Knack 4 Business

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding   WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Coaches and consultants / Leaders building authority WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A practical storytelling framework that builds trust faster, positions your expertise, and makes it easier for the right people to say yes — before you ever pitch anything.   Most people think they don't have stories worth telling. Ben Gioia disagrees — and he has the receipts. Ben is the founder of Influence With A Heart. He helps coaches, consultants, and experts write and publish their book in as little as five weeks — and start landing clients before it's even done. In this Canada Growth Network Power Hour session, Ben breaks down nine types of stories that anyone can use in their book, brand, or business to build trust, authority, and real momentum. What you'll take away: The nine story types — from origin stories and case studies to analogies, wins, and weird moments — and how each one does a different job The "windshield wiper" method: how to balance story with information so people stay engaged and actually act Why connecting the dots matters more than the story itself — and the one word that makes people's brains latch on How Ben's clients landed a speaking gig at Google, a $12,000 workshop fee, and a $50,000 coaching program — before their books were finished The smiling meditation that unlocks what Ben calls "a light mind" — and why it matters for writers, leaders, and communicators Ben draws on Robert Cialdini's six factors of influence, the Brian Tracy windshield wiper framework, and his own heart-centered publishing method to show that your next breakthrough probably isn't a new strategy. It might be the story you almost didn't share. Want to know if your book will actually work? Visit InfluenceWithAHeart.com/book-success-guaranteed for a two-minute self-assessment. Ready to have your first draft done by summer 2026?  Check out Ben's five-week draft program at influencewithaheart.com/5wd or explore Brilliant for his full coaching offer. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn.   SPONSORS: This episode is brought to you by: Canada Growth Network — A practical membership community built for business owners who want real tools, real introductions, and a CRM backbone that works. Start for $1 CAD your first month, then $47 CAD/month. No lock-in. Web Indexer — The smart chatbot on the Knack 4 Business site. Search episodes by topic, book meetings, and find exactly what you need. Hit the ? button at knack4business.com. East Trade Winds — Free weekly networking every Tuesday 8–9 AM EST. Bring one challenge, one introduction, and leave with both answered. Attend the CGN Monday Power Hour free Have a guest referral or want to connect? Reach us at [email protected] Subscribe to the K4B blog — fresh episodes and insights delivered to you. Search all K4B episodes by topic Want to be a guest on Knack 4 Business? Register here   Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Sales & Revenue WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Asset managers / CFOs and C-suite leaders / Risk professionals navigating ESG and sustainability reporting WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear framework for reading climate risk as a financial issue — not a reporting checkbox. Practical language for boardroom conversations about carbon exposure, stranded assets, and de-risking real estate and infrastructure portfolios.   Most balance sheets are missing something. That something is climate risk — and it's already costing businesses in real estate, transportation, and insurance more than they realize. Ellza Malok is the Chief R&D Officer at Ampresta Inc. She brings behavioral research and data science to one core problem: turning complicated climate data into decisions leaders can actually make. Nidhi Nikum is an Advisor in Climate Risk Intelligence, with a deep background in banking, credit risk, and institutional lending. She helps financial organizations understand how climate exposure transmits directly through their balance sheets. Ampresta closes the gap between sustainability reporting and real financial decision-making. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Ellza and Nidhi break down why carbon exposure is the risk most leaders never see coming — and what to do about it before it becomes a crisis. Topics covered: Why climate risk is a fiduciary responsibility, not a sustainability conversation How the Carbon Performance Scorecard works for real estate asset managers What polycrisis means and why it matters to your business right now How behavioral incentives drive decarbonization decisions at the C-suite level The difference between physical risk and transition risk on your balance sheet Why most organizations are managing the tailpipe instead of the engine How Ampresta converts abstract climate exposure into target numbers leaders can act on Why stranded assets are a growing threat to real estate and infrastructure portfolios The ripple effect of decarbonization — from energy costs to investor expectations Connect with Ellza Malok on LinkedIn or at ampresta.com. Connect with Nidhi Nikum on LinkedIn. Follow Ampresta on LinkedIn or visit the Ampresta blog. Special thanks to Suby Joseph, CFO at Ampresta, for making the introduction to the Knack 4 Business community. This episode is brought to you by: Canada Growth Network + GoHighLevel — Full CRM and membership community for growing businesses. $1 CAD first month. $47/month after. No contract. Web Indexer — The smart chatbot built for the K4B site. Find episodes by topic, book meetings, and explore the archive. Property Wizard by Gentry Learning — A real estate investing podcast built for Canadians who want to build wealth through property. Ready to go deeper? Email us: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month after: canadagrowthnetwork.com/ghl Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform Subscribe to the K4B blog: blog.knack4business.com Search all K4B episodes: knack4business.com Register as a K4B guest: tinyurl.com/mcdm3hk6 Visit Knack 4 Business:  knack4business.com Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: How to stop treating your CRM like a digital address book and start using it as a relationship-driven growth engine — with practical steps you can act on this week.   Most business owners have a CRM. Very few use it well. The data is messy, the follow-up is inconsistent, and the tool feels like a burden instead of an asset. Brandon Drake — the Healthy Data Guy — built his consulting practice around fixing exactly that. Brandon helps service-based small and medium-sized businesses clean up, organize, and optimize their CRM so their sales, marketing, and customer service teams can actually trust what they see. His approach is simple: relationships first, systems second, AI third. In this episode, Brandon and Bernie unpack what most business owners get wrong about CRM — and what doing it right actually looks like. Key topics covered: Why your CRM feels cold and complicated — and how to change that The trap of stair-step CRM pricing and how to avoid getting nickel-and-dimed as you grow How engagement scoring works and why it reveals your best referral partners Why you need your systems foundation in place before adding AI How to scan business cards, trigger automated follow-ups, and never lose a contact again What metrics actually matter — close rate, win rate, and relationship engagement score How to customize reminder cadences so you don't annoy your best contacts When to call a CRM consultant — and what Brandon looks for before taking on a client Brandon is a data migration specialist turned personal chef turned CRM consultant — and that journey is exactly why his approach works. He connects with clients the way a good nutritionist would: understand the person first, then build the solution. Connect with Brandon: Website: healthydataguy.com LinkedIn: Brandon Robert Drake Instagram: @healthydataguy Blog: Tech and Health Blog Newsletter: Sign up here Free CRM Selection Guide: Choosing the Right CRM This episode is brought to you by: Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community built for growing businesses. $1 CAD first month, $47/month after. No contract. Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the K4B site. Search episodes by topic or book a meeting in seconds. Property Wizard — Gentry Learning — Real estate investing insights for the business-minded. Listen and learn. Ready to connect or collaborate? Reach us at [email protected] Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform and never miss an episode. Subscribe to the K4B blog for articles, insights, and episode recaps: blog.knack4business.com Search all K4B episodes by topic: knack4business.com Want to be a guest on Knack 4 Business? Register here: tinyurl.com/mcdm3hk6 Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Product-based entrepreneurs / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: How to pivot without losing your identity. How to design for scale from day one. How to own a niche and stop competing with the box stores.   Your space should work for you. Most furniture doesn't. It wobbles, it falls apart, and it's gone in three years. Joanne Grigoriev of Just Lean Back has spent decades solving that problem — one hardwood frame at a time. Joanne and her husband Nikita — a pilot who holds the first US patent in convertible furniture — built a product line rooted in ergonomics, functional design, and real craftsmanship. In this episode, she walks Bernie through the full arc: from flutist to furniture entrepreneur, from futon frustration to a refined niche, and from near-collapse to a leaner, stronger business model. This is not just a furniture story. It's a business story. Joanne talks about how cheap overseas competition almost wiped them out — and how that pressure forced a better pivot. She breaks down how production efficiency is a design decision, why artisans struggle to scale and what to do about it, and how to price, position, and sell something handmade in a world of mass production. Key topics covered: The pivot from futon frames to convertible outdoor sofa beds How aircraft engineering influenced furniture design Building a production system that runs on one man-hour per frame Why niche beats volume for artisan product businesses Influencer strategy and glamping dome partnerships Pricing confidence and direct-to-consumer selling Three tips for anyone starting a niche product business Connect with Joanne Grigoriev: Website: justleanbackfurniture.com LinkedIn: Joanne Grigoriev YouTube: Just Lean Back Channel Pinterest: Sleep On The Porch Instagram: @justleanbackfurniture Facebook: Just Lean Back Chairs Also mentioned: Wayne Pratt — K4B Co-Host Sponsors: Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47/month. No contract. Web Indexer — Smart chatbot for the K4B site. Find episodes, book meetings. Property Wizard — Gentry Learning — Real estate investing podcast and platform. Questions? Reach us at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Subscribe to the K4B blog Search all K4B episodes by topic Want to be a guest on K4B? Register here Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Content creators / Leaders building their own brand visuals WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Five practical Canva features you can use this week — no design background needed.   Most business owners know Canva. Few know what it can do now. Thea Newcomb is a UK-based Canva Expert who teaches solopreneurs, authors, and small business owners how to create professional content without a design team. In this Canada Growth Network Power Hour session, she demos five of Canva's newest AI features live — no slides, no fluff, just real tools in real time. Here is what she covers: AI Video Effects — Upload your photo and drop yourself into animated scenes. Still rolling out, but worth checking your account now. Photo Style Match — Take any image and apply a visual style to it. Watercolour, marble, pop art, sketch. One click. Image to Video — Turn a static free photo into a five-second animated clip. Works with your own photos too. Add it directly to your design. Canva Offline — No Wi-Fi at your next event? No problem. Save your presentation for offline use before you leave. Magic Layers — Upload any AI-generated image and separate its elements. Move text, resize graphics, delete what you don't need. Edit images you didn't build from scratch. This session is for anyone who creates content for their business and wants to do it faster, smarter, and with less friction. Connect with Thea: Website: theanewcomb.co.uk/links LinkedIn: Thea Newcomb Substack: Totally Content UK Blog: theanewcomb.co.uk Instagram: @alltheasthings Guest offers: Free Canva Clinic Book a Clarity Call Try Canva Pro Thea was previously on Knack 4 Business in Season 1 Episode 055 — Easy Creativity Unleashed Using Canva.   Sponsors: Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM plus membership community. $1 CAD your first month. $47/month after. No contract. Web Indexer — The smart chatbot built into the K4B site. Find episodes by topic, book a meeting, get answers fast. @Hive — A community and collaboration space built for entrepreneurs who want real connections and shared resources.   Have a question or want to connect? Email us: [email protected] Subscribe to this podcast on your favourite platform and never miss an episode. Read the blog: blog.knack4business.com Search all K4B episodes by topic: knack4business.com Want to be a guest on K4B? Register here Attend the Canada Growth Network Monday Power Hour free: Register here Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Cybersecurity & IT WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Plain-English answers on Windows 11, AI-ready PCs, business device security, and how to stop ignoring the pop-ups that are costing you.   Most small business owners are still clicking X on that Windows upgrade notification. Josh Lamb says that habit is quietly putting your business at risk. Josh is the founder and president of Sterling Grace Technologies, a managed IT support and software development firm based in Brockville, Ontario. He has been helping Ontario businesses build reliable, secure tech foundations since 2013. This is his third appearance on Knack 4 Business — and he brings the same calm, no-jargon energy every time. In this episode, Josh walks through why the Windows 10 to Windows 11 transition matters more than most people think. It is not just a software update. It is a shift in how your business handles encryption, AI processing, and long-term security. He explains what TPM chips actually do, what an AI-ready PC means in plain terms, and why running legacy software on an old operating system is a fire you are choosing not to put out. Key topics covered: Why Microsoft ended Windows 10 support and what your options are now What TPM encryption means for your business data How AI-enabled PCs and Microsoft Copilot actually work for non-tech users The business versus personal device problem — and why it still matters Legacy software risk and how some businesses manage it safely Why AI still needs human oversight — and what happens when companies forget that How to find the right IT partner for your stage of business Josh also gets candid about the ethics of AI replacing junior workers, the generational shift in how people trust technology, and why investing in your people still matters even as automation grows. Connect with Josh: Website: sterlinggracetechnologies.ca Email: [email protected] Phone: +1-613-499-2202 LinkedIn: Joshua Lamb v1ce link: joshlamb Facebook: Sterling Grace Technologies LinkedIn Company: Sterling Grace Technologies Affiliate link: Sterling Grace Technologies — Book a Consult Sponsors: Canada Growth Network + GHL — Full CRM and membership community. $1 CAD first month, $47/month after. No contract. Web Indexer — Smart chatbot for the K4B site. Find episodes, book meetings. Property Wizard — Gentry Learning — Real estate investing podcast and platform. Have a question or want to connect? Email us at [email protected] Ready to grow with a community that gets it? Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month after. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Subscribe to the K4B blog — blog.knack4business.com Search all K4B episodes by topic — knack4business.com Want to be a guest on Knack 4 Business? Register here Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: Solopreneurs / SMB owners / Corporate escapees / Leaders who sense something needs to change WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: How to recognize misalignment before it costs you. A framework for conscious reinvention. Real examples of pivoting without burning it all down.   Some of the best business decisions look like failure from the outside. Camille Miller knows this firsthand. She walked away from a CEO role, closed a thriving international membership at peak revenue, and rebuilt her brand from scratch — not because things weren't working, but because they weren't working for her. Camille is the founder of the Soul Professional Movement, a global community of over 10,000 purpose-driven entrepreneurs across 30 countries. She's a strategic advisor, former MBA professor, and author of three books in the Ultimate Guide series. Her work sits at the crossroads of business strategy, psychology, and intuition. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Camille and co-host Wayne Pratt dig into what conscious reinvention actually looks like — and why most people wait too long to start. Key topics covered: The moment Camille knew success needed redefining in her own life Why reinvention isn't a crisis — it's a decade-by-decade evolution How to tell the difference between mission creep and genuine growth The "lottery question" that helps you find real alignment fast How she built a 14-week business accelerator that starts with who you are, not what you sell Why she made her entire business curriculum free on YouTube — and why it felt right What the Soul Professional pledge means and who it's for Connect with Camille Miller: Website  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Facebook  |  Blog  |  Podcast Resources Camille mentioned: Corporate to Calling course — $97 USD, 28-day self-paced program Soul Professional Business Accelerator — 14-week program, concept to launch Ultimate Guide book series — three collaborative volumes on building, growing, and leaving your legacy Free business classes on YouTube   This episode is brought to you by: Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM plus a membership community built for Canadian SMBs. $1 CAD your first month. $47/month after. No contract. Web Indexer — The smart chatbot on the K4B site. Search episodes by topic, book meetings, find the right conversation fast. Gentry Learning / Property Wizard — Real estate investing education and the Property Wizard podcast. Built for everyday investors.   Have a question? Email us: [email protected] Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Subscribe to the K4B blog Search all K4B episodes by topic Register as a K4B guest Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Practical insight on deploying agentic AI, reducing bottlenecks, scaling without hiring, and protecting business data — straight from someone building it in the real world.   Most small businesses hit a wall. They want to grow but can't afford to hire. Kenneth Edmonds, founder of 22nd Century Management, has a different answer — agentic AI. Unlike a basic chatbot or custom GPT, agentic AI operates independently. It makes decisions, books appointments, handles calls, drafts emails, and manages routine tasks without waiting for your input. Kenneth calls it the next layer of AI — and he's already building it. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Kenneth returns for his Season 4 appearance to break down exactly how these autonomous agents work, what makes them different from automation and GPT tools, and how solopreneurs and SMBs can deploy a suite of agents to free up their teams and scale without adding payroll. Topics covered: What agentic AI actually is — and how it differs from ChatGPT and automations AI receptionists, executive assistants, and virtual boards of directors How to identify bottlenecks and decide what to automate first Data privacy, GDPR compliance, and keeping your information secure How to vet AI consultants who actually know what they're doing Beta testing opportunities with Kenneth's current suite of agents Kenneth is actively looking for beta testers right now.  Reach him directly at [email protected] or visit 22ndcenturymanagement.com.  Connect with him on LinkedIn or explore his speaking work at 22ctymgmt.biz/speak.   SPONSORS: Tired of duct-taping your CRM together? Canada Growth Network runs on full GHL infrastructure — CRM, automation, community, and real introductions. $1 CAD your first month, $47/month after. No contract. Find any K4B episode in seconds. Web Indexer is the smart chatbot built right into the Knack 4 Business site. Search by topic, book a meeting, get answers fast. Investing in real estate? Property Wizard by Gentry Learning is the podcast built for Canadian real estate investors who want practical, no-fluff guidance.   Want to connect or collaborate? Reach out: [email protected] Join a community built for people who actually do the work. Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47/month after. No lock-in. Listen on your favourite platform: Simplecast Subscribe to the K4B blog: blog.knack4business.com Search all K4B episodes by topic: knack4business.com Want to be a guest on Knack 4 Business? Register here: tinyurl.com/mcdm3hk6 Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Sales & Revenue WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Real strategies for accessing working capital fast, understanding alternative funding, and knowing exactly when and how to apply — even if the bank already said no.   Most business owners hit the same wall. The bank wants collateral. They want a perfect credit score. They want six to eight weeks. And most SMBs don't have any of that. Orlando Darden Jr. is an independent certified business funding broker with David Allen Capital. He works with business owners across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada who need access to working capital — fast. No collateral required. No lengthy committee review. Just a five-question application and same-day or next-day funding in many cases. In this episode, Orlando breaks down why 90% of businesses can't qualify for traditional bank financing, what alternative working capital actually is, and how his company's network of 20+ private funders compete to give business owners the best possible offer. He shares real stories — a Mexican restaurant owner who doubled her revenue after securing $100,000 in expansion capital, a construction company funded $165,000 in a single day, and a kitchen repair business that applied and received $65,000 the very next morning. Orlando also introduces two key funding scenarios every business owner faces: the fuel play (you have an idea and need capital to launch it) and the rescue play (you need to put out a fire before it puts out your business). He covers the Giggle Funding micro-lending platform for smaller needs — $300 to $15,000 — fully automated, no humans required. Key topics covered: Why banks turn away 90% of business owners — and what to do about it How alternative working capital underwriting works differently The five-question application process and same-day funding timeline Fuel plays vs. rescue plays — which one describes your situation How David Allen Capital matches business owners with the right funder by industry Giggle Funding — instant micro-lending for smaller capital needs How Orlando's team supports business owners through payment challenges Connect with Orlando: David Allen Capital | LinkedIn — Orlando Darden Jr. | Easy Loan Helper Sponsors:  Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47/month. No contract.  Gentry Learning — Real estate investing education and platform.  East Trade Winds — Free weekly networking, Tuesdays 8–9 AM EST. Connect with us: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month after.  Join here.Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform.  Subscribe to the K4B blog — blog.knack4business.com  Search all K4B episodes — knack4business.com Register as a K4B guest — Apply here  Visit Knack 4 Business — knack4business.com Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding  WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: How to build a brand people trust, why authenticity scales when you lead with values not volume, and what a credit-based community membership model looks like in practice.   Most brands talk too much and listen too little. Leila Rezaee knows the difference — and she's spent 18 years proving it. From managing global campaigns for luxury houses like Bvlgari to leading marketing at @Hive, a professional membership club in Ottawa, Leila has built her career on one idea: people don't buy products, they buy feelings. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, she breaks down how empathy-driven marketing creates the kind of trust that no ad budget can buy. Leila walks through @Hive's four pillars — work, learn, connect, and balance — and explains why balance is the one most business owners forget. She unpacks the @Hive credit system, a membership currency that lets members pay for offices, events, and @Bistro catering without long-term leases or rigid commitments. She also shares how a single coffee at @Bistro has turned walk-ins into year-long corporate members. Key topics covered: Why follower counts are the wrong metric — and what to measure instead How to scale authenticity without losing your brand's soul The physics-to-marketing mindset that sharpens creative decisions @Hive's four pillars and the one entrepreneurs consistently overlook How the @Bistro creates real collaboration moments, not just meals The credit-based membership model that replaces long-term leases Connect with Leila Rezaee: LinkedIn — Leila Rezaee@Hive Website@Hive on LinkedIn@Hive on Instagram@Hive on Facebook Free tour available — reach out directly through the website. Also mentioned in this episode:Jovan Strika — @Hive & Elastalink   This episode is brought to you by: East Trade Winds — Free weekly networking that actually goes somewhere. Join Bernie and a growing community of SMB owners every Tuesday 8–9 AM EST. No pitch fest. Real conversations. Real referrals. Phoenix Business Exchange — Ottawa's connector network for serious business builders. Introductions that turn into collaborations, partnerships, and revenue. Gentry Learning / Property Wizard — Real estate investing made practical. If wealth through property is on your radar, this is where to start. Get more from Knack 4 Business: Reach us: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month after: canadagrowthnetwork.com/ghl Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform: tinyurl.com/ydjz2s77 Subscribe to the K4B blog: blog.knack4business.com Search all K4B episodes: knack4business.com Want to be a guest? Register here: tinyurl.com/mcdm3hk6 Visit Knack 4 Business: knack4business.com Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Cybersecurity & IT WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Rural entrepreneurs / Municipal leaders / Farmers going digital / Solopreneurs working remotely WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: How to think about upload speed, network failover, smart farming connectivity, and why your ISP choice shapes your business ceiling.   Internet isn't optional anymore. It's the sixth utility. And for rural Canada, the gap between connected and disconnected is the gap between growing and falling behind. Birket Foster knows this better than most. As the driving force behind Storm Internet, he's built a network of 262 towers covering 8,000 square kilometres of Eastern Ontario — bringing fiber-speed wireless to the farms, small towns, and businesses that Bell and Rogers won't touch. He's been solving connectivity problems since the late seventies, and he's not slowing down. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Birket breaks down how Storm evaluates and tests new technology before rolling it out, why upload speed matters far more than most people realize, how rural farms are using connectivity to automate herd management and grain monitoring, and why small ISPs are doing the infrastructure work that big telecom leaves behind. Key topics covered: Why upload speed is the real bottleneck for remote work and cloud apps How Storm tests technology in the lab, on the roof, and in the field before committing The difference between Wi-Fi, cellular, and a properly connected building Smart farming: cameras, automated milking, grain monitoring, and more How municipalities are starting to use internet data for road safety and planning Why internet access is now the first question buyers ask about any property The role of small ISPs in Canada's rural economic development Network resilience: failover planning, UPS systems, and 20-hour battery backup Connect with Birket Foster:Storm Internet | Phone: 613-567-6585 Birket on LinkedIn Storm on YouTube Storm on Facebook Storm on Instagram Storm on LinkedIn Hosts: Bernie Franzgrote | Wayne Pratt | Percy Barr Supporters and partners mentioned: Carl Richards — Podcast Solutions Made Simple | Fred Crouch — Property Wizard | Jovan Strika — @Hive | Melanie Webber This episode is supported by:Canada Growth Network + GHL — Full CRM and membership community. $1 CAD first month, $47/month after. No contract. Web Indexer — Smart chatbot for the K4B site. Find episodes, book meetings. Property Wizard — Gentry Learning — Real estate investing podcast and platform. Ready to take action? Email us: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month after Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform Subscribe to the K4B blog Search all K4B episodes: knack4business.com Register as a K4B guest: tinyurl.com/mcdm3hk6 Visit Knack 4 Business:  knack4business.com Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Sales & Revenue   WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Tradespeople / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A plain-language framework for reading your financials, tracking the right numbers weekly, and making confident decisions that protect your cash flow.   Most business owners look at their financials once a year — right before tax season. That's the problem.  Avi Pinsky is a CPA, fractional CFO, and founder of Pinsky Consulting. He's known as the Business Finance Doctor, and his job is to translate your numbers into decisions you can actually use. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Avi breaks down why most small business owners are flying blind — and what to do about it. He explains the difference between revenue, profit, and cash flow, and why cash flow is the one number that actually tells you if your business is healthy. He walks through how to set goals that are tied to your personal why, how to run what-if scenarios before making big hires or new investments, and why your bookkeeper and your fractional CFO are not doing the same job. Key topics covered: The three vital signs every business should check weekly Why revenue is vanity and cash flow is reality How to use your financials to make forward-facing decisions What GAAP means and why most owners don't need to worry about it How to run scenario planning before your next big move Why profit margin percentages vary wildly by industry Connect with Avi Pinsky:Pinsky Consulting | LinkedIn | Free 30-minute business wellness call available on his website | Pinsky's Prosperity Playbook — free Excel scorecard to track your goals and financial health Your hosts: Bernie Franzgrote | Wayne Pratt | Percy Barr   This episode is brought to you by: Canada Growth Network + GHL — Full CRM and membership community built for SMB owners. $1 CAD first month. $47/month after. No contract. Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the K4B site. Search episodes by topic, book meetings, find what you need fast. Property Wizard by Gentry Learning — Real estate investing podcast and learning platform.   Ready to take the next step? Questions? Reach us at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month after. Real tools. Real introductions. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Subscribe to the K4B blog for weekly business insights. Search all K4B episodes by topic at knack4business.com Want to be a guest on the show? Register here Visit Knack 4 Business Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Trades businesses / Founders building to sell WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear picture of what integrated growth looks like — and what it costs you when it's missing.   If your business runs on disconnected tools, tribal knowledge, and one person who holds everything together — it's not scalable. And it's probably not sellable either. Marcus Gaughan, founder of MindsOnFire, has spent 15 years fixing exactly that problem. He builds Growth Operating Systems™ — custom platforms that pull marketing, sales, CRM, automation, and reporting into one unified engine. In this episode, Marcus walks through how businesses get stuck in tool overload, why most companies aren't sellable without a real system behind them, and what it actually looks like to go from chaos to clarity. He shares stories from trades companies, FinTech startups, and incubator-stage founders — and explains why a system isn't just an efficiency play. It's a valuation play. Key topics covered: What a Growth Operating System™ actually is — and how it differs from just buying more software Why siloed tools kill your business valuation before you ever list it How trades businesses (plumbing, landscaping, electrical) are using integrated platforms to scale and exit The role of AI in automating without losing the human connection How to onboard a system in days — not months Why incubators and accelerators need go-to-market systems, not just pitch decks The franchise model reimagined through automation and replication Connect with Marcus Gaughan: Website: MindsOnFire LinkedIn: Marcus Gaughan LinkedIn Company: Minds on Fire Inc. Facebook: MindsOnFire Instagram: @mindsonfireinc Email: [email protected] Co-hosts: Bernie Franzgrote — Kreativ Insight Consultants Inc. Wayne Pratt — Motive8U Sponsors: Canada Growth Network + GHL — Full CRM plus membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47/month. No contract. Web Indexer — Smart chatbot for the K4B site. Find episodes, book meetings instantly. Property Wizard — Gentry Learning — Real estate investing podcast and platform. Listen here. Have a question or want to connect? Email us: [email protected] Ready to grow with a real community behind you? Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Subscribe to the K4B blog — fresh business insight every week. Search all K4B episodes by topic — press the ? to find what you need. Want to be a guest on Knack 4 Business? Register here. Visit Knack 4 Business Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Coaches & Consultants / Leaders building authority WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear guesting strategy, a smarter pitch approach, and a calendar plan that turns podcast appearances into real business results.   Most people don't have an expertise problem. They have a visibility problem. Carl Richards of Podcast Solutions Made Simple has spent years solving exactly that — helping business owners get booked on the right podcasts, in front of the right audiences, at the right time. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Carl breaks down why podcast guesting works, what's changed in the industry, and how a strategic approach beats volume every time. With 465 million active podcast listeners worldwide and a global industry worth $5–6 billion, the opportunity is real. But only if you show up with a plan. Carl covers how to position yourself as a guest, craft a personalized pitch that hosts actually respond to, build a calendar strategy that creates consistent visibility, and turn one conversation into referrals, partnerships, and sales. He shares real client results and a framework any business owner can start using this week. This is not a conversation about luck. It's about strategy. Topics Covered: Why podcast guesting builds authority faster than social media The supply and demand problem in podcasting — and how to use it Strategy beats volume: why 10 targeted interviews beat 100 random ones How to position yourself, pitch well, and get booked Building a 12-month guesting calendar The personalized pitch formula that gets responses How to turn a guest appearance into leads, referrals, and speaking invitations Connect with Carl Richards:Podcast Solutions Made Simple | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedIn Company Page Free Offer: Book a free 30-minute strategy call with Carl at podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com Sponsors: Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month, $47/month. No contract. Web Indexer — Smart chatbot for the K4B site. Find episodes, book meetings. Property Wizard — Gentry Learning — Real estate investing podcast and platform. Have a question or want to connect? Email us at [email protected] Ready to grow with a community that gets it? Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform and never miss an episode. Subscribe to the K4B blog for weekly insights delivered to your inbox. Search all K4B episodes by topic — press the ? to find exactly what you need. Want to be a guest on Knack 4 Business? Register here Visit Knack 4 Business Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Health & Wellness   WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners in the health space / Caregivers / Healthcare professionals / Policy advocates / Solopreneurs building in wellness WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Real strategies for patient advocacy, insight into Canadian healthcare gaps, and a clear picture of how storytelling drives policy change.   Most healthcare systems say they put patients first. But when was the last time they actually asked? Debra Workman is the CEO of Patients Mirror — a healthcare storytelling and awareness platform that gives patients, caregivers, and professionals a real voice. She joined Bernie Franzgrote on Knack 4 Business to talk about the gaps nobody wants to admit exist — and how telling the right stories is changing that. Debra shares her own experience leaving a trauma unit without follow-up instructions after a serious car accident. She had a cracked sternum, elevated troponin levels, and zero guidance on what came next. She had to figure it out herself. Most patients don't have that advantage. Through Patients Mirror, Debra collects those stories. Then she brings them to the people with the power to act — policymakers, pharmaceutical companies, foundations, and healthcare organizations. The goal is simple. Close the gaps. Change the policy. Help people live more normal lives. Key topics covered: Why patients leave hospital without the information they need How a three-year-old girl in BC was denied a drug that could let her eat — and how that changed The difference between healthcare marketing in Canada vs the US Why AI in healthcare is only as good as the database behind it How Epic is connecting hospitals that couldn't speak to each other The case for national pharmaceutical negotiation instead of province by province What patient advocacy actually looks like in practice Connect with Debra Workman:Patients Mirror | Email: [email protected] | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok Also mentioned: Wayne Pratt — Motive8U | Co-host, Knack 4 Business This episode is brought to you by:Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47/month. No contract. Web Indexer — Smart chatbot for the K4B site. Find episodes, book meetings. Gentry Learning — Property Wizard — Real estate investing podcast and platform.   Have a story to tell or a gap to close? Reach out: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Subscribe to the K4B blog Search all K4B episodes Register as a K4B guest Visit Knack 4 Business Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation. We share perspectives. You make the decisions. Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there. Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear look at what it takes to move from idea to published book — including why most authors need outside eyes, how to find your story's core, and why self-publishing puts you in control of your own legacy.   Most people have a story worth telling. Very few know how to get it out of their head and into a book. Marjorie Turner Hollman is the founder of MarjorieTurner LLC. Since 2012, she has guided non-fiction authors through every stage of self-publishing — from manuscript coaching and developmental editing to cover design and Print on Demand distribution. But her path to this work wasn't a straight line. After brain surgery left her temporarily unable to walk, Marjorie turned to writing as both healing and purpose. That season of stillness became the foundation for everything she now helps others build. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Marjorie and co-host Wayne Pratt join Bernie Franzgrote for a conversation about persistence, the craft of storytelling, and what it really takes to bring a book to life. Key topics covered: — Why most authors are too close to their own story to see what's missing — The difference between chronological and topical memoir — and why it matters — How a great cover does the selling before anyone reads a word — Why self-publishing keeps royalties in your pocket and control in your hands — What Marjorie looks for before taking on a new client — How she helps authors distill a full manuscript into a sharp, marketable message — Why asking for help is a skill — and how learning it changed her life and her business — Her freebie: Self-Publishing 101 — a starting point for anyone feeling overwhelmed Connect with Marjorie: Visit MarjorieTurner.com Connect with Marjorie on LinkedIn Download the Self-Publishing 101 freebie Co-host: Wayne Pratt — Motive8U Sponsors: Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + membership community access. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — the smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Explore Gentry Learning — a platform built to teach you how to invest in real estate with confidence. Listen to Property Wizard — the Gentry Learning podcast. Have a question? Reach out: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Subscribe to the K4B blog — get episode recaps and business insights delivered to your inbox. Search K4B episodes by topic — press the ? on the K4B website and search by topic using the chatbot. Register as a K4B guest — want to be a guest on Knack 4 Business? Register on the K4B website and tell us your story. Visit Knack 4 Business Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Practical tools to assess your own leadership blind spots, reduce team turnover, build accountability culture, and scale without losing what makes your business work.   If your team keeps underperforming, the answer might not be on the floor. It might be at the top. Noelle Labrie, founder of Tri-Skill Consulting, joins Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt on Knack 4 Business to talk about the leadership gap most business owners never see. With over 20 years of global experience in learning and development — from Kuwait to Costa Rica, from theme parks to call centers — Noelle has one core message: everything that happens on your team starts with you. This episode covers the real cost of high turnover, why promoting your best performer can backfire without proper support, and how servant leadership builds stronger teams from the inside out. Noelle also breaks down the Peter Principle, energy management vs. time management, and why SOPs and passion are not opposites — they are partners. Key topics covered: Why team underperformance is a leadership symptom, not a staffing problem The Peter Principle and how to support newly promoted leaders Servant leadership in practice — across industries and cultures The Start-Stop-Continue exercise for honest leadership feedback How daily habits and discipline translate into leadership consistency Scaling culture: systems, values, and community as your growth foundation When to manage someone up — and when to manage them out Connect with Noelle Labrie: Tri-Skill Consulting Connect with Noelle on LinkedIn Free offers from Noelle: Personal leadership self-assessment — identify your strengths and blind spots Restaurant systems snapshot — find what's working and what needs attention Reach out to Noelle through her website or LinkedIn to access both tools. Sponsors: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Explore @Hive — Community, Collab and resource space for entrepreneurs Acknowledgements: Carl Richards — Podcast Solutions Made Simple Fred Crouch — Property Wizard podcast Jovan Strika — @Hive Melanie Webber — Business Partner Get in touch: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Visit Knack 4 Business Subscribe to the K4B blog — Get episode recaps and business insights delivered to your inbox. Search K4B episodes by topic — Press the ? on the K4B website and search by topic using the chatbot. Register as a K4B guest — Have a story worth sharing? Register on the K4B website to be considered as a future guest. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Actionable guest prep strategies, hard-won lessons from a podcast booking pro, and a clear framework for turning podcast appearances into real business results.   Most people show up on a podcast and disappear. They get the slot, do the interview, and never hear from it again. That's not a podcast problem. That's a preparation and follow-through problem. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt sit down with Noémi Beres, co-founder of Podcast Connections. Noémi runs a boutique podcast booking agency that matches entrepreneurs with the right shows — not just any shows. She's helped clients land interviews on podcasts that align with their message, their energy, and their ideal audience. Noémi didn't start in podcasting. She ran an online travel business from 2007 until the pandemic shut it down overnight in 2020. That pivot led her to podcast marketing — and she hasn't looked back. What you'll hear in this episode: Why most podcast guests are forgettable — and what separates the ones who aren't How Noémi matches guests to podcasts like a strategic dating agency The prep work that makes or breaks your interview before it starts What guest etiquette actually looks like — and what crosses the line Why your story sells more than your product or service ever will How to repurpose one podcast interview into weeks of content The follow-up move most guests skip — and why it matters more than the interview itself How audio and video quality affect how smart and credible you sound What KPIs to track after your episode goes live Why podcast guesting is one leg of the table — not the whole table Connect with Noémi Beres: Podcast Connections Connect with Noémi on LinkedIn   Sponsors and Resources: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community access. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Listen to Property Wizard | Explore Gentry Learning — Property Wizard is the podcast arm of Gentry Learning, a platform built to teach real estate investing with clarity.   