Time to Thrive - Marketing Strategies For Small Business

Bethany Meadows
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Time to Thrive delivers tactical, practical and results-driven marketing ideas, strategies and resources designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs ready to grow. Hosted by Bethany Meadows, president of Vertical Solutions Media for over 17 years, the show draws on real-world experience from leading a full-service marketing agency based in Birmingham, Alabama. From building a brand that stands out to crafting content that connects and implementing growth strategies that work, Bethany shares proven approaches to help you stop treading water and start moving forward. Get out of survival mode—it’s your TIME TO THRIVE!  Discover free resources, marketing training, and strategy coaching for business owners at www.TimeToThriveInBusiness.com.

  1. 11/17/2025

    The DISCO Framework: Ditching the Chaos (Melissa Morris)

    Is your business running you instead of the other way around? In this episode of Time to Thrive, we're joined by Melissa Morris, operations expert and founder of Your Agency Authority, to show you how to reclaim your time, reduce stress, and scale smarter—not harder. Melissa introduces her signature DISCO Framework, a simple yet powerful system for streamlining operations, onboarding clients efficiently, and ditching the chaos that comes with running a service-based business. From automating low-value tasks to creating touchpoints that wow your clients, Melissa brings the tactical strategies every overwhelmed entrepreneur needs. We dive into: The biggest operational mistakes small business owners makeHow to streamline client onboarding to save 5+ hours a weekWhat tasks to automate, delegate, or ditch entirelyWhen to hire your first team member (and who it should be!)How to reclaim your time without sacrificing client experienceWhether you're a solopreneur ready to scale or a growing agency owner craving more breathing room, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive. Connect with Melissa Morris: 📬 DM “swipe files” to Melissa on LinkedIn to get her plug-and-play onboarding email templates. 00:00 Introduction to Melissa Morris 00:44 Icebreaker: Bucket List Dreams 01:57 Common Operational Mistakes 04:47 Streamlining Client Onboarding 08:11 First Steps to Automation 13:37 Hiring Your First Employee 16:10 Balancing Automation and Customer Experience 21:14 Using Automations and Processes 21:50 Reclaiming Time as a Business Owner 23:26 Tracking Time for Better Productivity 25:00 The Power of Closing Your Email 26:47 The Reality of Batching Tasks 29:40 Hiring Mistakes and Lessons Learned 33:41 Productivity Hacks and Time Management 38:23 Conclusion and How to Connect Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

    41 min

  2. 11/03/2025

    How to Spot and Keep A-Player Talent (Kasim Aslam)

    Struggling to find the right people to grow your business? In this episode of Time to Thrive, Bethany Meadows sits down with Kasim Aslam—hiring expert, bestselling author, and serial entrepreneur—to break down a revolutionary approach to finding and keeping top 1% talent. Kasim shares why traditional hiring methods fail, how to think beyond resumes and interviews, and the “flytrap” strategies he uses to attract high performers (and repel imposters). Learn how to hire for miracles, not just metrics—and why Pareto Talent can completely shift your business trajectory. Whether you’re making your first hire or scaling a fast-growing team, this episode is packed with practical, no-fluff advice on building a team that fuels your freedom, not your burnout. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why hiring is broken—and how to fix itThe red flags most entrepreneurs missHow to pay more and get 10x the outputWhy international hiring might be your secret weaponThe difference between delegating tasks and empowering ownershipReady to stop hiring out of desperation and start building a dream team by design? Don’t miss this one. Get Kasim’s free book and resources: thehirebook.com 00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Cassum Islam 00:43 Icebreaker Questions and Personal Insights 02:21 Challenges in Hiring and the Art of Finding Top Talent 03:28 The Flaws in Traditional Hiring Practices 08:17 Understanding Pareto Talent and Its Importance 12:41 Effective Hiring Strategies and Fly Traps 19:24 When and How to Hire for Growth 23:49 Hiring Strategies for Entrepreneurs 24:36 Identifying Red Flags in Hiring 25:16 Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mindset 27:41 Effective Delegation Techniques 31:31 Managing Remote Teams 32:31 Aligning Incentives with Remote Work 39:05 Deciding on Business Opportunities 46:07 The Reality of Success and Sacrifice 47:59 Conclusion and Resources Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

    50 min

  3. 10/20/2025

    Why Nobody Understands Your Big Idea - And How to Fix It (Tamsen Webster)

