This Is Small Business: Behind the Buy (Amazon)

Are you trying to figure out if a rebrand is worth the high price tag? Just ask actors turned entrepreneurs David McGranaghan & Julian Miller, co-founders of McMiller, a company that creates games designed to make you laugh, who went over-budget to rebrand their business. “Strong design [...] turns a four-star review into a five-star review, and I think that's definitely what we've learned, and it's money well spent [...] I would encourage people to put money into design," says David. 

In the season finale of This is Small Business, you’ll hear how Julian and David’s love story sparked the idea to start their business, the challenges and benefits of being married to your business partner, and how design can elevate your products. They’ll also talk about the importance of taking it slow when you’re first stepping into entrepreneurship.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(01:23) How David and Julian met and started Mcmiller 

(06:11) Why David and Julian wanted to get into entrepreneurship despite being professional actors

(09:55) The challenges and benefits of starting a business with your romantic partner

(12:28) How you could use reviews to improve your products

(15:12) How design can elevate your products

(22:36) How success can hurt your business if you’re not prepared for it

(23:54) How to add sustainability into your business – Andrea mentions two This is Small Business episodes about sustainability. If you want to learn more, check out this season's bonus episode “How your business can have an impact” or an episode from season 4 called “How to Grow a Sustainable Business.”

(25:58) Julian and David give us a look into their future goals and their upcoming game

(26:55) Julian and David emphasize the importance of taking things slow when you’re starting your business – it’ll help you avoid mistakes and give you time to work on the best version of your product

On Episode 8 of This is Small Business, Andrea talks about the unboxing experience with Daniel Singer, Founder & CEO of Filthy Foods, and design specialist Kaila Piepkow, Creative Director and Owner of Dox Design. They say don’t judge a book by its cover… but let’s face it, a lot of people do. When it comes to the moment a customer unboxes your product, it matters. But how much? And how do you ensure that your packaging fits your product and suits your customers? Join Andrea as she learns about the ways that you can level up when it comes to the ultimate unboxing experience.

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In Episode 4 of "This is Small Business Next Generation," hosts Andrea Marquez and Mitch Gilbert offer a glimpse into the days leading up to the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC). With just a few days left before the big event, the pressure is mounting, and the teams are feeling the intensity, especially after receiving some anonymous feedback from the judges. These dedicated entrepreneurs face the challenge of balancing the demands of running their businesses while perfecting their pitches. Mitch and Andrea dig deeper into some of their challenges like the importance of injecting emotion into pitching, even when delivering seemingly dry and technical information, and what to do when you receive feedback that may not align with your expectations. As the countdown to the competition continues, the burning question remains: Will these dedicated teams be able to perfect their pitches in time? Join Andrea and Mitch as they follow the teams closely and provide essential takeaways that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your own pitch competition journey.

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How can the right ad strategy help your business stand out in a crowded market? Just ask Kyle Goguen and Garrett Gosselin, the co-founders of CRBN Pickleball, who transformed their passion for pickleball into a thriving brand by leveraging the power of Amazon Ads. Discover how the right advertising helped them showcase their unique brand identity and stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're new to advertising or looking to fine-tune your approach, you’ll walk away with actionable lessons on maximizing your ad spend, using Amazon ads to increase brand awareness, and converting potential customers into loyal fans.

Learn the importance of testing and refining your ad strategy, how to use data-driven insights to optimize campaigns, and why it’s crucial to tell your brand’s story through ads. 

In this episode, you'll discover:

(1:08) How Garrett came up with CRBN pickleball

(2:33) How to find the perfect business partner by combining complementary talents, just like Garrett and Kyle did to build CRBN Pickleball.

(4:35) How to stand out in a competitive market by creating a strong brand identity. CRBN's "Southern California" vibe helped them break through the noise — how can your brand story do the same?

(6:58) Why incorporating Amazon Ads into your marketing strategy could be the game-changer your business needs.

(8:41) How CRBN used data to track the results of their ad campaigns and how you can implement that. 

(11:11) Why you should embrace experimentation and data analysis to continuously improve your Amazon Ads strategy and how those insights can shape other areas of your business

Watch full episodes of Rising Stars by Amazon Ads here: thisissmall.biz/crbn

The more people see your products, the more sales you’ll probably get – and a marketing strategy can help you do that. 

Just ask Elena Fahrländer, the Chief Commercial Officer of Danish Endurance, a company that sells their products worldwide. She’ll be sharing what they do to find their target audience and how their approach to marketing changed as they grew. You’ll also hear from Elizabeth (Liz) Downing, director of partnerships at The Ecom Cooperative. She’ll give more actionable advice on how to build your marketing strategy using realistic goal setting and data analysis. 

“It's really important to look inward, really examine who you are as a business, and then set your goals and your expectations based on what you think you can achieve,” says Liz, “and it all comes down to the data.”

In this episode you’ll hear:

(02:18) Danish Endurance’s story

(04:02) How to find your target audience

(07:02) The importance of clear and realistic goals and budgeting when building your marketing strategy

(11:02) Starting out with a structured marketing strategy

(11:50) How and why Danish Endurance constantly updates their marketing strategy 

On Episode 10 of This is Small Business, Andrea learns a few tricks for hiring a super team when she speaks with Kyle Goguen, Owner and Founder of Pawstruck, and hiring expert Dr. Brad Smart, Author of ‘Topgrading.’ Hiring is one of the trickiest – but most important – aspects of running a small business. Assembling the right team of people at the right time can mean the difference between growth and stagnation. But how do you find the right people to join your team, and avoid hiring the wrong ones? Essential listening if you’re getting ready to hire!

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Episode 13 of This is Small Business, Andrea talks to Justin Forsett, former NFL player and founder of the company Hustle Clean, about getting your small business off the ground (especially if it’s your first venture into the world of business). Justin talks about establishing your “why,” creating a “huddle” for your business, and the essential points that are often overlooked when starting a business. Next, business strategist Serwaa Adjei-Pellé shares why entrepreneurs struggle to get started and how to get out of the dreaming phase. She also discusses setting up your Minimum Viable Product (MVP), the importance of feedback and how to work on your business plan. “Huddle” up with Andrea as she tells you all the important takeaways that are filling up a chapter of her small business playbook.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you keep customers coming back for more? By being attentive to their needs and priorities. Learn customer-centred ideas to integrate into your business from the best. Mitzi Rivas, CEO and Founder of Livie & Luca, is all about customer service and she’s got the customer retention rate to prove it. And John DiJulius, the founder, Chief Revolution Officer, and President of the DiJulius group, gives us some great tips on how to provide great customer service no matter where you are in your small business journey.

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(04:13) How Mitzi personalizes her customer’s experience

(09:46) How you can enhance the customer experience using delivery

(15:04) What do entrepreneurs get wrong about customer service?

(18:04) How do you maintain good customer service as you scale?

(19:24) How can a smaller business compete with a larger business when it comes to customer service?

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Click HERE to leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

What if you could revolutionize your Amazon business with cutting-edge AI tools? Join us as we uncover the latest advancements from the Amazon Accelerate event in Seattle, with exclusive insights from Andrea Marquez of Amazon’s This Is Small Business podcast. We dive into the game-changing world of AI-generated A+ content, as well as the exciting debut of Project Amelia, Amazon’s generative AI that promises to transform seller capabilities.

Our discussion takes you to the heart of Amazon’s evolution in supporting sellers, highlighting the critical role of video content and improved analytics. Explore new tools designed to help brands create high-quality video content, alongside a detailed look at the updates that brands can benefit from. We also shine a light on Amazon’s “Sellers in Your Community” initiative and hear the inspiring stories of Amazon entrepreneurs and their impact on communities.

In the second part of this episode, let’s discover how A+ content has evolved, with insights from Lauren Coury, Senior Product Manager at Amazon, and learn how to utilize your basic, shoppable A+ content, premium, brand story A+ content and AI integration to elevate your brand storytelling. Get ready to explore this wealth of knowledge and uncover new ways to make your Amazon presence more engaging and impactful than ever before.

In this episode, you'll discover:

00:00 – Amazon Accelerate Highlights and A+ Content Powered By Generative AI

04:36 – Innovative Video Generation Revolutionizes Advertising

06:29 – Enhancing Amazon Seller Experience and Analytics

10:16 – Improved Amazon Seller Support Features

12:43 – Entrepreneurial Stories and Amazon Product Ideas

18:48 – Success Stories From The Amazon Accelerate Event

21:56 – Brand Experience and A+ Content Creation

25:19 – A+ Content and Brand Story 

26:59 – Importance of A+ Content for Brands

32:50 – Shoppable A+ Content and AI Benefits

42:00 – Enhancing A+ Content With Graphics

46:23 – Leveraging A+ Content and Generative AI

On Episode 1 of “This is Small Business Next Generation”, host Andrea Marquez gets you acquainted with her new co-host Mitch Gilbert, founder of OYA Femtech Apparel, a past winner of the Rice University Business Plan Competition and one of the first 200 Black women to raise over $1M in venture capital. Mitch and Andrea get you up to speed with the RBPC by talking to some of the organizers and judges and they also introduce the four diverse teams that we’ll be following throughout the competition. Mitch shares valuable lessons that they learned from competing in the RBPC like making sure your business is solving a problem, getting an advisor, and possibly the most important in any pitch competition: practice, practice, practice. Join hosts Andrea and Mitch as they guide you through the exciting world of pitching and share valuable takeaways and insights that could help you polish up your business plan.

Leave us a voicemail HERE!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Ever wondered how podcasting can help you grow your business? Just ask Hala Taha, the host of the Young and Profiting (YAP) podcast and the founder of YAP Media Network and YAP Media, who knows all the podcasting secrets that’ll help you get big. Hala aka the Podcast Princess shares her own entrepreneurial journey and reveals the secrets behind her rapid growth, including how she harnessed LinkedIn for visibility and used creative strategies to break through the podcasting noise. 

Learn how to start your podcast, different monetization options, and why you should be advertising your business on podcasts. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

(01:38) How Hala went from a corporate marketing role to founding a leading podcast network in just two years.

(03:20) Hala’s game-changing LinkedIn tactics that increased her podcast’s visibility and engagement.

(05:04) How Hala used her LinkedIn presence to grow on other platforms.

(06:40) How Hala leveraged her podcast as a lead generation tool and built a successful social media agency from it.

(08:48) Why podcasting can help you grow your business.

(10:20) The three key components for a successful podcast: being searchable, designing an eye-catching cover, and utilizing platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

(11:28) How to advertise your business on other podcasts.

Trying to figure out how to make money while giving back through your business? Learn what it takes to grow your business when the foundation of your business model is social responsibility. Andrew Glantz, the Founder & CEO of GiftAMeal, explains how he managed to make a profit out of a business centered on giving back to the community. And Heather Cameron, a social entrepreneur and Michael B Kauffman Professor of Practice at the Washington University in St. Louis, tells us how to successfully build a business model that makes that possible.

