SBM Boot Camp Online: The Blueprint for Small Business Growth

Most small business owners start with expertise in a product, service, or trade. Very few start with expertise in strategic planning, marketing, leadership, financial management, or organizational design. And that's often where growth stalls. In this special episode of the Small Business Matters Podcast, host Tim Fulton steps into the guest seat as Taylor Fulton interviews him about the new SBM Boot Camp Online Course—a practical, on-demand program built from years of helping business owners navigate the challenges of growth. Tim shares the five core disciplines every business owner must understand to build a stronger, more scalable company: - Strategic Planning - Marketing - Leadership - Financial Performance - Organizational Design Along the way, he discusses how marketing has evolved in the AI era, why leadership is more complex than ever, what most owners misunderstand about financial performance, and why organizational systems are critical for sustainable growth. If you're looking for practical business education without spending years earning an MBA, this episode is a great place to start. Highlights: [3:30] Why create the SBM Boot Camp Online Course? [6:05] What business challenges does the course help owners solve? [8:34] Why strategic planning remains essential in today's business environment [10:15] How marketing has changed—and what hasn't [14:57] Leadership lessons for today's workforce [18:20] Why financial performance is the least understood skill among business owners [21:37 ] The importance of organizational design and systems [25:01] Which of the five modules is Tim's personal favorite? [25:58] Which business discipline is changing the fastest? [26:46 ] What future module could be added to the Boot Camp? [29:06] The books every small business owner should read Whether you're launching a business, leading a growing company, or looking to sharpen your leadership skills, this conversation offers insights that can help you build a stronger foundation for long-term success.