Small Biz Florida

Ep. 205 | Building Resilience: Business Continuity Planning with Dana Kerigan

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dana Kerigan, an agency principal at Kerigan Marketing Associates. Dana shares her career journey, starting in purchasing and supply chain before transitioning to the marketing field. She discusses her role in media contracts, media buying, and digital marketing, which has contributed to the exponential growth of their SBA-certified women-owned business. Our conversation then turns to the critical topic of business continuity planning after a disaster. Dana highlights the sobering statistics that show a significant percentage of small businesses fail to reopen or close within a year after a disaster, emphasizing the importance of having a business continuity plan in place. She provides insights into what a business continuity plan entails, including projecting worst-case scenarios, assembling a management team, and assigning responsibilities to ensure effective communication and action during and after a disaster. Tune in to learn valuable strategies for building resilience and planning for the continued success of your business.
 
– Learn more about Kerigan Marketing Associates: https://keriganmarketing.com/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 204 | Streamlining Business Operations for Success: Insights from Crystal Davis, Founder of The Lean Coach

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Crystal Davis, the founder and CEO of The Lean Coach. With a wealth of experience in lean and Six Sigma methodologies gained from her corporate career, Crystal shares her journey of turning around a struggling factory and becoming a champion of operational excellence. Crystal's mission is to demystify the complexities of lean and Six Sigma, providing practical solutions for business owners and their teams to address pain points and achieve effective outcomes. She emphasizes the importance of viewing tasks and projects as operational processes and aligning them with company goals for consistent results. Crystal also discusses her transition from being an independent consultant to building a team of consultants who follow a consistent framework, ensuring brand consistency and delivering impactful results. Join us as we delve into the significance of operational efficiency and growth, especially in the post-pandemic landscape, and gain valuable insights on streamlining business operations for success.
 
– Learn more about The Lean Coach, Inc.: https://theleancoachinc.com/  
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 203 | Empowering Small Businesses: Insights from Katrina Tuggerson, President of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce

In this episode, we are delighted to have Katrina Tuggerson, the President of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce in Tallahassee, Florida, join us. Katrina shares her entrepreneurial journey, which began in her family's business during middle school and continued through her roles in higher education and the chamber world. With a passion for serving the community and helping small businesses thrive, Katrina emphasizes the importance of social capital and minority perspectives in the business arena. She highlights the challenges faced by entrepreneurs who possess great talent but may lack the administrative or marketing skills to scale their businesses. As the President of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, Katrina and her team work tirelessly to provide the necessary support and resources to businesses at different stages, bridging the gap and advocating for their needs. Tune in to gain valuable insights on leveraging community connections and accessing the right resources for business growth and success.
 
– Learn more about Capital City Chamber of Commerce: https://www.ccctally.com/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 202 | Driving Success in Small Business: Insights from Audra Fournier

In this episode, we are joined by Audra Fournier, the founder of Partners for a Solution and a certified master business coach. With a background in hospitality and change management, Audra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in customer service and business operations. She shares her journey, transitioning from hospitality to business coaching, driven by her passion for helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the often lonely road of building and managing a business. Audra discusses the top three issues she commonly sees in small business operations: capital management, disorganization and lack of prioritization, and the absence of a defined vision, mission, and values. Tune in as we explore practical strategies and insights to address these challenges, optimize business operations, and foster a strong company culture.
 
– Learn more about Partners for a Solution: https://audrafournier.com/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 201 | Empowering Small Businesses through People: Insights from Alfreda Boney

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Alfreda Boney, the founder, and CEO of PSC Consulting, a standout small business support and assistance program. Alfreda shares her background, originating from Georgia and working for the Department of Labor, where she recognized the disconnect between employers and employees in effectively projecting their abilities and selling themselves. PSC Consulting was born in 2008, and Alfreda's focus shifted to workforce development, training, re-entry support, and youth empowerment. She understands that people are the greatest asset of any business, and now she supports small businesses and nonprofits in preparing their greatest asset—their people. Join us as we discuss the optics of employers investing in training their employees, examples of how business owners can make their employees feel cared for, and ways to give back to employees. Gain valuable insights on building a supportive and empowered workforce for business success.
 
