The Small Business School Podcast

Staci Millard
  • 4.8 (19)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ready to leave the small business struggle behind? The “School for Small Business” podcast supports small business owners in scaling a business that is profitable, purposeful, and doesn’t leave you burnt out. No matter whether you run your business online or you own a brick-and-mortar, you can expect our world class experts to support you with mindset, tactics, and everything in between so you can have the business you dreamed of. Based on our lived experience, we know that small business CAN be easy and we are here to show you how.The “School for Small Business” is hosted by Staci Millard, a CPA by trade with over 15 years of experience seeing the behind the scenes of thousands of small businesses. After growing and selling her first 7 figure business, Staci has been on the ground running - mentoring small businesses and working to increase success rates. Staci strongly believes you don’t need to have gone to business school to be successful so you can expect nothing but simple, impactful advice. Tune in each Tuesday for a new 30 minute or less episode of nothing but valuable advice to help you grow your small business. We are so excited for you to be on this journey with us! 

  1. 2D AGO

    Building Community and Confidence as a Female Entrepreneur with Ashley Dawn

    Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with mindset coach and founder of the Sparkle Entrepreneur Network, Ashley Dawn, to talk about authenticity, community, and the courage to pivot. Ashley shares the bold decision to leave her master’s program with only practicums remaining, how she rebuilt her confidence during a difficult season of life, and why real connection (not curated perfection) is what truly grows a business. Key topics covered: The brave decision to walk away from a nearly finished degree to pursue aligned entrepreneurshipWhy community accelerates growth more than isolation ever couldHow celebrating strengths prevents burnout and builds sustainable momentumThe difference between curated authenticity and truly showing up as yourselfWhy repetition, exposure, and small brave steps rewire confidence over timeHow meaningful connection (not pitching) creates long-term business successCommunity isn’t just a nice-to-have in business, it’s often the catalyst for clarity, confidence, and real growth. And sometimes, the most powerful move you can make is choosing alignment over expectation. Take Ashley Dawn’s free Sparkle Mindset quiz to determine how much you are dulling your sparkle and learn tips and tricks of how you can start sparkling being YOU. https://tally.so/r/mV7r2l Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @therealashleydawn Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    35 min

  2. FEB 5

    Event Sponsorships for Small Business Owners with Kristina Bartold

    Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with Kristina Bartold, co-founder of The Social Snippet and High Vibe Women, to talk about all things event sponsorships.  Fresh off the High Vibe Women brunch in Ottawa, Staci and Kristina share a behind-the-scenes look at what actually makes sponsorships work (and why so many business owners get them wrong). This conversation is all about being intentional, protecting your budget, and choosing opportunities that truly align with your brand and goals. Key topics covered: Who event sponsorships actually make sense for and who should skip themHow to evaluate whether an event is the right fit for your brandWhat a real return on investment looks like beyond vanity metricsWhy repetition builds recognition and how your energy in the room mattersThe importance of integrity and alignment in brand collaborationsHow to think strategically about swag bag sponsorshipsWhat it takes to stand out and succeed as an event vendorWhy not every opportunity is a good opportunity even if it looks excitingEvent sponsorships aren’t about being everywhere, they’re about being in the right rooms, with the right people, for the right reasons. If you’ve ever wondered whether sponsoring an event is worth it, this episode will help you make smarter, more confident decisions.  Connect with Kristina: Instagram: @kristina.bartold  Website: https://www.thesocialsnippet.com/ Community Podcast: https://communitypodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    34 min

  3. FEB 3

    First-Year Business Growth Strategies That Actually Work From A First-Time Franchise Owner

    In this episode of Small Business School, Staci breaks down the real, behind-the-scenes strategies that helped her husband Dan exceed his one-year sales and profit goals in just six months as a first-time franchise owner. This isn’t about hype or hustle culture — it’s about visibility, cash flow discipline, boundaries, and customer experience. Whether you’re launching a franchise, starting a service business, or trying to grow sustainably, these lessons apply far beyond franchising. Key topics covered: Why “getting visible” beats perfect branding when you’re starting outThe uncomfortable but powerful marketing moves most business owners avoidHow understanding cash flow early prevents years of financial stressWhy not all marketing spend is created equal and how to spot what actually worksThe role of boundaries, notifications, and work hours in preventing burnoutHow over-communicating expectations builds trust and saves timeThe small habits that quietly create massive customer loyaltyWhy success came from doing fewer things but doing them intentionallyFast growth doesn’t come from doing everything, it comes from doing the right things consistently, protecting your cash flow, and building trust one interaction at a time. If this episode resonated, go back and listen to last week’s franchising conversation with Kim, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    18 min

  4. JAN 29

    What Actually Sets Franchise Owners Up for Success with Kim Hiebert

    Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with Kim Hiebert, CEO of Door Gurus, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about franchising without the glossy brochure promises. Drawing from her experience as both a former franchisee and a current franchisor, Kim breaks down what most people don’t ask before buying into a franchise, where real value actually lives, and why support, integrity, and financial literacy matter far more than a recognizable logo. Key topics covered: The biggest myths about franchising and why it’s never a “set it and forget it” businessHow to evaluate the real value exchange before buying into a franchiseWhy brand recognition alone doesn’t guarantee success (especially in small markets)What Kim’s experience as a franchisee taught her about building an ethical franchisor modelThe three non-negotiables Door Gurus built into their franchise structure and why they matterWhy community, relationships, and reputation are becoming more powerful than rigid brand controlThe hidden risks of brick-and-mortar, inventory-heavy franchise modelsWhy financial literacy, cash flow awareness, and understanding your numbers are essentialHow ongoing support (not just SOPs) determines long-term franchise successWhat to look for in a franchisor when things inevitably get hardFranchising isn’t about buying a name, it’s about partnering with people who are invested in your success. This episode is a reminder to slow down, look past the logo, and choose business models built on integrity, support, and long-term sustainability. Connect with Kim: Instagram: @kimberley.hiebert @doorgurus.ca Website: www.doorgurusfranchise.com Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    42 min

