If you’re looking for a new business podcast with a fresh take on all things entrepreneurship, look no further than the BizTalk Weekly podcast. Launched earlier this summer by two friends with decades of business experience, Gregg Johnson and Keith Orlean delight with their depth of expertise and engaging conversational style. Together, they tackle a long list of items that any small business operator will find of value, including leadership, sales, mentorship, and marketing.
Meet Keith and Gregg
Keith Orlean, a lifelong entrepreneur who runs an entrepreneurship blog, is the sales and marketing voice at the table. Keith’s career is marked by his innovative strategies and his ability to drive business through effective marketing and sales techniques. Keith’s creative thinking offers a perfect counterbalance to Gregg’s financial expertise, making their interactions both compelling and educational. “Much of my experience comes from building multiple businesses in both brick-and-mortar retail and technology ventures within the electronic payments industry,” Keith Orlean shared. “I believe the secret to success is the willingness to fail and the perseverance to keep going. Failure, in my view, is the best teacher.”Gregg Johnson, a Minneapolis-based business coach and former CFO/Controller in the manufacturing sector, brings a wealth of financial acumen and managerial experience. With decades of experience managing the revenues and financial health of various businesses, Gregg has a deep understanding of the operational and fiscal challenges companies face. His analytical approach and methodical mindset provide a solid foundation for the discussions on BizTalk Weekly. Discussing his ascent to business ownership, Johnson stated that his career as a C-suite executive prepared him for this next phase. “When you are tasked with managing all aspects of a company’s financial health, it provides a great opportunity to interact with every part of an organization. Being analytical by nature made it easier to explore franchises and decide what best suited my skill set.”
The Genesis of BizTalk Weekly
The story of BizTalk Weekly began when Gregg Johnson took a significant step in his career by purchasing a coaching franchise, FocalPoint, last December. Recognizing that his new role would require a strong proficiency in sales, Gregg sought out Keith Orlean, who had recently launched his own sales coaching business. Introduced by a mutual friend, Gregg and Keith quickly found common ground in their professional experiences and personal philosophies.Gregg’s decision to engage Keith as his sales coach was driven by his recognition of the importance of sales skills in growing his new business. Under Keith’s guidance, Gregg honed his sales techniques, learning the intricacies of methods that would drive success for his coaching practice. This business relationship soon blossomed into a friendship, fueled by their mutual respect and shared life perspectives.
Creating a Platform for Insightful Conversations
With their camaraderie established, Keith suggested that they start a podcast together. BizTalk Weekly was born out of this idea, aiming to provide valuable insights to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Each episode features discussions that are both accessible and informative, offering practical advice that listeners can readily apply to their own business endeavors.What makes BizTalk Weekly particularly engaging is the hosts’ ability to seamlessly blend their differing viewpoints into cohesive discussions. Keith’s intuitive, creative mindset compliments Gregg’s structured, numbers-driven approach, resulting in a well-rounded perspective on business challenges and opportunities. Their friendly banter and genuine rapport make each episode a pleasure to listen to, even as it delivers actionable insights.
A Unique Coaching Experience
As their podcast gained popularity, Keith and Gregg decided to expand their collaboration beyond the microphone. They now offer coaching services both individually and as a team, promoting themselves as a unique coaching duo that provides a comprehensive 360-degree view of all aspects of a business. Clients benefit from their combined expertise, receiving tailored advice that addresses both the financial and sales aspects of their operations.This dual coaching approach is particularly advantageous for business owners who need to strengthen their financial management while also boosting their sales and marketing efforts. By working with Keith and Gregg, clients gain access to a holistic coaching experience that covers all critical facets of running a successful business.
Looking Ahead: Young Entrepreneurs Channel
Looking to the future, Keith and Gregg have ambitious plans for expanding their podcast. They are in the process of creating a new channel called Young Entrepreneurs, where they will interview individuals who are just starting out or have achieved notable success early in their careers. This new venture aims to inspire and educate young entrepreneurs, providing them with the knowledge and motivation to pursue their business dreams.Working with young, hopeful entrepreneurs is something that Keith and Gregg are particularly excited about. They see this as an opportunity to give back to the business community and to help shape the next generation of business leaders.
Get Involved with BizTalk Weekly
For those interested in gaining insights from Keith and Gregg, BizTalk Weekly offers a wealth of valuable content. The podcast is an excellent resource for anyone starting out in business or in the early stages of their career. Additionally, Keith and Gregg are offering free assessments of business operations and sales skillsets, providing a no-cost opportunity to benefit from their expertise.Listeners and potential clients can connect with Keith and Gregg through their podcast, coaching services, and by subscribing to their YouTube channel. Whether seeking advice, coaching, or simply looking for engaging business conversations, BizTalk Weekly is a must-listen.To schedule a free business assessment with Gregg, click here. To subscribe to the BizTalk Weekly YouTube channel, click here.
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