East Trade Winds

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & AutomationWHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, and leaders building systemsWHAT THEY’LL GAIN: A clear view of why disconnected SaaS tools hold AI back. A look at one way to bring apps, data, and private AI into one place. Questions to ask before you add another tool.Most owners think AI will fix their app mess. It won’t, not on its own. Until your apps connect, AI only gives you average answers, not answers about your business.Too many business apps hold a piece of your data, and none of them talk to each other.Jovan Strika, Chief Vision Officer at ElastaLink, shares an early look at what @Hive is exploring. Most business owners run on many SaaS tools that don’t connect. They copy and paste data and settle for features they didn’t pick. Jovan walks through a web-based business desktop that brings AI applications into one place, with tiles, windows, a dock, and saved views. One private AI assistant works across all your data. You can even ask it to build your own AI apps. It runs on a private cloud or on-prem, so your business data stays yours. He ends by asking the room what belongs on the wish list. This is for owners who want simpler business operations and are curious about private AI.Key topics coveredWhy disconnected SaaS apps lead to copy-paste and duplicate recordsWhy most apps are built for everyone, not for youWhy AI needs your real business data to helpThe business desktop concept: tiles, windows, a dock, and saved viewsPrivate cloud and on-prem optionsBuilding your own custom apps with AIThe wish list: what the room wants nextGuest linksJovan Strika on LinkedInElastaLink@HiveRequest the @Hive pilot@Hive on LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · YouTubeRead the full write-up: Read the full write-upHosts: Percy Barr and Wayne PrattPast episodes: Browse all episodes— PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE —East Trade Winds: free weekly networking. Bring one challenge and one introduction.@Hive: real-world business networking, in person and online. Starter membership is $99 CAD a year.Gentry Learning: real estate education from Fred Crouch, with listings, an Investor Club, and a free newsletter.Next StepsEmail: [email protected] Canada Growth Network: a robust CRM platform plus community. $1 CAD first month, then $47 CAD a month. Real tools. Real people.Subscribe to the K4B blogSearch K4B episodesRegister as a K4B guestJoin East Trade Winds free every Tuesday, 8–9 AM ESTPast episodes (Ghost blog) Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & BrandingWHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, and leaders who have to speak about their businessWHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A bold way to open, a way to find your crutch word, a story method that builds trust, and a clear focus on what your audience should think, feel, or do. You think you have a confidence problem. You don't. Until you learn the skill, every pitch and podcast keeps sounding smaller than you are.Nat Mailhot is a communication coach who helps professionals, leaders, and speakers sound clear and confident. In this East Trade Winds talk, she shares public speaking tips for business owners who want to speak about themselves with more impact. Nat says most people think they have a confidence problem. They don't. They are missing a skill. She teaches simple tools: start bold, find your crutch word, and use storytelling to share your "firsts" stories. She also asks speakers to focus on what the audience will think, feel, or do. Nat tells a vulnerable story about losing a TEDx license and what it taught her. This is for solopreneurs, founders, and leaders with a pitch, podcast, or networking talk coming up who want it to land.Key topics coveredWhy people remember how you made them feelStarting bold with a quote or a big claimWhy most "confidence problems" are skill gapsFinding and cutting your crutch wordTelling "firsts" stories: first client, first podcast, first frustrationUsing vulnerable moments as teaching momentsAsking what your audience should think, feel, or doGuest linksWebsite: nathaliemailhot.comLinkedIn: Nat Mailhot on LinkedInInstagram: @natmailhotHave a talk or pitch coming up? Book a 30-minute call with Nat through her website.Read moreRead the full write-upBrowse all episodesSupporting persons mentioned: Maya Angelou, whose quote opens the talk. PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODEEast Trade Winds: free weekly networking. Bring one challenge, bring one introduction.Profit10: take the free Profit Snapshot. Ten questions to see where your business is strong and where it leaks.Web Indexer: a chatbot for your website that answers visitor questions 24/7. Next StepsEmail: [email protected] Canada Growth Network: $1 CAD first month, then $47 CAD/month. Real tools. Real people.Subscribe to the K4B blogSearch K4B episodesRegister as a K4B guestJoin East Trade Winds free every Tuesday, 8-9 AM ESTPast episodes Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & OpsWHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, and leaders building systemsWHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear way to compare bank loans with factoring, a script for keeping a vendor supplying you, and a simple team to build before trouble starts. Most owners think the cheapest loan is the best loan. It isn't. Hit your credit limit and you lose the clients you worked hard to win.The problem Michael solves: how to fund growth when a bank line of credit is not enough.Michael Yasny, founder of Money Consultants and author, has helped business owners find financing for more than 30 years. In this East Trade Winds talk, he explains why bank loans are not always the best fit for a business. A bank line of credit can cost less, but it can also cap your growth. He shows how factoring and other growth capital can fill the gap. He also shares how to keep a key vendor supplying you when you owe them money. He covers how to handle taxes, the CRA, and collection agencies too. His advice is to build a team early: a lawyer, an accountant, and a business advisor. This talk is for new, growing, and struggling business owners who need financing options and a plan.Key topics covered•      Why a 3% bank line can cost more than a factoring deal•      Private money, factoring, purchase order finance, leasing, BDC and EDC•      Keeping a vendor selling to you when you owe them money•      Why to incorporate early, and the question to ask your accountant•      How unpaid CRA taxes grow, and how a garnishment works•      Lenders who tie you up, and how to handle collection agenciesGuest links•      Money Consultants•      Michael Yasny on LinkedIn•      Michael's book on Amazon: So, You Want to Start Your Own BusinessFull write-up: Read the full write-upSupporting persons mentioned: None named in this talk.Past episodes: Browse all episodes— PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE —•      East Trade Winds: free weekly networking. Bring one challenge and one introduction.