EP13: Humble Beginnings to $10M Fractional CFO Empire | Jody Grunden | CEO, Summit CPA

EP20: Unlocking the Secrets of Self-Publishing Your Own Book | Michelle DeFilippo | Eleven Six Design

In this episode of the GET BUSINESS SMART Podcast, Tony talks with Michele DeFilippo of Eleven Six Design about the world of publishing. Dive into the world of book publishing with Michelle DeFilippo, owner of Eleven Six Design, as she shares her insights from helping over 4,000 authors bring their books to life. Whether you're an aspiring author or an experienced writer, learn practical tips on publishing, marketing, and maximizing your book’s impact.In this  TAKEAWAYS * Michelle's journey helping authors publish and the importance of choosing the right publishing path * The financial realities of traditional publishing versus self-publishing on Amazon * How authors can avoid common pitfalls and red flags in the publishing industry * The process of producing different formats: print, ebook, audiobook * Effective marketing strategies and realistic expectations for new book releases * The role of hybrid publishers and how to assess their value * The impact of AI tools like ChatGPT and AI-generated audiobooks in modern publishing * What to look for in a trusted author services company * How to distribute your book widely using platforms like KDP and IngramSpark * Tips for building an author career with consistent book releases TIMESTAMPS  00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Michelle DeFilippo  02:10 - Michelle's long-standing experience in publishing since the 1970s  04:20 - The realities of book sales and author expectations  05:45 - Impact of publishing choices on earnings  09:12 - Understanding traditional vs. self-publishing models  12:52 - Effective marketing budgets and strategies for new books  14:01 - The comprehensive publishing services offered by Eleven Six Design  16:42 - The role of editing and managing the publishing process  18:31 - Insights into ghostwriting and AI-assisted writing  21:38 - Producing and licensing audiobooks  22:49 - Best practices for audio narration and production  25:02 - Common industry red flags and scams authors should watch for  28:24 - Distributions platforms to maximize reach  29:15 - The future of bookstores and online vs. in-store buying  30:39 - How to connect with Michelle and access free resources Resources & Links: * Publish Like the Pros - Free Guide [https://elevensixdesign.com/publish-like-the-pros] CONNECT WITH MICHELE DEFILIPPO at Eleven Six Design [https://elevensixdesign.com/] | elevensixdesign.com Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

EP19:Franchising Success: Unlocking Opportunities in Business Ownership |CHRIS HILGERS|PEAK FRANCHISING

Discover the ins and outs of franchising with Chris Hilgers, a 15-year industry veteran, as he shares insights on why franchises offer a higher success rate compared to startups. Learn about the process of choosing the right franchise, understanding investments, and the support structures that help franchise owners thrive. TAKEAWAYS * The success disparity between franchise owners (80%) and startups (90% failure over 10 years) * Why starting in the second base (franchise) is smarter than starting from scratch * The importance of validation and talking to existing franchise owners * The comprehensive process of screening, discovery, and measuring fit before investing * How to evaluate franchise investment costs: from service businesses to brick-and-mortar options * The role of support structures, including training, marketing, and real estate guidance, in franchise success * Tips on assessing a franchise’s differentiation in the marketplace * The significance of choosing a business aligned with personal interests and lifestyle goals * Resources for continuous growth and learning, including Tony Robbins and Darren Hardy TIMESTAMPS  00:00 - Introduction to franchise success rates and why they matter  00:40 - Comparing startups versus franchise success and starting at second base  01:17 - The value of validation and talking to current franchise owners  03:02 - The franchise selection process: screening and personal modeling  04:48 - How to determine the right type of franchise for your skills and lifestyle  06:12 - The importance of focusing and filtering options, not shotgun approaches  07:10 - The FTC regulations and the disclosure process for franchisees  08:33 - Benchmarking and evaluating franchise performance metrics  09:02 - Scalability and long-term sustainability of franchise businesses  09:28 - Validating franchise success and challenges with existing owners  10:25 - The significance of visiting headquarters and discovery days  11:28 - Franchise options: the variety of companies and opportunities available  12:44 - Investment ranges in franchises: low vs. high cost options  13:45 - Types of service and brick-and-mortar franchises, with examples  15:08 - Support structures: training, marketing, real estate, and peer networks  16:23 - The value of choosing franchises with well-developed support programs  17:16 - The importance of business differentiation in competitive markets  18:13 - Aligning franchise choices with personal fulfillment and interests  21:13 - Support systems for franchise owners: ongoing training and infrastructure  27:35 - Recommended resources for ongoing personal and business growth  29:08 - How to connect with Chris and explore franchise opportunitiesResources & Links: CONNECT WITH CHRIS HILGERS AT peakfranchising.com [http://peakfranchising.com] and podcast.peakfranchising.com [http://podcast.peakfranchising.com] Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

