Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice

John Corcoran
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY
Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice

"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Creating a Purposeful Practice of Civility With Shelby Scarbrough

    Shelby Joy Scarbrough is the Co-founder and CEO of the Global School of Entrepreneurship (GSE), a company dedicated to providing accredited MBA programs and courses designed specifically for entrepreneurs. With a distinguished career serving in the Reagan administration as a White House aide and as a State Department Protocol Officer, Shelby has also authored multiple books, including Civility Rules. She has managed high-profile events for world leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II and successfully built a chain of Burger King franchises, showcasing her entrepreneurial acumen. Apart from GSE, she is also the Co-founder of nCourage Entrepreneurs, an angel investment group focused on funding entrepreneurial ventures founded and run by women. In this episode… In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, entrepreneurs often struggle to balance professionalism, leadership, and growth while navigating complex challenges. Whether it’s building businesses, managing high-stakes relationships, or maintaining civility in heated environments, achieving long-term success requires a unique blend of vision and discipline. Many leaders search for proven strategies to lead with impact, build trust, and drive meaningful results. Shelby Scarbrough, a White House veteran and entrepreneur, shares invaluable insights from her diverse career spanning entrepreneurship, diplomacy, and protocol. Drawing from her experiences in the Reagan administration, managing Burger King franchises, and co-founding the Global School of Entrepreneurship, Shelby emphasizes the importance of professionalism, adaptability, and relationship-building. She discusses lessons learned from world leaders, including Nelson Mandela and President Reagan, and explains how civility and preparation can turn challenges into opportunities. Shelby also highlights actionable steps for entrepreneurs, from maintaining focus under pressure to building supportive networks like nCourage Entrepreneurs, an angel investment group dedicated to female founders. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Shelby Scarbrough, Co-founder and CEO of the Global School of Entrepreneurship, about turning leadership experiences into entrepreneurial success. Shelby provides insights on managing international diplomacy, navigating franchise operations, redefining MBA programs for modern entrepreneurs, and the value of building businesses with a pioneering spirit.

    41 min

  2. 3 JAN

    Building a Cult Following in Hospitality With Josh Kopel

    Josh Kopel is a Michelin-awarded restaurateur, entrepreneur, and Founder of Flo Hospitality Solutions, a company helping restaurants enhance customer experiences and profitability through innovative marketing strategies. With decades of experience owning and operating successful restaurants and generating millions in sales through viral campaigns, he is a proven leader in the hospitality industry. Josh specializes in crafting brand narratives, launching impactful social media campaigns, and creating strategies that drive revenue, build loyalty, and boost profitability. He is also the host of the Full Comp Podcast, creator of the Restaurant Marketing School, and a former President of the California Restaurant Association. In this episode… Running a successful restaurant in today’s highly competitive and fast-paced market comes with unique challenges — from standing out in a crowded space to maintaining profitability and customer loyalty. Many restaurateurs struggle to create effective marketing strategies, build authentic brand narratives, and adapt to changing consumer expectations. Without the right tools and insights, even the most passionate entrepreneurs can face burnout, missed opportunities, and financial losses. Josh Kopel, Michelin-awarded restaurateur and entrepreneur, shares his proven strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Drawing from decades of experience, Josh emphasizes the importance of crafting compelling brand stories, leveraging viral campaigns, and utilizing social media to boost visibility and profitability. He highlights how consistency, resilience, and customer-focused messaging can turn ideas into results, transform struggling businesses, and create lasting customer relationships. By pairing storytelling with data-driven tactics, Josh demonstrates how restaurant owners can build loyalty, optimize operations, and thrive even in challenging markets. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Josh Kopel, Founder of Flo Hospitality Solutions, about making an impact in the hospitality industry. The conversation takes us from delightful stories of Hollywood nightclubs to the grind behind scaling a fine dining restaurant, culminating in the pivot that led Josh to partner with Yelp and launch a successful podcast. It's an enlightening look at the intersection of grit, social connection, and resilience.

