Navigating the Struggles of Change with Sarah Blesi

Struggles Presented by NCBI

Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

about a year ago 12:03

MP3•Episode home

In this episode of the Struggles podcast, guest Sarah Blesi discusses the challenges business owners face when embracing change. Sarah shares her own journey of overcoming resistance to adopting AI in her business and the benefits it brought in terms of efficiency. The conversation highlights fear as a major barrier to change and suggests tackling it by taking incremental steps, seeking advice from trusted advisors, and conducting thorough research. Chris Inman, the host, and Sarah emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding the motivations of those involved in the change process. They address the need to protect and support people during transitions and acknowledge that change can introduce new challenges. Ultimately, the episode encourages stepping out of comfort zones and collaborating with industry peers or even competitors to drive growth and improvement.

Key Topics Discussed:

Embracing Change and Efficiency [00:00]
Overcoming Fear-Based Resistance [03:19]
Importance of Trusted Advisors in Change [04:08]
Real-World Examples: Implementing Technology [04:45]
Empathy in Leadership and Change [06:50]
Identifying and Addressing Mindset Problems [07:41]
Challenges of Implementing New Processes [09:00]
Managing Unforeseen Consequences of Change [10:29]

Listen in and get ready to navigate the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship with newfound confidence and perspective. Don't forget to subscribe, listen, and share with others who might benefit from these invaluable insights.

Support the show

Chapters

1. Embracing AI for Efficiency (00:00:00)

2. Embrace Risk for Growth (00:05:21)

3. "Empathy and Reading the Room" (00:06:50)

4. Unintended Consequences of Change (00:09:23)

26 episodes

#Entrepreneur #Business #NCBI

Struggles Presented by NCBI

Navigating the Struggles of Change with Sarah Blesi

Struggles Presented by NCBI

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Key Topics Discussed:

Embracing Change and Efficiency [00:00]
Overcoming Fear-Based Resistance [03:19]
Importance of Trusted Advisors in Change [04:08]
Real-World Examples: Implementing Technology [04:45]
Empathy in Leadership and Change [06:50]
Identifying and Addressing Mindset Problems [07:41]
Challenges of Implementing New Processes [09:00]
Managing Unforeseen Consequences of Change [10:29]

Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner

Support the show

Chapters

1. Embracing AI for Efficiency (00:00:00)

2. Embrace Risk for Growth (00:05:21)

3. "Empathy and Reading the Room" (00:06:50)

4. Unintended Consequences of Change (00:09:23)

26 episodes

#Entrepreneur #Business #NCBI

All episodes

Struggles Presented by NCBI

1
Mastering the Art of Genuine Follow-Up in Business with Brian Butkowski 12:09

9 days ago12:09

12:09

Welcome back to another episode of Struggles, the podcast that delves into the everyday challenges we all face. I'm your host, Chris Inman, and in today's episode, we're catching up with Brian Butkowski from Bomb Image. Together, we'll explore the art of effective follow-ups in professional settings—whether it's after meeting someone at a networking event or when connecting with prospects. Brian shares his insights on building genuine relationships rather than simply adding people to email lists. We dive into the importance of staying top of mind, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn for meaningful interaction, and creating value-driven connections. So, if you're looking to enhance your follow-up game and build lasting professional relationships, this episode is for you. Here's what you can expect in this episode, complete with timestamps for your convenience: The Importance of Personal and Relevant Follow-Ups [00:00:00] Email List Protocols & Missteps to Avoid [00:00:27] The Role of LinkedIn in Business Follow-Ups [00:03:04] Handling Ghosted Quotes & Maintaining Professional Boundaries [00:04:52] Inviting Clients to Networking & Social Events [00:07:55] Building Your Personal Brand and Community Credibility [00:10:09] Be part of our journey and subscribe to our podcast. Share your struggles or triumphs with us, and maybe join us as a guest to discuss the challenges you're tackling in your entrepreneurial journey. Let's overcome hurdles and succeed together! Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

Struggles Presented by NCBI

1
Avoiding Top Marketing Mistakes: Shiny Object Syndrome, Strategy Commitment, and Effective Follow-Up our NCBI February Luncheon 15:20

