The Small Business School

Craig Staley
  • 4.9 (15)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Craig Staley, a 20-year retail veteran and eCommerce practitioner interviews successful small business owners from a variety of industries with one objective, to find out what makes them successful. Whether you have owned a small business for decades or are a budding entrepreneur you will discover ideas and learning lessons that others have implemented to grow their business.As small business owners a lot of the time it feels like we are just figuring stuff out and while there is a lot of truth to that, it doesn’t have to be this way. The Small Business School will help you find answers to questions like – How do I attract more customers? How do I pick the best location for my business? Should I start an online only business? How do I make it through the tough times? How do I use social media effectively? How do I scale my business from 1 person to 100? All of these are questions that are currently rattling around my brain when it comes to my business so I will be learning right along with you.The best way to learn is through experience and these business owners have experienced many challenges, successes and failures that have shaped them and their businesses. Sit back, grab a notepad and pen, maybe a glass of wine or whiskey (not if you’re driving) and let’s learn from these teachers that are gracious enough to open up and tell their stories and help us to grow.

  1. 09/28/2021

    064 - Realizing a Gap in the Market with Tia Berens

    My guest today is Tia Berens. She is a passionate service-driven entrepreneur, travel junkie, new mom, and active community member involved on several non-profit boards in the Black Hills. In 2019, she founded the Barn at Aspen Acres; a large, modern wedding and events center with its roots in the wide-open spaces of Spearfish, South Dakota. We have talked about the beginnings, best moments, and challenges of the Barn at Aspen Acres. She also shares how to manage client's expectations and how did she tackle the planning and building of her beautiful premier wedding venue. Today's Guest Tia Berens Tia Berens is a passionate service-driven entrepreneur, travel junkie, new mom, and active community member involved on several non-profit boards in the Black Hills. In 2019, she founded the Barn at Aspen Acres; a large, modern wedding and events center with its roots in the wide-open spaces of Spearfish, South Dakota. Tia thrives in the dynamic social environment of her business and finds her true passions ignited when she is able to help others celebrate the biggest moments of their lives. Tia enjoys sharing her entrepreneurial spirit and life’s everyday adventures   Website: www.blackhillsbarn.comSocial Media: Instagram: @thebarnfounder and @blackhillsbarnFacebook: @tiaberens and @blackhillsbarnLinkedIn: @blackhillsbarn

    26 min

  2. 09/21/2021

    063: Writing Winning Press Releases with Mickie Kennedy

    My guest today is Mickie Kennedy. He is an expert at helping small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility. Mickie founded eReleases 22+ years ago after realizing that small businesses desperately need a press release service they can actually afford, giving them access to the media and to a national newswire – all with a personal touch. We have talked about the beginnings, best moments, and challenges of the eReleases. He also shares how press releases work, some tips for writing a winning press release, some reasons why press releases fail, and how local businesses could use a press release to get local media coverage. Today's Guest Mickie Kennedy Mickie Kennedy is an expert at helping small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility. Mickie founded eReleases 22+ years ago after realizing that small businesses desperately need a press release service they can actually afford, giving them access to the media and to a national newswire – all with a personal touch. Mickie lives in Baltimore County, Maryland. Website: https://www.ereleases.comSocial Media: Instagram: @ereleasesprFacebook: @ereleases.press.release.distributionLinkedIn: @lavender-menakayaTwitter: @ereleasesYouTube: ereleases

    32 min

  3. 09/15/2021

    062: Caring For Your Customers with Lavender Menakaya

    My guest today is Lavender Menakaya. She is a Nigerian American born in Texas and grew up in Silverspring MD. She is currently based in Alexandria Virginia. She has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and high-end professional organizer and is committed to providing you with an opulent home through her de-cluttering and organizing services. We have talked about the reason why she started Lavender Organizes, the best moments and challenges of her business. She also shares the effects of an organized space to her clients and her ways of finding new clients. Today's Guest Lavender Menakaya Lavender Menakaya is a Nigerian American born in Texas and grew up in Silverspring MD. She is currently based in Alexandria Virginia. She has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and high-end professional organizer and is committed to providing you with an opulent home through her de-cluttering and organizing services. She found her calling at a young age, and she started Lavender Organizes in 2018 to share her talents with others. She brings years of experience and attention to detail to her work to provide her clients with individualized results. She’ll organize any room in your home and donate your unwanted items, leaving you with an inviting, pleasant, and balanced space. Remember, your space affects your mood and energy levels, so a room that is organized can be both inviting and inspiring. She is also the author of “Mangoes in the Rain”.     Website: ·        www.lavenderorganizes.com   Social Media: ·        Instagram: @lavenderorganizes ·        Facebook: @lavenderorganizes ·        LinkedIn: @lavender-menakaya ·        Snapchat: @chinemecherie ·        YouTube: Lavender Menakaya   Links and Resources: Lavender Organizes Podcast Mangoes in the Rain

    22 min
  4. 061: Growing Your Brand with James Patrick

    09/07/2021

    061: Growing Your Brand with James Patrick

    My guest today is James Patrick. He is an award-winning photographer, best-selling author, entrepreneur coach, podcast host, and public speaker based in Phoenix, AZ. He is the founder of FITposium, an annual conference guiding fitness entrepreneurs to grow their careers. We have talked about the beginnings, best moments, and challenges of the FITposium. He also shares the secret on how to grow a brand in the fitness industry and his advice to a new entrepreneur that is looking at everything he does but does not know where to start. Today's Guest James Patrick James Patrick is an award-winning photographer, best-selling author, entrepreneur coach, podcast host, and public speaker based in Phoenix, AZ. He is the founder of FITposium, an annual conference guiding fitness entrepreneurs to grow their careers. James has received a bevy of awards for his work as a photographer, marketer, and entrepreneur. Leveraging his diverse experience, James has presented on stages coast-to-coast in the United States and has been interviewed for numerous TV, radio, magazine, newspaper, and podcast features. James Patrick’s mission is to create art and opportunity for others.   Website: https://www.jamespatrick.com Social Media: Instagram: @jpatrickphotoFacebook: @JamesPatrickPhotography Links and Resources: Beyond the Image Podcast

    44 min

  5. 08/24/2021

    060: High-end Sales with Luci Dumas

    My guest today is Luci Dumas. She is an award-winning PPA Master Craftsman Photographer, business coach, and podcaster. She has enjoyed a successful, profitable, and creatively satisfying full-time career for over 38 years. Her first 12 years were as a high-end wedding photographer. Luci switched to portraits and is the “ baby whisperer" photographing Children, and Families in San Diego. We have talked about the beginnings, best moments, and challenges of The Profitable Photographer. She has shared some of her photography packages, her marketing strategy to target her ideal customers, and her business' sales process. Today's Guest Luci Dumas Luci Dumas is an award-winning PPA Master Craftsman Photographer, business coach, and podcaster. She has enjoyed a successful, profitable, and creatively satisfying full-time career for over 38 years. Her first 12 years were as a high-end wedding photographer. Luci switched to portraits and is the “ baby whisperer" photographing Children, and Families n San Diego. Her “superpower” is selling 3 to 8 wall portraits and albums to almost every client. A teacher at heart, she also loves coaching supporting other talented photographers and creatives who are passionate about creating the business of their dreams or just want to make a great business even more successful. The Profitable Photographer Podcast is her new addition to her career which has had listeners in over 73 countries so far. Website: lucidumascoaching.com Social Media: Facebook:@LuciDumasCoachingInstagram: @theprofitablephotographer_podLinkedIn: @lucidumasTwitter: @acclinton1  Links and Resources: The Profitable Photographer Podcast

    1 hr

  6. 08/17/2021

    059: Finding Your Zone of Greatness with Anita "AC" Clinton

    My guest today is Anita “AC” Clinton. She is a speaker, purpose strategist, author, and the go-to person for all aspects of purpose. She is passionate about helping Purpose-Seekers connect to their purpose, and transition to Game-Changers. Anita is the Founder and President of Anita Clinton Enterprises, LLC, and Be Great Global. She is also the host of the Be Great Global Podcast and the author of “Destiny Starter: How to Discover What You Are Called to Do and Do It!” She recently presented her first TEDx talk in April 2021 entitled, Ignite Your Zone of Greatness. We have talked about the beginnings, challenges, best moments, and the inspiration behind Be Great Global. She also shared more about figuring out someone's zone of greatness and provided helpful tips for aspiring speakers. Today's Guest Anita "AC" Clinton With almost two decades of creative design, brand development, marketing, editorial, and business development experience, Anita “AC” Clinton is the go-to person for all aspects of purpose. Her passion resides in helping Purpose-Seekers connect to their purpose, and transition to Game-Changers. Despite setbacks, roadblocks, and wrong turns along the way, she is living proof that anything can be accomplished with tenacity, determination, and perseverance. She is the Founder and President of Anita Clinton Enterprises, LLC, and Be Great Global, where she creates the Be Great Global Podcast, books, and training programs to help intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs find happiness, fulfillment, and money doing work they actually love. She recently presented her first TEDx talk in April 2021 entitled, Ignite Your Zone of Greatness. In addition, she is the author of “Destiny Starter: How to Discover What You Are Called to Do and Do It!”   Website: https://www.anitaclinton.com/  Social Media: Facebook: @ACEnterprises1Instagram: @acclinton1LinkedIn: @acclinton1Twitter: @acclinton1  Links and Resources: Be Great Global Podcast Destiny Starter: How to Discover What You Are Called to Do and Do It!

