The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.

Hosted by Henry Lopez

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

628

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

The How of Business - how to start, run and grow a small business - is a weekly show for aspiring Entrepreneurs and existing Small Business Owners. If you are looking for actionable advice, tips and techniques on how to start (including launching or buying your first small business), run and grow your small business, this is the podcast for you! In each episode we either discuss a business topic, or interview an existing small business owner or business service provider. The How of Business is hosted by Henry Lopez who shares the knowledge and experience he has acquired over his corporate and entrepreneurial careers.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 61037 min

610 - How PEOs Help Small Businesses with Casey Clark

What is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)? Learn how Professional Employer Organizations help small businesses with HR, payroll, employee benefits, compliance, and retention. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/610-casey-clark-peos/ Managing employees is one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses, but what if you could offload much of the HR burden while improving employee retention and compliance? That's where a PEO, a Professional Employer Organization may be the right fit for your small business. Most entrepreneurs start a business to serve customers, solve problems, and create value not to become experts in payroll administration, employee benefits, HR compliance, and workforce regulations. In this episode, Henry Lopez speaks with Casey Clark, President and CEO of NAPEO, about how Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) help small businesses offload many of these administrative responsibilities while maintaining full control over their employees and business operations. Casey explains how the PEO model works, the concept of co-employment, and how PEOs help business owners manage payroll, benefits administration, compliance, onboarding, offboarding, and employee support. He also shares why businesses that use PEOs often experience higher employee retention rates and improved long-term business success. One of the most compelling advantages discussed is access to larger-group employee benefits. By pooling many small businesses together, PEOs can often provide benefits packages that would otherwise be unavailable or unaffordable for smaller employers. Whether you have five employees or fifty, this conversation will help you determine if a PEO could be a valuable partner as your business grows. "We're small business enablers. We help small businesses grow faster, retain employees longer, and focus on why they got into business in the first place." - Casey Clark Casey Clark is President and CEO of NAPEO, the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations. NAPEO represents the PEO industry, helping small and mid-sized businesses manage HR, payroll, employee benefits, and workforce compliance. Casey brings more than 25 years of experience advising businesses, trade associations, and organizations on strategy, communications, and regulatory issues. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

June 1, 2026Episode 60849 min

608 - Incorruptible: How Great Companies Stay Great with Eric Ries

How small business owners can build mission-driven companies that earn trust, create long-term value, and avoid the traps that cause good businesses to lose their way. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/609-eric-ries-incorruptible/ What causes good companies to go bad? According to Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup and his new book Incorruptible, it often begins when organizations lose sight of their true mission and start making decisions based solely on short-term financial results. In this episode, Henry Lopez speaks with Eric Ries about how entrepreneurs can build businesses that stay true to their purpose as they grow. Eric shares why mission is much more than a statement on a wall, how trust becomes a powerful competitive advantage, and why governance structures matter even for small businesses. They discuss real-world examples from companies like Cloudflare, Patagonia, Costco, and Taylor Guitars, exploring how organizations can make principled decisions that strengthen trust and create long-term value. Eric also explains why profit is often misunderstood and how business owners can think differently about profitability, purpose, and organizational longevity. The conversation concludes with Eric's thoughts on how AI is accelerating entrepreneurship and why founders who move quickly, learn rapidly, and remain grounded in their mission will be best positioned for the future. Whether you're launching a startup, leading a growing company, or planning for succession, this episode offers valuable insights on building a business that endures. Eric Ries is an entrepreneur, author, and creator of the Lean Startup methodology. His work on innovation, entrepreneurship, governance, and long-term company building has influenced founders and business leaders around the world. He is the bestselling author of The Lean Startup, The Startup Way, and Incorruptible. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

May 25, 2026Episode 60828 min

608 - Selling a Business Roundtable

Selling a business is far more complicated than most entrepreneurs realize and many business owners wait too long to prepare for it. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/608-selling-a-business-roundtable/ In this final episode of the three-part entrepreneurial roundtable series, Henry Lopez is joined again by Giuseppe Grammatico, Rocky Lalvani, and David Barnett to discuss what actually makes a business sellable and how business owners should think about exit planning from the very beginning. The conversation explores one of the biggest misconceptions in entrepreneurship: the belief that a small business will automatically sell for a high multiple. The panel explains why buyers care about much more than just financials, including owner dependency, systems and processes, operational documentation, and whether the business can realistically continue without the founder heavily involved. David Barnett shares insights into business valuation, buyer psychology, and deal structures, including why many sellers are surprised to learn that buyers often want seller financing, earnouts, or transition support to reduce risk. The group also discusses why most businesses listed for sale never actually sell and what separates a transferable business from a job disguised as a business. The episode also covers: • How systems and SOPs increase valuation • Why franchises often have an advantage in resale value • The hidden tax implications of selling a business • The emotional challenges of exiting a business • Why some owners should focus on maximizing income instead of pursuing a sale Whether you're years away from an exit or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this conversation will help you think differently about building a business with long-term value. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

