July 2025

Still stuck asking, “What business should I start?” You’re asking the wrong question.

Most entrepreneurs waste months chasing random business ideas that don’t fit their personality, skills, or lifestyle — then wonder why they burn out or get stuck.

But what if you could flip the script — and use AI to uncover 101 small business ideas that are custom-built for you?

In this video, I’ll show you exactly how to turn AI into your personal business strategist to:

• Unlock 101 personalized, profitable small business ideas tailored to your skills, personality, time, and income goals.

• Identify your top 3 business ideas that align with your values, energy, and long-term vision.

• Use AI-powered scenario modeling to simulate real-world results before you commit — eliminating guesswork and costly mistakes.

• Design a business that fits your life — not the other way around — with a custom 90-day AI game plan that includes your niche, monetization, automation tools, and ideal routine.

By the end, you won’t just have ideas — you’ll have clarity, focus, and a personalized roadmap to build a business that actually works for you.

If you’ve read The Wolf is at The Door or used my AI Starter Kit, you already know: The key to success isn’t random invention — it’s strategic reinvention, powered by AI.

Everything is broken down step-by-step — no tech skills required.

The AI Success Kit is available to download for free, along with a chapter from my new book, The Wolf is at The Door.

Almost half of the U.S. workforce now juggles a side hustle alongside their day job. But starting one isn’t as simple as it sounds — especially when time and money are tight. The biggest challenge? Figuring out how to build a recognizable brand and generate steady cash flow without sacrificing your sanity.

If you want a side hustle that not only survives but thrives, you need a clear plan that plays to your strengths, solves real problems and grows steadily without overcomplicating things. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you get there.

Related: 50 Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money in 2025

Identify the problems your skills can solve

Your side hustle shouldn’t just be about what you like doing. It has to solve urgent problems that people are actively searching solutions for — and are willing to pay to fix. Start by honestly assessing your talents and how they can help others quickly and efficiently.

For example, if you’re skilled in accounting, don’t try to offer every possible service under the sun. Instead, focus on the three most common financial headaches your ideal customers face — maybe expense tracking, invoicing or monthly reporting. Develop simple, repeatable processes for each that deliver reliable results every time.

The key is to think like your customer: what problems do they want solved fast? What kind of solution would they find clear, trustworthy and easy to use? Focus on delivering exactly that — nothing more, nothing less.

Build a brand that’s simple, trustworthy and self-sustaining

Once you’ve defined your core services, package them clearly. Give each service a straightforward name that sticks in the mind without sounding gimmicky. Then develop a clear promise — a specific guarantee about the results customers can expect.

But remember: your brand is more than a logo or a website. It’s the full experience you provide, from first contact to finished service. That means consistent quality, clear communication and processes designed around your customers’ needs.

Keep your operations simple so your side hustle can run smoothly even when you’re not hands-on every minute. This consistency builds trust and helps your brand stand out as reliable and professional.

Resist the urge to expand too quickly

It’s tempting to chase every opportunity once your side hustle starts gaining traction. But adding new services or clients too fast can stretch your time thin and hurt the quality your customers expect.

Remember, your side hustle’s strength lies in its focus and consistency. Stick to your core services and deliver them exceptionally well. This approach not only protects your time but also creates strong word-of-mouth referrals — your most valuable marketing tool.

Expand only when you have the capacity and systems to maintain the same quality your customers trust.

Related: From Side Gig to 6-Figure Success — How I Built a Thriving Home-Based Business as a Busy Family Man

Stay consistent — that’s how growth happens

Consistency is your most powerful growth strategy. When your processes and results are predictable and dependable, your reputation spreads naturally.

If your workload grows, consider bringing in help — but only if the new team members add clear value or save you significant time. Think virtual assistants, freelancers or part-time help who can plug into your existing model without adding complexity.

Keep refining your core services and customer experience. This steady, consistent growth builds a sustainable side hustle that can one day become a full-time business — but on your terms.

Final thoughts

A side hustle doesn’t have to be overwhelming or chaotic. By focusing on solving real problems with simple, repeatable processes and maintaining a trustworthy, consistent brand, you can build something that lasts.

Avoid the common pitfalls of over-expansion and time overload by keeping your offerings focused and your operations lean. When the time is right, growth will come — and so will profitability.

With the right approach, your side hustle can stand strong, generate steady income, and maybe even become your next big success.