    44 min

  3. 27/12/2024

    How Psychedelic Medicine Redefined Jessica Aiello

    Jessica Aiello is the Chief Strategy Officer of TCS Teams, a company that provides accessibility solutions and promotes inclusion for people with disabilities in the workplace. She has a rich history of leadership, including her prior role as CEO of the same company, and has been featured in Kiplinger, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and Success Magazine. A passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion, Jessica is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and actively mentors and coaches disabled entrepreneurs while serving as a judge for various pitch competitions. With two bachelor's degrees from James Madison University, Jessica also serves as a board member of the EO Washington D.C. Metro Area chapter. In this episode... Life often throws challenges that leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Whether it’s navigating a difficult relationship, facing identity struggles, or confronting the weight of societal expectations, these moments can make it hard to find clarity and purpose. Finding tools to break free and reconnect with oneself becomes essential, but the path is rarely straightforward. Jessica Aiello shares how she overcame some of the toughest periods in her life, including a divorce, a business breakup, and career enmeshment. By turning to unconventional tools like psychedelic medicine, Jessica found ways to confront deep emotions like shame, guilt, and fear, allowing her to reconnect with her true self and redefine her identity beyond work. Her journey highlights the importance of self-reflection, surrendering ego, and balancing ambition with authenticity, offering actionable insights for others seeking transformation in their personal or professional lives. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jessica Aiello, Chief Strategy Officer of TCS Teams, about her transformative journey with psychedelic medicine. Jessica discusses how growing up with deaf parents shaped her passion for accessibility, the emotional challenges of raising a child who regained hearing, how to balance hustle with heart in leadership, and the potential for transformation and healing through psychedelics.

    42 min

  4. 20/12/2024

    Unlocking Revenue Engines With Kara Smith Brown

    Kara Smith Brown is the Founder and CEO of LeadCoverage, a premier consulting group dedicated to driving revenue growth for supply chain and logistics companies. A trailblazer in her field, she was one of the first employees at Echo Global Logistics, contributing to its rapid growth and playing a pivotal role in its IPO. Kara is also a Co-founder of Close(Her), a community that empowers women in sales and has been a champion of Atlanta’s female economy since moving to the city in 2016. Her new book, The Revenue Engine, showcases her expertise through a nine-step framework for building high-performing B2B pipelines enriched with compelling personal anecdotes and actionable insights. In this episode… B2B marketing can feel overwhelming, especially in industries like freight and logistics, where traditional approaches dominate and innovative tools are often underutilized. Companies struggle to generate leads, manage pipelines effectively, and measure impactful results. This challenge is magnified when businesses fail to understand the specific needs of their market, leading to wasted time, effort, and resources. Kara Smith Brown offers a clear path forward by breaking the complexities of B2B marketing into a manageable nine-step framework, as outlined in her book, The Revenue Engine. She emphasizes segmenting the sales funnel into three distinct stages — prospect, nurture, and customer — and measuring success through volume, velocity, and value metrics. Kara also shares practical anecdotes, such as leveraging intent data and creating engaging strategies tailored to the freight industry, which she calls a perfect match for big personalities and aggressive innovation. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Kara Smith Brown, CEO of LeadCoverage, about crafting high-octane revenue pipelines for B2B companies. Kara shares her journey from musical theater to supply chain leadership, insights on breaking barriers as a woman entrepreneur, actionable strategies from her book, and challenges of fitting into pre-established corporate cultures.

    38 min

  5. 18/12/2024

    Behind the Mic and Beyond With John Corcoran

    John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… Launching a podcast, navigating a complex industry, or managing personal growth can feel overwhelming, especially with the pressure to stand out or address a dense workload. For many, the quest for uniqueness delays action, while balancing creativity with clarity remains a persistent challenge. In an era of limitless tools and information, finding strategies to streamline efforts while fostering authentic connections is more vital than ever. John Corcoran shares invaluable insights on overcoming these challenges, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and purpose. He reveals how custom GPTs can transform dense documents into efficient, searchable resources, offering a practical solution for saving time and effort. Drawing from his own podcasting experience, John advises aspiring hosts to focus on authenticity, asserting that the uniqueness of a podcast lies in the host-guest dynamic, not a perfect concept. Additionally, he credits mentor Rob Castaneda with inspiring him to pause his drinking, demonstrating how personal growth can enhance professional focus and clarity. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen interviews John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, about harnessing past experiences for personal and professional growth. They discuss how John’s involvement in The West Wing inspired storytelling, the transformative potential of custom GPT tools, and how a pause on drinking improved his productivity. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for those seeking to enhance their podcasting journey and personal growth.

