34 episodes

The Real Raw and Honest podcast about small business ownership hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras, co-owners of BOSSY ROC, a support group for business owners. With our experience, nine businesses in over 25 years, we continue to bear it all and share what we wish we had known. We move past the must-be-nices and start getting real. Come along as we interview other business owners and get the true story.
New episodes every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month.
www.BossyRoc.com

Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business JazzCast Pros Network

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 12 Ratings

The Real Raw and Honest podcast about small business ownership hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras, co-owners of BOSSY ROC, a support group for business owners. With our experience, nine businesses in over 25 years, we continue to bear it all and share what we wish we had known. We move past the must-be-nices and start getting real. Come along as we interview other business owners and get the true story.
New episodes every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month.
www.BossyRoc.com

    The Hidden Costs of Net Terms: How to Get Your Money NOW with Sehal Gulati

    The Hidden Costs of Net Terms: How to Get Your Money NOW with Sehal Gulati

    Ep. 33 Have you ever wished that your invoices could get paid NOW, instead of Net 90 days from when you delivered your product or service? Well NOW you can!
    Sejal Shah Gulati, Chief Growth Officer of NowAccount, joins Kelly and Kelly to discuss alternative funding options for small businesses. Now offers a transparent and fair solution to the common problem of late payments from clients. By accelerating invoices, Now provides businesses with the cash flow they need to thrive.
    In this episode, you will be able to:

    Streamline Your Cash Flow: Unlock the power of accelerating invoices to keep your small business thriving.

    Uncover New Funding Paths: Discover alternatives to traditional factoring services for a more flexible financial approach.

    Catapult Your Business: Learn practical growth strategies to take your small business to the next level.

    Master Your Cash Flow: Understand the crucial role of cash flow and how it impacts the success of your business.

    Forge Strong Connections: Build a supportive network for your small business to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.


    Notable Quotes:
    "You're not even looking for a solution. Sometimes you're just looking to say, hey, I need community. I just want to be with people who are going through the things that I'm going through." - Sejal

    "The way to independence and freedom is ownership... and being able to create a legacy."

    "You are no good to your business, your family, your employees if your tank is empty."

    Resources:

    Visit nowaccount.com to start the application process for a Now Account

    Connect with Sejal Shah Gulati on LinkedIn and X

    Join community organizations such as BOSSY, EO (Entrepreneurs Organization) or YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) to find support and community as a small business owner.

    Explore resources such as CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) and your local SBA to access additional support and funding options.


    Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant
    Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern
    Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras
    Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 
    Produced by JazzCast Pros
    About the Guest:
    Sejal is the Chief Growth Officer for NOW a payments company. At NOW she manages sales, Marketing, Product and Client Success. Prior to NOW she was the SVP and General Manager in the Banking and Capital Markets team for GENPACT. Prior to Genpact she was the General Manager of the Global Marketing Hub at American Express in New York City. Prior to that she was the CMO of Ezetap, a B2B payments company based in Bangalore, India. She is also the Co-Founder of Sonder Connect.
    Sejal has a B.A. from Princeton University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She is a Fellow of Famous V of Ananta Aspen Centre’s Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellowship as well as a moderator for and member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

    Chapters:
    0:00:00 Introduction and discussion about the importance of funding for small businesses
    0:03:11 Sejal Shah Gulati's background and involvement with now
    0:06:56 Comparison between Now and traditional factoring companies
    0:09:43 Challenges of waiting for payment from clients
    0:10:51 Benefits of outsourcing accounts receivable to Now
    0:11:57 Criteria for working with Now
    0:13:10 Underwriting process and trade credit insurance.
    0:13:42 Confirming invoices before payment.
    0:14:07 Helping businesses with cash flow.
    0:17:54 Challenges of net terms for small businesses.
    0:19:19 Self Care
    0:21:33 Community development finance institutions and grants can help small businesses.
    0:22:51 Finding a community of small business owners for support is essential.
    0:23:47 Complaining to non-business owners about the stress of being a business owner is difficult.
    0:24:28 Visit nowaccount.com to apply for financial support from NowAccount.
    0:25:13 Connect with Sejal
    0:26:01 Being part of a supportive community is important for business owners.
    Le

    • 31 min
    Embracing Midlife as a Maverick Woman Entrepreneur with Alison Jacobson

    Embracing Midlife as a Maverick Woman Entrepreneur with Alison Jacobson

    Ep. 32 If you're tired of feeling stuck and disconnected, it's time to explore a new path towards resilience and empowerment as you approach middle-ages.
    Alison Jacobson, the Midlife Maverick, joins Kelly and Kelly to discuss the power and potential of coming into your 40's and 50's. The term "Midlife" is reframed from a crisis to an opportunity for growth, driven by a powerful combination of experience, wisdom, and resilience.
    The conversation provides practical advice for women to redefine abundance, cut through societal expectations, and take purposeful strides towards their ideal lives.
    Alison shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity and finding resilience, offering insights and strategies for women to release fear, live boldly, and create the life they desire. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, finding your village, and embracing change.
    Key Takeaways:

    Midlife is an empowering stage for personal and professional growth, not a crisis to be feared.

    Learning to be comfortably selfish is crucial for self-care and making empowering life choices.

    Emotional strength and resilience, built over years, contribute to higher rates of business success in later life stages.

    Mindful practices and a sharp focus on happiness goals are instrumental in achieving a fulfilled and abundant life.

    Women achieve remarkable entrepreneurship success after 40, underlining the value of life experiences.

    Notable Quotes:

    "I feel bad for them because I think that the version of me before the forties sucked." - Kelly Metras


    "Self-care is taking a sabbatical. Self-care is going on a vacation for three days by yourself. Self-care is hiring a coach." - Alison Jacobson


    Resources:

    Alison Jacobson's Website

    Downloadable content like "Five Steps to Release Fear and Live Boldly" mentioned by Kelly Bush

    Daily Inspirations for Midlife Women: A Guide to Peace, Joy, Confidence, and Abundance - Alison Jacobson's book


    First Candle - an organization for families affected by SIDS or stillbirth (No explicit URL mentioned in the transcript, but provided for reference)


    Chapters:
    0:00:00 Intro to Topic of Midlife with Kelly + Kelly
    0:01:09 Internal struggles and expectations women face
    0:05:43 Introduction to Allison Jacobson, the midlife Maverick
    0:07:02 Alison's entrepreneurial journey and life challenges
    0:09:25 The importance of self-care for women
    0:09:57 Appreciating the transformative power of the forties
    0:10:17 How do you define midlife? Is it a number or is it a stage?
    0:11:22 Menopause shifts your mindset to start caring for yourself
    0:12:29 The 40s can be a challenging time but it gets better
    0:13:55 The significance of a butterfly and sunflower tattoo
    0:15:49 Defining success and abundance on your own terms
    0:17:39 Success is subjective and looks different for everyone
    0:19:43 Five steps to release fear and live boldly
    0:21:17 Objectifying fear and unravelling it to overcome challenges
    0:22:58 Life after divorce
    0:25:29 I let my ex-husband manage the finances, and I took my eye off the ball.
    0:28:39 If you are focused on the positive, that's what you're going to see.
    0:29:34 Dealing with negative people in our life
    0:32:47 Make sure everybody is lifting you up and making you feel better.
    0:32:50 New York City marathon.
    0:35:00 Majority of female entrepreneurs start their businesses after 45.
    0:36:47 Being selfish is healthy and necessary for self-care.
    0:40:19 Digital detox and finding time to start a business.
    0:43:38 Alison's coaching services and resources
    0:44:41 First Candle organization for bereavement support
    0:45:24 Alison's coaching for women of any age
    0:45:35 Alison's upcoming adventures
    0:47:41 Manifestations and self-belief
    0:48:44 Contact information and sign-off
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 53 min
    Naming Myself: Balancing Entrepreneurship, Identity and Mental Health with Urban Yogi Pastor Imani Olear

