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Starting your own business comes with highs and lows…on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange podcast, Shelby Mason founder of Bootights shares her story of how she went from the entertainment industry to entrepreneur. Shelby joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to discuss how she came up with the idea for Bootights and how she’s had to adjust her business to changing conditions. Plus we’ve got some cool small businesses for you to check out. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Small Businesses of the Month discussed in this month's episode: Are You Kidding Socks - Kids Helping Kids, Hickory’s Helper, Bark Side Pet Grooming, Plush Kutz Barber College, Life Giving Warmth | Battery Powered Heating Blankets Helpful links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, Catawba Valley Community College See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taxes for your business aren’t due…yet. This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange gets you in tax planning mode as Sabrina Cook, CPA joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to talk about what you can be doing now to prepare for the 2023 tax season, as well as changes in tax law which may have an impact on your business. Plus they share a group of small businesses to check out, from cool bags, tasty pies, and a bus…for dogs! It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange podcast on The MESH podcast network! Helpful links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, Catawba Valley Community College Small Business of the Month Better Life Bags, Carolina Pie Company, Mo Mountain Mutts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ready to get more productive in 2023? The Entrepreneur Exchange opens the year with a bang as Small Business Center Director Todd Lyden joins the podcast to share productivity tools and technology to help your business operate more effectively. Artificial intelligence is now accessible to all businesses, so listen in as hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller discuss the AI trend with Todd and try to figure out whether Todd is real…or a bot sent from another galaxy. Plus, get some small businesses to check out including some tasty treats and the answer to your customer service frustrations. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Productivity Recommendations: ChatGPT, IMAGE AI, DALL-E , Playground AI, Thing Translator, Topaz Labs Legal AI: Do Not Pay, Legal Robot, Harvey AI TEXT/Content: Rytr.me, Copy. AI, Quillbot Business validation: Validator.AI Directories: Futurepedia, AI Tools Directory Mentions: Air Room Planner, Google Muse Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, CVCC Small Business Center  Small Businesses of the Month included in this episode: Fayetteville Pie Company, Jazzy's Cheesecake, Karens for Hire    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a holiday tradition…the Entrepreneur Exchange “Business Lessons from the Movies” Podtacular edition, as hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by the founders of the Footcandle Film Society, Alan Jackson and Chris Frye, to share their movie recommendations which have a business lesson takeaway. When you and the family need to take a break this holiday season, these movies will entertain and give you something to think about. Plus you get a helping of small businesses of the month to check out, ranging from food, home electronics to socks to fill up your Xmas gift bag. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Manufacturing Solutions Center, Footcandle Film Society – You like movies. So do we. Small Businesses of the Month: Plant Based Boss, Wyze, Charleston Chocolate Moonshine, Apolla See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month on the Entrepreneur Exchange podcast…Thom Ruhe, President, and CEO of NC IDEA; joins co-hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to discuss how NC IDEA is working to strengthen the North Carolina economy and support entrepreneurship throughout the state. Thom shares his entrepreneurial background and the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset--and gives away his favorite vacation spots on this month’s Lighting Round! Plus, it’s good eats and easy travel in this month’s Small Business of the Month feature. It’s all here on the Entrepreneur Exchange! Small Businesses of the Month: B-52s Bar and Grill & Napaway Helpful links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, Catawba Valley Community College, Ecosystem Summit 2022 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you go about finding production for a new product and manufacturing it with domestic sources? Catherine Armstrong with the Carolina Textile District explains how the District works with entrepreneurs and manufacturers to create a supply chain that brings quality products to life and to market. Plus hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller discuss a better way to interview potential hires for your business and share small businesses that you should check out. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange!  Small Businesses of the Month: Material Return, Carolina Gamerz, Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon Thank you to MakoRx for their partnership and for their support of Entrepreneur Exchange!  Helpful links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, "How to Hire the Right Person" article mentioned during the podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month on the Entrepreneur Exchange podcast…you’re a personal trainer…what does it take to start your own business and stand out from others?. How do you get started and how many hats do you have to wear? Jesse Alden shares his story about Phoenix Physical Training in 2021 and how he navigated his business start-up during the pandemic. Plus hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller discuss the best states for entrepreneurs, play the lightning round, and share their small businesses of the month. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange!   Small Businesses of the Month included in this episode: Material Return, New Directions Chiropractic, Affordable Moving and Storage, Conover Chiropractic Center   Thank you to MakoRx for their partnership and for their support of Entrepreneur Exchange!  Helpful Links: CVCC Small Business Center, Manufacturing Solutions Center See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you tired of people telling you what to do? This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange podcast shares things that you should NOT do when it comes to your business. Hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller welcome Julia and Ray Campbell with Campbell Design who mine their twenty years of business ownership to come up with their dirty dozen list of things we should not be doing in a business setting…and sometimes even in a personal setting! Plus Julia and Ray play our Entrepreneur Exchange lightning round, and the group shares some small businesses you should be checking out. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Thank you to MakoRx for their partnership and for their support of Entrepreneur Exchange! Helpful Links: CVCC Small Business Center, Manufacturing Solutions Center Small Businesses of the Month mentioned in this episode: Justin Ramey Law, BBMae Skincare, Just Dump It, The Mad Smash See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“If you're afraid of getting a rotten apple, don't go to the barrel. Get it off the tree,” said Sean Connery’s character to Elliott Ness in the movie, The Untouchables. This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange welcomes Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, President of Catawba Valley Community College, who discusses how the community college plants entrepreneurial seeds on its campus as well as supports entrepreneurship in its community. Dr. Hinshaw and hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller cover the many entrepreneurship activities and support mechanisms available from the community college system, and Dr. Hinshaw gets to play the Entrepreneur Exchange lightning round. Plus some small businesses of the month for you to check out…It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange, sponsored by MakoRx!     Helpful links and Small Businesses featured in this episode: CVCC Small Business Center ,NC State Small Business Center Network Startup Catawba Skills USA Nufabrx Thank you to MakoRx for their partnership and for their support of Entrepreneur Exchange! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just like eating your vegetables, startups and small businesses need to be thinking about the legal and tax issues that affect them. This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange provides some answers, as Fred Parker with the law firm of Gardner Skelton joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to review legal and tax issues that startups and small businesses should be thinking about. Sole proprietor or LLC? What expenses are tax-deductible? Is the IRS evil? (Actually, no!) Plus Jeff and Gary share some small businesses you should be checking out. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Small Business of the Month: Bellroy  Thank you to MakoRx for their partnership and for their support of Entrepreneur Exchange! CVCC Small Business Center See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does a start-up get traction with a new product and a way that changes how a retail category does business? Join this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange to see how entrepreneurs Steph and Brandon Prime are working to change the greeting card business with their start-up, Cardstalk, working with artists, retailers, and customers to provide unique greeting cards using in-store kiosks…and saving retailers valuable shelf space. They also discuss partners and resources such as NC IDEA and Venture Asheville which have helped them on their journey. Plus co-hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller share small businesses of the month on this edition of the Entrepreneur Exchange! Thank you to MakoRx for their partnership and for their support of Entrepreneur Exchange! CVCC Small Business Center Resources: NC IDEA, Venture Asheville Small Businesses of the Month: The Factory, Maria’s Pink Box , The Sports Bra See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is becoming an internet influencer part of your business plan? How about figuring out how to monetize your online content? This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange features Teddy Burriss with Burriss Consulting, Inc., to discuss Teddy’s success with monetizing his online content and the steps he’s taken to reach this point. Spoiler alert, it’s not for those trying to be an overnight sensation. Plus hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller share their small businesses of the month, which include a new apparel product and tasty food. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! CVCC Small Business Center Small Business of the Month: Kropt , L&L Catering See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Insurance isn’t sexy, but it’s a necessity to protect your assets and your business. The Entrepreneur Exchange welcomes Brian Garrison to the podcast to discuss the types of insurance a start-up or small business should consider and to identify mistakes in coverage that often occur. Hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller also talk with Brian about his start-up, On Point Consulting, which helps commercial and residential clients navigate their insurance needs. The group also shares their small businesses of the month, ranging from axe throwing to chocolate to a new take on greeting cards…it’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Small Businesses of the Month featured in this episode: Patriot Axe Throwing, Carolina Crafted, The Chocolate Possum, Cards Talk CVCC Small Business Center See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you making a little money on the side and trying to figure out to make the leap to full-time entrepreneur? Entrepreneur Exchange podcast hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller welcome Charles Alexander, Director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Volunteer State College, to talk about moving your side hustle to a self-sustaining business. Charles also answers some hard-hitting lightning-round questions, and the group shares their Small Business of the Month recommendations. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Small Businesses of the Month mentioned in this episode: Salt Med Spa, Hendersonville, TN- Hendersonville - Salt MedSpa, Jacksonville Ultimate Tailgate Party, PQ CNC Works CVCC Small Business Center Tennessee Small Business Development Center, Gallatin Center | VSCC - TSBDC | Tennessee Small Business Development Centers Find Charles Alexander at Explainer Videos for Busy Professionals and Coaching Side Hustle to Small Business (yourcharlesalexander.com) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What apps and platforms can you use to get your business off the ground in today’s gig economy? This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange welcomes Bladen Community College NC Small Business Center Director Todd Lyden to share tools and resources to start selling products and services without breaking the bank and to help assess your market demand. Plus Todd joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to discuss the pandemic surge in entrepreneurship and business start-ups. Finally, they give shout-outs to small businesses to check out, including some spirits, pottery…and yes, more spirits! It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Small Businesses of the Month: Cape Fear Distillery, Corwin Pottery, Chemist Spirits CVCC Small Business Center Bladen Community College Small Business Center The Pandemic-Era Startup Boom Financial Panther’s Ultimate List of Gig Economy Apps See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a MESH holiday tradition…the Entrepreneur Exchange “Business Lessons from the Movies” Podtacular edition, as hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by the founders of the Footcandle Film Society, Alan Jackson and Chris Frye, to share their movie recommendations which have a business lesson takeaway. When you and the family need to take a break this holiday season, these movies will entertain and give you something to think about. Plus you get a helping of small businesses of the month to check out, ranging from food to a professional concierge business. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! CVCC Small Business Center Small Businesses of the Month: Elijah's Xtreme, Dick’s Café, Time-Genies See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange focuses on starting a software business…or is it an enterprise solutions business? Brandon Lee, one of the founders of Terra Dotta and now a golf course owner (Players Ridge GC) joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to share how he and his partner got their software business off the ground and created a successful business managing study abroad programs for colleges and universities. Plus Brandon, Jeff, and Gary share some small businesses which you should be checking out, ranging from food to live music venues, to new technology to keep your food fresh…it’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Small Businesses of the Month included in this episode: the hum, 1877 Pub and Grub, Holly and Ivy Inn, GreenLife Tech CVCC Small Business Center See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are the mistakes that can kill your business? And how can you avoid them? Tim Reynolds with the accounting firm DHW CPAs and Strategic Advisors shares his 25+ years of accounting and operational experience to review the common mistakes that can be fatal to your new or small business. Plus hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller compare notes on how you can reward your employees without breaking the bank, and they share their small businesses of the month which include some tasty eats and some non-alcoholic sodas. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! CVCC Small Business Center Small Business of the Month: Scotty’s Hometown Grill, Apple City BBQ and Devils Foot Beverage Company See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can a start-up make a profit serving non-profits? Mandy Pearce and her business, Funding for Good, have proven that you can. Mandy joins Entrepreneur Exchange hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to share lessons from operating her consulting and funding business, including how to manage expenses and build sales. Plus Jeff and Gary consider whether to jump into the Tik Tok game and start rapping careers, and they share their small businesses of the month. It’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! CVCC Small Business Center  Small Businesses of the Month: Sweet Kitchen, Scoops and Smiles, Cold Skool, Chocolate Possum, I Want to Mow Your Lawn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Businesses can make big bucks doing business with the government, but you need to know the rules of the road. This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange welcomes Mark Mills, Business Development Manager with the NC Military Business Center, to discuss the process for businesses to tap into the wide world of government contracts. Plus hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller share their small businesses of the month which range from ice cream to removing your pet’s fur from your clothes…it’s all here on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange!  Businesses of the Month: Schneider Mills Fur Zapper Special Neat Treats Check out these links from the episode: CVCC Small Business Center Matchforce.org  Small Business Administration See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.