THE STERN TRUTH: Business Unfiltered

“Simply by Katie” is what Katie Eberman goes by online. What she does in her business and her journey as an entrepreneur, however, is anything but simple.Like most of us entrepreneurs, she had a persistent idea—supporting small businesses. Even with caring for little ones at home that she was taking care of, Katie still missed the kind of fulfilling work she used to do. She eventually landed on doing website design and copywriting, specifically for women in the small business space. Katie talks passionately about helping female entrepreneurs, seeing it as a reflection of herself. What she really wants is for women to feel proud to send their clients or prospects to their websites. Katie also notes that business owners don’t want to say they’re building a brand because it sounds too big of a vision. To me, this brought up another reminder to get clear on your “why”; the “why” is what’s powerful enough to get you to do what you do. We get into the systems that Katie uses so that she can be there in both her work and life. This brings up a challenge that I have for you, my friends. I want you to send me an email at [email protected] and let me know your strategies for separating your work and life. Katie has golden nugget after golden nugget in this episode, but she gave us one that might be the best golden nuggets yet. Katie says, just start. Don’t overthink, because when you’re in the action, you’re not worrying about what will go wrong. An incredible reminder that we can all build on.  Connect with Katie here:Website: simplybykatie.comEmail: [email protected]: @simply_by_katie Join the ONtrepreneur Inner Circle group. It’s a community of your peers that can help you break through your challenges. Get practical tools, accountability, honest dialogue, and more: https://marshallstern.net/page/ontrepreneur-inner-circleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

My guest on this episode is Ashley Leeds, known as The 15 Minute Guy, and, wow, just wow. Ashley dropped so many insights about LinkedIn that I could not wait to get this episode out.Ashley joins me from Devon, England, and he helps founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners get visible on LinkedIn in just 15 minutes a day. Ashley does the math for us all—15 minutes a day, five days a week, over a year adds up to 65 hours on the platform. It's an action that might seem small, but it can have a big effect.Less than 5% of LinkedIn users create content. That means if you start showing up consistently with posts, you are immediately ahead of 95% of people on the platform. Ashley's advice is to pick a specific day and time, stick to it, and let your audience anchor to you.We get into the real strategy behind commenting. Ashley recommends commenting on at least 10 posts a day. Not a boring “I agree” but adding a bit of your personality while adding value.A surprising few tidbits that Ashley also shared: hashtags on LinkedIn are now deprecated, so don’t use them. Your profile photo should be a close-up of your face with a coloured background, because 70% of users are on mobile. Polls are a wildly underused tool, not just for engagement but for gathering real data on your audience and then following up in a personal way.This episode with Ashley is just non-stop golden nuggets. Grab a pen and paper, tune in, and start thinking about how just 15 intentional minutes a day could transform your visibility.Connect with Ashley here:Website: www.just.15mins.dayLinkedIn: @ashley-leeds-15-minute-guyTake the Free Assessment Here: www.just.15mins.day/score  Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

This episode is shorter but still impactful. It’s a solo episode because I’ve had wonderful guests lately. But this one asks the question, Is your business serving your life?As always, grab a paper and pen. Write down the question, Is my business serving my life? Is it serving me financially, in terms of freedom, to do what I truly love? Or is it not serving my life? Do I feel trapped?Get back to why you started your business. What was your “why?” Sometimes we forget why we started our business. We might get stuck in that employee mindset. Come back to that “why,” why you do what you do.I invite you to take my Business Energy Reset. If your business is serving your life, that’s fantastic, and I’d still love to hear from you. But, if not, there’s an opportunity for change there. Take one step forward.Email me “yes, it is” or “no, it’s not” at [email protected] or grab the Business Energy Reset here: https://marshallstern.net/page/business-energy-quiz Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

It’s another Business Therapy Thursday, and this one might hit home for anyone who has ever second-guessed their pricing. I sit down with Earl Thomas, host of the VOICE POWER podcast, and we have an honest and energizing deep dive into pricing confidence. Earl has been podcasting for six seasons, reaching listeners across countless countries and cities. But he came to me with the challenge of feeling confident when it comes time to name his price. He and I go over the three things needed for someone to work with you—desire, the ability to pay, and the willingness to pay. If all three aspects aren’t there, they’re not your client.We also dig into the idea of releasing yourself from the outcome. There’s real power in showing up to a conversation and being focused on service rather than landing the sale. Clarity breeds confidence. When you have clarity on your pricing, your process, your ideal client, and your follow-up plan, the confidence follows. Earl even shares a golden nugget of his own, being “passionately confident and confidently passionate.” That's the exact energy that lands clients, builds audiences, and grows businesses. People know passion when they see it.I also get into when to bring up pricing. Talking about it too early, before you’ve made a real connection, turns everything into a negotiation. In small business, the relationship has to be the priority. The price is just a detail that comes after.Connect with Earl Thomas, aka “The Voice” here:Website: www.earlthomasthevoice.comPodcast: voicepower.buzzsprout.comLinkedIn: @earlthomasthevoiceFacebook: @EarlThomasTheVoiceYouTube: @EarlThomasTheVOICE If you’re interested in a Business Therapy Thursday session, shoot me an email to [email protected].  Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Daria Ionescu knows strategy. She actually started off her career with in-house marketing. A little bit of branding, digital marketing, and some social media. What she found was missing in all of this was the real strategy behind it, so she started her own company.Now, her strategy consulting business, Lume Strategy, takes people from Point A to Point B to hit their target audience. Even though she’s been in business for less than a year, one Stern Truth Daria learned is how introspective entrepreneurship can make you.In this episode, we also get into falling in love with the process. As small business owners, the best thing you can do is to NOT do the things that drain you. My advice to Daria (and all of you) is to write down those drains so that when the time comes to add in team members, those tasks can easily be passed to them.Daria gets into the age-old business question, “What is strategy?" Empathize with your team. Understand where they’re coming from. Find the solutions for them, get to the root of the issue, then make a plan—a strategy—to fix it.One of Daria’s many other Stern Truths is that as an entrepreneur, your brain never stops. It can feel like you’re never off the clock. Being more disciplined, using strategies like time-blocking, and being able to adapt can all help you manage a mind that never seems to turn off.Daria reminds us of something we all know but sometimes forget—marketing is very psychological. Knowing the motivations of why people take actions, or why they don’t, is a big part of any strategy, and it starts with empathy, that missing E in strategy. After that comes the trust, the most important part of the entrepreneurial puzzle. Connect with Daria here:Website: www.lumestrategy.caEmail: [email protected] IG: @itslumestrategyLinkedIn: @daria-ionescu-492098232Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Denise Frenette is all about the “more.” She’s not specifically about having more things and having more nice dinners (which she admits she does love). The "more" that Denise is talking about is the balance between running a business and having what you truly want in life. She even wrote a book on it, aptly titled "MORE".An entrepreneur several times over, Denise never felt like she fit into the typical “9-5” corporate box. She talks a lot in this episode about grit and determination. As Denise puts it, the ability to see a vision and bring it into detail and make it "more" takes a lot of grit and just as much confidence.One of the reasons Denise got into business for herself was that she saw how things were done in her industry and thought, I could do it better myself. I’m sure that her eye for detail, passion for wellness, and entrepreneur parents helped too.Denise shares an incredible story about a former employee. Although now a competitor, this former employee admitted to Denis that she didn’t know what it took to run a business. Denise encouraged this person to keep going, driving home the kind of grit that it takes to run a business.There were so many great golden nuggets and Stern Truth’s in this episode, but one of Denise’s best golden nuggets is that there’s more to life than just business. Take an honest look at all aspects of your life. Even though you might be successful in one area, you don’t want to miss the boat on what life is about.Connect with Denise here:Website: https://www.denisefrenette.com/Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Business ownership is a spectrum. A business owner and an entrepreneur are not the same. I drop these golden nuggets, and more, on Stephanie Lehr’s new podcast, The Stephanie Lehr Show (which is episode 70 of The Stern Truth.)Stephanie is a relationship coach. In starting her new podcast, I had the honour of being her first guest. She and I get into a variety of topics. We even discuss how, during my leadership coach training, I really wasn’t leading at home and how it took me some time to realize that. We go over what happened during the pandemic when I was faced with the decision to keep my team or let them go. My leadership mindset is “these are my people,” so I kept them on. Thankfully, it worked out, since safety signage was a priority at that time.I also get into the difference between being an entrepreneur and being a business owner. My friends, they are NOT the same thing. A lot of business owners are really buying themselves a job, and there is nothing wrong with that. But if you want to grow, you have to step into that ONtrepreneur mindset. Building something that lasts is the challenge.Stephanie asked me about the best compliment I have ever received, and it has stayed with me ever since. A fellow coach told me, in front of a group, that I make people feel safe. Not impressive, not intimidating, not polished. Safe. As a coach, just as a person, that was a compliment I’ll always cherish.Like the title of this episode says, it takes resilience, teamwork, and a community to make a business grow.Join the ONtrepreneur Inner Circle if you’re looking for that kind of supportive community. https://marshallstern.net/landing/innercircleLearn about Stephanie and her show here:Instagram: @stephanielehrofficialLinkedIn:  @stephanielehrWebsite: stephanielehr.comSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Kim Long is my guest on this episode of the Stern Truth. As a registered psychologist in Alberta with a teaching background, Kim was inspired by her family of helpers to get into the field of psychology, despite some “oi’s” along the way, Covid being a big one.Through our conversation, I tell him how post-secondary experience teaches business but it doesn't teach entrepreneurship - things like cash flow, ROI, or COGS are more on-the-job lessons.  Leadership was a big factor for Kim when starting her practice. Nurturing her team while keeping her professional standards, combatting leader loneliness, and consistent learning have allowed Kim to build her team.Imposter syndrome (yes, it’s everywhere) comes up in our conversation, another of Kim’s “oi’s”. She digs deep and gets to the root of leadership. One of her golden nuggets is that leadership is all about building the capacity of your team so they can grow and shine.  Let me tell you, my friends, it doesn’t get easier. Imposter syndrome can be a lifelong feeling. And guess what? More people have it than you think. Ask yourself, is what I believe true? If you look at the old you vs. the new, 2.0 you, what were your action steps to get there? Another terrific golden nugget that Kim gave was one I love - if you’re worrying about your leadership, you’re probably a better leader than you realize. The Stern Truth of being a leader? Just keep going, keep showing up, and take time to reflect on your own growth. Get in touch with Kim here:Website: www.dochaspsych.comIG: instagram.com/dochaspsychFacebook: facebook.com/DochasPsychYouTube: youtube.com/@DochasPsychLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dochas-psychIf you’re feeling the “oi’s” of business, lonely, or isolated, and want those like-minded business people, check out our ONtrepreneur Inner Circle. Be my guest and see what the community looks like: https://marshallstern.net/page/ontrepreneur-inner-circle Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

