Welcome to the Business Advisor Podcast, the go-to show for accountants, bookkeepers and CFOs tired of the grind of client work and eager to step into the role of a business advisor. This podcast is designed for those looking to increase their income and impact by transforming businesses and lives. Each week, we bring you practical, workshop-style episodes, insightful conversations, and a good dose of humor to equip you with the confidence, clarity, and cash flow strategies you need. So, hit ...
…
continue reading
C Store Business Strategies Podcasts
"Smoke Break" is a weekly micro-podcast that delivers essential management strategies for convenience store managers in just 5-10 minutes. Join host Mike as he shares actionable insights on inventory control, staff management, profitability, and operational excellence. Each episode tackles real-world challenges faced by c-store managers, providing practical solutions you can implement immediately to improve store performance and advance your career. Perfect for busy managers who want to stay ...
…
continue reading
"Smoke Break" is a weekly micro-podcast designed specifically for independent convenience store owners looking to maximize their business potential. In just 5-10 minutes – the length of a typical break – host Mike Hernandez delivers actionable strategies and practical insights to help you thrive in the competitive convenience store market. Each episode tackles essential topics like store layout optimization, visual merchandising, inventory management, competitive analysis, and building stron ...
…
continue reading
"Smoke Break" is a weekly micro-podcast delivering essential management tips for convenience store assistant managers in just 5-10 minutes. Host Mike Hernandez shares practical strategies for store operations, staff management, and career advancement. Perfect for busy assistant managers, each episode provides actionable solutions to real-world c-store challenges that you can implement immediately.
…
continue reading
This podcast is for multi-unit managers and independent owners striving to scale their success and widen the scope of their success and impact. Together we will strive to get you to the top of the mountain.
…
continue reading
Is AI about to upend your fuel and c-store business? Or is it the key to unlocking unprecedented profits and efficiency? The truth is, you need AI, but the sheer volume of information about this new technology can be overwhelming. You're a busy leader, juggling razor-thin margins, demanding customers, and constant market shifts. You know AI is a game-changer, but where do you even begin? The clock is ticking, and your competitors are starting to figure this out. Staying on the sidelines is n ...
…
continue reading
About: Join Lady Siza and Coach LJ, the dynamic married duo from South Africa and the United States, on their self-improvement podcast with a cultural twist. Chilling With The Chaplins offers practical concepts for success in ministry, business, and relationships, infused with insights from their respective cultures. With their Sunday Funday feature, the Chaplins take viewers on a fun and informative journey through American and South African cultures. In addition, they interview real people ...
…
continue reading
Welcome to the Brite Life - your go-to source for all things car wash! With roots dating back to the 1960s, AutoBrite has been a trusted name in the industry for decades. In this podcast, we share expert insights, practical tips, and proven strategies to help you successfully operate or manage your car wash. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, our goal is to support your journey toward success. Tune in and let’s build a brighter future for your business together!
…
continue reading
Ever felt that selling a £2,000 service is an uphill battle? In this eye-opening episode, I dismantle the myth that lower prices mean easier sales. She reveals why selling a £20,000 advisory offer is not only more profitable but also psychologically easier for both you and your client. I show you how premium pricing fundamentally shifts the dynamic…
…
continue reading

1
World Leaders’ Nicknames You’ve Never Heard Before
34:30
34:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:30In World Leaders’ Nicknames You’ve Never Heard Before | Episode 157, we take you on a fascinating and often hilarious journey into the quirky, controversial, and sometimes surprising nicknames of some of the world’s most influential presidents. 🌍 Whether these nicknames are rooted in admiration, satire, or political rivalry, each one tells a story …
…
continue reading

1
98. How to Sell Without Selling Your Soul
12:10
12:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:10Does the thought of "selling" make you feel awkward, pushy, or fake? You're not alone. Many advisors love helping clients but dread the sales process. In this episode, I flip the script on selling, reframing it not as a necessary evil but as a powerful form of service. I introduce the "SELL Method," a four-part framework designed to help you approa…
…
continue reading

1
97. 7 Steps to Creating & Launching Your Advisory Offer
21:05
21:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:05I’m here to save you months of frustration and guesswork when launching your advisory offer. I've seen too many brilliant advisors create services that nobody buys, or worse, that lead to complete burnout. I know this pain firsthand—my first offer had me driving three hours each way for a client and earning next to nothing. It was messy and unsusta…
…
continue reading

1
96. The Value Triangle: How Much Should You Charge for Advisory Services?
19:31
19:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:31Have you ever quoted a price and instantly regretted it? I know that feeling—the knot in your stomach when you know your services are life-changing, but you lower the fee just to get the “yes”. It’s a cycle that traps so many of us in an overworked, underpaid, and unfulfilling business. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why this happ…
…
continue reading

