Accelerate Your Business Growth

Welcome back to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a critical and timely discussion lined up for you. We’re joined by Terry Ziemniak, a cybersecurity expert with over 25 years of experience ranging from technical roles to executive leadership. Terry has spent the last decade serving as an information security officer for multibillion-dollar organizations and now lends his expertise as a fractional cybersecurity executive, helping small and medium-sized businesses understand, manage, and reduce their cyber risks. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of cybersecurity, discussing real-world lessons from recent cyber attacks, the importance of business resiliency, and how to prepare for worst-case scenarios. Terry sheds light on common cybersecurity challenges, the difference between security and compliance, and the innovative concept of fractional cybersecurity leadership. Whether you're a business leader or just interested in the ever-ev

In today's enlightening episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," host Diane Helbig is joined by two seasoned digital marketing experts, Scott Gardner and Brent Bouldin. With over 20 years of experience each, Scott and Brent have a wealth of knowledge in high impact digital channels such as SEO, content marketing, and social strategy. They share their expertise on why SEO is a crucial growth tool for businesses, the disruptive impact of generative AI on SEO, and practical strategies for small businesses to develop effective SEO plans. They emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing customer needs and maintaining fresh, relevant content to gain trust and visibility on search engines. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone looking to optimize their digital presence and drive business growth. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get your copy of Succeed Without Selling today. Learn the importance

Welcome back to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." Today, we have a fantastic guest, Marilyn Jenkins, a digital marketing expert with over 16 years of experience. Marilyn specializes in paid advertising, social media management, and SEO, with a particular focus on Google Business Profile Optimization. Her clients have seen remarkable growth, including million-dollar sales and impressive ROI rates. She's also the author of "The Google Business Profile Training Guide," a comprehensive resource for dominating local search. Join us as Marilyn delves into the ins and outs of optimizing your Google Business Profile, increasing your local search visibility, and driving traffic to your website. Whether you're a small business owner or a seasoned marketer, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get your copy of Succeed Without Selling today. Learn the i

Welcome back to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, we're diving deep into the world of AI in marketing with our special guest, Rachel Hernandez, the director of brand strategy for Next Net Media. Rachel joins us to share her insights on how AI is revolutionizing content creation and SEO, and what this means for your business. We explore the best AI tools out there, discuss the importance of maintaining authenticity in your content, and provide practical advice on how to effectively integrate AI into your marketing strategy. Whether you're a small business owner or a seasoned marketer, this episode is packed with valuable information you won't want to miss. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get your copy of Succeed Without Selling today. Learn the importance of Always Be Curious. Accelerate Your Business Growth is proud to be included on the list of the 45 Best Business Growth Podcasts. Each episode of thi

Welcome to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth" with your host, Diane Helbig. Today, we are thrilled to be joined by James Taylor from PowLeads, an AI automation expert with a unique flair for leveraging technology and a background in geek culture. James has an extraordinary talent for utilizing AI to simplify marketing and content creation, making life easier for businesses everywhere. Beyond his tech-savvy nature, he's an adventurous traveler often found maneuvering through Asia on a motorbike. In this episode, Diane and James delve into the transformative power of AI in marketing, discussing cutting-edge tools for video content, the future of AI-generated media, and practical steps businesses can take to enhance their content strategy. Whether you're curious about trending topics or looking to automate your daily tasks, this episode is brimming with insights on how AI can propel your business forward. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales resu

Welcome back to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! Today, we're thrilled to have Peter Kingma, a leading expert in cash management join us. In this episode, Peter delves into the critical importance of cash management for businesses, explaining why cash should be prioritized alongside revenue and profitability. He shares invaluable insights on creating a cash culture within organizations, the repercussions of too much debt, and practical advice on improving cash flow, particularly in collections and procurement. Peter W. Kingma, author of Cash Is King, leads the working capital practice in the Americas for Ernst & Young LLP. With over thirty years of experience, he advises global companies on all aspects of cash management across such sectors as manufacturing, consumer products, retail, aerospace, and defense. He has written for publications including CFO Magazine and CNBC online. Kingma, who earned a BS in economics from Purdue University, lives in Chicago and Columbia, Missouri.  If you

Welcome to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where Diane Helbig and special guest Henrik Muller-Hansen delve into the transformative shift towards consumer-driven solutions in the market. In this episode, Henrik discusses how evolving consumer behavior influences demand and highlights the challenges of changing traditional manufacturing methods and global supply chains. We explore the impact of macroeconomic factors like interest rates on consumer purchasing power and the importance of local production on demand, especially in mitigating disruptions caused by events such as pandemics and political divides. Henrik Müller-Hansen is the founder/CEO of Gelato, a software company that gives ecommerce businesses around the globe instant access to the world’s largest production on-demand network. By facilitating global trade through local production, high-quality custom products can be sold globally affordably and sustainably. Henrik holds a masters of science and engineering with a concentratio