    18 min

  6. 13/12/2024

    Leveraging AI for Guaranteed ROI Success With Christine Westbury

    Christine Westbury is the CEO and Founder of Blackjet Social, a marketing agency specializing in AI-driven marketing and automation for B2B companies. With over 18 years of marketing and business ownership experience, she has a proven track record of entrepreneurial success, having launched and scaled ventures such as a clean food manufacturing business and an innovative dance school. Christine is dedicated to enhancing the online presence of professional services firms through high-quality content and strategic social media campaigns, focusing on solving audience problems rather than merely promoting services. In addition to leading Blackjet Social, she is the Director of The Space Wellington, a flexible workspace in a prime central location for individuals and businesses. In this episode… The fast-paced marketing world presents unique challenges for businesses striving to connect with their target audience. Professionals often grapple with maintaining a consistent online presence, navigating the complexities of lead generation, and standing out in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Adding to this pressure, the rapid rise of AI technologies has introduced both opportunities and uncertainties, leaving many wondering how to harness these tools effectively. Christine Westbury shares her expertise in addressing these challenges through strategic social media management and AI-driven solutions. She emphasizes the importance of solving real audience problems rather than simply promoting services, focusing on crafting high-quality content that builds trust and authority. Christine reveals how she created Blackjet Autopilot, a lead generation system with a bold promise of guaranteed ROI, blending innovative AI tools with proven marketing methodologies to help businesses streamline operations and achieve measurable success. Her journey showcases resilience, adaptability, and the creative use of technology to overcome business hurdles. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Christine Westbury, Founder and CEO of Blackjet Social, about revolutionizing B2B marketing with AI-driven strategies. Christine discusses the significance of strategic thinking, the real-world implications of a guaranteed ROI promise, how AI avatars may soon handle aspects of client interaction, and how to craft compelling offers in a crowded marketplace.

    46 min

  7. 06/12/2024

    How To Acquire and Scale Companies Seamlessly With Tim Conkle

    Tim Conkle is the CEO and Founder of The 20 MSP, an established IT Managed Services and Consulting Firm providing expert solutions to businesses. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial success, he has advised hundreds of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), developed a multimillion-dollar sales model, and led 36 acquisitions through a unique consolidation strategy that transforms operational efficiency. A visionary and leading expert on mergers and acquisitions, Tim’s innovative approach eliminates traditional integration challenges, allowing businesses to thrive under a unified model. He also serves as the President of the board of directors for Cytracom and is an active member of the Forbes Technology Council and Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). In this episode… Building and scaling a successful business is challenging, especially in industries prone to inefficiencies and misaligned goals. Many MSPs struggle with growth due to fragmented systems, lack of standardization, and limited resources for creating seamless customer experiences. Additionally, the complexities of mergers and acquisitions often deter MSPs from pursuing growth opportunities, leaving many business owners without viable exit strategies. Tim Conkle, a leading voice in the MSP space, tackles these challenges head-on by creating a groundbreaking model for MSP collaboration and acquisition. His strategy involves uniting MSPs under a shared platform with standardized tools, processes, and service delivery models, enabling businesses to streamline operations and prepare for acquisition. Tim’s flat-rate IT support model aligns directly with client goals, while his unique consolidation framework ensures seamless transitions during mergers. Tim attributes his success to his ability to dream big and unite aligned businesses while fostering a culture of empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Tim Conkle, Founder and CEO of The 20 MSP, about his innovative strategies for scaling MSPs. Tim shares insights on cultivating the right mindset for expansion, the advantages of pre-aligned acquisition targets, and harnessing the power of dreaming with one's eyes open. Business leaders looking to expand and leave a mark will find Tim’s journey a blueprint for leveraging vision and teamwork.

    44 min

  8. 29/11/2024

    Selling Business to the People Who Built It With Miren Oca

    Miren Oca is the Founder and Director of Ocaquatics Swim School, a Miami-based company specializing in teaching essential swimming skills while promoting water safety. Over the past 30 years, she transformed backyard swimming lessons into a thriving, 100% employee-owned organization, providing over 6,500 swim lessons weekly during the busy season. Driven by her passion for teaching and servant leadership, Miren has led her business to become the first swim school to achieve B Corp certification and has recently transitioned it into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). In addition to Ocaquatics Swim School, she founded Ripples of Impact, a nonprofit in the Miami area that provides resources for personal and environmental resilience. In this episode… How can a business be built for success while ensuring it remains impactful and sustainable in an ever-changing world? Imagine a business model where the employees themselves are the owners. This is the story of a swim school that made a daring shift toward an employee ownership trust, a concept most people have likely never encountered. Miren Oca, the visionary behind Ocaquatics Swim School, embraced this innovative approach by transforming her business into one of only 50 employee ownership trusts in the United States. She attributes her success to a strong focus on servant leadership, transparency, and cultivating an ownership mindset among her team. By transitioning her business into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), Miren ensured her company’s sustainability while aligning with its core values. She also pursued B Corp certification, embedding environmental and social responsibility into her operations, which fostered team loyalty, boosted retention, and created measurable community impact. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Miren Oca, Founder and Director of Ocaquatics Swim School, about her decision to sell her well-established swim school to its employees. They discuss her decision to transition the business into an Employee Ownership Trust, the importance of aligning leadership with company values, how Ocaquatics achieved B Corp certification, and the challenges of expanding during the 2008 financial crisis.

    40 min
See All (619)

About

"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.

Information

You Might Also Like

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