So, you’re considering the hybrid work model. You’re not alone. Since the pandemic flipped our work lives upside down, this new approach to productivity has been all the rage. But is it the right fit for your small business?

Let’s break it down.

First things first: What is a Hybrid Work Model?  

Think of it as the best (or worst, depending on your perspective) of both worlds. Employees split their time between working remotely and showing up in the office. 

Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s not. So, let’s get into the juicy stuff—what works, what doesn’t, and how to decide if this trend is worth the hype for your business.

The Pros: Why Hybrid Might Work for You  

1. Flexibility = Happier Employees  

Nobody likes being chained to a desk five days a week. Hybrid models let your team skip the soul-sucking commute and work in their pajamas half the time. Happier employees are more productive, less likely to quit, and way more tolerable on Slack.

2. Cost Savings  

Fewer butt...

Hey, business owners—let’s talk about the elephant in the room: raising your prices. You know you need to do it, but the thought of that one client raising their eyebrows (or walking away) sends you spiraling. 

Newsflash: if you’re not regularly adjusting your prices, you’re leaving money on the table and undervaluing your time, skills, and expertise.

Let’s break this down and give you the tools to raise your rates without scaring off your customer base—or sacrificing your sanity.

Step 1: Understand the Psychology of Pricing

Customers don’t pay for what you do; they pay for the value they perceive. Price isn’t just a number—it’s a story. Here’s how to make yours convincing:

• Anchoring: People judge prices relative to other prices. Position your service against a high-value alternative so your rates seem reasonable in comparison.
• Charm Pricing: Odd numbers, like $97 or $499, feel smaller than round numbers. Use this sparingly for products, not services—it’s less effective for...

 You know what they say—your reputation is everything. And in the business world, it’s not just a feel-good platitude; it’s a matter of survival. One bad review or an ill-timed viral post can send your business into a tailspin faster than you can say, “That wasn’t what I meant!” 

But fear not. We’re diving deep into PR damage control for small businesses because, let’s face it—if Amazon and Starbucks aren’t immune to bad press, neither are you.  

The Fallout Is Real: Why Reputation Matters More Than Ever 

In today’s “camera-in-every-pocket” culture, a single customer with a grievance can spark a PR nightmare. Social media, review sites, and even local news can amplify small issues into colossal problems. That’s why having a plan for damage control isn’t optional—it’s essential.  

As John P. David, founder of David PR Group and guest on The Liquid Lunch Project (Ep 184), says:  “The best defense when it comes to review sites is offense. Talk to your existing customers and have them ...

So, you've built a business from the ground up, shed a little blood, a lot of sweat, and probably some not-so-pretty tears. Now, the thought of an “exit” is on your mind—whether it’s about cashing in, passing it on, or even retiring on a beach. But preparing your business for a smooth and profitable exit? That’s an art, my friend. So, let’s dig into what it takes to sell smart, sell high, and leave with no regrets.

Start with the Big Question: Who’s Buying?

When it comes to selling, you need to know your audience. Turns out, Wall Street is looking for Main Street businesses. As we covered in our recent episode of The Liquid Lunch Project with Jordan Wagner, private equity firms are interested in the “boring” essentials—think HVAC, plumbing, and property management. Why? Because these businesses offer steady, recurring revenue and a reliable customer base. So, if you’re the proud owner of a “boring” business, know that you might be sitting on a goldmine.

Nail Down Your Numbers

As a small business owner, the holiday season is like stepping onto a treadmill you can't get off. You’re working longer hours, juggling endless to-do lists, and trying to keep both customers and employees happy. It’s all tinsel and cheer until burnout comes sneaking down the chimney, leaving you fried, frazzled, and fueled by nothing but holiday cookies and caffeine.

Here’s the truth: managing your health and wellness isn't just a nice idea for those who have the extra time. (Extra time? What’s that?) It’s a survival skill if you actually want to make it through this season without turning into a holiday Grinch.

The good news? With a few strategies, you can dodge burnout, keep your energy up, and maybe even enjoy the holiday cheer. Who knows—you might even have a moment to relax with a glass (or three) of eggnog.

Let’s break down how to stay healthy, sane, and maybe even a little merry while your business—and everyone else—goes full holiday crazy.

