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<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/series-3594218">The Innovators & Investors Podcast</a></span>

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The Innovators & Investors Podcast

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The Innovators & Investors Podcast: Connecting the Startup Ecosystem. We are on a mission to bridge the gap between founders, investors, and industry leaders across the early-stage ecosystem. By bringing together visionaries from cutting-edge startups, venture capitalists, family offices, angel investors, accelerators, and studios, we offer a platform for sharing invaluable insights, market trends, and first-hand experiences. Whether you’re an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of building a business or an investor seeking opportunities in emerging technologies, our podcast provides a front-row seat to the dynamic world of innovation and investment. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the startup landscape, stay ahead of the curve, and benefit from the collective wisdom of those shaping the future. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

The KeyHire Small Business Podcast

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Welcome to the Award Winning KeyHire Solutions Small Business Podcast, where we cover small business issues, including leadership development, hiring strategies, management structure, business growth, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, and more. We’re here to help you stop grinding and start growing.

Join us for weekly chats about small business management with Corey Harlock, our organization design, candidate experience, talent acquisition, and employer branding expert, and CEO of KeyHire Solutions. As an entrepreneur, Corey understands the challenges that business owners face when scaling their businesses.

Follow Corey on LinkedIn @CoreyHarlock
Join our Mailing List @ keyHire.Solutions (http://keyHire.Solutions)

98 Episoden

#MBA #Business #KeyHire Solutions #Small Business #Entrepreneurship #Workplace Culture #Talent Acquisition #Hiring Strategies #Business Growth #Entrepreneur #Leadership Development #Organizational Design #Candidate Experience #Employer Branding #Scale Business #Management Structure

The KeyHire Small Business Podcast

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Follow Corey on LinkedIn @CoreyHarlock
Join our Mailing List @ keyHire.Solutions (http://keyHire.Solutions)

98 Episoden

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How to Grow Beyond Founder Driven Sales (with Charles Fry) 48:59

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48:59

In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast , host Corey Harlock sits down with Charles Fry , Founder and CEO of Codexitos , to tackle one of the most challenging transitions for small business owners: moving from founder-driven sales to building a professional sales organization. Charles has been in technology since before the internet took shape, founding and growing multiple companies over the decades. With deep experience in scaling businesses, he shares the real-world lessons he’s learned about letting go of being the “only salesperson” and building a sustainable sales team that drives growth. Together, Corey and Charles dive into: Why so many businesses rely on the owner as the primary salesperson—and why that creates a ceiling for growth. Why your first sales hire is the most critical and must set the pattern for future hires. The danger of bringing on a “sales manager” too early when what you really need is a producer. The importance of defining a sales style and methodology that reflects the founder’s vision before expanding the team. Charles introduces his framework of three phases for founders transitioning out of being the sole salesperson: Zero to One – Hiring your first professional salesperson who mirrors the sales style you want replicated. One to Few – Expanding the team in a way that avoids chaos from conflicting approaches and ensures consistency. Scaling Up – When a larger sales team requires true sales management (though that’s a topic for another day). Throughout the conversation, Charles emphasizes the nuances of leadership in sales: balancing the founder’s natural ability to “close deals” with the need to empower a team, maintaining patience with new hires as they learn, and putting systems in place to measure performance. He stresses the value of having a clear sales methodology—whether Challenger, SPIN, or another approach—so everyone is speaking the same language and working from the same playbook. As a mentor once told him, the role of the CEO is ultimately to be the “Cash Extraction Officer.” Charles explains how founders can best serve as closers—brought in for the final inning when their authority and vision matter most—while the sales team does the heavy lifting of qualification and relationship building. For business owners feeling trapped as the sole driver of revenue, Charles provides actionable steps : Define the sales model and methodology that represents your business. Engage outside help to objectively profile and vet your first hire. Have candid, direct conversations with candidates and hires. Establish clear timelines and budgets for success based on your industry’s sales cycle. If you’ve been struggling to step out of the salesperson role—or if you’ve felt the frustration of bad hires, inconsistent results, or being the “rate limiter” on growth—this episode is packed with strategies to help you break free from founder-led sales and build a scalable, repeatable sales engine. Send us a text KeyHire Solutions helps small business owners scale smarter, not harder. From hiring the right talent to building systems that work, we give you the strategies and support to grow your business without burning out. Learn More at www.KeyHire.Solutions A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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Key Owner Stages: The Unsure Business Owner 33:53

