What the Biz?!

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to have a profitable business? 🤔 Join Dan and Brigitte on What the Biz as they break down profit margins, discuss how to calculate YOUR target, and share the strategies they use to track their own profitability. They'll also explore the different phases of business growth and how your profit goals might change over time. 📈 Don't miss this insig...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how business owners actually pay themselves? 🤔 Join Dan and Brigitte on What the Biz as they demystify owner compensation! They'll explore the common methods (salary vs. owner draw), the psychology behind paying yourself what you're worth, and the pitfalls to avoid. Learn how prioritizing your own paycheck can lead to a healthier business and greater financi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss the recent changes and challenges in the restaurant industry, including the ongoing debate on tipping and minimum wage, the impact of paid sick leave policies, and the recent closures in Kalamazoo. We also explore the potential ban of TikTok and its implications for small businesses.  Tune in for insights and advice on how to navigate these issues and s...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Brigitte and Dan dive deep into the world of local SEO, uncovering how to get found by more customers in your area. Discover the four key pillars of local SEO: NAP Consistency: Learn how to ensure your Name, Address, and Phone Number are consistent across all online platforms. Citation Building: Explore the power of online business directories and how to build a s...

Send us Fan Mail Numbers aren't sexy, but they are powerful! In this episode, Brigitte and Dan ditch the fear factor and flip the script on bookkeeping. They'll discuss how bookkeeping is more than just tracking receipts; it's a roadmap to profitability, smarter decision-making, and the key to unlocking the true potential of your business.  Listen in and learn how to transform bookk...

Send us Fan Mail In this special New Year's Eve episode, Brigitte and Dan share their strategies for setting ambitious yet achievable goals for 2025. Discover their goal-setting processes: Learn how they approach setting company-wide goals, from long-term vision to daily habits. Gain insights into their personal and professional aspirations: Hear about their specific goals for the year, inclu...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Title: What The Biz Predicts: 2025 Crystal Ball Edition Episode Description: Get ready for a glimpse into the future! In this special episode, Brigitte and Dan put on their prognosticator hats and share their top 5 predictions for the business world in 2025. From the rise of AI and the evolution of marketing trends to the future of social media, we'll explore the pote...

Send us Fan Mail The holidays are upon us, and with them comes a surge in customer traffic and, inevitably, reviews. But not all reviews are created equal! In this episode, Brigitte and Dan dive deep into the world of reviews, exploring: What makes a perfect review: Learn the six key components that make a review informative and valuable for potential customers. The power of replying: Discover how...

Send us Fan Mail This week on What the Biz, Brigitte and Dan discuss the importance of email authentication and keeping your holiday marketing on track. Bridge dives into the world of automation, detailing the power of setting up automated workflows for tasks like lead nurturing and client communication. Dan shares his experience with the recent WP Engine and WordPress feud, highlighting the impor...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Brigitte and Dan dive deep into the art of pricing strategy. They discuss how pricing can impact your brand image, customer perception, and ultimately, your bottom line. From understanding your target market to navigating the complexities of pricing psychology, this episode provides valuable insights for business owners of all levels. You'll explore: The impo...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of What The Biz tackles the importance of clean accounting for business owners. Brigitte and Dan discuss a recent conversation with a client who lost profits due to bookkeeping errors and explore the benefits of outsourcing bookkeeping. You'll learn: How bookkeeping errors can cost your business money Why reconciling your accounts is crucial The advantages of hav...

Send us Fan Mail Celebrate 50 episodes with Brigitte and Dan as they revisit their very first episode! This milestone episode is a blast from the past! Brigitte Vegter and Dan Proczko take a trip down memory lane, revisiting their very first episode of What The Biz. They'll listen back to their original goals, promises, and business descriptions to see how much has changed (and what's st...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What The Biz, we delve into the world of online reviews and Google's recent crackdown on fake reviews. We discuss the potential implications of this policy change for businesses, both big and small. Key Takeaways: Google is taking a stricter stance on fake reviews. Businesses may face penalties for violating Google's fake engagement policy. Local SEO r...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What The Biz?!, we delve into the age-old question: when should you DIY, and when should you delegate? We explore the benefits and drawbacks of both approaches, and discuss how to strike the right balance for your business. The DIY Dilemma Many entrepreneurs start their businesses by doing everything themselves. This DIY approach can be rewarding, but it can als...

Send us Fan Mail Struggling to keep your employees around? In this episode of What the Biz?!, Brigitte and Dan discuss effective and affordable strategies for retaining your team. Discover how to create a positive work environment, show appreciation for your employees, and foster a sense of belonging. Key Takeaways: Offer personalized perks: Small gestures like birthday paydays or surprise candy c...

Send us Fan Mail Struggling with cash flow? This episode of What the Biz?! dives deep into the challenges and solutions for managing your business finances. Learn how to improve your cash flow, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve long-term financial stability. Key Takeaways: Understand your cash flow cycle: Track your income and expenses to identify trends and patterns. Set realistic payment terms:...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling overwhelmed and stuck? In this episode of What the Biz?!, Brigitte and Dan discuss the challenges and triumphs of delegation. They share their personal struggles with letting go of tasks and offer practical strategies for effective delegation. Key Takeaways: Overcome delegation barriers: Learn how to let go of control and trust your team. Create clear expectations: Set cle...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of What the Biz?! discusses the importance of building business resiliency in the face of disasters. The hosts explore what it means for a business to be resilient and offer practical steps to get you started: Core Processes: Document your core processes so that others can step in if needed. Identify Potential Failure Points: Ask yourself "What are the ways in wh...

Send us Fan Mail Tired of feeling overwhelmed by AI? This episode of What The Biz?! dives into a recent survey revealing 50% of desk workers are already using AI , with fascinating insights on who's embracing it, who's resisting, and why. Brigitte and Dan explore the challenges and opportunities this presents for businesses, including: Crafting Effective Prompts: Unlock the power of AI b...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Brigitte and Dan discuss the importance of referrals in business growth and share their strategies for building strong referral networks.  They explore the benefits of referrals, including increased customer loyalty, higher conversion rates, and lower acquisition costs.  Listeners will learn how to identify potential referral partners, nurture relationships, and c...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of the "What the Biz?!" podcast breaks away from their usual format to deliver a valuable resource for entrepreneurs: recommended business technology solutions.  Hosts Brigitte Vegter and Dan Proczko share their favorite tools across various categories, from productivity software to website building platforms. Here are some key takeaways: Essential Software...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dan and Brigitte discuss the importance of building a direct relationship with your audience through email marketing. They explore the risks of relying solely on social media platforms and the benefits of owning your own list of subscribers. Listeners will learn how to build a loyal following, leverage email marketing for sales and promotions, and mitigate the ris...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dan and Brigitte discuss the importance of investing in quality software that can support your business growth. They explore the pitfalls of using cheap, limited tools that may not meet your evolving needs. Listeners will learn how to evaluate software options, balance cost with functionality, and choose the right tools for your business stage. They'll also d...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Gen Z and explore the key differences between this generation and their predecessors, Millennials and Gen X. We uncover the unique values, priorities, and expectations of Gen Z in the workplace, shedding light on how businesses can attract, retain, and engage this vital demographic. From work-life balance and autonomy to learning and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dan and Brigitte challenge the traditional career ladder model, exploring the importance of recognizing and rewarding individual contributors. They discuss the negative consequences of forcing employees into management roles when their strengths lie elsewhere. Listeners will learn how to create clear career paths for both individual contributors and leaders, foste...