Are your brand messages feeling a little “all over the place”? You’re not alone—and today’s guest, Kristen Sweeney, is here to help you fix it. As the founder of Every Little Word, Kristen works with purpose-driven entrepreneurs and technical experts to turn their jumbled thoughts into crystal-clear content that reflects who they are and what they stand for. In this episode, she joins host Bethany Meadows to talk about the power of brand voice, why clear beats clever every time, and how small business owners can create messaging that actually connects.

Together, they explore:

• Why the most brilliant minds often struggle with communication
• The top mistakes entrepreneurs make in brand messaging
• How to balance personal authenticity with professional clarity
• Simple steps to audit your content and bring consistency to your voice
• When to get outside perspective—and when to trust your gut

Whether you’re writing web copy, launching a new product, or just tired of being misunderstood, this episode is a practical guide to saying what you really mean—and sounding like yourself while doing it.

🔗 Connect with Kristen at everylittleword.co or find her on LinkedIn.

Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

What if your next business breakthrough could be as simple as a text message?

In this episode of Time to Thrive, Bethany Meadows sits down with Chris Brisson, founder and CEO of SalesMsg, to talk about why SMS is the most underutilized yet powerful communication tool for small businesses. From lead generation to customer service to AI-enhanced conversations, Chris shares how entrepreneurs can use text messaging to create personal, scalable, and highly effective touchpoints with their audience.

You’ll learn:

• Why SMS outperforms email for engagement
• How to “Text-ize” your business across the customer journey
• The biggest messaging mistakes to avoid
• How to use SMS to double your sales in 90 days
• Why simplicity, speed, and authenticity win every time

Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a growing team, this episode is packed with strategies to turn conversations into conversions—one text at a time.

👉 Learn more at salesmessage.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:52 Chris Broan's Entrepreneurial Journey
03:56 The Power of SMS in Business
08:32 Best Practices for SMS Marketing
17:03 Strategies to Boost Sales with SMS
21:03 Optimizing Messaging for Lead Engagement
21:48 Offering Free Growth Sessions
22:26 Revisiting Sales Message for Better Outreach
24:52 The Journey of Building Sales Message
25:06 Mindset Shifts for Startup Success
27:59 Validating Ideas Before Building
29:32 Scaling and Delegating in Business
33:37 Psychology of Effective Messaging
37:06 Importance of Product in Business Growth
43:44 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

In this episode of Time to Thrive, host Bethany Meadows sits down with Rich Brooks, founder of Flight New Media and host of The Agents of Change podcast and conference. With nearly three decades of digital marketing expertise, Rich unpacks what it really takes to create a digital presence that not only attracts attention—but actually converts.

From the early days of dial-up to the AI-driven landscape of today, Rich shares tried-and-true strategies for small business owners to get results online without breaking the bank. Discover why content marketing remains king, how to choose the right platforms, and what most businesses are missing when it comes to lead generation and SEO. Plus, you'll hear practical tips on how to make your website your best salesperson—even if you're just starting out.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by tech or trying to figure out your next marketing move, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and a few laughs along the way.

🎯 Topics covered:

• Building a website that drives results
• The underrated power of SEO (and how to get started)
• Why "set it and forget it" doesn’t work for lead generation
• Creating content that actually builds trust
• How to stay human in a world full of AI

If you're a small business owner ready to cut through the noise and start seeing real traction online, this is your episode.

www.theagentsofchange.com

00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Ridge Brooks
00:38 Random Question: Qualities of a Great Parent
01:31 Digital Marketing Strategies: Then and Now
03:52 Starting Digital Marketing on a Small Budget
05:39 The Role of Social Media in Digital Marketing
10:30 Effective Lead Generation Tips
13:45 SEO Strategies for Small Businesses
18:43 Adapting to Market Shifts and AI
19:46 Leveraging AI for Marketing
20:44 Embracing Change and Authenticity
22:09 Conversion Optimization Strategies
22:43 Building Trust and Authority
26:00 The Role of Social Proof
29:58 Balancing AI and Human Touch
34:45 Remarkability in Business
37:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

Is hustle culture burning you out? In this empowering episode of Time to Thrive, Bethany Meadows sits down with business strategist and CEO Collective founder, Racheal Cook, to challenge the traditional model of entrepreneurship. Racheal shares her revolutionary approach to building a life-first business—one that prioritizes your health, your family, and your peace of mind without sacrificing profit.

From navigating the realities of entrepreneurial poverty to managing chronic illness while leading a thriving business, Racheal opens up about how intentional planning, setting clear definitions of success, and respecting your current life season can completely transform the way you run your business.

Bethany and Racheal also get real about delegation, margin, and the emotional toll of trying to do it all. Whether you're a mompreneur, a service-based founder, or a woman who's tired of the burnout cycle, this episode will inspire you to reimagine success on your own terms.

If you've ever wondered whether it’s possible to grow a successful business and still have a life—you’ll want to hear this.

Topics We Cover:

• What “entrepreneurial poverty” really means and how to escape it
• Building sustainable success by honoring your energy and time
• How to delegate without losing control of your brand
• Managing feast-or-famine cycles and reclaiming consistency
• Why defining your version of success is the key to thriving
• The power of margin, intentionality, and seasonal awareness

http://theceocollective.com

00:00 Introduction to Bethany Meadows and Rachel Cook
01:01 Rachel's Tips for Managing Chronic Illness
02:36 Understanding Entrepreneurial Poverty
05:10 Bethany's Journey as a Mompreneur
07:35 Balancing Business and Family Life
11:21 The Importance of Intentional Business Design
19:24 Redefining Success Beyond Money
21:09 Creating Quality Time with Kids
21:38 The Importance of a Support System
22:48 Defining Success in Relationships
23:52 Proactive Business Planning
24:53 Managing Feast or Famine in Business
26:12 Understanding Business Capacity
28:25 The Concept of Margin
31:20 Delegation and Team Building
39:00 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

What if the key to stronger marketing isn’t more automation—but more human connection?

In this episode of Time to Thrive, we sit down with Casey Cheshire—Marine veteran, marketing automation expert, and host of over 500 podcast interviews. As the founder of Ringmaster Conversational Marketing and author of Marketing Automation Unleashed, Casey helps brands ditch disconnected marketing tactics and replace them with authentic, one-on-one conversations—starting with podcasting.

In this fast-paced and funny conversation, Casey shares:

• The #1 marketing mistake that slowly kills your growth
• A simple test to see if you’re truly connected to your customers
• Why podcasting is a secret weapon for B2B marketing
• How to use a podcast to connect with your dream clients
• The truth about “vanity metrics” and influencer myths
• Ways small businesses can start ugly—and still win
• The layers of ROI that come from podcasting (even if no one listens at first!)

Whether you’re looking to build trust, strengthen your brand, or finally kill the fluff in your marketing, Casey brings the clarity—and the laughs.

🎧 Plus, don’t miss his favorite email subject line strategy and why he believes every business should care at scale.

📬 Want to connect with Casey?
Email him at casey@ringmaster.com or check out his podcast: The Hard Corps Marketing Show.

00:00 Introduction to Casey Cheshire
00:55 Icebreaker Questions
01:50 The Importance of Human Connection in Marketing
03:22 Recognizing Disconnected Marketing
04:14 The Role of Customer Experience
09:17 Avoiding Fluff and Bad Advice
14:10 The Power of Podcasting for B2B Marketing
17:24 Starting a Podcast: Tips and Challenges
19:18 Understanding Podcast ROI
20:08 Direct Revenue from Podcasting
21:54 Building Relationships Through Podcasting
23:53 Guesting on Podcasts: Tips and Tricks
25:58 Marketing Automation Insights
26:50 Effective Email Marketing Strategies
31:32 Repurposing Podcast Content
33:36 Leadership Lessons from the Military
36:42 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

What happens when you combine military precision with entrepreneurial heart? You get Walter and Tasha Carter—co-founders of Maximize Growth and a dynamic husband-and-wife duo helping organizations elevate their leadership, communication, and team performance.