We’re back with another Business Therapy Thursday, and this one is extra special. David Wallace, owner of Around the Block Butcher & Market in Ottawa, was first featured on Episode 23. We talked about his incredible entrepreneurial journey through the pandemic. Now, a year later, David is back, and this time, we go deeper.Around the Block just celebrated 13 years in business, and David has built something truly special with his wife and business partner, Chantelle. He came into this episode with a lot on his mind—where to direct resources, how to lead more effectively, and how to break the tunnel vision from being deep in the day-to-day grind.David describes success as having the right systems, the right team, and the freedom to take two full weeks off and actually enjoy it. He and Chantel took their first week off in years back in January, and it went fine. So, what’s stopping them from doing more of that?David also opened up about the challenge of that last 10%. He’s a self-described 90-percenter, great at getting things almost done, but the follow-through is where the wins live.We tackled the concept of “CEO Day," a dedicated block day each week where David can step away from the counter, close the office door, and work ON the business instead of IN it. Not for clients, not for staff, not for urgent orders. Just David, his vision, and the clarity to grow his business.The Stern Truth of this episode is that “later” is not a strategy. Things don’t slow down, so you need to specifically create the time and space. As a business owner, YOU have to be the one to make the change.Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Melodie Dewsbury is a passionate entrepreneur and founder of The Paper Fox Collective, a marketing agency in Mission, B.C. Her journey took her from entrepreneur to corporate life to teaching and back to entrepreneurship. This time around, she’s got clarity, confidence, and a whole lot of momentum.Melodie shares how she reinvented herself after stepping back from her first business and spending years in corporate roles that just didn’t fit. When the mismatch started showing up physically, she knew it was time to listen to that gut feeling.We get into the difference between fear and intuition and why that distinction matters for big business decisions. Melodie’s golden nugget on this? Is this a limiting belief, or is everything in my being telling me this isn’t right for me? We also talk about community, something Melodie has always been passionate about creating. From running knitting clubs in her first year of teaching to building an online community of 2,000 female entrepreneurs, she just gets people together. And as I always say, being around other entrepreneurs who truly get it makes all the difference. On the marketing side, Melodie drops a golden nugget every founder needs to hear: you don’t need to be on every platform. Pick the spaces where you can show up consistently and authentically. If dancing on TikTok isn’t you, don’t do it.Melodie’s episode itself is a golden nugget. So if you take anything from this episode, take it from Melodie that sometimes stepping back is exactly what you need to step forward with more power.Connect with Melodie here:www.thepaperfoxcollective.comInstagram: @thepaperfoxcollectiveLinkedIn: @melodie-dewsburyFacebook: @melodydewsbury Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

2026 is the year of the horse, so, of course, I have to revisit my story about going to a horseback riding ranch. The story in this episode might sound familiar, but believe me, it’s important, so it bears repeating.I was in a beautiful open field with around 25 other people. I wanted my horse to go faster, so I tried to smack the reins, ignoring the signs that told me this horse didn’t want to go fast. Well, one smack did it, and the horse went so fast that I narrowly missed a tree branch. The instructor came up after asking how I was, and I said okay. They said I could ride on the back of their horse the rest of that day. To that, I said, nope, I am getting back on that horse. And I did.Looking back, I shouldn’t have ignored the signs that were right in front of me. He gave me the over-the-shoulder looks and was slowing down, but I was burying my head in the sand. I was dead-set on leading that horse.Never overlook the signs that are there, no matter what part of life we’re talking about. Think about your finances. We have no idea what our numbers look like, yet we wonder why we don’t make payroll. We ignore those past due invoices, but that doesn’t get us any closer to our goals.Take a few minutes to think about where you are in your entrepreneurial journey - financially, with your team, with your customers, with the economy. What feels wrong? Are there signs that you need to change something?You might think you’re leading a horse, but sometimes, they lead you, and that's when you need to make a change.If you’re a small business owner who’s running on the hamster wheel, feeling isolated, and watching great ideas collect dust, I invite you to the ONtrepreneur Inner Circle. Join other driven entrepreneurs and me and get mentorship, coaching, accountability, and encouragement to make growth happen: https://marshallstern.net/landing/innercircleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Tedi Bezna is the proud owner of an all-woman marketing agency. Searchlight Digital specializes in SEO, Google Ads, website content, anything to get you searched. She’s had Searchlight for eight years and counting and is still growing.Like many of our guests, Tedi was raised by entrepreneurs. That feeling of doing something for herself inspired her from a young age—she even sold plums from her backyard tree as one of her first business ventures.A self-professed lover of the “nerdy” stuff, Tedi gravitated towards spreadsheets and numbers and eventually went into SEO. Tedi says it’s an amazing marriage of the numbers, the data, and the storytelling that creates something that connects with people.Tedi also saw some downsides of working for someone else, which led her to start her own business (who hasn’t been there, right?). She was inspired by reading Dan Martell’s “Buy Back Your Time,” which inspired her to hire an admin assistant. As a business owner who wants to scale, you need to get a team behind you, and you need to let go.Her team is something Tedi expresses a lot of gratitude for. Because she took risks and hired capable people that she trusts, that was exactly how she was able to make Searchlight Digital successful.One of her most potent golden nuggets was the many ways she stays connected to other business owners, from Masterminds to a Slack group to just talking with her entrepreneur father. Tedi says it’s interesting to see the commonalities, as well as the areas of focus, that people from different businesses deal with.The list of golden nuggets in this episode is almost endless. Hire strategically. Have a financial buffer available. SOPs set people up to succeed. Hire a bookkeeper, an accountant, a CFO, someone to handle the finances. You never outgrow personal growth. Seriously, I’m missing some, so go listen to the episode.Connect with Tedi here:Website - www.searchlightmarketing.caInstagram - @searchlightdigitalDan Martell’s “Buy Back Your Time” - https://www.buybackyourtime.com/Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