More than 25% of companies using GPT reported saving $75,000+ thanks to their AI efforts, according to a survey by Resume Builder. If you’d like to cut costs, but aren’t sure where to start applying AI as an entrepreneur, the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree can help.

Right now, you can get access to 25 hours of instruction for just $19.97 (reg. $790) through July 20.

Learn how AI can transform your entrepreneurial workflow

See how AI can work for you with the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree. These 12 expert-led courses give you a deep dive into the world of automation, machine learning, and language models. With over 25 hours of engaging content, you can learn at your own pace

The courses in this e-degree are all brought to you by Eduonix Learning Solutions. These instructors specialize in delivering top-tier tech education that’s both accessible and beginner-friendly, preparing you to apply practical, real-world uses of ChatGPT.

Learn to customize and adapt this powerful technology for different industries with this instruction. You’ll gain hands-on experience you can apply daily as an entrepreneur while mastering smart automation in your workflow.

As an entrepreneur wearing many hats, this instruction shows how ChatGPT can enhance your creativity, communication, and data visualization. It can even help you improve your conversational skills and discover ways AI can help you thrive today and in the future.

See how AI can improve your workflow with the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree, now for only $19.97 (reg. $790) through July 20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Many small and mid-sized business (SMB) owners entered 2025 with high hopes: a stronger economy, falling interest rates and easier access to credit. But just a few months in, the landscape looks more complicated. New data shows a dip in optimism and a rise in uncertainty among SMBs — alongside signs that banks are starting to tighten lending standards.

If you’re a business owner, now is the time to prepare. Here’s what’s happening — and how to position your company for success in a shifting credit environment.

Related: Thinking of Using a Personal Loan for Your Business? Here’s Everything You Need to Consider.

Optimism is slipping, uncertainty is rising

According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), the Small Business Optimism Index dropped 2.3 points in January 2025 to 102.8. While still above the long-term average of 98, it’s a notable shift. Even more striking: the NFIB Uncertainty Index jumped 14 points to 100 — its third-highest reading ever.

While one month of data doesn’t signal a crisis, it could indicate that small businesses are hitting unexpected turbulence. The NFIB found fewer owners plan to make capital outlays in the next six months, with numbers falling from 27% in December to 20% in January.

What’s behind the dip in confidence? Inflation and labor quality were tied as the top operational concerns, each cited by 18% of respondents. Meanwhile, only 17% said now is a good time to expand — a three-point drop from the previous month.

For SMBs hoping to borrow in 2025, these trends suggest a more cautious outlook, not just among business owners but among the lenders they rely on.

A new credit squeeze may be forming

The Federal Reserve’s January 2025 Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS) reveals that banks are beginning to tighten credit standards for small business borrowers, especially those with lower credit scores.

Here’s what the data showed from Q4 2024:

• 14.3% of banks tightened credit standards for SMB loans
• 13.1% increased premiums for higher-risk SMB borrowers
• 11.9% are using more interest rate floors for small business loans

Why the shift? A majority of banks cited a more uncertain economic outlook (68.4%), industry-specific concerns (63.2%), and reduced risk tolerance (55%) as reasons for tightening standards.

In short, banks are seeing what SMBs are feeling — more risk, less clarity and a need to protect their own exposure. For business owners with weaker credit profiles or limited borrowing history, this could translate into fewer options and tougher terms.

How to navigate a tougher lending environment

This might not be a long-term crisis, but smart SMBs are already getting ahead of it. Whether you’re planning a major investment or simply want to preserve access to working capital, now is the time to strengthen your financial position and explore all your financing options.

Here are four ways to prepare:

1. Tighten operations and strengthen your balance sheet.
   Look for ways to boost profitability, cut costs, and improve cash flow. The stronger your financials, the better your chances of qualifying for credit if lending tightens further.

2. Secure financing before you need it.
   It’s better to borrow on your terms, not out of necessity. Maintain your credit lines, build relationships with lenders, and take advantage of favorable conditions while they last.

3. Don’t count on rate cuts.
   As of April 2025, the Fed hasn’t moved to lower rates, and long-term yields remain stubbornly high. If you’re hoping to refinance or secure lower-cost credit, don’t assume it’s just around the corner.

4. Think beyond traditional banks.
   If banks are saying no — or offering unattractive terms — look to non-bank lenders, fintechs, and asset-based financing. These providers may be more flexible and better suited to your business model.

