Small Business Survival Conversations

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , Anna Steinfest sits down with a seasoned economic developer and former entrepreneur who knows the challenges and rewards of running a small business. With a Master's degree in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and years of experience in economic development, our guest...

Send us Fan Mail In this New Year’s edition of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares the inspiring story of The Jar and the Rocks to highlight the importance of focusing on what truly matters in your business and life. As small business owners, the start of the year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and set meaningful resolutions that align with your goals. Anna offers three...

Send us Fan Mail In this special holiday edition of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest explores the power of generosity and how it can transform your small business. Inspired by the timeless story of The Giving Tree , Anna shares how embracing the spirit of giving can strengthen customer relationships, build team loyalty, and create a meaningful impact in your community. Discover thre...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest dives into the secret to sales success: understanding your customer’s “why.” Through the relatable story of a man and his shovel, Anna illustrates why focusing on what you’re selling isn’t enough—what truly matters is understanding the deeper need your product or service fulfills. Discover three actionable strategi...

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares Aesop’s timeless fable, The Ant and the Grasshopper , to highlight a powerful lesson for small business owners: the importance of preparation and planning. Drawing inspiration from the hardworking Ant, Anna explores how entrepreneurs can navigate the cycles of abundance and challenge by building finan...

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares an inspiring story about a cracked pot and the unexpected beauty that comes from imperfections. Drawing on this fable, Anna explores how small business owners can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Learn three actionable strategies to reframe challenges, focus on what you can control, and bu...

Send us Fan Mail This special Thanksgiving episode of Monday Morning Motivation is all about gratitude and how it can transform your business and mindset. Host Anna Steinfest shares the inspiring story of a farmer and a wise traveler to illustrate the power of thankfulness in overcoming challenges and fostering growth. Discover how practicing gratitude can strengthen relationships, fuel resilience...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest dives into the powerful 5 Whys method, developed by Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota. This simple yet effective problem-solving technique has been used for decades to uncover root causes, improve quality, and reduce costs in businesses of all sizes. Anna shares the fascinating history of the 5 Whys, its contin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares a timeless fable about a donkey, a tiger, and the King of the Jungle to reveal an important lesson for business owners: sometimes the smartest move is to walk away. Anna dives into the importance of protecting your energy and focus by avoiding pointless arguments, especially with people more interested in be...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest sits down with Clinton E. Smith, author of The Complete Man: Triumphing Adversity and Achieving Success Without Losing Yourself . Clinton shares powerful insights on how to balance business success with personal fulfillment, resilience, and well-being—especially relevant for small business owners who often...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest explores a fundamental challenge many small business owners face: why knowing what to do isn’t always enough to spark action. Drawing on the powerful concepts of motivation, belief, and responsibility, Anna shares insights into why we often don’t take steps we know are essential to our success. With three practical...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares the timeless story of King Midas to highlight the importance of aligning your business goals with your personal values. Through the lens of this ancient tale, Anna explains how misaligned values and a singular focus on financial success can lead to unintended consequences. She offers practical advice for ent...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares the powerful story of an ancient Indian guru teaching the art of archery to illustrate the importance of focus in business. Learn how setting clear goals and maintaining laser-sharp focus can help you hit your targets and drive your business forward. Anna also highlights why direction is key to success, draw...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , Anna Steinfest shares the powerful lesson of the bumblebee, an insect that flies despite the odds stacked against it. Using this metaphor, Anna encourages small business owners to push past self-imposed limits and overcome naysayers. Drawing from her own experience of launching the successful Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program,...

Send us Fan Mail In this empowering episode of Monday Morning Motivation with Anna Steinfest , we dive into the reality that success attracts critics. Anna shares why criticism often comes with growth and offers actionable insights to help small business owners rise above negativity. Through real-life stories and practical advice, you’ll learn how to turn criticism into fuel for your success. Plus...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Monday Morning Motivation with Anna Steinfest , discover how the story of an eagle raised as a prairie chicken mirrors the journey of many small business owners. Anna shares actionable tips and real-life examples to help entrepreneurs break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential. If you're ready to think bigger, aim higher, and...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of "Monday Motivation with Anna Steinfest," Anna tells the story of the stonecutter, a powerful example of how consistent, daily effort can lead to monumental success. Discover why persistence is essential in overcoming obstacles and achieving your business goals. This episode will motivate you to keep pushing forward, even when progress seems slow, and...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of "Monday Motivation with Anna Steinfest," Anna shares the inspiring story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree, a powerful metaphor for the patience and perseverance required in business. Learn how consistent effort, even when progress seems invisible, can lead to extraordinary growth. This episode will encourage you to stay committed to your goals, reminding yo...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of "Monday Motivation with Anna Steinfest," Anna shares a powerful story about a balloon vendor and a little boy that reveals a profound truth: It’s what’s inside that counts. Learn how your attitude shapes your business outcomes and why a positive mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges. Whether you're facing slow sales or tough decisions, thi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , co-hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer dive deep into the critical decisions every small business owner faces when managing tasks and setting priorities. With so much to do and limited time, how do you ensure you're not just being busy, but truly productive? Anna and Michael introduce two pivotal questions that ca...

Send us Fan Mail  In the debut episode of "Monday Motivation with Anna Steinfest," Anna explores why having the right tools and tips isn't enough for small business success. Discover the essential ingredient that every entrepreneur needs to thrive—motivation. Tune in as Anna shares insights on how to cultivate the drive and determination needed to turn your business dreams into real...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , co-hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer dive into proven strategies that small business owners can use to create and maintain strong customer relationships. Discover how excellent customer service, personalized experiences, and effective use of CRM tools can lead to increased loyalty and repeat business. We'll sha...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , co-hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer delve into the crucial skill of pitching your business effectively. Learn why it's essential to plan before you pitch and discover practical tips to ensure your communication stands out. Key Takeaways: Don’t Adlib: Preparation is key. Avoid improvisation and know exactly what...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , co-hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer dive into the crucial aspects of effective financial management for small businesses. Learn how to create and stick to a budget, manage cash flow to avoid shortfalls, and utilize financial software for streamlined accounting processes. We also explore the importance of understandi...

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer in this exciting new episode of Small Business Survival Conversations . Dive into the world of artificial intelligence and discover how AI tools and strategies can revolutionize your small business. In this episode, Anna and Michael share three crucial tips to help you harness the power of AI, drive growth, and stay competitive in today...