Get Business Smart with Tony Bradshaw

Tony Bradshaw
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Entrepreneurship

Get Business Smart with Tony Bradshaw is a podcast for business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to grow their business and build a meaningful, purpose-driven life. I’m Tony—CEO, author, husband of 27 years, dad of six, and a guy who’s spent more than 25 years helping companies grow, scale, and build strong teams and strong revenue. I’ve lived the highs, the lows, the stress, the pivots, and the breakthroughs—and I know one thing for sure: business success means nothing if you lose your family, your faith, or your purpose along the way. Every week, I sit down with real business owners, marketers, coaches, executives, and leaders who’ve been in the trenches. We talk about what actually works: Growing revenue and building systemsLeading and developing your team for real impactBalancing life, family, and businessWhat to do with all that money you're making to create generational wealthKeeping God at the center of it alland how to give your life, money, and business a mission and purpose This isn’t hype. It’s not theory. It’s real-life business wisdom for people who want to win at business and win at life. If you’re ready to grow your business, strengthen your leadership, build wealth with purpose, and live out the calling God’s put on your life…you’re in the right place. Hit play and let’s get business smart—together.

  1. 2d ago

    EP21: MASTERING PR: How to Use Media to Grow Your Brand | Jill Lublin | Jill Lublin Publicity

    In this episode of Get Business Smart, Tony talks with Jill Lublin about building your brand through PR.  Unlock actionable PR strategies from Jill Lublin, a renowned PR expert and author, as she shares insights on building brand awareness, leveraging media, and creating impactful messages that stick. Perfect for authors, entrepreneurs, and business owners looking to elevate their visibility. Jill breaks down public relations into a practical, repeatable system that any creator or business owner can use to get noticed without needing a huge budget. From the “gorilla publicity” mindset to crafting a message that clearly serves the audience, she explains how strong PR starts with relevance, clarity, and consistency.  Listeners will learn how to use stories, current events, holidays, and media opportunities to make their pitch more timely and compelling. The conversation also explores how different channels — including print, radio, TV, podcasts, blogs, and online media — can work together to build authority and trust. Jill shares why saying yes to media opportunities matters, how logos from reputable outlets can boost credibility, and how confidence helps overcome imposter syndrome when presenting yourself to the world. She also offers practical advice for starting with local media, integrating PR with special dates, and turning visibility into long-term brand growth.  In this episode:  The importance of a clear, focused message tailored to your audienceDifferent media channels for effective PR, from traditional to digitalHow to identify current events and holidays for timely media pitchesThe power of stories and application in media outreachStrategies for local versus national media placementsHow to leverage logos and media logos for credibility and social proofThe impact of multi-channel marketing and content formatsTips for overcoming imposter syndrome and boosting confidenceThe value of saying "yes" to every media opportunityPractical steps to start your PR journey, including tools and programs Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro to Jill Lublin and her PR expertise(02:16) - The gorilla publicity approach: resourcefulness without heavy spending(04:55) - The significance of a strong core message focused on your audience's needs(08:21) - Differentiating social media from traditional PR(09:57) - The channels of PR: print, radio, TV, podcasts, blogs, and online media(11:20) - The concept of PR as magnetizing, monetizing, and multiplying your message(13:02) - The importance of video content in personal branding(15:23) - Using logos and media credibility to build authority(16:50) - The success of Chicken Soup for the Soul via consistent PR(17:48) - The importance of saying "yes" to media opportunities for brand awareness(19:33) - Overcoming imposter syndrome through confident messaging(22:22) - The difference between paid and free media; the dynamics of pay-to-play(25:48) - How relevance and current events can be used in media pitches(28:54) - Practical tips for integrating PR with holidays and special dates(29:01) - Invitation to Jill’s publicity challenge at jollublin.com/start Resources & Links: Jill Lublin's Website / Publicity ChallengeBook: Get Noticed, Get ReferralsInterview Valet - Podcast Booking ServiceThe Prophet of KindnessPublic Relations Mastermind (event/offer) Additional tips: Start with local media appearances to build credibilityLook for timely opportunities based on current events or holidaysDevelop a simple, compelling pitch tailored to your media targetUse logos from reputable media outlets to increase trustworthinessEmbrace every media opportunity to expand your reachCONNECT WITH JILL LUBLIN at jilllublin.com Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

    33 min

  2. Jun 29

    EP20: Unlocking the Secrets of Self-Publishing Your Own Book | Michelle DeFilippo | Eleven Six Design