Take the next step: Got a question? Reach us at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Subscribe to the K4B blog — Get episode recaps and business insights delivered to your inbox. Search K4B episodes by topic — Press the ? on the K4B website and search by topic using the K4B chatbot. Register as a K4B guest — Want to be a guest on Knack 4 Business? Register on the K4B website and tell us your story. Visit Knack 4 Business Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Sales & Revenue WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Actionable cash flow strategies, real client stories, and a clear framework for turning financial chaos into confident, data-driven decisions.   Most business owners think they understand their numbers. They don't — and it's costing them. Walid Doumyati, CMA and Founder of Precision Growth Partners, joins hosts Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt on Knack 4 Business for a straight-talking conversation about cash flow, profitability, and what it really means to run a financially healthy business. With over 20 years of financial leadership — including time as a Group CFO — Walid now works as a fractional CFO helping small and mid-sized businesses stop guessing and start growing. What you'll hear in this episode: Why revenue, profit, and cash flow are three completely different numbers — and why mixing them up is dangerous The accrual accounting concept most small business owners have never understood A real construction company story: how one credit card move turned a cash flow crisis into a 15-day positive buffer Why every business should have 6 months of expenses sitting in the bank How to decide when to hire — and what ROI every new employee should bring Why monthly fractional CFO check-ins beat quarterly every time What-if scenario planning in action: a manufacturer hit with 30% US tariffs and how they survived it Why 80% of small business owners are earning less than $100K a year — and what to do about it The difference between scaling and optimizing — and when to choose each Walid rebranded from WD Accounting Services to Precision Growth Partners in 2024 because the old name sent the wrong signal. Accounting means taxes and bookkeeping in most people's minds. Precision Growth Partners says exactly what he does. Connect with Walid Doumyati:  Connect on LinkedIn Website: Precision Growth Partners Email: [email protected] | Phone: +1 (613) 501-1244  Free offer: Book a free financial assessment — no charge, no obligation. Co-host Wayne Pratt — Business coach and founder of Motive8U. Connect at motivate8u.ca   Our Sponsors: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community access. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find past episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Explore Gentry Learning — A platform built to teach you how to invest in real estate with confidence. Also listen to Property Wizard, the podcast arm of Gentry Learning.   Keep growing: Questions? Reach us at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Subscribe to the K4B blog — Episode recaps and business insights delivered to your inbox. Search K4B episodes by topic — Press the ? on the K4B website and search by topic using the Web Indexer chatbot. Register as a K4B guest — Have a story worth sharing? Tell us about it. Visit Knack 4 Business Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear five-skill framework for leading with more collaboration, less friction, and better results — starting this week.   Most leaders were never taught how to lead. They were taught how to perform. Steffan Surdek is a senior leadership advisor and founder of Surdek Solutions who has spent over a decade helping leaders shift from directive to co-creative — and the results speak for themselves. In this Canada Growth Network Power Hour session, Steffan walks through his five key skills of a co-creative leader. These are not theories. They are practical tools built from real work with real teams. Key topics covered: Being a voice among many — how to share your perspective without shutting down the room. Steffan's seven-second rule alone will change how your meetings run. Unleashing the leaders around you — most teams have dormant leaders hiding in plain sight. They coach soccer on weekends. They run events. They just don't feel permission to lead at work. Building the capacity of your team — delegation is not about offloading tasks. It is about building muscle. Steffan's do for, do with, let them do model gives you a repeatable path to a stronger team. Dancing with the system — your organization is a living system. When you understand what it is telling you, you can inject the right change at the right moment instead of pushing against resistance. Fostering learning by doing — forget "fail fast." Steffan reframes it around learning. When people know what they are trying to learn, mistakes become data. That changes everything. Grab Steffan's free five-skill handbook and self-assessment here: Five Key Skills of a Co-Creative Leader Connect with Steffan Surdek on LinkedIn or visit surdek.com to learn more about his coaching and advisory work.   Sponsors we trust: Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM plus membership community access. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — the smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting. Attend the Monday Power Hour free — Canada Growth Network's weekly session for business owners who want real conversations and real connections.   Ready to go deeper? Email us: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM plus community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Subscribe to the K4B blog — episode recaps and business insights delivered to your inbox. Search K4B episodes by topic — press the ? on the K4B website and search by topic. Register as a K4B guest — want to be on the show? Tell us your story. Visit Knack 4 Business   Acknowledgements:  Carl Richards — Podcast Solutions Made Simple Fred Crouch — Property Wizard podcast Jovan Strika — @Hive Melanie Webber Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Investors / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear, jargon-free understanding of tokenization — how it works, why it matters, and what smart entrepreneurs should know right now.   Most people hear "blockchain" and tune out. Neil Williams wants to change that. Neil is the Chief Operating Officer of ElastaLink and a strategic advisor for Raze Fintech. He's also an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. He's raised millions in capital, guided companies through IPOs, and helped businesses enter global markets. He knows this space from the inside. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Neil breaks down tokenization in plain language. No jargon. No coding talk. Just the business side of one of the biggest shifts in finance. Here's what gets covered: What tokenization actually is — and why it matters for everyday entrepreneurs. How blockchain works as an immutable digital ledger. Why smart contracts replace paper-based deals and reduce the need for intermediaries. How major institutions like JP Morgan and BlackRock are already using this technology. What fraud prevention looks like in a regulated tokenization environment. Where this is all heading in the next five to ten years. Neil makes the case that tokenization is not a buzzword. It is a business tool. It is regulated. It is compliant. And it is moving fast. Connect with Neil Williams on LinkedIn or reach him directly at [email protected]. Explore ElastaLink and connect with the company on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo.   Sponsors: Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + membership community. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — the smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Explore @Hive — Community, collab, and resource space for entrepreneurs.   Visit Knack 4 Business Got a question or want to find a past episode? Search K4B episodes by topic — press the ? on the K4B website and use the chatbot. Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to the K4B blog — episode recaps and business insights delivered to your inbox. Register as a K4B guest — have a story worth sharing? Tell us about it. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Contact: [email protected] Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: When to bring in a fractional executive. How to productize decades of expertise. Why combining human networks with strategic management drives real revenue growth.   Most businesses plateau not because they lack effort — but because they lack the right outside perspective at the right time. Robin Ayoub is the Founder and CEO of N49 Networks — a fractional leadership and growth advisory firm helping SMBs accelerate revenue, enter new markets, and lead smarter. With 20-plus years across language, technology, and AI, Robin has served as VP of Sales and General Manager for Lionbridge Canada and as President of the Canadian Language Industry Association. He also hosts the Localization Fireside Chat — a global podcast on innovation and leadership in the language industry. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Robin shares how he launched N49 Networks from a moving bus in Greece — domain purchased, lawyers called, email set up — all within two hours on a highway with a spotty eSIM connection. He talks about what triggers the need for fractional leadership, how to take decades of corporate experience and productize it, and why his model of combining human networks with hands-on management is what separates real growth from theory. Key topics covered: What fractional leadership actually is — and when your business needs it How Robin scaled a $1M company to $16M using replicable sales processes The blind spots that hit every executive who goes independent Why knowing the CEO of Amazon won't get you a purchase order — process will Navigating tariffs, global expansion, and geopolitical disruption CEO mentoring — real coffee-shop guidance vs. $100K consultant reports How N49 Networks plans to grow as a collaborative fractional network Connect with Robin Ayoub: Visit N49 Networks | Robin's Blog | Connect on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook |  Phone/WhatsApp: 416-409-8202   This episode is brought to you by: Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + membership community. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — the smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Explore @Hive — Community, Collab and resource space for entrepreneurs.   Stay connected: Questions or collaborations — email [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to the K4B blog — episode recaps and business insights delivered to your inbox. Search K4B episodes by topic — press the ? on the K4B website and search by topic using the Web Indexer chatbot. Register as a K4B guest — have a story worth sharing? Register on the K4B website. Visit Knack 4 Business Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear framework for podcast guesting, audio branding fundamentals, and practical steps to turn mic time into business momentum.   Most entrepreneurs think they need their own podcast to grow. Carl Richards says you're missing the bigger opportunity. Carl is the founder and CEO of Podcast Solutions Made Simple. He's a 3x bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and host of the Speaking of Speaking podcast. He's been behind the mic for over 25 years — in radio, on stage, and on global platforms. He's also a returning guest on Knack 4 Business for the fourth season running. In this episode, Carl breaks down why strategic podcast guesting is one of the most underrated growth tools available to entrepreneurs right now. He walks through how to choose the right shows, how to show up prepared, and how to follow through after the recording ends. He also unpacks audio branding — what it is, why most businesses have never thought about it, and how getting it right puts you in a category of one. Key topics covered: Why guesting beats hosting for most entrepreneurs just starting out How to choose podcasts based on audience fit — not audience size What separates a forgettable guest from one who generates leads The before, during, and after framework for a high-converting appearance Audio branding — what McDonald's and Netflix can teach your business The concierge podcast model and what a six-figure podcast offer looks like How AI is reshaping podcasting and why authenticity is your competitive edge Connect with Carl Richards: Podcast Solutions Made Simple Connect with Carl on LinkedIn Carl on Facebook Carl on TikTok Book a free strategy session directly at podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com Mentioned in this episode: Wayne Pratt — Motive8U This episode is brought to you by: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM plus membership community access. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting. Explore @Hive — Community, Collab and resource space for entrepreneurs Have a question or want to connect? Reach us at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM plus membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Visit Knack 4 Business Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Actionable LinkedIn profile strategies, keyword and search tactics, and a clear framework to stop being invisible on the world's largest professional network.   Most LinkedIn profiles are invisible. Not broken. Not offensive. Just invisible. That's the problem Tony K Silver has spent his career solving. Tony is a LinkedIn trainer and speaker based in the UK. He works with professionals and business owners who've set up their profiles and walked away — not realizing that a static profile is a silent one. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Tony walks through the exact elements that determine whether your profile gets found, gets read, and gets results. What's covered in this episode: Why keywords matter more than your job title — and how to choose the right ones The Boolean search method and how to use it to find the right clients on LinkedIn The seven-second window: what visitors see, what they decide, and how to control it Why your banner, headshot, and headline do more work than your entire About section The Featured section — the most underused real estate on all of LinkedIn How LinkedIn's algorithm now penalizes profile mismatch and rewards niche consistency Why AI-generated comments are hurting reach — and what to do instead Tony doesn't just explain what's broken. He shows you how to fix it — without upgrading to premium. Connect with Tony K Silver on LinkedIn or visit him at tonyksilver.com. You can also find his speaking and training work at The Silver Voice. Interested in Tony's LinkedIn Silver Academy? The Learner Level includes a profile ranking report, monthly 30-minute training webinar, a private LinkedIn group, resource library, and weekly LinkedIn updates. £25/month. Reach Tony directly at [email protected] or visit tonyksilver.com.   This episode is brought to you by: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Explore @Hive — Community, Collab and resource space for entrepreneurs   Ready to go deeper? Visit Knack 4 Business Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Questions? Reach us at [email protected] Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Sales & Revenue WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Actionable financial clarity, cash flow tools, margin benchmarks, and the confidence to make smarter business decisions.   Most business owners check their bank balance and call it a day. That's not a financial strategy. That's a guess. Thomas Howard is the Business Development Director at Brightway Advisors. His team provides outsourced bookkeeping, controller services, and HR support to growing businesses across the United States. He's also the founder of Phoenix Swords — a historical performance group specializing in live swordplay and fire demonstrations. Precision under pressure is his thing, whether the tool is a spreadsheet or a flaming blade. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Thomas breaks down what your financial statements are really telling you — and what they're hiding. You'll learn why profitable-looking businesses run out of cash, how to read gross vs. net margins the right way, and what buyers actually look at when they value your business. Key topics covered: Why bank balance is the wrong number to watch Cash flow forecasting — seeing problems 10 to 13 weeks out Gross margin vs. net margin — and why the gap matters EBITDA and what it means for your business value Shiny object syndrome and how financials keep you focused Best case and worst case scenario planning When to bring in a fractional CFO vs. a controller HR costs as a hidden profit killer How Brightway Advisors works with clients from $2M to $50M in revenue Connect with Thomas Howard directly: Thomas Howard on LinkedIn Brightway Advisors on LinkedIn Brightway Advisors on Facebook Email: [email protected] Website: brightwayadvisors.com Phoenix Swords: phoenixswords.com   This episode is brought to you by: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community access. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Search episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting. Explore @Hive — Community, Collab and resource space for entrepreneurs   Have a question or want to connect? Reach us at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Visit Knack 4 Business Subscribe wherever you listen. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear, practical framework for entering new markets, building brand equity on a real budget, and using disciplined storytelling to drive long-term revenue growth.   Most brands don't fail because the product is bad. They fail because nobody positioned it well. Pedja Radjenović has spent over a decade launching and scaling CPG brands across North America and Europe — from local markets to global shelves. He knows what separates brands that earn their place from brands that disappear. And in this episode, he lays it out plainly. Pedja breaks down the three pillars every brand needs when entering a new market: physical availability, consumer trial, and smart awareness building. He explains how to pitch retailers the right way, why your brand story has to align with the retailer's story, and what most entrepreneurs get wrong when they think shelf space is the finish line. He also gets into the budget conversation most brand builders avoid. His rule: never go below 10% of revenue on marketing, push toward 30% in the early stages. And apply the 80/20 rule — 80% working dollars (advertising), 20% non-working (production and creative). Storytelling runs through all of it. Not legacy for the sake of nostalgia — but consistent, emotionally connected communication that breaks through a cluttered digital world and keeps your brand in the consideration set long after the launch buzz fades. Key topics covered: The three pillars of successful market entry How to pitch retailers and earn shelf space Working vs. non-working marketing dollars explained Why the Prime energy drink rose fast and stalled How global brands adapt to regional cultural nuances Distinctive brand assets — sound, smell, touch, packaging shape The 80/20 marketing budget rule for SMBs Personal branding and the Schwarzenegger mindset Connect with Pedja Radjenović: Connect with Pedja Radjenović on LinkedIn  Your hosts: Bernie Franzgrote — Kreativ Insight Consultants Inc. Wayne Pratt — Motive8U Inc. Sponsors & Resources: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting. Explore Gentry Learning — Real estate investing platform built to teach you how to invest with confidence. Listen to Property Wizard — The podcast arm of Gentry Learning. Visit Knack 4 Business: knack4business.com Questions? Email us at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month. No lock-in. Subscribe to Knack 4 Business wherever you listen to podcasts. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: How to define a clear brand story. How AI is changing the way customers find you. Practical steps to improve your brand's visibility right now. Most business owners think they have a sales problem. Zoltan Lorantffy says it's usually a brand problem. Zoltan is the founder of BrandRelate Marketing — a brand strategy and AI marketing agency helping small and medium-sized businesses look credible, communicate clearly, and grow with purpose. He brings 25 years of corporate brand experience, including work with global firm Interbrand, to the SMB world. In this Canada Growth Network Power Hour session, Zoltan breaks down what a brand actually is — and why most businesses are underselling themselves without knowing it. He covers brand value, the three ways a brand creates real worth (driving choice, securing loyalty, commanding a premium), and why your brand story is the one thing that holds all of it together. He also gets practical about AI. Fifty percent of consumers are now using AI to find products and services. If your brand isn't showing up in AI-generated answers, you're invisible to half your market. Zoltan explains how brand strategy and AI optimization work together — and what SMB owners can do right now to close that gap. Key topics covered: Why your sales problem might actually be a brand problem How brand value is calculated — and why it matters for SMBs The three pillars of brand worth: choice, loyalty, premium Why your brand story must be consistent at every touch point How AI search is displacing traditional Google results in 2026 What AI visibility actually means and how to measure it Free offer from Zoltan: Take the free AI Visibility Assessment — find out how well AI systems are using your content right now. Connect with Zoltan: BrandRelate Marketing | LinkedIn | Company LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Blog   Resources that support this session: Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Try Web Indexer — the smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting. Explore @Hive — Community, Collab and resource space for entrepreneurs Explore Gentry Learning — real estate investing platform | Listen to Property Wizard — the Gentry Learning podcast   Ready to go deeper? Attend the Monday Power Hour free — every Monday, practical tools and real introductions for business owners who are building. Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month. No lock-in. Questions? Email: [email protected] | Subscribe for a new episode every weekday. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Cybersecurity & IT WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Actionable insight on physical security gaps, hard-won lessons from the field, and real strategies to protect your business before a break-in forces your hand.   Most business owners think an alarm system is enough. Ken Suitor has seen what happens when it isn't. Ken is the owner of TruMax Security, a locksmith and commercial security company serving the Ottawa area. He's spent years helping business owners, property managers, and homeowners fix security gaps they didn't know they had — until something went wrong. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Ken walks through the real vulnerabilities most SMBs overlook. He explains why a 15-minute police response window is the number that should be driving every security decision you make. He breaks down why electronic locks and cloud-based access systems are not as secure as they look. And he shares what a proper physical security audit actually covers — from the weight of your lock hardware to the sight lines around your front door. Key topics covered: Why alarms and cameras are not a security plan on their own The 15-minute rule and what it means for your front door Electronic lock vulnerabilities — cloud, fob, and keypad risks High security vs. grade-standard locks — what the difference actually costs you How thieves case a location before they strike Car key fob signal theft and what post-2018 vehicles get wrong Tariffs, supply chains, and how TruMax adapted its product lineup Safes, vaults, and what most people actually store inside them The "do not duplicate" key myth — what it really means Free security consultations and what a TruMax site survey covers Connect with Kenneth Suitor:  TruMax Security website  Kenneth Suitor on LinkedIn  TruMax Security on LinkedIn  TruMax on Facebook  TruMax on Twitter/X   This episode is brought to you by: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community access. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Search episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Explore @Hive Want to protect your business before it's too late? Reach out to Ken directly at [email protected] or call 613-591-0909. Have a question or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Visit Knack 4 Business Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear picture of how modern AI agents work, how to govern them safely, and how to use them to scale communication and prospecting without replacing your team.   Most businesses are still using chatbots that frustrate customers. Fuad Miah is building something different. Fuad is the co-founder and CEO of KarmaFlow.ai — an Ottawa-based company developing multi-channel AI agents with research-grade reasoning and built-in governance. He holds an MIT degree in data science and has led multi-million dollar digital transformations. His clients include CAA and Ottawa General Contractors. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Fuad breaks down how AI has moved well past the decision-tree chatbot era. His agents don't just reply — they reason, adapt, and manage entire customer journeys. They read emotional cues in real time. They know when to escalate. And they operate around the clock without fatigue. Key topics covered: Why old chatbots failed and what changed with generative AI How empathy is trained into AI agents using frameworks — not scripts The multi-agent oversight model: agents watching agents How to set autonomy boundaries so AI never goes off the rails Prospecting at scale: from 5 meetings a year to 5 meetings a week Data security, hallucination mitigation, and AI governance How long it takes to see ROI after deploying AI agents Giving your AI agent a personality that fits your brand Connect with Fuad on LinkedIn or visit KarmaFlow.ai to have an agent connect you directly.   Sponsors & Resources: Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Try Web Indexer — the smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting. Listen to Property Wizard — the podcast of Gentry Learning, built to teach real estate investing with clarity. Explore Gentry Learning   Questions? Reach out: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month. No lock-in. Visit Knack 4 Business Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Tradespeople / Homeowners planning a renovation / Leaders building service-based businesses WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: How to choose the right renovator, set realistic timelines, manage quality vs. price, and apply continuous improvement thinking to any service business.   Most home renovations go sideways for one reason. Nobody's managing the whole picture. Colin Meredith is the founder of Delta Designs, an Ottawa-based renovation company with over 20 years of experience. He brought an engineering degree and an IT background into the trades — and built a business rooted in Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. On this episode of Knack 4 Business, Colin breaks down exactly how he runs projects, manages clients, retains great staff, and delivers quality work without the chaos most homeowners dread. Here's what gets covered: Why a turnkey renovator beats managing multiple trades yourself. How Kaizen applies to every single project — not just manufacturing. What myths homeowners believe about timelines and how to reset expectations early. How Colin identifies the real decision maker in every client conversation. Why quality materials in the right rooms save money long-term. How to retain great tradespeople in a competitive labour market. What red flags to watch for when getting renovation quotes. Colin serves the greater Ottawa area. Reach him directly at Delta Designs or email [email protected]. Your host Bernie Franzgrote is joined by co-host Wayne Pratt for this conversation. Sponsors keeping K4B running: Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM plus membership community access. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — the smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Listen to Property Wizard — the podcast arm of Gentry Learning, built to teach you how to invest in real estate with confidence. Explore Gentry Learning. Questions or connections? Reach out at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM plus community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Visit Knack 4 Business Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: How to build a mission-driven program that runs like a business. Real strategies for youth literacy, mentorship design, and global collaboration.   Most people underestimate how hard it is to close a literacy gap. Megan Deers didn't. Megan is the founder of Paradox Rocks! Communications — a coaching and facilitation company helping entrepreneurs align their passion, purpose, and business direction. She also serves as a facilitator and coach with Y.E.A. Global, and is the executive director of The Y Collab NPC — a Cape Town-based non-profit building literacy, life skills, and purpose pathways for young people aged two to eighteen. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Megan shares what it took to build a globally connected mentorship network over five years before the academy ever launched independently. Key topics covered in this episode: Why print-first reading still matters in a screen-saturated world How The Y Collab NPC meets every learner where they are — from toddlers to teens The offline-capable technology built specifically for African classrooms How Megan runs her non-profit like a business — with income streams, not just grants The long-term funnel: from preschool literacy to entrepreneurship coaching What a real transformation story looks like — and why it keeps Megan going Connect with Megan Deers on LinkedIn and explore her work at Y.E.A. Global.   SPONSORS & RESOURCES: Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — the smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting. Listen to Property Wizard — the podcast of Gentry Learning, built to teach you how to invest in real estate with confidence. Explore Gentry Learning.   Have a question or want to connect? Reach us at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month. No lock-in. Visit Knack 4 Business Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear breakdown of GoHighLevel's core features, real numbers on AI-booked appointments, and a practical path to consolidating tools, cutting costs, and reclaiming time. Most small business owners are drowning in software. CRM here. Email tool there. Scheduler. Dialer. Review manager. Each one costs money. Each one takes time. And none of them talk to each other. That's the complexity tax — and it's quietly killing your productivity. Affan Chowdhury knows it firsthand. As a former business advisor with Invest Ottawa, he worked with 200+ Ottawa-area entrepreneurs. He watched them struggle with the same problem. Then he found a better way. In this Canada Growth Network Power Hour session — featured on Knack 4 Business Season 4, Episode 30 — Affan walks through GoHighLevel as a practical all-in-one platform built for small business owners who are tired of juggling tools and losing leads. GoHighLevel's starter plan is $99 USD per month if purchased directly. Canada Growth Network members access the same full platform at $47 CAD per month — first month $1 CAD, no contract, no lock-in. That's the same CRM, the same automation suite, the same AI tools — at a Canadian price point that works for solopreneurs and small teams. What gets covered: — The complexity tax: why disconnected software costs you more than money  — Unified inbox: one place for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, web chat, and SMS  — Power Dialer and voicemail drop: outbound calling without the grind  — AI voice agents: how GHL booked 161,000+ appointments on off-hours  — Visual pipeline management: see exactly where every lead stands  — Affiliate management, social scheduling, tap-to-pay, and WordPress hosting  — Real pricing breakdown: starter at $97/month with usage costs that rarely exceed $20–$30 Affan shares one number that sticks: in under a year, GHL's AI suite handled half a million voice calls and saved customers 8,800 hours of staff time. That's not fluff. That's freedom. Connect with Affan Chowdhury: NotionHive | LinkedIn | Book a call Sponsors: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community access. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Check out Notionhive — Affan's own platform, built to help businesses work smarter. Want to connect or collaborate? Email: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. (GHL direct is $99 USD/month — CGN members pay $47 CAD.) Join Canada Growth Network Attend the Monday Power Hour free Subscribe to Knack 4 Business wherever you listen to podcasts. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Networking & Community WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Newcomers to Canada / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A practical framework for diversifying your professional network, showing up with visibility and credibility, and making the right ask at the right time. Most people network when they're desperate. Brent Edwards teaches you to build before you need it. In this Canada Growth Network Power Hour session, Brent — founder of BrentCanada Experiences and author of The Ultimate Guide to Professional Networking for Newcomers to Canada — shares the mindset and tactics that separate generous networkers from transactional ones. He spent seven years as Key Account Manager at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. He watched the best networkers in the room — real estate professionals, financial advisors, public affairs specialists — and reverse-engineered what they had in common. Consistency. Visibility. Generosity. And zero desperation. The big reframe? Your professional network is a portfolio. You diversify it. You invest in it steadily. And you never make a withdrawal before you've made enough deposits. In this session you'll learn: Why your network needs to be diversified — not just large What the most effective networkers Brent observed actually did differently How to raise your visibility at live events and conferences The 5-cent ask vs. the $5,000 ask — and why timing matters Where to find new rooms you haven't considered yet How to follow up within 24 hours in a way that gets remembered Connect with Brent Edwards: Connect with Brent on LinkedIn Visit BrentCanada Experiences Email: [email protected] Resources mentioned in this session: Ontario Career Lab — volunteer coaching program connecting professionals with Grade 9 and 10 students across Ontario Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) Our Sponsors: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. First month $1 CAD. Then $47 CAD/month. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all in one place. Attend the Monday Power Hour free — Canada Growth Network's weekly session for SMB owners, solopreneurs, and community builders.   Stay connected: Questions or referrals: [email protected] Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Subscribe to stay current with every Power Hour session. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Sales & Revenue WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, corporate escapees, leaders building systems — and anyone selling innovation into a slow-moving market. WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear-eyed look at what it actually takes to move a resistant buyer — patience, proof, hero projects, and the power of showing up in the right rooms. What happens when your technology works — but your market doesn't trust it yet? John Fielding knows that story from the inside. He's the founder of NanoBubble Control Systems, a company bringing advanced water technology to Canadian agriculture. After 40 years in high tech — semiconductors, optical components, startups, mergers and acquisitions — John launched into one of the most risk-averse markets around. The result has been a masterclass in patience, proof, and persistence. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, John breaks down what nanobubbles are, how ozone disinfection compares to chlorine, and why a chicken farmer in Canada is now seeing a 70% reduction in liver and respiratory disease in his flock. He also gets real about the harder side of commercializing new technology — skeptical farmers, cautious government agencies, and investors who don't yet understand the agricultural space. One of the most powerful moments in this conversation is simple: John's best lead didn't come from cold outreach or a marketing funnel. It came from a stranger at an investment event whose university friend happened to run one of the largest egg farms in the region. Network beats cold outreach. Every time. Topics covered in this episode: What nanobubbles are and why they stay suspended in water for months How ozone disinfection works and why it outperforms chlorine by a wide margin The trust gap in agricultural sales — and the hero project strategy for closing it Why John stopped leading with the science and started leading with the outcome The real ROI conversation with farmers — and why data is everything What it takes to build traction with government agencies and angel investors Why the cell phone adoption parallel explains everything about North American resistance to new technology Connect with John Fielding on LinkedIn or visit NanoBubble Control Systems to learn more. Sponsors supporting this episode: Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No contract, no lock-in. Try Web Indexer — the smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting — all from the K4B site. Listen to Property Wizard — the podcast by Gentry Learning, built to teach real estate investing with clarity and confidence. Explore Gentry Learning.   Questions? Reach us at [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — full GHL CRM + community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month. No lock-in. Visit Knack 4 Business Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Sales & Revenue WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: How to spot hidden profit leaks before they drain your business. A clear picture of what forensic financial analysis actually does. Practical steps on AI, tariffs, pricing, and supplier risk — built for real business owners, not just enterprise teams. Most business owners are watching revenue come in. Very few are watching where it quietly walks out. Karena Bell is the Founder and CEO of ProfitLinz. She's a veteran financial strategist with over 25 years advising Fortune 500 executives and mid-market business owners. Her firm specializes in forensic-level financial analysis — digging into the numbers most leaders never see to uncover hidden losses, pricing gaps, and untapped profit. On this episode of Knack 4 Business, Karena breaks down how one client had 133 loss-leader customers quietly costing them $602,000 a year. She explains why the gap between top-line revenue and bottom-line profit is wider than most owners realize — and what to do about it. What gets covered: What forensic financial analysis actually is — and why it changes everything The real difference between a bookkeeper, accountant, and fractional CFO How to use AI strategically — not just casually — in a small business Why tariffs are hitting businesses harder than expected and how to claw back overpaid costs SKU optimization, dynamic pricing, and supplier risk management How ProfitLinz's 90-day sprint model works — no long contracts, no hostages Connect with Karena Bell on LinkedIn or visit ProfitLinz directly. SPONSORS & RESOURCES: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting. Explore Gentry Learning — A platform built to teach you how to invest in real estate with confidence. Also check out the Property Wizard podcast. Join East Trade Winds free — Weekly Tuesday networking, 8–9 AM EST. Bring one challenge. Make one introduction.   CONNECT + TAKE ACTION: Questions or introductions? Email: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Visit Knack 4 Business Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Sales & Revenue WHO THIS IS FOR:  SMB owners whose revenue has gone flat Founders who've built a team but haven't built a process Solopreneurs moving toward their first sales hire Corporate escapees building a B2B business from scratch Leaders who know something is off but can't pinpoint it WHAT YOU'LL GAIN: A clear picture of why sales stall — and a practical framework to fix it. Real tools, real process, no fluff. Most business owners don't have a sales problem. They have a systems problem. Darren Legault has spent over 25 years in the trenches of B2B sales — starting on 100% commission, knocking on doors in minus 40 weather. Today he works with founders and CEOs of small to medium businesses who are stuck at a plateau and don't know why. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Darren breaks it all down. What's blocking your growth: Most SMB owners wear every hat. They've made some sales. Then things go flat. Darren sees three gaps almost every time — no sales playbook, no CRM, and a team with zero coaching or structure. The sales playbook explained: A playbook isn't a binder that collects dust. It's a living document. It covers your ICP (ideal customer profile), your value proposition, your sales methodology, and your process. It's what gives a new hire a roadmap from day one. The CRM conversation: About 50% of businesses still don't use one. A CRM is your command center. It tracks your pipeline, your follow-ups, your win rates, your deal sizes. Without it, leads fall into a black hole — and Darren has seen exactly that happen with a real client whose marketing was working perfectly but sales were still flat. CPR — Conversion, Penetration, Retention: New customers matter. But your existing accounts are a goldmine. Darren's CPR model keeps you focused on all three levers at once. Onboarding done right: It starts before day one. Darren calls it pre-boarding. A 30-day structured plan, clear expectations, and ongoing coaching — not sink or swim. Compensation plans: They drive behaviour. Full stop. If your reps aren't doing what you want, check what you're paying them to do. Connect with Darren Legault:  Connect with Darren on LinkedIn  Visit Darren's Sales Xceleration profile 📧 [email protected] 📞 613-858-1838   Hosted by: Bernie Franzgrote | Wayne Pratt   This episode is brought to you by: Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + membership community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Try Web Indexer — The smart chatbot for the Knack 4 Business website. Find episodes faster, discover related content, and book a meeting. Listen to Property Wizard | Explore Gentry Learning — The podcast and platform built to teach real estate investing with confidence.   📩 [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — Full GHL CRM + community. $1 CAD first month. $47 CAD/month after. No lock-in. Visit Knack 4 Business 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners. Solopreneurs. Corporate escapees. Leaders building systems. WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear picture of where AI actually helps. A practical framework for modernizing your digital platform. Real lessons from 25 years of building for global brands — delivered in plain language.     Most businesses know their website is outdated. Few know how to fix it without blowing the budget or getting lost in tech jargon. Chris Bryce is the founder and CEO of Dot Fusion and CrewCMS — a certified B Corp leading digital transformation for organizations across Canada and Cambodia. With over 20 years of experience working with brands like Cirque du Soleil, Intuit Canada, Mitsubishi, and Brookfield Properties, Chris knows what separates a platform that performs from one that just looks good. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Chris breaks down headless and composable web architecture in plain language. He explains when AI is a genuine growth tool — and when it's just noise. He shares how CrewCMS was built out of a real problem — commercial real estate losing marketing dollars after COVID — and why SaaS thinking is changing the services model for good. Key topics covered: What headless CMS actually means and why it matters for growing businesses How AI is being used to build prototypes in a day that used to take months Why prompt engineering is now a core skill for every business owner The difference between content AI, research AI, and product-building AI How Dot Fusion went from CD-ROMs in 1998 to leading global digital teams today Why adding more projects and more staff isn't always the path to growth The SaaS model as a smarter path to recurring revenue for service businesses Connect with Chris Bryce: Website: dotfusion.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cbryce Email: [email protected] Podcast: Beyond the CMS | AI Office Hours Blog: gnarlyspoке.com Your hosts: Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt Sponsors we trust: Canada Growth Network + GHL — Tools, intros, and a real community. $47 CAD/month. First month $1. No contract. WebIndexer — Get your business details found online, faster. Gentry Learning — Practical learning for real estate investment growth.   Want more like this? Subscribe to Knack 4 Business: knack4business.com use our Web Indexer chatbot to find other useful content! Join Canada Growth Network + GHL CRM for $47 CAD/mo, no contract: canadagrowthnetwork.com/ghl Questions or collaborations: [email protected] Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Real Estate WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, corporate escapees, and leaders ready to put their money to work in real estate. WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Actionable strategies for starting in real estate, hard-won lessons on avoiding common scams, and real frameworks for building a property portfolio over time.   