Mike & Blaine: Business + Beer + BS artwork

Mike & Blaine: Business + Beer + BS

145 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day 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 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...

EP 84: “Pay-Per Chew…?? Are We Subscription Crazy?” Mike & Blaine

April 06, 2023 16:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MB

Seriously, restaurants are trying to get into the subscription business model.  I mean why not?  Who doesn’t want pizza on a regular basis?  But is there a limit to which businesses can successfully use a subscription based business model.  Mike and Blaine take a closer look at our subscription based lives in this episode. Today's Beer: Mike: Left Hand - Milk Stout Nitro Blaine: Dark Sky Brewing - Vortices IPA @LeftHandBrewing @DarkSkyBrewingCo Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FIzBoKA...

EP 83: “If You BAN It WiIl They Come?” Mike & Blaine

March 29, 2023 21:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MB

It’s rare that we’ve seen a social media platform take the world by storm so quickly.  What started out as a dance craze for teens, seemingly became a small business owner's dream overnight.  Micro influencers popped up everywhere selling everything, and became millionaires.  Now that the US Government is on the verge of banning the app as a Chinese spy apparatus, what becomes of the ecosystem of businesses that have been built around it?  Mike and Blaine talk about the rise and fall of busi...

EP 82: “What Happens to Small Businesses When Sh** Hits The Fan?” Mike & Blaine

March 23, 2023 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MB

If there is one thing that is painfully obvious this week, it’s that fact that cash flow problems aren’t restricted to small and struggling businesses.  Even the so-called “smartest guys in the room”, are prone to making decisions that can kill a company quickly.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine stay on the topic of cash flow and how the recent bank collapse made it even worse. Today's Beer: Mike: Wiseacre Brewing Company - Moon Biscuits Amber ale Blaine: Toppling Goliath - Fire, Skulls & ...

EP 81: “WTF Silicon Valley Bank!?” Mike & Blaine

March 15, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MB

This week the tech industry and thousands of small businesses were rocked with the news that Silicon Valley Bank was closed by regulators. In this special episode, Mike and Blaine argue about the banks’ role in this mess and, more importantly, the overall impact on business owners. Today's Beer: Mike: Shiner Bock - Kryptek Edition Blaine: Beachwood Brewing - Hop Jitsu IPA @ShinerBeer @BeachwoodBrewing Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/VmMkpIpxewg Listen to all our episodes at: https:/...

EP 80: “If You Have Time To Whine, Then You Have Time To Find A Solution.” Mike & Blaine

March 06, 2023 21:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

I remember my first boss, Dale - the chef, had a variation of this quote. He’d say, “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.”  The whole premise here is that solutions and productivity are just as time consuming as complaining or wasting time. In this episode, Mike and Blaine explore the challenges of staying focused on results opposed to being distracted with negativity. Today's Beer: Mike: Karbach - Hopadilla IPA Blaine: New Holland - Dragon’s MIlk Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout @...

EP 79: “It’s Just a Different Spin on an Old Idea.” Mike & Blaine

March 02, 2023 21:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MB

This is super interesting – most of the companies that appear to be an instant success are really just building on the past. It’s true that we are more likely to accept something that we already use or connect with that holds the promise of being better. In this episode, Mike & Blaine look at the difference between a new idea and just a new look at an old idea. Today's Beer: Mike: Martin House Brewing Company - Mama's Pumpkin Pie Sour Blaine: Prairie Artisan Ales - Mo Peanut Mo Problems I...

Ep 78: “The Cost Of Inaction Is Greater Than A Mistake” - Mike & Blaine

February 23, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MB

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and sometimes the moment to transform your life passes you by.  That is the premise for Meg Whitman’s quote on not taking action has a higher price than making a mistake.  Mike and Blaine take on the challenge of knowing when to pull the trigger on an idea, even when you think it might fail. Today's Beer: Mike: Neighbour Pat’s Raspberry Sour Blaine: Wren House Mild hogs DIPA @wrenhousebrewing Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/LucEwMtM8Qs Liste...

