Small Biz Life

Small business owners work a lot of hours, but why? In this episode, Jeff and Kristin will look at how small business owners define full-time and why it might be time for a new definition. For complete show notes check out the podcast on @ smallbiz.life/142 According to SCORE, various polls show that 25 to 39% of small business owners work more than 60 hours per week. Based on our experience, we believe it's more than that. In this episode, we will explore some critical questions: How do small business owners define full-time? Why do small business owners work twice as much as employees? Where are small business owners spending their time? Are you working below your pay grade? How can we reverse this trend? Some interesting research: 32% of time spent on the business vs. 68% spent in the business and other great data. Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://smallbiz.life/142   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Daily Focus Planner

In this episode, we discuss Fiverr, a website where you can purchase tasks for your business. There is some controversy regarding Fiverr. We discuss why you should check out the site if you need work done for your business or possibly even if you are a service provider. For complete show notes check out the podcast on @ smallbiz.life/141 What we are talking about? Look at all the tasks you do over the next 30 days What can you eliminate? What can you batch? What can you outsource? What can you automate? Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://smallbiz.life/141   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Daily Focus Planner https://smallbizlife.com/focus ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/small-biz-life/id1039595496 Small Biz Life Podcast   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.facebook.com/smallbizlifepod

When's the last time you actually paid attention to all the crap you do each day, week, or month in your business? Today, we challenge you to do some busy work spring cleaning. No, we don't mean do some spring cleaning as busy work, but let's clean out that list of busy work that's keeping you from actually doing the important stuff in your business. You know, like marketing and selling. The challenge: In the next two weeks, identify, eliminate, batch, delegate, and automate! For complete show notes check out the podcast on @ smallbiz.life/140 What we are talking about? Look at all the tasks you do over the next 30 days What can you eliminate? What can you batch? What can you outsource? What can you automate? Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://smallbiz.life/140   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Daily Focus Planner https://smallbizlife.com/focus Small biz life community on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/SmallBizLi

If you have a business that serves people online in 2018, the chances are you chunks of your business on Facebook. Starting with Ads, we have messenger bots, groups, and pages.  Join Kristin and Jeff as they tackle the question, "Have we built too much of our platforms on Facebook?" For complete show notes check out the podcast on @ smallbiz.life/139 What are the alternatives? Ads? Community? Forums? Messenger? Events?   Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://smallbiz.life/139   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Small Biz HQ http://smallbizlife.com/hq Stephanie Blake on Facebook bots http://mysocialsparrow.com/ ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/small-biz-life/id1039595496 Small Biz Life Podcast   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.facebook.com/smallbizlifepodcast/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((

Kristin and I are excited to talk with Michelle Lowery from michelleloweryva.com about Virtual Assistants and how they can aid your business. So join Kristin and I as we learn more about how to hire and start using virtual assistants in our business.   For complete show notes check out the podcast on @ smallbiz.life/138 What we are talking about Why did you become a VA? What should people look for when hiring a VA? Are there any warning signs people should be aware of? What does the onboarding process look like? How do you handle access to client accounts? How do your clients assign work to you? What type of things can you do for a client?  What's the biggest misconception people have about VAs? Join Michelle Lowery in Small Biz HQ and learn why she is so excited! Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://smallbiz.life/138   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Small Biz HQ http://smallbizlife.com/hq Michelle Lowery from Michelleloweryv

Getting picked to speak can be exciting and maybe even a bit frightening. We scramble to get it all ready to give the speech of our life. However, it can be easy to forget a few necessary steps to support our events. Join Kristin and Jeff as we talk about the 5 things you need to remember BEFORE your speech. For complete show notes check out the podcast on @ smallbiz.life/137 What we are talking about Business cards Bring a friend to take pictures Know the tech landscape (what is available to you for your presentation) Simple URL to get people on your list Know if you can sell from the stage If you need help starting your business and feel lost ask the CPA and IT Wizard in Small Biz HQ Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://smallbiz.life/137   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Small Biz HQ http://smallbizlife.com/hq   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/p

As business owners, we often feel the pressure to give away our work for free. For new service providers, it can feel especially tempting. This idea does make us feel good in the short term, however, they can lead to stress later on when we are desperately trying to get more money to feed our families. Join Kristin and Jeff as they look at three things will allow you to help people while growing your business. For complete show notes check out the podcast on @ smallbiz.life/136 What we are talking about Networking Share your knowledge Build your own business If you need help starting your business and feel lost ask the CPA and IT Wizard in Small Biz HQ Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://smallbiz.life/136   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Small Biz HQ http://smallbizlife.com/hq   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/small-biz-life/id1039595496