vor 4 Tagen33:53

33:53

If you’ve ever looked at your business and thought, “I know something’s wrong here, but I can’t figure out what it is… or how to fix it,” this episode is for you. I call this stage The Unsure Business Owner —the second stop in our Key Owner Stages Series . Last time, we covered the Overwhelmed Owner, where the wheels fall off. The Unsure stage is different—you’re still moving, but the wheels are wobbly. You feel the problems, but you’re not sure what’s causing them, how to fix them, or what will happen when you do. What Being “Unsure” Feels Like Maybe sales aren’t closing like they used to. Maybe operations is slipping—quality is down, deadlines missed, and you’re stuck firefighting. Or maybe it’s people—loyal employees who once carried you but now can’t keep up. You’re torn between loyalty and performance. So you wait, hoping things turn around. But when weeks turn into months, indecision costs you your best people. High performers hate working beside tolerated underperformance. They leave, while underperformers become entrenched. Why This Stage Is Dangerous Hesitation weakens culture, results decline, and the very people you can’t afford to lose start heading for the exits. The Big Mistakes Unsure Owners Make Three common traps: Wait and See – Hoping problems fix themselves while top talent walks. The Hair Trigger – Firing too fast and losing critical knowledge. Rushed Hiring – Filling a gap without defining the role or future needs. Why Diagnosis Matters The problem isn’t always where you see it. Sales might be down, but operations could be the real constraint. A client once thought they needed a GM; we found sales was fine—operations was the issue. They didn’t need a GM; they needed a Director of Operations. Within weeks, the business turned around. Hiring for the Business You Want Most owners hire for where they are. That’s a mistake. If you’re a $10M company aiming for $50M, hire someone who’s already run $50M. At KeyHire, every hire is measured against: Experience – Have they done it at scale? Capacity – Can they grow with the business? Culture Fit – Will they thrive here? Unless they score at least 80% across all three, we don’t move forward. Avoiding the “Two Hammers” Problem If someone only has a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Replace one hammer with another, and nothing changes. Every new hire should bring tools and skills that expand your business. How to Move from Unsure to Confident Here’s the path forward: Assess your business honestly. Find the real constraint. Plan moves that balance urgency with sustainability. Hire leaders for the future. Tighten those wobbly wheels, and you’ll be ready for the next phase: the Curious Business Owner, where you start asking, “What else is possible?” Three Key Takeaways: Waiting too long will cost you your best people. Diagnosis before decision—the real problem might not be where you think. Hire for tomorrow, not today. The right leader changes everything. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, listen to the full episode now. Connect with the Experts Be KeyHire’s Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram @keyhiresolutions Send us a text KeyHire Solutions helps small business owners scale smarter, not harder. From hiring the right talent to building systems that work, we give you the strategies and support to grow your business without burning out. Learn More at www.KeyHire.Solutions…

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Focusing on Leadership (with Kristina Tyler) 42:26

