Nurture Small Business

What is adversity? It’s life’s way of testing whether we’re worthy of an epic comeback story we’re destined to tell. Today’s guest is the definition of a persistent, self-made woman. As a single mother working in accounting, she faced numerous obstacles, ultimately leading her to resign from her job and embark on a journey of establishing her own thriving business. Meet Nesha Pai, CPA, owner and CEO of Pai CPA, LLC, and author of the award-winning book “Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles”. She is also an international speaker, motivating women and entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams by providing them with the necessary tools to conquer obstacles in their path. In this episode, Nesha spills stories of adversity to inspire others and offers words of wisdom for female entrepreneurs juggling multiple businesses. Looking for more tips on how to kick adversity to the curb? Check out Nesha’s podcast, Piece of the Pai!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

As an entrepreneur, how are you building, scaling, or growing your business? Maybe you’re focusing on one or all. Today’s guest shares how she uses shortcuts to help businesses succeed at all three! Beate Chelette is the author of “Happy Woman, Happy World,” a book dedicated to sharing the challenges that working mothers face and how the lack of a code amongst women is detrimental to their personal development as leaders. Beate dishes about her experience as an immigrant, entrepreneur, and business leader. Despite facing many obstacles from employee betrayal to natural disasters to personal loss, she refused to give up. Beate’s experience has inspired her to help other people make their impact in this world.  Through her business The Women’s Code, Beate helps businesses grow and scale by providing specific strategies tailored to their needs. As founder and Growth Architect, she creates strategies and designs process maps and blueprints for leaders who want to maximize their profits and scale their impact.  If you’re interested in an Opportunity Assessment with Beate, click here! Don’t forget to mention this podcast episode for priority service! Further, we encourage you to take the “What’s Your Talent Worth?" quiz to calculate the value of your talent in the market.  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

Can you imagine losing half your body weight? In today's episode, our guest opens up about her journey, recounting experiences as a wife, mother, former nurse, and business owner. She reflects on how these diverse aspects of her life have intricately shaped the professional she has become today. Amy Singleton, founder of Hite Digital, shares her journey in which she lost half her body weight by undergoing bypass surgery. She discusses how she found purpose in life after struggling with her weight, health, and a divorce.  In 2019, Amy started Hite Digital, a digital marketing agency that serves small businesses, helping turn their websites into lead generating machines. She finds joy in watching others’ dreams come true and is passionate about helping business owners find their purpose and improve their lives. If you’re not sure what your next step should be or just find Amy’s story interesting, this episode is for you!  To learn more about Amy and her journey, check out her podcast Queen’s Lead! 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

Transparency strengthens business accountability. As business owners, it is important to hold your business accountable for its actions, decisions, and impact on society. Unfortunately, there is a lot of dishonesty in the US Financial System including crimes like tax fraud and money laundering. To combat these dishonest practices, the Corporate Transparency Act was created.  Today’s guest, Shahara Wright, business law attorney and owner of The Wright Firm, works with small businesses and nonprofit organizations as general counsel, helping with legal and business strategies, including entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, investor packages, and contracts. In this episode, Shahara defines the Corporate Transparency Act and the importance of filing a Beneficial Ownership Information report (BOI). She not only files BOI reports for her current clients but also supports small business owners through her blog and website, providing valuable information on the Corporate Transparency Act. If you’re unsure of how to file a BOI report, or just looking for insights on the Corporate Transparency Act, this episode is for you!  To learn more, feel free to contact Shahara via her 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. LinkedIn

Failure, a word often associated with a lack of success, but have you ever heard of a success story without a little bit of failure? As business owners, it is important to embrace failure as it keeps us humble, makes us stronger, and is inevitable. Today’s guest shares a unique perspective, suggesting that failure is not a true defeat but rather an opportunity for learning and growth.  Alane Boyd is a serial entrepreneur, passionate leader, and a high-growth founder. In today’s episode, Alane discusses her failures, how she overcame them, and how she is now helping others overcome their failures. Alane is the CEO of Arvo Answers, an AI-driven company helping businesses implement project management systems and automation tools. Through her work, Alane hopes to shift perspectives on failure and uplift those who feel like they’ve failed by sharing her experiences. If you’re looking for tips on how to better handle your failures and turn them into steppingstones, this episode is for you! Looking to learn more about Alane and her work? Check out her 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

