The KeyHire Small Business Podcast

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityIf hiring feels like something you squeeze in between everything else on your plate, this episode is for you. On this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with Ryan Hogan, co-founder and CEO of Talent Harbor, to talk about why recruiting needs to stop being an afterthought and start being a core competency inside your business. Ryan has seen both sides of the hiring equation. He previously helped scale Hunt a Killer from a live event concept into a subscription box business shipping 160,000 units a month before selling it. Now he helps growth-stage companies fix the broken hiring systems that hold them back. And the pattern he sees everywhere is the same: business owners delegate hiring to whoever runs the department, at the exact moment that person is already stretched thin, and expect them to become expert recruiters overnight. Corey and Ryan spend most of this conversation unpacking why that approach fails, and what it actually costs when it does. The real number behind a bad hire is rarely the salary. It is the degraded culture, the missed revenue, the good employees who quietly walk out the door, and the time it takes to restart a process that should have been done right the first time. As Ryan points out, even Jack Welch admitted he only got hiring right fifty percent of the time. That should tell every small business owner something about what it takes to do this well. One of the most valuable parts of this episode is the discussion on culture fit and how to actually assess it before someone walks through the door. Ryan breaks down how Talent Harbor rates candidates against a client’s core values, asking questions designed to surface real examples of behavior without telegraphing what the right answer looks like. Corey adds his own method: he never discusses the role or company in early screening calls, so candidates have nothing to perform toward and can only tell the truth. Both approaches come back to the same idea, which is that reading a resume and asking a few questions is not recruiting. The conversation also gets into leading indicators for sales hires, how to get candidates outside their comfort zone during the interview process, why multiple touchpoints matter more than a single impressive interview, and how to use granular detail as a built-in lie detector during behavioral questions. Ryan closes with advice that applies long before the first job posting goes out. Culture is not what you write on your walls or what you preach on Fridays. It is what your organization actually tolerates. If you do not understand your own culture clearly enough to describe it honestly to a candidate, you are not ready to hire. If you are a small business owner who wants to stop cycling through Built for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityIn this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock breaks down one of the biggest risks small business owners face in a chaotic economy: making the wrong hire because the market looks full of available talent.With layoffs continuing across multiple industries, AI reshaping white-collar work, and some sectors booming while others struggle, it can be easy for business owners to assume that great candidates are suddenly easier to find. But as Corey explains, available talent is not the same thing as qualified talent. Just because someone impressive is on the market does not mean they have the right skills, experience, industry knowledge, or capacity to succeed inside your business.Corey walks through three common hiring mistakes small business owners make when the economy gets noisy. The first is getting swept up by a referral or an impressive resume and rushing someone through an informal hiring process. Maybe a friend, neighbor, or colleague recommends a recently laid-off leader or salesperson, and the business owner sees a rare opportunity to bring in “big company” talent. The problem is that without a consistent hiring process, red flags get missed, expectations stay unclear, and six months later, the business owner may realize they are paying top dollar for someone who does not understand the business.The second mistake is bargain hunting. Corey explains why hiring someone at a discount simply because they are out of work can create what he calls a “rental player.” They may take the role because they need a paycheck, but once another opportunity appears at their previous compensation level, they are likely to leave. That turnover creates lost time, lost momentum, and a much higher cost than the salary savings ever justified.The third mistake is hiring for transferable skills without building the training structure needed to make that hire successful. Corey makes an important distinction between hiring for experience and hiring for potential. Experience costs more, but it can create faster return on investment. Potential may be less expensive upfront, but it requires clear 30-, 60-, and 90-day goals, structured training, follow-up, coaching, and patience.Throughout the episode, Corey gives small business owners practical ways to avoid these traps. He emphasizes the need for a consistent hiring process, fair and thoughtful compensation, clear KPIs, structured onboarding, and regular check-ins. He also reminds owners that their best employees are already getting calls from other companies, so retention depends on consistently giving them reasons to stay.This episode is especially valuable for small business owners who are hiring in today’s uncertain economy, considering candidates from outside their industry, or trying to decide whether to hire for experience or potential. Corey also points listeners to a recorded webinar that expands on these ideas, including how to build a hiring avatar, create a scorecard, and design a stronger interview process.If you want to make better hiring decisions, protect your investment, and avoid expensive hiring mistakes, this episode is a must-listen.  Connect with the ExpertsConnect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityIn this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock talks with security expert Robert Siciliano about a side of business security that many owners overlook. While most people think about security as a matter of software, systems, and IT controls, Robert argues that the real issue often starts with people and the way human beings naturally respond to trust, urgency, and perceived familiarity.  The conversation begins with Corey sharing a personal example of clicking a link that looked familiar and then dealing with a flood of spam calls afterward. From there, the discussion expands into a bigger question. Why do smart, capable people still fall for scams, phishing attempts, and deceptive messages? Robert explains that human beings are wired to trust by default, and that this instinct can create a dangerous blind spot when bad actors use email, texts, phone calls, and now AI-driven tools to manipulate emotion and force quick decisions.  Robert introduces the idea of the “human blind spot,” which he describes as the gap between our natural instinct to trust and our ability to slow down and think critically in risky situations. He explains that most people do not want to believe they will be targeted, and many avoid thinking seriously about security at all. That denial, combined with increasingly convincing scams, creates real vulnerability inside both personal life and the workplace. He also makes the point that fraud and crime are now treated like businesses by the people carrying them out, while most consumers and employees are still not prepared to recognize the risks in front of them.  A major focus of the episode is why traditional security training often falls short. Robert says many companies rely too heavily on phishing simulations and compliance-based training, but those methods do not fully address how people actually think and behave. Instead, he argues for moving beyond security awareness and toward what he calls security appreciation. In his view, people need to understand security in a personal way before behavior truly changes. He says that when employees see how these risks affect their own identity, money, family, and everyday life, they are more likely to make better decisions at work as well.  The episode also covers the growing role of AI in modern scams. Robert explains that voice cloning, deepfakes, and high-precision impersonation are making deception more believable than ever. These tools strip away many of the obvious warning signs people used to rely on. To help counter that, he shares a simple framework called the AAA protocol: Analyze, Authenticate, and Act. The idea is to stop, assess the urgency, verify the source through a trusted channel, and only then decide what to do next.  This is a practical conversation for business owners who want to protect their companies by addressing the human side of security. Corey and Robert make the case that better security starts with better thinking, better habits, and a culture where trust is paired with verification.  Connect with the ExpertsLearn More about Robert: https://protectnowllc.com/Connect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityIf tax season feels like writing a painful check and hoping for the best, this episode is for you. On this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with financial planner Mike Milligan to talk through legal, practical tax strategies that may help small business owners keep more of their money and think more intentionally about long-term wealth.  This is not a conversation about gimmicks or anything off the books. Early in the episode, Corey makes it clear: he wants to pay as little tax as possible, but he does not want to go to jail. That sets the tone for a discussion focused on legitimate strategies that many entrepreneurs may have heard about in passing but never fully understood or thought applied to them. Mike, who has spent 27 years in the financial industry, explains why so many business owners miss opportunities that are already built into the tax code.  One of the biggest ideas in this episode is that many business owners are relying on professionals who are great at reporting what already happened but are not always positioned to help them plan ahead. Mike describes many CPAs as historians, and Corey connects that idea to something many owners know firsthand: a business can grow, become more complex, and still be using the same financial setup it had in the early days. That gap can cost real money.  Mike breaks down several examples that make this episode especially valuable for entrepreneurs. He explains the Augusta Rule and how business owners may be able to rent their home to their business for meetings or events, with proper documentation and fair market support. He also discusses the family management company concept, including paying children for legitimate work and potentially using that income to help fund a custodial Roth IRA. Then he walks through the impact of business structure, including how an LLC with an S-corp election may create meaningful tax savings once income reaches a certain level.  What makes this conversation work is that it stays practical. Corey keeps bringing the discussion back to the small business owner who is already wearing too many hats and does not have time to become a tax expert. Mike’s point is not that owners need to learn the entire tax code. It is that the right planning, the right structure, and the right team can create significant savings over time. As the episode shows, one strategy may not change everything on its own, but several smart moves layered together can add up in a big way.  If you are a business owner, consultant, or entrepreneur who wants to stop leaving money on the table, this episode is worth your time. Listen in for a clear, engaging conversation on tax planning, business structure, and ways to move money more intentionally for your business, your family, and your future. Connect with the ExpertsLearn More about Mike: https://1oakfinancial.com/Get The 1 of a Kind Financial Plan: https://a.co/d/0io2Z8MkConnect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityIn this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with Nader Safinya of Black Ribbit to talk about a problem most business owners feel but struggle to fix: misalignment. When your mission, your culture, and your day-to-day operations are not in sync, it creates friction everywhere. Corey opens with a story about a company that claimed to value employees, customers, and stakeholders equally, but only focused on profit in practice. It is a scenario many business owners will recognize right away.  Nader brings a different perspective to the conversation with his concept of culture branding. His core belief is simple. Culture is your brand. Instead of treating employee experience and customer experience as separate strategies, he explains how businesses can design them together so both groups experience the same values and tell the same story. When that alignment is missing, companies end up with a disconnect that shows up in hiring, communication, and overall performance.  The discussion gets especially relevant when they move into hiring. Corey shares how most businesses lose great candidates by overselling roles or avoiding the hard truths. His approach is to be clear about the good, the bad, and the ugly so candidates can make an informed decision. Nader reinforces this by pointing out that most job descriptions focus on what the company wants, not what the candidate’s life will actually look like. That shift in thinking can completely change how you attract and retain talent.  They also break down what is really causing breakdowns inside organizations. It is not just poor decisions or lack of effort. It is the absence of clear, shared principles that guide behavior. Without that, teams operate inconsistently and leaders spend more time reacting than leading.  Nader closes with one of the most practical frameworks shared on the podcast. He explains how to define three core principles that guide how your team shows up, how they interact, and how they take action. In his case, those principles are reliability, compassion, and deliberate action. When used consistently, they become a simple filter for decisions and make misalignment obvious the moment it happens.  If you are trying to build a stronger culture, improve hiring, or get your team aligned, this episode gives you a clear way to start thinking about it differently.Connect with the ExpertsLearn More about Nader: https://blackribbit.com/Connect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityIn this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with returning guest Bill Conerly to break down the economic uncertainty many business owners are feeling right now. From geopolitical tension to mixed economic signals, this conversation focuses on what is actually happening beneath the headlines and what it means for small businesses trying to plan ahead.  Drawing on Bill’s latest work with Forbes, the episode outlines several realistic economic scenarios tied to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. If the situation resolves quickly, Bill explains that the economy likely returns to its previous path of moderate growth with persistent inflation and steady interest rates. If the disruption lingers, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, the implications become more serious, with reduced global energy supply, higher oil prices, and increasing pressure on both consumers and businesses worldwide.  The conversation then shifts from macroeconomics to practical application. Corey and Bill explore how these pressures show up at the business level, especially for small and mid-sized companies. They highlight how some industries, such as construction and capital goods manufacturing, tend to feel downturns more quickly, while others remain more stable. They also discuss how exposure to energy costs varies by business, and why some companies can pass those costs through to customers while others cannot.  A key theme throughout the episode is preparation without overreaction. Bill emphasizes the importance of contingency planning, encouraging business owners to model what a downturn could look like for their revenue and financial obligations. By doing this work in advance, leaders can respond quickly and with clarity if conditions change. He also shares a consistent insight from his conversations with bankers: businesses that act early during a downturn are far more likely to navigate it successfully than those that delay decisions.  The episode also touches on current labor market dynamics, noting that while hiring may feel slow, layoffs remain historically low. This creates a more nuanced picture than the headlines suggest and reinforces the need for business owners to look beyond surface-level data when making decisions.  