vor 9 Tagen42:26

42:26

As a small business owner, there’s a moment when you realize that being in control of everything is no longer helping your business—it’s holding it back. You’re wearing too many hats, every process runs through you, and your team can’t make a move without your approval. Sound familiar? In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Kristina Tyler, Coach & Business Partner at Flow Fiero, to talk about how to break free from the daily grind and step into true leadership. Kristina has helped countless entrepreneurs make the leap from “doing” to “leading.” She knows the emotional and operational challenges that come with letting go—whether it’s the fear that no one can do things as well as you, the discomfort of not being the smartest person in the room, or the burnout that creeps in when you’re always putting out fires. Drawing from her background in high-performance sports coaching and her work with leaders worldwide, Kristina introduces her proven TEAM model—Trust, Engagement, Alignment, and Mobilization—and explains why starting with mobilization can leave your culture feeling “empty.” In this conversation, you’ll learn: • The three game-changing questions every business owner should ask before stepping back from daily operations: What game am I playing? Who am I playing against? What do I need to do to win? • Why burnout, bottlenecks, and the inability to take a real vacation are red flags that you need to transition into leadership. • How to identify whether performance issues are systemic (process and culture related) or individual (the wrong person in the wrong role). • The emotional side of leadership change, including overcoming what Corey calls being “addicted to chaos.” • How to build trust and alignment so your team can make decisions, take ownership, and drive results without you micromanaging. Kristina and Corey also tackle one of the hardest realities in business growth: sometimes the people who helped you build your company aren’t the ones who can take it to the next level. You’ll hear practical advice on how to navigate these moments with transparency, respect, and a focus on shared success. Whether you’re at $1 million in revenue or approaching $10 million, the lessons in this episode will help you: • Step confidently into your role as the visionary leader of your business. • Build a team you can trust to execute at a high level. • Create the capacity for growth without burning out or sacrificing quality of life. If you’ve ever wondered whether your business could survive without you for two weeks—or if you’re starting to feel like the biggest constraint in your own company—this episode is for you. Kristina’s approach blends practical tools with the mindset shifts needed to help you scale your business while actually enjoying the process. Connect with the Experts Learn more about Kristina: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flow-fiero-llp/ Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. W Send us a text KeyHire Solutions helps small business owners scale smarter, not harder. From hiring the right talent to building systems that work, we give you the strategies and support to grow your business without burning out. Learn More at www.KeyHire.Solutions…

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Key Owner Stages Series: The Overwhelmed Business Owner 38:25

vor 10 Tagen38:25

38:25

Feeling like your business has stalled out—and no matter how hard you push, you just can’t get ahead? In the first episode of our special Key Owner Stages series, Corey Harlock breaks down the Overwhelmed Stage—the point where growth slows to a crawl, fires never stop, and the people who helped you build your company may no longer have the skills or capacity to help you scale it. Corey opens with the hard truth: overwhelmed owners aren’t just “busy”—they’re stuck. You’ll recognize the signs instantly: you’re deep in day-to-day work, plugging gaps your leaders should be handling, and constantly jumping from one urgent problem to another. You’ll also learn why loyalty can be a double-edged sword. Many overwhelmed owners started with loyal, all-in employees—family, friends, neighbors—who gave everything in the early days. But as the business grows, the skill set and experience required to put scalable systems in place outgrow those early team members’ abilities. Corey calls this the Peter Principle: “Everyone rises to the level of their own incompetence.” This isn’t about bad people—it’s about good people in the wrong role for the company’s current needs. If you’ve inherited a second- or third-generation business, the challenge can be even sharper. Long-term leaders may be comfortable maintaining a $10M operation, but resistant—or even fearful—of the changes needed to grow to $50M. Corey also shares the most common mistakes owners make when they’re in the Overwhelmed Stage: Hiring for potential but expecting experience, leading to frustration when ROI doesn’t appear quickly. Desperation hiring just to get relief—only to be rehiring for the same position weeks later. Believing in the “one big fix” instead of a sequence of smart, consistent moves. Doing it all yourself and relying solely on longer hours to push growth forward—a recipe for burnout, not scale. Then he lays out a clear, step-by-step approach to getting unstuck: Assess your leadership team for culture fit, experience, and capacity—three factors that must all be in place for a leader to drive growth. Redesign your org structure into three clear divisions—sales, operations, and administration—with capable heads in each. Hire for the future, not just the present—bring in leaders who can run your future $50M company while you’re still at $10M. Create a consistent hiring process with clear role definitions, a scorecard, and an 80% match threshold so you only hire people positioned to succeed. Corey emphasizes that moving out of overwhelm isn’t about instant transformation. Each smart, strategic move lets a little “air out of the tire,” relieving pressure and giving you the breathing room to address the next constraint. Over 9–18 months, these incremental wins can shift you from being a reactive firefighter to a forward-looking strategic leader. By the end of this episode, you’ll not only know why you’re overwhelmed—you’ll have a realistic, proven blueprint to start fixing it. You’ll see how the right first hire can reset expectations for what great leadership looks like, setting the stage for your move into the next Key Owner Stage: Unsure . Connect with the Experts Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit ou Send us a text KeyHire Solutions helps small business owners scale smarter, not harder. From hiring the right talent to building systems that work, we give you the strategies and support to grow your business without burning out. Learn More at www.KeyHire.Solutions…

