Local Grit

Alex Hobcraft
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Alex Hobcraft Hamilton local businesses share their stories about starting, running and growing (or not growing) their business. Learn about small business, marketing, copywriting, social media, growing and maintaining a small business in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

  1. 3D AGO

    Dr. Shahab Tabesh - Locke St Dental

    Click here to visit Locke St Dental Visit Local Grit here - Local Grit Summary In this engaging conversation, Dr. Shahab Tabesh, a dentist at Locke Street Dental, shares his unique journey into dentistry, shaped by his childhood experiences and serendipitous encounters. He discusses the importance of building relationships with patients, especially in alleviating their fears and anxieties about dental visits. Dr. Tabesh emphasizes that dentistry is not just about clinical skills but also about understanding individual patient needs and fostering trust. He highlights the significance of communication, especially with parents of young patients, to create a comfortable environment for children in the dental chair. The discussion also delves into the challenges faced by independent dental practices in a landscape increasingly dominated by corporate entities. Dr. Tabesh shares insights on how his practice differentiates itself through a principled approach, avoiding gimmicks, and focusing on organic growth and patient relationships. He expresses optimism about the future of dentistry, particularly with advancements in technology like AI and laser treatments, which promise to enhance patient care and comfort. Overall, the conversation underscores the human element in healthcare and the importance of genuine connections in building a successful practice. Keywords dentistry, patient care, dental anxiety, healthcare relationships, dental practice, technology in dentistry, dental education, patient trust, dental experiences Takeaways "You can plan forever, but you never know what you can get when you walk into that room." "There's no bigger challenge than starting a business." "Nothing beats human relationships in the long run in our profession." "Our job is to identify the problem, provide solution options, and then from there decide who is the best person to provide the solution." "Being a business owner and being a dentist are very different things." Sound bites "You can plan forever, but you never know what you can get." "Master the craft first." "Nothing beats human relationships." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Shahab Tabesh 01:41 The Journey to Dentistry 04:50 Funny Moments in the Dental Chair 07:15 Alleviating Patient Anxiety 10:11 Building Trust with Patients 13:18 Differentiating Locke Street Dental 15:22 The Importance of Patient Reviews 19:18 Customized Treatment Plans 21:16 Misconceptions in Dental Care 22:35 Balancing Business and Personal Life 25:10 Impact of the Canadian Dental Plan 29:58 Future Technologies in Dentistry 31:51 Challenges Facing Family Dentistry 38:35 Advice for New Dentists 40:26 LocalGritIntroG.mp4

    41 min

  2. FEB 2

    Bernadette Connors - _28Music

    See Bernadette's website @_28MUSIC Summary In this engaging conversation, Alex Hobcraft speaks with musician Bernadette Connors about the multifaceted nature of a music career. They explore the business side of music, the importance of valuing one's worth, and the challenges faced in the gig economy. Bernadette shares her journey of finding her voice, the significance of building relationships in the music scene, and the various revenue streams available to musicians. They also discuss the impact of AI on music and the importance of maintaining the human experience in live performances. Finally, Bernadette introduces her initiative to create alternatives in the music scene, focusing on community and collaboration. Keywords music business, musician career, gig economy, AI in music, music education, revenue streams, live performance, artist relationships, music industry challenges, creative collaboration Takeaways Music is a business, and making a career is challenging. Finding your voice often involves trial and error. Valuing your worth is crucial in the gig economy. Building relationships can lead to more opportunities. Diversifying revenue streams is essential for sustainability. AI may change the music landscape, but human connection remains vital. Live performances offer an irreplaceable experience. Creating community spaces can foster collaboration among musicians. Embracing imperfection can enhance the artistic experience. Sober events can provide alternative spaces for musicians. Titles The Business of Music: A Deep Dive Finding Your Voice in the Music Industry Sound bites "I realized that's not really my skill set." "You don't want to price yourself out of work." "I don't really pursue that work." Chapters 00:00 The Business of Music 03:06 Finding Your Voice and Passion 06:06 Valuing Your Work: Setting Prices for Gigs 09:03 Navigating the Bar Scene: Challenges and Opportunities 12:08 Building Relationships in the Music Industry 15:11 Revenue Streams for Musicians 17:54 The Impact of AI on Music 20:37 The Impact of AI on Music Creation 23:37 The Value of Live Music and Human Connection 25:43 Embracing Imperfection in Music 27:40 The Role of Music Education in Personal Growth 31:01 Different Approaches to Music: Cerebral vs. Intuitive 33:37 Building a Sustainable Music Community 37:01 Navigating Alcohol and Performance in the Music Industry 39:36 LocalGritIntroG.mp4

