Small Biz Life

Public speaking is an important skill for small business owners because it gives us another opportunity to show the world we are an authority and is great free publicity. In this episode, we discuss small biz speaking tips with Aurora Gregory, co-author of Get Picked and owner of Aurora Gregory Consulting. About Aurora As an 8th grader, Aurora was a finalist in a speech contest. She didn’t win but that just might have been the start of her career as a communicator. Some of the biggest brands in business have worked with her to get their message right, create communications programs that connect with target audiences and set marketing strategies – all achieving stellar results. Aurora’s gotten high marks as a communications trainer, helping people develop skills to deliver their most important messages to customers, media and presentation audiences. She has years of experience in leading speaker’s bureau programs that have placed hundreds of speakers at local, national and international conferences. When she’s

There are a lot of retirement plan options for small business owners. How do you determine which one is right for you? In this episode, we discuss all the options to help you find the right plan for your biz.  All the numbers in this post are valid for 2017. Each year, these numbers are updated by the IRS.  Individual Retirement Plans (IRAs) If you are just starting to save, an IRA might be an easy way to get started. An IRA will allow you to save up to $5,500 in 2017. If you are over the age of 50, you can make an additional catch-up contribution of $1,000.  There are two types of IRAs: a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA.  Traditional vs. Roth It's important to understand the difference between these two plans to ensure you are achieving your goals.  Traditional With a traditional plan, you put the money in pre-tax, which means you get a tax deduction now. However, when you take the money out at retirement, you must pay taxes based on your normal tax rate. With a traditional IRA, you are also required to take

We can't believe it's been 100 episodes and almost two years since we started Small Biz Life. In this episode, Jeff and Kristin reflect on where they were on episode 1 and where they are today.  A lot has changed since we launched the show on September 15, 2015. Join us as we discuss what we've learned and how our lives have changed.  Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-100-what-a-long-strange-trip-it-s-been   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/dreambig D Free for a limited time https://www.smallbizlife.com/store/5CQukiiy   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( 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 Facebook Group ))))))))

Money and Budgets affect every aspect of out a small business owners and our lives. Personal Finances matter as much as business finances for small biz owners Kristin and I have a discussion with Melissa about controlling budgets, working towards our dreams, and her new book, "Building My Yellow Brick Road: Life Lessons from Pursuing a Dream". Listen to a great interview and get out and Building My Yellow Brick Road: Life Lessons from Pursuing a Dream and learn more about her business Melissa the Coach and how to deal more about your personal finances.    NOTE: This post contains affiliate links Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-99-money-and-budget-tips-with-melissa-thomas   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://www.melissathecoach.com/ Melissa The Coach https://www.smallbizlife.com/HQ Small Biz HQ   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https

We all experience failure at one time or another. Successful business owners learn from their failures and keep going. In this episode, we discuss how to learn from failure to increase your success next time. What to do when your plan fails Jeff and Kristin discuss the following items this week: First thing is to accept that your plans can (and sometimes will) fail Understand there is risk Go in with eyes wide open Try not to risk it all for an opportunity Own it! Understand the damage List out what when wrong Determine what can be salvaged Determine if there are other wins Make a new plan to move forward Breathe and smile Keep moving Learn from it NOTE: This post contains affiliate links Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-98-what-to-do-when-your-plan-fails   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Small Biz HQ https://www.smallbizlife.com/HQ   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us

None of us want to deal with unhappy customers but it is inevitable as a small business owner. In this episode, we discuss how to save your sanity and your reputation next time you must deal with one.  Before you respond Many of us get a negative email, message, or review and want to instantly respond while we are seething mad. Probably not the best way to respond. Before you reply: Breathe Empathize Do not take it as a personal attack Think of solutions How to respond Listen objectively and get to the root of the problem Come up with a quick resolution Implement the resolution quickly Don't be a pushover Sometimes you cannot make them happy, no matter what you do Sometimes you must fire customers If a customer is too demanding or gets out of line, you can fire customers. Make sure you have disengagement language in client contracts where applicable.  Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-97-how-to-deal-with-unhappy-customer

Small business owners typically struggle with pricing their products, especially digital products. In this episode, we discuss the factors that must be considered when setting your prices. For more information about pricing your services, check out episode 90. The components of pricing There are four components of pricing: Direct materials - These are the materials that go into each unit of your product. This might be the cost of a product that you have someone else manufacture for you or bonus items you give away with the cost of a digital course (maybe you mail a welcome packet or t-shirt). Direct materials can also be the cost of software that is incurred on each sale (if you are selling software as a service or other products with incremental software costs). Direct labor - This is the direct cost of labor to make or provide the product. An example of this would be the cost associated with your labor to record videos for a monthly membership site like Small Biz HQ. This would also be the cost of editors

