Business & Bytes Podcast

"because while marketing is a lot of creativity, and that's one of my favorite pieces, it's a lot of analytics as well, and you have to be able to read those results and read those reports to understand how to do better in the future. Otherwise, you're kind of just guessing."
 
In this enlightening Episode 13 of the Business and Bytes Podcast, hosts Ceci Robinson, Emelio Mejia, and John Hansman delve into the multifaceted realm of marketing strategies. The discussion begins with Ceci Robinson highlighting the necessity of dedicated planning time for marketing strategies, followed by Emelio Mejia's revelation on his initial confusion between marketing and sales, and the vital role of relationship building.
 
The trio then navigates the use and benefits of CRM systems for maintaining sales communication and leads management, cautioning against the use of consumer email services for business communication due to security and access risks.
They reflect on personal experiences of using free email accounts versus domain emails, the implications for trust and professionalism, and the appearance of credibility. The conversation covers the significance of brand awareness and lead generation, particularly at trade shows, and the indirect impact marketing has on sales.
 
Emelio and John encourage frequent and strategic engagement with leads, using trade shows as timely opportunities to expand one's network. Technical difficulties briefly interrupt the audio, but the hosts press on to discuss marketing's role in business growth, the ideal budget allocations for marketing, and the necessity of understanding social media platforms based on customer behaviors.
As the chat progresses, hosts debate the cost-effectiveness of various marketing tools, the importance of consistent branding, and strategic allocation of a marketing budget considering business age and type. The episode concludes with insights on aligning IT with business goals, understanding analytics for marketing improvement, and the strategic use of social media platforms for engaging content. It’s an episode brimming with insider knowledge tailored to refine marketing approaches and cultivate business success.
 
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Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Establish marketing budget based on revenue percentage.05:39 Business owner reluctant to use Instagram, unsure.07:58 Choose platforms based on customer behavior and intent.14:04 Utilize customer data for personalized experiences efficiently.16:46 CRM coaching for effective platform utilization options.20:02 Allocate funds wisely for effective marketing partnerships.23:59 Used various strategies for marketing, seeking advice.25:01 Diverse marketing strategies cater to different businesses.29:53 Engage differently based on time span. Email introduction.34:31 Build relationships, not push products. Nurture leads.38:09 Importance of brand foundations and marketing plan.39:34 Plan marketing strategy to ensure successful campaigns.42:37 Ensure targeting right leads and nurture relationships.46:09 Businesses should avoid using consumer email services.49:38 CRM platforms do not support Gmail linkage.52:50 Noise, open windows, Gmail account for professionalism.56:03 Expresses gratitude and acknowledges everyone present.
 
Book a Consultation with Ceci at www.therpcreatives.com
 

"So rest is just like the sports season. There's a season for every part of your life in business. And the rest season, this is your slow season, right? And so it's time to rebuild, recharge, refocus. What worked well, what didn't. And this is you can apply this to your team, you can apply this to your own life, to your family, but also in that rest season, you're asking yourself, what is allowed to go in this season and what is not allowed to go in this season? Because that's where we get stuck, right? Is we try to do all the things all the time, but in order."
 
Welcome back to Business and Bytes Podcast. In this eye-opening episode, "EP12 - Cheree Sauer's Guide to Avoiding Burnout and Building a Sustainable Business," hosts Emelio Mejia and John Hansman sit down with Cheree Sauer, CEO of Success Without Sacrifice, to tackle the critical issue of entrepreneurial burnout.
 
Cheree brings valuable insights on maintaining balance, preventing burnout, and the "ramp method" – a framework that helps entrepreneurs navigate their own rest, align, master, and peak seasons. Additionally, the episode delves into the significance of recognizing and addressing the various symptoms of burnout, from chronic fatigue to a loss of motivation, all through the lens of personal experiences shared by our hosts and guest.
 
On the tech front, we're covering the heightened need for cybersecurity in today's digital era, discussing recent incidents like the supply chain attack on three CX and a concerning data breach at Microsoft. Our discussion underscores the importance of implementing layered security measures to protect your business.
 
Join us for an episode brimming with invaluable advice that's sure to resonate with entrepreneurs, small business owners, and C-level executives alike.
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Being a stay-at-home mom taught self-care importance.07:01 Embrace present, stop chasing, prioritize self-care.12:07 Athletes need rest for peak performance.16:33 Building a sustainable business takes time.22:47 Questioning worthiness, people pleasing, and uncovering beliefs.28:21 Entrepreneur shares experience, expands business with help.35:50 Assess your energy, offload what's draining you.38:11 Understanding motivation and leadership for business owners.43:30 Listen to your body's signs and signals.53:46 Microsoft has many security tools available.55:39 Microsoft under threat after Russian retaliation, small businesses vulnerable.01:00:20 Grateful for Cherie, stay tuned for more.
 

