Small Business Stories

Loralyn Mears, PhD
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Welcome to Small Business Stories, the podcast where we celebrate the real-life journeys of small business owners. We dig into inspiring tales of triumphs, challenges, and the tough lessons we learned along the way. Each episode is packed with relatable anecdotes and practical tips that you can use to fuel your own entrepreneurial dreams. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business, you'll find motivation and insight in every story. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by the heart and hustle of small business owners just like you! We say it like it is - no filters. Being an SMB owner isn't easy, but we're compelled to do it.

  1. Small Business Growth Without Guardrails: Hiring, Risk & Profitability with Michelle Griffin

    2 HRS AGO

    Small Business Growth Without Guardrails: Hiring, Risk & Profitability with Michelle Griffin

    S6:E41 Growth exposes what founders postpone (isn't that the truth?!). Many businesses believe HR is just paperwork. In reality, HR often determines whether growth compounds, or fractures. If people don't trust your standards, culture weakens. If systems don't support growth, margins erode. If leadership delays hard decisions, costs multiply quietly. In this episode, Michelle Griffin joins Dr. LL to discuss what really happens when small businesses grow faster than their people infrastructure. 👤 Guest Michelle Griffin, Griffin Resources Specialist in HR systems, hiring compliance, workforce growth strategy ⚠️ Core Problems Reactive hiring decisions Contractor classification risk Culture dilution during growth Weak accountability systems 🥡 Practical Takeaways Build structure before scale Hire with clarity, not urgency Protect standards early Understand people risk as financial risk ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Hidden growth risks 7:42 Expensive hiring errors 16:10 Classification issues 25:18 Culture and accountability 34:40 What to fix now 🔖 Who This Episode Is For Executives, founders, operators, scaling small businesses Signal clarity often starts where leaders least expect it: internal decisions. Presented by STEERus. Subscribe, share, and follow for more grounded conversations.   ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io #HR #hiring #mistakes #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness

    40 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    2 HRS AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Tim Ferriss: Feeling Stuck Right Now? (Use THIS 10-Minute Exercise to Stop Overthinking and Take Action) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Sometimes we become so fixated on improving our lives that we stop asking a more important question: what actually matters? Jay sits down with Tim Ferriss for something deeper than a discussion on productivity, it’s an exploration of how to live with real intention. Instead of chasing shortcuts or stacking habits, Jay turns the focus inward, examining how our thoughts, emotions, and daily choices quietly shape the life we end up living. Drawing from years of personal experimentation, Tim draws from years of experimentation to reveal a powerful truth: most of what holds us back isn’t a lack of discipline, it’s a lack of alignment, between what we say matters, what we focus on, and how we actually live. Throughout the conversation, Jay returns to a theme he often explores, the tension between achievement and acceptance. In a world that rewards constant hustle and endless optimization, it’s easy to believe we always need to do more, fix more, and become more. Tim opens up about his own struggles with anxiety and obsessive thinking, offering a more grounded view of growth, one that isn’t just about pushing forward, it’s also about knowing when to pause, simplify, and let go of what no longer serves you. In this episode you'll learn: How to Focus on What Truly Matters How to Stop Chasing the Wrong Goals How to Improve Your Life by Subtracting How to Build Better Daily Habits How to Ask Better Questions for Clarity How to Avoid Burnout While Staying Productive How to Break Free from Distractions How to Create Meaningful Progress in Life How to Align Your Actions with Your Purpose Real change often begins with a single shift, paying attention to where your energy goes, questioning what truly matters, and giving yourself permission to slow down when needed. Growth isn’t just about doing more; it’s about doing what’s right for you, with intention. Check out Tim’s 17 Questions That Changed My Life, the free ebook with 17 questions he returns to when he feels stuck. Visit: https://timferriss.kit.com/78e83e43a5  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe  Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:05 A Life Designed with Intention 07:58 Rethinking How We Use Our Energy 13:48 Reimagining How We Fuel Ourselves  18:30 The Mind-Body Connection 28:57 How Do You Actually Build a New Habit? 34:24 How to Create Momentum Without Burning Out 37:39 The Cost of Overthinking Everything 41:45 Exploring New Frontiers of Healing 44:30 Hustle vs. Balance: Finding the Middle Ground 52:30 The Danger of Living in “The Simmering Six” 56:26 Why Relationships Matter More Than Success 01:00:01 Learning to Be Fully Present 01:05:21 The Practice of Acceptance 01:11:39 Navigating Conflict and Emotions 01:15:20 Communicating Without Creating Distance 01:16:56 The Questions That Change Your Life 01:19:04 Are You Chasing Field Mice or Antelope? 01:31:06 Breaking Free from the Noise 01:34:35 The Power of Subtraction Over Addition 01:36:02 Thinking Differently to Win 01:38:54 Questions from the Audience 01:44:52 What Sets the Top 1% Apart 01:47:05 The Balance Between Growth and Acceptance  01:54:17 Tim on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://tim.blog/  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/timferriss  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TimFerriss/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/timferriss/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timferriss/  TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@timferriss  X | https://x.com/tferriss See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. How to Run a Small Business Better With Less Chaos Featuring Dan Norcross

