On‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode‌ ‌of‌ ‌The‌ ‌Small‌ ‌Business‌ ‌Radio‌ ‌Show…‌ ‌

A lot of small business owners feel shame when their company fails because they link who they are so much with their business. This is compounded when they lose money from people they know. What do we do with this shame?

Dr. Abbie Maroño has a new book called “Work in Progress: The Road to Empowerment, The Journey Through Shame” which offers a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked role of shame in personal growth.

We discussed:

How does your book challenge the common perception of shame as a negative emotion?

Can you elaborate on the scientific research that supports your book’s central theme?

How do you define empowerment, and how does it relate to the concept of shame resilience?

What are some practical strategies individuals can implement to transform shame into a catalyst for growth?

How do societal pressures and cultural expectations contribute to feelings of shame?

Can you discuss the role of shame in different demographics, such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status?

How does your book address the intersection of shame, mental health, and well-being?

It seems that the current President wants to change the US policy and open up trade again with Russia. One of his goals is to encourage American businesses to begin again in Russia. Would they be interested or are they ready?

Charles Hecker has spent forty years working in the Soviet Union and Russia. He has worked as a journalist at The Miami Herald and The Moscow Times, and as a geopolitical risk consultant at Control Risks, where he was a partner in the firm. He is also the author of “Zero Sum”: The Arc of International Business in Russia”, which is out now from Oxford University Press.

We discussed:

What makes the story of capitalism in Russia unique?

You interviewed executives from many large, global brands in order to write the book. Did they all depart Russia with the same feelings about their time there? Are some of them optimistic about ever returning to the country?

What do you think was the number one misunderstanding companies had about how capitalism in Russia would operate?

Were there difficulties that employees on the ground in Russia faced that they couldn’t share with their corporate headquarters back home?

Do you think western governments—who encouraged their home-grown companies to head to Russia—bear some of the responsibility for the unfettered growth there, which ended up in tatters?

Did Vladimir Putin coming into power change the course of capitalism in Russia? Could things have been different if someone else was in charge?

One of the most surprising things about the end of capitalism in Russia was that governments and companies didn’t see this coming—it seemed to come out of the blue. But did it, really?

If no one could predict something like the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent expulsion of most western companies from Russia, is there any hope for risk-based consulting groups? Is this practice dead?

What lessons could be taken from this experience and applied to “emerging markets” elsewhere in the world?

It’s not known when western companies will be able to return to Russia, given the sanctions currently in place. If those are lifted, do you think companies will return? What should they keep in mind as they do so, given what’s happened in the past?

Listen to more episodes of The Small Business Radio Show

The post #827 How to Move Past Shame When Your Small Business Fails appeared first on Barry Moltz.

On‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode‌ ‌of‌ ‌The‌ ‌Small‌ ‌Business‌ ‌Radio‌ ‌Show…‌ ‌

To say there is increased conflict inside of small business and workplaces is an understatement; it takes now more than ever a courageous leader to deal with conflict resolution.

Karin Hurt is the CEO and Founder of Let’s Grow Leaders, a global leadership company known for practical tools and leadership development that sticks. She’s the author of five books including, “Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict and Courageous Cultures”. She’s known best for building courageous cultures and high-performing teams.

Here is what we discussed:

1. The research- the World Workplace Conflict and Collaboration Survey.
2. What’s different about conflict today?
3. 4 dimensions of productive conflict- connection, clarity, curiosity, commitment.
4. What are the GOATs? (Greatest or time Powerful Phrases)
5. Best advice for helping a team in conflict?

What about making America Health Again? How will Robert Kennedy as secretary in charge of the health change this?

Dr. Michael Aziz is a renowned internist anti-aging, regenerative physician specialist practicing at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City Dr. Aziz regularly provides medical commentary on many health networks, including NPR, Fox and Friends, ABC, WGN Chicago, NBC, and Telemundo. Dr. Aziz is the author of the national bestseller, The Ageless Revolution.  Dr. Aziz’s columns, articles, and opinions have been published in the Los Angeles Times, CNN, WebMD, the New York Post, the Daily News, the Washington Post, as well as in many magazines internationally, such as Paris Match.

We discussed:

• How the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) panel will support policies that will help anti-aging efforts
• The anti-aging secrets of the “5 Blue Zones” -many who live in these zones become centenarians.
• Why the “Ageless Diet,” a natural diet outlined in the book, does not interfere with the 10 Hallmarks
• Why our chronological age doesn’t matter, it is the biological age that we should focus on.
• How to find the right anti-aging doctor.

