The KeyHire Small Business Podcast

This week on The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with Suzanna Martinez, CEO of PEO for the CEO, to explore how a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can be a game-changer for small businesses. From handling HR, payroll, and compliance to providing access to competitive benefits, a PEO can help business owners focus on growth while reducing risk and administrative burdens. Suzanna shares expert insights on how small businesses can leverage a PEO to streamline operations, attract top talent, and scale more efficiently. She also breaks down common misconceptions about PEOs and explains how they differ from traditional HR outsourcing.Many business owners don’t realize that partnering with a PEO can improve employee retention and even lower healthcare costs through group benefit plans. Whether you’re a startup looking for structure or an established company aiming for greater efficiency, this episode offers practical advice on making HR a strategic advantage. Tune in for a conversation packed with valuable takeaways for business owners looking to optimize their workforce strategy. Learn more about Suzanna: peofortheceo.com Connect with Suzanna: www.linkedin.com/in/suzannamartinezpeofortheceo/Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccessHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock dives into one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of hiring—creating an outstanding candidate experience. Small business owners often struggle to attract and retain top talent, but the key to success lies in how they engage candidates throughout the hiring process. Corey breaks down what an exceptional candidate experience looks like, why it matters, and how it directly impacts your ability to recruit the best people for your business. Tune in for practical strategies and expert insights to elevate your hiring process and gain a competitive edge in the talent market! Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccessHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Is Your Marketing Ready for 2025? We’re diving deep into the marketing landscape of 2025 with Heather Manes, President & Strategic Director of Savage Brands. As technology, consumer behavior, and branding strategies evolve, small business owners need to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. Heather shares expert insights on what’s working right now in marketing, the biggest shifts coming in the next year, and how small businesses can craft authentic, effective strategies without wasting time and money. From AI-driven content to purpose-driven branding, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you cut through the noise and connect with your ideal customers. Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Connect with Heather: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermanes/ Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, we’re joined by Brian Gelt, Founder of Peoplytix, for an in-depth conversation on how small business owners can transform their hiring process with the power of job assessments. With years of experience helping businesses make smarter talent decisions, Brian breaks down the science and strategy behind these tools, illustrating how they can be a game-changer for organizations of any size. Brian dives into the common challenges small business owners face when trying to identify the right candidate in a competitive job market. He explains how job assessments go beyond resumes and interviews, providing a deeper understanding of a candidate’s skills, personality, and potential fit within your team. By implementing these tools, business owners can move past gut feelings and guesswork to make data-driven decisions that lead to better hires and stronger teams. Connect with Brian: https://www.peoplytix.com Get a Free Trial with Peoplytix: https://bit.ly/40r7OimCheck out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccessHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock, CEO of KeyHire Solutions, dives into the critical role a competitive mindset plays in attracting and securing top talent. In today’s job market, small business owners are up against fierce competition for the best candidates. Corey breaks down why traditional hiring strategies often fall short and how shifting your approach to recruitment can give your business a strategic advantage.Learn how to position your company as the employer of choice, implement tactics used by top-performing businesses, and create an environment that attracts high-caliber candidates. Whether you’re struggling to fill key roles or simply want to stay ahead of the hiring game, this episode will equip you with the tools to win.Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Episode 43 of The KeyHire Podcast, hosted by Corey Harlock, dives into the art of connecting with customers on a deeper, more meaningful level. This week’s guest, Jim Matuga, Founder of InnerAction Media, brings his wealth of experience in marketing and communication to the table. Together, Corey and Jim unpack the critical role empathy plays in creating lasting relationships between businesses and their customers. In today’s competitive market, simply providing a product or service is no longer enough. Customers want to feel understood, valued, and supported, and empathy is the key to making that happen. Jim shares practical insights on how small business owners can develop a customer-first mindset, listen actively to their audience, and craft authentic messaging that resonates with real needs and emotions. He also provides real-world examples of how empathy-driven strategies can lead to stronger brand loyalty and sustainable growth. This episode isn’t just about marketing—it’s about transforming the way you engage with your customers. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this conversation will inspire you to view your business relationships through a new lens. Tune in to learn how empathy can become your most powerful tool for building trust, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving long-term success. Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmatuga/ Learn More About InnerAction Media: https://inneractionmedia.comHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess This week on The KeyHire Podcast, we're diving into a critical challenge many business owners face as they scale: what to do when some employees can’t keep up with the growth. Joining us is Chris Leonard, Owner of No Impediments, a company dedicated to helping businesses overcome obstacles and thrive.Together, they’ll explore strategies for identifying skills gaps, supporting employees through change, and making tough decisions when necessary. Chris shares his expert insights on fostering a culture of accountability and adaptability, ensuring your team evolves with your business.Whether you’re a small business owner or a leader navigating rapid growth, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you manage these growing pains effectively.Tune in now to learn how to keep your team aligned with your vision and take your business to the next level!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess In this insightful episode of The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock is joined by Len Bruskiewitz, a Certified Business Coach at FocalPoint, to delve into the essential yet often misunderstood topic of business valuation. Len explains why understanding your business’s true worth is not just for owners preparing to sell, but a vital practice for anyone seeking to drive growth, attract investors, or ensure long-term stability. The conversation breaks down the process of obtaining an accurate valuation, shedding light on common misconceptions and pitfalls. Len also shares practical steps that small business owners can take to increase their company’s value, from improving operational efficiency to building sustainable revenue streams. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs who want to approach their business with a strategic, value-focused mindset. With Len’s wealth of experience and Corey’s engaging style, you’ll walk away with actionable insights and a new perspective on what it takes to make your business not just profitable, but invaluable. Whether you're planning for a future exit, aiming to scale, or simply curious about the hidden drivers of business success, this episode is packed with knowledge to help you maximize the potential of your business. Tune in and start unlocking your business’s true value today! Learn more about Len: https://greaterheightscoaching.comHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccessWe've had a fantastic year full of great guests, fun moments and important advice for small business owners across the country. This week, we're taking a look back at our 2024 with some advice from our favorite episodes, moments with our amazing guests and mistakes we made along the way. Thank you to all of our guests and listeners for making 2024 so memorable. We can't wait to share what we have in store for 2025! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccessIn this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock takes a deep dive into the powerful relationship between aligning incentives and achieving lasting employee satisfaction and retention. Far beyond simply offering monetary rewards or standard benefits, aligning incentives means creating a system where your top performers see their personal and professional goals reflected in the company’s success. Corey breaks down how this approach not only motivates employees but also fosters a deeper sense of purpose and loyalty. You’ll learn how to identify what truly drives your high achievers, design incentives that matter to them, and build a culture where every team member feels recognized and empowered. By aligning their aspirations with your organization’s objectives, you can cultivate a workforce that is not just engaged but invested in your company’s long-term success. Whether you’re grappling with turnover challenges or looking to create a more cohesive, motivated team, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and insights to help you retain your best talent, improve team morale, and build a thriving business.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccessWelcome to The KeyHire Podcast, where we explore strategies and insights to help small business owners build strong, successful teams. This week, we’re thrilled to have Casey Gromer, MBA, join us as our guest. Casey is a seasoned Fractional Integrator at C-Suite Boutique, bringing years of expertise in helping businesses streamline operations and achieve sustainable growth. In this episode, we're diving into one of the most crucial challenges for small business owners: how to accurately assess and hire top-tier candidates. Hiring isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about finding the perfect balance between skills and culture fit. Casey shares her proven strategies for identifying candidates who not only possess the technical expertise your business needs but also align with your company’s values, mission, and vision. Tune in to learn actionable tips on assessing candidates, avoiding common hiring pitfalls, and building a team that drives your business forward. Whether you’re making your first hire or scaling up, this is an episode packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss! 🙂Learn more about C-Suite Boutique: https://c-suiteboutique.com Connect with Casey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseygromer/Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode is sponsored by Career Spring: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Become KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Connect with Hans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansstronck/ ERA Group.com (713) 391-4746 We're joined by Hans Stronck, Global Enterprise Partner at Expense Reduction Analysts, to tackle a topic that’s always top of mind for small business owners—reducing costs without sacrificing quality or growth. Hans shares his expertise on traditional cost-cutting methods, while also introducing innovative, nontraditional strategies that can uncover hidden savings. From renegotiating supplier contracts to leveraging technology and rethinking operational processes, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you keep more money in your business. Tune in to learn how to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement them effectively to improve your bottom line. Whether you’re running a startup or scaling an established small business, this episode will help you take your expense management to the next level.