Best Mike Milan And Blaine Bertsch Podcasts (2024)

1
Business Development “Easy-Peasy RFP…sy” on *Mike & Blaine 54:43

9h ago54:43

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…

1
Cost Control “Lean, Mean Business Machine” on Mike and Blaine 56:55

6h ago56:55

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…

1
Thought Leadership “From Zero to Insta-Hero” Mike and Blaine 1:01:09

3h ago1:01:09

1:01:09

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…

1
Building Your Brand “Fireworks and Fumbles” Mike & Blaine 54:12

24d ago54:12

54:12

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 …

1
Talent Acquisition “Recruit Right. Retain Bright.” on Mike & Blaine 58:44

1M ago58:44

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…

1
A.I. in Business: “Brains Over Bots” on Mike & Blaine 57:13

1M ago57:13

57:13

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…

1
FP&A: From the Basics to Strategic Influence with Christian Wittig 35:27

1M ago35:27

35:27

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…

1
Business Finances “D.U.M.B: Don’t Understand My Business” on Mike & Blaine 55:18

2M ago55:18

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…

1
Business Leadership: “Meeting Mayhem” on Mike & Blaine 53:09

2M ago53:09

53:09

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…

1
Business Growth: “Pushing Through the Muck” on Mike & Blaine 57:43

2M ago57:43

57:43

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…

1
Business Leadership "NO. Is A Full Sentence” on Mike & Blaine 56:38

2M ago56:38

56:38

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…

1
Customer Retention "Oops… We Did It Again” on Mike & Blaine 1:00:51

2M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

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…

1
Customer Acquisition “The Price Is Right” on Mike & Blaine 1:01:44

3M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

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…

1
Cash Flow Management “Broke No Joke: Quick Fixes” on Mike & Blaine 58:26

3M ago58:26

58:26

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…

1
Unlocking ERP Potential with Gene Hammons 51:32

3M ago51:32

51:32

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…

1
Business Growth “Client Communication Simplified” on Mike & Blaine 54:11

3M ago54:11

54:11

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…

1
Digital Transformation “From Barter To Blockchain” on Mike & Blaine 55:47

3M ago55:47

55:47

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…

1
Business Development “Old School Sales: What Still Works?” on Mike & Blaine 54:42

4M ago54:42

54:42

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…

1
Reduce Operational Costs “Trade To Triumph” on Mike & Blaine 58:23

4M ago58:23

58:23

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…

1
Business Challenges “Time’s Up: Act Now” on Mike & Blaine 53:41

4M ago53:41

53:41

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…

1
Entrepreneurial Mindset “The Patience Paradox” on Mike & Blaine 54:33

4M ago54:33

54:33

Is exercising patience in your business good or bad? On one hand, thoughtful consideration can save you a ton of headaches down the road. On the other hand, you might miss out on an amazing opportunity and risk becoming stagnant or obsolete. In this episode, Mike and Blaine explore the double-edged sword of the role patience plays in the entreprene…

1
Business Analytics “Normal: Myth or Reality” on Mike & Blaine 55:35

4M ago55:35

55:35

Many of us aim to fit into what's considered "normal," yet often question whether we genuinely do. In this episode, Mike & Blaine tackle the intriguing question: What defines normal for your business, and how can we tell if we fit that mould? From being measured against industry averages to grappling with financial challenges, they dive into what s…

1
Market Competition “Hops and Hardships” on Mike & Blaine 57:38

5M ago57:38

57:38

It was a good run. After almost two decades of growth and an explosion of crazy-good flavors, the craft brewing business is in decline. How could that be? You would think the beer snobs would revolt or come to their favorite brewers' rescue, but that hasn’t happened yet. In this episode, Mike and Blaine speak about the unthinkable: the decline of t…

1
The Financial Gap with Mike Milan 43:47

5M ago43:47

43:47

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch and Mike Milan discuss the concept of “the financial gap” and its impact on businesses. They explore the challenges of managing inventory, the importance of optimizing inventory levels, the financial gap in service businesses and the need to maximize revenue by avoiding idle time. The conversation highli…

1
Finance Transformation with Greg Kautz 34:22

5M ago34:22

34:22

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch engages in an enlightening conversation with Greg Kautz, CEO of Black Owl Systems, about finance transformation and the significant impact of digital evolution on financial systems post-COVID. As companies and CPA firms navigate the challenges of moving financial systems online, Greg shares insights…

1
From Accountant to Fractional CFO with Amanda Mallmes 41:28

5M ago41:28

41:28

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch chats with Amanda Mallmes of Mallmes Consulting, a firm specializing in fractional CFO services. They explore the journey from accountant to fractional CFO, and the impact CFOs have on businesses. They also dive into the benefits and best practices for companies considering engaging a fractional CFO. Ama…