This episode is brought to you by Amazon Business. Amazon Business provides a wide product selection, business-only pricing, and account features that can make running your small business easier. Amazon Business supports small business through various programs such as the Small Business Grants where Amazon Business gives over $250,000 to 15 small businesses who are Amazon Business customers. Amazon Business is committed to the growth of small businesses and invests in grants to help small businesses overcome challenges they face, freeing up their resources to focus on their mission and customers. Small Businesses are the backbone of our economy and when they succeed we all succeed. Create your free account today at amazonbusiness.com.

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(07:09) Andrew's insight on how to create a scalable, socially impactful business

(10:47) Andrew talks about how he got the Amazon Business grant and the importance of putting yourself out there.

(13:38) Quantifying the value and impact of your business quickly is essential for success because you'll have a compelling value proposition and make sales efforts more effective.

(17:61) Heather underscores the importance of alignment in an entrepreneur's journey and how it connects your brand with what matters to both customers and your team.

(20:56) Heather emphasizes that small business owners should think about their social impact in tandem with their business strategy.

—

Click HERE to leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Are you ready to witness the ultimate battle of wits and innovation as entrepreneurs compete for up to $3M in prizes in one of the largest and richest intercollegiate startup competitions? Look no further than "This is Small Business Next Generation" - a podcast miniseries brought to you by Amazon that follows the Rice University Business Plan Competition (RBPC). Join Andrea Marquez, a future small business owner, and her co-host Mitchella Gilbert (or Mitch), founder of OYA Femtech Apparel and an ex-RBPC winner, as they take you behind the scenes and follow four teams as they prepare to pitch their business ideas in front of some of the world's leading venture capitalists and investors. Can they handle the pressure? Will their business ideas stand out? Will they have what it takes to win? Join Andrea and Mitch as they follow the intense journey of the Rice University Business Plan Competition and offer valuable insights and learnings for entrepreneurs looking to succeed in the world of business pitch competitions. And make sure you’ve got your small business playbook ready because we’ll be pointing out key learnings from each episode so you feel ready to take on the challenge of pitching your business.

Leave us a voicemail HERE!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Meet Chris Osse, the founder of Armbie, a unique dual-arm support sling designed for comfort during long flights. Chris shares his journey from engineer to entrepreneur, revealing the challenges and triumphs he faced while bringing his innovative product to market. Join us as we explore the passion behind Armbie, the lessons learned along the way, and the pivotal moment that led Chris to pitch his product on the Prime Video show, "Buy It Now.” 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

(03:10) Chris discusses his day job as an engineer and how it has shaped his problem-solving mindset. 

(03:35) A long flight next to large passengers sparks Chris's idea for Armbie. 

(04:09) Chris reflects on how discomfort led to his engineering brain devising a solution. 

(04:15) Using a scarf, Chris creates the initial version of Armbie, emphasizing simplicity and portability. 

(04:46) The lengthy process of perfecting the prototype involved hours of experimenting with fabrics and sizes. 

(06:05) Life challenges, including a separation, test Chris's resolve but do not extinguish his passion for Armbie. 

(07:27) During COVID, Chris realizes he has the time and resources to finally pursue his business idea. 

(09:16) After applying to various entrepreneurial shows, Chris receives encouragement and interest in Armbie. 

(10:17) The importance of practice and finding the right balance in his pitch becomes clear to Chris. 

(12:10) Chris’s pitch garners 46 green lights from the audience, showing significant interest despite initial skepticism about the product's appearance. 

(15:14) Positive feedback from judges, despite concerns over price, highlights the innovation of Chris's product. 

(16:40) Chris celebrates winning a $20,000 cash prize, marking a significant milestone after years of hard work. 

(17:30) Following his success on the show, Chris receives news that two of his patents are approved, adding to his momentum. 

(18:58) Chris shares his belief that grit and perseverance are key to success in entrepreneurship.

Identifying your target market, without a plan, can be a struggle. Just ask Amber Murray, the founder of Fidget Stickers, who’s going to break down the customer journey into 5 simple steps and show you how you can improve it so your customers keep coming back for more. Amber also gives advice on how to find customers for your products in places you wouldn’t expect. After you’ve identified your ideal customer, Darian Kovacs, founder of Jelly Digital Marketing, spills the secrets on how to reach them. Darian tells us what social media platform might work best for you (spoiler: it’s all about trial and error) and breaks down how you can use SEO to get the right people to notice your business. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

(02:50) Why Amber started Fidget Stickers.

(06:05) Amber uses her business as a case study to explain the five phases of the customer journey: awareness, consideration, decision purchase, retention, and advocacy.

(10:12) Questions you should ask yourself when you evaluate your customer journey. 

(12:54) How to identify your ideal customer BEFORE launching your product.

(18:31) Tools that small business owners can use to learn more about their customers..

(20:36) How to figure out what social platform you should be using to reach your ideal customer.

(23:48) How to use SEO to be more discoverable.

(25:59) Andrea's key takeaways for understanding your customer journey.

Your small business (or idea if you haven’t started yet) is a lot more important than you think. Just ask Karen Kerrigan, the president and CEO of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. She’ll be sharing a ton of fun facts about how small businesses drive innovation, help the economy, and create jobs. You’ll also hear from Kylie Jiwon Hwang, an Assistant Professor at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. She’ll give us more insights on how entrepreneurship can help marginalized individuals and how starting your own business can benefit your community.

Get a quick refresher on why the work you’re doing (or planning to do!) is important and learn all the benefits and challenges you might encounter on your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(01:42) Why Small Businesses are important.

(04:27) Why Marginalized individuals are gravitating towards entrepreneurship and the benefits that come with it.

(07:33) Challenges that you might face when starting a business.

(10:48) How technology has been helping small business owners overcome some of the challenges they face.

(14:41) The importance of being prepared before starting a business.

Wondering if your small business is ready to scale and how to smoothly transition into e-commerce? Just ask Val Fishbain, co-founder of Spread the Love Foods, who successfully took her business from the local farmer’s market to the online world, all while staying true to her community roots. Val shares her experience selling at farmer’s markets, what it took to make the leap to e-commerce, and the importance of giving back as her business grew. You’ll also hear from Viridiana Ponce, a business consultant and food industry expert, who dives into how to leverage farmer’s markets to enhance your business and the crucial steps for expanding beyond your local market while staying connected to your community.

Learn the essential steps for scaling up like maintaining product quality, engaging with your community, and conducting market research to confidently take your business online.

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

(2:28) How Val’s thoughtful wedding favor quickly turned into a full-blown business.

(4:22) Thinking of starting a food business from home? Learn the preparation and licenses to make sure you do it right!

(5:41) Val’s first experience selling her products at a farmer’s market.

(9:34) The benefits that come with starting at a farmer’s market.

(10:44) How tracking sales at a farmer’s market can help you get funding.

(11:40) When should you consider expanding? Viridiana lists what you should be looking for to make sure you’re ready for that next step. 

(15:02) Three essential strategies for a successful transition to e-commerce.

(18:58) How giving back through your business can help your business grow and succeed.

Considering buying a business? Whether it's your first venture or you’re trying to expand your business, it can be a game-changer. Just ask Brian Shields, an Acquisition Entrepreneur who knows what it takes to successfully buy a business. “Try to look at at least a hundred deals to help dial yourself in so you know what kind of risk you're willing to take, what kind of business plan you really feel comfortable with, what kind of industries you feel like make sense,” Brian says, “because once you get those under your belt, then you'll feel a little bit more sophisticated when the time really comes.”

We’ll dive into the essentials: from why you should consider buying a business to breaking down all the thorough due diligence and financing options so you can find the right business that works for you! 

In this episode you’ll hear:

(00:35) How Brian bought his first business

(2:42) Why buying a business could be right for you

(5:06) Research and analysis (aka due diligence) that needs to get done before you buy a business

(6:39) Where you can find businesses to buy

(8:01) Brian breaks down what the due diligence process looks like by using a coffee shop as an example

(11:00) Three ways you can pay for the business you want to buy

(13:50) Andrea and Brian go over three points you should focus on when you’re trying to find a business to buy

In Episode 2 of "This is Small Business Next Generation," hosts Andrea Marquez and Mitch Gilbert break down the various stages of the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC) and explain how the competition will unfold over three days. They talk about the mentorship and extensive feedback the RBPC offers their competitors (talk about a major advantage!) and give you a little insight into what the judges are looking for in a winning pitch. Mitch and Andrea also introduce you to two of the four teams we’ll be following throughout the competition: Kevin Long and Alex Duncan, co-founders of Outmore Living, and Bilal Issifou, the founder of Unchained Inc. You get to hear them talk about their plans and worries as they prepare for the RBPC. Join hosts Andrea Marquez and Mitch Gilbert as they discuss some of the issues entrepreneurs face like learning to prioritize and offer valuable takeaways on how to get your business plan ready for a pitch competition.

Leave us a voicemail HERE!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Ever wondered how being part of an entrepreneurial community can be the game-changer your business needs? Just ask Jen Earle, CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners aka NAWBO, who believes that surrounding yourself with a good network can propel your business to the next level. To celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month, we’re taking a look back to see how the entrepreneur founders behind NAWBO transformed the landscape for women entrepreneurs and the impact that women-owned businesses have on today’s economy. Jen also breaks down the four C’s—Capital, Community, Confidence, and Congress—and explains why they’re crucial for any business to thrive and how you can leverage them for your own success.

Learn how to find your entrepreneurial community and how that can help you unlock funding opportunities, boost your confidence, and give you the support you need to build or grow a successful business. 

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

(00:58) How NAWBO was founded.

(02:06) The progress that’s been made to support women-owned businesses and their impact on the US economy.

(03:41) Jen’s entrepreneurial journey and how she became the CEO of NAWBO.

(5:49) A breakdown of the four essential pillars for business success which Jen calls the 4 C’s: Capital, Community, Confidence, and Congress and how you can tap into them.

(9:52) The importance of building a strong community for business success.

On Episode 21 of This is Small Business, Andrea takes on a topic that not a lot of people like to talk about – parting ways with a business partner. First up, Founder and CEO of SwiftPaws Meghan Wolfgram talks about her own experience parting ways with her business partner, the many conversations that took place, and how she kept the business running during that process. Next, Naveen Thomas, Director of the Business Transactions Clinic at the NYU School of Law and a previous guest that shows up in season 1, breaks down all the legal procedures that could come up in a separation agreement, how to protect yourself, and why you should prepare for a separation early on in your business journey. Join Andrea as she simplifies all the intimidating legal jargon and fills up another chapter in her small business playbook.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Debra Mastic, the founder of Fluff Trough, a pet feeder designed to enhance mealtime comfort for our furry friends. Debra shares her heartfelt journey, inspired by her beloved pug, Porkchop, who struggled during mealtime. From the challenges of launching a business to overcoming personal obstacles, including a cancer diagnosis, Debra’s story is one of resilience and innovation. Discover how she transformed her passion for pets into a thriving product that’s making a difference for animals everywhere. You can watch Fluff Trough's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Legacy of Porkchop.

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. 

In this episode you’ll discover:

(00:05) Debra emphasizes that how pets are fed is as crucial as what they are fed, advocating for more comfortable feeding solutions.

(03:01) Debra’s journey began with her pug, Porkchop, whose eating difficulties motivated her to find a better solution for pet feeding.

(04:02) After realizing existing products didn’t work for Porkchop, Debra used a 3D printer to create prototypes, demonstrating the iterative process of innovation.

(04:48) Debra made a significant financial decision by investing her savings into Fluff Trough instead of purchasing a home, showing her commitment to her vision.

(06:27) Debra encountered difficulties finding quality manufacturers and managing supply chains, highlighting common hurdles for small businesses.

(08:01) Debra’s battle with cancer and the loss of Porkchop added emotional depth to her entrepreneurial journey, showing the personal stakes behind her work.

(09:28) Despite challenges, Fluff Trough gained international recognition, winning awards and receiving positive customer feedback, underscoring the product’s impact.

(19:43) Debra shares her belief that businesses should start to solve problems authentically, emphasizing the importance of resilience and learning from failures.

Wondering how to navigate common entrepreneurial pitfalls and ensure the success of your business? Just ask Christina Wallace, senior lecturer at Harvard Business School, who’s going to tell us the top three mistakes (or lessons learned as Christina calls them) early stage entrepreneurs make and how you can avoid them.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(01:18) Why you shouldn't do everything yourself. Christina recommends ways to overcome the entrepreneurial urge to do it all.

(04:32) Why cash flow is important and the consequences of ignoring it.

(06:11) How to manage your cash flow by putting liquidity in place before you need it, keeping an eye on any lumpy cash flow throughout the year, and being creative.

(07:41) How to avoid scaling prematurely. 

Every entrepreneur needs a community - people who inspire us with their stories and share practical advice to help us make a decision or take the next step (or leap!).

This is Small Business is that community. We hear from a diverse group of small business owners about how they found success, and the challenges they faced along the way.

Not only will you feel inspired, you'll get tips you can apply to your own business right now. Whether you're trying to grow your business through social media, find a manufacturer to bring your idea to life, or figure out how to price your product - we got you!

Hosted by Andrea Marquez, an aspiring small business owner, This is Small Business brings a diverse group of entrepreneurs and experts together to help you along your journey.

New episodes are out every week. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. You won't want to miss an episode!

Trying to figure out how and when you should start scaling your side hustle? Just ask Max Ash, the young creator and founder of MAX’IS CREATIONS, who managed to start his business at just 8 years old (with the help of his mom, Jen) and grew it into a successful business. Max and Jen will share their own experiences with protecting their intellectual property, licensing, manufacturing, and evaluating the future of their business. You’ll also hear from Verne Harnish, Founder and CEO of Scaling Up and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, who shares actionable steps you can take to scale your business.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(02:15) How Max'is Creations started.

(05:19) When Jen and Max realized that Max'is Creations could be more than a side hustle.

(08:18) Jen talks about their experience with licensing – a way for you to partner with other companies without needing to do all the work yourself. 

(17:33) Verne emphasizes the importance of marketing and finding influencers to talk about your product or idea if you want to scale your business. 

(22:28) Having a routine can save you time.

(23:48) Surround yourself with other like-minded entrepreneurs or mentors.

(27:09) Verne tells us how being bold can land you opportunities.

On Episode 23 of This is Small Business, Andrea talks to two inspiring entrepreneurs who have successfully integrated social impact into their business model to find out how you can make a positive impact in your community while growing your business. First up, Founder & CEO of Iya Foods Toyin Kolawole walks us through her journey of giving back through her business and how that helped her stay afloat and even supply her competitors during the pandemic. She also talks about how giving back to the community includes making sure your customers receive the best product possible because they’re the one’s funding your efforts to give back. Next, Nadia Martinez, Founder & CEO of Kallie & Co, talks about all the creative ways you can give back to the community without spending too much money – or any money at all – and how to deal with the guilt that you may feel when you’re benefiting from your donations. Join Andrea as she lists all the key takeaways that’ll help you grow your business through giving back.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Keith Lorren, a.k.a. The Spice King on Buy It Now. With his aromatic cooking seasonings, he swooned a panel of industry judges, complete with a live cooking demo and an original song. We delve into how his vibrant personality and unique approach won him a spot in the Buy It Now store and a $20,000 prize. Tune in for an inspiring story of perseverance and creativity that might just ignite your own entrepreneurial dreams. You can watch The Spice King's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: Turning Up the Spice.

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. 

In this episode you’ll discover: 

(03:28): Keith's culinary passion stems from a rich family history of cooking, highlighting the importance of heritage in his business journey.

(05:46): Overcoming financial hurdles, Keith shares how he used creative strategies like selling Ziploc bags of spices to fund his dream before scaling up.

(10:11) His theatrical pitch included a catchy original song, demonstrating the power of creativity in capturing audience attention and standing out in a competitive space.

(16:11): After winning the $20,000 prize, Keith immediately focused on improving his product and packaging, showcasing his commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

On Episode 4 of This Is Small Business, Andrea speaks with Cora Miller, founder of Young King Hair Care, a male-focused brand that aims to celebrate and represent the diversity of Black and Brown young men by providing them with natural hair products. Along with her husband Stefan Miller (Young King’s Chief Marketing & Brand Strategist), Cora has built a booming business primarily based on word of mouth marketing and direct-to-consumer communications. The Millers are a modern power-couple with a great product and a powerful message. Their secret? Connecting directly with their customers. From phone conversations with parents who say that Young King’s products have changed their lives, to building a community of advocates who are proud to spread the word, the Miller’s have bootstrapped their way out of their corporate jobs and into a successful small business. Stefan handles all things marketing, from branding and packaging to social media, while Cora handles all the rest. So come meet the founders of Young King to find out what it takes to build a brand through organic word-of-mouth marketing, and what takeaways Andrea’s adding to her small business playbook.

Leave us a voicemail HERE!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered how to get a cash injection for your business without giving up equity or taking on debt? Just ask Elise Lambkin, the founder of Lil Sippers, who landed a game-changing for-profit grant that helped propel her business forward. Elise breaks down the entire process of applying for the Amazon Business Small Business Grant, from finding the opportunity to making sure her brand story resonates with everyone. You’ll also hear from Bria Arline, the Founder and CEO of IQ Ignited, a boutique grant writing firm, who reveals the secrets behind crafting a winning grant proposal. From finding the right grants to nailing your application, this episode gives you a crash course on what you need to know to secure your next grant and grow your business.

Learn how to identify grants that align with your business goals, what makes a standout application, and what you should focus on to make your application shine.

(2:18) How Elise Lambkin transformed a common parenting struggle into a thriving business

(4:50) Where to find the best business grants and how to kickstart your search for funding opportunities to grow your business.

(6:05) Elise’s approach to winning the Amazon Business Small Business Grant.

(6:57) Bria's lessons on how you could craft a winning grant application which includes understanding the funder's perspective, aligning your budget with your goals, and presenting a strong narrative that highlights your business's potential.

(10:51) Why Elise’s grant application stood out from the crowd with strong brand messaging and a clear vision for her business’s growth.

(12:17) Why taking your time and planning carefully can improve your chances of success in the grant writing process.

(13:52) The benefits of getting rejections and how that could help fine-tune your approach for future success.

(15:09) How Elise used her Amazon Business Small Business Grant to propel her business forward.

On Episode 28 and the season finale of the second season of This is Small Business, Andrea explores what it means to be a Latinx entrepreneur by talking to a Latino business owner that she admires: Miguel Leal, the Co-Founder and CEO of SOMOS Foods. Miguel shares all of the learnings he picked up along his entrepreneurial journey and talks about the importance of representation, sharing your brand’s story, and how to leverage your community. Join Andrea as she wraps up this season and fills her small business playbook with a bunch of advice and lessons that’ll help you no matter where you are in your small business journey.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

In the season finale of This is Small Business: Behind the Buy, we follow Derek Tillotson, founder of Haven Tents, and his journey from world traveler to entrepreneur. His game-changing hammock blends the comfort of a bed with the freedom of camping. What started as a family adventure evolved into a crowdfunding success! You can watch Haven Tent's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Find Their Haven in the Woods. 

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.

In this episode you’ll discover:

(2:03) Derek shares how a family adventure sparked the idea for Haven Tents, starting with a simple desire to improve outdoor sleeping.

(7:15) How a Facebook video seeking a travel nanny unexpectedly went viral, giving Derek his first taste of public attention and setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.

(12:45) We learn about the challenges he faced while developing the hammock prototype, including design failures and early setbacks that tested his resolve.

(18:30) How Derek successfully crowdfunded his product, turning early skepticism into financial backing that made production possible.

(22:10) Tensions rise as Derek pitches his hammock on Buy It Now, with a humorous mishap when one of the judges accidentally falls.

Want to make sure everyone knows about your product before it launches? Just ask Jay Clouse, the founder of Creator Science, who was able to generate six figure sales within the first few days of launching his product, Creatore HQ, all thanks to a carefully thought out pre-launch strategy. Jay shares his approach to building anticipation through consistent communication and engagement with his audience and why you should be planning your launch months before your product hits the market. 

Learn how to leverage your audience, what incentives to offer, and how to build an engaged audience that wants to buy your upcoming product.

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

(1:44) Why you should be talking about your product months before it launches.

(3:24) How you could see who might be interested in your upcoming product and reach them

(4:58) Jay breaks platforms down into two categories: Discovery platforms and relationship platforms. Learn the difference between both types and how to use them to build an engaged audience that will buy your product when it launches!

(6:49) How consistently posting can build trust

(8:29) Should you have a discount or a special incentive when you first launch? 

(9:24) How to keep the momentum after you launch

Are you wondering if you could use AI or technology to ease your workload? The answer is yes and we’ll show you how. Kevin Meyer, Co-Founder & CEO of Crunch Tech Inc., explains how he uses automation and AI to run his business more efficiently. And Michelle Weise, the CEO of Rise & Design, digs deeper into how you can future-proof your business and the importance of communication in an increasingly tech-oriented community.

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(5:42) Can everything be automated? Kevin discusses the limitations of AI, particularly in terms of generating specific content and designing products.

(14:47) Michelle emphasizes the importance of internal communications in the workplace, particularly the need to articulate the "why" and the vision behind organizational changes and technological advancements.

(19:44) Andrea goes over the benefits of automation for small teams and how leveraging technology and project management tools can streamline operations.

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Dealing with audits doesn’t have to be scary as long as you’re prepared for it. Just ask Erick O. Bell, an accounting professor at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, who used to work at KPMG LLP in the Audit Risk Advisory Services. Erick simplifies everything you need to know about audits – even the IRS audit – so it doesn’t feel as daunting. “Most audits that are happening. They're not audits that are at odds with each other,” Erick says. “A typical audit generally is just, you've made an assertion. Can we verify that that assertion is accurate?”

Learn about typical audits, how to navigate them, and when you might need them.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(01:00) When should you get an audit

(03:45) About IRS audits

(07:36) How to navigate a typical audit

Are you ready to make your first hire? Learn how to find the right fit, and why retention is so critical. Keirsten A. Greggs, the Founder & Principal Talent Acquisition Consultant of TRAP Recruiter, tells Andrea what small business owners should consider at this important stage of growth.

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(02:22) Considerations small business owners should make when they hire.

