Next Generation: What Comes Next?

What if your customers could become your best marketers?In this minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez dives into the power of user-generated content (UGC) and why UGC is a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. You’ll learn how UGC builds trust, loyalty, and engagement with your audience, discover simple ways to encourage your customers to create content, and get actionable tips to use UGC effectively.Whether you’re a brand that's just getting started or an established business looking to grow, this minisode will give you tools you can tap into when it comes to the content your customers are already creating.So, how will you start leveraging UGC? Share your ideas or results with us in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email us at [email protected]. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.Sources: If you want to know more about influencer marketing and Brittany Hennessy's story, listen to: How Influencer marketing Can Help You Grow Your Business - This is Small BusinessIf you want to know more about marketing and Liz Downing's story, listen to: How to Build Your Marketing Strategy - This is Small BusinessConsumer Behavior Stats 2021: The Post-Pandemic Shift in Online Shopping Habit - NostoUGC Content 101: A Comprehensive Introduction - American Marketing AssociationConsumer Confessions: How does UGC Impact and Influence the Shopping Experience? - TurnTo NetworksWhy User-Generated Content Is Winning - Forbes

Your pitch is more than just words – it’s your first impression, your story, and your chance to stand out. But how do you pack all that into just 60 seconds or less?In this minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez walks you through how to craft an elevator pitch that grabs attention, tells a compelling story, and leaves people wanting more. Whether you’re pitching to a potential customer, investor, or partner, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to make every second count.You’ll also get inspired by real-life examples of past guests who’ve crafted pitches that opened doors for their businesses – like Felicia Jackson, founder of CPR Wrap, who turned a personal crisis into a life-saving product, Matthew Tesvich, founder of Skunk Skin, who solved a smelly problem with humor and creativity, and more! These stories will bring the steps to life and show you exactly how to apply those lessons to your own pitch.So, what’s your pitch? Share it (or just one line) with us in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email us at [email protected]. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.Sources: If you want to know more about CPR Wrap, listen to Felicia’s story here: Every Entrepreneur's Dream: ‘Your Product Is a Life Saver!’ - TISB: Behind The BuyIf you want to know more about Skunk Skin, listen to Matthew’s story here: Knock Their Socks Off: A Fresh Solution to a Stinky Problem - TISB: Behind The BuyIf you want to know more about Shezza Socks, listen to Tiffany’s story here: From Blisters to Breakthrough: Behind Shezza Socks' Viral Success - TISB: Behind The BuyIf you want to know more about Agua Bonita, listen to Kayla’s story here: A Taste of Tradition: Infusing Heritage in Every Sip - TISB: Behind The Buy11 actually great elevator pitch examples and how to make yours - Zapier

People don’t just buy products – they buy stories. So how do you tell yours in a way that sticks, connects, and builds loyalty?In this minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez explains how you can write a brand story that does more than just sell – it builds a loyal customer base. You’ll learn how to craft your story, why embracing your struggles can make your brand more relatable and inspiring, and how to weave your customers into your story so they see themselves in your mission.Plus, you’ll hear real-life examples from past guests like Conchita Pleasant, the founder and CEO of Nefertiti's Secrets and Ray Phillips, the CEO of Soap Sox, who turned personal challenges into powerful brand stories that inspire and connect.By the end of this minisode, you’ll have tools to craft a story that doesn’t just explain what you do – it’ll show why it matters.So, what’s your story? Share it with us (or even just a piece of it) in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email us at [email protected]. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.Sources: If you want to know more about Nefertiti's Secrets, listen to Conchita’s story here: How Looking Back Can Lead to Forward-Thinking Business Ideas - This is Small BusinessIf you want to know more about Soap Sox, listen to Ray’s story here: From Concept to Reality: Building and Validating Your Business Idea - This is Small BusinessHow to Tell a Compelling Brand Story [Guide + Examples] - HubspotPeople Buy Feelings, Not Things - Tony RobbinsStart with Why - Simon Sinek

