Small Business Quick WINS w/ Jay Schwedelson l Presented By Thryv

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson welcomes back guest Stephanie Love to discuss ideas for small businesses heading into the new year. They share practical strategies for capitalizing on early January opportunities, implementing simple loyalty programs, and emphasizing the importance of thanking existing customers. The episode wraps up with a fun debate on what truly constitutes a holiday movie.===================================Best Moments:(01:30) Ideas for small businesses heading into the new year(02:56) Expectations for business efforts in early January(04:04) Implementing simple loyalty programs(05:39) The importance of thanking existing customers(06:19) Debate on whether various movies are considered holiday films===================================Guest Bio:Stephanie Love is a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in helping small businesses grow and thrive. She specializes in developing customer loyalty programs and crafting strategies that enhance customer engagement. Stephanie is passionate about empowering small business owners with practical tools and insights to drive success in an ever-changing market landscape.===================================Special OfferGet Your First Month of Thryv on Us!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Clint Fontanella, an experienced blogger who manages blogs for Thryv and previously for HubSpot. They discuss the importance of blogging for small businesses and provide practical tips for getting started.===================================Best Moments:(01:01) Introduction to blogging and its importance for small businesses(02:36) The value and purpose of having a blog for small business owners(03:45) Technical benefits of blogging, including SEO advantages(04:37) The risks of using AI-generated content for blogs(05:16) The importance of keeping blog content up-to-date(06:59) How to start a blog and determine its goals(07:47) Tools for keyword research and blog optimization(08:20) Strategies for promoting blog content(09:27) Clint's approach to reading and researching blogs(10:18) Information on Clint's personal and professional blogs===================================Guest Bio:Clint Fontanella is an experienced blogger who currently manages blogs for Thryv and previously worked at HubSpot. He has extensive knowledge in content creation, SEO optimization, and blog management. Clint also maintains a personal blog called Pedaling for Pups, which he uses to raise money for animal shelters in war-torn areas. His passion for blogging extends beyond his professional life, as he even documented his bike-packing journey from Canada to Mexico through his personal blog.===================================Special OfferGet Your First Month of Thryv on Us!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson shares invaluable marketing strategies and quick wins for small businesses heading into 2025. This episode is a recording from a recent Thryv webinar where Jay covered topics ranging from email marketing best practices to leveraging AI for better results.===================================Best Moments:(01:30) Introduction to quick win marketing strategies for 2025(03:20) Improving landing page conversion rates with better button text(05:30) The importance of social proof on websites and landing pages(09:54) Using quantifiable metrics in social proof testimonials(10:34) Making email subject lines more effective(14:00) Leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for marketing improvement(22:01) The power of personalization in email marketing(28:40) Debunking the myth of sending too many emails(35:37) Best practices for email frequency and engagement(41:41) Q&A session addressing audience questions===================================Special OfferGet Your First Month of Thryv on Us!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, presented by Thryv, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Nicole Phillip, an independent social media and travel content creator with over 190,000 followers across various platforms. They discuss the importance of building a personal brand, how businesses can effectively use social media, and tips for growing an engaged following.===================================Key Discussion Points:(01:35) The value of a personal brand and how it's not too late to start(04:14) The importance of social media for businesses in today's market(05:31) The necessity of having a personal brand tied to a human face for overall brand success(06:42) The impact of focusing on a specific niche for growth(07:40) Choosing the right social media platforms for your target audience(10:16) Tips for success on TikTok, including sticking with what works(11:46) The role of consistency in growing your following(13:41) Advice on handling emerging platforms and focusing on main platforms===================================Guest Bio:Nicole Phillip is an independent social media and travel content creator with over 190,000 followers across various platforms. She began her career in the television news industry, working for companies like ABC News, The New York Times, and NBC Universal. After handling a major project for The New York Times, Nicole transitioned into social media. In 2021, she started creating content for herself and experienced significant growth by focusing on a travel niche. Nicole specializes in creating engaging video content and understanding social media algorithms to maximize reach and engagement.===================================Special OfferGet Your First Month of Thryv on Us!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson welcomes back Amanda Zantal-Wiener, head of content at Thryv, to discuss the proper use of ChatGPT and AI tools for content creation in small businesses. They explore how AI can be a valuable sidekick in the content creation process, the importance of maintaining a human touch, and practical examples of leveraging AI without compromising content quality.