Small Business Stories

Hosted by Loralyn Mears, PhD

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

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200

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Small Business Stories, the podcast where we celebrate the real-life journeys of small business owners. We dig into inspiring tales of triumphs, challenges, and the tough lessons we learned along the way. Each episode is packed with relatable anecdotes and practical tips that you can use to fuel your own entrepreneurial dreams. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business, you'll find motivation and insight in every story. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by the heart and hustle of small business owners just like you! We say it like it is - no filters. Being an SMB owner isn't easy, but we're compelled to do it.

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60 recent

June 12, 2026Episode 5440 min

Why You're Still Living Paycheck to Paycheck with George Thomas

S6:E54 What if the real measure of wealth isn't income? What if it's time? In this episode of Small Business Stories, Dr. LL sits down with George Thomas, Founder of Financial Freedom Builders, to discuss financial literacy, investing, wealth-building habits, and why so many people remain financially stressed regardless of income level. If people don't trust you, they won't buy from you. If people don't understand you, they won't refer you. And if people misunderstand the difference between income and wealth, they can spend decades chasing financial goals that never create freedom. Guest George Thomas Founder, Financial Freedom Builders Core Problems Living paycheck to paycheck Confusing income with wealth Trading time for money indefinitely Adapting to economic and workforce shifts Practical Takeaways Wealth is a behavior before it becomes a balance sheet Time is often a more valuable asset than money Financial freedom begins with intentional choices Investing is increasingly important in an AI-driven economy Timestamps 00:01 Financial literacy and the current economic reality 04:15 Understanding wealth-building behavior 08:30 Why income alone doesn't create freedom 11:00 Pursuing moments instead of money 16:00 AI, employment, and future financial resilience Who This Episode Is For Professionals, entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone seeking greater financial stability. Invisible brands don't make money. Likewise, invisible financial habits quietly shape outcomes long before anyone notices. The decisions people make repeatedly often matter more than the income they report publicly. Subscribe, share, and join us for more conversations with entrepreneurs and experts navigating an increasingly complex world. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #podcast

June 6, 2026Episode 5321 min

Founder Fragility: Forrest Derr has Some Thoughts About Building a Business Dependent on YOU

S6:E53 What happens when a founder becomes the single point of failure? Many entrepreneurs spend years building successful companies only to discover the business cannot function without their constant involvement. In this episode, Dr. LL sits down with Forrest Derr, Founder of Derr Consulting and Fractional COO, to explore why operational structure, decision-making systems, and strategic clarity matter more than hustle alone. If people don't trust you, they won't buy from you. If people don't understand you, they won't refer you. And if a business cannot operate without its founder, growth often becomes constrained by the founder's own capacity. Guest Forrest Derr Founder, Derr Consulting Core Problems Founder bottlenecks Lack of operational systems Undefined exit strategies Leadership dependency Practical Takeaways Build systems that reduce founder fragility Create simple plans that guide decisions Define your long-term outcome before making short-term choices Go before you're ready Timestamps 00:01 Reluctant entrepreneurship 03:00 Fractional COO leadership 09:00 Business vs. job ownership 11:00 Business planning and decision-making 15:00 Confidence and action Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs, founders, executives, and business owners preparing for growth. Invisible brands don't make money. Increasingly, founder-dependent businesses struggle as well. Sustainable growth requires that the business become understandable, repeatable, and transferable beyond the founder alone. Subscribe, share, and join us for more conversations with entrepreneurs building something meaningful. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #podcast #burnout #mentalhealth

May 31, 202641 min

How to Grow Your Business When Ads Stop Working in the AI Economy with Ismael Wrixen

S6:E52 The platforms are changing. Search is changing. Customer acquisition is changing. So what remains stable when everything else feels uncertain? In this episode, Dr. LL sits down with Ismael Wrixen, Founder and CEO of ThriveCart, to explore how entrepreneurs, coaches, and creators can build businesses that are resilient to shifting algorithms, rising advertising costs, and AI-driven disruption. If people don't trust you, they won't buy from you. If people don't remember you, they won't refer you. If people can't find you when AI interprets the market, visibility becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. Guest Ismael Wrixen Founder & CEO, ThriveCart Core Problems Customer acquisition is becoming more expensive Search behavior is changing due to AI Businesses are overly dependent on platforms they don't control Practical Takeaways Build owned communities around your expertise Increase customer lifetime value through relationships Use AI to accelerate execution without replacing human connection Reduce dependence on a single traffic source Timestamps 00:01 Creator economy trends 03:30 AI and learning opportunities 05:45 Customer acquisition challenges 20:00 The future of creators and coaches 38:50 Growth strategies for entrepreneurs Who This Episode Is For Coaches, creators, consultants, educators, and growth-minded entrepreneurs. Invisible brands don't make money. Increasingly, businesses that rely entirely on borrowed attention don't either. Sustainable visibility comes from building relationships, trust, and communities that endure beyond any single platform. Subscribe, share, and join us for more conversations with entrepreneurs building something meaningful. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #podcast

May 29, 2026Episode 5136 min

Confidence, Adversity & Seeing Beyond Limitations with a Blind Coach - Patrick Engasser

S6:E51 What if the biggest limitation in your business isn't your circumstances? What if it's the story you've accepted about what is possible? In this episode of Small Business Stories, Dr. LL sits down with Patrick Engasser, who is blind. He is an exceptional speaker, coach, and author whose life challenges conventional assumptions about adversity, resilience, and achievement. If people don't trust you, they won't buy from you. If people don't remember you, they won't refer you. If people misunderstand your capabilities, they may never fully see your value. Patrick shares how being born blind shaped his perspective, how coaching transformed his sales career, and why confidence is built through action rather than waiting until you feel ready. 👤 Guest Patrick Engasser Speaker, Author & Coach His book is called, "If I Can Do It, YOU Can Do It!" ⚠️ Core Problems Fear-driven procrastination Lack of confidence Entrepreneurial isolation Resistance to uncomfortable growth 🥡 Practical Takeaways Action creates confidence Coaching accelerates growth Mindset often determines outcomes more than strategy Difficult experiences can become assets ⏱️ Timestamps 00:01 Patrick's story and perspective 07:30 Coaching and business transformation 10:00 The role of mindset in success 11:00 Entrepreneurship and adversity 15:00 Building confidence through action 🔖 Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs, professionals in transition, leaders, and anyone trying to achieve something difficult. Invisible brands don't make money. Increasingly, invisible expertise doesn't either. In a world shaped by AI summaries and rapid decisions, clarity and credibility matter more than ever. Subscribe, share, and join us for more conversations with entrepreneurs building something meaningful. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #podcast

May 25, 2026Episode 5032 min

Trust, Curiosity, Stories & the Magic of Marketing with Jimi Gibson

S6:E50 A lot of businesses think they need more marketing. But better marketing is only part of the equation. In this episode, Jimi Gibson, marketing strategist and former professional magician, explains how the psychology of magic can improve storytelling, create curiosity, and help brands communicate in ways that capture attention and build trust. Loralyn Mears, PhD, aka "Dr. LL," brings you thoughtful conversations with entrepreneurs and small business leaders navigating visibility, leadership, and growth. Thank you for being here. Jimi walks through his "magic script" framework, showing how connection, curiosity, and payoff shape memorable messaging. He also shares why executives and founders still need to show up as the human face of expertise in a world increasingly shaped by AI search. 🧠 The Bigger Pattern Dr. LL Sees Signal Dilution Jimi's work focuses on storytelling and marketing psychology. But underneath that sits a broader business challenge Dr. LL sees across industries: businesses often create communication that is active, but not specific enough to help buyers, partners, or AI systems interpret what the company is truly known for. Marketing may attract attention, but understanding determines whether trust and visibility actually follow. 🥡 Practical Takeaways Use connection, curiosity, and payoff to improve messaging Focus your communication around a few areas of expertise Understand that attention and understanding are not the same thing 🔖 Who This Episode Is For Founders, marketers, executives, and entrepreneurs trying to communicate more effectively in a noisy world. Invisible brands don't make money. But increasingly, businesses are becoming invisible because their expertise is scattered, generic, or difficult for AI systems to interpret. Subscribe, share, and follow Small Business Stories for grounded conversations about visibility, entrepreneurship, trust, and growth in 2026. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #podcast #AI #digitalmarketing