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Don't land in Google Jail (with Sean Boyle) 38:55

vor 16 Tagen38:55

38:55

In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast , Corey Harlock sits down with Sean Boyle, Managing Partner at Momentum 360, to talk about a growing risk that many small businesses overlook—landing in Google Jail . Sean breaks down exactly what this means, why it happens, and how it can tank your online visibility overnight. Whether you’re outsourcing SEO or managing it in-house, this episode will arm you with practical insights to avoid costly mistakes and stay compliant with Google’s ever-evolving rules. Corey and Sean also explore the right way to build a sustainable digital presence, how to vet SEO vendors, and the signals that indicate your site might be heading for trouble. If your business relies on online traffic, you can’t afford to miss this one. Here’s what you’ll take away: • What “Google Jail” is—and how it crushes online visibility • Common SEO practices that could be doing more harm than good • The must-ask questions before hiring an SEO vendor Connect with the Experts Learn more about Sean: https://www.momentumvirtualtours.com/ Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at corey@keyhire.solutions Send us a text A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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The Importance of Sharing Your Financials With Your Employees (with Manny Skevofilax) 38:22

vor 23 Tagen38:22

38:22

What if sharing your company's financial numbers could transform your workplace culture and drive unprecedented business growth? In this game-changing episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Manny Skevofilax, Principal at Portal CFO, to explore how financial transparency can revolutionize the way small business owners connect with their teams. Corey and Manny identify a critical problem facing today's entrepreneurs: the disconnect between leadership decisions and employee understanding. When team members don't grasp the financial "why" behind company choices, it creates confusion, mistrust, and disengagement. This gap often leads to reduced productivity, higher turnover, and missed growth opportunities that could otherwise propel a small business forward. Manny brings decades of experience working with business owners who have successfully implemented open-book management practices. He reveals how sharing financial information—when done strategically—creates a more accountable and motivated workforce that truly understands its role in the company's success. This isn't about overwhelming employees with complex spreadsheets; it's about building a workplace culture where everyone feels invested in the outcome. Through real-world case studies and practical examples, this episode demonstrates how financial transparency can shift your team's mindset from "just doing their job" to actively contributing to business growth. Manny outlines how to introduce these concepts step-by-step without overwhelming your staff, making this approach accessible for small business owners ready to elevate their leadership. Whether you're struggling with employee engagement, looking to improve performance, or want to build stronger trust within your organization, this conversation on The KeyHire Small Business Podcast offers actionable insights that can transform your approach to team management. Key Takeaways: • Strategic Financial Sharing : Learn how to introduce financial transparency gradually without overwhelming employees or compromising sensitive information. • Motivation Through Understanding : Discover why employees perform better when they understand how their work directly impacts the company's financial health and success. • Building Accountability : Understand how open-book practices create a culture where team members take ownership of results rather than simply completing tasks. • Real-World Implementation : Get practical examples from businesses that have successfully used financial transparency to improve both culture and bottom-line results. • Overcoming Fear : Address common concerns about sharing financial information and learn how to maintain appropriate boundaries while still being transparent. Connect with the Experts: Learn more about Manny: https://portalcfo.com/ Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://ww Send us a text A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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Create a Plan to Grow into New Markets (with David Solomon) 43:27