At its core, this episode is about staying steady in uncertain times. The message is clear: do not panic, understand your exposure, and have a plan. For business owners looking to make informed decisions in a shifting economy, this conversation provides both perspective and practical guidance on what to watch and how to respond.Connect with the Experts Learn More about Bill: https://conerlyconsulting.comConnect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityIn the second KeyHire roundtable, Corey Harlock brings together a panel of experts to take on one of the biggest challenges leaders face every day: communication. We asked the KeyHire community what topic they wanted covered next, and the answer came back overwhelmingly clear.  Joining Corey are Annette Mullin, Dr. Bob Johnson, Janneh Wright, and Shannon Minifie for a conversation that quickly moves past generic leadership advice and into the tension leaders actually feel inside growing teams. This is the kind of episode that will sound familiar to anyone who has ever felt stuck in repeated conversations, frustrated by misalignment, or caught between the need to move fast and the need to get people truly on board. Better communication is not just about saying things more clearly. It is about curiosity, buy-in, listening, timing, and knowing how to slow down before a conversation starts going sideways. Corey frames one of the key tensions well when he says he is starting to believe listening is actually the byproduct of being curious. That thread runs through the whole episode in a way that feels useful, not abstract. You will hear why telling people what to do without helping them connect to the why can break momentum, why leaders can accidentally create over-dependence by jumping in with answers too quickly, and why eye rolls and repeated conversations may be a signal that the team is already trying to solve the wrong thing too fast. The panel also brings in memorable ideas that make this episode stand out. Annette talks through tactical empathy and no-oriented questions. Bob introduces the idea of a “200% world,” where both sides can feel completely right and still need a better shared problem definition. Shannon and Janneh push into the challenge of staying curious longer, resisting the rush to advice, and helping teams keep ownership instead of handing it all back to the leader. For small business owners, this episode will likely feel less like a lecture and more like hearing smart people put language around problems you are probably already dealing with. If communication has become a bottleneck in your business, this roundtable is a strong one to queue up. Connect with the Experts Learn More about Shannon Minifie: https://boxofcrayons.com/Learn More about Dr. Bob Johnson: https://www.shorelinepartnersinc.com/Learn More About Janneh Wright: https://primusco.com/Learn More about Annette Mullin: https://www.blackswanltd.com/Connect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityDelegation is supposed to make your life easier as a business owner. But what if the way you’re delegating is actually making things worse?In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with entrepreneur, author, and leadership mentor Atiba de Souza to unpack the myths around delegation and why so many small business owners struggle to build teams that truly take ownership. If you’ve ever felt like everything in your business still runs through you, this conversation will hit close to home.  Atiba brings nearly three decades of real-world experience running businesses and leading teams. And he does not pretend he got everything right the first time. In fact, he openly shares some of the hard lessons he learned along the way, including a period when his company hired more than 200 people just to fill six positions over two years. Those kinds of painful experiences forced him to rethink how leadership, hiring, and delegation actually work inside a growing business.  One of the biggest themes in this episode is the reality that many leaders misunderstand what delegation really means. Too often, business owners try to solve delegation problems with more instructions, more documentation, or more processes. Atiba even describes becoming what he calls the “SOP king,” building hundreds of documented procedures in an effort to fix problems inside his companies. While things improved in some ways, the deeper leadership challenges remained.  The breakthrough came from an unexpected place: youth football. While watching a quarterback coach work with his son, Atiba heard a lesson that completely changed how he viewed leadership. The coach told the players that once the play begins, the coach cannot help them. They have to learn how to coach themselves on the field. That insight eventually reshaped the way Atiba thought about delegation in business.  Instead of focusing on controlling every step of the work, leaders need to help their teams develop the ability to think, make decisions, and solve problems on their own. That realization led Atiba to develop what he now calls the CASE Method, a simple coaching framework designed to help employees learn from real work situations and build stronger decision-making skills over time.  Corey and Atiba also dive into several challenges that small business owners face every day. They talk about hiring for potential versus hiring for experience, why many founders become the bottleneck in their own company, and the dangerous mindset of “I can do it faster myself.” While that approach may feel efficient in the moment, it often prevents teams from developing the skills they need to operate independently.  If you are trying to scale a business, build a stronger team, or simply stop feeling like every decision has to come through you, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on how leaders can move from task management to true team development.Tune in to hear Corey Harlock and Atiba de Souza break down the delegation traps that hold so many business owners back and learn a new way to build teams that can perform even when the boss is not in the room.Connect with the Experts Learn More about Atiba: https://thedelegationtrap.com/Connect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityIn this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with Calgary-based leadership and people strategist Lindsay White, founder of High Voltage Leadership, to talk about a challenge that shows up fast when a small business starts to scale: how to protect your culture while you hire and grow.Corey kicks off the conversation with a reality small business owners feel in their bones—when you have 10 or 20 people, every new hire can be a meaningful percentage of the culture. Bring in a department head or leadership-table hire, and that influence multiplies. Lindsay agrees and frames culture in a practical way: culture is simply “how we get work done together.” It’s the connective tissue between your vision, mission, values, and the behaviors that make them real. And if you want your business to grow in line with your goals, culture is not optional. As Lindsay puts it, the old idea that “culture eats strategy for breakfast” is true, especially when you’re scaling.They also unpack one of the most common misconceptions: culture is not a statement on a wall. In a small business, culture is heavily shaped by the owner and leadership team—how they operate, how they make decisions, and how they show up when things get hard. Lindsay emphasizes that the business owner is the most senior leader and must act as the culture champion. If the leader doesn’t “walk the walk,” nobody else will.As businesses grow, Lindsay notes, the culture has to evolve—not because your principles disappear, but because the way you do the work changes when you move from a handful of people to larger teams and higher revenue. That evolution requires creating other culture champions inside the business, not just relying on the founder to touch every relationship.Corey and Lindsay get candid about a hiring mistake that damages trust fast: misrepresenting the culture. If you oversell or “tap dance” around what your workplace is really like, new hires feel it immediately—and it’s a terrible way to start a relationship. Their advice is straightforward: be honest and let candidates self-select. When you clearly describe the environment—whether it’s startup “elbow to elbow” grind or a more structured setup—you get a “hell yes” or a “hell no,” and you stop wasting everyone’s time.Another major culture killer they call out is tolerating behavior that’s contrary to the values you say you want—especially from long-tenured employees or high performers. Lindsay describes how quickly that becomes toxic in a small organization if it isn’t addressed.To keep things practical, they also share simple, low-cost ways to strengthen culture right away. Corey talks about a coach who used a “three quarters” habit—moving coins from one pocket to the other after having meaningful conversations—as a reminder to be intentional. The point isn’t performative check-ins; it’s presence, listening, and real connection. Lindsay reinforces that the short-term effort pays long-term dividends because it creates buy-in, better communication, and a ripple effect across the team.If you’re hiring to scale and want to grow without losing what makes your business special, this episode is a grounded, honest look at culture—what it is, how it shifts, and what leaders can do immediately to protect it.Connect with the Experts Learn More about Lindsay: https://highvoltageleadership.caConnect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityTrade shows can be one of the biggest line items in a small business marketing budget. They can also be one of the most frustrating investments when they fail to deliver real results. In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock tackles a challenge many manufacturing and wholesale business owners face: “We went to the trade show, but we didn’t get any real leads.” Is it the wrong show? The wrong people? Or the wrong strategy? Corey sits down with Anca Trifan, founder and CEO of Tree-Fan Events Production, award-winning speaker, and AI strategist. With more than 20 years in the event industry, from AV production and mixing for major entertainers to producing large-scale corporate conferences, Anca brings both behind-the-scenes experience and front-of-stage strategy to the conversation. This discussion moves far beyond fishbowls and badge scans into what actually drives revenue from trade shows. Anca challenges business owners to stop measuring success by volume alone. Scanning badges is not a strategy. Booth size is not a strategy. Hoping the sales team “figures it out later” is not a strategy. Instead, leadership must define clear objectives before booking the booth. Are you expanding into a new vertical? Accelerating pipeline opportunities? Shortening your sales cycle? What is the target number of qualified opportunities? What deal size are you pursuing? What revenue should this show influence within 90 days? From there, Corey and Anca break down execution. They discuss why sending junior staff to “cover the booth” is a costly mistake. Trade show attendees want to meet decision-makers, not placeholders. Your best people, those who can qualify prospects, answer technical questions, and potentially close on site, need to be present. The conversation also dives into lead classification. Anca outlines a simple tier system. Tier 1 prospects have confirmed budget, authority, and timeline. Tier 2 prospects have influence and mid-term potential. Tier 3 leads are exploratory and early stage. When these tiers are clearly defined, AI tools can help score conversations, route follow-ups appropriately, and protect your sales team from chasing unqualified leads. One of the most practical takeaways centers on post-show follow-up. Anca recommends recording conversations using AI transcription tools, summarizing discussions daily, syncing information into your CRM within 12 hours, and sending personalized follow-ups within 48 hours. Automation can support the process, but blindly automated emails that lack quality control can cost real deals. For business owners in the $5 to $25 million range, this episode provides a structured framework to maximize trade show ROI without unnecessary complexity. Pre-book strategic meetings. Define qualification criteria. Bring the right people. Capture conversations. Execute disciplined follow-up. If you have ever questioned whether trade shows are worth the investment, this conversation will help you shift from hoping for results to engineering them. Connect with the Experts Learn More about Anca: https://treefanevents.comConnect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityOne of the biggest mistakes small business owners make when hiring is this: they hire for today’s revenue instead of tomorrow’s growth. It’s an easy trap to fall into. You’re stretched thin. The team is overwhelmed. Deadlines are slipping. So you look for someone who can step in, manage the current workload, and provide immediate relief. The pressure feels urgent, and filling the seat quickly seems like the responsible move. But hiring for convenience instead of capacity often keeps your business stuck right where it is. In this episode, Corey Harlock breaks down what it really means to hire for growth. If you’ve ever felt like your company has outgrown the people who helped you build it—or if you’re working longer hours just to keep everything from falling apart—this conversation will challenge the way you think about your next hire. As businesses grow, revenue often “hockey sticks” upward. But while sales increase, systems, processes, and leadership capability don’t always keep pace. Eventually, the business outgrows the structure supporting it. When that happens, many owners make a critical mistake: they hire someone who can manage their current $10 million operation instead of someone capable of building the $50 million version of that business. That’s the shift. Instead of hiring for today’s demands, Corey explains why leaders must hire for excess capacity. That means bringing in high-horsepower, high-impact individuals who walk in with room to build, improve, and scale. These are leaders who bring process discipline, operational expertise, and experience from larger or more complex environments. They don’t just maintain the status quo—they create leverage. Throughout the episode, Corey shares real-world examples that illustrate the difference between hiring for potential and hiring for proven experience. Hiring for potential may feel safer and less expensive upfront, but the return is often delayed. Hiring for experience may come with sticker shock, but the impact is frequently immediate—improving systems, strengthening accountability, and driving measurable results faster than most owners expect. If your growth strategy depends on working longer and harder each year, you don’t have a scaling plan—you have a capacity problem. Building a business that doesn’t require you to redline your engine every day starts with hiring leaders who can carry more weight than your current revenue demands. Because strong companies don’t hire for relief. They hire for capacity. Connect with the Experts Connect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityIn this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with mindset expert Curtis McCullom to explore a topic we have not spent nearly enough time on: what it takes mentally to drive your business forward. We have covered communication. We have covered leadership. But what is happening inside your head may be the most important lever of all.Curtis works with CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs to eliminate hidden blind spots and unlock income, confidence, and freedom. Using his Legit Mindset framework, along with NLP and Mental and Emotional Release techniques, he helps leaders identify the root causes behind behaviors that are holding them back.The conversation begins with a foundational question: what is mindset? Curtis defines it as your thoughts, beliefs, and values that shape how you see the world. He explains that the subconscious mind does not joke. It takes what you tell it as truth. If you repeatedly tell yourself that today is going to be a bad day, your mind will seek evidence to prove you right. The same principle applies in business.Corey and Curtis dig into the idea of the negative spiral. When leaders believe that bad things happen in threes or assume the worst after one setback, they often subconsciously look for confirmation. Curtis shares powerful examples of how dominant thoughts influence outcomes, including real-life stories about mindset affecting health and longevity.A major theme of the episode is responsibility. Wherever you are in your journey, you must take ownership. Curtis explains that while you may not have caused every event in your life, you are responsible for how you respond. That shift from effect to cause is where real power lives.The discussion then turns practical for business owners. Curtis outlines red flags that indicate deeper issues, such as overreacting to small problems, operating in a constant state of frustration, or identifying with negative emotions. There is a difference between saying “I am angry” and “I am feeling anger.” That subtle language shift matters. When negative emotions become your identity, your subconscious works to reinforce them.They also explore workaholism, self-sabotage, and the concept of homeostasis. Many entrepreneurs unknowingly manage their businesses back down to a level of comfort because growth feels unfamiliar or unsafe. Curtis explains how unresolved baggage, sometimes from early childhood, can shape behavior in ways leaders do not even recognize.The episode closes with practical steps. Acknowledge what you are feeling. Say it out loud. Separate the emotion from your identity. Protect your mind from negativity. Develop daily mental hygiene through simple visualization and intentional thought.If you are a business owner carrying stress, reacting more than responding, or wondering why you keep hitting the same ceiling, this conversation will challenge you to look inward.Stop grinding. Start growing. And it starts with your mindset.Connect with the Experts Learn More About Curtis: https://www.bespokehumanpotentialcoaching.comConnect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Explore the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityWhen is your business truly ready to hire a high-powered executive?In this solo episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock breaks down one of the most expensive mistakes growing companies make: bringing in a big-ticket executive before the business is structurally ready to support them.Drawing from real client case studies, Corey walks through what happens when companies hire a VP or C-level leader without the infrastructure underneath them to execute. From the “inbox manager” executive who waits for problems to come to their desk, to the sales leader who increases revenue while operations are already redlining, this episode unpacks why strategy without support can stall momentum.Corey also outlines the three biggest DIY hiring mistakes small business owners make:Failing to clearly define the roleHiring for today’s revenue instead of tomorrow’sLacking a consistent, structured hiring processYou will learn how to assess whether your business needs a Director, VP, or C-level executive and how your current growth stage determines the right move. Corey explains the five Key Owner stages, from the overwhelmed business owner to the strategic operator, and how each stage impacts your hiring strategy.If you are scaling toward $40 million, $50 million, or beyond and wondering whether it is time to invest in executive talent, this episode will help you make the decision with clarity and confidence.Connect with the Experts Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Explore the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacityEveryone wants to give advice, but is that advice actually helping your business or quietly holding it back?In this milestone 100th episode of The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock is joined by Shannon Minifie, CEO of Box of Crayons, for a powerful conversation on leadership, curiosity, and the hidden cost of advice-giving. Together, they unpack the concept of the “Advice Monster” and why even well-intentioned leaders often disempower their teams by rushing to answers instead of slowing down to ask better questions.Shannon shares practical, real-world tools for becoming more coach-like as a leader without turning every conversation into a formal coaching session. From understanding the three types of advice monsters, Tell It, Save It, and Control It, to learning simple questions that unlock clarity, ownership, and stronger performance, this episode is packed with insights small business owners can apply immediately.If you are feeling stretched thin, stuck in the weeds, or like your team depends on you for everything, this conversation will help you reclaim your time, build stronger leaders around you, and create a culture that truly scales.Key topics include:Why advice often demotivates instead of helpsHow curiosity drives better decisions and stronger cultureThe vicious cycle of over-dependence in small businessesSimple questions that create clarity, ownership, and growthHow leaders can step back without losing controlThis episode is a must-listen for business owners who want to stop grinding, start growing, and lead in a way that builds capability, not dependency.Connect with the Experts Learn More About Shannon:https://boxofcrayons.com/Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Explore the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacitySmall business owners carry a relentless load. The workday does not end when the doors close, and the pressure to keep pushing can quietly pull leaders away from what matters most: real relationships, good judgment, and the ability to lead with clarity.  In this episode, host Corey Harlock sits down with Jeff Burningham, an entrepreneur and investor who has started, run, or invested in more than 15 companies in tech and real estate, and the author of The Last Book Written by a Human. Jeff shares why being present and aware is not a nice-to-have habit. He frames it as a practical leadership discipline, especially in a world where intelligent tools are everywhere. What you’ll learn- Why presence is a leadership practice, not a personality trait, and how small business owners can build it through simple daily habits. - How “human being” leadership differs from “human doing” leadership, and why wisdom and embodied experience matter as intelligence becomes more commoditized. - How to balance results with relationships, and why the quality of connection with employees, vendors, and customers becomes the ultimate long-term advantage. Jeff and Corey dig into the real tension every owner feels: the need to deliver results without letting the pace become unsustainable. Jeff explains how easy it is to lose the basics when the business demands everything, and why the basics are still the basics for a reason.  From sitting in silence for a few minutes a day, to moving the body, to getting back into nature, Jeff argues that these simple practices help leaders hear themselves, regulate stress, and make better decisions. The conversation also touches on what Jeff learned from his run for governor in Utah during COVID, and how pressure can push leaders toward choices they later regret. The takeaway is clear: presence protects people, culture, and judgment, and it keeps business owners from sacrificing what they actually built the business for. Connect with the Experts Get The Last Book Written By a Human: https://a.co/d/cz4BsHHLearn More About Jeff: jeffburningham.com Connect with Jeff: @JeffBurningham (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook) Connect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  If you are a small business owner who feels like you are working harder than ever but still not getting the results you want, this episode is for you. In Episode 98 of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with leadership expert and author Paul Thornton to discuss the core skills that make leaders more confident, capable, and effective.Paul Thornton has spent more than 20 years teaching leadership and management. He has written over 30 books, including his most recent title, Leadership Skills: Boost Your Effectiveness. Paul’s goal is to simplify leadership so that anyone can apply it. In this conversation, he and Corey talk about how small business owners can grow their leadership skills and build stronger, more resilient teams .Many entrepreneurs get caught up in the day-to-day work of running their business. They focus on getting products out the door, solving problems, and keeping operations moving. Paul points out that leaders who never make time to develop their own skills or invest in their people often hit a wall. They burn out or stall their company’s growth because they are trying to do everything themselves.Throughout the episode, Paul shares three essential skills that every small business owner needs to master:Coaching – A great leader helps their people improve through feedback, encouragement, and curiosity. Coaching is not about telling people what to do. It is about asking the right questions and helping them find their own solutions.Delegating – Many leaders struggle to let go. They believe that no one else can do things as well as they can. Paul explains how learning to delegate properly allows owners to create more time, develop their team’s confidence, and prevent burnout.Communicating – Clarity and consistency are at the heart of great leadership. Paul and Corey talk about how small miscommunications can lead to frustration, confusion, and unnecessary drama inside a company .Corey adds perspective from years of working with small business owners. He explains that people do not leave companies. They leave poor leaders. Employees want to be heard, understood, and supported. A leader who listens, asks questions, and provides context can transform culture and performance.Both Corey and Paul highlight that these skills are not one-time lessons. Leadership growth is a lifelong process. It requires intention, patience, and honest self-assessment. Paul encourages listeners to take small, specific actions. Start by identifying a few tasks that can be delegated. Schedule regular check-ins with your team. Ask your people, “What is one thing I can do to be a better listener?” These small steps compound over time and create measurable results .The conversation closes with an important reminder. Leadership is not about control. It is about creating the space for others to succeed. When you invest in coaching, communication, and delegation, you create a team that performs better and a business that can grow without you doing it all.Connect with the Experts   Read Leadership Skills: https://a.co/d/0rjjLl7Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  Every business owner measures success differently. Some focus on profit, others on cash flow or growth. But few truly understand the three numbers that determine whether a company can scale or survive. In this episode, Corey Harlock talks with Dave Saunders, early internet pioneer and founder of Base Reality Group, about the three essential numbers every small business owner must know: revenue, cost, and runway.Before the conversation begins, Corey shares some exciting news. The KeyHire Podcast was named Best Business Consultant by the Best of Small Business Awards, and the show was recently featured in Forbes after economist Bill Connerly referenced one of their past episodes. It has been a rewarding start to the year, and Corey credits the KeyHire community for helping the podcast grow and reach new milestones.Dave’s career began at Lucent Bell Labs, where he helped create the first commercial Wi-Fi hotspot in partnership with Apple. From there, he co-founded Galen Robotics, raised $25 million in funding, and built a reputation for helping founders grow profitable, process-driven businesses. His book, Founders Who Finish, captures much of what he has learned along the way, but today he focuses on the three financial metrics that matter most.Dave explains that many business owners rely on endless dashboards filled with metrics and acronyms that often confuse more than they clarify. He believes success can be simplified into three numbers.Revenue: The total of what is coming in, including both cash on hand and incoming payments.Cost: Every expense required to keep the business operating, both fixed and variable.Runway: The amount of time the company could continue operating if income stopped today.Corey and Dave discuss why understanding these numbers is essential for making smart, timely decisions. They outline what it means when a business has less than three months of runway, how to identify waste in operations, and how to reduce costs without cutting too deep. Dave shares examples of companies that failed to monitor their financial health and the consequences that followed, as well as stories of those that corrected course and grew stronger.The conversation also explores what happens when a company’s growth outpaces the leadership team’s ability to manage it. Corey and Dave talk about the challenges that appear when a business hits the 50-employee mark and the importance of learning to lead through process rather than constant effort. They discuss the self-awareness required for a founder to know when to delegate, bring in new leadership, or evolve their own role.Dave’s insights are practical, clear, and grounded in experience. His approach helps business owners simplify the way they think about performance and make better decisions about growth, stability, and sustainability.This episode offers real-world advice for anyone trying to understand their numbers, build a stronger foundation, and create a business that can grow with confidence.Listen now to learn how to simplify your numbers, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts.Connect with the Experts   Learn More about Dave: davesaunders.netBe KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  What if every customer call was answered instantly, every lead was qualified accurately, and your sales team spent 100% of their time closing instead of chasing? In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Shawn Boehme, Director of Sales at PanTerra Networks, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of inbound sales and customer communication.Shawn shares his insider experience helping small and mid-sized businesses integrate AI-driven sales agents that not only answer calls around the clock but also think like seasoned sales reps. These agents qualify leads, analyze tone and intent, and even match regional accents to ensure every caller feels understood. From there, human salespeople can jump in with complete context, ready to have meaningful conversations and close more deals. As Shawn puts it, “AI doesn’t replace your sales team—it makes them better.”Throughout the conversation, Corey and Shawn dig into what it takes to get AI working effectively in real-world sales environments. Shawn explains how tools like conversational AI and CRM integration enable a seamless handoff between bots and humans, giving sales reps access to detailed customer histories without wasting time on repetitive questions. The result? Happier customers, faster conversions, and fewer missed opportunities.Shawn also breaks down the technical and strategic side of implementation—from tuning AI agents through hours of test calls to ensuring they ask the right qualifying questions 100% of the time. He explains how modern AI can detect emotion and context, improving response accuracy and reducing handle time in customer support situations. And as businesses move away from offshoring and back toward “onshoring,” AI is playing a major role in reducing costs while elevating the customer experience.For business owners, this episode offers a practical roadmap for starting small with AI—whether that means deploying a virtual receptionist, experimenting with Agent Assist, or automating parts of your inbound call process. Corey and Shawn also discuss common mistakes companies make when trying to build AI tools themselves, including underestimating the time it takes to properly train and fine-tune an agent.If you’ve ever wondered how to use AI to qualify leads, improve customer satisfaction, and boost sales performance, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to take the first step. As Corey reminds us, it’s not about replacing people—it’s about helping small business owners stop grinding and start growing.Tune in to learn how AI can help your business capture more leads, improve efficiency, and deliver a better experience for every customer who calls.Connect with the Experts   Learn More about PanTerra Networks: www.panterranetworks.com/Connect with Shawn: www.linkedin.comBe KeyHire's Next Success Story: bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  Welcome to 2026 and the first episode of the year for The KeyHire Small Business Podcast. Host Corey Harlock starts the year by tackling a challenge that never seems to go away for small business owners: how to build a steady flow of talent when you do not have the budget for a recruiter.Even though the job market is softening, more than 30 percent of small business owners are still struggling to fill open positions. Corey explains why this happens and shares practical, realistic strategies to help owners prepare before a role opens up instead of reacting when it is too late.He begins by defining what a talent pipeline really is and why small businesses should treat it as an investment in stability. Corey focuses on two of the most effective and affordable tools available to any business: employee referral programsand partnerships with trade schools or community colleges.Employee referrals, he explains, provide an incredible return on investment. Referral hires tend to stay longer, perform better, and fit the culture more naturally. The key is to make referral programs meaningful and well funded. Corey describes how small businesses can transform a simple referral bonus into a culture-building event that rewards and recognizes employees who help bring in great people.Next, Corey discusses how to partner with local trade schools and community colleges to create internship or apprenticeship opportunities. These programs provide early access to skilled entry-level talent while giving students real-world experience. The benefits take time to develop, but once established, these relationships create a long-term stream of qualified, loyal employees.Throughout the episode, Corey reminds listeners that every hiring decision should begin and end with respect. Whether it is an employee leaving, an intern starting, or a candidate being interviewed, the way people are treated shapes your company’s reputation. He also warns about a common mistake called “warm body syndrome,” which is hiring out of desperation rather than fit. The result is usually short-term relief followed by long-term pain.Listeners will hear why underfunded or underpromoted referral programs rarely work, how to keep a list of “almost perfect” candidates for future roles, and why your hiring process can be your strongest recruiting tool if done correctly. Corey also offers tips on creating internal pipelines by cross-training and developing existing staff, ensuring that key roles can be filled quickly when turnover happens.By the end of the episode, small business owners will have a clear roadmap for building entry-level and mid-level pipelines, reducing hiring stress, and strengthening their internal culture.If you are ready to make 2026 the year your business grows stronger, smarter, and more prepared, this episode will help you get there.Connect with the Experts   Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram 

