The Small Business Expert Blog

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.

Bernd Schoner received his PhD from MIT and upon graduating, he co-founded a high-tech startup, which he sold nearly ten years later. His is the author of the new book The Tech Entrepreneur’s Survival Guide: How to Bootstrap Your Startup, Lead Through Tough Times, and Cash In for Success (McGraw-Hill, May 2014). Bernd discusses the harsh realities of a tech startup and how to emerge successful. Simon Lyons, founder of the product design company Version 22, developed Geco Hub - a colorful organizer that hangs on the wall and serves to make sure you always find what you want when you need it. Simon talks about his journey through designing, manufacturing, and distributing a new product and gives recommendations to fellow entrepreneurs.  David Sternlight is CEO of Cabeau, Inc., a travel goods company that sells innovative travel pillows, comfort products, accessories, and on-the-go gear. David's company has surpassed the 10 million dollar mark in just 4 years. He discusses his success and the keys to distributing a new product. Ben Cherby runs a franchise called Floor Coverings International, which provides flooring solutions for residential floors and commercial flooring. Ben talks about the advantages of running a franchise and what it takes to be successful at running one. Sponsored by Sage and Nextiva.

Jared Hecht, co-founder of GroupMe, is now the co-founder and chief executive officer at Fundera, an online marketplace that matches small business owners to the best possible lender. Jared explains the problem small businesses are facing with access to capital and provides a solution for both borrowers and lenders.  Lloyd Shefsky, in addition to serving as a Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship at Northwestern University's Kellog School of Management, is cofounder of several businesses and nonprofits and author of the new book INVENT REINVENT THRIVE: THe Keys to Success for Any Start-Up, Entrepreneur, or Family Business. Lloyd discusses the importance of reinventing yourself and how to do so effectively. Jeff Hoffman, a founding team member and former CEO in the Priceline.com family of companies, is a serial entrepreneur who has successfully scaled and sold multiple companies. Jeff provides insight into how to scale your company to build a real sustainable business.  Alex Feldman is CEO of CrowdsUnite, a resource for online funding. He helps small business with raising money online by educating them about crowd funding and connecting them to the best possible websites and professionals. Alex discusses crowdfunding and whether or not it is a viable alternative for start up entrepreneurs. Sponsored by Sage and Nextiva.