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 & Blai…

In this episode, host Blain Bertsch, CEO at Dryrun, is joined by Matt Howard from Maverick Agency in Calgary, a creative agency known for its innovative work. The conversation explores Matt's entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early fascination with technology and creativity to founding Maverick Agency. Matt shares his experiences navigatin…

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: @flyi…

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 our…

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…

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 s…

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 t…

In this episode of "Turning Point," host Blaine Bertsch welcomes Rob Danard from Black Owl Systems to discuss his story of entrepreneurship and innovation. The episode kicks off with Blaine reminiscing about meeting Rob in Texas during South by Southwest, highlighting the significance of networking in such events. Rob shares his entrepreneurial jou…

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 communicati…

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 so…

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 e…

In this episode of "Turning Point," host Blaine Bertsch dives into the innovative world of e-commerce and dropshipping with guest Lior Pozin, CEO and co-founder of AutoDS. Lior shares his story of building AutoDS from its inception as a simple idea to the complexities of managing a global e-commerce platform. Lior shares his entrepreneurial beginni…

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…

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 fa…

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 …

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 essent…

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 enhan…

In the latest episode of "Turning Point," host Blaine Bertsch chats with Eric Mayville, the Co-Founder and CEO of Fairgame, where they aim to revolutionize the golf tech landscape, concentrating on building community and enhancing the golf experience through cutting-edge technology. This episode dives into Eric's journey, tracing his path back to c…

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…

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 th…

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 w…

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. Th…

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…

In this episode of Turning Point, Blaine engages in a conversation with entrepreneur Chris Wehbe from Caissa, an advisory firm that serves small businesses and nonprofits. They discuss Chris’ experiences in managing a business across diverse cultural and regulatory environments. Drawing on his engineering background, Chris shares how it influences …

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 …

This episode of "Turning Point," hosted by Blaine Bertsch, features a deep dive into user experience (UX) design with guest Satyam Kantamneni, Managing Partner & Chief Experience Officer from UX Reactor. The conversation explores the intricacies of UX design, Satyam's entrepreneurial journey, and the significant impact of UX on technology and busin…

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 episo…

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 emotion…

There is never a shortage of consultants, but the lifespan of a consulting company looks short. In this episode of Mike & Blaine, we will explore taking your skills and turning them into a business. So, how exactly do you leave the corporate grind and find success in consulting? Tune into this episode to find out. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry…

Small business is a grind. It’s day-in and day-out repetition of barely moving the needle. Sometimes, we wonder why we put ourselves through it as small business owners. The emotional toll presents itself as burnout, but is it? We think burnout is about resentment, and preventing it means discovering what you resent about your situation the most. F…

Just getting paid!... It’s a huge part of mastering cash flow. Too often, we hurt ourselves by not making the most important task in our business super simple. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about making it easy for your customers to give you money. They talk about strategies and technology to streamline your payment process and boost your ban…

We were doing so well. Really. The small business community had finally rebounded from the collapse in 2008, and businesses were staying alive. There was a significant drop in filings from the high back in 2009, but in the last 12 months, they are climbing again. Mike and Blaine talk about how to keep your small business alive. Thanks to our beer s…

Everyone knows you must have a sales funnel, but what does that mean? ...and why can’t I seem to master it? In this episode, Mike & Blaine discuss the challenges they have encountered building and optimizing a sales funnel, which often feels like a game of Whack-A-Mole. Go beyond "Build It and They Will Come" and learn how to lead your customers do…

I caught it before I hit send but “tomatoes that rock for you” nearly went out to a prospective client who was introduced to me through a friend. Clicking send would have been a double-whammy. Lost lead and annoyed friend. There’s so much more than auto-correct that is helping us run our companies every day – but they’re also putting us at much gre…

How do you know if your inventory is too old? Just blow on it. If you see dust in the air, your inventory has been there too long. Inventory is a real pain for small businesses. Have too much and you kill your cash flow, have too little and you lose valuable sales. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about the perils of inventory and a few surviv…

