Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice

John Corcoran
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Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice

"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Build Your Niche in Tech for Explosive Growth With Brendon Dennewill

    Brendon Dennewill is the Co-founder and CEO of Denamico, a Minneapolis-based company specializing in HubSpot CRM implementations and integrations. With a career spanning over 30 years across six countries and four languages, he has held senior management positions in the duty-free retail and commercial fishing industries, managing teams of over 200 and navigating complex international markets. He completed two years of military service in the South African Navy in 1987 and 1988. Brendon also serves on the board of Africa Classroom Connection, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to building schools in South Africa. In this episode… Scaling a business in an evolving digital landscape can be challenging, especially when industries shift, markets crash, or technology forces companies to adapt. Entrepreneurs often have difficulty knowing when to pivot, how to specialize, and where to focus their efforts for long-term success. So, how can narrowing your focus open up new opportunities and drive growth in your business? Brendon Dennewill, an adaptive and strategic thinker, shares how he successfully navigated multiple career transitions, from the fishing industry to real estate and ultimately into digital marketing and CRM technology. He explains the importance of recognizing market shifts early, leveraging networking to find clients, and making bold decisions to focus on scalable services. Brendon also discusses the challenges of switching from a marketing services agency to a HubSpot CRM implementation firm, emphasizing the need to embrace change, invest in new skills, and build strategic partnerships. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Brendon Dennewill, Co-founder and CEO of Denamico, about building a niche business in the tech space. Brendon talks about how he spotted opportunities in digital marketing, the strategic decision to shift Denamico’s focus, and the role of mentorship in business growth. They also discuss the impact of Africa Classroom Connection, managing career transitions, and adapting to market changes with confidence.

    37 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    Life After Exit: Reinventing Yourself as an Entrepreneur With Craig Swanson

    Craig Swanson is a serial entrepreneur and business coach, best known as the Co-founder of CreativeLive, an online learning platform. Currently, he operates a personal startup studio, launching a new AI project every week. Craig has a track record of partnering with influencers to build successful online education businesses, including collaborations with photographer Sue Bryce and Kaisa Keranen. He is also the chair of the Seattle EO Accelerator program and EO Seattle and loves helping creators, educators, and entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures around their dreams. In this episode… Exiting a business can leave entrepreneurs questioning their identity and purpose. After years of building a company, the transition to what comes next is often uncertain and emotionally challenging. How can you navigate the uncharted waters of reinvention and maintain a sense of purpose after selling a company? Craig Swanson, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares his firsthand experience navigating life after selling multiple businesses. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right partners, ensuring alignment in vision, and maintaining ownership of at least one venture to sustain personal fulfillment. Craig also discusses how AI transforms online education, making learning more personalized and scalable. By leveraging AI-driven platforms, educators and entrepreneurs can streamline content creation, reach wider audiences, and build sustainable enterprises. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Craig Swanson, an entrepreneur and business coach, about the challenges of exiting a business and finding purpose beyond entrepreneurship. Craig delves into how AI is revolutionizing education, how to choose the right business partners, and why keeping one business for yourself can be a game-changer.

    28 min

  3. FEB 21

    Turn Your Love Into Profit With Morgan Katz

    Morgan Katz is the Founder and CEO of Ticketnology, a SaaS company specializing in optimizing event ticket management and maximizing ROI for businesses through its software platform, Ticket Booth. Under her leadership, the company has achieved a 96% renewal rate with its customers, demonstrating its effectiveness in streamlining ticket management and enhancing client ROI. Morgan has a keen eye for innovation and a knack for finding creative solutions to complex ticketing challenges. Her expertise spans many areas, including ticketing platforms, event management systems, and customer experience optimization.   In this episode… Corporate season tickets are often underutilized, with nearly half going unused each year, leading to wasted opportunities and reduced ROI for businesses. Many organizations struggle to distribute and track tickets effectively, often relying on inefficient methods like email and spreadsheets. How can companies overcome these inefficiencies to maximize ticket usage and enhance the overall event experience? Morgan Katz, a seasoned professional in the world of ticketing and event technology, has addressed this issue with a centralized platform, Ticket Booth, that simplifies ticket management and improves ROI. Morgan emphasizes the importance of creating clear policies and procedures for ticket distribution, approval timelines, and utilization strategies to reduce waste and improve efficiency. By implementing these systems, businesses can increase ticket usage, foster better client relationships, and maximize the return on their investment while reducing manual overhead. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Morgan Katz, Founder and CEO of Ticketnology, about how her SaaS platform optimizes event ticket management for businesses. Morgan shares her journey from managing live events to launching a tech company during the pandemic, the challenges of being a non-technical founder, and how she learned from the failure of an event registration product.

    28 min

  4. FEB 19

    How Curiosity Fuels Business Growth and Leadership With Alana Winter

    Alana Winter is a serial entrepreneur, creative thinker, and President of Transformative Forum, where she leads retreats, workshops, and one-on-one training to transform business leaders and their teams. She has built and operated several successful ventures, including a fashion accessories company in Australia, three video distribution companies in the United States, and the MI6 Academy and Stiletto Spy School. Recognized for her leadership work with EO and YPO forums, Alana’s innovative programs have been featured on NPR, The Today Show, CBS Morning News, the Wall Street Journal, and more. With a BA in psychology from Wesleyan University and a knack for helping others overcome roadblocks, she inspires leaders to approach challenges with creativity, clarity, and confidence. In this episode… Many leaders struggle with finding purpose and resilience in their professional journeys, especially when faced with unexpected challenges. From burnout and business betrayal to adapting to new technologies, the path to success can feel overwhelming and uncertain. So, how does one transform simple inquisitiveness into a powerful leadership tool? Alana Winter, a serial entrepreneur, shares her insights on transforming adversity into opportunity. Drawing from her experience in building businesses, uncovering fraud, and creating unique programs like MI6 Academy and Stiletto Spy School, Alana emphasizes the importance of curiosity and emotional control. She encourages leaders to focus on clear-headed decision-making, embrace discomfort as a growth opportunity, and actively listen to uncover deeper conversation insights. By approaching problems with a calm mindset and a sense of purpose, Alana demonstrates how curiosity can unlock meaningful connections and drive lasting growth. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Alana Winter, President of Transformative Forum, about the power of curiosity in leadership and business growth. Alana recounts her journey as a young entrepreneur, her lessons from spy-inspired programs, and her strategies for maintaining composure during crises. She also emphasizes the significance of building authentic relationships through curiosity, which can lead to better communication and collaboration.

    44 min

  5. FEB 14

    Bold Ideas To Ignite Business Growth With Alexis Krisay

    Alexis Krisay is the Founder and Owner of Serendipit Consulting, which delivers innovative brand activation and strategic marketing solutions. With over 20 years in marketing, she has advanced from on-site leasing to national leadership, mastering both online and offline strategies for clients in real estate, lifestyle, spa, and health and fitness. Alexis was honored as a 30 Under 30 in 2013 and a Student Housing Rising Star in 2014 while driving occupancy from 35% to 97%. She holds a degree in communications and marketing from the University of Arizona and is an active member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. In this episode… How do wild ideas transform an industry? The fast-paced and competitive marketing world demands innovative strategies to capture attention and drive results. Traditional approaches like flyers or generic campaigns often fail to make an impact in saturated markets. So, how does one find fresh, bold ideas that resonate with target audiences and deliver measurable outcomes? Alexis Krisay, a marketing veteran known for her audacious and imaginative strategies, shares her expertise in creating out-of-the-box marketing campaigns that generate buzz and drive conversions. From leasing student housing properties with immersive events like pool parties and $10,000 cash giveaways to developing unique strategies for brands like Orangetheory Fitness, Alexis emphasizes the importance of creative risk-taking and data-driven execution. She advises businesses to step outside their industry's traditional playbook, engage audiences with experiential activations, and track ROI metrics to ensure campaigns are impactful and profitable. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Alexis Krisay, Founder and Owner of Serendipit Consulting, about crafting innovative marketing strategies. Alexis shares stories of how her creative campaigns revitalized underperforming properties, elevated franchise brands, and launched innovative concepts like OHM Fitness. Her insights take listeners on a journey of innovation and creativity that defies traditional playbooks.