    In this episode of the GET BUSINESS SMART Podcast, Tony talks with Michele DeFilippo of Eleven Six Design about the world of publishing. Dive into the world of book publishing with Michelle DeFilippo, owner of Eleven Six Design, as she shares her insights from helping over 4,000 authors bring their books to life. Whether you're an aspiring author or an experienced writer, learn practical tips on publishing, marketing, and maximizing your book’s impact.In this  TAKEAWAYS Michelle's journey helping authors publish and the importance of choosing the right publishing pathThe financial realities of traditional publishing versus self-publishing on AmazonHow authors can avoid common pitfalls and red flags in the publishing industryThe process of producing different formats: print, ebook, audiobookEffective marketing strategies and realistic expectations for new book releasesThe role of hybrid publishers and how to assess their valueThe impact of AI tools like ChatGPT and AI-generated audiobooks in modern publishingWhat to look for in a trusted author services companyHow to distribute your book widely using platforms like KDP and IngramSparkTips for building an author career with consistent book releasesTIMESTAMPS  00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Michelle DeFilippo  02:10 - Michelle's long-standing experience in publishing since the 1970s  04:20 - The realities of book sales and author expectations  05:45 - Impact of publishing choices on earnings  09:12 - Understanding traditional vs. self-publishing models  12:52 - Effective marketing budgets and strategies for new books  14:01 - The comprehensive publishing services offered by Eleven Six Design  16:42 - The role of editing and managing the publishing process  18:31 - Insights into ghostwriting and AI-assisted writing  21:38 - Producing and licensing audiobooks  22:49 - Best practices for audio narration and production  25:02 - Common industry red flags and scams authors should watch for  28:24 - Distributions platforms to maximize reach  29:15 - The future of bookstores and online vs. in-store buying  30:39 - How to connect with Michelle and access free resources Resources & Links: Publish Like the Pros - Free Guide CONNECT WITH MICHELE DEFILIPPO at Eleven Six Design | elevensixdesign.com Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

    33 min

  3. Jun 19

    EP19:Franchising Success: Unlocking Opportunities in Business Ownership |CHRIS HILGERS|PEAK FRANCHISING

    Discover the ins and outs of franchising with Chris Hilgers, a 15-year industry veteran, as he shares insights on why franchises offer a higher success rate compared to startups. Learn about the process of choosing the right franchise, understanding investments, and the support structures that help franchise owners thrive. TAKEAWAYS The success disparity between franchise owners (80%) and startups (90% failure over 10 years)Why starting in the second base (franchise) is smarter than starting from scratchThe importance of validation and talking to existing franchise ownersThe comprehensive process of screening, discovery, and measuring fit before investingHow to evaluate franchise investment costs: from service businesses to brick-and-mortar optionsThe role of support structures, including training, marketing, and real estate guidance, in franchise successTips on assessing a franchise’s differentiation in the marketplaceThe significance of choosing a business aligned with personal interests and lifestyle goalsResources for continuous growth and learning, including Tony Robbins and Darren HardyTIMESTAMPS  00:00 - Introduction to franchise success rates and why they matter  00:40 - Comparing startups versus franchise success and starting at second base  01:17 - The value of validation and talking to current franchise owners  03:02 - The franchise selection process: screening and personal modeling  04:48 - How to determine the right type of franchise for your skills and lifestyle  06:12 - The importance of focusing and filtering options, not shotgun approaches  07:10 - The FTC regulations and the disclosure process for franchisees  08:33 - Benchmarking and evaluating franchise performance metrics  09:02 - Scalability and long-term sustainability of franchise businesses  09:28 - Validating franchise success and challenges with existing owners  10:25 - The significance of visiting headquarters and discovery days  11:28 - Franchise options: the variety of companies and opportunities available  12:44 - Investment ranges in franchises: low vs. high cost options  13:45 - Types of service and brick-and-mortar franchises, with examples  15:08 - Support structures: training, marketing, real estate, and peer networks  16:23 - The value of choosing franchises with well-developed support programs  17:16 - The importance of business differentiation in competitive markets  18:13 - Aligning franchise choices with personal fulfillment and interests  21:13 - Support systems for franchise owners: ongoing training and infrastructure  27:35 - Recommended resources for ongoing personal and business growth  29:08 - How to connect with Chris and explore franchise opportunitiesResources & Links: CONNECT WITH CHRIS HILGERS AT peakfranchising.com and podcast.peakfranchising.com Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

