Think Outside the Bank

What can you expect from this week's Think Outside the Bank episode? We'll unpack one of the most intriguing articles published at TheLucyReport.com this week - stay up-to-date on financial and business trends by subscribing for free today!  The featured Business Plan Tip of the Week - ensure your business plan is ready for funding with each week's hard-working tip! Discover a SIMPLE path for explosive growth that doesn't even require funding!  Hear from our "Geek of the Week" and learn HOW small businesses like yours can de-risk their business from a funding perspective so you can more effectively vet your lender!  This season is PACKED with actionable insights from start to finish. Make sure you don't miss an episode by subscribing! Do you love what you learned today? Please consider writing a review - it will help other listeners find these episodes!

This season, Think Outside the Bank will be turning YOU into a highly fundable, savvy company - ready to VET THE LENDER! First, we'll help to ensure your business is set up for success through de-risking and getting clear on the amount of funding you need. Then, we'll explore various TYPES of funding such as SBA loans, used equipment funding, and business expansion funding. Finally, you'll become EMPOWERED, learning how to vet the lender's technology-efficiency rating, reputation, timeline, and more to carefully select a lender that WORKS for you.

You're DONE gauging this elusive economy, and you're READY to launch or expand your business right now. But, how will you fund this exciting new venture???    Great question! Business ownership in a competitive and fluctuating economy can be SUPER expensive, with only a small percentage of business owners reporting launch costs of less than $50,000.  That's right- over 27% of small business owners report a hefty price tag of between $250,000 and $500,000 to get their company going. And those business owners were verrry savvy about what TYPE of funding to use, and how to VET THE LENDER, since all lenders are NOT created equal…   In business, it pays to know what you don't know. This August, we're launching Season 4 of THINK OUTSIDE THE BANK podcast - for small business owners looking to earn, protect, and attract more money into their companies- by playing smart, and VETTING THE LENDER.   This season, Think Outside the Bank will be turning YOU into a highly fundable, savvy company - ready to VET THE LENDER.  First, we'll help to ensure your business is set up for success through de-risking, getting clear on the amount of funding you need, cleaning up your credit score, analyzing your debt to income ratio, time in business, and more.   Next, we'll explore various TYPES of funding like SBA loans, leases, heavy equipment funding, used equipment funding, larger loans, business expansion funding, grants, and business plan competitions, to help narrow down what makes sense for you.  AND, you'll become EMPOWERED by learning how to VET THE LENDER's technology-efficiency rating, reputation, terms, fees, timeline, and collateral requirements to carefully select a lender that WORKS for you.   Think Outside the Bank is a podcast for small business owners, brought to you by lucy technologies. Empowering the Heart of America.  

Are you looking to expand your team and are wondering about how salary will fit into the mix? Is it the true bottom line or is there more to it? If you've asked either of these questions, today's episode was made especially for you! Want to discover a BEVY of other resources for YOU, the small business owner? Check out: Legalucy.com MyPandemicProofBusiness.com ThinkOutsideTheFirm.com Don't miss a single episode! Click HERE to subscribe today!

Are you looking to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees in 2021 and beyond? Are you looking for some guideposts for future hiring as you set up your business right now? If you answered yes to either question, today's episode was made just for you! Join two members of the Legalucy team as we discuss the ins and outs of today's hiring environment. Want to discover a bevy of other resources for YOU, the small business owner? Check out: Legalucy.com MyPandemicProofBusiness.com ThinkOutsideTheFirm.com

Which one of these is your top challenge? It should come as no surprise to you that business owners and hiring managers are facing significant challenges right now in this "seller's market" for employee talent. Join us today as we unpack these issues and offer tools and resources to help you navigate this very specific and unique time. BONUS... even though these challenges are residual effects of the COVID19 Pandemic, these issues are cyclical. So, why not solve this problem now and bring your business ahead of the curve in hiring your DREAM TEAM!   Links Mentioned in This Week's Episode 60 Second Brief "hiring statistics" articles: https://financesonline.com/hiring-statistics/ https://www.zoomshift.com/blog/hr-statistics/ https://www.visualcv.com/blog/hiring-statistics/ https://insights.myshortlister.com/recruiting-statistics   Want to discover a bevy of other resources for YOU, the small business owner? Check out:  Legalucy.com MyPandemicProofBusiness.com ThinkOutsideTheFirm.com

Welcome to Think Outside the Firm! a podcast for small business owners looking to earn, protect, and attract more money into their business by hiring their DREAM TEAM. In this episode, we dig deeper into what you can expect to hear this Season of Think Outside the Firm. Our mission is to resource you as you build your DREAM TEAM in 2021 and beyond! We look forward to bringing the value each week so remember to subscribe so you don't miss a single episode. On your side, Harmony and Ginny, your Think Outside the Firm Hosts   Looking for more great resources? We've got you covered! Legalucy.com MyPandemicProofBusiness.com ThinkOutsideTheFirm.com

