Mike & Blaine: Business + Beer + BS artwork

Mike & Blaine: Business + Beer + BS

141 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 219 ratings

When you run your own business, there are battles every day. It's those times when you lean on the experience of others to help guide your way. Join Mike & Blaine for a a chat about business, beer and bs!

Entrepreneurship Business entrepreneurship small business beer advice business strategy business finances friends
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Episodes

EP 134: “The Patience Paradox” - Mike & Blaine

March 28, 2024 19:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MB

Is exercising patience in your business good or bad? On one hand, thoughtful consideration can save you a ton of headaches down the road. On the other hand, you might miss out on an amazing opportunity and risk becoming stagnant or obsolete. In this episode, Mike and Blaine explore the double-edged sword of the role patience plays in small business.   Featured Beer: @AslinBeerCo @HeavySeasBeer Mike: Aslin Beer Company - Daddy Juice Fruited Sour Blaine: Heavy Seas Beer - Tropi Cannon IPA ...

EP 133: “Normal: Myth or Reality” - Mike & Blaine

March 21, 2024 15:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MB

Many of us aim to fit into what's considered "normal," yet often question whether we genuinely do. In this episode, Mike & Blaine tackle the intriguing question: What defines normal for your business, and how can we tell if we fit that mould? From being measured against industry averages to grappling with financial challenges, they dive into what society deems "normal." Join us for an unpredictable hour that promises to explore every corner of this topic. Featured Beer: @foundersbrewing @bi...

EP 132: “Hops and Hardships” - Mike & Blaine

March 14, 2024 19:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MB

It was a good run. After almost two decades of growth and an explosion of crazy-good flavors, the craft brewing business is in decline. How could that be? You would think the beer snobs would revolt or come to their favorite brewers' rescue, but that hasn’t happened yet. In this episode, Mike and Blaine speak about the unthinkable: the decline of the craft brewing industry. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Baltimore Mike, Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @1623b...

EP 131: “Word Woes: Business Edition” - Mike & Blaine

March 07, 2024 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MB

Have you ever heard yourself say something and instantly regretted it? It happens to all of us.  It’s embarrassing and could cause real damage to your business.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about those slips of the tongue that can instantly alter your business.  Is this something you’ve done?  Learn how to address the aftermath of a communication mishap. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Baltimore Mike, Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @GuinnessBreweryBa...

EP 130: “Innovation On Autopilot” - Mike & Blaine

February 29, 2024 15:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MB

AI is here to stay, but we still have some thoughts about how it’s being used.  The massive uptick in people using AI on a daily basis is an amazing phenomenon that needs to be paid attention to.  It is improving people’s lives to the “nth” degree, but is it also making us lazy and uninspiring?  Tune into this episode where Mike & Blaine talk about some of the best and worst use cases for AI, and learn why Mike thinks most AI start-ups are unoriginal “copycat” apps. Thanks to our beer spons...

EP 129: “Market Tug ‘O War: Push v. Pull” Mike & Blaine

February 22, 2024 16:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MB

Sometimes, it’s accidental, and sometimes, it's on purpose, but the strategy you choose for your product dictates how you introduce it to the market. The real difference between pull strategy and push strategy is that you can feel it. You feel the market pulling you in versus you pushing your message and product to anyone who will listen.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine dive into how companies get their product in front of consumers. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barn...

EP 128: “Accidental Genius” - Mike & Blaine

February 14, 2024 22:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

You have probably sat on the couch, saw a product, and thought, “I should have thought of that” or “I had that idea once.”  Yep, regular people, every day, take a chance to create a simple solution to a persistent problem. Most of the time, they didn’t set out to change the world, it just happened.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine delve into the ideas that were odd but became iconic. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @LakewoodBrew...

EP 127: “Cashing In On Perception” - Mike & Blaine

February 08, 2024 17:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MB

For some time now, value pricing has been all the rage in many industries. So, we took a dive into the art of value pricing, where you are focused on the customer experience, not the costs associated with the sale. What might seem like a recipe for disaster could be the very strategy you need to thrive. In this episode, Mike & Blaine take on the facts and myths of value pricing. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @​​twistedxbrewin...

EP 126: “Wordplay For Winners” - Mike & Blaine

February 01, 2024 19:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MB

You hear people say all the time that words f***ing matter.  Especially when you are trying to attract customers to your business, in this episode, Mike & Blaine delve into the world of words and their impact on marketing and sales.  Words do matter, and they can be used to invoke emotion and create perceptions.  Tune in while we discuss the elements that help you win in your market.   Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @Lexington...