===================================Best Moments:(01:25) Introduction to the topic of using AI for content creation(02:42) Amanda's perspective on using ChatGPT for small businesses(04:08) The importance of using AI as a sidekick rather than a replacement for human writing(05:52) How AI-generated content can hurt performance on social media and search engines(06:04) Practical examples of using ChatGPT for content refinement(08:15) The importance of pushing ChatGPT for better results(10:17) Using ChatGPT to analyze customer reviews for content creation(11:08) Leveraging AI to synthesize large amounts of information===================================Guest Bio:Amanda Zantal-Wiener is the head of content at Thryv, a leading platform for small businesses in communications, billing, and marketing. With a background in content creation, she previously held positions at Search Engine Journal and HubSpot. Amanda brings extensive experience in content strategy and creation, particularly focused on helping small businesses leverage AI tools effectively while maintaining a human touch in their marketing efforts.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson discusses the significant impact that call-to-action (CTA) buttons can have on engagement rates for social media posts, emails, and website forms. He emphasizes the importance of using first-person language and specific, action-oriented phrases to increase click-through rates and form submissions.===================================Best Moments:(00:56) Introduction to the topic of call-to-action buttons(01:32) The impact of button text on engagement rates(02:44) The power of using first-person language in call-to-action buttons(03:39) Examples of effective button text for emails and social posts(03:51) Tips for improving form submission rates on websites(05:09) The importance of analyzing website bounce rates(06:30) The need for continuous testing and iteration of button text(06:46) Introduction to Thryv, the podcast sponsor===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Gary Milkwick, CFO of 1-800Accountant, about end-of-year tax planning strategies for small businesses. They discuss practical tactics to optimize tax liabilities, including accelerated depreciation, home office deductions, and the importance of year-round tax planning.===================================Best Moments:(01:13) Introduction of Gary Milkwick, CFO of 1-800Accountant(03:22) End-of-year tax planning tactics for small businesses(05:15) Accelerated depreciation benefits for equipment purchases(07:54) Home office deductions for small business owners(09:48) Overview of 1-800Accountant's services(11:43) The importance of year-round tax planning===================================Guest Bio:Gary Milkwick is the Chief Financial Officer at 1-800Accountant, a company that has helped over 100,000 small businesses across all 50 states in the United States. As a CPA, Gary grew up in an accounting household and has experience working with both large corporations like PricewaterhouseCoopers and small businesses. He is passionate about helping small business owners with tax planning and financial strategies to optimize their businesses.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Adam Roth, a digital marketing expert from Thryv, about search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) strategies tailored for small businesses. They discuss practical tips on improving online presence, attracting more customers, and making the most of limited marketing budgets.===================================Best Moments:(01:20) Introduction to Adam Roth's expertise in search engine marketing(02:05) The importance of having a website for small businesses(02:41) Creating separate pages for each service on your website(04:24) The significance of getting listed in online directories(05:57) How directory listings can improve website ranking on Google(06:31) Paid search tactics for small businesses with limited budgets(07:37) Whether to bid on your own company name in Google Ads(09:13) Final thoughts and where to find Adam Roth on LinkedIn===================================Guest Bio:Adam Roth is a lead digital marketing professional at Thryv, an all-in-one platform for small businesses. With extensive experience in search engine marketing, Adam has helped companies spend over $250 million on SEM campaigns throughout his career. He specializes in providing actionable SEO and SEM strategies for small business owners to improve their online presence and attract more customers.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Amanda Zantal-Wiener, head of content at Thryv, about creating engaging content for small businesses. They discuss practical strategies for content creation, understanding your audience, and leveraging authentic storytelling to connect with potential customers.===================================Best Moments:(01:14) Creating engaging content for small businesses(04:27) Three core pillars for creating interesting content(05:29) Identifying where potential customers spend time online(07:43) The importance of not assuming customer knowledge(08:18) The value of authentic, lo-fi content over polished production(09:47) Being yourself and understanding your professional capacity(11:37) Remembering why you started your business when creating content===================================Guest Bio:Amanda Zantal-Wiener is the head of content at Thryv, a platform for small businesses. She has an extensive background in content creation, having previously led content at Search Engine Journal and served as a deputy editor at HubSpot. Amanda's experience spans various industries, including food writing and coverage of the indie rap and hip-hop scene. With a passion for storytelling and helping small businesses succeed, Amanda brings valuable insights to content creation strategies for entrepreneurs and business owners.===================================Amanda's Playlist:Listen to Amanda's Spotify playlist here.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson discusses three silent killers of small businesses that owners might not be aware of. He provides actionable tips to address these issues and improve customer engagement and sales opportunities.===================================Best Moments:(01:31) The importance of quick follow-up after collecting customer information(03:27) The impact of form complexity on customer engagement(05:02) Website loading speed and its effect on customer retention===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson discusses the impact of the upcoming presidential election on small business marketing efforts and provides strategies for navigating this challenging period.