Most people overcomplicate real estate. Fred Crouch keeps it simple. Fred is a commercial realtor and the founder of Gentry Real Estate Services and Gentry Learning. He works with first-time investors and seasoned buyers to help them make smarter property decisions. On this episode of Knack 4 Business, Fred sits down with hosts Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt to talk about what it actually takes to start investing in real estate — and what to watch out for. What they cover: Fred starts with the oldest rule in investing: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. He talks about why chasing high returns often leads to loss — and how too many first-time investors end up holding a sixth or seventh mortgage on a project gone sideways. He breaks down the difference between passive investing — think REITs and real estate shares — and active investing, where you own and manage tangible property. For most beginners, Fred recommends starting with something you can drive past. Something real. Fred also unpacks co-tenancy agreements — one of the most practical tools for building a portfolio faster without going it alone. Pooling resources with like-minded investors lets you get into the market now instead of spending years playing catch-up with rising prices. The long game is the point. Fred uses a simple example: buy one property at 25 or 30 years old, hold it, rent it out, and let natural appreciation do the work. By retirement, that single investment could be worth double — paid for largely by your tenants. Connect with Fred Crouch: Website: http://www.gentryres.com Learning Platform: https://www.gentrylearning.com/ Courses: https://www.gentrylearning.com/courses Podcast: https://www.gentrylearning.com/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PSA7BgqQ1sjNOGs6RzvsN Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/gentrylearning/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/fcrouch/ Email: [email protected] Also mentioned: Wayne Pratt, co-host — https://www.linkedin.com/in/prattwayne/ This episode is brought to you by: Gentry Learning — Real estate education built for beginners. Take your first step with confidence. Property Wizard — Smart tools for real estate investors at every level. Canada Growth Network + GHL — Real introductions. Real tools. $47 CAD/month, first month $1. No contract. Take the next step: Questions? Email us: [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network: https://canadagrowthnetwork.com/ghl — $47 CAD/mo, no contract Subscribe so you never miss an episode Listen on K4B: https://knack4business.com/   K4B ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A big thank you to the people who make Knack 4 Business possible: Carl Richards — Podcast Solutions Made Simple Fred Crouch — Property Wizard Jovan Strika — @Hive Melanie Webber — Business Partner Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: Corporate escapees Leaders building systems   WHAT THEY’LL GAIN:Practical resume structure Clear formatting rules How to avoid ATS myths How to lead with real results How to think like a hiring manager Most resumes fail because they try to say too much and prove too little. In this Canada Growth Network Power Hour, Colin McIntosh from Sheets Resume breaks down what actually works in today’s hiring market. He explains why summaries often hurt you. Why keyword stuffing for ATS systems backfires. And why your resume is not your life story. Colin shares how to lead with impact. Put big numbers up top. Remove fluff. Use plain language. Keep it to one page. He also talks about subconscious bias, formatting mistakes, and why recruiters scan fast. This conversation shifts your thinking. A resume is not emotional. It is a tool. Its only job is to get a phone call.   Key topics covered: • Why resume summaries usually fail • The truth about ATS friendly resumes • How to highlight measurable results • Why one page is stronger • Formatting that helps humans read fast • Avoiding red flags in contact details   Guest Links:Colin McIntosh – Sheets ResumeFeatured Sponsors: Canada Growth Network + GHL – $47 CAD/moWebIndexer easy to install and work with chat bot!Gentry Learning program to understand real estate investing. Want to build better systems in your business? Email: [email protected]   Subscribe for more conversations that help you grow. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, corporate escapees, and leaders who are curious about AI but don't know where to start — or have started and feel stuck. WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A practical framework for AI adoption, real warnings about ChatGPT's blind spots, and a clear path to building systems that actually work in your business.   Most business owners know they should be using AI. Very few know how to use it well. Jeff Borschowa has spent years on the bleeding edge of AI and technology adoption. He's broken things so you don't have to. Now he helps entrepreneurs cut through the hype and build simple, repeatable systems using his D.R.I.M.O. framework — Diagnose, Recommend, Implement, Maintain, Optimize. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt sit down with Jeff to unpack what AI adoption actually looks like for everyday business owners — from the 55-year-old tradesperson to the solopreneur trying to reclaim their time. Here's what gets covered: Why most people are using AI wrong — and how ChatGPT can actually hurt your business if you're not careful The real difference between AI and LLMs — and why it matters How to find the right AI tool for your specific business without chasing every new shiny object What custom GPTs are and how Jeff has built over 400 of them for clients Why curiosity and communication skills are your biggest AI advantages How neurodiverse thinkers may have a natural edge with large language models The D.R.I.M.O. system — a repeatable framework any business can follow When to use Google Gemini vs ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot Why you should start with AI tools that are at least a year old The real data privacy risks most people ignore when using ChatGPT Jeff is the founder of Business Catalyst Crew and Pharos Business. He also hosts the Lighthouse Sessions Podcast. Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn and explore his blog at businesscatalystcrew.com/blog. Co-hosts: Bernie Franzgrote and Wayne Pratt   THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Canada Growth Network + GHL — A practical CRM and automation ecosystem built for Canadian entrepreneurs. First month just $1 CAD. No contract. WebIndexer — Get your business found online faster. Gentry Learning — Practical learning tools built for business growth.   CONNECT + TAKE ACTION: Have a question or want to be a guest? Email us: [email protected] Ready to grow your network and your business? Join Canada Growth Network for $47 CAD/month — no contract: https://canadagrowthnetwork.com/ghl Listen to more episodes: https://knack4business.com/ Subscribe so you never miss a conversation that matters. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Growth Pillar: Networking & Community Family business owners lose focus and growth momentum when personal stress, grief, or conflict impacts leadership and performance. What if your greatest business advantage is not your marketing plan—but your family table? In this powerful episode of Knack 4 Business, we sit down with Dorina Lantella, founder of Dorina’s Kitchen, to explore the Roseto Effect—a real-world study proving that strong community and family bonds increase longevity, health, and resilience. Dorina shares her personal story of grief, family crisis, and rebuilding focus after loss. Through faith, food, and connection, she discovered something powerful: Strong families build strong businesses. Gathering at the kitchen table. Cooking together. Talking through conflict. Leading with empathy. These simple habits build emotional resilience. And resilient leaders grow resilient companies. This episode is a practical business case study for family-owned businesses who want: • Better leadership under pressure • Stronger communication • Healthier team culture • Long-term business sustainability Dorina explains how the Roseto Effect applies directly to entrepreneurship. Community reduces loneliness. Support builds confidence. Positive leadership improves performance. If you feel isolated as a business owner, this conversation will remind you: You are not meant to lead alone.   Who This Podcast Is For Family business owners, second-generation leaders, entrepreneurs balancing work and home, and founders building culture-driven companies.   What You’ll Gain • Actionable leadership lessons rooted in real life • A resilience framework for family businesses • Practical communication strategies • A new perspective on business growth through community • Inspiration to rebuild connection at home and at work   Key Topics Covered • The Roseto Effect and business resilience • Family culture as a competitive advantage • Entrepreneur mental health • Leadership through community • Faith and entrepreneurship • Networking as modern community • Emotional resilience in business growth   Guest Links & Resources Dorina Lantella Website: https://www.dorinaskitchen.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorinaskitchen/ Italy Immersion Retreats Leadership & Family Coaching Cooking & Connection Workshops   Watch & Read 📺 YouTube: https://youtu.be/FE3605nTMlE 📰 Article: https://knack-4-business.ghost.io/your-family-is-your-business-advantage-heres-why   SPONSORS  💼 Canada Growth Network – $47 CAD /mo = Business networking + CRM tools for SMBs Start your trial 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3s5d3ayv 💬 WebIndexer – Turn your website into a 24/7 sales assistant See it live 👉 https://tinyurl.com/yav4edf5 🤝 @Hive – Real-world business networking community Join here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/4dmcxah8   Special thanks to: Carl Richards from Podcast Solutions Made SimpleFred Crouch of the Property Wizard PodcastJovan Strika from @HiveMelanie Webber Co-host: Wayne Pratt Next Steps to Take: If this episode helped you rethink leadership and family business growth: ✔️ Subscribe and follow Knack 4 Business ✔️ Share this episode with another business owner ✔️ Comment on YouTube and join the discussion ✔️ Connect with Dorina on LinkedIn ✔️ Reach us at [email protected] Visit https://knack4business.com/ to explore more episodes. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Growth Pillar:Marketing & Branding Many business owners want to start a podcast but don’t know how to use podcast marketing strategically to generate real clients instead of just downloads. What if your voice could grow your business? In this episode of Knack 4 Business, we sit down with Hector Santiesteban, founder of Amplafy Media, to unpack one powerful strategy: podcast marketing for business owners. Hector shares his founder journey—from working 60–70 hours a week in sales to discovering that live streaming and podcasting could build real authority. He explains why podcasting is not about becoming the next celebrity host. It is about attracting 5 to 20 ideal clients who already trust you. For global English-speaking business owners, consultants, healthcare leaders, legal professionals, and B2B advisors, this episode explains how podcast strategy builds authority, trust, and long-term growth. You will learn: • Why podcast marketing works best in high-trust industries • How to structure episodes for real business outcomes • The ideal podcast length for engagement and retention • How to avoid becoming an abandoned podcast • Why YouTube and LinkedIn clips expand visibility • How to align your podcast directly with revenue strategy This episode is for startup founders, solopreneurs, consultants, and scaling business owners who want authority-driven growth instead of chasing downloads. What you’ll gain: • Clear authority-building strategies • A practical podcast marketing framework • Lead generation insights • Sustainable client acquisition tactics • Confidence to launch with purpose 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A-WTVS0kpng 📰 Read the full blog on Ghost: https://knack-4-business.ghost.io/build-authority-fast-with-this-one-strategy   Guest Resources Hector Santiesteban Amplafy Media: https://amplafymedia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-podcast/ Free Podcast Planning Session available through Amplafy Media. Acknowledgements Special thanks to: Carl Richards of Podcast Solutions Made SimpleFred Crouch of Property Wizard PodcastJovan Strika of @HiveMelanie Webber Co-Host: Wayne Pratt   Sponsors Supporting Business Growth 💼 Tools & Communities That Help SMBs Grow • Canada Growth Network – Business networking plus GoHighLevel CRM for SMBs and solopreneurs at $47 CAD/month. • WebIndexer – Turn your website into a 24/7 AI sales assistant chatbot. • Notionhive – High-performing websites built to generate leads and clients. (I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)   Next steps to take: If this episode sparked an idea, read more, comment, and share your thoughts. Reach us directly at mailto:[email protected] Visit https://knack4business.com/ to explore more Growth Pillar episodes. Let us motivate you. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Growth Pillar: Marketing & Branding The Problem Trevor Gibbs Solves: Most businesses lose traffic, rankings, and sales because their websites are not accessible — and they don’t even know it. About 1 in 4 people live with a disability. Millions more deal with temporary vision, hearing, or mobility challenges. When a website is hard to use, people leave. Search engines notice. Rankings drop. In this episode of Accessible Websites Get Better Rankings and More Customers, Trevor Gibbs, known as The Web Detective, explains how accessible websites improve SEO (Search Engine Optimization), AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). He shares simple truths: If your buttons are unclear, screen readers struggle. If your videos have no captions, users leave. If your site is not mobile-first, 80% of visitors get frustrated. Accessible websites help real people. They also help Google, voice search, and AI engines understand your content better. This is not just about compliance. It is about growth.   Key Topics Covered What Accessible Websites mean for SEO, AEO, and GEO WCAG standards explained in simple terms Why mobile-first design matters The “3-second rule” for homepage clarity Screen readers and why labels matter U.S. tax credits for accessibility improvements Legal risks and global compliance trends How accessibility increases conversions and trust   Who This Podcast Is For Startup founders, solopreneurs, scaling business owners, marketing leaders, website developers, and anyone who depends on online traffic to generate leads and revenue. What You’ll Gain Actionable insights to improve website accessibility Hard-won lessons about rankings and usability Real growth strategies tied to SEO and revenue Clear steps to make your site mobile-first and compliant Speaker Trevor Gibbs – The Web DetectiveOffers Mentioned Website accessibility audit Guidance on U.S. accessibility tax credits Informal consultation to review your website Hosts Percy Barr | https://percybarr.com/Wayne Pratt | https://motive8u.ca/Bernie Franzgrote Sponsors WebIndexer – AI Chatbot for Your Website Turn your website into a 24/7 sales assistant.Notionhive – Websites That Actually Work High-performing websites built to convert.@Hive – Real-World Business Networking Build real partnerships online and in person.   Next Steps to Take: Listen to the episode. Review your website for accessibility gaps. Connect with Trevor for an audit. Comment your biggest website challenge. Share this episode with a business owner who needs better rankings. Watch on YouTube Read about the details!  Have questions? Email us at: [email protected] Explore Canada Growth NetworkTo see more episodes Let us Motivate You. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Growth Pillar: Marketing & Branding Kimberly Crowe helps coaches and speakers attract steady clients without cold calls or complicated sales funnels by using live workshops that build trust and convert. If you're a coach or speaker trying to grow your business, you’ve likely been told to build a funnel. Free download. Email sequence. Webinar. Upsell. But what if the real answer isn’t another funnel — but a better conversation? In this episode of Knack 4 Business, host Bernie Franzgrote sits down with Kimberly Crowe, founder of Entrepreneurs Rocket Fuel, to unpack a smarter way to generate leads and convert clients: high-converting workshops. Kimberly has spoken on over 5,000 stages and built her authority by helping entrepreneurs replace outdated sales funnels with interactive workshops that create real connection. She shares her powerful 3-step Client Magnet Method: Connection – Build trust through live interaction. Novelty – Teach one clear solution that feels new and valuable. Challenge – Invite your audience to take the next step confidently. You’ll learn why webinars often fail, why many speakers over-deliver but under-sell, and how to design a workshop that converts without feeling pushy. Key Topics Covered How to get coaching clients without cold outreach Workshop marketing strategy that converts How to replace sales funnels with live events Podcast guesting for visibility and authority Structuring one-day workshops for higher conversions Making strong calls to action without sounding salesy   Who This Podcast Is For Coaches, speakers, consultants, solopreneurs, and scaling business owners who want predictable lead generation and authority-based marketing.   What You’ll Gain Actionable workshop strategies, clearer client conversion systems, improved calls to action, and practical growth tools you can use immediately. Connect with the Guest 🔗 Kimberly Crowe – LinkedIn 🌐 Entrepreneurs Rocket Fuel – https://entrepreneursrocketfuel.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PFojqRzmlz4 Read more: https://knack-4-business.ghost.io/the-client-magnet-method-coaches-wish-they-knew-earlier   Sponsors Supporting Small Business Growth • Start your trial 👉 Canada Growth Network – Networking + CRM for SMBs • See it live 👉 WebIndexer – Turn your website into a 24/7 sales assistant • Explore 👉 Notionhive – High-converting business websites • Learn real estate investing 👉 Property Wizard Podcast with Fred Crouch     Special Thanks 🎙 Carl Richards – Podcast Solutions Made Simple 🏢 Jovan Strika – @Hive  🤝 Melanie Webber – Business Partner Co-Host: Wayne Pratt   What to do next ! If this episode helped you rethink how to get coaching clients, share it with another coach or speaker. Have a question for Kimberly or the Knack 4 Business team? Email us at [email protected] Visit https://knack4business.com/ for more resources. Read more. Comment. Connect with Kimberly. Let’s grow together. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode sits within the Growth Pillar of business development — helping entrepreneurs scale with clarity, accountability, and mindset strength. Feeling stuck in your business? Discover how business coaching helps small business owners overcome limiting beliefs, gain clarity, and take action. Wayne Pratt explains why the right coach can accelerate growth by years—and why AI can’t replace human insight.   Many small business owners feel “fine” but quietly stuck. In this episode, Wayne Pratt of Motive8U explains how limiting beliefs, blind spots, and old stories hold entrepreneurs back. Learn how business coaching creates clarity, accountability, and real growth through 3–5 year goals, 90-day plans, and daily action. If you want practical steps to overcome limiting beliefs in business, this episode shows how a coach can accelerate growth by years. The Problem This Guest Solves: Small business owners often stay stuck in fear, blind spots, and limiting beliefs that quietly slow growth for years without realizing it. Many entrepreneurs work hard every day. The doors are open. Sales are coming in. Life looks “fine.” But deep down, something feels off. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, host Bernie Franzgrote sits down with Wayne Pratt of Motive8U to talk about business coaching for small business owners — and why the right coach can accelerate growth by years. Wayne shares how limiting beliefs in business often come from old stories — what a teacher said, what a boss believed, what we once failed at. These stories quietly shape decisions. They limit scale. They block confidence. He explains the key difference between a friend and a professional coach: A friend supports you. A coach challenges your blind spots. Wayne breaks growth into three simple steps: • Set clear 3–5 year goals • Create 90-day targets • Take daily action steps If you cannot break a goal into 90 days, it is not a goal — it is a wish. The conversation also explores AI in coaching. While AI may replace low-cost coaching tools, it cannot replace human insight, accountability, and personalized strategy. If you feel “comfortably unhappy” in your business, this episode will challenge you to rethink what is possible. 👉Read more on our blog 👉Watch it on YouTube   Who This Podcast Is For Startup founders, solopreneurs, and scaling business owners who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to break through limiting beliefs.   What You’ll Gain Actionable insights, clear growth frameworks, mindset tools, and practical business coaching strategies that accelerate momentum.   Guest Resources 📘Freshly Brewed Coaching book by Wayne Pratt &  Matt Hawksley    🔗 Connect with Wayne Pratt        Website: https://motive8u.ca/   Sponsors & Business Growth Partners 💼Canada Growth Network – $47 CAD/mo, no contract = Business networking + GoHighLevel CRM access 🤖WebIndexer – Turn your website into a 24/7 sales assistant 🏡Property Wizard Podcast – Real Estate Made Practical 🌍East Trade Winds – Free networking community     Acknowledgements Carl Richards – Podcast Solutions Made SimpleFred Crouch – Property Wizard podcastJovan Strika – @HiveMelanie Webber – Business Partner   Next steps! If this episode helped you rethink growth, share it with another entrepreneur. Read more, comment, or connect with Wayne directly. We would love your feedback. 📩 Email us at: [email protected]  🌐 Visit: https://knack4business.com/ Let us Motivate You. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Growth Category: AI & Automation WHO THIS PODCAST IS FOR Global CEOs, startup founders, executive leaders, CFOs, financial services firms, AI-forward organizations, and scaling business owners.   WHAT LISTENERS WILL GAIN Actionable insights, hard-won lessons, AI-powered decision frameworks, and practical leadership strategies for aligning behavior, money, and exponential growth. Most leaders struggle because their natural talents and financial decisions are misaligned, creating stress, poor judgment, and stalled growth. AI is powerful. But if your behavior around money is broken, no technology will fix it. In this episode of Knack 4 Business, we sit down with Hugh Massie, Founder of DNA Behavior International and Chairman of the Behavioral Economics Institute. Hugh explains how your “financial DNA” is formed early in life and shapes how you handle risk, savings, leadership, hiring, culture, and strategic growth. When leaders are under pressure, they do not rise to training — they fall back to instinct. That instinct impacts: • Investment decisions • Risk tolerance • Executive leadership style • Organizational culture • Long-term business growth Hugh shares how behavioral economics and artificial intelligence now allow companies to digitally scan behavioral patterns at scale. Instead of guessing how your executive team or clients think, AI-powered behavioral analytics can predict stress triggers, communication styles, and decision bias. This is AI applied to human behavior — not automation for tasks, but automation for smarter leadership. Hugh also challenges common money myths: • Risk profiling alone is not enough • Savings behavior may matter more than risk appetite • Culture is a reflection of CEO behavior • Exponential growth requires human alignment first If you want to build a people-first organization with scalable global growth, this conversation will shift how you think about money, leadership, and AI. 🎥 Watch on YouTube: Your Talents Are Worthless Without This Money Alignment 🎧 Listen on Simplecast: Episode Link 📖 Read the article: Ghost.io Feature   GUEST LINKS & RESOURCES 🌐 Hugh Massie – DNA Behavior Website: dnabehavior.com LinkedIn: Hugh Massie   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT (Best Fit for AI & Global Growth Audience) 💻 WebIndexer – AI Website Assistant Turn your website into a 24/7 sales assistant using AI-powered chat. 👉 What we use it on our Knack 4 Business website 🏠 Property Wizard Podcast – Real Estate Strategy Build wealth strategically through practical real estate insights. 👉 Learn more at Property Wizard Podcast 🌎 East Trade Winds – Global Networking That Works Build serious international business relationships — free. 👉 Register here: East Trade Winds   SPECIAL THANKS Podcast production support by Carl Richards of Podcast Solutions Made Simple Real estate collaboration with Fred Crouch of the Property Wizard Podcast Community space support from Jovan Strika at @Hive Coworking Strategic partnership support from Melanie Webber Co-host: Wayne Pratt   If this episode helped you rethink money, leadership, or AI — 📩 Send your questions or comments to [email protected] Explore more episodes at the official Knack 4 Business website Let us motivate you. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

BUSINESS GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Operations Core Focus: How Introverts Succeed in BusinessIntroverted professionals are often overlooked and underpaid—not because of talent, but because they were never taught how to communicate their value strategically.Many people believe leadership belongs to the loudest voice in the room.Gregory Weinger once believed that too.Early in his career, he tried to act like an extrovert. He spoke more. Promoted himself more. Pushed harder in meetings. It worked—but it drained him.Then he discovered something powerful:Introversion is not a weakness. It is wiring.In this episode of Knack 4 Business, Greg explains how introverts succeed in business by using their natural strengths. He shares the real difference between introversion and shyness, how energy management drives executive performance, and why preparation is a strategic advantage in leadership.If you are an introverted professional, entrepreneur, or executive who feels unseen in meetings—or if you lead a team and want better results—this episode delivers practical tools for authentic leadership development.KEY TOPICS COVERED:• How introverts succeed in business without faking extroversion• Introvert leadership skills and executive presence• Closing the income gap through strategic communication• Meeting management strategies that unlock better ideas• Energy management for high-performance professionals• Why introverts are underrepresented in senior leadership• Authentic leadership vs performative extroversionWHO THIS PODCAST IS FOR:Startup founders, introverted professionals, solopreneurs, scaling business owners, and executive leaders seeking stronger communication and operational performance.WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:Actionable leadership strategies, structured communication tools, confidence-building frameworks, and practical ways to close the introvert income gap while staying authentic.READ MORE HERE !WATCH this ON YOUTUBE Gregory WeingerSenior Leader at SheerIDListen to Gregory's podcast: The Powerful Introvert PodcastHOSTS:Bernie FranzgroteWayne PrattKnack 4 Business use our website chatbot to find other podcasts!Special thanks to:Carl Richards – Podcast Solutions Made SimpleFred Crouch – Property WizardJovan Strika – @HiveMelanie Webber SPONSORSCanada Growth Network – $47 CDN / mo – no contract -Business Networking + CRM@Hive – Real-World Business NetworkingNotionhive – High-Performing WebsitesIf this episode helped you rethink leadership, we want to hear from you.Comment on YouTube.Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.Share this with an introverted leader who needs to hear it.For consulting or speaking inquiries:Email us at mailto:[email protected] visit: https://knack4business.com/Subscribe to Knack 4 Business for weekly executive growth insights.Let us motivate you. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most business owners blame tariffs for shrinking profits—but the real damage comes from USMCA compliance mistakes, miscoded HS classifications, and poor trade visibility.Tariffs between Canada and the U.S. feel like a tax problem.But in this episode, Karena Bell, Founder of ProfitLinz (https://profitlinz.com/) explains something simple:Tariffs rarely destroy margin.Bad decisions do.Many companies are overpaying 20–40% in duties because of:Incorrect HS codesMissed United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) qualificationsConservative classificationsUnreviewed broker filingsThat money leaves quietly.No headlines.No alerts.Just lower EBITDA months later.When tariffs rise, landed costs increase immediately. Duties are paid before revenue is collected. Inventory ties up cash. Pricing adjustments lag.Cash stress shows up before profit erosion.Most leaders don’t see it until it’s too late.Karena breaks down how USMCA compliance mistakes and tariff misclassification are hurting small and mid-sized businesses across Canada and the United States.This is not a compliance issue.It is a profit strategy issue. Key Topics CoveredWhat are common USMCA compliance mistakes?How do tariffs impact cash flow before profit?Why are companies overpaying import duties?How do HS code errors reduce EBITDA?Why brokers focus on compliance, not margin optimizationHow leaders can model tariff volatility risk Who This Podcast Is ForStartup founders, solopreneurs, CFOs, import/export businesses, and scaling business owners operating between Canada and the U.S. What You’ll GainActionable insights, hard-won lessons, and practical trade strategies to protect margin, improve working capital, and prevent hidden duty overpayments. GuestKarena BellFounder, ProfitLinzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenambell/Website: https://profitlinz.com/Complimentary tariff assessment on the ProfitLinz website at: https://profitlinz.com/tariffHostsBernie Franzgrotehttps://link.v1ce.co.uk/berniefranzgrotePercy BarrLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/percy-barr-10992b10/Website: https://percybarr.com/Wayne PrattLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prattwayne/Website: https://motive8u.ca/ SponsorsWebIndexer – Turn your website into a 24/7 sales assistant with a smart chatbot.👉 https://tinyurl.com/yav4edf5Notionhive – High-performing websites that generate leads.👉 https://tinyurl.com/35hrnu4aEast Trade Winds – Free networking community for serious business connections.👉 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlf-msrzktGdz-UTwX8Tv6CK5Lu3tacGI9 Canada Growth Network MembershipJoin the Canada Growth Network for $47 CAD per month.Get access to GoHighLevel, business tools, and community support.First month is just $1. Cancel anytime.👉 https://canadagrowthnetwork.com//ghl Watch & ReadYouTube: https://youtu.be/7zxiYncTQzEArticle Version: https://knack-4-business.ghost.io/tariffs-arent-killing-profitability-your-decisions-are Call To ActionRead more.Review your HS codes.Then tell us—have you checked your USMCA compliance in the last two years?Email us at:📧 [email protected]:https://canadagrowthnetwork.com Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Primary Growth Pillar: AI & AutomationAI is not here to replace people — it removes repetitive work so your team can focus on real relationships.Colin Mackenzie helps businesses use AI and automation to improve customer experience without losing trust, privacy, or the human touch.In this episode of Knack 4 Business (Season 4, Episode 17), host Bernie Franzgrote and co-host Wayne Pratt sit down with Colin to answer a big question:How can you use artificial intelligence in business without sounding robotic or losing customer trust?Colin explains that AI is not magic. It is math, data, and models. Used the right way, generative AI and large language models can automate FAQs, scheduling, and contact center tasks—while humans handle empathy, trust, and complex conversations.Key topics covered:Generative AI in customer serviceAgentic AI workflows that finish tasks end-to-endRetrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) explained simplyAI guardrails to reduce hallucinations and biasData sovereignty, compliance, and privacyOn-device AI vs cloud AIHow to implement AI in business responsiblyWho this podcast is for:Startup founders, solopreneurs, scaling business owners, operations leaders, and IT decision-makers exploring AI & automation.What you’ll gain:Actionable AI implementation ideas, clear explanations you can repeat to your team, and practical steps to improve customer experience while protecting trust.Watch / read:Watch on YouTubeRead the article on GhostGuest link:Connect with Colin Mackenzie (LinkedIn)Sponsors:Grow systems + community with Canada Growth NetworkUpgrade your site with NotionhiveFind real connections with East Trade WindsWith thanks to:Carl Richards at Podcast Solutions Made SimpleFred Crouch from The Property WizardJovan Strika from @Hive CoworkingMelanie WebberRead more on Ghost, then comment with your biggest AI question. You can also connect with Colin or message us at [email protected] . For more episodes and tools, visit Knack 4 Business and subscribe. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.