Today, Sean sits down with Bruce Smith, a seasoned C-suite executive with over 30 years of experience in leadership roles across start-ups and large corporations. Bruce shares invaluable insights on leveraging data and business analytics to create actionable plans, emphasising the importance of transforming raw data into meaningful information. He discusses strategies for entrepreneurs in the prelaunch phase to validate their business ideas and tailor their pitches for different types of investors.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Entrepreneurs should not be intimidated by data; instead, they should focus on transforming raw data into actionable information that can guide decision-making and action plans.

• Before launching a business, entrepreneurs should conduct thorough research using articles and case studies to validate their business ideas and understand market expectations, avoiding confirmation bias.

• When seeking investment, it's crucial to tailor your business plan and pitch to the specific audience, whether it's venture capitalists, private equity, or state development corporations, as each has different risk tolerances and expectations.

• For start-ups, cash flow is vital. Entrepreneurs should prioritise understanding their cash flow statements to ensure they are generating cash from operations and using it effectively to sustain and grow the business.

• When assembling a leadership team, it's important to find individuals who share your values but can also challenge your ideas. This diversity in thought can lead to better decision-making and innovation.

BEST MOMENTS

"Don't be daunted by data, but really seek information because that's what you need in order to develop action plans and make decisions."

"If the fundamentals of the business plan are not compelling, then the financial forecast data may not even matter."

"You have to be obsessed with all results, not just financial results. Know about all your competition, all your stakeholders, employees, potential customers, vendors."

"Manage your expectations of yourself before even thinking about managing the expectations of others."

"There's always going to be something challenging you. And if you never walk away from it, it's always going to be there."

HOST BIO

Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist.

With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it.

Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need.

If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Sean sits down with Delaney Mikolaycik as she shares her inspiring journey as the owner of Little Wildflowers, an in-home childcare business. Delaney discusses her background in working with children and how the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic led her to discover grant funding opportunities for starting her day care. She provides valuable insights into the process of securing grants, navigating licensing requirements, and the importance of mentorship in the childcare industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Delaney discovered grant funding available due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed her to start her in-home childcare business without needing to invest personal funds. This funding was crucial for renovations and acquiring quality materials.

• Engaging with mentors and coaches from organisations like ECPAC provided essential guidance throughout the process of starting her day care. Their support helped navigate licensing requirements and improve the quality of care offered.

• Initially, traditional advertising methods did not yield results. Delaney found success by leveraging social media and local mom groups, demonstrating the importance of understanding the target audience for effective marketing.

• Operating the day care from home allows for flexibility, but Delaney emphasises the importance of creating boundaries between work and family time, ensuring that her children have dedicated playtime away from the day care environment.

• Running the day care not only provides financial support but also allows Delaney to stay home with her children and contribute positively to her community by offering a nurturing environment for other kids, highlighting the personal rewards of entrepreneurship.

BEST MOMENTS

"COVID had wiped like 30% of the childcare in Colorado."

"It's definitely something worth looking into, if you can help certain underserved communities."

"I think starting with trying to find a mentor is like definitely step one, I would say."

"I was so anxious about being like, Oh, he's gonna have to share me."

"If you go online and look up the rules and regulations, it's like so much paper."

HOST BIO

Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist.

With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it.

Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need.

If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In today's episode, Sean O'Hara sits down with Chris Adams, founder and CEO of Adams Engineering Solutions and Adams Business Coaching. Chris shares his journey from being a computer technician in the U.S. Air Force to launching his own successful IT services firm that supports federal agencies and private sector clients. He discusses the challenges he faced in building his business, the importance of mentorship, and the strategic decisions that led to his success, including the significance of having an exit strategy.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Having a mentor can significantly impact an entrepreneur's journey. A mentor can provide guidance, inspiration, and valuable insights, but it's crucial to ensure that the mentor is actively engaged and aligned with the mentee's goals.

• Building relationships and partnerships with established companies is essential for new businesses looking to enter the government contracting space. Utilising certifications, such as being a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, can open doors to set-aside contracts.

• Effective time management is critical for entrepreneurs. Utilising a calendar to block out time for specific tasks, including personal and family time, helps maintain a balance between work and life, ensuring that business owners do not neglect their personal lives.

• Entrepreneurs should consider their exit strategy early in their business journey. Whether planning to sell the business or pass it on to family or employees, having a clear exit strategy can help maximise the business's value and ensure a smooth transition.

• Conducting a thorough analysis of a business's finances, operations, and customer relationships can reveal hidden revenue losses and inefficiencies. This analysis serves as a foundation for developing tailored strategies to improve business performance and profitability.

BEST MOMENTS

"The first five years are the most important years when you're starting a business."

"It sounds like you had a mentor who, looking back, was great because he gave you the inspiration to take those first steps."

"You don't fail until you quit. You might have some setbacks, but you didn't fail until you quit."

"A lot of times when you're a business starting out, the government wants you to have past performance."

"You have to have a dream board and say, 'Hey, if you want a summer home, that's what I'm working for.'"

HOST BIO

Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist.

With over 20 years in the entrepreneurial trenches—guiding scrappy startups and Fortune 1000 giants alike—Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it.

Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need.

If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/