Nurture Small Business

Success doesn't solely stem from your IQ; emotional intelligence plays an equally important role. To cultivate a thriving business and a successful team, textbook knowledge alone won't cut it. You have to be able to understand your own emotions and those of your team. Dive into the world of emotions, understanding, and leadership in this episode with our guest — an expert in the field of emotional intelligence.  Come to understand just how essential emotional intelligence is for effective communication with Mic Alexander, Emotional Intelligence Coach at Image Wealth and the author of Image is Power. She breaks down various aspects of emotional intelligence, dissecting the different theories that revolve around the topic, and how it ties into the workplace. Through the insights Mic shares, we will uncover the importance of fostering win-win outcomes, where individuals actively support each other's success.   About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

Did you know there’s a difference between work-from-home and remote work? While many use the terms interchangeably, there are important differences between the two when it comes to where your employees can work. Today’s guest is ready to help you understand these distinctions and navigate the complex tax implications of hiring remote and work-from-home employees. Deanna Baumgardner, owner of Employers Advantage, provides insight into how to handle compliance with tax laws for employers that hire off-site workers. Do you follow tax laws of your location or where the employee is located? What if they take their computer with them on a trip to Europe? What laws are you bound to then? Join us in this compelling conversation that will help keep your business out of hot water.  About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

What is social proof? Do your reviews affirm that you are a legitimate business that provides excellent goods and services? What about third-party reviews such as Google Reviews, Trust Pilot, or Clutch? Your reviews must create proof, which leads to trust, and is a part of your marketing engine. But your reviews are only a small piece of your Total Online Presence. Your reviews, social profiles, competitors, and website are major items that also go into your Total Online Presence.  In steps Debbie Oster of Entrepreneur’s Edge, who helps small businesses develop their marketing strategy. She breaks it all down into bite sized bits and explains the difference between a marketing strategy and a marketing plan and why you need both. Listen in and learn how all of this plays together to enhance your marketing.  Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.  About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

Whatever happened to the human aspect of human performance? Over time, businesses have abandoned the practice of encouraging human connection in the workplace. It's time we break free from the impersonal, robotic-like business models and embrace a more humanizing approach to performance!  Angie Dianetti is the President of Radcom, a performance consulting company. She discusses how her company is paving the way in the performance industry. Angie also dishes out her expertise for company leaders wanting to approach performance in a more humanized way. Explore ways to cultivate a work environment that encourages genuine relationships, which in return will improve resultsAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

When it comes to running a franchise, what is most important to ensuring its success? Today's guest has the answer, as well as useful advice on navigating the complicated world of buying and maintaining a franchise!   Here to answer these questions is Jane Stein, a certified franchise consultant and the Founder and President of Your Franchise is Waiting. Jane breaks down the structured phases of the sales processes for franchises, discusses the importance of accurately estimating the financial runway and time commitment, and sheds light on the difference between franchises and licensee agreements. She even touches on how female ownership of franchises has been growing rapidly and what that means for women in business.  Interested in continuing your franchising journey? Download Jane’s free eBook, The Girlfriend’s Guide to Franchising, to learn more!  About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

From employment trends such as the Turnover Tsunami to the Great Reshuffle to the Great Stay, employers have seen a lot of changes in the employment market over the last few years. Though many of these types of changes are out of your hands, there are some things your company can control. Explore past and present employment trends and learn how to take back the driver’s seat in an ever-changing employment market in this episode of Denise’s Opinions!  Denise discusses how changing circumstances and job market fluctuations can impact employee decisions. She provides tips for employers on how to create a positive work environment, including fostering relationships, open communication, growth opportunities, recognition of achievements, tough conversations, work-life balance, and maintaining strong relationships with team members and clients. About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

ADHD and entrepreneurial success are an unexpected yet emerging duo. Whether you yourself have ADHD or you manage a team with individuals who have it, this episode is for you! Elle O'Flaherty, founder of Interlace Solutions Coaching, discusses the advantages and challenges of being an entrepreneur with ADHD. With situationally variable attention and creative problem-solving skills, ADHD brains have unique strengths. However, things like administrative tasks and working with people unaccustomed to the ADHD brain can present difficulties. Learn more about the science behind ADHD and how you can utilize it as an upper hand in your business affairs!  About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

