Think Outside the Bank

Ep 1: Do Small Businesses Today Even Need Funding?

What can you expect from this week's Think Outside the Bank episode? We'll unpack one of the most intriguing articles published at TheLucyReport.com this week - stay up-to-date on financial and business trends by subscribing for free today!  The featured Business Plan Tip of the Week - ensure your business plan is ready for funding with each week's hard-working tip! Discover a SIMPLE path for explosive growth that doesn't even require funding!  Hear from our "Geek of the Week" and lea...

Ep 0: What You Will Discover Listening to Think Outside the Bank This Season!

This season, Think Outside the Bank will be turning YOU into a highly fundable, savvy company - ready to VET THE LENDER! First, we’ll help to ensure your business is set up for success through de-risking and getting clear on the amount of funding you need. Then, we’ll explore various TYPES of funding such as SBA loans, used equipment funding, and business expansion funding. Finally, you’ll become EMPOWERED, learning how to vet the lender’s technology-efficiency rating, reputation, timeline, ...

Think Outside the Bank: Season 4 Trailer

You’re DONE gauging this elusive economy, and you’re READY to launch or expand your business right now. But, how will you fund this exciting new venture???    Great question! Business ownership in a competitive and fluctuating economy can be SUPER expensive, with only a small percentage of business owners reporting launch costs of less than $50,000.  That’s right- over 27% of small business owners report a hefty price tag of between $250,000 and $500,000 to get their company going. And t...

Season 4 Trailer: It's Time to Recession-Proof Your Business

Have you heard the news? A recession IS ON THE HORIZON. That’s right- it’s 2022, and small business owners everywhere have weathered a pandemic, a war in Ukraine, skyrocketing inflation, manufacturing shortages, and what’s next? A recession???!!! Don’t be fooled - this recession is an OPPORTUNITY you won’t want to miss. Welcome to THINK OUTSIDE THE FIRM - a podcast for small business owners looking to earn, protect, and attract more money into their businesses regardless of the economy...

S3E9: How a Smart Business Succession Plan Can Help Build Your Dream Team

Especially at this point in history, employers need to be at the top of their game to attract and retain top talent. One critical component of "being on top of your game" that many business owners overlook is having a smart succession plan in place. If you're wondering, "What is a succession plan?" or "How can a succession plan help me build my dream team?" this episode so was made specifically for you! Join us as our expert guest Jonathon Angell as we dive into this powerful topic. ...

S3E8: How Improving Your Own Management Skills Can Help You Hire and Keep Your Dream Team

As we're in the middle of the Great Resignation, many small business owners are asking themselves, "Can I even compete against the high-salaried positions larger firms are offering?" or "Why should I even get attached to my best employees if they could be recruited out from under me at a moment's notice?" If you've asked either of those questions, you're not alone! Many small business owners are wondering what they can do to compete with "better" offers and retain their key players. In t...

S3E7: Recognition Programs... How They can Help You Build AND Keep Your Dream Team

Did you know that research shows more employees would prefer recognition over a pay raise, promotion, or many other benefits? It's true! And as we know, the Big Quit (or the Great Resignation) or 2021 isn't slowing down. If you're looking to attract and KEEP your dream team, recognition is something to seriously consider. In today's episode, we unpack what a recognition program is (Spoiler: it doesn't need to be complicated or expensive!) and how to maximize it to let your employees know...

S3E6: Does Your Company's Reputation Play a Role in Attracting and Keeping Your Dream Team?

Our favorite definition of a reputation, or brand, comes from Jeff Bezos: "Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room" Looking through this lens, it makes complete sense that your brand (what people are saying about you) plays an ENORMOUS role in attracting and keeping your dream team. In today's episode, we dig deeper into this topic with Katie McConnell Olson, Founder and CEO of Hire Education Consulting Group. Want to discover a bevy of other resources for Y...

S3E5: The Secret to Keeping Your All-Star Employees on Your Team

You've probably heard about The Great Quit that's currently happening in today's economy. Employees are quitting their jobs at a scale we've never seen before. And as you know, your all-star employees are your best assets. So with all of this in mind, how do you keep your all-stars on your team? How do you minimize the risk of The Big Quit affecting your business and bottom line? If you're at all concerned about this, today's episode was created with you in mind! Listen now to learn ...

S3E4: How Much Should You Pay your Dream Team? A Discussion About Salary Requirements and Strategy as Businesses Hire in 2021 and Beyond

Are you looking to expand your team and are wondering about how salary will fit into the mix? Is it the true bottom line or is there more to it? If you've asked either of these questions, today's episode was made especially for you! Want to discover a BEVY of other resources for YOU, the small business owner? Check out: Legalucy.com MyPandemicProofBusiness.com ThinkOutsideTheFirm.com Don't miss a single episode! Click HERE to subscribe today!