EP 125: “Chasing Dreams: Choosing Your Path” - Mike & Blaine

January 25, 2024 17:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

In your career, you can either work on your own dream, or work on someone else’s. When it comes to this pivotal decision, most people have to weigh the pros and cons of leaving the security of employment to brave the world on their own. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about the weight of that decision and the personal attributes that are essential to succeed. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @RealAleBrewing @MotherEarthBrewC...

EP 124: “Psychology of Satisfaction” - Mike & Blaine

January 18, 2024 01:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

We all know how it feels when someone either goes way over the top to deliver or drastically falls short.  You’re either emotionally charged or pi**** off. In this compelling episode, Mike & Blaine delve into the psychological effects of 'underpromising and overdelivering' on customers. They discuss how exceeding expectations can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, but the opposite is also just as true.  In either case, this is bound to be an interesting conversation on ...

EP 123: “Climbing The Sand Hill”

January 11, 2024 18:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MB

It seemed like everything got a fresh new start when the calendar turned from December to January.  Everything but our never-ending list of things to get done. In fact, the endless grind of goals, pricing changes, policy adjustments…on and on.  It just feels like your uphill battle gets harder with each step. The hill may look small, but the shifting sand takes a ton more effort to get to the top. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about the massive chore of making things happen. Thanks to...

EP 122: “So Many Secrets” Mike & Blaine

January 04, 2024 17:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MB

It seems like wherever you look, there is an article or claim that the author knows a secret that you don’t.  I don’t know how many times we have clicked on an article holding so much promise and been disappointed.  Ugh, it’s another clickbait headline!  Just before the podcast, we googled cash flow secrets and came up with millions of articles.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine ponder if there really are that many unknown secrets! Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett ...

EP 121: “Crystal Balls & Curve Balls” Mike & Blaine

December 27, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MB

It’s that time of year when the internet overlords tell us what is going to happen in the New Year.  Don’t be shocked!  They look surprisingly similar to last year's predictions.  The truth in the matter is we don’t know, but we can make some pretty good guesses based on fact. Join Mike & Blaine as they discuss the need for predictions to be coupled with a flexible mind in an ever-changing world. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer:...

EP 120: “Boring Is Beautiful” Mike & Blaine

December 21, 2023 18:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MB

We always talk about the businesses that grab headlines and get you excited, but we often overlook the ones that seem mundane or routine.  The truth is: that these businesses are the ones that tend to stand out to a trained eye.  They are more predictable and reliable.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine discuss what makes a boring business attractive. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @6666gritandglory @wrenhousebrewing Mike: Four ...

EP 119: “ON vs. IN Your Business” Mike & Blaine

December 12, 2023 20:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MB

At the risk of making every business advisor in the world mad at us, “working ON your business, not just IN your business” is a worn-out cliche. Don’t get it wrong, it’s totally true; it's just that the phrase itself might be played out. In this episode, Mike & Blaine dissect the phrase and pass judgment on whether or not the phrase needs an update. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @FamilyBusinessBeerCo @wayfinderbeer Mike: Fam...

EP 118: “Sales Fiascos” Mike & Blaine

November 30, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MB

We always want to talk about the wins, but nobody tells the stories of the cringe-worthy sales call.  Funny thing is, you can almost tell immediately when things go south during a presentation. It leaves everyone with a lasting impression, so let's give thanks to Mike & Blaine as they discuss the warning signs that a sale just isn’t going to happen in this Thanksgiving episode. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @hopbutcher Mike:...

EP 117: “My Virtual Assistant Needs An Assistant.” Mike & Blaine

November 23, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MB

We first heard about virtual assistants for small business owners from Tim Ferris in his book - “The 4 Hour Work Week.”  But how practical are they?  Do you really have enough work to justify one, and will they do the job the way you want it done?  Mike & Blaine debate the tips, tricks, and traps of finding help as a small business owner in this episode. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @AveryBrewingCo @greatnotion Mike: Avery ...

EP 116: “Taglines That Stick” Mike & Blaine

November 16, 2023 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MB

What makes you remember a company?  Better yet, what is almost the first thing you think of when someone mentions a company.  A lot of times, it’s their tagline.  That short little phrase just seems to sum up the entire business.  In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about how hard it is to find the perfect words to connect your brand with the emotions people hold about you. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat!   Featured Beer: @StoneBrewing @hopbu...

