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Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Explore the KeyHire Capacity Calculator: www.keyhire.solutions/capacity Small business owners carry a relentless load. The workday does not end when the doors close, and the pressure to keep pushing can quietly pull leaders away from what matters most: real relationships, good judgment, and the ability to lead with clarity.  In this episode, host Corey Harlock sits down with Jeff Burningham, an entrepreneur and investor who has started, run, or invested in more than 15 companies in tech and real estate, and the author of The Last Book Written by a Human. Jeff shares why being present and aware is not a nice-to-have habit. He frames it as a practical leadership discipline, especially in a world where intelligent tools are everywhere. What you’ll learn - Why presence is a leadership practice, not a personality trait, and how small business owners can build it through simple daily habits. - How “human being” leadership differs from “human doing” leadership, and why wisdom and embodied experience matter as intelligence becomes more commoditized. - How to balance results with relationships, and why the quality of connection with employees, vendors, and customers becomes the ultimate long-term advantage. Jeff and Corey dig into the real tension every owner feels: the need to deliver results without letting the pace become unsustainable. Jeff explains how easy it is to lose the basics when the business demands everything, and why the basics are still the basics for a reason.  From sitting in silence for a few minutes a day, to moving the body, to getting back into nature, Jeff argues that these simple practices help leaders hear themselves, regulate stress, and make better decisions. The conversation also touches on what Jeff learned from his run for governor in Utah during COVID, and how pressure can push leaders toward choices they later regret. The takeaway is clear: presence protects people, culture, and judgment, and it keeps business owners from sacrificing what they actually built the business for. Connect with the Experts Get The Last Book Written By a Human: https://a.co/d/cz4BsHH Learn More About Jeff: jeffburningham.com Connect with Jeff: @JeffBurningham (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook) Connect with Corey Harlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Learn more about KeyHire Solutions: https://www.keyhire.solutions

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/   Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  If you are a small business owner who feels like you are working harder than ever but still not getting the results you want, this episode is for you. In Episode 98 of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with leadership expert and author Paul Thornton to discuss the core skills that make leaders more confident, capable, and effective. Paul Thornton has spent more than 20 years teaching leadership and management. He has written over 30 books, including his most recent title, Leadership Skills: Boost Your Effectiveness. Paul’s goal is to simplify leadership so that anyone can apply it. In this conversation, he and Corey talk about how small business owners can grow their leadership skills and build stronger, more resilient teams . Many entrepreneurs get caught up in the day-to-day work of running their business. They focus on getting products out the door, solving problems, and keeping operations moving. Paul points out that leaders who never make time to develop their own skills or invest in their people often hit a wall. They burn out or stall their company’s growth because they are trying to do everything themselves. Throughout the episode, Paul shares three essential skills that every small business owner needs to master: Coaching – A great leader helps their people improve through feedback, encouragement, and curiosity. Coaching is not about telling people what to do. It is about asking the right questions and helping them find their own solutions. Delegating – Many leaders struggle to let go. They believe that no one else can do things as well as they can. Paul explains how learning to delegate properly allows owners to create more time, develop their team’s confidence, and prevent burnout. Communicating – Clarity and consistency are at the heart of great leadership. Paul and Corey talk about how small miscommunications can lead to frustration, confusion, and unnecessary drama inside a company . Corey adds perspective from years of working with small business owners. He explains that people do not leave companies. They leave poor leaders. Employees want to be heard, understood, and supported. A leader who listens, asks questions, and provides context can transform culture and performance. Both Corey and Paul highlight that these skills are not one-time lessons. Leadership growth is a lifelong process. It requires intention, patience, and honest self-assessment. Paul encourages listeners to take small, specific actions. Start by identifying a few tasks that can be delegated. Schedule regular check-ins with your team. Ask your people, “What is one thing I can do to be a better listener?” These small steps compound over time and create measurable results . The conversation closes with an important reminder. Leadership is not about control. It is about creating the space for others to succeed. When you invest in coaching, communication, and delegation, you create a team that performs better and a business that can grow without you doing it all. Connect with the Experts    Read Leadership Skills: https://a.co/d/0rjjLl7 Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess       Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/   Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment   Every business owner measures success differently. Some focus on profit, others on cash flow or growth. But few truly understand the three numbers that determine