Business Buffet (Ed Bejarana)

Blogging is not Dead": Zenith Exhibits and AI breathe new life into small business blogs, blending trade expertise with digital innovation for a dynamic web presence.

Becky, a determined real estate agent, sought to expand her business by leveraging YouTube. Unsure of the technical aspects, she found a mentor in Jessica, who guided her in using affordable tools to create engaging video content. Together, they worked on scripts that vividly presented each property's potential, enhancing their appeal to specific buyer personas. Becky's videos offered viewers a blend of property tour and a glimpse into a life they could lead there. The resulting niche-focused marketing strategy resonated with viewers, leading to a significant growth in Becky's social following and her real estate business.

Since her journey into the world of YouTube, Becky's business blossomed beyond her wildest dreams. With each video, she not only showcased a house, but she also created a heartfelt narrative, connecting with potential buyers on a profound level. Her channel became a beacon for those seeking more than just a property tour; it offered a personal and emotional home-buying journey. As a result, she became a trusted figure in her community and a testament to the power of innovative marketing in the digital age. Her success story continues to inspire other small business owners in their quests for growth.

Epilogue:

Harness the power of digital platforms like YouTube to widen your reach. Quality content doesn't require expensive tools; affordable ones can suffice. Personalize your marketing for a more engaging customer experience. Craft a relatable narrative around your offerings. Understand your audience's needs to create impactful content. Be open to learning and adapting. Build a consistent, trusted brand. Collaborate when needed, as it can bring fresh perspectives. Focus marketing on a specific niche for effectiveness. Lastly, set and measure tangible goals to track your progress.

Sponsor:

Entrepreneur's Feast: Navigating Small Business Challenges with the Business Buffet teaches how to Attract & Retain customers, Manage Finances, Hire and Retain Employees, Adapt to Technology, and Manage Growth. Told in a friendly, easy to understand story format.

Buy on Amazon Today, visit: https://amzn.to/3obD71R

This is part 2 of why hackers want control of your computer and email.  In today’s episode I am going to talk about SPAM and the costs to small business.

This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.

In this episode, we dive into the unique marketing challenges small business owners face as they gear up for the fall of 2024. With limited time and resources, how can you effectively promote your business while managing the day-to-day grind? We explore the critical balance between time management and community engagement, and why focusing on selfless service could be your secret weapon for success. Discover the differences between chambers of commerce and leads groups, and learn which networking strategy could lead to quicker business gains or deeper, more rewarding connections.

Join us as we unpack how serving your community can not only drive business growth but also feed your soul—especially when the economy seems uncertain. Whether you're looking for practical marketing tips or inspiration to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit, this episode has something for every DIY business owner. Tune in now to learn how helping others could be the most profitable investment you make this season!

I had a friend approach me and ask if podcasting could help him build a side-hustle business.  He explained he wanted to generate some supplemental income and had an idea about selling supplements during the COVID-19 crisis.  

Let me insert here that I am not much on vitamins and supplements, so I felt a little disarmed for the conversation, but for my friend I did my due diligence and did some research.

I learned during my research that 77% of Americans take at least one supplement.  Heck 57.6% of Americans aged 20 and over have used a dietary supplement in just the past 30 days…so I figured my friend might be on to something.  However, could the market be over-saturated?  How would he gain search engine ranking?  How would we get noticed in the obviously over crowded marketplace?

I said to my friend and asked my first question, what supplement are you wanting to sell and why?

He told me about the pill available on Amazon made by Vitamatic called Vitamatic Zinc Quercetin.  He told me about the health benefits of the immune system and how he felt it saved his life.  But one question just kept nagging at me.  How would he gain enough attention to make any money doing this?

My friend said he wanted to create a private website/podcast that was available to people who signed up for his no-cost network to discuss health and loneliness issues.  He would setup an affiliate relationship on Amazon to list products the group felt were worthy of consideration and he would make a few sheckles off each transaction.

Affiliate marketing is nothing new. Amazon has been giving people (like me) the ability to link products to website articles (like I’ve done in this article) for years.  By itself, the affiliate angle would not gain my friend any attention, but adding the loneliness angle to the mix was an interesting niche.  

I think it was Zid Ziglar who said niches bring riches…and thus I’ve always been intrigued.  3 out of 5 Americans report struggling with loneliness.  Heck, I have a Rotary Veterans program called The Veterans Club I am using to help veterans struggling with loneliness, so my last question was the pivotal question.

OK, so you have a well-defined market…how are you going to get the people to the website and podcast?  His answer has refocused part of my business and is the culmination of this blog article.  He said:

“I am going to start loneliness classes at local senior centers.”

The simplicity and individual involvement angles of this idea intrigued me.  Don’t worry about creating a website or podcast that gets found on Google. Create a resource that solves multiple problems and brings people together…then attract the people through a shared experience.  Brilliant!

