Business, Beer & BS with Mike & Blaine

Hosted by Mike Milan & Blaine Bertsch

Business Management

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Episodes

243

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Dive into "Business, Beer, and BS" with seasoned entrepreneurs Mike Milan and Blaine Bertsch! Each episode is a lively mix of business insights and casual conversation fueled by cold beers and real talk. Mike and Blaine share their rollercoaster journeys of running businesses and tackling real-world challenges with humour and honesty. Expect practical tips, unforgettable stories, and plenty of laughs along the way. It’s the perfect blend of expert advice and laid-back fun. Don’t miss out! Subscribe, follow, and like "Business, Beer, and BS" for engaging stories, valuable lessons, and great entertainment. Catch every episode!

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August 13, 2026Episode 24757 min

The Business of Digital Detox: How Phone-Free Zones Become Premium Business Strategies

Send us Fan Mail We invented a device that does almost everything, became hopelessly attached to it, and have now created an entire industry devoted to taking it away from us. In this episode of Mike & Blaine, we dive deep into the booming economy of "disconnection." From phone-free bars, restaurants, concerts, and schools to high-end digital detox retreats, we analyze whether any of us can survive a simple dinner without checking a notification—and more importantly, how entrepreneurs are turning our collective lack of discipline into a profitable business model. We debate whether locking up smartphones creates richer customer conversations or merely turns bartenders and venue staff into middle-school principals. Beyond the behavioral economics, we explore the strategic business tactics behind selling silence, privacy, and borrowed self-control. Business & Strategy Key Takeaways: Monetizing Friction: How forcing customers to unplug creates a high-value, premium experience people will pay extra for. Customer Dwell Time: Why removing digital distractions increases engagement, lengthens visits, and boosts total spend in hospitality and retail. Differentiation in a Noisy Market: Using phone-free policies as a unique selling proposition (USP) to build intense brand loyalty. Operational Reality: Managing the fine line between policy enforcement and delivering top-tier customer service. Grab a beer, hide your screen time report, and join us before one of us gets distracted halfway through the episode! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s___KWkcQQA Love the show? Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and keep the taps running! We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton #PhoneFree #DigitalDetox #Smartphones #CustomerExperience #DigitalWellness #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #CustomerLoyalty #Monetization #BehavioralEconomics #Apple #Samsung #Google #Meta #Verizon #ATT #Yondr #MikeAndBlaine Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

July 30, 2026Episode 24655 min

The Death of Cool: How Caring More Drives Business Growth & Loyalty

Send us Fan Mail Apparently, caring is cool again, which is unfortunate because some of us just got really good at pretending not to care. On this episode of Mike & Blaine, we’re talking about why effort, enthusiasm, and actually giving a damn are making a massive comeback after years of “too cool to try” corporate apathy, detachment, and fake indifference. We take a deep dive into cringe culture, modern workplace apathy, terrible dating advice, and businesses that act like returning a customer's phone call would somehow ruin their mystique. But beyond the banter, there is a powerful business strategy hidden here: radical effort is your ultimate competitive advantage. In today's crowded market, standard "professionalism" without personality is just boredom wearing a collared shirt. Companies that hide behind slow responses, generic corporate speak, and passive customer service are rapidly losing market share to competitors who demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and care. In this episode, we break down key business tactics and strategic takeaways: Customer Experience (CX) as a Differentiator: Why over-delivering and relentless responsiveness beat playing "hard to get" every single time. Building Authentic Brand Loyalty: How injecting real personality into your marketing turns passive buyers into brand advocates. Culture & Employee Engagement: How to combat disengagement and quiet quitting by building a work environment where taking pride in performance is celebrated. Sales & Strategic Execution: Why caring about your client's outcomes creates trust faster than any polished sales pitch. Grab a cold beer and join us as we ask whether trying hard was ever really the embarrassing part—or if caring is actually the secret weapon your business strategy has been missing. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LouDPrRM9YY Love the show? Head over to mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and support the podcast! We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LouDPrRM9YY #TryingIsCool #CringeCulture #CustomerExperience #Chalant #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #CustomerService #Leadership #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #SalesStrategy #CorporateCulture #MikeAndBlaine #Podcasting #Apple #Nike #Starbucks #HubSpot #Salesforce #Shopify #HarvardBusinessReview #IncMagazine #Forbes Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

July 23, 2026Episode 24552 min

Free Refills & Poutine: What the 2026 World Cup Taught Us About Marketing & Customer Experience