There are a lot of business coaches, podcasters, mentors, and entrepreneurs out there. Michael Morrison has done all of it.Michael is a business coach, business loan officer, and podcaster from Oklahoma. His main goal is to get business owners unstuck when they reach a point that they just can’t grow anymore on their own.I saw so many similarities between his story and mine – starting businesses, exiting, and coaching, all around a similar timeline. He and I also have similar thoughts on what business owners need most of all, and that is clarity.His background is harrowing and an example of overcoming great adversity. Michael never let that stop him from growing into a culture-driven business owner.Initially, it was a business coach who encouraged Michael to get into coaching. He saw the potential in him, which Michael took and ran with. Now, he coaches small business owners about how to grow, how to operate, the pitfalls, and the opportunities they come across.One incredibly simple but effective golden nugget he left in this episode was to write things down. If it's something that you're going to do, again, time and time again, writing it down makes it easy to create that repeatable process.Michael also advises not to follow the trends in business. Spend the time learning the basics. Once you have those down, pick up the phone and go get clients. Hire professionals who know what you don’t know. Wise advice from a man who has done it all. Get in touch with Michael here:Website: https://www.michaeldmorrison.comLinkedIn: @/michaeldmorrisonokcYouTube: @michaeldmorrisonokcFacebook: @businessownershipsimplifiedInstagram: @businessownershipsimplifiedSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

It’s another Business Therapy Thursday. This is a story so many small business owners will recognize. I sit down with Steve Hayek, a home inspector in year seven of his business, and he is still doing almost everything himself. He’s got real growth happening for his company, All Branch Inspections, along with a solid reputation, and referrals coming in organically. But like so many entrepreneurs I work with, he’s stuck in a 90/10 split - 90% working IN the business, barely 10% working ON it.Steve tells how the marketing, business development, and all the repetitive conversations are his biggest drains when it comes to his day-to-day. It comes with the territory of growing a client base. Walking him through the Energy Audit, we find that his systems and automations need to get out of his head and into his business.We dug into exactly what’s been sitting on Steve’s to-do list, things like a proper client intro email, follow-up templates for buyers' and sellers' agents, and a buyer and seller checklist. He already knows what needs to go in them. Steve just needs to block the time and treat those tasks just the same as client work. We also talked about a hidden revenue opportunity that most solo business owners completely overlook. Simply put, it’s reaching out to clients or prospects after your initial meeting. A simple, repeatable process that just needs to be built once.Steve already knew what needed to be done. Sometimes we just need an accountability partner, and that’s exactly what Business Therapy Thursdays are for.If you’re a small business owner who’s running on the hamster wheel, feeling isolated, and watching great ideas collect dust, I invite you to the ONtrepreneur Inner Circle. A small group of driven entrepreneurs who get real mentorship, coaching, accountability, and encouragement to make growth happen. Find out more here: https://marshallstern.net/landing/innercircleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

You’ve already seen the title. This episode is a DOOZY, I promise you. We always default back to spending, spending, spending on marketing. Facebook Ads, Google Ads, money on your storefront or your interior. But there’s a huge gap that stops you from closing sales. That’s the failure to connect with your prospects. Are you connecting with your customers? Let’s even take a step back from that - are you connecting with your team? Are they just a number?I share a story of going to a Nissan dealership with my friend, looking to purchase a Pathfinder, and immediately being ignored. No greeting. The staff was hanging out, smoking, not paying any attention to us, and we left. A classic example of a business that really doesn’t want to take your money.A great book that I recommend is “Everyone Communicates Few Connect” by my mentor, John Maxwell. He says that connection is what makes you feel heard, comfortable, and understood. For me, the price of that Pathfinder didn’t matter, but the connection wasn’t there. I wasn’t heard, let alone seen. I was uncomfortable, and I definitely wasn’t understood. So I walked.Part of connecting is listening. It’s being interested and not interesting. Be curious and connect with your people, be it your clients, your team, or your inner circle.If you’re looking for your own inner circle with mentorship, coaching, accountability, and encouragement to step up your game and achieve your goals, the ONtrepreneur Inner Circle might be for you. Check out more here: https://marshallstern.net/landing/innercircleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

 As a Fractional CMO, Meghan helps clients make their marketing roadmaps on a part-time basis. She connects the dots between their CRMs, qualified leads, social media, and email marketing. From click to close, Meghan is there.She started out as an entrepreneur in her 20s. She bought a franchise, sold it all across Canada, and learned about business along the way. She’s also had retail stores, has put on conferences, and has worked with consumer-packaged goods. As busy as she was, she eventually found her niche with real estate.One of the biggest challenges Meghan has faced is asking for the budget. Even with the Golden Triangle of project management in mind, the quality might not be there and articulating that to clients can be tough. Meghan says that learning from the gaps and improving for the future is key.I bring Meghan up to speed with my story from Episode 2, “Why Marketing Can Fail You.” Long story short, big marketing budget but no customer service. As Meghan puts it, you can lose people in 3 or 4 days, and in that time, you’ve lost their trust.Meghan left us with two great golden nuggets. One, building community is the new flex. And two, niche down to talk to exactly who you want to talk to. Mine for this episode? Let pregnant raccoons lie.  That personal touch, within a few days, makes all the difference. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your marketing budget. Get connected with Meghan here:Website: https://meghansimington.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-simington/ Listen to The Stern Truth Episode 2, “Why Marketing Can Fail You”: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453923/episodes/16770813Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Kelly Kennedy started his company, Capital Business Development, five years ago, and he hasn’t stopped since. As an expert in business development, he has the itch to talk about it—like so many of us podcasters, he started his own, the Business Development Podcast.What is business development, though? Kelly says that it strategically brings in new revenue to your business by first focusing on the right opportunities. As he explains, it’s not the same as sales, which includes closing. It’s that valuable relationship building that comes before the sale.In this episode, we also touch on getting ghosted. As small business owners and entrepreneurs chasing growth, we’ve all been there. Kelly says it’s all about the conversations with the right people - that, and follow-up, is what will open those opportunity doors. Kelly goes over the art of the LinkedIn request. First, identify the industry, then connect with the right people. After that, keep up the consistency of your connection requests. Connection is the name of the game for online growth.Kelly is also a coach and started his own program, which, through some incredible connections, became what’s called the Catalyst Club. As he and I both know, leadership is lonely, and we welcome any space where leaders can help leaders.There are so many golden nuggets in this episode – two that Kelly drives home are to manage your time and do a critical once-a-week follow-up with connections. Business owners, you won’t want to miss this incredible episode.Connect with Kelly here:Website: kellykennedyofficial.comBusiness: capitalbd.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kellykennedyofficialPodcast: businessdevelopmentpodcast.ca Be my guest at the ONtrepreneur Inner Circle group. If you’re feeling lonely, like the decisions you make feel heavy, a community of your peers can help you break through your challenges. Get practical tools, accountability, honest dialogue, and more: https://marshallstern.net/page/ontrepreneur-inner-circleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

