"Turning Point," hosted by Blaine Bertsch, the CEO of Dryrun, dives into the captivating journeys of entrepreneurs. Each episode features seasoned business owners sharing their challenges, pivotal moments, and triumphs. With open and honest interviews, you'll hear stories of resilience and victory that define the entrepreneurial spirit. Don't miss an episode! Subscribe, follow, and like "Turning Point" for actionable insights and lessons from those who have successfully navigated the complex ...
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"FinFactor," hosted by Dryrun CEO, Blaine Bertsch, brings you into the world of top CFOs and top finance professionals. Each episode features insightful interviews with industry leaders who share their expertise on managing business finances, tackling complex financial challenges, and driving organizational success. Through engaging conversations, you'll gain valuable insights into the strategies and practices that define effective financial management. From finance technology to CFO best pr ...
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Dive into "Business, Beer, and BS" with seasoned entrepreneurs Mike Milan and Blaine Bertsch! Each episode is a lively mix of business insights and casual conversation fueled by cold beers and real talk. Mike and Blaine share their rollercoaster journeys of running businesses and tackling real-world challenges with humour and honesty. Expect practical tips, unforgettable stories, and plenty of laughs along the way. It’s the perfect blend of expert advice and laid-back fun. Don’t miss out! Su ...
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Listen in as groundbreaking leaders discuss what they have learned. Discover the books, podcasts, presentations, courses, research, articles and lessons that shaped their journey. Hosted by: Kevin Horek, Gregg Oldring, & Jon Larson.
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Business Finance “Drowning In Debt or Riding The Wave” on Mike and Blaine
52:49
52:49
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Let’s dive into the stormy seas of small business debt. Is debt the anchor that drags your business down, or can it be the wind in your sails? Join Mike and Blaine as they discuss their experience with debt and some tips you can use immediately to keep your head above water when the red ink rises. We’ll break down the difference between smart lever…
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Marketing Strategies for CPA Firms with Apoorv Dwivedi
25:36
25:36
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In this conversation, Blaine Bertsch interviews Apoorv Dwivedi of fixer.com about marketing strategies for CPA firms. Apoorv specializes in marketing for small and mid-sized accounting firms and helps them improve their lead-generation efforts. They discuss the importance of focusing on a specific target audience and service offering, building repu…
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Join host Blaine Bertsch as he sits down with Mandi Gunzberger, a powerhouse entrepreneur with a track record of launching successful ventures like Babyology and Nourish Travel. Mandi dives into her entrepreneurial journey, sharing the early sparks that ignited her passion for business and the valuable lessons learned along the way. They talk about…
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Crisis Management “Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore” on Mike and Blaine
53:25
53:25
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Are you cruisin’ for a bruisin’ in your small business? From cash flow hiccups to customers heading for the exits, they break down the red flags you can’t afford to ignore. Tune in as they swap stories of businesses that missed the boat—and how you can steer clear of the same mistakes. It’s a lesson in business survival from Mike and Blaine. Don't …
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Entrepreneurial Mindset “Luck or Logic?” on Mike & Blaine
56:21
56:21
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Ever feel like business success is part hustle, part happy accident? In this episode, Mike and Blaine dive into those wild moments when luck sneaks into the boardroom. They’ll swap stories of surprise wins, near-misses, and how being ready makes all the difference. Is success just skill, or does the universe throw in a little magic? Tune in and dec…
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Innovative Financing Solutions for Small Businesses with Jennifer Warawa
19:50
19:50
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In this conversation, Blaine Bertsch and Jennifer Warawa discuss innovative financing solutions for small businesses, particularly focusing on payment options available to clients of accounting firms. They explore the differences in market approaches between Australia and the US, the role of CPAs as trusted advisors, and the underwriting process in…
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Business Leadership “Time To Close Shop?” on Mike and Blaine
57:06
57:06
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It’s been a tough month here in San Antonio for breweries. Two have closed in the last 30 days. It has to be one of the toughest questions to answer as an entrepreneur, “Should I close shop?”. Whether it is financial strain, emotional exhaustion or market shifts, navigating the process of closing has to be done with dignity and strategy. Join Mike …
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John and Mark Cronin from John’s Crazy Socks
46:22
46:22
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In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch interviews John and Mark Cronin, the father-son duo behind John’s Crazy Socks. In 2016, Mark found himself unemployed at 58, while his son John, who has Down syndrome, was facing the "21-Year-Old Cliff," where school support ends and options are limited. After exploring different ideas, John proposed…
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Operational Efficiency “The Struggle To Simplify” on Mike and Blaine
56:13
56:13
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Keeping things simple in business is anything but easy. Our instinct is to overcomplicate products and bog down processes, but sometimes simple wins the day. The problem is – simple is harder than you think, and it can lead to chaos. Can "simple" be your secret weapon, or will it trip you up? Tune in to this week's episode of Mike and Blaine to fin…
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The Benefits of Custom Automation with Wesly Hartman
39:53
39:53