Send us Fan Mail The world came to North America for soccer—and left talking about free refills, ranch dressing, poutine, barbecue, and a whiskey-drinking raccoon. This week on the Mike and Blaine show, we unpack the funniest and most unexpectedly wholesome stories of international fans discovering life in the United States, Mexico, and Canada during the 2026 World Cup. But this isn't just a recap of tournament tourism; it’s a deep dive into core business strategy, tactical marketing, and customer experience (CX). Why do visitors see pure magic in the everyday things locals completely take for granted? More importantly, how can your business leverage its own "ordinary" features to build an unforgettable, viral brand? Mike and Blaine break down how culture serves as the ultimate marketing strategy. In business, your standard operations, unique regional quirks, or basic hospitality touches might actually be your greatest competitive advantage. We share actionable insights on how to avoid becoming a generic, sanitized corporation and instead double down on the unique differentiators that make your brand memorable. Whether it’s the psychological impact of a "free refill" or the comfort of hyper-local hospitality, successful companies win by embracing who they are. If you want to learn how to turn your daily routine into a powerful customer acquisition tool, grab a cold beer and join the conversation! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZAs79X_0Iz4 We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Love the show and want to support us? Visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZAs79X_0Iz4 #WorldCup2026 #BusinessBeerAndBS #NorthAmericanCulture #CustomerExperience #Hospitality #BusinessPodcast #FIFA #BusinessStrategy #MarketingStrategy #BrandStrategy #Entrepreneurship #CustomerRetention #McDonalds #HiddenValleyRanch #FIFAWorldCup #SmallBusinessTips Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

July 16, 2026Episode 24459 min

Nobody Told Me: The Brutal Truth About the Costs of Success

Send us Fan Mail Nobody told us that success creates a whole new set of problems. Nobody told us that owning a home means becoming a part-time plumber, electrician, and landscaper. And nobody definitely told us that running a business would have us worrying about payroll at 2:00 in the morning. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we share the things we wish someone had warned us about—and invite you to do the same. Because sometimes the best lessons in life aren't the ones you learn in school... they're the ones nobody thought to mention. When you start a business, the focus is always on growth, marketing, and hitting that first big revenue milestone. But what happens when you actually get there? In this episode, we dive deep into the strategic challenges of business growth and the operational tactics required to survive your own success. From managing unexpected cash flow crunches to scaling your team and adapting your infrastructure, we pull back the curtain on the real-world complexities of entrepreneurship. We talk about the tactical shift from working in your business to working on your business. If you are a founder, CEO, or business leader navigating the messy reality of the corporate ladder or entrepreneurship, this episode is your guide to the unwritten rules of business strategy. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lNpJDSTp9y8 We want to hear from you! What is the biggest lesson nobody told you about business or life? Drop us a line at beer@mikeandblaine.com Love the show? Support the podcast and buy us a beer at https://mikeandblaine.com ! Listen to all our episodes at https://mikeandblaine.com Learn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at https://cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at https://dryrun.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lNpJDSTp9y8 #Adulting #LifeLessons #NobodyToldMe #GrowingUp #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessTactics #CashFlow #QuickBooks #HubSpot #Salesforce #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #CEO #Founder #Podcast Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

July 10, 2026Episode 2431 hr 2 min

The Skills AI Can't Fake: Why Emotional Intelligence Beats Automation

Send us Fan Mail Artificial intelligence can write emails, build presentations, create images, and even help write code—but it still can't shake a hand, earn trust, or make someone genuinely feel understood. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we explore why the most valuable skills in business are shifting back to the things technology can't easily replicate: communication, leadership, empathy, humor, and emotional intelligence. As AI gets smarter, being authentically human is becoming more valuable, not less. We talk about the surprising comeback of soft skills, why relationships are becoming a competitive advantage again, and what separates people who simply use AI from people who actually lead. Because the future may be powered by AI—but it's still built on trust. To truly win in today's market, your business strategy needs to evolve beyond just buying the latest software. Tactically, it’s no longer about optimizing just your tech stack; it’s about maximizing your "human stack." In this episode, we break down how savvy entrepreneurs are leveraging platforms like OpenAI and Google Gemini to automate the mundane backend tasks, freeing up critical time to double down on high-touch client relationships, team leadership, and creative problem-solving. If your current business tactics rely 100% on automation, you are leaving your customer loyalty exposed to competitors who still know how to pick up the phone. Learn how to weave authentic emotional intelligence into your corporate strategy so you can future-proof your brand and out-human the competition. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ua8cOzKiSj0 We want to hear from you! beer@mikeandblaine.com Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Love the show and want to keep the insights (and the brews) flowing? Head over to mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! We appreciate the support! Learn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ua8cOzKiSj0 #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #Leadership #SoftSkills #OpenAI #ChatGPT #GoogleAI #Microsoft #BusinessStrategy #BusinessTactics #EmotionalIntelligence #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #TechTrends #Management #B2BStrategy Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