===================================Best Moments:(01:01) Impact of presidential election on marketing effectiveness(02:35) Expected drop in email open rates and click-through rates(03:29) Three options for communication during election season(04:36) Avoiding mentions of 2024 in marketing materials(05:10) Leveraging 2025 in marketing messages for better performance(06:04) Timeline for marketing performance normalization post-election===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Nick Friedman, co-founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving. They discuss building a successful business, creating a strong company culture, and the importance of core values in attracting and retaining talent.===================================Best Moments:(02:06) The origin story of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving(06:48) The importance of core values in business(09:05) Daily stand-up huddles and their impact on company culture(11:07) Hiring practices and aligning with company values(13:54) The importance of being selective with franchisees and clients(16:13) Nick's personal experiences as a mover and transitioning to leadership===================================Guest Bio:Nick Friedman is the co-founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving, a franchise-based moving and junk removal company. He has been featured on Shark Tank, Millionaire Matchmaker, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. His company has been recognized on the Inc. 500 list, and he has been named in the 30 under 30 and 40 under 40 lists. Nick is known for his expertise in building company culture and growing successful businesses.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson interviews TJ Cantwell, owner of Studio 28, a fine jewelry, piercings, and custom tattoo studio in New York City. They discuss the importance of customer reviews for small businesses and TJ's unique approach to handling both positive and negative feedback.===================================Best Moments:(01:56) TJ's background and transition from finance to tattoo studio owner(03:15) The importance of prioritizing customer reviews for small businesses(05:46) TJ's approach to gathering and managing reviews(08:24) The philosophy that "bad reviews are not bad"(10:38) The importance of responding to every review, especially negative ones(14:10) How quickly to react to and respond to reviews(18:24) TJ's advice for first-time tattoo customers===================================Guest BioTJ Cantwell is the owner of Studio 28, a fine jewelry, piercings, and custom tattoo studio in New York City. With over 14 years of experience in the industry, TJ transitioned from a career in finance to become a successful small business owner. He is known for his innovative approach to customer service and his expertise in leveraging customer reviews to grow his business.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode of Small Business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Craig Jooste, president of Genie Senior Services, about effective demand generation tactics and strategies for driving business awareness in the senior services industry. They explore the importance of marketing technology, CRM systems, and the "foundational 4" system for business success.===================================Key Discussion Points:(00:01:56) Introduction to Craig Jooste and Genie Senior Services: Craig shares the story behind Genie Senior Services and how the business helps seniors during the relocation process.(04:03) Overview of Genie Senior Services' Business Model: Craig dives into the business model and the key areas that make the franchise successful.(08:24) Importance of Bedside Manner in Hiring: The role of compassion and communication when hiring for senior services.(10:39) Marketing Strategies for Genie Senior Services: Craig discusses how they raise awareness and generate demand for their services.(15:54) Leveraging Marketing Technology and CRM Systems: The role of technology and CRM systems in driving business efficiency and growth.(17:20) The "Foundational 4" System for Business Success: Craig explains the foundational pillars that contribute to long-term business success.(19:32) How to Connect with Craig Jooste: Where listeners can learn more about Genie Senior Services and connect with Craig.===================================Guest Bio:Craig Jooste is the president of Genie Senior Services, a franchise specializing in senior relocation services. Originally from South Africa, Craig moved to Canada and has a background in franchising, having worked with 1-800-Got-Junk? and launching Wow 1 Day Painting. He co-founded The Local Handyman Group and now leads Genie Senior Services, focusing on helping seniors relocate with care and professionalism.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode, host Jay Schwedelson sits down with Brian Luciani, Chief Growth Officer at SMB Franchise Advisors and Stadium Ventures. They dive into the world of franchising and explore its potential for small businesses, covering everything from business readiness to trending franchise categories.===================================Best Moments:(01:35) Brian shares his journey into franchising, starting from his teenage years and evolving into a career in investment banking and venture capital(03:36) Who franchising is suitable for and what business readiness looks like(05:52) How to evaluate whether a business is ripe for franchising(08:25) Current trends in the franchising world and which categories are gaining popularity(10:22) Economics of Franchise Ownership: The financial dynamics of owning single vs. multiple franchise units(11:03) The importance of franchisee profitability to the overall success of the franchisor(12:25) Exploring the complexities and opportunities in operating multiple units and brands within the franchising ecosystem===================================Guest Bio:Brian Luciani is the Chief Growth Officer at SMB Franchise Advisors and Stadium Ventures. He brings a wealth of experience in franchising, investment banking, and venture capital, having been involved in the industry since he was 14 years old. Brian and his team at SMB Franchise Advisors have successfully helped over 550 brands franchise their businesses, providing invaluable expertise in growing franchise systems across various industries.