•      Profit10™: a free Profit Snapshot. Ten questions show where your business is strong and where it leaks profit.•      Web Indexer: a quick-install chatbot that gives your website visitors answers 24/7.Next Steps•      Email: [email protected]•      Join Canada Growth Network (a robust CRM platform): $1 CAD first month, then $47 CAD/month. Real tools. Real people.•      Join East Trade Winds free every Tuesday, 8 to 9 AM EST•      Subscribe to the K4B blog•      Search K4B episodes•      Register as a K4B guest•      Past episodes (Ghost blog) Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & BrandingWHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, corporate escapees, and leaders building systemsWHAT THEY’LL GAIN: A simple way to see why deals go quiet, what “boring content” AI tools look for, and a review habit that keeps it accurate.You are losing deals and nobody tells you why.Joshua Altman is the managing director of Beltway Media, a firm of fractional chief communications officers. In this East Trade Winds session, he shares tactical communication that helps businesses stop losing deals they never knew about. Buyers now ask AI tools to compare companies. If your pricing, specs, bios, and reviews are not clear, the machines skip you, and people never get to choose you. Joshua calls this boring content, and he says it matters as much as bold brand messaging. He ties both to sales strategy through his story, narrative, and brand framework. He also says a communication team should own this content and review it often. This is for small business owners and leaders who want to be found.Key topics covered•             Why buyers ask AI tools to compare companies before they ever call you•             What “boring” content is: pricing, specs, bios, return and cancellation terms, reviews•             What “bold” content is: ads, brand, email, creative campaigns•             The story, narrative, and brand framework•             Why a communications team should own and audit the boring contentGuest links•             Joshua Altman on LinkedIn•             Beltway Media•             Beltway Media on LinkedIn•             Beltway Media free toolsRead the full write-upHosts: Percy Barr and Wayne PrattBrowse all episodes PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE•             East Trade Winds ~ free weekly networking. Bring one challenge, bring one introduction.•             Profit10™ ~ a free Profit Snapshot. Ten questions to show where your business leaks profit.•             Web Indexer ~ a quick-install chatbot that answers visitor questions 24/7. Next Steps•             Join Canada Growth Network ~ $1 CAD first month, then $47 CAD/month. Real tools. Real people.•             Subscribe to the K4B blog•             Search K4B episodes•             Register as a K4B guest•             Join East Trade Winds free every Tuesday, 8–9 AM EST•             Past episodes (Ghost blog) Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & BrandingWHO THIS IS FOR: Solopreneurs, SMB owners, speakers, and leaders building visibilityWHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A simple plan to get booked as a podcast guest: set a number, pick the right shows, track every pitch, and follow up.Someday isn't a plan, and it won't book you on a single podcast. Every month you wait, another guest gets the spot you wanted.Carl Richards helps people who want to be podcast guests but have no system for getting booked.Carl Richards, founder of Podcast Solutions Made Simple, shows East Trade Winds members how to fill a calendar with podcast guest booking for a full year. He says about a hundred million people want to be podcast guests, but few have a plan. Carl walks through how to set a goal, pick the right shows, track your pitches, and use PodMatch to find hosts. He also covers personal pitches, follow-up after the interview, and why a media page on your website matters. Podcast networking does not end when the recording does. This session is for solopreneurs, speakers, and small business owners who want more brand visibility and speaking gigs through podcast guesting.Key topics coveredWhy "someday" never books a showSetting a monthly guest goal (Carl aimed for one and landed two)Choosing where, when, and which topicsTracking pitches in a simple sheetUsing AI and PodMatch to find showsPersonal pitches, follow-up, and a media pageGuest linksWebsite · LinkedIn · Company page · Instagram · YouTube · Facebook · TikTokTools Carl mentions: PodMatch · MyPublicist.AIFull write-up: Read the full write-up.Supporting persons mentioned: Thank you to Tony Gyenis of Phoenix Business Exchange for introducing Carl to Knack 4 Business.Past episodes: Browse all episodes.— PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE —East Trade Winds: free weekly networking. Bring one challenge, bring one introduction.Profit10™: the free Profit Snapshot. Ten questions to see where your business leaks profit.Gentry Learning: real estate courses, listings, an Investor Club, and a free newsletter.Next StepsEmail: [email protected] Canada Growth Network (a robust CRM platform + community): $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month. Real tools. Real people.Subscribe to the K4B blogSearch K4B episodesRegister as a K4B guestETW: Join free every Tuesday, 8–9 AM ESTPast episodes (Ghost blog) Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.