Are your team members experiencing a sense of purpose in your company? Recognizing and fostering employee motivation is important for enhancing the overall employee experience. It's essential for employees to see the connection between their roles and the larger organizational goals. Today’s guest emphasizes the significance of purpose within an organization and cultivating a culture in which employees feel appreciated. Sonya Shelton, a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and a certified master corporate executive coach, serves as the CEO of Executive Leadership Consulting. Her business is dedicated to co-creating exponential growth for companies by aligning purposeful strategy and passionate culture. Sonya provides tips on measuring trust and passion within an organization's culture and offers guidance on bringing these qualities to life. If you're concerned about employee burnout or lack of motivation, this episode offers valuable insights on fostering a more engaged work environment. And for those interested in building their dream team, Sonya’s masterclass, Red Thread Leadership ™, is a must! 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

Are you a spontaneous spender, a meticulous planner, or something in between? As an entrepreneur, mastering the art of budgeting and forecasting is essential to your business’s success. In 2024, you likely have goals in mind such as income targets, client acquisition, or profitability. In this episode of Denise’s Opinions, Denise shares the difference between a budget and a forecast and how to use each plan effectively. Denise emphasizes the importance of embracing data despite its intimidating nature and highlights how data is the foundation for effective financial decisions. Understand the alliance between budgeting and forecasting and learn why regular assessments are key to financial success. Whether you’ve set ambitious goals for the year or simply have a vision in mind, join Denise as she navigates a business owner’s financial game plan! Looking for more insights and tips on budgeting and forecasting? Register for Denise’s next webinar: “Unleash Success in 90 Minutes: Your Blueprint for Sales and Marketing Triumph” set for Thursday, January 25th. See you there! 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

As a business owner, are you prioritizing your employees' well-being? With the evolving needs of the workforce, it is important to consider what your employees value beyond their day-to-day tasks. Today’s guest speaks on the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace.  Meet Autumn Collier, founder of The Well Woman, LLC, specializing in supporting women with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and life transitions. In this episode, Autumn emphasizes the significance of contentment rather than constantly chasing happiness. She advocates for establishing boundaries between work and personal life to foster a healthy mindset. Autumn lives by her motto, “Why not?” —encouraging individuals to pursue their dreams and goals without fear and hesitation. If you’re looking for tips on how to reduce workplace stress and create a compassionate culture around mental health, this episode is a must-listen!  For more tips on mental health, tune into Autumn’s podcast, Lady and the Couch. 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

In the wake of significant changes witnessed in recent years, a remarkable shift in the workforce has unfolded. With the retirement of Baby Boomers and a rise in Gen Z workers, businesses must really consider what employees value. Join Denise as she dives into the current trends in the workforce, shedding light on their effects on both employees and employers.  Denise explores the positive and negative aspects of workforce trends, such as the rise of remote and hybrid work models. She emphasizes how these new approaches can enhance overall well-being while also acknowledging their potential impact on mental health. From the importance of cultivating soft skills to the value of gathering employee feedback and championing diversity initiatives, Denise provides insights on creating a more enjoyable workplace and navigating through transformative changes. Catch valuable tips for preparing for the changing workforce 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. LinkedIn

Are you a business owner who finds it challenging to strike up conversations with new people? You're not alone! In today's podcast, our guest sheds light on the crucial role of human connection in the sales industry. She dives into how her curiosity became the cornerstone of her sales expertise and emphasizes the significance of focusing on the right activities to drive sales success.Nancy Calabrese, founder of One of a Kind Sales, brings a unique perspective to problem-solving through consultative selling. Her company not only engages in cold calls but also provides coaching to business owners on the art of effective cold calling. If you're keen on exploring the benefits, challenges, and proper techniques of phone prospecting, this episode is a must-listen!If Nancy’s perspectives and experiences have piqued your interest, you can discover more about her by visiting her 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

