Welcome to the Bulletproof Startups Podcast, where we help business owners and CEOs become conscious leaders and build a power team so they can let go, get strategic, and know they are adding the most value possible to their company every single day. I am your host, Simone Janssen, and this podcast is about one thing only, becoming the real CEO of your business by building leveraged teams. You've built a great product or service, but although you have a team you are still in everything. Your ...
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Welcome to the KeyHire Solutions Podcast, where we cover small business issues, including leadership development, hiring strategies, management structure, hiring challenges, workplace culture, and more. We’re here to help you stop grinding and start growing. Join us for weekly chats about small business management with Corey Harlock, our organization design, hiring process, talent acquisition expert, and CEO of KeyHire Solutions. As an entrepreneur, Corey understands the challenges owners fa ...
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Doubling Down on Certainty During Uncertain Times (with Simone Janssen)
48:53
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48:53Are you struggling to maintain your team's alignment and focus in today's unpredictable business environment? In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Simone Janssen, founder of Bulletproof Business Growth, to explore how effective leadership can create internal certainty even when the external world …
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E121 - Leadership Beyond Fear: Inspiring The Next Generation Of Teams
33:30
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33:30This episode is all about leadership - the stark contrast between fear-based approaches and the type of inspirational leadership that truly drives results. As Simone shares, the old-school leadership styles that may have worked in the past are now falling flat, especially with the influx of younger Gen Z employees entering the workforce. The realit…
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How To Package Your Company for a Big Exit (with Eric Grafstrom)
37:23
37:23
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37:23Are you a small business owner dreaming of a successful exit strategy? In this compelling episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with serial entrepreneur Eric Grafstrom, founder and CEO of Exit Guide, to tackle one of the most critical challenges facing today's business owners: how to properly package and prepar…
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E120 - Unlocking The Mindset Of Freedom And Wealth: From Operators To Entrepreneurs
28:11
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28:11Simone and Nicky explore the journey from being business operators to becoming true entrepreneurs. The conversation underscores how authenticity in business creates both fulfillment and market success. By introducing Jung's archetypes, they offer a framework for entrepreneurs to connect with their true selves and communicate more effectively. Nicky…
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The Entrepreneur Brain: How to Effectively Communicate with Your Leaders (with Marina Morgan)
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47:45Have you ever tried to lead your team, only to be met with disappointing results? The problem might not be your leadership skills but rather the different ways your entrepreneurial brain operates in comparison to your team. In this insightful episode of the KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock welcomes Marina Morgan, founder of the Mo…
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E119 - AI Isn't Optional Anymore: Why Small Business Owners Must Adapt or Fall Behind
17:19
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17:19AI is revolutionizing small businesses across all industries - from contractors to medical clinics to restaurants. What previously took weeks or months (accountability frameworks, hiring systems, org charts) can now be done in minutes with tools like the AI Business Scaling Blueprint, which combines AI efficiency with my 20+ years of leadership exp…
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Can your leadership team can take you to the next level? (with Neil Katz)
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37:08Are you struggling to take your business to the next level? What if the very team you've built is now holding you back from scaling to the next growth milestone? In this transformative episode of the Key Hire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock and Neil Katz dive deep into the most critical yet often overlooked challenge facing growing businesses…
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E118 - Vision-Aligned Hiring: Beyond Skills to Find True Alignment
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16:42Looking for the right employees in today's market is challenging, especially for small business owners seeking qualified, accountable, and strategic talent. This episode explores why successful hiring goes beyond skills to find true motivational alignment. The most revealing interview question is simple: "Why do you want to work here?" The answer r…
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Building an Online Marketing Strategy for Your Small Business (with Corey Morris)
49:22
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49:22This week on The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Corey Morris, President of Voltage Digital Marketing, for an in-depth conversation on how small business owners can build a powerful and effective online marketing strategy. As part of our ongoing small business management podcast series, this episode focuses on real-world marketin…
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E117 - Hiring Right: Navigating Growth Challenges
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30:37In this eye-opening conversation with hiring expert Corey Harlock from Key Hire, we dive into why so many small businesses struggle with talent acquisition and what you can actually do about it. The brutal truth? Most business owners make three critical hiring mistakes: Unclear role definition (what does success actually look like?) No defined hiri…
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The Boomerang Effect: Rehiring Right or Getting It Wrong?