EP 115: “From Expertise to Entrepreneurship” Mike & Blaine

November 09, 2023 17:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MB

There is never a shortage of consultants, but the lifespan of a consulting company looks short. In this episode of Mike & Blaine, we will explore taking your skills and turning them into a business. So, how exactly do you leave the corporate grind and find success in consulting? Tune into this episode to find out. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat! Featured Beer: @PantherIslandBrewing @goldwaterbrewingco Mike: Panther Island - Oreas Imperial Stou...

EP 114: “Time to Tackle Burnout” Mike & Blaine

November 01, 2023 15:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MB

Small business is a grind. It’s day-in and day-out repetition of barely moving the needle.  Sometimes, we wonder why we put ourselves through it as small business owners. The emotional toll presents itself as burnout, but is it? We think burnout is about resentment, and preventing it means discovering what you resent about your situation the most. Find out more during this episode of Mike & Blaine. Thanks to our beer sponsors! Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat! Featured Beer:...

EP 113: “Getting Paid What You're Owed” Mike & Blaine

October 25, 2023 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MB

Just getting paid!... It’s a huge part of mastering cash flow. Too often, we hurt ourselves by not making the most important task in our business super simple. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about making it easy for your customers to give you money. They talk about strategies and technology to streamline your payment process and boost your bank account. Thanks to our beer sponsors!   Larry Weinstein, Rachel Barnett & Neighbour Pat! Featured Beer: @newbelgium @SirenCraftBrew Mike: New...

EP 112: “Bankruptcies on the Rise!” Mike & Blaine

October 18, 2023 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MB

We were doing so well. Really. The small business community had finally rebounded from the collapse in 2008, and businesses were staying alive. There was a significant drop in filings from the high back in 2009, but in the last 12 months, they are climbing again.  Mike and Blaine talk about how to keep your small business alive. Thanks to our beer sponsor  - Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog! Featured Beer: @secondpitchbeerco @FlyingMonkeysBeer Mike: Second Pitch Beer Company - Meet in the ...

EP 111: “Stop Funnel Frustration” Mike & Blaine

October 11, 2023 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MB

Everyone knows you must have a sales funnel, but what does that mean? ...and why can’t I seem to master it?  In this episode, Mike & Blaine discuss the challenges they have encountered building and optimizing a sales funnel, which often feels like a game of Whack-A-Mole. Go beyond "Build It and They Will Come" and learn how to lead your customers down the golden path. Featured Beer: @zeroissuebeer Mike: Neighbor Pat’s Smoked Scottish Ale Blaine: Zero Issue - Smack NE IPA Watch on YouTube...

EP 110: “‘Tomatoes that Rock for You’ and Other Perils of AI” - Mike and Blaine

October 05, 2023 18:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MB

I caught it before I hit send but “tomatoes that rock for you” nearly went out to a prospective client who was introduced to me through a friend. Clicking send would have been a double-whammy. Lost lead and annoyed friend. There’s so much more than auto-correct that is helping us run our companies every day – but they’re also putting us at much greater peril? Much more than a silly autocorrect mistake? Tune in to Mike & Blaine where we’ll dive into a healthy dose of business, beer, and BS. ...

EP 109: “The Inventory Dilemma” Mike & Blaine

September 28, 2023 22:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MB

How do you know if your inventory is too old?  Just blow on it.  If you see dust in the air, your inventory has been there too long.  Inventory is a real pain for small businesses.  Have too much and you kill your cash flow, have too little and you lose valuable sales.  In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about the perils of inventory and a few survival tactics for small business. Featured Beer: @sierranevadabeer @TwinSailsBrewing Mike: Sierra Nevada - Hazy Little Thing IPA Blaine: Twin...

EP 108: “Buy vs. Build? The Strategic Choice” Mike & Blaine

September 21, 2023 16:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MB

Take a deep dive into the age-old debate of buy versus build to drive business growth. Mike & Blaine explore the nuances of expanding your company, from hiring employees to outsourcing projects, and share insights on when to invest in existing assets or create new ones from scratch. Tune in for a discussion that will help you make strategic decisions for your businesses. Featured Beer: @StarbaseBrewing @muskokabrewery Mike: Starbase Brewing - The Terraformer Red Ale Blaine: Muskoka Brewin...