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode, host Jay Schwedelson discusses referral marketing with Stephanie Love from Thryv.===================================Best Moments:(00:56) Jay and Stephanie discuss the importance of referral marketing and its benefits(02:04) Stephanie explains what referral program marketing is and its effectiveness(03:04) The first step to setting up a referral program is understanding the incentive(04:23) The second step is ensuring a way to track referrals(06:43) The third step is clearly communicating the referral program to customers(09:03) The lifetime value of a referred customer is 16% higher than a non-referred customer===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode, host Jay Schwedelson chats with Steve Jones from Microsoft about how small businesses can effectively harness AI to boost efficiency and enhance customer experiences. They explore practical, accessible AI tools and strategies that don’t require extensive technical expertise.===================================Best Moments:(02:51) How AI can augment human capabilities, making business processes more efficient(04:28) How AI chatbots can revolutionize customer service and sales for small businesses(06:10) How AI can help create personalized marketing campaigns that resonate with customers(07:37) Steve gives an overview of Microsoft's Copilot and how it integrates with Office tools to streamline operations(10:37) Understanding the significance of prompt engineering in optimizing AI interactions(12:44) Exploring AI applications in managing inventory and improving operational efficiency(13:52) How AI can be used for tasks like logo creation and email writing, making these tools accessible for small business owners(16:17) Jay announces an upcoming webinar focused on AI tools and strategies for small businesses===================================Guest Bio:Steve Jones is a Principal Group Engineering Manager at Microsoft with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is passionate about AI and its potential to transform businesses. Steve has been with Microsoft for the last 4 years and is deeply involved in the company's AI initiatives, particularly with Microsoft's Copilot. He also has a side business in real estate investing, where he applies AI tools to enhance his entrepreneurial endeavors.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!===================================Free Webinar?!?AI can feel like a buzzword that’s just not meant for small businesses. But what if it could actually make your life easier? Join the experts from Microsoft and Cyclotron for a free webinar on September 18th at 1:00 pm ET / 12:00 pm CT. They'll unpack artificial intelligence and teach you how it can fit into your small business plan. Save your spot today!

In this episode, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Dan DeGolier, CEO and founder of Ascent CFO Solutions, to explore the critical role of having a financial expert in your small business. Dan shares invaluable insights on managing cash flow, securing lines of credit, and the benefits of engaging a fractional CFO.===================================Best Moments:(03:08) The most common pitfall: not understanding cash flow and its associated risks(04:24) How and when to approach getting a line of credit(06:10) Why even small businesses should have someone dedicated to finances(07:27) The rising trend of fractional CFOs and outsourced business roles(10:26) Common scenarios where businesses seek fractional CFO services(13:20) The assessment phase when onboarding a new client and analyzing their financial processes===================================Guest Bio:Dan DeGolier is the CEO and founder of Ascent CFO Solutions. With extensive experience in finance, particularly with technology companies and entrepreneurs, Dan's company offers fractional CFO services, providing businesses with the financial expertise they need without the commitment of a full-time hire.===================================ascentcfo.com, Resources hub page: https://ascentcfo.com/resourcesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-cfo-solutions/Insights by Ascent CFO is a custom data visualization solution for founders, entrepreneurs, and executives that consolidates data sources, tracks key metrics, and displays business performance in real-time. https://ascentcfo.com/insights===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode, host Jay Schwedelson discusses when and how to fire a client with Stephanie Love.===================================Best Moments:(01:25) Is it okay to fire a client? When should you fire a client?(02:52) Signs to look for when firing a client: nightmare clients vs. misaligned vision(04:36) Importance of firing rude clients to maintain team morale(06:28) How to actually fire a client: have a direct conversation and document everything(07:17) Dealing with potential negative reviews after firing a client(08:35) Try to salvage the relationship first before terminating, if possible===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!

In this episode, host Jay Schwedelson sits down with Debra Corey, Chief "Pay It Forward" Officer at DebCo HR and acclaimed author, to identify the top traits of BAD BOSSES and how small business owners can navigate common HR challenges without a dedicated HR department.===================================Best Moments:(01:14) Debra Corey’s background in HR and her mission to help leaders(03:37) The 10 types of "bad bosses" and the common pitfalls like micro-managing(07:51) Why delegation and trusting your team are crucial(09:01) HR strategies for small businesses without an HR department(11:05) The profound impact of showing appreciation to employees(12:13) How to deliver feedback without being harsh or inconsiderate(13:24) Where to find Debra Corey's work, including her website and books===================================Guest Bio:Debra Corey is the Chief "Pay It Forward" Officer for DebCo HR and an author of six books on various HR topics, including leadership, company values, engagement, and recognition. With a long career in HR roles across different organizations, Debra's mission is to share her experiences and learnings to help businesses and leaders improve their practices.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!