I’ve seen business owners throwing a lot of money at their marketing. But when prospects come to their door, their systems aren’t there. The experience doesn’t measure up to what was advertised.So how can we wow our customers SO much that they come back over and over again?The people and systems that create the experience hold so much weight. If you’re pushing out marketing without the processes or customer service, you’re throwing your money away. Not only that, your revenue just won’t increase, your business won’t grow, and you’ll stay stuck.My daughter and I recently had a “wow” experience at a Hilton Garden Inn in Edmonton. She had jaw surgery, and her healing involved applying ice to her face 8 times a day. No freezer in the room, so I was constantly switching out ice packs (you’re never done being a dad.) I ended up apologizing to the front-end staff each time, thinking I was putting them out.But at one point, something switched. The front-end staff really showed concern. They asked how she was doing. The restaurant team adapted their menu for her. They showed that they truly cared.I want to give them a shoutout because the way we were treated, with such incredible care and concern, was such a “wow.” It was a memorable experience because of that care.I want to ask, are we doing that with our own clients? Do we really care about them? Are we showing them empathy when we need to? After this episode, I encourage you to go back and listen to these episodes. They go more into what I’ve talked about today, including what not to do:Ep. 2 The Stern Truth: Why Marketing Can Fail You: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453923/episodes/16770813Ep. 14 The Stern Truth: Business & Life Lessons from a Lifeguard: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453923/episodes/17197255  Ep. 34 The Stern Truth: Are You Making It Easy for Your Clients to Do Business With You?: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453923/episodes/17784578My question to you is, are you and your team showing up once you have your client? Are you wowing them or caring for them? The most powerful marketing that you can have is your exceptional customer service.The ONtrepreneur Inner Circle is a group that gives you mentorship, coaching, accountability, and encouragement to step up your game. Achieve your goals this year with the support you deserve: https://marshallstern.net/page/ontrepreneur-inner-circleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

It’s been a while since our last Business Therapy Thursday session, but we’re back. Our guest on this episode is Hanan Alameh, who’s looking for guidance on where to take her business next and the steps to do it.Hanan has a luxury charcuterie board business she runs in Ottawa called Pretty Eats by Hanan. And she knows exactly where she wants to go—by the spring of 2028, she wants to have her own location, a café, while still catering.I kick off our conversation by reminding Hanan that she actually knows more about business than she thinks. Pretty Eats also had its one-year anniversary, so it’s an ideal team for Hanan to be here and get the guidance she needs for her business.As we go deeper into our session, Hanan reveals even MORE goals, like eventually turning her business into a franchise and writing a book. I love the big goals and vision Hanan has. And this is exactly the type of passion great business owners have, where they fall in love with the goals. But growth happens when you fall in love with the process.Hanan opens up about how fear has held her back throughout her life and how, at 42 years old, she's finally ready to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams without a backup plan. We tackle the concept of "doing it scared" and taking action despite fear, but not recklessly.One of the biggest challenges we uncover is Hanan's perfectionism. She's detail-oriented and creative, but she admits that hiring employees terrifies her because she feels like "an artist letting someone else draw a painting. " I help to explain the critical difference between perfectionism and having high-quality standards.If you're an entrepreneur struggling with fear, perfectionism, or feeling like you're not good enough, here's something I told Hanan that might resonate with you: the business will grow as much as you grow.See more about Hanan’s Ottawa and area business here:Facebook: facebook.com/prettyeatsbyhanan Instagram: @prettyeatsbyhananThe ONtrepreneur Inner Circle is a group that gives you mentorship, coaching, accountability, and encouragement to step up your game. Achieve your goals this year with the support you deserve: https://marshallstern.net/page/ontrepreneur-inner-circleLiking “The Stern Truth?” Rate us, review us, and subscribe!Spotify Apple PodcastsAudibleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

I sit down with Doug C. Brown of CEO Sales Strategies in this episode. He and I talk about how to increase your revenue and increase the growth trajectory of your business.He first started his business journey when he was a kid working with his dad. That turned into working for a company owned by Tony Robbins. During his time there, Doug was able to do something amazing – look at the numbers, see where money was hiding, and free it up to make the company grow from $9 million-$27 million in just 18 months Doug breaks down the power of finding hidden revenue with his own example, simply changing the sales script, the company dropped their refund rate to less than 1% within 48 hours. That’s something that ads and marketing just can’t do.We dive into one of Doug's many golden nuggets, speed to contact. He emphasizes that waiting even five minutes to respond to a lead versus one minute can drop your conversion rate significantly. Take the lead and show your prospect that you're a real person who cares. Start to build that trust from the first interaction.Doug also tackles follow-up strategy, which is something so many small business owners struggle with. And the golden nugget on follow-up frequency: it's only creepy when it's not value-laden.Doug shares something from a mentor that is a great golden nugget – “Whatever you try in life will take 2-3 times longer and cost two to three times more than you think.” But if you have someone helping you be more effective and efficient, it might only take 1-2 times what you thought. And it’s exactly why you need outside perspectives on your business, whether it's a coach, mentor, a group, or someone like Doug, who finds those hidden revenues.Grab a pad of paper and a pen (I know I say that all the time) because the golden nuggets in here are so incredible. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do.Connect with Doug here:www.ceosalesstrategies.comdoug@ceosalesstrategies.comwww.linkedin.com/in/dougbrown123  The ONtrepreneur Inner Circle is launching soon. If you need mentorship, coaching, accountability, and encouragement to step up your game and achieve your goals, check out the program: https://marshallstern.net/page/ontrepreneur-inner-circleLiking “The Stern Truth?” Rate, review, and subscribe!Spotify Apple PodcastsAudibleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Audree McIvor went from running a cannabis store to owning a counselling clinic. And this isn’t her first time around the business block - this is her third business, so she has a lot of golden nuggets to share.She’s quite comfortable with being active, moving from industry to industry (maybe it’s the mom in her). Audree even works part-time at another clinic to make sure she’s growing and learning to make her practice even better.One business mantra that she understands well is that you will fail but accepting that failure is a big piece of growth. Some people get comfortable being comfortable but that’s where the learning, the growth stops. Failing is part of the growth mindset, whether we like it or not. We also get into coming out of your “safety bubble” and how to, essentially, fail forward. That risk that you take, whether it’s a business or a relationship or whatever it is, is a challenge, and Audree emphasizes that it takes patience to sit with that discomfort.Be realistic about what you want and take time to plan your goals. That planning is an investment in your future self. Have a network to support you for WHEN you fail. These are just a few of the golden nuggets Audree gave us this episode and they are truly golden.Sometimes, failure is the only option because you step outside of your comfort zone. But let me ask you this - what if you fail forward?Connect with Audree here:Website: www.momentouscounselling.caEmail: [email protected] ONtrepreneur Inner Circle is launching shortly. If you need mentorship, coaching, accountability, and encouragement to step up your game and achieve your goals, check out the program here: https://marshallstern.net/page/ontrepreneur-inner-circleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

What’s next for the new year? You’re probably thinking that every January. I have a suggestion for you that so many business owners don’t utilize. Would you like to improve your results this year? (You probably do.)Do you have times when you feel lonely in your business and you’re doing everything yourself? (I bet you are. I know I’ve felt that.) My suggestion is to have an inner circle. Not a circle of friends or family, but a group of trusted advisors, confidantes who are in the same business-minded boat as you.It’s not a strategy. It’s not a tool. Simply put, it’s community, and it can make all the difference between staying stagnant in your business and seeing the results you want.When you join a community of like-minded businesspeople, an inner circle, you know you're around people who really get it. These are the people that are just like you, small business owners and entrepreneurs with goals they’re working towards.  The ONtrepreneur Inner Circle is just that. It’s a new program for a small group of entrepreneurs. With this group, the aim is to create a community that supports each other and keeps one another accountable—we want to step up our game and achieve their goals this year! I invite you to really open your mind to the possibilities of what that inner circle can do for you and your business and what that can look like. You can’t do everything alone, and, frankly, sometimes, you need that push to get started.Find out more here if you’re interested in joining the ONtrepreneur Inner Circle: https://marshallstern.net/page/ontrepreneur-inner-circleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