    31 min

  4. Jun 8

    EP18: GETTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN YOUR LIFE | ALAN LAZAROS | NEXT LEVEL UNIVERSITY

    Alan Lazaros, co-founder of Next Level University, joins Tony Bradshaw for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build a thriving business and podcast from the ground up. From leading by example to tracking the right metrics, Alan shares the systems and mindsets that have helped him grow an engaged online community — and how you can apply the same principles to your own journey. TAKEAWAYS Consistency is key — keep evolving and never stop showing up. Lead by example. Be willing to do what you ask of your team. Track your metrics daily to stay aligned and avoid operational chaos. Focus on high-value activities and let technology do the heavy lifting. Build a community that values genuine human connection over automation. TIMESTAMP 00:00 Introduction to Alan Lazaros and Next Level University 02:52 The challenges of starting a business 05:39 Leading by example in business 08:24 Managing a virtual team effectively 11:21 Tracking metrics for success 14:03 Building a cohesive business model 17:10 The value of community in podcasting 19:04 Starting your podcast journey 22:25 Building a personal brand through podcasting 25:06 Framework for success: goals and metrics 28:25 Embracing hard work and discipline 32:00 Recommended resources for growth CONNECT WITH ALAN LAZAROS AT nextleveluniverse.com Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

    40 min

  5. May 30

    EP17: Unlocking the Secrets to Business Success | Matt Uhler | Amped Success

    Discover the secrets to buying, selling, and growing successful businesses with veteran broker Matt Uhler. Learn how to evaluate business value, structure deals, and diversify income streams for long-term financial resilience. KEY TAKEAWAYS The importance of exit strategies for small business ownersHow business valuation works, including key metrics like EBITDA and seller's discretionary earningsSteps to prepare a business for sale to maximize its market valueThe role of multiples in business valuation and typical rangesFunding options for acquiring a business, emphasizing SBA loansStrategies for diversifying income through business ownershipThe impact of market disruptions, such as COVID-19, on business operationsBuilding a portfolio of multiple businesses for risk mitigation and income stabilityThe psychology of wealth and the significance of mindset in financial successBook recommendations: Think and Grow Rich and Rich Dad Poor DadTIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Matt Euler, business broker with 28 years of experience  02:30 - What happens to businesses that don't transition to the next owner  05:00 - Why business owners often leave their businesses to die or close  08:20 - How to prepare a business for sale for better valuation  10:45 - Understanding business valuation: EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings  14:00 - The importance of asset condition and risk factors in valuation  16:30 - Funding sources: SBA loans and typical down payments  21:00 - Business multiples: typical ranges and how they’re calculated  24:00 - Managing a portfolio of multiple businesses for diversification  28:00 - Monthly oversight: analyzing financials and operational health  32:00 - The significance of income streams for financial security  36:00 - Risks in business ownership and lessons from market disruptions  39:00 - The psychology behind wealth building and mindset shifts  41:00 - Recommended books for developing wealth mindset Resources & Links: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon HillRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert KiyosakiCONNECT WITH MATT UHLER AT ampedsuccess.com Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

    44 min

  6. May 19

    EP16: Building Profits with Compassion | Bruno Cignacco

    In this episode, Tony talks with Bruno Cignacco, author of The Art of Compassionate Business, about how integrating compassion into the workplace can boost profits, improve employee retention, and transform company culture. Discover practical ways to foster human-oriented leadership, develop strong relationships, and create sustainable, successful businesses through kindness and empathy. TAKEAWAYS The true resource behind business success: humans, not just technology or capitalHow compassion fosters cooperation, psychological safety, and innovationThe importance of understanding employees' emotional, mental, and social needsPractical strategies for building compassionate workplaces (e.g., cross-departmental meetings, social events, feedback culture)The scientific basis and measurable results of compassionate leadershipThe role of humility and active listening in fostering human-oriented leadershipHow aligning company mission with human and environmental values shapes cultureThe impact of compassion on employee turnover and company profitabilityPractical resources for adopting compassionate business principlesCONNECT WITH BRUNO CIGNACCO AT brunocignacco.com Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

    39 min

  7. May 8

    EP15: Marketing and Promoting Your Author Brand and Book | Wiebke Tasch | Digital Author