 Why do we always look at numbers that mean very little? Vanity metrics are the numbers that push most online businesses. However, they are just that vanity. They can make us feel great when they look good or grow.  However, if they are low then we feel horrible. It makes us what to stop.    However, we need to remember that good or bad they mean nothing on their own.  Views, downloads, likes, views, and hearts all mean nothing on their own.  VS what we need to know What we need to look at is revenue, customers,  conversion, cost or ultimately profit.  However, when we start a business those numbers are bad.  They are the numbers of "old" business.  They are not as sleek and sexy as these more modern metrics that make us feel like we are at least helping others even if we are not yet making money. We understand  We are looking for validation as well.  We want profits.  However, we do this to help people. However, the less money we make, the less help we can give people. So we need to look at metrics that tell

As small business owners, we often forget to take care of ourselves in the midst of our busy schedules. Join us for some wisdom from integrative health and wellness coach, Emily Olson.  Health and Wellness for the Small Business Owner During this discussion, we cover food, movement, and energy so you can more effectively run your business. We had a lot of fun doing this interview and Emily provided some great tips.  If you are interested in finding out more about Emily and working with her, check out her website and sign up for a free 30-minute Breakthrough call. You can also sign up for her free 7-Day Whole Food Challenge. Other Mentions Smoothie and Protein Powders Vega protein powders Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein (this is what Kristin uses) Organifi protein powder and green juice (use code WLW15 to save 15%) Shakology 7-Minute Workout App for Apple or Android (Some of the links above are affiliate links) Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.small

Episode 87 - 5 keys to creating connections  Scheduling client meetings, interviews, and other appointments can be time-consuming. In this episode, we discuss appointment scheduling apps that can help you save time and get paid faster. Why should you consider an appointment scheduling app? There are many reasons to use one of these apps. Here are some of the most important ones: Allows clients to schedule appointments with you without the back and forth of email scheduling. Allows clients to pay for appointments before the meeting. Automatically sends appointment reminders. Allows clients to reschedule if needed. Allows you to set up classes or workshops with multiple attendees. You can also use these systems to book other types of appointments like discovery calls and podcast interviews. Really any situation where you need to meet with someone else, you can use one of these systems.  Key features There are a lot of apps out there. In this episode, we only discuss a few of them. When looking at different sy

We spend a lot of time trying to simplify our businesses, but how often do you think about simplifying your life? In this episode, we discuss tips for simplifying your life.  Simplify your home Minimize your stuff Automate your home maintenance Have a cleaning kit Pick up 15 minutes each day Choose quality first Simplify your money Automate your bills Pay off your debt Have an emergency fund Wait 24-48 hours for major purchases Live simply Be grateful Find the root reason for overspending Simplify your routine Having a morning and evening routine Create a monthly meal plan Recreate leftovers Have a few Plan B meals in the freezer or pantry Don't get the mail until you are ready to deal with it NOTE: This post contains affiliate links Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-92-simplifying-your-life   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Episode 86: Finding your daily focus: https://www.smallbiz

There have been some significant updates to email list managers in 2017. In this week's episode, we'll discuss what to look for in an email list service and what the major small business providers are now offering. NOTE: This post contains affiliate links Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.smallbizlife.com/blog/episode-91-2017-email-list-services-update   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))   Mailchimp http://mailchimp.com Aweber http://aweber.com Convertkit http://convertkit.com GetResponse http://getresponse.com ActiveCampaign http://activecampaign.com Free Daily Catcher https://www.smallbizlife.com/focus Dream Catcher: https://www.smallbizlife.com/dreambig 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 ))))))))

When you set the rates for your services, how much did you think about it? How did you come up with that figure? In this episode, we discuss how to set a rate for your services that allows you to achieve your goals and plan for the future.  Are you a price taker or a price maker? In the area of pricing, there are two types of companies: price takers and price makers.  Price takers are businesses with lots of competition that do little to differentiate themselves from the competition. Because of the lack of differentiation, rates are set by the market.  Price makers are businesses with little competition in their field or that have worked hard to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Because they create additional value, these businesses are able to set their own rates. This is where you want your business to be.  If you have ever studied accounting, you probably know that revenue - expenses = profit. This is a commonly taught formula and is the basis for the income statement (also called a profit