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Wesley Hartman, founder of Automata Practice Development, discusses the implementation of automation in CPA firms. He explains that his company builds custom automation specific to accounting firms, focusing on areas such as client onboarding, tax return processes, and document management. Wesley emphasizes that automation can help increase capacit…
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Brand Differentiation “Words That Win Customers” on Mike and Blaine
57:17
57:17
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You see them everywhere those punchy, memorable lines that can make or break a brand. Words that have the power to compel someone to take action. In this episode Mike and Blaine will explore what makes a slogan stick, from the simplicity of "Just Do It" to the genius behind "Think Different." Plus, we'll share tips on crafting your own slogan that …
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Go-to-Market Strategies for CPA Firms with Michael Haynes
37:59
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In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch interviews Michael Haynes, a business growth expert, about helping CPA firms grow. They discuss the importance of understanding how clients buy accounting services and the need for a go-to-market strategy that aligns with clients' needs. Michael emphasizes the value of delivering advice, insights, and re…
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Customer Acquisition “Turn Buzz Into Bucks” on Mike and Blaine
56:23
56:23
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In this episode of Mike & Blaine, we dive into the crucial post-event hustle every small business owner needs to master. You've spent time and money at that big conference, but now what? We'll share how to turn those handshakes into dollar signs, and answer the tough question: Are you following up or just fading into the background? Tune in to lear…
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Bradley Hamner, Founder and CEO of Blueprint OS, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges he faced in scaling his business. He discusses the importance of sales skills, hard work, and the need for systems and processes to achieve growth and work-life balance. The turning point for him was realizing the value of structure and organiz…
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Business Leadership “The Unknown Unknowns” on Mike and Blaine
1:00:20
1:00:20
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In this episode, Mike and Blaine dive deep into the concept of 'unknown unknowns' in business. Join us as we explore how these factors can catch even the most prepared entrepreneurs off guard. We'll chat about real-world strategies for dealing with hidden risks. Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship,…
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Bringing Simplicity to Financial Reporting with Ed Patton
39:26
39:26
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Ed Patton from PattonTrendr discusses the five elements of financial fundamentals that businesses need to understand: cash flow, operating earnings, financial strength, value, and borrowing capacity. He emphasizes the importance of having visibility into these elements to get a holistic view of the business's financial situation. Catch every episod…
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Business Innovation “Is Your Idea a Win or a Whiff?” on Mike and Blaine
1:02:40
1:02:40
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Not every idea an entrepreneur has is gold. In fact, most of them probably aren’t. So, before you start chasing every idea your cousin pitches you during Thanksgiving dinner, Mike and Blaine will discuss how to evaluate an idea. Believe it or not, it starts with the question: Is there a market for this? If there’s no market, there is no business. T…
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Business Networking “Cake, Caskets & Catch-Ups” on Mike and Blaine
53:27
53:27
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53:27
In this episode, we’re asking the big question: why does it always take a birthday, funeral, or wedding to drag us back together? We dive into the curious case of how life’s chaos makes us forget our best pals until a cake, casket, or bouquet shows up. Let’s be real—we know we should catch up more, but somehow, we need a party or a eulogy to remind…
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Business Management “Fast and Flawed” on Mike & Blaine
55:19
55:19
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55:19
It happened just this week. One of us rushed through a task only to end up dissatisfied and having to redo an entire project. I can’t tell you how often I have had a quick fix that turned into a fiasco. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about the cost of doing things right the first time and some tips, tricks, and traps to avoid potential disas…
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Business Innovation “Birth of Brilliant Business Ideas” on Mike and Blaine
55:07
55:07
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55:07
From spark to start-up, have you ever wondered how people come up with ideas that they are willing to bet the farm on? Sometimes I look at business and think: why didn’t I think of that? Other times, you see genuine big brains solving some very complex problems. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we are going to dig into how ideas develop and are …
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Business Valuation - An Art and a Science with Jonathan Lacasse
40:13
40:13
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In this Episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch, CEO of Dryrun interviews Jonathan Lacasse of Lacasse Advisory Services about the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the current market, the importance of understanding business valuations, and the need for due diligence in buy-side and sell-side tra…
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Customer Retention “Customer Clues to Owner Views” on Mike and Blaine
54:39
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54:39
What type of customer are you? Believe it or not, the type of customer you are directly correlates to the type of customer service you provide in your business. I bet that if you have terrible customer service, you might also be a terrible customer and vice versa. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about the parallels between customer traits and…
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Business Development “Easy-Peasy RFP…sy” on *Mike & Blaine
54:43
54:43
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54:43
In this episode of Mike and Blaine, Mike Milan sits in for Mike Milan while Mike is stranded in Denver. Mike and Blaine dive into the oft-dreaded topic of RFPs. Are responding to Request for Proposals an effective tactic for business development, as Mike contends, or the greatest scourge on small businesses since they were invented by the devil, as…
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Cost Control “Lean, Mean Business Machine” on Mike and Blaine
56:55
56:55
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56:55
When we talk about cutting expenses, we often use the phrase “trimming the fat.” True, cutting operating expenses is one way to make more money in a business, but there is an art to when, where, and why a cost is eliminated. Stop losing money and hindering your growth. Join Mike & Blaine as they talk about cutting costs in your business and streaml…
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In this episode of "Turning Point," Blaine Bertsch, CEO of Dryrun, interviews Ilya Kroogman, founder of The Digital Panda, about his entrepreneurial journey and business growth. They discuss the challenges of hiring and the transition to remote work, emphasizing the importance of hiring for culture fit. The conversation dives into the impact of the…
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Thought Leadership “From Zero to Insta-Hero” Mike and Blaine
1:01:09
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I keep hearing the term being tossed around about how easy it is to become a micro-influencer. First of all, what in the heck does that even mean, and how is that a path to prosperity? Is today’s modern economy and entrepreneur completely changing the landscape of business? Find out in this episode of Mike & Blaine what it takes to turn your ingenu…
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Building Your Brand “Fireworks and Fumbles” Mike & Blaine
54:12
54:12
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Yep, it’s the 4th of July, and we did a podcast episode! We did. This is it! This opportunity got us thinking about all the ways companies try to leverage holidays, events and news to promote themselves. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it flops big time. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about the perceived pressure to jump on the bandwagon to …
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Join us on "Turning Point" as Mike Begg, co-founder and CEO of AMZ Advisors, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his business. Mike discusses his early experiences, from working at a marina to selling on Amazon and launching his own brand. He explains the changes in the Amazon marketplace and the importance of building a profess…
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Talent Acquisition “Recruit Right. Retain Bright.” on Mike & Blaine
58:44
58:44
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58:44
It’s super frustrating. You’ve hired someone who seemed perfect on paper, but soon, you're back to square one. Maybe it’s a culture clash, or maybe you missed some red flags. In either case, it's frustrating and costly. If you've ever struggled with finding and keeping the right employees, then this episode of Mike & Blaine is for you. Tune in whil…
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A.I. in Business: “Brains Over Bots” on Mike & Blaine
57:13
57:13
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Join us on Mike & Blaine as we tackle the hot topic of AI vs. MI (My Intelligence). Discover why no algorithm can match the wit, wisdom, and wild ideas that come from real human brains. We’ll share some hilarious examples and thought-provoking insights on why your smarts beat silicon any day. It's a fun and enlightening chat that proves humans stil…
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Join us on "Turning Point" as Brandon Gano, Co-founder of Whadif, shares his entrepreneurial journey. From starting young to focusing on larger, more profitable clients, Brandon discusses the importance of having a clear mission and vision for sustainable growth. He highlights building relationships, leveraging testimonials, and knowing where your …
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FP&A: From the Basics to Strategic Influence with Christian Wittig
35:27
35:27
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In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with FP&A expert Christian Wattig to explore the evolution from basic Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) to a strategic role that influences corporate strategy. They dive into the crucial steps businesses must take for this transition, emphasizing the importance of establishing dedicat…
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Business Finances “D.U.M.B: Don’t Understand My Business” on Mike & Blaine
55:18
55:18
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55:18
Everyone thinks their business is unique, and no one will understand what they do. You know, because nobody does it like you. But what happens when you think like that is you can’t see yourself as successful as anyone else and end up lost in the fog of day-to-day routine. Join Mike & Blaine in this hard-hitting episode of the things we do that ofte…
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Business Leadership: “Meeting Mayhem” on Mike & Blaine
53:09
53:09
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It never fails. You are in a meeting. You are making great progress. Then, someone derails the entire conversation. Maybe it’s their attention span, maybe you assumed they knew or understood more than they did. In either case, it's a mood killer and an obstacle to progress. If you’ve ever sat in a meeting that has taken a wrong turn, then this epis…
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Herb Cogliano from Aspire Growth Advisors
46:31
46:31
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In this episode of Turning Point, Herb Cogliano, Managing Partner at Aspire Growth Advisors, shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the employment business. He discusses the early industry days and how his father's company pioneered temporary staffing. Herb emphasizes relationship-building and its evolution in the staffing industry. H…
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Business Growth: “Pushing Through the Muck” on Mike & Blaine
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57:43
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From navigating startup chaos to scaling challenges, mastering customer retention, and outpacing market competition, they’ve got it covered. Mike and Blaine discuss the evolution of a small business and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to push through the muck and get to growth. Watch them break down the stages you need to understand to drive bus…
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Business Leadership "NO. Is A Full Sentence” on Mike & Blaine
56:38
56:38
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No is such a powerful word. Nobody likes to hear it for sure, and some people hate to say it. But, mastering the word NO is an art form in the small business setting. This simple word can protect your time, set boundaries, and drive your business forward. Join Mike & Blaine as they share practical tips, real-life anecdotes, and a few laughs about t…
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Adam Leventer, the visionary behind Scriberbase, unveils the narrative of his entrepreneurial voyage. Diving into the intricacies of launching a consulting venture and navigating the turbulent waters of the couponing industry, Adam talks about the evolution of Scriberbase into a premier authority in subscription commerce on a global scale. Emphasiz…
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Customer Retention "Oops… We Did It Again” on Mike & Blaine
1:00:51
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In this episode of Mike & Blaine, the guys tackle the tricky topic of unfilled promises in business. Ever found yourself overpromising and underdelivering? Mike and Blaine share their own slip-ups and how they’ve managed to bounce back. From managing expectations to mending broken trust, they’ve got the tips you need to keep your business relations…
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Customer Acquisition “The Price Is Right” on Mike & Blaine
1:01:44
1:01:44
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One of the biggest questions business owners have is about pricing. It is one strategy that can dictate your success or failure in customer acquisition. Too much and people won’t buy. Too little, and you won’t make any money. In this episode, Mike & Blaine take the subject of pricing head-on. This is one episode you will want to buckle up for. Like…
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Zach Coleman, the owner of creative agencies GymMark and Creatitive, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced in the creative industry. He discusses the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset and the influence of his parents' entrepreneurial journey. Zach talks about his transition from the corporate world to starting…
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Cash Flow Management “Broke No Joke: Quick Fixes” on Mike & Blaine
58:26
58:26
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The panic is real. You feel it. You almost become manic. You need money fast. What do you do? When your business runs headfirst into the realities of a cash flow crunch, sometimes it's too late to go the traditional route. You need some creativity to bring some cash in fast or find a way to get you a little bit of relief. In this episode, Mike & Bl…
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On this episode of Turning Point, Blaine Bertsch interviews Sam Jenkins, CEO of Punchcard Systems. They cover his entrepreneurial journey, focusing on his shift from web design to creating a healthcare analytics platform and the nuances of team management. The discussion highlights culture fit, the art of hiring effectively, and fostering a remote …
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Unlocking ERP Potential with Gene Hammons
51:32
51:32
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In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch and Gene Hammons discuss selecting and implementing the right ERP system. They cover the crucial roles of training, change management, and internal team engagement for successful implementation. They also touch on managing costs, avoiding implementation fatigue, and the limitations of traditional RFPs. G…
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Business Growth “Client Communication Simplified” on Mike & Blaine
54:11
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Have you ever seen two people just missing the point together? It’s weird to see a business and their client having two different conversations at the same time. The client is frustrated but doesn’t know the right jargon to describe what’s happening, and the business owner is trying to solve the wrong problem, causing more frustration. In this epis…
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Digital Transformation “From Barter To Blockchain” on Mike & Blaine
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In some form or fashion business has always existed. But the evolution of it is fascinating, and the basics still apply no matter what shape it takes. What is interesting is how the evolution has just been to add layers of complexity. At times, making it hard for business owners to understand the landscape. Join Mike & Blaine as they discuss how bu…
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Business Development “Old School Sales: What Still Works?” on Mike & Blaine
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At the beginning of our careers, business cards were the staple of business. So was a Rolodex and a phone call. Like bread, milk and eggs, you got a desk, a phone number and a business card and boom, you were in business. With the world moving online in a much bigger way in the past few years, is there still room for old-school tactics? Mike & Blai…
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Reduce Operational Costs “Trade To Triumph” on Mike & Blaine
58:23
58:23
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Most of us have had to devise some type of trade or barter in our business careers. It’s a core function of business and sometimes the only way to get something done. After all, isn’t business really just trading? Even if it’s for cash. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about how trading has come into play in their careers to help them reduce t…
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Business Challenges “Time’s Up: Act Now” on Mike & Blaine
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53:41
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Guess who didn’t come up with a topic for today’s episode? Yep, procrastination gets the best of us. So, tune into Mike & Blaine for a healthy dose of BS while we discuss how we get behind and what heightened sense of productivity follows a period of procrastination. It’s usually a lot of stress and a cycle of unproductivity. See if we can work our…
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