    What if your book could open doors that no business card ever could? In this episode of Get Business Smart with Tony Bradshaw, publishing expert and bestselling author Wiebke Tasch reveals the strategy, craft, and savvy behind turning an idea into a book that actually sells — and builds your brand for years to come. Wiebke shares her fascinating journey from working as a PR professional in Germany to becoming a bestselling author and helping other entrepreneurs and thought leaders do the same. Her story is proof that writing a book isn't just a creative endeavor — it's one of the smartest business moves you can make. The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of successful publishing: how to position your book in the right market, why your cover design can make or break your sales, and the critical importance of those first five days after launch on Amazon. Wiebke also tackles the modern author's toolkit, explaining how AI can be used to sharpen your manuscript without losing your voice, and why the layout stage is far more important than most first-time authors realize. Beyond the tactics, Wiebke shares a powerful mindset shift — your book isn't the product, it's the calling card. It's the credibility builder that attracts clients, speaking gigs, and opportunities that no amount of advertising can replicate. For entrepreneurs and aspiring authors ready to stop overthinking and start publishing, this episode is required listening. TAKEAWAYS Strategic positioning matters before you write a single word — understanding your market and niche determines whether your book finds its audience or gets lost in the noise.Cover design is a science, not just art — genre conventions and buyer psychology should drive every design decision.The first 5 days on Amazon are make or break — having a launch strategy in place before publication is non-negotiable.AI is a powerful editing assistant, not a replacement for a human editor — use it to catch what you miss, not to write what you feel.Your book is a long-term asset — a well-published book continues generating leads, credibility, and income long after launch day.CONNECT WITH WIEBKE TASCH AT digital-authors.com Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

    44 min

  8. May 1

    EP14: Scaling Your Business with a Fractional COO | Derek Fredrickson | The COO Solution

    In this episode, I sit down with Derek Fredrickson, founder and CEO of The COO Solution, to dig into one of the most underutilized levers in business growth: fractional COO services. Derek brings deep experience helping entrepreneurs and small-to-mid-sized business owners build the operational infrastructure they need to scale — without the overhead of a full-time executive hire, and honestly, this conversation opened my eyes to just how much founders are leaving on the table. Derek breaks down something I think a lot of us get wrong — the difference between the CEO and COO dynamic. The CEO is the visionary pulling the business forward, while the COO is the integrator making sure the engine doesn't fall apart at speed. He walks through the scaling challenges that trip up even the most experienced business owners, from communication breakdowns and accountability gaps to simply not having repeatable systems in place — and how a fractional COO can step in and change all of that. We also spend a good chunk of time on AI and what it means for business operations right now. Derek's take is refreshingly direct — early adoption isn't just a competitive advantage anymore, it's becoming the baseline expectation. I loved his perspective on empowering your whole team with these tools, not just the folks at the top. We wrap things up with his framework for vetting business ideas before you go all in, plus some book recommendations I'm personally adding to my reading list. TAKEAWAYS Fractional COO services give growing businesses access to senior operational leadership without the cost of a full-time executive hire — especially powerful for businesses in the $1M–$20M revenue range.The CEO is focused on vision and external relationships; the COO translates that vision into executable systems and manages internal operations.Delegation is a skill that must be developed — without it and clear accountability structures, growth stalls.Scaling requires repeatable systems and organizational structure, not just hustle. Build them before you need them.AI adoption is no longer optional — businesses that invest in AI literacy and implementation now will have a significant edge.The real operational gains from AI come from enabling entire teams to use these tools, not just leadership.Project management platforms are rapidly evolving with AI integration — reassess your tools and workflows regularly.Stress-test your business ideas before committing time and capital — fall in love with viability, not just the idea.CONNECT WITH DEREK FREDRICKSON AT thecoosolution.com Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

    47 min
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5
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About

Get Business Smart with Tony Bradshaw is a podcast for business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to grow their business and build a meaningful, purpose-driven life. I’m Tony—CEO, author, husband of 27 years, dad of six, and a guy who’s spent more than 25 years helping companies grow, scale, and build strong teams and strong revenue. I’ve lived the highs, the lows, the stress, the pivots, and the breakthroughs—and I know one thing for sure: business success means nothing if you lose your family, your faith, or your purpose along the way. Every week, I sit down with real business owners, marketers, coaches, executives, and leaders who’ve been in the trenches. We talk about what actually works: Growing revenue and building systemsLeading and developing your team for real impactBalancing life, family, and businessWhat to do with all that money you're making to create generational wealthKeeping God at the center of it alland how to give your life, money, and business a mission and purpose This isn’t hype. It’s not theory. It’s real-life business wisdom for people who want to win at business and win at life. If you’re ready to grow your business, strengthen your leadership, build wealth with purpose, and live out the calling God’s put on your life…you’re in the right place. Hit play and let’s get business smart—together.

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