In this unique episode, I sit down with a dynamic duo, Alison and David Setton, who are not just business partners but life partners as well. For over 10 years, I've watched both of them navigate their entrepreneurial journeys, and now they've joined forces in financial services with an ambitious vision to build an agency of 100 associates.Alison shares her move from engineering to financial services. Admittedly, she said she wasn’t naturally entrepreneurial. Eventually, she “caught” that fervor from David.David himself opens up about his struggles with ADHD, feelings of "not being good enough," and how gratitude and meditation have become essential tools for success. David also shared, with raw honesty, the emotional toll of entrepreneurship and how he's learned to get back up quickly after setbacks.Their golden nuggets are powerful: Alison emphasizes giving first without expecting reciprocation. David's advice? When you get knocked down, take immediate action. Their different strengths create the perfect and unstoppable balance in the partnership. Alison is analytical and steady; David is visionary and action-oriented. A great match all around. You’ll find the beautiful messiness of entrepreneurship in this episode, from the self-doubt to different money backgrounds to the power of having someone who believes in you. If you're wondering whether you need a partner in business or just someone to support you, this episode will give you pause for thought.Connect with David and Alison here:Email: [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.settongroup.ca We have a new group program for business owners coming in January called the ONtrepreneur Inner Circle. This program includes ongoing masterminding, mentorship, coaching, accountability, and encouragement to step up your game and achieve your goals. If you’re interested, see more here: https://marshallstern.net/page/ontrepreneur-inner-circle   Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Welcome to your year in review! In this episode, I encourage you to look back at the year, see what you achieved, or what you didn’t, and why that happened.Looking back is the only way that we can move forward. Even if you didn’t have a plan or didn't write down any goals, I want you to reflect on your year. Think about the goals you set out, if you achieved them, and how you did that. Were they measurable results? How did you achieve them?It may have been the steps you executed. Maybe it was the processes that you implemented. Or maybe it was the accountability, coming back day after day to work tirelessly on that goal.You might be saying, but Marshall, I didn’t achieve my goals. Then let’s ask a few more questions.What are you currently doing that feels productive but isn't actually moving your business forward? If you could do one thing over the next 90 days to achieve your goals, what would that be?Ask yourself what you can commit to on a daily and weekly basis that can create momentum to get you the results you want. Focus on what lights you up, and that commitment, that zone of genius, will come naturally. We have a new group program for business owners coming in January 2026 called the ONtrepreneur Inner Circle. This program includes ongoing masterminding, mentorship, coaching, accountability, and encouragement to step up your game and achieve your goals. If you’re interested, see more information here: https://marshallstern.net/page/ontrepreneur-inner-circleSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Diana Dinh, mom of four, financial strategist, and business owner, is my guest on this episode. In her life she has found that when trying to make everything easier, that’s what can actually make things harder.Her advice is to take things as they come. Diana is a great example of that, with four kids, a husband, and her own business. She says don’t fight the chaos. See it as it comes and deal with it.As a mother/business owner, Diana saw a gap in the networking space for young professional moms like her. She closed that gap when she created Mama Masterminds, an intentional community where business-minded moms have time to connect and bond over something as simple as a pizza.So HOW does she deal with it all? For her, it boils down to the four S’s. Self, strategy, systems, and support. Admittedly, at first, she wasn’t an expert at balancing all these S’s. The inner work that she’s done is something she credits as helping her be successful.Our discussion gets into the “act as if” mindframe. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s easy—act like the person you want to be. We even play a game where I shoot her common business terms, and she explains the “act as if” behind it.Diana gave us so many golden nuggets from this episode. Make time for the things that are important to you. If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me. And a special message to the mom entrepreneurs is to recognize how much power you already have in yourself. Want to connect with Diana? Check out her Facebook group, her podcast, or connect on LinkedIn. Mama Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/officialmamamasterminds/about/Diana's podcast "Mama Masterminds": https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mama-masterminds/id1721418663LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsdianadinh/Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

What’s on your Business Bucketlist, the things that you want to achieve in your business? Maybe you haven’t even looked at it for a while. In this episode, I talk about my own Business Bucketlist item that came to fruition in 2025—this very podcast.I talk about the lessons that I’ve learned over 50 episodes of the Stern Truth. As some of you might know, about 10 years ago, I had another podcast. I stopped around episode 20, but I always wanted to get back on the podcast horse. And at the beginning of this year, I did, with some amazing assistance along the way.Since this is Business Unfiltered, I’ll be honest and let you know that this podcast was the ultimate in “I will when” procrastination. I made a list of what I wanted to do in January 2025 and this podcast was near the top of the list of what I wanted to accomplish.I never got around to making a specific timeframe or plan. Not until I took my own 1-person entrepreneur retreat, which gave me the clarity I needed about what I REALLY wanted to do. “Launch the podcast by December 2025” was on the top of my Business Bucketlist. I knew what didn’t work, and I was ready to loop in a team so I could focus on the coaching, the conversations, and the relationships within the podcast.I made a clear vision of what I wanted. I built a team. I focused on what lights me up and fell in love with the outcome. Above all, I was consistent, and I built something I’m proud of.Even if you didn’t look at the title and say, “Wow, Marshall, you look great for 50!” I’m always glad to have you here listening or watching, my friends. 50 episodes is a true milestone in my book.Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

It’s the 50th episode of the Stern Truth! I almost can’t believe it. The guests I have are a bit different than my usual guests.For this special 50th episode, we have Jordan Eaton, CEO and founder of BOSS Assistants (who was also on episode 13,) and Lindsey Molyneaux, BOSS’ social media manager and podcast manager. They have helped me make the podcast what it is.I had a podcast about 10 years ago but barely made it past episode 25. The BOSS Assistants team and I work together so well, and this podcast is living proof that a good team can help you get to where you want to go in your business.What really kicked my butt into gear to create this podcast was the accountability this team brought with them. We work well together, and we all help each other reach our goals. Having people like that in your business is truly priceless.We also get into the benefits of hiring out vs. hiring in-house. Either way, it’s an investment, a cost of both money and time. But, on the other side of the coin, there's a huge cost in NOT getting the proper guidance or getting an expert to help you, and that's missing out on opportunities. Jordan and Lindsey even give a few golden nuggets to the table. The little tasks add up. The first impressions make a difference. The most important one of the episode—it’s all about building a team. It’s the best money you will ever spend.Focus on what you do best, and let someone else, like BOSS Assistants, do the rest.Get in touch with Jordan here:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-eaton/Website: bossassistants.comSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Aside from having one of the coolest names, Leslie Hacker has a keen business sense.Leslie started her marketing and PR business in 2015 while taking care of her sick parents. She prefers to call herself a consultant and a communicator, since that’s really at the core of what she does.The episode gets into the idea of being uncomfortable, which, let’s be real, no one really likes. But for Leslie, she knows that when businesses do the same thing over and over, those things eventually won’t work.We talk over the analogy of putting your oxygen mask on when you’re on an airplane before helping others. One of Leslie’s golden nuggets (which I’m calling Business Hacks for this episode) is that her work is better when she has oxygen.Leslie told us how she’s noticed that when she works with a company that she’s a customer of herself, that’s when she’s most passionate about the job. For her, that’s when it’s more than just money.That being said, we also get into being cautious with your passion. It could take you down a dark path. The businesses and clients that we work with, or that anybody works with, for that matter, might not always be a fit. We have to be careful where our passion takes us and discern from that to make the most of our time and energy.Get in touch with Leslie here to book a strategy session:Website: hackercommunications.com Instagram: @hacker_communicationsSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

