Small Businesses Do it Better

Neil Patel, blogger at Quicksprout.com and co-founder of KISSmetrics and Crazy Egg, gives some common mistakes often made on websites, explains website hotspots, and a few elements every website should contain. Neil also shares his #1 way to land big clients and which type of clients pay the best. We also learn Neil's tips for using social media effectively, how to covert social media fans into paying customers, and what causes most marketing campaigns to fail. More at http://smallbusinessesdoitbetter.com

Shelly Ehler, who pitched her business, Show No Towel on Shark Tank, joins Carissa on the live show. Shelly gives her tips on applying to Shark Tank and also talks about her other business. Bonus – this summer her company is sponsoring Shark Boot Camp in Irvine, CA, which you will want to hear about! More at http://smallbusinessesdoitbetter.com

Roger Sullivan, who pitched his business, Wired Waffles, on Shark Tank, joins Carissa live in the studio! Roger discusses his experience before, during and after appearing on Shark Tank – and a few things you may not know. We also get to hear about how and where Wired Waffles has been in the media lately and how Roger has gained some serious traction by creatively implementing clever guerrilla marketing techniques. Roger also shares how his entrepreneurial ventures are impacting his children’s perspective at making a living and discusses Wired Troops – his operation which ships waffles to troops serving the country. AND we learn about Roger’s newest business, which soon be launching (it’s pretty awesome). There is also a whole bunch more information about Shark Tank, the Sharks, other entrepreneurs and business tips that you’ll have to watch the show to get! More at http://sbdib.com

Joel Comm, Entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author shares his insights on Twitter, AdSense, Google, making money online and social media. Joel describes the differences between Google AdSense and AdWords and how they can both be of benefit. We learn some important facts about AdSense, which helps makes sense of it in an understandable way. Joel also discusses how to interact on Twitter as if it were the “water cooler”, which naturally creates a following, and we learn Joel’s opinion on how Google’s algorithm updates affect websites. This episode also features Graphic Springs, a simple and intuitive web app that allows users to design their own professional looking logo in minutes. More at http://sbdib.com

Stacey Harris of Hit the Mic Marketing discusses the importance of one on one strategy sessions for businesses - there is not a solution that serves every small business. We also learn about Google Plus - what it is, how to use it and the benefits. Stacey also shares her social media pet peeves and all of the details about her upcoming webinar. This episode also features Cuddletunes, as seen on Shark Tank. Cuddletunes has a real MP3 player and speakers sewn right inside! Play any MP3 music, plus your own recordings that you create using the easy Cuddletunes web site. More at http://sbdib.com

Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, founder of GLO Science, shares his entrepreneurial expertise about how to take a product to market from an idea and what type of people are needed to build a successful and effective team. Dr. Levine also explains the science behind his high tech and award winning teeth whitening system, GLO. This episode also features Soap Time, a multimedia "Edutainment" experience of lights, music and fun facts to keep kids at the sink for 20 seconds, the proper time to ensure clean hands. Both products featured in this episode are winners of a 2013 Edison Award, known around the world for recognizing and honoring innovation and excellence in the design, development, marketing and launch of new products and services. More at http://sbdib.com

Jared Kleinert, Founder/CEO of Synergist, joins me in this eye opening interview. Not only does he bring some important points to light, but he shows that there are some extremely young entrepreneurs out there that are truly doing remarkable things (and making me feel old). Jared discusses his new company, Synergist, a crowdsourcing site for social entrepreneurs. On April 27th, he is launching a campaign for Synergist to raise money for the company using their own platform, an industry-first for a socially driven company.Jared has also worked for 2 Silicon Valley start-ups and is currently writing a book about other inspiring young entrepreneurs and innovators. We discuss utilizing LinkedIn to it’s fullest, how he got experience with multiple Silicon Valley companies and how he approaches the press. More at http://sbdib.com

Nellie Akalp, CEO of CorpNet, shares her expertise on the importance of setting up a company the correct way the first time and explains why and when to get a Trademark and the process to obtain a trademark. Nellie also answers some questions about incorporating in other states such as Delaware or Nevada and discusses how her company being available to their customers has set them apart from their competitors. More at http://sbdib.com

Baron Nagy, Content Manager at Quirky.com, discusses the entire process about how inventors can get their product from an idea to development to packaging to selling it online and making money. Quirky makes the whole process affordable, painless and also provides everyone access to their community. We also discuss the pros and cons to obtaining a patent for a product and what the biggest hurdle inventors most likely face. Baron shares some details about some of Quirky’s most successful products, and some that are not so successful, which is why I am crying in the photo… these are hilarious. BONUS! Baron gives us a sneak peek into what he calls “Quirky’s biggest announcement to date”. More at http://sbdib.com

Ryan Evans, CEO of Bitesize PR, a press marketing company for small businesses, talks with Carissa in Episode 57. Ryan shares what small businesses can do immediately to help get press, tips on how and what to pitch to a reporter, and what not to do. Also featured is Vertical Response, an email, social, event, and survey marketing service for small businesses. More at http://sbdib.com

Rebecca Rescate, entrepreneur who brought two separate businesses into the Shark Tank, survived, and got invested in both times by different investors, joins Carissa and special co-host, Rob Merlino of the Shark Tank Blog. Rebecca shares her Shark Tank experience and the differences between her two investors, Robert Herjavec and Kevin Harrington, and how each one has helped her businesses, HoodiePillow and CitiKitty. We also learn about the different online distribution channels and how to utilize them in a way that is smart for your business. This episode also features SoundBender, a magnetic, power-free iPadⓇ amplifier. More at http://sbdib.com

Roberto Torres, co-owner of the Black and Denim Apparel Company, discusses their successfully funded Kickstarter Campaign, how they found out about, and were awarded, several business grants, were featured in Entrepreneur magazine, and got their products in the Oscar, Grammy, and BET awards swag bags. Also featured in this episode, Chez Moi Bakery, who makes specialty cakes which are not typically available in the average bakery: Rum Cakes. More at http://sbdib.com

Nardo’s Naturals organic skin care products – with special guest, Danny Mastronardo, as seen on Shark Tank. Danny discusses the organic skin care line and what’s been going on since they appeared on Shark Tank and were invested in by Barbara Corcoran. More at http://sbdib.com

Angelique Rewers, The Corporate Agent, discusses the often untapped potential for small businesses: marketing their products and services towards big businesses. This episode also features Nardo’s Naturals organic skin care products – with special guest, Danny Mastronardo, as seen on Shark Tank. More at http://smallbusinessesdoitbetter.com

Mari Smith, THE Facebook Queen and social media marketing expert talks about how she got started in business and how she grew the empire she has today. Mari gives her advice on how to best use time while marketing on social media, how to utilize both your personal and business Facebook page to grow your network, and explains her thoughts on email list building versus getting Facebook likes. Mari also gives some golden tips on running a DIY Facebook ad campaign, shares her thoughts on the percentage of fans who see your updates, and gives her insights on the future of social media, including Facebook and Google Plus. More at http://smallbusinessesdoitbetter.com