Related: The 7 Different Loans You Can Get as a Business Owner

Final thoughts

There’s no need to panic, but there is a clear need to plan. Credit conditions are shifting. Optimism is softening. And banks are proceeding with caution.

The good news? You can too, without missing growth opportunities. The SMBs that succeed in uncertain times are the ones that stay adaptable, explore diverse financing strategies and act before challenges become urgent.

In my experience, non-bank lenders who understand the realities of running a business offer the kind of flexibility, speed and partnership that help companies thrive, no matter what the economy does next.

If your content isn’t showing up on Google, your keyword strategy might be to blame. It’s not that you’re not using keywords — it’s that you’re probably using them wrong.

Keyword optimization is one of the most misunderstood areas of SEO. When done right, it gets your content found by the right people at the right time. When done wrong, it can bury your site under a pile of irrelevant search results. Here are the four most common keyword mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Stop keyword stuffing — it hurts both rankings and readability

One of the biggest mistakes in SEO is cramming your target keyword into your content over and over again. It’s an outdated tactic that Google’s algorithm now penalizes. Repeating keywords too often can make your writing feel robotic, repetitive and unpleasant to read — which turns off both readers and search engines.

Instead, aim for natural language and smart keyword placement. Use your primary keyword in the title, first 100 words, one subhead and the meta description. Then support it with synonyms and related phrases that help Google understand your content contextually.

Tip: Focus on writing high-quality, engaging content that actually answers your audience’s questions. Google rewards helpfulness, not repetition.

Related: How AI Is Transforming Keyword Research (and Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore It)

2. Use headings strategically to boost skimmability and SEO

Headings do more than break up your content — they signal to Google what your page is about. But if every H2 is a thinly disguised version of your keyword, it can hurt your rankings and confuse readers.

Here’s a better approach:

• Put your main keyword in the H1 (page title).
• Use H2s to introduce subtopics with related or supporting terms.
• Make sure your headings are useful to human readers, not just search bots.

Think of headings like road signs — they should guide the reader through your content while reinforcing the overall topic to search engines.

3. Optimize for how people actually search

Search behavior has changed. People no longer search using robotic phrases like “pest control service NYC.” Instead, they ask full questions like, “What’s the best way to get rid of roaches in a Brooklyn apartment?”

This shift means Google now ranks based on user intent, not just keywords.

To win search results:

• Use tools like AnswerThePublic to find real questions your audience is typing.
• Match your content to search intent: Are they looking for a quick answer, an in-depth guide, or a product to buy?

Bonus: Intent-based search helps you compete at the local level, where trust and proximity matter more than having the biggest site.

Related: From Zero to Hero — How to Build an SEO Strategy From Scratch

4. Use AI to find long-tail opportunities others miss

Thanks to natural language processing (NLP), AI-powered search engines like Google now understand meaning, not just exact phrases. This opens a powerful opportunity for businesses: target longer, more specific queries that sound like real conversations.

For example, instead of optimizing for “best running shoes,” aim for:
“What running shoes are best for flat feet and knee pain?”

Use tools like Semrush or ChatGPT to:

• Discover trending long-tail phrases
• Analyze top-performing competitor content
• Identify question-based keywords and semantic variations

AI-driven keyword research helps you stay ahead by focusing on what users really want — not just what they type.

Final takeaway

Keywords are still foundational to SEO — but how you use them has evolved. Avoid outdated tactics like stuffing and copy-pasting the same phrase in every heading. Focus instead on understanding search intent, writing for humans, and using AI to find high-value opportunities.

Get those pieces right, and your content won’t just rank — it will resonate.

President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” passed the House on Thursday, 218-214. (There’s even a Domino’s Pizza-style tracker on the White House website — “We are preparing your tax cuts…” it reads.)

President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on July 4. After passing the House, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) said, “What more appropriate time to pass the big, beautiful bill for America than on Independence Day?”

The 887-page bill includes tax and spending cuts that will affect small businesses.

Related: Big Government Changes Are Coming for Small Businesses — What You Need to Know

On Fox News’ “Mornings With Maria” on Wednesday, CPA and small business owner Gene Marks said the big winners of the bill “are small businesses.”

“I think that’s going to have an enormous impact on the growth of businesses in this country,” Marks said. “There are certain tax provisions in this bill, investing in capital equipment, spending on research and development, [increasing] the exemption for estate taxes, [and] they’ve all been made permanent, which means that small businesses can make long-term decisions about investing in their businesses, selling their businesses, or passing it on to new generations knowing that the laws aren’t going to change.”