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment 2025 was a year of transformation for business owners and leaders everywhere, and The KeyHire Small Business Podcast was right there with them. In this special year-end wrap-up episode, we’re revisiting some of the most powerful insights and real-world strategies from our guests this year — the moments that challenged the way we think about leadership, operations, and growth in small business.First, we look back at our conversation with Chris Dundee, who reminded us that building smarter systems doesn’t require complicated software or massive budgets. It starts with solving a problem once and never having to solve it again. From QR code-based training tools to practical, measurable learning strategies, Chris showed how small businesses can create accessible, just-in-time training that frees up leaders to focus on growth rather than repetition. His approach to “training once, using forever” was a standout lesson in efficiency and scalability for business owners of every size.Then, Tara Wagner brought the conversation back to balance. In a world obsessed with going viral, she made the case for calm, sustainable marketing strategies. Her “social media business card” concept reminded us that small business owners don’t have to chase algorithms — they can use simple, intentional online presence to validate their credibility and connect authentically with customers. It’s a refreshing message for entrepreneurs ready to build relevance without burnout.Next, we revisited highlights from our first-ever KeyHire Roundtable, featuring Simone Janssen, Kurt Eller, and Young Han — a powerhouse lineup exploring what it really means to hire and lead in a changing market. From Kurt’s push to hire “athletes” instead of resumes, to Simone’s perspective on clarity, fit, and follow-through, this discussion captured what we love most about the KeyHire community: real leaders having honest conversations about how to scale a small business the right way.Finally, Aaron Christie took us inside a story that perfectly captures what 2025 was all about — leveraging technology with purpose. By creating a custom GPT to streamline his company’s roofing estimates, Aaron showed that AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about empowering them. His experiment turned into a blueprint for building repeatable, efficient processes that allow companies to grow without adding unnecessary overhead. It’s the kind of innovation that defines the next generation of small business management.From practical tools to human-centered leadership, this year on The KeyHire Podcast was all about helping entrepreneurs stop grinding and start growing. As we look ahead, we’re excited to bring you even more stories, insights, and breakthroughs in 2026.Stay with us — the best is yet to come.Connect with the Experts       Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram 

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Conflict. It’s one of those things every small business owner deals with—but few know how to handle well. In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Yvette Durazo, workplace strategist, international speaker, and author of In the Heels of a Smart Negotiator. Yvette has spent more than 14 years helping leaders and teams transform conflict from a source of tension into a driver of collaboration and innovation.If you’ve ever thought, “I love running my business—if it weren’t for the people,” this conversation is for you. Yvette introduces her methodology of Conflict Intelligence (Conflict IQ)—a human-centered approach that goes beyond standard conflict resolution. Instead of treating conflict as a problem to be avoided, Conflict IQ helps leaders recognize it as a natural part of growth and team dynamics.Yvette and Corey dive into why most organizations are still uncomfortable addressing conflict, how punitive HR systems often make things worse, and why emotional intelligence is the foundation for any healthy culture. Yvette breaks down how conflict management ranks among the top 15 most important skills in today’s workplace—right up there with artificial intelligence. Her insights remind us that emotional regulation, empathy, and self-awareness aren’t “soft skills”—they’re business essentials.From her experiences working with small businesses to training executives worldwide, Yvette explains how behavior modification, active listening, and self-awareness create the foundation for “meta-skills”—the ability to adapt your communication and leadership style to any situation. You’ll also hear her powerful story of a business owner who grew his company threefold not by adding more people, but by involving his employees in the process and listening to their ideas.Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a growing company, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on how to:Prevent small disagreements from festering into full-blown issuesCommunicate with empathy and emotional balance—even under stressTurn “taboo topics” like conflict into opportunities for growthBuild a workplace culture where people feel heard, respected, and accountableAs Corey puts it, “When you have people, you have conflict—but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.” If you want to transform friction into forward motion, this episode will give you a roadmap to start doing exactly that.Listen now, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead their team with more confidence, clarity, and compassion.Connect with the Experts   Learn More about Yvette: https://unitiveconsulting.com/enRead In the High Heels of a Smart Negotiator: https://a.co/d/4aYjC7J   Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram 

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment   Inflation, tariffs, and rising costs—three words that can send any small business owner into a tailspin. In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock breaks down what’s really happening behind today’s numbers and how you can protect your margins while staying profitable through it all. Inflation may have cooled from pandemic highs, but at 2.9%, it’s still 50% higher than the Federal Reserve’s target, and small business owners are feeling it even more acutely. Add in new tariffs that cost the average small business $90,000 in just four months, and you’ve got a one-two punch threatening profit margins across the country. Corey unpacks what these numbers actually mean and, more importantly, what you can do about them. He explains why absorbing costs without a plan can trap your business in a cycle of “opening the doors just to pay the bills,” and how panic-based price increases can alienate loyal customers. Instead, Corey shares real strategies for navigating inflation and tariffs strategically, from transparent, data-driven price adjustments to renegotiating supplier contracts and building supply chain resilience. Listeners will learn why 65% of small businesses remain profitable despite these pressures, and how adaptability and creative problem-solving are driving that success. Corey outlines key actions every owner should take: Model different tariff and inflation scenarios. Audit expenses and find “lost pennies” in recurring costs. Invest in smart automation and AI tools that increase efficiency without cutting jobs. Protect your profit margins by focusing on high-performing products and financial reserves. More than just a crash course in economics, this episode is a playbook for survival and growth in unpredictable times. Corey’s message is clear: small business owners who stay informed, act strategically, and communicate transparently can not only weather inflation and tariffs, but emerge stronger and more resilient. Tune in to learn how to adapt, protect your margins, and reclaim your peace of mind, because at the end of the day, your business shouldn’t just grind to survive. It should grow to thrive. Connect with the Experts       Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram Built for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment If you are a small business owner who has ever wondered how to get more time back, reduce missed calls, capture more leads, or simply stop juggling tasks from the golf course or the job site, this episode will open your eyes to what is now possible. Corey sits down with Marianne Mlechick, Vice President of Operations at Abby Connect, to reveal how AI powered receptionists are transforming the way small businesses handle communication, scheduling, and customer intake.Marianne brings more than a decade of experience leading operations at Abby Connect, a company that has grown from a handful of people to a full scale team supporting businesses nationwide. She explains how their AI receptionist was trained on more than a million real calls, which allows it to interact with customers in a natural and conversational way. Instead of a stiff phone tree, callers reach a system that can answer questions, recognize intent, and guide them exactly where they need to go.Listeners will hear how business owners are using AI receptionists to gain instant coverage around the clock. Every call is answered. Every new lead is captured. Every detail is recorded. Nothing depends on someone remembering to write something down or call someone back. Whether a caller is asking for pricing, trying to schedule an appointment, or requesting support, the AI receptionist can handle the intake, collect all necessary information, and route the call or schedule time on your calendar.Corey also explores the warm transfer feature, which allows owners to immediately know who is calling and what they want before picking up. This creates a seamless experience for both sides. Marianne explains how custom call flows, unlimited FAQs, and drag and drop setup tools allow owners to tailor the AI receptionist to their exact business needs. From VIP client routing to outbound messages that match your brand personality, the system gives owners more control than they often realize.The episode highlights real results from small businesses that discovered they had been missing far more calls than expected. Once the AI receptionist was active, many saw measurable increases in revenue simply because every inquiry was captured and quickly followed up on. It is a simple shift that prevents opportunities from slipping away during busy days, holidays, or moments when owners are tied up with clients.Marianne also shares how easy it is to get started. Most businesses can complete setup in about 15 minutes. Abby Connect supports new users with onboarding, live technicians, and a 14 day free trial. The cost is surprisingly accessible at roughly 100 to 150 dollars per month depending on call volume. For many owners, landing just one new client covers the entire month of service.If you are curious about how AI can support your business without cBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment Vote for KeyHire: https://thebestofsmallbusinessawards.awardsplatform.comIf you employ anyone who works under an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast is one you cannot afford to miss. Host Corey Harlock breaks down the rule changes that went into effect on October 30, 2025, and what they mean for small business owners across the United States. These updates have quietly transformed how EAD renewals are handled, and if you are not paying attention, they could expose your business to serious fines, penalties, or even criminal charges. For years, EAD holders were automatically granted a 540-day extension while their renewals were being processed. That safety net is gone. Under the new regulations, if an employee’s EAD expires and their renewal has not yet been approved, they are no longer eligible to work in the U.S. Employers who allow them to continue working could face fines that start at $676 per worker and can climb to $27,000 per worker for repeated violations. Corey uses his own immigration experience to explain how the different work permits function and why this change matters to small business owners. He keeps it simple, clear, and immediately actionable. This episode is not about fear. It is about taking control, staying compliant, and protecting your business from unnecessary risk. Listeners will learn how to: • Identify which employees are on EADs or student visas • Track renewal dates in a simple spreadsheet • Use the 180-day renewal window to get ahead of expiration dates • Communicate clearly with affected employees • Document renewals to stay compliant • Build contingency plans and cross-train team members in case renewals are delayed Corey reminds business owners that EAD renewals typically take three to six months to process, which means waiting until the last minute is no longer an option. He walks through how to set up reminders, manage documentation, and build systems that keep teams working legally and smoothly. If you are a small business owner who employs workers on EADs, tune in now to learn how to protect your team, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your business running under the new rules. Connect with the Experts      Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess     Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and InstagramBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment How do you give honest, critical feedback without losing your best people?That’s the question we tackle in this week’s episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, as host Corey Harlock sits down with Cortney Watson, leadership coach and former COO who helped scale a D.C.