When selling products and services, we often spend lots of time focusing on the technical aspects of what we sell. However, we should be spending more time focusing on the benefits of what we are selling. What are you really selling? Every product or service we sell benefits our customers. When you look at Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, everything we sell fits into one of the five categories: Physiological needs - the most basic needs for food, water, warmth, and rest. Safety needs - the need to feel safe and secure. Belongingness and love needs - the need to have friends, family, and community. Esteem needs - the need for prestige and a feeling of accomplishment. Self-actualization - the need to live up to one's potential, including in creative endeavors.  Where do your products fit into these needs? Are you using these needs to sell your products?  In this week's episode, we discuss how to use benefits in your sales process and some companies that do this well.  Other links How You Decide: The Science of Hu

Most of the business owners I have met start thinking about their website in the wrong terms. They worry about how modern or "beautiful" their website looks. However, this is the wrong thing. We start creating the site our first concern should be how our visitors can find the content, product, or service they are looking for and then focus on how it looks? Build your website for the audience you want to attract. I do believe that the style of a website is important. I have left sites that look hideous. However, I mean hideous, not less the perfect or because it looks old. The most common reason I leave websites is that I cannot find what I am looking for or it is not usable. As soon as I am confused and annoyed, I bounce. It is not too late for your site You do alone if you want your site or be modern and pretty.  I far too often do not think about what the user will experience will be on my site. Check out the episode below and learn about the navigation of your site. Start getting considered with the user e

People want to do business with people they like and trust. The only way to create those relationships is to build connections. In this episode, we discuss the 5 keys to creating connections. How can we create meaningful connections? Many small business owners struggle with customer acquisition. Traditional advertising doesn't work and many are leery about social media or just don't know what to post.  Today, people want to do business with brands they like and trust. However, many small business owners are waiting for a prospect to become a client before attempting to build relationships. When you start relationship building earlier in the process, it is more likely that a prospect will become a long-time customer.  In this week's episode, we go in depth on the 5 key components to building connections. These components can be used online and in live networking scenarios.  Be authentic Show authority Bring your personality Provide value Be accessible  Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes )))))

Most small business owners state that focus is one of their biggest daily struggles. In this episode, Jeff and Kristin discuss why we struggle with focus and how we can achieve more of it.  You aren't the only one struggling In a 2005 study of workplace efficiency, the average employee was able to focus on a task for just 11 minutes before becoming distracted. Once distracted, it took an average of 25 minutes to get back to the original task; sometimes, the employee never got back to that task! The most shocking stat for us: on average, we switch tasks every three to six minutes. This explains a lot when you understand the effects of distraction.  Why are we so distractable? Our brains have not evolved as quickly as technology has. As part of our survival mechanism, we were programmed to respond to stimulus. Today, there is so much stimulus that our brains get easily overwhelmed. We are also overconnected. According to David Rock, author of Your Brain At Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining

Being a small business owner can be stressful. Sometimes, our businesses can add conflict in our relationships with significant others. In this episode, Jeff and Kristin discuss ways to minimize this conflict so you can start building dreams together.  Even if your significant other does not work in your business, conflicts can exist. These conflicts usually stem from a lack of understanding between the business owner and non-business owner significant other. Creating more understanding between the two of you will allow for more joy and less stress.  Understanding yourself Conflicts often arise because the business owner does not have a clear vision for her business and how it will affect her life. Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you are in this position: What are your dreams? How will your business help you achieve these dreams? What steps are you taking to achieve those dreams? Are you setting deadlines? We also recommend that you take the 5 love languages assessment. This will give you some i

Do you have an advertising plan? Do you have an advertising budget? Are you just throwing things at the wall to see what sticks? In this episode, we discuss steps for putting together an advertising plan and some of the best options for advertising no matter how big or small your budget is. Most small businesses do not have an advertising strategy; they just throw ads out into the world hoping that something will work. If you want to stop throwing money out the window, you need to have a plan. Five things you need to know before you start running ads What is the purpose of the ads? Why are you running ads in the first place? Don't automatically say it is because you want to sell people things. Depending on your price point, you may need to develop a relationship with your potential customers first. Not all ads are designed to sell. Some introduce you to a new client, while others start building a relationship. You can even run ads that provide value as a service to potential customers. What is your budget? It

Have you cut out hobbies to get more done, think again! In today’s episode, we will be talking a lot about the benefits of hobbies, and they are real.  You can promote the increase of eustress, and decrease your distress.  Essentially, help remove the bad stress and try and replace them with positive stress. As this happens you will see less of that horrific morning and work fatigue.  So much like sleep, hobbies are a great way to promote increases in productivity, improved social supports, and do it while having fun.   Want to be successful like Warren Buffet, try the ukulele After all, don’t all the gurus tell us to model successful people before they sell us a complex system on helping improve our productivity?  And how many of them told us to spend more time having fun with hobbies.   I am still looking for that guru.  I am so sick of trying to work smarter practicing systems that might help my productivity in about a month of intense practice. I have been looking for magic bullets for years which lead to