Listen to more episodes of The Small Business Radio Show

The post #826 Powerful Phrases to Deal With Workplace Conflict appeared first on Barry Moltz.

On‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode‌ ‌of‌ ‌The‌ ‌Small‌ ‌Business‌ ‌Radio‌ ‌Show…‌ ‌

It’s the scariest time of year for small business owners- no not Halloween, its tax time- March 15th for businesses and April 15th for everyone personally. Why is it so scary for so many small businesses owners and what we all need to know.

Lisa Greene-Lewis is a CPA and tax expert for TurboTax. Lisa has over 20 years of experience in tax preparation and breaking down tax laws. She has contributed tax articles to local, national, and online publications, including US News & World Report and Huffington Post.  Lisa has also appeared on news broadcast, the Steve Harvey Show, and the Ellen Show.

We discussed:

• What do small businesses need to know for this tax season?
• What are some of the biggest mistakes that small businesses need when filing taxes?
• What are some of the savings or deductions that business owners should know about?
• How does TurboTax Business support entrepreneurs?
• What other platforms or integration does Intuit provide for small business owners?

if you have every started a business, it’s like a life and death experience; not only for the company but also for the founder.

Ashwin Gulati is the author of: “Soul Venture: A True Life and Death Journey into the Startup Culture”. He and wrote a tell-all that dismantles the myths, ambitions, and harsh realities of the riskiest culture in business. He has launched international ventures, helped start-ups take off or land, and copiloted complex transitions for over 100 companies in various industries in the UK, US, Spain, and France. With 30 years in the trenches, he has identified the hidden pitfalls, unspoken truths, and personal twists that ultimately determine a venture’s success or failure.

We discussed:

• From your perspective, what is the number one reason startups fail? (90% do)
• Can you talk about your own experience with startups?
• Your book contains some surprising reflections on what it means to be a startup entrepreneur. What prompted you to write it, and why did you title it Soul Venture?
• Do you think startups are for everyone? What makes someone suited to founding a business?
• You talk about the importance of balancing work and life. Given the nonstop pressure on startup entrepreneurs, how is that possible?
• What happened in your own career that made you question your career choice? What, ultimately, did you decide?
• How can entrepreneurs get to know themselves better — and better understand their own strengths and weaknesses?
• What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a new venture?

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The post #825 Surviving Tax Season: Expert Tips for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs appeared first on Barry Moltz.

But that’s not the example set for Americans now. The way the current President operates is to never admit he made a mistake. Always double down. Create your own narrative and when necessary, blame it on someone else.

I thought about doing this when I don’t have an episode #824; making something up so I don’t look so stupid. Blaming on a member of the radio staff or a missed guest appointment.

But that is not how I have operated most of my years in small business. The fact is that I misnumbered the radio episodes. It is that simple. Period.

I still think taking responsibility is the best way to operate a business. Be humble. Show that you are human to other members on the team. This will stop them from “blamestorming” others when something goes wrong and step up to find solutions.

The current president’s approach may feet good in the moment, but it does not build a strong team.

The post #824 Do You Admit Your Mistakes When They Happen? appeared first on Barry Moltz.

The price said $19. 25. I ended up paying $25.92. That’s 35% more than the price on the box. Let me explain.

• Box of Chocolate : $19.25
• Tax: (9.6%)
• Service Fee: $1.44 (7.5%)
• Tip: $3.38 (18%)
• Total: $25.92

They did not even ask me if I wanted to add a tip. They just added it automatically like a service fee and remember this is a retail store!

This all started during the Covid pandemic. Many retail businesses and restaurants added service fees to their prices because of increased costs. They even added the ability to tip at businesses that that used to where it never was an option.

Consumers were glad to pay these at the time because they were happy these places were still open and employees were taking the risk of coming to work.

Fast forward 5 years later. These automatic tips and fees still exist. Some don’t even go to the employee but are additional profit for the owners.

Now costs of business always go up. In the pre-Covid days, you raised prices. Now you raise prices and add service fees plus tips for your employees since they are not being paid in some case, minimum wage.

I would not be surprised if we see special upcharges for tariffs now. Breakfast places are doing it on eggs!

So what is a fairer way?

