Ask Brien Show

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Ask Brien Show Podcast

Why, you ask, in the world would you spell Brien B- R- I- E- N? Well, I'll tell you why- because the E stands for a lot of different things that happen to represent the Ask Brien Podcast. The E stands for EMPATHY, putting yourself in other people's shoes. EXCELLENCE, because this show exudes excellence. Another E, is the ENGINEER, because you can't run this show without the engineer. And last but not least, EXPERTS, because you need to be an expert to be on the Ask Brien show. Every business owner has questions for which they seek answers. And week after week, hosts Peter and Traci answer YOUR burning questions by bringing you tips, strategies, and business hacks that will help you reach your business goals and overcome your obstacles that you face as a business owner. Along with sharing their best kept secrets, AskBrien interviews the best in the industry who will share their knowledge and experience. And if you've learned something, Ask Brien has done it’s job. As part of the AskBrien.com website, Peter and Traci, focus solely on business, and discuss questions from business owners and offer their best advice for success.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Mastering the Art of Branding with Personal Brand and PR Advisor, Michelle Griffin

    Does it feel like you're spinning your wheels to get your business noticed? This week, we have Michelle Griffin on the show who is an expert on branding. As a Personal Brand and PR Advisor, Michelle discusses how to get your name out into the world as a small business and the best way to create a good message for potential clients. She talks about the books she has written, and why they can benefit business owners. Michelle shares some incredible tips for where to start with your small business, how to get noticed, and how to stand out. Tune in to learn more!   IN THIS EPISODE: [6:35] Michelle shares what her business is and provides some details of her background.[10:22] How did Michelle get her first customer? [12:10] What are the elements needed to create a good message?[13:40] Michelle discusses the books she has written. [15:32] How do you get your business’s name out there with a limited budget? [18:13] Should you focus more on the company’s brand or personal brand?[23:06] What are the biggest challenges Michelle sees with her clients following their blueprint?[26:06] What are some of the challenges that Michelle ran into when starting and growing her business? [27:58] What did Michelle outsource right away?[29:33] What was the catalyst for writing her books? [34:16] How do you come up with a message that is going to resonate with your target audience?  KEY TAKEAWAYS: It is essential to differentiate yourself and your business. Determine how your business is different and why people should choose you over the competitor. Start narrow and get really curious about your ideal client, you can always expand later.You need to own your own assets. This could be a podcast, potentially leveraging PR, sharing your message, your transformation, and your solution in a podcast. Lean into what you are good at, because you’ll get a lot more done and a lot faster. Outsource the things that you are not excited about, so you can focus on your zone of genius.  LINKS MENTIONED: Michelle B Griffin’s Website Michelle B Griffin LinkedIn Standout Women: Personal Branding, PR & Thought Leadership For Female Experts & Entrepreneurs | Podcast on Spotify The LinkedIn™ Branding Show | Podcast on Spotify Michelle B Griffin’s Instagram Ask Brien Radio Show BIO Michelle B. Griffin is a personal brand and PR advisor, speaker, and author who guides professional women to position themselves as thought leaders. As the founder of Standout Women, Michelle teaches experts to position their unique value, build personal brands, and amplify their expertise with PR to confidently step out and stand apart in their roles and businesses. She is the author of "The LinkedIn Branding Book" and the upcoming book, "Own Your Lane™ - Create the Category of You," publishing Nov. 19, 2024. Learn more at MichelleBGriffin.com.

    37 min
  2. Business Financing Made Simple: Expert Tips from Glenn Russo of Avatar Financial Consultants

    13 SEPT

    Business Financing Made Simple: Expert Tips from Glenn Russo of Avatar Financial Consultants