-based consulting firm from $10 million to $40 million. Cortney knows firsthand how fast growth can outpace structure—and how poor feedback habits can quietly destroy a company’s momentum.Together, Corey and Cortney unpack why most small business owners avoid critical conversations, and how that avoidance leads to stalled growth, poor culture, and frustrated teams. Cortney shares her proven strategies for building a culture of continuous feedback—one where input flows in both directions, and where accountability is seen as support, not punishment.Cortney explains why feedback shouldn’t just “go down” from leader to employee—it should go up, too. When employees can safely share input with their managers, everyone grows. That’s how small businesses evolve from founder-driven operations into scalable, self-sustaining organizations.In this candid conversation, Corey and Cortney dig into practical frameworks that any small business can implement, including:How to establish trust before tough conversationsWhy timing and tone are everything when giving feedbackThe pitfalls of waiting too long to address performance issuesHow to avoid the dreaded “feedback sandwich” and get real resultsHow strong feedback habits directly impact growth and retentionThey also discuss the deeper side of leadership—what happens when owners let frustration fester, when they fail to hold poor performers accountable, and when they accidentally drive away their top talent. Cortney shares how she helps leaders recognize those patterns early, and replace them with healthy, repeatable habits that build trust and performance over time.Whether you’re running a five-person shop or managing a fast-scaling team, this episode will give you the language and mindset you need to start leading with clarity and confidence. Because great feedback isn’t criticism—it’s coaching. And when you learn to coach your people well, you unlock the potential that drives your business forward.Tune in now to learn how to stop avoiding hard conversations, start building stronger teams, and finally create a culture where people want to stay and grow.Connect with the Experts      Learn More about Cortney: https://cortneywatson.focalpointcoaching.com/Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess     FolBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment The economy is sending mixed signals. Reports say it is strong, but the markets and hiring data tell a different story. Many small business owners are facing what I call “The Great Hiring Freeze.” In this episode, I explore what is really happening behind the scenes. Business owners are holding off on hiring because they are unsure about the future. That hesitation is creating stress, burnout, and missed opportunities. I’ll break down why this “wait and see” mindset is costing more than it saves, and how you can make smarter moves to build your team even in uncertain times. Right now, there are over seven million job openings in the U.S., but only about five million people are actually being hired each month. The problem is not a lack of opportunity. It is a lack of clarity and strategy. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: The Perfect Candidate Trap: How unrealistic job descriptions keep you from hiring good people and why chasing “unicorns” can hold your business back. Overworked Teams and Hidden Costs: Why stretching your best employees too thin leads to burnout and turnover, and what it really costs to lose them. Breaking Analysis Paralysis: How indecision and endless comparison during the hiring process can cause you to miss great candidates. Hiring as an Investment, Not an Expense: How to shift your mindset and start measuring hiring in terms of ROI, whether you are bringing in someone for potential or proven experience. The Myth of Perfect Timing: Why waiting for the “right time” to hire is risky, and how to keep recruiting continuously and strategically. You’ll also hear how to design a hiring process that is both exhaustive and efficient. I’ll explain how to shorten your hiring timeline to about two weeks, avoid panic hires, and stop the cycle of rework and frustration that hurts productivity and morale. Whether you are looking for a manager or adding frontline support, this episode will help you rethink how and when to hire. You’ll gain practical steps for staying proactive and building confidence in your decisions. If you’ve been delaying your next hire because you’re unsure what the economy will do, this conversation will help you move from uncertainty to clarity. Hiring can feel risky right now, but waiting can be even riskier. Tune in to learn how to find, attract, and keep the right people so your business can keep moving forward. Connect with the Experts       Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and InstagramBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment If you’ve ever stared at your social media feed wondering why it isn’t bringing in business, this episode will change the way you think about Instagram. Host Corey Harlock sits down with Tara Wagner, an accredited small business consultant and creator of the Breakthrough Boss Method, to unpack a smarter, saner way to use social media: the Instagram Business Card Strategy.Instead of chasing viral trends or dancing for likes, Tara shares how business owners can treat Instagram like a digital business card, a simple and strategic presence that validates your credibility when customers check you out. She explains why most small businesses don’t need to go viral to grow and how to turn your social profile into a tool that supports your actual marketing plan, not another full-time job.Together, Corey and Tara break down what to include in your bio, highlights, and posts to build trust and lead visitors to take the next step, whether that’s booking a call, visiting your location, or requesting a quote. Tara walks through her clear, repeatable framework:- Start with the end in mind. Know the single next step you want potential customers to take.- Craft your bio and highlights with intention. Make it about your audience, not your accolades.- Curate content that answers unspoken questions. Think: “Where do I park?” “What does this place feel like?” “Can I trust these people?”They also talk about common mistakes like boosting posts that hurt organic reach, over-posting without purpose, and following influencer advice that doesn’t fit real business needs. Tara emphasizes that for most entrepreneurs, Instagram’s real value lies in validation, not visibility, and that freeing yourself from the pressure to perform online can give you more time for what actually drives profit.This episode is packed with practical, down-to-earth advice for owners who want results without burnout. Whether you’re a solopreneur or have a small team, Tara’s approach will help you simplify your marketing, attract the right clients, and make social media work for your business, not the other way around.Listen now to learn how to transform your Instagram from a time-sink into a powerful credibility tool, no trends, no dances, no burnout required.Connect with the Experts      Learn More about Tara: xotara.usThe Business Card Checklist: xotara.us/socialbizcardBe KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess     Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and InstagramBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment Training doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In this episode, Corey Harlock talks with Chris Dundy, CEO of Flagship LMS, about how small business owners can create simple, effective, and trackable training programs using tools they already have. Most small business owners think training requires a huge budget, hours of preparation, and complicated software. Chris explains that with a smartphone, a clear process, and a bit of structure, any business can build training that improves performance, reduces risk, and keeps teams aligned without breaking the bank. Corey and Chris explore how to move away from seeing training as a cost center and start viewing it as a profit driverthat strengthens consistency, safety, and customer experience. Whether you are onboarding new employees, documenting safety procedures, or standardizing customer service, Chris shows how accessible, just-in-time training can transform operations. You will learn: How to use your iPhone and free tools like H5P.org to create and host interactive training videos The easiest way to generate and print QR codes that link directly to training videos or checklists for on-demand access in the workplace How to track engagement and performance without an IT department or expensive software Why short, clear, and practical training (five to seven minutes long) is always more effective than long, overproduced content Chris and Corey discuss the real-world challenges business owners face when trying to train their people effectively. From perfectionism that delays progress to creating content that misses what employees actually need, Chris shares the common mistakes he has seen and how to fix them quickly. You will also hear real examples from Chris’s clients, including how one organization trains 10,000 volunteers each year using QR-code-based learning, and how others in manufacturing and childcare have improved safety and consistency through quick, mobile-friendly training. If you have ever thought, “I don’t have time for training,” this conversation will change your mind. You will come away with practical steps to get started today, using tools you already know. Connect with the Experts      Learn More about Chris: flagshiplms.com The Checklist Manifesto: https://a.co/d/eWhTzqb  Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess     Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram Built for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessmentIn this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Aaron Christy, founder of Indy Roof and Restoration, to explore how small business owners can use AI to create repeatable, scalable processes that save time, improve accuracy, and reduce overhead.Aaron isn’t an AI expert. He’s a business owner who saw an opportunity to simplify his operations by automating one of his most time-consuming workflows—the quoting process. Through a practical and down-to-earth conversation, Corey and Aaron walk listeners through how custom GPTs can transform everyday business tasks without the complexity or cost most owners expect.Aaron explains how he built a custom GPT that reviews roofing quotes for accuracy against photos, measurements, and materials. What once took an employee an hour now happens in minutes—and the AI delivers a downloadable report with 98% accuracy. After several rounds of testing and refinement, his team now runs every quote through the system before production. The result? Fewer errors, faster turnaround, and the ability to scale from $15 million to $50 million in annual revenue without hiring additional staff.Listeners will learn:- How to create and refine a custom GPT for specific business functions- Why clear prompting and testing are essential for accurate AI results- How automation can free up your team for higher-value work- What mistakes to avoid when building your first custom GPT- Why the goal is efficiency and scalability—not job eliminationAaron and Corey also dive into the mindset shift required to successfully adopt AI. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about giving your business smarter tools to handle repetitive, low-value work. From quoting to customer service to sales communication, custom GPTs can help small business owners reclaim hours every week and build more reliable, repeatable systems.Aaron shares an easy starting point for anyone ready to experiment: a free tool in the GPT Store called Prime Time Prompter, which walks users step-by-step through building their own custom GPTs. With simple prompts and iterative testing, even non-technical business owners can begin creating their own AI-driven efficiencies in minutes.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by AI or unsure where to start, this episode breaks it down into simple, actionable steps. It’s a real-world look at how automation can streamline small business operations, boost productivity, and create room for growth—all without increasing headcount or overhead.Listen now to learn how to start turning your everyday processes into repeatable, scalable wins.Connect with the Experts     Learn More about Aaron: https://indyroofandrestoration.com/Prime Time Prompter: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-lNxqwEY3TBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/This week, The KeyHire Small Business Podcast breaks new ground with our first-ever Expert Roundtable—and it’s one you don’t want to miss. Host Corey Harlock brings together three powerhouse guests, each known for driving real results inside growing companies: Kurt Uhlir, CMO of Easy Home Search and champion of servant leadership; Young Han, fractional CFO and founder of Thesis; and Simone Janssen, founder of Bulletproof Business Growth. Together, they pull back the curtain on what’s really working for small business owners today. From smarter hiring and performance tracking to practical ways to integrate AI, this conversation delivers the kind of candid, experience-driven advice you can actually use on Monday morning. If you’ve ever struggled with hiring, felt overwhelmed by KPIs, or wondered how AI actually fits into your business, this episode is your playbook. The roundtable kicks off with a simple but powerful question: What’s one business decision you wish you had made sooner? Kurt leads with an answer that hits home for every business owner—stop hiring for pedigree and start hiring for potential. Simone follows with a reality check on leadership and accountability, reminding us that great hiring doesn’t end at onboarding. And Young brings financial clarity to the table, explaining how chasing “big names” can cost more than it delivers when your company is still in the early growth stages. From there, the conversation moves into metrics and performance. Simone calls out one of the biggest blind spots in small business: mistaking revenue for success. Young goes deep on understanding contribution margins and how knowing the true profitability of each product or service can completely change your growth strategy. Kurt ties it all together with his approach to building referral-driven businesses—because nothing scales faster than happy customers who keep sending new ones your way. Just when you think the discussion has hit its peak, the group turns to AI and how it’s reshaping small business operations. Young shares stories from clients developing AI-powered avatars that can train, coach, and sell. Simone talks about the real win—getting entire teams to use AI to solve problems and generate solutions before bringing them to leadership. Kurt pulls the curtain back on how Easy Home Search trained AI models to replicate their top-performing reps, multiplying productivity and consistency across the board. The result is an honest, energizing conversation that connects strategy, leadership, and innovation in a way that feels both accessible and actionable. You’ll come away with ideas you can implement immediately and insights that will change how you think about hiring, tracking, and scaling. Highlights you’ll hear: Why hiring for adaptBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock   Bryan, whose company has been called “the Uber for lawn care” by Entrepreneur Magazine, shares how AI helped him transform GreenPal’s operations from reactive problem-solving to proactive customer experience design. His insights reveal how even small businesses can use AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to listen to customer feedback, identify hidden operational problems, and continuously improve.What started as a simple lawn care platform evolved into a case study in how AI can build customer loyalty at scale. By analyzing call transcripts, customer reviews, and support tickets, Bryan discovered patterns that were driving dissatisfaction and churn—issues that traditional customer service models often miss. Using AI, he built automated workflows that not only fixed these issues but predicted them before they happened. The result? Happier customers, fewer complaints, and a dramatic increase in repeat business.Bryan’s process is refreshingly straightforward: use AI as your in-house R&D team. He breaks down how any entrepreneur can replicate this approach without coding or big budgets, and why he believes AI is the “rocket ship for entrepreneurs.” From ingesting customer data to generating actionable insights, Bryan shows how the same tools used by billion-dollar companies are now accessible to small business owners everywhere.Listeners will walk away with practical strategies they can implement immediately, including how to automate customer feedback analysis using AI, how to turn negative reviews into data-driven growth opportunities, and how to build “magical” customer experiences that keep people coming back.Corey and Bryan also dive into the human side of AI adoption, discussing why founders resist customer feedback, how to avoid “AI laziness,” and why prompting is becoming the most valuable skill in modern business. As Bryan puts it, “These tools are as bad as they’ll ever be. They’re only getting better—so now’s the time to learn them.”Whether you’re a business owner looking to boost repeat sales, a founder curious about AI’s real-world applications, or simply someone tired of guessing what your customers want, this conversation delivers clarity, inspiration, and an actionable roadmap for growth.Tune in to learn how to harness AI not just to make your business smarter, but to make it truly magical.Connect with the Experts    Learn More about Bryan: yourgreenpal.comBe KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess   Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and InstagramBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Being a business owner can feel like you’re out there on your own, grinding away with no one to bounce ideas