    4D AGO

    How to Run a Small Business Better With Less Chaos Featuring Dan Norcross

    S6:E40 Most businesses either have a revenue problem or an operating problem. In this episode, Dr. LL explores why capable founders often stay trapped inside businesses they built: overloaded, reactive, and too central to everything. "Founder fatigue" is real, folks. If people can't move without you, the company is constrained. If every issue escalates to the founder, scale is fragile. If systems are weak, growth becomes expensive. Dan Norcross shares a grounded perspective on building businesses that function with more discipline and less drama. Guest Dan Norcross Entrepreneur / Operator Core Problems Founder dependency Poor delegation structures Operational chaos Growth without leverage Practical Takeaways Systemize recurring decisions Build accountability into roles Reduce founder dependency Mature operations before forcing scale Timestamps 00:00 Intro 05:00 Why chaos persists 11:00 Systems and leverage 18:00 Accountability culture 26:00 What mature businesses do differently Who This Episode Is For Founders ready to run a company, not just carry one. This conversation reinforces a core STEERus™ principle: When the founder becomes the business, the business cannot fully grow.   ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io   #burnout #entrepreneurship #growth #growthmindset #smallbusiness

    8 min
  4. How to Build Trust as an Entrepreneur When No One Knows You With Kira Shishkin

    APR 12

    How to Build Trust as an Entrepreneur When No One Knows You With Kira Shishkin

    S6:E39 Trust isn't built by showing up more. It's built by being understood. In this episode, Dr. LL explores a recurring challenge facing entrepreneurs: why visibility alone isn't translating into credibility or growth. If people don't trust you, they don't buy. If they don't understand you, they can't trust you. And if your signal is inconsistent, you remain invisible, no matter how often you show up. Kira Shishkin brings perspective on what it actually takes to build trust in modern business environments, where attention is fragmented and skepticism is high. Guest Kira Shishkin Entrepreneur Core Problems Confusion between visibility and trust Weak or inconsistent messaging Lack of intentional relationship-building Difficulty standing out in crowded markets Practical Takeaways Trust requires clarity before consistency Messaging must be simple enough to repeat Relationships drive conversion—not exposure Credibility is earned through alignment Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 04:00 Trust challenges today 09:00 Visibility vs credibility 15:00 Relationship dynamics 22:00 Converting trust into growth Who This Episode Is For Founders and operators trying to strengthen credibility and build trust with their audience. This conversation reinforces a core STEERus™ principle: When your signal is unclear, trust breaks and growth stalls. Subscribe and share if this resonates.   ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io    #trust #sales #entrepreneur #smallbusiness

    11 min
  5. How to Get a Business Loan (When Banks Say No) with Kumal Bhasin

    APR 10

    How to Get a Business Loan (When Banks Say No) with Kumal Bhasin

    S6:E38 Access to capital isn't just a financial decision. It's a strategic one - albeit increasingly confusing. In this episode, Dr. LL sits down with Kunal Bhasin to explore how the lending landscape has evolved—and why many small business owners struggle to navigate it effectively. If people don't trust the process, they hesitate. If they don't understand their options, they default to urgency. If decisions are made under pressure, long-term stability suffers. Kunal brings a grounded perspective on how marketplaces create optionality, how lenders actually evaluate risk, and why transparency is becoming a defining differentiator in financial services. Guest Kunal Bhasin Founder of OneWest Core Problems Lack of transparency in lending decisions Overreliance on traditional banks Confusion around loan structures and tradeoffs Emotional decision-making under financial pressure Practical Takeaways Capital should expand opportunity—not delay failure Multiple options improve decision quality Transparency builds long-term financial trust The lowest rate isn't always the best decision Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Evolution of lending 07:00 Marketplace dynamics 13:00 Meaning of capital 20:00 Borrowing decisions 26:00 Defining success Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs and operators seeking a clearer, more grounded approach to financing decisions. This conversation reinforces a key STEERus™ principle: Clarity drives better decisions especially when stakes are high. Subscribe and share if this resonates. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io   #finance #loan #entrepreneur #smallbusiness

    11 min
  6. Ownership, Fit & The Discipline of Franchising with Giuseppe Grammatico

    APR 9

    Ownership, Fit & The Discipline of Franchising with Giuseppe Grammatico

    S6:E37 Franchising is often misunderstood. Many assume it's "passive income" that prints cash in the backyard. NOTHING is really passive! Especially not at first. Others think franchising is low-risk, or limited to fast food. In reality, it requires discipline, self-awareness, and the ability to follow systems. This is something many entrepreneurs resist. Giuseppe Grammatico breaks down what actually determines success, and why most people are evaluating the wrong things from the start. In this episode, Dr. LL sits down with Giuseppe Grammatico to unpack what franchising actually requires—and why so many people approach it with the wrong expectations. If people don't trust your consistency, they hesitate. If your decisions aren't grounded in reality, they stall. If your role isn't clear, execution breaks down. Giuseppe brings a practical lens to business ownership; one that challenges the idea of passive income and reinforces the importance of fit, structure, and long-term thinking.   Guest Giuseppe Grammatico Franchise consultant and founder of The Franchise Guide   Core Problems Treating franchising as passive income Choosing based on trends, not alignment Lack of clarity around role and expectations Ignoring process and system discipline   Practical Takeaways Ownership requires alignment between skill set and business model Systems only work if they are followed Franchising reduces risk—but doesn't remove effort Clear expectations prevent early failure   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:00 The myth of franchising 08:00 Fit vs opportunity 14:00 Red flags in franchise selection 21:00 The reality of ownership 27:00 When things don't work Who This Episode Is For Individuals considering franchising or business ownership and seeking a more grounded understanding of what it actually takes. This episode reinforces a core principle behind the STEERus™ Decision Integrity System: Better decisions come from alignment—not urgency. Subscribe and share if this resonates. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io   #franchise #entrepreneur #smallbusiness

    36 min
  7. How to Grow Your Small Business Without Burning Out: The Cost of Overextending Yourself with Jessica Volker

    APR 7

    How to Grow Your Small Business Without Burning Out: The Cost of Overextending Yourself with Jessica Volker

    S6:E36 Many founders don't talk about this - but we do. Burnout doesn't happen all at once. It builds through small, misaligned decisions over time. In this episode, Dr. LL sits down with Jessica Volker to explore what sustainable growth actually requires and why so many entrepreneurs unintentionally build businesses that drain them. If people don't trust your consistency, they hesitate. If your priorities aren't clear, your execution suffers. If you're doing everything, nothing compounds because you and your signal are spread too thin. Jessica brings a grounded perspective on prioritization, energy, and the discipline required to build something that lasts.   Guest Jessica Volker Entrepreneur and business strategist   Core Problems Overextension disguised as ambition Lack of prioritization in growth decisions Building systems that are unsustainable long-term Confusing activity with meaningful progress   Practical Takeaways Focus is a strategic advantage, not a limitation Sustainable growth requires intentional boundaries Decision clarity reduces unnecessary effort Long-term success is built through consistency, not intensity   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Small Business Stories 03:00 Burnout and entrepreneurship 08:00 Why more isn't better 12:00 The role of prioritization 18:00 Sustainable growth mindset 24:00 Long-term success   Who This Episode Is For Founders and leaders who want to grow their business without sacrificing clarity, health, or long-term viability. This episode reinforces a core principle behind the STEERus™ Decision Integrity System: When decisions lack clarity, effort increases but results don't. And we want to change that for you, just like we changed it for ourselves! Subscribe and share if this resonates. ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship  🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io     #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Burnout #wellness

    25 min
  8. Building a Business Without a Blueprint: Niche Entrepreneurship and Resilience with Nicholas Breedlove

    APR 6

    Building a Business Without a Blueprint: Niche Entrepreneurship and Resilience with Nicholas Breedlove

    S6:E35 Some of the strongest businesses are built without a clear path. In this episode, Dr. LL sits down with Nicholas Breedlove, CEO of NVB Playgrounds, to explore what it really takes to build and scale a business in a niche industry without prior experience, without a playbook, and without external validation. If people don't trust your capability, they hesitate. If your positioning isn't clear, they overlook you. If you wait for credentials, you delay momentum. Nicholas shares his journey into the playground industry and how he built a widly successful company focused on safe, inclusive, and community-driven spaces. His experience reflects a broader entrepreneurial truth: many founders start without a roadmap, but succeed by staying focused, resilient, and aligned with real market needs.   Guest Nicholas Breedlove CEO, NVB Playgrounds   Core Problems Waiting for experience or validation before starting Misunderstanding the realities of niche industries Struggling to scale without overextending resources Building without a clear framework or guidance   Practical Takeaways Action builds credibility faster than credentials Specialization creates opportunity in overlooked markets Resilience is a requirement, not a trait Community impact can be a competitive advantage   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Small Business Stories 02:00 Entering a new industry without experience 06:00 Niche business realities 11:00 Scaling challenges 17:00 Leadership and culture 23:00 The power of purpose Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs building in unfamiliar spaces and leaders navigating uncertainty without a clear roadmap. Invisible businesses don't make money -- but neither do businesses waiting to feel "ready."   ✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs to be heard Follow STEERus on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLLSmallBusiness Instagram: https://instagram.com/steerus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerus Twitter: https://x.com/steerus_io   #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Startups

    8 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Small Business Stories, the podcast where we celebrate the real-life journeys of small business owners. We dig into inspiring tales of triumphs, challenges, and the tough lessons we learned along the way. Each episode is packed with relatable anecdotes and practical tips that you can use to fuel your own entrepreneurial dreams. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business, you'll find motivation and insight in every story. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by the heart and hustle of small business owners just like you! We say it like it is - no filters. Being an SMB owner isn't easy, but we're compelled to do it.

Information

  • Creator
    Loralyn Mears, PhD
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) STEERus 2026
  • Show Website
    Small Business Stories