16 days ago15:20

15:20

Welcome to Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together – the podcast dedicated to exploring the common hurdles entrepreneurs face across all industries and discovering strategies to overcome them. Whether you're grappling with scaling challenges, navigating business struggles, or looking for leadership tips and financial management advice, this podcast offers a wealth of real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions. Join host Sarah Blasey as she converses with industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs, uncovering the keys to turning obstacles into opportunities. In each episode, we delve deep into relevant topics such as entrepreneurship, business struggles, and effective management practices, providing you with the tools and knowledge to succeed. Listen in as guests share their personal battles with shiny object syndrome, the importance of commitment to marketing strategies, and the invaluable role of relationship management. In this episode of the "Struggles" podcast, our luncheon host Sarah Blesi is joined by panelists Chris Inman, Brian Butkowski, and Phil Vedda to discuss common marketing missteps that can hinder business growth. They explore themes such as shiny object syndrome, where businesses overly chase new trends like TikTok without strategy, and the importance of committing to and learning from a marketing plan instead of abandoning it prematurely. The guests emphasize the need for critical metrics and analytics in evaluating the effectiveness of marketing efforts and highlight the significance of following up with existing clientele to foster continued business growth. They advocate for a structured, repeatable approach to marketing and stress the value of personalized, direct engagement with potential clients. The episode encourages listeners to develop meaningful marketing strategies, establish accountability systems, and nurture professional relationships for sustained success. [00:00:00] Accountability Partners and Objective Perspectives [00:00:29] Introduction to the Podcast [00:00:37] Major Marketing Missteps [00:01:43] Understanding Shiny Object Syndrome [00:02:39] TikTok and Demographic Alignment [00:03:08] Questions Before Committing to Trends [00:04:01] Importance of Strategy Commitment [00:06:50] Importance of Metrics and Call to Action [00:09:04] Sticking to a Marketing Routine [00:10:40] Importance of Proper Follow-Up [00:11:19] Success in Building Client Relationships [00:13:24] Leveraging Referral Programs [00:14:28] The Power of Personalized Follow-Up Join us on Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together , and let's turn our struggles into stepping stones towards success. Subscribe, listen, and share to keep the entrepreneurial conversation alive. We'd love to hear from you—reach out with your own stories of challenges and triumphs, and perhaps even join us as a guest on a future episode. Let's continue this journey, learning and growing together. Keywords: entrepreneurship, business struggles, leadership tips, scaling challenges, financial management. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

Struggles Presented by NCBI

1
Navigating the World of Private Charter Jets With Corey Head 12:30

23 days ago12:30

12:30

In this episode of the podcast "Struggles," hosted by Chris Inman, guest Corey Head from SkyQuest discusses the unique aspects and benefits of private charter services offered by his company. Corey explains how SkyQuest provides efficient and personalized travel solutions for corporate clients and others with specific needs, such as time constraints and difficult-to-reach destinations. He highlights the safety and convenience of using private charters, emphasizing their ability to access a vast number of airports beyond those serviced by commercial airlines. Corey also talks about SkyQuest's supplementary services for companies with their own fleets and the role of private charters in medical transport, including organ transportation. The episode underscores the value of private charters in saving time and enhancing work-life balance, making them appealing to high-end clients who value efficiency and productivity. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

Struggles Presented by NCBI

1
Navigating Personal and Professional Growth Through Assessments with Dave Skoglund 17:28

4 weeks ago17:28

17:28

Welcome to "Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together," the podcast dedicated to helping entrepreneurs across all industries tackle the common hurdles they face on the path to success. Join host Chris Inman as he dives deep into the real-world challenges of entrepreneurship, exploring leadership tips, scaling challenges, and financial management strategies through engaging conversations with industry experts and real-life entrepreneurs. In this episode of "Struggles," host Chris Inman talks with Dave Skoglund from Multi-Dimensional Services about the role of assessments in personal development and sales strategy. Dave highlights the importance of recognizing individual strengths and communication styles through tools like the DISC program, which can improve workplace relationships and efficiency. The conversation also explores how certain personality traits relate to career roles and how assessments can enhance client interactions, emphasizing the value of self-awareness in professional dynamics. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