Over the coming months, Zenith Exhibits will work with many more clients looking to use shared experiences to build a side-business.  With the current high inflation and pending recession, building a supplemental business using Amazon’s affiliate selling tools is an excellent idea.  If you would like more information, call Ed at (208) 209-7170 or email info@zenithexhibits.com.

Embarking on a humorous journey, this article targets small business owners venturing into DIY audio production. It champions podcasting and business blog narration as effective, budget-friendly marketing tools, contrasting them with the high costs of video marketing. Offering practical advice on equipment selection, specifically the benefits of USB microphones like the Blue Yeti, and the essentials of audio editing and publishing, it serves as a comprehensive guide for beginners aiming to engage their audience on the go.

Explore the power of SEM through the success stories of three small businesses. Learn how strategic keyword use, targeted ads, and optimized landing pages can dramatically increase your online visibility and business growth.

The final article in our series demystifies podcast analytics, guiding podcasters on how to use data to refine and grow their shows. It emphasizes understanding audience demographics, tracking downloads and listener engagement, and leveraging geographic insights for tailored content. The piece also discusses how to use feedback for improvement and analytics to attract sponsors, underscoring the importance of analyzing trends for strategic planning. This comprehensive overview equips podcasters with the knowledge to make informed decisions, enhance listener experiences, and achieve podcasting success through data-driven insights.

In this episode I interview ChatGBT about starting a small business in America.  I ask the computer several questions about business challenges, marketing, operations, and tips for improving operations.

ChatGBT Feb 13 Version

Sponsor

Zenith Exhibits provides professional voiceover audio production that is small business friendly.  Ed, with Zenith Exhibits, served in the US Army, is an active Rotarian, and committed community activist.  Visit www.zenithexhibits.com to learn more.  

Interested in creating your own podcast?  Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services.  Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price.  Visit www.zenithexhibits.com or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.

Transcript:

Short answer, no.  Per SearchEngine Journal, 53% of all website traffic come from an organic search.  This means your website still needs to be built with search engine ranking in mind.  Blogging, video posts, and even podcasting all help with your content optimization, but each has their place and a business today can not count on just one method to drive traffic.

Blogging has always been a strong search optimization tool, but where once a business needed only blog to gain rankings, now blogging is just one spoke in the wheel.  The key term is relevancy and consumer search methods.

Without getting too technical, blogging is the time-based optimization tactic for your website, but you must also include PDFs, social media cross posts, images, videos, reviews, inbound links, and now podcasts…all referencing the same consumer solution (keyword) and each providing backup for the other.

Marcus Sheridan talks about consumer centered content in his book titled “They Ask You Answer”.  His thesis is to stop selling and start answering their questions.  People consume knowledge in a myriad of different ways.  They read it, listen to it, and watch it.  Friends give them recommendations. They ask their smart speaker or smart phone for help.  The more technology options your business provides to answer the question, the more likely you are to gain the traffic.

Let’s talk a little about podcasting.  Google’s AI not translated the spoken word and uses it for search results.  Content in a podcast must be consumer solution focused to become a positive relevancy score factor, but when done correctly, audio content development becomes a valuable link and traffic building tool.  When combined with strategic, well-written web pages, blog posts, and social media postings, podcast content can become one of your strongest lead sources.  Why?

Content competition.  There are trillions of web pages, millions of hours of video, hundreds of millions of tweets and Facebook postings…but podcast content is still relatively low in total quantity.  Quality content published via podcast search engines has a higher chance of being consumed and on the internet, consumption equals ranking.

In conclusion, search engine optimization is NOT dead, but it requires a lot more moving parts.

Ed with Zenith Exhibits, Inc. has been helping clients create strong organic content for blogs, websites, video, and podcasts for over 15 years.  If you have questions about how to boost your website traffic and search engine visibility, call (208) 209-7170 or email info@zenithexhibits.com.

Teresa Bruni from Less Fear, More Flow shares her insight to starting a personal coaching business.  She discusses the required skills, passions, and experience needed to become successful.

To learn more about Teresa, visit TeresaBruni.com

Books mentioned in the podcast:

• Three Simple Steps by Trevor Blake
• Business Secrets from the Bible by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
• The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Terriss

Interested in creating your own podcast?  Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services.  Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price.  Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.

Zenith Exhibits' guide to crafting perfect business blog posts emphasizes engaging titles, compelling introductions, valuable content, SEO, visuals, links, CTAs, personal stories, and social sharing to enhance visibility and engagement. This comprehensive approach fosters connections and establishes authority.

Discover the step-by-step process of conducting SEO keyword research for small business websites. Learn how to identify and target the right keywords to improve your site's visibility, attract relevant traffic, and achieve your business goals. Boost your online presence today!

Sponsor

Zenith Exhibits provides effective small business website development.  We have built over 2500 Small Business optimized WordPress websites for clients throughout the United States.  Our flat free pricing model is budget friendly and helps speed up development.  Call (208) 209-7170 or visit www.zenithexhibits.com to learn more.

Incorporating audio narration into business blogs and news is an evolving content marketing strategy, enhancing user engagement and reach. Audio content, evident in the success of podcasting, adds a personal touch and makes content accessible and relatable, fostering a deeper connection with the audience. It also allows consumption on the go, expanding reach through the podcasting platform's vast, loyal listener base. This loyalty builds trust, translating into higher engagement and stronger customer-brand relationships. Additionally, audio content boosts SEO through backlinks and discoverability. Zenith Exhibits offers voice-over recording and podcast engineering to elevate brands, suggesting now is the time for businesses to enhance their digital presence through compelling audio content.

Today’s food for thought comes from Peter Drucker, he said; “There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.”  Are you struggling with finding enough time in your business?  You might be spinning your wheels in areas that you shouldn’t all because that is the way you’ve always done it.

This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.

In this episode, we share the inspiring journey of Mary Sue, a small business owner of "Pawsh Pooches," a dog washing business. Struggling with brand visibility, Mary strategically uses her exhibition at a local trade show, ingeniously designed booth, and well-crafted qualifying questions to identify potential customers. Her prompt follow-up strategy post-event reinforces her brand image and boosts customer acquisition. Mary's persistent efforts transform her obscure local business into a recognized name in her town, demonstrating the power of trade shows for small businesses. Tune in for more on maximizing brand visibility and customer engagement.

Sponsor:

From expert website development to impactful audiobook production, professional voice overs, and compelling commercials, Zenith Exhibits is a game changer for small businesses and nonprofits. They also offer strategic marketing assistance and trade show consulting. Tune in to discover how Zenith Exhibits can amplify your brand’s voice and visibility. Learn more at www.zenithexhibits.com or call (208) 209-71

Podcasting has become an increasingly popular and effective way for small businesses to share knowledge, connect with their audience, and promote their brand. In this guide, we'll discuss the essential elements to consider when creating a high-quality and engaging small business podcast, from developing your show concept to structuring episodes and promoting your podcast.

Sponsor:

This podcast episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits who has been providing full service podcast production for clients since 2018.  If you have a podcast production you’d like to discuss, please click or call Ed for a no-obligation interview.  (208) 209-7170 or email info@zenithexhibits.com.

Zenith Exhibits' guide emphasizes crafting blog titles that captivate, with clarity, brevity, and emotional appeal. Ideal titles span 60-70 characters, blending creativity and SEO to entice clicks and engagement. Incorporating power words, lists, questions, and benefits enhances visibility and reader motivation.

Zenith Exhibits shifts SEO focus from keyword saturation to audience-resonant content, enhancing visibility and fostering loyalty. Emphasizing reader-focused, concise posts improves SEO through clarity, user experience, and repeat visits, advocating a strategy that values genuine engagement over mere optimization.

Visit zenithexhibits.com for links to articles referenced in the article.

The third installment in our series explores the transformative power of storytelling in podcasting. It guides entrepreneurs through crafting compelling narratives, with techniques on making the listener the hero of the story, crafting irresistible hooks, and painting vivid images with words. Strategic pauses and character-driven conflict enhance engagement, while a strong conclusion leaves audiences craving more. This article empowers podcasters to turn their episodes into captivating adventures, enriching the listener experience.

On the Business Buffet Podcast by Zenith Exhibits, learn 5 cost-effective SEO tips for DIY business owners. Discover how to use relevant keywords, enhance user experience, and create quality content regularly. Also, leverage internal linking and manage online reviews to boost your site's visibility. No financial investment needed, just commitment. For further guidance, contact Ed at Zenith Exhibits for a free consultation to enhance your online presence and grow your business.

Quiet Quitting article on SHRM.com, https://bit.ly/3dtGLyE.

Interested in creating your own podcast?  Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services.  Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price.  Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.

Using the SWOT Analysis tool can help pull you out of the business procrastination doldrums.  In today’s episode I share how the SWOT tool works and how you can over come the fear of change that you may be facing.

This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.

Welcome to another episode of the Business Buffet Podcast, where we dive into the crucial topic of cash flow management amid economic uncertainty. In today's fluctuating economy, small business owners, particularly in competitive service industries, face heightened challenges. With optimism at its lowest since 2012 and ongoing inflation issues, finding effective financial strategies is more important than ever.

Key Points We’ll Cover:

1. Technology Integration for Cash Flow:
   • The importance of timely invoicing and payments to maintain financial health.
   • How leveraging technology with affordable cloud-based accounting software can streamline these processes, minimize errors, and offer real-time financial insights.
2. Just-in-Time Inventory System:
   • Benefits for service-based businesses like cleaning companies, salons, or repair services in managing inventory efficiently.
   • How maintaining minimal inventory levels can reduce costs and improve adaptability to customer preferences and market shifts.