S3E3: Creating an Effective Autonomous Workplace... And Trusting Employees To Do What's Right

The typical workplace is forever changed with many teams now distributed across the country - and sometimes around the world. How do you set up your workplace to be as effective as possible in this new normal? What questions should you be asking and what resources should you be considering to bridge the gap from what was to what is (and will be)? If any of these questions have crossed your mind, this episode was made just for you!  Today, we welcome Mitch Zenger, VP of Future of Work, at...

S3E2: The Best Way to Attract and Retain Top Talent in Your Business... (Turns Out, It's All About Playing By the Rules!)

Are you looking to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees in 2021 and beyond? Are you looking for some guideposts for future hiring as you set up your business right now? If you answered yes to either question, today's episode was made just for you! Join two members of the Legalucy team as we discuss the ins and outs of today's hiring environment. Want to discover a bevy of other resources for YOU, the small business owner? Check out: Legalucy.com MyPandemicProofBusiness.c...

S3E1: The Top 4 Hiring Challenges Businesses Are Facing Right Now in 2021

Which one of these is your top challenge? It should come as no surprise to you that business owners and hiring managers are facing significant challenges right now in this "seller's market" for employee talent. Join us today as we unpack these issues and offer tools and resources to help you navigate this very specific and unique time. BONUS... even though these challenges are residual effects of the COVID19 Pandemic, these issues are cyclical. So, why not solve this problem now and brin...

S3E0: A Sneak Peek Into Season 3... Your Journey to Building Your Dream Team in 2021! How to Hire Rockstars

Welcome to Think Outside the Firm! a podcast for small business owners looking to earn, protect, and attract more money into their business by hiring their DREAM TEAM. In this episode, we dig deeper into what you can expect to hear this Season of Think Outside the Firm. Our mission is to resource you as you build your DREAM TEAM in 2021 and beyond! We look forward to bringing the value each week so remember to subscribe so you don't miss a single episode. On your side, Harmony and Gin...

Season 3 Trailer: This Season... Learn How to Hire Your Dream Team!

S2E16: Which 2020 Business Trends and Issues are Here to Stay... And How You Can Set Yourself up for Success in 2021

Looking back over 2020, we wanted to wrap up our second season by sharing the most valuable nuggets we've uncovered over these last several months that could both provide insight in to protecting your business as well as some topics to think about as you GROW your business (despite the uniqueness of this year). Both Harmony and Ginny took some time to think about their biggest nuggets of wisdom they found this year, the business trends they see sticking around, and the biggest takeaways th...

S2E15: Pandemic Uncertainty... When Does it Make Sense to Talk with a Lawyer?

With so many unknowns and rapidly changing dynamics, sometimes it makes sense as a business owner to talk with a lawyer to make sure you're protected and know all your options. In today's episode, we talk about some specific and timely scenarios in which a lawyer might be very helpful to you, the small business owner. In this week's "Caught Doing Good" Segment, we actually focus on a trend of rapid business growth... athleisure. It's a segment of retail clothing that has seen ENORMOUS gr...

S2E14: What About Online Privacy Concerns During a Pandemic?

2020 has seemed like the year of "whack-a-mole." We try to solve one problem over here, and something else pops up other there... It may feel like this in your business, as well. Perhaps you solved the problem of moving much of your business online, but that creates another problem... There are SO many laws and regulations around online activity, and while we covered some on a previous episode (S2E6: Marketing Online and S2E4: Privacy Online), we're going deeper today on some of the implic...

S2E13: 7 Big Questions We Keep Getting About Doing Business Right Now

Together, we're ventured into the unknown of doing business during a pandemic. We all have questions about how this season will affect how we do business in the long-term, but in the meantime, this week's episode covers the 7 biggest questions we keep hearing from the small business community. And in this week's Caught Doing Good segment, we're honored to feature Cleo, a company dedicated to solving the childcare problem that's arisen during this time. Want to learn more about their great ...

S2E12: Business Leases and the Pandemic... What You Need to Know

Do you currently have a lease for your office or retail business? Are you considering opening a business that will need physical space during this time? In this week's episode, we go over some very important and timely considerations such as: - What if you're looking to get out of your lease? What options may you have? - Understanding some very important verbiage in your lease - Some questions to consider if you're looking to sign a lease during the pandemic Also, in our Caught Doing...

S2E11: Planning to Launch a Business During the Pandemic?