    There are so many financing options available, sometimes it can feel confusing to know which option would be best for your business. This week, we have Glenn Russo from Avatar Financial Consultants on the show to discuss the various funding options, as well as what to watch out for. He goes in depth on the different financial options and explains what types of business they may be best for. Tune in to understand what may be available to you and how to approach the different loan and funding options.  IN THIS EPISODE: [5:52] Glenn shares his background and why he became a financial consultant.[11:43] How can new businesses get set up correctly when they have limited funds?[20:50] What are different types of business loans available?[26:42] How can you keep pushing through with your business when you want to give up?[30:50] What are other funding options that can help a business to scale?  KEY TAKEAWAYS: If you’re in business, you’re probably going to be in many businesses over a period of time, and everyone’s going to remember you for the way you treat them. Be respectful to those you work with!Don’t fall for loans or funding that are businesses saying they can have cash in your account the next day. This is likely a cost of money basis and the interest rate will be incredibly high, most businesses cannot survive that type of loan.There are many different loan options out there for all sizes of business. Talk with a financial consultant or advisor to determine what the right loan is for your business. LINKS MENTIONED: Email: avatarfinanicalconsultants@gmail.com - Subject: Ask Brien Glenn Russo - LinkedIn Ask Brien Radio Show BIO We currently are taking advantage of a special situations that exist high margin & high barrier to entry manufacturing. We and our lenders are industry agnostic. We find niches unexplored by the crowd - finding an angle to enter a narrow path that captures some value that currently isn't recognized. Many CEOs, investors like follow trends only after firmly established - the comfort to enter a crowded trend is a sign that that trend is about to tire due to carrying so many followers. We will work with principals, w a great product or idea, who are financially stable but who may not be financially strong. We can help accomplish the principals' goals as quickly as they themselves can act. We can improve organizational skills, and efficiency in the organization and help them realize value that otherwise would go untapped. We provide and arrange loans and lines of credit for companies needing highly leveraged loans (80%LTC/LTV) for Commercial Real Estate acquisitions and new construction projects in North, South, & C. America, as well as, worldwide. We have and can arrange loans for companies at 400% of their cash available, or 3x to 8x the EBITDA and for Company Acquisitions. For an owner interested in selling their company, we can help create a buyout structure that will minimize the tax impact of the sale, and defer most of the income received from the sale using multiple paths with the entire strategy reviewed and sanctioned by a top tier law firm to provide peace of mind for the Owner/Seller. In 1993, I had the pleasure to sit with George Lane while trading. He is the inventor of one of the most popular trading technical indicators called Stochastics. George, later in his years wearing a light-blue leisure jacket, pointed...

    35 min
  3. Perfect your Marketing Game with John Davenport of Salt Mine Development

    6 SEPT

    Perfect your Marketing Game with John Davenport of Salt Mine Development

    Are you a new business owner or entrepreneur who is looking for the best tips to get your business started right? This week, John Davenport joins the Ask Brien Show to talk about business development, marketing, and social media strategies. He shares some incredible tips on the best ways to utilize social media and how to ensure you are using ads correctly. He explains what the most important thing to do in marketing is and why it's crucial to be persistent. Tune in for some great business takeaways and to learn about his generous offer for our listeners! IN THIS EPISODE: [7:05] John shares his background and how he got to where he is today. [9:04] What is Salt Mine Development? [11:11] Why are new business owners more open to feedback in their business?[12:07] What is business development? [13:19] What are the type three industries that are growing right now?[15:04] What is the most important thing to do when marketing your business?[17:56] What is the best way to utilize social media? [25:18] How do you know if your ads are working and how do you test them? [28:39] How can people pivot with social media always changing? [33:22] What has been the biggest challenge in John’s businesses?  KEY TAKEAWAYS: The key to social media is engagement. Find people having conversations about the thing you are selling, and ask them questions to create engagement. Each social media platform has its own demographics, so while you need to be on all the big ones (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), you want to focus more energy where your target demographic spends their time.If you are looking to spend money on paid ads, start with Google. They’re going to get you better results.  LINKS MENTIONED: Salt Mine Development  Email: John@saltminedevelopment.com  Ask Brien Radio Show BIO John is the CEO of Salt Mine Development.  He began the Business Development Company after working in different ventures for over two decades.  John began Salt Mine Development to serve both budding businesses and those already established to get the most out of their connections with their customers.  Salt Mine Development focuses on social media marketing, engaging the client, consulting, direct marketing, AI marketing as well as website and mobile app design. John talks about the importance of using social media properly to market to your clients specifically, stating that certain social media sites may be more productive for your demographic, which is where Salt Mine Development can help you.

    35 min
  4. Workplace Diversity Redefined with Judith Weigle

    23 AUG

    Workplace Diversity Redefined with Judith Weigle

    Diversity is so much more than just gender or race, according to Judith Weigle. Today, we have workshop leader and diversity expert Judith Weigle on the show to discuss how she has redefined diversity and why human connection is crucial to employee retention and a successful business. Judith explains how remote work has impacted diversity and the culture in companies and why the nationwide process for diversity isn’t the best option. Please tune in to learn more about the program she offers to businesses to create a unified company and why this is vital to creating success.  IN THIS EPISODE: [7:15] Judith shares her background and what she did before focusing on diversity.[11:42] How does Judith define culture? [12:50] Have remote workers helped or hurt workplace diversity?[13:57] How has diversity impacted company culture?[16:48] Should businesses follow the nationwide process for diversity? [22:13] What is the best method to bring people to communicate as a team? [25:45] What drove Judith’s idea to develop her program for companies to integrate storytelling into diversity? [29:06] How is Judith using stories for employee retention? [34:50] What happens if an employee wants to keep to themselves? KEY TAKEAWAYS: Focus on human connection, and you will improve inclusion and diversity in your business. Storytelling is a powerful method of human connection. People sharing where they came from, what they’ve been through, etc., help people connect in a unique way.  Focusing on diversity and connection helps with retention. Employees want to work in a place where they have community and security. If someone does not want to be involved, allow them to watch management and other employees connect, and then they’ll likely feel comfortable enough to get involved.  LINKS MENTIONED: Amicable Divorce Expert Podcast Call: 310-441-7555 Judith@JudithWeigel.com  Ask Brien Radio Show BIO: As a speaker and workshop leader, Judith draws from her experiences in entertainment, family law, and mediation to deliver programs that have audiences listening, learning, and laughing.  Judith is focused on delivering high–value, high-impact Keynotes, Seminars and Workshops to corporations, associations, and the public both in person and virtually. Lunch’n Learn programs are a great way of becoming acquainted with her topics.  Judith fulfilled her first life dream by working with the Clyde Beatty–Cole Bros. Circus. Her aesthetic goal in college was to work with as many cultures possible in as many cities in the world, too. With this blended family of performers and animals from countries near and far, Weigle got her first taste for amicable living, and the concepts of Trust, Respect and Inclusion. She understood how to create the greatest team on earth.  In the cultural hodge–podge of the circus, she learned different parenting styles, and most importantly learned that different educational and economic backgrounds could respect each other and work towards a common goal: A show that made millions of other families happy.  From the 3–Ring circus of elected politics, to a career in the actual circus, and currently the divorce arena through her podcast THE Amicable Divorce Expert, Judith has been in the spotlight her entire career. Now she is shining a spotlight on you, your company, and your clients to grow...

    37 min
  5. Understanding Inventory and Brick and Mortar Stores with Alex Grossman

    16 AUG

    Understanding Inventory and Brick and Mortar Stores with Alex Grossman

    As a serial entrepreneur, it seems that Alex has done it all. His latest venture into the retail space has proven to be more challenging, but he’s learned a lot. In this episode, Alex shares more about his specialized venture into the motorsports industry and his advice on running a brick and mortar store. Alex shares how COVID has changed the landscape for businesses and what people are more likely to purchase post COVID. Lastly Alex talks about marketing and how he gets customers into the store, and how the brick and mortar store allows for more interest. Tune in today to learn more.  IN THIS EPISODE: [5:41] Alex shares what his newest venture is. [9:05] How do you pick a niche without getting too specialized?[11:19] Are there a lot of inventory control issues in Alex’s specialized business? [18:58] What was Alex’s biggest challenge when taking over this business? [24:12] Alex shares his background. [26:05] What is the best thing you can do financially when you own a retail store? [28:58] How did COVID shift and help certain businesses? [32:17] How can you reach Alex?[34:29] How does Alex market to people online to get them in the doors?   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Inventory can be a huge challenge in having the right amount on hand. Understanding what your clients and customers want is essential to managing inventory. When buying a business that is already established, it is key to have the prior owners help you get situated with the business. Having them on your side, promoting you, and helping with the transition will make a huge difference in taking over.  LINKS MENTIONED: Alex Grossman LinkedIn Race Ready Products Website Race Ready Products Instagram Call Race Ready Products @ 619-691-9171 Ask Brien Radio Show BIO Dynamic and results-driven problem solver, team builder, and thought leader with an accomplished record in product, management, product marketing, program management, and corporate marketing leadership at major technology corporations and successful entrepreneurial start-ups. Highly collaborative and motivational cross-functional team leader Excellent relationship management with internal staff, contractors, vendors, customers, and other partners and stakeholders. Create and launch successful and innovative new software, AI, cloud, SaaS, and hardware products and services for commercial, enterprise, consumer markets. Develop go-to-market plans for sales, marketing, and product teams. Equally comfortable working with software engineers in Agile methodologies and SCRUM as with senior management, marketing professionals and web developers. Strengths include excellent presentation and customer-facing skills, analyzing markets, identifying new niches, gathering and evaluating customer needs, building the internal mission, developing innovative products and services to meet the requirements of demanding users and industries. Proficient at creating and implementing effective multi-platform digital marketing strategies. Career highlights Created a multi-billion dollar product line for Apple. Developed product roadmaps, built strategic partnerships, and delivered business analysis. Revitalized a lethargic digital workflow product line leading to 10x sales growth...

