The Business Coach Unplugged Podcast

Tom Kelly
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Tune in to explore the strategies, tactics and mindset shifts needed to elevate your business and leadership skills to new heights. It’s practical advice, inspiring stories, and the occasional dose of tough love. Helping you to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. This is The Business Coach Unplugged Podcast. www.businesscoachchicago.com

  1. May 7

    Why You Are Losing Deals You Should Be Winning

    We’ve all experienced it before — a sales conversation that felt like it was going incredibly well, only to have the prospect suddenly disappear, stall out, or tell you they’ve “decided to go in another direction.” Most salespeople immediately assume the problem was price, timing, or competition. But in reality, most deals are lost much earlier in the conversation. In this episode of the Business Coach Unplugged Podcast, I’m going to break down why sales conversations fail — and why the real issue usually has nothing to do with price. The truth is that most salespeople move too quickly into solution mode before the prospect has emotionally connected to the problem they are trying to solve. When that happens, value never fully gets established, and even great solutions start to feel expensive. In this impactful episode you’re going to discover: • Why most sales conversations stay too surface level • The hidden reason prospects say “Let me think about it” • Why “price objections” are often really value problems • How to create emotional clarity that drives urgency and action • The biggest mistake salespeople make when presenting solutions • A powerful 4-step sales framework to help you close more business Whether you’re a salesperson, business owner, consultant, or leader, this episode is packed with practical strategies that will help you lead stronger conversations, build more value, and stop losing deals you should be winning. Learn more about us at: www.businesscoachchicago.com

    18 min

  2. Mar 5

    The Hidden Cost of Playing Small in Business

    Are you playing small in your business—without even realizing it? In this episode of the Business Coach Unplugged Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on the hidden cost of “safe” decisions. Underpricing your services, delaying hires, and avoiding tough sales conversations might feel responsible… but over time, they quietly cap your growth, shrink your margins, and limit your potential. You’ll discover: How fear disguises itself in pricing, hiring, and selling Why timid decisions destroy revenue, opportunities, and team performance How to shift your mindset from caution to confident action One simple change that can start expanding your business trajectory today If you’re ready to stop shrinking and start building the business—and life—you’re capable of, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can apply immediately. Listen now and start playing bigger: www.businesscoachchicago.com

    14 min

  3. Feb 5

    Confidence Isn’t a Feeling, It’s a System

    We all want to feel confident—but why do so many salespeople, leaders, and business owners struggle to build it consistently? In this episode of the Business Coach Unplugged Podcast, I’m going to tackle the topic of confidence. Most people think confidence is something you either have or you don’t, tied to personality, experience, or natural ability. But the truth is, confidence isn’t a feeling—it’s a system. In this impactful episode, you’re going to discover: Why tracking your wins is the key to building evidence-based confidence How preparation transforms uncertainty into clarity and self-assurance The critical role self-trust plays in creating lasting confidence Why taking consistent, challenging action builds belief faster than positive thinking alone A simple 7-day confidence-building challenge you can start immediately Whether you’re leading a team, selling to clients, or running your own business, this episode is packed with practical, actionable strategies to help you build real confidence that sticks. Learn more about us at: www.businesscoachchicago.com

    11 min

  4. 09/05/2025

    How to Build Rapport with Anyone

    We’ve all had conversations that just flow—where trust builds quickly and the connection feels effortless. But why is it that with some people it clicks, and with others it falls flat? In this episode of the Business Coach Unplugged Podcast, I’m going to tackle the topic of building instant rapport. Too often, leaders and business owners think rapport is about being likable or finding common ground. In reality, it’s about understanding the deeper drivers of human behavior and learning how to meet people where they are. In this episode you’ll discover: A proven framework for creating connection in minutes, not months How to use DISC insights to instantly “read the room” The role of motivation triggers and how they shape communication Why cultural and generational cues can make or break a first impression Practical ways to apply these tools in leadership, sales, and everyday interactions Whether you’re leading a team, selling a service, or simply wanting to connect more effectively, this episode is packed with strategies you can put into practice immediately. Learn more about us at: www.businesscoachchicago.com