Struggles Presented by NCBI

1
Navigating Shipping Challenges and Solutions with Anthony Lautanen of Auspi Group 10:41

5 weeks ago10:41

10:41

Dive into the world of entrepreneurship with "Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together," where we explore the common hurdles faced by business leaders across all industries. Each episode features compelling real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions, empowering entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and drive their success. Whether you're grappling with leadership hurdles, scaling challenges, or financial management, our podcast is your guide to navigating the complex landscape of business. In this episode of "Struggles," Chris Inman welcomes Anthony Lautanen from the Auspi Group to discuss the intricacies of shipping contract negotiation, specifically focusing on how the Auspi Group assists companies in renegotiating contracts with FedEx and UPS using data analytics and benchmarking. Anthony explains that their services are generally catered to companies with a shipping spend of over $500,000 to ensure substantial reach and savings. Throughout the discussion, Anthony highlights the importance of a combined technological and human approach in their operations, emphasizing the need for strong client relationships. The conversation further delves into the impact of the "Amazon effect" on consumer expectations around shipping timelines and costs. Anthony also shares his desire to connect with larger corporations in Cleveland and outlines the typical roles in a company that benefit from their services. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support local sponsors like the Auspi Group. Key Topics: Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment [00:00] Anthony Lautanen Discusses Amazon's Evolving Shipping Strategies [00:00] The Auspi Group's Role in Renegotiating Shipping Contracts [01:23] Identifying Discounts and Financial Assessment [02:20] The Amazon Effect on Consumer Expectations [04:05] The Role of Technology in Shipping Solutions [06:08] Connecting with Companies in Cleveland [07:32] Tune in and subscribe to "Struggles" for insightful conversations and transformative advice, tailored to help entrepreneurs navigate their challenges and achieve lasting success. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

Struggles Presented by NCBI

1
Communicate Like A Pro: Elevating Small Business Strategies With Laura Hardin 12:23

6 weeks ago12:23

12:23

Welcome to Struggles: Navigating Challenges Together, "Struggles" is designed to illuminate entrepreneurs' common hurdles across all industries and provide actionable strategies to overcome them. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just dipping your toes in the entrepreneurial waters, our show offers a wealth of real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions tailored to your needs. In this episode of Struggles hosted by Chris Inman with guest Laura Hardin, a corporate communication specialist, delve into the significance of effective communication within small businesses. Laura emphasizes transparent communication to prevent misunderstandings and foster a team-oriented environment. They discuss strategies such as involving employees in decision-making, promoting authenticity, and ensuring leadership accessibility. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

Struggles Presented by NCBI

1
Navigating the Struggles of Change with Sarah Blesi 12:03

7 weeks ago12:03

12:03

Welcome to Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together, the podcast that discusses the everyday hurdles entrepreneurs face across all industries. In this episode, we explore how to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Each episode brings you real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions to help you tackle common business struggles. Discover leadership tips, learn about scaling challenges, and gain confidence in financial management. Join us as we build a community of resilient entrepreneurs, sharing strategies and successes to thrive in the dynamic world of business. In this episode of the Struggles podcast, guest Sarah Blesi discusses the challenges business owners face when embracing change. Sarah shares her own journey of overcoming resistance to adopting AI in her business and the benefits it brought in terms of efficiency. The conversation highlights fear as a major barrier to change and suggests tackling it by taking incremental steps, seeking advice from trusted advisors, and conducting thorough research. Chris Inman, the host, and Sarah emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding the motivations of those involved in the change process. They address the need to protect and support people during transitions and acknowledge that change can introduce new challenges. Ultimately, the episode encourages stepping out of comfort zones and collaborating with industry peers or even competitors to drive growth and improvement. Key Topics Discussed: Embracing Change and Efficiency [00:00] Overcoming Fear-Based Resistance [03:19] Importance of Trusted Advisors in Change [04:08] Real-World Examples: Implementing Technology [04:45] Empathy in Leadership and Change [06:50] Identifying and Addressing Mindset Problems [07:41] Challenges of Implementing New Processes [09:00] Managing Unforeseen Consequences of Change [10:29] Listen in and get ready to navigate the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship with newfound confidence and perspective. Don't forget to subscribe, listen, and share with others who might benefit from these invaluable insights. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