1
Cash Flow: The Myths and Flaws in Conventional Strategies with David Safeer 54:02

5M ago54:02

54:02

In this conversation, Blaine Bertsch and David Safeer discuss the myths and flaws in conventional cash flow strategies and emphasize the value of a holistic approach to cash flow management. They highlight the need for accountants and bookkeepers to be curious and cared for in order to improve their clients' financial well-being, as well as the opp…

1
Crisis Management “Word Woes: Business Edition” on Mike & Blaine 54:51

5M ago54:51

54:51

Have you ever heard yourself say something and instantly regretted it? It happens to all of us. It’s embarrassing and could cause real damage to your business. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about those slips of the tongue that can instantly alter your business. Is this something you’ve done? Learn how to address the aftermath of a communicati…

1
AI in Business “Innovation On Autopilot” on Mike & Blaine 57:10

5M ago57:10

57:10

AI is here to stay, but we still have some thoughts about how it’s being used. The massive uptick in people using AI on a daily basis is an amazing phenomenon that needs to be paid attention to. It is improving people’s lives to the “nth” degree, but is it also making us lazy and uninspiring? Tune into this episode where Mike & Blaine talk about so…

1
Business Growth Strategies “Market Tug ‘O War: Push v. Pull” on Mike & Blaine 51:45

5M ago51:45

51:45

Sometimes, it’s accidental, and sometimes, it's on purpose, but the strategy you choose for your product dictates how you introduce it to the market. The real difference between pull strategy and push strategy is that you can feel it. You feel the market pulling you in versus you pushing your message and product to anyone who will listen. In this e…

1
Business Innovation “Accidental Genius” on Mike & Blaine 50:48

6M ago50:48

50:48

You have probably sat on the couch, saw a product, and thought, “I should have thought of that” or “I had that idea once.” Yep, regular people, every day, take a chance to create a simple solution to a persistent problem. Most of the time, they didn’t set out to change the world, it just happened. In this episode, Mike & Blaine delve into the ideas…

1
Pricing Strategies “Cashing In On Perception” on Mike & Blaine 55:33

6M ago55:33

55:33

For some time now, value pricing has been all the rage in many industries. So, we took a dive into the art of value pricing, where you are focused on the customer experience, not the costs associated with the sale. What might seem like a recipe for disaster could be the very strategy you need to thrive. In this episode, Mike & Blaine take on the fa…

1
Branding Strategy “Wordplay For Winners” on Mike & Blaine 55:24

6M ago55:24

55:24

You hear people say all the time that words f***ing matter. Especially when you are trying to attract customers to your business, in this episode, Mike & Blaine delve into the world of words and their impact on marketing and sales. Words do matter, and they can be used to invoke emotion and create perceptions. Tune in while we discuss the elements …

1
Entrepreneurial Mindset “Chasing Dreams: Choosing Your Path” on Mike & Blaine 54:27

6M ago54:27

54:27

In your career, you can either work on your own dream, or work on someone else’s. When it comes to this pivotal decision, most people have to weigh the pros and cons of leaving the security of employment to brave the world on their own. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about the weight of that decision and the personal attributes that are essent…

1
Customer Retention “Psychology of Satisfaction” on Mike & Blaine 50:10

7M ago50:10

50:10

We all know how it feels when someone either goes way over the top to deliver or drastically falls short. You’re either emotionally charged or pi**** off. In this compelling episode, Mike & Blaine delve into the psychological effects of 'underpromising and overdelivering' on customers. They discuss how exceeding expectations can significantly enhan…

1
Work-Life Balance “Climbing The Sand Hill” on Mike & Blaine 58:49

7M ago58:49

58:49

It seemed like everything got a fresh new start when the calendar turned from December to January. Everything but our never-ending list of things to get done. In fact, the endless grind of goals, pricing changes, policy adjustments…on and on. It just feels like your uphill battle gets harder with each step. The hill may look small, but the shifting…

1
Business Intelligence “So Many Secrets” Mike & Blaine 1:01:18

7M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

It seems like wherever you look, there is an article or claim that the author knows a secret that you don’t. I don’t know how many times we have clicked on an article holding so much promise and been disappointed. Ugh, it’s another clickbait headline! Just before the podcast, we googled cash flow secrets and came up with millions of articles. In th…

1
Business Forecasting “Crystal Balls & Curve Balls” on Mike & Blaine 55:46

7M ago55:46

55:46

It’s that time of year when the internet overlords tell us what is going to happen in the New Year. Don’t be shocked! They look surprisingly similar to last year's predictions. The truth in the matter is we don’t know, but we can make some pretty good guesses based on fact. Join Mike & Blaine as they discuss the need for predictions to be coupled w…

