This Is Small Business: Behind the Buy

From a chaotic childhood to joining the military at 17, this entrepreneur discovered the therapeutic power of science and gamified it. In this special Veteran's Day episode of This is Small Business, John Coveyou, founder and CEO of Genius Games, a science-based board game company that has sold over half a million units worldwide, shares his journey. He discusses how military principles shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and led him to create engaging educational games. John shares the pivotal moment that inspired his first game and how crowdfunding transformed his hobby into a successful business.In this episode you’ll discover: (0:00) How various business principles overlap with lessons learned in the military.(1:50) John explains how his interest in science helped him cope during tough times in the military.(2:59) While teaching chemistry, John noticed that his students were intimidated by the subject, sparking his idea for a game.(03:09) John connects the excitement of gaming to learning science and decides to create a game.(3:50) John details his early experiments with game mechanics and his journey through game design clubs.(4:12) How feedback from play-tests led to the creation of John’s first game and the push to publish it.(4:49) John discusses how his crowdfunding campaigns validated his business idea and led to further success.(5:37) The moment John decided to leave his engineering job and pursue his passion full-time.(7:20) John explains the After Action Review process and how it encourages continual improvement in business.(12:35) The power of perspective in entrepreneurship, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

A behind-the-scenes look into Emmy Award-nominated entrepreneurship show "Start Up" on PBS. Gary Bredow and Jenny Feterovich explore the power of storytelling in entrepreneurship and the journey that led them to creating their successful show Start Up. Gary reflects on his childhood experiences that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, while Jenny shares her journey from the Soviet Union to becoming a successful storyteller and business owner. They discuss how Start Up has evolved to inspire others to pursue their dreams, emphasizing resilience, community support, and the impact of authentic storytelling in connecting with audiences and driving meaningful change.In this episode you’ll discover:(01:06) "Start Up" is a national PBS series that explores the mindset and experiences of American entrepreneurs, aiming to inspire and educate viewers.(01:19) The show's goal is to motivate dreamers to take action by showcasing relatable stories of diverse individuals pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, both in America and globally.(1:53) Gary’s entrepreneurial spark was ignited by witnessing a small business story unfold in his own home.(4:49) Jenny’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a trip across the globe. (7:33) How Gary came up with the idea behind Start Up to solve a problem.(9:10) How Gary and Jenny started working together.(11:42) The ways in which the show evolved over time. (13:59) Why sharing personal stories is important and brings people closer together. (15:05) How Start Up pushed an aspiring entrepreneur to pursue his dreams. (16:20) Beyond helping entrepreneurs, Start Up also helps the featured businesses that make it on the show grow. (18:45) Motivational words from Jenny and Gary.

Can you still start a business if you’ve got no space or time to create, store, and pack your products at home? Just ask Marilyn Yang, the Co-Founder and CEO of Popadelics, who managed to do just that by starting her business remotely using third party logistics. She shares the ins and outs of outsourcing your operations as a startup, some of the early risks she had to take to make it work, and the benefits and challenges that might come your way.In this episode, you’ll learn: (01:05) How Marilyn, a picky eater, created and introduced mushroom chips to the snacking world. (02:38) The steps it took for Marilyn and her husband to collaborate with a food start-up consulting firm. (03:25) What to do if you hit a snag with your outsourced co-packer. In this case, Marilyn had ingredients that took many months to arrive with nowhere to go, and a co-packer that was still on the fence – but she still managed to make it work. (6:42) Why Marilyn started her business using third party logistics – something that companies usually do as they scale.(7:30) How outsourcing your operations can help your business scale faster.(8:29) How having your operations spread out across the US can make your business eligible for more opportunities but makes applying to them more complicated. (10:11) How to balance running a remote business with the rest of your life. 

How can the right ad strategy help your business stand out in a crowded market? Just ask Kyle Goguen and Garrett Gosselin, the co-founders of CRBN Pickleball, who transformed their passion for pickleball into a thriving brand by leveraging the power of Amazon Ads. Discover how the right advertising helped them showcase their unique brand identity and stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're new to advertising or looking to fine-tune your approach, you’ll walk away with actionable lessons on maximizing your ad spend, using Amazon ads to increase brand awareness, and converting potential customers into loyal fans.Learn the importance of testing and refining your ad strategy, how to use data-driven insights to optimize campaigns, and why it’s crucial to tell your brand’s story through ads. In this episode, you'll discover:(1:08) How Garrett came up with CRBN pickleball(2:33) How to find the perfect business partner by combining complementary talents, just like Garrett and Kyle did to build CRBN Pickleball.(4:35) How to stand out in a competitive market by creating a strong brand identity. CRBN's "Southern California" vibe helped them break through the noise — how can your brand story do the same?(6:58) Why incorporating Amazon Ads into your marketing strategy could be the game-changer your business needs.(8:41) How CRBN used data to track the results of their ad campaigns and how you can implement that. (11:11) Why you should embrace experimentation and data analysis to continuously improve your Amazon Ads strategy and how those insights can shape other areas of your businessWatch full episodes of Rising Stars by Amazon Ads here: thisissmall.biz/crbn