Struggles Presented by NCBI

1
Finding Your Ideal Clients with Josh Muller 13:49

8 weeks ago13:49

13:49

Join us on "Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together," the podcast where we dive deep into the common challenges entrepreneurs face across all industries and uncover how they can overcome them. Hosted by Chris Imman and featuring insightful guests from various business sectors, we tackle the nitty-gritty aspects of entrepreneurship, offering real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions to help you navigate your journey. In each episode, we explore topics such as finding your ideal clients, maintaining focus on your core offerings, effective client management, leadership tips, scaling challenges, and financial management. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your existing business, this podcast is packed with actionable advice and valuable lessons that will empower you to thrive. In this episode of "Struggles," hosted by Chris Imman and featuring guest Josh Muller from Maple Creek Coaching, the conversation centers on identifying and prospecting for ideal clients. They discuss the importance of aligning clients with your core offering and ensuring that these clients are enjoyable to work with and fulfill agreed-upon commitments, such as timely payments. Josh emphasizes the need for structured interactions where clients come prepared. They suggest evaluating current and past clients using a scoring system to identify those that contribute positively to your business and those that don't. The episode concludes with advice on continually reassessing client relationships to foster a more productive and satisfying business environment. Episode Highlights: [00:01:06] - Introduction to Ideal Clients Chris outlines the importance of identifying and targeting ideal clients to build a sustainable business. [00:02:04] - Maintaining Focus on Core Offerings Josh emphasizes the significance of aligning your client base with your core business offerings for maximum impact. [00:03:04] - Avoiding Overextension Learn why spreading yourself too thin can be detrimental and how to stay focused on what you do best. [00:05:09] - The Importance of Enjoying Your Clients Discussing the value of working with clients who bring positivity and energy, rather than draining your enthusiasm. [00:06:26] - Clients Who Pay on Time Josh talks about the critical nature of having clients who respect payment timelines and how it impacts business relationships. [00:07:39] - Preparedness in Client Meetings The necessity for clients to come prepared to meetings and how it affects service providers. [00:10:17] - Clients Who Promote You Emphasizing the importance of clients who are willing to act as advocates and refer your services to others. [00:13:11] - Evaluating Your Client Base Steps to systematically evaluate and score your current and potential clients to focus on those who are the best fit. Tune in to hear Josh Muller of Maple Creek Coaching share his strategies and tips for aligning your business with clients who support and elevate your mission. Don’t miss out on these invaluable insights! Subscribe, listen, and share this podcast to help others benefit from these discussions. Discover more practical solutions and leadership tips at Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together - your guide on the entrepreneurial journey. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

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1
Transitioning from Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship: Laura Hardin's Journey 14:58

9 weeks ago14:58

14:58

Welcome to "Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together," the podcast dedicated to entrepreneurs who strive to turn their visions into reality despite the numerous obstacles they face. Whether you're a budding founder or an established business leader, each episode dives deep into the common challenges entrepreneurs face across all industries and provides actionable insights for overcoming them. Join us as we feature real-world stories from entrepreneurs, offering unfiltered accounts of their journeys. From leadership tips and scaling challenges to financial management and more, we bring you practical solutions and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. This Episode In this episode, Chris Inman sits down with Laura Hardin, founder of Hardin Heights Communication, to discuss her transition from 25 years in corporate communications to launching her own business. Laura shares invaluable insights into overcoming job market frustrations, capitalizing on networking opportunities, and the importance of focusing on core strengths. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode: Introduction and Laura’s Background [00:00:00] The Birth of Hardin Heights Communication [00:00:50] Refining Business Strategies [00:00:00] Understanding Corporate Communications [00:02:02] Challenges in the Job Market [00:03:02] The Journey to Entrepreneurship [00:03:35] Realizations and Shifts in Mindset [00:03:35] Networking and Evolving Your Business [00:05:14] Delegating and Utilizing Resources [00:08:25] Overcoming Initial Struggles [00:12:14] Let's build a community where we grow and solve our struggles, together. You can reach out to us for sharing your own stories or for potential collaboration. Your journey to overcoming entrepreneurial challenges begins here. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

Struggles Presented by NCBI

1
Mastering the Art of Saying No As a Business Owner with Brian Butkowski 12:47

10 weeks ago12:47

12:47

Welcome to Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together , the ultimate podcast for entrepreneurs across all industries who are grappling with the many facets of running and scaling a business. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, you're not alone in your journey. Join hosts Chris Inman and this week's guest, Brian Butkoski, as they delve into the most pressing issues entrepreneurs face daily. Through real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions, we provide you with the tools and inspiration to overcome your business struggles. This week we focus on the critical skill of saying no and why it's essential for both personal and business success. They explore the pitfalls of constantly saying yes, from sacrificing personal and business efficiency to taking on projects that fall outside one's expertise. The discussion underscores the importance of setting boundaries, selectively taking on work, and recognizing when a project's fit and terms aren't mutually beneficial. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they emphasize how saying no can ultimately lead to better client relationships, enhanced productivity, and greater business success. The episode encourages listeners to embrace the power of no for improved work-life balance and professional growth. Special guest Brian Butkowski opens up about his experiences and offers strategies to help you prioritize your time and energy effectively. Time Stamps: Introduction [00:00] Balancing Client Requests Without Losing Focus [00:00:02] Navigating Unexpected Meetings and Deadlines [00:00:30] Importance of Saying No [00:01:04] Personal Stories of Saying Yes Too Often [00:01:55] Pitfalls of Engaging in Free Work [00:02:42] The Email Distraction Dilemma [00:03:18] Multitasking vs. Focused Work [00:04:24] Do Not Disturb Strategy [00:05:07] Setting Expectations with Clients [00:05:39] Saying No for Business Interests [00:05:46] Knowing When to Refer Clients [00:06:46] Communicating Transparency with Clients [00:08:15] Dealing with Non-Fit Clients [00:09:47] Pricing Strategy for Difficult Clients [00:10:54] Conclusion and Final Insights [00:11:57] Don’t forget to subscribe, listen, and share this podcast with others who might benefit. We'd love to hear about the struggles you're facing or have overcome, and we'd be thrilled to have you as a guest on a future episode. Let's continue this journey together. Subscribe now and navigate your entrepreneurial challenges with confidence! Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