EP 77: “Trust Your Instincts” on Mike & Blaine

February 17, 2023 00:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MB

We all know that feeling you get when something just doesn’t feel right.  Sometimes we can’t place our finger on it, but we know something isn’t right.  That’s when you should trust your instincts.  But what about when you feel that something could be awesome, should you trust it then?  Mike and Blaine debate this issue caused by a quote from Estee Lauder. Today's Beer: Mike: Neighbour Pat’s Vanilla Porter Blaine: Revision - Dr Lupulin 3X IPA  @revisionbrewing Watch on Youtube: https://...

EP 76: “Unhappy Customers are a Great Source of Info” Mike & Blaine

February 07, 2023 21:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

Bill Gates is credited with the quote that “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”  Let’s face it.  Nobody likes to deal with customers who are mad at you.  Especially when they are emotionally charged.  In this week’s episode, Mike & Blaine discuss the challenges of dealing with an unhappy customer and how you can turn this situation into a win-win for everyone involved. Today's Beer: Mike: Neighbour Pat’s Moose Drool Brown Ale Blaine: Half Acre Beer Company -...

EP 75: “Idea’s Not Perfect? You Can Adapt.” Mike & Blaine

February 02, 2023 17:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MB

Ideas are everywhere. You can’t help but stumble on an idea everywhere you turn. If you’re a business owner, it triples the amount because everyone you talk to has something for you to consider. The problem is executing on the idea. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about what happens when an idea runs into obstacles. Today's Beer: Mike: Freetail - Texicali Brown Ale Blaine: Chapman Crafted - Scenic Route IPA @freetailbrewing @chapmancrafted Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/o6dBb_...

EP 74 - Mike & Blaine: “Early to Bed. Early to Rise. Work Like Hell and Advertise.”

January 26, 2023 17:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MB

One of the most difficult skills to master as a small business owner is advertising.  What drives a person to first look at your ad, be inspired to act, and then take action.  That is the secret that most businesses have to figure out.  One thing is for certain, if you don’t advertise, chance are that you won’t have much business.  Mike & Blaine talk advertising in this week’s episode. Today's Beer: Mike: New Belgium - Top Raider IPA Blaine: Bottle Logic - She Shot First Tropical IPA @ne...

EP 73: Mike & Blaine - Getting the Opinion of Your Market

January 17, 2023 22:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

On the heels of a brand redesign, Mike & Blaine tackle getting the opinion of the market for your idea.  What’s the right thing to do?  Should you gather input from the market or do you know better because they haven’t been exposed to the idea yet.  Henry Ford said “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”  We unpack the quote in this week’s episode of Mike & Blaine. Today's Beer: Mike: Martin House Brewing Company - Astronaut Apocalypse Imperial Stout ...

EP 72: Mike & Blaine - “High Expectations are the Key to Everything”

January 12, 2023 18:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB

Season 3 starts off with a bang!  You can’t begin a new year without a new set of expectations for yourself and your business.  Nobody said it better than the founder of Wal-Mart himself, Sam Walton.  Check out this episode to see what Mike and Blaine have in store for Season 3, and 2023 for themselves personally, and professionally.  Today's Beer: Mike: Scope Creep - Fair State Brewing Cooperative Blaine: Goldwater - Birthday Suit West Coast IPA @FairStateCoop @goldwaterbrewingco Liste...

EP 71 - In The Midst Of Chaos, There Is Opportunity.” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

January 04, 2023 20:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MB

What probably should be required reading for any business owner, The Art of War, by Sun Tzu, is full of wisdom about confronting an opposing force.  In this episode, Mike & Blaine consider how to spot the opportunity that is created in chaos.  They even discuss whether or not chaos exists, or is it just an order that you don’t understand.  Don’t miss the last episode of Season 2! Today's Beer: Mike: Maui Brewing Company & SpindleTap Brewery Collaboration - Lei the Day Pale Ale Blaine: Nos...

EP 70 - “If You Think You Can or Can’t - You’re Right.” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

December 29, 2022 23:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MB

There is something magical about being able to set your mind to achieve something.  Henry Ford made the title quote a reality when he believed he could change the world by producing a car.  We all have things that we have been able to achieve that we never thought we could.  We’ve also been victims of failing, mainly because we just didn’t think we could do it.  In the episode, Mike and Blaine take on the mindset and the role it plays in being an entrepreneur.   Today's Beer: Mike: Tupps -...