vor 30 Tagen43:27

43:27

Ready to take your business to the next level? In this compelling episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock welcomes David Solomon, founder of SERO Growth, to tackle one of the most critical small business challenges: expanding into new markets. David and Corey define the core problem many entrepreneurs face: the dangerous assumption that "what works here will work everywhere." They explore how this mindset leads to costly mistakes and business failures, even for major corporations, such as Target's billion-dollar Canadian expansion disaster. Through real-world examples and strategic insights, they reveal why successful market expansion requires more than just throwing a salesperson into a new territory and hoping for the best. This business podcast episode is packed with actionable advice for scaling a small business, whether you're considering geographic expansion or targeting new customer segments. David shares his proven three-question framework for determining market viability and discusses the critical research phase that many businesses skip. From understanding cultural differences in business practices to validating your unique value proposition, this conversation provides the roadmap for smart business growth. Key Takeaways: Define Your Core Value Proposition First - Before expanding, clearly identify the specific pain point you solve, your unique differentiator, and ideal customer profile in your current market. Validate Through Direct Market Research - Spend time in your target market attending trade shows, networking events, and speaking directly with potential customers to understand the competitive landscape. Start Small and Build Gradually - Your first market expansion should be the smallest viable jump, not the biggest opportunity you can imagine. Engage External Expertise - Business owners are often too emotionally invested in their products to objectively evaluate new markets; outside consultants provide crucial perspective. Prepare Your Infrastructure - Ensure your internal operations, technology, and team can handle the demands of serving a new market before launching. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your small business management journey, this KeyHire Solutions Podcast episode delivers the strategic framework needed to grow a small business successfully. Don't let entrepreneurship enthusiasm override sound business judgment – learn the proven approach to market expansion that protects your investment while maximizing growth potential. Connect with the Experts: Learn more about David: https://www.serogrowth.com Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at corey@keyhire.solutions Send us a text A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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The Impact of your Candidate Experience & Employer Branding on Recruiting 24:30

vor 5 weeks24:30

24:30

In this compelling episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing small business entrepreneurs today. Corey identifies the core problem plaguing small business management: business owners who still operate under the antiquated "tell me why I should hire you" mindset. This approach is failing in today's job market, where five positions compete for every three qualified candidates. Corey delivers a wake-up call, revealing how poor candidate experience and weak employer branding don't just hurt recruitment—they directly damage your bottom line and customer relationships. Through compelling statistics and real-world examples, he demonstrates why small business leadership advice must evolve beyond traditional hiring approaches to survive in today's competitive landscape. Discover how 88% of candidates become more loyal customers after positive hiring experiences, and why 55% of job seekers abandon applications after reading poor employee reviews. Corey challenges small business owners to transform their talent acquisition approach from transactional to relationship-based, emphasizing that candidates are no longer single-use resources but potential long-term brand ambassadors. This episode provides actionable insights on creating efficient yet thorough hiring processes, building authentic employer branding that attracts aligned talent, and implementing the speed and transparency that top candidates expect. Whether you're struggling with high turnover, can't find quality candidates, or are wondering why your hiring process isn't yielding results, this KeyHire Solutions Podcast episode provides the roadmap for transformation. Key Takeaways: Candidate Experience Drives Business Results - Poor hiring experiences don't just lose candidates; they lose customers and damage your reputation in the marketplace. Speed is Non-Negotiable - Top candidates remain available for only 10 days, making efficient processes essential for successful talent acquisition. Authentic Employer Branding Attracts Right-Fit Talent - Being genuinely transparent about your culture attracts employees who thrive in your specific environment. Online Reputation Directly Impacts Hiring Success - 55% of candidates abandon applications after reading negative employee reviews online. Boomerang Employee Strategy - Treating departing employees with respect creates opportunities for future rehires and positive word-of-mouth marketing. Connect with the Experts: Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at corey@keyhire.solutions Hosted by Ausha. See Send us a text A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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How to Partner with Other Businesses to Create a Collaborative Sales Process (with Mark Newsome) 42:28

