Episodes

  • 175- Business Expansion Strategies- What Works

    175- Business Expansion Strategies- What Works
    May 30 2025
    This discussion emphasizes that expanding a business by adding new products or services should be approached cautiously. The hosts advise considering factors like timing, potential impact on the core business, necessary resources (like labor and insurance), and whether the new offering logically fits within the existing brand. They stress the importance of due diligence, including researching market demand and the competitive landscape, and suggest that emotional reactions or "shiny object syndrome" should be tempered with practical evaluation and sufficient time for reflection before committing to an expansion.
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    35 mins
  • 174- The #1 Reason Businesses Fail? PARTNERSHIPS. Here's How to Make Yours Thrive

    174- The #1 Reason Businesses Fail? PARTNERSHIPS. Here's How to Make Yours Thrive
    May 20 2025
    This discussion highlights that while partnerships can be a strong way to build a business by combining skills and resources, they are statistically the most common reason for small business failure, often due to partners being unable to work together effectively. The key to successful partnerships, as emphasized in the source, lies in choosing the right partner, establishing clear expectations through written agreements (including a plan for dissolution), seeking guidance from mentors, maintaining consistent and clear communication, and fostering mutual respect even when disagreements arise. The overarching message is that proactively addressing these factors from the outset can prevent many common pitfalls and allow the partnership to thrive.
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    34 mins
  • 173- Is Your Business Ready to Scale

    173- Is Your Business Ready to Scale
    Apr 25 2025
    Is Your Business Ready to Scale? Critical Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

    Thinking about scaling your business? HOLD ON. Expanding sounds exciting, but jumping in unprepared is one of the FASTEST ways to sink your ship. Many leaders hit hidden icebergs – financial drains, operational chaos, team burnout – that they never saw coming.

    Before you make a move, learn the CRITICAL pitfalls and the *real* questions you need to ask. Steve & Travis (Your Business Wingmen) break down how to scale SMARTLY in this episode. Avoid the costly mistakes. Watch now & build a STRONGER future
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    39 mins
  • 172- Dont Hire the Walking Lawsuit

    172- Dont Hire the Walking Lawsuit
    Apr 15 2025
    Tired of hiring headaches that turn into legal nightmares? In this crucial episode of The Business Wingman Show, Steve and Travis Smith sit down with employment law expert Jim McDonald from Fisher Phillips to reveal the secrets to smart hiring and how to avoid bringing a "walking lawsuit" into your organization.
    Discover the critical steps you MUST take during your hiring process to identify and screen out potential problem employees *before* they cost you time, money, and endless stress.

    Here's what you'll learn:
    The Fatal Flaw in Resumes: Why relying solely on resumes is a recipe for disaster (and what to do instead!).

    The Power of the Employment Application: Uncover the key questions you need to ask and red flags to watch out for (including those tricky "mutual decisions"!).

    Interviewing Like a Pro: Legal and effective questions to uncover a candidate's true work ethic, attitude, and potential for conflict. Learn what you *can* and *cannot* ask!

    Decoding Red Flags: From forgotten supervisors to victim mentality – Jim shares his decades of experience in spotting trouble early.

    The Salary Conversation: Navigate compensation discussions legally and effectively.

    The MUST-HAVE Document: Learn about the California Dispute Resolution Agreement (arbitration agreement) and why it's a game-changer for employers
    .
    Reference Checks That Actually Work: Go beyond HR and get the real scoop on candidates.

    The Introductory Period Advantage: How to use the first 90 days (or more) to ensure a good fit and address issues proactively.

    Documenting for Protection: Why written records are essential for managing employee performance and mitigating legal risk.

    Key Takeaways:
    Don't gamble with your hiring decisions! This episode provides actionable insights and practical strategies to build a high-performing team while safeguarding your business from costly legal battles. Learn how to hire with confidence and create a positive, productive work environment.
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    46 mins
  • 171- Motivating Your Team During Business Slow Downs

    171- Motivating Your Team During Business Slow Downs
    Apr 1 2025
    Business slowdowns are inevitable. When these light periods show up, what do you do to keep your team motivated? What do you do to capture this time and get things done that would get put aside when business is heavy?

    In today's episode of the Business Wingmen, your hosts Steve and Travis Smith discuss a variety of things that will improve your staff, your operation and your ability to confidently get through the next downturn.
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    35 mins
  • 170- The Four Pillars of Economic Resilience

    170- The Four Pillars of Economic Resilience
    Mar 18 2025
    We're headed into a period of potentially great economic uncertainty. To prevent your business from a severe setback, focus on these 4 areas that will enable you to avoid financial damage and achieve economic resilience.
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    37 mins
  • 169- Is Your Management Style Obsolete? Future-Proof Your Leadership Now

    169- Is Your Management Style Obsolete? Future-Proof Your Leadership Now
    Mar 11 2025
    The business environment is changing and now it's headed for your management career! As companies big and small look for ways to become more efficient, leaners and more profitable, the role of management is being looked at for its future viability.

    If you're strength is in leading and overseeing the work of others, you'll need to future-proof your leadership now, ensuring your company sees you as a management asset, not a place to cut.
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    33 mins
  • 168- 4 Universal Principles to Ensure a Rewarding Career

    168- 4 Universal Principles to Ensure a Rewarding Career
    Mar 5 2025
    Career growth and development is a lifetime pursuit. So, how do you know you are doing things right and will eventually receive the rewards associated with career success? In today's episode of the Business Wingmen, your hosts, Steve Smith & Travis Smith reveal the 4 universal principles that ensure career success.
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    45 mins