    What if your big idea isn’t landing—not because it’s wrong, but because your audience doesn’t understand it the way you do? In this episode of Time to Thrive, host Bethany Meadows sits down with message strategist and Thinkers50 honoree Tamson Webster to unpack the real reason most leaders struggle to get buy-in. From her Red Thread® framework to the psychology of transformational change, Tamson shares how to make your message resonate on a deeper level—so it sticks, spreads, and sparks action. Whether you're leading a team, pitching a new idea, or building a brand, this episode will shift how you think about communication forever. You’ll learn: What a “Red Thread” is—and why your message needs oneThe 4-part structure your brain already uses to make decisionsHow to avoid persuasion fatigue and build lasting buy-inWhy leaders should make the audience’s case, not their ownHow small business owners can communicate big ideas without sounding “salesy”Practical, research-backed, and packed with examples—this is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, marketers, and leaders alike. 🔗 Learn more about Tamson and her work at Message Design Institute 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:35 Icebreaker Question: Vintage Love 01:30 Tamson's Journey to Message Design 03:39 Understanding the Red Thread 05:33 Importance of Red Thread for Leaders 08:21 Tips for Entrepreneurs on Communication 11:36 Building a Strong Case for Your Idea 16:12 Practical Application for Business Owners 22:55 Strategic Business Differentiation 25:12 Understanding Customer Motivation 26:17 Physics of Motivation 29:44 Internal Motivation and Trust 35:46 Principle of Lasting Change 40:10 Make Their Case, Not Yours 44:31 Conclusion and Contact Information Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

    48 min

  4. 10/06/2025

    Why Strategy Beats Tactics (John Jantsch)

    We’ve officially hit 100 episodes of the Time to Thrive Podcast — and we’re celebrating this milestone with a true marketing legend: John Jantsch, founder of Duct Tape Marketing, best-selling author, and host of one of the longest-running business podcasts out there. In this episode, John unpacks what it really takes to create a marketing system that drives consistent growth — without chasing every new trend. From identifying your ideal client to building content that actually converts, he shares tactical insights every small business owner can put to use immediately. We talk about: Why strategy must come before tacticsHow to define and attract your ideal clientThe importance of turning marketing into a repeatable systemSmart ways to use content (without drowning in it)When to delegate and scale — and how to stop doing everything yourselfThe one thing you should do today to make your business better tomorrowWhether you’re just getting started or scaling to the next level, this conversation is full of timeless marketing wisdom and practical takeaways. 🛠️ Learn more about John at ducttapemarketing.com 00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration 00:24 Introducing John Danced: Marketing Guru 01:21 Random Question Fun 02:14 The Importance of Strategy in Marketing 03:12 Defining Your Ideal Client 06:56 Brand Strategy Essentials 10:31 Turning Marketing into a System 16:30 The Role of Content in Strategy 19:06 Client Stories and Referrals 06:01 The Importance of Word of Mouth and Referrals 21:57 Scaling Your Business: Overcoming Growth Challenges 22:31 Three Key Elements for Successful Scaling 24:49 Advice for Solopreneurs and Freelancers 25:21 Delegation and Building a Team 28:22 Mindset Challenges in Business Growth 30:20 Insights from Podcasting and Guest Wisdom 32:25 Core Principles of Marketing 38:28 Practical Tips for Business Success 42:04 Conclusion and Where to Learn More Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

    44 min

  5. 09/22/2025

    The Secret to Closing More Deals Without Being Pushy (Doug Brown)

    ired of feeling like sales means being pushy or aggressive? In this episode of Time to Thrive, sales strategist Doug Brown reveals how to win more business by building trust, mastering follow-up, and using a predictable, data-driven approach. With over 35 businesses built and nearly a billion dollars in revenue generated for clients, Doug knows what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to converting prospects into loyal customers. You’ll discover: The biggest mistakes small business owners make in sales (and how to fix them)How to identify and reach your ideal buyersWhy follow-up is the real secret weapon for consistent salesA step-by-step model for turning sales into a repeatable systemHow to sell in a way that’s authentic, respectful, and highly effectiveIf you’ve ever dreaded the “hard sell” or worried about scaring prospects away, this conversation will change the way you think about selling forever. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to close more deals—without feeling pushy, fake, or salesy. Learn more about Doug Brown at www.ceosalesstrategies.com  00:00 Welcome to Time to Thrive 00:02 Introducing Doug Brown: The Cape Crusader of Conversion 00:21 Doug's Impressive Background and Achievements 01:33 Doug's Personal Insights and Reflections 02:57 Key Differences Between Thriving and Struggling Businesses 05:47 Understanding Buyer Profiles and Sales Strategies 07:44 Doug's Predictable Sales Model for Small Businesses 12:04 The Importance of Metrics and Follow-Up in Sales 17:13 Overcoming Sales Rejection and Misconceptions 22:36 The Impact of a Bad Sales Process 23:14 Understanding Win-Win Selling 25:50 Common Sales Mistakes to Avoid 26:37 The Importance of Follow-Up 31:51 Creative Sales Tactics That Work 37:16 The Real Business You're In 40:35 Designing Your Life and Business 45:21 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

    48 min

  6. 09/08/2025

    Avoiding Messaging Mistakes and Finding Your Focus (Kristen Sweeney)

    Are your brand messages feeling a little “all over the place”? You’re not alone—and today’s guest, Kristen Sweeney, is here to help you fix it. As the founder of Every Little Word, Kristen works with purpose-driven entrepreneurs and technical experts to turn their jumbled thoughts into crystal-clear content that reflects who they are and what they stand for. In this episode, she joins host Bethany Meadows to talk about the power of brand voice, why clear beats clever every time, and how small business owners can create messaging that actually connects. Together, they explore: Why the most brilliant minds often struggle with communicationThe top mistakes entrepreneurs make in brand messagingHow to balance personal authenticity with professional claritySimple steps to audit your content and bring consistency to your voiceWhen to get outside perspective—and when to trust your gutWhether you’re writing web copy, launching a new product, or just tired of being misunderstood, this episode is a practical guide to saying what you really mean—and sounding like yourself while doing it. 🔗 Connect with Kristen at everylittleword.co or find her on LinkedIn. Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

    43 min

  7. 08/25/2025

    The Power of Business Texting (Chris Brisson)

    What if your next business breakthrough could be as simple as a text message? In this episode of Time to Thrive, Bethany Meadows sits down with Chris Brisson, founder and CEO of SalesMsg, to talk about why SMS is the most underutilized yet powerful communication tool for small businesses. From lead generation to customer service to AI-enhanced conversations, Chris shares how entrepreneurs can use text messaging to create personal, scalable, and highly effective touchpoints with their audience. You’ll learn: Why SMS outperforms email for engagementHow to “Text-ize” your business across the customer journeyThe biggest messaging mistakes to avoidHow to use SMS to double your sales in 90 daysWhy simplicity, speed, and authenticity win every timeWhether you’re a solopreneur or leading a growing team, this episode is packed with strategies to turn conversations into conversions—one text at a time. 👉 Learn more at salesmessage.com 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:52 Chris Broan's Entrepreneurial Journey 03:56 The Power of SMS in Business 08:32 Best Practices for SMS Marketing 17:03 Strategies to Boost Sales with SMS 21:03 Optimizing Messaging for Lead Engagement 21:48 Offering Free Growth Sessions 22:26 Revisiting Sales Message for Better Outreach 24:52 The Journey of Building Sales Message 25:06 Mindset Shifts for Startup Success 27:59 Validating Ideas Before Building 29:32 Scaling and Delegating in Business 33:37 Psychology of Effective Messaging 37:06 Importance of Product in Business Growth 43:44 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

    46 min

  8. 08/11/2025

    Building a Digital Presence That Converts (Rich Brooks)

    In this episode of Time to Thrive, host Bethany Meadows sits down with Rich Brooks, founder of Flight New Media and host of The Agents of Change podcast and conference. With nearly three decades of digital marketing expertise, Rich unpacks what it really takes to create a digital presence that not only attracts attention—but actually converts. From the early days of dial-up to the AI-driven landscape of today, Rich shares tried-and-true strategies for small business owners to get results online without breaking the bank. Discover why content marketing remains king, how to choose the right platforms, and what most businesses are missing when it comes to lead generation and SEO. Plus, you'll hear practical tips on how to make your website your best salesperson—even if you're just starting out. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by tech or trying to figure out your next marketing move, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and a few laughs along the way. 🎯 Topics covered: Building a website that drives resultsThe underrated power of SEO (and how to get started)Why "set it and forget it" doesn’t work for lead generationCreating content that actually builds trustHow to stay human in a world full of AIIf you're a small business owner ready to cut through the noise and start seeing real traction online, this is your episode. www.theagentsofchange.com  00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Ridge Brooks 00:38 Random Question: Qualities of a Great Parent 01:31 Digital Marketing Strategies: Then and Now 03:52 Starting Digital Marketing on a Small Budget 05:39 The Role of Social Media in Digital Marketing 10:30 Effective Lead Generation Tips 13:45 SEO Strategies for Small Businesses 18:43 Adapting to Market Shifts and AI 19:46 Leveraging AI for Marketing 20:44 Embracing Change and Authenticity 22:09 Conversion Optimization Strategies 22:43 Building Trust and Authority 26:00 The Role of Social Proof 29:58 Balancing AI and Human Touch 34:45 Remarkability in Business 37:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

    39 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Time to Thrive delivers tactical, practical and results-driven marketing ideas, strategies and resources designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs ready to grow. Hosted by Bethany Meadows, president of Vertical Solutions Media for over 17 years, the show draws on real-world experience from leading a full-service marketing agency based in Birmingham, Alabama. From building a brand that stands out to crafting content that connects and implementing growth strategies that work, Bethany shares proven approaches to help you stop treading water and start moving forward. Get out of survival mode—it’s your TIME TO THRIVE!  Discover free resources, marketing training, and strategy coaching for business owners at www.TimeToThriveInBusiness.com.

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