    37 min

  6. 2 AUG

    From Hollywood to Marketing: Jenna Capozzi's Journey to Empower Women Over 40

    Empowering women over 40 is Jenna Capozzi’s speciality, especially when it comes to helping them market their businesses! This week, Jenna joins the show to talk about how she transitioned away from Hollywood into marketing and mentorship. She shares the best ways to cold call businesses in order to get your services in front of them, and how to be prepared for those calls! Jenna shares the most common pieces of advice that she provides clients with and explains why jumping in is the best way to do it! Tune in to learn more from this amazing expert.  IN THIS EPISODE: [8:05] Jenna shares about her background and how she got to where she is today. [11:04] Jenna explains how she landed her first clients.[15:01] What’s the best way to be successful with reaching out to companies and pitching your service?  [17:58] When does Jenna do the research - before or after cold calling? [20:10] What made Jenna decide to focus on empowering women over 40?[25:16] What does Jenna’s mentorship program look like? [26:06] What are the most common pieces of advice Jenna shares with her clients?[29:30] Jenna describes her retreats and how they work. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Move quickly! You will make mistakes, but make it fast and make it quick, then pivot and do it a bit differently. Don’t let failure stop you, there is always another way. If in the marketing field, when you are going to approach a business, make sure that you’ve done your research, you know what their business does, who their competitors are, and a direction their marketing plan could go in, then call them and share your insights. Trust your instincts, if you focus too much on the fear and worry of what could go wrong you’ll never get started. Focus on your goals and keep moving forward.  LINKS MENTIONED: Leader Builder Workbook Jenna Capozzi Website Ask Brien Radio Show BIO A young girl with big dreams, a head full of ideas, and a heart bursting with ambition. That was me! I loved bringing people together and creating something beautiful out of nothing. Fast forward, I found myself diving headfirst into my career in Hollywood, then diversifying into the advertising and the marketing world. It was everything I thought I wanted – the hustle, the challenge, the glitz. But at the top of my game after 30 years filled the bookshelf with awards and all. But, I realized something crucial was missing: PURPOSE! That's when I launched. It wasn't just a sudden spark of inspiration; it was the culmination of everything I'd learned, experienced, and yearned for. It is my mission to empower women over 40 – incredible, talented, yet often overlooked women – to rewrite their stories, reignite their passions, and achieve their wildest dreams. I believe in the power of community, the strength of shared experiences, and the magic that happens when women support each other. That's why this is more than just a retreat coaching service – it's a sisterhood, a movement, a force to be reckoned with. In my spare time (which, let's be honest, isn't much), you'll find me with my kiddos or pups, experimenting in the kitchen, or planning our next travel adventure. I'm a firm believer in living life to the fullest and finding joy in the little things. So, here I am – an entrepreneur, a mentor, a friend. I'm here to guide you, inspire you, and cheer you on every step of the way. Let's embark

    35 min
  7. Search Engine Optimization with David Lowbridge, Owner of Two Feet Marketing

    26 JUL

    Search Engine Optimization with David Lowbridge, Owner of Two Feet Marketing

    Have you been trying to get your website to rank on Google, but you can’t get it past the second or third page? This week, we are joined by David Lowbridge of Two Feet Marketing to discuss SEO (Search Engine Optimization). David shares best practices to get your website seen, including information about how many words to use, what type of images to use, and where to place your keywords to give you the best chance of ranking on Google. He discusses some of the feedback he gave to Traci’s company, Produce Your Podcast, and how those changes have increased their visibility. Tune in to gather some great tips to improve your website’s visibility and reach!  IN THIS EPISODE: [5:12] In the last 12 months, what has Google done to change SEO? [9:30] What are the best practices for ranking high on Google? [11:40] Does it matter where your videos are hosted? [12:43] How does speed impact SEO? [14:08] How does Google know if you are using stock photos and what other options do you have for photos? [15:58] How does Google know you are using AI? [18:12] What are the best first steps for people when it comes to SEO?[20:47] How can people determine which keywords are right for their business? [23:16] What should you look for when hiring a SEO expert? [25:08] How did David improve on the Produce Your Podcast website? [28:34] How does SEO differ for a product based business? [31:44] How long does SEO take to start seeing results? [33:43] How does David work with clients?  KEY TAKEAWAYS: Using your own images and videos in your articles, which should be around 1,000 words, will help you rank higher on Google.When choosing SEO keywords, use a keyword tool to ensure the word you are using is being searched for. You must be using the words that your customer is using and then put that keyword in the meta title, meta description, and on images throughout the article. SEO is about keeping people interested when it comes to your website. You want them to spend time looking around on each page, not just reading one article and moving on to the next website. The more engaged a user is on the website, the more often it will show up for that user when they Google another question. LINKS MENTIONED: David Lowbridge LinkedIn Two Feet Marketing Website  Ask Brien Radio Show BIO I’ve never believed that quality should be expensive; which is why I started TwoFeetMarketing. My adventure started at University. After studying BA Management and Mathematics, I took an MSc in Management where I specialized in Marketing and Human Resources. During my early career, I worked in recruitment and human resources and ran a CV writing company, Avid CVs. I’ve also spent time learning to be a professional digital marketer. Early in my marketing career, I advised people how to market themselves online after setting up my own author blog. In July 2013, I took the skills I had learned and began offering online marketing services to businesses. I kept to my original beliefs – quality does not have to be expensive, and continually offered great services at affordable prices. I have a mixture of clients from solopreneurs to large organizations. I expand brand awareness while increasing website visits, generating leads and sales. My SEO skills are good. Companies that have used my SEO skills have...