May 20, 2026Episode 4928 min

If You Want to Charge Premium Prices, Nail the Customer Experience Says Vance Morris, former Disney Exec

S6:E49 Yes, you can charge premium pricing - but only if your customers feel the difference. In this episode, Dr. LL sits down with Vance Morris, founder of Deliver Service Now and former Disney leader, to explore how businesses can design experiences that justify higher prices and build stronger trust. If people don't trust you, they hesitate. If they don't remember you, they don't refer you. If they can't explain why you're different, your value gets misread. Vance breaks down how Disney-inspired systems, origin stories, waiting-period engagement, and small customer journey details can turn ordinary services into memorable experiences. Core Problems Premium pricing without premium cues Customer journey friction Weak differentiation in commoditized markets Business owners undervaluing their own service Lack of systems for consistent customer experience Practical Takeaways Build "tellable" moments into your customer journey Use experience design to create perceived value Communicate price increases clearly and strategically Map the journey from the customer's point of view Systemize the experience so service quality is repeatable Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs, service providers, operators, and founders trying to escape commodity pricing. Invisible brands don't make money. But misunderstood value gets underpriced. STEERus helps businesses clarify their signal so customers understand why they are worth choosing. Subscribe, share, and follow Small Business Stories for grounded conversations on entrepreneurship, visibility, trust, and growth. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io

May 15, 2026Episode 4836 min

How Solopreneurs can Use AI Without Losing Human Connection with Allan Ngo

S6:E48 The pressure to automate everything is reshaping entrepreneurship. But faster content does not automatically create deeper trust. In this episode of Small Business Stories, Dr. LL sits down with Allan Ngo, founder of Digital Solopreneur, to explore the tension between AI efficiency and human connection in modern business building. If people don't trust you, they hesitate. If they don't remember you, you disappear. And in an AI-saturated economy, businesses increasingly risk becoming invisible because they sound indistinguishable from everyone else. 👤 Guest Allan Ngo Founder, Digital Solopreneur Helping solopreneurs use AI and systems without sacrificing authenticity ⚠️ Core Problems Burnout inside solopreneur culture AI-generated sameness in online content Over-automation weakening trust and sincerity Entrepreneurs hiding behind tools instead of connection The myth of passive income and effortless scale 🥡 Practical Takeaways Using AI as a support tool instead of an identity Creating guardrails around work and personal life Turning lived experience into trust-building content Why sincerity remains a competitive advantage Building businesses that support life, not consume it ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Burnout, freelancing, and digital entrepreneurship 08:00 Passive income myths and entrepreneurial reality 15:00 Using AI productively without losing your voice 22:00 Trust and human connection in an AI economy 31:00 Content sincerity versus AI saturation 🔖 Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs, creators, consultants, digital marketers, and solopreneurs navigating AI-era visibility. Invisible brands don't make money. But increasingly, businesses are not becoming invisible because they lack content. They're becoming invisible because buyers can no longer distinguish what is genuinely human. Subscribe, share, and join us for more conversations decoding trust, visibility, leadership, and entrepreneurship in the AI era. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io #entrepreneur #solopreneur #AI #digitalmarketing

