Join us on the latest Continuity Conversations as we dive into the challenging but necessary topic of firing clients. We share our own experiences, discuss why it’s important to work with clients who align with your values, and explain when it’s time to move on.

Drawing from the "Book Yourself Solid" approach, we explore how client relationships can go wrong and why maintaining high standards is crucial for consultants.

Listen for practical strategies like the "three-strike rule" for dealing with toxic clients, along with advice on clear communication. This episode is full of insights to help you build strong client relationships while safeguarding your well-being and professionalism.

In this episode, we chat about why having a growth mindset is key for both personal and business success. We share our own experiences, including how making this podcast has taught us the value of being open to new ideas and working with others.

We also dive into how social media shapes our business mindset and why thinking with an abundance mentality can boost resilience and help keep customers. Plus, we offer tips on using social media to build your brand and connect with others in your industry, encouraging you to see competitors as possible partners.

Tune in for practical advice and a challenge to spot competitors who might become your best collaborators, helping you create a stronger and more successful business.

Ever wondered why a great marketing strategy doesn't always translate to instant sales? Join us as we break down the often confusing differences between marketing and sales in this fun and informative episode of Continuity Conversations.

We pull from Michael Port's "Book Yourself Solid" system to show how good marketing should build brand awareness and lay a strong foundation for your small business. Patty shares her tips on identifying your unique value and target audience, highlighting how even introverted business owners can find a balance between social interactions and personal downtime.

Tune in as we dive into the ins and outs of building relationships and trust in business. We’ll share personal stories and practical advice on why it’s crucial to connect before making a pitch. Plus, we’ll talk about how transparent pricing and offering different service levels can make your business stand out. From local marketing tips to fun references to "The Princess Bride," we’ve got a blend of humor and actionable insights for you.

This episode is packed with strategies to help you create a cohesive marketing plan that boosts your reputation and visibility without overwhelming potential clients. Don’t miss out on these insights that can transform your marketing and sales approach!

Ever wondered if running a business was simpler in the past, or are we just romanticizing history? Join Keith and Patty as they dissect this idea by tracing the evolution of advertising and customer acquisition, from the intimate hustle of neighborhood shops to the vast reach of digital marketing.

We also tackle the importance and limitations of credentials in various industries, highlighting how practical skills and continuous learning often outweigh formal qualifications. This episode doesn't just reminisce about the good old days; it offers actionable insights for today's entrepreneurs striving to maintain a customer-focused approach while adapting to the relentless pace of change.

What if you could secure a steady income for your small business even during unpredictable times? Join Keith Hessel of Serve Business Consulting and Patty Bonsera of Resilient Coffee Pros as we celebrate surpassing 100 downloads and our expansion to major platforms like Audible, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio. This milestone episode of the Continuity Conversations podcast focuses on the power of membership services as a sustainable income stream. From Keith's insights on accreditation services to Patty's expertise in contingency planning, we explore the potential for transforming various business models into recurring membership-based ones that ensure financial stability and customer loyalty.

Ever wondered why small acts of kindness can turn a customer's day around? In this episode of Continuity Conversations, we explore the extraordinary power of empathy and human connection in business.

Tune in to discover how empathy, kindness, and human connection are more than just buzzwords—they are the lifeblood of resilient businesses and cherished community spots.

Do you remember when appliances from a generation or two ago outlasted its modern counterparts? In this episode of Continuity Conversations, Keith and I explore the significant relationship between quality, accurate data, and business resilience. We share personal stories, like the reliability of a Frigidaire refrigerator from the 1950s, and examine the shift in product quality and customer service over the years to today’s planned obsolescence.

We journey through the evolution of product quality and customer service, questioning if today’s items or services can stand the test of time like those from the past. Tune in as we discuss how genuine customer service goes above and beyond the numbers to truly satisfy and retain customers and build resilience in your organization. An episode not to be missed!

Ever wondered how the principles from movies like "We Were Soldiers" and "Apollo 13" apply to business resilience and retention? Is it time to rethink the old adage "If you want a job done right, do it yourself"? Join us on Continuity Conversations as we explore how relinquishing control can actually foster business growth and resilience. We share personal stories and practical insights on why trusting your team and having well-documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) are crucial for ensuring smooth operations even when you're not around. Discover how operational readiness can safeguard your business against unforeseen events, using Patty’s family business experience as a prime example.