(05:24) How to find the right fit when evaluating applicants.

(07:08) Andrea lists the key takeaways from the episode.

—

Click HERE to leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

On Episode 2 of This Is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez sits down with Eva Jane Bunkley, Founder of The Makeup Bullet and Eva Jane Beauty, to discuss her journey as a solo-preneur in the world of beauty products. From those first moments of inspiration (like problem solving on live television), to finding the courage it takes to declare yourself “open for business,” to making sure your audience knows who you are - this episode covers how to make sure your small business stands out from the competition. With some critical insights from PR expert, Chelsea Whittington, CEO of C. WHITT PR about creative ways to get your story heard, Andrea gathers some vital information for the next chapter of her small business playbook. 

Leave us a voicemail HERE!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Episode 27 of This is Small Business, Andrea looks into what could be the future of your business, that is, if you eventually want to merge your small business with another business. Andrea talks to a familiar guest from season one, Danyel Surrency Jones, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of POWERHANDZ Inc., about her own journey merging POWERHANDZ inc. with another business as well as Danyel's newest role as Director of Amazon's Black Business Accelerator. Danyel talks about how to make your business more appealing to potential partners like making sure you have a solid financial model and a marketing strategy. Next, Andrea talks to Kison Patel, the CEO and Founder of DealRoom, FirmRoom and M&A Science, about how to set up your business in a way that’ll lead you to a successful merger. They talk about the many different reasons why you might consider a merger and the importance of a good M&A lawyer to help you through the process. Join Andrea as she fills up yet another chapter in her small business playbook with info that might help you pull off a successful merger.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kayla Castañeda, founder of Agua Bonita, brings a refreshing twist to the traditional Mexican drink, aguas frescas, blending heritage and innovation in every sip. With a rich personal story rooted in her family's heritage, Kayla's mission is to share an elevated version of this beloved beverage. After navigating challenges like job loss during the pandemic and financial struggles, she successfully funded her startup through pitch competitions, culminating in a victory on Amazon Prime Video's Buy It Now series, where she secured a $20,000 cash prize. Her winning recipe? A powerful blend of authenticity, determination, and connecting with the right audience. You can watch Agua Bonita's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: Tony Pops Off.

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. 

Are you looking forward to exiting your company? Take a glimpse into what happens during and after exiting a business. Jewel Burks Solomon, managing partner at Collab Capital and the ex-CEO and founder of PartPic, tells us how PartPic got acquired by Amazon and what she would’ve done differently. And Danyel Surrency Jones, the head of Amazon's Black Business Accelerator program and co-founder and ex-CEO of POWERHANDZ, explains why she made the move to Amazon and offers some helpful entrepreneurial tips to keep you going.

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Click HERE to leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Matthew Tesvich, the CEO of Skunk Skin turned his personal battle with stinky feet into a thriving business with his innovative odorless socks. Hear about his experience on "Buy It Now," where he impressed judges like Jamie Siminoff, and learn the key lessons he gathered on entrepreneurship, marketing, and overcoming challenges. You can watch Skunk Skin's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: Lions and Ducks and Skunks, Oh My!

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. 

In this episode you’ll learn: 

(0:06): How Matthew’s lifelong issue with stinky feet inspired him to create Skunk Skin, a line of odorless socks, highlighting the power of turning personal challenges into innovative solutions.

(02:38): After a career-ending injury, Matthew pivoted from aspiring baseball player to entrepreneur, demonstrating how setbacks can lead to new opportunities and the importance of creative problem-solving.

(06:02): Matthew discusses how he used press and publicity strategies, including catchy email subject lines, to gain media attention and boost sales, underscoring the value of effective marketing in a startup’s success.

(11:43): Matthew reveals his pitching tactics, including price anchoring and engaging storytelling, that helped him impress the judges and win a spot on the Buy It Now Amazon store, illustrating key techniques for successful pitches.

On the Season Finale of This is Small Business, Andrea sits down with Danyel Surrency Jones, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of POWERHANDZ Inc., as they listen to highlights from previous episodes. Danyel Surrency Jones shares her valuable insights as a CEO/entrepreneur on how to start, build, and grow a company and discusses how each of these moments resonates with her and relates to her own journey with her company. Join Andrea as she goes over some of her favorite lessons and reviews the notes she jotted down in her business playbook this season. 

Leave us a voicemail HERE!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon’s This is Small Business is back for a second season with weekly episodes that dig deep into the pivotal moments that small business owners face and conquer on their journey to success. Andrea Marquez, a curious millennial and possibly a future small business owner, continues to investigate what makes a successful small business boom by talking to industry experts and small business owners from all over about how to start, build, and grow a business. We’re also introducing This is Small Business Minisodes – shorter, straight to the point episodes that deliver key insights about the small business owner’s journey. Season Two is packed with new information, and as always, each episode is bookended with tangible, actionable takeaways, so make sure you have your small business playbook nearby and get ready for the journey!Leave us a voicemail HERE!By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered how to make influencer marketing a game-changer for your small business? Just ask Brittany Hennessy, the bestselling author of "INFLUENCER: Building Your Personal Brand In The Age of Social Media." Brittany reveals how small businesses can leverage the power of influencers to enhance their brand, reach new audiences, and drive sales. Whether you're new to the influencer marketing scene or looking to refine your approach, Brittany's insights can help you navigate the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing.

Discover strategies for working with influencers, from understanding the different types of influencer marketing to finding a good match for your brand and maximizing conversions.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

(2:07) How starting a blog launched Brittany into the world of influencer marketing and led to her first brand trip.

(4:05) Three powerful ways to boost your brand through influencer marketing: content creation, community engagement, and driving conversions.

(6:25) How you can make influencer marketing work for your small business if you’re on a tight budget.

(7:49) Why picking the right influencer that aligns with your brand and goals is crucial for a successful campaign.

(9:10) Practical tips on how to find the perfect influencer that could take your business to the next level.

(10:53) How to reach out to influencers in a way that’ll make them excited to collaborate with you and build valuable partnerships.

On Episode 25 of This is Small Business, Andrea discusses product iteration – more specifically how do you find out when it’s time to offer additional products? First up, President of Hot Taco Inc. Leslie Pierson (who’s running this business for her son who created a card game called Taco vs Burrito when he was 7 years old) walks us through the process of creating a second product and why they decided to launch a second game. Next, CXO and Dean of Rocket Club Academy Aicha Sharif explains how pivoting could help you replicate what worked in your first product while also making sure you create something new for your customers. Join Andrea as she points out all the key takeaways that will help you decide if you’re ready to iterate your product.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode of This is Small Business, Andrea Marquez travels all the way to Las Vegas for Movement Evolutions where she hosts a panel of inspiring and diverse voices in podcasting. Andrea engages in insightful conversations with Mike Sargent, co-host of Brown & Black Podcast, Kulap Vilaysack, co-host of Add To Cart, Lee Adams, Audio Producer of The Midnight Miracle, and Lori Lizarraga, host of Code Switch. Together, they explore the importance of diverse storytelling and its impact on various communities and share their thoughts on how individuals in positions of power can foster and encourage diverse storytelling. Join Andrea as she points out all the key takeaways from these talented storytellers that’ll get you excited to share your own stories through your branding as an entrepreneur.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

How do you transform an everyday problem into a product that people want to buy? Just ask Ray Philips, the CEO of SoapSox, who turned children’s bath-time struggles into a product that resonated with so many people. Ray shares how he validated his idea and navigated the bumps throughout his entrepreneurial journey. And if you're still in the brainstorming stage, Morgan DeBaun, the CEO of Blavity, has you covered with her DRIP method, a decision-making framework designed to help you turn your ideas into actionable steps. Whether you're stuck in the ideation phase or just need a motivational pick-me-up to ride the wild rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to turn your next big idea into reality.

Learn how to leverage constructive criticism, stay balanced through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and push past the doubt to start or build your business. 

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

(3:00) How Ray Philips turned a bath-time challenge into a business, and what made him launch his entrepreneurial journey.

(5:12) Morgan DeBaun breaks down her powerful DRIP decision-making framework which can help you come up with ideas and turn them into real, validated business opportunities.

(8:32) How to refine your product using feedback that matters—and more importantly, how to filter out the noise that could throw you off track.

(10:48) Ray talks about funding his business and Morgan shares how to handle the inevitable highs and lows of entrepreneurship while keeping your vision alive.

(14:26) Setbacks are part of the journey. Here’s what to do when your first big obstacle hits—and how Ray and Morgan turned their first major setbacks into fuel for success.

(17:31) How Ray pushed through tough times and scored a coveted spot on Shark Tank, and what it took to get there.

(21:36) If you’re battling self-doubt, stick around—this advice might be the boost you need to keep chasing your entrepreneurial dreams.

Are you sure you’re reaching the right customer? If you're not sure, you might not be leveraging customer research. Roshni Wijayasinha, Founder & CEO of Prosh Marketing, explains how to use customer research as a marketing strategy and the importance of timing when targeting the right customer.

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(02:19) Roshni talks about the three ways you can reach your customer: brand awareness, conducting customer research, and utilizing digital tools.

(03:50) Why timing is crucial in finding the right customer

(06:00) Why you should continuously adapt your strategies and the importance of direct communication with customers.

—

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

In Episode 7 of "This is Small Business: Next Generation," hosts Andrea Marquez and Mitch Gilbert bring you to the thrilling final day of the Rice Business Plan Competition. As anticipation reaches its peak, they reveal the teams that have advanced beyond the semi-finals and emerged as winners. Andrea and Mitch also highlight all the improvements made by each team within this short timeframe and engage in conversations with the teams that won and lost to uncover the invaluable lessons learned and what they plan on doing differently in future pitch competitions. Were they disheartened by the outcome? Relieved that the competition is over? Most importantly, did any of our teams win the grand prize? And remember the 60 second elevator pitches at the start of the competition? – did any of our teams win that? Join Andrea and Mitch as they answer all these questions and offer key takeaways from each team's unique journey and some advice on navigating the challenges of dealing with loss.

Building a brand around your culture and history can help you stand out and create a loyal customer base. Just ask Teri Johnson, the CEO of Harlem Candle Co, whose scented candles are inspired by influential figures in the Harlem Renaissance. Teri opens up about how, in sharing stories from this moment in Black history, she was able to build a brand that people wanted to talk about, share and celebrate. "Storytelling is everything about the candle," she says. "People connect to it and they can feel it."

Learn how Teri started her business, the stories behind some of her favorite scents, and how she integrates Black history into her branding.

In this episode you'll hear:

(01:18) Where Teri's story begins

(04:23) How to find support (and cross promotion) in community

(05:15) Andrea mentions one of our previous episodes, in which former NFL player Justin Forsett talks about finding your "huddle". You can listen to the full episode here: https://www.smallbusiness.amazon/podcast-episodes/ep-13-justin-tackles-the-top-3-steps-to-start-a-business

(07:40) How to work storytelling into product packaging

(08:30) How brand storytelling wins Teri media coverage and high-profile customers

(09:55) How transparency builds customer loyalty

Have you been struggling with securing funding? The issue might be your cash flow. Ambro Blackwell, a best-selling author and VP and senior business banking relationship manager at JP Morgan Chase, explains what cash flow is and how to strategically plan it in a way that sets you up for success.