Why It Matters:

These strategies not only help in managing the immediate challenges but also pave the way for long-term financial stability and reduced overhead costs. As economic headwinds continue, the resilience and adaptability of small businesses will play a critical role in their survival and growth.

Special Offer:

Don't miss out on expert guidance tailored to your unique business needs. Ed, a seasoned business development specialist from Zenith Exhibits, Inc., is offering a free, no-obligation consultation. Get in touch at (208) 209-7170 or info@zenithexhibits.com to schedule your session.

Conclusion:

Stay tuned as we explore these strategies in depth, offering practical advice and insights to help you turn economic uncertainty into a competitive advantage.

Want to supercharge your business blog? Tune into The Business Buffet as we dive into the benefits of adding human-narrated audio to your posts. Discover how this enhances accessibility, boosts SEO, and forges stronger connections with your audience. Learn how catering to all users aligns with Google's priorities and how audio content lets busy listeners engage on the go. Don't miss this insightful episode!

Producing a business podcast can offer numerous benefits for a small business, ranging from brand building and customer engagement to networking and thought leadership.  In this episode, Ed from Zenith Exhibits talks about the top ten benefits to producing your own business podcast.

Zenith Exhibits helps small businesses produce their own podcasts.  From topic development, guest scheduling, recording, editing, publishing, and promoting…Zenith Exhibits is your full service podcast production company.  Visit www.zenithexhibits.com or call (208) 209-7170 to schedule a no obligation consultation.

Tabitha Kraack sits down with Business Buffet to talk about her side hustle podcasting gig and shares all the secretes to success.  We talk about software, hardware, hosting options, marketing, mics, sound, interviewing…everything the small business person might need to know to start their own podcast.

You can listen to Tabitha’s podcast on Apple at:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keepin-tabs-with-tabitha/id1517472872

Interested in creating your own podcast?  Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services.  Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price.  Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.

Discover how adding audio narration to your business blog can skyrocket user engagement and page views by up to 15%! In this episode, we delve into the power of audio content, from attracting new visitors faster to enhancing sales conversations. Tune in to learn how simple audio additions can transform your blog into a dynamic tool for growth. Ready to boost your digital marketing strategy? Listen now!

This article delves into the choice between website builders and custom development for small businesses, focusing on cost-efficiency, ease of use, and the preservation of brand ethos. It highlights website builders as a quick, budget-friendly option for those with limited resources, while pointing out their limitations in customization. Conversely, custom development is presented as a path to achieving a unique digital identity that fully aligns with a business's values and goals, despite perceptions of higher costs. The piece encourages weighing immediate needs against long-term brand aspirations, suggesting that a tailored approach is key to a successful online presence.

Zenith Exhibits champions the creation of relevant, educational content over sales pitches, emphasizing audience understanding for blog success. Focused, digestible content that educates transforms blogs into valuable resources, establishing brands as industry authorities and building trust with readers.

Visit zenithexhibits.com for links to articles referenced in the article.

This article guides small service-based business owners on developing fresh website content. It covers researching relevant topics, utilizing SEO strategies with keyword phrases, understanding the target audience through client personas, and structuring content with key information upfront to engage and benefit readers.

Discover the power of narrated business blog articles! Enhance accessibility for the visually impaired and bring your content to life with a professional narrator. Transform written words into engaging audio experiences that reach a wider audience. Ready to elevate your blog?

Zenith Exhibits' guide highlights mastering blog introductions as crucial for engaging readers. Effective starts involve resonance, curiosity, and a clear value promise, blending relevance, engagement, clarity, and brevity. This approach not only captures attention but sets the stage for impactful, SEO-enhanced content.

Visit zenithexhibits.com for links to articles referenced in the article.

Discover superior sound with the Blue Yeti Microphone Bundle, perfect for content creators. This package includes a microphone, boom arm, shock mount, and pop filter, offering easy setup and versatile recording modes for professional-quality audio. Ideal for podcasts, streaming, and more. Purchase risk-free on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44ph2gV  For queries, contact Ed at (208) 209-7170 or info@zenithexhibits.com.

Joe Hume has been running his computer repair business in Rathdrum Idaho for over 20 years.  In this episode he sits down with Business Buffet to talk about how he got into the business and shares tips for people who might be thinking about going into the computer repair business.

Interested in creating your own podcast?  Zenith Exhibits Studios provides affordable podcast production services.  Recording, Editing, Hosting, AI Transcription, and Publishing included for one low monthly price.  Visit www.zenithexhibits.studios or call (208) 209-7170 to learn more.