May 18, 2026Episode 32236 min

R322 - How to Build a Predictably Profitable Business with Mike Michalowicz

Identify what to fix next in your small business and build consistent profitability using the Profit First methodology. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r322-mike-michalowicz/ Many small business owners stay trapped in survival mode because they don't know what to fix next in their business. They work long hours, constantly fight fires, grow revenue, and still struggle to achieve predictable profitability. In this episode, Henry Lopez talks with entrepreneur and bestselling author Mike Michalowicz about how business owners can identify the right priorities, stop spinning their wheels, and build a more profitable and sustainable business. Mike shares insights from his book Fix This Next, including his Business Hierarchy of Needs framework that helps entrepreneurs determine what their business actually needs next instead of reacting to daily crises. He also explains why many businesses mistakenly believe more sales will solve every problem when, in reality, increased sales often create more stress, obligation, and operational chaos. Henry and Mike also dive into the core principles behind Profit First, the cash management system that challenges the traditional accounting formula of Sales – Expenses = Profit. Instead, Mike explains why business owners should prioritize profit first by allocating profit before expenses, forcing smarter operational decisions and healthier financial discipline. During the conversation, Mike shares: Why entrepreneurs often struggle to identify their biggest business problem. The "A to B" exercise for determining what your business needs next. The Business Hierarchy of Needs framework. Why growing revenue alone often increases stress. How Profit First changes the way owners manage cash flow. Why most small businesses operate check-to-check. How to begin implementing Profit First starting with just 1%. Why profitability forces better business decisions and innovation. The importance of validating your business model early. Mike also shares the personal story behind creating Profit First after losing nearly everything financially following the sale of his businesses. This episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs who want to stop chasing revenue and start building a healthier, more profitable business. Mike Michalowicz is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author. He is the bestselling author of several influential business books including Profit First, Fix This Next, The Pumpkin Plan, and Surge. Mike is also the founder of Profit First Professionals, an organization that helps accountants, bookkeepers, and financial professionals guide business owners toward greater profitability. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

May 11, 202615 min

Episode 607 - Growing a Business: Cash Flow, Debt & Relationships

Grow a healthier business by managing cash flow, using debt strategically, and building strong business relationships. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/607-growing-a-small-business/ Growing a business requires far more than simply increasing sales. It demands financial discipline, smart decision-making, and strong relationships. In Part 2 of this entrepreneurial roundtable series, Henry Lopez is joined again by Giuseppe Grammatico, Rocky Lalvani, and David Barnett for a practical conversation about what it really takes to grow a small business. The discussion begins with one of the most important topics for entrepreneurs: cash flow management. Rocky explains the principles behind the Profit First system, created by Mike Michalowicz, and why many business owners fail to recognize financial problems until it's too late. They also discuss why relying only on bank balances can create dangerous blind spots and how cash flow systems can provide early warning signs when something in the business model is broken. The conversation then shifts into debt and leverage. The panel explores the difference between using debt strategically to fund profitable growth versus using debt to cover operational problems or poor financial management. David shares examples of how business owners can misuse lines of credit and why understanding the purpose behind borrowing is critical to long-term business health. Finally, the group discusses the importance of relationship building and networking for business growth. Henry shares why getting out into the community, identifying referral partners, and building meaningful connections remain essential growth strategies for local and service-based businesses. This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs who want to build a stronger and more sustainable business. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

May 4, 2026Episode 60617 min

606 - KPIs: How to Measure Your Business Performance

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) provide an effective way to measure your business performance using both leading and lagging indicators to make better decisions and drive growth. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/606-kpis-measure-business-performance/ Small business owners often rely on gut feel or a quick glance at their bank balance to gauge how their business is performing, but that approach leads to reactive decision-making and missed opportunities. In this episode, Henry Lopez explains how to use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure business performance more accurately and proactively. He breaks down the difference between lagging indicators - such as revenue, profit, and cash - and leading indicators like leads, conversions, and customer activity, which help predict future performance. By understanding and tracking both, small business owners can gain clarity and control instead of simply reacting to past results. Henry also shares a simple framework for selecting KPIs, emphasizing that most small businesses should focus on just three to five core metrics that are measurable, aligned with business goals, and reviewed consistently. To make it practical, he walks through a sample KPI scorecard that includes revenue, profit, cash, customer flow, and customer retention, while reinforcing that these are starting points, not a one-size-fits-all solution. "You can't improve what you don't measure, but only if you're measuring the right things," Lopez explains, highlighting the importance of choosing the right metrics for your business. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