We’re coming up to the beginning of a new year. I often hear “I will when” around this time of the year. Oh, but you’re waiting for the economy to get better, holding on until the new year, or hoping the timing will be better when the kids are grown. There’s so many excuses to not do it. The question I have to ask you is, “If not now, when?” The “I’ll do this later” mindset quickly turns into procrastination. That’s exactly when we lose the opportunities that are present to us.Look back on 2025. Were you in your comfort zone the whole time? We get so comfortable with just being comfortable. We don’t grow. We’ve stopped remembering why we do it. Or maybe it’s not important to us anymore. Our competitors aren’t slowing down. They still have their marketing. They’re not stopping their lead gen. If we pause and don’t keep that momentum going, our competitors will lap us (and no one wants that!). The Kickstart Lab 2026 can help you get out of your comfort zone. This is a 90-day block where we review what’s worked, what didn’t, and why, and clarify what we want for 2026.Success leaves clues. Follow them so you can achieve what you want to achieve in 2026. We kick off December 1st, so grab your spot here: https://marshallstern.net/landing/2026-kickstart Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

This might be the shortest episode of the Stern Truth yet, and maybe even one of the most important.2026 is right around the corner. This is your wake-up call. It’s a Stern Truth, and it’s saying, “It’s not your goals that are causing you to fail; it’s the unmanaged chaos in your business.” I’m introducing you to the Kickstart Growth Lab 2026. It’s a new six-week group experience to build a powerful 90-day growth plan. Kickstart will give you the momentum, accountability, and consistency to move forward.We kick off December 1st, and seating is limited. But those of you who sign up first can get the fast-action price, so grab your spot here: https://marshallstern.net/landing/2026-kickstart Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Grit. Determination. A little bit of delusion. These are the things that our guest, Melissa Guenette, says help make businesses successful. On the other side of the coin, self-doubt was one of the things that Melissa initially faced when she created her company, A-List Media Solutions. But she didn’t let that stop her from growing. Melissa also started her business quite suddenly, without laying down a foundation first. As we all know, small businesses have to strike when the iron is hot, and Melissa was no different. She faced a challenging start, but when you grow a business, that’s the only guarantee.Trial and error was the name of the game when starting A-List. That helped her to focus on what she does best, leveraging clear and concise messaging to get more traditional media exposure. She also believes in the power of experiential marketing to make that personal, real-life connection, one that can’t be replicated online. We discuss how to make processes that make your clients' lives easier—once you make those processes, they’ll keep coming back to you. Like I said in Episode 34, the best businesses are the ones that make it easy to give them your money. Melissa gives so many great golden nuggets during this episode. One of them is to slow down and don’t take on ALL the clients you can. Develop foundations to expand your team and your business. Another is to have a great media kit to send to other businesses. We even found we had a shared golden nugget—keep track of your wins. Whether it’s a WINS folder on a drive or a handwritten Brag Book, just note them. Write down those wins. It keeps limiting beliefs at bay and shows you how amazing your business truly is. Curious about what Melissa does? Contact her at [email protected]  Get inspired and stay accountable with the Momentum Accountability group. Email me at [email protected] to join as a guest for no cost. See more here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/page/momentum Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

What holds you back in your business? I bet that the first thing that comes to mind is money. But often, that’s not what’s really holding you back. In today’s episode, I go over the two things that stall your business - perfectionism and procrastination.As a small business owner, of course you want everything to be perfect. You want your business to look great online. You want your processes completely finished. You want to give your clients the perfect product or service. But that’s playing it too safe, and that’s not realistic.Holding onto that perfectionist mindset so tightly will actually end up killing the momentum that you’ve built. It stalls your business growth. It costs you time and money. And it will eventually cost you opportunities.Then that perfectionism can show up as procrastination, delaying until things are exactly in the right place. Entrepreneurs have a perfection problem, and I know how to help this - just start.Tune in to learn how to change that mindset, even when you don’t feel quite ready. “Done” is always better than “perfect.”Learn how to get out of perfection and into action with the Momentum Accountability group. Email me at [email protected] to join as a guest for no cost. See more about the group here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/page/momentum Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Elle Jimeno of Ellevate Creative. I have to say, this conversation absolutely blew me away. Elle shares her journey of building a business after being laid off. Her former employer actually ended up becoming her first client. Talk about life handing you lemons! The real, unfiltered challenges of being a small business owner while raising children don't seem to be obstacles for Elle. It’s more like a guiding force and an opportunity to be a role model not only for her children but for herself as well. One of the biggest golden nuggets from this episode is Elle's perspective on discomfort. As a natural introvert, she pushed herself to network and connect with her community. It’s her desire to get out of discomfort, she says, that fuels her every single day. Every entrepreneur faces the “struggle of the juggle.” Whether that’s personal challenges or showing up as a business leader, Elle’s honest approach and passion are undeniable in this episode.Connect with Elle here:Website: https://ellevatemybiz.com/Instagram: @ellevatemybizEmail: [email protected] to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

It’s another entrepreneur deep dive in this Business Therapy Thursday session. On this episode, we sit down with JC Valeros to see where her blocks are and how we can unblock them.JC had been in the world of business operations for years. She launched her new business last year. When I ask JC what she thought was holding her back, her answer was the lack of belief in herself.JC tells us how it starts with doubt, and it goes further down this rabbit hole of uncertainty. Life got challenging for her, and she started to think about her wants and identity, and with that came the fear. Like with other Business Therapy sessions, I remind her about going back to her “why.” Before our session, she created an in depth plan for her business, something that needs consistency. And using a calendar to time-block and schedule her day is something JC has committed to doing. It might seem simple, but it helps her stay consistent. We touch on a few action items that she can do to support her business launch in the next month. We also go over her hopes for what her business will look like a month from now.The lack of belief is something I commonly hear in these Business Therapy Thursday sessions and in my Momentum group sessions. It’s the idea of “I don’t know if I can do this.” So, if you’re feeling this way, please remember that it’s so normal. Reach out to me at [email protected] if you’re interested in joining our supportive Momentum business owners’ group.Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Before I recorded this episode, I was in a Momentum Accountability group session. This group of business owners always amazes me with their support and their stories. This session was no different and actually had me change gears about the topic of the episode.The conversation we had was around time blocking, boundaries, and being intentional with your time. Specifically, saying “no.”One of our members was having to cancel plans to service their client. This member didn’t want to say “no” because they thought they were missing out on an opportunity. The Stern Truth is, if we’re always saying “yes” to everything, it prevents us from getting where we want to be. It pulls us in the opposite direction. We overpromise. We overcommit. And then we burn out. My own golden nugget that I always come back to is, what’s your why? Why did you start your business? Flexibility, or maybe freedom? How flexible or free are you if you’re always saying “yes”?It is possible to say “no” and still transform your business. The next time an opportunity comes up, ask yourself if it’s in line with what you truly want, knowing what fits. That's having a real business mindset.Our Momentum Accountability is a group of incredible, supportive business owners that meets twice a month. For more information, visit https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/page/momentumSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Flora Gordon has always been creative. As a child, she started off drawing, and that led her to become a graphic designer. She drew her entrepreneurial inspiration from her aunt and ended up launching her own business in 2015.We get into how she got started with her graphic design business and wind up talking about the challenges that can come with entrepreneurship, like operating while dealing with health issues, bringing on new team members, and having a vision vs. being a leader.Flora and I discuss how the “do it all yourself” mindset costs entrepreneurs money, time, opportunities, and growth potential. Being smarter with those resources and reaching out for help to manage them is the best way forward.When these types of questions and challenges come up, the best thing to do is turn to an expert. They have seen the economic shifts. They can guide you through the challenges. The best ones even open up a whole network of other people to help you.Flora’s golden nugget from this episode? Everything that you're going through, someone else has gone through too. And a bonus golden nugget from Flora—build your expertise by learning from other professionals.  Connect with Flora here:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/floragordon (*please mention that you heard her on the Stern Truth!)Instagram: instagram.com/imageimageagency www.imageimage.agency Our Momentum Accountability is a group of incredible, supportive business owners that meets twice a month. For more information, visit https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/page/momentum Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

