The How of Business - How to start, run & grow a small business.

How to create a Strategic Plan for your small business. Use a Strategic Plan to set your goals, objectives and initiatives for your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r504-strategic-planning/ In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez dives into annual strategic planning - a critical tool for small business owners to achieve growth and long-term success. Strategic planning helps you align your goals, allocate resources efficiently, and create a clear action plan for the year ahead. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Why Strategic Planning Matters: Understand the benefits of having a focused and adaptable strategy for your business. The Key Difference Between Strategy & Planning: Learn how a clear strategy drives your planning process and positions your business to win in the market. 10 Steps to Build an Effective Strategic Plan: A comprehensive framework covering everything from reviewing the past year to setting goals, defining KPIs, budgeting, and adapting quarterly. Actionable Insights & Examples: Get practical tips to simplify your planning process, even if this is your first attempt at creating a strategic plan. Free Resource: Download the Annual Strategic Plan Outline to guide you through the process from the Show Notes page for this episode.   Whether you’re an experienced business owner or just starting, this episode will help you focus on what matters most, measure your progress, and achieve success in 2025. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to own a successful Power Washing franchise small business with Aaron Harper.  Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/546-aaron-harper-power-washing-franchise/ On this episode we dive into the world of franchising and small business success with Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds, the leading power washing business franchise. Aaron shares his inspiring journey from Hollywood executive to franchise business leader, offering insights into how franchising can empower entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses. Discover how Rolling Suds is transforming the power washing industry with its proprietary equipment, streamlined processes, and focus on professionalization. Learn why franchising is the perfect model for aspiring small business owners looking for a proven system and strong support. Whether you’re interested in starting your own power washing business, exploring the franchise business model, or simply gaining inspiration from a compelling entrepreneurial story, this episode has something for everyone. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Overcoming Fear to start and grow your small business, with Ruth Soukup - author of “Do It Scared: Finding the Courage to Face Your Fears, Overcome Obstacles, and Create a Life You Love”. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r255-ruth-soukup-overcoming-fear / "The whole idea behind ‘do it scared’ is not that you don’t ever feel afraid because we all feel afraid. It’s that you take action even in the face of fear and you continually take action because ultimately action is the antidote to fear." Ruth introduces the concept of the Seven Fear Archetypes, which she developed through research involving over 4,000 participants. These archetypes include the Procrastinator, Rule Follower, People Pleaser, Outcast, Self-Doubter, Excuse Maker, and Pessimist. Each archetype reflects distinct ways fear manifests, such as procrastination driven by perfectionism or self-doubt stemming from insecurities. Understanding these archetypes allows individuals to identify their unique fears and develop targeted strategies to overcome them. Our discussion also focuses on principles of courage, including “owning your choices” and “recognizing that balance is overrated.” Ruth argues that taking responsibility for one’s life, while letting go of the myth of perfection and balance, empowers individuals to prioritize purpose over superficial ideals. She highlights the importance of rejecting excuses, embracing imperfections, and persistently moving forward, even when success feels uncertain. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How to take control of your time, and trade stress, overwhelm and anxiety for peace, freedom and clarity, with Andrew Hartman. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/545-andrew-hartman-take-control/ Andrew Hartman introduces the "Time Boss" framework to help small business owners regain control over their time by setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and incorporating "whirlwind time" to manage daily interruptions. Andrew shares time management and productivity improvement tips and techniques for small business owners.  He also introduces his time operating system designed to multiply your time. By adopting weekly planning and reflection habits, entrepreneurs can reduce stress and sustainably increase productivity without overworking. Andrew Hartman is the Founder of Time Boss, a training organization helping leaders and their teams take control of their time to get more done with less stress and anxiety. He founded Time Boss after burning out several times over, even losing his sense of smell for a season. He has taken all he has learned over the years to build a system to help business leaders avoid the same mistakes and chaos. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com