Advertise on podcast: The Small Business School Podcast

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with Kristina Bartold, co-founder of The Social Snippet and High Vibe Women, to talk about all things event sponsorships.  Fresh off the High Vibe Women brunch in Ottawa, Staci and Kristina share a behind-the-scenes look at what actually makes sponsorships work (and why so many business owners get them wrong). This conversation is all about being intentional, protecting your budget, and choosing opportunities that truly align with your brand and goals. Key topics covered: Who event sponsorships actually make sense for and who should skip themHow to evaluate whether an event is the right fit for your brandWhat a real return on investment looks like beyond vanity metricsWhy repetition builds recognition and how your energy in the room mattersThe importance of integrity and alignment in brand collaborationsHow to think strategically about swag bag sponsorshipsWhat it takes to stand out and succeed as an event vendorWhy not every opportunity is a good opportunity even if it looks excitingEvent sponsorships aren’t about being everywhere, they’re about being in the right rooms, with the right people, for the right reasons. If you’ve ever wondered whether sponsoring an event is worth it, this episode will help you make smarter, more confident decisions.  Connect with Kristina: Instagram: @kristina.bartold  Website: https://www.thesocialsnippet.com/ Community Podcast: https://communitypodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci breaks down the real, behind-the-scenes strategies that helped her husband Dan exceed his one-year sales and profit goals in just six months as a first-time franchise owner. This isn’t about hype or hustle culture — it’s about visibility, cash flow discipline, boundaries, and customer experience. Whether you’re launching a franchise, starting a service business, or trying to grow sustainably, these lessons apply far beyond franchising. Key topics covered: Why “getting visible” beats perfect branding when you’re starting outThe uncomfortable but powerful marketing moves most business owners avoidHow understanding cash flow early prevents years of financial stressWhy not all marketing spend is created equal and how to spot what actually worksThe role of boundaries, notifications, and work hours in preventing burnoutHow over-communicating expectations builds trust and saves timeThe small habits that quietly create massive customer loyaltyWhy success came from doing fewer things but doing them intentionallyFast growth doesn’t come from doing everything, it comes from doing the right things consistently, protecting your cash flow, and building trust one interaction at a time. If this episode resonated, go back and listen to last week’s franchising conversation with Kim, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with Kim Hiebert, CEO of Door Gurus, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about franchising without the glossy brochure promises. Drawing from her experience as both a former franchisee and a current franchisor, Kim breaks down what most people don’t ask before buying into a franchise, where real value actually lives, and why support, integrity, and financial literacy matter far more than a recognizable logo. Key topics covered: The biggest myths about franchising and why it’s never a “set it and forget it” businessHow to evaluate the real value exchange before buying into a franchiseWhy brand recognition alone doesn’t guarantee success (especially in small markets)What Kim’s experience as a franchisee taught her about building an ethical franchisor modelThe three non-negotiables Door Gurus built into their franchise structure and why they matterWhy community, relationships, and reputation are becoming more powerful than rigid brand controlThe hidden risks of brick-and-mortar, inventory-heavy franchise modelsWhy financial literacy, cash flow awareness, and understanding your numbers are essentialHow ongoing support (not just SOPs) determines long-term franchise successWhat to look for in a franchisor when things inevitably get hardFranchising isn’t about buying a name, it’s about partnering with people who are invested in your success. This episode is a reminder to slow down, look past the logo, and choose business models built on integrity, support, and long-term sustainability. Connect with Kim: Instagram: @kimberley.hiebert @doorgurus.ca Website: www.doorgurusfranchise.com Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

