On this episode of Business Insanity Talk Radio, we first talk about how to start systematically marketing your business. Next, we’ll dive into big news from the SEC. They’ve finally approved a new measure that will make it easier for entrepreneurs to raise a lot of money through non- accredited investors. We have the exact details on how you can do this for your business. Then, we’ll show you a real example of an entrepreneur who raised money through crowdfunding and now has her product on the shelves Target. After, we’ll introduce you to a new tool that matches you with an accountant. Finally, we’ll hear about what’s new with taxes in 2016.
Listen and enjoy:
Segment 1: Chris Litster has been a member of the Constant Contact team since 2006. He has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and product expansion and now oversees Constant Contact’s global sales and marketing strategy.
2:00 – What were the findings from Constant Contact’s survey of small business marketing?
3:00 – What gets in the way of small business owners setting up a systematic marketing plan?
4:05 – Chris’s suggestions for small business marketing plans.
6:15 – How often should small business be emailing their subscriber list?
7:30 – Where small businesses can find content to send to their lists.
9:00 – What is a good email open and click through rate?
Segment 2: Ron D. Miller is the CEO of StartEngine, one of the nation’s only crowdfunding platforms. His success has been publicly recognized as a four-time Inc. 500/5000 Award recipient and as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award Finalist. As a Venture Partner, Miller brings his deep expertise as a leader and operator at many companies, which he has taken to exit. He is especially passionate about cause-based entrepreneurship and holds the trademark for “Doing Well by Doing Good.”
15:45 – What does the Title III JOBS Act allow entrepreneurs to do?
17:45 – Are there any downsides? Are more people going to lose money?
18:45 – What does this mean for sites like Kickstarter and StartEngine?
19:15 – Why did it take so long for the SEC to implement Title III?
20:30 – Ron’s 3 steps for successful crowdfunding campaigns.
22:30 – What is Title IV of the JOBS Act?
Segment 3: Sarah Burrows is the founder of Modern Sprout. In April of 2013, Modern Sprout launched its first product – an indoor windowsill 3-Pot Wood Planter with an internal hydroponics system hidden inside – on Kickstarter. Receiving both national and international interest, Modern Sprout raised nearly $80,000 in only 35 days. They then went on to get on the shelves at Target.
31:15 – What exactly is Modern Sprout and why were people so excited about it?
33:15 – Sarah’s quick guide to crowdfunding.
34:30 – How was Sarah able to raise $80,000 on Kickstarter?
36:00 – How did Sarah get Modern Sprout into Target?
Segment 4: Jennifer Warawa is the Global Vice President of Product Marketing for Sage. She works with her team in Sage’s accounting business all around the world to innovate and define the future global solutions Sage will develop for accountants.
40:30 – How to find an accountant that will work with you, not intimidate you.
42:00 – Sage’s new tool that will match you with an accountant.
43:30 – How will you know if your accountant relationship is working or not working?
44:45 – Why are small business owners so bad about the financial side of their business?
46:00 – How small business owners can find the financial help that they need.
Segment 5: Linda Forman is a CPA based in Evanston IL. She is the a past winner of the SBA accounting advocate award.
49:35 – What did Congress pass at the end of 2015 that effects taxes?
50:20 – The latest on depreciation deductions for small business owners.
51:00 – What’s new in taxes for 2016?
51:45 – Who do you give 1099’s to?