    36 min
  8. Why Storytelling is Essential to Your Business with Park Howell, Founder of The Business of Storytelling

    19 JUL

    Why Storytelling is Essential to Your Business with Park Howell, Founder of The Business of Storytelling

    Storytelling is one of the most important aspects of your business, because it allows your customers to know what to expect when they choose to work with you. This week we are joined by the Founder of The Business of Storytelling, Park Howell. Park shares why storytelling is so critical to your business, and provides the key elements that every story needs. He explains where content creation is heading, and the impacts of AI on content creation. Park shares a challenging story that he had to help a customer with, and does an incredible job providing an example of how he would create a story for a legal company. Tune in to learn how to transform your story successfully!  IN THIS EPISODE: [6:17] Park shares his background and how he got started with his current business. [8:40] What is storytelling and why should it matter to business owners? [11:00] What does Park mean by characters?[12:02] What are the most important pieces to have in a good story to make it successful? [20:09] What is the framework when setting up your story? [22:48] What was the catalyst that led Park to start his own business?[25:13] What are Park’s revenue streams? [26:22] Where does Park see content creation heading in the future? [30:02] What can content creators look to in terms of navigating AI and technology? [33:42] What was the difficult story Park had to come up with for a client? [35:30] What services does Park offer?   KEY TAKEAWAYS: You want to gear your product or service to the average person. The goal is to make the average person great. Clarity is key when it comes to getting your message across. If your ideal client is confused at all, they will just move on to the next business. AI can be used as a tool, as an intern if you will, that can do the first digging of information, but you need to go in and humanize the information or content when you put it out to your audience.  LINKS MENTIONED: Business Storytelling Workshops, Keynotes & Strategy The Business of Story Podcast Ask Brien Radio Show Business of Story Podcast BIO Park Howell is known as The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller having grown purpose-driven brands by as much as 600 percent. He is an EMMY Award Winning, 35+ year veteran of the advertising industry and now consults, teaches, coaches, and speaks internationally to help business, sales, and marketing leaders excel through the stories they tell. He is the host of the popular weekly Business of Story podcast, which is ranked among the top 10% of downloaded podcasts in the world. Park published Brand Bewitchery in 2020 to help you use his proven Story Cycle System to craft spellbinding stories for your brand. In 2021, he co-authored The Narrative Gym for Business, a short 75-page guide on how to use the foundational narrative framework of the ABT (And, But, Therefore) to make you a more confident,...

    38 min
See All (159)

About

Why, you ask, in the world would you spell Brien B- R- I- E- N? Well, I'll tell you why- because the E stands for a lot of different things that happen to represent the Ask Brien Podcast. The E stands for EMPATHY, putting yourself in other people's shoes. EXCELLENCE, because this show exudes excellence. Another E, is the ENGINEER, because you can't run this show without the engineer. And last but not least, EXPERTS, because you need to be an expert to be on the Ask Brien show. Every business owner has questions for which they seek answers. And week after week, hosts Peter and Traci answer YOUR burning questions by bringing you tips, strategies, and business hacks that will help you reach your business goals and overcome your obstacles that you face as a business owner. Along with sharing their best kept secrets, AskBrien interviews the best in the industry who will share their knowledge and experience. And if you've learned something, Ask Brien has done it’s job. As part of the AskBrien.com website, Peter and Traci, focus solely on business, and discuss questions from business owners and offer their best advice for success.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge
  • Show Website
    Ask Brien Show

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada