Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast

Fear of the IRS + Value of Consensus

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we delve into IRS tax complexities on National Report IRS Tax Fraud Day, emphasizing accurate filing, savings maxim...

The Most Powerful Leverage in the World

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we explore Cheech and Chong’s business journey, evolving into a successful comedy duo with cannabis-related humor...

Helping, Not Helping

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean in this episode of Business Brain as they explore the essential elements of business strategy and personal d...

SOPs, Loom, and Delegating

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we explore the landscape of podcast conferences, focusing on Podcast Movement Evolutions in Los Angeles. We discuss...

Growth Madness - The Power of Collaboration

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon discuss their recent experiences with snowfall, leisure activities, and the value of persistence. ...

Two Free Drinks and The Black Keys

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dave recounts a vivid experience of attending a concert at a small venue during South by Southwest.  Additionally, the discussion en...

Are You Getting a Partner or an Employee?

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we explore the intricacies of unpaid work and the dynamics of partnerships in businesses. We touch upon how Reddit ...

Negotiating Like an Auctioneer + Vampires

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as Shannon and Dave come to you from SXSW to discuss how using Auctioneer tactics can help during negotiations and how to eliminate the Vampir...

Partner Payouts

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in discussing the importance of managing energy in business, shifting from energy-draining to energy-giving projects. We explore effective ene...

The Alter Ego Effect

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us today for Business Brain 530. We discuss how to keep that “chip on your shoulder” and how to find your next “zero.” We then jump into ...

Imitation Before Creation

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we delve into the concept of starting over and the significance of learning and adapting in the business realm. We ...

Creating a Quality Newsletter

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this episode as we explore the benefits of taking breaks to recharge, share our own travel experiences, and the value of disconnecting from...

Creating a Cult of Customers

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we talk about ChatGPT, Pixelmator and why the band Phish is just like Costco when it comes to creating cult-like customer loyalty. 00:00:00...

9 Year Anniversary + Dealing with Chargebacks

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we look back at the show’s evolution over the last nine years, from Doing Business As to Small Business Show and ...

When The Guest Interviews The Hosts

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You don’t want to miss this episode of Business Brain! We let the recording run long from our interview with Ryan Sneddon in episode 524 and Ryan be...

Building a Local Newsletter Business

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, Ryan Sneddon shares his success with the Naptown Scoop, a local newsletter in Annapolis, Maryland. He discusses how...

Being Known + True Fans

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What are you known for? What reputation does your business have? Listen in to this episode of Business Brain as we discuss the idea of being known for...

Influencer Illusions - Hype or Reality

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should you be using influencer marketing on social media for your business? Join Shannon and Dave today as we discuss one of our experiences with infl...

Under The Table Trouble

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon explore the power of Google My Business pages in driving success through customer reviews. We disc...

Dumpsters and Digital Marketing

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us today as we learn about the connection between dumpster rental and SEO digital marketing with Bodhi Gallo of iRentDumpsters and Stryker Digita...

Messaging You Can't Ignore

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a new government requirement for businesses to identify their beneficial owners and share practical tips based on my own e...

Using SWOT for your Small Business

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss the importance of SWOT analysis in evaluating a business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and t...

When Your Customer is Wrong

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when your customer is W-R-O-N-G?! Listen in for 18 minutes, and you’ll find out how to maneuver your way around customers that are cl...

How Not to Treat Critics - a Dark eBay Story

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss paying tuition with credit cards, utilizing credit card points for benefits, interstatement payments, on...

Millionaire Habits

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Business Brain, we discuss the impact of news consumption habits and the importance of being intentional about the content we consu...

Mitigating Employee Apathy

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss standing out on Twitter, the challenges of managing priorities, employee apathy, and fostering enthusias...

Just In Time Mania + Imposter Syndrome

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you manage your time when dealing with chaos in your business and personal life? That’s the discussion as we begin episode 513 of Business Br...

Happy New Year, are You a Criminal?

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the first Business Brain of 2024, and we ask the question: Are you a criminal but don’t know it? The federal government just rolled out the n...

Bank Scams and a New Business for Shannon

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How good are you at spotting scams? You might be surprised that even the most tech-savvy among us can fall victim to fraud. Listen in as Dave Hamilton...

Should You Kill Your Business?

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

People are important. Dave and Shannon discuss the benefits of increasing your social and business circles on this episode of Business Brain, followed...

Change is Coming. Are You Ready?

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are two critical topics discussed on this episode of Business Brain: Always ask for the NO. What happens when change punches you in the face? Li...

Finding Your Noble Cause

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s talk about what is standing in the way for you to succeed. That’s the intro topic for episode 508 of Business Brain. Then, we jump into our ...

What is your USP?

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for episode 507 of Business Brain! We start the show by introducing a concept called the people pyramid for entrepreneurs. It represents the d...

The Wisdom of Charlie Munger

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Amidst our live streaming conversation, we touch upon the topic of incorporating video into our podcast. The potential of expanding our presence on pl...

Outsmarting Chaos

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we delve into the strategies for managing chaos and staying productive. Join your hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon J...

Selling (Yourself On) Your Business

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Business Brain podcast, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean reflect on their experiences during the Thanksgiving holiday. Dave share...

Wrong Business Broker = 50% Loss

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 503 of Business Brain, we discuss the debate between goal-setting and establishing systems. We emphasize the power of systems and the impor...

Reverse Storytelling + Story Branding

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for episode 502 of Business Brain to hear about one of the most potent motivation systems we have ever found: Reverse Storytelling. After we d...

Finding Your Ideal Customer Profile

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Who is your ideal customer? Are you focusing your marketing dollars in the right direction? Join us for episode 501 of Business Brain as we answer lis...

What Have We Learned in 500 Episodes?

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s our 500th episode! Join us as we discuss the journey from our first episodes back in 2015 to today. We discuss the power of persistence and lis...

You're More Productive With AI

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you using AI to enhance your productivity at your business? If not, why not? Listen in today for episode 499 of Business Brain, where we jump into...

Communication as a Competitive Advantage

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We live in an age where answering the phone is a competitive advantage. Good communication is a crucial part of success and a huge opportunity to stan...

Asking For Help Costs Nothing

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us this week for episode 497 of Business Brain, where we dive into the concept of the best methods to get help and how to turn asking for help in...

The Business Brain Productivity Power Up!

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean have been tuning Business Brains for 496 episodes over eight years. This week, we launch our first course series to cer...

Leading by Fear or Respect

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Which is the most effective leadership strategy, leading by earning respect or by using fear with your team? Join us this week as we discuss how there...

Can You Teach Soft Skills?

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Soft Skills for managers and leaders are essential to business and personal success. This week on Business Brain, we ask our audience if these skills ...

Pacing and Leading

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is Pacing and Leading, and how can you use it to become a more impactful leader and better people manager? Join Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean as...

Failure as Education + Knowledge is Reusable

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we dive into the concept of reusing knowledge and content. We start by stressing the importance of continuously imp...

Cost Segregation Studies + Haste Makes Malpractice

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss the concept of cost segregation studies and its potential benefits for prope...

Opening Minds of Close-Minded Customers

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the best way to introduce change to your business? Are big changes easily embraced or are there better methods to get everyone onboard? Liste...

Scale it and Sell it! Business Brain 489

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s talk about how to scale and systemize your business on episode 489 of Business Brain! We will also jump back into the Silver Tsunami concept a...

The Problem Solving Framework

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Problems got you down? Constantly stressed about putting out fires at your business? Employees stressed out in your Customer Service department? We ha...

How to Share Bad News

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to talk about bad news! What is the best way to handle sharing bad news with your employees and customers, and how about with your investo...

Build a Business and Build a Community

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s another Casual Friday episode of Business Brain! Join us as we discuss how talking about your mistakes can build credibility faster than your s...

To Build or Buy a Business

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What’s better, buying a business or starting your own? Join Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean in discussing the pros and cons of building or buying on ...

Employees, Contracts and Emergencies

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a grab bag of topics for this Casual Friday episode of Business Brain! Shannon shares his experience with a contractor who doesn’t make appoi...

Tenacity and Commoditization

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for episode 483 of Business Brain to discuss the power of perseverence and tenacity when building your business. We then jump into a discussio...

Working With Your Spouse

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss the concept of “no phone Friday” for improved focus and productivity. We address imposter syndrome a...

Hiring Your First Employee

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When is the right time to hire your first employee? How do you decide what role they need to play? Do you need a salesperson, an admin, or an assistan...

The Business of Snoop + Imposter Syndrome

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Business Brain, we discuss how artists are monetizing their stories through storytelling in the music industry. We highlight our sp...

Tips from Atomic Habits Author James Clear

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss the emotional impact of leaving a leadership role and offer valuable advice on finding fulfillment after...

Slippery Math and The Focus Trap

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is Slippery Math, and how can it help you live a pre-tax lifestyle? And should you be focused on focusing? Listen in and learn why Shannon doesn’...

The Master Mind Hack and Your X/Twitter Profile

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss strategies for avoiding procrastination and maximizing productivity. We share our personal experiences a...

Barefoot Investor and Attracting Luck

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Casual Friday on Business Brain! Listen in as we discuss the Barefoot Investor series of books for adults and kids to learn about finance and m...

Running Your Business as a Shareholder

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss various topics, including surge protection, e-commerce platforms, understanding website visitors, transi...

Procrastination and A Business Brain for Kids

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a Pro at Procrastination? Join us for episode 474 of Business Brain for tips on fighting the battle to get stuff done. We then jump into a dis...

The Avoid at All Costs List

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we delve into various topics related to technology, marketing, and personal development. We start by discussing the...

Secret Management and Adding Value

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you using your Business Brain to secretly manage people and projects outside of work? If not, why not? Listen in today as we share a listener tip ...

A Different Conversation with David Morris

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 466 of Business Brain, we discussed David Morris’ ideas about why being different is better than being better when making sales. We conne...

Our Favorite Business Tools

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Casual Friday on Business Brain! Join your hosts, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, discussing their favorite business software tools. Oh, and D...

Employee Onboarding Master Class

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode of Business Brain, we explore the topic of welcoming and onboarding new employees. We came across a tweet from Harris Fanaroff th...

Take Out The Trash!

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we delve into the importance of being in service to your employees as a business owner. We believe that it’s not ...

The Beginners Mind + Multi-Level Employees

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss handling inappropriate social media posts by employees, the importance of mindful online content sharing...

Time to learn Your ABDs – Business Brain 466

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How well do you know your ABDs? On this episode of Business Brain, your hosts, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, dive into a discussion about the power ...

When to Change Your Business Model

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What happened to downtime? When should you leave your phone behind, and what is all the hoopla around No Phone Friday? Listen to this episode to hear ...

Labor Perception Bias and an Eeyore Outlook

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us this week for episode 464 of Business Brain! We discuss the importance of training yourself, your customers, and your employees to battle Labo...

Small Business CRM + Parkinson's Law

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss the importance of dedicated “play time” for exploration and research. We address a listener’s ques...

AI Lawyers + What Didn't You Tell Us?

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should you be using ChatGPT to help with business legal issues? Join us for episode 462 of Business Brain to discuss AI legal advice’s pros and cons...

Getting Paid + Our Customer Service Maxim

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone has a story about a contractor not billing them for work completed. Why does this happen, and what steps can you take to avoid this issue? Li...

Time Flexing and Balanced Comparison

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Being in control of your time is the ultimate flex! Join us for episode 460 of Business Brain as we tune our minds into the concept of flexible time b...

How to Get Rich Without Getting Lucky

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us today for an important episode of Business Brain, where we dive into a series of Tweets by Naval Ravikant. Learn how to exponentially impact y...

Living a Pre-Tax Life

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for episode 458 of Business Brain as we discuss one of the greatest unrealized methods to improve your life and build wealth. Learn why a simp...

Steve Jobs, Rick Rubin, Good Taste and Imposter Syndrome

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do You Trust Your “Taste”? How do you learn what good taste is, and can you refine it over time? Join us for episode 457 of Business Brain, where ...

Apple Vision Pro and a Down Year

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Will Apple’s new Vision Pro “spatial computer” impact your business? What opportunities are coming our way as AI and new devices create new ways...

Six Things Not to Say at Work

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What terms should never be said at work? Join us as we discuss the Six Things Not to Say at Work on this episode of Business Brain! 00:00:00 Business ...

Driving Results: Cultivating a Sense of Urgency in Your Business

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The ability to act swiftly, make decisions promptly, and prioritize tasks effectively can be the defining factor between success and mediocrity. In th...

Effort Equals Success: Business Insights for Entrepreneurs

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Effort is the critical backbone of business success, often overlooked amidst discussions on strategy, innovation, and capital. It’s the engine that ...

Celebrate Business Milestones

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrating milestones, acknowledging employees’ contributions, and rewarding employees that share your company values. These are all tactics that n...

Listener Red Flag Stories – Business Brain 451

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this follow-up episode to our Red Flag discussion, we hear from you about what Red Flags you have encountered when making decisions. Listen in as S...

Let's Steal Costco's Strategies

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can you use Costco’s persuasion strategies in your business? You can and on this episode of Business Brain, we dive into Costco’s 7 Principles of ...

Customer Red Flags - Identifying and Disconnecting

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 449 of Business Brain, we delve deep into the art of recognizing red flags in business relationships. Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean share ...

Does Scarcity Sell? And When to Keep Your Mouth Shut

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you react when a salesperson uses the “this deal expires when I leave” method to try and force you to buy from them? Today on Business Brai...

Magic Phrases and Sentence Stems

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Magic Phrases and Sentence Stems can vastly improve communication in your business. Use them in your sales department to close more deals, in your cus...

Finding a Mentor and 
Listener AI Advice

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Business Brain, we discuss how to find and connect with a mentor, along with listener comments about the real-world use of AI progr...

The Whistle, The Workhorse and The Whale

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Business Brain is a podcast by, for, and about entrepreneurs. In this episode, hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss the importance of utilizin...

Negotiating as a Nice Guy. Plus an AI Update You Don't Want to Miss

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Does being a “nice guy” hurt you when negotiating deals? Dave shares his follow-up with the buyer of the MacObserver and counts is “pre-paid” ...

What's More Important, Justice or Productivity?

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is more important for your success? Seeking justice in a situation that may take months of time and significant financial resources, or focusing ...

Perspective, Fraud and When to Stop - Listener Questions and Comments

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this April 21st, 2023 episode of Business Brain, the show for entrepreneurs, Robert shares his stress-relieving practice of taking a lunchtime walk...

How to Operationalize Your Business with David Moss

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

David Moss from Thasis LLC is joining us on Business Brain to discuss operationalizing your business. Having worked in technology sales, executive man...

Changing Your Perspective and Environment

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of Business Brain dives into the idea of changing one’s perspective and environment. Dave Hamilton from New Hampshire and Shannon Jean ...