    Naming Myself: Balancing Entrepreneurship, Identity and Mental Health with Urban Yogi Pastor Imani Olear

    Ep. 31 Do you want to achieve a healthier work-life balance and prioritize your mental well-being? Imani Olear will be revealing the key to attaining a more harmonious approach to entrepreneurship and mental health, allowing you to experience improved equilibrium and a greater focus on your psychological wellness.
    Imani Olear is an accomplished entrepreneur and pastor known for her work in urban yoga and leadership development within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As the founder of Yoga for a Good Hood and CEO of True Yoga, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating inclusive spaces and fostering transformative conversations. With her extensive experience and dedication to self-care through therapy, Imani offers valuable insights into the intersection of entrepreneurship and mental health. Her candid approach and emphasis on addressing challenging topics make her a credible and relatable guest on this episode of Getting Real with BOSSY.
    "I want to stop not speaking up for myself. That goes all to the self care into all of those kind of things." - Imani
    In this episode, you will be able to:

    Explore Imani Olear's diverse roles and gain valuable insights.

    Discover the art of balancing entrepreneurship with mental well-being.

    Foster inclusive communities through the transformative power of yoga.

    Uncover the significance of self-identity and ancestral connections.

    Prioritize rest and self-care for enhanced productivity and happiness.


    Explore Yoga's Inclusive Communities
    Imani Olear strives to create inclusive spaces in her yoga communities, focusing on underprivileged areas where access to wellness practices is limited. This endeavor of hers stems from a desire to ensure everyone feels seen and valued. Imani's effort in bridging the wellness gap and fostering inclusivity resonates deeply with her purpose, highlighting the transformative power of yoga in building more inclusive and empathetic communities.
    The resources mentioned in this episode are:

    Visit the True Yoga Rochester at www.betruyoga.com


    Address 683 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

    Email TruYoga@gmail.com

    Imani's book True Identity on Amazon



    Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant
    Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern
    Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras
    Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 
    Produced by JazzCast Pros
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Social Media Growth Hacks for Your Business with Hope aka @ItGirlFriday

    Social Media Growth Hacks for Your Business with Hope aka @ItGirlFriday

    Ep. 30 Hope T aka It Girl Friday, a master of content creation, shares three common mistakes small businesses make in social media marketing: focusing on followers and likes instead of engagement, misunderstanding the difference between influencers and content creators, and not posting consistently. She also discusses her journey from aspiring actress to content creator and the challenges of balancing work and personal life.
    Don't Miss Hope T and all her social media hacks for small businesses at Bossy ROC's Focus + Fortify Summit Monday March 11th!
    Key Takeaways:

    Follower counts are less important than genuine engagement and can often mislead businesses about their online success.

    Affiliate marketing requires careful strategy and understanding of your influencers' alignment with your brand; indiscriminate collaboration can do more harm than good.

    Consistently posting content is crucial in maintaining and boosting visibility within social media algorithms.

    Content creators and influencers are distinct roles, each vital in their own right; choosing the correct partnership for your brand is key.

    Personal anecdotes and life stories can resonate deeply with listeners, adding a human touch to business and marketing discussions.

    Resources:

    Hope's Instagram @itgirlfriday


    IGF Marketing offers unique marketing strategies for growing businesses.

    Check out the Local Influencer Tour (LIT Agency) for expertise in influencer marketing tailored for small businesses.


    Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant
    Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern
     Focus + Fortify BOSSY Summit in Irondequoit March 11,12 + 18, 19
    Hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras
    Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 
    Produced by JazzCast Pros

    About the Guest
    Meet Hope T, a dynamic entrepreneur who wears multiple hats as the founder of It Girl Friday LLC, IGF Marketing, and the Local Influencer Tour Agency. With a passion for social media marketing and influencer strategies tailored to small businesses, Hope brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
    Her understanding of the ever-changing social media algorithms and knack for enhancing visibility and engagement makes her a valuable asset for small business owners looking to thrive in the digital space.