If you're considering the launch of your own business during this season, this episode is for you!   We discuss certain industries that may be worth exploring, pose questions every potential business owner should ask themselves, and talk about momentum... among other things!   In this week's "Caught Doing Good" segment, we feature a household name. Even though we typically like to feature small businesses that are doing good in their own community, Hanes caught our eye with what they're...

S2E10: Can Insurance Be A Business Saver?

Have you considered the fact that your business insurance could be a lifeline for you during these times? In this week's episode, we're diving into a lesser-known asset pretty much all businesses have... insurance. And depending on your policy, you may have access to additional resources. Grab your policy and listen to this week's episode to learn more. To discover all of the resources mentioned on this podcast and more, visit: https://www.mypandemicproofbusiness.com/post/business-int...

S2E9: How to Stay Funded During the Pandemic

Are there more sources of funding out there for businesses struggling to get through this pandemic? If you're such a business owner, be encouraged! There are multiple sources of funding available and additional sources come online every month. In this week's episode, Legal Information Guide Steven Davidson walks us through a couple of those options currently available such as the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Want to read his full article? Check it out here: https://www.mypandem...

S2E8: Real Talk About Bankruptcy Options in the Time of COVID-19

As a small business owner, are you or someone you know considering bankruptcy during the season? if so that's nothing to be ashamed about. And this week's episode we're talking about the different types of bankruptcy options a business owner may have during the season and we also discussed the different protections, options, and forms of flexibility bankruptcy may afford. Though it's a heavy topic we hope to take some of the stigma out of it and provide powerful resources and answers to qu...

S2E7: How Can I Secure Funding During the Pandemic?

Are you looking for outside funding during this season? Whether it be relief programs, loans, or even investor funding we've got your back! That's what we're discussing on this week's episode with our own Legal Information Guide, Natalia Navarro. Also, in this week's "Caught Doing Good" we focus on co-host Ginny's hometown, Phoenix, AZ, that's been hard-hit by COVID. The Phoenix Inn, Maricopa County, and Circle the City have linked arms to help the more vulnerable COVID victims during th...

S2E6: What Do I Need to Know About Marketing Online?

During the Pandemic, have you moved more of your marketing online? Or are you thinking about bringing more of your marketing online? Either way, this week's episode was made just for you. We discuss the importance of knowing the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) requirements on things like claims you make, avoiding deception, and much more! Looking to read more about these requirements? Visit https://ftc.gov  And in this week's segment of Caught Doing Good, we want to recognize a new co...

S2E5: How Should I Hire Someone During The Pandemic?

It's a great question, right? And we certainly hope you're in the position to hire someone during the Pandemic. But several new concerns and questions arise around everything from the job description (What should you say about working remotely? Or safety concerns an applicant may have if the job is on-site?) to the interview process (What questions can you ask and which may violate new or existing laws?). And can you require an applicant to be tested for COVID? So many questions come up ...

S2E4: Now That Your Business is Online, What Should I Know About Privacy Issues?

COVID has opened our eyes to the importance of businesses having an online component. But if your business is new to the online world, you may be wondering "What do I need to know about doing business online?" Great question! We've got you covered. In this week's episode, we talk about the very important issue of online privacy. Over time, legislation has supported the notion that businesses (and the access they have to their users/consumers information) have a responsibility to protect ...

S2E3: What About Paid Sick Leave During a Pandemic?

Last week we discussed what happens from a privacy and workplace safety perspective if an employee tests positive for COVID-19. This week we talk about paid sick leave implications during the pandemic. But before we get there, our "Caught Doing Good" segment features Optimusride.com, a driverless car startup that pivoted during this time to serve a community suffering from food insecurity by delivering these families meals. This week's Legal Information Guide, Rayan Omer, shares what she...

S2E2: What To Do if an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

As an employer, what are your legal requirements regarding employee health? And if (heaven forbid) one of your employees starts showing symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive, what does the law require you to do to ensure privacy but also maintain a safe working environment? In this week's episode, we discuss this topic with legal information guide and member of Legalucy's Pandemic Response Team, Shelby Matsumura. We also reveal which small business was "Caught Doing Good" during this tr...

S2E1: Should You Start a Business During This Season?

Surely you've heard the phrase: "The best offense is a good defense." But during this season of business, the key to a good defense to this pandemic may be a good offense... that is, moving forward and potentially starting a pandemic-proof business. Join us for this week's episode as we discuss this topic, highlight a small business "caught doing good," and hear what our Pandemic Response Team is doing right now to help YOU, the small business owner, thrive during this season. Want to ...