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we're joined by a special guest, Mischa Zvegintzov. Mischa is not only a seasoned sales expert and the founder of Influence Army, but he's also a master in the art of podcast guesting. Having transitioned from the demanding world of telemarketing, Mischa now leverages his experience to thrive in the dynamic landscape of online marketing and millennial engagement. In this episode, Mischa shares invaluable insights on how to become an effective podcast guest, from crafting personalized pitches to elevating your energy levels with engaging stories. He delves into practical strategies for introverts to confidently show up as their best selves and emphasizes spiritual centering to stay true to oneself. With 20 podcast appearances in just the first quarter of this year, Mischa provides a proven blueprint for using podcast guesting to build influence without costly advertising. We explore the myriad b

Welcome back to "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! In today's episode, we have a very special guest, Steffen Hedebrandt, CMO at Dream Data. Steffen is an expert in connecting marketing activities with revenue and has a deep understanding of scaling the commercial side of a business. We're excited to dive into the fascinating topic of revenue attribution and the customer journey. Together, we explore why it's essential for business owners to understand their customer journey map, the significance of attribution modeling, and how to track customer touchpoints effectively. Steffen also shares valuable insights into current B2B marketing trends and the importance of targeting the right audience. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you optimize your marketing efforts and drive real business growth. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get your copy of Succeed Without Selling today. Learn the importance of Always Be

Welcome back to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where we delve into the dynamic world of affiliate marketing strategies and business development. Today, we are thrilled to have Enelin Toneva join us. Enelin is a leader in affiliate marketing, having successfully launched over 40 programs and onboarded thousands of affiliates, generating significant revenue through innovative referral strategies. In this episode, Enelin shares her invaluable insights on crafting successful affiliate marketing campaigns, the integration of influencer marketing into digital strategies, and the challenges businesses face in managing affiliate programs. Get ready to gain actionable advice on optimizing your marketing efforts and navigating the evolving landscape of digital partnerships. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get your copy of Succeed Without Selling today. Learn the importance of Always Be Curious. Accelerate Your Busi

Welcome back to another insightful episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, we have a special guest, Adam Pisk, co-founder of the remote-only outsourcing enterprise, BruntWork. With over 25 years of experience in sales and operations leadership, Adam is an expert in harnessing the power of global outsourcing, specifically in regions like the Philippines, to reduce operational costs and drive scalable growth for businesses of all sizes. In this episode, Adam discusses the immense value outsourcing can bring to small businesses, the benefits of combining AI technology with a global workforce, and critical tips on hiring and managing remote teams effectively. If you're curious about outsourcing but feel a little uncertain, this conversation will provide the insights and confidence you need. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get your copy of Succeed Without Selling today. Learn the importance

Welcome back to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where we delve into key strategies for business innovation and development with Kat Newport. In this episode, Kat shares her expertise on leveraging conflict to drive positive change within organizations. Tune in as we explore the art of turning disagreements into creative solutions, the importance of empathetic leadership, and how maintaining healthy conflicts can be instrumental in an organization's success. Whether you’re dealing with internal team dynamics or navigating tough negotiations, this discussion will equip you with the insights you need to manage and utilize conflict effectively. Join us to learn how to think ‘SMART’ about conflict and transform potential disputes into opportunities for growth. Kat Newport, ACC and CCP, Founder of Oculus Inc., is a dynamic leader and author. Specializing in leveraging conflict for growth, she empowers individuals and organizations with empathetic leadership grounded in authenticity, resiliency

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where we explore crucial aspects of workplace dynamics and personal well-being that directly impact business success. Today, host Diane Helbig is joined by Candice Elliott. In this episode, we dive deep into the interconnectedness of work and home life, examining how personal challenges can spill over into professional environments and vice versa. Candice sheds light on the critical role of leader’s communication styles, the detrimental effects of hostile work environments, and the legalities surrounding them. Candice Elliott is a Fractional CHRO and HR Mentor for business and non-profit leaders. She focuses on the intersection of public health, organizational and community development, helping leaders foster cultures of healing where they and their teams can thrive. She has a Masters in HR from Penn State, the SPHR certification and has been practicing HR in the US and internationally for more than 10 years. She is also a mom of 2 l

Welcome to this transformative episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where we dive deep into the concept of generous leadership with our guest, Joe Davis from Boston Consulting Group. Today, Joe shares invaluable insights on the human aspect of leadership, emphasizing vulnerability, diversity, and the power of small acts of kindness. We explore how honesty and openness not only enhance team dynamics but also inspire greater creativity and dedication among team members. Joe also discusses the profound impact of embracing and understanding diverse experiences within the workplace, and how active listening and genuine engagement are key components of successful leadership. Whether it's through acknowledging a team member's effort or being candid about one's own limitations, Joe illustrates how these practices contribute to a more connected and productive work environment. Join us as we uncover how leaders can truly accelerate business growth by focusing on the humanity of their teams, fostering an atmosp