vor 6 weeks42:28

42:28

Every small business owner faces the same challenge: how do you get more sales without breaking the bank on marketing? In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock welcomes Mark Newsome, CEO of YouCanMarketOnlineNow.com , who reveals how smart business owners are building collaborative sales processes that generate 25% more profit without the traditional high costs of customer acquisition. Mark and Corey identify the core problem plaguing small business owners: they're treating customer relationships like disposable transactions – investing massive resources to acquire customers, only to abandon them immediately after the first purchase. Instead of nurturing these relationships and leveraging existing networks, most businesses are stuck in an expensive cycle of constantly chasing new customers while ignoring the untapped potential right in front of them. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, Mark demonstrates how a simple "magic question" can unlock collaborative opportunities that multiply your reach without multiplying your marketing budget. From creating irresistible bounce-back offers to building valuable email lists through strategic giveaways, this episode reveals the untapped assets sitting right under your nose. Whether you're a retailer, manufacturer, or service provider, this conversation will fundamentally shift how you think about business growth and customer acquisition. The KeyHire Podcast delivers actionable insights that transform grinding entrepreneurs into strategic growth-focused leaders. Key Takeaways: The Magic Question Strategy – Learn the specific question that opens doors to collaborative sales partnerships with non-competing businesses in your market. Lifetime Customer Value – Discover how to calculate what each customer is truly worth to determine your real marketing budget and partnership investments. Bounce-Back Offer Methodology – Master the art of market-tested, time-sensitive offers that turn one-time buyers into repeat customers who bring friends. Email List Building Without Begging – Create compelling monthly giveaways that encourage customers to volunteer their contact information, rather than rejecting your requests. Cross-Promotional Partnership Structure – Understand how to structure win-win arrangements where businesses share customer bases, vendor networks, and employee referrals. Connect with the Experts: Learn More About Mark: www.youcanmarketonlinenow.com Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at corey@keyhire.solutions Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for Send us a text A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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Breaking the Chaos Cycle (with Aaron Trahan) 45:32

vor 7 weeks45:32

45:32

Does your business feel stuck, busy but not making progress, with your team caught up in emergencies instead of working strategically? In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock talks with Aaron Trahan, founder and coach at Performance Mindset Coaching, about a common disruptive pattern in small business management. They explain that the “Chaos Cycle” is a damaging loop that begins with poor priority management, leads to scattered focus, results in weak execution, and prompts leaders to set even more priorities, which can worsen the problem. Corey and Aaron deliver practical strategies for leadership development, exploring why business leaders often fall in love with complexity rather than focusing on providing value, and how this mindset becomes a barrier to sustainable business growth. Listeners will discover actionable frameworks to break free from the chaos cycle by learning to prioritize effectively, align their teams, and create sustainable systems that eliminate the need for constant firefighting. The conversation highlights three key growth rules that help prevent businesses from collapsing under pressure. It emphasizes the importance of mastering focus as a competitive advantage and explains why consistently communicating priorities is crucial for overcoming chaos. This episode offers mindset shifts and practical frameworks that entrepreneurs can use to transform their management style and achieve lasting success. Key Takeaways: The Chaos Cycle Defined: Priority mismanagement creates scattered focus, leading to weak execution and prompting leaders to add more priorities, perpetuating the cycle. Communication Imperative: Effective business leadership requires repeating priorities until you're "nauseous"—that's when your team finally understands. Three Rules of Growth: Sustainable growth must be sustainable, create operating leverage, and never exceed your ability to manage it. Focus as Superpower: Great companies say no to virtually everything outside their core priorities and predetermined scope. 12-6-3 Strategy: Work backwards from a 12-month vision to create 6-month milestones and 3-month priorities, connecting actions to goals. Create visuals for easy progress tracking. Revenue Reality : "Revenue is vanity, profits are sanity, cash is king"—focus on converting revenue into sustainable cash flow. 🔗 Connect with the Experts: Learn More About Aaron: https://performancemindsetcoaching.co/ Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://www.keyhire.solutions/testimonials Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at corey@keyhire.solu Send us a text A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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Give Your Employees a Raise (Without Spending Any More Money) With Anthony Markey 39:57

