The Small Business Association of Michigan's Small Business Weekly Podcast

Hosted by Michael W. Rogers

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

"The Small Business Association of Michigan's Entrepreneurial Insights" every week presents a dynamic audio interview from a top-notch expert on entrepreneurial success. Hear great tips and advice on how to be a more effective small business owner. The program is hosted and produced by the Small Business Association of Michigan's Vice President Communications Michael Rogers

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60 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 53412 min

Building High-Performance Sales Teams Through Analytics and Diagnostics

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Daryn Lawson, an expert with SalesIndex and a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. His organization helps businesses optimize their revenue by applying data-driven diagnostics to the sales process using a specialized three-step methodology involving analysis, coaching, and training. "The analytics give us really a target, call it an MRI or a diagnostic like an auto mechanic would use, to really pinpoint exactly what each person in the sales role does," he says. "The analysis comes from the kind of an assessment that gives us the behavioral psychology and then tactical sales skills." Lawson emphasizes that long-term sales success is built on authentic relationships, discipline, and providing meaningful value to customers. The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

June 9, 2026Episode 53311 min

The Betty Brigade: Navigating the Silver Tsunami of Downsizing

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Sharon McRill, owner of The Betty Brigade, a 2026 Michigan 50 Company to Watch. Operating nationwide, her business handles everything from virtual estimates to trust liquidations, ensuring meaningful items are preserved while simplifying lives. "We help people wherever they are, with whatever they need," she says. "Sometimes it's just organizing and moving, sometimes as we're clearing out a trust stuff needs to be shipped to beneficiaries all over the world. We handle that, too. So it's really about figuring out what is the right solution for that home and then putting together a plan for it." McRill is the author of Downsizing the Silver Tsunami, which addresses the unique psychological challenges of aging populations. The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

June 2, 2026Episode 5329 min

Teamwork and strong core values make this small business a "Great Place to Work"

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Sonny Anani, president of Dynamic Glazing Systems – presented this year by Michigan Celebrates Small Business with the Michigan 50 Distinguished Alumni Award -- Great Place to Work. Dynamic Glazing Systems is a Detroit-based commercial glazing contractor specializing in glass and metal facades. Anani explains their "team before self" philosophy and the "ignite purpose" core value, which guides them in developing roles tailored to employee passions. When it comes to attracting workers, Anani says "we aren't just competing with glazing contractors; we're competing with everybody's talent pool—construction, real estate, hospitality. People are looking to buy their peace and time back. If you provide good compensation, insurance, and retirement, people are willing to come. Those people then create value, and it's a cycle that keeps giving." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

May 25, 2026Episode 5319 min

How a professional business broker can smooth the way toward successful transactions

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Shathi Govender, president of Transworld Business Advisors of Detroit South and an Elite member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. As a professional business broker, Gavender explains how his firm facilitates everything from small "mom and pop" transactions to large-scale mergers and acquisitions valued at millions of dollars. "What we would do is provide an accurate valuation on a business for the buyer and for the seller," he says. "And we've got a network of buyers, qualified buyers that we have access to and we'll provide those buyers to the sellers. We also know how to structure the deal, we've got access to find financing and we see the whole process through right to closing." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

May 19, 2026Episode 53011 min

Embracing safe, secure and ethical AI for small businesses

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Elizabeth Goede, founder & president of Ratliff Consulting, an Elite Member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Ratliff Consulting is a strategic consultancy specializing in AI transformation through assessments, ready-made products, custom solutions, and AI education and training as part of their SPARK AI Lab™ division. Goede emphasizes that small business owners should embrace AI with a focus on safe, secure, and ethical implementation. And she says that the "future of AI is female," arguing that women's emotional intelligence and unique perspectives are crucial to rounding out technological development and reducing inherent algorithmic bias. "If I can make a difference where I can give the empowerment and confidence to even one more woman to use these tools, I'm happy," she says. The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

May 12, 2026Episode 52911 min

Creating unique and successful sales growth strategies

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with SBAM leader Michael Koory, owner of growth advisory business Blue Salesfly in Grand Rapids. "I put three of my favorite things together in the name of the business," he says. "Blue ocean or blue sky thinking to help clients see where they could be growing. Sales has been my career so I love selling, and fly fishing is a passion of mine. So I put those three together to create more of a unique way of helping CEOs and company owners look at growth for their business." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

May 6, 2026Episode 52810 min

Dynamic events to drive audience and customer engagement

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Kory Miller, Director of Business Development for Detroit-area based ShowReady, a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. It's woman-owned nationally certified WBENC event technology production company. Based in the Detroit area, services extend throughout the United States and globally with an experienced team of event engineers and experts. "We're in this whole world of AI and everything, but I don't think you'll ever replace the human touch," Miller says. The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

April 21, 2026Episode 5277 min

Human strategy and understanding of AI are crucial to modern marketing success

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Tom Damitio, partner in Roots Marketing of Grand Rapids and a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. He discusses their approach to helping businesses grow through effective marketing strategies. Roots Marketing focuses on SEO, digital ads, web strategy, content, and print materials, emphasizing a tailored, measurable approach that involves continuous refinement and adaptation. Damitio also acknowledges the role of AI in enhancing marketing efficiency but stresses that human strategy and understanding remain crucial. "It's a tool, it doesn't replace a human entirely," he says. "It can't replace that full strategy, understanding the customer at a human level. The best marketing still comes from combining the two of those." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

April 14, 2026Episode 52611 min

Industry/higher ed partnerships for workforce development

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Drew Petro, owner of Fortress Manufacturing in Benton Harbor. The firm was recently named to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2026. The company specializes in sheet metal and machining services, targeting order volumes of 1,000 to 12,000 pieces annually. Petro is committed to the importance of workforce development, particularly in trades, and praises local community colleges for their support. "Lake Michigan College, Southwest Michigan College, have been phenomenal between apprenticeship programs as well as providing funding for students, and just really trying to partner and make it a two way street between what the university or the colleges offer and what the industry needs," he says. The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

April 7, 2026Episode 52510 min

Using commercial insurance to help optimize your business risk

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Frank Cox, CEO of iCOR Solutions, a member of the 2026 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch list. Cox discusses the company's unique approach to commercial insurance, which focuses on improving capital and optimizing risk. "When we come into a business our first objective is to help them figure out are you in growth mode or do you want to be in growth mode? So we talk about how we help you improve your capital from that standpoint. That could be from strategic planning, leadership development, things of that nature. And then once we do that, we also look at how we can help you optimize your risk. Sometimes those things go together and we do both. Sometimes we do one or the other. So we're different. The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)