The Owner’s Guide: Strategies to Successfully Start and Grow a Business

Russ and Greg drop a major announcement—Greg is entering the world of indoor pickleball with new facilities launching in Las Vegas! Joined by Jennifer Christensen of Beacon Media + Marketing, the trio dives into how to market health and wellness brands (like pickleball centers!) using cutting-edge AI strategies. Learn the essentials of GEO (the new SEO), leveraging Google Business Profiles, ethical AI use, and creating content that connects with both locals and visitors. Whether you’re launching a new business or scaling your digital presence, this episode is packed with winning tactics and insights.

Russ and Greg welcome serial entrepreneur Eli Portnoy, founder of BackEngine.ai, to explore how AI is revolutionizing the way businesses understand and act on customer feedback. From synthesizing data across platforms to pinpointing growth opportunities and preventing churn, Eli breaks down how AI-driven insights can give executives a real-time pulse on customer needs—without losing the human touch. Learn how to leverage internal data for smarter decision-making, protect proprietary information, and avoid common AI pitfalls. Whether you’re scaling fast or just starting out, this episode offers actionable advice on integrating AI into your business strategy—without replacing the people behind it.

In this episode of DIY for Business, Russ and Greg sit down with Brandon Davis, founder of Trek One Capital, to dive into the real cost of entrepreneurial growth—and how to scale without burning out. Brandon shares hard-earned insights from managing over 100 entities to paring down to a happier, healthier portfolio, revealing how clarity, collaboration, and culture can lead to massive success.We explore:What investors really look for in scalable businessesHow to identify and fix toxic management teamsThe value of daily operational feedback loopsWhy happiness and health drive better business outcomesBrandon’s approach to teaching entrepreneurship to his kidsPacked with personal stories, strategic insights, and a few no-pants jokes, this episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur aiming to scale smart and live well.Learn more at trekonecapital.com

In this timely episode of DIY For Business, Russ and Greg welcome Abe Orgel of SimpleForwarding.com to unpack the chaos surrounding the recent tariff changes affecting imports from China. They dive into the implications of the Section 321 elimination, how it’s disrupting e-commerce and brick-and-mortar supply chains, and what business owners can do to adapt. From rising shipping costs to legal workarounds and reshoring opportunities, this episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur navigating international sourcing and logistics in today’s volatile trade environment. Tune in for actionable insights and a few laughs along the way.

What does it take to turn rock bottom into a launchpad for success? In this gripping episode of DIY For Business, Russ and Greg sit down with Luke Lunkenheimer, founder of Paid to Persuade, to uncover his incredible transformation from bank robber to respected entrepreneur.Luke shares how he rebuilt his life after addiction and incarceration, diving into the mindset shifts, relentless work ethic, and powerful lessons that shaped his business journey. He reveals the core principles behind his revolutionary sales training program—why authenticity trumps slick scripts, how “compassionate interrogation” wins clients, and what it really takes to stand out and succeed.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned sales leader, or simply love a good comeback story, this episode delivers real-world advice with raw honesty and a dose of inspiration.Topics covered:Overcoming personal and professional rock bottomWhy “scripts” are killing your salesThe neuroscience behind authentic communicationWhat Paid to Persuade teaches that other programs don’tPivoting your business model based on real feedback

In this insightful episode of DIY for Business, Russ and Greg chat with startup strategist and software veteran David Hirschfeld, founder of Tekyz, about why so many startups fail—and how to prevent it. David introduces his proven Launch First methodology, showing how early validation and sales before building a product can be a game-changer for founders. They dive into the power of identifying the right niche, using AI to streamline development, and even how to sell software before it’s built.The trio also tackles AI’s role in content creation and internal efficiencies, including an innovative voice-integrated Jira assistant that’s solving real developer pain points. Whether you’re launching your first startup or trying to scale smarter, this episode is packed with practical, battle-tested advice.

Public speaking is one of the most powerful tools entrepreneurs and business leaders can use to grow their influence—and their revenue. In this episode of DIY for Business, Russ chats with Blair Bryant Nichols, founder of BBN Creative Management, about how mission-driven professionals can overcome the fear of speaking and leverage the stage (or Zoom!) to strategically scale their business.From storytelling that converts to dealing with tech meltdowns mid-presentation, Blair shares tactical advice on becoming a confident and compelling speaker. Whether you’re pitching to clients, keynoting a conference, or leading a webinar, Blair’s insights will help you shift your mindset, connect emotionally with your audience, and build a business pipeline—one presentation at a time.Topics Covered:• How to overcome the fear of public speaking• Strategic speaking vs. infomercial pitfalls• Virtual vs. in-person presence• Using storytelling for business growth• Turning keynotes into leads and long-term clients• The power of being great to work with (on and off stage)

AI is transforming email marketing—but are you using it effectively? In this episode of DIY for Business, Russ and Greg dive into AI-driven email campaigns with experts Robin Tully and Michael Levitz of Forecasting (forecast.ing). Learn how AI can craft personalized messages, improve click-through rates, and predict campaign success before you hit send.Topics covered include:• How AI enhances email personalization• The best ways to segment audiences for maximum impact• AI-driven landing pages that convert• The future of AI in marketing and its impact on small businessesIf you want to improve your email marketing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Small businesses no longer need big budgets to compete in social media marketing. In this episode of DIY for Business, Russ and Greg talk with Adam Nathan, CEO and Founder of Blaze AI, about how artificial intelligence is changing the game for entrepreneurs. They cover:• How AI can automate and optimize social media marketing efforts• The best strategies for using AI in social media, SEO, and email campaigns• Why consistent content is critical for business growth• How Blaze AI helps businesses scale without hiring a full-time marketerWhile we discuss Blaze AI’s features and benefits, this is not a paid promotion or sponsored content. Our goal is to provide valuable insights into AI-driven marketing tools and how they can help small businesses grow. As always, we encourage listeners to explore multiple solutions and choose what best fits their needs.

In this episode of DIY for Business, Russ sits down with Vance Morris, a business consultant and former Disney leader, to uncover secrets for creating a business that thrives. Vance shares actionable insights on balancing work and family life, mastering the art of pricing for profitability, and building lasting emotional connections with customers. Drawing from his Disney experience, he explains how to deliver unparalleled service, retain clients with innovative methods, and set yourself apart in competitive markets. Plus, hear how he built multiple businesses and now works just 90 minutes a week on them!Discover the power of personal branding, the value of surprise in customer experiences, and why you should start with time off when planning your schedule. This episode is packed with strategies to help you succeed.For more episodes, visit DIY for Business Podcast. Subscribe and leave a review to help us continue to bring you actionable advice!

In this episode of DIY for Business, Russ and Greg discuss fractional CFOs with Luke Boyinger, founder of Cruzumi CFO and Advisory. Luke explains how businesses can benefit from a fractional CFO to navigate financial complexities, forecast cash flow, and balance short-term profits with long-term growth strategies.This episode is packed with actionable tips, from practical advice on choosing the right CFO for your business to leveraging forecasting scenarios for decision-making. Discover why hiring a fractional CFO is often a smarter, more economical choice for growing businesses, and learn how to build trust and transparency in financial management.Plus, hear how Luke’s team-based approach ensures clients benefit from the collective expertise of seasoned CFOs and why your business might be ready to take the leap toward better financial planning.For more insights, visit the DIY for Business Podcast, and remember to subscribe, review, and share!

How can small businesses and entrepreneurs use PR to rise above the noise? In this episode of DIY For Business, Russ and Greg chat with PR expert Zachary Bernard, founder of We Feature You PR. Zachary shares his insights on crafting authentic narratives, leveraging social media, and navigating the ever-evolving world of public relations.Discover how to stand out as a thought leader, build trust with your audience, and even tackle the challenges of online criticism. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, learn actionable PR strategies to boost your credibility and connect with your target market.Plus, don’t miss the fun stories about Waymo’s PR standoffs, Jaguar’s branding missteps, and why telling personal stories might be your secret weapon in today’s crowded marketplace.🎙️ Tune in now for expert tips, a bit of humor, and valuable takeaways to grow your business!

Discover the secrets to turning one-time buyers into loyal, recurring customers in this insightful episode of DIY for Business. Russ welcomes Guitze Messina, author of Money Call, to break down the science behind proactive sales and customer retention. Learn the 5 key questions every business must ask to foster stronger relationships, uncover hidden opportunities, and optimize your sales strategy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you boost revenue, scale efficiently, and keep customers coming back for more. Tune in and transform the way you sell!

Join Russ and Greg as they chat with Peter Murphy Lewis, aka Strategic Pete, a seasoned marketing consultant who lives inside a zoo (literally) and has mastered the art of digital marketing. Dive into Peter’s fascinating journey from building a successful travel business to becoming a fractional CMO and marketing expert for unique ventures, including his current home at a private zoo in Wichita, Kansas.In this episode, we discuss:• The power of pixels and the importance of proper tracking in digital marketing• How to use AI effectively in content creation and email marketing• The art of hiring the right marketing pros and avoiding common PPC pitfalls• Real-world insights on why reviews and buyer personas are critical in today’s business landscapeWhether you’re looking to boost your marketing strategy or just curious about what it’s like to live and work inside a zoo, Peter’s got tips, tricks, and a few wild stories that will inspire your entrepreneurial journey. Don’t miss this lively conversation packed with actionable advice for growing your business!Connect with Peter Murphy LewisVisit StrategicPete.com or find him on LinkedIn to learn more about his marketing strategies and consulting services.Tune in, take notes, and get ready to elevate your marketing game with insights from Strategic Pete on DIY for Business!

In this episode of DIY for Business, Russ and Greg share their contrasting networking experiences, from AI conferences to pickleball tournaments, and dive into the secrets of effective networking with expert Michael Forman. With over 30 years of experience, Michael reveals key strategies that work in both in-person and online settings, offering valuable insights for introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between. Learn why arriving early and staying late can be game-changers, how to follow up with impactful handwritten notes, and the importance of building genuine connections without pushing the hard sell. Whether you’re navigating a crowded conference or a virtual breakout room, this episode will equip you with the tools to elevate your networking game.Join us as we explore:• The do’s and don’ts of business card etiquette.• Techniques for introverts to shine in networking settings.• How to engage effectively in online networking events.• The role of humor in building rapport without overstepping boundaries.Tune in and discover how to make lasting connections that can propel your business forward. Whether you’re new to networking or a seasoned pro, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice to enhance your approach.

In this special crossover episode of “DIY for Business,” Russ and Greg are joined by Brigie and the dynamic duo behind Twisted Pickle, Ashley Blakely and Suzanne Griever. Dive into the fascinating world of pickleball entrepreneurship as they discuss how Twisted Pickle evolved from a simple idea into a thriving consulting firm specializing in pickleball businesses. Learn how to leverage teamwork, creativity, and strategic planning to launch and grow your business. Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into blending passion with business acumen. Don’t miss out on this ultimate mashup of business and pickleball expertise!

In this episode of DIY for Business, Russ and Greg are joined by two extraordinary guests, Chip Massey and top DC publicist Adele Gambardella, authors of the book "Convince Me." With backgrounds in crisis communication and FBI hostage negotiation, they share their expertise on mastering the art of convincing others, whether in high-stakes situations or everyday business negotiations.Listen as Chip and Adele discuss:The critical differences between in-person and remote negotiation techniques.How to leverage forensic listening and emotional intelligence in business.The importance of creating an atmosphere of trust and validation within teams.Real-life crisis communication scenarios and how to handle them effectively.Gain invaluable insights from their unique perspectives and learn how to enhance your negotiation skills and crisis management strategies. Don't miss out on their engaging stories and practical advice that can transform your approach to business communication.Keywords:Negotiation, Crisis Communication, FBI Hostage Negotiation, Forensic Listening, Business Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Remote Work, Team Management, Crisis Management, Effective Communication, Convince Me BookHashtags:#DIYForBusiness #NegotiationSkills #CrisisCommunication #BusinessPodcast #RemoteWork #TeamManagement #ForensicListening #ConvinceMe #EmotionalIntelligence #EffectiveCommunication

In this vibrant episode of DIY for Business, join Russ and Greg as they explore the dynamic blend of art, co-working spaces, and strategic marketing. With special guest Jesse James Wroblewski, dive into how embracing your inner 'marketing supervillain' can differentiate and elevate your brand. Discover the power of niche marketing, the advantages of targeted advertising, and innovative approaches to stand out against industry giants. Whether you're a small business owner or an established entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights tailored to help your business thrive in competitive environments.Key Highlights:Co-working Space Adventures: Russ' experiences with espresso shots and impromptu improv across the street - a testament to leveraging local ecosystems for business and personal growth.Walking Meetings and Book Insights: Russ discusses how integrating walking into his daily routine brings a new dimension to multitasking, from meetings on the go to digesting the latest business reads via the Everand app.Mastering the Art of Differentiation with Jesse James Wroblewski: Uncover the philosophies behind marketing like a supervillain, where less is more, and smart, focused strategies trump big budgets.Personal Stories of Pivoting: Both hosts share personal anecdotes reflecting their journeys and transitions, emphasizing adaptation and clever positioning in the market.Advice for Aspiring Supervillains in Marketing: Jesse offers practical tips on standing out authentically, understanding customer needs deeply, and strategically placing your brand for maximum impact without overwhelming budgets.Tune In:Listen to the full episode on DIY for Business Podcast for a deep dive into leveraging creativity and strategic mischief in your marketing efforts. Whether you're looking to refresh your business model or find your unique voice in a saturated market, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration you need!

In this episode of DIY for Business, join hosts Russ and Greg as they dive into a kaleidoscope of topics from the unexpected lessons of the Oscars and the strategy behind wearing black, to the intriguing world of business transitions with special guest, Tom Conlon, founder of North Street Creative. Discover the art of branding and web design tailored for B2B success, and unravel the complexities of making pivotal business decisions. Don't miss our engaging discussion on evolving business landscapes and the importance of niche expertise in the digital age. Tune in to gain actionable insights for navigating your business journey with confidence.

Join Russ and Greg on a captivating episode of DIY for Business as they welcome Kyle Smith, CFO and co-founder of Strata Cloud, diving into the crucial interplay between finance and marketing strategies for business success. From Russ's enlightening trip to Austin and insights into FileMaker's capabilities to exploring the financial intricacies of starting and scaling a business, this episode covers it all. Kyle shares his expert perspective on when to engage a fractional CFO, the top financial metrics every business owner should monitor, and the delicate dance between controlling costs and investing in growth. Whether you're contemplating a new venture or seeking ways to optimize your current business operations, this episode offers valuable tips on financial management, pricing strategies, and leveraging marketing for long-term success. Plus, don't miss the fun brainstorming session on a potential business idea that combines the best of sports and dining. Tune in to gain actionable insights and learn how to make informed decisions that drive profitability and growth.This description is crafted to highlight the episode's diverse content, focusing on valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business managers looking to balance financial health with aggressive growth strategies.