A practical 10-step guide to creating your small business strategic plan for the year ahead.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/590-annual-strategic-planning/

In this episode, Henry Lopez breaks down how to create a clear and practical strategic plan for the year ahead, without overcomplicating the process.

Strategic planning gives small business owners a roadmap for growth, helping them stop reacting and start leading with intention.

Henry walks through a 10-step framework that includes reviewing the previous year, refining your vision, conducting a SWOT analysis, defining strategy, setting goals and KPIs, breaking plans into quarterly actions, budgeting, and executing with discipline.

He also explains why strategic planning matters even when circumstances change: "If we don't plan, then you really have no path to follow… things will happen to you instead of you making things happen."

This episode is designed to help you clarify where you're going, stay aligned with your long-term vision, make smarter decisions about limited resources, and create a focused plan you can adjust throughout the year.

You'll also learn Henry's five best-practice tips for more effective planning, starting with basing everything on reality, limiting priorities, tracking KPIs consistently, assigning ownership, and ensuring everything leads to real action.

If you want to enter the next year with clarity, confidence, and intention, this episode provides the structure you need.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

A referable client experience is the key to earning organic referrals, and Stacey Brown Randall joins the show to break down how small business can get referrals without asking.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/589-stacey-randall-referable-expereince/

In this episode, Henry Lopez welcomes back referral expert Stacey Brown Randall to explore how small business owners can generate referrals naturally, without asking.

Stacey shares insights from her new book, The Referable Client Experience. She explains why great work alone doesn't create referrals, and why the emotional experience you deliver matters just as much as the deliverables themselves.

Stacey breaks down the three stages of the client experience - new, active, and alumni - and how relationship-building touchpoints in each stage make clients feel seen, supported, and confident referring you.

"Great work gets you repeat business," Stacey notes, "but relationships get you referrals."

Henry and Stacey also discuss how to identify referral "hot zones," reinforce relationships without being pushy, and create organic moments where referral seeds can be planted authentically.

Whether you're a consultant, creative, coach, or service provider, this episode will help you map your client experience, balance work vs. relationship touchpoints, and strengthen the natural referral engine inside your business.

Stacey Brown Randall is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and referral strategist who teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally, without asking, manipulating, or creating awkward moments. Her newest book, The Referable Client Experience, expands her proven framework for building a referral-rich business through intentional client experience design.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Bookkeeping essentials for small business with Jodi Arrant, including best practices, and the biggest mistakes to avoid in small-business bookkeeping.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/588-jody-arrant-bookkeeping-essentials/

This episode brings a practical deep dive into small-business bookkeeping with financial professional Jodi Arrant, who shares her journey, best practices, and the most common bookkeeping mistakes business owners make.

Henry and Jodi talk through essential topics like proper transaction categorization, the differences between Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet statements, and why regular bank reconciliation protects business owners from costly errors.

They also discuss key year-end tasks, including cleaning up uncategorized expenses, preparing for 1099s, and reviewing financial reports before tax time.

"Accurate coding and regular reconciliation are everything - your books simply can't be trusted without them," Jodi explains, offering practical advice for business owners who want cleaner books and clearer financial insights.

Jodi Arrant is the founder of J. Arrant Consulting, a bookkeeping and financial operations firm based in Eugene, Oregon. With over 17 years of experience in bookkeeping, payroll, and QuickBooks consulting, she helps small business owners gain clarity, confidence, and organization in their financial systems. Jodi specializes in simplifying bookkeeping for entrepreneurs so they can focus on growing their small businesses.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to cut through chaos, focus on what truly matters, and make faster, smarter decisions as a small business owner.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/587-eisenhower-matrix-prioritization/

Feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? In this episode, Henry Lopez explains how to use the Eisenhower Matrix—a simple yet powerful framework—to prioritize your daily tasks and regain control of your time.

Originally developed by Dwight D. Eisenhower and later popularized by Stephen Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the matrix helps business owners separate what's urgent from what's important, so they can focus on activities that truly move their business forward instead of reacting to every fire.

Henry walks through how this framework complements the Big Rocks time management approach (Episode 569) and why most entrepreneurs mistakenly live in "urgent mode," constantly firefighting instead of leading strategically. He also shares how the Eisenhower Matrix inspired the creation of his free Task Management Tool, co-developed with his son-in-law, Colin Rhoades, using AI technology.

