Leadership LIVE @ 8:05! Podcast - Talking Small Business

Why is Healthcare so important, and what can you do about it? is covered in this video, along with the following subjects:

- Breaking the Cycle: Fixing Misaligned Healthcare Markets That Drain Business Profits

- Profit Over Patients: How Health Insurers Cash In by Charging You More

- Reclaim Your Business’s Potential – Every Healthcare Dollar Wasted Is Profit Lost

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Healthcare is a fundamental pillar of society, acting as the backbone for individual and community well-being. It is crucial because it not only ensures that people receive the medical attention they need but also promotes preventive care, which can lead to healthier lifestyles and reduced healthcare costs in the long run. I'll be talking with Chris Hamilton about Why is Healthcare so important, and What can you do about it?

Chris Hamilton is a Partner at Hotchkiss Insurance in Texas, where he leads the employee benefits consulting practice. He specializes in managing healthcare and insurance costs to improve benefits coverage, reduce expenses, and enhance employee health outcomes. With over a decade of experience in corporate finance, Chris has advised clients across various industries, including private equity and oil & gas. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, working out, attending live music events, and spending time with family.

Building A Business That Fits Your Life, Not The Other Way Around is covered in this video, along with the following subjects:

- Successfully navigating working with your spouse

- Living with metastatic breast cancer

- The benefits of guesting on podcasts

- Why tiny niches are profitable

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Building a business that fits your life, rather than the other way around, is a revolutionary approach to entrepreneurship that prioritizes your personal well-being and lifestyle goals. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of creating systems and structures within your business that accommodate your daily routines, family commitments, and personal interests.

By identifying what truly matters to you, whether it's flexible hours, remote work opportunities, or a focus on sustainability, you can shape your business model accordingly. This not only enhances your quality of life but also boosts productivity and satisfaction in your work.

Kandas Rodarte is a productivity coach, podcast host, and internet OG who’s been amplifying the voices of changemaking women since dial-up days. As host of Gratitude Geek, she brings raw conversations with unapologetically real female solopreneurs to the mic. A firm believer that relationship marketing > algorithms, she’s built communities, businesses, and entire brands rooted in authenticity.

Kandas brings 25+ years of online business wisdom, a rebellious streak, and a mission to help women over 40 make meaningful impact—without burnout. Oh, and she’s been living (loudly) with metastatic breast cancer since 2014. Expect real talk, zero fluff.

Branding, Launching, and Financing a business that Empowers Women is covered in this video, along with the following subjects:

- What are the biggest misconceptions you’ve discovered about adaptive fashion?

- As a new company, what has been the response from the diabetic community so far?

- What role do you think investors and mainstream fashion companies should play in inclusive design?

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Branding, launching, and financing a business that empowers women is an exciting journey filled with purpose and potential. It starts with a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience—women who are looking for products or services that uplift and support them. This involves crafting a compelling brand story that reflects your mission and values, ensuring that your messaging is authentic and relatable. I'll be talking with Natalie and Naomi Kinnamon about Branding, Launching, and Financing a business that Empowers Women.

Naomi Kinnamon manages the business road map, the designs, and the supply chain. With experience in operations management within the fashion industry, Naomi has a proven track record of optimizing supply chains, enhancing production efficiency, and ensuring seamless end-to-end logistics. Her approach to operations is deeply rooted in function and inclusivity, with a focus on designing adaptive apparel that addresses the specific needs of people with disabilities—particularly those managing type 1 diabetes, a chronic disease—while maintaining the highest quality standards. Naomi holds a Bachelors in Fashion Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design and has supported her mission-driven brand in driving product development and operational excellence.

As the chief operating officer, Natalie Kinnamon focuses on brand, design, and managing PR agencies. With a dynamic background in graphic design and brand strategy, Natalie brings years of experience in visual storytelling into every aspect of branding—from designing compelling campaigns and social content to refining digital experiences that convert views into engagement and clicks into sales. She holds a Bachelors in Graphic Design from University of Maryland Global Campus and is passionate about using design as a tool to communicate purpose, strengthen brand voice, and create meaningful customer experiences.

What is Community Building? Is it different from Audience Building? is covered in this video, along with the following subjects:

- How do you build a community for your brand?

- How Community Building Drives Customer Loyalty

- Strategies for Community Growth and Sustainability

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Community building and audience building are two concepts that, while interconnected, serve different purposes. Community building focuses on creating a space where individuals feel connected, valued, and engaged with one another. Unlike audience building, which typically focuses on attracting passive followers or consumers, community building emphasizes engagement and participation among members. I'll be talking with Seth Resler about What is Community Building? Is it different from Audience Building?

Seth Resler teaches event producers and content creators how to maximize their revenue by leveraging the power of community building.

With deep expertise in developing and nurturing both digital and in-person spaces, Seth helps foster ongoing connections among community members. These communities not only strengthen relationships but also open new streams of revenue for event producers and content creators. He is the founder of Community Marketing Revolution, an initiative designed to teach brands how to harness the power of community building. Over the past 30 years, Seth has produced hundreds of events, ranging from industry conferences and music festivals to competitions and expos. He has worked with the organizers of industry-leading events, including CES, the NAB Show, and Podcast Movement, as well as top content creators such as The Bob & Tom Show, Audacy, and Cox Media Group.

In 2013, Seth was honored with a citation from the mayor of Providence for launching Taste Trekkers, the country’s first food tourism conference — a pioneering effort that showcased his commitment to creating innovative community experiences.

Message Right,or Not at All, is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- Publish or Perish: The New Business Mantra

- Credibility: Your Competitive Edge

- Differentiate or Die

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In today's fast-paced digital world, the way we communicate can make a significant difference in how our messages are received. The adage "Message Right, or Not at All" emphasizes the importance of crafting thoughtful and considerate communications. Whether it's an email to a colleague, a text to a friend, or a social media post, taking the time to convey your message clearly and positively can foster stronger relationships and reduce misunderstandings. I'll be talking with Barry Cohen about Message Right, or Not at All.

Barry has devoted over 40 years to marketing and media.He has helped numerous emerging brands compete more effectively with larger well entrenched companies. His current focus involves working with entrepreneurs and professionals to help them create and promote their intellectual property to become thought leaders in their industries.

Barry is the author/co-author of five books and numerous articles in business and trade publications and has spoken at conferences and trade shows.

Unlocking the POWER of AI on a Shoestring Budget is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- Strengthen Your Data Core: The Bedrock of Any Good Business

- Navigating Data Maturity: How to Map Your Organization's Growth Trajectory

- From Concept to Impact: Building a Data Program that Delivers from Day One

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Unlocking the power of AI doesn’t have to break the bank, and with a little creativity, you can harness its capabilities on a shoestring budget. Many free or low-cost AI tools are available that cater to various needs, from automating mundane tasks to enhancing customer interactions. By prioritizing your goals and being resourceful in your approach, you can effectively integrate AI into your projects while keeping your costs manageable

Collin Graves is the visionary leader and CEO of North Labs, a leading fractional cloud data analytics firm empowering growing companies with data-driven strategies. Under his leadership, Collin has propelled over 1,000 organizations towards transformative success. Before founding North Labs, he served with distinction in NATO Special Operations during his tenure with the US Air Force.

Business Success in Times of Uncertainty is covered in this video, along with the following:

- POWER Conference July 2025 Review

- POWER Conference July 2025 Highlights Reaction

- Small Continuation of the POWER Conference Theme

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Join me and a lineup of special guests for an insightful livestream as we unpack key lessons from the 2025 Small Business Pro POWER Conference, the premier event for entrepreneurs and business leaders aiming to thrive amid today’s challenges.

In this exclusive session, we’ll revisit conference highlights, break down actionable strategies for navigating uncertainty, and share powerful stories from top keynote speakers, panelists, and entrepreneurs. From securing financing to maximizing profitability, scaling your business, and building resilient networks, gain practical advice to help you succeed, regardless of the business climate.

Andrew Frazier, MBA, CFA, “The Masterpreneur™” founded the Small Business Pro University to help business owners Sell More, Maximize Profit, and Finance GROWTH faster and easier. He is an expert business advisor providing invaluable coaching, consulting, and training services, empowering entrepreneurs to have greater knowledge and enhanced skills, helping them Work ON their businesses and SCALE.

Over the past 15 years, he has worked 1-on-1 with 1,000+ business owners and taught tens of thousands of people about business. Mr. Frazier’s experience includes serving as a Navy Supply Corps Officer, operations manager, corporate executive, Chief Operating Officer, organizational leader, Board Member, adjunct professor, investor, and serial entrepreneur. His educational background includes graduating from MIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, earning an MBA from NYU, and achieving the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Doubling Your Close Rate, Doubles Your Revenue, and Multiplies Your Profit is covered in this video, along with the following subjects:

- Sales process optimization

- Sales Metrics and KPIs

- Revenue Growth Strategies

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Doubling your close rate is a game-changer when it comes to boosting your business's financial health. When you successfully convert more leads into paying customers, you not only boost your income but also enhance your overall business sustainability. By refining your sales techniques, enhancing customer engagement, and focusing on building strong relationships, you can achieve that coveted double close rate. I'll be talking with Doug C. Brown about Doubling Your Close Rate, Doubles Your Revenue, and Multiplies Your Profit.

Doug C. Brown is the founder of CEO Sales Strategies and a renowned Sales Revenue and Profit Growth Expert. Over his career, Doug has founded or built 35-plus businesses, collectively generating over $960 million in sales for himself and his clients. As the creator of a predictable, reliable, measurable, metrics-based model for sales revenue growth, he has helped businesses achieve remarkable outcomes, including raising close rates by 143% and boosting product sales by over 4,150%. Additionally, he is the creator of Vibitno, a SaaS platform that helps people stay in connection, recover lost relationships, and gain future sales and relationships through automated personalized, relevant, and meaningful follow-up.

Grow Faster and Maximize Profit by Solving the Capacity Conundrum is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- Strategic Operations Planning

- Operations Systems That Support Business Growth

- Operations Strategy Meets Business Coaching

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To grow faster and maximize profit, businesses must address the often-overlooked capacity conundrum. This involves not just understanding how much output you can produce but also recognizing the limitations of your resources. By analyzing your current operations, you can identify bottlenecks that may be hindering growth.

Investing in technology, streamlining processes, or outsourcing certain tasks can significantly enhance your capacity to meet demand without sacrificing quality. Moreover, regularly revisiting and adjusting your capacity strategy allows for greater flexibility in responding to market changes. Embracing this proactive approach not only ensures efficiency but also positions your business for sustainable growth and increased profitability, because who doesn't want to make more money while working smarter, not harder?

Scott Springer is an accomplished Executive Consultant providing strategic vision and leadership to revitalize underperforming organizations, enhance productivity, improve safety measures, and strengthen business operations to achieve long-term gains in performance, revenue, and profitability.

Currently, Scott is the President and Owner of Chelwood Consulting Group / Petformance where he successfully develops and executes end-to-end strategies to improve manufacturing, operations, logistics, eCommerce, engineering, maintenance, and human resource management systems for small to mid-sized companies. Leveraging his experience in the food and nutraceuticals industries, Scott created and launched Petformance freeze-dried nutritional meals and treats for canines as an additional revenue stream within Chelwood Consulting.