The Only Business Podcast
Welcome to "Only Business," the ultimate podcast designed exclusively for business owners, leaders, and ambitious entrepreneurs who are eager to excel. Hosted by the esteemed Steven Johnson, also known as "The Star Maker," this program is your gateway to invaluable business advice and practical insights on personal finance. Drawing on his extensive expertise in sales and high finance, Steven Johnson has earned his well-deserved reputation as "The Star Maker" through his exceptional leadership at The Black Umbrella Management Group. As a specialized management consulting firm, they possess a remarkable track record in finding and placing capital, and assisting small and medium-sized businesses in implementing successful sales and operations strategies. In each episode of "Only Business," Steven Johnson shares his wealth of knowledge accumulated over two decades of sales experience and twelve years in high finance. Through engaging conversations and thought-provoking interviews, he reveals the secrets behind his remarkable achievements. From creating multiple six-figure earners to rescuing struggling businesses from the brink of collapse, Steven has empowered numerous entrepreneurs to grow and scale their ventures in significantly shorter timelines than they ever thought possible. "Only Business" goes beyond traditional business advice by delivering practical tips on personal finance, equipping listeners with the tools to secure their financial future. With an unwavering commitment to education and inspiration, the podcast's purpose is to empower its audience to make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and seize opportunities in the ever-changing business landscape. Whether you're a seasoned business owner, a dynamic leader, or an aspiring entrepreneur, "Only Business" is your compass to success. Join Steven Johnson as he shares his transformative insights, industry secrets, and motivational stories that will ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and pave the way for exceptional achievements. Don't miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in the world of business. Tune in to "Only Business" and embark on an extraordinary journey towards greatness.
Episodes
In this episode, we walk through 20 sharp, revealing questions every leader should be asking across four key areas: attracting top talent, developing your team, keeping people engaged, and driving meaningful performance. This is not theory. It is a practical gut check for anyone in charge of people, culture, or outcomes. If you want to lead with purpose and power, this episode will push you to confront what you have been avoiding a...
This episode isn’t about politics- it’s about power moves. No matter how you feel about Trump or the current administration, the Big Beautiful Bill is now law, and it’s already reshaping the game for small business owners. From permanent tax breaks and new deductions to hidden risks and long-term pressure, we lay out the real playbook for entrepreneurs who want to move smarter while others argue.
This episode of the Only Business podcast explores how gratitude can be a powerful tool for business growth. It breaks down eight practical ways gratitude impacts client loyalty, team morale, decision-making, and long-term success. Listeners will learn how to apply gratitude as a mindset and strategy to stay focused, build stronger relationships, and move through difficult seasons with clarity and purpose.
This episode of the Only Business podcast unpacks eight reasons why people are not referring your business and how to change that starting now. Learn how to build emotional connection, clarify your offer, create a referral system, and teach your audience exactly when and how to recommend you. If you’re tired of being liked but not referred, this episode gives you the strategy to turn admiration into action.
This episode of the Only Business Podcast asks a question most entrepreneurs avoid: Do you like yourself? We explore how self-perception quietly shapes pricing, leadership, boundaries, decision making, and long term business health. If you have been feeling stuck, scattered, or disconnected from your work, this episode will help you reconnect with the person behind the business and build from a stronger foundation.
In this episode of the Only Business Podcast, we break down the new rules of business credit in 2025. From what lenders really look for to why your social media presence no longer matters, this episode uncovers the most common mistakes keeping entrepreneurs from getting funded. Listeners will learn how to prepare their financials, avoid predatory lenders, prove ROI, and build trust with underwriters. If you’re serious about securin...
In this episode of Only Business, we break down 10 powerful, unexpected business lessons from the film Training Day. From recognizing manipulation and handling pressure, to building real influence and avoiding ego-driven collapse, this deep-dive delivers real-world insights every small business owner needs. If you’re growing a business and want to lead with clarity, strategy, and integrity — this episode is a must-listen.
Perfect fo...