EP 69 - “Chase The Vision, Not The Money.” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

December 20, 2022 17:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

Tony Hsieh once said to chase the vision, not the money, the money will follow.  If there was ever a quote that hits the nail on the head, it’s this one.  You can’t chase money is the topic of today’s episode, where Mike and Blaine talk about their attitudes toward how success and fortune connect.  Today's Beer: Mike: Neighbour Pat’s Beer - Gingerbread Spiced Beer Blaine: Claremont Craft Ales - Fortune IPA @neighbourpat? @ClaremontCraftAles Listen to all our episodes at: https://www.mik...

EP 68 - “You Are Winking In The Dark Without Advertising.” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

December 13, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MB

The first way to get known in business is to advertise. Not surprisingly, without advertising nobody will know you're in business.  When you say it out loud it makes so much sense, but why do so many small business owners avoid buying advertising or promoting their business.  Mike and Blaine discuss their experience with advertising and why some people avoid it in this episode based on a quote from Steuart Henderson Britt. Today's Beer: Mike: Lakewood Brewing - Peanut Butter Tempress Stout...

EP 67 - “What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

December 07, 2022 13:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MB

Looking back, this quote by Sheryl Sandberg, of Meta Platforms, is almost prophetic.  It's interesting to consider the reasons we don’t take advantage of opportunities.  In most cases there is a fear associated with the decision.  In this episode, Mike and Blaine tackle the question of limiting fears and shifting beliefs.  Find out what may be holding you back from changing the world. Today's Beer: Mike: Armed Forces Brewing - Preamble Session Lager Blaine: Second Chance Beer Company - Fr...

EP 66 - “Where We Fall Are The Stepping Stones For Our Journey” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

November 30, 2022 13:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

It’s Thanksgiving, so we always take a little time to reflect on the things that have brought us joy, happiness, and success.  This Thanksgiving we dive into Lolly Daskal’s quote about falling is really the stepping stones for our journey.  Mike and Blaine discuss the things that had the most impact on their future.  It’s retrospective, but super cool to draw the connections.  Don’t miss this episode. Today's Beer: Mike: Breckenridge - Christmas Ale Blaine: Paperback  - Tucked in By Stran...

EP 65 - “Even Smart Individuals Lose To Teams” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

November 23, 2022 12:00 - 50 minutes - 35.1 MB

In a variation of “none of us is as smart as all of us”, Mike and Blaine discuss the importance of building a good team.  We would all like to think of ourselves as the smartest guy in the room, but when push comes to shove, the individual has limitations that don’t affect the team as much.  The point is to surround yourself with world class people and you’ll create a world class offering.   Today's Beer: Mike: BrewDog - It’s a Beaut, Pecan and Toffee Stout Blaine: The Brewing Projekt  - ...

EP 64 - “You Learn To Walk By Doing.” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

November 17, 2022 13:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

Richard Branson is credited with the quote, “You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and falling over.”  Mike and Blaine put their unique spin on this quote and break it down.  Is it ok to break the rules? Is the only way to learn by doing?  These are the questions being debated in today’s episode of Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine.@Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine   Today's Beer: Mike: New Belgium - Atomic Pumpkin Blaine: Sonoran - Monkey Business Mojito Ale @n...

EP 63 - “Always Deliver More Than Expected” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

November 10, 2022 13:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MB

If there ever was a company that delivered more than is expected, it’s Google. This quote by Co-Founder Larry Page sums up why you receive millions of search results in milliseconds on the web.  But more importantly, it applies to everything you do in business and your personal life.  Mike and Blaine bring this topic to life in Episode 63 of Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine. @Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine   Today's Beer: Mike: Roughhouse Brewing - Hill Country Light Blaine: Roses by...

EP 62 - “I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

November 03, 2022 21:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

Warren Buffet’s famous quote, “I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over” contains a ton of wisdom for business owners. Too often, we want the big win and fast!...but sometimes the easy route is the best. Mike and Blaine unpack this logic in this episode of Nobody Told Me. @Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine   Today's Beer: Mike: Indio Cerveza Blaine: Great Lakes Brewing - Octopus Wants to Fight IPA @cervezaindio  @greatlakesbrewingco List...