In this episode of Small Business School, Staci is diving into a major shift she sees coming for entrepreneurs as we head into 2026. With AI making information instantly accessible, what really matters now isn’t what you know — it’s how you serve, connect, and give people their time back. This episode is all about rethinking value, letting go of burnout culture, and building businesses that feel good for both you and your customers. Key topics covered: Why information is no longer the differentiator and what actually isHow AI is changing buying behavior and raising the bar for service providersThe growing importance of solving the “time gap” for your customersWhy connection, customer experience, and thought leadership can’t be replacedWhat it means to build a business that supports your health and your clients as we move into 2026As we move into 2026, the businesses that will thrive aren’t the ones chasing more information or louder marketing, but the ones that lead with connection, thoughtful service, and real human impact.  Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with award-winning brand strategist Lianne Cawley, founder of Chapter 35, to unpack what branding really means in today’s business landscape. From building a brand that drives trust and longevity to navigating growth, motherhood, and a life-changing health diagnosis, this conversation goes far beyond logos and colour palettes. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a brand that actually connects and evolves with you — this episode is for you. Key topics covered: Why great branding isn’t about aesthetics alone and how story, values, and alignment create long-term customer loyaltyHow Lianne grew her branding studio from a solo venture to a collaborative team, and why leadership evolves with business growthThe difference between visibility and longevity and why brands with attention don’t always lastHow a brand audit can uncover misalignment between your intentions and how your business is actually experiencedWhy authenticity matters more than ever in the age of AI and how to use technology without losing the human side of your brandThis episode is a powerful reminder that branding is about more than how your business looks, it’s about how it feels, connects, and evolves.  Connect with Lianne: Instagram: @chapter35.ca @liannecharlene Website: www.chapter35.ca Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

In today’s episode, Staci delivers a bold but timely perspective on one of the most overused pieces of business advice heading into 2026: “Find power partners.” While partnerships are often positioned as the solution to social media burnout and slow growth, Staci explains why power partners and affiliates are failing most businesses and what needs to come first. This episode breaks down the hard truth about leverage, clout, and momentum, and offers a refreshing, grounded approach to building relationships that actually lead to referrals, visibility, and long-term growth. Key topics covered: Why power partnerships don’t create clout, they only leverage what already existsThe real difference between affiliates and power partners (and why both often disappoint)What leverage actually means in business and why effort alone doesn’t countWhy most cold pitches for partnerships quietly fail before they startHow strong relationships outperform paid referrals every timeWhat successful power partners exchange instead of moneyWhy partnerships reward momentum — they never replace itPower partnerships aren’t the shortcut to growth. They are the reward for momentum you’ve already built. Focus on becoming valuable, reliable, and useful first, and the right partnerships will follow naturally. Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s joint episode, Staci Millard and Kristina Bartold (Co-founder of The Social Snippet, and Community Podcast Host) pull back the curtain on what truly makes a great podcast guest — and how podcast guesting can be a powerful strategy for visibility, authority, and business growth when done well. Recorded in Ottawa during a High Five Women gathering, this candid conversation dives into what podcast hosts look for, why most pitches miss the mark, and how business owners can stop chasing podcast appearances and start using guesting intentionally to build real relationships, credibility, and ROI. If you’ve ever said, “I want to be on more podcasts,” but weren’t sure how to turn that into actual opportunities, this episode is for you. Key topics covered: Why saying “I want to be on more podcasts” isn’t a strategy and what to say insteadWhat podcast hosts actually look for when choosing guestsHow unclear messaging can hurt your credibility as a guestWhy warm introductions outperform cold pitching every timeThe biggest mistakes guests make after an episode goes liveWhether paying to be on podcasts is ever worth itHow to position yourself as a thought leader instead of a commodityWhat turns a good guest into someone hosts eagerly refer again and againPodcast guesting isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about being in the right rooms, with the right message, serving the right audience. When done with clarity and intention, one great podcast appearance can open more doors than a hundred cold pitches. Connect with Kristina: Instagram: @kristina.bartold  Website: https://www.thesocialsnippet.com/ Community Podcast: https://communitypodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with podcast strategist Kristina Bartold, co-founder of The Social Snippet, to talk about why podcasting keeps coming up in every business room and how to actually make it work for your business. From ROI and authority to guests, funnels, and monetization myths, this episode pulls back the curtain on what podcasting really looks like behind the scenes. If you’ve ever wondered whether a podcast is worth the time, this conversation will help you decide strategically, not emotionally. Key topics covered: Why podcasting can outperform social media for trust, longevity, and authorityThe biggest mistake business owners make when choosing podcast guestsHow podcasts quietly become one of the strongest networking tools in businessWhat a profitable podcast funnel actually looks like (and when ads matter)Why small, loyal audiences often outperform “big name” celebrity guestsPodcasting isn’t about chasing charts or celebrity guests. It’s about clarity, consistency, and serving the right audience. When done intentionally, a podcast becomes a long-term business asset that builds trust, relationships, and opportunity over time. Connect with Kristina: Instagram: @kristina.bartold  Website: https://www.thesocialsnippet.com/ Community Podcast: https://communitypodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Mentioned in Episode: Mini Mic - https://amzn.to/4iIjFBJ Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with copywriter Evie Tavares to unpack what ethical, emotion-led copywriting really looks like  and why trust matters more than tactics in today’s marketing landscape. From ditching false urgency to navigating AI without losing your voice, this conversation is a refreshing reminder that selling doesn’t have to feel manipulative to be effective. If you’ve ever struggled with “selling with confidence,” this episode will shift how you think about words, value, and connection. Key topics covered: What copywriting actually is and how it differs from content writingWhy trust-based marketing outperforms scarcity-driven tactics long termHow false urgency and “pain-point poking” quietly erode your brandWhen it makes sense to outsource copywriting and what to do firstHow AI and ChatGPT are changing discoverability (and what consistency has to do with it)Good copy isn’t about pressure, it’s about clarity, empathy, and confidence in the value you bring. When your words are aligned with your beliefs, selling becomes an act of service, not persuasion. Connect with Evie: Instagram: @evietavaresbranding Website: evietavaresbranding.ca Brand Voice Guide: https://evietavaresbranding.myflodesk.com/hzgkbrldyb Email Starter Kit:  https://evietavaresbranding.myflodesk.com/emailstarterkit Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

As 2025 comes to a close, this final solo episode of Small Business School is a heartfelt reminder that leadership isn’t always about pushing forward, sometimes it’s about knowing when to pause. In this short but powerful solo episode, Staci shares why she’s intentionally stepping back for the final weeks of the year and invites listeners to do the same. With calendars already overflowing and expectations piling up, this conversation reframes rest as a strategic, thoughtful decision…not a failure of consistency. Key topics covered: Why living life and business at full capacity leaves no room to breatheHow to identify what’s a glass ball versus a rubber ball in your lifeWhen consistency supports growth — and when it quietly creates burnoutWhy end-of-year pressure often leads to the same annual “blow up”How pausing now can create more intentional momentum in the new yearUntil next year, whether you’re energized by planning or craving rest, know that you’re exactly where you need to be. Challenge: Ask yourself: What am I holding onto right now simply because I always have?If I paused this for a few weeks, would anything truly break?Choose one thing that can be set down temporarily and give yourself permission to do so without guilt. Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In today’s episode, Staci sits down with Monika and Robyn, the brilliant (and hilarious) founders of Mint Cleaning. What started as two moms walking together in a small town quickly evolved into a booming cleaning business and eventually a multi-million-dollar product line. The duo shares how they navigated unexpected growth, overcame health scares, built a devoted online community, and embraced entrepreneurship with equal parts grit and humour. Key topics covered: The accidental first meeting that sparked a business partnershipHow a casual “want to go for a walk?” turned into a full-fledged cleaning companyThe overnight demand that scaled them from two moms to 12 staff and 50+ propertiesThe health crisis that forced them to rethink everything and ultimately inspired Mint Cleaning productsTheir transition from cleaners to CEOs (and the imposter syndrome, mistakes, and lessons that came with it)The big motto that shaped their growth: say yes now, figure it out laterWhy community not marketing is the secret behind their massive online followingThe surprising truth about how much time they spend on social media (and why they still run it themselves)How being the face of the brand built trust, loyalty, and momentum they never expectedStaci wraps up the episode celebrating the Mint Cleaning founders’ authenticity, reminding listeners that growth is messy but magic happens when you stay human, stay brave, and keep saying yes. Connect with Monika & Robyn: Instagram: @mintcleaning_ Website: mintcleaningproducts.com Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci kicks off a four-week reflection journey designed to help small business owners assess their year with honesty and clarity. She dives into what truly mattered in your CEO role, where your time created value, and why busyness isn’t the same as leadership. This conversation sets the foundation for stepping into a more intentional, spacious, and empowered CEO identity in the year ahead. Key topics covered: Why end-of-year planning doesn’t work for most small business owners (and the better time to do it)The identity shift from doing everything to becoming the visionary your business actually needsHow overfilling your calendar keeps you in survival mode instead of strategy modeThe difference between familiar work that feels good and high-value work that moves the businessHow to spot where you provide unique value and where you’re draining your CEO energyWhy letting go of control (the right way) is the key to scaling sustainablyChallenge: Do a three-day mini time audit. Track everything you do, highlight tasks that drain you or don’t require your unique skill set, and identify your bottom 10%. Then decide what to automate, delegate, or eliminate. Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

In today’s episode of Small Business School, Staci sits down with Jen  Szpigiel, founder of Becoming Iconic and editor-in-chief of Iconic Magazine, to explore her 20-year entrepreneurial journey. Jen shares how motherhood shaped her path, how she built a thriving personal brand across industries, and why reputation and relationships became the driving forces behind her lasting success. This conversation brings both strategy and heart, opening a powerful window into what it truly takes to build something iconic. Key topics covered: The pivotal moment that pushed Jen from corporate marketing into entrepreneurshipHow she built her first multi 8-figure beauty and wellness brand long before “coaching” existedThe identity shift of young motherhood, and the ache that sparked her desire to build something of her ownWhy pivoting triggered criticism…and how her reputation carried her through itThe surprising truth about visibility and why relationships matter far more than algorithmsJen’s simple, highly effective daily practice for nurturing meaningful connectionsThe difference between genuine relationship-building and transactional networkingWhy long-term nurturing leads to clients who arrive at exactly the right timeThe emotional maturity required to show up in the DMs without expectation or entitlementJen reminds listeners that iconic brands aren’t built overnight, they’re built through consistency, integrity, and genuine relationships that compound over years. Connect with Jen: Instagram: @becomingiconic @iconicmagazine__ Website: www.becomingiconic.co Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this solo episode, Staci opens up about the emotional and mental pressure that often shows up at the end of the year, especially with nonstop promotions, Black Friday offers, and all the “start next year strong” messaging. She shares how she personally navigates that overwhelm and what it looks like to stay grounded, intentional, and confident instead of reactive or comparison-filled. Key topics covered: Why year-end sales and “start your year right” messaging can trigger overwhelm for business ownersHow to tell when an investment truly aligns with your goals…and when it’s just FOMO talkingThe role of emotional leadership in your spending and decision-makingWhy looking at how far you’ve come can shift your entire mindsetThe habits Staci adjusts during busy seasons to protect her mental space and stay intentional onlineStaci reminds listeners that entrepreneurship is a long-game, one where you get to choose your pace, your inputs, and your peace, no matter what season you’re in. Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.

In this episode of the Business Builder Series, Staci explores the mindset shift every founder must make in order to scale: letting go of the “hero” role. She reveals why jumping in to fix every problem feels productive, but ultimately turns you into the bottleneck that slows your business down. Staci walks through how to empower your team to think, make decisions, and take ownership, so your business can grow beyond your capacity. This short episode is packed with practical mindset shifts, leadership tools, and a simple homework assignment that will transform how you lead your team. Key topics covered: How the “hero habit” gives founders a dopamine hit while secretly sabotaging growthThe surprising reason being the go-to person can stunt your team’s confidence and capabilityWhy answering questions quickly keeps you reactive instead of strategicHow shifting from “fixer” to “coach” unlocks speed, trust, and team autonomyStaci’s favourite leadership questions that train your team to think—not just doThe culture transformation that happens when ownership becomes expectedThe “monkey on your back” analogy and how to stop taking on everyone else’s problemsHow to know when a recurring issue needs a system, and when it doesn’tWhy letting your team try (and sometimes fail) once saves you countless hours foreverThe mindset shift from control to trust that separates solopreneurs from true leaderChallenge: When someone brings you a problem, do NOT solve it.  Ask a follow-up question instead — guide them, don’t fix it for them.Make a list of the top three things you’re still manually fixing.Choose one of those three and create a system for it.Staci's Links: Instagram. Website.