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Learn more about Matt: www.luminousconsultants.com This episode is sponsored by Career Spring: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Become KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccessWelcome to The KeyHire Podcast! This week, we’re diving into the most frequently asked questions submitted by our audience, offering practical strategies to help you scale your business effectively and sustainably. Joining us is a special guest, Matt Wills, the CEO and Principal Consultant of Luminous Creative Consultants. Matt brings years of experience and proven insights into scaling businesses, overcoming growth challenges, and unlocking your company's full potential. Did we miss a question you’re eager to have answered? Don’t worry! We’d love to hear from you—drop your questions in the comments below, and we might feature them in an upcoming episode. Stay tuned for actionable advice that can make a real difference for your business!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Learn more about CareerSpring: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Become KeyHire's Next Success Story: www.keyhire.solutions/testimonialsIn this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock addresses a critical issue for small business owners: how to re-hire your current employees when they’ve been offered a position with another company. Corey explores how to identify why an employee might be considering a move, approach open and honest conversations about their career goals, and negotiate solutions that benefit both the employee and the business. Learn how to retain top talent, foster loyalty, and create a work environment that employees want to stay in. Losing valuable team members can be costly and disruptive, but it’s not always inevitable. Tune in to discover practical strategies for keeping your best employees on your team. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and share your thoughts in the comments. Have you ever successfully convinced an employee to stay after they considered leaving? Share your experience below. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Learn more about Dale: https://www.giftofnextgen.com Connect with Dale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalewetmore/ Become KeyHire's Next Success Story: www.keyhire.solutions/testimonialsWelcome to The KeyHire Podcast, where small business owners gain actionable insights to grow and succeed. Hosted by Corey Harlock, CEO and Principal Consultant of KeyHire Solutions, each episode dives into the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face in today’s competitive market. In this episode, Corey is joined by Dale Wetmore, CEO of Gift of Next Gen Consulting, to discuss strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent from younger generations. Dale shares his expertise on understanding what motivates younger workers in the workplace, how to build a company culture that resonates with them, and practical steps small businesses can take to attract and keep the next generation of leaders. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation packed with valuable takeaways to help your business thrive. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we're diving into the critical topic of growing your leadership team in alignment with your business. Corey is joined by Paul Thornton, an experienced author and adjunct professor at Springfield College, who brings his unique perspective on leadership development and team growth. Explore how to identify the right talent, foster a culture of growth, and strategically expand your leadership team to meet the evolving needs of your organization. Whether you're a small business owner or a corporate leader, this episode offers valuable insights to help you scale effectively and build a team capable of driving sustainable success. Tune in to learn practical strategies for strengthening your leadership and empowering your team. Read Paul's Works: https://bit.ly/4hBrcRTLearn more about Paul: https://bit.ly/4fFKTWS Schedule a Free Call with Corey: Keyhire.solutions/consultation #talentacquisitionmanager #organizationdevelopment #businessgrowthstrategy #smallbusinessgrowth #hiringemployees #hiringemployeessmallbusiness #businessmanagementcourses #smallbusinessmanagement #empoweringemployees #bestworkers #smallbusinessowner #runningasmallbusiness #smallbusinesssuccess #staffingbusiness #businessorganizationstructure #businessorganizationstructure #businessorganizationtips #smallbusinessorganization #formsofsmallbusinessorganization #businesstipsforbeginners #businesstipsforsuccess #keyhire #keyhiresolutions #smallbusinessconsulting #smallbusinessconsultant #businessgrowthadvisor #businessconsulting #talentstrategies #talentsolutions #recruitmentconsultant #teambuilding #hiringstrategy #culture #keynotespeaking #organizationaldevelopment #teamworkdreamwork #talentpipelining #smallbusiness #smallbiztips #smallbusinessowners #businessowners #teamcultureHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Kristy Nagel-Rogers, Market President (Houston) at Cadence Insurance, to uncover the secrets to getting the best deal on your business insurance. Small business owners often overlook important factors when it comes to securing the right insurance policy, and mistakes can be costly. Tune in as Kristy and Corey discuss: - When to Start Shopping for a New Policy: Learn the ideal timeline for assessing your coverage and comparing rates. - Top Mistakes to Avoid: Discover the common pitfalls that trip up many business owners when selecting insurance. - Strategies for Better Deals: Kristy shares insider tips on how to negotiate and find a policy that truly fits your needs. Whether you're a new business owner or looking to optimize your current coverage, this episode will help you navigate the insurance landscape with confidence. Don’t miss out on practical advice that could save your business thousands! Listen now and start getting the BEST deal on your insurance! 