It seems we were just talking about our 'word of the year', and now here we are at the end of 2023! Pat is sharing four things he learned this year, but it might surprise you that they aren't huge, earth-shattering lessons, but rather simple truths that could help us all.

Listen in as Pat reflects on the lessons he learned this year, and what worked and what didn't.

Also on this episode:

• Managing People / Small Business - Did you wake up one day and realize that in the process of building a small business, you also became an unofficial manager? Matt Ley, founder and principle of Flip the Script lets us in on some of the warning signs that you're creeping into manager territory.
• Sales / Prospecting / Qualifying Leads - Do you want more sales? Sure, we all do. But there's an important middle step between wanting to make more sales and actually increasing sales in your business. We're talking with Jenifer Frye, CEO and founder of Appreciated Asset, to uncover the secret to that all-important step and how to do it effectively.
• Mindfulness / Goal Setting - What if all of your hopes and dreams for 2024 could come true? Kaitlin Henze, founder of Passion to Profit Consulting shares a different approach to goal setting, using mindfulness. You'll want to hear what she has to say!

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea.

Paid Speaking Bootcamp: Build a profitable speaking business! Get paid every time you step on stage! In 3 days you’ll learn how to shift your message for the stages that pay, find, and book paid speaking gigs, and record footage for your speaker reel. Let International & TEDx Speaker, Wendy Babcock, help you create a new stream of income through paid speaking - https://profit-up.mykajabi.com/paid-speaking-bootcamp.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Paid Speaking Bootcamp

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

What is going on with mortgages!?! We start the show with an interview with Michael Creed, Producing Branch Manager for Luminate Home Loans. Though mortgage rates have come down slightly, they are still quite high. Michael gives us some insight on where things will most likely settle and how lenders are reacting to current and possible future mortgage rates.

Also on this episode:

• Accounting / Bookkeeping - As we wrap up 2023 and head into the new year, have you taken a look at your books lately? Chances are they're probably a bit messy. CeCelia Bos, owner of Bos' Optimal Solutions helps us keep our bad bookkeeping habits from coming with us into 2024.
• Target Audience / Idea Slam - In this "on the air" Idea Slam, we're helping out Claire Skivington, founder of Amor y Asana, a Spanish-language yoga business. Claire's question centers around narrowing down her target audience and how to reach them. This is a question that can benefit all of us, so have a listen!
• Time Management / Goal Setting - You've set your goals, but what steps need to be taken each week to reach those goals? Jenna Piche, Time Management Coach at First Light Coaching is here to help us figure out better calendar management practices to do just that!

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea.

Paid Speaking Bootcamp: Build a profitable speaking business! Get paid every time you step on stage! In 3 days you’ll learn how to shift your message for the stages that pay, find, and book paid speaking gigs, and record footage for your speaker reel. Let International & TEDx Speaker, Wendy Babcock, help you create a new stream of income through paid speaking - https://profit-up.mykajabi.com/paid-speaking-bootcamp.

Mentioned in this episode:

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting...

Tis the season to reflect on the past year, and to anticipate what could happen in 2024. What is working in your business? What needs to be fixed? Is growth happening at a rate that you are happy with? Is growth happening at all? Whew! Asking these questions can get exhausting.

But rather than get overwhelmed with all the questions, today we're talking about gratitude. Entrepreneurship comes with a lot of risk, but with that risk comes the potential to achieve the American Dream. Being gutsy enough to build a small business means you're probably doing something that you LOVE! You're also probably happier than those running the corporate grind. And that's the best gift you could give yourself this season.

Also on this episode:

• Web Design / Marketing - In business, your website is often the first impression potential clients have of you. Kristin Pearson, from Kristin Pearson Design is walking us through what to include and what to avoid on your website so that you look like the expert you are.
• Legal / Being Proactive - As a small business owner, you never know when you might need a lawyer. Carolyn Jahnke, founder of Athena Legal Solutions tells us how and why to use a lawyer, and why it's also a good idea to already have that relationship built before you need them.
• Self-Improvement / Retreat - Do you feel stuck? Krista Morrissey, Chief Growth Officer with Choices Coaching & Consulting is here to help us erase the negative stories we tell ourselves and focus on what makes us shine! If you are in a season of being stuck, register now for Krista's retreat - The Power of Your Journey.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea.