Want to create an unforgettable 90-second social media commercial? Learn why your message must grab attention in the first few seconds and why keeping it simple is key. This guide breaks down how to focus on solutions through the eyes of your target customer and deliver a clear call to action that turns viewers into loyal customers. Ready to capture your audience’s attention? Find out how!

As a small business owner, you frequently face a crisis of confidence.  Is your product or service good enough, is your competition beating you to market, are you good enough to stay in business…and a thousand other self doubt phrases.  In today’s episode we’ll explore ways to re-build your self-confidence to the point it was when you ventured out on your own.

Are you looking to expand your business, maybe start a new podcast to market what you do, or maybe show the world a new side of you and your personality.  Zenith Exhibits Studios would love to talk with you about producing your podcast.  Visit www.zenithexhibits.studio or call (208) 209-7170.

Hundreds of customers ask my, “why do hackers want to gain control of my computer, I am just a small business?”  In today’s episode I am going to share the value of your business computer in the eyes of a hacker.

This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.

Zenith Exhibits emphasizes the power of strategic internal and external linking to boost website authority, user engagement, and SEO. Effective linking enhances credibility and guides users through a site's content ecosystem, advocating for a balance that prioritizes quality and relevance to optimize the digital footprint.

Visit zenithexhibits.com for links to articles referenced in the article.

Storytelling elevates business blogs by forging deeper connections with audiences through personal narratives and customer journeys. It transforms content into relatable, engaging experiences, making brands more human and trustworthy, and turning blogs into platforms for shared learning and inspiration.

Visit zenithexhibits.com for links to articles referenced in the article.

Should you run that new business on the side or jump in with both feet and dedicate yourself to the new endeavor?  Today on the Business Buffet, we’ll explore our options and I’ll share a story that helps drive the point home.

This episode is brought to you by Zenith Exhibits Studios.

In tough economic times, small service-based businesses are redefining growth strategies. With paid internet advertising costs soaring, adaptability and innovation become paramount. Understanding market dynamics and embracing content marketing are crucial. Networking and collaborations amplify reach, while referral programs turn customers into advocates. SEO optimization enhances online visibility, offering cost-effective solutions. By pivoting strategically, businesses navigate challenges and thrive amidst uncertainty.

This article contrasts website builders and custom development for small businesses, highlighting the appeal of builders for their cost-effectiveness and ease, against the tailored capabilities of custom sites that resonate with a brand's ethos. It acknowledges the budget-friendly nature of builders and their limitations in customization, while advocating for custom development as a means to create a unique digital identity that aligns with business values. The piece advises on balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, emphasizing the strategic importance of choosing a development path that best supports a business’s brand identity and growth aspirations.

In this insightful follow-up, we delve into the technical yet accessible world of audio production for podcasts, focusing on the pivotal roles of audio filters and LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale). The article humorously demystifies these concepts, emphasizing their importance in creating crystal-clear and engaging content that captivates listeners. From the nuanced use of high-pass and low-pass filters to fine-tuning your podcast's loudness for optimal listener experience, this piece serves as a practical guide for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their audio game.

Is your business giving good customer service?  Ed & Phil discuss good and bad examples of customer service and highlight things small business people should consider when training their employees.

All too often business owners who network use their 60 second elevator speech to verbally vomit on the people in the room.  Ed & Phil discuss horror stories and ways to better communicate your business offering.

In sales, is it better to sell what the customer thinks they want or what you know they need?  Ed & Phil discuss their thoughts & share stories on the idea.

Your business is not limited by customer available, but by time to service the clients and prospects.  Learning to identify the black-holes of time will save your business time and increase revenue.  Ed & Phil share stories and discuss ideas of using the power of NO to better manage your limited business time.

When starting a business or just rolling out a new service/product offering, you’ll be faced with this question.  Should you brand the offering or not?  In today's podcast we discuss small business options.

Are you making doing business with you difficult?  Do your customers have to jump through hoops just to pay you for your services?  Sometimes it is the little things that matter most.  In this episode, Ed & Phil explore ways we make consumer friction hard on our business.

Business is impacted by our personal emotional wellbeing, but we don’t look at emotional wellness as a business improvement activity.  Sure we take vacations, but usually to recharge from the draining effects of business...what about vacation (type) breaks to improve business operation?

Sometimes the best time to hit the market is at good enough.  This could be your product or service development or the marketing campaign to promote your business.  The important thing to consider is getting to market and gaining valuable real world feed back.

The dream of the world-wide-web was very inexpensive business marketing opportunities.  History being the best teacher, that vision didn’t really pan out.  Instead, good old fashion hard work still holds true.  However, in 1984 Jay Conrad took the business world by storm with his Guerrilla Marketing book.  Over the last 35 years, the ideas of Guerrilla Marketing have been tried in the digital world, some efforts more successful than others.  Today’s podcast explores Guerrilla Marketing in the digital age and gives small business owners tips for maximizing marketing effort while minimizing costs.

Being an entrepreneur is a very popular trend these days! But is everyone cut out to run their own business? The short answer is 'yes' but we'll dive into that deeper on today's episode of the Business Buffet!

In today’s fast paced business world, technology, new regulations, market trends, industry standards, and consumer preferences constantly change.  Small business owners are especially impacted because taking time to keep educated on important matters takes time, often time we don’t have.  We are in a learn or die situation as business owners and thus must always be learning.  Today’s podcast will go over things every business owner should stay current with and give time-saving tips on how to accomplish.

Successful marketers have a secret they don’t want YOU to know about and that is, they learn the psychology behind marketing. The vast majority of marketers aren’t psychologists, but many successful marketers regularly use psychology in appealing to consumers. As today is Black Friday around the United States, it seemed appropriate to talk about certain psychological strategies marketers deploy, which includes, but is not limited to, the psychology of color. Smart, skillful, honest marketers use psychology legally, ethically, and respectfully to attract and engage consumers, and compel them to buy.

Small business owners make all the decisions and thus oftentimes lose track of the “outsiders perspective” on problem-solving.  Industry trends, market conditions, and unknown competitors can all have drastic negative impacts on business operations.  This podcast episode explores ways a small business owner can problem solve issues they may or may not know their business has.

If you're in business for yourself you will invariably get a bad review, whether it's about your product, your service, or both. Is it ALWAYS bad to get a negative review? It could be unfounded. It could be a competitor trying to throw insults your way to get a competitive edge. It could also actually have merit. We'll walk you through one of the most debated issues pertaining to running a business. When you get a bad review, what SHOULD you do?

The US Census Bureau reports 9.1% of all US businesses are majority-owned by veterans, yet only .5% of the population ever served in the Military.  Veteran-owned businesses in 2018 generated more than $1.1 trillion in revenue and employed more than 5 million people with an annual payroll of over $195 billion.  On the surface, one could argue veteran-owned businesses have a higher than average success rate; what could other small business people learn from veterans who are in business?  In today’s episode, we are going to explore business operations from a veteran’s point of view and see if there are some nuggets we can all add to our plate.

One thing that many bigger companies have is history. They’ve been around a while and have done things a certain way. Boeing, IBM, Ford, just to name a few, have clearly done things a certain way and its paid large dividends. But becoming a large company has its drawbacks. If they changed certain things during growth, would that have helped or hurt? Making changes to things that have historically worked is very hard, but just because you’ve done it a certain way for many years, doesn’t always mean that’s the best way to do things now. Today we’re going to give you some things to look out for, some reasons to consider change; not just for the sake of changing but changing for the better.

We have all tried the new year’s resolution thing, you know, eat healthier, get more exercise, read more, spend more time with friends and family…yada yada yada.  News Year’s Resolution is really just a joke seeking punchline.  Heck, today is January 3rd and most of you have already broken your promises.  In today’s episode, we’ll explore the idea of setting New Year’s Business Resolutions versus create Small Business Action Plans.

It’s not unique; as a business owner, we want something (the sale) and the client wants something (not overpaying). How you negotiate the deal can set the table for the rest of the business relationship. What if there is only one winner? Is that ok? In today’s episode of the Business Buffet, we’re going to talk about negotiations in business and how they can affect the lifetime business relationship.

We take a look at starting your own social media marketing business and discuss the costs, skills required, and time commitments involved.  We also have a discussion with an expert, Phil Anderson, who shares his insights on how to get started in the profession.

Are you making it difficult for your customers to do business with you?  Do your customers have to jump through hoops just to pay you for your products or services?  Sometimes it is the little things that matter most. We talked about Consumer Friction in Mid October and I think we may not have completely explained what we meant by this term. Lucky for me, it continues to come up in my life.  One such time was when I was in New York City recently.

The E-Myth by Michael Gerber is a book published in 1986 but he “Revisited” and wove a story within the E-Myth concept, re-plublishing the book in 2004. The story is about a women who’s aunt owned and operated a bakery. This women LOVED the bakery and her aunt LOVED doing what she had a passion for: Baking. If Ed was here he certainly would have something to say about this! Anyway, her aunt passed away and this women took over the bakery. The problem was, it wasn’t HER passion and subsequently, she struggled at many aspects of the business. Her aunt clearly had a great system and didn’t mind getting up at 2 in the morning to go to “work”.  But she wasn’t her aunt and those early mornings got very old very fast. 

Today I want to share a conversation I had a couple of weeks ago with Jayne from Cave B Winery which is located in Quincy, Washington. They are right next to one of the, if not THE most, beautiful amphitheaters in the world, The Gorge Amphitheater.  Major acts from all over the world play this venue and are blown away at the magnificent view. It has made for some epic concerts to say the least. In fact, the Dave Matthews Labor Day concerts, which the staff at Cave B call the Labor Dave concerts, are nearly impossible to get a ticket to because of how great they are.

A SWOT Analysis is a simple yet powerful business development tool every business can use to identify problem areas and growth potential. A completed SWOT analysis is not the end goal, but the beginning of a strategic development process. It is intended to identify internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieving your business objectives.  This episode presents information on how to complete your own SWOT Analysis.

Hope is a powerful tool in your daily living arsenal.  Are you using it as an active tool or a passive tool?  Or are you void of hope?  Today’s podcast episode is a republishing of an article written by Bill Howatt for TheGlobeandMail.com but is a worthy reminder of how critical HOPE is to success in life.

If you didn’t know by now, I am an avid reader.  Learning is a passion.  My wife jokes that I would be a professional student if our finances allowed.  I have a series of favorite information sources, one of which is Entrepreneur magazine.  Jason Feirfer is the editor in chief and published many great articles.  If you don’t already subscribe to Entrepreneur, I suggest you consider picking one up.  In today’s podcast, I will share an article Jason published in the Fall 2019 Startups edition entitled Your Future Is Just Six Steps Away.

Small business people often make a huge business mistake right out of the gate, they waste time in the sales process by placing the burden for completing the sale on the buyer.  The eight most miss-used words in sales are “Let me know if you ever need a” {fill in the blank}.  Asking this question will not lead to many sales and thus force you to ask it more often in many different places—wasting loads of precious time.  In today’s episode, we are going to discuss the sales process and how a small business owner can regain time simply by improving their sales process.

Running a conference is a unique way of creating another revenue stream as well as create MANY new relevant relationships. We take a look at starting and running your own conference and discuss the costs, skills required, and time commitments involved.  We also have a discussion with an expert, Shelley Webb, who shares her insights on how to get started in the business of running a successful and profitable conference.

Welcome to today's business ingredients episode on starting a carpet cleaning business. My name Ed Bejarana, and in this episode, we'll look at cost and income projections, start-up requirements, and considerations for your new carpet cleaning business. We'll then talk within industry expert, Rex Grace, with APM Cleaning. Start in as we dish up the knowledge for your advancement.

How can small businesses POSSIBLY compete with bigger businesses, larger corporations? A small bookstore competing with Amazon? Absurd! A national steakhouse vs a family owned restaurant? No way, right? What about a small, local bank winning against a behemoth bank? Absolutely not! Or, is it possible? Today we will discuss not only how small businesses CAN compete with bigger businesses but also win!

Your success is largely determined by the choices you make. So why aren't more people equipped with useful decision-making skills?  In today’s episode, we’ll learn how to improve how we make a decision, and watch your business grow.

So you’ve got some computer skills and are thinking about starting your own computer consulting business. GetEducated.com reports the career is expected to grow by 83 percent this next year…Computer Consulting is the fastest-growing field in the industry and is excellent for a technically minded individual. However, keep in mind the industry is very susceptible to economic downturns and could cause financial hardship. Today we’ll explore the up and downs of the business and then talk with an over twenty-year veteran in the industry.

In this two-part series, we discuss the importance of a business plan and give information on how it should be formatted and explain a little bit about each section.  In part 1 we cover what is a business plan, why we create it, and discuss the first two parts of the written plan.

In this two-part series, we discuss the importance of a business plan and give information on how it should be formatted and explain a little bit about each section.  In part 2 we cover six parts of our business plan.

Blinkist is a premium book summary service helping you digest the key insights of books in a very short amount of time. Currently, they have a library of around 3,000 books. Is this a service that can help you in your business? This episode will help answer that question.

In this two part tip we’ll explore how not being obsessed with the sales side of your business hurts.  More importantly, we’ll explore a formula for changing your ways from a stalled process to a sales machine.  Stephan published this book back in 1995 and it is hard to find in print these days, but it is well worth the read.  

In part 1 of this podcast mini-series, we discussed how not being obsessed was the number one sales mistake business people make.  In today’s episode we’ll dive deeper into the problem and then present some solutions.

In this two-part series we discuss one of the biggest enemies of small businesses: Cash Flow. We will discuss 8 Steps to Avoid Cash Flow Problems at Your Small Business on this episode of the Business Buffet Side Dish.                                                    

In this two-part series we discuss one of the biggest enemies of small businesses: Cash Flow. We will discuss 8 Steps to Avoid Cash Flow Problems at Your Small Business.  Part 2 of 2                                                   

Is blogging dead? Is blogging REALLY all that important? Are you contemplating STARTING a blog or do you currently have a blog but wonder if it’s worth it anymore? You’re going to want to keep listening today because we are going deep into the weeds on whether or not you should have a blog.

You’ve finished your classes, you’ve graduated, and all the congratulations and parties are over. You’re a new doctor of chiropractic. Now what?  Welcome to today's business ingredients episode on starting a chiropractic practice. In this episode, we'll look at the cost and income projections, start-up requirements, and considerations for your new chiropractic practice. We’ll then explore the ups and downs of the business and talk with, Dr. Ryan Bones, a Dr. of Chiropractic, who surveyed the nation for a place to start his practice and the steps he took to ensure his book was full of appointments before even opening his doors.

Today’s episode was published on the SCORE website and was written by Dee Hawkins, Founder, and CEO, A Better Answer Call Centers.  If you work in the service industry, you probably know how tough handling customer complaints can be.  Holding your own in a conversation with an upset person requires a certain set of social skills. For many, this kind of situation can be made even harder by the dynamic that exists between an employee and a customer.

Your price is the cost for the customer. The customer’s profit is the difference between the price you charge and the benefit they receive. They too want to maximize profits. Thus, a deal they cannot resist is one where their benefit by far exceeds the price they have to pay. A happy customer is a profiting customer.  How does your company price your product or service?  Are you seeking a win/win or maximum profits?  In today’s episode, we’ll explore the idea that looking at a price from your client's point of view will be more profitable for you in the long run.

You’ve gone as far as you can with your green thumb and now the only other place to go is to own your own retail garden center and share your skills with the masses!   Today we’ll explore the up and downs of the retail garden center business and then talk with Ben Christen of New Leaf Nursery in Hayden Idaho, whose family-owned nursery has been going strong for over 20 years on today's Business Buffet Ingredients episode! 

So you want to be a dentist. Let’s begin by saying that, as a dentist, you’ve chosen an amazing line of work with proven high success rates. Today we'll take a deeper look at the cost and income projections, start-up requirements, and considerations for your new dental practice. We’ll then explore the ups and downs of the business as we talk with, Dr. Brent Zastrow, a dentist who uses a unique business model for his dental practice on this Business Buffet Ingredients episode.

This Side Dish we are going to dive into The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, a book that all business owners should read. This is part 1 of a 2 part Side Dish mini series on this book. Today we will talk about the maturity levels of a business. 

This Side Dish we are going to dive into The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, a book that all business owners should read. This is part 2 of a 2 part Side Dish mini series on this book. Today we will explain the personalities of every business and how each play a vital role.

On this Business Buffet Side Dish we are going to talk about SEO: Search Engine Optimization, for beginners.

It’s long thought that customer satisfaction is the number one goal of all businesses. After all, the happier the customers and clients, the bigger the bottom line, right? But what if you don’t have any customers or clients? Then customer satisfaction is irrelevant. So which is more important? We’re going to discuss that in today’s episode of the Business Buffet. 

On this Business Buffet Side Dish Phil Anderson is going to give you a few of his favorite apps that he uses in his social media management company and tell you a little bit about them.

EVERY business should know their why. In today’s episode, Phil Anderson is going to talk about the Simen Sinek book, Start With Why.

In business, we can be the market mover and shaker or the one who gets shaken up by the marketplace.  Resistance to change is a natural human instinct, but in business, it will kill your future.  In today’s SideDish, I will present a simple solution you can use to be the instrument for market change.

In the ‘80s, it was desktop computers, in the ‘90s it was the world wide web.  In the 2000s we saw a surge in telecommuting and home-based business and in the 2010s, mobile applications took the market by storm.  These were all things business people resisted.  What are the changes business people are facing today and what is the cost of resisting them?  In today’s episode, Phil and I will share some personal stories about people we knew who resisted change and how that resistance impacted their business.  Then we will explore the decision of 2020 that every small business person faces.

When it comes to running a small business, we have to be aware of every aspect of our brand. The smallest overlooked detail can lead to catastrophe. Even the words we use. Do the words you use to convey what your business represents?

Is small business behind the curve when it comes to making changes to your product or service offering? In today’s episode, Ed and Phil will discuss the strengths and weaknesses, threats and opportunities for small business people when market conditions go soft. What should you do in your business if sales slump? Turn-in today and get ready to dish up the business buffet!

Running a small business requires the ability to wear many hats but it's one thing to put a hat on your head and another thing entirely to execute on wearing that hat well. One thing many small business owners don't know much about is doing their books, accounting, and taxes. Today we're going talk about a subject NOBODY enjoys talking about unless you're an accountant: Taxes. Specifically small business tax deductions that you may, or may not know about, on THIS episode of the Business Buffet.

In sales, too often, our emotions get the best of us.  Many outside influences impact our psychological well being and ultimately have an adverse impact on your ability to sell your product or service.  Today’s I share with you some tips on how to avoid or mitigate the social pitfalls that could impact your bottom line.