"What is important is seldom urgent, and what is urgent is seldom important." — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Henry and Colin also discuss how AI made it possible to create this simple browser-based productivity tool in just a few hours - proof that automation can make business life simpler in more ways than one.

Listen to learn how to: Reduce overwhelm by categorizing tasks by urgency and importance. Identify your "Big Rocks" and schedule them intentionally. Use the Eisenhower Matrix for daily and even hourly decision-making...

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Motivating hourly employees starts with a mindset shift. To do it well, it requires rethinking how we lead, communicate, and create purpose for hourly workers.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r393-rethinking-hourly-worker-motivation/

Host Henry Lopez and his original co-host and business partner David Begin explore what it really takes to motivate, manage, and retain hourly or minimum-wage employees.

Drawing from years of experience leading both corporate teams and blue-collar workforces, Henry and David reveal why so many entrepreneurs struggle when managing hourly staff and how a simple but powerful mindset shift can change everything.

They share practical advice for:

Understanding what truly motivates hourly workers beyond money.

Creating a culture of respect, flexibility, and recognition.

Building better systems for onboarding, training, and communication.

Keeping your business both enjoyable to own and a great place to work.

If your business employs and depends on hiring and retaining hourly wage employees, this conversation will help you build a happier, more reliable team by understanding what motivates them..

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Toy designer and educator Cas Holman explores how embracing play can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help small business owners reframe failure as part of growth.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/586-cas-holman-play-in-business/

Cas Holman, renowned toy designer, educator, and author of Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity, shares with host Henry Lopez how play isn't just for children. It's a powerful mindset for entrepreneurs.

From her early projects like Rigamajig and playful installations at New York's High Line to working with teams at Google, Nike, and the LEGO Foundation, Cas has made a career out of turning curiosity and experimentation into design breakthroughs.

Cas and Henry discuss how small business owners can benefit from a more playful approach to work, shifting from rigid outcomes to exploration and possibility. Cas explains her "three essentials for adults to relearn play": release judgment, embrace possibility, and reframe success.

Together they reveal how these principles foster innovation, collaboration, and agility - qualities essential for thriving in today's rapidly changing business environment.

"The most important thing any human can be right now is flexible," Cas shares. "A playful mindset makes us more creative, more agile, and more open to what's possible."

You will be inspired to integrate play into small business meetings, problem-solving, and daily business life. Transforming creativity from a childhood memory into a strategic advantage.

Cas Holman is an award-winning toy designer, educator, and author. Founder and Chief Designer of Heroes Will Rise and creator of the acclaimed Rigamajig building kits, her work focuses on the combination of creativity, design, and learning through play. Formerly a professor of Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design, Cas now consults with companies and teams around the world, including Google, Nike, and Disney Imagineering, on the power of play to inspire innovation.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Learn a simple, repeatable framework for crafting an effective sales pitch that connects, communicates value, and inspires action.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/585-crafting-your-sales-pitch/

Crafting an effective sales pitch isn't about being slick or persuasive - it's about clarity, empathy, and storytelling. In this episode, host Henry Lopez breaks down how small business owners can build a compelling sales pitch using a customer-centered approach inspired in part by Donald Miller's book Building a StoryBrand.

Henry explains that every great sales pitch starts with understanding your audience (your ideal client or avatar), defining their problem, and showing how your solution helps them win.

You will learn six core elements of every great pitch: Audience, Problem, Solution, Differentiator, Proof, and Call to Action. Then, Henry walks through a five-step process that will help you craft and use an effective sales pitch for your small business.

Drawing insights from past guests like Andy Paul, Carole Mahoney, and Ryan Dohrn, Henry shows that clarity and empathy consistently outperform clever slogans and aggressive selling.

Whether you're refining your elevator pitch, rewriting your website copy, or preparing for a formal sales presentation, this episode gives you the structure to tell your business story with confidence and authenticity."

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Attorney and entrepreneur Wesley Henderson shares practical legal insights every small business owner needs to protect their business and operate with confidence.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/584-wesley-henderson-legal-tips/

Disclaimer: The information in this episode is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice; listeners should consult their own attorney for guidance specific to their situation.

From forming an LLC to crafting airtight contracts, this episode is packed with essential legal guidance for small business owners. Henry Lopez welcomes Wesley Henderson, a business attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of multiple ventures including Drafted Legal and Henderson & Henderson Law Firm.

