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Growing Your Successful Business

Growing Your Successful Business

By Brian L Harding

A weekly podcast about all things relating to running a business. Listen to industry experts share knowledge relating to their particular field of expertise, as well as business owners giving insight on their own successes in business as well as pitfalls they wish they could have avoided. Hosted by Brian Harding.
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Currently playing episode

Episode 30: Karen Rosenzweig - One Smart Cookie Marketing

Growing Your Successful BusinessOct 28, 2019

00:00
52:20
Episode 37: Paul Long - South Sound Business Summit

Episode 37: Paul Long - South Sound Business Summit

This week, one of our favorite guests, Paul Long, comes in and asks Brian about common small business themes that have been discussed on the podcast over the last year.  Brian also shares a couple of big announcements regarding a project he has been working on for the last several months.

Dec 16, 201953:11
Episode 36: Brandon Christian - College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling, Junk Removal and Moving

Episode 36: Brandon Christian - College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling, Junk Removal and Moving

This week we talk to Brandon Christian who, in 18 months, has already hit some major milestones in his business.  He gives one of the best pointers I've ever heard for recruiting and interviewing candidates.  He also talks about specific things he does in his company to provide a great culture that is constantly striving to build leaders from within.

Dec 09, 201942:29
Episode 35: Paul Liddane - Complete Merchant Services and Craft Goods

Episode 35: Paul Liddane - Complete Merchant Services and Craft Goods

Merchant services is one of those confusing things that are difficult to get a grasp of.  Listen in as Paul Liddane breaks merchant services down for us.  He also shares the secrets to success that he has learned from running multiple businesses like 'speaking things into existence', 'always saying yes' and 'all you gotta do...'.

Dec 02, 201952:27
Episode 34: Devin Craig - Craig Consulting Group

Episode 34: Devin Craig - Craig Consulting Group

One of the key things that drives success (or lack thereof) in a business is culture.  And, 'culture' has become one of those catch phrases that has come to be used as a cliche, often times without any real meaning.  We all know that working for inept, mean or micromanaging leaders or managers is the key reason employees leave.  Devin shares some ideas on how begin creating the culture you are looking for.

Nov 25, 201955:27
Episode 33: Travis Daigle - travisdaigle.com

Episode 33: Travis Daigle - travisdaigle.com

What a story Travis Daigle brings into the studio this week.  He went from a 300 pound, 17-year old kid who couldn't swim to a Green Beret in just a few short years.  Between that time, he suffered from massive depression and feeling 'rudderless'.  He talks about his keys to overcoming life's obstacles, how to find one's direction in life and why he feels compelled to share his message with the world.  

Nov 18, 201956:36
Episode 32: Stephanie Prosser - Prosser Construction

Episode 32: Stephanie Prosser - Prosser Construction

Stephanie Prosser from Prosser Construction joins the podcast to talk about the immense benefits she has received from forming powerful strategic alliances, and even a womens' construction related mastermind group.  She also talks about how she maintains balance with employee relations and a few lessons she's learned along the way.  Take a listen!

Nov 11, 201949:41
Episode 31: Chuck Sweigart, Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo

Episode 31: Chuck Sweigart, Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo

What a great episode.  Chuck Sweigart from the very well-known and successful Washington Karate, Lakewood Dojo discusses the determination it took to get his business started.  He also talks about how many karate principles and values are directly related to running a business like balance, posture and perseverance.  If you want to know how to be successful, listen to this episode!

Nov 04, 201950:44
Episode 30: Karen Rosenzweig - One Smart Cookie Marketing

Episode 30: Karen Rosenzweig - One Smart Cookie Marketing

Not sure what to do with social media to help grow your business?  Karen Rosenzweig is a social media coach and gives tips on how to use social media and pitfalls to avoid.  She also talks about the knowledge she gained by hiring a business coach, how to detect and maneuver through, "Free advice," conversations and much more.

Oct 28, 201952:20
Episode 29: Mark Robinson - Pro Tool Supply

Episode 29: Mark Robinson - Pro Tool Supply

Mark Robinson comes in and takes us through his unbelievable journey of becoming a very successful business owner after a bit of a rocky start in life.  Mark takes us through the many bumps in his business ownership road, and what got him not just through those obstacles, but to a place of running a thriving business.  This is a 'feel good' story that you won't want to miss, and Mark shares some wisdom we can all learn from.

Oct 21, 201948:44
Episode 28: Dean Smith - Dean Smith Coaching

Episode 28: Dean Smith - Dean Smith Coaching

This week, we hear from Dean Smith, who created the award winning documentary 'Live to Forgive'.  The film captures Dean's journey of forgiving and helping save the life of the man who brutally beat his mother to death when Dean was still in elementary school.  Dean talks about how forgiving others, and yourself, can free up the time and energy needed to propel yourself to the greatness you are capable of and deserve.  This is truly a, "Can't miss," episode.  Check it out to learn how to move past the resentment that is holding you back in your own life.

Oct 14, 201959:30
Episode 27: Mike Sloan - Camas Consulting

Episode 27: Mike Sloan - Camas Consulting

Do you have, "Key man," insurance to insure your Buy / Sell agreement and / or to insure your key employees in the event an employee or business partner (including your spouse) becomes unable to perform their job or leaves the company?  Have you ever heard of a, "Captive Insurance Company," which can be used as a very tax-friendly component of your exit or succession plan as well as a retirement fund?  If you don't know what these things are, or are curious as to how they could benefit you and your company, Mike Sloan with Camas Consulting comes on to share some great information about how to protect your business.

Oct 07, 201939:29
Episode 26: Harry Wilson - Shine on Signs

Episode 26: Harry Wilson - Shine on Signs

Harry Wilson, owner of Shine on Signs drops some serious knowledge about topics that plague many businesses and business owners.  He talks about how to craft a cultural handbook to keep the team focused on the right goals, how to address mistakes without embarrassing employees and a whole lot more.

Sep 30, 201955:39
Episode 25: Angie Guy - Angie D Photography and Angie Whitten - Harmony Photography

Episode 25: Angie Guy - Angie D Photography and Angie Whitten - Harmony Photography

Photographers Angie Guy and Angie Whitten talk about gaining the confidence to charge the price they need to in order to have a sustainable business and the importance of finding a good 'fit' with clients.  Plus they talk about the value they have gotten from working with other professionals in their industry for finding mentors, bringing others in the industry up to speed and more..

Sep 23, 201950:41
Episode 24: Tony Roberts - Tacoma Stars

Episode 24: Tony Roberts - Tacoma Stars

Tacoma Stars General Manager, Tony Roberts stops by to talk sales, branding and how lowering prices actually increased revenue.  Plus he talks about good times in the entertainment world, like how to deal with 2,500 unexpected protesters at an event.

Sep 16, 201952:52
Episode 23: Shawn Mattingly - Weinand and Associates CPAs

Episode 23: Shawn Mattingly - Weinand and Associates CPAs

Brian hosts his CPA and good friend, Shawn Mattingly who talks about her own experience owning and managing a business.  She also talks basic tax and accounting dos and don'ts.  She explains why being 'bankable' is important, and some basic steps to take to achieve that.  Brian and Shawn also get into some common errors inexperienced entrepreneurs make when it comes to accounting and finance.

Sep 09, 201901:05:00
Episode 22: Dave Parkhurst - Greenhaven Interactive

Episode 22: Dave Parkhurst - Greenhaven Interactive

Dave Parkhurst, who currently owns two businesses, but has owned nine in his career, joins Brian to discuss buying a business vs. starting one from scratch, common things business owners overlook and why you shouldn't let emotion get the best of you.  He also gives out some valuable IT tips for businesses of all sizes.

Sep 02, 201948:23
Episode 21: Complaints and Grievances

Episode 21: Complaints and Grievances

A solo episode leaves Brian with plenty of time to drill down on frustrating and annoying, yet seemingly acceptable practices in the modern business world. And the notion that many companies no longer shoot for excellence, but rather merely attempt to disappoint their clients a little less than the competition...

Are you or your company guilty of any of these?

Aug 26, 201928:47
Episode 20: Kenneth Baff - 1UP Floors

Episode 20: Kenneth Baff - 1UP Floors

Kenneth talks about his 'radical' approach to running his business and how that has helped him immensely, including 'radical transparency' and 'radical open-mindedness'.  He also takes us through the ups and downs of his company's massive growth in just a few short years.

Aug 19, 201948:33
Episode 19: Samantha Neal - Coastal Maintenance Solutions

Episode 19: Samantha Neal - Coastal Maintenance Solutions

A very exuberant and excited Samantha Neal discusses her experience so far running her Janitorial and Cleaning business.  She talks about the difficult cycle of giving up control and then again having to focus too much on the tasks of the business rather improving and growing her business.  She also has a couple of questions of her own for Brian.

Aug 12, 201946:32
Episode 18: Mark Anderson - The Profit Growth Initiative

Episode 18: Mark Anderson - The Profit Growth Initiative

Mark Anderson takes us through 40 years of owning and running his business that he started with a small family loan in 1974 and sold with over 300 full time employees in 2012.

Aug 05, 201949:48
Episode 17: Greg Anderson - Author of 'Small Business Sales WTF (Without the Fear)'

Episode 17: Greg Anderson - Author of 'Small Business Sales WTF (Without the Fear)'

Author and B2B sales expert Greg Anderson gives some insight as to how a small business should approach sales, and gives tips on what your goals should be in every step of the process.

Jul 29, 201947:22
Episode 16: Paul Long - www.paultlong.com

Episode 16: Paul Long - www.paultlong.com

Paul is a Senior Vice President at Timberland Bank, and he is also quite successful at implementing non-traditional marketing ideas.  Paul comes on to share some of his tricks to get the edge over your competition.

Jul 19, 201947:18
Episode 15: Abbie Cates - FliP Food Company

Episode 15: Abbie Cates - FliP Food Company

Abbie Cates, owner of FliP Food Company, talks about how she had to change her perspective on failure after some major setbacks to continue to grow her business.

Jul 11, 201943:38
Episode 14: Kari Anderson - Thrive Communities

Episode 14: Kari Anderson - Thrive Communities

Kari Anderson shares her experience starting and running her business, Thrive Communities, and gives some great pointers on employee happiness and retention. 

Jul 11, 201953:02
Episode 13: Michelle Graham - Graham and Graham Eldercare

Episode 13: Michelle Graham - Graham and Graham Eldercare

Michelle Graham comes on to discuss how she built a fulfilling business which gives her the lifestyle that she loves.

Jul 11, 201901:00:34
Episode 12: Michelle Marconi - Marconi Chiropractic and Wellness

Episode 12: Michelle Marconi - Marconi Chiropractic and Wellness

What are the pros and cons of buying an existing business vs. building one from the ground up?  Dr. Michelle Marconi brings her infectious laugh and ever-cheerful outlook with her to discuss her experience buying a chiropractic business and then later starting an entirely new chiropractic practice from just an idea.  Plus she shares some lessons learned, along with many things she did right, throughout her experiences running two entirely different businesses with completely different goals.

Jul 03, 201958:16
Episode 11: Joanne Sandberg - Rainier Chem-Dry and Delta Restoration

Episode 11: Joanne Sandberg - Rainier Chem-Dry and Delta Restoration

If you're looking for some true honesty about the pitfalls and successes a business can encounter over 30 years to help you with your own business, you are in luck.  Joanne Sandberg, owner of the largest Chem-Dry franchise in the world, talks about a myriad of things she has done well and a whole host of things she wishes she could do over again since buying her business from her parents in the 1980s.