    35 min

  7. 08/10/2021

    058: Smarter Social Media with Arjun Rai

    My guest today is Arjun, a New York City-based entrepreneur originally from West Windsor, New Jersey (aka Princeton Junction). Since high school, Arjun has been networking with some of the most well-known entrepreneurs and even worked on a few projects and startups of his own. We have talked about the foundation, challenges, and the future of Hello Woofy. He explained why Hello Woofy is the Tesla Model 3 for Digital Marketing for Underdog Small Business Owners. We have talked more about what improves engagement on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, the sweet spot for how often we should be posting per week, and the biggest mistake Small Business owners make when posting on social media. Today's Guest Arjun Rai Arjun is a New York City-based entrepreneur originally from West Windsor, New Jersey (aka Princeton Junction). Since high school, Arjun has been networking with some of the most well-known entrepreneurs and even worked on a few projects and startups of his own. Upon graduation, Arjun pursued his career opportunities and came to New York City where he enrolled at the New York Institute of Technology in 2011 with scholarships and grants. Following a few weeks into college, Arjun launched his second startup, fuelbrite.com, a social media agency focused on small businesses and startups, and a student-focused organization, TheBizDen. After interning at a PR and ad agency in the summer of 2012, Arjun quickly saw the need for yet another startup within the tech space and raised a seed investment round to build it out. That startup became Wrkbench.io which was a virtual collaboration space designed for creative and visual people (we liked to say we make visual conversations). After spending a few years and learning the ins and outs of running a venture-backed startup, Rai set out to modernize another industry related to his former passion of social media. The startup would be known as HelloWoofy.com which is a social media management platform driven by artificial intelligence to help small to medium-sized businesses with digital marketing.   Website: https://hellowoofy.com/  Social Media: Facebook: @arjunraime  Instagram: @arjunraimeLinkedIn: @arjunraiTwitter: @arjunraimeTikTok: @arjunraime

    37 min

  8. 08/03/2021

    057: Win The Hour Win The Day with Kris Ward

    My guest today is Kris Ward is the leading authority in building your business by building your team. Kris is the founder of the Win The Hour, Win the Day philosophy. She helps entrepreneurs create their W.I.N Team (what is next) team using her signature Super Tool Kits so you can get your Idea to execution and make your ambitions come alive! She shared about the foundation, challenges, and philosophy behind your book Win the Hour Win the Day. We have also talked about the time is right to start building a team, the most common mistakes people make when building their team, and what should business owners implement tomorrow to reduce the reliance of their business on them. Today’s Guest Kris Ward Kris Ward is the leading authority in building your business by building your team. Kris is the founder of the Win The Hour, Win the Day philosophy. She helps entrepreneurs create their W.I.N Team (what is next) team using her signature Super Tool Kits so you can get your Idea to execution and make your ambitions come alive!  After the loss of her husband, Kris returned full-time to her work as a marketing strategist. She was thankful to see that her business had not only survived her absence but was thriving. Now, Kris has completely changed the landscape for entrepreneurs by sharing the successful practices that allowed her absence. Kris has been interviewed by one of the original sharks from Shark Tank, Kevin Harrington, and ABC’s The Secret Millionaire – James Malinchak. She has been featured on award-winning podcasts, radio, and TV shows. You can hear Kris on her own podcast – Win The Hour Win The Day, where she has engaging conversations with dynamic guests covering a variety of business topics so you can get to your next win now! Website: https://www.winthehourwintheday.com/  Social Media: Facebook: @krisward.caInstagram: @kriswardliveLinkedIn: @kriswardbuildyourteamTwitter: @krisward Links and Resources: Win the Hour Win the Day Book Win The Hour Win The Day Podcast Win The Hour Win The Day Free Masterclass

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Craig Staley, a 20-year retail veteran and eCommerce practitioner interviews successful small business owners from a variety of industries with one objective, to find out what makes them successful. Whether you have owned a small business for decades or are a budding entrepreneur you will discover ideas and learning lessons that others have implemented to grow their business.As small business owners a lot of the time it feels like we are just figuring stuff out and while there is a lot of truth to that, it doesn’t have to be this way. The Small Business School will help you find answers to questions like – How do I attract more customers? How do I pick the best location for my business? Should I start an online only business? How do I make it through the tough times? How do I use social media effectively? How do I scale my business from 1 person to 100? All of these are questions that are currently rattling around my brain when it comes to my business so I will be learning right along with you.The best way to learn is through experience and these business owners have experienced many challenges, successes and failures that have shaped them and their businesses. Sit back, grab a notepad and pen, maybe a glass of wine or whiskey (not if you’re driving) and let’s learn from these teachers that are gracious enough to open up and tell their stories and help us to grow.

Information

  • Creator
    Craig Staley
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2021
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Small Business School
  • Show Website
    The Small Business School