In this episode, we break down how loyalty, when unchecked, can quietly sabotage your growth, your peace, and your business. From underperforming staff and draining clients to outdated strategies and trauma bonds, learn how to spot the difference between genuine commitment and emotional captivity. If you have ever felt worn out by people you care about or stuck in roles you did not sign up for, this one is for you.
If you’re curious about private equity but tired of all the jargon, in this episode, we break it all the way down—what private equity is, how it works, who it helps, and who it hurts. Whether you’re building a business or just trying to understand the headlines, this is the clear, honest explanation you’ve been looking for.
If you’re feeling burned out, this episode is your reset.
In “You Don’t Need a Break You Need a Win,” we unpack five bold and practical moves that can shift your energy, reignite your focus, and get you back in motion without waiting on perfect timing. If you’ve been stuck in fatigue, this is the reminder you did not know you needed. Progress is still possible, and one strategic win can change everything. Real insight, real momentum...
Feeling stuck in your business? Think again. In this episode, we break down 12 powerful signs that you’re actually making real progress - even if it’s not loud or flashy. From better decision-making to quiet momentum, this is your reminder that growth isn’t always visible, but it’s always happening. If you’ve been grinding without recognition, this episode will prove you’re closer to your breakthrough than you realize.
Power isn’t given—it’s built.
In this landmark 100th episode, we break down why real power isn’t inclusive, why access doesn’t equal authority, and what it actually takes to lead, decide, and protect what you’ve built.
High-ticket isn’t the only way to win. In this episode, we break down how to build serious momentum through low-ticket offers that actually convert.
You’ll learn 10 proven rules for creating powerful entry-point products, earning trust at scale, and turning small payments into long-term profit. Whether you sell digital tools, services, or physical goods, this episode gives you the real strategy behind low-ticket success—without gim...
In this no-nonsense episode of Only Business, our host breaks down the dangerous myth that social media posting equals real marketing. Learn why consistent content doesn’t guarantee customers, how to build a true marketing system that drives revenue, and what it takes to turn visibility into value. If you’re tired of posting with no results, this episode will change how you approach your entire strategy.
In this episode of Only Business, The StarMaker breaks down how to read and understand a balance sheet and profit & loss statement—without the jargon. Learn how to interpret the numbers that drive your business, spot financial red flags, and make smarter decisions with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, this episode is your crash course in financial fluency every entrepreneur needs.
Struggling with overthinking? This episode breaks down why overthinking is costing you time, confidence, and momentum—and how to stop it. You’ll learn the hidden dangers of overanalysis, how it sabotages decision-making, and five powerful steps to break the cycle and move forward with clarity and confidence. Perfect for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone tired of mental gridlock, this episode gives you the insight and tools to recl...
Why do some entrepreneurs get chosen over and over again—while others get passed up, even when they’re talented? In this episode of Only Business, we break down the real reasons people say yes. You’ll learn how to position your offer so it stands out, create instant trust without overselling, and become the obvious choice in any room. Whether you’re struggling to land clients, tired of being overlooked, or just want to tighten your...
Most public speaking advice is surface-level: make eye contact, speak clearly, don’t say “um.” This episode throws all that out the window. In The Public Speaking Playbook, we unpack 11 advanced, real-world tactics that separate amateurs from impact-makers. You’ll learn how to weaponize silence, anchor your message in rhythm, command the room with physical intent, and close with lines that echo long after the mic drops. And we’re n...
This episode of Only Business unpacks business lessons from Ryan Coogler’s Sinners —a haunting story about leadership, silence, survival, and legacy in the face of generational harm. We draw powerful real-world parallels between the film’s supernatural conflict and modern business challenges, including predatory partnerships, poor succession planning, the cost of unchecked growth, and the danger of building without boundaries.
Perfe...
This episode of Only Business pulls 15 deeply reflective and unexpected business lessons from Game of Thrones. We break down real-world insights on leadership under pressure, legacy-building, emotional control, loyalty, succession, and decision-making when the stakes couldn’t be higher. Each point is rooted in character choices and turning points from the series—brought to life through the lens of entrepreneurship, small business, ...
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