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(04:14) How to use your cash flow to figure out and mitigate what problems you might run into.

(08:18) Andrea goes over why cash flow is vital for securing funding, the key sections that are typically included in a cash flow statement, and what they represent.

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Tiffany Gil, the CEO and inventor behind Shezza Socks, creates foam-padded socks designed to prevent blisters. Tiffany's journey to entrepreneurship started as a high schooler struggling with painful blisters from new shoes. After years of refining her idea and overcoming challenges—like securing funding by winning a cross-country lawnmower race—Tiffany's product went viral on TikTok. This led Tiffany to pitch her brand on the Buy It Now show, where she impressed a panel of judges, including Jamie Siminoff (founder of Ring) and celebrity entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow. You can watch Shezza Socks' episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Get Grilled. 

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. 

In this episode you’ll discover: 

(0:07) How Tiffany solved a personal problem. Tiffany created Shezza Socks after struggling with painful blisters from new shoes, turning a personal issue into a business idea.

(5:55) Tiffany funded her business by winning a lawnmower race and entering pitch competitions, showing the value of persistence and resourcefulness.

(7:59) How Tiffany leveraged social media to gain entrepreneurial recognition. A viral TikTok video helped Shezza Socks gain traction, demonstrating the power of social media for marketing.

(14:10) The importance of valuing and embracing feedback. Tiffany received valuable feedback on her brand name from industry leaders, showing the importance of being open to criticism and adapting.

From a chaotic childhood to joining the military at 17, this entrepreneur discovered the therapeutic power of science and gamified it. In this special Veteran's Day episode of This is Small Business, John Coveyou, founder and CEO of Genius Games, a science-based board game company that has sold over half a million units worldwide, shares his journey. He discusses how military principles shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and led him to create engaging educational games. John shares the pivotal moment that inspired his first game and how crowdfunding transformed his hobby into a successful business.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

(0:00) How various business principles overlap with lessons learned in the military.

(1:50) John explains how his interest in science helped him cope during tough times in the military.

(2:59) While teaching chemistry, John noticed that his students were intimidated by the subject, sparking his idea for a game.

(03:09) John connects the excitement of gaming to learning science and decides to create a game.

(3:50) John details his early experiments with game mechanics and his journey through game design clubs.

(4:12) How feedback from play-tests led to the creation of John’s first game and the push to publish it.

(4:49) John discusses how his crowdfunding campaigns validated his business idea and led to further success.

(5:37) The moment John decided to leave his engineering job and pursue his passion full-time.

(7:20) John explains the After Action Review process and how it encourages continual improvement in business.

(12:35) The power of perspective in entrepreneurship, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

On Episode 1 of This Is Small Business, host and self-declared “curious Millennial” Andrea Marquez learns about how (and when) to scale your side-hustle into a successful business. First up, Max Ash, the young creator and founder of MAX’IS Creations, (and his mom, Jen), who share their thoughts on critical areas like how to protect your intellectual property, licensing, manufacturing, and evaluating the future of your business. Next, Andrea gets some important advice from Verne Harnish, Founder and CEO of Scaling Up and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. So join Andrea as she gains valuable first-hand insights for her evolving small business playbook.

Leave us a voicemail HERE!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

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On Episode 15 of This is Small Business, Andrea Marquez tries to demystify the fear around all things money by talking about some ways to approach funding your small business. First up, Detara Williams, co-founder of Darlyng & Co., talks about her personal relationship with money and some really helpful tips on bootstrapping, loans, and her personal favorite and current funding method: pitching for grants. Next, Kerry Hannon, senior columnist and on-air expert at Yahoo Finance who’s written more than a dozen books on entrepreneurship, joins Andrea for a chat about the different methods of funding and how to choose one that works best for your small business. Join Andrea as she gathers a bunch of useful tips that she’ll be storing in her small business playbook.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every step you need to take to get your book in front of an audience - learn the process of publishing with Naibe Reynoso, a journalist and the founder of Con Todo Press. And Jane Friedman, a publishing industry expert, shares her secrets to ensuring your book is as discoverable as possible.

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(05:32) What are the steps to publishing a book?

(13:21) What's the ISBN and how do I get one for my book?

(18:12) Considerations an aspiring author should make if they want to make a profitable business out of writing books.

(19:50) What Business model works best for someone who just wrote their first children's book?

(21:04) Technical elements that you need to know before trying to sell a book.

(24:15) Andrea lists the key takeaways from the episode.

—

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Are you struggling to identify your target market? Or maybe you’re wondering where you can find your ideal customer? Andrea breaks down the customer journey into five simple steps with Amber Murray, founder of Fidget Stickers. Once we've figured out who our ideal customer is, Darian Kovacs, founder of Jelly Digital Marketing, tells us how to reach them. Stick around to hear Andrea's key takeaways at the end of the episode.

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(05:51) Amber breaks down the five phases of the customer journey: awareness, consideration, decision purchase, retention, and advocacy

(12:54) How to identify your ideal customer BEFORE launching your product

(18:31) Tools that small business owners can use to learn more about their customer's journey

(25:59) Andrea's key takeaways for understanding your customer journey 

—

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On Episode 7 of This Is Small Business, Andrea gets some legal lessons from Naveen Thomas, director of the Business Transactions Clinic at New York University's School of Law. And she talks to Rod Johnson from BLK & Bold Coffee about how he and his friend and business partner Pernell Cezar make the most of each other’s strengths as they conquer the coffee market. When it comes to working with friends, what’s the ultimate recipe for success? How do you divide responsibilities, and how do you protect yourselves – and your friendship – from the inevitable bumps in the road? Lots of fresh ground lessons for Andrea’s growing small business playbook – so don’t miss out!

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens if you don't protect your IP, and is it worth all the paperwork? Jeannell Darden, CEO of Moisture Love, shares her story of battling trademark and copyright issues, and how she overcame it. Learn when and how to start the process, what to consider when rebranding, how to avoid trademark disputes, whether you should register your logo, and where to find legal support for small businesses. Cynthia Dahl, Practice Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, offers her insights. Stay tuned to the end of the episode where host Andrea Marquez lists her key takeaways!

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(07:04) Considerations to make when rebranding.

(14:54) Considerations for founders regarding trademark and protection.

(16:47) When should small business owners start considering intellectual property (IP) protection.

(18:08) Mistakes to avoid when protecting your brand.

(20:16) How to avoid confusion among consumers and trademark disputes.

(22:09) Should you register your logo?

(24:18) Andrea mentions the cost of legal help for small businesses and points out free resources recommended by Cynthia. She also lists the key takeaways from the episode.

—

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Ever wondered how to keep a seasonal business profitable year-round? Charlie Weiss, owner of Jummy, an organic hot cocoa company has it figured out. Find out how you can leverage slow periods for business growth and why customer loyalty is essential to your success during the high and low seasons. And because this is our last episode this season, you’ll also get to hear from experts from previous episodes who’ll be expanding on some of the tips Charlie points out, like making sure you stay up to date with your customer journey and figuring out your cash flow.

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(6:23) Charlie reveals the seasonal customer journey of his business

(15:33) The importance of forecasting when figuring out cash flow in a seasonal business

(17:10) How to prepare for and take advantage of the slower season 

—

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

How do you show customers that your product is different - and better - than competitors'? Aaron and Whitney Cordovez, Cofounders of Zulay Kitchen, talk about how they differentiated their brand in the crowded "kitchen gadget" category.

And Rita Gunther McGrath, a best-selling author and professor at Columbia University Business School, shares her five-step discovery-driven planning process to help you succeed.

Learn how to find out what really matters to your customer, and what to think about when you're just starting out to ensure you stand out from the crowd.

—

(05:10) Considerations Zulay Kitchen made to ensure their products are different

(12:44) What is discovery-driven planning

(16:02) How to find out what really matters to your customer

(18:15) Considerations to make when starting out that will help you stand out

—

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Aside from a regular paycheck, what more can you do for your employees? And can going the extra mile for them really help your business' bottom line? Listen in to hear from brothers and founders of Mr. Tortilla, Ron and Anthony Alcazar. Their approach to business was formed at an early age, while watching their parents work hard with no buy-in. And then we’ll speak with Ludmila Praslova, PhD. Professor of Industrial Organizational Psychology, and author of The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work. 

"Imagine having to walk in shoes that are extremely big or way too small, way too wide, way too narrow" said Ludmila. "That's painful, that's not comfortable, …flexibility just makes sense."

In this episode you’ll hear:

(00:43) Why Mr. Tortilla wanted to take care of their employees

(03:26) How it’s good for business to prioritize a healthy workplace

(04:58) The bare minimum an employer could do for its employee

(06:40) The importance of flexibility and how to implement it into your company



(12:18) How to start a conversation with your employee about their needs

On Episode 9 of This is Small Business, Andrea dives deep into going from “brick and mortar”  to the world of online sales with handmade small business owner Ruby Hong of Beets & Apples, and online sales specialist Nicole Leinbach of RetailMinded.com. Going online can feel intimidating at first, but it’s a must and increasingly important in order to stay competitive and scale up. As you make this switch, how do you plan for increased sales and keep up with distribution challenges? And where is it best to show up considering endless options? This episode is a “must listen” for anyone expanding into online sales!

Leave us a voicemail HERE!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you nail the perfect price for your product? Just ask Mark Stiving, Chief Pricing Educator of Impact Pricing, who will share insights on pricing strategies. He’ll explain how understanding your business strategy and customer decision-making process can help you value your products and how to find out how much your customer is willing to pay. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

(02:05) How figuring out your business strategy will influence your pricing.

(03:00) How to find out how much your customer is willing to pay. 

(04:52) Should you start selling your products or services at a higher price point? 

(06:05) The benefits of a subscription model and how to build one.

(07:50) How understanding the customer decision process can help you set prices.

In this special bonus episode of This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez goes to the Veteran Edge conference by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, an event dedicated to Veterans and military spouses who are small business owners, to sit down in a live interview with Matt Butler, the founder of Rollers and co-founder of Tally Tumbler. Matt shares his story as a veteran-turned-entrepreneur or as he likes to say Vetrepreneur, and talks about all the transferable skills he learned during his service that enabled him to succeed in building his businesses. He also delves into the importance of being passionate about your business, trying to solve a problem with your business, and making sure you go in with a plan. Join Andrea as she writes down all the important takeaways from this inspiring interview that’ll get you motivated to start, build, and grow your business.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Want to build a loyal following of people who are excited to buy what you're selling? Stop spending your valuable time on the wrong marketing channels, and prioritize an email list. So says Jenna Kutcher, a digital marketing expert and host of The Goal Digger Podcast. After attracting thousands of followers on social, but seeing so few convert to customers, Jenna learned about the power of owning an email list - and she hasn't looked back! It's the number one ways she drives sales in her business.

You'll learn how to start a list, where to find your first subscribers, and how to grow and maintain a list. Plus, the surprising benefits of an email list - beyond the high ROI.

(06:40) Where to find your first subscribers

(07:25) How to use your email list to test out new business ideas

(09:40) The TWO things you need to focus on as an entrepreneur

(11:00) Tacticts Jenna uses to drive followers from social and the podcast to her list

(14:30) How to make time for your email list

(15:50) Don't make these two mistakes with your email list!

(18:00) Convinced? Here's how to start your list

Learn how to go from zero subscribers to an engaged list that lasts. Sign up for Jenna's FREE Email Building Master Class at jennkutcher.com/list. It only happens once a year - don't miss out!

On Episode 19 of This is Small Business, Andrea talks about sourcing your products with Chevalo & Monique Wilsondebriano, co-founders of Charleston Gourmet Burger. More specifically they dive into shipping and fulfillment considerations you should make when you aren’t manufacturing your own product. Chevalo & Monique discuss where to find suppliers when you’re first starting out, questions to ask while vetting them, and how to keep your customer’s trust through a solid relationship with your supplier  – even if it means paying a little extra. Next, Serguei Netessine, Senior Vice Dean for Innovation and Global Initiatives and Dhirubhai Ambani Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Pennsylvania, fills us in on all the different types of suppliers and what you need to consider when choosing one – like thinking about the returns process, price, service, and shipping time. Join Andrea as she fills out another chapter of her small business playbook.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Anissa Pfeifer, the CEO and inventor of the Whiskee Straw, a unique straw with a whisk at the bottom designed to mix drinks like smoothies and coffee. Anissa shares the emotional journey behind creating her product, from the early struggles of running a small boutique to the breakthrough moment when she invented the Whiskee Straw. With her business on the brink of failure, Anissa finds new hope after being invited to pitch her product on the Buy It Now show. After overcoming nerves and delivering an outstanding pitch, Anissa took home a $20,000 prize, which she plans to use to grow her business. Listen to the highlights and challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of perseverance, and the importance of believing in your product and story! You can watch Whiskee Straw's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: A Shocking Game of Golf. 

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. 

In this episode you’ll discover: 

(00:00) Anissa shares the overwhelming feeling of pride and accomplishment when she uses a product she created, even on the hardest days. This insight emphasizes the emotional toll and reward that comes with building a business from scratch.

(04:19) Anissa almost gave up on her entrepreneurial dream after her boutique failed, but she found renewed hope when a new idea emerged. This highlights the need for perseverance, especially when faced with setbacks.

(04:33) The idea for the Whiskee Straw came from Anissa’s frustration with her smoothie separating while driving to a store. Recognizing real-life problems is often the catalyst for innovation.

(05:55) After her husband helped create the first prototype, Anissa realized that having a prototype was just the first step. Convincing customers to buy it was the real challenge, reflecting how launching a product involves more than just creation—it requires customer buy-in.

(06:44) Anissa's business gained traction after a few viral reels. This underscores the importance of social media in expanding reach, especially for small businesses with limited marketing budgets.

(08:04) After seeing initial success, Anissa faced a slowdown in sales, which led her to question her business’s viability. This demonstrates how entrepreneurial journeys often involve peaks and valleys, and how critical it is to stay focused during tough times.

(08:46) Anissa received an unexpected email about the Buy It Now show, which she initially thought was spam. This highlights how unforeseen opportunities can sometimes lead to breakthrough moments for small businesses.

(09:28) Anissa’s emotional breakdown before the show demonstrates how vulnerability can sometimes serve as a motivator. She found strength in her vulnerability and used it as a catalyst to keep going, showing how authenticity can inspire resilience.

(12:53) Anissa overcame her nervousness and delivered an engaging pitch, earning 46 green lights from the audience. This proves the importance of being prepared and confident in your pitch—especially when the stakes are high.

Ready to make a difference with your business but don’t know where to start? Just ask Thomas Ling, founder of Kin+Kind, who combined his passion for the environment and love of animals to create eco-friendly pet products. Thomas breaks down what makes a business sustainable, the importance of transparency and authenticity, and how you can start a business that does good in the world. 

“It's important that we are running the kind of company that we want to see out in the world.” Thomas says.

Learn what it takes to be a clean business, and the benefits that come with it.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(01:09) Kin+Kind’s story.

(02:56) How Kin + Kind brings transparency and authenticity into their products.

(04:11) What are clean ingredients?

(06:34) Being a clean company is about more than using good ingredients, it’s also about how you treat your employees.

(07:25) What is greenwashing?

(09:15) How to start a sustainable business.

(10:50) The benefits of having a clean business.

On Episode 24 of This is Small Business and the sixth of our This is Small Business Minisodes series, Andrea talks about how you can ensure diversity within your business. Jennifer Kim, Founder and CEO of Workflow, talks about how you can create a workplace culture that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion and how to implement diversity into your hiring process in a way that’ll ensure you’re hiring the best employees possible. Join Andrea in this informative conversation that’s filling up another chapter in her small business playbook.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Episode 18 of This is Small Business and the third of our This is Small Business: Minisodes series, Andrea dives into why it's so hard for us to take time off, even when we know we need it. She speaks with Professor of Psychology and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, Art Markman about why vacations are a crucial part of your business and how to set up your business in a way that allows you to take some much needed time off.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you preparing to launch your first product? Andrea learns how to prepare your MVP (minimum viable product), and how to know when you're ready to go, with Trinity Mouzon Wofford, co-founder and CEO of Golde. Trinity also gives us a look into all the behind-the-scenes work she put into their brand as she prepared to launch.

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(05:56) How distinctive packaging and vibrant colors helped Trinity's brand stand out in a crowded marketplace 

(07:58) Copying big businesses' marketing tactics doesn't work! Trinity explains how she found success by staying true to her vision

(09:10) How to leverage friends and family to gather early feedback on your product - before you launch 

(09:42) Trinity explains how she knew she was ready to launch her business 

(11:06) Andrea's key takeaways for launching your MVP

—

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Are you an aspiring or early-stage entrepreneur with a product to sell? Learn how to grow your small business from a diverse group of entrepreneurs and experts. By the end of this season, you'll understand how to:

→ define your target market

→ secure funding

→ set prices

→ protect your intellectual property

→ position your product

→ expand to new markets

→ hire for success

→ secure a supply chain

→ differentiate with stellar customer service

This is Small Business is an original podcast from Amazon. It's hosted by Andrea Marquez, an aspiring entrepreneur who is on a journey to learn all she can about how to start and grow a small business. Every week she dives into a new topic with a successful business owner or expert to help her on her entrepreneurial journey. 

We know you have a busy schedule. That's why we started releasing "minisodes" - with valuable insights for growing your small business in just ten minutes. Or for a deeper dive into the stories of our diverse slate of entrepreneurial guests, tune into our regular episodes.

On Episode 17 of This is Small Business, Andrea talks about setting goals and mechanisms for your business in a way that lead to success with Renee Manzari, founder and CEO of Livity Yoga. With big goals like diverting a million yoga mats from landfills by 2026, Renee breaks down all the planning and mechanisms that go on behind-the-scenes in order to make big goals like that less daunting and achievable. Next, serial entrepreneur and senior lecturer at Harvard Business School, Christina Wallace joins Andrea once again to talk in depth about how to set goals in the first place, different types of mechanisms you could set, and steps that are often overlooked but can make a big impact. Join Andrea as she points out all the important takeaways that are going into her small business playbook.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting a business on a tight budget might sound tough, but it can be more beneficial than you might think. Just ask Alice Kim, founder of Elizabeth Mott, who turned a small budget into a flourishing business. Alice explains how she reduced costs by building a strong network, coming up with creative solutions, and the importance of buying enough time to build the momentum you need to get your business noticed. You’ll also hear from Caroline Castrillon, founder of the Corporate Escape Artist, who’ll share budget-friendly ways to understand your target audience and do market research.

Learn how you can make your business thrive with limited funds and turn your small budget into a big success!

In this episode you’ll hear: 

(1:08) How Alice Kim launched Elizabeth Mott on a shoestring budget.

(3:57) How Alice tapped into her network to cut costs and find creative solutions.

(5:05) How to tackle research and development without breaking the bank.

(6:47) Five budget-friendly tips for effective market research.

(8:48) Why having a co-founder or a solid support system can make all the difference.

(9:25) The benefits of being resourceful and scrappy.

(12:10) Why focusing on the journey is just as important as reaching your end goal.

(14:19) Why prioritizing your tasks can help you navigate the startup hustle.

(15:38) How being scrappy can give you the time and space to get your business off the ground.

Should I work with a manufacturer or do the manufacturing myself? That’s a question every small business owner starts thinking about as they grow. Sean Brownlee, the CEO of Ravenox, has made the choice to acquire a manufacturer for his business and is gonna let us know all the benefits that come with it.

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(03:42) The benefits of becoming a manufacturer

(04:56) How to manage inventory

—

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Want to build an award-winning business that not only thrives but also makes a real difference? Just ask Justin Forsett, former NFL player and CEO and co-founder of Hustle Clean, who turned his side hustle to a successful community-focused brand! In a live recording, we catch up with Justin, winner of the Amazon Force for Good Award. He reveals how his personal experiences – from humble beginnings to the highs and lows of professional sports – shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to giving back. We also bring back some of his essential steps to building a successful business from “Justin tackles the top 3 steps to start a business” so you can have key insights into what makes purpose-driven brands successful. Learn the actionable steps you need to set up your business for success and how to integrate community impact into your core values even in the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, you'll discover:

(1:35) How Justin transformed a personal experience into a thriving award-winning business.

(2:58) Why community impact is important to Justin and how he prioritizes it. 

(4:37) How winning the Amazon Force for Good Award helped Hustle Clean overcome a major setback and continue their mission.

(5:58) How to give back to your community in the early stages of your business.

(7:30) The critical questions you need to ask yourself before launching your business.

(8:41) Why establishing a strong legal foundation is essential for long-term success.

(9:39) Key elements of a winning business plan, from market research to cash flow management.

(10:32) The importance of building a supportive "huddle" of mentors and advisors.

(12:09) Why defining your core values is crucial for navigating challenges and attracting the right team.

(13:39) How to avoid spreading yourself too thin by focusing on your core customer.

(14:30) Why embracing the entrepreneurial journey – with all its ups and downs – is key to finding fulfilment.

Are you interested in starting a crowdfunding campaign? Or maybe you’re wondering if you should pull money out of your savings to start your business? Learn the pros and cons of bootstrapping & crowdfunding and what it takes to launch a successful crowdfunding campaign with Josh Lipinski, the founder of Breakwater Supply, and Tess Estandarte, Director of Product Marketing at Rainfactory.

This episode is brought to you by Amazon Business. Amazon Business provides a wide product selection, business-only pricing, and account features that can make running your small business easier. Amazon Business supports small businesses through various programs such as the Small Business Grants where Amazon Business gives over $250,000 to 15 small businesses who are Amazon Business customers. Amazon Business is committed to the growth of small businesses and invests in grants to help small businesses overcome challenges they face, freeing up their resources to focus on their mission and customers. Small Businesses are the backbone of our economy and when they succeed, we all succeed. Create your free account today at amazonbusiness.com.