Mastering communication goes beyond just words, especially in the business world. If you’re an entrepreneur, finding the balance between effective communication and staying true to yourself is crucial. Today’s guest takes us through her experiences with both verbal and nonverbal communication, emphasizing how honing nonverbal skills can significantly enhance verbal communication. Rachel Cossar, founder of Virtual Sapiens, shares her unique journey delving into nonverbal expression. Drawing from her background as a dancer, she unravels the layers of human communication beyond spoken language. Through her initiative, Virtual Sapiens, Rachel aims to help teams grasp the important connection between performance, communication, and expression. Discover how Virtual Sapiens elevates human coaching by leveraging AI to provide valuable feedback on presence and communication!For more insights into Rachel’s journey and Virtual Sapiens, you can check out her LinkedIn page. 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

As a business owner, do you feel it is your responsibility to be an expert in every aspect of your business? If you answered yes, you are not alone! Today’s guest shares her experience as a female business owner and how she dealt with overvaluing expertise and striving for perfection. Sara Shelton, founder of PassionFruit Professional Coaching, shares insight into why women, more often than men, struggle with asking for help or admitting they don’t know something. Covering topics such as corporate culture and self-confidence, she provides guidance on overcoming perfectionism, building complex relationships, and improving confidence. Learn from Sara’s personal experience of launching her own coaching business, so you can be ahead of the game!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

As an entrepreneur, you might be struggling to figure out how to balance your life as a business owner. It sure was a challenge for me! That’s why today’s guest is here to share her own underdog story, along with the importance of having a support system and being transparent while running a business. Tanya Alvarez founded OwnersUP to provide support to entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed and overworked. From time management to accountability, Tanya provides insights and examples on how to overcome challenges as an entrepreneur. Want to learn how you can use tools such as goal recipes, time analysis, the four layers of accountability, and the “rap” method to improve your efficiency? Tanya shares how to do it all in this episode! To learn more about Tanya and her business, you can check out OwnersUP on 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

Have you ever contemplated what could be holding your team back from unlocking their true potential? Our guest today reveals that the key to this puzzle lies within effective communication. You might be skeptical, assuming that your business already has a well-crafted communication strategy in place. However, our guest shines light on how even the best communication practices can gradually morph into toxic barriers, preventing individuals from expressing their true thoughts and intentions.  Meet Marsha Acker, a coach, speaker, podcast host, business owner, and today’s guest. Her company, TeamCatapult, exists to “help leaders be more effective, collaborative, and adaptive as they grow their teams, lead change, and achieve their desired results.” To say the least, listeners are in for a treat as Marsha delves into structural dynamics layer by layer, sharing how business owners can use this approach to analyze employee communication. Learn how confronting childhood experiences and creating a space where teams can be vulnerable could transform conversations and improve team dynamics.  For more information on effective and collaborative leadership strategies, tune into Marsha’s podcast, Defining Moments of Leadership. 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

Want to build a more equitable workplace? It starts with employee buy-in, and what better way to do that than through pay transparency? Lucky for you, today’s guest is passionate about equitable pay and is here to share alternative pathways for advancing your business and team. Sally Loftis, managing partner of Loftis Partners, shares the importance of disentangling performance management from compensation and how it influences employee retention and productivity. She highlights the significance of employee buy-in and communication when implementing changes related to pay. Her stance on addressing pay equity within an organization emphasizes the need for curiosity and collaboration, not blame and judgment. Get better equipped to lead your team with effective communication and foster a workplace built on trust.  Follow and subscribe to my monthly LinkedIn newsletter, Fully Human | Resources Subscribe to my monthly email newsletters here  Follow me on LinkedIn Visit the Loftis Partners 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

Are you aware of the impact your habits have on your finances, relationships, business, and health? In today’s discussion, not one but two experts in the field of physical and financial wellness join the show to discuss the importance of understanding our habits, how to change them, and how they impact all aspects of our lives. Elizabeth Colen, owner of Ms. Fit One and Jaqee Cooke, owner of Heart Soul Money shed light on the transformative power of group training programs within companies, offering insights into how these programs can elevate employee well-being, strengthen loyalty, and drive improved performance. Moreover, they highlight how even small businesses can invest in alternative benefits that promote well-being, fostering a healthier work environment where employees feel valued and thrive.  Join us as we explore the profound connections between habits, well-being, and 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

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