    Chapters:
    0:00:00 Topic Introduction with Kelly Metras and Kelly Bush
    0:06:00 Welcome Hope, "It girl Friday LLC," "IGF marketing," and "LIT agency." 
    0:07:06 First mistake small businesses make: focusing on followers and engagement numbers
    0:08:28 Importance of organic growth and not buying followers or likes.
    0:09:00 Instagram's algorithm changes regarding hashtags 
    0:10:24 Misconception of having a large number of followers and likes indicating a great product.
    0:10:46 Using content creators for affiliate marketing.
    0:11:52 Spend money in order to make money.
    0:13:17 Importance of consistency in posting content on social media platforms.
    0:16:31 Avoiding posting content with watermarks from other platforms.
    0:17:22 Consequences of reposting others' content on TikTok.
    0:27:18 Challenges of influencer marketing in the local area and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    0:31:55 Clarification of the difference between influencers and content creators.
    0:46:18 The time-consuming process of editing content for social media.
    0:48:49 The dynamic and constantly changing nature of content creation.
    1:09:04 Encouragement to do social media management independently if possible.
    1:14:43 Balancing work and family responsibilities as a content creator and small business owner.
    1:25:03 Conclusion and gratitude for the conversation.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 32 min
    Passion Meets Perspiration: Pauly G's Tales of Grit and Growth

    Passion Meets Perspiration: Pauly G's Tales of Grit and Growth

    Ep. 29 Pauly Guglielmo a former radio personality, entrepreneur and first male member of BOSSING joins Kelly + Kelly to share his success and failures in building Craft Cannery in Rochester, NY. Starting as a home-based business, making sauce in his studio apartment on East Ave., Paulie's story resonate with entrepreneurs and business owners.
    Through his unique blend of wit and wisdom, Paulie inspires individuals to embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship and find growth in the face of adversity.
    "I decided in January of 2020 to take that leap." - Paulie Guglielmo

    Key Takeaways:
    Embracing Work-Life Balance Challenges: Discover how to thrive amidst the juggle.
    Emphasizing Intentional Moments: Uncover the power of intentional living for success.
    Mastering the Art of Learning from Business Failure: Turn setbacks into stepping stones.
    Addressing and Correcting Behavior: Unlock the keys to behavior change for growth.
    Overcoming Frustration with Repeated Mistakes: Learn how to break the cycle and move forward.

    About the Guest:
    Pauly Guglielmo is the owner of Craft Cannery, the founder of Guglielmo Sauce, and a partner at Red Bird Market, a specialty grocery store in Fairport. A former long time radio host in Rochester, Pauly's company, Craft Cannery, specializing in bottling sauces/dressings for local and regional companies, helping startup entrepreneurs, restaurants, and some of your beloved local brands bring their products to store shelves. Pauly also serves his community as the President Elect of Rochester Rotary, Vice Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, and as a board member of Rochester Broadway Theater League and St. Ann's Foundation and is a proud member of The Italian Civic League. Pauly lives in Brighton with his wife, Ryann, and 5 year-old son Leo.

    Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant
    Episode sponsors: Marshall Street, Union Tavern
     Focus + Fortify BOSSY Summit in Irondequoit March 11,12 + 18, 19
    Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 
    Produced by JazzCast Pros

    Resources:
    Try the saran wrap ball game for your next party. It's a fun and engaging activity that's sure to be a hit with your guests. 
    Consider hosting a kickball game and picnic for your company Christmas party. It's a cost-effective and enjoyable way to celebrate with your team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and fun.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 37 min
    Inspiro Tequila: Crafting the Perfect Tequila for Women with Mara Smith

