The Turtlesmith Podcast

Marketing vs Advertising & Understanding the Difference

What's the difference between marketing and advertising — and why does it matter for your small business? In this episode, John and Calvin are joined by Dylan, host of the Sense of Direction podcast and Turtle Smith's own marketing expert, to break down two of the most misunderstood concepts in business. They explore how small business owners can identify their ideal customers, why market research reports cost a fortune (and what to do instead), and how to stretch a modest budget — like that $3,500 tax refund — to both launch and promote a business. Plus, the conversation takes some fun detours into pool cue demographics, Japanese quit-for-hire services, DoorDash foot pics, and the very real business potential of cleaning up dog poop. Whether you're side-gigging or building an empire, this episode is packed with real talk on getting eyes on your business without breaking the bank. 0:00 — Intro & Welcome 0:57 — Season 3, Episode 22 begins 2:13 — Today's topic: businesses you can start for $3,500 3:04 — Marketing vs. Advertising: What's the difference? 5:40 — Meet Dylan: Turtle Smith's marketing expert 6:24 — How Dylan builds market reports for small businesses 12:02 — Trusting the data: balancing reports vs. real-world knowledge 13:55 — Cheap & effective advertising strategies for new businesses 14:09 — Social media as a free advertising tool 21:41 — Using government vendor lists to build your business resume 26:54 — Final advice: Don't quit your day job on a $3,500 stake 27:02 — Dylan's tip: Free work builds your portfolio 27:44 — Outro & where to find Turtle Smith

Should Your Small Business Accept Bitcoin? (Fees & Taxes Explained)

In this episode of the Turtle Smith podcast, hosts Scott Hess and John Barton dive into the evolving world of digital currency to ask a pivotal question: Do small businesses hold the key to mainstream cryptocurrency adoption? The team explores the surprising statistic that roughly 33% to 34% of small businesses are already accepting crypto. From wild stories of early Bitcoin pizza purchases to the modern mechanics of crypto debit cards, they break down how these transactions actually work at the point of sale. Small business owners will find essential insights as the hosts unpack the hidden processing fees of platforms like BitPay and navigate the complex IRS tax implications of treating cryptocurrency as property. Episode Timestamps 0:00 - Scott Hess and John Barton introduce the Turtle Smith podcast and their mission to help small business owners. 0:32 - Calvin introduces the episode's main topic regarding cryptocurrency acceptance. He notes that up to 34% of small businesses have already started accepting cryptocurrency. 1:45 - The hosts share personal anecdotes about early Bitcoin encounters and regret not buying in when prices were extremely low. They also discuss the famous transaction where thousands of Bitcoin were spent on Papa John's pizzas. 4:25 - The conversation shifts to how modern point-of-sale systems process cryptocurrency through auto-converting debit cards. 5:52 - The hosts break down processing fees from merchant services like BitPay. They discuss how these services often charge both the vendor and the customer. 7:20 - A crucial discussion on how the IRS views cryptocurrency as property, making its sale or conversion a taxable event subject to capital gains. 9:05 - The hosts explore direct wallet-to-wallet crypto transfers via QR codes. They mention the potential for zero-fee transactions but reiterate the tax complexities involved. 11:00 - The episode concludes with a debate on whether large corporations, rather than small businesses, will ultimately be the ones to drive mainstream cryptocurrency adoption.

Business Identity Theft

Is your business being impersonated online right now — and you don't even know it? In this episode, Scott and John get into the increasingly common threat of business identity theft, where scammers steal your photos, clone your brand, and take money from your customers before you can do anything about it. John shares firsthand experience running JB Cases, a custom pool cue case company that has been repeatedly targeted by fraudsters on Facebook and Instagram. The crew breaks down the payment methods scammers rely on (and why platforms like Cash App and Venmo make it nearly impossible to recover your money), the tools small businesses can use to fight back — including Brand Verify, ZeroFox, and Brand Shield — and why Facebook's so-called "proactive impersonation protection" might be one of the biggest scams of all. If you sell anything online, this episode is a must-listen. Follow us turtlesmithok across all socials Visit us at www.turtlesmith.com [http://www.turtlesmith.com]

American Heartland Collapse | Text Messages from God

In this episode of Turtle Smith, hosts Scott Hess and John Barton dive deep into one of the most shocking business fraud cases in recent Oklahoma history: the spectacular collapse of the American Heartland Theme Park. What was supposed to be a $2.5 billion mega-resort in Venita, Oklahoma, turned out to be an elaborate scheme involving fake messages from God, a 91-year-old Pizza Hut franchise mogul, and developers with a history of failed theme park projects. Join us as we explore how sophisticated scams can fool even experienced business owners, discuss the importance of due diligence, and share practical advice on protecting yourself from fraud. We examine the red flags that everyone missed, the devastating consequences for local vendors and the community, and the critical lessons every small business owner needs to know. Key Topics: * The rise and fall of American Heartland Theme Park * How psychological manipulation works in business fraud * Essential due diligence practices for partnerships and large projects * Protecting yourself from client insolvency * Recognizing and acting on red flags before it's too late Whether you're a contractor, service provider, or entrepreneur, this episode offers invaluable insights into avoiding the pitfalls that can destroy your business. Follow us @turtlesmithok across all social media networks, and visit us at www.turtlesmith.com [http://www.turtlesmith.com] Episode Timestamps * 0:00 - Introduction * 0:18 - American Heartland Theme Park Story * 5:36 - The Fraud Revealed * 14:06 - Due Diligence & Red Flags * 24:28 - Protecting Your Business

Open Topics

Join hosts Scott Hess and Dylan Steele as they explore timely financial topics affecting young adults and small business owners. In this candid discussion featuring guest Calvin, the crew dives into the spending habits of 18-25 year olds during spring break (averaging $3,863/month!), shares wild travel stories from Vegas to Barcelona, and debates the real impact of the Jones Act waiver on gas prices. The conversation shifts to Oklahoma City hosting NCAA March Madness games and the estimated $10 million economic boost, sparking ideas for creative side hustles during major events. From Uber driving to impromptu tour guide services, learn how locals can capitalize on big crowds. Plus: Gas theft flashbacks from the early 2000s, New Orleans scams, and why tattooed shorts might be the ultimate Barcelona fashion statement. Topics Covered: * Spring break spending habits & budget travel tips * Jones Act waiver and oil price impacts * March Madness economic benefits for host cities * Side hustle opportunities during major events * Wild travel stories and scam warnings ⏱️ Episode Timestamps * 0:00 * Intro & What Happened to John? * 1:45 * Spring Break Spending: $3,863/Month for Gen Z? * 3:48 * Best Spring Break Destinations Then & Now * 9:47 * The $250/Month Rent Days & College Living Stories * 13:09 * Houston Spring Break Scam: $2,500 Nightclub Ripoff * 16:19 * Jones Act Waiver & Rising Oil Prices Explained * 18:53 * When Gas Hits $4+: Theft & Economic Impact * 24:21 * March Madness Coming to OKC: $10M Economic Boost * 25:50 * Side Hustles for Big Events: Uber, Water, Tour Guides * 31:47 * Wild Travel Stories: New Orleans & Barcelona * 35:07 * Outro & Where to Find Turtle Smith