—

(04:14) Josh points out the benefits of bootstrapping like having the freedom to call the shots and not having to meet investor demands which allows you to concentrate on improving your product and service.

(05:40) Josh talks about why he decided to use bootstrapping to launch some of their products and emphasizes the importance of building trust by delivering on promises because it's a serious business that requires a solid plan.

(12:23) Tess highlights the often overlooked legal aspects of crowdfunding, such as the importance of patents, trademarks, copyrights, intellectual property, reading the terms and conditions, and taxation.

(14:06) Tess talks about the benefits of crowdfunding for entrepreneurs, highlighting the engagement with a supportive user community, brand and product awareness, and the ability to assess market readiness before seeking additional funding or investors.

(19:33) To make your crowdfunding campaign stand out, Tess advises against cutting corners on the quality of assets, particularly images and videos, which can either make or break your campaign.

—

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On Episode 20 of This is Small Business and the fourth of our This is Small Business: Minisodes series, we continue our conversation on shipping and fulfillment with a twist – what if you want to start manufacturing your own product? Epic Water Filter’s Co-founder Ash Heather gives us the inside information on when you should consider manufacturing your own product, how to protect your business when you start to do so, and all the pros and cons that come with that decision. Join Andrea as she points out all the key takeaways that’ll help you decide if manufacturing your own product is the right choice for your business.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much is my product worth - and what is my customer willing to pay? Every entrepreneur asks these questions at some point in their small business journey. Mark Stiving, Chief Pricing Educator of Impact Pricing, joins Andrea with insights on:

(2:00) How to think about pricing your product or service.

(02:58) How to figure out how much your customer is willing to pay.

(04:46) Should you start pricing your products at a higher price?

(06:04) How to grow a subscription model and why it's beneficial.

(07:51) How to remain competitive while still growing.

(09:21) What are valuables and how can they help your business grow?

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Jaime Salcedo, the founder of Painless Picasso, a numbing cream designed to alleviate pain during tattooing, piercing, waxing, and laser treatments shares his entrepreneurial story. From his beginnings as a tattoo artist to creating a product that challenges the norm in the beauty industry, Jaime shares the highs and lows of building a business from the ground up. Despite freezing up during his pitch on Buy It Now and facing tough questions from the judges, Jaime's authenticity and passion for helping people shone through, earning him a spot on Amazon's Buy It Now store and a $20,000 cash prize. You can watch Painless Picasso's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Meet Dua Leafa. 

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. 

In this episode you’ll learn: 

(03:43) Jaime shares how, as a tattoo artist with no chemistry background, dove into the world of numbing creams and sought advice to create a safer alternative.

(04:52) Jaime's first step in turning his idea into a business was calling the FDA to learn about the regulations surrounding numbing creams, demonstrating the value of asking questions when starting something new.

(05:16) Jaime reflects on his experience with joining the bio-tech community, such as Techstars, a venture accelerator that taught him business fundamentals and helped him connect with key resources like chemists.

(06:27) Jaime talks about overcoming imposter syndrome by focusing on his strengths as a problem solver and team builder, rather than worrying about what he didn’t know.

(11:13) Despite freezing during his pitch, Jaime’s deep understanding of his product allowed him to answer audience questions with ease, reinforcing the importance of knowing your business.

(11:41) Jaime discusses how carefully choosing a price point ($19.99) helped his product stand out and led to a favorable response from the audience during his pitch.

(18:26) Jamie Siminoff advises that focusing on one core product—rather than trying to do everything—helps businesses gain traction before expanding into additional markets.

On Episode 5 of This Is Small Business, Andrea sits down with Back To The Roots co-founders Alejandro Velez and Nikhil Arora to discuss their story of growing from college classmates with a quirky idea to sprout mushrooms out of coffee grounds, into a multi-million dollar garden supply company with a mission to help reconnect a new generation back to food and where it comes from. They produce and distribute easy & fun grow kits to help you get started, or a line of packet seeds if you want to really get your hands dirty. To ground it out, Andrea follows up with Chuck Templeton from S2G Ventures, best known as the founder and former CEO of OpenTable, a long-time entrepreneur who has a deep passion for helping early-stage and emerging entrepreneurs and companies scale their businesses. Chuck is now in league with Back To The Roots as they really start to hit their stride, making the jump from boot-strapping entrepreneurs to a booming medium-sized business. So come listen-in as Andrea gathers some great pointers for her small business playbook on what it takes to grow your creative adventure into a full-on venture!

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Want to know how your culture can give your business an edge? Just ask Mayra Luz Colon, the founder of Healthy Rican, who fused her Puerto Rican roots with her passion for healthy living to create a successful line of mom-approved seasonings. Mayra shares how she overcame imposter-syndrome, connected with her community, and pivoted from coaching to creating a product that resonated with so many people. You’ll also hear from Ramiro Cavazos, CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), who’ll dive into how Hispanic-owned businesses are shaping the future of entrepreneurship despite the challenges they face and how the USHCC is helping entrepreneurs get access to more capital, contracts and connections, and the tools and resources they need to grow their businesses.

In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode, you’ll discover the importance of staying connected to your roots, how to build a strong community around your brand, and why empowering Hispanic-owned businesses benefits everyone.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(02:06) How a health issue inspired Mayra to start her business

(04:27) Why Mayra pivoted to a product based business

(06:06) How to get customer feedback and build a supportive community

(8:52) The growth and impact of Hispanic businesses and what makes them stand out

(10:15) How the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) is helping Latino entrepreneurs overcome the challenges they face by focusing on the 3 C’s: access to capital, building connections, and capacity building

(14:50) Why supporting Hispanic-owned businesses benefits everyone

(16:13) How resilience and being open to pivoting can help you build a successful business

On Episode 26 of This is Small Business and the seventh of our This is Small Business Minisodes series, Andrea continues her discussion on product iteration but this time we dig deep into how you can work on different versions of your products without breaking the bank. Founder of Princeton Popcorn Company, Robert Ralph aka Farmer Bob, talks about how you can iterate without needing to create an entirely new product and how to mitigate any financial losses that might pop up from failed experimentation. Join Andrea as she jots down key takeaways from this delightful conversation that will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to start experimenting.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entering a new market can be challenging, especially if it’s an international one. But Max Gurevich, President of Warm Home Designs, has learned all the do’s and don’ts after successfully entering the Canadian and Mexican markets via Amazon. From making sure you switch up your marketing strategy to better suit the new market and trusting your customer feedback, to taking on the fear of a new language, Max has a wealth of helpful tips to share.

This episode is brought to you by Amazon Ads. Amazon Ads helps you reach customers wherever they spend their time and is here for every type of small business. Amazon Ads has a range of products and information to help you achieve your advertising goals, for registered sellers, vendors, book vendors, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) authors, app developers, and/or agencies.

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(03:25) How to tailor your products to non-US markets.

(05:34) How to use research to gain a competitive advantage.

(10:16) Andrea goes over the key takeaways for expanding to new markets which include thorough research, adapting marketing based on customer feedback, and starting with small-scale experiments for return on ad spend evaluation.

—

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

A behind-the-scenes look into Emmy Award-nominated entrepreneurship show "Start Up" on PBS. Gary Bredow and Jenny Feterovich explore the power of storytelling in entrepreneurship and the journey that led them to creating their successful show Start Up. Gary reflects on his childhood experiences that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, while Jenny shares her journey from the Soviet Union to becoming a successful storyteller and business owner. They discuss how Start Up has evolved to inspire others to pursue their dreams, emphasizing resilience, community support, and the impact of authentic storytelling in connecting with audiences and driving meaningful change.

In this episode you’ll discover:

(01:06) "Start Up" is a national PBS series that explores the mindset and experiences of American entrepreneurs, aiming to inspire and educate viewers.

(01:19) The show's goal is to motivate dreamers to take action by showcasing relatable stories of diverse individuals pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, both in America and globally.

(1:53) Gary’s entrepreneurial spark was ignited by witnessing a small business story unfold in his own home.

(4:49) Jenny’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a trip across the globe. 

(7:33) How Gary came up with the idea behind Start Up to solve a problem.

(9:10) How Gary and Jenny started working together.

(11:42) The ways in which the show evolved over time. 

(13:59) Why sharing personal stories is important and brings people closer together. 

(15:05) How Start Up pushed an aspiring entrepreneur to pursue his dreams. 

(16:20) Beyond helping entrepreneurs, Start Up also helps the featured businesses that make it on the show grow. 

(18:45) Motivational words from Jenny and Gary.

Are you an entrepreneur looking to turn your big idea into a successful business? Welcome to "This is Small Business: Behind the Buy", the official companion podcast to the Buy it Now show from Amazon Prime Video. Hosted by Andrea Marquez from This is Small Business, and featuring Jamie Siminoff, creator of Ring, this special season of TISB dives deep into the world of Buy it Now and the entrepreneurs who are building their businesses one pitch at a time. Every Thursday, we follow up with the winner of the previous night’s episode of Buy It Now on Prime Video. You'll hear directly from the entrepreneurs who took the stage, revealing the backstories, challenges, and business strategies that turned their dreams into reality.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an avid fan of the Buy It Now show, "Behind the Buy" offers behind-the-scenes stories that will inspire you to take the next step in your own business journey. From the intense preparation to the thrill of winning, we explore every angle of what it takes to pitch, win, and build a thriving business. Discover how each Buy It Now winner plans to use their prize to scale their business and how you can apply these lessons to your own entrepreneurial path.

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. 

If there's one thing we’ve learned over the many episodes of this show, it’s that owning and operating your own business is hard. You have to overcome challenges you didn’t even know existed.

Thinking of becoming an entrepreneur or you’re wondering if you should stick it out? We have Dr. Laura Morgan Roberts, scholar, speaker and consultant, who studies the science of maximizing human potential, to guide us through. “I do think for every market need, for every human desire, there is an entrepreneur who is inspired and equipped to meet that need and to help for people to connect with that desire”

And Pamela Wirth, of Hello Health, will share what she’s learned on her path to entrepreneurship. Learn from an expert and those who have been there!

In this episode you’ll hear:

(03:49) Why connecting with others is one of the most important traits of an entrepreneur

(05:23) What qualities you need to be an entrepreneur 

(08:17) If you can't go all in on your business because you need the financial security of a 9 to 5, how else can you start your business journey?

(10:24) How do you start a business if you have too much on your plate?

(12:56) An entrepreneur is also a leader, so what qualities do you need to be a great leader?

(15:38) What are some hurdles that entrepreneurs might have to overcome when they're thinking about starting a business?

(18:45) What are some of the qualities you need to help you get through the tough times?

On Episode 11 of This is Small Business, Andrea tackles getting ready for the holidays with Fort Boards Founder, August Graube, and Edward Anderson, a Professor for Management of Innovative Technology. The holidays are coming – busy sidewalks and shoppers walking home with their “treasures” – are you ready for them? This is a question that all small businesses need to consider as they prep for a big consumer season such as the winter holidays. What is the checklist to prepare for and leverage a spike in demand? Find out with Andrea, grab a hot chocolate – and don’t miss this special pre-holiday episode.

