SCORE Podcast: Where Small Business Matters

Once upon a time, giving a name to your company starting with the letter “A” was the ticket to the top of the search engine commonly known as the Yellow Pages.  That was so 1990’s! Co-hosts Tom Nixon, Armando Ojeda and Marc Trail are joined by Eric Seropyan, Founder and Owner of “This is My South Bay”, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and SEM. Listen to learn how this valuable technology can position your company for maximized exposure and protect your virtual real estate in this competitive online world. Discussion points: From Jewelry to SEO / SEM Difference between SEO / SEM One, the other, or both? Is SEO / SEM a “Go It Alone” proposition? First steps Cautionary tales and potential pitfalls Question of the Day: Best SEO tools and plugins References and Resources: Visit This Is My South Bay Email Eric Connect with Eric on LinkedIn Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Is it LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram? We could “Ask the Google,” but there is a better option! Tom, Amrando and Marc meet up with Dee Lockett, Founder of The Marketing Department Unlimited and HER Web Design Agency to dig into the digital marketing world and show our SCORE clients and friends how it can be applied toward their business success. Discussion points: Word on the street - the business owners “Marketing Pain Points.” Don’t let this digital world confuse you It shouldn’t cost a fortune Dealing with negative results Options, options options Question of the day References and Resources: Check out Dee's Bio The Marketing Dept. Unlimited Website HER Web Design Agency Dee on LinkedIn Dee on Instagram Dee on Facebook Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Every show needs the anniversary episode right? Episode 21.18 marks the one-year anniversary of the podcast hosted by volunteers with the Southeast Michigan Chapter of SCORE. To celebrate, the co-hosts, Armando, Marc and Tom, each picked their top-3 favorite a-ha moments, lessons learned, or most inspiring stories and guests from their first year "on the air"...from small business owners, to aspiring start-ups...and from veteran volunteer mentors to those just joining our cause for the first time in 2020. It's been a rather tumultuous year, but one that has also produced so many positive outcomes for our can-do business community.  Listen in to hear a round robin discussion of select episodes as chosen by our co-hosts! References and Resources: Interested in becoming a mentor or volunteering to help? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando, Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Is the juice worth the squeeze? Co-hosts Tom Nixon and Marc Trail are joined by Beatrice Wolnerman of Bea’s Squeeze and Bea’s Detroit to discuss a unique marketing “gimmick” that turned into a growing beverage brand, shared workspace and merchandising company. Listen to learn her lessons, hear about the importance of mentorship, and incorporate some of Bea’s innovative thinking into your strategic planning and vision. Discussion points: Why it took until adulthood to open a lemonade stand What makes Bea’s lemonade stand so special Serendipity of one business opportunity leading to another Implementing new business concepts in a rapidly changing environment Why entrepreneurs need to make lemonade out of lemons, regardless of industry Question of the Day: How, why and when to incorporate e-commerce into your business strategy References and Resources: Visit Bea's Squeeze Website Bea's Squeeze on Facebook Bea's Squeeze on LinkedIn Bea's Squeeze on Instagram Visit Bea's Detroit Website Bea's Detroit on Facebook  Bea's Detroit on LinkedIn Bea's Detroit on Instagram  Take at look at ORRI Corp Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

“All in the Family Business!” Co-hosts Tom Nixon and Marc Trail are joined by Master SCORE Mentor David Broder and Angela Doa - COO of ORRI Corporation to discuss the issues surrounding the generational transition of a thriving family business and how SCORE mentorship can support this process. Discussion points: From reluctance to a passionate career opportunity A successful company needs a mentor? Advice from a mentor that has been there, done that The value of a mentoring relationship thru the eyes of the “mentee” Question of the day References and Resources: Take at look at ORRI Corp Connect with Angela Doa on LinkedIn Connect with David Broner on LinkedIn Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Is the “New Normal” really new? Co-hosts Tom Nixon and Marc Trail are joined by Jeffrey Hollender and Certified Volunteer Mentor Richard Gibbs to discuss business sustainability concepts that are impacting businesses globally—both small and large, private and public. Discussion points: Jeffrey’s career path and areas of focus Business realities as to sustainability Business sustainability has been around for a while Impact on the small business owner Benefits of sustainability on the small business owner Question of the day: Why do mentors mentor? References and Resources: American Sustainable Business Council Get In Touch with Jeffrey Hollender Connect with Richard Gibbs on LinkedIn Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

What is the difference between entrepreneurship and “self-sufficiency,” in the world of business ownership? Tom, Armando and Marc are joined by Paco Beltran of The Entrepreneur's Source, to discuss how franchising can bridge the gap between “going it alone” and “being in business for yourself, but not by yourself.” Discussion points: Paco’s personal journey from the corporate world to franchising Personal attributes to be successful as a franchisee Due Diligence is the secret to successfully navigating the franchise investment Making the franchise opportunity fit your lifestyle Your family is a part of this decision Why franchise when you can go it alone? Question of the day References and Resources: Email Paco Beltran The Entrepreneur's Source Connect with Paco Beltran on LinkedIn Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Tom, Armando and Marc are joined by April Halliburton, SCORE Mentor and Founder of ALL-4-HR & Business Solutions, to discuss issues and opportunities as employees return to the workplace Discussion points: Issues impacting the return to work Post pandemic call for new skill sets Change the position but retrain the employee Attracting and retaining talent 5 generations in the workforce Optimism rules! References and Resources: Connect with April at SCORE Contact April at ALL-4-HR Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