Ever wondered how to get a cash injection for your business without giving up equity or taking on debt? Just ask Elise Lambkin, the founder of Lil Sippers, who landed a game-changing for-profit grant that helped propel her business forward. Elise breaks down the entire process of applying for the Amazon Business Small Business Grant, from finding the opportunity to making sure her brand story resonates with everyone. You’ll also hear from Bria Arline, the Founder and CEO of IQ Ignited, a boutique grant writing firm, who reveals the secrets behind crafting a winning grant proposal. From finding the right grants to nailing your application, this episode gives you a crash course on what you need to know to secure your next grant and grow your business.Learn how to identify grants that align with your business goals, what makes a standout application, and what you should focus on to make your application shine.(2:18) How Elise Lambkin transformed a common parenting struggle into a thriving business(4:50) Where to find the best business grants and how to kickstart your search for funding opportunities to grow your business.(6:05) Elise’s approach to winning the Amazon Business Small Business Grant.(6:57) Bria's lessons on how you could craft a winning grant application which includes understanding the funder's perspective, aligning your budget with your goals, and presenting a strong narrative that highlights your business's potential.(10:51) Why Elise’s grant application stood out from the crowd with strong brand messaging and a clear vision for her business’s growth.(12:17) Why taking your time and planning carefully can improve your chances of success in the grant writing process.(13:52) The benefits of getting rejections and how that could help fine-tune your approach for future success.(15:09) How Elise used her Amazon Business Small Business Grant to propel her business forward.

What if you could revolutionize your Amazon business with cutting-edge AI tools? Join us as we uncover the latest advancements from the Amazon Accelerate event in Seattle, with exclusive insights from Andrea Marquez of Amazon’s This Is Small Business podcast. We dive into the game-changing world of AI-generated A+ content, as well as the exciting debut of Project Amelia, Amazon’s generative AI that promises to transform seller capabilities.Our discussion takes you to the heart of Amazon’s evolution in supporting sellers, highlighting the critical role of video content and improved analytics. Explore new tools designed to help brands create high-quality video content, alongside a detailed look at the updates that brands can benefit from. We also shine a light on Amazon’s “Sellers in Your Community” initiative and hear the inspiring stories of Amazon entrepreneurs and their impact on communities.In the second part of this episode, let’s discover how A+ content has evolved, with insights from Lauren Coury, Senior Product Manager at Amazon, and learn how to utilize your basic, shoppable A+ content, premium, brand story A+ content and AI integration to elevate your brand storytelling. Get ready to explore this wealth of knowledge and uncover new ways to make your Amazon presence more engaging and impactful than ever before.In this episode, you'll discover:00:00 – Amazon Accelerate Highlights and A+ Content Powered By Generative AI04:36 – Innovative Video Generation Revolutionizes Advertising06:29 – Enhancing Amazon Seller Experience and Analytics10:16 – Improved Amazon Seller Support Features12:43 – Entrepreneurial Stories and Amazon Product Ideas18:48 – Success Stories From The Amazon Accelerate Event21:56 – Brand Experience and A+ Content Creation25:19 – A+ Content and Brand Story 26:59 – Importance of A+ Content for Brands32:50 – Shoppable A+ Content and AI Benefits42:00 – Enhancing A+ Content With Graphics46:23 – Leveraging A+ Content and Generative AI

Want to build an award-winning business that not only thrives but also makes a real difference? Just ask Justin Forsett, former NFL player and CEO and co-founder of Hustle Clean, who turned his side hustle to a successful community-focused brand! In a live recording, we catch up with Justin, winner of the Amazon Force for Good Award. He reveals how his personal experiences – from humble beginnings to the highs and lows of professional sports – shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to giving back. We also bring back some of his essential steps to building a successful business from “Justin tackles the top 3 steps to start a business” so you can have key insights into what makes purpose-driven brands successful. Learn the actionable steps you need to set up your business for success and how to integrate community impact into your core values even in the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey.In this episode, you'll discover:(1:35) How Justin transformed a personal experience into a thriving award-winning business.(2:58) Why community impact is important to Justin and how he prioritizes it. (4:37) How winning the Amazon Force for Good Award helped Hustle Clean overcome a major setback and continue their mission.(5:58) How to give back to your community in the early stages of your business.(7:30) The critical questions you need to ask yourself before launching your business.(8:41) Why establishing a strong legal foundation is essential for long-term success.(9:39) Key elements of a winning business plan, from market research to cash flow management.(10:32) The importance of building a supportive "huddle" of mentors and advisors.(12:09) Why defining your core values is crucial for navigating challenges and attracting the right team.(13:39) How to avoid spreading yourself too thin by focusing on your core customer.(14:30) Why embracing the entrepreneurial journey – with all its ups and downs – is key to finding fulfilment.

Ever wondered how being part of an entrepreneurial community can be the game-changer your business needs? Just ask Jen Earle, CEO of the National Association of Women Business Owners aka NAWBO, who believes that surrounding yourself with a good network can propel your business to the next level. To celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month, we’re taking a look back to see how the entrepreneur founders behind NAWBO transformed the landscape for women entrepreneurs and the impact that women-owned businesses have on today’s economy. Jen also breaks down the four C’s—Capital, Community, Confidence, and Congress—and explains why they’re crucial for any business to thrive and how you can leverage them for your own success.Learn how to find your entrepreneurial community and how that can help you unlock funding opportunities, boost your confidence, and give you the support you need to build or grow a successful business. In this episode, you’ll hear: (00:58) How NAWBO was founded.(02:06) The progress that’s been made to support women-owned businesses and their impact on the US economy.(03:41) Jen’s entrepreneurial journey and how she became the CEO of NAWBO.(5:49) A breakdown of the four essential pillars for business success which Jen calls the 4 C’s: Capital, Community, Confidence, and Congress and how you can tap into them.(9:52) The importance of building a strong community for business success.

How do you transform an everyday problem into a product that people want to buy? Just ask Ray Philips, the CEO of SoapSox, who turned children’s bath-time struggles into a product that resonated with so many people. Ray shares how he validated his idea and navigated the bumps throughout his entrepreneurial journey. And if you're still in the brainstorming stage, Morgan DeBaun, the CEO of Blavity, has you covered with her DRIP method, a decision-making framework designed to help you turn your ideas into actionable steps. Whether you're stuck in the ideation phase or just need a motivational pick-me-up to ride the wild rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to turn your next big idea into reality.Learn how to leverage constructive criticism, stay balanced through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and push past the doubt to start or build your business. In this episode, you’ll hear: (3:00) How Ray Philips turned a bath-time challenge into a business, and what made him launch his entrepreneurial journey.(5:12) Morgan DeBaun breaks down her powerful DRIP decision-making framework which can help you come up with ideas and turn them into real, validated business opportunities.(8:32) How to refine your product using feedback that matters—and more importantly, how to filter out the noise that could throw you off track.(10:48) Ray talks about funding his business and Morgan shares how to handle the inevitable highs and lows of entrepreneurship while keeping your vision alive.(14:26) Setbacks are part of the journey. Here’s what to do when your first big obstacle hits—and how Ray and Morgan turned their first major setbacks into fuel for success.(17:31) How Ray pushed through tough times and scored a coveted spot on Shark Tank, and what it took to get there.(21:36) If you’re battling self-doubt, stick around—this advice might be the boost you need to keep chasing your entrepreneurial dreams.

Want to know how your culture can give your business an edge? Just ask Mayra Luz Colon, the founder of Healthy Rican, who fused her Puerto Rican roots with her passion for healthy living to create a successful line of mom-approved seasonings. Mayra shares how she overcame imposter-syndrome, connected with her community, and pivoted from coaching to creating a product that resonated with so many people. You’ll also hear from Ramiro Cavazos, CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), who’ll dive into how Hispanic-owned businesses are shaping the future of entrepreneurship despite the challenges they face and how the USHCC is helping entrepreneurs get access to more capital, contracts and connections, and the tools and resources they need to grow their businesses.In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode, you’ll discover the importance of staying connected to your roots, how to build a strong community around your brand, and why empowering Hispanic-owned businesses benefits everyone.In this episode you’ll hear:(02:06) How a health issue inspired Mayra to start her business(04:27) Why Mayra pivoted to a product based business(06:06) How to get customer feedback and build a supportive community(8:52) The growth and impact of Hispanic businesses and what makes them stand out(10:15) How the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) is helping Latino entrepreneurs overcome the challenges they face by focusing on the 3 C’s: access to capital, building connections, and capacity building(14:50) Why supporting Hispanic-owned businesses benefits everyone(16:13) How resilience and being open to pivoting can help you build a successful business

