The Small Business Expert Blog

Peter Shankman is an entrepreneur, speaker, and worldwide connector, globally recognized for radically new ways of thinking about marketing, customer service, advertising, PR, and social media. He is the author of the new book Zombie Loyalists: Using Great Service to Create Rabid Fans. Peter discusses what is holding small businesses back from providing strong customer service. He provides actions companies can take to improve their customer service and create rabid fans. David Pride is the Owner and Chief Relationships Officer of Social Impressions - a social media marketing agency that crafts strategic content for companies. David gives small business owners ideas for content to post on social media and provides insight into advertising on Facebook and gaining an Instagram & Twitter following. Matt Sapaula is America's money smart guy; he has been the co-host and feature finance-expert on MSN Money's reality television series The Invested Life for two consecutive seasons. Matt discusses how to successfully make the tough transition from a corporate career to starting your own entrepreneurial venture. Dafna Michaelson is the co-founder and president of the Journey Institue for the 50 in 52 Journey, a project for which she traveled across America to all 50 states, spending 52 weeks to find and share the stories of ordinary people doing incredible things in their communities throughout the country. Dafna gives advice for posting pictures on social media and how it can benefit your company. Sponsored by Sage and Nextiva.

Charles Houghton is founder and owner of Charles T. Houghton, P.C., a law firm dedicated to providing business, compliance, licensing and regulatory advice to the recreational and medical marijuana industry. Charles discusses “cannabusiness” - a new and emerging industry of innovative businesses and business opportunities evolving around both the medical and recreational marijuana use - and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Scott Brandt is the vice president of marketing at SurePayroll, where he oversees many levels of technology, including the company website, email marketing, social media, Salesforce.com, and SEO. Scott talks about how small businesses can benefit by outsourcing payroll and which technology is most useful for small business owners. Jill Salzman is currently growing her third entrepreneurial venture, The Founding Moms, the world’s first and only kid-friendly collective of offline meetups and online resources for mom entrepreneurs. She is also the author of Found It: A Field Guide for Mom Entrepreneurs. Jill talks about the first Founding Moms Conference taking place on Monday, October 6 and how people can attend, sponsor, and partner. Dafna Michaelson is the co-founder and president of the Journey Institue for the 50 in 52 Journey, a project for which she traveled across America to all 50 states, spending 52 weeks to find and share the stories of ordinary people doing incredible things in their communities throughout the country. She discusses the importance and best practices of social media etiquette for small business. Sponsored by Sage and Nextiva.

Ryan Blair is a former gang member turned serial entrepreneur, self made millionaire, and CEO & Co-Founder of ViSalus. In March 2013 he became the #1 New York Times Best Selling Author of Nothing To Lose, Everything To Gain, which is now also a documentary. Ryan talks about his Nothing To Lose Mindset as well as the importance of finding a mentor. Jeffrey Krames has spent more than three decades in the world of publishing as editor, publisher, literary agent, and author. During this time, Krames has personally authored---or edited---more than 400 books, including his most recent book Leading with Humility about Pope Francis. Jeffrey explains what others can learn from the leadership style of this prominent religious figure. Steven Bowman is an internationally recognized strategy, risk, and leadership advisor to CEOs and boards worldwide. His is the author of a book called No More Business as Usual and is on the show to discuss where to start when you want to make a change in the way you do things every day. Mark Satterfield is the founder and CEO of Gentle Rain Marketing, Inc where he specializes in working with consultants, advisers, and small businesses on how to get consistent streams of new business. Mark outlines a 5 step marketing system small businesses can use to get a consistent line of customers outside their front doors. Sponsored by Sage and Nextiva.