    Inspiro Tequila: Crafting the Perfect Tequila for Women with Mara Smith

    Ep. 28 Mara Smith, the founder of Inspiro Tequila, shares her journey from being a lawyer, to being a stay-at-home mom for 16 years and then starting her own tequila brand. She discusses the challenges of entering a highly regulated industry and the importance of staying true to her vision. Mara also highlights the lack of representation of women in the tequila industry and how she is working to change that by creating a brand that appeals to female consumers. The episode explores the process of tequila production, the significance of being a B Corp, and the Purple Bicycle Project, which supports female founders.
    Key Takeaways:

    Inspiro Tequila stands out in the spirits industry for its emphasis on additive-free products and its targeting of female consumers.

    The brand's unique selling proposition includes being distilled, owned, and led by women, amplifying female voices inside and outside the industry.

    Commitment to authenticity and product quality led to a major decision early on: to scrap the entire first production run that did not meet the exact standards.

    Inspiro Tequila's social and environmental consciousness is embodied in its status as a certified B Corp, reinforcing a commitment to fostering diversity and giving back to the community.


    Resources:

    CRT Certification in tequila production and history: Consejo Regulador del Tequila

    Buy Inspiro online at shopinspirotequila.com


    LinkedIn: Mara Smith


    Instagram: @InspiroTequila


    Tequila Matchmaker: A useful app to check whether a tequila is additive-free and to learn about the distilleries where they are made.

    Enthuse Foundation: A nonprofit organization that provides grants to female founders

    WeBank: An organization offering networking, resources, and pitch competitions for women business owners.

    Hello Alice: A platform that shares opportunities such as pitch competitions and grants for entrepreneurs.


    Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant
    Episode sponsors: Salena’s, Marshall Street, Union Tavern
     Focus + Fortify BOSSY Summit in Irondequoit March 11,12 + 18, 19
    Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble 
    Produced by JazzCast Pros

    Chapters:
    0:00:00 Introduction with Kelly Metras and Kelly Bush
    0:03:19 Welcome Mara Smith
    0:04:12 Mara's background as a lawyer and the challenge of balancing big law firm life with having a family
    0:06:06 Mara's focus on job security, which led to her transition to corporate strategy
    0:07:57 Career pause due to pregnancy and bedrest
    0:09:37 Learning flexibility and adaptability from parenting and its connection to running a startup
    0:11:01 Choosing tequila as a consumer product and addressing the market opportunity for women
    0:13:35 Overcoming challenges as women in male-dominated industries
    0:16:36 Navigating the strict regulations and requirements of tequila production
    0:18:41 Building an all-female team, including a master distiller, to bring the vision to life
    0:20:01 Finding the master distiller, Anna Maria Romero, through research and a shared vision
    0:21:06 The importance of the aroma wheel in tequila production and taste profiles
    0:22:45 Issues with production and first batch
    0:25:02 Tequila production process and the importance of fermentation
    0:27:23 Aging tequila in rosé wine barrels and the unique taste profile of reposado from wine barrel aging
    0:29:37 Possibility of a limited release añejo
    0:30:48 Time-intensive process and aging requirements for different tequila types
    0:32:20 Discussion on inspiring entrepreneurship in a highly regulated industry
    0:44:20 B Corp certification requires transparency and extensive documentation
    0:45:49 The importance of supporting women business owners
    0:47:48 Discussion on being called "bossy" as a woman business owner and Mara's expertise in contracts and high-level strategy
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 59 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
12 Ratings

12 Ratings

This is me 2023 ,

I feel seen

The honesty and real approach makes me feel less alone in my entrepreneurial journey

Davidsartem ,

Relevant for any business owner

This show is relevant to anyone who has ever owned a business or tried to start one. Even though it’s focused on women entrepreneurs, the struggle of business ownership applies to everyone.

Shutter and Splice ,

Real Honest and great for business!

These ladies bring it! Bossy has been my go to for everything connection and overcoming challenges when it comes to running my business.

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