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

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 1-800-Accountant, 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 1-800-Accountant(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 1-800-Accountant's services(11:43) The importance of year-round tax planning===================================Guest Bio:Gary Milkwick is the Chief Financial Officer at 1-800-Accountant, 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!

In this episode, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Todd Caponi, the founder of Sales Melon, best-selling author, and sales expert. They discuss the importance of transparency in sales, how to guide customers through the buying process, and how to negotiate effectively.===================================Best Moments:(01:39) Todd Caponi's background and how he became interested in sales and behavioral science(03:35) The importance of negative reviews and how they can actually increase sales(08:36) Advice on how to approach the sales process and guide customers through the buying journey(11:37) The importance of giving salespeople leeway in negotiating and providing a "toolbox" for closing deals(15:54) Todd's favorite movies and books about sales===================================Guest Bio:Todd Caponi is the founder of Sales Melon, a best-selling author of The Transparency Sale, and the host of the "Sales History Nerd" podcast. He has held seven different sales leadership roles, including a $3 billion exit to Salesforce in 2013. Caponi is an expert in sales and behavioral science, and he is passionate about helping businesses sell more effectively by embracing transparency and guiding customers through the buying process.===================================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 the importance of analyzing your competitors and shares tips on how to effectively do so with Stephanie Love from Thryv.===================================Best Moments:(01:00) The importance of analyzing competitors and how to do it(01:43) Three places to research competitors: website, social media accounts, and Google search(04:11) Using AI tool Gemini to analyze competitors' websites and create a graphical comparison(06:12) Competing on awesome customer experience rather than price(06:46) Secret shopping competitors to identify areas for improvement(07:55) Potential for finding partnership opportunities through competitor research===================================Guest Bio:Stephanie Love is a representative from Thryv, a company that provides software and services to help small businesses succeed.===================================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 inexpensive marketing tactics for small businesses with Stephanie Love from Thryv.===================================Best Moments:(01:51) The importance of having a complete and updated Google Business Profile(03:14) Providing value on social media by sharing tips and advice related to your business(04:28) The benefits of email marketing and sending frequent, even short, email campaigns(05:38) Taking advantage of ad credits offered by platforms like LinkedIn and Meta(07:04) Building a referral network with complementary businesses===================================Guest Bio:Stephanie Love is a representative from Thryv, a company that provides software and services to help small businesses grow and manage their operations.===================================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 talks to Oscar Subirats, sales expert and author of "Closing Intelligence," about how to improve sales and get more people to say "yes."===================================Best Moments:(03:07) The importance of having a sales structure and scripting in place(06:45) Using an "intent statement" to set the tone for a sales conversation(07:40) Asking the right discovery questions to uncover the customer's needs(10:09) Getting customers engaged by having them talk and share information(11:10) Believing that everyone can be a salesperson with the right training(15:13) The importance of reacting quickly to leads and follow-up opportunities(16:12) Categorizing leads and assigning them to the right salespeople(18:31) How to follow Oscar Subirats and get his book "Closing Intelligence"===================================Guest Bio:Oscar Subirats is the founder and president of Closing Intelligence, and the author of the Amazon top ten bestseller book "Closing Intelligence: How to Get Others to Say Yes in Life and Business." With over two decades of experience in various sales situations, Oscar has become an expert in teaching people how to structure their sales process and ask the right questions to get more yes's from customers.===================================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 interviews Teddy Cheek, the marketing leader at The Escape Game, a national escape room company with over 30 locations across the country.===================================Best Moments:(01:56) How Teddy ended up in marketing(04:15) The best use of marketing dollars for local businesses: start with SEO and Google Business Profile(07:00) What makes a great Google Business Profile and why reviews are so important(08:04) Tips for getting more reviews, like having staff ask directly and using QR codes(10:24) Strategies for new businesses to build initial reviews(12:23) Handling negative reviews and trying to redeem bad experiences(14:33) Marketing tactics that didn't work for Teddy, like brand name ads and direct mail(16:21) How well Teddy performs in escape rooms himself (spoiler: he asks for clues!)===================================Guest Bio:Teddy Cheek is the marketing leader at The Escape Game, a national escape room company that has served over 5 million guests across its 30+ locations. With a background in music and digital marketing, Teddy has been instrumental in driving The Escape Game's local marketing efforts for the past 8 years.===================================Try Thryv For $1?!?Click HERE to get this $1 offer for 1 month using Thryv's Business Center!