EP 107: “From Duct Tape To Victory” Mike & Blaine

September 14, 2023 15:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

In this episode of the Mike & Blaine podcast, join us as we dive deep into the art of resourcefulness and how to achieve remarkable results with minimal resources. We'll share personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to harness creativity, innovation, and a can-do attitude to make the most out of limited means. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and learn how to turn constraints into opportunities on your journey to success. Featured Beer: @independencebrewing @beerebrewingco Mike: Inde...

EP 106: “Hyper-Local Secrets to Success” Mike & Blaine

September 08, 2023 16:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MB

Not every business has the chance to attract customers on a global level.  There are lots of businesses that must fight tooth and nail to win customers in their own neighborhood or town.  In this episode of Mike & Blaine, we discuss the Hyper-Local business.  Those small shops we depend on for home-grown services. Featured Beer: @saintarnold @snakelakebrewco Mike: Saint Arnold Brewing Company - Summer Pils Blaine: Snake Lake - Vanilla Latte Stout Thanks to Beer Sponsor: Jonathon Angell a...

EP 105: “Digital Do’s and Don’ts” Mike & Blaine

August 31, 2023 16:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MB

The internet is here for good, so small business owners need to embrace the idea of having a digital identity.  After all, it may be the only impression a customer may have of you and your business.  In this episode, discover actionable tips to enhance your online presence and avoid common pitfalls. Tune in while Mike and Blaine try to help you level up your digital game and drive business success through your website. Featured Beer: @SpindleTapBrewery @irrationalbrewing Mike: SpindleTap B...

EP 104: “Good or Perfect?” Mike & Blaine

August 24, 2023 18:00 - 55 minutes - 38.5 MB

It’s been said that a good plan executed on time is better than a perfect plan executed late.  In this episode of Mike & Blaine, the duo dive into mastering the perfect balance of planning and taking action in your business.  After all, business is faster now than ever.  Can you take the right calculated risk to get ahead? Featured Beer: @RealAleBrewing @collectiveartsbrewing Mike: Real Ale Brewing Company - Squirt Gun IPA Blaine: Collective Arts - Galaxy Two Ways NEIPA Thanks to Beer Sp...

EP 103: “Embrace the Robots” Mike & Blaine

August 17, 2023 15:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MB

Tune in to the latest episode of the Mike & Blaine Podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of AI adoption by small businesses with special guest Ron Saharyan of Profit First!. In this insightful discussion, we unpack the intriguing insights from a recent Fox Business article that highlights how small businesses are embracing AI solutions and reaping the benefits. Join us as we try to figure out if AI is legit or a road in the wrong direction. Featured Beer: @saintarnold @goodrobotbre...

EP 102: “Unleash Your Marketing Mojo” Mike & Blaine

August 10, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 38.5 MB

In this week’s episode of Mike & Blaine discover how to craft irresistibly edgy messages that captivate your audience, resonate with their emotions, and leave a lasting impact on your small business. Get ready to take your marketing game to the next level and dominate your competition with our expert tips and tricks. Featured Beer: @LakewoodBrewing @Frontaalbrewingco Mike: Lakewood - Double Stuffed Temptress Imperial Milk Stout Blaine: Frontaal - Out in the Open B.A. Imperial Stout  Than...

EP 101: “FREE! Good or Bad?” Mike & Blaine

August 02, 2023 16:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MB

In the biggest episode yet, Mike and Blaine tackle the stigma of giving away things for free in your business, while giving away a massive amount of goods to the winner of The Hundo Super Pack.  Mike and Blaine fearlessly discuss the misconceptions around giving freebies in your business. Learn how strategic generosity can build trust, loyalty, and authentic connections with your audience in this week’s episode. Featured Beer: @Boulevard @AleSmithBrewing Mike: Boulevard - Whisky Barrel Sto...

EP 100: “Mind Blowing Numbers” - Mike & Blaine

July 27, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

Join Mike and Blaine in this riveting 100th episode of "Unbelievable Stats," where they uncover mind-blowing numbers that defy imagination. They also get into an epically silly argument over tactics for improving your profit margin. And they drink some great beer! Mike: Neighbor Pat’s - “Orange You Glad You Know Neighbor Pat” Ale Blaine: Beere and Brassneck Collaboration - “Big Whoop” DIPA Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HY4pX6BbMmo Listen to all our episodes at: https://www.mikeandbl...

