What does your business restart or community restart look like after the restrictions start to roll back

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

#Business #David McDonald & John Oliver #David McDonald #John Oliver

38:05

In late 1972, U.S. Marine Captain Ron Forrester disappeared on a bombing run into North Vietnam. Back home in Texas, his family could only wait and hope. Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join.…

5 years ago 34:31

M4A•Episode home

This weeks episode takes a look at how to make a plan to return to economic growth in both your business and community. We will discuss 4 points to consider and some ideas as you look to putting a plan in place to safely reopen along with attracting customers back to your business.

Four main points include:

Pt1: Now is the time to start planning

Though we don’t know exactly when things will start if you wait it will be too late
Connect with your other businesses to brainstorm what that might look like
Review your resources from finances to vendors

Pt2: Open safe plan

Given we will still have some social distancing requirements, can you open safely which may mean limited staff and limiting the amount of customers
Are there steps you can easily take to keep both customers and staff safe
Maybe it is still maintaining limited operational hours

Pt3: Marketing, is it ready

With business and consumers being forced to step up their digital ability for communication and with more people online; your online strategy for marketing has to be on point
Your marketing should include what steps you are going to take for the safety of consumers and staff as it shows social responsibility and will ease your customers' hesitations. .
Don't stop doing e commerce or some of the delivery options you started during this time just because the stay a home orders are lifted

Pt4: Now that the plan is done what’s next

Connect with other businesses and your community. Especially Chambers, DDA, Main Street Associations and City council - This will enable them to know who is ready and share progress with state officials
Be flexible - have a plan that has a couple back up procedures if needed as things change

46 episodes

What does your business restart or community restart look like after the restrictions start to roll back

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

published 5 years ago

M4A•Episode home

Four main points include:

Pt1: Now is the time to start planning

Though we don’t know exactly when things will start if you wait it will be too late
Connect with your other businesses to brainstorm what that might look like
Review your resources from finances to vendors

Pt2: Open safe plan

Given we will still have some social distancing requirements, can you open safely which may mean limited staff and limiting the amount of customers
Are there steps you can easily take to keep both customers and staff safe
Maybe it is still maintaining limited operational hours

Pt3: Marketing, is it ready

With business and consumers being forced to step up their digital ability for communication and with more people online; your online strategy for marketing has to be on point
Your marketing should include what steps you are going to take for the safety of consumers and staff as it shows social responsibility and will ease your customers' hesitations. .
Don't stop doing e commerce or some of the delivery options you started during this time just because the stay a home orders are lifted

Pt4: Now that the plan is done what’s next

Connect with other businesses and your community. Especially Chambers, DDA, Main Street Associations and City council - This will enable them to know who is ready and share progress with state officials
Be flexible - have a plan that has a couple back up procedures if needed as things change

46 episodes

#Business #David McDonald & John Oliver #David McDonald #John Oliver

All episodes

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
eCommerce vs Social Selling 26:33

4 years ago26:33

26:33

eCommerce has become a big topic in business especially after the year we just had. However all eCommerce is not equal and in some cases it does not make sense. Social selling is another term that has run hand in hand with eCommerce but again not the same and not beneficial in all circumstances. Topic 1: What is eCommerce and how do you know it fits eCommerce is simply creating an online store to sell your products and services Not all eCommerce platforms are the same - cost, marketing services, build time and functionality Add shameless plug for how Mobileteer helps eCommerce clients Topic 2: What is social selling and how do you know it fits Social selling is creating brand awareness and building relationships with customers either in person or online. For our talk we will focus on the online side This is done using online content to appeal to your customers as well as appealing to social changes that may be happening that could bring more sales to your company…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Is your business a wealth asset or just income generation? 16:01

4 years ago16:01

16:01

Sub-topic 1 - How to look at your business within your overall wealth (1 stock/Asset?) It’s generally ok if your business is your only asset driver, Dave have you ever looked at it like that. Sub topic 2 - With great risk comes great reward. This is why entrepreneurs exist right? How do we get by if this is our only asset? Loans, (leverage), partnerships (Advisors) Hedge (Side hustles) People (Hiring great people Conclusion- What does this actually mean, why does this matter, what can we do? You need to think about the risk and diversify just like any other asset class What are the risks, what happens when these risks come along? Business performance risk, systemic risk, cycle risk What should your other assets look like? Liquidity, diversification (different drivers), non correlation, Risk adjusted (Insurance?)…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
Business strategies and wealth all meet in the Trailblazer Podcast 4:48

4 years ago4:48

4:48

Marketing... yourself/your business and your community/network and how this leads to, building, preserving and ensuring long term Wealth.

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
Importance of Chambers and Chamber Membership 27:44

4 years ago27:44

27:44

Today is all about Chambers of Commerce, an important network in your community and to your business. As we speak with our guest we are going to look at a few topics and get first hand experience. Today we would like to welcome Janelle Best, Director of the Howell Chamber of Commerce to the Trailblazer show. Welcome Janelle Topic 1: What does a Chamber do for the community? Topic 2: Importance of Chamber membership? What do you say to members that feel they are not getting what they want from a membership Topic 3: What are some of the specific areas of a Chamber should a business owner look at to advance just being a member in the directory?…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Are you meeting your customers needs 38:13

4 years ago38:13

38:13

Are you meeting your customer’s needs? Whether you are in the service, retail or restaurant industries, your customers' needs are whey they come to do business with you especially as we re-engage. Do you know your customer’s needs and have you asked? If not you would be amazed at the pointers or suggestions your regular customers can provide that could really boost your business and profit. Topic 1: Products and services Are there new products or services you should/could offer Are there products that need to be updated ( like we talked about last episode out with the old and in with the new) Update your services and products...please! Topic 2: Purchasing and loyalty options Purchasing - In store, online, social media Loyalty - should you or should you not Digital or traditional Topic 3: After sales support or follow up Thank you emails After for referrals or social media comments Save contact info for renewable orders…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Out with the old In with the New 40:05

4 years ago40:05

40:05

What areas of your business are you holding onto the old ways and need to get with the new way of doing business? Topic 1: Is it your old way of planning your business budget Old - Ledgers, monthly to month planning, only using CPA’s New - Digital tools like Quickbooks, full financial team, looking at the full year planning while having quarterly alternatives ready Team- their tools! Wave, digital tracking software Topic 2: Is it growth strategies Old - Mailers, focus on gaining new customers only, basic websites New - Social media, videos, online shopping, digital loyalty, focus on existing customers shopping experience Topic 3: Is it connecting Old - connecting with customers and staff New - community, network organizations, local non-profits Digital, video meeting, recorded video Project mgt software…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Is Multiple Streams of Income Right for You? With Guest Carl Gunderson 38:31

4 years ago38:31

38:31

Question/Topic 1: So a little bit of a no brainer question but why is having multiple - streams of income important now compared to 5 or `10 years ago? Question/Topic 2: If someone is looking at getting into multiple streams of income whether they are existing business owners or are looking at this to get into business, what are 3 things they should be looking for to give them the best foundation for success? Question/Topic 3: Carl, as we know you work and network with a lot of business owners, can you share with our listeners why business owners who are already growing their business should also consider multiple streams of income? Question/Topic 4: Ok Carl so we have covered the importance of multiple income streams, why current business owners should look into it. Now what are the advantages aside from the obvious of money still coming in why business owners that are transitioning into retirement or needing to change their career path should look at multiple streams of income? Use skills there a team environment that I can still make it work…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Let’s get real - if you are not using digital you are missing out 36:55

4 years ago36:55

36:55

As we get into this, we are going to break down 3 key digital technologies you can implement easily and we are going to focus on the retail/restaurant and service businesses. Topic 1: Digital communications. Social media - posts vs. live Chat Bot Text messages Email Topic 2: E-Commerce / Fast purchases E-commerce Upgrade POS/Credit card systems Tablet ordering webinars Topic 3: Internal digital Inventory database CRM Connectivity between all devices - desktop to mobile…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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New Year - Not the same you or your business 38:36

4 years ago38:36

38:36

So let’s get you excited about what 2021 can hold for you with a question: What are you going to do to make 2021 the best year yet for you and your business? Topic 1 - Excited about new features/program Is it eCommerce - if not it should be Online tools like website upgrade (no not social media but we will get to that) Is it keeping carryout or curbside a forever option innovations… big Topic 2: Working on your business Staff and new leadership Coaches/Mentors or planning team…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Passion for Revisited 23:18

4 years ago23:18

23:18

Passion is one of the leading characteristics needed to run the race of a successful business. That is why we wanted to talk another look at this topic and share some insights different from the episode on passion a few weeks ago.

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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2020 year end - let's look back to launch forward 39:42

4 years ago39:42

39:42

This week we are going to take a look back on some things that made 2020 very interesting that can help propel your business forward as we run (hopefully) into 2021 and highlight some of the past episodes that are great to listen to again along with some fan favorites. Fan favorites and really great topics on ways to help grow your business include Ep 4 - Referral marketing/networking Ep 2 - Marketing in a new marketplace Ep 8 - Interview with Clark on business and community Ep 7 - Connecting with your DDA and Main Street Organizations with Special Guest Kate Litwin Ep 28 - Selling should be a part of your business everyday Ep 27 - Why the "Why" you started your business is so important Business challenges in 2020 that lead to changes that are not going away Use of community partnerships Keeping your team passionate about the goals eCommerce/Social media and technology Importance of having a team and business coaching…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Holidays - Good for Business? 23:06

4 years ago23:06

23:06

Questions to ponder: Holiday boost or bust Is the last month of the year important to you How can we focus on the essentials during busy holiday season Topic 1: How to make the holidays and year end a boost not a bust Topic 2: Use the last month of the year to springboard into the new year Topic 3: Focus on the essentials, distractions galore…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Passion for Life and Business 27:55

4 years ago27:55

27:55

Some questions that you are having right now as we get started, maybe its: I have passion for what I am doing but I don't know how to share it Does my passion really relate to the profit or growth of my business Yeah I lost of fire now what Topic 1: Sharing your passion Your passion for what you do and bring to the community needs to be shared with both staff and your customers Your passion should not only come out when you are helping your customers but also in your marketing Topic 2: Passion and Profit It is easy to have passion for what you are doing when you are doing great and making that money However if you passion wanes then sadly so does your profit - this does not mean you need to be the slap happy smiley person all the time Topic 3: Let’s get the passion back Take a step back and recharge If you shared your passion with staff or customers - ask them why are they are excited about your business which is always a great reminder for you Get a team around you to remind you how awesome you are…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Business Train of Net Profit, Business Valuation & Capital 30:22

4 years ago30:22

30:22

Why is net profit so important and what can it be used for aside from paying taxes What is your business valuation, including pre-money, post-money and net profit effect Capital - you want it, need it, how to get it and does net profit help Topic 1: Net Profit Gross Revenue minus operating expenses before taxes How to make the most of your revenue to make sure you are getting the net profit you worked so hard to gain Make sure your net profit is not eaten up by other things like taxes Topic 2: Business Valuation Pre-money Post-Money Net profit effect on valuation Topic 3: Capital When to raise and how General uses Using net profit as capital to continue your growth…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Profit - Get Some! 34:55

4 years ago34:55

34:55

What is profit? This is not a duh moment What are some things we can do to maximize profit? What should we be doing once we have profit? Topic 1: What makes up profit Profit is not just the difference between but you bought and sold something for Why is profit so important Topic 2: How to maximize business to reach profit Deals with vendors and service providers Mix of products/services offered to make profit Marketing - Deal or no deal Topic 3: You have profit, yah now what So sadly a lot of new founders or businesses still in the weird startup/early growth space take profit and just put it back in the business Pay yourself Fund other programs to enhance your business - We are talking new advancements not operations…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
What does more revenue mean to you, multiples? 31:25

5 years ago31:25

31:25

Is your business producing revenue? Notice we didn’t say profit What would it do you need to focus on to get, grow or boost your revenue This may be weird for some of you, does your business or have you thought about multiple lines of revenue? Topic 1: Producing revenue Revenue growth path from startup to success Foundation to turn revenue into profit Topic 2: Revenue focus Focus - is it just to make money or grow a successful business Ways to grow or boost revenue Topic 3: Multiple lines the answer to your revenue Multiple products/services Multiple locations Multiple ways to make money…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
2020 Success or a bust, you decide 29:20

5 years ago29:20

29:20

Questions we want to throw out there: Its 4th quarter and the holidays are coming - are you ready? What new things have you put into action or are thinking about and just not put into play yet? Are you ready for 2021? If not its a coming whether you are or not. Topic 1 : What are your plans for the 4th quarter and holidays Partnering with community partners Events at your business Topic 2 : New things you are doing, or you adapted to this Spring that will stick Did you update your online or eCommerce abilities Did you offer new services like curbside or delivery Did you launch new products or services Topic 3 : Are you ready for 2021 It is time to plan for how you are going to ramp up after the holidays What are you hoping for in 2021 and what are you doing to make it happen…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
Coaching/mentoring/sounding board and do you need one? 30:41

5 years ago30:41

30:41

Do you really need a coach or mentor? What should you be looking for in a coach? What are the long term benefits or pitfalls to having a coach?