1
95. Instagram Is Where Good Businesses Go to Die
14:13
14:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:13In this episode, I’m tackling a topic I'm incredibly passionate about: why short-form content platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Reels are a trap for serious business advisors. I know it might sound controversial, but I believe these platforms, which are built for distraction and escapism, are the wrong place to build the deep trust required to …
…
continue reading

1
Big Beautiful Bill: Who Wins & Who Loses?
37:06
37:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:06This week on Chilling With The Chaplins, we’re peeling back the layers of what the media is calling the “Big Beautiful Bill.” But is it really beautiful for the people, or just for the pockets of the powerful? In Big Beautiful Bill: Who Wins & Who Loses? | Episode 157, we explore the fine print, the fiscal reality, and the fallout for everyday citi…
…
continue reading

1
94. Creating Content That Stands Out & Gets Clients
14:57
14:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:57In this episode, I tackle one of the most requested topics from our community: how to create content that cuts through the noise and builds trust with premium advisory clients. I reveal why most advisors are stuck in a cycle of inconsistent posting and ineffective marketing—and how to break free. I’ll walk you through a clear, actionable strategy f…
…
continue reading

1
93. Understanding Conflict and Avoidance in Sessions
10:53
10:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:53In this insightful episode of The Business Advisor Podcast, I dive deep into the often-avoided topic of client conflict—an issue every advisor faces but few discuss openly. I share personal experiences, expert insights, and a powerful framework called "GRACE" to help you navigate emotionally charged situations with empathy, curiosity, and professio…
…
continue reading

1
Trump’s Expanded Travel Ban: What It Means for 36 More Countries
19:01
19:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:01In this powerful episode of Chilling With The Chaplins, “Trump’s Expanded Travel Ban: What It Means for 36 More Countries | Episode 156,” we unpack the Trump administration’s latest move to expand the travel ban to 36 additional countries. What’s honestly behind this decision? How will it impact families, businesses, and international relationships…
…
continue reading

1
92. The VOICE Framework: Mastering Impactful Communication as an Advisor
16:51
16:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:51This week's episode is all about moving beyond just knowing your stuff as an advisor and truly mastering the art of communication. I shared why saying the right thing isn’t enough—it’s about how, when, and with what intention you say it. I introduced my VOICE Framework, a five-part structure that helps advisors communicate in a way that creates saf…
…
continue reading
In this powerful Chilling With The Chaplins special, “🚨 Kamala Harris Warned Us… But Did We Listen? | MAGA Supporters Regret Voting Trump After Iran Bombing,” we revisit Kamala Harris’s viral warning to American voters about the dangers of re-electing Donald Trump. In a series of eye-opening clips, we highlight her chilling predictions and how just…
…
continue reading

1
91. Why Saying Less Makes You a More Powerful Advisor
12:21
12:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:21This week’s episode is all about how less talking and more listening can transform you into a powerful, sought-after advisor. I shared how impactful advisory isn’t about dazzling clients with insights—it’s about creating space for them to hear themselves think. I reflected on my work with advisors who believed their value came from being the smarte…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon
4:23
4:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:23Smoke Break - Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how role-playing transforms awkward training sessions into powerful skill-building experiences that boost customer service confidence. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've used role-playing t…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 25 - OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried
3:11
3:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:11Smoke Break - Episode 25: OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms OSHA inspection anxiety into confidence through proper preparation and daily readiness practices. Learn how to maintain inspection-ready standards every day, organize essential documentation, and train your team to…
…
continue reading
Smoke Break - Episode 25: De-escalating Tense Situations Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals essential de-escalation techniques that transform heated confrontations into manageable conversations. Learn proven strategies for maintaining calm under pressure, using language that defuses tension, and creating safe environ…
…
continue reading

1
90. How to Deeply Understand Clients' Behaviour with the 6 Human Needs
9:08
9:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:08Welcome back to the Business Advisor podcast— this week we’re diving into a game-changer for advisors: understanding client behaviour through the lens of the six human needs. This is part four of our soft skills series, and it’s all about going beneath the surface to uncover what really drives your clients. I share how recognising these core needs—…
…
continue reading
Smoke Break - Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms how you view customer complaints and problems, revealing how effective resolution strategies can turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've mastered the art of tur…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 24 - Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right
3:07
3:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:07Smoke Break - Episode 24: Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how proper incident reporting protects your store from major complications and liability issues. Learn comprehensive documentation strategies for all types of incidents, from customer injuries to near-misses, and …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication
3:02
3:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:02Smoke Break - Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how empathetic communication transforms challenging customer interactions into positive experiences that build trust and loyalty. Learn practical techniques for understanding customer perspectives, using language that v…
…
continue reading