On Truth Social, President Trump called it: “One of the most consequential Bills ever.”

Here are some key items affecting businesses big and small:

Corporations

The tax breaks from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will be permanent, which allows businesses to write off the costs of research and development.

When the Ways and Means Committee voted to make the 2017 cuts permanent, they said that the provisions “will provide small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers the certainty and confidence to fuel a second Trump economic boom through new investment and job creation.”

“Families and workers will save money from lower tax rates, a larger Child Tax Credit, and President Trump’s tax priorities for hardworking Americans: tax relief for seniors, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime pay, and no tax on auto loan interest for American-made cars,” the committee wrote on its website in May.

Building and construction

Businesses will be able to deduct the cost of building new manufacturing facilities in full — and at a much faster rate. According to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), which represents 23,000 members and “millions” of construction workers, its website says, the legislation includes several tax provisions that will “directly benefit contractors.”

“Tax certainty and pro-growth policies are not abstract policy goals for construction businesses—they are the foundation that allows ABC members to invest, grow, and keep America building,” said Kristen Swearingen, ABC vice president of government affairs.

Franchises

The bill is backed by the International Franchise Association (IFA). President and CEO Matt Haller told Entrepreneur in June that the tax provisions in the bill “will have a hugely positive impact on America’s 830,000 franchise small business owners and their nine million employees.”

Related: Here’s What the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ Means for the Franchise Industry

“IFA, our member brands and franchise owners have been laser-focused on ensuring permanent tax relief,” Haller said. “IFA thanks President Trump for putting the importance of protecting franchise small business owners front and center, and lawmakers for their work to get this bill across the finish line.”

Eliminates tax on tips

In occupations where workers receive tips (restaurants, bars, beauty services, etc.), earned tips will no longer be taxed as taxable income. There are a few caveats, though: The provision expires in 2028, and the deduction is capped at $25,000.

The exemption only applies to federal income tax, meaning state and local income and payroll taxes would not apply. Also, in the new Senate version of the bill, workers earning $150,000 or more a year ($300,000 for joint filers) are exempt.

No tax on overtime

White House estimates suggest that employees who work overtime hours would save up to $2,000 in taxes yearly with the bill.

“Exempting overtime pay from federal income tax delivers direct, meaningful relief to the hardworking men and women of the construction trades, rewarding long hours on the jobsite,” the Associated Builders and Contractors said in a statement.

However, the AP reports that the bill does not eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits.

Interest deductions

The bill suggests that instead of calculating with EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes), deductions should be calculated using EBITDA (adds depreciation and amortization), which, the White House says, would allow businesses and franchises to deduct billions more in expenses.

State and local taxes (SALT) deductions

The cap on the federal deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) will increase from $10,000 to $40,000 starting in 2025. According to the Tax Foundation, this will mainly benefit high earners.

For entrepreneurs and professionals who are constantly on the move, a reliable second laptop isn’t a luxury—it’s insurance. Whether you’re meeting clients across the country or working remotely, you don’t always want to bring your $2,000 MacBook Pro through airport security or risk it in a hotel room.

That’s where this grade-A refurbished 13″ Apple MacBook Pro with Touch Bar comes in. Available now for $324.97 (MSRP $1,499.00), it’s a practical, powerful alternative that keeps your workflows intact without tying up your most valuable device.

Equipped with a 3.1GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this MacBook Pro has the speed and storage to handle essential business tasks from spreadsheets and Zoom calls to presentation edits and email management. And at just over three pounds, it’s light enough for day-to-day travel.

You’ll also get features professionals appreciate, like the Touch Bar for quick shortcuts and Touch ID for secure logins. The crisp 13.3-inch Retina display makes working from anywhere—be it airport lounges, hotel desks, or co-working spaces—feel a little more polished.

Four Thunderbolt 3 ports offer flexibility to connect monitors, drives, and accessories back at the office. And because it’s grade-A refurbished, the device looks nearly new with little to no cosmetic wear—fully inspected, tested, and restored for reliable performance.

If you need a dependable travel laptop, a backup workstation, or a way to stay productive without risking your primary machine, this MacBook Pro makes business sense.

Get the 13″ Apple MacBook Pro with Touch Bar for $324.97 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

As the cost of a college education continues to climb, with average tuition and fees seeing a 60% jump between 2000 and 2022, some young adults wonder about the return on such a significant investment — and how rapid advancements in AI might impact their entry-level job prospects.

