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

An Entrepreneur's Journey: Getting Venture Financing for a Venture is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- The First Pitch: Lessons from Early Investor Conversations

- Finding the Right Investor, Not Just Any Investor

- How to Build Relationships with Investors Before You Need Them

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Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey often comes with the exhilarating yet daunting task of securing venture financing. For many entrepreneurs, this process can feel like navigating a complex maze, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Start by developing a solid business plan that outlines your vision, target market, and revenue model—this will not only help you clarify your ideas but also impress potential investors.

Networking is also key; attend industry events, join startup incubators, and connect with mentors who can guide you through the fundraising landscape. Don’t shy away from pitching your venture to multiple investors—feedback can be invaluable in refining your approach. Remember, every entrepreneur’s journey is unique and filled with learning opportunities; stay persistent and adaptable, and soon you might find that perfect match for your venture financing needs!

Calvin C. Reed, Jr. is a multifaceted professional with extensive experience in urban planning, publishing, cable television, and real estate development. He studied at Lincoln University and the University of Denver, beginning his career in public service as Director of Essex County Youth Commission and later as Deputy Mayor of East Orange, where he developed innovative community programs.

He transitioned to publishing as a Corporate Analyst at Doubleday Books, then co-founded Connection Communications Corporation, securing cable franchises across New Jersey and South Carolina. After selling the cable company in 1986, he moved into construction and real estate development, building major projects including the Brick Church Mall and Bishop Taylor Homes. He currently operates Platinum Financial Resources, focusing on property redevelopment in Baltimore, and is working with the New Africa Development Corporation on Newark's revitalization.

Leveraging Resources to Help Small Businesses Succeed and Thrive is covered in this video, along with the following subjects:

- How to market your business effectively with limited resources

- Building strong community connections and local partnerships

- Developing a resourceful and resilient entrepreneurial mindset

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Leveraging available resources is essential for small businesses aiming to succeed and thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By tapping into various tools, networks, and support systems, entrepreneurs can enhance their operations and unlock new growth opportunities. For instance, local chambers of commerce often provide valuable networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs that can connect small business owners with experienced professionals in their field.

Additionally, utilizing online platforms for marketing and eCommerce can significantly expand a business's reach without the need for a hefty budget. Moreover, accessing government grants or low-interest loans can offer the financial backing necessary to invest in inventory or technology upgrades. Ultimately, by strategically leveraging these diverse resources, small businesses can not only survive but also flourish in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Nakeicha Wilson is an entrepreneur passionate about supporting small business owners, having started her own journey to escape poverty. She understands firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face and works to bridge the gap between available resources and business owners who need them.

Her experience includes successfully operating a cafe in Newark, NJ, and transforming a run-down building into a thriving laundromat with a five-person team. During COVID-19, she innovated by launching an app for contactless services, expanding her customer base beyond traditional laundromat demographics. Through her own mistakes and successes, she's committed to helping other entrepreneurs build wealth and create jobs in their communities.

Working it Out When Things Don't Work Out is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- Loan Workout Strategies

- Identifying Trouble Early

- Understanding Business Financial Distress

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When life throws curveballs and things don't go as planned, it's essential to remember that working it out is part of the journey. Embracing setbacks can lead to valuable learning experiences and personal growth. Whether it's a relationship that didn’t flourish or a project that fell flat, take a moment to reflect on what went wrong and how you can approach similar situations differently in the future. I'll be talking with Scott Beresford about Working it Out When Things Don't Work Out.***************************************

Scott Beresford joined Fulton Bank as a commercial team leader and senior vice president in the New Jersey market. Beresford brings more than 35 years of banking experience to Fulton Bank. Most recently, he led business development and management as a senior relationship manager and vice president at TD Bank NA, where he served for more than 12 years. Over the course of his career, Beresford has held positions with several leading banks.***************************************

Beresford earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Hartford and attended the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware. He is based in Cranford.

POWERING Your Business to Maximum Momentum is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- Small Business Momentum

- Leadership

- Small Business Finances

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Powering your business to maximum momentum is all about harnessing the right mix of strategies, energy, and passion to drive growth and success. The importance of staying adaptable; the business landscape is ever-changing, so being open to innovation can keep your momentum going strong. Effective marketing strategies, customer engagement, and leveraging technology are also key elements in sustaining that forward motion. I'll be talking with Chip Higgins about POWERING Your Business to Maximum Momentum.

Chip Higgins is the Middle Tennessee President of CapStar Bank and the Founder of Bizzics, LLC. Chip is an author and speaker with a passion for helping people achieve greater goals through the principles he established at Bizzics.

Since his first job in commercial banking in 1984, Chip has made a name for himself by seamlessly matching his keen, analytical side to his warm, approachable demeanor. He doesn’t simply want to excel; he wants to pull those around him up to his level. Every regional bank Chip worked at earned the national distinction as a high-performing bank from Greenwich Associates. While serving as SVP, Business Banking Team Leader, Pinnacle Financial Partners tied for the largest number of Small Business Excellence awards in 2017.

Sell More by Answering Questions Before They Are Asked is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- Sales Strategy & Techniques

- Understanding Niche Market Pain Points

- Anticipating Customer Needs

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Selling more by answering questions before they are asked is a smart strategy to engage with potential customers and address their needs proactively. By anticipating common queries or concerns that shoppers may have about your products or services, you can provide them with the information they need upfront. This not only helps in building trust and credibility but also streamlines the purchasing process by eliminating uncertainties. I'll be talking with Martha Krejci on how to Sell More by Answering Questions Before They Are Asked.

From tech executive to… helping the local business owner.

Martha Krejci, once a successful tech executive, traded corporate boardrooms for a mission to empower business owners at every level. After witnessing firsthand how traditional marketing models often fail to serve the needs of local businesses, she set out to create something different.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Sales-Driven Local, Martha leads a dynamic digital marketing agency that transforms both local businesses and online brands through her innovative approach to marketing and business development. Through the Martha Krejci Company, she provides comprehensive coaching and hosts monthly live and online events, guiding online businesses through systematic, realistic growth at every stage of their journey. Combining her sharp business acumen with a deep passion for community-driven success, Martha pioneered a revolutionary agency model that focuses on measurable results and genuine impact. Her entrepreneurial portfolio continues to expand with her role as Co-Founder of a thriving ecommerce venture.

Today, Martha helps business owners cut through the noise, connect with their communities, and achieve growth that lasts. Her journey from the tech world to serial entrepreneur and business growth expert is proof that innovation and heart can change the game. Featured in Oprah Magazine, Fast Company, Cosmopolitan, Shape and Huffington Post among other places, Martha's intuitive marketing expertise has helped her make her first million in less than a year using this same model.

Stop Playing Small: Communicate Like a CEO is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- Starting a business on a small budget

- Strategies for growing memberships. Hiring a VA.

- Wearing multiple hats when you are a small staff.

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Starting a business on a small budget can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, you can communicate like a CEO and pave the way for growth. If you're ready to stop playing small and embrace your inner leader, it's time to communicate like a CEO. This means adopting a confident and assertive communication style that reflects your expertise and vision. I'll be talking with Marc Williams about Stop Playing Small: Communicate Like a CEO.

Marc is a speaker, leadership coach, and co-founder of Speaker Skills Academy, where he helps professionals unlock their voice and build confidence through powerful communication. With a deep passion for community-building and personal development, Marc brings a unique blend of storytelling, business strategy, and lived experience to support small business owners in growing with purpose. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, he’s dedicated to helping people speak up, stand out, and scale what matters.

Stand out from your Competition and Command a Superior Price is covered in this podcast , along with the following subjects:

- Understanding Your Market and Competition

- Marketing and Positioning Strategy

- Building Authority and Credibility

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In today’s competitive marketplace, standing out from your competition is crucial if you want to command a superior price for your products or services. To achieve this, it’s essential to identify and highlight what makes your offerings unique. I'll be talking with Bruce Eckfeldt about Stand out from your Competition and Command a Superior Price.

After graduating from McGill University in Montreal with two degrees in Architecture, Bruce transitioned to digital product development early in his career, where he worked as a product strategy consultant for companies such as WebMD, Prada, the Department of Defense, and Motorola. In 2003, he founded Cyrus Innovation, one of the first Lean/Agile consulting firms, and worked with companies such as Boeing, Kaplan Test Prep, Simon & Schuster, Eze Software, and The New York Times on product development and Lean/Agile transformation initiatives. Cyrus was an Inc 5000 honoree for five years in a row and placed #241 on the Inc 500 in 2009.

Bruce has been a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization since 2007 and has served in many chapters and regional leadership positions including Learning, Forum, and Accelerator. Bruce has served as the US East Regional Forum Expert and the US East Regional Accelerator Expert.

The Truth Matters is covered in this video, along with the following subjects:

- Corporate Transparency

- Ethics in Business Leadership

- Data Integrity & Business Decisions

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In a world full of misinformation and fake news, it's more important than ever to remember that the truth matters. Being honest and transparent in our interactions can help build trust and foster genuine connections with others. I'll be talking with David Lovejoy about The Truth Matters.

I help founders, executives, and small teams scale smart, build brand authority, and navigate pivotal moments in their business.

My journey started in the tourism industry, leading high-level executive tours through Japan, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Working with CEOs and mid-career professionals from around the world taught me the value of adaptability, clarity under pressure, and building trust across cultures—skills that still shape my leadership today. Since then, I’ve advised early-stage startups, built media platforms, and partnered with thought leaders and Fortune 500 execs on strategy, business development, and executive coaching. Whether launching a new offer, scaling a team, or preparing a business for acquisition, I focus on aligning vision with execution—fast.

Through Horizon Search, I lead a global team supporting entrepreneurs with product launches, sales strategy, media positioning, and coaching. We help people go from “promising” to proven.

I collaborate with leaders across industries to explore what’s next in business, leadership, and tech. If you're building something meaningful—or need help getting unstuck—let’s connect.

Resilience in the Face of the Unknown is covered in this podio, along with the following subjects:

• Overcoming Setbacks & Failures
• Leadership in Uncertainty
• Business & Financial Resilience

***************************************Resilience in the face of the unknown is a quality that can help individuals navigate uncertain and challenging times with strength and determination. Cultivating resilience can provide a sense of empowerment and confidence, allowing individuals to face whatever comes their way with courage and grace. I'll be talking with Ken Miller about Resilience in the Face of the Unknown.Ken Miller. CFRE is the CEO and co-founder of AIVAlution LLC, an innovative firm at the forefront of artificial intelligence and virtual assistant solutions tailored for the business sector. AIVAlution LLC harnesses advanced AI technologies and platforms to streamline operations, provide solutions, and increase overall organizational efficiency. With over 15 years of expertise in business leadership, coaching, and consulting, Ken has a proven track record of driving transformational change through strategic innovation.Holding degrees from Dartmouth College and the prestigious CFRE designation, Ken is a highly sought after speaker and coach. His passion for leveraging AI-driven tools to empower both for profit and non-profit organizations, combined with his dynamic speaking and coaching style, makes him a highly sought-after expert in the evolving intersection of technology and business.