I’m going to get real with you. Businesses are struggling right now. Brick and mortars are having a challenging time with their sales. You have probably seen how the economy is struggling, and you’re experiencing that struggle too.Or maybe you’re thriving. That’s awesome, and I really applaud you for that. Small business growth is something to be proud of.In this episode, I talk about the three D’s that can get you through those dark times and even through the good times. These three D’s are really what makes a business owner mindset.Desire – the deep drive to be a success in your business. Determination/dedication – the commitment that works with the desire. Decisive action – taking the actions to move forward.  Okay, maybe it’s more like four D’s, but the point is, they all point you forward. Owning and running a business is not linear. There are ups, there are downs, and there are times when you’re stable. Dig into these D’s again and again, not just once, to help you get you where you want to be in business. I’m inviting you to be a guest in our next Momentum Accountability group, starting October 20th. This group of incredible business owners meets twice a month. Email me at [email protected] or go here for more info: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/page/momentum Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Today's episode is completely different from our regularly scheduled podcast. Recently, I had the pleasure of being a guest on the Coala Studio Podcast with Rounak Sardesai.Rounak and I talked about all things small business and entrepreneurial growth, the “Ted Lasso” way. I liken myself to Ted Lasso because his coaching philosophies are always true golden nuggets.I do encourage you to Google Ted Lasso before this episode to understand the reference. Even if you don’t, you’ll understand what I’m getting at.I talk with Rounak about one of my earliest entrepreneurial ventures (and failures), my environmental t-shirt business. I also share valuable lessons I’ve learned through the years, like how my first employee taught me to stay in my lane as the leader and how my sign company survived years of bumps in the road.Business owners are strong, and what makes them their strongest is a leadership mindset, belief in themselves and their team, and taking consistent action. Two more golden nuggets I share: don’t ignore your business numbers, and, something I always drive home, surround yourself with the right people.This was a special experience for me because I got to share my story, my own highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Thank you again to Rounak and to Coala Studios for having me!The ONtrepreneur Growth Academy starts October 8th. Interested in attending? Email me at [email protected] to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Grab a pen and piece of paper. You’ll want to get all the golden nuggets from this episode.It is my pleasure to have my good friend, David Greaves, on this episode of the Stern Truth. We have known each other for nearly 50 years and have seen each other go on some amazing journeys.David and I were in the lawn care business together at one point. Throughout his journey in business, David found his way to his current position as the Executive Director of Friends of JNF Canada.He had an epiphany about working with the Jewish community instead of for himself. It came to him in an unlikely place, while he was coming out of a bobsled (making it to two world championships, I might add!). It’s not always roses and sunshine when it comes to leadership. David lets us in on his struggles throughout school and his life. Not wanting to be left behind, he took that as motivation, and those struggles ultimately shaped who he is.Passion, teamwork, vision, leadership, family, respect, and your team. It's clear these are what make everything worthwhile for David. Want to have David speak at an event? Email him at [email protected] The ONtrepreneur Growth Academy starts October 8th. Interested in attending? Email me at [email protected] to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Should you focus on your local community or scale online to reach a broader audience with bigger budgets? This is the crossroads many small business owners face, and it's what this Business Therapy Thursday session is all about.I sit down with Alicia McKee this episode. Alicia is a digital marketing specialist, and she’s been toying with this decision for over a year. In her previous job, she learned how Facebook ads helped get people to see the videos they made. Alicia's torn between serving her tight-knit community and pursuing the bigger corporate clients. She’s also juggling two kids, running monthly music circles, and building an app with her dad. Quite the busy business owner!Through our conversation, we learned about her relationship with money and how that might be a limiting belief for her business. Alicia was mentioning how businesses “can’t afford” her services before even having a conversation with them.When I asked her why she invested in that expensive Facebook Ads strategy program, she told me she was investing in herself. I also walk her through a critical mindset shift to view her own services as an investment instead of a “cost.”When you’re a small business owner, you don't have to choose between authenticity and profitability. Find your people. Show up. Genuinely serve them. Show them that you’re worth the investment. Learn the ONtrepreneur Method at the ONtrepreneur Growth Academy, starting October 8th. If you’re interested in attending, email me at [email protected] to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Are you showing up in your business and in your life?I recently hosted a masterclass about the ONtrepreneur Method. In that masterclass, we went over the four shifts and the foundation for this method. The participants were wonderful, but there were multiple people who signed up and were no-shows.It happens. Life happens. It was a free event. But at the end of the day, it’s their loss. They didn’t show up to get that knowledge. The replay is always there, and the insights are always valuable.All that aside, I explore two extremes of business ownership: being an employee and being an entrepreneur. You see a certain amount of growth as an “employee” of your own business. But you’re not scaling. You need to step into the entrepreneur mindset.I share how I stopped doing everything myself, pivoting to build systems, hire team members, and focus on real leadership. That’s the clarity piece. That’s the vision. That's how you show up.That’s the ONtrepreneur Method.Learn the ONtrepreneur Method at the ONtrepreneur Growth Academy, starting October 8th. If you’re interested in attending, email me at [email protected]. Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Karnye Bailey started Oceanside Entertainment from $20 and a dream. 20 years later, she has two stores, 5 employees, and is still growing her business.When Karyne started her journey, she asked herself, "What’s my passion? What do I love to do?" She was inspired to start something out of what brought her joy.Not only is she an expert in games, but she’s also an expert at gamifying her business. We go over how working towards the goal of winning with the proper steps makes business more fun, just like a game. She’s not shy about saying how much she loves to win! It’s the same in games as it is in business.We talk about the mindset of when you encounter a stumbling block. Just like in life, they will happen in business. As Karyne says, stumbling blocks are the opening for a breakthrough.Our conversation reminded me of “The Secret” and how the message of manifesting your dreams can be misconstrued. Manifesting your success leads is important, but that’s only part of it. The steps you take, the work you do, the goals with timelines are what make those goals achievable. Without those steps, it’s harder to win the game.Karyne gives us her golden nugget for this episode – “Just go for it." If you fail, so what? Our failures are not failures if we learn from them. Game on, Karyne!Connect with Karyne here:Instagram: @oceanside__entertainmentFacebook: @oceansideentertainmentbcEmail: [email protected]’s back to business in September. Join us for the Masterclass, “From ‘Hard & Draining’ to Renewed Passion & Higher Profits” on Sept 17th. Sign up below:https://marshallstern.net/page/from-stuck-to-renewed-profitSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

I spent almost an hour and a half on hold with my cable company the other day. Marshall, what a waste of time, you might be thinking. But it was costing me and my family an extra $20 a month.I was cancelling an extra channel. It just isn’t something we need anymore. I prepared myself, put the phone on speaker, and waited almost an hour and a half to talk to someone. They need to take a note out of Amazon’s customer service playbook. Whether you love them or not, Amazon has incredible customer service: they make it easy for you to return items, they have their online chat readily available, and they always as for feedback. Self-serve is a much easier way to do business, but we also need to think about how easy we make it for customers to cancel. Think about your business for a second. Is it as easy to buy as it is to return? If not, your systems and processes need to be revisited.My point? Treat someone like a long-term client if you want them to be one. Let’s make it easier for people to do business with us.It’s back to business in September. Join us for the Masterclass or the MOMENTUM Mentorship Accountability group. Check the links below to sign up.Masterclass: From “Hard & Draining” to Renewed Passion & Higher Profits –  Sept. 17th https://marshallstern.net/page/from-stuck-to-renewed-profitMOMENTUM Mentorship Accountability – Starts Sept. 15th https://marshallstern.net/page/momentumSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