whether a company can scale or survive. In this episode, Corey Harlock talks with Dave Saunders, early internet pioneer and founder of Base Reality Group, about the three essential numbers every small business owner must know: revenue, cost, and runway. Before the conversation begins, Corey shares some exciting news. The KeyHire Podcast was named Best Business Consultant by the Best of Small Business Awards, and the show was recently featured in Forbes after economist Bill Connerly referenced one of their past episodes. It has been a rewarding start to the year, and Corey credits the KeyHire community for helping the podcast grow and reach new milestones. Dave’s career began at Lucent Bell Labs, where he helped create the first commercial Wi-Fi hotspot in partnership with Apple. From there, he co-founded Galen Robotics, raised $25 million in funding, and built a reputation for helping founders grow profitable, process-driven businesses. His book, Founders Who Finish, captures much of what he has learned along the way, but today he focuses on the three financial metrics that matter most. Dave explains that many business owners rely on endless dashboards filled with metrics and acronyms that often confuse more than they clarify. He believes success can be simplified into three numbers. Revenue: The total of what is coming in, including both cash on hand and incoming payments.Cost: Every expense required to keep the business operating, both fixed and variable.Runway: The amount of time the company could continue operating if income stopped today.Corey and Dave discuss why understanding these numbers is essential for making smart, timely decisions. They outline what it means when a business has less than three months of runway, how to identify waste in operations, and how to reduce costs without cutting too deep. Dave shares examples of companies that failed to monitor their financial health and the consequences that followed, as well as stories of those that corrected course and grew stronger. The conversation also explores what happens when a company’s growth outpaces the leadership team’s ability to manage it. Corey and Dave talk about the challenges that appear when a business hits the 50-employee mark and the importance of learning to lead through process rather than constant effort. They discuss the self-awareness required for a founder to know when to delegate, bring in new leadership, or evolve their own role. Dave’s insights are practical, clear, and grounded in experience. His approach helps business owners simplify the way they think about performance and make better decisions about growth, stability, and sustainability. This episode offers real-world advice for anyone trying to understand their numbers, build a stronger foundation, and create a business that can grow with confidence. Listen now to learn how to simplify your numbers, make smarter decisions, and build a business that lasts. Connect with the Experts    Learn More about Dave: davesaunders.net Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess       Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment   What if every customer call was answered instantly, every lead was qualified accurately, and your sales team spent 100% of their time closing instead of chasing?  In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Shawn Boehme, Director of Sales at PanTerra Networks, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of inbound sales and customer communication. Shawn shares his insider experience helping small and mid-sized businesses integrate AI-driven sales agents that not only answer calls around the clock but also think like seasoned sales reps. These agents qualify leads, analyze tone and intent, and even match regional accents to ensure every caller feels understood. From there, human salespeople can jump in with complete context, ready to have meaningful conversations and close more deals. As Shawn puts it, “AI doesn’t replace your sales team—it makes them better.” Throughout the conversation, Corey and Shawn dig into what it takes to get AI working effectively in real-world sales environments. Shawn explains how tools like conversational AI and CRM integration enable a seamless handoff between bots and humans, giving sales reps access to detailed customer histories without wasting time on repetitive questions. The result? Happier customers, faster conversions, and fewer missed opportunities. Shawn also breaks down the technical and strategic side of implementation—from tuning AI agents through hours of test calls to ensuring they ask the right qualifying questions 100% of the time. He explains how modern AI can detect emotion and context, improving response accuracy and reducing handle time in customer support situations. And as businesses move away from offshoring and back toward “onshoring,” AI is playing a major role in reducing costs while elevating the customer experience. For business owners, this episode offers a practical roadmap for starting small with AI—whether that means deploying a virtual receptionist, experimenting with Agent Assist, or automating parts of your inbound call process. Corey and Shawn also discuss common mistakes companies make when trying to build AI tools themselves, including underestimating the time it takes to properly train and fine-tune an agent. If you’ve ever wondered how to use AI to qualify leads, improve customer satisfaction, and boost sales performance, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to take the first step. As Corey reminds us, it’s not about replacing people—it’s about helping small business owners stop grinding and start growing. Tune in to learn how AI can help your business capture more leads, improve efficiency, and deliver a better experience for every customer who calls. Connect with the Experts    Learn More about PanTerra Networks: www.panterranetworks.com/ Connect with Shawn: www.linkedin.com Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: bit.ly/KHSuccess       Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/   Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment   Welcome to 2026 and the first episode of the year for The KeyHire Small Business Podcast. Host Corey Harlock starts the year by tackling a challenge that never seems to go away for small business owners: how to build a steady flow of talent when you do not have the budget for a recruiter. Even though the job market is softening, more than 30 percent of small business owners are still struggling to fill open positions. Corey explains why this happens and shares practical, realistic strategies to help owners prepare before a role opens up instead of reacting when it is too late. He begins by defining what a talent pipeline really is and why small businesses should treat it as an investment in stability. Corey focuses on two of the most effective and affordable tools available to any business: employee referral programsand partnerships with trade schools or community colleges. Employee referrals, he explains, provide an incredible return on investment. Referral hires tend to stay longer, perform better, and fit the culture more naturally. The key is to make referral programs meaningful and well funded. Corey describes how small businesses can transform a simple referral bonus into a culture-building event that rewards and recognizes employees who help bring in great people. Next, Corey discusses how to partner with local trade schools and community colleges to create internship or apprenticeship opportunities. These programs provide early access to skilled entry-level talent while giving students real-world experience. The benefits take time to develop, but once established, these relationships create a long-term stream of qualified, loyal employees. Throughout the episode, Corey reminds listeners that every hiring decision should begin and end with respect. Whether it is an employee leaving, an intern starting, or a candidate being interviewed, the way people are treated shapes your company’s reputation. He also warns about a common mistake called “warm body syndrome,” which is hiring out of desperation rather than fit. The result is usually short-term relief followed by long-term pain. Listeners will hear why underfunded or underpromoted referral programs rarely work, how to keep a list of “almost perfect” candidates for future roles, and why your hiring process can be your strongest recruiting tool if done correctly. Corey also offers tips on creating internal pipelines by cross-training and developing existing staff, ensuring that key roles can be filled quickly when turnover happens. By the end of the episode, small business owners will have a clear roadmap for building entry-level and mid-level pipelines, reducing hiring stress, and strengthening their internal culture. If you are ready to make 2026 the year your business grows stronger, smarter, and more prepared, this episode will help you get there. Connect with the Experts    Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess       Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram 

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/   Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  2025 was a year of transformation for business owners and leaders everywhere, and The KeyHire Small Business Podcast was right there with them. In this special year-end wrap-up episode, we’re revisiting some of the most powerful insights and real-world strategies from our guests this year — the moments that challenged the way we think about leadership, operations, and growth in small business. First, we look back at our conversation with Chris Dundee, who reminded us that building smarter systems doesn’t require complicated software or massive budgets. It starts with solving a problem once and never having to solve it again. From QR code-based training tools to practical, measurable learning strategies, Chris showed how small businesses can create accessible, just-in-time training that frees up leaders to focus on growth rather than repetition. His approach to “training once, using forever” was a standout lesson in efficiency and scalability for business owners of every size. Then, Tara Wagner brought the conversation back to balance. In a world obsessed with going viral, she made the case for calm, sustainable marketing strategies. Her “social media business card” concept reminded us that small business owners don’t have to chase algorithms — they can use simple, intentional online presence to validate their credibility and connect authentically with customers. It’s a refreshing message for entrepreneurs ready to build relevance without burnout. Next, we revisited highlights from our first-ever KeyHire Roundtable, featuring Simone Janssen, Kurt Eller, and Young Han — a powerhouse lineup exploring what it really means to hire and lead in a changing market. From Kurt’s push to hire “athletes” instead of resumes, to Simone’s perspective on clarity, fit, and follow-through, this discussion captured what we love most about the KeyHire community: real leaders having honest conversations about how to scale a small business the right way. Finally, Aaron Christie took us inside a story that perfectly captures what 2025 was all about — leveraging technology with purpose. By creating a custom GPT to streamline his company’s roofing estimates, Aaron showed that AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about empowering them. His experiment turned into a blueprint for building repeatable, efficient processes that allow companies to grow without adding unnecessary overhead. It’s the kind of innovation that defines the next generation of small business management. From practical tools to human-centered leadership, this year on The KeyHire Podcast was all about helping entrepreneurs stop grinding and start growing. As we look ahead, we’re excited to bring you even more stories, insights, and breakthroughs in 2026. Stay with us — the best is yet to come. Connect with the Experts        Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess       Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram 