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20:33This week on The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock dives into the growing trend of Boomerang employees—former team members who return after time away. He unpacks what makes them unique, how they can support your business growth goals, and the right way to bring them back into your team. From hiring challenges and the hiring process to organization des…
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E116 - Asking For The Sale: Marketing And Copywriting For Scalability
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29:32Samantha and Simone discussed the critical role of copywriting and marketing in driving business growth and scalability: Salespeople need to be confident in asking for the sale, as effective copywriting can streamline the process. Audience education through low-ticket courses, etc. improves lead quality by helping customers understand value. Unders…
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You are 100% Right in a 200% World (with Dr. Robert Johnson)
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42:59Clear communication can make or break a business. In this episode, host Corey Harlock sits down with Dr. Robert Johnson, Founder & Managing Partner of Shoreline Partners, to explore powerful strategies leaders can use to enhance communication within their companies. Dr. Johnson shares insights on why being “100% right” isn’t always enough in a worl…
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E115 - The Hiring Paradox: Why Your Dream Team Keeps Ghosting You
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18:21The brutal truth? Most small businesses aren't "hiring ready." When 87% of owners can't find qualified candidates, it's time to look in the mirror. This podcast unpacks the Small Business Death Spiral: can't hire quality people → work yourself to exhaustion → no time to train mediocre hires → poor performance → lost customers → reduced profits → ca…
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In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, Corey dives into the latest findings from the 2025 National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Report and unpacks what they mean for hiring in today’s tough economic climate. With labor shortages, rising wage expectations, and increased competition for top talent, Corey explores the real…
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E114 - The Manager Effect On Employee Performance
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21:13In today's episode, we tackle the critical influence managers have on employee performance and business growth. While 70% of employees would quit over a bad manager, research shows managers can be the second most influential people in employees' lives—creating enormous potential for positive impact. Many small business owners fall into the "just hi…
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The Difference Between Building a Brand & Building a Business (with Eric Malka)
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36:25We're sitting down with Eric Malka, CEO of Strategic Brand Investments and Founder of The Art of Shaving, to explore the crucial distinction between building a business and building a brand. Eric shares his journey from launching and scaling a premium grooming company to becoming an expert in brand strategy and investment. He explains why a strong …
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E113 - Hacking The Watercooler: High Performance By Community
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17:17The modern office is a living social system, yet most fail to cultivate real connections. Over a third of employees would rather clean a toilet than ask a coworker for help - "social muscle atrophy" from remote work and impersonal tools. The result? Quiet quitting, disengagement, and a sense that work is just individual tasks, not shared endeavors.…
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Unlocking Business Growth with No-Code Solutions (with Xan Hong)
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37:22In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Xan Hong, Founder and Principal Consultant of Drive Phase Consulting, to explore how small businesses can leverage no-code software to streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and build custom tools without the need for a developer. Xan shares real-world insights on h…
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E112 - When Passion And Purpose Drive Smart Growth
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35:04In this Episode, special guests Vicky and Jo from Canine Business Academy from the UK share how they help their typically operator focused clients become the leaders of successful dog training businesses. Listen to this fun, colored by British-isms episode as we discuss the importance of being the brand of your business and it reflecting who you ar…
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How to Create a Job Description (The Right Way)
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30:34In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock dives into the critical process of defining roles and responsibilities to create an effective job description. Hiring the right person starts with clearly understanding what the role requires and how it fits into the larger goals of the business. Corey breaks down common mistakes business o…
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In this episode, host Simone tackles a critical issue for small business owners - establishing a profit-centric mindset throughout your entire organization. We'll discuss why every role in your company needs to be directly or indirectly driving profitability, and provide a strategic framework for instilling this profit-focused culture in your team.…
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Bridging the Gap: Hiring, Empowering, and Retaining Veterans (with Mike Hutchings)
50:14
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50:14On this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Mike Hutchings, CEO of Combined Arms, to explore the advantages of hiring veterans. As a veteran himself, Mike brings firsthand insight into the challenges veterans face when transitioning to the workforce and the unique strengths they offer as employees. Corey and Mike discu…
