As election season heats up, we’re breaking down how political economics could make or break small businesses in the year ahead. From proposed tax changes to corporate policies, we dissect the stark contrasts between Harris and Trump on business taxes, revealing what these shifts could mean for your bottom line. Drawing lessons from economic crises like COVID-19, we explore the tightrope small businesses walk between staying profitable and keeping teams afloat, highlighting how the next election could tip the balance.

What happens when political promises clash with business realities? We dive into the friction between rising minimum wage demands and the growing role of tech, discussing how small businesses can stay competitive amid changing labor laws. With real-world cases, including Apple’s tariff struggles with China, we uncover strategies for navigating unpredictable trade and labor regulations, showing how profit margins drive growth, jobs, and benefits.

And then there’s healthcare—will policy changes lighten or worsen the load on small business owners? We compare the American healthcare system with universal models, examining the pros and cons as California grapples with its own financial hurdles. Wrapping up with a fresh look at tipping practices, taxes, and cultural norms, we consider how the upcoming election could redefine everything from your payroll to your profits.

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Dive into the world of world-class hospitality and learn how the principles of unforgettable service can transform any business. Sarah Jenkins, who recently toured some of Europe's most iconic destinations, shares how the small details and genuine connections she experienced abroad have reshaped her approach to customer experience. This episode reveals why building deeper relationships with customers is essential in a market where loyalty is everything.

We discuss the power of empowering your team, looking at how great brands and businesses turn every touchpoint into a memorable experience. From luxury hotel vibes to practical tactics, we cover what it means to bring consistency, care, and thoughtful decision-making into your brand’s experience—because satisfied customers start with a well-prepared team.

Finally, we explore why personal touches and milestone celebrations can transform customers into lifelong fans. With insights on using love languages and learning from top brands like Zappos, you’ll discover actionable ways to elevate your customer service, create deeper connections, and stand out in competitive markets. This episode is packed with real, actionable ideas for anyone in the business of building loyalty and trust.

Ready to fund your business the smart way? Join Ricky Brazee, owner of Business Funds Marketplace, as he shares how and when to seek additional capital—without relying on traditional banks. From revenue-based financing to the importance of cash flow and credit, Ricky gives you the inside track on what lenders really want in a loan application. You'll learn why equipment financing demands higher credit scores, how to build business credit, and how to avoid common loan pitfalls. Whether you're expanding or just need new equipment, this episode is packed with insights to help you make savvy financial decisions and unlock growth for your business.

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Is it possible to transform the way you think about marketing expenses? Explore innovative strategies with us as we challenge the misconception that effective marketing for small businesses must break the bank. Promising you a new perspective, we discuss the benefits of acquiring marketing skills independently versus outsourcing to experts. With practical examples, such as assessing podcast production costs, we illustrate how to view marketing as an investment with potential high returns rather than a burdensome expense.

Discover how service providers, like chiropractors, can reclaim their time and maintain income through unconventional strategies. We introduce the concept of "selling your sawdust," a creative approach that involves monetizing unique knowledge and systems developed over time. This strategy not only offers additional revenue streams but also provides a pathway to achieving a sustainable work-life balance, liberating professionals from the constraints of a packed schedule without sacrificing their financial stability.

Authenticity can build a community, and we explain how documenting your genuine experiences can foster a supportive tribe on social media. By sharing personal stories and insights, you can cultivate an engaged audience that backs your business ventures. We stress the importance of maintaining sales and revenue, especially during tough economic periods, and offer strategies to maximize advertising investments to stand out in a crowded market. Learn how prioritizing proactive sales efforts and leveraging personal authenticity can help your business thrive, even in challenging times.

In this listener-driven Q&A episode of Paid to Create, we break down the art of building a loyal fan base by staying true to your brand’s core values, rather than trying to please everyone. From crafting bold messages to leveraging shared beliefs—even the controversial ones—we explore how standing firm in what you believe can create strong, lasting communities.

We dig into practical marketing essentials across different platforms, like why Apple’s brand loyalty crushes Android’s and what really works for Facebook and Instagram ads. Expect actionable insights that will help you grab attention, avoid common mistakes, and optimize your SaaS business’s ad performance.

Here’s a peek at the questions we tackle:

• How do you appeal to both hardcore fans and people on the fence?
• How do you balance hype with tangible value when launching a new product or service?
• How can I bring certainty into my SaaS business marketing when features keep evolving?
• What metrics should I track in Facebook and Instagram ads, and what rookie mistakes should I avoid?

Whether you're a business owner or just getting started, this episode delivers real-world strategies to strengthen your brand, attract the right customers, and drive growth. Tune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!

What happens when genuine beliefs and good intentions transform into rigid control and manipulation? In this episode, Sarah Jenkins shares her unique experience growing up in a group that would later be recognized as a cult. But unlike the dark, harrowing stories you might expect, Sarah’s journey reveals a more complex reality—one where resilience, critical thinking, and a strong sense of self helped her see through the control.

From strict morning devotionals to enforced dress codes, Sarah uncovers the subtle psychological tactics cult leaders use to maintain authority and obedience. Yet, she also draws a fascinating contrast between fear-based control and the reward-driven systems, like those in Amway, that gave her a different perspective on motivation and loyalty.

As we dive deeper, we explore the powerful parallels between cult dynamics and business practices. How can structured routines shape personal and professional growth? What can entrepreneurs learn from the way cults build loyalty—and what ethical boundaries must never be crossed? Join us for a conversation that blends eye-opening personal stories with critical insights on leadership, motivation, and building strong communities with integrity.

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What if understanding the power of certainty could not only transform political campaigns but also revolutionize your business strategy? In this episode of Paid to Create, we break down the recent presidential debate between Trump and Harris, honing in on how mastering language and confidence can sway public opinion—and how these same tactics apply to business and marketing. We compare Trump’s bold, assured communication style with Harris’s more cautious approach, emphasizing how a clear stance and confident messaging can win over not just voters, but also your target audience.

Drawing parallels between political messaging and product marketing, we use Trump’s media tactics as a compelling case study. From leveraging platforms like TikTok to rethinking how age and branding play into public perception, this episode connects the dots between political campaigns and business strategies. How did Obama change the game with social media? How can you use those same lessons to connect with younger consumers and grow your business?

We also dive into personal branding, comparing figures like Trump, Zuckerberg, and Musk with Harris’s more subdued image, and discuss how your personal brand can influence your business success. Whether it’s engaging voters or customers, the art of sound bites, media influence, and clear communication remains the same. And for the business-minded, we dig into taxing unrealized gains and how policy impacts different socioeconomic groups—because yes, even taxes can teach you something about marketing.

This episode is packed with insights on political marketing, personal branding, and the essential strategies for engaging your audience—whether in the voting booth or the marketplace. Tune in and get ready to transform how you think about business, marketing, and influence.

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This teaser is your heads-up: Season 2 of Paid to Create is on its way. AJ and I have been off the mic for a year, but we’ve been working behind the scenes—running companies, writing books, and getting ready to bring you the best content yet. This season, we’re going all in on practical business strategies that cut through the noise. We’ll cover everything from smart marketing tactics to navigating economic chaos, with a no-fluff, real-world approach. Buckle up, because Season 2 is all about helping you win.

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