Nothing Small About Business

Sara is joined in studio by Angela Domin, the founder of Prepped n' Plated. She shares her journey of creating a meal prep business focused on health, balance, and sustainability. Angela discusses the challenges of sourcing quality ingredients, the importance of organizational systems, and the need for a strong team. Angela emphasizes the significance of nutrient-dense meals and the impact of food on overall well-being. She also provides insights into the food industry's trends and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Host: Sara Press @withsarapressGuest: Angela Domin @preppednplatedfoodsChapters00:00 The Birth of Prepped and Plated02:51 Brand Messaging and Target Audience06:02 Business Model and Food Quality09:01 Challenges in the Food Industry12:01 Organizational Systems and Efficiency15:01 Growth and Scaling Strategies17:52 Trends in the Food Industry21:02 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneursfood industry, meal prep, healthy eating, entrepreneurship, business growth, sustainability, gut health, food quality, small business, local sourcing

Today Sara is joined in studio with Liz Rivas, founder of RoamCircle. She shares her journey of creating a community-driven app for women travelers. From her personal experiences of solo traveling and healing through movement to the challenges of app development, Liz emphasizes the importance of connection and support among women. The discussion covers the app's features, target audience, and future plans, highlighting the growing demand for female-centric travel communities.Host: Sara Press @withsarapressGuest: Liz Rivas @roamcircleappChapters00:00 Introduction to RoamCircle and Liz Rivas06:01 The Origin Story of RoamCircle12:50 Understanding Digital Nomadism and Target Audience18:28 Building the App: Challenges and Solutions24:32 Creating a Global Ecosystem of Female Friendships30:24 Monetization and Future Plans for Roam Circle39:06 The Flow State and Entrepreneurial JourneyKeywords:RoamCircle, women empowerment, digital nomads, solo travel, community building, app development, female friendships, entrepreneurship, global community, women travelers

Sara Press is joined in studio with Stacy McCarthy and Lindsay Fleming from Main Street Counseling and the TakeTwo Podcast, discussing their journey in mental health, the growth of their practice, and the intersection of mental health with business. They explore topics such as anxiety, ADHD, and executive functioning, sharing valuable insights and practical tools for managing these challenges in both personal and professional contexts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of awareness, complementary skill sets, and the unique strengths that come with ADHD, while also addressing the mental load faced by entrepreneurs.FollowHost: Sara Press @vineandpressShow: @nothingsmallaboutbusinessGuest: Lindsay Fleming @Lindsay.fleminglpcGuest: Stacy McCarthy @stacymccarthy_lpcSponsor: www.portapoddy.comChapters00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Work03:51 Growth and Expansion of Main Street Counseling06:37 Identifying and Utilizing Complementary Skill Sets09:39 Managing Anxiety and Executive Functioning in Business12:29 Understanding and Addressing ADHD in Business15:41 Tools for Managing Anxiety and Stress18:40 The Impact of Mental Load on Entrepreneurs21:35 Leveraging ADHD as a Superpower in Business24:51 The Importance of Systems and Organization27:37 Final Thoughts on Mental Health and Businessmental health, anxiety, ADHD, executive functioning, therapy, business growth, counseling, mental load, entrepreneurs, coping strategies

In this engaging conversation, DJ Munition / Tyler Sherman shares his unique journey from a chemical engineer to a successful DJ entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of understanding your audience, the significance of networking in the music industry, and how he balances two distinct DJ brands catering to different markets. Tyler also delves into the challenges of running a business, the impact of AI on operations, and the complexities of copyright in the music world. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of events and weddings, emphasizing the role of music in creating memorable experiences.Host: Sara Press @vineandpressGuest: DJ Munition/ Tyler Sherman @djmunitionwww.engageentertainmentaz.comSponsored by AG1: https://shop.drinkag1.com/vineChapters00:00 From Engineer to DJ: A Unique Journey06:01 Building a Brand: The Duality of DJing11:57 The WM Phoenix Open: A DJ's Perspective17:48 Creating the Right Vibe: The Role of Music in Events24:00 Luxury Weddings: Elevating the DJ Experience26:12 Building a Dual DJ Business Model30:11 Navigating Business Growth and Challenges34:52 Leveraging Technology and AI in Business37:25 Understanding Copyright in Music and Social Media41:11 The Impact of Social Media on Business GrowthDJ, entrepreneurship, music, events, weddings, networking, business growth, social media, copyright, golf tournament