Paid Speaking Bootcamp: Build a profitable speaking business! Get paid every time you step on stage! In 3 days you’ll learn how to shift your message for the stages that pay, find, and book paid speaking gigs, and record footage for your speaker reel. Let International & TEDx Speaker, Wendy Babcock, help you create a new stream of income through paid speaking - https://profit-up.mykajabi.com/paid-speaking-bootcamp.

Mentioned in this episode:

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Paid Speaking Bootcamp

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal...

Have you ever felt that networking events are a waste of time? It's probably because you aren't doing them right.

If you're going to go to a networking event, then NETWORK! Don't spend time on your phone, don't sit in the corner by yourself - you can do that at home! Get yourself into a mind frame to engage with others and then actually do it. And make sure you don't just talk to people you already know. In this episode, Pat outlines a few tips to help you not be boring at networking events and make the most of your time.

Also on this episode:

• 2024 Planning / Marketing - For most of us 2023 is already over when it comes to our businesses, and it's time to start looking to 2024. Heather Schaefer, Strategic Branding Coach and Designer for Branding You Big is helping us break down the steps to creating a marketing plan so we're not left guessing as the year goes forward.
• Taxes / Income - The tax bracket dollar amounts are changing for 2024, so we brought in Arthur Lee, Owner and Founding Partner of Alliance Tax to explain it all and let us know what we need to do.
• Legal / Insurance - Agreements, contracts, insurance, oh my! We can all probably agree that talking about legal issues and insurance can be pretty boring, but what you don't know could put you out of business if you're not careful.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea.

Paid Speaking Bootcamp: Build a profitable speaking business! Get paid every time you step on stage! In 3 days you’ll learn how to shift your message for the stages that pay, find, and book paid speaking gigs, and record footage for your speaker reel. Let International & TEDx Speaker, Wendy Babcock, help you create a new stream of income through paid speaking - https://profit-up.mykajabi.com/paid-speaking-bootcamp.

Mentioned in this episode:

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Paid Speaking Bootcamp

The 2023 Idea Collective Small Business Conference happened a few weeks ago, and though it wasn't a first-time event, Pat learned a few things. It mostly comes down to connection, community and content.

If you like the idea of bringing like-minded people together as well, you're going to want to listen.

Also on this episode:

• Sleep / Health - Your health can have a definite impact on your business. Hally Brooke, founder and CEO of Live Nourished Coaching is back to talk to us about the importance of sleep as a business owner. Sleep is crucial to keeping our brains in top form to make decisions, come up with new ideas, and to concentrate. Taking the time to sleep as a practice can not only better your health, but also have monetary benefits for your business.
• Value > Price / Sales - When it comes to sales, are you hearing "No" more than you're hearing "Yes"? The problem might be in your sale process. Michael Rampolla, strategist and coach at Spearity is giving us tips to convince someone to buy from you and not the competition.
• Vacation Prep / Time Off - If you're not already planning to take some time off at the end of the year, you're already behind where you should be. Pat is sharing the 4 things you can do to prep your small business for time off over the holidays.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea.

Paid Speaking Bootcamp: Build a profitable speaking business! Get paid every time you step on stage! In 3 days you’ll learn how to shift your message for the stages that pay, find, and book paid speaking gigs, and record footage for your speaker reel. Let International & TEDx Speaker, Wendy Babcock, help you create a new stream of income through paid speaking - https://profit-up.mykajabi.com/paid-speaking-bootcamp.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Paid Speaking Bootcamp

A couple of billionaires once told me that "access to capital" was their biggest concern for small business owners. But talking about access to capital and getting capital are two different things.

When it comes to funding a small business, there are four ways to get the money you need. Capital is necessary when running a business because it gives you options and allows you to take a few risks - both are needed when trying to grow a business.

Do you have the cash in the bank to do what you need to do?