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Episode 14 of This is Small Business and the first of our This is Small Business: Minisodes series, Andrea talks to Christina Wallace, senior lecturer at Harvard Business School, about the top three mistakes Christina sees early-stage entrepreneurs make. Join Andrea for this Harvard-level crash course filled with helpful takeaways that are going into her small business playbook.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you planning on selling your business but don’t know where to start? Just ask Emmet Apolinario, President of the International Resource Group. Having transitioned into becoming a business broker after navigating the pitfalls of selling his own business, Emmet offers insights on how to evaluate your business to spare you from the same mistakes he made. 

“Selling a business is not like selling real estate. It's not going to sell tomorrow.” says Emmet, “[...] preparing and planning is very important.” 

Learn how you can increase your business value, who you may need on your team, and when you could be selling your business.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(01:41) Why and when you could be selling your business

(02:40) Challenges that might make your business difficult to sell

(03:26) Who you might need on your team to sell your business

(04:36) How to figure out what your business is worth

(06:27) How to increase your business’ value

Ready to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey or looking for a refresher on some essential tips? Join us as we dive into key insights from Season 4 that will help you start, build, and grow your business. To kick off Season 5, we're revisiting some of the most valuable advice from experts and successful small business owners like Amy Porterfield, Kat Norton, Jenna Kutcher, and more. Whether it's mastering your mindset, pinpointing your target audience, networking like a pro, or cracking the social media code, we've got you covered.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

(02:05) Cultivate a Success-Oriented Mindset

(03:02) Network Effectively for Business Growth

(04:24) Define and Reach Your Target Audience

(06:13) Build a Comprehensive Marketing Strategy

(07:44) Leverage the Power of Email Lists

(09:55) Implement Effective Social Media Strategies

(13:36) Stay Persistent and Keep Moving Forward

Money is such an integral part of your business. So when the time comes and you need to secure more, where do you start? Who do you turn to? We’ve got Iman Cotton, a loans officer with CDC Small Business Finance to guide us through it. Iman says that a good place to start is by thinking, “something that sounds too good to be true, probably is.”

Learn how to best prepare you and your business for a loan.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(01:39) How do you find a good lender?

(03:29) What documents do you need to apply to a small business loan?

(04:31) Mistakes small business owners make when they want to apply for a loan.

(07:34) Now that you have the loan, what happens if you’re struggling to pay it back?

Getting a Patent can be a complicated and expensive process, but it can protect your idea as you work on bringing it to market. Just ask Becca Davison, the CEO of UnbuckleMe, who got a patent early on in her small business journey. Becca explains how she came up with UnbuckleMe, why she decided to patent her idea early on, and what that process looked like for someone who was new to entrepreneurship. You’ll also hear from Colleen Chien, a professor at Berkeley Law School and the founder of the Paper Prisons and Diversity Pilots Initiatives. Colleen digs deeper into how a patent can protect your idea and breaks down everything you need to know before and during your patent application. 

Learn whether you should even get a patent, how you can protect your idea from copycats, and what the patenting process looks like.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(00:38) What is a patent?

(02:29) How Becca came up with UnbuckleMe

(05:28) The different types of Patents

(06:45) The process of filing a patent

(11:46) Why copycats can still show up even after you get a patent

(13:28) How to protect your idea from copycats

(14:41) The difference between copycats and competitors

Having a solid network can help you meet the right people that will help you grow your business. Just ask Robbie Samuels, a networking expert who got his first few clients by tapping into his network. Robbie shares all his networking secrets so you can know how to get the most out of any networking event and break away from the transactional feeling that comes with it. “I believe that our network is an untapped resource,” he says. “And if we're trying to find people for our programs and to pilot new things – 80 percent of the people that we need to sell to or connect with, we already know. It's a matter of reaching out to that network.”

Learn what a successful networking event looks like and what you should be doing before and after to ensure that you’re taking advantage of everything that networking has to offer. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

(02:00) Why networking can be uncomfortable and how to overcome that by reframing your mindset.

(04:28) Bagel vs Croissant: How body language can make networking easier.

(06:41) How to prepare for a networking event.

(07:55) How committing can help you stand out.

(08:52) How to use your network to grow your business.

In Episode 3 of "This is Small Business Next Generation," hosts Andrea Marquez and Mitch Gilbert uncover the dos and, more importantly, the don'ts of pitch presentations by speaking directly with RBPC judges. They provide insights into the key differences between various pitch formats, offering advice on how to adapt and make a significant impact within the given time constraints, while also emphasizing the importance of demonstrating your business's investability. Andrea and Mitch also introduce you to two additional teams we'll be following throughout the RBPC: Sloane Tilley and Julio Fredin co-founders of Dia, and Shiv Bhakta and Richard Swartwout co-founders of Active Surfaces. Get a glimpse into the worries and aspirations of these teams as they prepare for the competition by meeting with mentors, and rewriting and practicing their pitches. Join Andrea and Mitch as they equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in your business plan competition journey, enabling you to confidently impress judges and investors and secure the support your business truly deserves.

Leave us a voicemail HERE!

By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

In Episode 6 of "This is Small Business: Next Generation," hosts Andrea Marquez and Mitch Gilbert guide you through the first round of eliminations at the Rice Business Plan Competition where the teams compete for a spot in the semi-finals. As the pressure intensifies, each team strives to make significant improvements in order to stand a better chance of winning. They work tirelessly, tweaking their strategies, and refining and honing their pitches to perfection. It's a race against time as they push themselves to the limits. Andrea and Mitch also talk to Dean Peter Rodriguez to uncover some important insights when it comes to pitching at the Rice Business Plan Competition like the importance of navigating stress in an entrepreneur's life, and articulating risks and opportunities in your pitch. By the end of this episode you’ll find out who’ll make it to semi-finals and what’ll happen to the teams that get left behind. Join Andrea and Mitch as they point out all the key takeaways and learnings from our teams that’ll give you a leg up at any pitch competition you try to compete in. 

Accidents happen, we make missteps, sometimes our brands are tarnished. So how do we prepare for the inevitable and mitigate impact? Indya ‘Icy’ Wright, the Founder and CEO of Artiste House, a PR firm that prioritizes diversity, inclusivity, and representation, has some answers.

According to Wright, “all we can do is try to minimize the results of what happened, rectify it, and if things go well, move forward.”

In this episode you’ll hear:

(02:35) How do you figure out what your story is?

(05:22) How do you determine which issues to take a stance on publicly?

(07:52) You never know when a crisis will strike, how do you prepare?

(08:27) After a crisis, how do you deal with the potential loss of business?

Social media can help you connect with your audience authentically and foster meaningful growth. Just ask Sahra Nguyen, the founder and CEO of Nguyen Coffee Supply, who uses storytelling to keep her audience engaged. Sahra explains how she figured out what content her audience wants and what performs best on each platform. You’ll also hear from Kat Norton, the CEO of Miss Excel, who went viral on social media and used her online presence to successfully start her business. Kat digs deeper into how to keep up with trends and how to plan your content efficiently. 

Learn how Kat and Sahra used social media to their advantage and discover actionable strategies – like how to follow trends and create content – to elevate your online presence and reach your audience.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(02:16) How Kat used social media to start Miss Excel

(07:06) How Sahra connects with her audience through social media by sharing her story and being authentic

(09:24) Sahra talks about the challenges to centering the founder’s story in your brand’s social media

(10:19) How Sahra uses data to figure out what type of content works for each platform

(12:41) How experimenting with your social media content can make you go viral and how to take advantage of that virality – even if the content doesn’t align with your brand

(15:50) How to keep up with trends

(18:33) How to create social media content efficiently

Meet Khadijah Robinson, the founder and CEO of Aqua Waterproof Headwear, a line of waterproof turbans and head wraps. Khadijah's journey began with a personal challenge: trying to protect her hair extensions while snorkelling on vacation. Frustrated by the lack of suitable products, she created her own solution—waterproof headwear that is both stylish and functional!

Khadijah faced numerous setbacks, from struggling to find the right fabric to losing money when her first manufacturer went bankrupt. Her determination paid off when she found a supportive seamstress and, eventually, a new manufacturer. Eventually, Khadijah's product gained traction and, against the odds, she auditioned for the Buy It Now show on Prime Video earning her a spot on the Buy It Now Amazon store, along with a $20,000 cash prize. You can watch Aqua Waterproof Headwear's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Get Confused - And They Like It. 

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. 

In this episode you’ll learn:

(03:14) Khadijah's idea for waterproof turbans and headwraps came from a frustrating personal experience while on vacation. She needed a way to keep her hair dry while snorkelling but struggled with the limitations of regular hats and shower caps. 

(04:19) Khadijah faced significant challenges in bringing her product to life, from struggling to find waterproof fabric to working through multiple prototypes. It took years of effort before she had a working design. 

(04:49) A chance encounter with a past acquaintance, Lele, a seamstress who had designed Khadijah’s prom dress, turned out to be pivotal. Lele helped Khadijah with fabric sourcing, prototypes, and navigating her first manufacturer meetings. 

(07:18) Even though Khadijah was confident in the demand for her product, she still conducted extensive market research by surveying friends and visiting hair stores to confirm the need for waterproof headwear.

(07:46) Khadijah describes the overwhelming sense of gratitude when she made her product live and started receiving orders. It reaffirmed that her hard work was paying off, even though the process had been stressful and uncertain. 

(08:17) After her original manufacturer went bankrupt, Khadijah didn’t give up on her business. Instead, she used the setback as fuel to push harder and ultimately find a new, better manufacturer. 

(11:25) For the "Buy It Now" show, Khadijah practiced tirelessly to perfect her pitch. She used flashcards, rehearsed in front of a camera, and worked on her delivery to ensure she’d make a strong impression on the judges.

(19:40) Winning the $20,000 prize not only boosted Khadijah’s confidence but also helped her expand her product line, restock inventory, and invest in broader marketing efforts, including reaching more diverse audiences.

Meet Kerry Cooke and her daughter Kat, the founders of Spleash—a multi-functional dog leash holder that hydrates, cools, and cleans your pet on the go. Kerry and Kat share the emotional journey behind their product, born from a need to care for their own dogs during tough times. They reveal the challenges they faced, from sketching the first design to overcoming manufacturing hurdles, and how they finally made it onto the Buy It Now show. You can watch Spleash's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: Jamie Gets Buff.

Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

(0:00) Kerry and Kat were motivated by a genuine need to care for their dogs and give back to the pet community. Their product isn't just practical—it reflects their mission to make a difference. 

(6:07) Kerry and Kat faced multiple setbacks during the creation of Spleash, including leaks in the first batch and the complexities of manufacturing. Their perseverance and willingness to go back to the drawing board were key to overcoming these challenges. 

(11:56) The mother-daughter duo rehearsed their pitch relentlessly, practicing in everyday moments until they had it down perfectly. This preparation paid off when they stepped in front of the live audience. 

(15:49) The judges' feedback, including Tony Hawk’s comments and Jamie Siminoff’s praise for the design, highlighted how important it is to listen to constructive criticism and make necessary adjustments. 

(19:59) Kerry and Kat’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: don’t let fear of failure hold you back. They emphasize the importance of pushing forward with belief in your idea, no matter how difficult the road may be.