  5. JAN 27

    Why Connection Will Be Your Most Valuable Business Currency in 2026

    In this episode of Small Business School, Staci is diving into a major shift she sees coming for entrepreneurs as we head into 2026. With AI making information instantly accessible, what really matters now isn’t what you know — it’s how you serve, connect, and give people their time back. This episode is all about rethinking value, letting go of burnout culture, and building businesses that feel good for both you and your customers. Key topics covered: Why information is no longer the differentiator and what actually isHow AI is changing buying behavior and raising the bar for service providersThe growing importance of solving the “time gap” for your customersWhy connection, customer experience, and thought leadership can’t be replacedWhat it means to build a business that supports your health and your clients as we move into 2026As we move into 2026, the businesses that will thrive aren’t the ones chasing more information or louder marketing, but the ones that lead with connection, thoughtful service, and real human impact.  Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    14 min

  6. JAN 22

    How Story, Alignment & Authenticity Drive Business Growth with Lianne Cawley

    Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with award-winning brand strategist Lianne Cawley, founder of Chapter 35, to unpack what branding really means in today’s business landscape. From building a brand that drives trust and longevity to navigating growth, motherhood, and a life-changing health diagnosis, this conversation goes far beyond logos and colour palettes. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a brand that actually connects and evolves with you — this episode is for you. Key topics covered: Why great branding isn’t about aesthetics alone and how story, values, and alignment create long-term customer loyaltyHow Lianne grew her branding studio from a solo venture to a collaborative team, and why leadership evolves with business growthThe difference between visibility and longevity and why brands with attention don’t always lastHow a brand audit can uncover misalignment between your intentions and how your business is actually experiencedWhy authenticity matters more than ever in the age of AI and how to use technology without losing the human side of your brandThis episode is a powerful reminder that branding is about more than how your business looks, it’s about how it feels, connects, and evolves.  Connect with Lianne: Instagram: @chapter35.ca @liannecharlene Website: www.chapter35.ca Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    32 min

  7. JAN 20

    Why Power Partners and Affiliates are Failing Most Businesses

    In today’s episode, Staci delivers a bold but timely perspective on one of the most overused pieces of business advice heading into 2026: “Find power partners.” While partnerships are often positioned as the solution to social media burnout and slow growth, Staci explains why power partners and affiliates are failing most businesses and what needs to come first. This episode breaks down the hard truth about leverage, clout, and momentum, and offers a refreshing, grounded approach to building relationships that actually lead to referrals, visibility, and long-term growth. Key topics covered: Why power partnerships don’t create clout, they only leverage what already existsThe real difference between affiliates and power partners (and why both often disappoint)What leverage actually means in business and why effort alone doesn’t countWhy most cold pitches for partnerships quietly fail before they startHow strong relationships outperform paid referrals every timeWhat successful power partners exchange instead of moneyWhy partnerships reward momentum — they never replace itPower partnerships aren’t the shortcut to growth. They are the reward for momentum you’ve already built. Focus on becoming valuable, reliable, and useful first, and the right partnerships will follow naturally. Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    14 min

  8. JAN 15

    Podcast Guesting That Actually Grows Your Business (and What Hosts Really Want) with Kristina Bartold

    Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s joint episode, Staci Millard and Kristina Bartold (Co-founder of The Social Snippet, and Community Podcast Host) pull back the curtain on what truly makes a great podcast guest — and how podcast guesting can be a powerful strategy for visibility, authority, and business growth when done well. Recorded in Ottawa during a High Five Women gathering, this candid conversation dives into what podcast hosts look for, why most pitches miss the mark, and how business owners can stop chasing podcast appearances and start using guesting intentionally to build real relationships, credibility, and ROI. If you’ve ever said, “I want to be on more podcasts,” but weren’t sure how to turn that into actual opportunities, this episode is for you. Key topics covered: Why saying “I want to be on more podcasts” isn’t a strategy and what to say insteadWhat podcast hosts actually look for when choosing guestsHow unclear messaging can hurt your credibility as a guestWhy warm introductions outperform cold pitching every timeThe biggest mistakes guests make after an episode goes liveWhether paying to be on podcasts is ever worth itHow to position yourself as a thought leader instead of a commodityWhat turns a good guest into someone hosts eagerly refer again and againPodcast guesting isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about being in the right rooms, with the right message, serving the right audience. When done with clarity and intention, one great podcast appearance can open more doors than a hundred cold pitches. Connect with Kristina: Instagram: @kristina.bartold  Website: https://www.thesocialsnippet.com/ Community Podcast: https://communitypodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

    35 min
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4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Ready to leave the small business struggle behind? The “School for Small Business” podcast supports small business owners in scaling a business that is profitable, purposeful, and doesn’t leave you burnt out. No matter whether you run your business online or you own a brick-and-mortar, you can expect our world class experts to support you with mindset, tactics, and everything in between so you can have the business you dreamed of. Based on our lived experience, we know that small business CAN be easy and we are here to show you how.The “School for Small Business” is hosted by Staci Millard, a CPA by trade with over 15 years of experience seeing the behind the scenes of thousands of small businesses. After growing and selling her first 7 figure business, Staci has been on the ground running - mentoring small businesses and working to increase success rates. Staci strongly believes you don’t need to have gone to business school to be successful so you can expect nothing but simple, impactful advice. Tune in each Tuesday for a new 30 minute or less episode of nothing but valuable advice to help you grow your small business. We are so excited for you to be on this journey with us! 

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