Wesley shares how his early career in corporate law led him to focus on helping entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and proactively protect their businesses. Together, Henry and Wesley explore critical legal fundamentals including when to form an LLC, how insurance differs from legal protection, and why clear contracts can prevent disputes before they start.

Listeners will learn how to navigate partnerships, set up operating agreements, avoid "scope creep" with service contracts, and safeguard intellectual property. Wesley also explains the real difference between LLCs, corporations, and S-Corp elections and clarifying common misconceptions that confuse many first-time business owners.

They also discuss trademarks, non-compete and non-solicit clauses, and how to use ChatGPT safely when drafting or reviewing legal documents. Wesley emphasizes the importance of doing the right things early, not just staying busy because the right legal foundation can save you from future financial and emotional headaches.

"Contracts aren't just for protection," Wesley explains. "They show professionalism and set expectations — they protect you and your clients."

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Engineer-turned-entrepreneur Joshua Talbert shares his journey from defense contractor to tech startup founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/583-josh-talbert-software-startup/

In this episode, Henry Lopez interviews Joshua Talbert, co-founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai, about his entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned in building and scaling startups.

Joshua shares how his engineering background provided the problem-solving skills that have guided his ventures, including the successful growth and sale of his first med tech company.

Joshua highlights the critical importance of strong partnerships, adaptability, and customer feedback, as well as the realities of startup life, where motivation and persistence are essential for the long run.

Reflecting on MySherpas.ai, he explains how their platform transforms commercial lending by streamlining collaboration and communication between lending and borrowing teams, enabling faster go-lives and better borrower experiences.

"It's about breaking down complex challenges into manageable parts," Joshua explains, "and listening to market feedback so you can adapt and keep moving forward."

Joshua shares insights on raising funding, developing MVPs, shifting go-to-market strategies, and building a strong company culture rooted in radical candor and continuous improvement.

Joshua Talbert is the co-founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai, an AI-powered platform improving efficiency in commercial lending. With a background in electrical engineering and a track record of launching and growing successful startups, Joshua brings a unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How small signs of disorder in your workplace can erode culture, safety, and customer trust, and how fixing them builds pride and small business success.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/582-broken-windows-theory/

In this episode Henry Lopez explores the Broken Windows Theory and its direct application to small business environments. Originating from research by Philip Zimbardo and popularized in The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, this theory shows how minor neglect - like graffiti, cluttered offices, or dirty restrooms - signals lowered standards and invites further disorder.

Henry shares examples from New York City's subway transformation, the car wash industry, and restaurants to highlight how seemingly small details shape both customer perception and employee culture. A tidy and well-maintained workplace not only signals professionalism but also enhances safety, efficiency, and morale.

"Little things matter. When we ignore small signs of disorder in our business, we send the message that standards don't count here." – Henry Lopez

This episode challenges you to find and fix the "broken windows" in your small business, setting the tone for excellence.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Entrepreneur Sasha Millstein shares her journey launching Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies and scaling this frozen comfort food brand from idea to shelves.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/581-sasha-millstein-aunt-ethels-pot-pies/

Sasha Millstein, founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies, joins Henry Lopez to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey from concept to scaling a consumer packaged goods (CPG) business.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, Aunt Ethel's has sold over 75,000 units, secured placement in 100+ Wegmans stores, sold out on QVC in under six minutes, and earned features in The New York Times and How I Built This.

In this conversation, Sasha reveals the origin story of Aunt Ethel's, including her family's entrepreneurial influence, the pivotal pop-up that validated the concept, and her innovation of the first-ever two-part pot pie that solves soggy crusts and long cook times.

Sasha also discusses the challenges of packaging, co-packers, funding, navigating consultants, and ultimately landing major distribution.

"In the first three years, I think I cried every single day. But ultimately what keeps me focused is having that North star - you have to know why you started this company." – Sasha Millstein

Listeners will gain valuable insights into perseverance, the realities of the CPG space, fundraising challenges, and why doing your research and knowing your numbers is non-negotiable for entrepreneurs.

Sasha Millstein is the founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies, a Brooklyn-based frozen food company reinventing comfort food with innovation and hustle. Since launching in 2020, Sasha has scaled the brand into national retail and online channels, earning acclaim for her patented two-part pot pie design.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com