Business, Beer & BS with Mike & Blaine

Send us Fan Mail No money? No problem—at least when it comes to marketing, if you know how to get creative. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into smart, cost-effective marketing strategies that help startups and budget-strapped small businesses get noticed without spending a fortune. From DIY branding and storytelling to guerrilla marketing tactics that turn heads, we share how creativi...

Send us Fan Mail Every entrepreneur has been there—you invest in a shiny new tool or launch what feels like a brilliant idea, only to watch it backfire in real time. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the unpredictable world of digital transformation and explore how even the smartest business upgrades can cause unexpected chaos. From software updates that crash your website to market...

Send us Fan Mail Remember when learning something new felt exciting instead of exhausting? As entrepreneurs and business leaders, the responsibilities stack up, calendars fill, and suddenly the spark for growth and curiosity starts to fade. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we explore why learning gets harder with age, how mental fatigue sets in, and why many business owners fall into the trap o...

Send us Fan Mail There’s nothing like standing in a 10x10 trade show booth, pitching your business over and over again, to learn what actually works. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into how trade shows act as a powerful marketing forcing function—exposing weak messaging, sharpening your pitch, and teaching you what really makes potential customers stop and listen. We break down the hi...

Send us Fan Mail You’ve built a name, a logo, and a business you’re proud of—so should you trademark it all before someone else does? Or is that just lawyer bait? This week, Mike and Blaine debate whether small businesses really need to worry about brand protection, and when it makes sense to spend the money. From horror stories of stolen names to the legal equivalent of locking your keys in your...

Send us Fan Mail From CRMs to chatbots to five different task apps—you’ve got tools for your tools. But are they helping, or just adding chaos? This week, Mike and Blaine unpack the tech overload hitting small business owners in 2025. They’ll dig into why more software isn’t always the answer, how to tell if a tool is costing you more than it saves, and how to simplify your stack without sacrifici...

Send us Fan Mail Hiring feels like fishing in a dry pond lately—everyone’s looking, no one’s biting. This week, Mike and Blaine tackle the real reasons small business owners struggle to hire and keep great people. From job posts that scare applicants away to training that burns time but not results, they break down how to stop relying on unicorn hires and start building a team that actually sticks...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re running your 2025 business with a 2019 playbook… good luck. This week, Mike and Blaine tackle the real shifts happening right now—from tighter margins and higher customer expectations to the never-ending hiring puzzle. The old rules aren’t just outdated—they might be costing you money. Tune in for a fresh, no-BS look at how small business owners can adapt their strategy...

Send us Fan Mail In business, missing the little stuff can cost you big. This week, Mike and Blaine zoom in on why attention to detail is the unsung hero of success—whether it’s catching a typo in a contract, noticing a shift in customer habits, or realizing your receipts don’t match your register. They’ll share real stories where overlooking the obvious turned into major headaches—and when obsess...

Send us Fan Mail One day everything's flowing, the next—BAM—your go-to partner's got a new plan, a new look, or a new direction. Sound familiar? This week, Mike and Blaine get personal, unpacking the behind-the-scenes drama from the past month and talking about what happens when a business changes something people have gotten used to. Whether it’s a brand refresh, a shift in messaging, o...

Send us Fan Mail Nothing confuses (or annoys) customers more than a discount that’s hard to understand. "Buy one, get 37% off the second item—unless it's Tuesday?" Yeah, no thanks. This week, Mike and Blaine break down how clear, simple messaging can make discounts more effective, increase conversions, and keep customers happy. From the psychology behind price drops to why too many...

Send us Fan Mail Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart—one wrong move, and suddenly, you’re stress-Googling “how to survive a cash flow crisis.” This week, Mike and Blaine tackle the biggest fears that keep small business owners up at night—from running out of money to that gut-dropping moment when a client “just disappears.” Is fear a business killer, or can it actually be a secret weap...

Send us Fan Mail You should be working, but… suddenly, deep-diving into fantasy football stats feels mission-critical . Or maybe your office setup needs a feng shui overhaul before you can send that email. Mike and Blaine dig into the hilarious ways we avoid real work and why some distractions might actually make us better at our jobs. From procrastination that sparks creativity to strategic &quot...

