2024 Virtual Summit

Last Update: April 22, 2024

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Are you a small business owner? Or perhaps a passionate entrepreneur with a big idea, ready to make your mark on the world? If so, then you’re in the right place.

Did you know that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy? They make up over 99% of all businesses in the US and create the majority of new jobs each year. They’re the innovators, the dreamers, and the driving force behind our communities.

But let’s be honest – running a small business is tough. From wearing multiple hats to navigating complex regulations, it takes grit, determination, and a whole lot of resourcefulness.

Because of exactly this – SmallBiz.com has taken the initiative to put together resources and experts from around the world, with the purpose of helping you overcome the challenges to drive your business forward and achieve more.

We’re your one-stop shop for the practical advice, strategies, and up-to-date information you need to not just survive, but thrive as a small business. Think of smallbiz.com as your roadmap to success.

From a high level view, here’s what we cover:
Operations, Human Resources, Business law, Marketing and Advertising, Sales, Finance and Accounting, Technology, Real Estate, Industry specific topics and everything else in between!

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner looking to scale or a fresh-faced startup ready to launch, smallbiz.com is here to guide you every step of the way. Because when small businesses succeed, we all succeed.

So, Explore our resources, join our community, and let’s unlock the full potential of your business by starting with one step forward today!

Your Hosts

Guest List

Andrew Miner

Revolutionizing Sales with AI-Powered Automation

In this episode, Ken Massa and Chuck Boyce talk with Andrew Miner, an expert in leveraging AI technology to help businesses solve the labor shortage crisis and revive “dead” leads.

Andrew Miner is the founder of a company that specializes in using AI-powered “humanoid” chatbots to automate sales and lead generation for small and medium-sized businesses. With over a decade of experience helping companies across various industries, Andrew has developed innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges facing business owners today.

During the interview, Andrew discusses the key problems businesses are facing, including labor shortages, motivational issues with employees, and the critical need for speed in lead response and follow-up. He explains how AI-powered chatbots can be a game-changer, automating mundane tasks, reactivating dormant leads, and ensuring every inquiry is handled promptly and effectively.

This episode is a must-listen for any business owner or sales manager struggling to keep up with customer demand and retain top talent. Andrew shares real-world examples of how his clients have seen impressive results, such as a 30% response rate and 10% conversion rate from reactivating a “dead” lead list of 20,000 contacts. He also discusses the ease of implementation, emphasizing that his company handles the entire process on a performance-based model, with no upfront costs for the business.

Whether you’re dealing with a labor shortage, struggling to follow up with leads, or simply looking to streamline and automate your sales process, this episode will provide you with practical, actionable strategies to take your business to new heights. Tune in to learn how Andrew Miner and his team are leveraging the power of AI to solve the challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses today.

To find out more about Andrew Miner and how his AI-powered solutions can benefit your business, visit smallbiz.com or reach out to him directly.

Barry Randall

Turning Quotes into Cash by Attracting Better Customers

In this episode Ken Massa and Chuck Boyce talk with Barry Randall, a business coach and author who has developed a unique system to help small businesses, especially in the home services industry, eliminate free quotes and attract better customers.

Barry Randall is a former landscaper who found himself £90,000 in debt trying to compete on free quotes and estimates. After meeting a mentor who introduced him to marketing principles, Barry developed a process he calls the “Conveyor Belt Method” that helps businesses qualify leads upfront, present pricing early, and eliminate the time-consuming task of providing free quotes. Barry has implemented this system with numerous clients across various trades, helping them increase profitability and efficiency without the need to give away their expertise for free.

During the interview, Barry shares the key insights from his research, including data showing that on average, businesses spend 16 hours per week on free quoting that often leads to no actual work. He explains how objection handling should happen upfront in the process, rather than at the end when discounting and competing on price begins. Barry outlines the 7 crucial steps of his system, from lead generation advertising to the final proposal presentation, and how each stage is designed to qualify leads, present pricing transparently, and close more profitable jobs.

This episode is a must-listen for any small business owner, especially those in home services, who feel stuck in the cycle of providing free quotes and estimates, only to lose the majority of those leads. Barry’s strategies provide a refreshing alternative that can save time, increase profitability, and allow business owners to focus on serving their best-fit customers. Listeners will walk away with actionable steps to implement Barry’s “Conveyor Belt Method” and transform their sales process.

To learn more about Barry Randall and his expertise, check out his books “Attracting Better Customers” and “Turning Quotes Into Cash” – both of which he is offering as a free gift to listeners of this episode. You can find links to download these resources on the show’s landing page.

