Have you ever seen two people just missing the point together? It’s weird to see a business and their client having two different conversations at the same time.  The client is frustrated but doesn’t know the right jargon to describe what’s happening, and the business owner is trying to solve the wrong problem, causing more frustration.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine discuss getting to the point in client conversations. Featured Beer: @AveryBrewingCo  @sawbackbrewery Mike: Avery Brewing...

In some form or fashion business has always existed.  But the evolution of it is fascinating and the basics still apply no matter what shape it takes.  What is interesting is how the evolution has just been to add layers of complexity.  At times, making it hard for business owners to understand the landscape.  Join Mike & Blaine as they discuss how business shaped human civilization. Featured Beer: @townsquarebrewing  Mike: Neighbour Pat's latest awesome brew! Blaine: Town Square Brewing...

At the beginning of our careers, business cards were the staple of business. So was a Rolodex and a phone call. Like bread, milk and eggs, you got a desk, a phone number and a business card and boom, you were in business. With the world moving online in a much bigger way in the past few years, is there still room for old-school tactics? Mike & Blaine will dive into their roots in old tech through to the latest and greatest. Featured Beer: @HeavySeasBeer @burgeonbeer Mike: Heavy Seas - The...

Most of us have had to devise some type of trade or barter in our business careers. It’s a core function of business and sometimes the only way to get something done. After all, isn’t business really just trading? Even if it’s for cash. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about how trading has come into play in their careers. Featured Beer: @flyingdog @stbcbeer Mike: Flying Dog - Gonzo Barrel Aged Imperial Porter Blaine: Southern Tier - Nitro Creme Brûlée Imperial Milk Stout Thanks to our...

Guess who didn’t come up with a topic for today’s episode? Yep, procrastination gets the best of us. So, tune into Mike & Blaine for a healthy dose of BS while we discuss how we get behind and what heightened sense of productivity follows a period of procrastination. It’s usually a lot of stress and a cycle of unproductivity. See if we can work ourselves out of this one. It’s bound to be a mess. Featured Beer: @deweybeerco Mike: Neighbour Pat’s Mystery Brown Garage Beer with...

Is exercising patience in your business good or bad? On one hand, thoughtful consideration can save you a ton of headaches down the road. On the other hand, you might miss out on an amazing opportunity and risk becoming stagnant or obsolete. In this episode, Mike and Blaine explore the double-edged sword of the role patience plays in small business.   Featured Beer: @AslinBeerCo @HeavySeasBeer Mike: Aslin Beer Company - Daddy Juice Fruited Sour Blaine: Heavy Seas Beer - Tropi Cannon IPA Watch...

Many of us aim to fit into what's considered "normal," yet often question whether we genuinely do. In this episode, Mike & Blaine tackle the intriguing question: What defines normal for your business, and how can we tell if we fit that mould? From being measured against industry averages to grappling with financial challenges, they dive into what society deems "normal." Join us for an unpredictable hour that promises to explore every corner of this topic. Featured Beer: @foundersbrewing...

It was a good run. After almost two decades of growth and an explosion of crazy-good flavors, the craft brewing business is in decline. How could that be? You would think the beer snobs would revolt or come to their favorite brewers' rescue, but that hasn’t happened yet. In this episode, Mike and Blaine speak about the unthinkable: the decline of the craft brewing industry. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Baltimore Mike, Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer:...

Have you ever heard yourself say something and instantly regretted it? It happens to all of us.  It’s embarrassing and could cause real damage to your business.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about those slips of the tongue that can instantly alter your business.  Is this something you’ve done?  Learn how to address the aftermath of a communication mishap. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Baltimore Mike, Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer:...

AI is here to stay, but we still have some thoughts about how it’s being used.  The massive uptick in people using AI on a daily basis is an amazing phenomenon that needs to be paid attention to.  It is improving people’s lives to the “nth” degree, but is it also making us lazy and uninspiring?  Tune into this episode where Mike & Blaine talk about some of the best and worst use cases for AI, and learn why Mike thinks most AI start-ups are unoriginal “copycat” apps. Thanks to our beer...

Sometimes, it’s accidental, and sometimes, it's on purpose, but the strategy you choose for your product dictates how you introduce it to the market. The real difference between pull strategy and push strategy is that you can feel it. You feel the market pulling you in versus you pushing your message and product to anyone who will listen.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine dive into how companies get their product in front of consumers. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel...