Kristin always likes to talk about the problems of tax season.  However, for most of you, it is not a season, but a rush of pain to get information to your accountant to fulfill you're a duty to your country.  Listen now, as Kristin, with the help of Jeff, will talk about the 4 easiest ways to save time and stress preparing your taxes!   What we are talking about Know what to expect Simplify your bookkeeping Update everything at least monthly Summarize - do not give detail unless there is a question If you are looking for more on how to create better mental checks and triggers. You need to check out Small Biz HQ For complete show notes check out the podcast on @ smallbiz.life/135 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://smallbiz.life/135   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Small Biz HQ http://smallbizlife.com/hq   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast

When we are surrounded by problems it is easy to get frustrated or flounder. Join Kristin and Jeff as they discuss ways you can do things without burnout and the drama that can accompany any changes that we make.    What we are talking about Assess what you can control Set expectations Be Present Make small changes Check-in regularly If you are looking for more on how to create better mental checks and triggers. You need to check out Small Biz HQ For complete show notes check out the podcast on @ smallbiz.life/134 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://smallbiz.life/134   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Small Biz HQ http://smallbizlife.com/hq Cyn Hendrix from The Pharmacist Awnesrs podcast https://pharmacistanswershere.wordpress.com/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/small-biz-life/id1039595496 Small Biz Life Podcast   ((((((((((((((((((((((

If you are like us, time is a premium and you do not have a team dedicated to social media strategy. Maybe you have become too reliant on social media scheduling tools. Join Kristin and Jeff in this episode of Small Biz Life as they consider important questions for their social media usage.   What we are talking about What do I want to get from social media? How can I convert social-media followers into customers?  What are the best social networks for my small businesses?  What types of content should I post on which social platforms? How can I measure the success of my social media marketing efforts?  What is my budget? What should I do? Look at the current state of your small business social media presence come up with a plan on how you can use a platform.  Create tools and use tools to save time making better content. If you struggle to create a marketing strategy, we invite you to join us at Small Biz HQ this month we will be talking about how to make a marketing plan for your business. There will be 4

The business cycle can be crazy.  We can work nonstop and it can feel like we are not getting anywhere. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself if you are working on what is important? Join Kristin and Jeff as they explore this important topic.   What we talk about in this episode 5 ways we waste our time The 3 things all small business owners should spend their time on 5 things we can start doing now to stop the cycle For complete show notes check out the podcast on SmallBizLife.com Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://smallbiz.life/132 ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Michelle Lowery - http://smallbiz.life/VA    ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/small-biz-life/id1039595496 Small Biz HQ   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.facebook.com/smallbizlifepodcast/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Join

Do you have tax liabilities in another states or countries and not even know it? Nexus is a term that you might have heard but you aren't really sure what it is. Most small businesses don't think about it because it must be something only bigger businesses deal with but states and other countries are getting smarter. What we talk about in this episode What is nexus? How is nexus created? Do I have presence in the European Union (EU)? What is taxable? What do I do if my shopping cart doesn't collect taxes? How do I determine if I have nexus? How do I get more help with this? First, I would talk to your CPA. If your CPA is not knowledgeable about nexus issues, find a consultant who is. If you need help with this, feel free to email Kristin@smallbizlife.com to book an appointment to discuss if you have nexus issues. For general support and questions join our Small Biz HQ Community For complete show notes check out the podcast on SmallBizLife.com Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes )))))))))))))

Kristin and I have both created many proposals in our 30 years of experience.  We have seen a growing trend in proposals. Listen to today's episode as we discuss this trend and why, if you use it, this tactic it is hurting your business and different ways to change it to your advantage. What we talk about in this episode Kristin's Trade show blues The problem tactic that needs to be fixed: Proposals without end dates Why is it used? Other times we have seen it Problems with the tactic Either risk future margins or unduly raises the price you can offer today A customer accepts your offer 5 years down the road Focuses time and energy on inquiries that might never be hot leads lose scarcity advantage Might cause  Counterpoint: Should you use it? You have anchored the price in their head (Sticky prices) Really need evidence  How can it be modified? Focus on upping your proposal game For complete show notes check out the podcast on SmallBizLife.com Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))