1. I think the price displayed should be the price you pay; this is what it is in many parts of Europe. Add any taxes, tips, services fees to the price so I can see what it costs. I routinely go to restaurants where a $25 entree really costs $34 with all the added things.
2. If your costs go up, raise your prices. I want every small business owner to make a healthy profit. Most customers will pay for value.
3. Pay your employees a fair wage so the customer does not have to supplement it with tips and fees.

What do you think?

The post How Tipping and Service Fees Got So Out of Control appeared first on Barry Moltz.

On‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode‌ ‌of‌ ‌The‌ ‌Small‌ ‌Business‌ ‌Radio‌ ‌Show…‌ ‌

What does the future look like for small business in 2025 with the economy still relatively solid, but the “on again off again” tariffs looming?

Mark Hickman serves as Managing Director for Sage in North America. Sage serves small and midsized businesses, providing them with finance, HR, and payroll software to make work and money flow. With more than 20 years of experience at the executive management and leadership-levels where he consistently grew revenues at leading organizations, such as Apollo, Calligo, Tyler Technologies and WinMagic, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge essential to successfully navigate the channel, partner, and SMB landscapes in North America.

We discussed:

• Is small business optimism soaring? What is the roll of tariffs?
• What role is the government playing in this optimism? How can they help and support small businesses?
• Do you believe that small businesses have adopted a growth mindset? Where are you seeing them investing?
• What are you seeing in terms of small businesses and AI—are they adopting and how?
• What skills are SMBs needing to adopt to compete in today’s marketplace?

Are you ready to retire? When will you know an what will you do? These are tough questions every small biz owner faces

Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons is a Retirement Transition Expert, lawyer, and author of “Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement”.  A magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and summa cum laude graduate of James Madison University. As co-founder of Encoraco (encoraco.com), Elizabeth designed innovative methodologies that empower high achievers to navigate retirement with purpose and fulfillment.

We discussed:

• How will I know if I am ready to retire emotionally and financially?
• What inspired you to transition from a high-powered legal career to becoming a Retirement Transition Expert?
• Your book, “Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement,” challenges traditional notions of retirement. What motivated you to write it?
• What do you think are the biggest misconceptions dedicated professionals have about retirement?
• In your experience, why is the transition to retirement particularly challenging for high achievers?

Listen to more episodes of The Small Business Radio Show

The post #823 What is the Outlook for Small Business with Tariffs Looming? appeared first on Barry Moltz.

On‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode‌ ‌of‌ ‌The‌ ‌Small‌ ‌Business‌ ‌Radio‌ ‌Show…‌ ‌

We are moving to electric vehicles no matter what the current president thinks.

My first guest is Mike Colias who is a Wall Street Journal reporter and veteran of the US automotive beat. He is based in Detroit, where he has covered General Motors for fourteen years and, five years ago, added Ford to his duties. With access to all the key players in the automotive industry, he has tracked the transition to electric vehicles from its earliest days

We discussed:

• How will the second Trump administration affect EV development in the US?
• Donald Trump and Elon Musk are newly minted BFFs—what will this mean for EVs in the US?
• How are some of the ways Elon Musk and Tesla schooled the established auto industry worldwide?
• Tesla’s success is based on so much more than its electric power train. Mike explains how.
• How has the established auto industry lost the advantage to startups in the EV marketplace?
• Is the rise in popularity of EVs changing the face of manufacturing in the US?
• What’s behind the slowdown in EV sales growth in the US?
• How is China’s dominance in EVs affecting the global auto industry?

We all know that family businesses are the most common form of a business in the world. But how do they thrive during turbulent times either caused by the economy or by something going on in the family?

Devin DeCiantis is the Managing Partner at Lansberg Gersick Advisors (LGA), a trusted advisory and educational partner to the world’s leading family enterprises. He is the author of “The Enduring Enterprise: How Family Businesses Thrive in Turbulent Conditions” with LGA co-founder Ivan Lansberg. His writing has also been featured in the Harvard Business Review, The Atlantic, and The Walrus.

We discussed:

1. What inspired you to write this book? Why is it a critical read for all business leaders today?
2. As the world’s most advanced economies increasingly experience structural shocks, environmental disasters, market failures, and greater uncertainty, what can enterprising families teach leaders about navigating crises with skill and confidence?
3. What can family enterprises teach all leaders about the importance of investing internally in stability to avoid catastrophe?
4. The book explores the entrepreneurial histories of some of the oldest companies in the world, which also happen to be family-run businesses, including Japan’s Kongo Gumi, Kikkoman and others. It also explores well-known companies that some may not recognize as family businesses, like Ikea and Samsung, that began as family-owned businesses. What are some of your favorite lessons from the organizations you’ve studied?
5. How can all leaders and organizations leverage a “frontier mindset” to build and sustain an enduring enterprises?

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The post #822 Is the Future for Electric Vehicles Over? appeared first on Barry Moltz.

On‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode‌ ‌of‌ ‌The‌ ‌Small‌ ‌Business‌ ‌Radio‌ ‌Show…‌ ‌

Since COVID 19, we have seen a drastic redefinition of how people define work and employment – and a redefinition of how they want to make a living.  As my first guest says in the title of his book – Is employment dead?

Josh Drean is cofounder of the Work3 Institute. He is also a Web3 and Workforce Advisor at the Harvard Innovation Labs and cofounder of DreanMedia. Josh is an HR transformation expert who connects emerging technologies with workplace strategies. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and MIT Technology Review, and his YouTube channel has garnered millions of views. His new book declares “Employment is Dead”.

We discussed:

1. “Employment” and “work” used to be synonyms, but the title of your book declares “Employment is Dead”. However, people still want to contribute their skills and earn an income. How is “employment” different than “work”?

2. In the book, you share the ten operating principles of Work3: partnership, transparency, autonomy, ownership, decision-making, flexibility, upskilling, incentives, interoperability, and community. How can they help unlock the full potential of a workforce?

3. Can you explain how GenAI can provide advanced training and upskilling opportunities, , enabling personal growth and development, which can prepare a workforce for new challenges?

4. While the gig economy can eliminate the need for middlemen or managers, allowing workers to engage directly with clients or customers, how can individuals approach their personal development in the future and become aware of where they need additional skills?

5. What do you see is the role of HR in the new future of work?

What is the role of a board of directors and do most of them lack a moral compass?

Mijntje Lückerath-Rovers is a full Professor in Corporate Governance at TIAS Business School, Tilburg University, the Netherlands. She holds a PhD in financial economics and is also a labor and organizational psychologist.

Here is what we discussed:

1. Why is it too simplistic to say that directors lack a moral compass?
2. You describe utilitarian and deontological ethics in your book, what is the difference, and why is it relevant in the boardroom?
3. Can you give an example of a recent case where a moral dilemma entered the boardroom?
4. What would be your advice to directors?

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The post #821 Is Employment Dead? appeared first on Barry Moltz.

On‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode‌ ‌of‌ ‌The‌ ‌Small‌ ‌Business‌ ‌Radio‌ ‌Show…‌ ‌

1.  Most people think of insecurity as negative. What is your view?
2.  Are there some good ways to fail and also bad ways?
3.  How do you scan for and mitigate risk? What are your favorite ways to take in more data?
4.  One of your more controversial views is that it’s more important to be first than to be right. There are clearly many examples of first entrants into a market that are no longer around. Why do you stand by this assertion?

Listen to more episodes of The Small Business Radio Show

The post #820 Can Insecurity Be Your Secret Weapon in Entrepreneurship? appeared first on Barry Moltz.

My father taught me that “quitters never win and winners never quit”- he had sign on his desk…but I realized in business that “winners know when to quit”.

The famous restauranteur, Richard Melman of “Lettuce Entertain You” fame knew when to keep the new restaurant open and pivot or when to close it because it was not going to work long term.

As Will Rogers said “When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you have to do is stop digging.”

Too many small business owners learn this too late after they have invested their life savings and then some in a failing company (that they are borrowing money from the bank to keep it afloat). This was a hard lesson for me, because I was one of those that never ever gave up. I still don’t in cycling or hiking today. But, I have learned this can be a very expensive lesson when it comes to business.

Remember, financial success in business is not about winning and losing. It’s not a winner take all in some high-risk game. It may seem like that in the retelling of the highly successful businessperson’s tale,  but that’s not how it truly happened. Only in retrospect does it seem like the billionaire but it on black in roulette and won!

Success is about patient iterative steps. In a immediate gratification society, this is hard.

When you have a success, ask yourself what the next step is you can take to build on it. Don’t assume that you now have the magic touch.

When there is a failure, learn what you can (sometimes nothing), mourn the loss, but then immediately let go and take action that gives you another chance of success.

What we should remember about National Quitters Day is sometimes, when you quit, it leads to a successful path.

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