Making It Work

SEO is the holy grail of online marketing. But optimizing your content to rank higher on Google can be easier said than done, especially if you're an entrepreneur who's strapped for time and strapped for cash. Let's see how these business owners create content that reflects their brand story, and how you can do the same – on a budget. In Episode 5, Season 3 of Making It Work, we speak to Christa C...

The pandemic really boosted online shopping and home deliveries, paving the way for a whole different kind of retail therapy: the unboxing experience. After all, retail stores don't really care about the box that products are delivered in – but if you buy direct from a small business, you want to know the story behind their product. Let's find out how entrepreneurs perfect their packaging. In Epis...

We all have personal goals. But, as we strive to achieve them, it can be difficult to recognize those milestones along the way. By their own admission entrepreneurs have chosen a vocation with no end in sight, but with this limitless potential comes fierce determination – hardly a recipe for celebrating success. In Episode 3, Season 3 of Making It Work, we speak to Stephanie Duncan of Harmony Harv...

In a 'next day delivery world' we're used to getting the products we buy, fast. But what does this mean for the entrepreneurs who make them? In pursuit of high quality goods and that rapid last mile, small businesses are enduring piles of paperwork, material shortages and longer lead times than ever. And that was before the pandemic. In Season 3 Episode 2 of Making It Work we speak to Stephanie Du...

When it comes to recruitment, entrepreneurs are now culture vultures. Interview questions used to be limited to past experience, salary expectations and your biggest weakness. Now interviewees are expected to bone up on the company culture and commit to embracing its mission and values. But in a tight labor market, does this still make sense? In Season 3 Episode 1 of Making It Work we speak to Ste...

This Summer, we are back. On June 16, we drop the first episode of a brand new season of Making It Work. So remember to join Kelli and Tom, as they talk to a whole new set of remarkable business owners and lift the lid on what life is r eally like as an entrepreneur. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Making It Work: the podcast featuring entrepreneurs who tell it like it is...

Hi there, and welcome to this special bitesize episode of Making It Work.  This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from Season 2, Episode 9. It was an episode about self-reflection, as we asked the entrepreneurs to look at their present and past selves and speak about how entrepreneurship changed their lives.   You can listen to the entire episode over here https://www....

Welcome to this special bitesize episode of Making It Work. This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from Season 2, Episode 8. This time we discussed struggles with mental health. A warning that some of it will be difficult to listen to but these small business owners and everyone here at Making It Work want you to know that you are not alone. We believe talking about me...

Welcome to this special bitesize episode of Making It Work.    This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from Season 2, Episode 5. We talked to four entrepreneurs about a very tricky topic- how to price your goods. You can listen to the entire episode over here https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/making-it-work-podcast/how-to-price-your-goods.html   And if you want...

Welcome to this special episode of Making It Work.  This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from Season 2, Episode 3, where we talked about how to get your store online.    You can listen to the entire episode over here https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/making-it-work-podcast/how-to-build-an-online-store.html And if you want to know more about the entrepreneurs...

Hi there, thanks for tuning in to this special bitesize episode of Making It Work. This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from Season 2, Episode 2, where the entrepreneurs talked about how they manage their precious time.  You can listen to the entire episode over here https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/making-it-work-podcast/how-entrepreneurs-can-turn-off.html...

This is a special bitesize episode of Making It Work. This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from Season 1 Episode 10, where we asked our entrepreneurs to reflect on their time in business and tell us truthfully: when is it time to just give up and just call it a day? You can listen to the entire episode over here https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/making-it-wo...

Welcome to this special bitesize episode of Making It Work. This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from Season 1 Episode 9, where we tackled the tricky topic of when to scale your business and asked: Can big ever be too big? You can listen to the entire episode over here https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/making-it-work-podcast/how-to-scale-your-business.html A...

Welcome to this special bitesize episode of Making It Work. This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from Season 1 Episode 5, where five entrepreneurs taught us how to market your business in the age of influencers and Instafame. You can listen to the entire episode over here https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/making-it-work-podcast/marketing-in-instagram-age.htm...

Thank you for tuning in to this special bitesize episode of Making It Work. This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from Season 1 Episode 4, where we talked to five entrepreneurs about the realities of working with factories in the US and abroad, and treading the fine line between quality and profit margin.   You can listen to the entire episode over here https://www.fe...

Welcome to this special bitesize episode of Making It Work. This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from our very first episode, where we discussed the important question: when should you start paying yourself? We talk to five entrepreneurs to get their advice on the delicate matter of paying yourself as a new business founder. You can listen to the entire episode over...

In a time characterized by constant change, we're reminded that we're always evolving as human beings. Certain life choices or big events can shape a person's life – and who better to testify to this than small business owners. In Season 2 Episode 9 of Making It Work we speak to Casey Kelley of Blended Designs, Ebun Olaloye of Live Breathe Futbol, Mayra Hernandez of Back of the Yards Coffee Co., P...

The pressures of entrepreneurship can sometimes be too much to handle. No wonder then that small business owners often suffer with depression and anxiety. But are struggles with mental health an inevitability when you own a company? It's time to talk. In Season 2 Episode 8 of Making It Work we speak to Mayra Hernandez of Back of the Yards Coffee Co., Paul Pallas of SWISCO, Dahlia Rizk of Buckle Me...

In an increasingly globalized world, it's never been easier for small businesses to reach new markets. So why do so many US entrepreneurs shun international sales to keep things ticking along at home? We're going to take a look at the realities of going global and how the rewards can offset the risk. In Season 2 Episode 7 of Making It Work we speak to Manasi Gangan of Nested Bean, Casey Kelley of...

When you're deciding which product to buy, online reviews are most people's first port of call. But what do small business owners think of the feedback? In Season 2 Episode 6 of Making It Work we speak to Manasi Gangan of Nested Bean, Casey Kelley of Blended Designs, Dahlia Rizk of Buckle Me Baby Coats and Paul Pallas of SWISCO. From seeking out negative criticism to sending out thank you cards, w...

When you're passionate about your product, the price tag can often come as an afterthought. But when you factor in marketing, manufacturing and those sometimes-fiddly customs fees, it's vital you think about your margin. Otherwise, you could be looking at a loss. In Season 2 Episode 5 of Making It Work we speak to Mayra Hernandez of Back of the Yards Coffee Co., Casey Kelley of Blended Designs, Da...

There are few words that get thrown around in the world of entrepreneurship as much as 'innovation'. And while for many, it brings about thoughts of Marie Curie and George Washington Carver, for small business owners being innovative is just one more way to survive. In Season 2 Episode 4 of Making It Work we speak to Kat Samardzija of Locker Lifestyle, Casey Kelley of Blended Designs, Nik Hawks of...

We thought it was time to give the Making it Work entrepreneurs a bit of a break. So as they catch up on calls and tweak their Ts & Cs, Tom chewed the fat with Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg. In this Season 2 'Ask the Expert' special of Making It Work we ask Publicis Groupe's Jason Goldberg what the future holds for retail businesses. Nobody could have seen COVID coming, but some coped better than ot...

With online store builders like Shopify, it's never been easier to attract the mass market. But should you go all in with your own website or dip your toe in the water with Etsy or eBay? In Season 2 Episode 3 of Making It Work we speak to Kat Samardzija of Locker Lifestyle, Ebun Olaloye of Live Breathe Futbol, Nik Hawks of Paleo Treats and Paul Pallas of SWISCO. From creating cohesive customer jou...

Working round the clock has always been a strong symbol of entrepreneurship. But does it do you and your business any good in the long term, or is it just a fast path to burnout? In Season 2 Episode 2 of Making It Work we speak to Dahlia Rizk of Buckle Me Baby Coats, Nik Hawks of Paleo Treats, Kat Samardzija of Locker Lifestyle and Mayra Hernandez of Back of the Yards Coffee Co. From breaking up y...