How to Pandemic-Proof Your Business... Welcome to Season 2

Has your small business been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, this is the podcast for you. Welcome to Season 2 of Think Outside the Firm. This season we'll be keeping you informed on important, trending legal issues that could affect your small business in this ever-changing economic and legal environment. In this episode, Harmony and Ginny share a bit about what you can expect this season AND share some great resources coming your way from our "Pandemic Response Team." To lea...

How to Pandemic-Proof Your Business... Welcome to Season 2

Has your small business been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, this is the podcast for you. Welcome to Season 2 of Think Outside the Firm. This season we'll be keeping you informed on important, trending legal issues that could affect your small business in this ever-changing economic and legal environment. In this episode, Harmony and Ginny share a bit about what you can expect this season AND share some great resources coming your way from our "Pandemic Response Team." To lea...

Episode 15 - Building a Business During the Holidays PLUS Powerful Innovations in the Legal Tech Space

What happens when you're working hard on a project and then the "real-life calendar" which includes the Holidays and family and even some time off collide? In today's episode, we discuss that tension and a couple of ways we manage all that needs to get done. PLUS, we have an incredible guest Rob Christopher. Rob is the Founder and CEO of JustResolve. In his 36 years as a business litigator, including as an attorney at Hopkins and Carley in San Jose, it became apparent to Rob that the U...

Episode 14: A New Take on Listening to the Market PLUS A Rising Tide Really Does Lift All Ships

In this week's episode, we cover a lot of ground! First, Harmony shares an amazing story about an incredible introduction - and why we think it was meant to be! Plus, as we're on the journey to grow Legalucy, we've felt a strong call to up-level... But in a way that initially surprised us both. SPOILER ALERT: This business journey will always ask us to up-level our game in interesting and sometimes unexpected ways. PLUS... We interview the incredible Vito Scarnecchia about community,...

Episode 12.5: A Thanksgiving Special: The Top 3 Things We're Grateful For This Holiday Season and Beyond

Happy Thanksgiving, Entrepreneurs! In this special episode, we take a beat to remember and acknowledge three big things we're grateful for this holiday season. We hope these insights (and the practice of being grateful in general) are inspiring to you as you approach Thanksgiving and the rest of the Holiday season. LOOKING FOR LINKS? Legalucy: https://legalucy.com  Think Outside the Firm: https://thinkoutsidethefirm.com  This Episode: https://thinkoutsidethefirm.com/post/thanksgi...

Episode 13: A Thanksgiving Special: The Top 3 Things We're Grateful For This Holiday Season and Beyond

Happy Thanksgiving, Entrepreneurs! In this special episode, we take a beat to remember and acknowledge three big things we're grateful for this holiday season. We hope these insights (and the practice of being grateful in general) are inspiring to you as you approach Thanksgiving and the rest of the Holiday season. LOOKING FOR LINKS? Legalucy: https://legalucy.com  Think Outside the Firm: https://thinkoutsidethefirm.com  This Episode: https://thinkoutsidethefirm.com/post/episode13

Episode 12: High-Fiving a Legend and How to Find Powerful Use Cases for Your Offer

Momentum is a powerful force in business. It can show up in many different ways - users telling other people about your product, media mentions, investor interest, and on and on.   Because it's such a powerful force, nurturing momentum is high on the list of executive responsibilities in a startup.   This week, Harmony shares a magical moment and the chain of events (the momentum) that led her to that event.   PLUS... we are so honored to have Deborah Gerhardt on our show! She is an ...

Episode 11: The Power of Knowing Your Numbers PLUS Meet A Young Entrepreneur Who's Going the Distance

Have you ever been intimidated by the thought of sitting down to put some good time into knowing your numbers? Or... perhaps do you think it's a lesser priority as you're growing your business? If so, this episode will provide some encouragement and motivation to dive in and make sure your numbers are SOUND! PLUS... this week we have the honor of interviewing a young powerhouse of an entrepreneur who's truly going the distance: Jasmine Sanchez! This isn't just because she came up with a ...

Episode 10: The Power of Consistently Showing Up PLUS A Salute to Veteran Entrepreneurs

Are you working on a project that's either taking longer than you thought it would or is asking a lot of you during this season? If so, this episode is for you! Harmony shares some amazing doors that have been opened as a direct result of her consistently showing up (literally and figuratively, too!). PLUS, our special guest on this Veterans Day episodes none other than Ryan Micheletti, the Co-Founder and COO at Vet-Tech, Co-Founder and CFO at Shield Corps Security, and the Director of G...