Welcome to this episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where we dive deep into the strategic role of employee benefits in retaining top talent and aligning with business goals. Today's guest, Courtenay Shipley, shares her expertise in optimizing corporate-sponsored retirement plans to not only serve the interests of employees but also to support overarching business objectives. We discuss how benefits are often neglected or underrated by businesses and explore strategies to tailor these offerings more effectively. From addressing budget constraints to considering demographic changes and meeting the diverse needs of today’s workforce, Courtenay provides invaluable insights on creating a compelling and supportive workplace through thoughtful benefits planning. Courtenay is the founder and Chief Planologist of Retirement Planology, a consulting and registered investment advisory firm for corporate-sponsored retirement plans. With a wealth of experience in the retirement plan industry, Courtenay not only

Welcome to a new episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where we explore critical aspects of business operations and transactions, featuring insights from special guest Addison Adams, an expert in mergers and acquisitions. Today, Addison will guide us through the complexities surrounding buy-sell agreements, the intricacies of investor financing in manufacturing businesses, and the recent trends impacting mergers and acquisitions. We delve into the importance of adequate preparation, the valuation of businesses, and strategic considerations for business owners who might be thinking of selling. Whether you're aiming to gear up for growth, planning an exit strategy, or simply looking to stabilize your business for future transitions, this episode is packed with essential advice and realistic scenarios. Listen in as we uncover the vital steps to protect your business interests and maximize its potential value in the marketplace. Attorney Addison Adams isn't just the founder of Adams Corporate Law – he’s C

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where we delve into the art and science of meaningful marketing with Pete Steege. In this episode, Pete shares his invaluable insights on how small businesses can amplify their marketing impact by focusing on authenticity, intention, and perseverance. We explore the three marketing superpowers every small business owner should embrace and discuss the common pitfalls to avoid in order to engage in truly effective marketing. Pete Steege is the founder of B2B Clarity and the author of the book "On Purpose: The CEO's Guide to Marketing with Meaning". Pete has worked with dozens of technology businesses on three continents, from Fortune 100 enterprises to Silicon Valley startups. He has been quoted and featured in USA Today, Fortune, CIO, Computerworld and TechCrunch. Pete helps B2B business owners apply the power of meaning to grow their businesses. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales re

Welcome back to "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Racheal Cook, an award-winning business strategist and the powerhouse behind "Promote Yourself to CEO" podcast and The CEO Collective. In this dynamic discussion, Racheal shares her insights on the significance of building authentic relationships for effective referral strategies, the advantages of white labeling, and the critical role of strategic partnerships in business growth. As an award-winning business strategist, Host of Promote Yourself to CEO podcast, and Founder of The CEO Collective, Racheal Cook is on a mission to end entrepreneurial poverty for women. Over the last 15 years, she's helped thousands of women entrepreneurs design predictably profitable businesses without hustle/ burnout. A sought after speaker on entrepreneurship, marketing, and productivity, Racheal has been featured by the US Chamber of Commerce, Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, and Female Entrepreneur Association. If you are a small

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, we're diving into the often confusing world of taxes, particularly for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Our guest, Matthew Sercely, joins us to shed light on the vital distinctions between tax advisers, accountants, and lawyers, alongside offering actionable strategies for optimizing your tax situation. Matthew walks us through the advantages and drawbacks of various business entities, shares common tax mistakes, and reveals creative yet legal ways to reduce your tax bill. Matthew Sercely is a lawyer who has dedicated his practice to helping people learn more about how to legally reduce their taxes and provide peace of mind that you aren't doing anything that will likely annoy the IRS. He lives in the North Dallas Area but has clients all over the country. When not messing with the government, he spends time with his 3 children or reads, weight lifts, or goes camping. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles w

Welcome to a brand new episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where today we have the privilege of hosting Renee Warren, an award-winning entrepreneur and PR expert. Renee, founder of We Wild Women and host of the "Into the Wild" podcast, shares her insights on the critical framework for authority building she terms the "authority arc." Through our conversation, we explore the three pivotal components of this framework: rarity, reputation, and reach. Renee illuminates what it means to truly stand out in a competitive landscape, the gravitas of building a consistent and trustworthy reputation, and the long game of extending your reach within your industry. Renée Warren, an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of We Wild Women, specializes in helping women-led businesses gain media exposure. She hosts "Into the Wild," a top 1.5% podcast providing advice from successful women entrepreneurs. With over 25 years of experience in marketing, PR, and entrepreneurship, Renée is an expert in building authority