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. It’s the voice that whispers, ‘Just one more tweak,’ while your competitors are already out there, learning and growing. In this minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez dives into why waiting for perfection can sabotage your success – and what you can do to break free and start making progress.Hear from past guests like Mayra Luz Colón, founder of Healthy Rican, who built a thriving business by learning from her mistakes, Val Fishbane, co-founder of Spread the Love Foods, who refined her product through real customer feedback, and Trinity Mouzon Wofford, the founder and CEO of Golde, who shares how to know when your product is ready to launch. Learn why launching, even when it’s not perfect, can build momentum, kill fear, and give you the data you need to grow.Whether you’re stuck tweaking a product, redesigning your website, or hesitating to hit “send” on that email, this episode will give you the tools to stop perfecting and start making meaningful progress.So, what’s one thing you’ve been overthinking? And what’s one small step you’re taking to move forward? Share it with us in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email us at [email protected]. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.Sources: If you want to know more about Spread the Love Foods, listen to Val’s story here: Growth Secrets for Food Entrepreneurs: Expanding from Farmer's Markets to E-Commerce - This is Small BusinessIf you want to know more about Healthy Rican, listen to Mayra’s story here: How Culture Can Lead to Unique Business Opportunities - This is Small BusinessIf you want to know more about Golde, listen to Trinity’s story here: How to Know When You’re Ready to Launch Your Product - This is Small BusinessFear Of Failure: The Silent Saboteur Of Entrepreneurial Dreams - Forbes3 Ways Perfectionism Kills Your Business (and How To Overcome It) - Entrepreneur

Discover how your deeper purpose can be a practical tool for long-term planning and overcoming challenges. In the first minisode of Small Business Bytes on This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez dives into the #1 thing every business needs to work on to be able to thrive: your why.Get inspired from past guests like Sean Brownlee of Ravenox, who built his business to create jobs, and Teri Johnson of Harlem Candle Company, whose passion for Harlem’s history shaped her unique brand.Whether your ‘why’ is rooted in personal passion, solving a problem, chasing financial freedom, or making an impact, this episode will help you define (or refine) your purpose and keep it at the heart of your business.So, what’s your why? Share it with us in a Spotify comment, Apple Podcasts review, or email it to us at [email protected]. Doing that will not only hold you accountable but could also inspire another entrepreneur to take their next big step.Sources:What ‘Finding Your Why’ Really Means - Forbes If you want to know more about Harlem Candle Company, listen to Teri's story here: BONUS: The Benefits of Integrating Culture into Your Products - This is Small BusinessIf you want to know more about Ravenox, listen to Sean's story here: Benefits of Acquiring a Manager - This is Small Business

What’s the boldest risk you’ve ever taken? For entrepreneurs, risk is the heart of the journey. In our newest season of This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez takes you behind the scenes with founders who’ve turned "maybe one day" into "let’s do this!"Join Andrea as she digs into the stories of fearless entrepreneurs who’ve made life-changing decisions and bet everything on their dreams. From nail-biting moments of uncertainty to those breakthrough successes, Andrea’s on a mission to uncover what drives people to take risks.Packed with stories of grit, helpful advice, and a touch of chaos, this podcast will have you asking: What bold move will I take next?So, whether you’re dreaming of your first big leap or already living on the edge, This is Small Business is here to inspire you to take that next risk and see where it takes you.And no matter where you fall on the risk spectrum, we want to hear from you! Share your own stories of risk and growth as an Apple podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email them to us at [email protected] – maybe you'll get to hear it in an upcoming episode.Before this new season of risk kicks off, we’ll be dropping small business bytes on This is Small Business – bite-sized episodes packed with quick tips and actionable insights that could help you level up your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your next big step, these shorter episodes are your go-to source for small business inspiration.

In the season finale of This is Small Business: Behind the Buy, we follow Derek Tillotson, founder of Haven Tents, and his journey from world traveler to entrepreneur. His game-changing hammock blends the comfort of a bed with the freedom of camping. What started as a family adventure evolved into a crowdfunding success! You can watch Haven Tent's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Find Their Haven in the Woods. Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.In this episode you’ll discover:(2:03) Derek shares how a family adventure sparked the idea for Haven Tents, starting with a simple desire to improve outdoor sleeping.(7:15) How a Facebook video seeking a travel nanny unexpectedly went viral, giving Derek his first taste of public attention and setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.(12:45) We learn about the challenges he faced while developing the hammock prototype, including design failures and early setbacks that tested his resolve.(18:30) How Derek successfully crowdfunded his product, turning early skepticism into financial backing that made production possible.(22:10) Tensions rise as Derek pitches his hammock on Buy It Now, with a humorous mishap when one of the judges accidentally falls.