Struggles Presented by NCBI

1
Sarah Blesi Discusses Struggles Women Face in Networking 13:47

11 weeks ago13:47

13:47

Podcast Description: Welcome to "Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together," the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs seeking to overcome the common hurdles faced in the business world. Hosted by Chris Inman, this podcast dives deep into the everyday struggles of entrepreneurship, providing real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions to help you thrive. Each episode features candid conversations with successful business leaders, industry experts, and passionate entrepreneurs. They share their personal journeys, dissect their biggest challenges, and reveal the strategies that helped them navigate through tough times. Whether you're facing leadership hurdles, scaling issues, or financial management problems, this podcast equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to push forward. Join us as we unravel the complexities of entrepreneurship and find inspiration in the stories of those who have walked the path before you. Subscribe today and start navigating your challenges with confidence! In this episode of "Struggles," host Chris Inman is joined by guest Sarah Blesi to discuss the nuances and challenges women face in professional networking environments. Sarah shares a personal anecdote about the importance of accepting help when offered for safety reasons and delves into broader topics, such as maintaining professional boundaries in conversations and communications. They also address the discomfort that can arise from inappropriate behavior, such as unsolicited emotional conversations, over-drinking at events, and physical touch. Together, they highlight the importance of fostering a respectful atmosphere that encourages female participation and comfort at networking events. The episode concludes with a call for both men and women to share their experiences and work towards creating better professional environments. Episode Time Stamps: Introduction [00:00] Scaling a Business [5:30] Leadership Hurdles [10:45] Financial Planning [15:00] Real-World Networking Experiences [20:15] Professional Boundaries [25:30] Final Thoughts and Takeaways [30:45] Tune in, listen, and share your own stories and struggles with us as we navigate the exciting and challenging world of entrepreneurship together. 👂 Listen Now | 🔔 Subscribe | 🎙️ Share Your Story Continue the journey with us and let’s conquer the business world, one struggle at a time. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

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1
Overcoming Annual Business Struggles: A Focus on Time, Talent, and Treasure 18:11

12 weeks ago18:11

18:11

Welcome to "Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together," the podcast dedicated to helping entrepreneurs from all industries tackle the common challenges they face on their journey. Whether you're a startup founder or an experienced business owner, this podcast provides valuable insights, real-world stories, and practical solutions to navigate the complex terrain of entrepreneurship. Join us as we dive into the obstacles that come with building and scaling a business, and learn from experts who've been in your shoes. Each episode features candid conversations on topics such as financial management, leadership, and how to create a sustainable growth strategy. We believe that by sharing our struggles and learning from each other, we can turn challenges into opportunities. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Business Struggles, Leadership Tips, Scaling Challenges, Financial Management Episode title: New Year new you_podcast Description: In this episode, Chris Inman sits down with Josh Muller of Maple Creek Coaching to discuss three critical areas every entrepreneur should assess to improve their business in the new year: time management, optimizing talent, and financial oversight. Don't miss out on the actionable tips and strategies to make this year your best yet! Time Stamps: Introduction & Importance of Self-Evaluation [00:00:01] Time Management Tips for Business Owners [00:01:30] Networking Effectiveness and Strategies [00:04:48] Delegating Tasks and Optimizing Talent [00:09:06] Evaluating Financial Investments & Spending [00:13:47] Good Debt and Leveraging Capital [00:15:36] Closing Remarks [00:17:31] Subscribe and tune in to "Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together" for your weekly dose of entrepreneurial wisdom. Share this podcast with others who could benefit and be sure to rate and review us. We'd love to hear about the struggles you're facing or have overcome, and we might feature you as a guest in an upcoming episode! Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

