The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.
The How of Business - how to start, run and grow a small business - is a weekly show for aspiring Entrepreneurs and existing Small Business Owners. If you are looking for actionable advice, tips and techniques on how to start (including launching or buying your first small business), run and grow your small business, this is the podcast for you! In each episode we either discuss a business topic, or interview an existing small business owner or business service provider. The How of Business is hosted by Henry Lopez who shares the knowledge and experience he has acquired over...
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Annual Strategic Planning
<p > A practical 10-step guide to creating your small business strategic plan for the year ahead.</p> <p >Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/590-annual-strategic-planning/</p> <p > In this episode, Henry Lopez breaks down how to create a clear and practical strategic plan for the year ahead, without overcomplicating the process.</p> <p > Strategic planning gives small business owners a roadmap for growth, helping them stop reacting and start leading with intention.</p> <p > 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...
The Referable Client Experience with Stacey Brown Randall
<p > 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.</p> <p >Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/589-stacey-randall-referable-expereince/</p> <p > In this episode, Henry Lopez welcomes back referral expert Stacey Brown Randall to explore how small business owners can generate referrals naturally, without asking.</p> <p > 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 t...
Bookkeeping Essentials with Jodi Arrant
<p > Bookkeeping essentials for small business with Jodi Arrant, including best practices, and the biggest mistakes to avoid in small-business bookkeeping.</p> <p >Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/588-jody-arrant-bookkeeping-essentials/</p> <p > 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.</p> <p > 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.</p> <p > They also...
Eisenhower Matrix Prioritization
<p > 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.</p> <p >Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/587-eisenhower-matrix-prioritization/</p> <p > 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.</p> <p > 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...
Rethinking Hourly Worker Motivation
<p > 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.</p> <p >Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r393-rethinking-hourly-worker-motivation/</p> <p > 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.</p> <p > 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...
The Power of Play in Business with Cas Holman
<p > 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.</p> <p >Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/586-cas-holman-play-in-business/</p> <p > 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.</p> <p > From her early projects like Rigamajig and playful installations at New York's High Line to working with teams at Google, Nike, and...
Crafting Your Sales Pitch
<p > Learn a simple, repeatable framework for crafting an effective sales pitch that connects, communicates value, and inspires action.</p> <p >Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/585-crafting-your-sales-pitch/</p> <p > 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.</p> <p > Henry explains that every great sales pitch starts with understanding your audience (your ideal client or avatar...
Essential Legal Tips with Wesley Henderson
<p > Attorney and entrepreneur Wesley Henderson shares practical legal insights every small business owner needs to protect their business and operate with confidence.</p> <p >Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/584-wesley-henderson-legal-tips/</p> <p > 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.</p> <p > 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 v...
Scaling a Software Startup with Joshua Talbert
<p > Engineer-turned-entrepreneur Joshua Talbert shares his journey from defense contractor to tech startup founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai.</p> <p >Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/583-josh-talbert-software-startup/</p> <p > 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.</p> <p > 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.</p> <p > Joshua highlights the critical importance of strong partnerships, adaptability, and customer feedback...
Broken Windows Theory for Small Business
<p > 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.</p> <p >Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/582-broken-windows-theory/</p> <p > 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.</p> <p > Henry shares examples from New...