July 3, 2026Episode 24254 min

It Looks Easy Until You Try It: Inside the Illusion of Mastery

Send us Fan Mail Ever watched someone do something online and thought, “That doesn't look that hard?” This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dive into the Competence Illusion—the strange way social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts make incredibly difficult things look totally effortless. From woodworking and gourmet cooking to entrepreneurship, corporate scaling, professional podcasting, pressure washing, and even elite sports, experts have gotten so good at their craft that they've accidentally convinced the rest of us that anyone could do it. But behind every "effortless" ten-second video clip is thousands of hours of invisible experience, failed experiments, and calculated business strategy. In this episode, we break down why mastery looks so simple from the outside, how tactical shortcuts usually lead to massive DIY failures, and why rolling up your sleeves to try something yourself is the fastest way to develop true respect for the professionals who do it every day. Whether you're trying to build a business, launch a marketing campaign, or master a trade, execution is everything. The greatest compliment you can give a professional might just be, “Wow… that was a lot harder than it looked.” If you enjoy the show, head over to mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer and keep the conversations flowing! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GWmpkeoXznY We want to hear from you! Email us your thoughts, DIY disaster stories, or favorite beer recommendations at beer@mikeandblaine.com. Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsor!: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Trey Milton Learn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GWmpkeoXznY #SkillIssue #DIYFail #LearnOnTikTok #OddlySatisfying #MikeAndBlaine #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #CompetenceIllusion #Mastery #BusinessTactics #TikTok #YouTube #Instagram #GaryVee #AlexHormozi #MasterClass #MrBeast #PodcastLife #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

June 25, 2026Episode 24154 min

The Psychology of Satisfying Content: What Pressure Washing & Rug Cleaning Teach Us About Marketing

Send us Fan Mail Why Is This So Satisfying? This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dive into the strange, addictive world of “oddly satisfying” content and uncover why some of the most popular videos on the internet involve cleaning a filthy rug, pressure washing a driveway, or restoring a rusty wrench. Millions of people watch these videos every day, but what makes them so mesmerizing? We explore the deep psychological triggers behind these trends, what they reveal about stress relief and modern life, and why watching someone organize a toolbox can feel better than watching a Hollywood blockbuster. But it’s not just about relaxation—there is a massive business strategy hidden beneath the surface of these viral trends. From a marketing and branding perspective, "oddly satisfying" videos are masterclasses in the "Before and After" framework. We break down the exact business tactics content creators and brands use to monetize mundane tasks, build immense audience loyalty, and leverage clear visual transformation to drive massive organic traffic. Whether you are a business owner looking to improve your social media marketing strategy or a viewer who just loves a clean driveway, this episode reveals how clarity, order, and visual progress can turn basic labor into a powerhouse brand asset. In a world full of business chaos, sometimes all we want is to see something get fixed. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4084B7HWYB0 Support the show! If you enjoyed this episode, visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer! We want to hear from you! Send your thoughts, feedback, or favorite satisfying video links to beer@mikeandblaine.com. Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn about our businesses: Cash Flow Mike trains CPAs to provide highly effective advisory services to their clients. Master your business finances at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO helps finance teams get out of messy spreadsheets and into clear forecasting at dryrun.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Neighbor Bregger And New Sponsor, Trey Milton! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4084B7HWYB0 #SatisfyingVideos #BeforeAndAfter #Transformation #OddlySatisfying #BusinessStrategy #ContentMarketing #ViralGrowth #MarketingTactics #PressureWashing #Restoration #EntrepreneurLife #MikeAndBlaine #YouTubeSEO @YouTube @TikTok @Instagram @Reddit Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

June 19, 2026Episode 24054 min

What is Aura? The New Rules of Authority, Branding, and Business Strategy

Send us Fan Mail The internet has a new way of keeping score: aura. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dive into one of the strangest trends taking over social media—gaining aura, losing aura, and why people seem obsessed with measuring status in ways that don't actually exist. From CEOs and athletes to celebrities and everyday people, we explore why some people walk into a room and command attention while others instantly lose credibility. We break down where the trend came from, why it resonates, and what it reveals about confidence, reputation, authenticity, and human nature. Because aura may be made up—but the way people react to it is very real. From a business strategy and tactical standpoint, "aura" is just the modern evolution of executive presence and brand equity. In this episode, we unpack how entrepreneurs and corporate executives can tactically build authentic authority without falling into the trap of cheap marketing gimmicks. We discuss how iconic brands like Nike, Apple, and Tesla cultivate a corporate aura that commands premium pricing and fierce customer loyalty. Whether you are running a startup or leading a Fortune 500 company, managing your professional reputation and understanding how the public measures your credibility is a critical component of modern leadership, PR strategy, and marketplace positioning. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kn0oUEQ2gJc We want to hear from you! Send your thoughts, feedback, or favorite beer recommendations to beer@mikeandblaine.com Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com If you enjoy the show, head over to mikeandblaine.com right now to buy us a beer and support the podcast! Learn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kn0oUEQ2gJc #AuraPoints #Aura #LoseAura #InternetCulture #BusinessStrategy #ExecutivePresence #BrandEquity #LeadershipTactics #Entrepreneurship #Nike #Apple #Tesla #Forbes #HarvardBusinessReview #PublicRelations #MarketingStrategy #CorporateBranding #MikeAndBlaine Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