In this episode of Time to Thrive, we explore the most common leadership pitfalls small business owners face—and how to overcome them. From building self-awareness and creating effective communication channels, to fostering workplace culture and embracing generational differences on your team, Walter and Tasha deliver wisdom that’s both practical and powerful.

They also share:

• Why self-awareness is the foundation of strong leadership
• How to make communication a culture, not a checklist
• Why asking questions is the secret to unlocking team potential
• Strategies for leading younger generations with empathy and purpose
• The role systems, structure, and documentation play in scaling a business
• How their coaching approach is shaped by John Maxwell’s core principles

Plus, we chat about why friction might be the thing holding your business back, and how intentionality can lead to breakthroughs.

Whether you’re building a team, growing your influence, or simply trying to get out of the weeds of day-to-day operations, this conversation will inspire you to lead with both strategy and soul.

🔗 Connect with Walter & Tasha at maximizedgrowthllc.com or on social @MaximizedNow.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:56 Icebreaker Question: Spending $1,000 on a Friend
02:22 Leadership Development: Self-Awareness and Influence
04:28 Communication in Growing Organizations
07:43 Delegation and Trust in Leadership
10:56 John Maxwell's Influence on Leadership Coaching
13:54 Building a Positive Workplace Culture
16:45 Understanding Employee Motivations
19:07 Structure and Accountability in Small Businesses
20:23 Documenting Conversations for Growth
21:21 Understanding and Addressing Friction
24:04 The Importance of Communication and Systems
25:49 Leveraging AI and Productivity Tools
27:24 The Role of Coaching in Business
31:40 Military Insights on Leadership and Operations
35:02 Common Mistakes in Leadership
38:29 Maximize Growth: Services and Contact Information

Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

What does it take to go from life-threatening trauma to thriving entrepreneur? In this powerful episode of Time to Thrive, host Bethany Meadows sits down with Nick Prefontaine—top motivational speaker, 3x best-selling author, and founder of Common Goal. At just 14 years old, Nick suffered a devastating snowboarding accident and was told he might never walk or talk again. Not only did he defy the odds, he created a life and business rooted in purpose.

Nick shares how he developed the S.T.E.P. system—a practical and empowering method that helps individuals move through trauma and toward their highest potential. From rebuilding his life to building a mission-driven business, Nick’s story is a reminder that our greatest challenges can unlock our deepest purpose.

Whether you're facing personal adversity or business burnout, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step—because as Nick says, “Once you take your first step, your next step is always possible.”

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• How to move through fear and take action anyway
• The S.T.E.P. system for overcoming obstacles
• Why aligning with your purpose is the ultimate growth strategy
• How trauma can become the foundation for impact-driven entrepreneurship

www.nickprefontaine.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:21 Nick's Inspirational Story Begins
02:32 The Snowboarding Accident
04:46 Miraculous Recovery and STEP System
13:20 Real Estate Journey
23:29 Finding Purpose and Overcoming Fear
29:04 Advice for Entrepreneurs
32:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.

In today’s polarized world, consumer decisions are influenced by more than just price and quality—values and worldview play a major role. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Peterson, author of Red & Blue Customers and co-founder of LifeMind, to explore how small business owners can refine their marketing strategies to better connect with their ideal customers.

Chris shares insights on:
✅ How political and cultural identity shape buying behavior
✅ The biggest mistakes businesses make when trying to appeal to "everyone"
✅ Practical steps to identify and attract the right audience
✅ Subtle messaging shifts that can make your brand more effective
✅ How to market smarter—without taking a political stance

Whether you're a small business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode will give you actionable takeaways to help you craft marketing messages that truly resonate.

🔗 Get Chris’s book, Red & Blue Customers → Buy Here
🌐 Learn more about LifeMind AI → lifemind.ai

Tune in now to discover how to align your brand for success!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:39 Icebreaker Question
01:39 Exploring the Book: Red and Blue Customers
02:30 Research Insights and Market Behavior
06:55 Applying Insights to Business
10:06 Marketing Strategies for Different Audiences
26:05 Challenges and Missteps in Marketing
29:11 Practical Steps for Business Owners
35:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.