1
Trump vs Ramaphosa: What Happened in the Oval Office?
32:40
32:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:40In this explosive episode, “Trump vs Ramaphosa: What Happened in the Oval Office?” of Chilling With The Chaplins, we go behind the headlines to dissect the Oval Office clash that’s stirring conversations around the globe. Unpacking the Oval Office Shutdown Between United States President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa isn’…
…
continue reading

1
89. How to Build Rapport with Clients So That They Trust You As Their Advisor
11:30
11:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:30On this week episode, I explored one of the most essential soft skills for advisors – building real rapport with clients. Rapport isn’t about impressing someone or pushing them forward; it’s about walking beside them, understanding their world, and supporting them at their pace. When you build that trust, conversations flow more naturally, decision…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon
3:53
3:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:53Smoke Break - Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how deep product knowledge transforms your staff from order-takers into customer service experts. Learn proven strategies from successful store owners who've turned product expertise into a competitive advantag…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 23 - When Accidents Happen: First Response Matters
3:15
3:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:15Smoke Break - Episode 23: When Accidents Happen: First Response Matters Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through critical first response procedures when workplace accidents occur. Learn how your actions in the first few minutes can significantly impact outcomes, from scene safety assessment to proper documentati…
…
continue reading
Smoke Break - Episode 23: Clear and Concise Communication Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the essential communication skills that make assistant managers more effective in fast-paced convenience store environments. Learn how to deliver messages quickly and clearly to customers and team members, prioritize informat…
…
continue reading
AI, Explained Like a Human If you lead a team or a business, you don’t need more AI buzzwords. You need clarity—and a path to action. In this episode, we break down the two most important ways AI is already reshaping work: Handling repetitive tasks faster—and smarter—than humans Coordinating across systems like a 24/7 digital team You’ll walk away …
…
continue reading

1
88. When You Should Coach & When You Should Mentor Your Clients
8:10
8:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:10Welcome back to the Business Advisor Podcast. This week we’re kicking off a brand-new series: The Soft Skills of Advisory. This series is all about the skills that go beyond technical expertise—the ones that help you build trust, deepen relationships, and truly impact your clients' lives. In this episode, I dive into one of the most foundational so…
…
continue reading
Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how store cleanliness directly impacts customer perception, shopping behavior, and sales success. Learn proven strategies from real store transformations that show how smart cleaning systems, staff engagement, and attention t…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 22 - Emergency Planning: Ready for Anything
4:16
4:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:16Smoke Break - Episode 22: Emergency Planning: Ready for Anything Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through comprehensive emergency planning that protects your team and customers when seconds count. Learn how to create actionable emergency procedures, assign specific roles, and conduct effective drills that prepar…
…
continue reading

1
Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening
3:16
3:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:16Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the difference between simply hearing customers and truly listening to them. Learn essential active listening techniques that transform customer interactions, build stronger relationships, and help you resolve issues more effecti…
…
continue reading
Smoke Break - Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for transforming slow, frustrating checkout experiences into swift, memorable interactions that keep customers coming back. Learn how independent store owners have dramatically reduced wait times and improved cu…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 21 - OSHA Basics: What Every Store Manager Must Know
3:17
3:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:17Smoke Break - Episode 21: OSHA Basics: What Every Store Manager Must Know Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demystifies OSHA regulations with practical, actionable guidance for convenience store managers. Learn the essential safety requirements that protect your team and keep your store compliant, from hazard communication …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience
3:01
3:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:01Smoke Break - Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demonstrates how to combine all customer service skills into seamless, exceptional experiences. Learn how to blend cue reading, empathy, needs anticipation, and expectation management to create mem…
…
continue reading

1
87. The CORE Method - The Real Skills You Need to Get Clients to Take Action
10:12
10:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:12In this episode, we kick off a six-week series on the often-overlooked power of soft skills in the accounting and advisory world. This isn’t just fluff — it’s foundational to how you deliver value. As advisors, many of us have been trained to be technicians, but now it’s time to step into leadership, build trust, and create transformation for our c…
…
continue reading