Kristin and I easily have hundreds of discussions a year about websites with Small biz owners.  So in this episode, we will be talking about the most common myths we hear about websites and give some simple advice on how to deal with your website. Homepages need to cover everything This is like the avatar problem, if you have it all on one page, the page will fail to serve anyone. Advanced marketing websites are very expensive to set up or Yeah but they are too difficult to DIY You get a boost to traffic when you launch your website You need to wait until your website is Completed to launch it! For complete show notes check out the podcast on SmallBizLife.com Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-129-5-myths-about-small-business-website   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) HostM for hosting and SSL https://www.hostm.com/ Wordpress https://wordpress.org NameCheap https://www.namecheap.com/

We started our email list because everyone says that you need an email list. However, we found most of the platform gurus fail to explain how to use it.  Join us in this podcast episode as we talk the 3 most common problems we see with companies' email strategies.  Your idea of what an email list is is wrong Avatar You do not have a strategy For complete show notes check out the podcast on SmallBizLife.com Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-128-3-reasons-your-email-strategy-is-failing   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Small Biz HQ https://www.smallbizlife.com/hq ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/small-biz-life/id1039595496 Small Biz HQ   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.facebook.com/smallbizlifepodcast/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Join our Facebo

Join Kristin and Jeff as they look at this new tax deduction, that can reduce your small biz profits by $20,000.  However, beware if you do not have wages and you make 1 dollar too much... It can cost you the entire deduction. How the government is incentivizing you because of tax reform of 2017 Deduction tipping point based on all income sources in the household If your business profit is $100,000 you will get a $20,000 tax deduction If you can get the deduction and you exceed the tipping point of household income IRS has not determined if the shareholder's wages for corporations will count as of the recording of this episode on 2/16/2017 Why the Federal government wants you to have employees? Dangers of having large clients for businesses. Benefits of converting subcontractors to employees Misconceptions of hiring subcontractors What you must have to get started For complete show notes check out the podcast on SmallBizLife.com Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes )))))))))))))))))))))))))

Kristin and I understand that we will spend the rest of our lives raising our new son. Let us share with you what we have learned to improve our company so far after having a new child. Have procedures and checklists for EVERYTHING Daily focus planner Baby Brezza Formula Pro On Becoming Baby Wise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep Purchase tools that make your life easier and automate things Trello Butler Create a schedule and task lists Do the most important tasks first – smart agility Always allow more time that you think you need and don’t wait until the last minute so you can give yourself some grace when needed  For complete show notes check out the podcast on SmallBizLife.com Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-126-5-things-being-new-parents-has-taught-us-about-small-business   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Daily focus planner https://www.smallbizlife.com/foc

We have been seeing all the headlines about how social media and how it hurts people.  So Kristin and I pulled together the list of how we thought social media was hurting our small business and did some research.  So check out the latest episode and learn what shocked us... how our business is really being hurt by social media and how to fix the problem. For complete show notes check out the podcast on SmallBizLife.com NOTE: This post contains affiliate links Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-125-is-social-media-hurting-your-business   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Why Instagram Is the Worst Social Media for Mental Health http://time.com/4793331/instagram-social-media-mental-health/ How Social Media Is Wrecking Your Sleep http://www.health.com/mind-body/too-much-social-media-could-mess-up-your-sleep-study-finds 6 Ways Social Media Affects Our Mental Health https://www.forbes.com/sites

It happens every year! Kristin and I start hearing or getting tagged in questions about people who are stuck finishing off their accounting books every year. We decided to ask our Small Biz Life Community for their questions to answer here! How to get the most out of your small business bookkeeping without wasting time I get it. I hate bookkeeping and I am cheap. I do not like "paying" monthly fees. I am a cheapskate. However, this is one of those areas I have evolved.  Kristin has managed to keep the books for all of our companies and families in about an hour a month.   Listen to this important episode that will free up your time, and all you to MAKE MORE MONEY NOW! For complete show notes check out the podcast on SmallBizLife.com NOTE: This post contains affiliate links Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-124-your-bookkeeping-made-easier-questions-answered   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))

So often we hear that spouses are not respecting our dreams, but then in the next post we see people angry with their spouse for wasting your time. Respecting each other is a key to having a happier marriage and is key to living the small biz life. For complete show notes check out the podcast on SmallBizLife.com Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-123-leaving-room-for-their-dreams   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Focus Planner updated for 2018 https://www.smallbizlife.com/Focus Join Small Biz HQ https://www.smallbizlife.com/HQ Sign up for Small Business Tax Update for 2018 https://www.smallbizlife.com/taxes ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/small-biz-life/id1039595496 Small Biz HQ   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.facebook.com/smallbizlifepodcast/