Small Biz 101 Podcast

Most solo professionals are excellent at their work. Building a consistent pipeline is a different discipline entirely, and one that rarely gets the structured attention it deserves. The pattern is familiar. When client work is plentiful, business development stops. When projects wrap up, the scramble begins. This is the Rollercoaster Effect, and it is one of the most common sources of stress and...

Most solo professionals build their business from the front end. They focus on clients, services, and revenue. The Operations pillar – the people support, systems, and tools running in the background – gets built reactively, if at all.   That works in the early stages. It stops working as the business matures. When operations are underdeveloped, the owner becomes the system. Every gap gets filled...

Most solopreneurs do not sit down and design a comprehensive services model from scratch. They build their businesses over time by responding to client needs, opportunities, and growth. That approach works. Until it doesn't work as well as it used to. As businesses mature, services, clients served and ways of working can become misaligned with the level of income, sustainability, and ease the owne...

Your business may be working, but the way you're running it feels crowded, demanding, or more overwhelming than it should. If you'd like to understand what's creating that pressure and how to move into 2026 with more steadiness, this session is for you.   Many business owners built their workdays and services one request at a time. A client asks for something, so you add it. An opportunity appears...

In this episode, we're joined by Donna Kozik, USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author and creator of the "Write a Book in a Weekend" program. Donna also offers publishing services through her Done for You Publishing program, helping aspiring authors bring their books to life with ease. During our conversation, Donna shares why every small business owner should consider writing a book, t...

In this episode, we're joined by Jaya Rose, a renowned Speaker and Video Marketing Coach. Jaya's mission is to help individuals make a big impact with their work through the power of video marketing and authentic storytelling. Together, we explored various topics, including how to attract raving fans and paying clients using the power of authenticity on video, honoring your needs as a profitable b...

In this episode, we were joined by the incredible Daniela Wolfe, an expert in helping stressed and burnt-out professionals. Together, we uncovered the ways you might be setting yourself up for burnout and explored practical strategies to create more work/life balance. Daniela shared her invaluable insights on prioritizing self-care, managing stress, and transforming your daily routine for a health...

In this episode, we're joined by Michael Roach, the founder of Michael Roach Creative and a seasoned expert in marketing and communications.   During our discussion, Michael shares his insights on the transformative power of marketing automation for small businesses. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or managing a small team, this episode is packed with actionable tips to streamline your marketin...

In this episode, we're joined by Julie Takac, a Certified Health Coach and owner of TakAction. Julie's mission is to empower busy professionals to transform their lives from barely surviving to thriving in their health, home, and work lives.  Together we discussed a variety of topics including how your health can impact your productivity, and some easy changes you can make right now to improve you...

Joining me is international speaker, author, and consultant Alex Theis.   In this episode, Alex shares his personal journey from introvert to sought-after speaker, offering valuable advice on honing your speaking skills, establishing credibility, and seizing speaking opportunities. From navigating the virtual vs. in-person speaking landscape to leveraging the power of props for impactful presentat...

In this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with Kristi Mitchell, Marketing Strategist and Consultant.   During our discussion, we explored the difficulties business owners face in marketing and how Kristi helps them create a strategy that not only gets results but gets them excited. We'll also dive into a variety of marketing topics including how to market if you don't yet have a ton of cont...

As a small business owner, do you ever find yourself thinking or feeling:   You don't have what it takes to make this business work Guilty asking for money or a certain level of payment. You just want to provide your service and not worry about charging. Resistant to raising your rates to match the value you provide You hate selling When you do surpass your financial goals, you don't give yourself...

In this episode, we're joined by the founder and principal of Integrated Management & Sales Consulting Denise Horan. Denise also launched a national sales platform, Sales Club USA where sales and other professionals can go for resources, events, clubs, guest speakers and more.   During our conversation Denise shares with us the importance of sales and marketing along with being active in your comm...

In this special episode of the Small Biz 101 Podcast, we're thrilled to have Alex Theis, a renowned expert in client relationships and business growth, join us to delve into the critical subject of client retention.  Discover how focusing on client retention can be your secret weapon for breaking through revenue plateaus and achieving long-term business success.   About Alex: Alex is an internatio...

In this episode we were joined by Brandon Hills, web designer and founder of Good Steward Designs.   Together we discussed the importance of having a professional custom website, along with new accessibility requirements that can both help and protect your business.   About Brandon Hills: Brandon has been involved in web design since he first picked up a book to learn in 2017. Starting his first w...

In this episode we were joined by Women's Portraiture Artist and Photography, Elizabeth Snyder.   Together we discussed her photography experience, along with why headshot photography is so important for professionals. We also dived into her Passion, Purpose, Power! Masterclass that is designed to help women find their purpose by recognizing their passions.     About Elizabeth:   Elizabeth Snyder...

In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with start-up clarity coach and founder of Humanity Inc., Melissa Davis. Together we delved into the importance of discovering your ideal niche and how understanding and embracing your core values can be the catalyst for creating a thriving and impactful business.  We also discussed identifying and connecting with your target audience, while ali...

In this episode, we're oined by professional librarian of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Carol Ellen Kowalik-Happy, who reveals the unexpected wealth of tools, materials, and expertise available to small business owners through the public library.   We also discussed her one-on-one Book a Librarian sessions that provides entrepreneurs with various topics, including market research, gr...

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Tiffany Pavelka, founder of Red Cape Consulting. Red Cape is my OBM and has done a wonderful job helping me with my own business. Having a business manager can have a huge impact on a business and during our conversation we discuss what she's done for myself, and her other clients. In addition to this, we delved into a discussion on staying cur...

In this episode we chat with Janna Willoughy-Lehr, the owner of Papercraft Miracles, a company specializing in handmade stationery and paper goods. Janna shares some of the strategies she uses to stay on track and productive and the unique approach Janna takes to differentiate herself from other companies in the crowded handmade stationery market. We also explore Janna's "why" - the reason she sta...

In this episode we talk with Tabitha Sweeney on the impact of body self-image on business success. Tabitha delves into the profound impact that body image has on other areas of our lives, such as our sense of worthiness, boundaries, and our ability to attract abundance. She shares her insights on how we can align our lives with our authentic selves and explains why it's crucial for our overall wel...

In this episode we're talking to attorneys Alyssa Gross and Ruth George. We discuss the significance of having an attorney in ALL stages of a business, from start to end, as well as the importance of estate planning for your enterprise. So many nuggets of wisdom shared! About Alyssa: Alyssa Gross is an associate attorney at William C. Moran & Associates, PC, where she has practiced for six years....

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In this episode we welcome Buffalo/Niagara SCORE Chapter Administrator, Letasha Montgomery ! If you are starting a business and have not heard of SCORE or have not explored your local chapter, you MUST head there today at www.score.org ! SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping...

Free and Low-cost Small Biz Resources Online: Small Business Administration USA.gov   Entrepreneur.com   Local: Small Business Development Centers   Co-sharing work spaces Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) 1 Million Cups   Local library Business specific: Associations Mentors Task specific: Market research: Small Biz 101 Podcast Episode 9: Research, Research, Research Marketing Online mar...

Find the Right Biz for You Series (Part 10) Welcome to Episode 11 of the Small Biz 101 Podcast – The 10th and final episode of the Find the Right Biz for You Series. We've covered quite a bit in past series episodes: Self-assessment Generating business ideas Business styles Business cautions Research - Is your idea a viable one? What will your business idea cost? Now that you have an idea of the b...