June 12, 2026Episode 23952 min

“When Did We Stop Doing Stuff Just For Fun?” Stop Turning Your Hobbies Into Side Hustles

Send us Fan Mail At some point, every single hobby became a business opportunity. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we talk about the return of amateurism and the growing movement of people doing things simply because they enjoy them. From backyard gardening and woodworking to running clubs, sourdough bread, and retro gaming, more people are rejecting the idea that every interest needs to become a side hustle. We explore why hobbies got monetized in the first place, why people are pushing back, and what happens when you stop measuring everything by productivity and profit. Because maybe the most rebellious thing you can do in 2026 is enjoy something you're not trying to optimize. But there is a massive business strategy angle to this shift. From a tactical standpoint, trying to monetize every passion actually dilutes your core business focus and drains the creative energy required to innovate. True entrepreneurial strategy requires downtime to recharge your cognitive reserves. When you treat your personal time like a secondary startup, you risk severe burnout, which directly impacts your primary revenue streams and decision-making abilities. We dive into how separating business tactics from personal fulfillment can actually make you a sharper, more focused leader in companies like Apple, Google, or Microsoft where corporate culture is starting to value the "unplugged" employee. We also look at how platform giants like YouTube, Shopify, and Etsy built entire ecosystems around the side-hustle boom, and why consumer behavior is shifting away from monetization and back toward pure community engagement. Whether you are a founder trying to scale or an executive looking for balance, understanding the boundary between profit and passion is essential for long-term strategic success. We want to hear from you! Email us at beer@mikeandblaine.com and let us know what you do just for fun. If you love the show, support the podcast, visit mikeandblaine.com, and buy us a beer! Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas Neighbor Pat Devin Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com Learn about: Cash Flow Mike who trains CPAs to provide effective advisory to their clients at cashflowmike.com Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting for the office of the CFO where they get finance teams out of spreadsheets at dryrun.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/39B4RdRldl8 #HobbyCulture #Amateurism #SlowLiving #SideHustle #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BurnoutPrevention #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessTactics #Mindset #YouTube #Shopify #Etsy #Apple #Google #MikeAndBlaine Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

June 4, 2026Episode 23850 min

The Upgrade Spiral: How Consumer Culture Hacks Your Business & Life

Send us Fan Mail You buy a new couch… and suddenly your entire house starts failing inspections. This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dive deep into “The Upgrade Spiral” and explore why modern life constantly makes people—and businesses—feel like they are always one version behind. From smartphones and cars to office kitchens, wardrobes, and tech productivity setups, every single upgrade quietly shifts your standards. It distorts your baseline, making everything else you own or use look instantly outdated. In this episode, we break down the exact business strategy behind this phenomenon. Companies like Apple, Adobe, and BMW don't just sell products; they engineered a consumer culture that depends entirely on keeping “good enough” from ever feeling good enough for very long. We look at this from a tactical business perspective: How do you, as an entrepreneur, leverage this cycle to increase customer lifetime value without alienating your audience? On the flip side, how do you protect your own business cash flow from falling victim to lifestyle inflation and unnecessary software-as-a-service (SaaS) upgrades? Social media accelerates this loop daily, transforming satisfaction from a tangible goal into a moving target. Somewhere along the way, content became a lifestyle, and regular upgrades became the mandatory cost of entry. Join us as we unpack the psychology of consumer culture, the mechanics of modern marketing, and how to strategically navigate the spiral so it works for your bottom line, not against it. If you enjoyed this episode, head over to mikeandblaine . com to buy us a beer and keep the conversations flowing! We want to hear from you! Catch an episode you have thoughts on, or just want to chat? Reach out to us at beer@mikeandblaine . com Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine . com Learn about our businesses: Cash Flow Mike: Training CPAs to provide effective, high-value advisory services to their clients. Learn more at cashflowmike . com Dryrun: Cash flow forecasting and financial modeling built for the office of the CFO, getting finance teams out of messy spreadsheets. Learn more at dryrun . com Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: - Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting -CPA Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy from Houston Texas - Neighbor Pat - Devin #UpgradeCulture #ConsumerCulture #LifestyleInflation #ModernLife #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessTactics #CashFlowManagement #MarketingStrategy #Apple #Adobe #BMW #Samsung #SalesPsychology #BusinessGrowth #MikeAndBlaine #Podcast Support the show Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/