Resources: www.thebusylandscaper.com

Dan Zitofsky

Becoming the Bank – Leveraging Private Lending for Passive Wealth

In this episode, Ken Massa and Chuck Boyce talk with Dan Zitofsky, a real estate expert and best-selling author of Passive to Prosperous. Dan has decades of experience helping clients build equity and create passive wealth through investments, savings, IRAs and 401(k)s.

Dan is a seasoned real estate investor who has personally flipped over 800 properties and closed nearly 3,000 transactions. He’s also raised over $30 million and utilized $400 million in velocity across 600 real estate doors and mortgage notes. As a national speaker and coach, Dan shares his expertise on becoming a private lender and using that strategy to maximize tax savings as a business owner.

During the interview, Dan breaks down the benefits of private lending in real estate and the key factors to consider, such as the borrower’s creditworthiness, property values, renovation scopes, and exit strategies. He explains how private lenders can secure their investments with collateral, get better-than-average returns, and potentially take ownership of properties if borrowers default.

This episode is a must-listen for any business owner looking to create passive income, build wealth, and maximize tax savings. Dan provides a wealth of practical advice on setting up self-directed retirement accounts, paying your kids tax-free, and utilizing strategies like infinite banking and accelerated depreciation. He also shares a free cheat sheet that outlines all the ways business owners can leverage private lending to become their own bank.

To learn more about Dan Zitofsky and access the free resources he mentioned, be sure to check out the links in the show notes. Dan is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to take control of their finances and build lasting prosperity, and his insights are invaluable for anyone wanting to secure their financial future.

Resources: https://www.passivewealthacademy.com/money-guide

Frank Felker

Unlocking the Power of Zip Code Famous Marketing

In this episode, Ken Massa and Chuck Boyce talk with Frank Felker, a marketing expert who specializes in helping local businesses leverage the power of Connected TV (CTV) advertising to become “Zip Code Famous” in their target neighborhoods.

Frank Felker is a seasoned marketing professional with a wealth of experience in the world of CTV advertising. He has worked with a variety of local businesses, from home improvement contractors to restaurants, to help them effectively reach their ideal customers through highly targeted and retargeted television ads. Frank’s “Zip Code Famous” approach focuses on geographically-focused, targeted, and retargeted TV ads combined with lead magnets and special offers to drive new sales and establish brand dominance in a business’s most profitable neighborhoods.

During the interview, Frank discusses the key benefits of the “Zip Code Famous” strategy, including how it can help businesses initially establish their brand in the minds of their ideal client profile and then drive new sales through the power of “parasocial relationships.” He also delves into the importance of targeting “golden nugget neighborhoods” and how to identify the most lucrative zip codes for a business’s specific products or services.

Listeners will learn how Frank’s approach to CTV advertising differs from the traditional “blanket the area” strategies used by larger companies, allowing local businesses to achieve greater ROI and penetration in their target markets. Frank also covers the various CTV platforms available, the recommended budget and testing strategies, and the benefits of incorporating lead magnets and special offers into the advertising mix.

Whether you’re a home improvement contractor, a local restaurant, a real estate agent, or any other business targeting consumers in your local community, this episode is a must-listen. Frank’s insights on the power of CTV advertising and the “Zip Code Famous” approach could be the game-changer your business needs to stand out from the competition and reach your most valuable customers.

To learn more about Frank Felker and his “Zip Code Famous” strategy, visit Frank’s website or reach out to him directly. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how CTV advertising can help your local business become the best-known provider in your target neighborhoods.

JB Brown

Navigating the Complexities of Business Exits and Acquisitions

In this episode, Ken Massa and Chuck Boyce talk with Jonathan “JB” Brown, a serial entrepreneur and mergers and acquisitions expert, about navigating the complex world of business exits and acquisitions.

Jonathan “JB” Brown has founded several successful businesses, ranging from e-commerce to home services, and has made multiple profitable exits over the past decade. Drawing from his extensive experience, JB now runs a full-service mergers and acquisitions firm, helping clients of all sizes, from solopreneurs to Fortune 500 companies, with their growth and exit strategies.

During the conversation, JB delves into the nuances of the “exit” concept, highlighting that it doesn’t always mean selling the entire business. He explains that for many entrepreneurs, the goal is to simply remove themselves from the day-to-day operations, while still maintaining ownership and enjoying the benefits of a thriving company. JB emphasizes the importance of understanding your personal motivations and aligning your business strategy accordingly, whether that’s a complete exit or a more gradual transition.