Big Tech companies, including Google, Meta and Microsoft, recruited fewer recent graduates in 2024 than they did in previous years, per a recent report from venture capital firm SignalFire. The firm’s head of research, Asher Bantock, told TechCrunch that “convincing evidence” points to AI as a major contributor.

Related: AI Is Dramatically Decreasing Entry-Level Hiring at Big Tech Companies, According to a New Analysis

Of course, tech roles aren’t the only ones at risk of automation: McKinsey & Company estimated that between 400 and 800 million individuals across occupations could lose their jobs to AI by 2030.

Resume Now, a resume writing service company established in 2004, set out to find the top jobs that don’t require a college degree, are “AI-resistant” and offer starting salaries of $50,000 or more.

Resume Now’s report, which analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, honed in on 13 promising roles — all of which are growing faster or much faster than other jobs on the market.

Related: The Average Cost of a College Education Is $153,080. These Are the Majors and Careers That Provide the Highest Return on Investment.

According to the data, several trade professions led the list in terms of median pay: forest fire inspectors ($71,420), flight attendants ($68,370) and lodging managers ($65,360).

“Careers requiring significant human interaction, manual dexterity in unpredictable environments and complex problem-solving in real-time” emerged as those least susceptible to AI’s rise, the research found.

Related: These Are the 10 Best-Paying ‘New Collar’ Jobs, Prioritizing Skills Over Degrees

Read on for Resume Now’s full ranking of the top 13 fast-growing, higher-paying and AI-resistant careers for high school graduates:

1. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
2. Flight attendants
3. Lodging managers
4. Electricians
5. Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
6. Industrial machinery mechanics
7. Chefs and head cooks
8. Hearing aid specialists
9. Personal service managers
10. Maintenance workers, machinery
11. Insurance sales agents
12. Aircraft cargo handling supervisors
13. Security and fire alarm systems installers

Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities.

Kids’ eatery and birthday party staple Chuck E. Cheese is opening an arcade concept for adults featuring the company’s classic games, new technology, and its famed animatronic characters, according to a press release.

The concept, which was announced on Monday, caters to adults longing for childhood nostalgia and those who grew up going to Chuck E. Cheese restaurants. The 10 Chuck’s Arcade locations will open in eight states, including the one-of-a-kind Chuck’s Arcade and Pizzeria in Kansas City, Missouri, the company notes, which features a full menu.

Related: Clinton Sparks Podcast: Founder of Chuck E. Cheese, Atari Discusses Innovation and His Advice to Young People

“Chuck E. Cheese has spent decades mastering the arcade experience — it’s in our DNA,” said David McKillips, CEO of Chuck E. Cheese, in a statement. “Chuck’s Arcade is a natural evolution — an opportunity to extend our arcade legacy into new formats that engage both lifelong fans and a new generation through a curated mix of retro classics and cutting-edge experiences.”

^{Chuck E Cheese Statue and Retro Games at Chuck’s Arcade in Buford, GA. Provided by Chuck E. Cheese.}

Chuck’s Arcade locations are now open in major malls in St. Petersburg, Florida; Trumbull, Connecticut; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Victor, New York; Buford, Georgia; El Paso, Texas; Nashua and Salem, New Hampshire; and St. Louis, Missouri. There are “more locations on the horizon,” the company said.

Each arcade is “overseen” by an animatronic character from Chuck E. Cheese’s of the past, which will now stand “watch as a nostalgic nod rather than performing.” Some locations will have retro-themed merchandise, according to the press release, including logoed apparel, toys, novelty candy, and classic prize redemption items.

^{Merchandise Counter at Chuck’s Arcade in Buford, GA}

Related: ‘Reimagined and Reinvented’: This Iconic Chain From the ’80s, Which Featured a ‘Pay What You Weigh’ Promotion, Is Making a Comeback

Although the company says the concept was “created for adults and lifelong fans,” it doesn’t say that kids aren’t allowed, per se, as most are located in malls. Check your local location for more information.

Click here for the full list of Chuck’s Arcade locations.

I’ve spent decades as a business and management speaker, presenting to leaders about performance, leadership and building strong teams. But early in my career, I started to feel a little uneasy.

I was offering advice to audiences filled with managers and experienced business owners, many of whom had far more hands-on experience than I did. I didn’t want to be perceived as another speaker who talks theory but lacks real-world credibility. I wanted my insights to be grounded in experience, not just inspiration.

Then one day, flipping through an airline magazine, I saw an ad for Edible Arrangements. Something clicked. Franchising intrigued me because it’s a model that combines consistency and variability. Everyone follows the same system in similar markets, but performance varies. That meant there had to be a variable. If I could identify it and make it work for me, I wouldn’t just build a business — I’d gain insights I could bring to my clients.

My goal was never to leave my speaking career. It still is my primary passion. But I wanted to supplement it with a business that would sharpen my message and grow my income. That’s how I ended up opening an Edible Arrangements franchise in 2006.

Let me be clear: there was nothing “part-time” about this venture. Opening a franchise meant taking out a loan, signing a 10-year lease, investing in a buildout, managing employees, and serving customers. It required full commitment—even if I couldn’t be there every day.

Related: Is Franchising Right For You? Ask Yourself These 9 Questions to Find Out.

We faced our share of challenges, especially early on. But eventually, we built one of the highest-volume locations in California. Later, I acquired a struggling second location and made it profitable within a year. We won awards for best customer service and manager of the year out of more than 1,000 stores worldwide — all while I was still traveling for speaking engagements.

So, how did I do it? Here are six key strategies that made it possible:

1. Choose the right franchise model

Not every franchise is suited for absentee ownership, no matter what the sales team says. I chose a brand that allowed for it, but quickly learned that success still requires deep engagement. You don’t have to be physically present all the time, but you do have to be mentally present.

I looked for a business with clear systems, brand standards, and strong corporate support. I also spoke with other franchisees to ensure my dual-career setup was realistic. I wasn’t just an investor—I was still a leader, just one leading from a distance.

2. Build systems that work without you

If I weren’t going to be in the store every day, I needed systems to maintain visibility and accountability. Each night, the closing employee sent me a detailed report on sales, issues and feedback. I installed security cameras to monitor the store remotely and verify open and closing times. I could also log in to our system from anywhere to review dashboards and performance data.

Cross-training was another key strategy. Every team member could handle multiple tasks, giving us flexibility and protecting against staffing gaps.

3. Hire (and keep) the right people

Finding the right manager changed everything. My first two hires were solid but didn’t stick. The third, Jennifer, joined nine months in and stayed for the rest of my ownership. She even worked with the new owner for a year after I sold the stores.

Jennifer and I were in daily contact, even when I was on the road. When I was home, I’d visit at least once a week to stay connected with the team. I didn’t work shifts, but I maintained presence. I wasn’t micromanaging — I was culture managing.

Related: Connected for Success: 4 Crucial Values of an Interconnected Organizational Culture

4. Lead the culture — even remotely

Culture doesn’t just happen — it must be shaped. We talked often about who we were as a team and what kind of environment we wanted. We trained slowly, coached consistently and gave employees the chance to lead. Their input helped us innovate, meet goals and stay aligned.

When team members proved themselves, we gave them more autonomy. That investment paid off in loyalty and performance. The stores didn’t just feel like mine — they felt like ours.

5. Let go of control (strategically)

No one ran the business exactly like I would have. No one sold as much or cared as deeply. But they didn’t have to. I learned that if the team could operate at 80% of my personal standard, that was enough for success, and it gave me space to keep speaking and open a second location.

Letting go gave others room to step up. It made Jennifer’s job easier. And it allowed me to focus on growing the business, not just running it.

6. Manage by the numbers

When you’re not on-site, metrics become your eyes and ears. I watched weekly sales, average ticket size, expenses and customer reviews religiously. I studied every P&L. I also tracked individual employee performance so Jennifer could coach in real time when needed.

She managed the floor. I managed the numbers. That structure kept everything moving, even when I was out of town.

One of the proudest moments of my franchise journey was winning the best customer service award. It wasn’t just about sales—it was about the culture we’d built. That award confirmed what I’d come to believe: franchise success isn’t about working harder. It’s about working smarter, creating systems and growing people.

The experience didn’t just strengthen my speaking content — it transformed it. I had real stories. Real wins. Real setbacks. It all added authenticity to my message. You don’t need to give up your day job to build a successful business. But you do need to take that business seriously. Put systems in place. Lead your people. Watch your numbers. And above all, trust the team you’ve built.

That’s how you grow something great — even when you’re not there to see it.