1
White Afrikaners in America: Refugees or Racial Preference?
27:00
27:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:00In this week’s episode of Chilling With The Chaplins, we delve into the complexities surrounding the Trump administration’s decision to grant refugee status to “White Afrikaners in America: Refugees or Racial Preference?”, Episode 154 explores the implications of this policy shift and its resonance in both American and South African contexts. What …
…
continue reading
🚀 RPA is dead. Long live Agentic Automation. Imagine AI that doesn't just follow rules… it thinks, adapts, and reasons through your most complex workflows. In this special edition of Fueling AI, we unpack the game-changing concept of Agentic Automation from New Tide AI—and why it’s a huge leap forward for fuel and convenience retail. You’ll discove…
…
continue reading
This week's episode dives into how vanity metrics—likes, follows, and views—can mislead business owners into feeling successful while draining their energy and stalling growth. As someone who’s coached countless advisors, I’ve seen how chasing these empty metrics leads to burnout, not revenue. The truth? Real success isn’t about viral content; it’s…
…
continue reading

1
Smart Priorities: Managing Multiple Demands Successfully
23:44
23:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:44Episode 78 Show Notes: Smart Priorities - Managing Multiple Demands Successfully Episode Description In this final episode of the "Arrive" series from C-Store Center, host Mike Hernandez tackles the challenge every convenience store owner faces - managing competing demands and setting smart priorities when everything feels urgent. Discover how Rach…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers
4:33
4:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:33Smoke Break - Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares powerful stories and proven strategies for transforming customer experiences through effective greeting practices. Learn how independent store owners like you have significantly increased customer loyalty and sales…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 20 - When Things Go Wrong: Food Safety Emergency Response
3:35
3:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:35Smoke Break - Episode 20: When Things Go Wrong: Food Safety Emergency Response Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he provides essential guidance for handling food safety emergencies in your convenience store. Learn how to develop an effective crisis response plan for situations like power outages, product recalls, and foodborne…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 20: Reading and Responding to Customer Cues
3:06
3:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:06Smoke Break - Episode 20: Reading and Responding to Customer Cues Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to interpret and react to the silent signals customers communicate through their body language, tone, and expressions. Learn why understanding these non-verbal cues is essential for providing exceptional service a…
…
continue reading

1
Why Is Trump Cutting US Embassies in Africa?
24:49
24:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:49In this week’s powerful and thought-provoking episode of Chilling With The Chaplins, we unpack a headline-shaking both continents—Why Is Trump Cutting US Embassies in Africa? | Episode 153. Coach LJ and Lady Siza break down the real-world implications of this draft executive order and what it means for diplomacy, development, and dignity across the…
…
continue reading

1
85. From 'Who Am I to Offer That?' to Advisory Confidence
17:11
17:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:11In this week's episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, I dive deep into one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of building a thriving business—mindset. I share how transforming your thinking can lead to exponential growth in ways no strategy or tool ever could. Drawing from my own experiences and those of others, I explore how shift…
…
continue reading

1
Time Well Spent: Effective Management for Store Owners
21:58
21:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:58Episode 77 Show Notes: Time Well Spent - Effective Management for Store Owners Episode Description In this game-changing episode of "Arrive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez reveals how smart time management can transform your store operations and reclaim your life. Discover how Mike Reynolds cut his 80-hour work weeks down to 45 hours whil…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 19: Building Your Store's Reputation Through Service
4:43
4:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:43Smoke Break - Episode 19: Building Your Store's Reputation Through Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for developing and maintaining a stellar reputation that brings customers back again and again. Learn how exceptional service can become your store's most powerful competitive advantage in today's …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 19 - Documentation: Your Food Safety Shield
3:18
3:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:18Smoke Break - Episode 19: Documentation: Your Food Safety Shield Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down the essential documentation practices that protect your business from food safety issues and regulatory consequences. Learn how to implement comprehensive record-keeping systems that demonstrate your commitment to …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 19: The Power of Empathy in Customer Service
3:07
3:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:07Smoke Break - Episode 19: The Power of Empathy in Customer Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares insights on developing and fostering empathy in customer interactions. Learn how to lead your team in creating meaningful customer connections that transform typical transactions into memorable experiences. Episode Ov…
…
continue reading

1
84. Stop Being The Bottleneck (And Delegate With Confidence)
16:20
16:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:20In this episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, I delve into the challenges of delegation faced by many accounting and bookkeeping business owners. As someone who has been there, I understand the struggle to let go while maintaining high standards. In this episode, I explore why it's so hard to delegate and provide actionable solutions to overcome…
…
continue reading

1
Future-Ready: Forecasting and Adapting to Industry Changes
24:52
24:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:52Episode 76 Show Notes: Future-Ready: Forecasting and Adapting to Industry Changes Episode Description In this crucial episode of "Arrive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez explores how independent convenience store owners can spot and adapt to industry changes before they catch them off guard. Discover why smart adaptation isn't about predic…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service
5:02
5:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:02Smoke Break - Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals practical strategies for transforming good customer service into increased sales. Learn how to train your team in service techniques that naturally boost transaction values and create more profitable customer int…
…
continue reading