This episode is a must-listen for any small business owner, regardless of their current stage or future plans. JB shares invaluable insights on the common pitfalls and critical steps involved in preparing a business for a successful exit, be it a sale or a transition of ownership. He stresses the importance of knowing your numbers, understanding your customer economics, and having a clear vision of your desired outcome.

Additionally, JB provides a unique perspective on the emotional and psychological aspects of exiting a business, drawing from his own experiences and those of his clients. He cautions against the potential sense of emptiness and depression that can arise after a lucrative exit, highlighting the importance of having a well-thought-out plan for the next chapter.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the various exit strategies available, the key factors to consider, and the critical steps to take to ensure a smooth and profitable transition, whether they’re looking to sell their business or simply step back from the day-to-day operations.

Mark Marley

Leveraging Virtual Assistants to Scale Your Business

In this episode, Ken Massa and Chuck Boyce talk with Mark Marley, a successful business owner for nearly three decades, about the strategies and practices he’s developed to dramatically improve time management and efficiency through the strategic use of virtual assistants.

Mark Marley is an expert in leveraging virtual assistants to scale businesses. As the former owner of a technology company, he was able to run his business in just 20 hours per month by delegating tasks to a highly trained, remote team. Now, he’s on a mission to help over 10,000 entrepreneurs plug virtual assistants into their businesses without sacrificing profits, while also improving the lives of the virtual employees and their families.

During the interview, Mark discusses the power of leveraging people, both for non-business activities like personal errands and household tasks, as well as for core business functions like executive administration, social media management, and sales. He also addresses common fears around virtual staffing, such as language barriers, data security, and reliability, and shares his comprehensive, step-by-step system for implementing a high-performing remote team.

This episode is a must-listen for any business owner who is feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and unable to focus on high-level strategy due to the demands of daily operations. Mark’s proven strategies will show you how to free up your time and bandwidth by strategically outsourcing tasks to virtual assistants, allowing you to scale your business and improve your work-life balance.

To learn more about Mark Marley and his virtual staffing expertise, be sure to visit SmallBusinessLeachTracker.com, where you can download his free resource pack with sample job descriptions, onboarding plans, and productivity tools. Get ready to experience the transformative power of virtual assistants in your business.

Mike Koenig

The Arsonist of the Mind and AI Trailblazer

In this episode, Ken Massa and Chuck Boyce talk with Mike Koenigs, a serial entrepreneur with five successful exits, a 17-time best-selling author, and a pioneer in teaching AI. Mike helps entrepreneurs create their next act for a high net, low overhead, high impact, lifestyle compatible and simple business that they love.

Mike Koenigs is the “secret weapon” of founders looking to create and launch a new business after an exit and build a magnetic personal brand that multiplies the value of everything they do. His expertise and success have led him to work with major brands and high-profile clients, including Sony, AT&T, BMW, 20th Century Fox, Best Buy, and 3M. As a pioneer in teaching AI, Mike has taken the stage at Tony Robbins events, Peter Diamandis’ Abundance 360 conferences, MIT, EO, YPO, and more, inspiring and educating audiences with his innovative AI insights and systems.

During the interview, Mike shares how he uses AI to enhance natural abilities and become exponentially more effective and efficient. He demonstrates tools like HeyGen for multilingual video creation, ChatHub for AI-powered copywriting and marketing campaigns, and VideoGen for fully automated video production. Mike explains how stacking these AI tools can save time and money, while also increasing revenue by 20-200% without adding more staff.

Anyone looking to supercharge their business should listen to this episode. Mike reveals a “billionaire mindset” for using AI to multiply the value of your intellectual property, make your team 3-5x more productive, and create a network effect that can lead to massive wealth. Whether you’re a solopreneur, founder, or business owner, Mike’s insights on leveraging AI will open your eyes to new possibilities for growth and efficiency.

To learn more about Mike Koenigs and how he uses AI to transform businesses, visit MikeKoenigs.com. You can also find him on social media @MikeKoenigs.

Jeanne Hurlbert

Jeanne Hurlbert, PhD is an experienced, articulate media guest and public speaker who translates research into actionable, profitable business strategies. Her first book, “You Can’t Serve Them Well If You Don’t Know Them Well,” was published by Norsemen Books.

Crafting a new business intelligence paradigm that melds analytics and marketing, Jeanne breaks the mold of traditional market research.

She will share with you how you can target key customers, expand the amount of business you’re doing with them and attract more customers like them. She’ll show you how to identify key indicators of why clients love working with a company, so the business can increase sales to existing clients and attract more clients like them.

In short, she’ll show you the strategies she’s used with Fortune 500 companies and with six New York Times bestselling authors to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.

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