"One of the staff that, that was there actually ran his mouse over that. It was a docusign thing, or was a docusign on Microsoft. He ran his mouse over the, the sign in or whatever it was, and he looked at the address and went, yeah, you know, it just didn't look right to me, so I didn't click it and I called and that's how he figured out what was going on."
 
Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast, where we delve deep into crucial business technology and cybersecurity topics. In this 11th episode, titled "Employee Mistakes: Proper Cyber Security Tools and the Right Mindset to Keep Your Business Safe," hosts John Hansman and Emelio Mejia unravel the complexities of safeguarding a business against cyber threats, emphasizing the human element in cybersecurity.
 
They discuss the importance of educating employees on vigilance against tactics like phishing and the evolving AI-driven ransomware, as well as the significance of implementing effective security tools and strategies to protect critical business assets like finances, intellectual data, and consumer information. Listeners will learn about the dire consequences of undetected cyberattacks on businesses and the success stories of those who have managed quick and efficient responses to threats.
 
The discussion extends to the key roles of disaster recovery planning, including having robust backups and rehearsed procedures, to minimize downtime during cyber incidents. Moreover, the episode touches on sensitive processes like handling employee terminations to prevent potential security breaches.
 
Stay tuned, as John and Emelio also foreshadow their next exploration of Russian cybercrime groups, and don't forget to follow the podcast on social media for updates and send in your questions or topics for future discussions.
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Cybersecurity discussion, employee mistakes, tools, mindset.06:36 Include IT department in employee termination process.08:01 Open communication helps avoid surprise staff changes.12:57 Be smart, keep business safe, manage passwords.15:18 Many ways to educate, including gamification.17:20 Three things to protect in business: financials, education.21:42 Importance of cybersecurity and personal protection awareness.24:49 Dark web monitoring essential for protecting credentials.29:22 Monitoring is crucial for preventing security breaches.33:07 Efficient phishing scam thwarted by vigilant staff.34:58 Criminal organization targets two-factor authentication. Ransomware evolves using AI, backup plan crucial.37:41 Data recovery and backup are crucial for businesses.40:42 Cyber attacks impact business and employee morale.46:04 Regularly update all equipment for security.48:22 Previewing next week's cybersecurity segment on Russians.

"Our goal is to keep jobs that are there, and that helps in the communities I'm working with, because we're bringing outside money that comes into the community. They buy things like food and lodging and those things, and, and leave their money there to go to shops and buy things, et cetera, and then they leave. But they help those jobs and businesses stay in business."
 
Welcome to EP10 of the Business and Bytes Podcast, where today's episode features an enriching discussion with George Sharp from the Thurston EDC.
 
We're set to explore the dual narrative of George's life as a community builder and economic driver for small towns, as well as his personal tale of resilience and positivity in the face of a challenging kidney health journey. George Sharp utilizes his extensive experience in entrepreneurship and economic development to revitalize communities, orchestrating events and initiatives that not only showcase the charm of small towns but also stimulate local business growth.
 
Despite his own health obstacles, including navigating the intricacies of dialysis and the kidney transplant list, George maintains a powerful positive mental attitude that inspires all those around him. In addition to George's story, we will also discuss key learnings from our recent conference attendance, including the "profit first" approach and cybersecurity tips vital for today's businesses.
 
Join hosts John Hansman and Emelio Mejia for a moving and motivational episode that merges profound personal insight with actionable business wisdom.
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Entrepreneurial high schooler switches to college briefly.04:35 Prank calls caused loss of $45,000.09:06 Monthly meetings to discuss community development efforts.12:48 Tonano arts market helped artisans during COVID.14:20 32 artisans create huge success in downtown.18:09 Online training and coaching program for businesses.22:27 Get local economic development counseling to grow.25:44 Advocate for businesses, engage with local chamber.29:11 Praising positive mindset and resilience in adversity.31:54 Adopted plant-based diet, delayed dialysis for 2.5 years.34:50 Patient gets transplant call for donor kidney.39:04 Gratitude, positive attitude despite challenges, love for life.42:32 Belief in purpose, inspiring others through journey.43:24 Friend's daughter credits George for medical decision.48:55 Reenergized by talk, excited to see speaker.50:04 Garrett Gunderson's talk expanded my wealth perspective.54:02 Planning changes in strategy and personal growth.57:04 "Be cautious and check before clicking links.
 
You can reach George at gsharp@thurstonedc.com.