You have probably sat on the couch, saw a product, and thought, “I should have thought of that” or “I had that idea once.”  Yep, regular people, every day, take a chance to create a simple solution to a persistent problem. Most of the time, they didn’t set out to change the world, it just happened.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine delve into the ideas that were odd but became iconic. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer:...

For some time now, value pricing has been all the rage in many industries. So, we took a dive into the art of value pricing, where you are focused on the customer experience, not the costs associated with the sale. What might seem like a recipe for disaster could be the very strategy you need to thrive. In this episode, Mike & Blaine take on the facts and myths of value pricing. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer:...

You hear people say all the time that words f***ing matter.  Especially when you are trying to attract customers to your business, in this episode, Mike & Blaine delve into the world of words and their impact on marketing and sales.  Words do matter, and they can be used to invoke emotion and create perceptions.  Tune in while we discuss the elements that help you win in your market.   Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer:...

In your career, you can either work on your own dream, or work on someone else’s. When it comes to this pivotal decision, most people have to weigh the pros and cons of leaving the security of employment to brave the world on their own. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about the weight of that decision and the personal attributes that are essential to succeed. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @RealAleBrewing...

We all know how it feels when someone either goes way over the top to deliver or drastically falls short.  You’re either emotionally charged or pi**** off. In this compelling episode, Mike & Blaine delve into the psychological effects of 'underpromising and overdelivering' on customers. They discuss how exceeding expectations can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, but the opposite is also just as true.  In either case, this is bound to be an interesting conversation...

It seemed like everything got a fresh new start when the calendar turned from December to January.  Everything but our never-ending list of things to get done. In fact, the endless grind of goals, pricing changes, policy adjustments…on and on.  It just feels like your uphill battle gets harder with each step. The hill may look small, but the shifting sand takes a ton more effort to get to the top. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about the massive chore of making things happen. Thanks...

It seems like wherever you look, there is an article or claim that the author knows a secret that you don’t.  I don’t know how many times we have clicked on an article holding so much promise and been disappointed.  Ugh, it’s another clickbait headline!  Just before the podcast, we googled cash flow secrets and came up with millions of articles.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine ponder if there really are that many unknown secrets! Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel...

It’s that time of year when the internet overlords tell us what is going to happen in the New Year.  Don’t be shocked!  They look surprisingly similar to last year's predictions.  The truth in the matter is we don’t know, but we can make some pretty good guesses based on fact. Join Mike & Blaine as they discuss the need for predictions to be coupled with a flexible mind in an ever-changing world. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured...

We always talk about the businesses that grab headlines and get you excited, but we often overlook the ones that seem mundane or routine.  The truth is: that these businesses are the ones that tend to stand out to a trained eye.  They are more predictable and reliable.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine discuss what makes a boring business attractive. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @6666gritandglory @wrenhousebrewing Mike:...

At the risk of making every business advisor in the world mad at us, “working ON your business, not just IN your business” is a worn-out cliche. Don’t get it wrong, it’s totally true; it's just that the phrase itself might be played out. In this episode, Mike & Blaine dissect the phrase and pass judgment on whether or not the phrase needs an update. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @FamilyBusinessBeerCo @wayfinderbeer Mike:...

We always want to talk about the wins, but nobody tells the stories of the cringe-worthy sales call.  Funny thing is, you can almost tell immediately when things go south during a presentation. It leaves everyone with a lasting impression, so let's give thanks to Mike & Blaine as they discuss the warning signs that a sale just isn’t going to happen in this Thanksgiving episode. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer:...

We first heard about virtual assistants for small business owners from Tim Ferris in his book - “The 4 Hour Work Week.”  But how practical are they?  Do you really have enough work to justify one, and will they do the job the way you want it done?  Mike & Blaine debate the tips, tricks, and traps of finding help as a small business owner in this episode. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @AveryBrewingCo @greatnotion Mike:...

What makes you remember a company?  Better yet, what is almost the first thing you think of when someone mentions a company.  A lot of times, it’s their tagline.  That short little phrase just seems to sum up the entire business.  In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about how hard it is to find the perfect words to connect your brand with the emotions people hold about you. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @StoneBrewing...