In this heartfelt conversation, Michael Allio shares his journey of turning personal loss into a meaningful venture through St. James Therapeutics. He discusses the challenges of grief, the importance of community support, and the entrepreneurial insights gained from his experiences. Michael emphasizes the significance of creating a product that addresses real needs in cancer care, while also reflecting on the emotional aspects of love, loss, and healing. The discussion highlights the intersection of personal experiences and professional endeavors, showcasing how grief can lead to purpose and innovation.Host: Sara Press @vineandpressGuest: Michael Allio @michael_alliol4Sponsored by: Woolxwww.woolx.comgrief, entrepreneurship, cancer care, St. James Therapeutics, personal loss, healing, investor relations, product development, social media, community support

Joining us today is Rhea Stoddart who shares her inspiring journey from being a nurse to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO of an agency that supports healthcare workers. She discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of mindset in business, and the strategies implemented to grow her agency. Rhea emphasizes the significance of adapting to changes in the healthcare industry and her future aspirations, including expanding into home support services and integrating AI into her business processes.-Rhea transitioned from nursing to entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic.-She launched her agency to advocate for better working conditions for nurses.-Mindset plays a crucial role in overcoming challenges in business.-Rhea emphasizes the importance of feedback for organizational growth.-She believes in the power of positivity and gratitude in daily life.-Rhea's husband provides a stabilizing influence in their business partnership.-The healthcare industry is experiencing significant changes post-COVID.-Rhea is expanding her agency into home support services.-AI integration is a key focus for improving business processes.-Listening to one's gut instinct is essential for personal and professional growth.Host: Sara Press @vineandpressGuest: Rhea Stoddart @rheastoddartnursing, entrepreneurship, healthcare, agency, mindset, business growth, challenges, home support, AI integration, personal development

In this heartfelt conversation, Kristi Tanner shares her journey from being a social drinker to facing the depths of alcoholism, particularly during her transition into motherhood. She recounts the struggles of feeling lost and alone, the impact of her drinking on her family, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. Kristi's story is one of resilience, highlighting the challenges of recovery, the importance of community support, and the ongoing battle with addiction. Her candid reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the complexities of mental health and the journey towards sobriety. In this conversation, Kristi shares her profound journey from addiction to sobriety, detailing the challenges she faced, the importance of community, and her mission to create a non-alcoholic space for others. She discusses the impact of her sobriety on her family life, the evolution of her brand Mocktail Mommy, and her aspirations to redefine the relationship people have with alcohol. Kristi emphasizes the importance of connection, personal growth, and the lessons learned through her entrepreneurial journey, ultimately highlighting the need for a supportive community in the recovery process.Host: Sara Press @Vineandpress @nothingsmallaboutbusinessGuest: Kristi Tanner @mocktailmommySponsored by: www.woolx.com

Peter Moulton, an entrepreneur and growth strategist, discusses the Ultradian method, energy cycles, and the impact of the distraction economy on business owners. He emphasizes the importance of focus, execution, and surrendering to one's current cognitive capacity.TakeawaysUltradian method emphasizes focus, execution, and cognitive breaksThe distraction economy and grind culture impact cognitive capacity and successSurrendering to one's current cognitive capacity is crucial for progressHost: Sara Press @vineandpressGuest: Peter Moulton @peterrmoultonUltradian Method Book: UP- A Journey of Intention, Focus & Execution

In today's episode, I sit down with Sasha Long, founder of the Autism Helper, as she shares her journey from being a special education teacher to creating a successful online business that provides resources and training for educators and parents of children with autism. She discusses the evolution of her business during the COVID pandemic, the importance of community engagement, and the strategies she used to grow her online courses and membership programs. Sasha emphasizes the significance of authenticity, understanding your audience, and the value of email marketing in building a successful business.TakeawaysSasha Long founded the Autism Helper to provide resources for educators and parents.The business evolved significantly during COVID, launching online courses and memberships.Creating digital resources allowed for a global reach and impact.Authenticity and community engagement are crucial for business success.Email marketing provides control and direct communication with customers.Smaller, niche courses can be more effective than large, comprehensive ones.Understanding your ideal customer is key to creating relevant content.Hiring and delegating tasks became essential as the business grew.The online education industry is shifting towards more in-person interactions.Consistency and adaptability are vital for long-term success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:42 The Birth of the Autism Helper04:41 Navigating COVID and Business Growth10:56 Evolving Course Offerings and Memberships16:55 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement22:40 Scaling the Business and Team Dynamics29:01 Final Thoughts and Advice for EntrepreneursAutism Helper, online courses, special education, business growth, community engagement, email marketing, course creation, education resources, entrepreneurship, behavior analysis