Also on this episode:

• Taxes / 2024 Planning - Do you like money? Brent Halfwassen, Milwaukee Small Business Coach, is here talking about the three things you should think about as we approach the end of the year. The activities and behaviors you engage in could result in thousands of dollars in tax savings.
• Economy / Celebration - What does "small business" mean to you, and what does it mean to the economy? When you have a successful small business, it can change your life. So let's celebrate ourselves and the over 30 million small businesses keeping the economy churning!

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea.

Paid Speaking Bootcamp: Build a profitable speaking business! Get paid every time you step on stage! In 3 days you’ll learn how to shift your message for the stages that pay, find, and book paid speaking gigs, and record footage for your speaker reel. Let International & TEDx Speaker, Wendy Babcock, help you create a new stream of income through paid speaking - https://profit-up.mykajabi.com/paid-speaking-bootcamp.

Mentioned in this episode:

Paid Speaking Bootcamp

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Are you getting tired of the corporate rat race and wondering what it takes to become a small business owner? I'm going to break down the things you need to know, on a level just right for those considering becoming first-time entrepreneurs.

Pat starts with trying his best to talk you out of it! Huh? That's right, from your odds of failing to all of the risks involved in starting a business, it's rough out there. If you still want to start a small business after you listen to today's show, you might be just the person for the job!

Also on this episode:

• Bookkeeping / Finances - Beth Carter, The Badass Bookkeeper and CEO of BBA Bookkeeping, is here talking about the 7 habits to being your bookkeeper's best friend. If you don't have a bookkeeper yet, get one!
• Holiday Sales / Promotions – Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday will be here before you know it. Do you have a special offer or discount that you'll be promoting? We talk about how to leverage the busy shopping season the right way.
• Giving Thanks / Preparing for 2024 - Thanksgiving = food, family and football! Hopefully you also get some time this weekend to reflect on how your business faired this year, and then give thanks for all of it. What's working right now in your business? What will you do different in 2024 that you didn't do in 2023?

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea.

Paid Speaking Bootcamp: Build a profitable speaking business! Get paid every time you step on stage! In 3 days you’ll learn how to shift your message for the stages that pay, find, and book paid speaking gigs, and record footage for your speaker reel. Let International & TEDx Speaker, Wendy Babcock, help you create a new stream of income through paid speaking - https://profit-up.mykajabi.com/paid-speaking-bootcamp.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Paid Speaking Bootcamp

Something has happened in the small business community. It feels almost like a changing of seasons. During Covid, many of us became entrepreneurs for the first time. But it wasn't easy because we were trapped in our homes with our big ideas, and there was nothing to do about those ideas. And we were forced to get clear on the "Why" of what we were attempting to do to keep us motivated.

The Era of Why carried us for a while, but now we are being pushed toward a new era. I feel a shift coming that is moving us all in a different direction. No longer are we being motivated by meaning and purpose, because those don't pay the bills! It's now about how am I going to manage the people working for me, how am I going to start making some real money, how do I build better relationships, etc?

What's your "How" and what are you going to do about it?

Also on this episode:

• Branding / Business Strategy - What came first, the business or the brand? According to Nydia Mauras-Jones, Founding Partner and Director of Strategy for Odvant Creative, your brand is the basic framework for your small business. Not only that your branding affects every part of your business. Listen up, while Nydia shares why good branding goes well past just having a logo.
• AI / Content Creation – AI is changing how we all do business. Elzie Flenard, III, The Mayor of Podcast Town is here to share his 4 favorite AI tools and how mastering them will move you lightyears ahead of the competition.
• CEO Time / Change of Focus - What will you do different in 2024 that you didn't do in 2023? Pat shares the phrase that gave him some food for thought. Find out what it is and how it could help you change the focus of how you are spending your time in your business.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea.

Paid Speaking Bootcamp: Build a profitable speaking business! Get paid every time you step on stage! In 3 days you’ll learn how to shift your message for the stages that pay, find, and book paid speaking gigs, and record footage for your speaker reel. Let International & TEDx Speaker, Wendy Babcock, help you create a new stream of income through paid speaking - https://profit-up.mykajabi.com/paid-speaking-bootcamp.

Mentioned in this episode:

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting...