The Small Business School Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome back to Small Business School! Today on the podcast I want to share my insights on when and how to invest the right amount of time and resources into the
foundational elements of a mission, vision and values. These statements should genuinely serve your business growth and not be wasted words on the website. Let's get into it!

Topics Covered:

• When you're just starting out, focus on your mission, but keep it simple. 
• Why you should never develop your mission, vision, and values in isolation.
• Engage your team in the process to ensure they live by these principles.
• Why as your team grows you should prioritize defining your values. 
• Don’t get bogged down in overthinking these elements early on. Invest the appropriate amount of time and energy based on where your business is in its journey.

I hope this episode helps you find the right balance in building a strong foundation for your business as well as a clear vision! 

Until next time, share this with a friend and keep growing!

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome to Small Business School! In today’s episode I am joined by Andrea Reindl! Andrea is on a mission to simplify complicated jargon that over promises and instead pave a path for people with big ideas and the teams that support them to be able to bring their visions to life. She does this by creating a plan, adding timelines and budgets, and making it real. Andrea and her team at Legacy Creative love to take chaos and tame it into common-sense business practices that are end-user-focused and rich in quality experiences!
I am so excited to dive deep into the world of brand development with Andrea and discuss how clarity can transform a brand from ordinary to extraordinary! 

Topics Covered:

• The importance of simplifying complex ideas for clear brand communication.
• Why consistency in messaging is crucial for brand recognition.
• The three pillars of great branding: clarity, making it real, and growing it.
• The law of gestation in business and why giving your brand time to grow is essential.
• Why networking and direct referrals are often underestimated but are a major source of business.
• How clarity in your purpose and instructions leads to better performance from your team.
• The power of niching down to serve your ideal client and why it attracts the right audience.

Tune in and discover how to bring your brand to life with purpose and intention! Want to learn more? Connect with Andrea and check out her free resources!

Andrea’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacycreative_/
Website: https://legacycreative.com/
Free Resources: https://legacycreative.com/resources/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In this episode of Small Business School I’m excited to be diving deep with Ildi Arlette! IIdi helps medspa and wellness clinics become in-demand, profitable businesses with a positive "everyone sells" culture that keep the team and clinic growing. She is known for bringing business and leadership know-how to your clinic. Together we explore the key elements that make a med spa successful and how leadership and culture play a crucial role. 

This episode is so valuable for any business owner looking to implement better systems and create positive change in their business! 

Topics Covered:

• How Ildi transitioned her passion for customer service into the wellness industry.
• The impact of leadership and team dynamics on business success, and how these can be the biggest barriers or biggest catalysts.
• Why creating a positive culture is essential for long-term success and how it directly influences profitability.
• The importance of focusing on existing clients for growth.
• The challenge of finding and using your authentic voice in a saturated market and how it can set you apart.
• Creating events and offers that feel authentic and manageable, rather than overwhelming.
• The power of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in maintaining consistency and empowering your team.

Success doesn’t look the same for everyone—find what works for you, and watch your business thrive! Want to learn more from IIdi? Connect with her through Instagram or on her website!

Ildi’s Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ildi-arlette-617b6619/?originalSubdomain=ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ildi_arlette/
Results Continuum Website: https://www.resultscontinuum.com/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Hey Small Business School! Today I'm joined by Amy Auble, a mastermind in sustainable business marketing. Amy owns Alpine Start Media, a digital agency that manages social media and email for sustainably driven brands. She also co-owns Jelt, a B Corporation that sells belts made from recycled plastic. We crossed paths at the Business Breakthrough event, and I instantly fell in love with her approach, so let’s dive into our conversation!

Topics Covered:

• Amy's journey from a marketing student to a sustainable business advocate.
• Navigating email marketing and social media for sustainable brands.
• Tangible tips on effective content creation for social media.
• The crucial role of email marketing and setting up a killer welcome flow.
• Understanding the diverse facets of sustainability in business. Balancing financial sustainability with eco-friendly practices.
• The significance of retelling your business story consistently.
• Amy's recommendations for small business owners in 2024.

Join us as Amy shares invaluable tips on mastering email marketing, social media, and messaging for eco-conscious brands. If you’re not considering your environmental impact, you’re missing out on value you could be providing to your clients!

Connect with Amy on Instagram or through her website to learn how you can work with Alpine Start Media!

Amy's Links:
Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyauble/
Alpine Start Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpinestartmedia/
Website: https://alpinestartmedia.com/ - Unlock 5 Email List growth tips!

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

In today's episode of Small Business School, we dive into ‘Profit First’, a method designed to transform the way you handle your business expenses. I am breaking down the core concepts from Mike Michalowicz's phenomenal book, emphasizing the importance of setting limits and strategically managing your finances. Let's get into it!

Topics Covered:

• Profit First; the method of allocating funds to specific bank accounts, including employee pay, operating expenses, owner compensation, profits, and taxes.
• Why some entrepreneurs struggle with Profit First and discover ways to overcome challenges.
• The non-negotiable aspects of setting aside money for taxes and strategically using profit accounts.
• The importance of having a strategic mindset, seeking mentorship, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of your business to maximize Profit First's effectiveness.

A Profit First financial plan can be the right financial pressure you need to experience  transformation in your small business!

Have questions about what this looks like for you or topic ideas for a future episode? Let me know! I would love to connect with you!