EP 99: “Spotting Gold ” Mike & Blaine

July 20, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MB

Delve into the crucial role of the entrepreneur in identifying and seizing business opportunities. Drawing from their own experiences and featuring inspiring success stories, Mike and Blaine explore the key indicators to look for in choosing whether to take or pass on an opportunity.   Featured Beer: Anchorage Brewing and @TUPPSBrewery   Mike: Tupps - Day Pass Wheat Beer Blaine: Anchorage Brewing - Wasteland Triple IPA Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qHDMlBnQVsY Listen to all our epi...

EP 98: “Crowd Power 101” Mike & Blaine

July 12, 2023 19:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

Raising money is hard, especially if you go the traditional VC route, but what about crowdsourcing platforms like Kickstarter.  Start-ups have raised a ton of money through crowdsourcing, but before you invest or try to raise funds, you better do some research. Mike & Blaine discuss their opinions and experiences with crowdfunding. Featured Beer: @AlamoBeerCo @bornbrewingco   Mike: Alamo Beer Company - Shotgun AG Lager Blaine: Born - Strong Roots Hazy Imperial IPA Watch on YouTube: https...

EP 97: “Gaining the Upper Hand” Mike & Blaine

July 05, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MB

Discover winning strategies to master small business competition in this insightful episode. Mike & Blaine share actionable tips on differentiation, target audience understanding, and leveraging technology. Gain a competitive edge with real-life success stories and practical steps for sustainable growth. Tune in now! Featured Beer: @Einstok @driftwoodbeer Mike: Einstok - Arctic Pale Ale Blaine: Driftwood - Twenty Pounder Double IPA Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SzOOIdmcYKE Listen t...

EP 96: “The Storyteller’s Playbook” - Mike & Blaine

June 29, 2023 14:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MB

Featured Beer: @ShinerBeer @redhartbrewing We’re convinced that the art of effective storytelling is the key to giving your small business success. It’s the magic of capturing your ideal audience’s attention with a memorable experience that will set your business apart. In this episode, Mike & Blaine discuss what they think are the elements of a good story. Mike: Shiner Bock Blaine: Red Hart Brewing - Bambi’s Revenge Double IPA Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9ESyQ3M14zE Listen to al...

EP 95: “From Zero To Viral” - Mike & Blaine

June 22, 2023 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MB

Featured beer: @OskarBluesCANS  @collectiveartsbrewing Every time we post something or plan a huge campaign we try to unlock the secret of riding the viral wave. Join Mike & Blaine as they explore the frustration and excitement attached with creating a campaign that vaults your brand across the internet. You truly can turn your underdog status into triumph in this new digital world, but at what cost? Mike: Oskar Blues - Cosmic Mutant IPA Blaine: Collective Arts - Ransack the Universe IPA ...

EP 94: “Cashless Society? Really?” - Mike & Blaine

June 15, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

We are torn between two worlds. The lure of the new cryptocurrency and digital currency and the security of cold hard cash. Any more it seems inevitable that we don’t need a physical currency, after all most people stopped carrying it. Mike and Blaine discuss the future of money and what that means to business owners. Today's Beer:  Mike: Texas Ale Project - Cotton Candy Pilsner Blaine: Beere - Experimental Stuff Double Dry Hopped IPA @TexasAleProject @beerebrewingco Watch on YouTube: h...

EP 93: “Seems Like Everybody’s a Coach” - Mike & Blaine

June 08, 2023 17:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MB

We get bombarded daily with offers to be “coached” or “trained” on one skill or another. Truth is, most of the time we think we don’t need it while we pour over the internet for some secret that we must have overlooked. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about the Rise of the Coach and how a small business can reap the rewards…or sometimes, risk damage. Today's Beer:  Mike: Neighbour Pat’s - Hoppy Flow Mike Blaine: Frontaal - Into Outer Space Tonka Vanilla Imperial Stout @Frontaalbrewin...

EP 92: “Would You Refuse An Upgrade?” - Mike & Blaine

May 31, 2023 15:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MB

In an article this week, the author made the claim that travelers are likely to refuse an upgraded plane seat to sit with someone they know. That got us thinking. How effective are add-ons and upgrades as promotions? Do they work? Mike & Blaine take on the psychological effect of ‘free’ in this episode. Today's Beer:  Mike: Texas Beer Company - Wild Texas Kolsch Blaine: Snake Lake - Snakes Near a Plane Triple IPA @TexasBeerCompany @snakelakebrewco Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XKFl...