Send us Fan Mail Think audits are just about taxes? Think again. Mike and Blaine dig into why every small business should audit its own systems, processes, expenses, and client records—before disaster strikes. From catching bloated costs to uncovering inefficiencies that are bleeding cash, they’ll show you how a proactive audit keeps your business running smoothly. It’s not about red tape—it’s abo...

Send us Fan Mail Is forecasting in small business a game-changer or just another crystal ball gimmick? Mike and Blaine dive into the pros, cons, and occasional absurdities of trying to predict the future with spreadsheets. Can you really see what’s coming, or are you just guessing with extra steps?  Tune in as Mike and Blaine debate whether forecasting is a must-have strategy or a total waste of t...

Send us Fan Mail Ever avoided something because it looked impossible, only to find out it was easier than tying your shoes? Mike and Blaine are tackling the myth of difficulty—those tasks, skills, and business moves that seem Herculean but are actually just smoke and mirrors. From taxes to tightrope walking (okay, maybe not that one), they’ll break down why perception is often the real challenge....

Send us Fan Mail Why tell when you can show? Mike and Blaine dive into the power of demonstration in business persuasion, revealing how a killer demo can turn skeptics into buyers. From sizzling steakhouse theatrics to showing off apps that actually work, they’ll break down why actions speak louder than words (and why that’s great for your bottom line). Tune in for laughs, lessons, and some “aha”...

Send us Fan Mail Minibars, fast passes, and VIP lanes—are they life-savers or wallet-drainers? Mike and Blaine pop the lid on convenience services, weighing the time they save against the cash they cost. From ghost kitchens to valet parking, they’ll debate whether paying a premium is genius or just lazy. Is convenience king, or are we crowning a scam? Grab a drink (hopefully not from the mini-bar)...

Send us Fan Mail Great client communication is like an Evel Knievel stunt—thrilling when it works, but a disaster if you miss the landing. Mike and Blaine dive into the art of understanding and adapting to different communication styles to build trust, inspire action, and get results. They’ll share how to navigate tricky conversations, avoid communication wipeouts, and stick the landing every time...

Send us Fan Mail New year, new goals, same challenges! Mike and Blaine dive into the world of small business New Year’s resolutions—why they’re made, why they’re broken, and how to stick to them without losing your sanity. From cash flow goals to team resolutions, they’ll share tips to keep your business thriving in 2025. Tune in to hear their take on starting the year strong and maybe even get in...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mike & Blaine , we dive into the ultimate year-end checklist for small businesses. It’s not just about tax prep—think inventory, financial reviews, and goal setting for the year ahead. We’ll share tips to streamline your operations, close the books with confidence, and set your business up for success in 2025. From evaluating key metrics to tidying up loose...

Send us Fan Mail AI is everywhere—from taking notes in your Zoom meetings to whispering advice through wearable gadgets. In this episode, Mike and Blaine dive into the rise of everyday AI and how it’s turning us all into cyborgs (kind of). Are we embracing the future or just outsourcing our thinking? Tune in as they explore the good, the bad, and the hilariously unnecessary AI tools flooding the m...

Send us Fan Mail Everyone thinks strategy has to be some elaborate, 50-page manifesto with flowcharts and footnotes, but in reality, it can be as simple as knowing where you want to go and how to get there. In this episode, Mike and Blaine debunk the myth that strategy has to be complicated and show how even small moves can lead to big wins. In this episode, Mike and Blaine prove that a great stra...

Send us Fan Mail Business strategy is like a perfectly choreographed dance, where HR, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance each perform their moves in harmony. When one misses a beat, the entire routine stumbles. In this episode, Mike and Blaine explore how these functions work together to achieve business goals. Whether you're leading the waltz or just trying not to step on toes, you&ap...

Send us Fan Mail Think before you speak –or plan before you chat.  Have you ever had a conversation that went off the rails super quickly?  You might have even said: whoa, I wasn’t expecting that.  It happens all of the time.  Whether navigating a client negotiation or having a tough conversation with an employee, you shouldn’t just wing it.  A little preparation can avoid embarrassment and possib...