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E110 - Coming Out On Top: Thriving In Change Fostering Resilience And Adaptability
18:41
18:41
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18:41In today’s fast-changing world, great leaders don’t resist change—they embrace it, pivot quickly, and lead with trust and empathy. In this episode we’ll explore: How to pivot quickly as a leader How to maintain trust in times of crisis How to lead with empathy during uncertainty By the end, you’ll have actionable strategies to become a more adaptab…
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The Power of PEOs for Small Business (with Suzanna Martinez)
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39:45This week on The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with Suzanna Martinez, CEO of PEO for the CEO, to explore how a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can be a game-changer for small businesses. From handling HR, payroll, and compliance to providing access to competitive benefits, a PEO can help business owners focus on growth while red…
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E109 - Launch And Scale Without Wasting Your Money And Resources
25:35
25:35
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25:35In this episode we are excited to talk with David Hirschfeld, owner of https://launch1st.tekyz.com/ about the right way to start and scale without making the biggest mistake that costs founders precious time, money and momentum. Simone and David discuss the 4 main areas of focus: 1—How starting with the vision is only the beginning but may have to …
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Curating an Exceptional Candidate Experience
27:32
27:32
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27:32In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock dives into one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of hiring—creating an outstanding candidate experience. Small business owners often struggle to attract and retain top talent, but the key to success lies in how they engage candidates throughout the hiring process. Corey breaks dow…
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E108 - Where Elon Musk Is Right And Wrong And How You Can Do Better
13:36
13:36
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13:36In this episode, we explores the CEO updates or the 5-15 concept. The podcast delves into the benefits of this approach for business owners, how to effectively implement it, and the importance of distinguishing its use in a business context versus a governmental one. Key Takeaways: Understanding the 5-15 Concept Helps business owners stay informed …
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As business leaders, we often know the changes we need to make to drive our organizations forward—delegate more, have difficult conversations, embrace innovation. Yet we find ourselves stuck in our "uncomfortably comfortable" routines, unable to take the necessary steps outside our familiar (but limiting) comfort zones. In this episode, we unpack t…
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What Small Business Leaders NEED Know About Marketing in 2025 (with Heather Manes)
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41:21Is Your Marketing Ready for 2025? We’re diving deep into the marketing landscape of 2025 with Heather Manes, President & Strategic Director of Savage Brands. As technology, consumer behavior, and branding strategies evolve, small business owners need to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. Heather shares expert insights on what’s working …
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Using Assessments The Right Way (with Brian Gelt)
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40:00In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, we’re joined by Brian Gelt, Founder of Peoplytix, for an in-depth conversation on how small business owners can transform their hiring process with the power of job assessments. With years of experience helping businesses make smarter talent decisions, Brian breaks down the science and strategy behind these t…
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In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the real-world challenges facing minority/immigrant employees - and uncover concrete strategies small business leaders can use to guide their teams through turbulent times with empathy, trust, and a relentless focus on shared purpose. Key Topics Covered: Understanding the Struggles Your employees are d…
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In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock, CEO of KeyHire Solutions, dives into the critical role a competitive mindset plays in attracting and securing top talent. In today’s job market, small business owners are up against fierce competition for the best candidates. Corey breaks down why traditional hiring strategies often fall s…
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E105 - The crisis of employee (dis)engagement
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21:12
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21:12Employee engagement has hit a decade-low, with less than a third of employees feeling truly engaged at work. This crisis is driven by factors like rapid organizational changes, remote/hybrid work challenges, and a lack of clear priorities, consistent feedback, and accountability from leadership. In this episode, we'll cover 5 essential practices yo…
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Connecting With Customers Using EMPATHY (with Jim Matuga)
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45:07Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Episode 43 of The KeyHire Podcast, hosted by Corey Harlock, dives into the art of connecting with customers on a deeper, more meaningful level. This week’s guest, Jim Matuga, Founder of InnerAction Media, brings his wealth of experience in mar…
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E104 - The Highest Cost In Business… Why Do Employees Really Quit Their Jobs?