Jul 03, 201955:28
Episode 10: Shawn Ottenbreit - Freedom Boat Club

Episode 10: Shawn Ottenbreit - Freedom Boat Club

Accounting is one of the most intimidating and most often mismanaged parts of many businesses.  Shawn Ottenbreit, former CFO of the marketing division of Hewlett-Packard - and current franchise owner of the Freedom Boat Club, shares some accounting tips for business owners who don't have an accounting background.  Shawn also talks about his experience going from a fortune 100 company to running his own small business.

Jul 03, 201957:32
Episode 9: Dean Paulson - Floor Trader Outlet

Episode 9: Dean Paulson - Floor Trader Outlet

How do I keep a competitive edge in an ever-changing and extremely price sensitive industry?  Dean Paulson, the third generation owner of the Floor Trader Outlet, talks about tactics he employs to stay on top of the family business he has run for 30 years now.  He also shares plenty of mistakes he has made on his journey with the business his grandfather started nearly 100 years ago.

Jul 03, 201952:55
Episode 8: Lyle Crews - Aspen NW Real Estate and Property Management

Episode 8: Lyle Crews - Aspen NW Real Estate and Property Management

What is a KPI?  How can measuring results improve my business?  How do I know what decision is the right one?  Lyle Crews, Managing Broker at Aspen NW Real Estate and Property Management, talks about how he utilizes a Process Improvement background to make critical decisions and implement new strategies to improve his Real Estate and Property Management business.

Jul 03, 201956:07
Episode 7: Kevin House - Center Collision

Episode 7: Kevin House - Center Collision

When you've been in business for over 20 years, you've got plenty of knowledge to share.  Kevin House, owner of the auto-body repair shop, Center Collision, talks about the things that he has done well over the years, and also gives some insight on things he wishes he had done differently.

Jul 03, 201956:02
Episode 6: Brian Harding

Episode 6: Brian Harding

Brian talks about why he is doing a podcast and why he started his own business.  He also shares a variety of things he has learned along the way, not only as his plumbing business grew from 3 partners in 2011 to 50 employees in 2019, but also from the coaching he has provided other business owners.

Jul 03, 201956:45
Episode 5: Mac McDonald - McTerry's Creating Balance / Ziga

Episode 5: Mac McDonald - McTerry's Creating Balance / Ziga

What could you possibly learn from a guy in a multi-level marketing business?  When he is literally one of the most successful multi-level marketers in the world, and a retired Air Force Colonel who helped broker NATO deals, you could learn a lot.  Mac talks about leadership, motivating subordinates and the art of helping people reach their own goals.

Jul 03, 201949:21
Episode 4: Doug Hudak - BAM Design

Episode 4: Doug Hudak - BAM Design

What should you consider when branding your company?  When is it a good idea to rebrand?  Does your brand stand out in the crowd?  Doug Hudak, from BAM Design, talks about business Branding, Advertising and Marketing in this episode.

Jul 03, 201954:30
Episode 3: Keith Armstrong - Strong International Law Group

Episode 3: Keith Armstrong - Strong International Law Group

What advice would a business lawyer give small business owners?  Why do I need to use contracts?  Tune in to hear Keith Armstrong from Strong International Law Group give his advice and shares some nearly catastrophic mistakes business owners have made in the field of law.

Jul 03, 201954:56
Episode 2: Paul Long - Timberland Bank

Episode 2: Paul Long - Timberland Bank

How do bankers make lending decisions?  Why should you have a banking plan for your business?  Paul Long, Senior Vice President of Timberland Bank, talks about common banking mistakes business owners make and how banks analyze businesses to determine risk.

Jul 03, 201957:07
Episode 1: Kieran Murry - Ignite-U

Episode 1: Kieran Murry - Ignite-U

Not sure why networking is such a big deal for growing a business?  Or maybe you feel like a fish out of water when attending a networking event?  Listen to Kieran Murry, owner of a 500+ member networking organization,  give some pointers on how to make the most of your networking opportunities.

Jul 03, 201955:02