EP18: GETTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN YOUR LIFE | ALAN LAZAROS | NEXT LEVEL UNIVERSITY

Alan Lazaros, co-founder of Next Level University, joins Tony Bradshaw for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build a thriving business and podcast from the ground up. From leading by example to tracking the right metrics, Alan shares the systems and mindsets that have helped him grow an engaged online community — and how you can apply the same principles to your own journey. TAKEAWAYS Consistency is key — keep evolving and never stop showing up. Lead by example. Be willing to do what you ask of your team. Track your metrics daily to stay aligned and avoid operational chaos. Focus on high-value activities and let technology do the heavy lifting. Build a community that values genuine human connection over automation. TIMESTAMP 00:00 Introduction to Alan Lazaros and Next Level University 02:52 The challenges of starting a business 05:39 Leading by example in business 08:24 Managing a virtual team effectively 11:21 Tracking metrics for success 14:03 Building a cohesive business model 17:10 The value of community in podcasting 19:04 Starting your podcast journey 22:25 Building a personal brand through podcasting 25:06 Framework for success: goals and metrics 28:25 Embracing hard work and discipline 32:00 Recommended resources for growth CONNECT WITH ALAN LAZAROS AT nextleveluniverse.com [https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/] Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

EP17: Unlocking the Secrets to Business Success | Matt Uhler | Amped Success

Discover the secrets to buying, selling, and growing successful businesses with veteran broker Matt Uhler. Learn how to evaluate business value, structure deals, and diversify income streams for long-term financial resilience. KEY TAKEAWAYS * The importance of exit strategies for small business owners * How business valuation works, including key metrics like EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings * Steps to prepare a business for sale to maximize its market value * The role of multiples in business valuation and typical ranges * Funding options for acquiring a business, emphasizing SBA loans * Strategies for diversifying income through business ownership * The impact of market disruptions, such as COVID-19, on business operations * Building a portfolio of multiple businesses for risk mitigation and income stability * The psychology of wealth and the significance of mindset in financial success * Book recommendations: Think and Grow Rich and Rich Dad Poor Dad TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Matt Euler, business broker with 28 years of experience  02:30 - What happens to businesses that don't transition to the next owner  05:00 - Why business owners often leave their businesses to die or close  08:20 - How to prepare a business for sale for better valuation  10:45 - Understanding business valuation: EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings  14:00 - The importance of asset condition and risk factors in valuation  16:30 - Funding sources: SBA loans and typical down payments  21:00 - Business multiples: typical ranges and how they’re calculated  24:00 - Managing a portfolio of multiple businesses for diversification  28:00 - Monthly oversight: analyzing financials and operational health  32:00 - The significance of income streams for financial security  36:00 - Risks in business ownership and lessons from market disruptions  39:00 - The psychology behind wealth building and mindset shifts  41:00 - Recommended books for developing wealth mindset Resources & Links: * Think and Grow Rich [https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Publication-Foundation/dp/193787950X/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WsF1bpsny-zMkGaFwa8_kYl10LqwE-XtYf42jhwNEW0PBIFeuWvCIDrhhHQGn_U37YeJqN4oNcxXflHHsAsuK4VRWcLR7-TDmH2-rb84jBa4cdc_k1l8FXg6GBB6v89EY8KcH6hAsW_Nkk3R7QxAgb7KY7gisJRZAPridZcPYI0jmBDvhluDdU56ltK6sr0bZl8POtzF2lRZ6zYuIl9bvxzsFTfC6POYqdeXubExp4U.3LzSxtBrOgUNIKFRjPpK7zIuX2GtZK1Q-IjNq_Qy8KM&dib_tag=se&keywords=think+and+grow+rich&qid=1780100852&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1] by Napoleon Hill * Rich Dad Poor Dad [https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Asset/dp/1612680194] by Robert Kiyosaki CONNECT WITH MATT UHLER AT ampedsuccess.com [https://ampedsuccess.com/] Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

EP16: Building Profits with Compassion | Bruno Cignacco

In this episode, Tony talks with Bruno Cignacco, author of The Art of Compassionate Business, about how integrating compassion into the workplace can boost profits, improve employee retention, and transform company culture. Discover practical ways to foster human-oriented leadership, develop strong relationships, and create sustainable, successful businesses through kindness and empathy. TAKEAWAYS * The true resource behind business success: humans, not just technology or capital * How compassion fosters cooperation, psychological safety, and innovation * The importance of understanding employees' emotional, mental, and social needs * Practical strategies for building compassionate workplaces (e.g., cross-departmental meetings, social events, feedback culture) * The scientific basis and measurable results of compassionate leadership * The role of humility and active listening in fostering human-oriented leadership * How aligning company mission with human and environmental values shapes culture * The impact of compassion on employee turnover and company profitability * Practical resources for adopting compassionate business principles CONNECT WITH BRUNO CIGNACCO AT brunocignacco.com [https://brunocignacco.com/] Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com