Remote work and work-from-home models have transformed our lives for the better in many ways. It has also impacted our mental health. In this episode of Denise’s Opinions, Denise looks at the positive and negative impacts of remote work on our mental health. Mental health in the workplace has been a hot topic for a few years now, and we still do not completely understand the effects that the pandemic and shift to remote and hybrid work have had on businesses and people. There is a mixed bag of information on both sides that has pros and cons. Denise unpacks that bag of conflicting information as the conversation centers around how remote work is really affecting mental health. She also discusses practical action items that we can implement into our remote workdays to ensure we are taking care of ourselves.  About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

The hiring process is a delicate game of deal or no deal, which makes it exhausting and challenging to navigate. My guest today is here to discuss how you can break the cycle, making for an easier and more efficient hiring process!  Neha Naik, owner of Recruit Gyan (ɡjɑːn; ‘knowledge’ in Sanskrit), is a leader in the recruiting game. She shares her recipe for finding the best topical talent for your company, along with her expertise on employee retention, employee transition, and strategies to help ease the challenges of hiring.  About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a 5% goal to contract with women, yet 44% of small business owners are women. That doesn’t add up! Ultimately, the government is failing female business owners. So, how do we take a stand for these small business owners? By allying together.  In today’s episode of Denise’s Opinions, Denise stirs the pot, sharing her beliefs surrounding how we, including herself, have failed in allying for women-owned businesses. She cites the challenges of the certification process along with the lack of understanding of program requirements by federal contracting agencies. Denise also suggests ways that we can take part in allying with women business owners. She even shares how she plans to utilize her podcast to be a better supporter of female business owners!  About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedInAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

Does human psychology prevent business owners from budgeting and forecasting to meet their business and personal financial goals? That’s the question of the episode today as Financial Strategist, Yasnay Montalvo, discusses how our minds influence our finances.  Yasnay talks about the Profit First methodology and how it affects our decision-making. Through sharing unique techniques to bring nonverbal communication to the surface, she identifies how you can evaluate your decisions when it comes to your finances. Your experiences are what drive you to make choices in your business, especially when it comes to money. It's a psychological journey, and Yasnay comes with the hard knowledge on how to navigate it.  Want to learn more? You can visit her website, Micro Business Catalyst, or sign up to take a free class with Yasnay on the Principles of Putting Profit First! About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedInAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

Studies have shown that nearly 50% of business owners do not take vacations. Do you fall into this category? Intentionally stepping away from the office is important for your mental health and can reduce stress. If you haven’t guessed by now, today’s episode of Denise’s Opinions is all about why business owners need to take the time to disconnect from their companies.  Fear of missing out (FOMO) and an ingrained hustle mentality can make it difficult to step away. Denise shares her suggestions on how to empower key employees so you can step away, what outsourcing certain administrative tasks looks like, and provides other resources on disconnecting from your business confidently. As mentioned in this episode, here are a few resources that can help you navigate stepping away from your business:  https://nurturesmallbusiness.buzzsprout.com/900445/12462342-getting-down-and-dirty-in-your-business-operations-with-victoria-pelletier  https://dcavirtual.com/why-ignoring-a-vacation-will-cost-you-time-and-sales/  https://nurturesmallbusiness.buzzsprout.com/900445/12214008-does-your-team-allow-you-to-confidently-step-away-from-your-business About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View anAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

One of the top fears business owners have is selling. Will your products or services market well? Will you make enough money? We are here to put those fears to rest! In this episode, uncover the hidden key to increasing your sales as my guest discusses the importance of understanding human behavior and how it coincides with your company's sales.  Meet James Bond, a leading behavioral management specialist and today’s expert guest. James brings to the conversation a variety of knowledge on strategies for effective communication and presentation: including the power of asking questions, how to structure them, and how to make ideas stick. This episode is sure to be a helpful crash course on improving your company’s internal and external communication.  Interested in keeping the knowledge flowing? You can visit James's website to access more resources or schedule a time to chat with him. About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedInAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