May 11, 2026Episode 4742 min

Dr. Erika Rasure

S6:E47 xx

May 8, 2026Episode 4635 min

How to Increase Amazon Sales Without Spending More on Ads With Carolyn Lowe

S6:E46 More entrepreneurs are investing in ads, automation, and AI-generated content, yet many are still struggling to convert customers. In this episode of Small Business Stories, Dr. LL sits down with Carolyn Lowe, founder of ROI Swift, to explore what actually drives profitable growth on Amazon and why relevance now matters more than visibility alone. If people don't trust you, they hesitate. If they don't understand your value quickly, they move on. And if your messaging is generic, AI-driven systems may quietly deprioritize your brand altogether. Carolyn shares practical insights from managing more than 200 Amazon brands, including how businesses misuse advertising, where AI genuinely helps, and why human connection still matters in a highly automated environment. 👤 Guest Carolyn Lowe Founder of ROI Swift Expert in Amazon sales optimization, e-commerce strategy, and AI-assisted retail growth ⚠️ Core Problems Brands overspending on traffic instead of improving conversion AI-generated outreach damaging trust and engagement Businesses failing to configure Amazon systems correctly for growth 🥡 Practical Takeaways How to identify whether you have a traffic problem or a conversion problem Why imagery and positioning influence buying behavior more than keywords alone How Amazon's AI tools can level the playing field for smaller businesses ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 The evolution of e-commerce and Amazon 08:00 Personalized search and behavioral targeting 13:00 Human connection in an AI-heavy world 18:00 Why product pages matter more than ad spend 29:00 The hidden power of Amazon B2B 🔖 Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs, Amazon sellers, marketers, and small business owners navigating AI-enabled commerce. Invisible brands don't make money. Misinterpreted brands lose trust even faster. STEERus helps organizations reduce misinterpretation risk so customers, partners, and AI systems understand them correctly. Subscribe, share, and follow Small Business Stories for grounded conversations about entrepreneurship, visibility, and growth in 2026. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #podcast #amazon #amazonseller #amazonFBA #ecommerce

May 6, 2026Episode 459 min

When YOU the Entrepreneur Become THE BOTTLENECK with James Brown

S6:E45 What happens when a business grows faster than its structure, messaging, or leadership capacity? In this episode of Small Business Stories, Dr. LL sits down with James Brown, founder of Business Accelerator Institute and Perseverance Squared, to discuss why so many entrepreneurs become trapped inside businesses they worked hard to build. If people don't trust what they're seeing, they hesitate. If the market cannot clearly categorize your value, visibility declines. And in the AI-search era, operational confusion increasingly becomes a credibility problem. James Brown brings decades of experience in business growth, strategic management, marketing systems, and leadership development. After building and scaling multiple companies himself, he has helped hundreds of business owners create more sustainable operations and clearer growth strategies. Together, Dr. LL and James explore the operational and visibility consequences of founder overload, inconsistent marketing, unclear positioning, and businesses built entirely around personal sacrifice. We're open and honest about it because we've both been there - and got the t-shirt. ⚠️ Core Problems Discussed • Why many entrepreneurs become operational bottlenecks • The hidden costs of inconsistent marketing strategy • How unclear business identity weakens market trust 🥡 Practical Takeaways • Build systems that reduce dependency on founder availability • Tie marketing activity to measurable business intent • Create operational clarity before scaling visibility ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 The hidden cost of founder dependency 07:12 Why most marketing feels disconnected 14:25 Building repeatable business systems 22:41 Visibility breakdowns in growing companies 31:08 Redefining sustainable entrepreneurship 🔖 Who This Episode Is For Founders, operators, consultants, professional service firms, and growth-stage entrepreneurs navigating scale, visibility, and leadership pressure. At STEERus, conversations like these continue revealing how signal clarity, operational trust, and decision integrity increasingly shape business visibility. Subscribe, share, and follow Small Business Stories for grounded conversations with leaders navigating modern entrepreneurship. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #podcast #burnout