Looking back over 2020, we wanted to wrap up our second season by sharing the most valuable nuggets we've uncovered over these last several months that could both provide insight in to protecting your business as well as some topics to think about as you GROW your business (despite the uniqueness of this year). Both Harmony and Ginny took some time to think about their biggest nuggets of wisdom they found this year, the business trends they see sticking around, and the biggest takeaways they have for you, our listeners. Enjoy and here are the episodes they referenced if you'd like to go deeper into any given topic. Episode 2: What To Do if an Employee Tests Positive for COVID? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e2-what-to-do-if-an-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19/id1481400664?i=1000476710955  Episode 13: 7 Big Questions We Keep Getting About Doing Business Right Now https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e13-7-big-questions-we-keep-getting-about-doing-business/id1481400664?i=1000489587104  Episode 7: How Can I Secure Funding During the Pandemic? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e7-how-can-i-secure-funding-during-the-pandemic/id1481400664?i=1000485218740  Episode 9: How To Stay Funded During the Pandemic https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e9-how-to-stay-funded-during-the-pandemic/id1481400664?i=1000486506753  Episode 10: Can Insurance Be a Business Life Saver? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e10-can-insurance-be-a-business-saver/id1481400664?i=1000487628681  Episode 6: What Do I Need to Know About Marketing Online? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e6-what-do-i-need-to-know-about-marketing-online/id1481400664?i=1000480943703  Episode 14: What About Online Privacy Concerns During a Pandemic? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e14-what-about-online-privacy-concerns-during-a-pandemic/id1481400664?i=1000491107136  Thanks again for joining us this season! We look forward to serving you up some great content in Season 3! Want to learn more about how to pandemic-proof your business during this time? Visit: http://mypandemicproofbusiness.com   Grab your copy of the Lucy Report today! In response to today's environment, we are making access to it FREE for a short period of time.   Learn more at http://thelucyreport.com

With so many unknowns and rapidly changing dynamics, sometimes it makes sense as a business owner to talk with a lawyer to make sure you're protected and know all your options. In today's episode, we talk about some specific and timely scenarios in which a lawyer might be very helpful to you, the small business owner. In this week's "Caught Doing Good" Segment, we actually focus on a trend of rapid business growth... athleisure. It's a segment of retail clothing that has seen ENORMOUS growth during this season with so many people working from home. Why do we say this segment has been caught doing good? Not only does it provide a comfortable option for work clothes, it's also a fast-growing segment of clothing for those looking to launch a business in this space. So, the "good" is both now and in business potential. Want to learn more about how to pandemic-proof your business during this time? Visit: http://mypandemicproofbusiness.com  Grab your copy of the Lucy Report today! In response to today's environment, we are making access to it FREE for a short period of time. Learn more at http://thelucyreport.com 

2020 has seemed like the year of "whack-a-mole." We try to solve one problem over here, and something else pops up other there... It may feel like this in your business, as well. Perhaps you solved the problem of moving much of your business online, but that creates another problem... There are SO many laws and regulations around online activity, and while we covered some on a previous episode (S2E6: Marketing Online and S2E4: Privacy Online), we're going deeper today on some of the implications doing business online can mean for you. And in this week's Caught Doing Good, we're honored to feature a brilliant young entrepreneur, Paris Williams, a six-year-old from St Louis, Missouri. She founded Paris Cares to bring books and food to the homeless in her area. To learn more and contribute, visit: https://bonfire.com/pariscares  Want to learn more about how to pandemic-proof your business during this time? Visit: http://mypandemicproofbusiness.com   Grab your copy of the Lucy Report today! In response to today's environment, we are making access to it FREE for a short period of time.   Learn more at http://thelucyreport.com

Together, we're ventured into the unknown of doing business during a pandemic. We all have questions about how this season will affect how we do business in the long-term, but in the meantime, this week's episode covers the 7 biggest questions we keep hearing from the small business community. And in this week's Caught Doing Good segment, we're honored to feature Cleo, a company dedicated to solving the childcare problem that's arisen during this time. Want to learn more about their great work? Visit: www.hicleo.com  Want to learn more about how to pandemic-proof your business during this time? Visit: http://mypandemicproofbusiness.com  Grab your copy of the Lucy Report today! In response to today's environment, we are making access to it FREE for a short period of time. Learn more at http://thelucyreport.com 

Do you currently have a lease for your office or retail business? Are you considering opening a business that will need physical space during this time? In this week's episode, we go over some very important and timely considerations such as: - What if you're looking to get out of your lease? What options may you have? - Understanding some very important verbiage in your lease - Some questions to consider if you're looking to sign a lease during the pandemic Also, in our Caught Doing Good segment, we're excited to feature Ocala Drive-In Move Theatre in Florida. In fact, if you're looking for a unique movie-going experience right now, find a drive-in movie theatre near you at www.driveinmovie.com  Want to learn more about how to pandemic-proof your business during this time? Visit: http://mypandemicproofbusiness.com  Grab your copy of the Lucy Report today! In response to today's environment, we are making access to it FREE for a short period of time. Learn more at http://thelucyreport.com 