EP 91: “Why Are We So Easy to Manipulate?” - Mike & Blaine

May 24, 2023 22:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MB

You wouldn’t think that.  After all, I think we all see ourselves as pretty smart.  But business has a way of bending your beliefs and making your challenge your gut instincts.  In this week’s episode, Mike & Blaine take on the psychology of the buying customer. Today's Beer:  Mike: Tupp’s IPA Blaine: Frontaal - Stick Mouse Trap Barrel Aged Barley Wine @TUPPSBrewery @Frontaalbrewingco Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/CWUJmbATST4 Listen to all our episodes at: https://www.mikeandblain...

EP 90: “My Business HAS a Side Hustle” - Mike & Blaine

May 20, 2023 15:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MB

What? You read that right. There is a new trend among businesses to add a side hustle to their core business activity. In a lot of cases it doesn’t make sense, but every once in a while you run across an idea that just fits. Mike and Blaine discuss this issue in this week's episode. Today's Beer:  Mike: SpindleTap Brewery - Heavy Hands Hazy DIPA Blaine: Bellwoods - Double Jutsu DIPA @SpindleTapBrewery @BellwoodsBrewery Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/-xkqUn26v0U Listen to all our ep...

EP 89: “The Need To Achieve” - Mike & Blaine

May 09, 2023 19:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

What is it that drives us to want to be entrepreneurs? Underneath all the stress and happiness is the addiction to achievement. We drive ourselves toward an endless pursuit of perfection with the confidence and state of mind of a warrior. But what’s behind the drive? Mike and Blaine tackle the entrepreneur's brain in this episode. Today's Beer:  Mike: Golden Road - Mango Cart Wheat Ale Blaine: Anchorage - You Got Guts IPA @goldenroadbrew  Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/_fqtZRw-030 ...

EP 88: “Seriously??? That’s what your business does?” Mike & Blaine

May 05, 2023 16:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB

Every once in a while you hear about the craziest thing someone has turned into a business idea. At times, you laugh. Other times you’re impressed. Especially if you are struggling in what we consider a traditional small business. Mike & Blaine talk about strange businesses you didn’t know existed. Today's Beer: Mike: Independence - Secret Stash IPA Blaine: Flying Monkeys - Sparklepuff Triple IPA @Indebrewco @FlyingMonkeysBeer Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/Hph-toqvIe4 Listen to al...

EP 87: “Your fate!...according to a robot!” Mike & Blaine

April 26, 2023 16:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MB

We asked ChatGPT: “What do you think will happen to small businesses in 2023?”  Being it’s politically correct self, ChatGPT said it couldn’t predict…but made five predictions anyway!  Mike and Blaine discuss what our Robot Overlord told us. Today's Beer: Mike: Real Ale Brewing - Crispy Business Blaine: Blind Enthusiasm - Shattered Shadows Lager @RealAleBrewing @BlindEnthusiasm Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/xPsCt8vHh40 Listen to all our episodes at: https://www.mikeandblaine.com ...

EP 86: “Who Doesn’t Want a 4-Day Work Week?” Mike & Blaine

April 19, 2023 02:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MB

The idea of a 4-day work week is becoming popular. The benefits are obvious. More retention, better employee engagement and happiness, lower burnout rates, and fewer sick days. Join us as Mike and Blaine discuss the 4-day work week. Today's Beer: Mike: Duvel - Triple Hop IPA Blaine: Beachwood - Citraholic IPA @Duvel.beer @BeachwoodBrewing Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/xPsCt8vHh40 Listen to all our episodes at: https://www.mikeandblaine.com cashflowmike.com dryrun.com #smallbusi...

EP 85: “Me, an Employee, or ChatGPT? Whose job is it?” Mike & Blaine

April 11, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 45.7 MB

What took Netflix 3 ½ years to do, ChatGPT acquired a million users in 5 days.  But is ChatGPT really all it’s cracked up to be.  Mike and Blaine are going to take a totally uneducated look at AI and how small businesses may be able to take advantage of this technology, now and in the future.  This episode is sure to haunt us later as we are proven right or wrong down the road.  Let the trolling begin. Today's Beer: Mike: Boulevard - Whisky Barrel Stout Blaine: Burgeon - Rainbow Pulp @Bo...