    40 min

  3. JAN 26

    Matt Surina - Staircase Theatre

    https://staircasehamilton.com/ Keywords Staircase Theatre, Hamilton arts, improv, comedy, community engagement, event hosting, arts funding, local culture Summary In this conversation, Alex Hobcraft interviews Matthew Serena from The Staircase Theatre, discussing its history, evolution, and role in Hamilton's arts scene. They explore the challenges of hosting events, community engagement, marketing, and funding for the arts. Matthew shares insights on improv and comedy workshops, the balance between public and private events, and the future goals for The Staircase Theatre as a cultural hub. Takeaways The Staircase Theatre has been a vital arts space since the late 90s. It serves as a creative hub for local artists to test their work. The theatre adapts to trends in the arts, offering diverse programming. Community engagement is crucial for the theatre's success. Marketing challenges arise from being a destination venue. Funding for the arts is increasingly difficult to secure. The Staircase Theatre balances public events with private rentals. Improv and comedy workshops are open to all skill levels. Local artists often use the theatre as a rehearsal space. The future goal is to maintain affordability and community involvement. Sound bites "You cannot, will not kill it." "It's like the Doctor Who TARDIS." "We want people to see who you are." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Staircase Theatre 01:03 The Evolution of The Staircase Theatre 02:48 The Role of The Staircase in Hamilton's Arts Scene 09:06 Event Hosting and Community Engagement 15:11 Supporting Artists and Building Community 20:52 Marketing Challenges in the Arts 27:00 Improv and Comedy Workshops 29:46 The Future of The Staircase Theatre localgrit.ca

    37 min

  4. JAN 19

    Suzanne Zandbergen - Social for Small Business

    Suzanne ZandbergenClick here to hire the Generator.New platforms, shifting algorithms, and constant noise—Suzanne breaks down how business owners can navigate social media without burning out or chasing every trend. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeIn this conversation, Suzanne and Alex explore: How platforms like Threads and Blue Sky differ from traditional social mediaWhy sustainable content strategies outperform high-volume postingWhat actually matters on Instagram today (and what doesn’t)How to think about Facebook and LinkedIn advertising strategicallyWhere AI fits—and doesn’t fit—into modern marketing Navigating a Crowded Social Media LandscapeThreads, Blue Sky, and Choosing Platforms IntentionallyContent Quality Over Aesthetic PerfectionWhy Your Profile Matters More Than Your PostsHashtags, TikTok, and Platform Reality ChecksVideo, Ads, and the Role of AIAuthenticity and Community Still Win Episode Chapters & Highlights00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings01:28 Exploring Threads: A New Social Media Platform04:52 Navigating Multiple Social Media Platforms06:52 Content Quality Over Aesthetic10:45 Optimizing Your Social Media Profile12:05 The Value of Verification15:23 Hashtags: Are They Still Relevant?18:57 TikTok and Content Fatigue21:52 Tips for Engaging Video Content23:24 Crafting Concise Content25:06 The Evolution of Facebook28:21 Ad Strategies: Facebook vs LinkedIn31:40 Ad Spend and Quality Leads34:23 The Role of AI in Advertising40:10 Authenticity in Content Creation About the Guest: Suzanne — The GeneratorSuzanne is a social media strategist and founder of The Generator, where she helps businesses navigate digital platforms with clarity and intention. Her work focuses on sustainable content strategies, effective advertising, and building online presence without burnout. Listen to the Full EpisodeThe full conversation with Suzanne is available on all major podcast platforms.

    41 min

  5. JAN 12

    Emily Baillie - AI Compass Content Marketing

    Visit Emily's site https://www.compasscontent.ca/ Keywords AI, digital marketing, ethical AI, small business, AI training, marketing strategy, AI policy, environmental impact, AI tools, productivity Takeaways AI is fundamentally changing the digital marketing landscape. Ethical considerations are crucial in AI implementation. Small businesses need guidance to navigate AI effectively. AI can enhance productivity but should not replace human creativity. Creating an AI policy is essential for data privacy and security. AI tools can assist in strategic planning and goal setting. The environmental impact of AI is a growing concern. AI adoption is accelerating across various industries. Training and education are vital for adapting to AI. The future of AI will involve more personalized and capable tools. Summary In this conversation, Alex Hobcraft and Emily discuss the evolving landscape of AI in digital marketing, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations, the impact on small businesses, and the need for effective AI policies. They explore transformative experiences with AI, address common myths and fears, and highlight the environmental implications of AI development. The discussion also covers the future of AI in various industries and the importance of training and education for adapting to this technology. Emily introduces her Smart Start AI package, designed to help small businesses leverage AI effectively while maintaining their unique identity. Sound bites "We need a human-first approach to AI." "AI can help you achieve your goals." "Experimentation with AI is key." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Digital Marketing 02:58 The Evolution of Compass Content Marketing 05:54 Navigating the Ethical Landscape of AI 09:02 AI as a Strategic Partner in Business 12:00 Addressing Myths and Fears Surrounding AI 15:04 Creating an AI Policy for Organizations 17:54 Data Privacy and Security in AI Usage 23:11 Environmental Impact of AI Development 29:15 AI in Marketing and Business Operations 35:34 Navigating AI Integration in Organizations 39:11 Smart Start AI Package for Small Businesses 44:57 Future Trends in AI and Marketing