off of and no community to lean on. In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock is joined by LaGina Harris, Founder and CXO of The Us Space, to explore why community is one of the most powerful resources an entrepreneur can build. LaGina has firsthand experience creating spaces that help entrepreneurs combat the isolation of business ownership. Through The Us Space in Houston, she transforms underutilized work and meeting environments into ecosystems for growth, places where entrepreneurs not only find support but also discover opportunities to collaborate, learn, and thrive. The conversation begins with the reality that entrepreneurship is often lonely. LaGina explains how intentional community-building can solve that problem, offering both social connection and professional validation. She highlights the difference between a personal community, friends and family who care about you, and a business community, which provides the unique understanding and feedback that only fellow entrepreneurs can give. Together, Corey and LaGina dive into the practical and emotional benefits of surrounding yourself with the right people. From mentors who keep you grounded to peers who offer encouragement and perspective, community ensures that blind spots don’t stay blind. It is also an incredible source of free marketing, because when people know who you are, what you stand for, and what your business does, they become natural ambassadors for your brand. LaGina also shares her philosophy on the importance of “showing up.” Whether that means stepping into a co-working space, attending a networking group, or simply putting yourself in environments where conversations can happen, showing up is the first step to building trust and finding your people. She reminds listeners that entrepreneurs don’t always need to hit home runs. Singles add up. Community provides the accountability and perspective to help small wins compound into lasting growth. The discussion touches on common pitfalls too, like being defensive when receiving feedback or taking advice from people who don’t have skin in the game. Corey and LaGina stress the importance of discernment: knowing which voices to trust, building relationships before asking for guidance, and being open to perspectives that can make you better. For solopreneurs especially, community is more than just a nice-to-have. It is a lifeline. It is the difference between being stuck in your head and finding clarity, between spinning your wheels and moving forward with confidence. Key Takeaways: Community reduces isolation and provides both emotional support and practical business insight. The right mentors and peers can help uncover blind spots and act as trusted advisors. Showing up consistently is the first step to buildiBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Brian Samson, CEO & Chairman of Plugg Technologies, to explore the power of nearshoring as a strategy for growth-minded business owners. For years, small business leaders have wrestled with the complexities of outsourcing and offshoring—drawn to the promise of cost savings but often burned by the hidden expenses of time zone challenges, communication barriers, and cultural misalignment. Brian, who has built three nearshoring firms from the ground up and served as a VP of Talent in San Francisco startups, brings clarity to the conversation by breaking down the differences between outsourcing, offshoring, onshoring, and nearshoring. At its core, nearshoring is about more than geography—it’s about alignment. By connecting U.S. businesses with top talent in Latin America, companies gain the dual advantage of cost savings and real-time collaboration. Unlike the middle-of-the-night calls often required with offshore teams, nearshoring offers workday overlap that eliminates delays, reduces stress, and improves overall productivity. Brian shares how Latin America is becoming the go-to region for small businesses seeking to expand their teams. With IT outsourcing spend largely flat worldwide, Latin America’s share of the market is rising fast, “eating India’s lunch” in areas like software development and customer support. He also discusses the geopolitical shifts—including proposed legislation like the HIRE Act—that could accelerate this trend and make nearshoring not only a smart choice, but in many cases, the best choice. In this episode, you’ll learn: The real differences between outsourcing, offshoring, onshoring, and nearshoring. Why time zone alignment and cultural understanding give nearshoring a major advantage. How proposed policies like the HIRE Act could reshape global outsourcing. The biggest mistakes companies make when outsourcing—and how to avoid them. First steps to exploring nearshoring, from choosing the right country to setting up your team. Listeners will also gain insight into the importance of treating nearshore partners as more than just “low-cost resources.” Brian emphasizes that when leaders onboard and manage nearshore teams with the same care as domestic employees, they unlock loyalty, dedication, and lasting results. Whether you’re looking to hire one remote professional or set up an entire team abroad, this episode provides a roadmap to scaling smarter without sacrificing quality. If you’ve ever wondered whether nearshoring could help you reduce costs, improve operations, and better align with your customers and employees, this episode is a must-listen. Corey and Brian cut through the noise and deliver practical advice that every small business leader can use to stop grinding and start growing. Connect with the Experts    Learn More about BrBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Sales is the engine that drives every small business, but in uncertain economic times, the pressure to “just sell more” can leave owners spinning their wheels. On this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Melinda Emerson, widely known as “The Small Biz Lady” and recognized as America’s #1 Small Business Expert, to uncover what truly makes a sales process work. With more than 25 years of experience advising entrepreneurs and global brands, Melinda has seen firsthand why many small business owners struggle to close deals and sustain growth. She pulls no punches in this conversation, walking us through the five critical elements of a successful sales process: Niche – Knowing exactly who you serve and narrowing your focus to become more attractive to the right clients. Offer – Creating a clear and compelling value proposition that eliminates confusion and makes buying a no-brainer. Authority Positioning – Establishing credibility and demonstrating why prospects can trust you to deliver results. Lead Generation – Building consistent, reliable traffic and qualified leads through smart strategies and strong content. Enrollment Process – Designing an intentional closing process that converts interest into commitment. Throughout the episode, Melinda shares candid stories from her own entrepreneurial journey, including the early mistakes she made in business and how writing her bestselling book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, opened doors she never imagined. She also explains why transparency, professionalism, and consistency are the keys to building long-term client relationships. Corey and Melinda dig into some of the biggest mistakes small businesses make when it comes to sales. From skipping the hard work of defining a process, to relying on expensive CRMs they never learn to use, to assuming that hiring a salesperson will magically fix everything—Melinda outlines why these shortcuts almost always fail. Instead, she emphasizes that owners themselves must first learn to sell, master their own systems, and only then consider bringing others into the process. Listeners will also hear practical advice on structuring offers, right-sizing proposals to fit client budgets, and creating lead magnets that provide real value. Melinda highlights the importance of asking better discovery questions, understanding client payment cycles, and protecting margins to ensure profitability. If you are a small business owner who has ever felt frustrated by inconsistent sales, struggled to close deals, or wondered if bringing in a salesperson was the right move, this conversation will give you the clarity and strategies you need. Melinda’s energy, honesty, and proven track record make this episode one you do not want to miss. Whether you are looking to strengthen your sales foundation, refine youBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Welcome to the fourth and final installment of our Key Owner Stages series on The KeyHire Podcast. So far, we’ve walked through the stages of the Overwhelmed, Unsure, and Curious business owner. In this episode, we turn our attention to the Growing Business Owner—an exciting but challenging stage where your business starts gaining momentum, but cracks begin to show. As your sales increase and market presence expands, you may notice the pressure building across every part of your operation. Your team is stretched thin, quality begins to slip, and on-time delivery becomes harder to guarantee. Leaders who once thrived in calmer times may start to falter, while others rise to the challenge with new ideas and solutions. This stage is exhilarating—it’s proof that your hard work is paying off—but without the right strategies, it can just as quickly become a turning point where growth stalls or reputations suffer. In this episode, I dig into what it really means to be a Growing Business Owner. I’ll share the telltale signs that you’ve reached this stage, including cash flow tension, strained resources, and the tendency to overwork instead of innovate. More importantly, I’ll walk you through the critical mistakes to avoid, such as pushing too hard on sales without shoring up operations, relying on “potential hires” instead of experienced leaders, or falling back into the do-it-yourself trap when it comes to hiring. Instead of pressing the gas blindly, this is the time to be strategic. I’ll show you how to: Upgrade your leadership team by identifying who can handle the pressure and who’s become a constraint. Invest in professional talent—hiring for experience, capacity, and culture rather than gambling on potential. Design for the future by creating an organizational roadmap that prepares you for scaling responsibly, from $10M to $30M and beyond. We’ll also talk about culture—why it’s critical to reinforce the values you want to grow with, how to avoid bringing in “high-performing disruptors,” and how to communicate honestly with new hires about the culture you have versus the one you’re working toward. This stage of growth is one of the most rewarding for a business owner. You’ve got traction, reputation, and opportunity. But growth done wrong can cost you time, money, and people. Growth done right can set you up for long-term success with a team that has the skills, vision, and capacity to take you further than you imagined. If you’re feeling the strain of growth, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to put the “high-performance tires” on your business so you can take the corners at speed—without losing control. Listen now and share this episode with another business owner who’s ready to stop grinding and start growing. Connect with the Experts    Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, anBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.What does culture really mean for small businesses? And why does it matter so much for growth and sustainability? In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, I sit down with Janneh Wright, the founder and CEO of PRIMUS Business Management. For more than two decades, Janneh and his team have helped small businesses and non-profits “turn their brilliance into sustainable infrastructure.” His framework for success—the Three C’s of Compliance, Culture, and Consistency—offers leaders a way to build strong organizations that last. When asked to define culture, Janneh explained: “When we talk about culture, we’re talking about the experience people have with interacting with your organization—whether it’s an employee or a customer or a shareholder. It’s like the soul of your organization.” Culture doesn’t just happen. If business owners don’t design it, employees will—and that can create a culture the owner may not want. Culture is built on behavior, and it flows from leadership. “However the leader communicates, how they deal with pressure, what they say is always much more important than what’s written down.” Janneh also emphasized that culture starts before the first day of work. It begins with the job description and continues into the hiring process. For example, when hiring, instead of focusing only on degrees or years of experience, you can ask questions like: “How do you respond to a rude customer?” Answers to those questions reveal whether a candidate will reinforce the culture or disrupt it. We also discussed how culture connects to compliance and consistency: - Compliance provides the structure of the business—the policies, legal requirements, and systems. - Culture is the heart—the experience of employees, customers, and stakeholders. - Consistency is the engine—doing things the same way week after week to build trust. If those elements don’t line up, leaders risk losing credibility with both employees and customers. I shared a story about a restaurant where inconsistent customer service changed my impression of the business. Janneh explained how that example showed all three C’s in action: compliance in clear rules, culture in how customers are treated, and consistency in applying standards the same way every time. Accountability is another theme we covered. If leaders allow certain employees or clients to get around the rules, culture breaks down. As I said in our conversation, “Wait and see equals watching good people go.” High performers will leave if they see others escape accountability. Janneh also highlighted the importance of supporting employees: In small businesses, staff often do “job description times two.” When they feel respected and valued, they keep giving more. “A valued employee becomes an entrepreneur inside your organization.” To close, Janneh offered three pieces of advice for business owners: Built for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Welcome back to The KeyHire Small Business Podcast! This week we continue our Key Owner Stages series with Stage Three: The Curious Business Owner. If you’ve been following this series, you know that we’ve already covered the Overwhelmed Owner (the car with no wheels) and the Unsure Owner (the car with wobbly wheels). In this episode, we move to the next stage: the Curious Owner—someone who’s running a good business, has capable people in place, but is starting to hear the “squeaky wheel” and asking the right question: Do I have the leadership team to get us where we need to go? What It Means to Be a Curious Owner Curious owners aren’t in crisis. The business is moving forward. Revenue is coming in. Customers are being served. But you’ve noticed a few cracks in leadership performance. Maybe a once-reliable manager has started missing details. Maybe a loyal employee is resisting new initiatives from a stronger leader you recently hired. Or maybe you’re simply wondering whether your team has the capacity and experience to scale as bigger contracts and opportunities come your way. This stage is often marked by ambition and optimism—but also a sense of anxiety. You know things are “fine” now, but you’re also asking: What happens when the next big client signs on? Will my current team keep up—or will they hold us back? The Mistakes Curious Owners Make In this episode, we dive into the three biggest mistakes curious owners make: Waiting too long to act. Good leaders leave when they’re held back by underperformers. Trying to solve the problem internally. Adding support staff or shifting responsibilities rarely fixes capacity issues. Overvaluing loyalty. Longtime employees may be great people, but that doesn’t always mean they’re the right leaders for your next stage of growth. Corey explains why these mistakes can stall momentum and frustrate your best people—and how to avoid them by facing tough decisions head-on. How to Move Forward Being a curious owner isn’t about “throwing people away.” It’s about redefining what good leadership looks like and making sure you’re putting the right people in the right roles. Corey shares practical strategies, including: Conducting an honest audit of your leadership team. Defining roles for the business you’re building, not just the one you’re running today. Hiring leaders with the capacity to scale your company to its next revenue level. Structuring difficult but necessary conversations with loyal employees. Why This Stage Matters The Curious stage is one of the most pivotal in the Key Owner Stages framework. Done well, it sets your business up for explosive growth. Done poorly—or