vor 8 weeks39:57

39:57

Struggling to compete for top talent without breaking the bank? In this game-changing episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Anthony Markey, owner of the Markey Agency, to reveal a counterintuitive strategy that sounds too good to be true—but isn't. The challenge in today's environment is that small business owners often face an impossible choice. Either they offer competitive benefits to attract quality talent (which can be expensive) or risk losing their best employees to companies with better benefits packages. Anthony shares his expertise on leveraging innovative wellness benefit structures and strategic benefit planning to create a win-win scenario where employees can see increased take-home pay while employers potentially reduce overall costs. Whether you're facing small business challenges with retention, looking to enhance your workplace culture, or seeking innovative approaches to entrepreneurship, this business podcast episode delivers strategies you can implement immediately. Don't miss these insights that could transform how you approach benefits and talent management. Key Takeaways: Strategic benefit structures create opportunities: Properly designed wellness benefits can potentially increase employee net pay while reducing employer costs through various mechanisms Shop your benefits annually: Loyalty to brokers often results in overcharging by thousands per employee, making regular competitive reviews essential for small business leadership Wellness benefits drive engagement: Employees participate more actively when benefits directly impact their financial outcomes, leading to healthier teams and reduced sick days Fiduciary responsibility is expanding: Companies over 100 employees already face legal requirements to secure best-value benefits, with smaller businesses likely following suit Listen to employee feedback: Workers often share information about competitors' benefits that can guide your talent acquisition strategy 🔗 Connect with the Experts: Learn More About Anthony: https://ikag.me Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at corey@keyhire.solutions Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information. Send us a text A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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Mid-Year Small Business Check-In 20:18

vor 9 weeks20:18

20:18

At the midpoint of 2025, small business owners find themselves navigating an economic rollercoaster that has included surges, slumps, and everything in between. In this essential episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock delivers a candid assessment of the current market conditions and reveals why the seemingly stable 4.5% unemployment rate is misleading small business owners about the real talent acquisition challenges ahead. Corey identifies the core problem: while the economy appears neutral on the surface, small businesses are caught in a deceptive calm before the storm. Economists predict ongoing market "mushiness" through the summer, followed by either a strong rebound or further slowdown, depending on the outcome of trade agreements. This uncertainty makes it even more critical for business owners to act decisively on workforce decisions now. The central question becomes: how do you maintain your competitive edge in talent acquisition when scaling a small business during uncertain times? This episode examines the dynamics shaping today's job market and discusses the limitations of conventional hiring strategies employed by small businesses. Corey cautions against relying on "rental player talent”, which is a workforce that may be temporarily accessible now but will leave for better opportunities when the market improves. Instead, use strategic workforce planning to help your business prepare for the impending market acceleration. Focus on building long-term talent acquisition strategies that make your business bulletproof against market volatility. Key Takeaways: -Invest in keeping your best people – If you are struggling a bit or facing a tight summer, consider reducing hours or implementing temporary pay cuts rather than layoffs. Replacing skilled workers will be exponentially more expensive when the economy rebounds. -Build passive talent pipelines now - Establish relationships with trade schools and implement structured internship programs to create a steady flow of qualified candidates before competition intensifies. -Invest in AI integration during slow periods - Use current downtime to automate processes and reduce future hiring needs, positioning your business ahead of the talent shortage curve. -Avoid bargain hunting in hiring - Pay above-market rates for quality candidates now to build loyalty and prevent them from leaving when better offers emerge. -Prepare for the "war for talent" resurgence - Understand that current market conditions are temporary, and businesses that don't prepare will face severe disadvantages in the future. This episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast provides the strategic framework needed for how to scale a business effectively during economic uncertainty, offering practical solutions that transform challenges into competitive advantages. Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at corey@keyhire.solutions Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information. Send us a text…

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Increase Small Business Productivity in a Tight Labor Market (with Bill Conerly) 49:00

vor 10 weeks49:00

49:00

The KeyHire Small Business Podcast brings you a critical conversation with economist Dr. Bill Conerly that every entrepreneur needs to hear. As Principal Consultant of Conerly Consulting and senior contributor to Forbes, Bill identified a shocking demographic reality 20 years ago that's now reshaping how we think about talent strategy and small business management. Bill defines the core problem facing today's business owners: "The current decade from 2020 to 2030 has the lowest growth of the working age population since the Civil War." This isn't just a temporary market fluctuation—it's a fundamental shift that's transforming hiring strategies across America. While many business leaders think the tight labor market will ease up, Bill reveals why scaling a small business will only get more challenging in the years ahead. Host Corey Harlock, CEO of KeyHire Solutions and experienced business consultant, dives deep with Bill to uncover why traditional management approaches are failing and what successful entrepreneurs are doing differently. This episode delivers actionable solutions for organization design and leadership skills that actually work in today's competitive small business landscape. This episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast isn't just about surviving the current labor market—it's about building a sustainable talent strategy that positions your business for long-term success. 🔗 Connect with the Experts: Learn More about Conerly Consulting: conerlyconsulting.com Connect with Bill: www.linkedin.com/in/businomics/ Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at corey@keyhire.solutions Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information. Send us a text A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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Doubling Down on Certainty During Uncertain Times (with Simone Janssen) 49:38

vor 11 weeks49:38

49:38

Are you struggling to maintain your team's alignment and focus in today's unpredictable business environment? In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Simone Janssen, founder of Bulletproof Business Growth, to explore how effective leadership can create internal certainty even when the external world feels chaotic. The biggest hurdle isn't external pressures—it's the gap between what's clear in a leader's mind and how they convey that information in a way that their team truly understands. While leaders are laser-focused on growing the business, the best teams may be working without the clarity they need to deliver results. When vision doesn't translate into actionable direction, talent becomes wasted potential, and growth stalls regardless of market conditions. Simone reveals her powerful "5 C's" framework and shares business growth tips that help entrepreneurs move from being the bottleneck to becoming the strategic leaders their companies need. Whether you're managing 10 employees or 50, this conversation offers actionable strategies for overcoming the leadership challenges that often prevent small businesses from reaching their full potential. Key Takeaways: The 5 C's Framework : Clarity, Context, Communication, Certainty, and Consistency—the non-negotiable foundation every high-performing team needs to thrive in chaos. Leadership = Certainty Creation : Stop managing tasks. Start creating unshakeable certainty that empowers your team to execute without you. Communication Flows Down, Not Around : Information must cascade through your chain of command—bypassing managers destroys accountability and undermines leadership. No Accountability Chart = Business Failure : Without crystal-clear ownership of responsibilities, even your best people will underperform and burn out. Slow Down to Speed Up : Building proper systems and leadership structures now prevents the expensive mistakes that come from reactive scaling. Clarity Reveals True Performance : Give people clear expectations and consistent feedback—you'll instantly separate your A-players from those who need to go. Learn more about Simone: bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com 🔗 Connect with the Experts: Learn more about Simone: bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com · Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire · Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at corey@keyhire.solutions Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information. Send us a text A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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How To Package Your Company for a Big Exit (with Eric Grafstrom) 38:09

vor 12 weeks38:09

38:09

Are you a small business owner dreaming of a successful exit strategy? In this compelling episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with serial entrepreneur Eric Grafstrom, founder and CEO of Exit Guide, to tackle one of the most critical challenges facing today's business owners: how to properly package and prepare your business for sale to maximize your return. Eric defines the core problem plaguing small business management today: most business owners are completely unprepared for the complex exit process, leading to failed sales, collapsed deals, and significantly reduced returns . This isn't just about poor planning—it's about years of hard work potentially going unrewarded due to avoidable mistakes that savvy entrepreneurs can easily prevent with proper preparation. This episode delves into the often-overlooked realm of small business exits, examining why businesses with revenue under $5 million are frequently overlooked by traditional advisors, despite representing a substantial market share. You'll learn about the crucial timing considerations, essential documentation, and common emotional pitfalls that can derail otherwise profitable exits. The discussion also includes innovative tools and strategies that make professional-level exit planning accessible to everyday business owners who have not previously navigated this complex process. You'll uncover the critical timeline for preparing a business for growth, the essential documents every serious seller requires, and why having a post-sale plan is just as crucial as the exit strategy itself. Eric shares real-world examples illustrating what distinguishes successful exits from costly failures, offering practical business growth tips that every scaling small business owner needs to hear. This isn't your typical business growth discussion, it's a roadmap for transforming your life's work into the financial freedom you've earned. Whether you're planning to exit in six months or six years, the insights shared in this episode could be the difference between a successful transition and a devastating disappointment. Thanks for listening! Learn more about Eric: https://ericgrafstrom.com Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content." Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review, or share this episode with a friend. Want to get in touch? Email us at corey@keyhire.solutions Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information. Send us a text A Case Study In Corporate Fear "A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify…

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