Links:
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: Link to purchase book off amazon

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! Today's episode is a powerhouse of insights as we dive into the world of boosting visibility with the incredible Jessica Abo. ​​Jessica is a sought-after media trainer, award-winning journalist, and best-selling author. She started her public speaking career when she was 15 years old and uses her 20-plus years of TV news experience to help her clients share their message with the world and become media magnets. She has appeared on The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, CBS News, CNN, FOX, Access Hollywood, KTLA, NY1, and in Forbes, Fast Company, Women’s Health, and more. She also co-hosts the popular podcast “Startups in Stilettos” on the Entreprenista Network. In this episode, Jessica shares her journey from a TV news anchor to a media trainer and PR expert, unveiling the secrets to making your presence known!

Topics Covered:

• Jessica's transition from a TV news career to becoming a media trainer and PR expert.
• The trend of writing books and the importance of a purposeful press tour to maximize visibility.
• Understand the thoughtful approach needed in press outreach, focusing on the "why" and "what" of your press goals.
• The significance of not just securing press opportunities but also maximizing exposure through strategic marketing.

Learn how to craft your story, pitch effectively, and leverage press opportunities to their full potential! Connect with Jessica to start your media training and boost your visibility!

Jessica's Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaabotv/
Website: https://www.jessicaabo.com
Book a call: https://www.jessicaabo.com/15minutes

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Hey Small Business Squad! Have you ever found yourself wondering why your actions in business aren't yielding the results you desire? Well, you're not alone. Today, we're diving into a game-changing skill for success: seeing things through. It's not just about making decisions; it's about understanding the ripples and consequences of those decisions. Whether it's boosting sales or optimizing business strategy, this episode is your guide to thinking beyond your initial move. Let's break it down!

Topics Covered:

• The power of ‘Seeing Things Through’ and why this skill is crucial for business leaders because of how it can impact your decisions.
• The pitfalls of making decisions and taking shortcuts without considering the long-term consequences.
• The importance of post-decision reflections and why it's a game-changer for business success.
• Tips on making great decisions from the start and increasing your success rate.

Success in business isn't just about the initial move, it's about understanding the ripples and consequences! Join us as we unravel the magic of seeing things through!

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! I'm thrilled to dive into today's conversation with the incredible Courtney Spritzer, co-founder of the Entreprenista Network. Courtney shares her journey from the corporate world to co-founding SocialFly, an innovative social media marketing agency, and later launching Entreprenista, a community and media company. In this episode, we explore key insights into entrepreneurship and social media marketing.

Topics Covered:

• The origin story of Entreprenista Network and its evolution, highlighting the pivotal moments and challenges.
• Courtney's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship.
• The early days of SocialFly, taking a leap of faith, quitting their jobs, utilizing networking and strategic planning.
• The power of networking and the role it played in Courtney's journey.
• Navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media marketing.
• Insights into Entreprenista and its unique approach.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode is packed with wisdom to fuel your small business journey. Stay tuned, and let's dive into the entrepreneurial adventure together! 🌟

Courtney's Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtspritzer/
Entreprenistas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entreprenistas/
SocialFly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialfly/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Hey Small Business School! I am so excited for today’s conversation with Dawn Taylor. Dawn is a trauma, business, and life coach and known as an “ass kicker and hope giver”. She is also the host of the Taylor Way Talks podcast, that digs into the topics that no one is willing to talk about. In today’s episode we are discussing how our trauma affects our business and personal lives, so let’s get into it!

Topics Covered:

• Breaking down the concept of trauma. It’s not just the big, dramatic incidents but the subtle, impactful moments that shape our responses.
• The connection between unhealed trauma and business struggles. Dawn shares her journey of self-discovery, revealing how trauma impacts decisions, relationships, and even hiring practices.
• Why boundaries are a game-changer.  It's about saying 'no' and unapologetically holding space for yourself.
• ‘Thriving’ in chaos and its impact on personal and professional life. 
• Healing from past traumas and breaking the cycle of chaos.

Dawn and I are both so passionate about helping you achieve success in your business and personal lives, so please reach out for more conversations and support. Remember, you're not alone on this journey of growth and healing!

Dawn's Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetaylorwaynow/
Email: hello@thetaylorway.ca
Website: https://www.thetaylorway.ca/
Discount code "Welcome" for 10% off your first month of group coaching!
Taylor Way Talks Podcast: https://www.thetaylorway.ca/taylor-way-talks-podcast

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! I'm thrilled to be chatting with Kelsey Kloss today! Kelsey is the CEO of Kloss Creatives, which positions companies as lasting industry thought leaders through powerful PR, social media, and branding. Previously, she was a national magazine editor for brands like Good Housekeeping, ELLE Decor, and Reader’s Digest. Kelsey's background in journalism uniquely positions her to help business owners share their expertise and stories with the world. So let’s dive into our conversation!

Topics Covered:

• In the world of small business, knowing how to bring in money and get visible is crucial. Kelsey emphasizes the importance of making sales and getting visible for sustainable growth.
• The impact of integrating PR into the overall marketing strategy. When visibility becomes part of the sales funnel and customer journey, it can significantly benefit a company.
• Learn the art of crafting a compelling pitch. Kelsey recommends platforms like Quoted and Help a Reporter to connect with journalists. Emphasize your expertise, credentials, and provide clear links to your bio to make a lasting impression.
• Once featured, don't let it end there. Optimize your ‘about page’, provide a next step for the audience, and leverage PR across all channels to amplify its impact.

Every business owner is worthy of press coverage, believe in your story and expertise! Connect with Kelsey in order to level up your PR game!

Kelsey's Links:
Website: www.KlossCreatives.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kloss-creatives/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klosscreatives/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!