1. Set Boundaries – and Actually ...

Running a small business is like playing whack-a-mole with your bank account. Just when you think you’ve got one thing handled, another financial headache pops up. And let’s be real—cash flow is often the biggest mole of them all. Without it, your dreams of growing the business—or even keeping the lights on—can quickly evaporate.

But hey, no need to lose your sanity over it (you’ll need that for the endless emails). Whether you're a bootstrapped startup or have been in the game for a while, managing your cash flow effectively is non-negotiable. So, let's dive into some actionable (and, dare we say, fun?) tips to get your cash flowing in the right direction.

Invoice Faster Than a Speeding Bullet

Yes, we’re starting with the basics. If you’re not invoicing on time, you’re leaving money on the table—and worse, delaying payments can put a chokehold on your cash flow. Think of it this way: if you’re slow to invoice, your clients will be slow to pay. Implement invoicing software that auto...

Let’s be real—when you think about press releases, you probably picture a big corporation announcing a merger or a fancy tech startup debuting its latest gadget. But here’s the truth: press releases aren’t just for the big guys. They’re a secret weapon for small and medium-sized businesses, too. You might be thinking, "That’s old-school, right?" Wrong. Press releases are still one of the most underrated tools in your marketing arsenal.

If you’re looking for ways to get your name out there, gain credibility, and attract some much-needed attention, you should definitely be using press releases. Let’s break down why:

1. Instant Credibility Boost

When your business sends out a press release, it shows the world you’ve got something important to say. It screams, “Hey, look at us—we’re making moves!” And guess what? People listen. Press releases give your business an air of legitimacy that your average Instagram post just doesn’t.

Pro Tip: Press releases are trusted by media outlets, so w...

We all know the drill. The leaves start falling, the snow starts piling up, or summer rolls in, and suddenly—bam!—sales hit a nosedive. Every small business owner dreads the seasonal sales slump. But here's the kicker: while you can’t eliminate the seasons (unless you’re Zeus, which, spoiler alert, you’re not), you can prep your business to weather the storm.

Ready to minimize the damage? Let’s dive into six techniques that’ll keep you afloat, even when the customers start ghosting you like a bad Tinder date.

1. Diversify Your Offerings

The best way to not put all your eggs in one seasonal basket? Diversify. Sure, your pumpkin spice latte business is booming from September to November, but what’s happening in March? Introduce new products or services that complement your main hustle but aren’t reliant on any one season. Keep your audience interested, and more importantly, keep the cash flow going. Think off-season promotions, bundles, or offering an entirely new line of services ...

Securing funding is one of the biggest challenges small business owners face. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, the process is often slow, rigid, and full of roadblocks. Traditional lenders don’t always get it – they focus on outdated requirements that leave many businesses frustrated and stuck. But that’s where Credit Banc by Shield Advisory Group comes in. We’ve listened to the struggles of small business owners, and we’ve created a solution that’s fast, flexible, and built around your business’s needs.

The Problem with Traditional Business Financing

Let’s face it: most small businesses don’t have the luxury of time. Waiting weeks for an approval and then even longer to access funds can slow down growth and, in some cases, put businesses in jeopardy. The demands of running a business don’t wait, so why should your financing?

On top of that, traditional lenders often rely on rigid requirements that simply don’t apply to many small businesses. Credit scores, fina...

Ever feel like your business is running you instead of the other way around? If your daily routine has you putting out fires left and right like you’re a member of the NYFD, it’s time to call in some reinforcements. Automation tools can take over the boring, time-sucking tasks that keep you from focusing on the big stuff.

And you don’t need to be a tech wizard to set these up, either. We're talking free, easy-to-use tools that can shave off hours of grunt work every week. 

Here’s our list of 7 free automation tools you need to start using ASAP to reclaim your time.
 

1. Zapier

What It Does: Think of Zapier as your business’s personal assistant. It connects your favorite apps and automates repetitive tasks without you lifting a finger. For instance, you can set it up to save Gmail attachments directly to Dropbox or sync new leads from your website to your CRM.

Why You Need It: If you’re constantly switching between apps and manually transferring information, Zapier has your ba...