Small Biz 101 Podcast

Hosted by Connie Whitesell - Business Planner, Strategist, Coach

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May 2026

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About the show

All You Need to Know to Start or Grow Your Small Business! Through a combination of interviews and topics presented by your host, Connie Whitesell, you will learn how to: Determine the ideal small business for you and create a comprehensive business plan providing the roadmap for your business success. You will learn how to grow your existing small business through strategic planning, utilizing short-term and long-term marketing strategies tailored specifically to you and your industry, and implement personal and professional success strategies. For more information and to access show notes, please visit SmallBiz101Podcast.com

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35 recent

May 20, 20261 hr 1 min

Building a Consistent Client Pipeline - SB035

Most solo professionals are excellent at their work. Building a consistent pipeline is a different discipline entirely, and one that rarely gets the structured attention it deserves. The pattern is familiar. When client work is plentiful, business development stops. When projects wrap up, the scramble begins. This is the Rollercoaster Effect, and it is one of the most common sources of stress and instability for experienced professionals. There are three specific practices that, when maintained consistently, keep opportunities moving regardless of how full your calendar feels. Most professionals are actively using one of them and underinvesting in the other two, which is often enough to keep the rollercoaster going. This session is designed to help you understand how a consistent pipeline actually works, what is most likely undermining yours, and what a practical, sustainable approach looks like for a solo professional at your stage of business. Download the workbook here.

April 29, 202651 min

Build the Business Behind Your Business - SB034

Most solo professionals build their business from the front end. They focus on clients, services, and revenue. The Operations pillar – the people support, systems, and tools running in the background – gets built reactively, if at all. That works in the early stages. It stops working as the business matures. When operations are underdeveloped, the owner becomes the system. Every gap gets filled by their time, attention, and energy. The business functions, but only because the owner never fully steps away. That is a trap rather than a business model. This session is designed to help you look honestly at how your operations are functioning today and where targeted improvements can reduce your personal load while strengthening business performance. Download The Workbook Here

February 12, 202655 min

Strengthening Your Services Model - SB033

Most solopreneurs do not sit down and design a comprehensive services model from scratch. They build their businesses over time by responding to client needs, opportunities, and growth. That approach works. Until it doesn't work as well as it used to. As businesses mature, services, clients served and ways of working can become misaligned with the level of income, sustainability, and ease the owner wants. These issues rarely appear as obvious problems. More often, they show up as slower financial progress, uneven margins, or the sense that effort and return are no longer proportional. This session is designed to help you step back and look at how your current services model is functioning today. You will explore how services, packaging, pricing, and decision making interact, and where targeted adjustments can improve both profitability and sustainability. Download The Workbook Here

January 17, 202650 min

Why Your Business Isn't Supporting Your Life Yet - SB032

Thursday, January 15 at 12 PM ET\nYour business may be working, but the way you\u2019re running it feels crowded, demanding, or more overwhelming than it should. If you\u2019d like to understand what\u2019s creating that pressure and how to move into 2026 with more steadiness, this session is for you.","phone":"January 15 at 12 PM ET\nYour business may be working, but the way you\u2019re running it feels crowded, demanding, or more overwhelming than it should. If you\u2019d like to understand what\u2019s creating that pressure and how to move into 2026 with more steadiness, this session is for you."}},"slug":"et_pb_text"}" data-et-multi-view-load-phone-hidden="true"> Your business may be working, but the way you're running it feels crowded, demanding, or more overwhelming than it should. If you'd like to understand what's creating that pressure and how to move into 2026 with more steadiness, this session is for you. Many business owners built their workdays and services one request at a time. A client asks for something, so you add it. An opportunity appears, so you adjust again. Over time, the business functions, but not in a way that protects your time, energy, or long-term goals. A business that earns solid revenue should also give you time, steadiness, and breathing room. If it doesn't, there is a structural reason worth understanding. This session helps you step back and see your business with a more strategic lens. You will look at how your time, workload, revenue, and structure interact. You will identify what is creating unnecessary pressure and what would make your business run more steadily and profitably. You'll walk away with practical insight you'll be able to use right away. Download The Workbook Here

