Small Business Big World

Unlock the secrets to online success with our latest episode of Small Business Big World, where we break down the essentials of search engine optimization (SEO) with our very own marketing director, Jon Portanova. Ever wondered how small tweaks can boost your website’s visibility on Google? Jon takes us through the must-know basics of on-page, off-page, and technical SEO. From the importance behind keywords and meta descriptions to...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to safeguarding your small business? Join us as we sit down with Detective Steve Borst from the Kennebunk Police Department, who shares his insights on essential security measures that every small business owner should know. From the basics of securing your premises with locks, lighting, and cameras to the importance of community programs like Virtual Neighborhood Watch, Detective Borst provides ...

Why are small businesses in Maine facing skyrocketing health insurance premiums, and what can they do about it? Join us as we dive into this urgent issue with Connor Kennedy from Acadia Benefits. We'll unpack the complexities of the community-rated small group market, discussing how Maine's aging population and high healthcare costs are pushing premiums higher and higher. You'll gain insights into the implications of...

Unlock the secrets of effective HR management for your small business with our HR consultant Dawn Pahel on "Small Business Big World".  Dawn and I dissect these nuances of employee classifications, alongside essential compliance topics like overtime laws and youth employment regulations. We share practical strategies for managing remote employees spread across multiple states and emphasize the importance of keeping labor ...

Commercial insurance isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about safeguarding your business's future. This week on "Small Business, Big World," we sit down with Derek Stevenson from Varney Insurance to dissect the essential types of coverage every small business needs and mistakes that they make. From general liability and property insurance to workers' compensation and EPLI, Derek provides a comprehens...

Let's talk cash flow and entrepreneurial growth with our guest, Doug Spurling, founder of Waves and Wilderness and Spurling Fitness. In this episode of "Small Business Big World," Doug takes us through his journey from building Spurling Fitness to venturing into consulting and real estate investment. Learn about some strategies of managing cash flow and increasing net worth, and discover why it’s essential to work on...

Get ready to talk small business ownership with Pat Brady, an attorney at Bergen Parkinson and a small business owner in Maine. Have you ever wondered how to find the perfect business to buy or what steps are involved in making it legally yours? We'll guide you through online platforms and dive into the importance of industry relationships and succession planning. Pat shares his firsthand experiences acquiring small businesses...

Ever wondered how small business owners manage everything when it comes to traveling for work? Join us as Kortney Nedeau, a small business professional, shares her fascinating journey from her grandfather's shoe leather sales legacy to building her own thriving business. With Kortney, we explore the relentless world of travel for business. Learn how she uses certain hacks to streamline her travel and maximize certain (tax!) re...

What happens when an internship transforms from a simple summer job into a comprehensive, career-shaping experience? Join us as we welcome Don Golini, the visionary behind the Nonantum Resort's revitalized internship program in Kennebunkport. From an informal start to a structured, multifaceted initiative post-COVID, Don takes us through the program's evolution. Discover the blend of departmental rotations, workshops, vol...

Unlock the secrets to content marketing with insights from our marketing director, Jon Portanova. Discover how adopting the "They Ask, You Answer" philosophy has transformed Paper Trails' approach to addressing customer queries upfront.

We dive deeper into the strategic value of high-quality content creation. We'll guide you through our journey of producing varied content, such as blogs, videos, and we...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of scaling a small business from the ground up? Join us on "Small Business Big World" as we sit down with Chris Fortin, the owner of Service Bros. Chris started his entrepreneurial journey during the COVID-19 lockdown while still in high school, initially watering lawns for his father's landscaping business and quickly expanding into odd jobs. He shares how he leveraged word of mou...

Ever wondered how honing in on a niche could transform your business? This week's episode of Small Business Big World promises to uncover the power of specialization.  We're joined by Derek Stevenson from the Varney Agency, who shares his journey of overcoming the initial hesitation of narrowing his focus. We unpack the complexities of industries like construction and hospitality, where specialized knowledge is essential,...

Unlock the secrets of small business lobbying with Lauren LePage from Fyre Strategies. In this episode, we dissect the complexities of government affairs and their impact on small enterprises. This episode promises to steer you through the legislative maze, shedding light on strategies that can turn policy hurdles into strides of advocacy for your business.

Discover how trade associations and industry groups can amplify y...

Unlock some unique employee benefits to help drive a dedicated and driven workforce as we sit down with Nate Moody from LaBelle and Harriman. In the rapidly evolving job market, learn how companies are moving beyond the norm to provide holistic support systems to their employees.  This includes everything from tackling student loan debt with expanded Section 127 plans to cultivating a shared sense of ownership through Employee Stoc...

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Holt from Steward Partners to break down essential tax strategies and investment advice for small business owners. We'll talk through complex tax laws and discuss the value of professional advice in protecting and growing your assets.

Moreover, we delve into broader investment and financial planning, highlighting options like cash balance plans and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). W...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to juggle the energy of a teen workforce? This week, we're scooping out insights with Scott McNeff, whose seasonal ice cream shop has become a hub for responsible, local teenagers looking to dip their cones into the world of work. Scott shares his recipe for blending school schedules, sports, and service in a business that thrives on evening rushes and the fleeting summer months.
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Join us as we chat with Eric Hrubant from CIRE Travel for a practical discussion on the evolving role of travel agents in today's industry. Discover strategies for attracting both agents and influencers to your business, along with tips for curating exceptional travel experiences and standing out in the market. 

We'll debunk myths about influencers overshadowing traditional consultants, explore social media tacti...

In this episode, we sit down with former small business owner, Nick Wright, to talk through the process of successfully selling your small business. Nick shares his recent, firsthand experience and expert insights on navigating the intricate process of selling a business, from preparing your company for sale to negotiating with potential buyers. Whether you're considering an exit strategy or simply curious about the process, t...

In this episode of Small Business Big World, we sit down with Conner Kennedy, an expert from Acadia Benefits, to explore the often complex world of benefits for small businesses. From health and wellness programs to employee benefits packages, Conner shares invaluable insights and practical advice to help small business owners navigate the ever-evolving landscape of benefits.  Whether you're just starting out or looking to enh...