Mike & Blaine: Business + Beer + BS
145 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 219 ratingsWhen 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!
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Episodes
EP 39: It’s Already Hard, Quit Doing Things The Hard Way - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
May 27, 2022 17:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MB“If you always do what you’ve always done; then you will always get what you have always got.” It’s a recipe for disaster. Why do we insist on taking the long or hard road to achieve results. Mike and Blaine talk about being stubborn and getting you your own way in your business. Check out this episode if you feel stuck or just want to learn about finding an easier way to win. Today's Beer: Mike: El Segundo - Steve Austen’s Broken Skull IPA Blaine: Collective Arts & Vitamin Sea Brewin...
EP 38: Saying No Can Be Your Most Powerful Tactic - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
May 16, 2022 21:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBWe all love to say YES! It means success. It means winning and it’s fun. But there are times when saying yes can actually hurt you. You can become over extended or embroiled in a project that isn’t viable and it sucks up all of your time. Mike and Blaine talk about adding the word NO to your vocabulary and getting the most out of your life and your business. Today's Beer: Mike: Lincoln Beer Company - Trejo’s Cerveza Lager Blaine: The Establishment - Pattern of Mind Double New England ...
EP 37: How Much Influence A Brand Can Have - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
May 06, 2022 22:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBEveryday businesses are finding themselves more and more connected to the social issues facing the population. It’s no longer good enough to provide a great product or quality service, businesses also find themselves having to pick a side in a social debate. It helps some companies and hurts others. But at the center is the enthusiasm people have for the brand. In this episode Mike and Blaine talk about how a brand can hold influence over their customer base. Watch on Youtube at https:/...
Episode 36: Finding A Niche is Critical - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
April 29, 2022 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBYou can’t be all things to all people, but you can be really good for a specific group of people. In this episode, Mike and Blaine discuss how tailoring your message for a niche can be the difference between being a good company to one we all envy. Tune in to Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine to discover how to find your niche. Watch on Youtube at https://youtu.be/rHxFtk1g6zc Today's Beer: Mike: Texas Ale Project - Pantera Golden Ale Blaine: Parish - SIPS, Pinot Noir Grape & Black C...
EP 36: Finding A Niche is Critical - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
April 29, 2022 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBYou can’t be all things to all people, but you can be really good for a specific group of people. In this episode, Mike and Blaine discuss how tailoring your message for a niche can be the difference between being a good company to one we all envy. Tune in to Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine to discover how to find your niche. Watch on Youtube at https://youtu.be/rHxFtk1g6zc Today's Beer: Mike: Texas Ale Project - Pantera Golden Ale Blaine: Parish - SIPS, Pinot Noir Grape & Black C...
EP 35: The Customer Isn’t Always Right - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
April 21, 2022 17:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBYou love them. You need them. But, man can your customers just down right annoy you. It’s been said that business owners only hear from about 3% of the customers that have a problem with your service. We guess that those are the ones that just want to let you have an earful. Mike and Blaine talk about customer service issues, specifically with those customers who just aren’t right. Watch on Youtube at https://youtu.be/MCRTCEiZvyA This Week’s Beer: Mike: Weathered Souls - West Coast...
EP 34: The Difference Between Profit And Cash - Nobody Told Me with Mike and Blaine
April 14, 2022 22:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBCome on, what is a podcast with Mike and Blaine without talking occasionally about cash flow. The authors of two prolific books on cash flow spend some time talking about the difference between profit and cash. If you have ever thought your company was making money, but you didn’t feel like you had any, then listen to this episode. Watch on Youtube at https://youtu.be/V6YKFhW7aBQ Mike: Weathered Souls - West Coast Style IPA Blaine: Pizza Port - Swami’s India Pale Ale @weatheredsoulsb...
EP 33: How Wages & Benefits Drive Decisions - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
March 31, 2022 19:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBFrom the minimum wage increases to the new trend of paying huge salaries to workers, payroll is a huge expense. The days of cheap labor are over as the push to improve the standard of living for the population gains momentum. Mike and Blaine discuss how wages and benefits have changed over the years, plus the new creative thinking to recruit and retain the best workforce you can assemble. Mike: Martin House Brewing - Battle Snake Blaine: Humble Sea - Sand Castle in the Sky @martinhouseb...
EP 32: I’d See A Virtual Reality Business Model - Nobody Told me with Mike & Blaine
March 23, 2022 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBEvery time you turn on the news you hear about augmented reality, virtual reality and metaverses. If they are ever going to become a part of the fabric of society, then they have to have an economic benefit. Mike and Blaine discuss what they are learning about the future of digital business and some interesting ideas that could change the way we do business.Our beer today: Mike: Friends & Allies Brewing - Bloodsport Pale Ale Blaine: The Brewing Projekt - Jungo Joose Sour @BustedSandalBr...
EP 31: There Was A Generational Gap To Deal With - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
March 16, 2022 19:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBWhen we think about the generational gap, the phrase “they’re too old/young too understand” comes to mind. It is a fact of life that age is a defining factor in how we perceive the world. When we are young we are fearlessly optimistic than reality and experience changes us to knowingly pessimistic. Mike and Blaine talk about their own journey plus how to address the generational gap in your workforce. Our beer today: Mike: Busted Sandal Brewing - 201 Ale Blaine: King’s County Brewers C...
EP 30: You’d Have To Be A Perfect Pitch Man - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
March 10, 2022 23:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBIt’s been said that the “CEO” of the company should be the company’s best salesperson. You have to convince everybody of something. You have to pitch your idea to your friends and family, investors, employees and customers. They all have to believe in your idea and agree to partner with you on your journey. In this episode Mike and Blaine share their experience with struggling to perfect your pitch. Our beer today: Mike: Bell’s Official Hazy IPA Blaine: Grand Canyon Brewing - Sunset A...
Ep 29: When I Should Give Up On An Idea - Nobody Told Me With Mike & Blaine
March 03, 2022 21:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBIt is one of the hardest decisions you have to make in small business: knowing when to quit. Pulling the plug on a project you love, or a business you invested everything in will cause a lot of anxiety and heartache. Unfortunately, sooner or later you have to make that decision. Mike and Blaine talk about things you should consider to know when it’s time to let go. Our beer today: Mike: Altstadt - Kolsch Blaine: Resident Culture Brewing - Causal Continuum IPA @altstadtbrewery @Reside...
Ep 28: I'd Be "On Stage" Everyday - Nobody Told Me With Mike & Blaine
February 22, 2022 20:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBWhen you run a small business, you are the main character in a play. Yep, everyone in your life looks to you for something. Your customers want to be delighted. Your employees need your guidance and motivation. Your friends and family need your attention. You are always in the spotlight. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about what the pressure of performance is really like for the small business owner. Our beer today: Mike: Viva - Amarillo Ale Blaine: Upslope Brewing Company - O...
Episode 27: I Wouldn’t Have A Real Life Anymore - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
February 16, 2022 21:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBIs the work/life balance a myth? Sometimes it seems so when you run a small business. It’s time Mike and Blaine discuss how they have managed to strive for balance in their lives, like starting a podcast with a friend! You will also hear about the challenges they faced over the last couple of decades and the things they missed out on because of small business ownership. If you are trying to get control of your life, don’t miss this episode. Our beer today: Mike: Lexington Brewing and Dis...
EP 26: I’d Have To Be An Expert Negotiator - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
February 08, 2022 19:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBIt’s a skill that we learn early in life, but very few master the art of negotiation. The truth is, it’s a skill that once you learn it becomes a part of your everyday life. Mike and Blaine discuss how negotiations are a part of everything we do, from going out to dinner to closing a huge government contract. Check out this episode and learn about some of the negotiation experiences these two have had. Our beer today: Mike: Thirsty Planet - Thirsty Goat Amber Ale Blaine: Hoppin’ Frog -...
EP 25: You’d Have To Watch Out For The Government - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
January 24, 2022 21:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBYou can look anywhere today without running across governmental impact. Beyond just the laws and regulations imposed, you now have to navigate the stream of social conscience. It used to be that government and activism were two different things, but more and more they seem connected at the hip. Mike and Blaine give their opinion on how politics can impact your business without making a law. Our beer today: Mike: Shiner - Candied Pecan Ale Blaine: La Cumbre - Project Dank @ShinerBeer @...
Ep 24: I'd Have To Sift Through Advice - Nobody Told Me With Mike & Blaine
January 18, 2022 15:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBOne thing is certain, there is no shortage of people who want to offer you advice. If you run a business, you will often be bombarded with offers for consulting, wisdom from professionals, or sage nuggets from experienced operators. But what we have learned is that a lot of bad comes with the good. Mike and Blaine talk about their experience with experts and what’s worked and what didn’t. Our beer today: Mike: Clown Shoes - Mango Kolsch Blaine: Prairie Artisan Ales - Barrel Aged Moose ...
EP 23: How To Prepare For A New Year - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
January 13, 2022 23:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBOne thing is for sure, every business gets a fresh start once per year. Most start over on January 1st, but some companies have picked other dates that match their business better. The date isn’t as important as the preparation. You have a whole year under your belt of new experiences, new projects launched, and lessons learned. In this first episode of 2022, Mike and Blaine talk about how they get ready for the new year. Our beer today: Mike: 4th Tap Brewing - Sound Check Pilsner B...
Episode 23: How To Prepare For A New Year - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
January 13, 2022 23:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBOne thing is for sure, every business gets a fresh start once per year. Most start over on January 1st, but some companies have picked other dates that match their business better. The date isn’t as important as the preparation. You have a whole year under your belt of new experiences, new projects launched, and lessons learned. In this first episode of 2022, Mike and Blaine talk about how they get ready for the new year. Our beer today: Mike: 4th Tap Brewing - Sound Check Pilsner B...
EP 22: Nobody Buys On The Phone Anymore - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
January 04, 2022 19:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBOr do they? Sure the landscape of making sales calls has changed. Let’s face it, we are all using less minutes on our phones than we used to. You have to be a lot more clever to get someone to talk to you on the other end of your pocket camera (read cell phone). Listen in to see how Mike and Blaine leverage the phone to make the cash register ring. Our beer today: Mike: Saloon Door Brewing - Happy Holidiculous Blaine: Adroit Theory - Elegy Fear DIPA @SaloonDoor @AdroitTheory #e...
Episode 22: Nobody Buys On The Phone Anymore - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
January 04, 2022 19:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBOr do they? Sure the landscape of making sales calls has changed. Let’s face it, we are all using less minutes on our phones than we used to. You have to be a lot more clever to get someone to talk to you on the other end of your pocket camera (read cell phone). Listen in to see how Mike and Blaine leverage the phone to make the cash register ring. Our beer today: Mike: Saloon Door Brewing - Happy Holidiculous Blaine: Adroit Theory - Elegy Fear DIPA @SaloonDoor @AdroitTheory #e...
Ep 21: Sales Success Can Be Found In An Email
December 28, 2021 21:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBLove it or hate it, email is still one of the best ways to generate sales. What has been cool to see is the evolution of email, or rather the lack thereof. Think about it. Since the 1990’s the basics of email are the same, the only differences are in the way we customize and organize it. Being small business owners, Mike and Blaine have sent millions of emails. Learn the tips and tricks of email success in a heavily guarded inbox playing field. Our beer today: Mike: K9 Lager - Texas B...
Ep 21: Sales Success Can Be Found In An Email - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
December 28, 2021 21:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBLove it or hate it, email is still one of the best ways to generate sales. What has been cool to see is the evolution of email, or rather the lack thereof. Think about it. Since the 1990’s the basics of email are the same, the only differences are in the way we customize and organize it. Being small business owners, Mike and Blaine have sent millions of emails. Learn the tips and tricks of email success in a heavily guarded inbox playing field. Our beer today: Mike: K9 Lager - Texas B...
EP 20: What Tools Are Nice To Have Versus Need To Have - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
December 24, 2021 00:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBIn the last 5 years, there has been an absolute explosion of software tools aimed at the small business owner. Who knows how many times we have tried to use one with limited success. But there are apps that we just can’t live without, and think everyone should have them in their arsenal. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about their favorite and not so favorite software tools to run a small business. Our beer today: Mike: Community Beer Company - Mosaic IPA Blaine: Epic - Plug Ugly ...
Episode 20: What Tools Are Nice To Have Versus Need To Have - Nobody Told Me with Mike & Blaine
December 24, 2021 00:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBIn the last 5 years, there has been an absolute explosion of software tools aimed at the small business owner. Who knows how many times we have tried to use one with limited success. But there are apps that we just can’t live without, and think everyone should have them in their arsenal. In this episode, Mike & Blaine talk about their favorite and not so favorite software tools to run a small business. Our beer today: Mike: Community Beer Company - Mosaic IPA Blaine: Epic - Plug Ugly ...
EP 19: Websites Are Like Opinions; Everybody Has One
December 13, 2021 16:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBIt is always surprising to see a sh**ty website. There are so many tools to help you create a professional environment in hours. People will judge you by your online presence and even choose a lower quality product or service based on what they see. Mike and Blaine talk about how important your website is. Learn about design, content, and calls to action in this episode. Our beer today: Mike: St. Arnold - Art Car IPA Blaine: Energy City - S’Mores Stout @saintarnold @energycitybrewin...