Pay transparency laws are changing in some states. Is your state one of them? Get in the know and learn the importance of staying up to date on these laws in states where your company does business!  When dealing with pay transparency, it is a good idea to seek legal and HR advice, review compensation practices and employee handbooks, and communicate openly with employees about their compensation. Managers and leaders need to be prepared to have these conversations as well as be prepared to meet the legal requirements in the places we do business, which in some states also encompasses where we have employees or where we advertise for employees.  Get the resources you need for obtaining information on state laws and finding HR companies to review employee handbooks right here in this episode of Denise’s Opinions! About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedInAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

If your business is booming and you’re looking to expand, chances are you’re going to need access to capital. So, how hard, or easy, is it for a business owner to obtain money and resources when growing their business? My guest today is here to answer this BIG question!  Meet Mark Ritter, the CEO of MBFS, a credit union organization that specializes in providing loan services to credit unions, so they can provide crucial loans to people in their community. To say the least, Mark is the man when it comes to better understanding loans. Take a look inside the world of business assets as we discuss what you need to have in place to get approved for loans, best practices when it comes to handling your money, the ins and outs of credit unions, and how to become a member of one. We also delve into the misconception that credit unions only provide consumer-based services, how they have evolved to offer business loans, and our personal philosophy and commitment to helping small businesses grow! Did this episode spark your attention? You can learn more about Mark or loans and credit unions by going to his website! About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedInAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

Change is inevitable. But does it start with your organization or the people within it? With 70% of initiatives failing due to resistance from employees, organizational change must begin with preparing your team for change. My guest today is here to help better equip you to lead your team through organizational change!  Brian Gorman, of Transforming Lives.Coach, joins me to discuss the need for grieving and letting go during change, as well as the personal changes that can come with it. He shares models for building trust, communication methods, the importance of adjusting perception during change, and much more! Gorman says, “Knowing these universal patterns of how people respond to change won’t make you immune to the impact of change; however, it will increase the likelihood of successfully navigating it.”   Ready to start putting change into action? Learn more about Brian by connecting with him on LinkedIn or Twitter.  About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedInAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

As your business grows, areas of your business must evolve with it. So, it’s important to reevaluate key areas of your business to ensure they still align with your business’s goals. But what exactly are you supposed to look at? In this episode of Denise’s Opinions, Denise unboxes her take on just that by breaking down the components of cross-functional brand alignment.  The conversation doesn’t stop after the episode ends either. Denise wants to hear what you have to say! Reach out to her at pr@dcavirtual.com to set up a virtual coffee meeting and share your growth story, challenges, and successes. About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedInAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

Your customer service is the face and voice of your business. It has the power to make or break your clients’ experience. My guest today is an expert when it comes to properly training and empowering front-facing employees to handle customer inquiries and complaints.  Beverly Hathorn, owner of Strategic HR Consultants , is a customer satisfaction guru with over 25 years of experience managing and developing teams. She looks at company culture, team collaboration, communication, and unity to spot opportunities for improvement to make a better journey for her clients.  Join the conversation to learn about the importance of improving client-relation processes, how to create a customer-centric organization, and the different methods for measuring customer satisfaction, including the Net Promoter Score and the Customer Effort Score. If you liked what you heard in this episode, consider reaching out to Beverly! About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedInAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

Nobody likes to hear the words downsizing or layoff when it pertains to business. As we all know, though, stuff happens. So, how do you handle it when it does? There may not be a definite answer to this question, but there are experienced opinions. And this episode is full of them!  Denise opens up about her past encounters with internal business restructuring, the anxiety that those what ifs can cause, practical recommendations on how businesses can address tough situations, and the importance of transparency and inclusion when laying off positions.  About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedInAbout Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn

Victoria Pelletier, nicknamed the Turnaround Queen due to her tenaciousness when parachuting into distressed markets or business. She has a passion for building strong leadership teams that foster company culture. Her process shows leadership teams how to attract and retain talent, create a strong employee value proposition, be clear with employees about what success looks like, measure performance holistically, and build trust with direct reports. Victoria’s experiences span 20 years and include operations, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational turnarounds. Learn how Victoria overcame Imposter Syndrome early on in her career. This podcast touches on so many topics that are at the heart of small business: DEI, risk mitigation, shared service models, and how all this drives the bottom line.About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.   Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn About Your Host DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive. Connect with Denise DCA Virtual Business Support website. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. LinkedIn