Ask Brien Show

Today on the Ask Brien Podcast, our resident experts Peter and Traci interview Jen McFarland, founder of Merit Digital, a digital operations agency. They discuss various topics related to small businesses like digital support, business skills, technology, and artificial intelligence. Jen shares her insights on website development and support, SEO rankings, and the use of AI tools for time management and efficiency. She also talks about her journey as an entrepreneur and her decision to make her company a B Corp. If you’re a small business owner in need of digital support, this episode is for you! IN THIS EPISODE: * [4:13] Introducing Jen McFarland, Founder of Merit Digital * [6:39] Jenn shares the services and support offered by Merit Digital * [8:33] Maintaining SEO rankings with a new website. Jenn discusses redesigning an existing website vs building a new site * [10:01] WordPress and website compatibility issues that many small businesses struggle with * [11:27] Advice for small business owners searching for digital support * [12:56] Choosing the right digital agency for your business * [19:38] Jenn discusses becoming a B Corp * [22:33] Insights on Artificial Intelligence and how it can be a helpful tool for business owners * [25:53] How to connect with Jen McFarland * [27:46] Challenges and advice for new business owners KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Many small businesses can streamline their workflow and lessen their workload with the help of a digital agency. You don’t have to do it all on your own * When creating your company website, start small. Use a platform that offers clear features and is a pleasurable experience for your customers. You can always upgrade your website as your business grows * When choosing a digital agency, look for testimonials, subscribe to their newsletter, and have a conversation to gauge compatibility and trust LINKS MENTIONED: Marit Digital Website [https://maritdigital.com/] Ask Brien Radio Show [https://ask-brien-show.captivate.fm/] BIO Marit Digital helps small businesses and teams plan, implement, and improve the digital solutions that help them succeed.

Charlie Rocket realized the need to chase his dreams after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. So, after making some big life changes, Charlie started the Dream Machine Foundation. During this episode, Charlie shares more about his journey and how he is using his foundation to change the lives of others. Charlie shares how they make an impact on those who share their dreams with Dream Machine, and tells us a few amazing stories, such as a homeless artist becoming successful, a child raising $500,000 selling cookies in her new bakery and more. Charlie shares their Million Acts of Kindness challenge that took place earlier in April, and we hear some ideas of how you can provide a random act of kindness any time! Tune in to hear his incredible story and learn more about the Dream Machine Foundation!  IN THIS EPISODE: * [4:46] Charlie shares his story with us.  * [8:13] How is Dream Machine Foundation different from Make A Wish? * [9:29] Where does the funding come from for the dreams? * [10:40] What is the impact the foundation makes each year? * [15:11] How are the decisions made on who will get their dream fulfilled?  * [16:46] Charlie shares some of the dreams they have completed.  * [22:13] Were there any challenges when Charlie transitioned from being in the music industry to launching his Dream Machine Foundation?  * [24:15] What does the rest of the “Dream Team” do for the Foundation? * [26:34] How does Charlie get partners, such as Sprouts? * [27:43] How did Charlie get Once Upon A Coconut launched into stores? * [30:13] What are some examples of Acts of Kindness? * [33:12] Where can people find out about upcoming Dream Machine events? KEY TAKEAWAYS: * [8:27] Dream Machine is a small foundation, consisting of 7 employees who utilize connections and social media to make dreams come true. They utilize the viral internet era of philanthropy to help make these dreams a reality.  * [22:20] Charlie realized that he spent his whole adult life just focusing on making money, which buried his real dream of being an athlete. That’s when he decided to leave the music industry and start the Dream Machine Foundation.  * [31:18] Acts of Kindness don’t have to cost any money and can be simple things such as holding the door open for someone, giving up your seat for an elderly or pregnant person. A little kindness goes a long way.  LINKS MENTIONED: Dream Machine Foundation Website [https://www.dreammachineusa.org/] Charlie Rocket's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/charlie/] Dream Machine Foundation Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dreammachineusa/] Ask Brien Radio Show [https://ask-brien-show.captivate.fm/] BIO Charlie Rocket was managing one of the biggest music management companies in the world when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Facing death and weighing over 300 pounds, he made the choice to return to his childhood dream of being an athlete. He ended up losing 125 lbs, running 5 marathons, completing an ironman, and best of all, reversing his brain tumor. To top it off, he was even featured in Nike’s biggest Super Bowl commercial of all time called “Dream Crazy”, the Colin Kaepernick commercial. Charlie has now dedicated his entire life to making other people’s dreams come true through his non-profit the Dream Machine Foundation. He wants to become a new type of millionaire: the one that makes a million dreams come true.