    23 min

  5. 08/06/2025

    How to Take Advantage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025

    We all want to grow our business and keep more of what we earn—but why do so many small business owners miss out on the very tax breaks designed to help them? In this episode of the Business Coach Unplugged Podcast, I’m diving into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a sweeping new law passed on July 4th, 2025 that delivers powerful tax benefits to small business owners. On paper, it’s one of the most pro-business bills in decades. But unless you understand how to take advantage of it, these benefits could pass you by. From expanded deductions to new tax credits, this legislation isn’t just policy—it’s opportunity. And in this episode, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s changed, what it means for your business, and how to take action now. In this impactful episode, you’re going to discover: 💼 How to lock in the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction—permanently 💸 New Section 179 rules that let you deduct more of what you invest in your business 👶 How to claim up to $500,000 in child care credits for supporting your team 🏠 Estate tax changes that protect family businesses from being forced to sell 🏦 A powerful SALT workaround that helps high-income earners in high-tax states 📈 What to do today to benefit from these provisions before the end of the year Whether you’re running a solo shop or leading a growing team, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world strategies to help you thrive in this new tax landscape. 🎧 Tune in and take advantage of the tools built to help you succeed. Learn more about us at: www.businesscoachchicago.com

    14 min

  6. 07/11/2025

    The Tax Benefits of Using an S-Corporation for Your Business

    Most business owners want to keep more of what they earn—but why do so many leave thousands on the table when it comes to taxes? In this episode of the Business Coach Unplugged Podcast, I’m diving into one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) tools for saving money, building wealth, and setting up your business for long-term success: the S-Corporation. While it might not sound flashy, the truth is that choosing the right business structure—and using it the right way—can mean the difference between barely getting by and having the financial freedom to grow, invest, and thrive. In this powerful episode, you’ll discover: 💰 How one business owner saved over $15,000 by switching to an S-Corp 📉 How to reduce your self-employment tax legally and strategically 🏦 The 3 best retirement plans for S-Corp owners—and how to contribute up to $81,000/year tax-deferred 🏥 How to deduct your health insurance and business expenses the smart way 💡 Why the QBI deduction is a game-changer for high-earning entrepreneurs Whether you’re just getting started or your business is finally profitable, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you pay less in taxes—and keep more of your hard-earned money. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to make your business work for you. Learn more at: www.businesscoachchicago.com

    21 min

  7. 05/19/2025

    The 3 Keys to Self Leadership

    We all want empowered teams—but why do so many managers fall short when it comes to empowering their employees? In this episode of the Business Coach Unplugged Podcast, I’m going to tackle the topic of empowerment.  There seems to be a goal or desire in most business environments to create a culture of empowerment, where employees are given the autonomy, resources, and support they need to make decisions, take ownership of their work, and contribute to the company’s success.  While this seems like a great goal and intention to have, many companies struggle to create this type of environment for multiple reasons.  The reality is you can try to empower your people by giving them the autonomy to create their own results, but if they don’t have self-leadership skills, then empowerment just won’t work. In this impactful episode you’re going to discover: The 3 essential self-leadership skills every employee needs How to overcome limiting beliefs that quietly sabotage success Why “being proactive” is more than just a buzzword A powerful 5-part framework for tapping into your personal power Whether you lead a team—or want to lead yourself better—this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply today. Learn more about us at: www.businesscoachchicago.com

    10 min

  8. 05/12/2025

    How to Leverage the 4S Model to Propel Yourself to a Whole New Level of Success

    Are you stuck in a comfort zone and wondering why you’re not leveling up? In this week’s episode of the “The Business Coach Unplugged“ podcast, I’ll introduce you to a powerful model that I use with my clients that will help you define different levels of success, determine exactly what level you are at right now, and then identify the exact strategy and mindset that you need to propel yourself to the next level.  This powerful tool will show you how to move from just “getting by” to truly thriving in business and life. Whether you’re trying to grow your income, break free from stagnation, or finally reach your next big goal, this episode gives you the mindset shifts and strategies to make it happen. Learn more about us at: www.businesscoachchicago.com

    11 min
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Tune in to explore the strategies, tactics and mindset shifts needed to elevate your business and leadership skills to new heights. It’s practical advice, inspiring stories, and the occasional dose of tough love. Helping you to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. This is The Business Coach Unplugged Podcast. www.businesscoachchicago.com

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