Ever wondered how to make influencer marketing a game-changer for your small business? Just ask Brittany Hennessy, the bestselling author of "INFLUENCER: Building Your Personal Brand In The Age of Social Media." Brittany reveals how small businesses can leverage the power of influencers to enhance their brand, reach new audiences, and drive sales. Whether you're new to the influencer marketing scene or looking to refine your approach, Brittany's insights can help you navigate the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing.Discover strategies for working with influencers, from understanding the different types of influencer marketing to finding a good match for your brand and maximizing conversions.In this episode, you’ll learn: (2:07) How starting a blog launched Brittany into the world of influencer marketing and led to her first brand trip.(4:05) Three powerful ways to boost your brand through influencer marketing: content creation, community engagement, and driving conversions.(6:25) How you can make influencer marketing work for your small business if you’re on a tight budget.(7:49) Why picking the right influencer that aligns with your brand and goals is crucial for a successful campaign.(9:10) Practical tips on how to find the perfect influencer that could take your business to the next level.(10:53) How to reach out to influencers in a way that’ll make them excited to collaborate with you and build valuable partnerships.

Want to make sure everyone knows about your product before it launches? Just ask Jay Clouse, the founder of Creator Science, who was able to generate six figure sales within the first few days of launching his product, Creatore HQ, all thanks to a carefully thought out pre-launch strategy. Jay shares his approach to building anticipation through consistent communication and engagement with his audience and why you should be planning your launch months before your product hits the market. Learn how to leverage your audience, what incentives to offer, and how to build an engaged audience that wants to buy your upcoming product.In this episode, you’ll hear: (1:44) Why you should be talking about your product months before it launches.(3:24) How you could see who might be interested in your upcoming product and reach them(4:58) Jay breaks platforms down into two categories: Discovery platforms and relationship platforms. Learn the difference between both types and how to use them to build an engaged audience that will buy your product when it launches!(6:49) How consistently posting can build trust(8:29) Should you have a discount or a special incentive when you first launch? (9:24) How to keep the momentum after you launch

Wondering if your small business is ready to scale and how to smoothly transition into e-commerce? Just ask Val Fishbain, co-founder of Spread the Love Foods, who successfully took her business from the local farmer’s market to the online world, all while staying true to her community roots. Val shares her experience selling at farmer’s markets, what it took to make the leap to e-commerce, and the importance of giving back as her business grew. You’ll also hear from Viridiana Ponce, a business consultant and food industry expert, who dives into how to leverage farmer’s markets to enhance your business and the crucial steps for expanding beyond your local market while staying connected to your community.Learn the essential steps for scaling up like maintaining product quality, engaging with your community, and conducting market research to confidently take your business online.In this episode, you’ll hear: (2:28) How Val’s thoughtful wedding favor quickly turned into a full-blown business.(4:22) Thinking of starting a food business from home? Learn the preparation and licenses to make sure you do it right!(5:41) Val’s first experience selling her products at a farmer’s market.(9:34) The benefits that come with starting at a farmer’s market.(10:44) How tracking sales at a farmer’s market can help you get funding.(11:40) When should you consider expanding? Viridiana lists what you should be looking for to make sure you’re ready for that next step. (15:02) Three essential strategies for a successful transition to e-commerce.(18:58) How giving back through your business can help your business grow and succeed.

Ever wondered how podcasting can help you grow your business? Just ask Hala Taha, the host of the Young and Profiting (YAP) podcast and the founder of YAP Media Network and YAP Media, who knows all the podcasting secrets that’ll help you get big. Hala aka the Podcast Princess shares her own entrepreneurial journey and reveals the secrets behind her rapid growth, including how she harnessed LinkedIn for visibility and used creative strategies to break through the podcasting noise. Learn how to start your podcast, different monetization options, and why you should be advertising your business on podcasts. In this episode, you’ll learn:  (01:38) How Hala went from a corporate marketing role to founding a leading podcast network in just two years.(03:20) Hala’s game-changing LinkedIn tactics that increased her podcast’s visibility and engagement.(05:04) How Hala used her LinkedIn presence to grow on other platforms.(06:40) How Hala leveraged her podcast as a lead generation tool and built a successful social media agency from it.(08:48) Why podcasting can help you grow your business.(10:20) The three key components for a successful podcast: being searchable, designing an eye-catching cover, and utilizing platforms like TikTok and YouTube.(11:28) How to advertise your business on other podcasts.