– Learn more about Perfectly Suited Career Consulting: https://pscconsulting.co/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 200 | Leveraging the Power of AI and Chat GPT: Insights from Alex Oliveira and Prediq

In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Alex Oliveira, the founder, and CEO of a cutting-edge lead generation company called Prediq. Based on the East Coast of Florida, Prediq specializes in lead generation using the power of AI and the Chat GPT platform. Alex shares his entrepreneurial journey, from running a construction company to venturing into the world of digital marketing and launching Prediq in 2011. He discusses the importance of adapting to new technologies and staying ahead of the curve, driving lead generation for clients ranging from Ford to Allstate. Alex emphasizes the significance of lead qualification, nurturing, and leveraging technologies like call tracking and AI to enhance the customer experience. Discover how businesses can harness the potential of AI and Chat GPT to hyper-target their audience, improve sales and marketing strategies, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Join us for an engaging conversation that delves into the transformative power of AI in the business landscape.
 
– Learn more about Prediq: https://www.prediq.io/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 199 | Building Business Resilience: Empowering Entrepreneurs with Tania Bartolini

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Tania Bartolini, a motivational speaker who provided an inspiring message to the attendees at the conference. Tania's motivational message focuses on the importance of motivation and having a compelling "why" as business owners face the roller coaster ride of entrepreneurship. She shares her own journey as a business owner, initially struggling until she learned how to create a sustainable and independent business that didn't solely rely on her. Tania's passion for the business aspects of entrepreneurship led her to sell her law firm and dedicate herself to helping others achieve success. She guides business owners through the process of setting up a strong foundation, including business planning, budgeting, and hiring strategies. Join us for an enlightening conversation as Tania provides valuable insights and practical tips to help entrepreneurs gain control over their businesses and find long-term success.
 
– Learn more about Business & Beyond: https://www.businessandbeyondllc.com/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 198 | Building a Winning Team: The Power of Effective Recruitment Strategies with Meegan Kriley McKay

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Meegan Kriley McKay, the founder and CEO of One Degree Collaboration. As one of the standout presenters at this year's conference, Meegan brings innovative thoughts and strategies to the recruitment and interviewing process, helping small businesses build strong teams. Meegan shares her personal journey as a military spouse and the challenges she faced when her former spouse experienced an early retirement. Recognizing the skills gap and the importance of soft skills, she leveraged her expertise as a certified interrogator to coach her spouse to success in the commercial airline industry. Inspired by this experience, Meegan founded the Skills for Life Foundation, offering workshops to help service members enhance their communication and soft skills. We delve into the common issue faced by small business owners—recruitment—and Meegan offers valuable insights on effective strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the needs and wants of potential team members. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with practical advice on building a people-friendly culture and attracting the right talent.
 
– Learn more about One Degree Collaboration: https://1degreecollab.com/ 
 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 197 | Building Legacies through Mentorship: Unlocking Success with Dr. Eurydice Stanley

Join us in this captivating episode as we sit down with Dr. Eurydice Stanley, founder of Amused Media and Productions, as she shares her unique background and pathway to creating her company. With 28 years of military service and a passion for education, Dr. Stanley discusses her role as a reserve component advisor, promoting the importance of service members pursuing degrees and certifications. Drawing from her own experiences, she emphasizes the significance of mentorship and its impact on personal and professional growth. Dr. Stanley's TED Talk and workshop, titled "Legacy-Minded," shed light on the vital role mentors play in navigating the ever-changing landscape of success. Discover how thinking outside the box and seeking guidance from those who have achieved success and those who have faced challenges can shape your journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the power of mentorship and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
 
– Learn more about Amused Media Productions: https://www.dreurydice.com/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 196 | Empowering Small Businesses: Unlocking Capital Access with the National Development Council

In this episode, join us as we delve into one of the most critical issues faced by small business owners—Capital Access. We're privileged to have Brian Cunningham, an expert from the National Development Council (NDC), shed light on the opportunities available for small business owners to access the capital they need to grow and scale their businesses. Learn about NDC's role as a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and its extensive experience in housing, New Market tax credits, SBA lending, technical assistance, and training for small businesses. Discover the unique value that CDFIs bring to the table, including specialized support and partnerships with organizations like the SBDC to ensure entrepreneurs have a solid grasp of their financials and the financing options available. Tune in for valuable insights and expert advice on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of capital access.
 
– Learn more about National Development Council: https://ndconline.org/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.