    50 min

  6. JAN 5

    Heather Graham - HG Consulting

    Keywords consulting, business coaching, social justice, collaboration, vulnerability, leadership, mental wellbeing, joy, intuition, community engagement Summary In this conversation, Heather Graham shares her journey from hospital management to becoming a consultant and business coach. She discusses the importance of social justice, collaboration, and community engagement in her work. Heather emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in leadership, the difference between wisdom and knowledge, and the need to find joy in both work and life. She also addresses the challenges of maintaining mental wellbeing as a business owner and the courage to say no to clients that drain energy. The discussion concludes with Heather's insights on setting intentions for joy and embracing opportunities in her consulting practice. Takeaways Heather transitioned from hospital management to consulting through community engagement. Core values around social justice guide her consulting work. Collaboration is key to addressing community health issues. Vulnerability in leadership fosters authentic connections. Wisdom comes from lived experience, not just knowledge. Finding joy is more important than pursuing happiness. Mental wellbeing is crucial for business owners. Setting intentions for joy can guide business decisions. The courage to say no is essential for maintaining energy. Trusting oneself is vital in navigating client relationships. Sound Bites "It's all about shifting mindsets." "You have to commit to what fills you up." "Trusting yourself is crucial in business." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Heather Graham and Her Journey 05:53 Core Values and Social Justice in Consulting 12:02 Navigating Resistance and Building Consensus 17:58 Finding Joy vs. Happiness in Work and Life 24:08 Advice for New Entrepreneurs

    36 min

  7. 12/18/2025

    Eric Wright - DiscoPosse

    Eric's Website: https://gtmdelta.com/ Keywords:  tech marketing, customer experience, branding, entrepreneurship, engagement, storytelling, marketing strategies, audience understanding, innovation, continuous learning Summary In this engaging conversation, Alex Hobcraft and Eric Wright explore the journey of Eric from a cobbler to a successful tech marketer. They discuss the importance of customer experience, the role of branding, and the need for continuous learning in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. Eric shares insights on how to create meaningful experiences for customers and the significance of understanding audience personas. The discussion also touches on the impact of advertising and the necessity of innovation in business. Takeaways Eric's journey from cobbler to tech marketer highlights the importance of adaptability.Understanding customer experience is crucial for business success.Branding should reflect the true essence of the business and its values.Continuous learning and experimentation are key to staying relevant in marketing.Creating meaningful customer experiences can lead to long-term loyalty.The importance of understanding different audience personas in marketing strategies.Engagement is more than just clicks; it's about emotional connection.Effective marketing requires a balance between strategy and creativity.The role of storytelling in making technical content relatable.Innovation often comes from breaking traditional rules and thinking outside the box. Sound Bites "You want them to care about the outcome.""You give them the gift of music in their life.""The experience you create may not be immediate." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 05:27The Journey to Tech Marketing 12:47Learning Through Experience 18:35Customer Experience and Branding 25:16Understanding the Audience 30:21Marketing Strategy vs. Tactics 31:25The Evolution of Influencers 34:32Understanding Customer Experience 39:10The Importance of Engagement 43:43Adapting to Changing Markets 50:54Learning from Experience and Literature 57:43Creating Meaningful Experiences

    1h 4m

  8. 12/16/2025

    Jodi Laking - Work Smart Canada

    Work Smart Canada Keywords entrepreneurship, coaching, trades, business blueprint, self-employment, support systems, productivity, exit strategies, community, success stories Summary In this conversation, Jody Laking, a coach and entrepreneur from WorkSmart Canada, discusses the importance of entrepreneurship, particularly in the trades industry. She introduces her Start Smart Trades and Business Blueprint program, which aims to guide tradespeople in starting their own businesses. The conversation explores the challenges of competition in the trades, the need for entrepreneurial skills, and the significance of support systems for entrepreneurs. Jody shares success stories, emphasizes the importance of community, and discusses productivity tools and exit strategies for businesses. She concludes with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to take action and seek support. Takeaways Entrepreneurship is a viable career option that should be promoted.The Start Smart program is hands-on and practical for tradespeople.Competition in the trades is high, but self-employment is a valid path.Entrepreneurship requires a deep personal development journey.Support systems are crucial for entrepreneurs to thrive.Success stories can inspire and motivate new entrepreneurs.Understanding the disconnect in support from friends and family is important.The Growth Collective provides a safe space for entrepreneurs to share and connect.Productivity tools can help manage time and prevent burnout.Exit strategies are essential for all businesses, regardless of size. Sound Bites "You can do this on your own.""Just do it. It's so worth it.""Get a business coach." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Coaching 01:13The Start Smart Trades and Business Blueprint 04:23Navigating Competition in the Trades 06:15The Importance of Entrepreneurial Skills 08:14Success Stories in the Trades 11:18Support Systems for Entrepreneurs 12:04Understanding the Disconnect in Support 18:46The Growth Collective: A Support Community 24:22Productivity and Time Management Tools 31:05The Importance of Exit Strategies 37:08Final Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    40 min
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About

Alex Hobcraft Hamilton local businesses share their stories about starting, running and growing (or not growing) their business. Learn about small business, marketing, copywriting, social media, growing and maintaining a small business in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Hobcraft
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Alex Hobcraft
  • Show Website
    Local Grit