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Conflict. It’s one of those things every small business owner deals with—but few know how to handle well. In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Yvette Durazo, workplace strategist, international speaker, and author of In the Heels of a Smart Negotiator. Yvette has spent more than 14 years helping leaders and teams transform conflict from a source of tension into a driver of collaboration and innovation. If you’ve ever thought, “I love running my business—if it weren’t for the people,” this conversation is for you. Yvette introduces her methodology of Conflict Intelligence (Conflict IQ)—a human-centered approach that goes beyond standard conflict resolution. Instead of treating conflict as a problem to be avoided, Conflict IQ helps leaders recognize it as a natural part of growth and team dynamics. Yvette and Corey dive into why most organizations are still uncomfortable addressing conflict, how punitive HR systems often make things worse, and why emotional intelligence is the foundation for any healthy culture. Yvette breaks down how conflict management ranks among the top 15 most important skills in today’s workplace—right up there with artificial intelligence. Her insights remind us that emotional regulation, empathy, and self-awareness aren’t “soft skills”—they’re business essentials. From her experiences working with small businesses to training executives worldwide, Yvette explains how behavior modification, active listening, and self-awareness create the foundation for “meta-skills”—the ability to adapt your communication and leadership style to any situation. You’ll also hear her powerful story of a business owner who grew his company threefold not by adding more people, but by involving his employees in the process and listening to their ideas. Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a growing company, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on how to: Prevent small disagreements from festering into full-blown issuesCommunicate with empathy and emotional balance—even under stressTurn “taboo topics” like conflict into opportunities for growthBuild a workplace culture where people feel heard, respected, and accountableAs Corey puts it, “When you have people, you have conflict—but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.” If you want to transform friction into forward motion, this episode will give you a roadmap to start doing exactly that. Listen now, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead their team with more confidence, clarity, and compassion. Connect with the Experts    Learn More about Yvette: https://unitiveconsulting.com/en Read In the High Heels of a Smart Negotiator: https://a.co/d/4aYjC7J    Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess       Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram 

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/   Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment    Inflation, tariffs, and rising costs—three words that can send any small business owner into a tailspin. In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock breaks down what’s really happening behind today’s numbers and how you can protect your margins while staying profitable through it all.  Inflation may have cooled from pandemic highs, but at 2.9%, it’s still 50% higher than the Federal Reserve’s target, and small business owners are feeling it even more acutely. Add in new tariffs that cost the average small business $90,000 in just four months, and you’ve got a one-two punch threatening profit margins across the country.  Corey unpacks what these numbers actually mean and, more importantly, what you can do about them. He explains why absorbing costs without a plan can trap your business in a cycle of “opening the doors just to pay the bills,” and how panic-based price increases can alienate loyal customers. Instead, Corey shares real strategies for navigating inflation and tariffs strategically, from transparent, data-driven price adjustments to renegotiating supplier contracts and building supply chain resilience.  Listeners will learn why 65% of small businesses remain profitable despite these pressures, and how adaptability and creative problem-solving are driving that success. Corey outlines key actions every owner should take:  Model different tariff and inflation scenarios. Audit expenses and find “lost pennies” in recurring costs. Invest in smart automation and AI tools that increase efficiency without cutting jobs. Protect your profit margins by focusing on high-performing products and financial reserves. More than just a crash course in economics, this episode is a playbook for survival and growth in unpredictable times. Corey’s message is clear: small business owners who stay informed, act strategically, and communicate transparently can not only weather inflation and tariffs, but emerge stronger and more resilient.  Tune in to learn how to adapt, protect your margins, and reclaim your peace of mind, because at the end of the day, your business shouldn’t just grind to survive. It should grow to thrive.  Connect with the Experts        Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess       Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram 

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  If you are a small business owner who has ever wondered how to get more time back, reduce missed calls, capture more leads, or simply stop juggling tasks from the golf course or the job site, this episode will open your eyes to what is now possible. Corey sits down with Marianne Mlechick, Vice President of Operations at Abby Connect, to reveal how AI powered receptionists are transforming the way small businesses handle communication, scheduling, and customer intake. Marianne brings more than a decade of experience leading operations at Abby Connect, a company that has grown from a handful of people to a full scale team supporting businesses nationwide. She explains how their AI receptionist was trained on more than a million real calls, which allows it to interact with customers in a natural and conversational way. Instead of a stiff phone tree, callers reach a system that can answer questions, recognize intent, and guide them exactly where they need to go. Listeners will hear how business owners are using AI receptionists to gain instant coverage around the clock. Every call is answered. Every new lead is captured. Every detail is recorded. Nothing depends on someone remembering to write something down or call someone back. Whether a caller is asking for pricing, trying to schedule an appointment, or requesting support, the AI receptionist can handle the intake, collect all necessary information, and route the call or schedule time on your calendar. Corey also explores the warm transfer feature, which allows owners to immediately know who is calling and what they want before picking up. This creates a seamless experience for both sides. Marianne explains how custom call flows, unlimited FAQs, and drag and drop setup tools allow owners to tailor the AI receptionist to their exact business needs. From VIP client routing to outbound messages that match your brand personality, the system gives owners more control than they often realize. The episode highlights real results from small businesses that discovered they had been missing far more calls than expected. Once the AI receptionist was active, many saw measurable increases in revenue simply because every inquiry was captured and quickly followed up on. It is a simple shift that prevents opportunities from slipping away during busy days, holidays, or moments when owners are tied up with clients. Marianne also shares how easy it is to get started. Most businesses can complete setup in about 15 minutes. Abby Connect supports new users with onboarding, live technicians, and a 14 day free trial. The cost is surprisingly accessible at roughly 100 to 150 dollars per month depending on call volume. For many owners, landing just one new client covers the entire month of service. If you are curious about how AI can support your business without complexity, this episode will show you what a well designed AI receptionist can deliver. You will hear practical examples, clear explanations, and a simple path for deciding whether this tool belongs in your business. Tune in and discover a smarter way to reduce stress, improve service, and create more space to focus on growth. Connect with the Experts       Learn More about Abby: abby.com Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  Vote for KeyHire: https://thebestofsmallbusinessawards.awardsplatform.com If you employ anyone who works under an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast is one you cannot afford to miss.  Host Corey Harlock breaks down the rule changes that went into effect on October 30, 2025, and what they mean for small business owners across the United States. These updates have quietly transformed how EAD renewals are handled, and if you are not paying attention, they could expose your business to serious fines, penalties, or even criminal charges.  For years, EAD holders were automatically granted a 540-day extension while their renewals were being processed. That safety net is gone. Under the new regulations, if an employee’s EAD expires and their renewal has not yet been approved, they are no longer eligible to work in the U.S. Employers who allow them to continue working could face fines that start at $676 per worker and can climb to $27,000 per worker for repeated violations.  Corey uses his own immigration experience to explain how the different work permits function and why this change matters to small business owners. He keeps it simple, clear, and immediately actionable. This episode is not about fear. It is about taking control, staying compliant, and protecting your business from unnecessary risk.  Listeners will learn how to:  • Identify which employees are on EADs or student visas  • Track renewal dates in a simple spreadsheet  • Use the 180-day renewal window to get ahead of expiration dates  • Communicate clearly with affected employees  • Document renewals to stay compliant  • Build contingency plans and cross-train team members in case renewals are delayed  Corey reminds business owners that EAD renewals typically take three to six months to process, which means waiting until the last minute is no longer an option. He walks through how to set up reminders, manage documentation, and build systems that keep teams working legally and smoothly.  If you are a small business owner who employs workers on EADs, tune in now to learn how to protect your team, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your business running under the new rules.  Connect with the Experts       Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  How do you give honest, critical feedback without losing your best people? That’s the question we tackle in this week’s episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, as host Corey Harlock sits down with Cortney Watson, leadership coach and former COO who helped scale a D.C.-based consulting firm from $10 million to $40 million. Cortney knows firsthand how fast growth can outpace structure—and how poor feedback habits can quietly destroy a company’s momentum. Together, Corey and Cortney unpack why most small business owners avoid critical conversations, and how that avoidance leads to stalled growth, poor culture, and frustrated teams. Cortney shares her proven strategies for building a culture of continuous feedback—one where input flows in both directions, and where accountability is seen as support, not punishment. Cortney explains why feedback shouldn’t just “go down” from leader to employee—it should go up, too. When employees can safely share input with their managers, everyone grows. That’s how small businesses evolve from founder-driven operations into scalable, self-sustaining organizations. In this candid conversation, Corey and Cortney dig into practical frameworks that any small business can implement, including: How to establish trust before tough conversationsWhy timing and tone are everything when giving feedbackThe pitfalls of waiting too long to address performance issuesHow to avoid the dreaded “feedback sandwich” and get real resultsHow strong feedback habits directly impact growth and retentionThey also discuss the deeper side of leadership—what happens when owners let frustration fester, when they fail to hold poor performers accountable, and when they accidentally drive away their top talent. Cortney shares how she helps leaders recognize those patterns early, and replace them with healthy, repeatable habits that build trust and performance over time. Whether you’re running a five-person shop or managing a fast-scaling team, this episode will give you the language and mindset you need to start leading with clarity and confidence. Because great feedback isn’t criticism—it’s coaching. And when you learn to coach your people well, you unlock the potential that drives your business forward. Tune in now to learn how to stop avoiding hard conversations, start building stronger teams, and finally create a culture where people want to stay and grow. Connect with the Experts       Learn More about Cortney: https://cortneywatson.focalpointcoaching.com/ Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  The economy is sending mixed signals. Reports say it is strong, but the markets and hiring data tell a different story. Many small business owners are facing what I call “The Great Hiring Freeze.”  In this episode, I explore what is really happening behind the scenes. Business owners are holding off on hiring because they are unsure about the future. That hesitation is creating stress, burnout, and missed opportunities. I’ll break down why this “wait and see” mindset is costing more than it saves, and how you can make smarter moves to build your team even in uncertain times.  Right now, there are over seven million job openings in the U.S., but only about five million people are actually being hired each month. The problem is not a lack of opportunity. It is a lack of clarity and strategy.  Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:  The Perfect Candidate Trap: How unrealistic job descriptions keep you from hiring good people and why chasing “unicorns” can hold your business back. Overworked Teams and Hidden Costs: Why stretching your best employees too thin leads to burnout and turnover, and what it really costs to lose them. Breaking Analysis Paralysis: How indecision and endless comparison during the hiring process can cause you to miss great candidates. Hiring as an Investment, Not an Expense: How to shift your mindset and start measuring hiring in terms of ROI, whether you are bringing in someone for potential or proven experience. The Myth of Perfect Timing: Why waiting for the “right time” to hire is risky, and how to keep recruiting continuously and strategically. You’ll also hear how to design a hiring process that is both exhaustive and efficient. I’ll explain how to shorten your hiring timeline to about two weeks, avoid panic hires, and stop the cycle of rework and frustration that hurts productivity and morale.  Whether you are looking for a manager or adding frontline support, this episode will help you rethink how and when to hire. You’ll gain practical steps for staying proactive and building confidence in your decisions.  If you’ve been delaying your next hire because you’re unsure what the economy will do, this conversation will help you move from uncertainty to clarity. Hiring can feel risky right now, but waiting can be even riskier.  Tune in to learn how to find, attract, and keep the right people so your business can keep moving forward.  Connect with the Experts        Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess       Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  If you’ve ever stared at your social media feed wondering why it isn’t bringing in business, this episode will change the way you think about Instagram. Host Corey Harlock sits down with Tara Wagner, an accredited small business consultant and creator of the Breakthrough Boss Method, to unpack a smarter, saner way to use social media: the Instagram Business Card Strategy. Instead of chasing viral trends or dancing for likes, Tara shares how business owners can treat Instagram like a digital business card, a simple and strategic presence that validates your credibility when customers check you out. She explains why most small businesses don’t need to go viral to grow and how to turn your social profile into a tool that supports your actual marketing plan, not another full-time job. Together, Corey and Tara break down what to include in your bio, highlights, and posts to build trust and lead visitors to take the next step, whether that’s booking a call, visiting your location, or requesting a quote.   Tara walks through her clear, repeatable framework: - Start with the end in mind. Know the single next step you want potential customers to take. - Craft your bio and highlights with intention. Make it about your audience, not your accolades. - Curate content that answers unspoken questions. Think: “Where do I park?” “What does this place feel like?” “Can I trust these people?” They also talk about common mistakes like boosting posts that hurt organic reach, over-posting without purpose, and following influencer advice that doesn’t fit real business needs. Tara emphasizes that for most entrepreneurs, Instagram’s real value lies in validation, not visibility, and that freeing yourself from the pressure to perform online can give you more time for what actually drives profit. This episode is packed with practical, down-to-earth advice for owners who want results without burnout. Whether you’re a solopreneur or have a small team, Tara’s approach will help you simplify your marketing, attract the right clients, and make social media work for your business, not the other way around. Listen now to learn how to transform your Instagram from a time-sink into a powerful credibility tool, no trends, no dances, no burnout required. Connect with the Experts       Learn More about Tara: xotara.us The Business Card Checklist: xotara.us/socialbizcard Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/  Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment  Training doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In this episode, Corey Harlock talks with Chris Dundy, CEO of Flagship LMS, about how small business owners can create simple, effective, and trackable training programs using tools they already have.  Most small business owners think training requires a huge budget, hours of preparation, and complicated software. Chris explains that with a smartphone, a clear process, and a bit of structure, any business can build training that improves performance, reduces risk, and keeps teams aligned without breaking the bank.  Corey and Chris explore how to move away from seeing training as a cost center and start viewing it as a profit driverthat strengthens consistency, safety, and customer experience. Whether you are onboarding new employees, documenting safety procedures, or standardizing customer service, Chris shows how accessible, just-in-time training can transform operations.  You will learn:  How to use your iPhone and free tools like H5P.org to create and host interactive training videos The easiest way to generate and print QR codes that link directly to training videos or checklists for on-demand access in the workplace How to track engagement and performance without an IT department or expensive software Why short, clear, and practical training (five to seven minutes long) is always more effective than long, overproduced content Chris and Corey discuss the real-world challenges business owners face when trying to train their people effectively. From perfectionism that delays progress to creating content that misses what employees actually need, Chris shares the common mistakes he has seen and how to fix them quickly.  You will also hear real examples from Chris’s clients, including how one organization trains 10,000 volunteers each year using QR-code-based learning, and how others in manufacturing and childcare have improved safety and consistency through quick, mobile-friendly training.  If you have ever thought, “I don’t have time for training,” this conversation will change your mind. You will come away with practical steps to get started today, using tools you already know.  Connect with the Experts       Learn More about Chris: flagshiplms.com  The Checklist Manifesto: https://a.co/d/eWhTzqb    Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess      Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram 

Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows. Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Aaron Christy, founder of Indy Roof and Restoration, to explore how small business owners can use AI to create repeatable, scalable processes that save time, improve accuracy, and reduce overhead. Aaron isn’t an AI expert. He’s a business owner who saw an opportunity to simplify his operations by automating one of his most time-consuming workflows—the quoting process. Through a practical and down-to-earth conversation, Corey and Aaron walk listeners through how custom GPTs can transform everyday business tasks without the complexity or cost most owners expect. Aaron explains how he built a custom GPT that reviews roofing quotes for accuracy against photos, measurements, and materials. What once took an employee an hour now happens in minutes—and the AI delivers a downloadable report with 98% accuracy. After several rounds of testing and refinement, his team now runs every quote through the system before production. The result? Fewer errors, faster turnaround, and the ability to scale from $15 million to $50 million in annual revenue without hiring additional staff. Listeners will learn: - How to create and refine a custom GPT for specific business functions - Why clear prompting and testing are essential for accurate AI results - How automation can free up your team for higher-value work - What mistakes to avoid when building your first custom GPT - Why the goal is efficiency and scalability—not job elimination Aaron and Corey also dive into the mindset shift required to successfully adopt AI. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about giving your business smarter tools to handle repetitive, low-value work. From quoting to customer service to sales communication, custom GPTs can help small business owners reclaim hours every week and build more reliable, repeatable systems. Aaron shares an easy starting point for anyone ready to experiment: a free tool in the GPT Store called Prime Time Prompter, which walks users step-by-step through building their own custom GPTs. With simple prompts and iterative testing, even non-technical business owners can begin creating their own AI-driven efficiencies in minutes. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by AI or unsure where to start, this episode breaks it down into simple, actionable steps. It’s a real-world look at how automation can streamline small business operations, boost productivity, and create room for growth—all without increasing headcount or overhead. Listen now to learn how to start turning your everyday processes into repeatable, scalable wins. Connect with the Experts      Learn More about Aaron: https://indyroofandrestoration.com/ Prime Time Prompter: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-lNxqwEY3T-primetime-prompter Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess     Follow us on YouTube @keyhiresolutions, Facebook @keyhiresolutions, and Instagram