1
Business Ideas “Boring Is Beautiful” Mike & Blaine 58:04

8M ago58:04

58:04

We always talk about the businesses that grab headlines and get you excited, but we often overlook the ones that seem mundane or routine. The truth is: that these businesses are the ones that tend to stand out to a trained eye. They are more predictable and reliable. In this episode, Mike & Blaine discuss what makes a boring business attractive. Th…

1
Business Management “ON vs. IN Your Business” Mike & Blaine 59:43

8M ago59:43

59:43

At the risk of making every business advisor in the world mad at us, “working ON your business, not just IN your business” is a worn-out cliche. Don’t get it wrong, it’s totally true; it's just that the phrase itself might be played out. In this episode, Mike & Blaine dissect the phrase and pass judgment on whether or not the phrase needs an update…

1
Business Development “Sales Fiascos” Mike & Blaine 53:47

8M ago53:47

53:47

We always want to talk about the wins, but nobody tells the stories of the cringe-worthy sales call. Funny thing is, you can almost tell immediately when things go south during a presentation. It leaves everyone with a lasting impression, so let's give thanks to Mike & Blaine as they discuss the warning signs that a sale just isn’t going to happen …

1
Business Efficiency “My Virtual Assistant Needs An Assistant” on Mike & Blaine 1:00:04

8M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

We first heard about virtual assistants for small business owners from Tim Ferris in his book - “The 4 Hour Work Week.” But how practical are they? Do you really have enough work to justify one, and will they do the job the way you want it done? Mike & Blaine debate the tips, tricks, and traps of finding help as a small business owner in this episo…

1
Branding Strategy “Taglines That Stick” Mike & Blaine 57:14

9M ago57:14

57:14

What makes you remember a company? Better yet, what is almost the first thing you think of when someone mentions a company. A lot of times, it’s their tagline. That short little phrase just seems to sum up the entire business. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about how hard it is to find the perfect words to connect your brand with the emotion…

1
Business Ideas “From Expertise to Entrepreneurship” Mike & Blaine 59:08

9M ago59:08

59:08

There is never a shortage of consultants, but the lifespan of a consulting company looks short. In this episode of Mike & Blaine, we will explore taking your skills and turning them into a business. So, how exactly do you leave the corporate grind and find success in consulting? Tune into this episode to find out. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry…

1
Work Life Balance “Time to Tackle Burnout” Mike & Blaine 52:12

9M ago52:12

52:12

Small business is a grind. It’s day-in and day-out repetition of barely moving the needle. Sometimes, we wonder why we put ourselves through it as small business owners. The emotional toll presents itself as burnout, but is it? We think burnout is about resentment, and preventing it means discovering what you resent about your situation the most. F…

1
Improving Cash Flow “Getting Paid What You're Owed” Mike & Blaine 54:55

9M ago54:55

54:55

Just getting paid!... It’s a huge part of mastering cash flow. Too often, we hurt ourselves by not making the most important task in our business super simple. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about making it easy for your customers to give you money. They talk about strategies and technology to streamline your payment process and boost your ban…

1
Crisis Management “Bankruptcies on the Rise!” Mike & Blaine 54:56

10M ago54:56

54:56

We were doing so well. Really. The small business community had finally rebounded from the collapse in 2008, and businesses were staying alive. There was a significant drop in filings from the high back in 2009, but in the last 12 months, they are climbing again. Mike and Blaine talk about how to keep your small business alive. Thanks to our beer s…

1
Lead Generation “Stop Funnel Frustration” Mike & Blaine 57:44

10M ago57:44

57:44

Everyone knows you must have a sales funnel, but what does that mean? ...and why can’t I seem to master it? In this episode, Mike & Blaine discuss the challenges they have encountered building and optimizing a sales funnel, which often feels like a game of Whack-A-Mole. Go beyond "Build It and They Will Come" and learn how to lead your customers do…

1
AI in Business “‘Tomatoes that Rock for You’ and Other Perils of AI” on Mike and Blaine 57:00

10M ago57:00

57:00

I caught it before I hit send but “tomatoes that rock for you” nearly went out to a prospective client who was introduced to me through a friend. Clicking send would have been a double-whammy. Lost lead and annoyed friend. There’s so much more than auto-correct that is helping us run our companies every day – but they’re also putting us at much gre…

1
Inventory Management “The Inventory Dilemma” Mike & Blaine 55:23

10M ago55:23

55:23

How do you know if your inventory is too old? Just blow on it. If you see dust in the air, your inventory has been there too long. Inventory is a real pain for small businesses. Have too much and you kill your cash flow, have too little and you lose valuable sales. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about the perils of inventory and a few surviv…

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Mike Milan And Blaine Bertsch Podcasts

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