“Reach for the moon, because even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” This week on the Ask Brien Radio Show Podcast, Confidence Coach Regina Bonds joins Peter to discuss her coaching business. She explains how she went from working as a banker to thriving as a confidence coach. In the conversation, Regina reveals what challenges she faced as a brand new entrepreneur and how she worked through them. Regina walks us through her three C’s to confidence, and shares some valuable tips for fellow women who are on the journey to create their own business. Tune in to learn more about becoming the most confident version of yourself.  IN THIS EPISODE: * [7:31] Regina shares her background and what she did before becoming a confidence coach.  * [10:23] Regina walks us through her coaching business.  * [16:00] Regina dives deeper into one of her programs she offered at the beginning of her entrepreneurship.  * [17:10] Regina shares the three C’s to confidence and how she uses them with her clients.  * [19:35] When did Regina find the confidence to push her business? * [23:16] How does Regina market her business to gain new clients?  * [25:19] What has been one of the biggest challenges that Regina has faced? * [26:22] What are Regina’s current offerings? * [27:52] Regina shares a success story from one of her first clients.  * [31:09] Does Regina run her business alone?  * [32:11] Regina offers a few pieces of advice for women wanting to pursue their dreams. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * [17:11] Clarity is the first step to confidence. Understanding what it is you truly want and getting clarity around your desires and giving you a point to determine where you want to go.  * [20:47] The entrepreneurial journey is not an easy one. Your business will ebb and flow, and you have to be committed for the long haul. You must cultivate an inner knowing and inner belief in yourself.  * [32:21] The first step when getting out there and chasing your dreams is to develop a support team. These are the coaches, mentors, accountability partners, etc. who can help you when you are scared to keep pushing forward or want to give up. LINKS MENTIONED: Regina Bonds - The Confidence Coach [https://www.reginabonds.com/] Regina Bonds - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/reginakbonds/] Regina Bonds - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ReginaKBonds] Ask Brien Radio Show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-brien-show/id1558604111] BIO Regina Bonds, affectionately known as The Confidence Coach, is celebrated as one of the world’s most trusted voices to women. She challenges them to use their confidence to improve, enhance, and ultimately elevate their lives. Regina has worked with women around the world helping them to recognize their value, find their voice, and clarify their path through the power of her confidence formula. She is a change agent, spiritual catalyst, and a confidence accelerator to many. Regina is a sought-after speaker, mentor, and expert to those that are tired of living mediocre lives and ready to live in the realm of unstoppable confidence.

After building a successful career in the NHL, Neil Smith decided to make a shift into a new career. In doing so, he found a way to utilize his experience and passion for the NHL in a new way. On this episode, sports manager turned senior wealth strategist, Neil Smith joins us to talk about his transition from sportscaster into the financial sector. Neil talks about the similarities between building a strong and successful sports team (and winning the Stanley Cup!) vs. in the financial world. He explains why energy and enthusiasm go a long way when it comes to motivation. Neil talks about his new podcast NHL Wraparound and how he plans to build a business with the show. Tune in for some great insight on finding a career you love.  IN THIS EPISODE: * [6:31] Neil Smith discusses his background and experiences.  * [10:32] How does Neil’s hockey fame help convert hockey fans to UBS? * [15:18] Is turning the podcast into a business Neil’s ultimate goal? * [18:23] What are the similarities between building winning teams in the sports world vs. the business world? * [21:31] How can you effectively do team building in the remote world? * [23:02] What does Neil think about energy and enthusiasm as a way for team motivation? * [25:34] Does Neil have advice on managing people with a high ego?  * [30:31] What is the biggest challenge Neil has faced in his career shift? KEY TAKEAWAYS: * [8:34] Enthusiasm and passion are the best ways to grow any career or business.  * [18:30] Building a successful sports team vs a successful business team isn’t all that different. The first rule of building a good team is that the people you put on that team, including the leader, have to have character. Then you can start to consider talent.  * [27:30] When dealing with difficult people, you’ve got to remind yourself that it’s not about you. It’s all about them, it’s what’s going on inside of them, it’s not that you’re beneath them, it’s that they are having to act like this to feel secure.  LINKS MENTIONED: NHL Wraparound Podcast on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ll9uFTkCAQlmYpdwuyT1j] NHL Wraparound Podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NHLWraparound] Neil Smith LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nycneil/] Email: nhlwraparound@gmail.com [nhlwraparound@uhgmail.com]  BIO Neil Smith works with the UBS Athletes and Entertainers business for Wealth Management USA. As a member of the team, Neil draws on his deep background as a Hockey Professional to help Financial Advisors understand and address the needs of this special group to succeed off the ice.  The goal of the team is to facilitate holistic advice and planning for these high-profile individuals, and provide Financial Advisors who are focused on this segment with the resources they need to grow their business.  Neil joined UBS Financial Services in February 2018 after more than 35 years in various roles in the National Hockey League and was one of the most highly regarded executives in the NHL. Neil served as President and GM New York Rangers from 1989-2000. In 1994 under his leadership, the Rangers won the Stanley Cup, their only championship in the past 81 years. Having twice been named NHL Executive of the Year, Smith brought many Hockey Hall of Fame players to the Rangers. He traded for legendary players such as Mark Messier, Mike Gartner, Kevin Lowe, and Adam Graves. In 1996 Wayne Gretzky and Neil agreed to a contract which would see hockey’s greatest player retire as a Ranger.  During his hockey career, Neil served as General Manager/Governor of the Adirondack Red Wings of the AHL and Director of Scouting for the Detroit Red Wings. He has been an NHL consultant to the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Neil began his professional hockey career with New York Islanders, and joined the scouting department in 1980.  In his current role, Neil is the liaison between the UBS Arena, Islanders and UBS. He is responsible for ensuring that the Islanders and all visiting players, coaches and managers are fully supported during their time at the Arena. Neil also acts as the face of Hockey at UBS working with the Sports and Entertainment Segment.  A native of Toronto, Ontario, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Western Michigan University where he was an All-America defenseman. He was inducted into school's Sports Hall of Fame, as the first ever hockey player. He was inducted into the Communications Hall of Fame and awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award at WMU. Neil remains an avid hockey player and very active in hockey analysis and player evaluation and development.  Neil holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses and has licenses for property, casualty, life, health and accident insurance. Sponsor: DUER: Upgrade your wardrobe and order your own pair of DUER jeans today! 20% off code-  https://shopduer.com/NHLFAN [https://shopduer.com/NHLFAN]