EP 61: “It’s Not Dog Food Until A Dog Eats It” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

October 27, 2022 12:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

Blaine went to a workshop this week and came back with this nugget.  You’ve heard that an owner should eat his own dog food, but maybe we should be thinking about it as if we don’t know if our product or service is even dog food yet.  This week we talk about product market fit on Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine. Today's Beer: Mike: Roughhouse Brewing - Treeform IPA Blaine: Field House - Strata Tropic Hazy IPA @RoughhouseBrewing  @fieldhousebrewing Listen to all our episodes at: https:...

EP 60: “If You’re Not Embarrassed by the First Version, You’ve Launched Too Late” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

October 20, 2022 10:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

This is an episode on timing the release of your products or services.  Timing is an art, but it takes the ability to identify an MVP (minimum viable product).  The MVP has a sole purpose of helping your set the foundation for your product/service and then evolve it into the market expectations.  Mike and Blaine take about timing and what happens if you wait too long. Today's Beer: Mike: Roughhouse Brewing - Pecan Praline Bock Blaine: Steel & Oak - Shiny Things IPA @RoughhouseBrewing  @s...

EP 59: “Data Beats Emotions” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

October 12, 2022 10:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MB

If this isn’t the best thing you hear all day, then listen to this episode!  With the introduction of automation and access to tons and tons of data, it’s time to start listening to the story in the numbers.  Two Cash Flow Software dudes, Mike and Blaine, dig into the meaning of data beats emotions in this episode. @Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine   Today's Beer: Mike: Roughhouse Brewing - Honeycrumb Farmhouse Ale Blaine: Dog Island Brewing - The Foggy Dew Hazy Pale Ale @RoughhouseBre...

EP 58: “You Can’t Make Anything Viral, But You Can Make Something Good” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

October 06, 2022 12:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

Have you ever tried, better yet hoped something you did went viral?  Man if we only knew the secret formula.  The truth is, viral is such a random chance of events, that usually have nothing to do with a business.  They are usually dumb things people do.  So maybe our goal shouldn’t be to go viral.  This quote by Peter Shankman is the topic of conversation between Mike and Blaine in Episode 58. Today's Beer: Mike: Fair State Brewing Cooperative - Mister Falcon IPA Blaine: Driftwood Brewer...

EP 57: “Look For The People Who Want to Change The World” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

September 29, 2022 10:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

It’s back to back wisdom from Spencer Fry.  One of the hardest things in business to do is hire the right people.  There are just so many things that could go wrong and set your business back to the beginning.  In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about the employees who made a difference and those who didn’t. Today's Beer: Mike: Eight Beer - Light Lager Blaine: Hypha Project - IPA @drinkeightbeer  @hyphaprojectbeer Listen to all our episodes at: https://www.mikeandblaine.com/podcast ...

EP 56: “Sure, It Looks Cool, But Entrepreneur's Fight For Their Company’s Life Every Day” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

September 22, 2022 10:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MB

Could there be a truer statement than the one Spencer Fry made about running a small business?  Every day you wake up ready to fight and succeed, and your team and customers are the reasons you do it.  From the outside looking in, the life of the small business owner looks pretty good.  But step inside the ring and be ready to fight.  Mike and Blaine talk about the difficulty of running a business day in and day out. Today's Beer: Mike: DuClaw Brewing Company - Mad Bishop Blaine: Muskoka ...

EP 55: “Anything That Is Measured And Watched Improves” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

September 15, 2022 22:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MB

This quote by Bob Parsons is the premise of leadership.  It can be translated in a whole host of ways, but the meaning remains the same.  If you want to do something great, you have to be willing to create a plan and hold your team accountable to results.  Mike and Blaine discuss the ways this has rung true in their businesses in this episode. Today's Beer: Mike: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales - La Roja Sour Ale Blaine: Tempest - Barrel #3 Smoked Islay Stout @jollypumpkin @tempestbrewco Lis...

E 54: “The OnlyThing Worse Than Starting Something And Failing Is Not Starting Something” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

September 08, 2022 16:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

Seth Godin nailed it with this quote.  There is nothing worse than being afraid to take a chance and start a project.  Especially if it’s a killer idea.  One thing we know about founders is that nobody in the world cares more about the idea than them.  That is the prime contributing factor for success.  In this episode Mike and Blaine talk about what it's like to take that first step. Today's Beer: Mike: Adelbert’s Brewing - Marzen Ale Blaine: Anchorage Brewing - Nothing & Everything IPA ...

EP 53: “Timing, Perseverance and 10 Years of Trying Will Eventually Make You Look Like an Overnight Success.” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

September 01, 2022 15:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

Of course we would pick one of the longest quotes ever as the title of a podcast episode.  We will probably just go with Blaine’s version of “The 10 Year Overnight Success.”  That’s better.  In this episode, Mike and Blaine dive into the illusion that successful businesses happen overnight.  This quote by Biz Stone exemplifies that fact.  In reality, running a business and making it a success takes time and effort.  Don’t we know it. Today's Beer: Mike: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse - Hop St...

Episode 52: “Ideas Are Easy. Implementation Is Hard.”

August 25, 2022 17:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MB

How could you not like Guy Kawasaki? This quote is spot on!  Anyone can have a great idea, but the talent lies in bringing that idea to life.  It’s the execution of the idea that matters.  Implementation is where ideas go to live or die. In this episode, Mike and Blaine add their own spin on this quote as they apply to their own lives. Today's Beer: Mike: Modern Times - Dungeon Map IPA Blaine: Rebellion - Key Lime Pie Sour @ModernTimesIsYourFriend @rebellionbrewingco  Watch on Youtube a...

EP 52: “Ideas Are Easy. Implementation Is Hard.”

August 25, 2022 17:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MB

How could you not like Guy Kawasaki? This quote is spot on!  Anyone can have a great idea, but the talent lies in bringing that idea to life.  It’s the execution of the idea that matters.  Implementation is where ideas go to live or die. In this episode, Mike and Blaine add their own spin on this quote as they apply to their own lives. Today's Beer: Mike: Modern Times - Dungeon Map IPA Blaine: Rebellion - Key Lime Pie Sour @ModernTimesIsYourFriend @rebellionbrewingco  Watch on Youtube a...

EP 51: “Don’t Play Games That You Don’t Understand” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

August 18, 2022 15:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

Tony Hsieh’s famous quote, “Don’t Play Games That You Don’t Understand, Even if You See Lots of Other People Making Money From Them,” rings true for entrepreneurs. It’s a hard enough journey when you’re an expert in your venture. But it sure looks easy and enticing! ….from the outside. Taking on a battle you really don’t understand is a recipe for disaster, or at least a long string of hard lessons! Mike & Blaine will dissect the quote, share some stories and drink some beer! Today's Beer: ...

EP 50: “The Best Start-Ups Generally Come From Somebody Needing To Scratch An Itch” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

August 11, 2022 17:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

Isn’t that the truth?  In this episode, Mike and Blaine break down this quote from Michael Arrington.  There are several different reasons that people start businesses, but there is always a driving factor.  Maybe you have a cause you are passionate about, or you’re just tired of not being heard at your current job.  Whatever your motivation is, there is an itch that needs to be scratched.  OH! And here is a special treat.  We will be joined by Roger Knecht, President of Universal Accounting...

EP 49: “Don’t Try To Be Original, Try To Be Good.” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

August 08, 2022 17:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

Paul Rand is credited for this quote, but its a bold statement that can be highly debated.  If you look at any social media platform, everyone is competing for views, this means being original.   However, original doesn’t always work, you have to be good.  This chick versus egg situation is discussed by our hosts Mike and Blaine in this week’s episode of Nobody Told Me. Today's Beer: Mike: Alaskan Brewing - Smash Galaxy Blaine: Bent Stick - Four-Thirty PM Stout @Alaskan-Brewing-Company  ...

EP 48: “Fail Often So You Can Succeed Sooner” - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

July 28, 2022 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MB

This quote by Tom Kelly has become a conference room mantra in so many start-ups.  It costs money to travel down the wrong path for too long while you are trying to make a bad idea succeed.  Mike and Blaine talk about letting your ego go, so you can find something that works in this episode of Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine. Today's Beer: Mike: Isla Street - Rojo Blaine: New Level - Total Darkness @Isllastreetbrewing   @NewLevelBrewingCo.YYC Watch on Youtube at https://youtu.be/kgqMh...

EP 47: Big Ideas Always Come From Small Ideas - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

July 21, 2022 19:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MB

Simplicity always seems to be the fastest way to innovation and market acceptance.  If you want people to get on the same page as you, you have to give them a bite size nugget of information to wrap their minds around.  Then innovation happens.  Look at the iPhone.  Did you know that the most popular phone on the planet was born by someone asking the question: what if the iPod could also make telephone calls?  Mike and Blaine talk about how some of the most successful ventures on the planet ...

EP 46: Trust But Verify What Your Team Is Doing - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

July 14, 2022 15:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

Trust but verify isn’t just a political statement, it’s a playbook for success.  This simple sentence can be interpreted as the essence of management.  Meaning, you empower your team to do the right thing and move the company forward, but a little bit of oversight can be motivating as well.  This simple statement, made famous by Ronald Reagan, is the topic of today’s episode of Nobody Told Me with Mike and Blaine.  Tune in and hear what that means to them. Today's Beer: Mike: Lone Pint Bre...

EP 45: Your Brain Will Be Turned On 24/7 - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

July 07, 2022 20:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB

Remember those restful nights sleep you used to get?  Those will be few and far between as you are trying to build your business.  Every minute your brain will be firing with ideas and strategy wargaming.  Mike and Blaine talk about what it’s like to be fully immersed in your business and whether it's good or not.  Tune into this episode?  If you are anything like us, then you will see your life unfold before your eyes. Today's Beer: Mike: Karbach - Crawford Bock Blaine: Sea Change - Turb...

EP 44: Some Days You Don’t Get Kicked In The Face! - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

June 30, 2022 17:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MB

It’s easy to remember all of the struggles you’ve had in a small business, but what about the wins?  Even the small wins make for great days and it is the thrill of the win that keeps you coming back day after day.  In this episode, Mike and Blaine discuss celebrating every win.  It’s the motivation we all need to handle the days when you get kicked in the face by the world. Today's Beer: Mike: Montucky Cold Snacks - Light Beer Blaine: Annex Ale Project & Two Crows Brewing - Practical Thi...

EP 43: What Helps Or Hurts The Value Of My Business - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

June 24, 2022 21:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MB

Some of us think about how much our companies are worth as a part of curiosity or planning.  You should take the time to find out what drives the value of your company on a regular basis.  Why else are you running a company if not to make money, or be able to sell it later for your retirement funds?  The last thing you want is to be surprised to find out what it's worth when it might be too late.  Mike and Blaine discuss business valuations and the drivers of value in this episode. Today's ...

EP 42: The Wrong Customer Mix Could Kill My Company - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

June 15, 2022 20:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MB

In a perfect world, we would have so many customers that losing one here or there wouldn’t mean as much.  Besides, it’s super hard to make everyone happy all of the time.  But as a small business with just a few customers or a limited sized market, every customer matters and even losing the wrong one could spell disaster.  In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about managing customer concentration issues. Today's Beer: Mike: Boulder Beer - Irish Blessing Blaine: 2 Crows Brewing - Classic ...

EP 41: My Focus Should Be On Delighting Customers - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

June 09, 2022 19:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MB

When we start our businesses, we all have dreams that the market will love our offering.  They will wait in line outside the doors to  buy what we have to sell.  It’s a great dream, but Nobody Tells You how companies do just that.  Companies like Apple have customers camp out on the sidewalk for weeks just to get a new product first.  Mike and Blaine take a look at creating evangelists and champions of your brand in this episode. Today's Beer: Mike: Modern Times - Silent Opera Lager Blain...

EP 40: You Need To Be Different Than Your Competitors - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine

June 02, 2022 22:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

When you say that out loud it makes perfect sense.  Of course I have to differentiate myself from the competitors.  But all too often we end up walking the same path that they do because we convince ourselves that they are doing it right or they are doing it better.  They are many ways to play in the same space, but differently.  Mike and Blaine discuss the need to differentiate your business and become memorable. Today's Beer: Mike: Elysian - Full Contact IPA Blaine: Omen Brewing - Spilt...