Take a deep dive into the age-old debate of buy versus build to drive business growth. Mike & Blaine explore the nuances of expanding your company, from hiring employees to outsourcing projects, and share insights on when to invest in existing assets or create new ones from scratch. Tune in for a discussion that will help you make strategic decisio…

In this episode of the Mike & Blaine podcast, join us as we dive deep into the art of resourcefulness and how to achieve remarkable results with minimal resources. We'll share personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to harness creativity, innovation, and a can-do attitude to make the most out of limited means. Tune in for a dose of inspiration…

Not every business has the chance to attract customers on a global level. There are lots of businesses that must fight tooth and nail to win customers in their own neighborhood or town. In this episode of Mike & Blaine, we discuss the Hyper-Local business. Those small shops we depend on for home-grown services. Featured Beer: @saintarnold @snakelak…

Join us on a compelling episode of "Turning Point" as we dive into the remarkable story of Mike Snyder, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps reserves, who seamlessly transitioned his military discipline and leadership prowess into the world of business. Discover how Mike's unique blend of experiences shaped his approach to entrepreneursh…

The internet is here for good, so small business owners need to embrace the idea of having a digital identity. After all, it may be the only impression a customer may have of you and your business. In this episode, discover actionable tips to enhance your online presence and avoid common pitfalls. Tune in while Mike and Blaine try to help you level…

It’s been said that a good plan executed on time is better than a perfect plan executed late. In this episode of Mike & Blaine, the duo dive into mastering the perfect balance of planning and taking action in your business. After all, business is faster now than ever. Can you take the right calculated risk to get ahead? Featured Beer: @RealAleBrewi…

Tune in to the latest episode of the Mike & Blaine Podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of AI adoption by small businesses with special guest Ron Saharyan of Profit First!. In this insightful discussion, we unpack the intriguing insights from a recent Fox Business article that highlights how small businesses are embracing AI solutions and…

In this week’s episode of Mike & Blaine discover how to craft irresistibly edgy messages that captivate your audience, resonate with their emotions, and leave a lasting impact on your small business. Get ready to take your marketing game to the next level and dominate your competition with our expert tips and tricks. Featured Beer: @LakewoodBrewing…

In the biggest episode yet, Mike and Blaine tackle the stigma of giving away things for free in your business, while giving away a massive amount of goods to the winner of The Hundo Super Pack. Mike and Blaine fearlessly discuss the misconceptions around giving freebies in your business. Learn how strategic generosity can build trust, loyalty, and …

After a storied career building success within creative agencies, Chris Caldwell turned to developing a program called "Focus Management" that helps founders optimize their businesses by aligning teams, improving processes, and fostering a collaborative culture. He understands the importance of creating value for customers and going beyond simple m…

Join Mike and Blaine in this riveting 100th episode of "Unbelievable Stats," where they uncover mind-blowing numbers that defy imagination. They also get into an epically silly argument over tactics for improving your profit margin. And they drink some great beer! Mike: Neighbor Pat’s - “Orange You Glad You Know Neighbor Pat” Ale Blaine: Beere and …

Delve into the crucial role of the entrepreneur in identifying and seizing business opportunities. Drawing from their own experiences and featuring inspiring success stories, Mike and Blaine explore the key indicators to look for in choosing whether to take or pass on an opportunity. Featured Beer: Anchorage Brewing and @TUPPSBrewery Mike: Tupps - …

On this episode of Turning Point, Obed Maurice shares his journey of starting a virtual accounting firm through to an exit and on to his latest venture. Obed realized that traditional accounting practices were often painful for both accountants and clients. He developed a prototype for cloud accounting, accounting automation, and CFO services. He e…

Raising money is hard, especially if you go the traditional VC route, but what about crowdsourcing platforms like Kickstarter. Start-ups have raised a ton of money through crowdsourcing, but before you invest or try to raise funds, you better do some research. Mike & Blaine discuss their opinions and experiences with crowdfunding. Featured Beer: @A…

Discover winning strategies to master small business competition in this insightful episode. Mike & Blaine share actionable tips on differentiation, target audience understanding, and leveraging technology. Gain a competitive edge with real-life success stories and practical steps for sustainable growth. Tune in now! Featured Beer: @Einstok @driftw…