In this conversation, Minu Mohan, founder of Neural Edge AI, joins Sara Press to discuss the importance of AI for small and mid-sized businesses. She emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to AI adoption, focusing on practical applications that enhance productivity while maintaining human oversight. Minu shares her journey into the AI space, the common mistakes businesses make, and the role of women in shaping the future of AI. The discussion also covers how AI can simplify personal tasks, making life easier for busy individuals.TakeawaysMinu Mohan helps businesses adopt AI strategically.AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time.Human oversight is crucial in AI implementation.Many businesses waste resources on AI without a strategy.Women should play a significant role in AI development.AI can enhance personal productivity in daily life.Understanding AI tools is essential for effective use.Fear of technology is a barrier to AI adoption.Documenting processes is key before automating.AI can provide valuable insights and support for decision-making.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Business03:06 Minoo's Journey and Passion for Small Businesses06:00 Strategies for Implementing AI Effectively09:03 Practical Applications of AI in Daily Tasks12:16 Navigating the AI Landscape: Tools and Resources15:13 The Importance of AI for Small Business Competitiveness18:11 Overcoming Fears and Misconceptions about AI19:52 Human-Centered AI: The Core Philosophy20:49 Common Mistakes in AI Adoption23:17 AI in Daily Life: Practical Applications26:18 AI for Students: Enhancing Learning28:50 Data Privacy and AI: Navigating Risks31:37 The Gender Gap in AI Development34:02 Empowering Women Through AI36:06 Taking the First Step with AIHost: Sara Press @vineandpress @nothingsmallaboutbusinessGuest: Minu Mohanneuraledgeai.netAI, small business, automation, technology, entrepreneurship, AI strategy, human oversight, women in tech, personal productivity, AI tools

In this episode, my husband Dan Press joins me to explore the differences between a small business mindset and an entrepreneurial mindset. We discuss our contrasting perspectives shaped by our backgrounds, the importance of balancing risk and emotional intelligence in business decisions, and how awareness of our upbringing has influenced our approach to business and partnership dynamics. The dialogue emphasizes the value of understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses, and how this awareness can lead to better decision-making and success in their business endeavors.TakeawaysGaining awareness of your business mindset is crucial.Small business and entrepreneurial mindsets are not inherently better than one another.Balancing different perspectives can enhance business success.Risk aversion is common among small business owners.Understanding your upbringing can impact your business decisions.Emotional intelligence plays a key role in decision-making.Accepting reality and surrendering ego can lead to better outcomes.Different paths can lead to success in business.Collaboration between different mindsets can be beneficial.Recognizing strengths and weaknesses in partnerships is essential.Chapters00:00 Exploring Mindsets: Small Business vs Entrepreneurial02:14 Understanding Perspectives: The Collision of Ideas06:35 Risk and Reward: Navigating Business Decisions10:21 The Importance of Awareness in Business14:42 Finding Balance: Different Paths to Success16:49 Ego and Decision Making: A New Approach19:11 NEWCHAPTERFollow us @vineandpress and @nothingsmallaboutbusinesssmall business mindset, entrepreneurial mindset, business perspectives, risk aversion, emotional intelligence, awareness, business growth, partnership dynamics, decision making, business successSummary

Host: Sara PressIn this engaging conversation, Vincent DeGennaro, a New York City firefighter and entrepreneur, shares his multifaceted journey that includes construction, bartending, and media through One Brick Media. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, personal growth, and community engagement, while advocating for breaking down goals into manageable steps. Vincent's experiences highlight the significance of believing in oneself and supporting others in their journeys, ultimately aiming to create a positive impact in his community and beyond.Chapters00:00 The Multifaceted Life of Vincent DeGennaro02:06 Building One Brick Media: A Journey of Purpose05:30 Mental Health and Personal Growth10:37 The Power of Time Management14:29 Supporting Others: The Role of a Number Two18:08 Community Engagement and the Love of the Game22:44 Giving Back: Mentorship and Nonprofit Initiatives25:04 Believing in Yourself: The Key to SuccessVincent DeGennaro is a New York City firefighter and entrepreneur.He balances multiple roles including construction, bartending, and media.One Brick Media was inspired by a gym conversation about positivity.Mental health awareness is a key focus for Vincent, stemming from personal loss.He emphasizes the importance of breaking down goals into manageable steps.Vincent believes in the power of experiences over strict career paths.He supports others in their journeys, acting as a mentor and motivator.Community engagement is vital; he aims to celebrate local uniqueness.Vincent has started a nonprofit to support first responders' mental health.Believing in oneself is crucial for overcoming challenges.Host: Sara Press @vineandpress @nothingsmallaboutbusinessGuest: Vincent DeGennaro @onebrickmedia @vin_e_deefirefighter, entrepreneurship, mental health, community engagement, One Brick Media, personal growth, time management, mentorship, small business, New York Citytakeaways