"The smart way, it really doesn't require you to, you know, start with so much money. So I started. I bought a 97 astro van, right? I didn't know if that thing was going to turn on the next day. I bought all my equipment new, you know, but I was like, you know what? I need to start this way and work my way up. You know, a lot of guys, they think that they have to, like, show or portray this image of, like, they're, like, super successful, you know, and clients, they're not really looking at that, at least. What, from what I've experienced, you know, as long as you're a person that says, hey, I'm gonna be there at this time, and you show up at that time, you actually say what you're gonna do. Clients are gonna be there whether you drive a 97 astro van or, you know, 2023, you know, all decked out, you know, Van."
 
Welcome to the Business and Bytes Podcast, where we delve into the heart of entrepreneurship and digital innovation. In this episode, Emelio Mejia reconnects with an old friend and guest, Jesus De Lardilles, to discuss the highs and lows of being a solopreneur.
 
Jesus shares his transformative journey from the banking industry to establishing Miami Premium Enterprise, offering insights into the shift from corporate to the autonomy of running one's own business. We'll cover critical topics like cybersecurity, the digital footprint of businesses, and the crucial aspects of fostering a robust company culture.
 
Our conversation will touch upon the significance of perseverance, highlighted by a nod to Calvin Coolidge's thoughts on persistence, and the balance between financial prudence and business expansion. As Jesus recounts his experiences with burnout, client interactions, and strategic shifts in his business model, listeners will gain valuable lessons on resilience, the importance of a well-defined business purpose, and the strategies that can drive a business's success.
 
Tune in to EP09: Jesus De Lardilles | The Solopreneur Story for a dose of inspiration and practical advice for any business journey.
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Podcast host thanks guest and discusses interview.04:11 Banking experience impacted service transition to entrepreneurship.08:44 Start small, clients care about reliability.13:00 Rebooted business with new mindset and guidance.14:48 Coaches help gain competitive edge in business.19:49 Prioritized clients, growth through quality over quantity.21:00 Social media crucial for business growth and trust.25:19 People losing trust over petty theft experiences.27:30 Company success: pay employees well, create good culture.31:58 Entrepreneurship offers confidence to pivot industries.35:52 Building trust with clients through personal engagement.39:04 Entrepreneur shares importance of having a big "why".42:28 Surround yourself with the right people, succeed.44:32 Miami Premium Enterprise provides comprehensive vehicle detailing.48:59 Thoroughly monitoring email system is crucial.51:17 Book about hacking, client gave info away.54:09 Security breach detected, but minimal data compromised.57:49 Exciting digital marketing plans for Facebook content.

"I mean, that's really my main purpose is growing the business, you know, for people that I work with, because just as a business owner myself, I started this, and I know how much work it takes to keep up with it."
 
Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! I'm your host John Hansman, joined by the ever-insightful Emelio Mejia. In today's episode, EP08, we're excited to dive deep with Rachael Harrpersad, a seasoned virtual assistant all the way from sunny Florida, to explore how having a virtual assistant can help propel your business to new heights. Rachael will unpack the virtues of confidentiality agreements, the art of using effective communication to streamline your operations, and the nuances of virtual assistance when it comes to dealing with tasks like social media management.
This episode isn't just about getting help; it's about integrating a virtual teammate who brings loyalty and a personalized touch to the job—touching on the differences between local and foreign virtual assistants, and how geographical reach and cultural understanding are pivotal in serving your audience.
We'll also switch gears to discuss a hot topic in the tech world: cybersecurity. The recent AnyDesk security breach serves as our case study to underscore why robust security measures are paramount for services catering to businesses. Plus, we'll share details on CloudStrike's involvement and AnyDesk's response to the incident. 
So whether you’re looking to scale your business with a VA, safeguard your data against cyber threats, or just stay ahead of industry trends, you're in the right place. Stay tuned as we offer you a mix of professional insights, practical tips, and crucial updates here on Business and Bytes. Let's get started!
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Diverse services offered, willing to learn new skills.05:48 Offering social media and scheduling services for business growth.08:36 Offshore assistants lack personal and business connection.11:27 VA works with various businesses, consider expertise, confidentiality.14:47 Protect yourself with confidentiality agreements when hiring.19:00 Clear instructions and communication are essential.23:18 Flexible availability for potential client scheduling needs.25:50 Vas offer diverse services and connections.28:48 AI should complement, not replace virtual assistants.31:06 Using paid version for graphics, challenges with text.37:15 AnyDesk is a major player in various markets.39:24 "Scammer Payback on YouTube exposes real scams."43:02 Prepare for and recover from cyber attacks.44:40 Tokens created on end user's device for security.49:49 Excited to be here. Thanks for watching.50:51 Wishing all a good day!
 

