and then recommend one solution to implement. As a small business owner, you don't have to be the Chief Problem Solver. By teaching your team to use the 1-3-1 method, you can delegate decision-making, develop your team's leadership skills, and free yourself to focus on strategic activities. We'll walk through how to introduce this method to your team, using real-world examples, and share tips on how to foster a culture of independent problem-solving. Key benefits of the 1-3-1 Method include: - Empowering teams to solve problems on their own. - Reducing dependency on management for day-to-day issues. - Accelerating decision-making. - Encouraging proactive, strategic thinking and boosting accountability. Listen to this podcast episode to learn how to implement this method and develop a more self-sufficient, confident, and capable team. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

The 6 Stages of Successful Employee On-Boarding for small businesses. How to create an effective on-boarding process that sets new hires and contractors up for long-term success. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/542-employee-on-boarding/ Go to the Show Notes to download the free Employee On-Boarding Guide. In this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez dives deep into the essential strategies for creating a robust employee onboarding process tailored for small business owners. Employee onboarding is not just about the first day - it's about setting new hires, including contractors, up for long-term success. From pre-hire preparation to ongoing support, Henry breaks down the six key stages of effective onboarding, offering practical tips to ensure new team members feel welcomed, engaged, and productive from the start. Some of the critical benefits discussed include improved employee retention, enhanced productivity, and clarity in role expectations. Henry highlights the importance of a well-prepared first day, structured training, regular performance check-ins, and continuous feedback. He also shares insights on avoiding common pitfalls, such as overwhelming new hires, and emphasizes how a smooth onboarding process can strengthen the culture of a small business. Listeners will learn how to develop a structured approach that fosters clear communication, effective training, and consistent feedback. Whether you're looking to enhance your existing program or build one from scratch, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you create a seamless onboarding experience that boosts productivity and retention for your small business. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Navigating growth while minimizing chaos in your small business, with entrepreneur Garrett Delph. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/541-garrett-delph-navigating-growth/ In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez chats with serial entrepreneur Garrett Delph about how to navigate growth while minimizing chaos in your small business. Garrett shares his insights on streamlining operations, defining roles, and building a culture that fosters employee retention and sustainable growth. Learn how to scale your business without letting chaos take over! Garrett Delph advises that minimizing chaos in a small business requires mindful planning, clear role definitions, and effective delegation. He stresses that chaos often results from disorganization, reactive decision-making, and the lack of proper operational structures. To combat this, business owners should create clear job descriptions, define values that guide decision-making, and establish processes that support growth without overloading employees. He highlights the importance of hiring the right talent, creating growth paths for employees, and ensuring responsibilities are balanced. Garrett also emphasizes that chaos is not inevitable and can be managed with the right frameworks and proactive leadership. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Is your small business competitive? Whether you are starting a business, or running and growing a small business, you must be able to beat the competition in your selected market for your business to remain viable. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/540-is-your-business-competitive/ On this episode Henry shares his thoughts and tips on remaining competitive in your market or expanding and shifting into new markets in order to remain competitive. While the business idea is the "what" of the business, the business model is the "how." Your business model is how you will run your business to make a profit, have the ability grow, and remain competitive. Staying competitive is essential for long-term growth and success of your business. Being competitive starts with understanding your Competitive Landscape. Who are the competitors in your market? What is their position? Are they dominant or is there truly an opportunity to compete or displace them? If it's a new competitor, are going to be able to leapfrog you unless you change something? Topics covered on this episode include: What it means to be a competitive small business. Blue Ocean Strategy. Signs Your Business is NOT competitive. How to help your small business remain competitive. Staying competitive isn't just about competing—it's about innovating, understanding your unique strengths, and focusing on your customers. Remaining competitive in business requires offering unique value, understanding the competitive landscape, and using strategies like differentiation and the Blue Ocean Strategy. A small business can lose its competitiveness because of stagnant innovation which ultimately results in declining profits. A small business most remaining competitive, including refining a unique value proposition, exploring new markets, and continuous innovation. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Achieving small business success requires personal sacrifice. What are you willing to sacrifice to launch and grow your small business? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r239-personal-sacrifice/ This is a re-release of Episode 239 of The How of Business podcast with additional new content and edits. Outline of this episode on the personal sacrifices required to achieve small business success: Definition and Meaning of Sacrifice: Henry Lopez, host of The How of Business podcast, defines "sacrifice" in the context of small business success: Sacrifice is defined as the destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else. Henry Lopez emphasizes that sacrifice is essential for small business success, particularly when launching a new business. Willingness to Make Sacrifices: A major obstacle to business success is the lack of willingness to make necessary sacrifices. Aspiring small business owners often struggle with giving up their current lifestyle, free time, or comfort in pursuit of their business dreams. Examples of Sacrifices: Sacrifices might include giving up hobbies, free time, sleep, and even time with friends and family. Henry explains that launching and growing a business often requires significant dedication and effort, sometimes at the expense of personal life. Financial Sacrifices: Aspiring business owners must have their personal finances in order to start and sustain a business. Henry highlights the importance of reducing debt, improving credit scores, and being financially prepared to go without a paycheck during the early stages of business start-up. Actionable Advice: Henry encourages listeners to list 2-5 specific things they are willing to sacrifice and allocate the time saved toward starting or building their business. He stresses the importance of being honest with oneself and remaining focused on these sacrifices to achieve long-term business goals. Sacrifice - what are you willing to personally sacrifice to become your own boss and start your first business? If you are already in business, what are you willing to sacrifice further to grow it? On this episode of the top-rated podcast for small business, Henry Lopez shares his thoughts on the kind of sacrifices that, based on his entrepreneurship experience, you must be willing to make in order to succeed as a small business owner - particularly when launching your first business. The questions to ask yourself include: What are you willing to sacrifice to realize your dreams of becoming your own boss? Are you willing to sacrifice your quality of life today for something more in the future? Are you willing to give up hobbies, free time, family time and friend time all to devote to your business? Are you willing to work harder than you ever have at something? This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Is your small business Scalable? How do you know if you are ready to scale, and how do you grow your business to the next level? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/539-is-your-business-scalable/ How and when do you plan to scale? Particularly, when will you be able to scale past just yourself? On a previous episode of The How of Business podcast, episode 532, Henry Lopez addressed the higher-level question: Is Your Business Model Broken? How can you tell, and how do you fix it? A strong and healthy business model supports a business that is consistently profitable, can scale and remains competitive. Then on episode 537 Henry Lopez focused on Profitability. This episode help you determine if Your Small Business is Scalable. Topics include: What is Scaling? Signs Your Business is Ready to Scale. Why Should You Scale Your Small Business? Common Fears or Concerns. How Do You Scale Your Small Business? It's fine if you simply want to be a solopreneur. But if you want to grow a business that is completely or somewhat owner-independent, if you want to be an entrepreneur, and perhaps be able to exit your business, then you need to scale to the next level. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

The Five Pillars of Leadership to help you lead a high-performing small business, with Brian Gottlieb. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/538-brian-gottlieb-5-leadership-pillars/ Brian shares his entrepreneurial journey and introduces the five foundational pillars of leadership. Executing on these five leadership pillars allows you to develop a high-performing organization. And help your managers get out of crisis mode so they can effectively lead their teams. Brian Gottlieb is an inspirational business leader who in 2009, founded Tundraland Home Improvements on a plastic folding table with $3,000. Twelve years later, when he sold the family of businesses he created, they had diversified products, expanded across multiple states, grown to 600 employees, and neared $1 billion in lifetime sales. The company was recognized by INC 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. Brian's leadership principles are simple: Have a well-defined strategy, empower your teams, provide world-class training, and execute with consistency. He believes that if you want to build a business, you must commit to building people. This clarity of focus created a meaningful culture, making his company the best place to work in his home state. Brian's book "Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High Performance Teams" is being published by Forbes and will be available September 10, 2024. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Is your small business profitable, and is the business consistently and sufficiently profitable? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/537-profitable-small-business/ And if you've not started your business yet, when do you plan to be profitable? On a previous episode of The How of Business podcast, episode 532, Henry Lopez addresses higher-level question: Is Your Business Model Broken? How can you tell, and how do you fix it? A strong and healthy business model supports a business that is consistently profitable, can scale and remains competitive. On this episode Henry Lopez shares additional thoughts on Profitability. Because generating a consistent and sufficient profit is the primary reason we are in a for-profit business! This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Creating Exceptional Customer Experiences in your small business with customer service expert Samantha Irwin. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/536-samantha-irwin-customer-expereinces/ On this episode we discuss how to create consistently exceptional experiences for our customers. Samantha Irwin is an entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Kaizen Small Business Solutions. She is inspiring and educating teams to create exceptional Customer Experiences that foster loyalty and advocacy, driving both financial success and heartfelt service for brick-and-mortar businesses. With over 25 years of experience in leadership, Samantha's dual background in middle school teaching and boutique hotel ownership has uniquely positioned her to empower and educate business leaders and their front-line customer service staff. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Accounting and tax considerations for small business with Jessica Zoraida, the Founder and CEO of Big Picture Results. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/535-jessica-zoraida-accounting-tax/ Jessica shares her inspirational journey and tax and accounting tips and guidance for small business owners. Jessica Zoraida is an entrepreneur, speaker investor in women and person-of-color owned companies, and the CEO of Big Picture Results Inc., an Accounting and Tax company that helps small to mid-sized businesses bring more to the bottom line. Over the past 25 years, Jessica has learned hands-on best practices across Corporate Banking, Government and Small Business. Question topics addressed in this episode include: What are your recommendations for small business owners as to when and how to leverage the knowledge and expertise of a Bookkeeper and CPA? When should I hire a bookkeeper or CPA for my small business? What should I expect from a good CPA firm? How do I find a CPA for my small business? When should a small business owner consider engaging a Fractional CFO? What are one or two common mistakes small business owners make that keep them from being able to potentially realize tax savings? What's a common mistake small business owners make that could potentially result in getting in trouble with the IRS? If my small business financials are a mess, where should I start? This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

You need a Marketing Strategy before you spend on marketing or advertisement for your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/534-before-you-spend-on-marketing/ Henry Lopez, host of The How of Business podcast for small business, shares his tips and guidance on how to develop an effective marketing strategy before you spend any money, or any more money, on marketing or advertisement. The primary goal of marketing is to generate interest in a company's products or services, attract new customers, retain existing ones, and ultimately drive sales and profitability. Marketing helps businesses understand their customers, build strong brands, and create value both for the company and its customers. This episode highlights the 7 components of an effective marketing strategy for your business: Define Your Avatar or Ideal Client. Understand their Pains or Aspirations (that you can help them with). Describe the transformation you will help them achieve. Explain how your product or service will help them. Develop your Branding. Create and execute a Marketing Plan. Measure performance and adjust. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Experiences and insights from operating her successful Travel Consulting small business and working with her spouse and other family members in a small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/533-pam-lopez-travel-consulting/ Pamela Lopez is a small business owner, and her latest business venture is L3 Destination, a custom travel consulting business she started in 2014. Over the past 10 years Pam has successfully helped her travel clients to create custom voyages around the world. From European trips to adventures in Alaska and Antarctica, and Crises to all parts of the world – Pam has helped hundreds of individuals and families realize their travel dreams! Pam started her work career as a flight attendant with American Airlines, and after 14 years with American she took an early retirement package to stay home and raise her daughter Makena. Her first small business experience came when she helped Henry with Old World Salons, a salon suites business we bought, owned for six years, and then sold in 2014. Pam was responsible for the back-office operations, including accounts payable and banking, and managed the front-desk staff. A travel consulting small business specializes in helping clients plan and book their travel experiences, whether for leisure or business. It offers personalized services that may include creating customized itineraries, booking flights and accommodations, arranging tours, and providing travel advice. This small business often focuses on niche markets, such as luxury travel, adventure travel, cruising, or specific destinations, allowing consultants to provide expert knowledge and tailored recommendations. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Is Your Small Business Model Broken? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/532-broken-business-model/ Is your small business model broken? How can you tell, and how do you fix it? And what do I mean by a Business Model? The Business Idea is WHAT you do, and the Business Model is HOW you do it. And how you do it must result in profits and the ability to scale. A strong and healthy business model supports a small business that is consistently profitable and that can scale. How do you know if I have a strong or viable Business Model? Ask yourself these three questions (whether you are starting a business or running an existing business): Are you making a profit? Can you scale? Can you compete? On this episode Henry Lopez helps you determine if you have a solid business model, whether you are starting your first business or already have an established small business. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to grow a Medical Practice with Dr. Ramesh Rao. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/531-dr-rao-growing-medical-practice/ Dr. Ramesh Rao shares his immigrant and entrepreneurial journey and his insights and experience with growing a medical practice. Dr. Rao also shares his insights on how he has helped his wife build her successful practice. They now work together to continue growing Prima Medicine. Dr. Rao came to America as a student 33 years ago, with $200 in his pocket, and the US has been his home ever since. He earned a master's degree in Neuroscience from Rutgers university, and subsequently did Postgraduate Medical Training for almost seven years. He is a Physician with board certification in Radiology and in Nuclear Medicine. Until recently, he was a partner at a large radiology practice in the Washington DC Metro area for 21 years. His wife, Dr. Chethana Rao, started her own medical practice 12 years ago. In recent years that practice has grown significantly, and Ramesh's is now focused on helping his wife build Prima Medicine. They are now on the path to building a local network of Primary Care and Urgent Care centers in the Virginia Suburbs of Washington DC. Ramesh played an instrumental role in launching their 1st Urgent Care center in Fairfax, Virginia. Over the past couple of years Prima Medicine has introduced new lines of service, including Concierge Medical Care, and Bariatric Medicine. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to make Complex Decisions in your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/530-complex-decision-making/ Learn more about Complex Decision Making with co-hosts Henry Lopez and David Begin. How do you make those critical or complex decisions that significantly impact the success of your business and your life? Henry and David dive deeper into the topic of Complex Decision Making. They explored everyday Decision Making on episode 526, and on this episode, they share their techniques and recommended method for complex decision making. Small Business Owners must make decisions. Big decisions, small choices; all day, every day! While you can and should delegate most of the day-to-day decisions, as the CEO of your business you remain responsible for the big complex decisions that must be made. And often, there may not be an obvious or "right" answer. Making big decisions can be daunting for small business owners, but following a structured approach can help ensure the best possible outcomes for the bigger decisions. And then over time, you develop the habit and ability to make big decisions more effectively. The 4-step decision making structure we propose includes the Decision Matrix Analysis (also known as the Weighted Decision Matrix or Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis). This tool helps you systematically evaluate and compare different options based on a set of defined criteria, allowing for a more structured and objective decision-making process. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to build a Multi-Six Figure Etsy Business with Dylan Jahraus. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/529-dylan-jahraus-etsy-business/ Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. Etsy offers 100M+ items for sale, 9M active sellers, 96M+ active buyers, and people buying and selling in nearly every country in the world. Dylan Jahraus is a seasoned e-commerce entrepreneur with 10+ years of experience who transitioned from corporate e-commerce into scaling e-commerce entrepreneurs. Her e-commerce acumen fueled an Etsy venture, propelling her shop to over $1M in profit within 6.5 years. In 2022, Dylan launched the Multi-Six Figure Etsy Blueprint. She fosters a vibrant community of 60,000+ YouTube subscribers and a top Etsy podcast, "Etsy Seller Success with Dylan Jahraus," with 400,000+ downloads. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to become a Home Service Business Millionaire with Tommy Mello. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/528-tommy-mello-home-service-millionaire/ Tommy Mello shares his inspiring entrepreneur journey, how he went from $50,000 in debt to a $30 Million+ business in seven years, and his experiences and insights on home services businesses. Tommy is a highly experienced and successful home services industry entrepreneur. His current service business is about to cross the $220M mark in revenue with over 700 employees in 20 states. But Tommy understands that we all must start somewhere. Overcoming tremendous challenges early in his life gave him the motivation to help other business owners succeed just like he did. And that's the main reason he created the Home Service Expert brand, and he shares so many learning resources like the Home Service Expert podcast, and events like the Freedom Event. Tommy has been published in top publications like Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and Inc. Magazine, and is the author of the best-seller books "Home Service Millionaire: How I Went from $50,000 in Debt to a $30 Million+ Business in Seven Years" and "Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins." This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Google Ads for Small Business with digital marketing expert Adam Mann from Oostas. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/527-small-business-google-ads/ From a non-technical perspective, Henry and Adam share tips and techniques on how to best use Google Ads (pay-per-click ads on Google search) to promote and grow your small business. Adam is Google Ads certified, and a Digital Search Specialist with Oostas. Oostas is a digital Marketing agency that delivers results for small business owners, and a long-time trusted service partner of The How of Business podcast for digital marketing. Oostas services include Website Design, SEO, Social Media marketing, and Pay-per-Click or Paid Search marketing. Oostas founder and CEO, Adam Kirk, has been a guest on this podcast multiple times. Using Google Ads to promote your small business offers several key benefits, including targeted advertising that reaches potential customers based on specific keywords, demographics, and geographic locations. It provides measurable results through detailed analytics, allowing small businesses to track the performance of their ads and optimize them for better outcomes. Google Ads can increase website traffic, generate leads, and boost sales by placing your business at the top of search engine results pages, enhancing visibility and credibility. These features make Google Ads a cost-effective and efficient marketing tool for small businesses looking to expand their reach and achieve specific marketing goals. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Embracing and improving decision making for small business owners, with hosts Henry Lopez and David Begin. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/526-decision-making/ As the business owner, you, and perhaps your partners, must make all the important decisions. You can't push it up the ladder to your boss or ask a committee to come up with a consensus opinion. How do we avoid Decision Paralysis and make the big decisions necessary to start, and then continue to run and grow a successful small business? Small business owners must make decisions. Big decisions, along with small choices; all day, every day! To be a successful business owner, you must want to be the decision maker. Get the free download "2 Responsibilities Business Owners Must Embrace" at the show notes page for this episode. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Managing perfectionism in the small business workplace with Greg Chasson. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/525-greg-chasson-managing-perfectionism/ How do we understand and mitigate the negative impacts of perfectionism, including burnout and staff turnover? How do you increase productivity by overcoming perfectionism in your small business workplace? Greg is the author of "Flawed: Why Perfectionism is a Challenge for Management." Dr. Greg Chasson, PhD, ABPP, is an international keynote speaker, esteemed psychologist, board-certified cognitive-behavioral therapist, researcher, and educator. He's an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, where he's also the Director of Behavioral Interventions of the Obsessive-Compulsive & Related Disorders Clinic. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Top 5 Reasons Small Businesses Fail with host Henry Lopez. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/524-5-reasons-businesses-fail/ Top 5 Reasons Small Businesses Fail – Is your Business Model Broken? This Top 5 Reasons Small Businesses Fail list is based on Henry's experiences as a business owner and business coach and available research and studies. Businesses can fail for any number of reasons, and often for a combination of reasons. Sometimes it may be out of our control but mostly it's due to "operator error". It's because we either have a flawed business model or because we executed poorly. A great Business Idea is not the same as a solid Business Model – can the business operate profitably, and can it scale? On this episode Henry Lopez shares the top five reasons small businesses fail and tips on how to avoid them. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

The 80/20 CEO: how to take command of your small business like a corporate CEO with Bill Canady. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/523-bill-canady-80-20-ceo/ Bill shares his inspirational journey, and highlights from his new book "The 80/20 CEO: Take command of your business in 100 Days". He shares his vast experience in business management and how to better take command of your small business like a Chief Executive Officer. Bill Canady has over 30 years of experience as a global business executive in a variety of industries and markets focused on industrial and consumer products and services. As a leader, he concentrates on aligning with key stakeholders to set a clear and compelling vision to rally an organization to drive growth, control costs, and increase profitability. One of the keys to his success is he develops strong leaders and management teams and establishes deep relationships. His experience encompasses global public, private, and sponsor-owned companies. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Managing Priorities – how to create better plans and make smarter business decisions with guest Harry Max. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/522-harry-max-managing-priorities/ Harry shares his insights and tips on managing priorities and how improving our prioritization skills leads to better planning and smarter decision making. Harry Max is an executive player-coach, consultant, and hands-on product design and development leader with vision and a solid grasp of operations. He is a managing partner at Peak Priorities, LLC. Harry works with senior leaders and their teams to help them realize their visions by zeroing in on pragmatic solutions to complex challenges. Harry Max is the author of the book "Managing Priorities – How to Create Better Plans and Make Smarter Decisions." This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Transforming the laundry industry with Daniel Feliciano, CEO of Clotheslyne. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/521-daniel-feliciano-transforming-laundry/ Daniel shares his inspiring entrepreneur journey and his experience with launching and growing Clotheslyne. Clotheslyne is transforming the laundry industry through a unique, app-based two-sided marketplace. Their mission is to simplify laundry chores by connecting customers with local gig workers for convenient, reliable service. "Your Laundry. Done, folded, delivered." Daniel Feliciano is the CEO of Clotheslyne - Clotheslyne a pioneering gig economy company offering on-demand laundry service in 9 states and growing. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Buy or sell a small business through the BizBuySell Marketplace, with Bob House. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/520-bob-house-biz-buy-sell/ Bob shares his unique perspectives on how you can buy or sell a small business through an online marketplace like BizBuySell.com. Robert A. House is the President of Business for Sale. He joined the company in 2012 and leads CoStar Group's business for sale marketplace websites including BizBuySell.com, BizQuest.com and FindaFranchise.com. These websites represent the largest database of business for sale listings in the country. BizBuySell.com offers the internet's largest business-for-sale marketplace, with approximately 65,000 business for sale listings annually available in the U.S., Canada, and Worldwide. Buyer resources include free valuation, buyer workbooks and business search capabilities. Seller resources include free valuation, business listing tools, and 3 listing categories. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to tap into hidden wisdom by asking the people around you, leading to smarter decisions, more creative solutions, and deeper relationships with guest Jeff Wetzler. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/519-jeff-wetzler-tap-into-wisdom/ Learn how the insights you need, to make smarter decisions, develop more creative solutions, faster improvements, and deeper connections, are hidden in plain sight. The insights we need live in the heads and hearts of people right around you. Yet too often, people don't tell you what you most need to hear. Jeff Wetzler has been on a quarter-century quest to transform learning opportunities. Blending a unique set of leadership experiences in the fields of business and education, he's pursued this quest as a management consultant to the world's top corporations, as a learning facilitator for leaders around the world, as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America, and most recently, as co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized innovation organization. Jeff is the author of the new book "Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life." This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to buy an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Business with business broker Patrick Lange. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/518-buying-hvac-business/ Patrick Lange is back on the show to share the latest in HVAC business ownership opportunities. He helps people buy and sell heating and air companies. According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA): The U.S. HVAC services market is predicted to grow to $35.8 billion by 2030. This growth is partly fueled by the demand for energy efficiency, and booming construction. Patrick Lange with Business Modification Group specializes in the sale and acquisition of heating and air companies. Patrick has been an entrepreneur his entire life buying, growing, and selling businesses in multiple industries, including owning a residential heating and air company. Patrick is considered an expert in the field of business brokerage, having earned multiple awards for transactions and dollar volume of business sold. Patrick decided several years ago to focus exclusively on heating and air companies after seeing a need for someone with specific knowledge of the industry as well as the ability to market these businesses in an effective manner to help his clients achieve predictable results. Since he made that transition, he has sold more heating and air companies than any other broker. In addition to facilitating the sale of heating and air companies, Patrick also provides valuations for those who are interested in learning the current value of their business in the market as well as strategies to increase the potential selling price.. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Hiring front-line workers, the staff who work directly with your customers, clients, patients or other consumers of your services or products, with recruiting and HR expert Thad Price. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/517-thad-price-hiring-workers/ Thad shares his experience, insights and best practices on how to hire essential front line workers for your small business. Thad Price is CEO of Austin-based ReadySetHire and Talroo. ReadySetHire is the new product for small-to-medium sized businesses, franchisees, and recruiters seeking to hire frontline and essential workers. It's powered by Talroo, the multi-award-winning talent matching platform for enterprises designed for sourcing essential and hourly workers. Thad has more than 20 years of experience in the online recruitment and job search industry, is a recognized thought leader in the HR and talent acquisition space, and he genuinely believes that there is no industry that plays a more integral role in the economy. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How the Savannah Bananas baseball team stand out and get noticed with guest Jesse Cole. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r180-stand-out-get-noticed/ Instead of traditional marketing methods, Jesse applies unconventional promotional tactics that are fun and attract attention and a loyal following of fans. You might be thinking, what can I learn from an owner of a baseball team – well this is not your usual sports team. We are talking about the Savannah Bananas, which have become a huge success due to their unique approach to marketing. And so much of what they do can be applied to any small business. Jesse Cole, also known as "the guy in the yellow tuxedo" is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and the owner of the world-famous Savannah Bananas as well as the Party Animals and Firefighters. With the mantra "Fans First. Entertain Always", the Bananas are on a mission to Make Baseball Fun by creating the Greatest Show in Sports. The team has sold out every game since their inaugural season in Savannah and has since grown a ticket waitlist of more than 2 million fans from all over the world. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez with co-host David Begin. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Objection Handling – how to handle objections when selling, although these tips can apply to any situation when you are handling or responding to objections in your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/516-objection-handling/ Topics discussed on this episode include: What is Objection Handling? Top 3 Common Reasons for Objections. How to use the "FEEL, FELT, FOUND" objection handling method. Other sales objection handling tips and techniques. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez with co-host David Begin. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Scaling Tiege Hanley, a direct-to-consumer men's skin care product company, with co-founder Kelley Thornton. Show Notes page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/515-kelley-thornton-scaling-tiege-hanley/ Kelley shares his entrepreneur journey, and how he launched and scaled Tiege Hanley (starting at 15:11) - providing "Uncomplicated Skin Care for Men" through their online site. Tiege is an e-commerce company with the mission of Helping Men Look and Feel Amazing. With the help of Aaron Marino, a YouTuber with over 6,000,000 followers, and Rob Hoxie, the business has evolved organically, with over 500,000 customers globally and over $100MM in lifetime sales. Henry Lopez is the host of The How of Business podcast – helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Fixing vs Solving Small Business Problems - how to identify and resolve the root cause of problems in your business, instead of just fixing the symptoms. Show Notes page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r200-fixing-vs-solving-problems/ This is a re-release of Episode 200 of The How of Business podcast with additional new content and edits. On this episode, Henry Lopez and co-host David Begin discus the importance (and how to) of addressing root cause problems rather than just fixing symptoms - and why this is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of your small businesses. It's about the difference between just fixing the symptoms, versus identifying and solving the true root cause problems. By focusing on the 5 strategies Henry shares at the start of this episode, small business owners can more effectively solve the underlying issues affecting their businesses, leading to more sustainable growth and success. Henry Lopez is the host of The How of Business podcast – helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How do we create extraordinary places for our customers, clients, patients, staff that support the growth of our small business? Show Notes page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/514-kevin-kelley-extraordinary-places/ Kevin Kelley is with us today to share his thoughts and insights on how to create extraordinary places that help us connect with people. The questions he will help us answer include: Do we still need physical places like grocery stores, restaurants, and office buildings? Or will the "Replacement Economy" led by the tech titans and retail giants wipe out these venues? What about museums, universities, and performing arts venues? Is there still a place for these thousand-year-old institutions in our lives? Or are we holding onto them out of habit, guilt, or nostalgia? Kevin Ervin Kelley, AIA, is an award-winning architect, experience designer, and co-founder of the bi-coastal strategic design firm Shook Kelley. As a lifelong advocate of bringing people together in prosocial settings, Kevin's expertise is in studying how the environment of a place affects our behavior, perception, and decision-making. Since starting the strategic design firm in 1992, he has worked with executive leadership teams for some of the world's most well-known brands, such as Harley-Davidson, Whole Foods, Kraft, JM Smucker, The Cleveland Orchestra, professional sports teams, universities, urban districts, and hundreds of local and regional businesses to stay relevant and profitable in our rapidly changing modern landscape. In addition to being a frequent speaker at retail, food, and other consumer conferences in the U.S. and abroad, Kevin taught courses at Harvard University and his alma mater, the University of N.C. at Charlotte. As technological replacements increasingly decimate the physical world and human interaction, Kevin gives away everything he's learned in the field and the boardroom in his debut book, "Irreplaceable: How to Create Extraordinary Places that Bring People Together". Henry Lopez is the host of The How of Business podcast – helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com