Expert insights. Personalized for you.
Today on Small Business War Stories we are joined by Allyson Garro of Coco Coquette, a wig and makeup shop in Austin, Texas. In 1999, Allyson lived in New Orleans, working at a wig shop and as a burlesque dancer. It was there where she discovered her passion for extreme costuming and all things glittery and transformative. She then moved to Los Angeles to further her education in fashion design and went into wardrobe for film. MORE
Remote work has many advantages over a traditional office-work environment. There’s less distractions, everyone can setup their work environment to suit their needs, and for young companies, it’s a great way to keep operating costs low. However, remote work also presents some unique challenges. When we took Proven completely remote earlier this year, the … remote work MORE
67 
Today we are joined by Ryan Deiss of of Digital Marketer in Austin, Texas. Wow…I got to sit down with Ryan Deiss! Ryan is one of my personal influences and one of the foremost digital marketing experts in the world. We talk about how to build your brand as a comic book or movie character, and how that builds the foundation for everything you communicate to your customers. Then we go into specific tactics to increase your conversion from prospect to new customer. MORE
Is posting a job on Craigslist free? Sorry, but the answer is no. Craigslist has long been known for its ease of use, universality, and its unchanging interface. And, up until recently, Craigslist only charged job posters in a few dozen geographic locations. Times have changed. Posting a job on Craigslist will cost you. … craigslist MORE
58 
Mercer is the man! You’ll be really impressed by his story of constant reinvention and learning, but that’s not all. Mercer will help you understand how to start demystifying online marketing, so you can start really making your marketing work for you. We had a fun talk, but more importantly, I learned a lot, and so will you. Listen to the podcast: Subscribe to Small Business War Stories. iTunes. Stitcher. RSS Feed. MORE
Today we are joined by Dan Aggeler, co-founder of Durango Soda Company, the makers of Zuberfizz. Dan Aggeler and Banden Zuber began home brewing in college and eventually became commercial brew masters. Using that brewing knowledge, they noticed the demand for craft products and came to the idea of craft soda. They decided to … podcast small business war stories MORE
We have all seen articles on the best places to work. What makes these the best places to work ? A common misconception is that the companies that offer the most money are the best places to work. However, as anyone who has ever held a job before knows, money is not the only thing that makes the world go around. . Many companies are zeroing in on what makes their employees actually happy. MORE
Today we are joined by John Feins of Meow Wolf , a New Mexico based arts and entertainment group that established in 2008 as an art collective. In 2011, they put together a larger installation at the Center for Contemporary Arts that gained much more attention than expected. This led them to create a permanent exhibition, formed out of an empty bowling alley. MORE
On today’s episode we are joined by Jason McCarthy of GoRuck , an American brand with Special Forces roots that is aiming to change the world. As a former Special Forces Operator, Jason originally began GoRuck to create go bags, bags prepped with essential items to prepare for emergencies. Not only did he create quality bags, but the company grew into something with a much larger impact. GoRuck now creates gear and apparel as well as hosts events, build teams and strengthens communities. MORE
This week we are joined by Dayle Morningstar and Brandon Laird of Colorado Highland Helicopters , a family owned and operated business that provides flight instruction, search and rescue, photography and reconnaissance. Brandon learned to fly in California but was drawn to the mountains, eventually leading him to Durango as a Care Flight pilot. This is where he met Dayle and together they noticed a need for both instruction and rescue service in Durango. MORE
Hiring can seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be! Ideally, your company’s hiring process should be as efficient and effective as possible – and an applicant tracking system can make that happen. Applicant tracking systems are known for streamlining the hiring process through handling recruitment needs electronically. They process resumes submitted by applicants and can automatically filter them based on given criteria. . Now, which ATS should you be using? MORE
There are plenty of excellent online job boards out there. Some of them boast millions and millions of job seekers searching for the perfect opportunity. While this is great news for an employer looking to hire, it can be just a little overwhelming and costly. Yes, there are many great job boards out there, but … job boards MORE
Today we are joined Chris White, CEO and Co-founder of Shinesty , a company that creates outrageous clothing for theme parties, costume parties, and general ridiculousness. Throughout law school, Chris found himself selling apparel for fraternities and discovered that the more ridiculous the shirt- the better it sold. As school continued, Chris was given some advice: To be successful, you should be doing something that you’re good at and that crosses over with something you love. MORE
On today’s episode we are joined by Bill, Anna & Miles Wirtel of Santa Fe Stoneworks , a company that creates fine handcrafted stone inlay knives. Bill began working in this industry 40 years ago and over time Anna and Miles eventually found themselves working at their father’s business. Bill had them start at the bottom and work their way up, and that’s exactly what they have done. MORE
Today we are joined by Mat Sorensen, a business attorney at KKOS Lawyers, a best-selling author, and a national speaker and expert on self-directed retirement accounts. This week on Small Business War Stories, Mat gives his advice on where to start your business, which type of legal entity to set up, properly documenting your business structure … podcast small business war stories Uncategorized MORE
Spending time and money on writing job posts can be a drag. Many employers set out to write a job post only to find out they are using the same boring job ads over and over. Unsurprisingly, they get the same low number of lackluster job applicants responding to theses job ads. That’s where we … hiring job descriptions job posts popular hiring popular job descriptions MORE
On this episode of Small Business War Stories, we are joined by Peter Sveen, founder of DIY Pete. His company creates content that helps others get inspired and learn to build projects. In his personal life, Pete began receiving lots of questions from friends about how he built things and tips for DIY projects. This lead to Pete documenting tutorials, creating PDFs of plans, and making DIY videos. MORE
Today on Small Business War Stories we are joined by Trey Ramirez, co-founder of Spokesman Coffee , a cafe by day and a bar by night, in Austin Texas. Trey had worked in many service industry positions in Austin, helping some of them open their doors. He was able to quickly learn what kind of service he wanted to provide and was able to apply this to his current business. MORE
Casey Carroll is really, really good at Facebook ads. And it can be a complicated, overwhelming world. In this episode, we dissect how to figure out what is important for you to get started with Facebook ads for your small business. By the end of the episode, you will have a six-step guide that you can follow to tackle this seemingly daunting task. You are good at learning things…learning this will transform your business! Listen to the podcast: Subscribe to Small Business War Stories. MORE
Do you check references before making a hiring decision on a candidate? If the answer to this question is “no”, then you need to stop what you’re doing and read this post. Even when you find an applicant with a shining resume who gives a perfect interview, it is critical follow up with references! References can … hiring references MORE
On today’s episode we are joined by Joshua Gebreyes of Tibeb Leatherworks. Joshua is an architecture student interning from Ethiopia, who is crafting beautiful leather-bound journals and wallets using Ethiopian fabrics and prints. Joshua, 4 friends, and his brother began by making leather goods for themselves, but eventually decided to start crafting them to be sold. They combine their passion for Ethiopian culture, architecture, and design to create stunning leather products. MORE
Today we are joined by Laurel Barickman of Recspec , a design studio and art gallery in Austin, Texas. Laurel began teaching herself Photoshop and editing techniques when she was fourteen years old. By the time she went to college, she felt she knew enough about design and decided to major in film. While in school, she was a designer for her university and was able to gain real-world experience in design. MORE
Tara Dawn Chapman went from being a CIA agent to cold-emailing a bee farm. The email included her squat and deadlift numbers (beekeeping is hard work!). The rest, as they say, is history. Tara launched Two Hives Honey by putting hives in people’s backyards. She then partnered with the hosts by harvesting the honey while teaching them beekeeping. Always wanted to know about bees? Are you interested in a badass female entrepreneur making her vision happen? Tune in! MORE
Welcome! We did a lot of work to find you the best job boards, and this is a long post. If you want the quick and dirty, here are our Top 10. Top 10 Job Boards Rank Job Board Category 1 Indeed Big Job Boards 2 ZipRecruiter Big Job Boards 3 Dice Technology and … best job boards niche job boards popular MORE
A Laundry Attendant is responsible for providing a constant supply of clean linens for the entire hotel. Laundry attendants also may be responsible for cleaning guests’ personal items if the hotel offers a cleaning service. For personal items, a laundry attendant must follow specific instructions for laundering and drying. The laundry attendant job description … job descriptions hiring MORE
Barry Moltz has started three companies, written six books, and done innumerable articles and radio shows on small business. It’s fair to say he has learned a thing or two about how to help small businesses! Today we discuss the main 5 reasons why businesses get stuck, and how to address each one. We also talk about various aspects of starting and running a business, including mental health, reading financials, and how to keep it all together as well as possible. MORE
On today’s episode we are joined by Barb Heinze of Merlin’s Hide Out, a shop that specializes in customized, handmade, real buffalo hide products. Barb and her husband Merlin have been in this business for 17 years. It all began when Merlin wore out a pair of beaver leggings and decided to fix them himself. He hunted the beaver, tanned the hide himself and fixed his leggings successfully. MORE
Everyone knows about the bog job boards like Monster, LinkedIn, and Craigslist, but there are lots of alternatives to find and hire great talent. A simple Google search will show you that there are a ton of great legal job boards out there, but we have distilled that huge list down to the 7 flat out … job boards MORE
Jeffrey Stuffings left his job as an attorney to make farmhouse ales, a specialty form of beer in the Texas Hill Country right outside of Austin. He shared the formation story of his iconic brewery, and gave some amazing business tips and ideas, such as how to really unleash your mind with just a piece of paper, a pen, and a cup of coffee. This is a great episode with lots of stories and wisdom from the front lines of starting a business. MORE
There are a ton of great apps out there that can help your business hire faster, communicate with your employees easier, and even generate more revenue for your business. But within this enormous sea of apps, as a small business, how do you even know where to start? To solve this problem, we have … mobile hiring mobile recruiting popular popular technology technology MORE
It’s 2:30pm and your eyelids are very, very heavy. You swore hours passed since the last time you glanced at the clock at 2:15pm. How are you ever going to stay awake at work? We have all been there, in the afternoon slump when your forehead seems like it is magnetized to your desk … how to stay awake at work MORE
Download the FREE PDF of all 75+ HR Blogs No, I’m ok for now, thanks. Often misunderstood as meddlers or curmudgeons (see poor Toby from The Office), HR professionals are an essential part of a business. And this list of the 75+ Best HR blogs will guide you through the workings of the modern-day … hr blogs MORE
59 Subscribe to Small Business War Stories iTunes Stitcher YouTube RSS Feed Small businesses are the soul of America. This is where they tell their stories. We want to showcase how our stories bind us; how America is more united than it sometimes feels. Small Business War Stories is a weekly 30-45 minute show recorded in … podcast popular podcast small business war stories MORE
Did Bill Murray really climb through the window of Willie Nelson’s chapel during Luck Reunion? This is the 100th episode of Small Business War Stories, and this is the perfect way to celebrate, with an episode recorded at Willie Nelson’s ranch. Matt Bizer, Ellee Fletcher (Willie’s grandniece) and I talked about the music business, Willie and his family, how artists make money in the 21st Century, and how Luck Reunion is creating a new kind of music and content company. MORE
Proven
FEBRUARY 4, 2018
There are a ton of great apps out there that can help your business hire faster, communicate with your employees easier, and even generate more revenue for your business. But within this enormous sea of apps, as a small business, how do you even know where to start? To solve this problem, we have … mobile hiring mobile recruiting popular popular technology technology
Proven
MARCH 8, 2018
Welcome! We did a lot of work to find you the best job boards, and this is a long post. If you want the quick and dirty, here are our Top 10. Top 10 Job Boards Rank Job Board Category 1 Indeed Big Job Boards 2 ZipRecruiter Big Job Boards 3 Dice Technology and … best job boards niche job boards popular
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Proven
JANUARY 2, 2019
Did Bill Murray really climb through the window of Willie Nelson’s chapel during Luck Reunion? This is the 100th episode of Small Business War Stories, and this is the perfect way to celebrate, with an episode recorded at Willie Nelson’s ranch. Matt Bizer, Ellee Fletcher (Willie’s grandniece) and I talked about the music business, Willie and his family, how artists make money in the 21st Century, and how Luck Reunion is creating a new kind of music and content company.
Proven
DECEMBER 26, 2018
Jeffrey Stuffings left his job as an attorney to make farmhouse ales, a specialty form of beer in the Texas Hill Country right outside of Austin. He shared the formation story of his iconic brewery, and gave some amazing business tips and ideas, such as how to really unleash your mind with just a piece of paper, a pen, and a cup of coffee. This is a great episode with lots of stories and wisdom from the front lines of starting a business.
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Proven
OCTOBER 3, 2018
Today on Small Business War Stories we are joined by Allyson Garro of Coco Coquette, a wig and makeup shop in Austin, Texas. In 1999, Allyson lived in New Orleans, working at a wig shop and as a burlesque dancer. It was there where she discovered her passion for extreme costuming and all things glittery and transformative. She then moved to Los Angeles to further her education in fashion design and went into wardrobe for film.
Proven
SEPTEMBER 5, 2018
On today’s episode we are joined by Barb Heinze of Merlin’s Hide Out, a shop that specializes in customized, handmade, real buffalo hide products. Barb and her husband Merlin have been in this business for 17 years. It all began when Merlin wore out a pair of beaver leggings and decided to fix them himself. He hunted the beaver, tanned the hide himself and fixed his leggings successfully.
Proven
FEBRUARY 20, 2019
Tara Dawn Chapman went from being a CIA agent to cold-emailing a bee farm. The email included her squat and deadlift numbers (beekeeping is hard work!). The rest, as they say, is history. Tara launched Two Hives Honey by putting hives in people’s backyards. She then partnered with the hosts by harvesting the honey while teaching them beekeeping. Always wanted to know about bees? Are you interested in a badass female entrepreneur making her vision happen? Tune in!
Proven
JULY 11, 2018
On this episode of Small Business War Stories, we are joined by Peter Sveen, founder of DIY Pete. His company creates content that helps others get inspired and learn to build projects. In his personal life, Pete began receiving lots of questions from friends about how he built things and tips for DIY projects. This lead to Pete documenting tutorials, creating PDFs of plans, and making DIY videos.
Proven
MAY 30, 2018
On today’s episode we are joined by Bill, Anna & Miles Wirtel of Santa Fe Stoneworks , a company that creates fine handcrafted stone inlay knives. Bill began working in this industry 40 years ago and over time Anna and Miles eventually found themselves working at their father’s business. Bill had them start at the bottom and work their way up, and that’s exactly what they have done.
Speaker: David Secunda, CEO, WorkBright
Prepare for New COVID Regulations & I-9 Reconciliation with our November 17th Webinar HR teams already juggle compliance standards for many governing bodies, but two important policy changes are creating new headaches for businesses around the country. Between the DHA requiring reconciliation of virtually-inspected I-9s and OSHA recommending organizations of 100+ collect and maintain vaccination and/or testing records, many employers are scrambling to build systems to comply with these new standards.
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Proven
JANUARY 16, 2018
It’s 2:30pm and your eyelids are very, very heavy. You swore hours passed since the last time you glanced at the clock at 2:15pm. How are you ever going to stay awake at work? We have all been there, in the afternoon slump when your forehead seems like it is magnetized to your desk … how to stay awake at work
Proven
NOVEMBER 21, 2017
Remote work has many advantages over a traditional office-work environment. There’s less distractions, everyone can setup their work environment to suit their needs, and for young companies, it’s a great way to keep operating costs low. However, remote work also presents some unique challenges. When we took Proven completely remote earlier this year, the … remote work
Proven
APRIL 11, 2018
Today we are joined by Dan Aggeler, co-founder of Durango Soda Company, the makers of Zuberfizz. Dan Aggeler and Banden Zuber began home brewing in college and eventually became commercial brew masters. Using that brewing knowledge, they noticed the demand for craft products and came to the idea of craft soda. They decided to … podcast small business war stories
Proven
MARCH 6, 2019
Casey Carroll is really, really good at Facebook ads. And it can be a complicated, overwhelming world. In this episode, we dissect how to figure out what is important for you to get started with Facebook ads for your small business. By the end of the episode, you will have a six-step guide that you can follow to tackle this seemingly daunting task. You are good at learning things…learning this will transform your business! Listen to the podcast: Subscribe to Small Business War Stories.
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Learn about 6 compelling insights that are contributing to the current hourly shortage, and uncover 4 actionable strategies to help you boost applicant flow up to 9x - even in today’s labor market.
Proven
FEBRUARY 26, 2019
Mercer is the man! You’ll be really impressed by his story of constant reinvention and learning, but that’s not all. Mercer will help you understand how to start demystifying online marketing, so you can start really making your marketing work for you. We had a fun talk, but more importantly, I learned a lot, and so will you. Listen to the podcast: Subscribe to Small Business War Stories. iTunes. Stitcher. RSS Feed.
Proven
FEBRUARY 28, 2018
Do you check references before making a hiring decision on a candidate? If the answer to this question is “no”, then you need to stop what you’re doing and read this post. Even when you find an applicant with a shining resume who gives a perfect interview, it is critical follow up with references! References can … hiring references
Proven
FEBRUARY 28, 2018
Everyone knows about the bog job boards like Monster, LinkedIn, and Craigslist, but there are lots of alternatives to find and hire great talent. A simple Google search will show you that there are a ton of great legal job boards out there, but we have distilled that huge list down to the 7 flat out … job boards
Proven
DECEMBER 19, 2018
Barry Moltz has started three companies, written six books, and done innumerable articles and radio shows on small business. It’s fair to say he has learned a thing or two about how to help small businesses! Today we discuss the main 5 reasons why businesses get stuck, and how to address each one. We also talk about various aspects of starting and running a business, including mental health, reading financials, and how to keep it all together as well as possible.
Speaker: Workbright
Are you struggling with virtual onboarding? Whether you are making the switch to remote work or biding your time until you can get back to the office–you need a solution that works. Check out our webinar on Thursday, May 20th at 2 PM E.T. to learn more!
Proven
APRIL 25, 2018
On today’s episode we are joined by Jason McCarthy of GoRuck , an American brand with Special Forces roots that is aiming to change the world. As a former Special Forces Operator, Jason originally began GoRuck to create go bags, bags prepped with essential items to prepare for emergencies. Not only did he create quality bags, but the company grew into something with a much larger impact. GoRuck now creates gear and apparel as well as hosts events, build teams and strengthens communities.
Proven
APRIL 18, 2018
Today we are joined by John Feins of Meow Wolf , a New Mexico based arts and entertainment group that established in 2008 as an art collective. In 2011, they put together a larger installation at the Center for Contemporary Arts that gained much more attention than expected. This led them to create a permanent exhibition, formed out of an empty bowling alley.
Proven
JANUARY 21, 2018
Download the FREE PDF of all 75+ HR Blogs No, I’m ok for now, thanks. Often misunderstood as meddlers or curmudgeons (see poor Toby from The Office), HR professionals are an essential part of a business. And this list of the 75+ Best HR blogs will guide you through the workings of the modern-day … hr blogs
Proven
AUGUST 31, 2017
We have all seen articles on the best places to work. What makes these the best places to work ? A common misconception is that the companies that offer the most money are the best places to work. However, as anyone who has ever held a job before knows, money is not the only thing that makes the world go around. . Many companies are zeroing in on what makes their employees actually happy.
Speaker: David Secunda, CEO, WorkBright
Are you struggling with virtual on-boarding? Whether you are making the switch to remote work or biding your time until you can get back to the office–you need a solution that works. Check out our webinar on Thursday, August 19th at 2 PM E.T. for more information.
Proven
DECEMBER 5, 2018
Today we are joined by Ryan Deiss of of Digital Marketer in Austin, Texas. Wow…I got to sit down with Ryan Deiss! Ryan is one of my personal influences and one of the foremost digital marketing experts in the world. We talk about how to build your brand as a comic book or movie character, and how that builds the foundation for everything you communicate to your customers. Then we go into specific tactics to increase your conversion from prospect to new customer.
Proven
NOVEMBER 12, 2017
Is posting a job on Craigslist free? Sorry, but the answer is no. Craigslist has long been known for its ease of use, universality, and its unchanging interface. And, up until recently, Craigslist only charged job posters in a few dozen geographic locations. Times have changed. Posting a job on Craigslist will cost you. … craigslist
Proven
FEBRUARY 18, 2018
There are plenty of excellent online job boards out there. Some of them boast millions and millions of job seekers searching for the perfect opportunity. While this is great news for an employer looking to hire, it can be just a little overwhelming and costly. Yes, there are many great job boards out there, but … job boards
Proven
MARCH 15, 2018
Subscribe to Small Business War Stories iTunes Stitcher YouTube RSS Feed Small businesses are the soul of America. This is where they tell their stories. We want to showcase how our stories bind us; how America is more united than it sometimes feels. Small Business War Stories is a weekly 30-45 minute show recorded in … podcast popular podcast small business war stories
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Stay compliant with Paycor’s COVID-19 Action Plan FAQs and templates toolkit.
Proven
MAY 9, 2018
Today we are joined Chris White, CEO and Co-founder of Shinesty , a company that creates outrageous clothing for theme parties, costume parties, and general ridiculousness. Throughout law school, Chris found himself selling apparel for fraternities and discovered that the more ridiculous the shirt- the better it sold. As school continued, Chris was given some advice: To be successful, you should be doing something that you’re good at and that crosses over with something you love.
Proven
MAY 2, 2018
This week we are joined by Dayle Morningstar and Brandon Laird of Colorado Highland Helicopters , a family owned and operated business that provides flight instruction, search and rescue, photography and reconnaissance. Brandon learned to fly in California but was drawn to the mountains, eventually leading him to Durango as a Care Flight pilot. This is where he met Dayle and together they noticed a need for both instruction and rescue service in Durango.
Proven
AUGUST 15, 2018
On today’s episode we are joined by Joshua Gebreyes of Tibeb Leatherworks. Joshua is an architecture student interning from Ethiopia, who is crafting beautiful leather-bound journals and wallets using Ethiopian fabrics and prints. Joshua, 4 friends, and his brother began by making leather goods for themselves, but eventually decided to start crafting them to be sold. They combine their passion for Ethiopian culture, architecture, and design to create stunning leather products.
Proven
FEBRUARY 28, 2018
A Laundry Attendant is responsible for providing a constant supply of clean linens for the entire hotel. Laundry attendants also may be responsible for cleaning guests’ personal items if the hotel offers a cleaning service. For personal items, a laundry attendant must follow specific instructions for laundering and drying. The laundry attendant job description … job descriptions hiring
Advertiser: Globalization Partners
Can you give your employees the best of both worlds? Research has shown that when executed correctly, hybrid working models can allow companies to recruit better talent, achieve innovation, and build a flexible, productive future.
Proven
FEBRUARY 20, 2018
Spending time and money on writing job posts can be a drag. Many employers set out to write a job post only to find out they are using the same boring job ads over and over. Unsurprisingly, they get the same low number of lackluster job applicants responding to theses job ads. That’s where we … hiring job descriptions job posts popular hiring popular job descriptions
Proven
NOVEMBER 7, 2018
Today we are joined by Laurel Barickman of Recspec , a design studio and art gallery in Austin, Texas. Laurel began teaching herself Photoshop and editing techniques when she was fourteen years old. By the time she went to college, she felt she knew enough about design and decided to major in film. While in school, she was a designer for her university and was able to gain real-world experience in design.
Proven
MAY 9, 2018
Hiring can seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be! Ideally, your company’s hiring process should be as efficient and effective as possible – and an applicant tracking system can make that happen. Applicant tracking systems are known for streamlining the hiring process through handling recruitment needs electronically. They process resumes submitted by applicants and can automatically filter them based on given criteria. . Now, which ATS should you be using?
Proven
APRIL 10, 2018
Today we are joined by Mat Sorensen, a business attorney at KKOS Lawyers, a best-selling author, and a national speaker and expert on self-directed retirement accounts. This week on Small Business War Stories, Mat gives his advice on where to start your business, which type of legal entity to set up, properly documenting your business structure … podcast small business war stories Uncategorized
Advertiser: Globalization Partners
Are you focusing on what’s important when it comes to global compliance? From entity setup to hiring, financial reporting to the ever-changing world of regulations, compliance plays a key role on every step of the journey toward long-term success.
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