"Because I think there's this myth, especially in small business. Well, I've got a McAfee on all my computers, so I'm great. Or I have. Okay, passwords. I don't use the same password over and over again, so I'm great. Or no one's going to remember my 123456 password, or, you know, all of those things, or this stuff just doesn't happen to small businesses, so I'm good."
 
In this insightful episode of the Business and Bytes Podcast, co-hosts John Hansman and Emelio Mejia delve into the essential topic of creating a strong cybersecurity culture to protect businesses of all sizes.
 
The episode, titled "EP07 - Guarding Your Business: Creating a Strong Cyber Security Culture," opens with a cautionary tale from Emelio about a hacking incident that serves as a stark reminder of our digital vulnerabilities. Emelio generously offers listeners a free chapter from his book on cybersecurity awareness, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and vigilance.
 
The co-hosts discuss the necessity of continuous training to combat the ever-evolving threat landscape, underscoring the challenges leaders face in prioritizing cybersecurity within larger organizations. Sharing anecdotes, including a client’s compromised social media and shopping accounts, the hosts stress the importance of using password managers and following security protocols.
 
They draw parallels between cybersecurity measures and car safety features, advocating for a multifaceted approach to risk mitigation. The episode also highlights the exciting lineup of upcoming guests, ranging from tax professionals to digital marketing experts.
 
Listeners are encouraged to follow the Business and Bytes page for live-stream updates and to contribute to the podcast’s growth by leaving reviews on platforms, especially Apple. With an emphasis on engaging training methods, such as gamification and regular briefings, John and Emelio discuss strategies to instill a robust cybersecurity culture that extends beyond mere compliance and effectively shields businesses from potential threats.
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Focus on creating a cyber safe culture.07:23 Encouraging cultural growth and long-term information retention.09:05 Agreed on client's training plan for team.13:57 Fostering positive workplace culture and behavior change.15:02 Weekly trainings help employees make informed decisions.19:01 Regular training crucial due to evolving threats.21:56 Leadership influences employee attitude and behavior.27:29 Improving efficiency, balancing security and convenience.30:48 Mitigate risk by taking necessary precautions.32:45 Promotion of book and cybersecurity awareness training.38:25 CPA for taxes, VA benefits, entrepreneur and marketing.39:10 Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates.

"Create a database. So, meaning creating this database of contact information where you're collecting phone numbers, email addresses, business cards, you're getting people's info so that you can continue to nurture that relationship. Doesn't matter what type of business you're in. If you have a website, have some type of form there where you can capture info."
 
Welcome back to Business and Bytes, where your hosts John Hansman, Lindsey Badillo, and Emelio Mejia come together to discuss the electrifying world of marketing and business growth. In this episode, "EP06 - Lindsey Badillo - Marketing Coach | How to Supercharge your Marketing," we delve into the journey of a business from its initial traction to the pivotal stage of predictability, where informed decisions shape the future.
 
Cybersecurity stands at the forefront of the IT services conversation – a crucial aspect of today's business operations that cannot be overlooked. Lindsey shares her transformation from educator to marketing maestro, offering insights on empowering business owners and igniting a drive to succeed. We also share invaluable networking strategies, debunk myths of instant marketing results, and tease upcoming topics chosen by you, our audience.
 
Make sure to join the dialogue and enrich your marketing savvy in our Facebook group, "Market Like a Millionaire." This episode is packed with wisdom to fuel your entrepreneurial journey and expand your business horizons.
 
Get set for an episode brimming with insights and inspiration here on Business and Bytes!
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Increasing marketing efforts, appreciating Lindsey's contributions.04:01 Life experiences lead to entrepreneurial spirit in business.09:26 Entrepreneur works on business in Starbucks, sees success.11:48 Encouraging children to explore entrepreneurship and independence.16:25 Addressing personal mindset for business ownership success.18:41 Recognizing flaws, navigating ego, and delegating effectively.21:17 Chris and I did a workshop in New Jersey to help business owners increase revenue.26:03 Maximizing marketing to sales activity through data capture.27:25 Setting up coffee chat for potential connections.32:28 B and I promotes givers gain principle.34:25 Instant results through paycheck, business requires traction.37:36 Mental and spiritual self-care essential for success.42:45 Find expertise, own it, scale, delegate, orchestrate.43:23 Life presents evolving challenges, including work-life balance.48:33 It company must prioritize cybersecurity for themselves.51:32 IT companies should prioritize cybersecurity discussions.54:57 Excited about passionate guests discussing business strategies.56:38 Promote podcast on various platforms and social media.