CDG BizCast

Today's guest is a photographer who doesn't just take beautiful photos, she captures life's best memories so they can last a lifetime! We interview Ashley Marie of Memories by Ashley Marie Photography to discuss how her passion for photography led to her journey as an entrepreneur, as well as some advice for other business owners out there ready to take on the world!

CHECK OUT MEMORIES BY ASHLEY MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY:https:/...

(FROM A NON-POLITICAL, STRICTLY BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE & RECORDED BEFORE THEY REVERTED BACK TO THEIR OLD LOGO). We discuss the situation regarding Cracker Barrel's new logo, the surrounding backlash towards it and how the business world can learn from this fiasco. Why was Cracker Barrel's new logo hotly disliked among the public? We answer this question in great detail and explain the importance of thinking before making ...

In this episode of our Business Sins Subseries, we cover a sin that is all too common: deceptive advertising. This sin is one of the worst practices any company can engage in, as it tricks innocent customers into making purchases they don't want or need. In general, using deceptive advertising (ads with false claims, charging extra unexpected costs, using Photoshopped pictures, pushing unrealistic claims, etc.) causes consumers...

As a business owner, have you ever felt that the wrong prospects were always contacting you to inquire about services? The ones who didn't align with your company's values or were always huge takers? These clients are the ones that are always anxiety-inducing and often take up much of our time with zero to no reward for working with them. Trish Saemann of Go Beyond SEO and host of the Breaking Even Better Podcast joins us t...

We continue our discussion about the cyberattacks on three major United Kingdom retail chains, as discussed previously in Episode 83. Our UK panelist Sara Russell joins us to discuss how Marks & Spencer, Co-op & Harrods were affected after being brought down by a suspicious group known as DragonForce. We also cover some basic tips to help businesses, organizations and consumers protect themselves from becoming victims of a ...

There have been a lot of buzz going on in the cybersecurity world, and we want you to be safe! Our incredible UK panelist Sara Russell once again joins us to discuss some recent events that have happened this month (May 2025). First, we discuss a dangerous phishing attempt targeting Gmail users that looks so real, even the most vigilant of users could fall for it! Secondly, we discuss the major cyberattack related to UK-retailers M...

We shine the Small Business Spotlight on U-GET-FIT, an activewear company that is all about encouraging individuals staying in shape to strive for their absolute best! U-GET-FIT is not just about selling activewear, they are all about living the best when it comes to having a healthy lifestyle! CEO & Founder (and CDG Client) Serge Amani joins us to discuss how his passion for fitness has led him to start such a venerable brand!...

What happens when you fail to take accountability for your failures and errors? What happens when you are a toxic leader who refuses to accept such responsibilities and/or just allows them to slide? A cascade of events can happen such as low morale from team members, distrust in the public eye and a downfall in business. If there is a lack of accountability in your workplace, what should you do? Business coach Holly Golebiowski wit...

Tax season is nearing its end, and the filing deadline is just weeks away! We sat down with tax preparation expert Paul Njoku, owner of PKN Accounting in Houston, to explore how small business owners can maximize their returns before the deadline. Plus, he shares insights on common filing mistakes and how to avoid costly errors that could lead to problems down the road.CONTACT PAUL AT PKN ACCOUNTING TODAY:https://www.pknaccounting....

Singer-songwriter Lexi Nguyen joins us on CDG BizCast to explore how small businesses can leverage strategic event planning to maximize their exposure. In this episode, we’ll dive into the power of live music, the value of consistency, the importance of preparing for the unexpected, and how collaborating with fellow small businesses can create powerful mutual promotion opportunities. Tune in for expert insights and actionable tips ...

In this episode of CDG BizCast, we welcome back John "JD" Dwyer from The Institute of Wow to dive deeper into the power of direct marketing—building on the insights he shared with us in Episode 76. JD explains how to incorporate direct marketing tactics into your website and social media campaigns to drive results. Direct marketing, at its core, is all about offering customers a compelling incentive to take action—think of how kids...

It's time to shine our Small Business Spotlight on another awesome small, local business in the Greater Houston area! Today we speak to Karina Melendez of Americana Pool Service of New Caney, TX. Karina joins us to discuss her adventure in starting a swimming pool contracting company with her husband Jorge, who are all about providing 5-star customer service. Americana Pool Service is all about providing swimming pools, hot tubs an...

There's a difference between simply offering a product/service and offering SOMETHING with your product or service to help boost sales! Think about the toy that comes with a McDonald's Happy Meal... THAT TOY is the #1 reason why kids want the meal. It's not because of the burger that comes with it! So think about what you can offer as a metaphorical Happy Meal toy with whatever you are selling! John Dwyer "JD"...

Every year, many people make the New Year’s resolution to leave their full-time jobs and turn their skills into a business. While pursuing your passion is exciting, starting a business involves much more than just doing what you love. One critical area you must understand before launching your venture is cash flow. Today, Leo Kanell, founder of 7 Figures Funding, joins us to explain why mastering cash flow is essential for new busi...

Hiring the right people is one of the biggest challenges business owners and hiring managers face. The endless search for top talent and the time-consuming screening process can feel overwhelming—but what if there was a better way? Enter Discovered ATS, a game-changing SaaS solution designed for businesses of all sizes. Powered by AI, this innovative tool takes the hassle out of recruiting with features like candidate pool nurturin...

Not all lead magnets are created equal—some are good, but great lead magnets can transform your small business. The right lead magnet on your website and within your content strategy can attract more customers and grow your audience like never before. If you’re unsure what a lead magnet is or how to craft one that’s irresistible to your potential customers, this episode is a must-listen! Join marketing expert Sarah Noel Block, foun...

Local photographer Aisha Khan has had an interest in the art since she was a child. But never once did she think that her interest would turn into an entrepreneurial journey making major breakthroughs in the industry, and ultimately becoming one of Houston's leading wedding photographers and videographers. Her firm, Ama by Aisha began in 2012 and has been featured in several magazines and won several awards for her outstanding wor...

We all know The Eighth Wonder of the World, or Houston's Astrodome! Once home to many events such as concerts, rodeos and sporting events, it has been closed and shuttered for many years and unfortunately falling into urban decay. In this episode, we are discussing the proposed Astrodome Revitalization Plan that was announced in early November by the Astrodome Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the belov...

In the second episode of CDG BizCast's Business Sins subseries, we discuss the importance of maintaining a friendly, professional, customer-focused composure when conducting business in any fashion. There is no room for being rude and disrespectful in the business world, and this is especially true if you are a business owner yourself. Christian and our United Kingdom panelist Sara Russell discuss some examples of rude customer ser...