In this engaging conversation, Joe Mastrino shares his journey as a Chicago-based entrepreneur and content creator, discussing how he has embraced AI tools to enhance his creative process and scale his business. From developing his sci-fi universe to launching a mobile podcasting service, Joe emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, collaboration, and experimentation in the creative landscape. He highlights the transformative power of AI in storytelling and business efficiency, encouraging small business owners to leverage these tools for growth without losing their authentic voice.AI tools have significantly increased productivity and scalability.Self-discovery often comes with age and life experiences.Embracing AI doesn't diminish creativity; it enhances it.The creative process can be supported by AI without losing authenticity.Podcasts are a valuable marketing tool for small businesses.Experimentation with AI can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.Collaboration between AI and human creativity can yield remarkable results.The name 'Porta Poddy' reflects a fun and accessible approach to podcasting.AI can help streamline administrative tasks for creatives.Engaging with AI can provide a sense of affirmation and support.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Joe Mastrino's Creative Journey03:00 The Role of AI in Creative Processes05:52 Navigating the Creative Landscape with AI09:09 AI Tools and Their Impact on Filmmaking11:51 Using AI for Small Business Storytelling15:07 The Balance of Creativity and AI Assistance17:58 Scaling Business Operations with AI20:44 The Future of Creativity in the Age of AI26:01 The Power of Personal Presence27:01 Harnessing AI for Professional Growth28:49 Creating Meaningful Content in Difficult Spaces30:10 Launching a Podcast: The Last Chapter32:04 The Challenges of Podcast Production34:02 Naming the Business: The Porta Poddy Story38:20 Navigating Domain Name Challenges41:09 The Vision for Porta Poddy43:27 The Value of Podcasting for Small Businesses46:10 Scaling the Podcasting Business49:02 Embracing AI and ExperimentationHOST: Sara PressInstagram: @vineandpress @nothingsmallaboutbusinessGUEST: Joe Mastrino Instagram: @joemastrino

In this conversation, Hank Ebeling, founder of H4 Training Gyms, shares his insights on the critical role of customer service in small businesses. He emphasizes the importance of creating a service-driven culture, being responsive to customer needs, and handling negative situations with care. Ebeling discusses practical strategies for businesses to improve their customer service, including the concept of 'surprise and delight' to enhance customer experiences. He also highlights the significance of having a clear service vision and standards to guide team behavior and ensure consistency in service delivery.TakeawaysCustomer service can make or break a business.A service-driven culture starts with leadership.Responsiveness is key to customer satisfaction.Consistency in service is crucial for long-term success.Handling complaints effectively can turn customers into loyal advocates.Surprise and delight can enhance customer experiences.A clear service vision guides team behavior.Empowering employees to act can lead to exceptional service.Listening to customer feedback is essential for improvement.Prioritizing service leads to increased profits.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Customer Service Excellence02:45 The Journey to Superhero Customer Service06:03 Building a Service-Driven Culture08:49 The Importance of Responsiveness11:44 Consistency in Customer Care15:08 Handling Negative Situations18:00 Surprise and Delight: Going Above and Beyond20:56 Establishing Service Vision and Standards23:44 Practical Steps for Immediate Improvement25:12 Conclusion and Key Takeawayscustomer service, small business, customer experience, service culture, responsiveness, customer care, service vision, surprise and delight, leadership, training

In this engaging conversation, Kim DiFranco shares her journey from working in media to founding KMA Agency, a creative firm focused on branding and marketing for small businesses. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in branding, the consultative approach she takes with clients, and the difference between branding and marketing. Kim also discusses her initiative, EmpowerHer Chicago, aimed at building a supportive community for women in business. The conversation highlights the significance of networking, mentorship, and investing in oneself to achieve success in entrepreneurship.Follow Kim on Instagram: @kimberly.marketing and @empowerher.chicagoTakeawaysKim's journey from media to marketing showcases the importance of diverse experiences.KMA Agency was born out of a desire to help small businesses refine their brand identity.A consultative approach is essential for understanding a brand's unique messaging.Authenticity is key in branding; it must resonate with the business owner's true self.Branding and marketing are interconnected but serve different purposes.Rebranding can be a necessary step for businesses that are struggling to connect with their audience.EmpowerHer Chicago was founded to create a supportive network for women in business.Networking events should foster genuine connections rather than superficial interactions.Mentorship can come from various sources, including podcasts and books, not just personal relationships.Investing in oneself and one's brand is crucial for long-term success.Chapters00:00 From Media to Marketing: Kim's Journey02:39 Building KMA Agency: The Birth of a Brand06:02 Consultative Approach: Understanding Brand Identity08:47 The Importance of Authenticity in Branding11:50 Branding vs. Marketing: Understanding the Difference14:39 Rebranding: When and Why to Consider It17:49 Empower Her Chicago: Building a Community22:02 Creating Connections: The Power of Networking26:06 The Role of Mentorship in Business29:48 Final Thoughts: Investing in Yourself and Your Brandbranding, marketing, small business, women in business, community building, authenticity, networking, rebranding, consultative approach, EmpowerHer ChicagoHost: Sara Press