    30 min

  6. FEB 10

    Finding Courage To Become Your True Self With Talie Smith

    Talie Smith is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer at Smith & Connors, a brand and digital agency that accelerates growth and transformation for organizations on a mission. She pioneered Design Therapy, a methodology that helps organizations own their true voice and navigate change through values-driven communications. With over 20 years of experience, Talie draws from her background in visual design, literature, and her work at the Soros Foundations to create meaningful, impactful brand strategies. She is also a member of Business for a Better Portland, an Experience Director at the US West Region of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), and a board member of Zebras Unite. In this episode… Finding the courage to embrace your true self while navigating business and personal growth can feel overwhelming. Many entrepreneurs struggle with self-doubt, misalignment, and the fear of change, often leading to stalled progress and unfulfilled potential. But how does one muster the bravery to leave behind what no longer serves them and embrace a new path? Creative strategist Talie Smith shares how she helps organizations rediscover their identity through a unique approach called "Design Therapy." By facilitating open conversations, addressing hidden tensions, and creating a time-bound process, she ensures teams align around a shared vision. Drawing from her journey — overcoming childhood struggles, taking bold risks, and even undergoing a transformative psychedelic experience — Talie emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and vulnerability in leadership and branding. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Talie Smith, Founder, and CEO at Smith & Connors, about using design therapy to align personal and organizational identities. They discuss how Talie’s childhood shaped her fearless approach to business, her bold move from New York to Portland without a job, and why she welcomes workplace conflict as an opportunity for transformation. This conversation offers valuable lessons in embracing change and authenticity.

    29 min

  7. FEB 7

    Leverage Outsourcing for Business Growth With Andy Cheng

    Andy Cheng is the Co-founder of OptiNizers and Freight Genesis, companies specializing in logistics and outsourcing solutions. He has successfully grown multiple businesses, including becoming the largest isolation gown supplier in North America during the pandemic, achieving impressive growth from 0 to $5.5 million in just six months. Andy is also passionate about leveraging outsourced talent and is actively involved in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, where he mentors and supports fellow entrepreneurs. In this episode… Building and growing a thriving business comes with challenges, such as adapting to new environments, navigating unexpected responsibilities, and finding the right talent to scale operations. Entrepreneurs often struggle with balancing personal and professional demands while ensuring their businesses remain competitive in an evolving market. So, what motivates an individual to take the leap into unfamiliar territories and emerge successful? Serial entrepreneur Andy Cheng shares how he tackled these challenges by leveraging outsourced talent, embracing new business opportunities, and maintaining a resilient mindset. He discusses his transition from market research to entrepreneurship, stepping into his father’s logistics business with no prior experience and later diversifying into other industries like mining and medical supply distribution. Andy emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, staying adaptable, and knowing when to pivot in business to maximize growth and minimize risk. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Andy Cheng, Co-founder of OptiNizers and Freight Genesis, about leveraging outsourced talent and entrepreneurial resilience. Andy discusses his experience stepping into leadership at a young age, adapting to cultural changes, and finding success in different industries. Whether through his pandemic pivot or lessons from managing a freight business, Andy’s story is a testament to perseverance and adaptability.

    43 min

  8. FEB 3

    Winning Growth Strategies in Today’s Economy With Lisa Lickert

    Lisa Lickert is the Owner of EMI Network, an advertising firm that provides content and creative services to empower clients to grow their brands and reach their target audiences. She has successfully led its transition from print to digital marketing, expanded its service offerings, and partnered with major brands like Forbes and USA Today. With over 20 years of experience, Lisa previously managed a $150 million division before acquiring and transforming EMI Network. In addition, she also founded Unique Growth LLC, a financial services firm empowering women and businesses, and volunteers with organizations like Dress for Success and YWCA. In this episode… Many business owners struggle with scaling their companies while navigating industry changes and unexpected challenges. Whether it’s transitioning from traditional to digital marketing or handling unforeseen obstacles like hostile takeovers, the growth journey can be overwhelming. So, what does it take to transition a conventional business into the digital age while navigating personal and professional challenges? Lisa Lickert, a passionate servant leader, shares her experience of acquiring and transforming the EMI Network, highlighting the importance of adaptability and strategic partnerships in overcoming challenges. She emphasizes that taking risks and stepping outside comfort zones are key to achieving growth, noting that "you're never ready; you just have to figure it out." Lisa’s insights include building strong relationships, leveraging partnerships for digital expansion, and focusing on marketing strategies that align with business goals to maximize impact. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Lisa Lickert, Owner of EMI Network, about navigating business transformations and personal challenges. They discuss how Lisa transitioned EMI Network from print to digital marketing, the challenges she faced in acquiring and growing the company, how she balances business leadership with family life, and growth strategies that work in today's dynamic business environment.

    37 min
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4.7
out of 5
212 Ratings

About

"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.

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