delayed too long—it risks losing great talent and missing opportunities. Built for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.On this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, we sit down with Justin Abrams, CEO of ARYO Consulting Group, to unpack a growth strategy that many business owners hear about—but few truly understand: growth through acquisition.With over 350 clients under his belt and a refreshingly straightforward approach to strategy, Justin helps demystify the world of M&A for small business owners. He breaks down what “acquisition” really means (hint: it’s not just for the big guys), when it makes sense to consider buying another business, and what red flags can turn an exciting opportunity into a financial trap.We cover everything from the intimidating lingo (EBITDA, multiples, platform vs. bolt-on companies) to the real questions owners should be asking: Can I afford it? Will the clients stay? Can I retain the team? You’ll hear why acquisition is often faster, safer, and more efficient than chasing new customers through marketing—and how it could be the key to scaling your business without exhausting your resources.Justin outlines the kinds of businesses that are great candidates for acquisition (think recurring revenue, complementary services, or capacity expansion) and highlights major pitfalls to avoid—like key man risk, inflated valuations, or seasonality traps that make revenue appear stronger than it is.We also dig into the emotional and operational realities of selling a business—and how that often leads to great buying opportunities for owners willing to be strategic and prepared. Whether you’re looking to grow your footprint, diversify services, or increase revenue, this episode gives you the foundational knowledge you need to move forward with confidence.Connect with the ExpertsLearn more about Justin: https://aryocg.comFollow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey HarlockBe KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccessBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and it definitely doesn’t have to be expensive. In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, I’m joined by Paul Malott, CEO and Founder of Automations24, to talk about one of the most practical—and accessible—ways small businesses can start using AI: no-code automations. We know that AI is everywhere right now, but most small business owners feel unsure about where to start. Paul helps cut through the noise by breaking down how no-code platforms like Make.com, Zapier, and Pipedream allow businesses to build smart, scalable systems—without writing a single line of code. What does that mean in real life? Well, let’s say you have a shared inbox for invoices. Paul walks us through how you can automate the entire three-way match process—invoice, PO, goods received—using AI and no-code tools. The result? Faster payments, fewer errors, and time back in your day to focus on growth. We also dive into: What “no-code” and “AI automation” actually mean (in plain English) How platforms use API keys to connect different apps into seamless workflows Why compliance and accuracy increase when humans are taken out of repetitive matching tasks How business owners can start with low-risk, high-value automations—even with messy data The real cost (and risk) of not getting started Paul doesn’t just know the tech—he understands the messy, real-world processes inside small businesses. He explains how these tools help eliminate waste, reduce risk, and give small business owners the freedom to focus on what drives revenue. Whether you’re a tech-savvy entrepreneur or someone who gets overwhelmed by AI chatter, this episode will meet you where you are. We talk practical use cases, cost-effective tools, and how to avoid the common mistakes that keep automations from delivering ROI. You’ll also learn why the future isn’t about replacing jobs—it’s about repurposing your people to do higher-value work. Automations can turn your AR clerk into a data analyst, your assistant into a strategist, and your business into a scalable machine. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What’s something I hate doing that AI could handle for me?”—this episode is your answer. You don’t need a developer. You don’t need a huge budget. You just need to get started. And the best part? Most of these solutions can be implemented and tested in under three weeks. Tune in now and find out how to scale smarter—not harder—with no-code AI automations. Connect with the Experts Connect with Paul: www.automations24.com Be KeyHire’s Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram @keyhiresolutions Built for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Charles Fry, Founder and CEO of Codexitos, to tackle one of the most challenging transitions for small business owners: moving from founder-driven sales to building a professional sales organization. Charles has been in technology since before the internet took shape, founding and growing multiple companies over the decades. With deep experience in scaling businesses, he shares the real-world lessons he’s learned about letting go of being the “only salesperson” and building a sustainable sales team that drives growth. Together, Corey and Charles dive into: Why so many businesses rely on the owner as the primary salesperson—and why that creates a ceiling for growth. Why your first sales hire is the most critical and must set the pattern for future hires. The danger of bringing on a “sales manager” too early when what you really need is a producer. The importance of defining a sales style and methodology that reflects the founder’s vision before expanding the team. Charles introduces his framework of three phases for founders transitioning out of being the sole salesperson: Zero to One – Hiring your first professional salesperson who mirrors the sales style you want replicated. One to Few – Expanding the team in a way that avoids chaos from conflicting approaches and ensures consistency. Scaling Up – When a larger sales team requires true sales management (though that’s a topic for another day). Throughout the conversation, Charles emphasizes the nuances of leadership in sales: balancing the founder’s natural ability to “close deals” with the need to empower a team, maintaining patience with new hires as they learn, and putting systems in place to measure performance. He stresses the value of having a clear sales methodology—whether Challenger, SPIN, or another approach—so everyone is speaking the same language and working from the same playbook. As a mentor once told him, the role of the CEO is ultimately to be the “Cash Extraction Officer.” Charles explains how founders can best serve as closers—brought in for the final inning when their authority and vision matter most—while the sales team does the heavy lifting of qualification and relationship building. For business owners feeling trapped as the sole driver of revenue, Charles provides actionable steps: Define the sales model and methodology that represents your business. Engage outside help to objectively profile and vet your first hire. Have candid, direct conversations with candidates and hires. Establish clear timelines and budgets for success based on your industry’s sales cycle. If you’ve been struggling to step out of the salesperson role—or if you’ve felt the frustration of bad hires, inconsistent results, or bBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.If you’ve ever looked at your business and thought, “I know something’s wrong here, but I can’t figure out what it is… or how to fix it,” this episode is for you.I call this stage The Unsure Business Owner—the second stop in our Key Owner Stages Series. Last time, we covered the Overwhelmed Owner, where the wheels fall off. The Unsure stage is different—you’re still moving, but the wheels are wobbly. You feel the problems, but you’re not sure what’s causing them, how to fix them, or what will happen when you do.What Being “Unsure” Feels LikeMaybe sales aren’t closing like they used to. Maybe operations is slipping—quality is down, deadlines missed, and you’re stuck firefighting. Or maybe it’s people—loyal employees who once carried you but now can’t keep up. You’re torn between loyalty and performance.So you wait, hoping things turn around. But when weeks turn into months, indecision costs you your best people. High performers hate working beside tolerated underperformance. They leave, while underperformers become entrenched.Why This Stage Is DangerousHesitation weakens culture, results decline, and the very people you can’t afford to lose start heading for the exits.The Big Mistakes Unsure Owners MakeThree common traps:Wait and See – Hoping problems fix themselves while top talent walks.The Hair Trigger – Firing too fast and losing critical knowledge.Rushed Hiring – Filling a gap without defining the role or future needs.Why Diagnosis MattersThe problem isn’t always where you see it. Sales might be down, but operations could be the real constraint. A client once thought they needed a GM; we found sales was fine—operations was the issue. They didn’t need a GM; they needed a Director of Operations. Within weeks, the business turned around.Hiring for the Business You WantMost owners hire for where they are. That’s a mistake. If you’re a $10M company aiming for $50M, hire someone who’s already run $50M. At KeyHire, every hire is measured against:Experience – Have they done it at scale?Capacity – Can they grow with the business?Culture Fit – Will they thrive here?Unless they score at least 80% across all three, we don’t move forward.Avoiding the “Two Hammers” ProblemIf someone only has a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Replace one hammer with another, and nothing changes. Every new hire should bring tools and skills that expand your business.How to Move from Unsure to ConfidentHere’s the path forward:Assess your business honestly.Find the real constraint.Plan moves that balance urgency with sustainability.Hire leaders for the future.Tighten those wobbly wheels, and you’ll be ready for the next phase: the Curious Business OwBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.As a small business owner, there’s a moment when you realize that being in control of everything is no longer helping your business—it’s holding it back. You’re wearing too many hats, every process runs through you, and your team can’t make a move without your approval. Sound familiar? In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Kristina Tyler, Coach & Business Partner at Flow Fiero, to talk about how to break free from the daily grind and step into true leadership.Kristina has helped countless entrepreneurs make the leap from “doing” to “leading.” She knows the emotional and operational challenges that come with letting go—whether it’s the fear that no one can do things as well as you, the discomfort of not being the smartest person in the room, or the burnout that creeps in when you’re always putting out fires. Drawing from her background in high-performance sports coaching and her work with leaders worldwide, Kristina introduces her proven TEAM model—Trust, Engagement, Alignment, and Mobilization—and explains why starting with mobilization can leave your culture feeling “empty.”In this conversation, you’ll learn:• The three game-changing questions every business owner should ask before stepping back from daily operations: What game am I playing? Who am I playing against? What do I need to do to win?• Why burnout, bottlenecks, and the inability to take a real vacation are red flags that you need to transition into leadership.• How to identify whether performance issues are systemic (process and culture related) or individual (the wrong person in the wrong role).• The emotional side of leadership change, including overcoming what Corey calls being “addicted to chaos.”• How to build trust and alignment so your team can make decisions, take ownership, and drive results without you micromanaging.Kristina and Corey also tackle one of the hardest realities in business growth: sometimes the people who helped you build your company aren’t the ones who can take it to the next level. You’ll hear practical advice on how to navigate these moments with transparency, respect, and a focus on shared success.Whether you’re at $1 million in revenue or approaching $10 million, the lessons in this episode will help you:• Step confidently into your role as the visionary leader of your business.• Build a team you can trust to execute at a high level.• Create the capacity for growth without burning out or sacrificing quality of life.If you’ve ever wondered whether your business could survive without you for two weeks—or if you’re starting to feel like the biggest constraint in your own company—this episode is for you. Kristina’s approach blends practical tools with the mindset shifts needed to help you scale your business while actually enjoying the process.Connect with the ExperBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Feeling like your business has stalled out—and no matter how hard you push, you just can’t get ahead?In the first episode of our special Key Owner Stages series, Corey Harlock breaks down the Overwhelmed Stage—the point where growth slows to a crawl, fires never stop, and the people who helped you build your company may no longer have the skills or capacity to help you scale it.Corey opens with the hard truth: overwhelmed owners aren’t just “busy”—they’re stuck.  You’ll recognize the signs instantly: you’re deep in day-to-day work, plugging gaps your leaders should be handling, and constantly jumping from one urgent problem to another. You’ll also learn why loyalty can be a double-edged sword. Many overwhelmed owners started with loyal, all-in employees—family, friends, neighbors—who gave everything in the early days. But as the business grows, the skill set and experience required to put scalable systems in place outgrow those early team members’ abilities. Corey calls this the Peter Principle: “Everyone rises to the level of their own incompetence.” This isn’t about bad people—it’s about good people in the wrong role for the company’s current needs.If you’ve inherited a second- or third-generation business, the challenge can be even sharper. Long-term leaders may be comfortable maintaining a $10M operation, but resistant—or even fearful—of the changes needed to grow to $50M. Corey also shares the most common mistakes owners make when they’re in the Overwhelmed Stage:Hiring for potential but expecting experience, leading to frustration when ROI doesn’t appear quickly.Desperation hiring just to get relief—only to be rehiring for the same position weeks later.Believing in the “one big fix” instead of a sequence of smart, consistent moves.Doing it all yourself and relying solely on longer hours to push growth forward—a recipe for burnout, not scale.Then he lays out a clear, step-by-step approach to getting unstuck:Assess your leadership team for culture fit, experience, and capacity—three factors that must all be in place for a leader to drive growth.Redesign your org structure into three clear divisions—sales, operations, and administration—with capable heads in each.Hire for the future, not just the present—bring in leaders who can run your future $50M company while you’re still at $10M.Create a consistent hiring process with clear role definitions, a scorecard, and an 80% match threshold so you only hire people positioned to succeed.Corey emphasizes that moving out of overwhelm isn’t about instant transformation. Each smart, strategic move lets a little “air out of the tire,” relieving pressure and giving you the breathing room to address the next constraint. Over 9–18 months, these incremental wins can shift you from being a reactive firefighter to a forward-looking strategic leader.By the end of this episode, you’ll not onlBuilt for small and medium-sized business owners, the KeyHire Podcast has earned a loyal audience of leaders who act on what they hear. We limit our sponsors intentionally with one voice, one message, and full impact, so your brand never gets lost in the noise. If you want direct access to the owners making the hiring decisions, this is your seat at the table.Learn More at Keyhire.Solutions Hiring the wrong person is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make, and the KeyHire Hiring Playbook was designed to make sure it never happens to you. Packed with proven strategies trusted by SMB owners across the country, this free guide gives you a repeatable process for getting every hire right. Grab your free copy at keyhire.solutions and take the guesswork out of growing your team.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with Sean Boyle, Managing Partner at Momentum 360, to talk about a growing risk that many small businesses overlook—landing in Google Jail.Sean breaks down exactly what this means, why it happens, and how it can tank your online visibility overnight. Whether you’re outsourcing SEO or managing it in-house, this episode will arm you with practical insights to avoid costly mistakes and stay compliant with Google’s ever-evolving rules.Corey and Sean also explore the right way to build a sustainable digital presence, how to vet SEO vendors, and the signals that indicate your site might be heading for trouble. If your business relies on online traffic, you can’t afford to miss this one.Here’s what you’ll take away:• What “Google Jail” is—and how it crushes online visibility• Common SEO practices that could be doing more harm than good• The must-ask questions before hiring an SEO vendorConnect with the ExpertsLearn more about Sean: https://www.momentumvirtualtours.com/Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected] 