Episode 9: How to Rein-In Stress During Demanding Seasons PLUS How AI Is Already Changing the Legal Landscape

How do you handle the stress that can build up during extremely demanding seasons? In this week's episode, Harmony opens up and shares some of her best go-to tools for keeping stress at bay while building a legal tech company AND finalizing funding at the same time. This start-up game isn't for the faint of heart but that doesn't mean we need to let stress reign supreme during these seasons. PLUS, we have the honor of interviewing a Silicon Valley icon, Fred Stein of the Keiretsu Forum i...

Episode 8: The Hidden Power of Feedback PLUS The Compounding Interest of Small But Brave Choices

Whether you're thinking about starting a business or are already on your way, user feedback has immense value. Whether you're thinking about starting a business or are already on your way, user feedback has immense value. But feedback isn't limited just to features and content... Feedback can even inform pricing and business models. Today Harmony shares a story about a surprising interaction she had with an industry peer regarding this specific type of feedback. PLUS, we are honored...

Episode 7: Dont Boil the Ocean PLUS The 3 Most Important Questions Every Entrepreneur MUST Ask Themselves

Do you love the idea of an underdog winning the race in business or otherwise? If so, we've got a great story for you that happened just this past week and the top two reasons WHY this founder pulled ahead to win the race! PLUS... we've got a special treat for you. Angel Investor Irwin Ki is on our show and he brings the gold revealing everything from what he looks for in an investable company, how to develop trust (the real superpower) with potential investors, and he even shares an insid...

Episode 6: How to Handle the Chicken and the Egg Problem PLUS The Power of Communities

Tell me if you've experienced this issue... as you're building your business, multiple priorities bubble up to the surface. AND, as you make efforts to address them, you realize how integrated they actually are. That's what we mean by a "chicken and the egg problem"... which really comes first? Which one do you solve first? In this week's episode Harmony shares how she's handling the chicken and the egg problem of building Legalucy which is a marketplace model: and both sides of the mark...

Episode 5: How to Prepare for Funding Season PLUS How Collaborations Can Win the Day

Are you looking to raise funds for your business? In today's episode, Harmony and Ginny talk about the importance of having a plan to pursue this critical business function - just like all executive activities. PLUS, we have the honor of talking with the founder of the International Intellectual Property Law Association (IIPLA), Azam Ghani about how pricing packages foster trust and how collaborations can win the day. Want to learn more? Visit: https://thinkoutsidethefirm.com Discover ...

Episode 4: How to Adjust When Seemingly Unrelated National News Affects Your Launch Strategy PLUS How to Bring a Livestreaming Strategy Into Your Business

In a surprising series of events, the venue where Legalucy hosted its inaugural launch event spent some time in a harsh national spotlight... In case you're wondering where the event was held, it was a WeWork property. And while we adore the team there and they've always been so supportive of us and our events, a few items remained out of even their control to help as news came to a head during our launch week. So, how did we handle it? Listen to this week's episode to find out. PLUS.....

Episode 3: When to Shift Priorities to Maximize Momentum PLUS How to Work Effectively with a Remote Tech Team

Building a company from the ground up can ask a lot of its founders... priorities tugging at you from all sides. BUT, it can be very helpful to take a moment and think through which priorities will help you gain the most ground in different seasons. In this episode, Harmony talks about shifting priorities from building the platform and getting customer feedback to capitalizing on funding season. PLUS, we talk with Roman Rodomansky who leads a software development firm in Ukraine that Leg...

Episode 2: The Importance of Early Funding PLUS How to Create a Raving Community with In-Person Events

Early money. It's important to anything that you're building, whether that's a business or even a political campaign. This week, Harmony shares an experience she had at an EMILY's List event and what she took away to empower Legalucy. PLUS... this week's special guest is Rachel Sheppard, the Global Head of Marketing for the Founder Institute in Palo Alto. She and Harmony are planning something special in October of this year and they want to share some of the best details. LINKS FROM THI...

Episode 1: When Surprising Distractions Come Up PLUS When Should You Start Thinking About Equity

Without exception, it'll happen... You're focused and working hard on a list of ever-growing priorities that demand the best from you. Then, without warning, something that doesn't FEEL as important pops up and demands your attention. How do you handle situations like this? Legalucy founder, Harmony Oswald, shares a humorous story about how this happened to her just this week and how she handled the surprising distraction. PLUS... our special guest, Managing Attorney at The Law Office of...

Episode 0: The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins Today!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to launch a Silicon Valley tech company? But this isn’t just ANY startup, this company is changing the way legal gets done! Legalucy empowers business owners to spot issues, take action, and stay safe... To earn, protect, and attract more money. Because in business, it pays to know what you don’t know! Hosted by Harmony Oswald and Ginny Townsend, welcome to Think Outside the Firm, the podcast where business owners get the inside scoop from Legalucy, ...