The Business Animal

Many entrepreneurs hear that branding is essential, but what if you’re just starting and don’t actually have a brand yet?In this episode, we walk through the foundational steps for building a brand from the ground up. Instead of starting with logos or colors, we focus on the deeper strategic elements that shape how customers experience your business.We talk about how brands are formed in the relationship between a business and its customers, and why clarity about your purpose and positioning matters more than design elements in the early stages.In this episode, we explore three essential questions every entrepreneur should answer when developing a brand:• What problem are you fiercely committed to solving? • Who are you not for? • What feeling should people walk away with after working with you?If you’re a new entrepreneur or someone who’s been running a business without intentionally shaping your brand, this episode will help you clarify the foundation that attracts the right customers and communicates what makes your business different.

Feeling like just another business in a sea of competitors? In this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, Kim and Betsy break down three powerful ways to stand out in your local market without shouting louder or discounting deeper.We explore: • What a value proposition really is and how to define yours clearly • Why your brand is more than a logo and how it shapes client experience • How to define your niche and persona without boxing yourself inIf you want the right clients to find you, recognize themselves in your work, and happily refer their friends, this episode gives you the framework.

How do you know if your marketing is actually working or if you’re just guessing and hoping for the best? In this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, Betsy and I break down three practical ways to tell what’s really happening with your marketing without spiraling into overwhelm.We talk about why looking at analytics feels scary (and why it doesn’t have to be), how asking your customers a few simple questions can reveal more than any dashboard, and how to evaluate email and social media performance in a way that actually makes sense for small businesses.This episode is about replacing anxiety with information, guessing with clarity, and making marketing decisions that feel grounded instead of reactive.Links: Google Analytics (GA4)👉 https://analytics.google.comWebsite traffic, user behavior, pages, sources, conversionsGoogle Search Console👉 https://search.google.com/search-consoleSearch queries, impressions, clicks, indexing, SEO healthLinks referenced in this episode:analytics.google.comscore.orgbemorebusiness.comyoutube.com/kimberlybeerCompanies mentioned in this episode:CSI Saddle PadsWestern HorsemanGoogleGoogle AnalyticsGoogle Search ConsoleFacebookInstagramYouTubeRide the Sky Equine PhotographyBe More BusinessScore

Marketing isn’t a random act of posting when the mood strikes. In this episode, Kim Beer and Betsy Bird break down what it actually means to build a real marketing ecosystem. One that supports your business over time instead of draining it.They explore why social media is only a small piece of the puzzle, how to create repeatable marketing rhythms that your nervous system can tolerate, and how systems and automation can carry the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. This is a grounded, real-world conversation for business owners who want marketing that works with their life, not against it.Parts of a Marketing Plan (for reference):Executive SummaryMarket & Audience AnalysisCompetitive AnalysisValue Proposition & MessagingGoals & ObjectivesMarketing Channels & TacticsBudget & ResourcesTimeline & Campaign CalendarMetrics & MeasurementReview & Optimization PlanMetricool social scheduling tool affiliate link: https://f.mtr.cool/LUHXXLLinks referenced in this episode:thebusinessanimal.comridetheskyequine.combemorebusiness.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:Mona PlannerMacChatGPTMetricoolE. Myth RevisitedRide the Sky EquineBe More Business

In this episode of The Business Animal Podcast, Kim Beer and Betsy Bird tackle a familiar frustration for entrepreneurs: why carefully planned work weeks fall apart the moment real life shows up.From migraines and puppies with a death wish to colicking ponies and recording gremlins, this conversation explores how to build a work week based on realistic energy, not wishful thinking. Kim and Betsy compare radically different temperaments, challenge productivity dogma like “eat the frog,” and share practical ways to audit your actual schedule without turning your life into a spreadsheet.You’ll hear why systems should support your nervous system, how boundaries protect your energy, and how AI tools can help you design a week that works with your temperament, your environment, and the chaos that comes with animal-centered businesses.If you’ve ever felt broken because traditional productivity advice doesn’t work for you, this episode offers permission, perspective, and practical alternatives.https://thebusinessanimal.comKim: https://bemorebusiness.com | https://liveinsynchronicity.comBetsy: https://ridetheskyequine.com

The Business Animal is officially back. And this time, it has two heads.After a yearlong hiatus, Kimberly Beer returns with a new co-host, Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine. Together, they’re ushering in a fresh evolution of the show that blends visionary thinking, grounded strategy, laughter, and real-world marketing wisdom for animal-based businesses.In this episode, Kim and Betsy introduce the new format, the return of the Big Three framework, and what listeners can expect moving forward. From sustainable marketing and realistic workweeks to AI as a practical business ally, this conversation sets the tone for what’s coming in 2026.If you run an animal-based business, or any small business built around creativity, service, and heart, this podcast is for you. Expect insight, honesty, humor, and the occasional rabbit hole… always tethered back to reality.New episodes drop every other Tuesday.

In this episode of The Business Animal Julie Cortes, the Freelance Rockstar, joins me to talk about the three Ts of becoming a badass in your own business. Julie is full of great, practical information and we share lots of good advice for both new and experienced business owners.About Julie:Copywriter by day. Freelance Rockstar by night. Julie Cortés lives, breathes, teaches, speaks, and coaches on all things creative self-employment. She’s run her own business for more than 25 years, is the founder of The Freelance Exchange of KC, and created a much-needed college-level course, Freelancing 101, for the KC Art Institute, where she taught as an adjunct professor. Awarded dozens of times over for her work, leadership, volunteerism, and community involvement, she’s regularly sought out for business coaching, media interviews, and speaking engagements. Julie is loving life, living out her passion for helping creative freelancers succeed. Reach out to Julie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/freelancerockstar/ https://www.instagram.com/freelancerockstar/https://www.juliecortes.com/signupChapters00:00 Introduction to Julie Cortez and Her Journey07:58 The Importance of Mindset in Business14:03 Training Yourself: Establishing Boundaries and Policies21:05 Training Clients: Setting Expectations27:10 Training Family and Friends: Creating Supportive Environments35:18 Finding Freelancers: The Kansas City Freelance Exchange38:54 Coaching Services: Supporting Self-Employed Individuals40:57 The Role of Pets in Business and LifeWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6SvNbQVXODE

This week I have a great conversation with storytelling professional Christa M. Hines of The Business Storytelling Studio. Christa has an amazing superpower to make your business' story come alive for your target market and customers. You'll learn about the importance of story in business, the components you should consider when telling your business story, and how to work with a content writer to build the stories that will impact the quality and quantity of customers you reach. Plus we weave a great Star Wars metaphor into the show!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Business Storytelling01:33 The Role of a Content Strategist05:14 Journey into Business Storytelling08:14 Understanding Business Stories11:15 The Customer as the Hero14:21 The Hero's Journey in Business20:25 Components of Effective Business Storytelling24:15 Creating Anchor Content30:30 The Value of Professional Writing33:32 Balancing Business and Personal Life35:30 Lessons from AnimalsAbout Christa:I partner with health and wellness entrepreneurs, coaches and executives to position them as industry thought leaders by creating strategic content plans and compelling marketing collateral. I deliver a variety of writing services ranging from website content, executive bios, articles, newsletters, ebooks, and white papers. With more than 25 years of experience working in whole-person healthcare, non-profit, B2B SaaS and magazine writing, I understand the critical role communication and storytelling play in creating meaningful, engaging content that supports business goals.In addition to my client work, I’m an award-winning writer, author and speaker. My work has appeared in numerous publications, including KC Parent, Vibrant Life, Pregnancy & Newborn, Parents, and Woman’s Day.I’m passionate about sharing information that helps people of all backgrounds achieve greater personal well-being, which can have positive ripple effects creating healthier families and stronger communities.Described by clients as a word-whisperer, I geek out on storytelling techniques and transforming lifeless business word jumbles into irresistible, captivating content that’s easy to understand.For fun, I enjoy trying out Kansas City’s many restaurants with my family, exploring nature trails with my sweet rescue mutt, going on solo writing retreats and consuming storytelling in all of its forms.Links:Christa's website: https://christamhines.comChrista's Substack: https://wordenergybychristamhines.substack.com/Christa's contact: https://christamhines.com/contact/

Do you perform at 100% or 60% when working on your business? In this all important episode, Angie Wiley of You Are Strong and I have an enlightening discussion around your performance in your business and how you can show up at a higher level to increase the results in your business. About Angie: Angie inspires others to stop sitting on the sidelines and become a game-changer! Angie was an industry leader for 22 years for a top medical device corporation, in sales and sales management. She and her late husband, Chuck, also owned their own small business during this time. In 2013 Angie followed her true calling to help athletes with their mindset and launched YOU ARE STRONG, alongside her full time family and career. In 2014 Chuck was diagnosed with cancer, and from his new perspective, posed the question to Angie, “What are you waiting for?” After his passing in 2020, the question grew louder and Angie courageously stepped out of the corporate world in 2021 and began living her message: YOU ARE STRONG. Her program has since helped thousands of athletes, sales professionals and business leaders take action resulting in personal and professional success. Angie holds a B.S. in Education and Coaching, with a minor in Psychology. You can find Angie at https://youarestrong.comThe Chuck Wiley Athletic Foundation can be found at: https://chuckwileyathleticfoundation.com/

This episode is full of a lot of wisdom, laughter, and inspiration that will help you understand why and how to create systems in your business that move you toward achieving your goals and vision. My guest this episode is Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine Photography who offers her amazing insight into how to develop systems that support your business. Along the way we'll laugh, share stories, and impart some great ideas. You'll also enjoy some interesting metaphors and at least one odd cat fact. ;-)About Betsy Bird: Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with her canine friends.Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). Betsy is one of three Tennessee photographers elected to serve on the council of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.Based in Chattanooga, TN, Ride the Sky Equine Photography works on location in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond. With a strong background in entrepreneurship, marketing and brand building, goal setting, time management, and business workflows, Betsy is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field...get it?)Betsy's Website: https://ridetheskyequine.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridetheskyequineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridetheskyequineYou can also listen to The Business Animal Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast outlets.