September 12, 202437 min

Publishing Power: Why Every Solopreneur Should Write a Book - SB031

In this episode, we're joined by Donna Kozik, USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author and creator of the "Write a Book in a Weekend" program. Donna also offers publishing services through her Done for You Publishing program, helping aspiring authors bring their books to life with ease. During our conversation, Donna shares why every small business owner should consider writing a book, the simplest way to get it done, and the steps to successfully publish and market it on Amazon. Whether you're looking to boost your credibility, connect with customers on a deeper level, or simply share your message with the world, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss. About Donna: Donna Kozik is a bestselling author and the mastermind behind the "Write a Book in a Weekend" virtual events, where she guides individuals in crafting concise yet impactful books. Through her Done for You Publishing program, she provides a seamless publishing experience, helping authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing. Her latest venture, "Ask & It Is Written" is a unique journaling and community gathering program that blends prayer, writing, and leadership. Donna's work has empowered countless individuals to share their stories and expertise, making a meaningful impact in the world of authorship and beyond. You can get in touch with Donna and learn more through her website: https://www.freebookplanner.com/

August 18, 202440 min

Video Marketing Mastery: Creating Impactful Content with Jaya Rose - SB030

In this episode, we're joined by Jaya Rose, a renowned Speaker and Video Marketing Coach. Jaya's mission is to help individuals make a big impact with their work through the power of video marketing and authentic storytelling. Together, we explored various topics, including how to attract raving fans and paying clients using the power of authenticity on video, honoring your needs as a profitable business practice, and becoming the star of your brand by creating a super niche and movement message. About Jaya Rose: Jaya Rose is a distinguished Speaker and Video Marketing Coach known for her signature Story-Based Brand Method. She helps clients and students fine-tune their message and get seen online as an expert with her signature Story-Based Brand Method. So they can effectively market their business and attract an audience who knows, loves and trusts them. She believes that we are living in an unprecedented time of possibility and that sharing your gifts with the world is not only an opportunity but also a responsibility. Follow Jaya Online: https://www.tiktok.com/@withjayarose https://www.facebook.com/thejayarose https://www.instagram.com/thejayarose/ http://www.youtube.com/c/TheJayaRose Visit Her Website: https://thejayarose.com/ Freebie & Membership: Free Video Marketing Course: https://thejayarose.com/free-course Membership: https://thejayarose.com/the-bw --------------------- Learn more about Scattered to Streamlined at: https://scatteredtostreamlined.com/ Join our Facebook group and join other small business owners working together to provide the best tips, strategies and value to elevate each other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/streamlinedbusinessstrategies

July 9, 202430 min

Burnout Be Gone Tips for the Exhausted Solopreneur! - SB029

In this episode, we were joined by the incredible Daniela Wolfe, an expert in helping stressed and burnt-out professionals. Together, we uncovered the ways you might be setting yourself up for burnout and explored practical strategies to create more work/life balance. Daniela shared her invaluable insights on prioritizing self-care, managing stress, and transforming your daily routine for a healthier, more balanced life. About Daniela Wolfe: Daniela Wolfe is an LMSW with 27 years of experience in self-care, stress management, mindfulness, relationships, parenting, and managing daily chaos. She empowers individuals to prioritize themselves on their to-do lists and learn the strategies to prevent burnout and makeover their daily lives. A working mom of two, Daniela enjoys stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, reading, and traveling when she's not helping others achieve balance and wellness. You can follow Daniela online and access her many great resources using the links below: Daniela Wolfe / Best D Life - Helping You Find the Bliss in Your Busy www.bestdlife.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/bestdlife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/best_d_life Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bestdlife email - daniela@bestdlife.com Exhausted to Empowered Formula 1:1 coaching - https://www.bestdlife.com/exhausted-to-empowered Time Takeover Micro-Course - https://subscribepage.io/nT4QhL Freebie - Reclaim Your Time in 10-Minute Blocks Cheatsheet - https://subscribepage.io/KJ4pB1#YEaLohglXNmihwNUypRFvTeNeSiUWDYoa Once there you can also take a short quiz to find out how close to burnout you may be. --------------------- Learn more about Scattered to Streamlined at: https://scatteredtostreamlined.com/ Join our Facebook group and join other small business owners working together to provide the best tips, strategies and value to elevate each other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/streamlinedbusinessstrategies

June 13, 202443 min

Automation Advantage with Michael Roach - SB028

In this episode, we're joined by Michael Roach, the founder of Michael Roach Creative and a seasoned expert in marketing and communications. During our discussion, Michael shares his insights on the transformative power of marketing automation for small businesses. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or managing a small team, this episode is packed with actionable tips to streamline your marketing efforts and enhance your business's efficiency. Don't miss out on these valuable strategies that can help elevate your marketing to the next level. About Michael: Michael Roach is an award-winning marketing and communications professional. His experience with the creative process and visual communications has allowed him to work on numerous creative projects, as well as internationally-awarded film documentaries. Avid, a leading audio/video editing production software company, recognized Michael for his content creation skills and storytelling ability. In addition to running his own boutique creative/marketing firm, Michael Roach Creative, he is a past president of the American Marketing Association New York Capital Region chapter. Michael thrives in fast-paced, creative environments and enjoys training and speaking with audiences about marketing, design, business, career development, and technology. One of his goals is to help elevate the marketing profession and grow the business community. Most recently, Michael launched three professional networking groups. They are in the lower, mid, and upper Hudson Valley areas, stretching over 150 miles… from Westchester through Albany. You can get in touch with Michael by visiting his website: https://michaelroachcreative.com/ --------------------- Learn more about Scattered to Streamlined at: https://scatteredtostreamlined.com/ Join our Facebook group and join other small business owners working together to provide the best tips, strategies and value to elevate each other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/streamlinedbusinessstrategies

May 14, 202446 min

From Surviving to Thriving: Insights from Health Coach Julie Takac - SB027

In this episode, we're joined by Julie Takac, a Certified Health Coach and owner of TakAction. Julie's mission is to empower busy professionals to transform their lives from barely surviving to thriving in their health, home, and work lives. Together we discussed a variety of topics including how your health can impact your productivity, and some easy changes you can make right now to improve your health each day. About Julie Takac: Julie Takac is a Certified Health Coach and owner of TakAction. Her mission is to empower busy professionals to transform their lives from barely surviving to thriving in their health, home and work life. By focusing on developing small healthy habits that develop into big changes over time, clients are equipped with all of the tools they need to improve their health and wellness. Julie used to struggle with stress, overwhelm, and overall poor health herself. By implementing a simple and structured program with the support of a Health Coach, she changed the way she lives, works and parents. Now she's passionate about helping others achieve their own wellness goals, whether it's being more productive, boosting energy, losing weight, reducing and managing stress, or simply feeling better overall. Health Evaluation: http://bit.ly/TakActionEval Julie@takaction.com 518.338.5695 http://Facebook.com/juliehocktakac LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/takaction/ --------------------- Learn more about Scattered to Streamlined at: https://scatteredtostreamlined.com/ Join our Facebook group and join other small business owners working together to provide the best tips, strategies and value to elevate each other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/streamlinedbusinessstrategies

May 2, 202433 min

Landing & Leading Impactful Speaking Gigs - SB026

Joining me is international speaker, author, and consultant Alex Theis. In this episode, Alex shares his personal journey from introvert to sought-after speaker, offering valuable advice on honing your speaking skills, establishing credibility, and seizing speaking opportunities. From navigating the virtual vs. in-person speaking landscape to leveraging the power of props for impactful presentations, Alex covers it all. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this discussion is packed with actionable tips and inspiring insights to help you elevate your speaking game About Alex: Alex is an international speaker, author, consultant, and podcast host. He specializes in helping organizations and individuals reach new levels of growth and success by breaking through their self-imposed limits. His podcast episodes have been downloaded over 5 million times, and he is also a best-selling author of the books Limitless Leadership, Hiking The Timberline Trail, and Surviving Section A on the Pacific Crest Trail. You can learn more about Alex and check out his own podcast by visiting: https://www.alextheis.com/ --------------------- Learn more about Scattered to Streamlined at: https://scatteredtostreamlined.com/ Join our Facebook group and join other small business owners working together to provide the best tips, strategies, and value to elevate each other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/streamlinedbusinessstrategies