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.What if sharing your company's financial numbers could transform your workplace culture and drive unprecedented business growth? In this game-changing episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Manny Skevofilax, Principal at Portal CFO, to explore how financial transparency can revolutionize the way small business owners connect with their teams. Corey and Manny identify a critical problem facing today's entrepreneurs: the disconnect between leadership decisions and employee understanding. When team members don't grasp the financial "why" behind company choices, it creates confusion, mistrust, and disengagement. This gap often leads to reduced productivity, higher turnover, and missed growth opportunities that could otherwise propel a small business forward. Manny brings decades of experience working with business owners who have successfully implemented open-book management practices. He reveals how sharing financial information—when done strategically—creates a more accountable and motivated workforce that truly understands its role in the company's success. This isn't about overwhelming employees with complex spreadsheets; it's about building a workplace culture where everyone feels invested in the outcome. Through real-world case studies and practical examples, this episode demonstrates how financial transparency can shift your team's mindset from "just doing their job" to actively contributing to business growth. Manny outlines how to introduce these concepts step-by-step without overwhelming your staff, making this approach accessible for small business owners ready to elevate their leadership. Whether you're struggling with employee engagement, looking to improve performance, or want to build stronger trust within your organization, this conversation on The KeyHire Small Business Podcast offers actionable insights that can transform your approach to team management. Key Takeaways: • Strategic Financial Sharing: Learn how to introduce financial transparency gradually without overwhelming employees or compromising sensitive information. • Motivation Through Understanding: Discover why employees perform better when they understand how their work directly impacts the company's financial health and success. • Building Accountability: Understand how open-book practices create a culture where team members take ownership of results rather than simply completing tasks. • Real-World Implementation: Get practical examples from businesses that have successfully used financial transparency to improve both culture and bottom-line results. • Overcoming Fear: Address common concerns about sharing financial information and learn how to maintain appropriate boundaries while still being transparent. Connect with the Experts: Learn more about Manny: https://portalcfo.com/ Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]  

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Ready to take your business to the next level? In this compelling episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock welcomes David Solomon, founder of SERO Growth, to tackle one of the most critical small business challenges: expanding into new markets. David and Corey define the core problem many entrepreneurs face: the dangerous assumption that "what works here will work everywhere." They explore how this mindset leads to costly mistakes and business failures, even for major corporations, such as Target's billion-dollar Canadian expansion disaster. Through real-world examples and strategic insights, they reveal why successful market expansion requires more than just throwing a salesperson into a new territory and hoping for the best. This business podcast episode is packed with actionable advice for scaling a small business, whether you're considering geographic expansion or targeting new customer segments. David shares his proven three-question framework for determining market viability and discusses the critical research phase that many businesses skip. From understanding cultural differences in business practices to validating your unique value proposition, this conversation provides the roadmap for smart business growth. Key Takeaways: Define Your Core Value Proposition First - Before expanding, clearly identify the specific pain point you solve, your unique differentiator, and ideal customer profile in your current market. Validate Through Direct Market Research - Spend time in your target market attending trade shows, networking events, and speaking directly with potential customers to understand the competitive landscape. Start Small and Build Gradually - Your first market expansion should be the smallest viable jump, not the biggest opportunity you can imagine. Engage External Expertise - Business owners are often too emotionally invested in their products to objectively evaluate new markets; outside consultants provide crucial perspective. Prepare Your Infrastructure - Ensure your internal operations, technology, and team can handle the demands of serving a new market before launching. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your small business management journey, this KeyHire Solutions Podcast episode delivers the strategic framework needed to grow a small business successfully. Don't let entrepreneurship enthusiasm override sound business judgment – learn the proven approach to market expansion that protects your investment while maximizing growth potential. Connect with the Experts:  Learn more about David: https://www.serogrowth.com  Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire  Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess  Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock  Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]  

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.In this compelling episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing small business entrepreneurs today. Corey identifies the core problem plaguing small business management: business owners who still operate under the antiquated "tell me why I should hire you" mindset. This approach is failing in today's job market, where five positions compete for every three qualified candidates. Corey delivers a wake-up call, revealing how poor candidate experience and weak employer branding don't just hurt recruitment—they directly damage your bottom line and customer relationships. Through compelling statistics and real-world examples, he demonstrates why small business leadership advice must evolve beyond traditional hiring approaches to survive in today's competitive landscape. Discover how 88% of candidates become more loyal customers after positive hiring experiences, and why 55% of job seekers abandon applications after reading poor employee reviews. Corey challenges small business owners to transform their talent acquisition approach from transactional to relationship-based, emphasizing that candidates are no longer single-use resources but potential long-term brand ambassadors. This episode provides actionable insights on creating efficient yet thorough hiring processes, building authentic employer branding that attracts aligned talent, and implementing the speed and transparency that top candidates expect. Whether you're struggling with high turnover, can't find quality candidates, or are wondering why your hiring process isn't yielding results, this KeyHire Solutions Podcast episode provides the roadmap for transformation. Key Takeaways: Candidate Experience Drives Business Results - Poor hiring experiences don't just lose candidates; they lose customers and damage your reputation in the marketplace. Speed is Non-Negotiable - Top candidates remain available for only 10 days, making efficient processes essential for successful talent acquisition. Authentic Employer Branding Attracts Right-Fit Talent - Being genuinely transparent about your culture attracts employees who thrive in your specific environment. Online Reputation Directly Impacts Hiring Success - 55% of candidates abandon applications after reading negative employee reviews online. Boomerang Employee Strategy - Treating departing employees with respect creates opportunities for future rehires and positive word-of-mouth marketing.  Connect with the Experts:  Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire  Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess  Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock  Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Every small business owner faces the same challenge: how do you get more sales without breaking the bank on marketing? In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock welcomes Mark Newsome, CEO of YouCanMarketOnlineNow.com, who reveals how smart business owners are building collaborative sales processes that generate 25% more profit without the traditional high costs of customer acquisition. Mark and Corey identify the core problem plaguing small business owners: they're treating customer relationships like disposable transactions – investing massive resources to acquire customers, only to abandon them immediately after the first purchase. Instead of nurturing these relationships and leveraging existing networks, most businesses are stuck in an expensive cycle of constantly chasing new customers while ignoring the untapped potential right in front of them. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, Mark demonstrates how a simple "magic question" can unlock collaborative opportunities that multiply your reach without multiplying your marketing budget. From creating irresistible bounce-back offers to building valuable email lists through strategic giveaways, this episode reveals the untapped assets sitting right under your nose. Whether you're a retailer, manufacturer, or service provider, this conversation will fundamentally shift how you think about business growth and customer acquisition. The KeyHire Podcast delivers actionable insights that transform grinding entrepreneurs into strategic growth-focused leaders. Key Takeaways: The Magic Question Strategy – Learn the specific question that opens doors to collaborative sales partnerships with non-competing businesses in your market. Lifetime Customer Value – Discover how to calculate what each customer is truly worth to determine your real marketing budget and partnership investments. Bounce-Back Offer Methodology – Master the art of market-tested, time-sensitive offers that turn one-time buyers into repeat customers who bring friends. Email List Building Without Begging – Create compelling monthly giveaways that encourage customers to volunteer their contact information, rather than rejecting your requests. Cross-Promotional Partnership Structure – Understand how to structure win-win arrangements where businesses share customer bases, vendor networks, and employee referrals.  Connect with the Experts: Learn More About Mark: www.youcanmarketonlinenow.com Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock  Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content.  Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected] Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Does your business feel stuck, busy but not making progress, with your team caught up in emergencies instead of working strategically? In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock talks with Aaron Trahan, founder and coach at Performance Mindset Coaching, about a common disruptive pattern in small business management. They explain that the “Chaos Cycle” is a damaging loop that begins with poor priority management, leads to scattered focus, results in weak execution, and prompts leaders to set even more priorities, which can worsen the problem. Corey and Aaron deliver practical strategies for leadership development, exploring why business leaders often fall in love with complexity rather than focusing on providing value, and how this mindset becomes a barrier to sustainable business growth. Listeners will discover actionable frameworks to break free from the chaos cycle by learning to prioritize effectively, align their teams, and create sustainable systems that eliminate the need for constant firefighting. The conversation highlights three key growth rules that help prevent businesses from collapsing under pressure. It emphasizes the importance of mastering focus as a competitive advantage and explains why consistently communicating priorities is crucial for overcoming chaos. This episode offers mindset shifts and practical frameworks that entrepreneurs can use to transform their management style and achieve lasting success. Key Takeaways: The Chaos Cycle Defined: Priority mismanagement creates scattered focus, leading to weak execution and prompting leaders to add more priorities, perpetuating the cycle. Communication Imperative: Effective business leadership requires repeating priorities until you're "nauseous"—that's when your team finally understands. Three Rules of Growth: Sustainable growth must be sustainable, create operating leverage, and never exceed your ability to manage it. Focus as Superpower: Great companies say no to virtually everything outside their core priorities and predetermined scope. 12-6-3 Strategy: Work backwards from a 12-month vision to create 6-month milestones and 3-month priorities, connecting actions to goals. Create visuals for easy progress tracking. Revenue Reality: "Revenue is vanity, profits are sanity, cash is king"—focus on converting revenue into sustainable cash flow.  🔗 Connect with the Experts: Learn More About Aaron: https://performancemindsetcoaching.co/ Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://www.keyhire.solutions/testimonials  Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected] Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Struggling to compete for top talent without breaking the bank? In this game-changing episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Anthony Markey, owner of the Markey Agency, to reveal a counterintuitive strategy that sounds too good to be true—but isn't. The challenge in today's environment is that small business owners often face an impossible choice. Either they offer competitive benefits to attract quality talent (which can be expensive) or risk losing their best employees to companies with better benefits packages. Anthony shares his expertise on leveraging innovative wellness benefit structures and strategic benefit planning to create a win-win scenario where employees can see increased take-home pay while employers potentially reduce overall costs.  Whether you're facing small business challenges with retention, looking to enhance your workplace culture, or seeking innovative approaches to entrepreneurship, this business podcast episode delivers strategies you can implement immediately. Don't miss these insights that could transform how you approach benefits and talent management. Key Takeaways: Strategic benefit structures create opportunities: Properly designed wellness benefits can potentially increase employee net pay while reducing employer costs through various mechanisms Shop your benefits annually: Loyalty to brokers often results in overcharging by thousands per employee, making regular competitive reviews essential for small business leadership  Wellness benefits drive engagement: Employees participate more actively when benefits directly impact their financial outcomes, leading to healthier teams and reduced sick days Fiduciary responsibility is expanding: Companies over 100 employees already face legal requirements to secure best-value benefits, with smaller businesses likely following suit Listen to employee feedback: Workers often share information about competitors' benefits that can guide your talent acquisition strategy 🔗 Connect with the Experts: Learn More About Anthony: https://ikag.me Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess  Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram @keyhiresolutions. Follow Corey on LinkedIn @Corey Harlock Visit our website at https://www.keyhire.solutions/the-keyhire-podcast for more content. Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected] Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.