Episode 19: Websites Are Like Opinions; Everybody Has One
December 13, 2021 16:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBIt is always surprising to see a sh**ty website. There are so many tools to help you create a professional environment in hours. People will judge you by your online presence and even choose a lower quality product or service based on what they see. Mike and Blaine talk about how important your website is. Learn about design, content, and calls to action in this episode. Our beer today: Mike: St. Arnold - Art Car IPA Blaine: Energy City - S’Mores Stout @saintarnold @energycitybrewin...
EP 18: How To Turn Events Into Goldmines - Nobody Told me with Mike and Blaine
December 02, 2021 23:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBHave you ever thrown money into a fireplace? Conferences and other sponsored events can often make it feel like you did. Mike and Blaine have planned and executed hundreds of events and learned a lot of lessons along the way. Listen to this episode to learn how to stand out at an event and create fanatic customers in the process. Our beer today: Mike: Brazos Valley Brewing - 7 Spanish Angels Blaine: Hubbard’s Cave - El Zacaton @DorcolSpirits @BrazosValleyBrewingCo #entrepreneur #s...
EP 17: It’s Not Who I Am, It’s Who The Business Is
November 20, 2021 13:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBYour business is an extension of you or is it? In most cases the business has its own personality. This is the image that the market sees. You get to define it, but how your message is perceived could be a whole different story. Mike and Blaine discuss the importance of company values, tone of voice, images, and style that you associate with your brand. Believe it or not, these often overlooked characteristics can make or break a company. Our beer today: Mike: Dorcol Distilling & Brew...
Ep 16: The Difference Between Leading and Managing Employees
November 11, 2021 21:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBIt’s no surprise that building a team has its challenges, especially when it comes to creating a culture and keeping your employees motivated for the long haul. Mike and Blaine have seen the evolution of team and culture over the last 30 years and agree that today’s workforce expects you to be a leader. They want great culture, recognition, and challenging assignments. Check out this episode to learn some things that worked and some that didn’t. Our beer today: Mike: AquaBrew - Swine Di...
Ep. 15: A Referral Program Doubles Your Sales Team
October 18, 2021 16:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MBReferrals, affiliates, partners, no matter what you call it this sales channel is best known as “word of mouth” advertising. The difference in today’s market is that these programs have become formalized and managed just like a sales team. The reason? You can expand your sales team by thousands without the cost of hiring. Mike and Blaine talk about putting a successful program together, and how to keep it from damaging your brand. Our beer today: Mike: Ale Smith - Hazy .394 Blaine: Bl...
Ep 14: How To Price My Stuff To Make Money
October 14, 2021 22:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBIt feels like a moving target. Pricing is hard to nail down. But if you can master the art of matching the value proposition of your goods or services, customers will dump money on you. It takes skill to understand how to price things, so Mike and Blaine discuss the challenges and successes they have had in finding the right price. Listen in to learn the secret to getting the price just right. Our beer today: Mike: Deep Ellum Brewing - Dream Crusher Blaine: Town Square Brewing - Verti...
Ep 13: A Confused Mind Never Buys
September 23, 2021 15:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBYou might be great at what you do, but if you are like Mike and Blaine, you struggle with telling others what that is. Marketing is a science that requires you to get your message across as quickly and clearly as possible. In a world of buzzwords and double speak, customers have become really good at sorting the good from the bad. Put frankly, just get to the point. Our beer today: Mike: Four Corners Brewery - El Chingon IPA Blaine: Born Colorado - S’More Stout @fourcornersbrewing @bo...
Ep 12: Planning Is Everything, But The Plan Is Nothing
September 16, 2021 14:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBNo matter what you want to do in your business you have to make a plan. Nothing just happens on its own, it takes timing, preparation, and vision to be successful. In this episode, Mike and Blaine give you their take on the importance of planning strategy, projects, and events, but understanding that flexibility is the key to making your vision match your reality. Our beer today: Mike: Independence Brewing Company - Native Texan Pilsner Blaine: Lighthouse Brewing - Numbskull Double IPA ...
Ep 11: More Than COVID Can Disrupt Your Business
September 10, 2021 19:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBOver the past year and a half, we have been obsessed with overcoming the effects of business interruptions caused by the pandemic. However, there are a lot more things that can impact your business, on a more regular basis. Mike and Blaine discuss their experience with business disruptions and what you can do to give your business the best chance at survival. Our beer today: Mike: Firestone Walker - Mind Haze - Soul Doubt Blaine: Fallen Timber Meadery - Meadjito @firestone.walker @FTMe...