🎧 Subscribe for more insights from The KeyHire Podcast - where we help business owners tackle real-world challenges and grow stronger companies. Learn about Kristy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-l-nagel-rogers-crm-cic-78925b53/ Third Party Litigation Funding: https://instituteforlegalreform.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-third-party-litigation-funding/ Schedule a call with Corey: www.keyhire.solutions/consultation #talentacquisitionmanager #organizationdevelopment #businessgrowthstrategy #smallbusinessgrowth #hiringemployees #hiringemployeessmallbusiness #businessmanagementcourses #smallbusinessmanagement #empoweringemployees #bestworkers #smallbusinessowner #runningasmallbusiness #smallbusinesssuccess #staffingbusiness #businessorganizationstructure #businessorganizationstructure #businessorganizationtips #smallbusinessorganization #formsofsmallbusinessorganization #businesstipsforbeginners #businesstipsforsuccess #keyhire #keyhiresolutions #smallbusinessconsulting #smallbusinessconsultant #businessgrowthadvisor #businessconsulting #talentstrategies #talentsolutions #recruitmentconsultant #teambuilding #hiringstrategy #culture #keynotespeaking #organizationaldevelopment #teamworkdreamwork #talentpipelining #smallbusiness #smallbiztips #smallbusinessowners #businessowners #teamcultureHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We're sitting down with Paul Posoli, CEO & Founder of Career Spring, to delve into the transformative power of internships for small businesses. Paul shares his expertise on how internships can be more than just a short-term staffing solution; they can serve as a strategic tool for business growth and community engagement. Offering internships not only helps develop the next generation of talent but also brings fresh ideas and diverse perspectives into your company, stimulating innovation and fostering a culture of continuous learning. We're offering actionable advice on creating meaningful internship programs that provide real-world experience, mentorship, and personal growth for interns. Learn how to structure internships so that they align with your company’s goals while providing value to both the business and the intern. Through these programs, businesses can give back to the community by equipping young individuals with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in the workforce, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Learn more about CareerSpring: www.careerspring.org Schedule a Free Call with Corey: www.keyhire.solutions/consultation #talentacquisitionmanager #organizationdevelopment #businessgrowthstrategy #smallbusinessgrowth #hiringemployees #hiringemployeessmallbusiness #businessmanagementcourses #smallbusinessmanagement #empoweringemployees #bestworkers #smallbusinessowner #runningasmallbusiness #smallbusinesssuccess #staffingbusiness #businessorganizationstructure #businessorganizationstructure #businessorganizationtips #smallbusinessorganization #formsofsmallbusinessorganization #businesstipsforbeginners #businesstipsforsuccess #keyhire #keyhiresolutions #smallbusinessconsulting #smallbusinessconsultant #businessgrowthadvisor #businessconsulting #talentstrategies #talentsolutions #recruitmentconsultant #teambuilding #hiringstrategy #culture #keynotespeaking #organizationaldevelopment #teamworkdreamwork #talentpipelining #smallbusiness #smallbiztips #smallbusinessowners #businessowners #teamcultureHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock tackles the critical issue of employee disengagement in small businesses with guest Dr. Benjamin Ritter, a leadership, executive, and career coach at LFY Consulting. Together, they explore how disengaged employees can negatively impact company performance and workplace culture. Dr. Ritter shares expert advice on how business owners can recognize the signs of disengagement, address the root causes, and implement effective strategies to re-engage their team. If you're looking to improve employee morale and strengthen your workforce, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help transform your business. Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes! Learn more about Dr. Ritter: http://lfyconsulting.com Read Becoming Fearless: https://bit.ly/3BRwGr3 Schedule a Free call with Corey: www.keyhire.solutions/consultation #EmployeeEngagement #SmallBusiness #Leadership #EmployeeDisengagement #KeyHirePodcast #BenjaminRitter #CoreyHarlock #WorkCulture #BusinessOwnerTips #LeadershipDevelopmentHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In today’s digital world, a website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. But having a website isn’t enough—you need one that converts. In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with James Hipkin, CEO & Founder of Inn8ly, to dive deep into what makes a website effective for small businesses. James, shares his expertise on what business owners often get wrong when building their websites and how to avoid these costly mistakes. From design principles to user experience, content strategy to SEO, James walks us through the essentials of creating a website that not only looks good but drives real business results. Whether you're launching a new site or looking to optimize your current one, James provides actionable tips to help you increase conversions, engage your audience, and ultimately grow your business. If you're ready to turn your website into a powerful marketing tool, this episode is a must-watch! Learn more about James: vipchatwithjames.com Read Journey to Success: https://www.amazon.com/JOURNEY-SUCCESS-Digital-Marketing-Business/dp/B0CWD5GZP2 Schedule a Free call with Corey: www.keyhire.solutions/consultation #SmallBusiness #WebsiteConversions #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #KeyHirePodcast #MarketingTips #JamesHipkin #Inn8ly #SEO #SmallBizMarketing #WebsiteDesignHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.