April 27, 2026Episode 60526 min

605 – Finding the Right Small Business

How to find the right business by evaluating whether to buy, build, or franchise while aligning with your finances, goals, and mindset. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/605-finding-the-right-small-business/ Choosing the right business is one of the most critical decisions an entrepreneur will ever make, and getting it wrong can cost years of time, money, and energy. In this roundtable discussion, Henry Lopez is joined by Giuseppe Grammatico, Rocky Lalvani, and David Barnett to break down how to approach finding the right business opportunity. The conversation explores the key paths available to aspiring business owners - starting from scratch, buying an existing business, or investing in a franchise - and the pros and cons of each approach. The group emphasizes that before evaluating any opportunity, entrepreneurs must first shift their mindset and understand what it truly means to become a business owner. Financial readiness is a major theme throughout this roundtable discussion. From understanding cash flow realities to avoiding unrealistic expectations about early profits, the panel highlights why having the right financial foundation is essential. They also dive into common mistakes buyers make during due diligence, including misinterpreting financial statements, overlooking hidden risks, and failing to validate assumptions. A key takeaway from this conversation is the importance of aligning the business with your personal goals, lifestyle expectations, and tolerance for risk. As Henry shares: "Be careful not to fall in love with the business before you finish the due diligence." This episode sets the foundation for the rest of the series by helping you think critically about how to choose the right business and avoid costly mistakes early in the process. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

April 20, 2026Episode 60421 min

604 – Why Partnerships Fail

The three root causes of business partnership failure - loss of trust, respect, and alignment - and how to prevent them. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/604-why-partnerships-fail/ Business partnerships can accelerate success or destroy a business faster than almost anything else. In this episode, Henry Lopez breaks down the three primary reasons partnerships fail: loss of trust, loss of respect, and loss of alignment. Drawing from his own experiences and years of coaching small business owners, he explains why most partnerships don't fail because of the business itself but because of the breakdown in the relationship between partners. Henry explores how issues like lack of financial transparency, unequal contribution, poor communication, and misaligned long-term goals quietly erode partnerships over time. He also highlights the role money plays in amplifying tensions, whether the business is thriving or struggling. "Partnerships fail gradually. First trust breaks, then respect erodes, and eventually alignment disappears." You'll also learn practical ways to prevent these issues, including defining roles clearly, maintaining full financial visibility, documenting agreements, and committing to regular communication. Henry emphasizes that communication is the foundation that holds everything together, and without it, even strong partnerships will fail. This episode is essential listening for anyone considering a small business partnership or currently navigating one. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

April 13, 2026Episode 30637 min

R306 – 5 Steps to Naming with Brad Flowers

A framework for creating a business or product name using a proven five-step process that removes guesswork and drives better branding decisions, with Brad Flowers. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r306-5-steps-to-naming/ Naming your business (or product or service) doesn't have to be a frustrating or purely creative guessing game. It can be a structured, repeatable process that leads to better outcomes. In this episode, Henry Lopez chats with Brad Flowers, co-founder of Bullhorn and author of The Naming Book, about how small business owners can move from a blank page to a strong, effective business or product name. Brad shares the five-step framework he developed after realizing that most naming advice either tells stories or opinions but doesn't actually help you generate names. Henry and Brad explore how to establish clear criteria, generate a large volume of ideas, and evaluate those ideas without getting stuck. A key takeaway is that creativity isn't about waiting for inspiration, it's about having a process. As Brad explains, "the only way to continuously produce high results in a creative field is to have a rigorous process." They also discuss common mistakes, including overthinking too early, relying too much on outside opinions, and limiting ideas before fully exploring them. If you're launching a business, product, or service - or even considering a rebrand - this episode will give you a practical path forward. The 5 steps to creating brand and product names that sell: 1) Establishing Criteria 2) Brainstorming 3) Compiling Names 4) Expanding Your Knowledge 5) Deciding on the Final Name This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

April 6, 2026Episode 60318 min

603 – 5 Tips for Better Emails

Practical email writing techniques that help small business owners communicate more clearly, get faster responses, and reduce costly misunderstandings. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/603-5-tips-for-better-emails/ Email is still the primary communication tool in most small businesses, yet it's one of the most overlooked skills. In this episode, Henry shares five simple but powerful tips to help you write better emails that get faster responses, reduce misunderstandings, and improve your professional credibility. You'll learn how to: Communicate your message clearly and quickly Structure emails so they are easy to scan Avoid common mistakes that lead to delays Write with professionalism and clarity Make it easy for others to take action Better emails lead to better business outcomes. This is a simple skill with a high return on investment. Key takeaway: clarity and focus beat completeness every time. 5 Tips for Better Emails: Don't Bury the Headline Make It Scannable Less Is More (One Objective) Don't Write Emails Like Text Messages Clear Subject Line + Clear Ask This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com