In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast, host Jason interviews Kirsten Carey, founder of Evolve Consulting, who has over 30 years of sales experience and is a specialist in helping small business owners become expert closers. Kirsten shares her journey from sales consulting to overcoming significant health challenges, to building successful businesses including wellness centers and health consulting practices. She discusses the importance of small business owners understanding the fundamentals of sales and the common mistakes they make. Kirsten also talks about her unique, human-centered approach to sales and the impact of AI on the industry. Don't miss the actionable advice and insights on how small business owners can thrive even in challenging economic climates.

00:00 Introduction to the Small Business Podcast

00:05 Meet Kirsten Carey: Sales Expert and Health Consultant

01:32 Kirsten's Journey: From Sales to Health and Back

02:34 The Importance of Sales for Small Business Owners

04:52 Transitioning Back to Sales Consulting

06:22 The Role of Small Businesses in the Economy

08:31 Kirsten's Unique Approach to Sales Consulting

10:44 Recent Projects and Market Shifts

15:32 The Impact of AI on Sales and Consulting

18:32 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Questions

21:00 Conclusion and How to Connect with Kirsten

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast, host Jason interviews JD Walter, President of Waltric, on the challenges and strategies of developing workforce talent. JD shares insights from his 20 years of experience, including his time in the US Navy, on creating effective training programs tailored to meet specific business needs. The discussion covers the importance of human resilience, the role of emotional intelligence, and the critical aspects of technical skill development across all organizational levels. Whether you're a small business owner or a manager, tune in to learn how to retain and nurture your talent to drive business growth.

00:00 Introduction to Workforce Development Challenges

00:43 Meet JD Walter: Experience and Insights

01:27 Lifecycle Approach to Training Programs

02:31 The Importance of Retaining Talent

03:12 JD's Journey from Navy to Training Expert

05:02 Technical vs. Human Skills in Training

07:25 Challenges of Promoting Technicians to Managers

10:40 The Process of Workforce Development

14:21 Future Vision for Waltric

19:34 Lightning Round: Quick Questions with JD

22:08 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast, we dive deep into digital marketing strategies with Kevin Howell, the founder of 3 29. Kevin shares his journey of 25 years in the agency world, focusing on web development and lead generation. He discusses the challenges and successes of running his own agency and a recent merger that synergized their services. Kevin emphasizes the importance of content strategy, holding agencies accountable, and the impacts of AI on the industry. Learn how to differentiate your business, understand the marketing landscape, and why controlling your entrepreneurial destiny is crucial. Stay tuned for valuable insights and tips on navigating your business growth and marketing strategies.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:33 Meet Kevin Howell: Founder of Three29

00:54 Kevin's Journey in Digital Marketing

01:22 Specialties and Services of Three29

03:24 Challenges and Successes in Entrepreneurship

04:32 The Big Merger: Insights and Experiences

14:38 The Future of Digital Marketing

16:47 Advice for Small Business Owners

19:14 Lightning Round: Quick Questions with Kevin

20:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts