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Small Business Confidential

Small Business Confidential

By: Mike Reilly
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40+ year business owner, Mike Reilly, shares the dirty secrets of owning your own small business.© 2026 Small Business Confidential Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  •  If You're An Order Taker, You're Not A Salesman
    Mar 19 2026

    [1:20] Mike explains the difference between an order taker and a true salesperson, emphasizing that real sales requires asking questions and guiding the customer.

    [3:50] The group discusses how strong sales starts with listening, not talking, and why understanding the customer’s real problem is key.

    [6:40] Mike compares sales to investigative journalism, highlighting the importance of asking the right questions to uncover what the customer actually needs.

    [10:15] Mike explains why “the customer is not the foreman,” and how professionals must lead the process instead of letting customers dictate the solution.

    [14:30] The episode wraps up with advice on building confidence in sales, focusing on relationships, and learning from every interaction.

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    17 mins
  • Sale is Not a 4-Letter Word and How to Create a Customer for Life
    Mar 13 2026

    [3:10] Mike introduces the topic of sales and explains why selling should not be viewed negatively, emphasizing that strong sales skills help build long-term customer relationships.

    [11:20] Mike compares sales to investigative journalism, explaining that great salespeople ask questions, listen carefully, and uncover the real problem before offering solutions.

    [20:05] Mike explains the concept that “the customer is not the foreman,” and how professionals must provide expertise instead of letting customers dictate the solution.

    [31:40] Brook discusses the importance of listening more than talking in sales and how customers can sense anxiety when a salesperson over-explains or tries too hard.

    [43:50] The group wraps up with advice for sales professionals—build confidence, focus on relationships, and remember that even if you don’t close the sale, you can still build a connection.

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    47 mins
  • AI and Improving the Workflow in your Small Business
    Feb 27 2026

    Mike, Brook, Mac, and A’marri break down how AI is transforming business and everyday life — from workouts and financial planning to marketing and content creation. The conversation highlights proactive leadership, requiring AI adoption in the workplace, and why adapting to technology isn’t optional — it’s survival.
    1:15 Mike introduces the discussion on AI tools and explains why being proactive is the most important skill in a rapidly changing business environment.
    3:15 Brook shares real-world examples of using ChatGPT for workout planning, health advice, financial analysis, and generating amortization schedules.
    9:00 Mac and A’marri explain how they use AI for marketing, creative prompts, transcription, and improving social media content efficiency.
    18:15 The conversation shifts to leadership — how employers should require AI usage, reward competence, and challenge employees to step outside their comfort zones.
    30:15 Mike wraps up by comparing AI to past technological disruptions like Uber and television, emphasizing the need to “adapt or die.”

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    33 mins
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