Meet Kerry Cooke and her daughter Kat, the founders of Spleash—a multi-functional dog leash holder that hydrates, cools, and cleans your pet on the go. Kerry and Kat share the emotional journey behind their product, born from a need to care for their own dogs during tough times. They reveal the challenges they faced, from sketching the first design to overcoming manufacturing hurdles, and how they finally made it onto the Buy It Now show. You can watch Spleash's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: Jamie Gets Buff.Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video.In this episode you’ll discover: (0:00) Kerry and Kat were motivated by a genuine need to care for their dogs and give back to the pet community. Their product isn't just practical—it reflects their mission to make a difference. (6:07) Kerry and Kat faced multiple setbacks during the creation of Spleash, including leaks in the first batch and the complexities of manufacturing. Their perseverance and willingness to go back to the drawing board were key to overcoming these challenges. (11:56) The mother-daughter duo rehearsed their pitch relentlessly, practicing in everyday moments until they had it down perfectly. This preparation paid off when they stepped in front of the live audience. (15:49) The judges' feedback, including Tony Hawk’s comments and Jamie Siminoff’s praise for the design, highlighted how important it is to listen to constructive criticism and make necessary adjustments. (19:59) Kerry and Kat’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: don’t let fear of failure hold you back. They emphasize the importance of pushing forward with belief in your idea, no matter how difficult the road may be.

Tiffany Gil, the CEO and inventor behind Shezza Socks, creates foam-padded socks designed to prevent blisters. Tiffany's journey to entrepreneurship started as a high schooler struggling with painful blisters from new shoes. After years of refining her idea and overcoming challenges—like securing funding by winning a cross-country lawnmower race—Tiffany's product went viral on TikTok. This led Tiffany to pitch her brand on the Buy It Now show, where she impressed a panel of judges, including Jamie Siminoff (founder of Ring) and celebrity entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow. You can watch Shezza Socks' episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Get Grilled. Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. In this episode you’ll discover: (0:07) How Tiffany solved a personal problem. Tiffany created Shezza Socks after struggling with painful blisters from new shoes, turning a personal issue into a business idea.(5:55) Tiffany funded her business by winning a lawnmower race and entering pitch competitions, showing the value of persistence and resourcefulness.(7:59) How Tiffany leveraged social media to gain entrepreneurial recognition. A viral TikTok video helped Shezza Socks gain traction, demonstrating the power of social media for marketing.(14:10) The importance of valuing and embracing feedback. Tiffany received valuable feedback on her brand name from industry leaders, showing the importance of being open to criticism and adapting.

Meet Khadijah Robinson, the founder and CEO of Aqua Waterproof Headwear, a line of waterproof turbans and head wraps. Khadijah's journey began with a personal challenge: trying to protect her hair extensions while snorkelling on vacation. Frustrated by the lack of suitable products, she created her own solution—waterproof headwear that is both stylish and functional!Khadijah faced numerous setbacks, from struggling to find the right fabric to losing money when her first manufacturer went bankrupt. Her determination paid off when she found a supportive seamstress and, eventually, a new manufacturer. Eventually, Khadijah's product gained traction and, against the odds, she auditioned for the Buy It Now show on Prime Video earning her a spot on the Buy It Now Amazon store, along with a $20,000 cash prize. You can watch Aqua Waterproof Headwear's episode on the Buy it Now show titled: The Panel Get Confused - And They Like It. Tune in and get inspired by the real stories behind the entrepreneurs and products featured on Buy It Now. You can find winning products on the Buy It Now Store. Follow TISB: Behind the Buy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and make sure to watch Buy It Now on Prime Video. In this episode you’ll learn: (03:14) Khadijah's idea for waterproof turbans and headwraps came from a frustrating personal experience while on vacation. She needed a way to keep her hair dry while snorkelling but struggled with the limitations of regular hats and shower caps. (04:19) Khadijah faced significant challenges in bringing her product to life, from struggling to find waterproof fabric to working through multiple prototypes. It took years of effort before she had a working design. (04:49) A chance encounter with a past acquaintance, Lele, a seamstress who had designed Khadijah’s prom dress, turned out to be pivotal. Lele helped Khadijah with fabric sourcing, prototypes, and navigating her first manufacturer meetings. (07:18) Even though Khadijah was confident in the demand for her product, she still conducted extensive market research by surveying friends and visiting hair stores to confirm the need for waterproof headwear.(07:46) Khadijah describes the overwhelming sense of gratitude when she made her product live and started receiving orders. It reaffirmed that her hard work was paying off, even though the process had been stressful and uncertain. (08:17) After her original manufacturer went bankrupt, Khadijah didn’t give up on her business. Instead, she used the setback as fuel to push harder and ultimately find a new, better manufacturer. (11:25) For the "Buy It Now" show, Khadijah practiced tirelessly to perfect her pitch. She used flashcards, rehearsed in front of a camera, and worked on her delivery to ensure she’d make a strong impression on the judges.(19:40) Winning the $20,000 prize not only boosted Khadijah’s confidence but also helped her expand her product line, restock inventory, and invest in broader marketing efforts, including reaching more diverse audiences.