Starting a business on a tight budget might sound tough, but it can be more beneficial than you might think. Just ask Alice Kim, founder of Elizabeth Mott, who turned a small budget into a flourishing business. Alice explains how she reduced costs by building a strong network, coming up with creative solutions, and the importance of buying enough time to build the momentum you need to get your business noticed. You’ll also hear from Caroline Castrillon, founder of the Corporate Escape Artist, who’ll share budget-friendly ways to understand your target audience and do market research.Learn how you can make your business thrive with limited funds and turn your small budget into a big success!In this episode you’ll hear: (1:08) How Alice Kim launched Elizabeth Mott on a shoestring budget.(3:57) How Alice tapped into her network to cut costs and find creative solutions.(5:05) How to tackle research and development without breaking the bank.(6:47) Five budget-friendly tips for effective market research.(8:48) Why having a co-founder or a solid support system can make all the difference.(9:25) The benefits of being resourceful and scrappy.(12:10) Why focusing on the journey is just as important as reaching your end goal.(14:19) Why prioritizing your tasks can help you navigate the startup hustle.(15:38) How being scrappy can give you the time and space to get your business off the ground.

Want to learn how to turn your cultural heritage into a successful business idea? Just ask Conchita Pleasant, the founder and CEO of Nefertiti's Secrets, who looked at Ancient Egyptian remedies to create a hair care line. Conchita opens up about the struggles of battling breast cancer and how it led her to start her business. Learn how to conduct effective market research through direct feedback, the importance of pivoting, and how to turn obstacles into opportunities and empower yourself and others along the way.In this episode, you’ll hear: (01:22) How Conchita’s breast cancer diagnosis became a turning point in her entrepreneurial journey.(05:10) How Conchita utilized feedback to improve her formula.(07:15) How Conchita started to mass produce her product. (09:04) How Conchita’s brand aims to uplift customers and the significance of history to her and her customers. (11:14) How you can replicate Conchita’s success by drawing inspiration from your past. 

Ready to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey or looking for a refresher on some essential tips? Join us as we dive into key insights from Season 4 that will help you start, build, and grow your business. To kick off Season 5, we're revisiting some of the most valuable advice from experts and successful small business owners like Amy Porterfield, Kat Norton, Jenna Kutcher, and more. Whether it's mastering your mindset, pinpointing your target audience, networking like a pro, or cracking the social media code, we've got you covered.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:(02:05) Cultivate a Success-Oriented Mindset(03:02) Network Effectively for Business Growth(04:24) Define and Reach Your Target Audience(06:13) Build a Comprehensive Marketing Strategy(07:44) Leverage the Power of Email Lists(09:55) Implement Effective Social Media Strategies(13:36) Stay Persistent and Keep Moving Forward

Every entrepreneur needs a community - people who inspire us with their stories and share practical advice to help us make a decision or take the next step (or leap!). This is Small Business is that community. We hear from a diverse group of small business owners about how they found success, and the challenges they faced along the way.Not only will you feel inspired, you'll get tips you can apply to your own business right now. Whether you're trying to grow your business through social media, find a manufacturer to bring your idea to life, or figure out how to price your product - we got you!Hosted by Andrea Marquez, an aspiring small business owner, This is Small Business brings a diverse group of entrepreneurs and experts together to help you along your journey.New episodes are out every week. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. You won't want to miss an episode!

Are you trying to figure out if it’s the right time to launch your first product? Just ask Trinity Mouzon Wofford, co-founder and CEO of Golde, who’s going to give us a look into all the behind-the-scenes work she put into their brand as she prepared to launch. She’ll teach us how to prepare your MVP (minimum viable product), tips on how to have a successful launch, and how to know that your product is ready to be on the shelves. In this episode you’ll hear:(05:56) - How distinctive packaging and vibrant colors helped Trinity's brand stand out in a crowded marketplace (07:58) - Copying big businesses' marketing tactics doesn't always work! Trinity explains how she found success by staying true to her vision(09:10) - How to leverage friends and family to gather early feedback on your product - before you launch(09:42) - Trinity explains how she knew she was ready to launch her business(11:06) - Andrea's key takeaways for launching your MVP

How do you nail the perfect price for your product? Just ask Mark Stiving, Chief Pricing Educator of Impact Pricing, who will share insights on pricing strategies. He’ll explain how understanding your business strategy and customer decision-making process can help you value your products and how to find out how much your customer is willing to pay. In this episode you’ll hear:(02:05) How figuring out your business strategy will influence your pricing.(03:00) How to find out how much your customer is willing to pay. (04:52) Should you start selling your products or services at a higher price point? (06:05) The benefits of a subscription model and how to build one.(07:50) How understanding the customer decision process can help you set prices.