As we proceed through spring, we look forward to re-opening of restaurants at full capacity. Marc and Tom are joined by Nick Ritts, CEO of Ritts Hospitality, to discuss the current state of the food service industry and how to prepare for success through the upcoming months. Discussion points: Introduction of the upcoming Restaurant Revitalization Fund What does “full capacity” mean in the post pandemic environment? Making sure your menu, pricing and amenities are up-to-date Quality and service still matter — no “pandemic excuses” Staffing is key and a major issue You can be successful in this environment — watch the numbers hourly, not monthly Optimism rules! References and Resources: Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about Ritts Hospitality Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Tom, Armando and Marc are joined by Jim Pippers, Lead Economic Development Officer for the U.S. Small Business Administration, to discuss details of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RFF). Discussion points: Introduction of the upcoming Restaurant Revitalization Fund Documentation for application success Focus is on the small business owner How much can the restaurant owner potentially receive? Spending restrictions and return of unused funds Where to apply for funding Optimism rules! References and Resources: SBA RRF Call Center  (844) 279-8898 SBA RRF Application Portal SBA RRF PROGRAM INFORMATION Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Armando, Marc and Tom are joined by Certified Volunteer Mentor Dick Rappleye and fellow volunteer and mentor Val Moskalik, who serves as Recruiting and Onboarding Chair for the Southeast Michigan Chapter of SCORE to honor April as National Volunteers Month and to discuss why working and retired executives alike should consider giving back and paying it forward to the next generation of small business owner. Discussion points: Reach and impact of the SCORE volunteer network Perspectives on what drives volunteerism with SCORE Whether you are a mentor, workshop presenter ot subject matter expert - there is a place for you What it takes to be successful as a SCORE volunteer Return on the volunteer investment References and Resources: Connect with Dick Rappleye via email Connect with Val Moskalik on LinkedIn Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

You took the plunge. You started your business, worked hard and then...success, your business is growing! Did you pivot, diversify your product or service, or are you serving a new market? Chances are, it was one of the above...and if you haven’t yet, it’s time to learn how! Co-hosts Armando Ojeda and Tom Nixon are joined by Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of MichBusiness, Best and Brightest Programs and Corp! magazine to discuss elements of successful growth from the start-up to the C Suite! Discussion points: Jennifer's journey from the launch of Michigan Food and Beverage Association to her current business projects Differing perspectives from the position of the start-up entrepreneur and then the leader of a large and growing organization Best practices of growing and successful companies Business pivots generally and the pandemic pivot specifically Recruiting talent as our economy re-opens References and Resources: Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn Best and Brightest Companies to Work For CORP! Magazine MichBusiness Interested in becoming a mentor to help a small business pivot or diversify? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Making a business investment no longer has to be a people or profit decision, it can be a people and profit opportunity. Angela Barbash of Revalue joins the podcast to share her knowledge on values-based investing and the funding mechanisms that support it. Listen to learn about alternative funding and capital sources that aren’t a rich aunt and uncle nor a traditional bank! While today's guest is a registered investment advisor, the comments shared should not be construed in any way to constitute investment advice.  Discussion points: Angela’s journey from the traditional business world to a focus on values-driven investing Alternative sources of funding available to small business owners and entrepreneurs The upsides and realities of values-based investing Values-based investing and the Pandemic — are there particular opportunities? References and Resources: Revalue Investing Angela on LinkedIn For Business Owners: MEDC Field Guide on Investment Crowdfunding Local Investing Resource Center Crowdfund Better Investors: The Next Egg Grubstake on YouTube Ecosystem developers (technical assistance providers, economic developers, local government, higher ed): Michael Shuman's Local Economics 101 CrowdfundingMI.com National Coalition for Community Capital (NC3) More from SCORE: Need help finding or pitching capital sources? Find a local southeast Michigan mentor today! Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

How do you find—no, MAKE!—the time to work on the most important objective of any small business: sales!? Business development is the lifeblood of your business, but too many small business owners make the claim that they are too busy to sell. Jay Harrington, author of “The Productivity Pivot,” joins the podcast to share his proven process for making time to focus on growing your business (or any other important business objective), no matter how busy you are! Discussion points: What’s the difference between working IN the business and working ON the business? What problem was Jay looking to solve when writing this book? (It just might be yours!) What is the Eisenhower Matrix, and how is it a useful tool for entrepreneurs? How can you “sell yourself an hour each day,” and why is it critical? Why is business development important? Tying your sales efforts to a higher purpose. Question of the Day: How does a business open up adjacent revenue streams, and what are some examples? References and Resources: Buy “The Productivity Pivot” on Amazon Connect with Jay on LinkedIn Listen to Jay’s (and Tom’s) podcast: The Thought Leadership Project Coming soon! The Thought Leader Collaborative Jay’s and Tom’s day job: Harrington Communications Need help with sales? Find a local southeast Michigan mentor today! Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Sean Gray, Economic Development Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration meets up with co-hosts Tom Nixon and Marc Trail to discuss the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Discussion also explores positive developments within the SBA business community. Discussion points: PPP and EIDL current program review Program changes and impact on small businesses Small business resilience during the pandemic How SBA Emerging Leaders and Goldman Sachs 10 Thousand Small Businesses is benefitting entrepreneurs Question of the day: Tax time! References and Resources: Small Business Administration (SBA) - Michigan District Call the Michigan District of the SBA: (313) 226-6075 Connect with Sean Gray on LinkedIn Find a local southeast Michigan mentor today! Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Armando Ojeda and Marc Trail of The SCORE Podcast team meet up with Doug Pettigrew of Electronic Brain Solutions to discuss the importance of “Good Data Hygiene,” providing cybersecurity protection for your small business. Yes, even a SMALL business! Discussion points: Isn’t my business too small to have to worry about cybersecurity? Can’t I just pay the ransom or demands if I get hit? I haven’t been hit in (X number of years business has been open), do I really need to worry about it now? What are some practical and lower cost things I can do RIGHT now in my business to help protect it from a cyberattack? How can I just stop all cyberattacks? Is it really a big deal if an employee or myself clicks on an email?  Isn’t this getting a little blow out of proportion? Won’t cybersecurity insurance just cover everything? I backup, so I am all set… right? If I am in or move totally to the cloud, then I am safe, right? Think again! References and Resources: Electronic Brain Solutions Website Electronic Brain Solutions Facebook Doug Pettigrew on LinkedIn Find a local southeast Michigan mentor today! Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

The SCORE Podcast team of Armando Ojeda and Marc Trail place fellow podcast member Tom Nixon—Chief Strategy Officer at Harrington Communications—in the guest chair to discuss the branding and marketing components of successful businesses. Discussion points: Identifying the components and differences between marketing and branding Branding is more than logos, colors and graphics The emotional connection of effective branding The power of storytelling Positioning your company appropriately in the marketplace Question of the day: Is it about branding? No! References and Resources: Thought Leadership at Harrington Communications  Find a local southeast Michigan mentor today! Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Community stability requires a strong business presence to be viable. Don Jones, Associate Director of the New Economy Initiative, joins Tom Nixon and Marc Trail to discuss the 12-year journey of building business in Detroit and where we are headed, including NEI's "Neighborhood Business Initiative" and how small businesses can benefit. Discussion points: Neighborhood organizations creating jobs and building a sense of place in local neighborhoods What is improving in Detroit and what opportunities exist for continued improvement Will the pandemic have a long term impact on Detroit's future Challenges to growth for small neighborhood businesses Social impact of revitalization and urban flight Bringing communities together via purposeful connectivity Question of the day References and Resources: Visit the New Economy Initiative website Check out the Neighborhood Business Initiative  Visit and bookmark Detroit Means Business Connect with Don Jones on LinkedIn Find a local southeast Michigan mentor today! Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando,  Tom and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

In recognition of National Mentoring Month, Tricia Beck joins co-hosts Armando Ojeda and Tom Nixon to explore the importance of mentorship within the many critical moments of the entrepreneurial journey. Tricia hails from our Southern Arizona SCORE Chapter as both a mentor and accomplished author. Discussion points: Defining the mentor profile and what it takes for success What motivated Tricia to become a mentor and author What to look for in finding a good mentor fit Responsibilities of the “mentee” in a successful relationship Can your mentor be younger than you? “Question of the Day” — listen to find out! References and Resources: Connect with Tricia on LinkedIn , or visit her website here. Buy the book, Mentoring Lifts and Inspires: Women Empowering Women, on Amazon today! Interested in learning more about Tricia or her upcoming event? Email her at Tricia@Beckleadership.com. Find a local southeast Michigan mentor today! Interested in becoming a mentor? Start here! Visit our Facebook page, and follow us on LinkedIn Connect with Armando and Tom on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Ray Moulden, owner of Moulden Agency LLC, joins co-hosts Armando Ojeda and Marc Trail to discuss the varied aspects of insurance and how it impacts your business. From traditional business insurance requirements to the newest considerations for cyber security and COVID, Ray provides valuable insight to help the entrepreneur navigate in troubled waters. Discussion points: The traditional business risks that require proper insurance coverage Insurance is more than a cost to be controlled when you need its benefits Taking the time to develop the personal relationship with your agent Sel-inventory and planning for the new year Know what your assets are for proper coverage Using security systems effectively for potential savings Cybersecurity and insuring for your protection References and Resources: Connect with Ray on LinkedIn , or visit his website here. SCORE of Southeast Michigan frequently conducts free workshops on managing risk and maximizing insurance. Click here to view the upcoming calendar of events. Looking for a mentor to help answer insurance-related questions? Find a local southeast Michigan mentor today! Connect with Armando and Marc on LinkedIn Theme music: Let Us Run For It by The Denotes | https://thedenotes.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US