Megan Fraser has got it maid. Yes, you read that right – M-A-I-D. She’s the owner and CEO of Maid Fantastic, a cleaning company that services the Fraser Valley.I sit down with Megan to see how she’s faring in business six years on. It’s a huge milestone for her as an entrepreneur. We dive into how she grew up with entrepreneurs in her life as role models and how that set her on her path.Megan was previously in a sales job but found it too difficult to balance with motherhood. She took over a cleaning business and ended up loving it.Maid Fantastic now has eight technicians and is still growing. Considering that staffing was one of her biggest challenges, I’d say Megan is doing well in facing that challenge.The most fulfilling part for her is making and keeping those strong customer relationships. She credits strong systems to helping keep her work life and personal life balanced. And guess what one of her golden nuggets of advice is? “Invest in a project management tool.”We talk about how treating your customer like a number is the worst thing you can do in business. True leadership is caring about your customers and wanting their success just as much as your own.Megan’s last golden nugget is to dream bigger and don’t let your limiting beliefs hold you back. Wise words to live by. Get in touch with Megan here:https://[email protected]: @maidfantasticInstagram: @maidfantasticFacebook: @maidfantastic  It’s back to business in September. Join us for the Masterclass or the MOMENTUM Mentorship Accountability group. Check the links below to sign up.Masterclass: From “Hard & Draining” to Renewed Passion & Higher Profits –  Sept. 10th https://marshallstern.net/page/from-stuck-to-renewed-profitMOMENTUM Mentorship Accountability – Starts Sept. 15th https://marshallstern.net/page/momentumSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

I sit down with Bonnie Fitz, founder of Differentiate Marketing, in this Business Therapy Thursday session.We define what would move the needle most for Bonnie and her business. She's unsure of where to take her marketing agency and turned to me for help to find the best place to start.She’s been in business since 2022 because she wanted to make an impact while feeling free as an entrepreneur. Bonnie knows she wants to adjust her pricing to create more of that freedom. It’s the fear of rejection that really gets to her.As entrepreneurs, we crave the support of other people. At the same time, we need to shape ourselves and our futures. And Bonnie certainly knows how—she took an unfortunate incident and turned it into a love of jiu-jitsu.We get into the concept of self-acceptance and the value of valuing yourself. Once you have that belief in yourself, that confidence to take those strides, it becomes easier to grow your business and your life how you want.Learn those hard but important lessons from the past. Step forward into the life you want to make for yourself.Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

What is Business Therapy, really?If you’ve listened to the Stern Truth before, you may have listened to a Business Therapy Thursday episode before.The long and short of it came from a deep coaching session months ago. I was with a client, and she mentioned how it felt like “business therapy” and not just coaching. What a compliment!I got to thinking after this. As business owners, and even as people, we get in our own way. Our habits dictate our thoughts, and our thoughts dictate our actions. We need that partner to keep us accountable.It is information overload when you’re running a small business. Most likely, there’s more out there that you don’t need than what you do need. You need to use the information you have.Those who have done Business Therapy sessions with me have found clarity and actionable steps through them. Email [email protected] and use the subject line “Business Therapy” if you’re interested in a session on or off air.I would love to help you get to be the leader you’re meant to be.Subscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

My guest on this episode is Sandra Flora of Sandra Flora Home Design. Sandra wears many hats as a business owner and interior decorator. It was during the pandemic when she had that lightbulb moment of starting her own business. She initially had doubts when starting out and even kept it a secret from her family and friends. Since then, she’s been off and running.Sandra navigated the challenges that are all too familiar when it comes to running a business—social media, portfolios, networking, and the uncertainty that comes with starting out. But through that in-person customer connection, Sandra tells us how she solidified her confidence and her clientele. “Trust yourself” is one of the golden nuggets that Sandra gives. That trust starts from simply listening, and we talk about how listening is a skill that goes a very long way in any kind of business.I always say this, but Sandra also reinforces that knowing your “why” is what will give you the confidence to just go for it. Be like Sandra, face the challenges head-on, and go for it.Connect with Sandra here:Website: https://www.sandraflorahomedesign.ca/Instagram: @sandraflorahomedesignFacebook: @sandraflorahomedesignEmail: [email protected]'s the last call for the ONtrepreneur Bonfire Series. It’s a ZERO cost series and we have a session starting August 20th and runs for 4 weeks. Sign up here:https://marshallstern.net/landing/bonfireSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

I share a rather interesting story on this episode of the Stern Truth. It’s the true story of when I went to a horseback riding ranch years ago.The day started off with the instructor teaching us how to guide the horse. As we ride, I’m in the middle of the pack. We reach a big open field, and I end up passing a big oak tree to the right.I wanted to go into the field, but the horse turned right, straight into the tree, which had a huge, dangerous branch sticking out. The branch ended up clipping my shoulder, and I was thrown to the ground.The instructor stopped and came back to check up on me. They said I could go back with them on their horse or that I could lead it back. I said I’m going to climb back on that horse. And I did, literally AND figuratively. At that moment, I had a choice, and I made the harder one.Maybe you've been kicked off your own proverbial horse in your business. You could even be questioning if this is the time to quit, give in, try to get a regular 9-5, and get out of the entrepreneurial world.If you’re busy taking care of your customers yourself, you’re not growing your business. You have to eventually ask yourself, is it better to pack it in? Or is there a better way to do my business?There will always be times that we’ll be knocked off the horse. It’s up to you to either stop riding or get back on the horse and choose a different path.Invest in yourself because, my friends, that is always an investment that pays off.It's the last call for the ONtrepreneur Bonfire Series. It’s a ZERO cost series and we have a session starting August 13th and runs for 4 weeks. Sign up here:https://marshallstern.net/landing/bonfireSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

On this episode, we have Norm Hayes, founder of Genie Senior Services. He’s the CEO, or Chief Enthusiasm Officer, of Genie, and especially good-natured about the callouts he gets when he walks into a bar (a bit of an old “Cheers” joke).Norm saw a huge gap when it came to the process of moving his mother into a retirement home. Packing, downsizing, setting them up in their new home, even down to hanging up pictures, was too much for one person. That’s when a lightbulb went off in Norm’s head. Through personal hardships and a few tries at entrepreneurship, Norm realized his dream business in 2013. Even better, he came to the conclusion that he needed to work ON his business instead of in it. After his business partner stepped away a few years ago, Norm reached out for help. One of his great golden nuggets was, “Bring in people who are smarter than you,” and it worked—Genie now has 11 franchise locations and is set to open more across Canada.Our talk goes into the importance of being resilient in business. Another golden nugget Norm leaves us with is that success comes from how you treat people. People don’t remember the price of the bill; they remember the experience of a heart-centered business.To get in touch with Norm, visit the Genie Senior Services website:https://genieseniorservices.com/ I’m excited to bring back the ONtrepreneur Bonfire Series. It’s a ZERO cost series starting August 6th and runs for 4 weeks. Sign up here:https://marshallstern.net/landing/bonfireSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]

We’re back with another Business Therapy Thursday session. My guest on this episode is Laura Hudson of La Alegria Media.Laura started her journey as a clothing business and moved on to digital marketing. After launching her own business in October 2024, she wanted to feel more stable as an entrepreneur. She jumped at the opportunity to connect through a Business Therapy Thursday session.Laura took inspiration from her father and uncle, who started their own businesses, but was wary; according to some of her family members, only a perfect person could start their own business. This left Laura asking herself, can I be perfect like that?Through our discussion, Laura and I dive into what it means to be a business owner. Anyone can own a business. It’s leadership that makes the difference. Laura has dreams of where she wants to take her business in the future. We get into how we can get in our own way when it comes to achieving our goals. We also discuss the process of pushing through failures and the huge impact finances have on your business.The big lessons in this session that I wanted Laura to take away were to keep it simple and be clear on how you can help your clients. Showcasing your skillset can feel uncomfortable at first, but once you live in it, your confidence grows.Connect with Laura here:https://la-alegria-media.com/ Instagram: @laalegriamediaI’m excited to bring back the ONtrepreneur Bonfire Series. It’s a ZERO cost series starting in August running for 4 weeks. Sign up here: https://marshallstern.net/landing/bonfireSubscribe to The Stern Truth Business Unfiltered so you never miss an episode and receive a FREE GIFT: http://www.thesterntruth.com/Join my Business Inner Circle Community for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebusinessinnercirclegroupBook your complimentary business blindspot assessment with me here: https://attractwell.com/MarshallStern/landing/breakthrough-sessionI encourage you to reach out with feedback, topic suggestions, and share your own entrepreneurial challenges.Get in touch in the comments or head to...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallstern/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDSternEmail: [email protected]