Ep 10: Building A Network Would Change Everything
September 07, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 45.5 MBYou may have heard the adage, “It takes a village.” Your business is no different, nobody can do it alone, but you might not realize how much of a lift your business gets when you build a network around you. Those relationships elevate your business, and pay dividends for years on end. Mike and Blaine talk about the value of building a network and how to be successful at your professional relationships. Our beer today: Mike: Freetail - Soul Doubt Blaine: Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. - Dang...
Ep. 9: Where To Get That First Sale
August 20, 2021 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBYou have a great idea, the plan is ready, and you’re nervous. What do you do next? The answer is obvious - GO SELL. Two simple words that scare the heck out of the first time entrepreneur. Who do I sell to? What if they say no? What if nobody buys? All of these questions have passed through the minds of Mike and Blaine. Check out their advice on getting that all important first sale. Our beer today: Mike: Belching Beaver - Peanut Butter Milk Stout Blaine: Snake Lake - Sylvan Lake ...
Ep 8: I'd Have To Be A Social Media Guru!
August 09, 2021 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBYou might think you are great at getting the word out about your company until you try to leverage social media. We are in an age of the 3 second attention span, so you need to know how to catch the eye of the scrolling consumer or be forever lost in the “feed”. In this episode, Mike and Blaine will share some of their lessons learned while trying to navigate social media campaigns. Our beer today: Mike: Alamo Beer - La Vallita Light Lager Blaine: Narrow Gauge Brewing - Fallen Flag @Al...
Ep 7: How Many Hats I'd Have To Wear
August 02, 2021 20:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBYou might be the executive, salesperson, admin clerk, and janitor all in the same day when you run a small business. Jumping from role to role keeps you on your toes and requires a ton of patience and focus. Mike and Blaine walk through what it’s like to switch hats multiple times per day. It doesn’t take a big wardrobe, it takes an entrepreneur who's focused on success. Our beer today: Mike: Texas Leaguer Brewery - 2 Hopper Blaine: Seachange Brewery - Tiger Bomb @txleaguer @seachangebre...
Ep 6: Hiring Employees Can Be Painful
July 27, 2021 17:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MBThere is a point in time when every business has to make the decision to hire their first employee, expand their team, or play by a different set of rules based on the number of employees. Hiring people is super important because they become an extension of you, and you have to learn how to build a team that performs as a unit rather than as individuals. Mike and Blaine talk about the successes and disappointments in hiring over the years. Support the Show. Catch more episodes, see our ...
Ep 5: It Would Be Difficult To Stay Motivated
July 22, 2021 16:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBOnce you are past the initial thrill of starting a business and seeing it start to grow, you have to watch out for “founderitis”. That’s when the daily grind of operating your businesses starts to become just a routine. Mike and Blaine talk about how being obsessed with what your doing is the key to maintaining great quality and keeping customers excited. If you lose your passion for your business, it’s a lot easier to let it go, rather than fight to keep it alive. Support the Show. ...
Ep 4: How A BIG Contract Could Hurt Me
July 22, 2021 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBSometimes that dream account can be a nightmare. One client could completely absorb your capacity, suck up your cash flow, and hold your business hostage. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about customer concentration problems. You are as much defined by the opportunities you pass on as the ones you take advantage of. Understand your business model and how each customer plays a role in your businesses success. Support the Show. Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in to...
Ep 2: How Much Money A Company Actually Needs
July 01, 2021 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBMike and Blaine explore the differences between starting a company on your own, versus buying an ongoing concern. What do you need money for? What was the biggest surprise? How long did it take to generate revenue and or profit? When did the concept of cash flow enter your mind? These are some of the things that listeners want to know when they are taking that first big step. Support the Show. Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/
Ep 3: How Difficult It Is To Name Your Business / Product
July 01, 2021 15:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBMike and Blaine talk about the various businesses they have been a part of and if there was any challenges with putting a name on your business. It is not as simple as “hanging a shingle”, you have to consider trademarks, social handles, and connection to your service. Most importantly, can someone quickly figure out what you do from the name you give your business. You definitely want people to connect the name with the service/good you provide. Support the Show. Catch more episodes, s...
Ep 1: How Scary It Is To Start Your First Business
July 01, 2021 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBMike and Blaine describe the purpose of the podcast and explain their decision to leave the safety of a “JOB”, and venture out on their own. We will explore what was happening in our lives, the things that led up to trying to make the decision, any external factors like family, and the feeling when you quit, then started something new, then the range of emotions until you had confidence in your decision. Support the Show. Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://m...