If you're considering the launch of your own business during this season, this episode is for you!   We discuss certain industries that may be worth exploring, pose questions every potential business owner should ask themselves, and talk about momentum... among other things!   In this week's "Caught Doing Good" segment, we feature a household name. Even though we typically like to feature small businesses that are doing good in their own community, Hanes caught our eye with what they're doing these days...   They've launched a campaign they call #maskaround geared toward encouraging Americans to wear a mask while out and about, AND they've donated 1 Million masks to those experiencing homelessness during this difficult time. Thanks, Hanes!   Want to learn more about how to pandemic-proof your business during this time? Visit: http://mypandemicproofbusiness.com   Grab your copy of the Lucy Report today! In response to today's environment, we are making access to it FREE for a short period of time.   Learn more at http://thelucyreport.com  

Have you considered the fact that your business insurance could be a lifeline for you during these times? In this week's episode, we're diving into a lesser-known asset pretty much all businesses have... insurance. And depending on your policy, you may have access to additional resources. Grab your policy and listen to this week's episode to learn more. To discover all of the resources mentioned on this podcast and more, visit: https://www.mypandemicproofbusiness.com/post/business-interruption-insurance-is-your-lifesaver  In our Caught Doing Good segment, we're excited to feature iFixIt, a startup focused on helping hospitals keep their devices up and running by distributing medical device manuals and other related documents since repair services are having difficulty keeping up with demand right now. To learn more, visit https://ifixit.com  

Are there more sources of funding out there for businesses struggling to get through this pandemic? If you're such a business owner, be encouraged! There are multiple sources of funding available and additional sources come online every month. In this week's episode, Legal Information Guide Steven Davidson walks us through a couple of those options currently available such as the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Want to read his full article? Check it out here: https://www.mypandemicproofbusiness.com/post/save-your-business-with-the-economic-injury-disaster-loan  In our "Caught Doing Good" segment, we feature two small businesses in the heart of Silicon Valley as this business-owner-couple redefines how their businesses serve clients as a hair salon and a nail salon. If you're in the Santa Clara area, learn more by calling them at: Sean's barbershop: (408) 244-7488 Orchid Nail Lounge: (408) 244-7488 Want to learn more about how to pandemic-proof your business during this time? Visit: http://mypandemicproofbusiness.com  Grab your copy of the Lucy Report today! In response to today's environment, we are making access to it FREE for a short period of time. Learn more at http://thelucyreport.com    Don't miss a single episode! Subscribe today!

As a small business owner, are you or someone you know considering bankruptcy during the season? if so that's nothing to be ashamed about. And this week's episode we're talking about the different types of bankruptcy options a business owner may have during the season and we also discussed the different protections, options, and forms of flexibility bankruptcy may afford. Though it's a heavy topic we hope to take some of the stigma out of it and provide powerful resources and answers to questions business owners may have during these uncertain times.   Additionally, in our "Caught Doing Good" segment, we discuss a gym called Be Strong Gym located in Indiana that has discovered flexible ways of helping their customer base during this time to maintain loyal customers as well as bring additional revenues into the business. To find out more, visit https://be-strong.squarespace.com

Are you looking for outside funding during this season? Whether it be relief programs, loans, or even investor funding we've got your back! That's what we're discussing on this week's episode with our own Legal Information Guide, Natalia Navarro. Also, in this week's "Caught Doing Good" we focus on co-host Ginny's hometown, Phoenix, AZ, that's been hard-hit by COVID. The Phoenix Inn, Maricopa County, and Circle the City have linked arms to help the more vulnerable COVID victims during the heat of the summer... the County's homeless population. Also, check out all of the incredible resources our Pandemic Response Team has been working hard to create for you! Links referenced: https://sec.gov 

During the Pandemic, have you moved more of your marketing online? Or are you thinking about bringing more of your marketing online? Either way, this week's episode was made just for you. We discuss the importance of knowing the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) requirements on things like claims you make, avoiding deception, and much more! Looking to read more about these requirements? Visit https://ftc.gov  And in this week's segment of Caught Doing Good, we want to recognize a new company called Global PPE who is working to make sure highly vulnerable groups of people, namely Native populations in the Southwest, have access to PPE. Well done! To learn more about their work, visit https://global-ppe.com  Want to learn more about how to pandemic-proof your business during this time? Visit: http://mypandemicproofbusiness.com  Grab your copy of the Lucy Report today! In response to today's environment, we are making access to it FREE for a short period of time. Learn more at http://thelucyreport.com 

It's a great question, right? And we certainly hope you're in the position to hire someone during the Pandemic. But several new concerns and questions arise around everything from the job description (What should you say about working remotely? Or safety concerns an applicant may have if the job is on-site?) to the interview process (What questions can you ask and which may violate new or existing laws?). And can you require an applicant to be tested for COVID? So many questions come up and our very own Legal Information Guide, Vanessa Chang, joins us to share all of the research she's done on the topic. And, in this week's "Caught Doing Good" we're featuring an art gallery/tattoo shop in Kentucky (wait til you hear why!). Learn more about them at https://galleryxartcollective.com