23:01
23:01
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23:01Are you tired of feeling trapped in the endless cycle of firefighting and micromanagement in your business? In this episode, we dive deep into the single biggest factor holding your company back from explosive, sustainable growth - and it all comes down to empowering your team to think and act like entrepreneurs. We explore the proven strategies fo…
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Upgrading Your Current Employees (with Chris Leonard)
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47:09
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47:09Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess This week on The KeyHire Podcast, we're diving into a critical challenge many business owners face as they scale: what to do when some employees can’t keep up with the growth. Joining us is Chris Leonard, Owner of No Impediments, a company ded…
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E103 - Unleashing The Superpowers Of Gen Z: A Small Business Owner's Guide
19:35
19:35
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19:35As a small business owner, you're probably all too familiar with the dreaded "Gen Z" workforce. The entitled, distracted, always-online youngsters who seem to have a completely different set of priorities and expectations than the generations that came before them. It's enough to make even the most seasoned entrepreneur want to pull their hair out …
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How Business Valuations REALLY Work (with Len Bruskiewitz)
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43:49Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess In this insightful episode of The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock is joined by Len Bruskiewitz, a Certified Business Coach at FocalPoint, to delve into the essential yet often misunderstood topic of business valuation. Len explains why understa…
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E102 - Building the Right Team for Business Growth and Exit with Pete Mohr
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30:04Guest: Pete Mohr, certified exit planner and Kolbe coach Key Topics Covered: The importance of having a clear external-facing "promise" for your business Using the Kolbe assessment to understand how your team naturally makes decisions and takes action Leveraging Kolbe insights to improve communication, alignment, and role fit within your team The v…
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Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess We've had a fantastic year full of great guests, fun moments and important advice for small business owners across the country. This week, we're taking a look back at our 2024 with some advice from our favorite episodes, moments with our amazi…
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E101 - Stop Thinking About It: The One Thing Holding Your Business Back In 2025 (It's Not What You Think)
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22:53Small business owners, it's time to decide that enough is enough. This year, in 2025, commit to breaking the cycle, empowering your team, and unlocking the growth and freedom you deserve. Take the first step by watching this video to identify where you're the bottleneck in your business. Visit http://www.bulletproofbusinessgrowth.com/scalingbluepri…
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Using Resolutions to Help Increase Retention
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21:22Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock takes a deep dive into the powerful relationship between aligning incentives and achieving lasting employee satisfaction and retention. Far beyond simply offering monetary rewards or standa…
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E100!!! - Mastering the Art of Networking with Michael Forman
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31:10Guest: Michael Forman, author of "Networking Unleashed" and networking expert Key Topics Covered: The importance of quality over quantity when it comes to networking - being selective about the conversations you have Tips for introverts on how to approach networking events, including bringing a "wingman" to help facilitate conversations The step-by…
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Hiring Right The First Time (with Casey Gromer)
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48:01Check out our sponsor: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Be KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Welcome to The KeyHire Podcast, where we explore strategies and insights to help small business owners build strong, successful teams. This week, we’re thrilled to have Casey Gromer, MBA, join us as our guest. Casey is a seasoned Fractional In…
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How to ACTUALLY Reduce Your Costs (with Hans Stronck)
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42:04This episode is sponsored by Career Spring: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Become KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Connect with Hans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansstronck/ ERA Group.com (713) 391-4746 We're joined by Hans Stronck, Global Enterprise Partner at Expense Reduction Analysts, to tackle a topic that’s always top of min…
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Answering YOUR Questions (with Matt Wills)
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43:39Learn more about Matt: www.luminousconsultants.com This episode is sponsored by Career Spring: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Become KeyHire's Next Success Story: https://bit.ly/KHSuccess Welcome to The KeyHire Podcast! This week, we’re diving into the most frequently asked questions submitted by our audience, offering practical strategies to help you s…
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E99 - Time Thief Tracker: Reclaim Your Time, Accelerate Your Growth
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23:07As small business owners, we're often trapped in the day-to-day, unable to focus on strategic growth. The consistent roadblock to scaling and sustainable success isn't lack of skill or vision; it's lack of time. In this episode, you'll learn how to implement the Time Thief Tracker – a simple yet powerful system to identify and address your time-was…
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Learn more about CareerSpring: https://bit.ly/CS-KeyHire Become KeyHire's Next Success Story: www.keyhire.solutions/testimonials In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock addresses a critical issue for small business owners: how to re-hire your current employees when they’ve been offered a position with another company. C…
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E87 - PIPs - Your Secret Weapon To Unlock Your 2025 Growth
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21:13Performance improvement plans (PIPs) often get a bad rap, but I'm here to tell you that when done right, they can be a total game-changer for hitting your 2025 growth goals. Traditional performance reviews simply aren't cutting it anymore. They lack the structure and accountability needed to drive real improvements in employee performance. But a we…
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