Small Business Big World

 We’ve enjoyed an amazing journey with our guests, sharing tales of entrepreneurship and the heart that beats within America's small businesses. However, just like any small business owner knows, sometimes you need to take a step back, re-evaluate, and strategize to come back stronger. Join us as we reflect on our progress, and share our plans for an exciting new chapter filled with fresh ins...

Unlock the secrets of effective customer relationship management with insights from Jason Atwood of Arkus. You'll discover how CRMs have transformed from simple databases into powerful tools essential for tracking interactions, managing leads, and boosting sales for both B2B and B2C businesses. In this episode of Small Business Big World, Jason breaks down the evolution of CRM systems and the...

Learn how to scale a small business with insights from our guest, Jason Atwood of Arkus. Jason shares his journey from a three-person startup to a flourishing company with over 75 employees. Listen as he emphasizes the crucial importance of cash flow management and financial health, providing a candid look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Learn from his experiences to better understand ho...

Can AI tools really transform your small business into a powerhouse of efficiency and innovation? Join us as we talk with our Marketing Director, Jon Portanova, and learn how AI is not just a tech buzzword but a valuable ally for your small business. From video editing to social media strategies, we’ll share real-world examples of how these advanced tools can optimize operations and support your g...

Unlock the power of Individual Contribution Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICRA) and revolutionize your approach to employee benefits! Join us as Ashley McQuade from Venture shares her expertise on how ICRA can transform the way small businesses manage health benefits, offering flexibility and personalization like never before. 

Let's talk about building a business that not only thrives but is also primed for a successful sale. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights from our conversation with Denver business coach Steven Kohnke, as we explore strategies that transform a "mom and pop" operation into a saleable, structured entity. Together, we'll discuss the necessity of having an exit strategy...

Learn how to craft effective Paid Time Off (PTO) policies with HR consultant Dawn Powell as our guide. Why settle for a generic approach when you can tailor your PTO policy to fit your industry's unique needs? Join us as we talk through the best practices, such as simplifying PTO into a single category to avoid micromanaging vacation and sick leave. We also explore the particular challenges o...

As you prepare for the next chapter of life, what hurdles await you? Join us and special guest Josh Chase from BGA Financial as we unravel the often-overlooked transition into retirement, a significant shift especially challenging for small business owners whose identities are tightly interwoven with their careers. Josh shares his insights into balancing financial plans with emotional readiness. W...

This week, we sit down with Andrea Tetzlaff , the publisher at MaineBiz, who guides us through the publication's journey from a modest monthly issue in 1994 to a vital resource for Maine's small businesses. Andrea sheds light on how MaineBiz has consistently provided valuable content and organized networking events to support and connect the local business community. This episode is pack...

Unlock the secrets of strategic planning and elevate your small business with insights from Amanda Majewski , Vice President of HCM Services at Higher Level. This episode of Small Business Big World promises you a front-row seat to Amanda's journey of refining business strategies and cultivating a robust company culture. Discover how tools like DISC assessments can transform your hiring proce...

Unlock the secrets of powerful public relations for small businesses with our special guest, Laura Dolce , the director of the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel Chamber of Commerce. Discover how even the smallest news—like promotions, product launches, and anniversaries—can make headlines and breathe new life into your business. Laura explains how lean newsrooms are hungry for ready-to-publish...

Navigate legal challenges that small businesses face daily with insights from our special guest, attorney Pat Brady of Bergen and Parkinson. Learn how corporate housekeeping and record-keeping, such as maintaining up-to-date bylaws and operating agreements, can protect your business from potential liability risks. Pat talks the necessity of documenting significant decisions through consent resolut...

Unlock the secrets to growing your social following with digital marketing expert Matt Diamante from HeyTony Agency ! Matt takes us on his journey from a referral-based business to becoming a social media sensation, all thanks to the wisdom from "The One Thing" and "Jab Jab Jab Right Hook." Get ready for some actionable tips on content writing, blog posts, and effective keyword...

Can networking truly transform your small business? Join us on Small Business Big World as we sit down with Ashley Winslow from Bangor Savings , who brings her wealth of experience in networking to the table. With insights from her own initiative, Ashley uncovers the secrets to expanding your business's reach through a community built on trust and professionalism. Learn why commitment is cruc...

Unlock the secrets to standing out in today's crowded digital marketplace with insights from Rich Brooks of Flyte New Media . Rich introduces us to his "Remarkability Formula," a powerful tool comprising four key lenses: Find, Focus, Forge, and Frame. Discover how these elements can help you pinpoint what makes your business unique, zone in on your niche, create offerings aligned wi...

Unlock the secrets to online success with our latest episode of Small Business Big World, where we break down the essentials of search engine optimization (SEO) with our very own marketing director, Jon Portanova. Ever wondered how small tweaks can boost your website’s visibility on Google? Jon takes us through the must-know basics of on-page, off-page, and technical SEO. From the importance behin...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to safeguarding your small business? Join us as we sit down with Detective Steve Borst from the Kennebunk Police Department, who shares his insights on essential security measures that every small business owner should know. From the basics of securing your premises with locks, lighting, and cameras to the importance of community programs like Virtual Neighborho...

Why are small businesses in Maine facing skyrocketing health insurance premiums, and what can they do about it? Join us as we dive into this urgent issue with Connor Kennedy from Acadia Benefits . We'll unpack the complexities of the community-rated small group market, discussing how Maine's aging population and high healthcare costs are pushing premiums higher and higher. You'll ga...

Unlock the secrets of effective HR management for your small business with our HR consultant Dawn Pahel on "Small Business Big World".  Dawn and I dissect these nuances of employee classifications, alongside essential compliance topics like overtime laws and youth employment regulations. We share practical strategies for managing remote employees spread across multiple states and emphasi...

Commercial insurance isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about safeguarding your business's future. This week on "Small Business, Big World," we sit down with Derek Stevenson from Varney Insurance to dissect the essential types of coverage every small business needs and mistakes that they make. From general liability and property insurance to workers' compensation an...

Let's talk cash flow and entrepreneurial growth with our guest, Doug Spurling , founder of Waves and Wilderness and Spurling Fitness. In this episode of "Small Business Big World," Doug takes us through his journey from building Spurling Fitness to venturing into consulting and real estate investment. Learn about some strategies of managing cash flow and increasing net worth, and di...

Get ready to talk small business ownership with Pat Brady, an attorney at Bergen Parkinson and a small business owner in Maine. Have you ever wondered how to find the perfect business to buy or what steps are involved in making it legally yours? We'll guide you through online platforms and dive into the importance of industry relationships and succession planning. Pat shares his firsthand exp...

Ever wondered how small business owners manage everything when it comes to traveling for work? Join us as Kortney Nedeau, a small business professional, shares her fascinating journey from her grandfather's shoe leather sales legacy to building her own thriving business. With Kortney, we explore the relentless world of travel for business. Learn how she uses certain hacks to streamline her tr...

What happens when an internship transforms from a simple summer job into a comprehensive, career-shaping experience? Join us as we welcome Don Golini , the visionary behind the Nonantum Resort's revitalized internship program in Kennebunkport. From an informal start to a structured, multifaceted initiative post-COVID, Don takes us through the program's evolution. Discover the blend of de...

Unlock the secrets to content marketing with insights from our marketing director, Jon Portanova . Discover how adopting the "They Ask, You Answer" philosophy has transformed Paper Trails' approach to addressing customer queries upfront. We dive deeper into the strategic value of high-quality content creation. We'll guide you through our journey of producing varied content, suc...