Ben Bucher decided to take a chance on himself when he transitioned from being a manager at McDonald’s to opening his own Allstate Insurance business. Ben joins us on this episode to talk about how he decided to open his own business and the challenges that came along with being a new entrepreneur. He shares how he grew his insurance business so quickly and what the most valuable things are that he has implemented into his business. Tune in to hear Ben share some great pointers for creating a successful business with zero experience.  IN THIS EPISODE: * [8:37] Ben share’s his background and what led him to open an Allstate Agency.  * [12:48] How working at McDonald’s helped Ben when opening his own business. * [14:46] How did Ben grow his business so quickly?  * [17:39] What free resources are out there that are free when just starting a business? * [19:19] What were the first challenges Ben encountered when becoming an entrepreneur? * [24:53] Why did Ben grow his business and how did he find success? * [26:12] What type of insurance do small businesses need? * [27:50] What led Ben to expand his business outside of Indiana? * [31:18] Ben shares some pointers for creating a successful business. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * [23:07] Don’t be impressionable, just because somebody says something, doesn’t mean it’s true. Keep finding contacts and learning and you can succeed. * [24:20] Business is different than it used to be, while it is still a people business because you are selling to people, now your employees desire the camaraderie that you have when you’re all in the office together and you’re all rowing in the same direction. It can be hard to achieve. Get to know your team on a personal level and ensure that you are valuing the same things when it comes to the business.   * [25:19] All growth takes place outside your comfort zone. LINKS MENTIONED: Ben Bucher - Allstate Insurance Agent in Fort Wayne, IN [https://agents.allstate.com/ben-bucher-fort-wayne-in.html] Ben Bucher - Allstate Insurance Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/BenBucherAllstateInsurance] Ben Bucher (@benbucherAllstate) • Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/benbucherallstate/] BIO Welcome to Bucher Family Insurance, your trusted local insurance agency serving Indiana, Ohio, and beyond! At our agency, we believe in more than just selling insurance policies – we're dedicated to building lasting relationships with customers based on trust, reliability, and personalized service. With years of experience in the insurance industry, our team of knowledgeable agents is here to guide you through the often complex world of insurance, helping you find the coverage that best fits your unique needs and budget. Whether you're looking for auto, home, life, business, or specialty insurance, we've got options. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing exceptional customer service. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and go through your options in plain language, so you can make informed decisions with confidence. And when it comes to claims, we'll be by your side every step of the way, helping with a smooth and hassle-free experience. But our dedication to our community goes beyond just insurance. We're proud to support local charities, events, and initiatives that make Fort Wayne, Indiana a better place to live and work. Because we believe that being a good neighbor means more than just selling insurance – it means giving back and making a positive impact wherever we can. So whether you're a new customer looking for coverage or a longtime customer in need of assistance, you can trust Bucher Family Insurance to provide the personalized service and peace of mind you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect what matters most to you.