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1
Do you have the right people in your corner? The Importance of Strategic Advisors 44:48

13 weeks ago44:48

44:48

Welcome to Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together , your go-to podcast for insightful discussions on the common challenges faced by entrepreneurs across all industries. Whether you're a seasoned business leader or just starting out, this podcast is designed to provide you with the real-world stories, expert insights, and practical solutions you need to overcome obstacles and achieve success in your entrepreneurial journey. Each episode features candid conversations with industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and insightful advisors who share their experiences and tips on topics such as leadership, scaling challenges, financial management, and more. We delve deep into the intricacies of business struggles, offering you the tools and knowledge to navigate the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship. In this episode the discussion traverses the necessity of building strong, trustworthy relationships with stakeholders, including employees, contractors, and vendors, to mitigate risks. Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive business advocacy, the conversation highlights proactive involvement with advisors, strategic long-term planning, and the critical nature of structured, regular communication among advisory teams. The episode underscores the value of peer-to-peer advisory groups and collaboration with "friendly competitors" as well as the essential considerations for succession planning and guarding against common business risks like cybersecurity threats and employee liabilities. The significance of maintaining transparent communication, understanding client-specific needs, and planning exit strategies are recurrent themes, all aimed at equipping business owners with the insights needed to navigate their challenges effectively.00:00 Trust in banker as supportive business advocate. Time Stamps: 05:54 Businesses underutilize brokerage and need industry-specific coverage expertise. 09:09 Specialize financially; communication clarifies complex acronyms. 11:28 Professionals as connectors; strategic, long-term advice. 16:50 Consider non-financial benefits in family business decisions. 19:56 Navigating unexpected asset ownership and future planning. 24:05 Protect unseen cyber risks; strengthen key relationships. 27:28 Quarterly business discussions focus beyond taxes. 28:21 Clients need budgets and projections; start now. 34:54 Accountant shortage persists; solutions remain insufficient. 36:53 Switch banks if yours isn't supportive enough. 42:30 Relationship banker plans, sells, collaborates, problem-solves. 43:31 Regular communication and understanding are essential. Tune in to gain actionable insights and strategies from our experts, and remember—you're not alone in your struggles. Together, we can navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Subscribe to "Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together" and never miss an episode packed with valuable advice for your business journey. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

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1
Overcoming Common Restaurant Struggles 18:39

14 weeks ago18:39

18:39

Welcome to Struggles: Navigating Challenges, Together , the podcast where we delve into the common challenges faced by entrepreneurs across all industries and uncover practical solutions to overcome them. Our show is designed to inspire and educate business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and leaders by sharing real-world stories, expert insights, and actionable advice. In this episode of "Struggles," hosts Chris Inman and Chuck Johnson discuss the intricate challenges faced by restaurant owners, particularly in the areas of food cost management and labor issues. Drawing from his extensive 30-year experience in the hospitality industry, Chuck shares invaluable insights on the necessity of cost-effective systems, such as portion control and point of sale (POS) technology, to navigate the volatile market of food supplies. He emphasizes the importance of accurate cost analysis and adapting to rising labor costs post-COVID. Moreover, Chuck highlights the significance of credit card processing fee optimization, which can yield substantial savings for restaurateurs. Through this engaging conversation, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the often unglamorous realities of running a restaurant and the strategic measures needed to sustain profitability in a competitive market. Episode Time Stamps: Introduction to the Podcast [0:00] Chuck's Journey in the Hospitality Industry [1:30] The Glamour and Reality of Owning a Restaurant [3:00] Food Cost Management Tips [5:47] Technology for Inventory and Sales Management [10:45] Labor Cost Increases and Solutions [15:00] Innovative Credit Card Processing Savings [18:00] Family-Run Business Turnaround Tips [22:30] Ending and Call to Action [29:00] Subscribe, listen, and share this podcast with other entrepreneurs who might benefit from these discussions. We'd also love to hear about the struggles you're facing or have overcome, and we’d be thrilled to have you as a guest on a future episode. Let’s continue this journey together and make entrepreneurship a little easier for everyone. Follow us on your favorite podcast platforms and stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and exclusive content. Let us know what you are struggling with as a business owner Support the show…

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1
Understanding Cyber Insurance: A Guide for Business Owners 14:14

15 weeks ago14:14