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Selling should be a part of your business everyday 29:02

5 years ago29:02

29:02

What we want to share today is the “Selling” in your business goes far beyond selling a product or service and should never be in the arena of “I hate selling or being sold to”. Here a few questions to get us started in the fun world of selling as an everyday function of your business. Are you selling your why daily? Are you selling your products/services or are you helping make your customers lives better? Are you positioned for sales opportunities including ultimately selling your business? Topic 1 - Selling your “Why” Are you selling your “Why” to yourself every morning to get you ready for the day Selling your “Why” is also sharing your why to staff and customers alike Shout your “Why” throughout your community Topic 2: Sales should be helping your customers not just making the “sale” So you think you can sell - get ready for a whole lot of “NO” Learn the needs of customers (kind of a no brainer) but take it one step farther and discover their why for coming in today Upselling is not a bad word - get over it and your customers will thank you Topic 3: Be open to sales opportunities including the selling of your business Take calls and appointments from people selling you things that could help your business Be open to evolving your business to increase sales Always be in a position to sell your business if the right time and offer comes along…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
Why the "Why" you started your business is so important 31:37

5 years ago31:37

31:37

Last episode we talked about your why in Why the hell are you in business in the first place. So in keeping with our goal to get our listeners thinking, we again have three questions for you. Do you believe your why? Does your why tell in your story? Does anyone care about your why?

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
Why the hell are you in business in the first place 30:47

5 years ago30:47

30:47

Let’s be honest, there are a variety of reasons why you chose to be an entrepreneur - you would have to have good reasons to have days of complete bliss wrapped with days of being hit in the face like a rookie boxer. Let’s get you thinking, here are some questions to get your mind on fire Was it money that steered you to start a business? Was it an idea for a product or service that kept you up at night and if you didn't do something you were going to go crazy with insomnia? Or was it something you thought was missing from your community combined with your passion that got you heading in the entrepreneurship direction?…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
Common Mistakes when selling your business 30:41

5 years ago30:41

30:41

This week we wanted to share 4 questions that will highlight 4 common mistakes made when nearing the sale of your business. Are you are the secret sauce, that holds everything together in your business? Do you have a realistic valuation and are you basing your price off your dream retirement or are you creating a valuation based on your financial planning? Are you unwilling to have a team, hire a team of professionals to see that you are getting the most out of your deal? Are you maintaining confidentiality for you and your prospective buyers?…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
Exiting your business; Is it time and do you have a plan? 34:00

5 years ago34:00

34:00

Questions to consider as you listen: If in fact you will be “retiring” from your business have you been working with a team or solo planning, to look at your personal wealth, and what that may look like if you sell? What do you WANT to do after the liquidity event? What CAN you do after your liquidity event?…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

1
Ep. 23 Pivot, Evolve, Expand or ? 26:28

5 years ago26:28

26:28

So as we dive into this topic we what our listeners to ask the following questions: What can I do to pivot my business - is it new ways of buying, is it new hours Is it time to evolve my business - new products/services, get rid of outdated routines My business is doing good - is it time to expand Point 1: What does it look like to pivot? First let's define what it means to pivot in business - It's making changes even small ones that have positive effects to re-engage growth. Maybe it's adding online shopping, changing hours, focusing only on your high growth products or services instead of a huge line up Point 2: Evolving to succeed Evolving is making big changes to match new technology or offering new products/services that better match the demand of consumers. These changes could be launching a website with online shopping, offer complete new product line up Point 3: Is it time to expand Expanding is scary even during the best of times but in light of everything going on, expanding might be just what you need to jump start activity and bring the excitement back. Maybe it launching a new locations or expanding to a bigger location or maybe it offering outside services like additional seating…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Ep. 22 Let's get Inspired, Let’s get jazzed, let's Go! 28:22

5 years ago28:22

28:22

Talking pt.1: Inspiration and excitement What is your inspiration or excitement on why you started Agile Wealth Partners? What got you inspired to start Mobileteer? Inspiration is why we got into business and leads to giving you excitement in what you are doing. I liking it to golf - there are bad shots and good/great shots. Its the great shots that keep you coming back and keep working. Business is no different. Talking pt. 2: Getting jazzed to run the business If you are not jazzed up get there Start the day jazzed - maybe its a podcast you listen to, maybe its music or maybe its the excitement of making money to get free What can you do if you find your jazz leaving you during the day Take a break, walk, mix up your intake, revisit those random notes and ideas. Change tasks, refocus energy with time blocking towards areas that are lacking Talking pt. 3: Your Inspired and jazzed now push it Ok, so you have your inspiration and you are excited to take every day as an opportunity to push yourself, be grateful, humble and realize the position you are in. Helping first mentality. Curiosity is my secret weapon!!…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Ep. 21- What business owners listen to most 28:49

5 years ago28:49

28:49

This week we talked about some of the important foundation points from past episodes. Check out the full episodes with the dates posted below for reference. Reference episodes: Protecting your business: Episode 20 posted on Aug. 6, 2020 Community Involvement: Episode 7 with guest Kate Litwin posted on May 5, 2020 Referral Marketing: Episode 4 with guest Wendy Caverly posted on April 4, 2020…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Ep. 20- Protecting the Business You Built! 39:49

5 years ago39:49

39:49

Topic 1: Why are you needing to protect your business aside from the obvious of protecting something you have put your blood, sweat, tears and of course money The type of entity you create and run. Very important in adding layers of protection between you and your business. Have a good attorney or two on speed dial. Build a relationship with them and see how you can be of help to them so when you have that question you can reach out. Have a good Property and Casualty agent on your team. Topic 2: What are some of the liability issues a business owner needs to make sure they have covered when you work with your P and C team? Remember personal lines to not insure your business! I do want to talk about protecting a business in terms of COVID General liability insurance E&O or specific profession lines Cyber security protection Business continuity plan Topic 3: Now onto some good stuff! This is the type of protecting we provide for the business owners we work with, although we assist and guide on the above items. What other asset protections should a business owner look into and how does that play into future planning especially as we all one day want to “retire”. Ultimately on a planning basis you are protecting the value of a business when and continued successful operation of the business, so we need to consider: You get sick (disabled) or pass away. What does this scenario look like and how do I protect? Your key employee/employees get sick or pass away. Just as important to protect against losing key employees, how do I retain key employees? Benefits, profit sharing, bonus... Assuring you have protection with your partner or future buyer with a buy/sell. Who owns the business if my internal employee/partner buyer I am working with passes away? (Remember that continuity plan? This is the numbers side of it)…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Ep. 19 Financial Planner: Right for your Business? 40:00

5 years ago40:00

40:00

Topic 1: Start a new - setting up financial plan requires a guide Having a financial plan that is guided by a planner helps to make sure you set your business for up success. Best "free" resource Build a team, use your resources You have clear path to financial options such as investors like we spoke about last week Topic 2: What does it look like to have a financial planner as you look to run your business as a successful owner/entrepreneur You start to get more clarity on specific goals you want to achieve with your business not just success for the here and now - its the future you want to look forward to You want to make sure your business is not only profitable (CPA’s and Mentors help in this area) but also making sure your profits can sustain your lifestyle throughout your life Wrapping this mindset up in a long term plan with your team. Often as owners we put all of our resources, time,money, that we forget planning, diversification, looking for other opportunities. *Boring can be good Topic 3: Next generation to take control - You have built a great and profitable business but time has come for you turn over control, merge, sell, pass it on? Do you have your team in place? Who should take control - family member, your loyal staff or an outside party and does that change the planning Once you sell it - lets make that nest egg work for you as you worked so hard to get Many businesses if exit is not planned prior can end in little reward in the end being realistic is the key!…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Ep. 18 Capital Investor: What are Investors looking for? 39:20

5 years ago39:20

39:20

Topic: So you decided you want an investor. What are investors looking for? What are they looking for, Market (viable growing long term or niche), Technology/idea, is it different/better, People, do you have the team to continue to build it successfully and the grit to be persistent. How can you get this message to the Investor? Executive Summary Pitch deck- Answers key questions, Is it the right time/Market, What is at stake, risk reward? Ability to create change, value proposition? Does your product/service solve a pain point? Why you and not someone else? Prototype/Service -Can you show something that you are actually doing! Cap chart and financials…

Trailblazer - Igniting Business & Community

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Ep. 17 - Raising Capital: Hitting the starting line or rebuilding takes capital 35:28

5 years ago35:28