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Hiring isn’t just expensive—it’s complicated. Between salaries, onboarding, benefits, and the endless HR headaches, adding to payroll can slow you down more than it helps. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we break down why efficiency often beats expansion when it comes to growth.

From SaaS founders to local business owners, we explore real-world examples of companies boosting revenue without adding headcount. You’ll learn how to scale smarter with automation, delegation, and streamlined processes that free up time, cut costs, and keep teams agile. We’ll also share insights into how staying lean can help you adapt faster in unpredictable markets while still driving profitability.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your business without stacking your team like Jenga blocks, this episode is for you.

Support the show and keep the beers flowing—visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer!

#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessTips #Efficiency #StartupStrategy

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!

Featured Beer: @suncreekbrewery @omenbrewingyeg

Mike: Suncreek Brewery “Sun Squishy” IPA

Blaine: Omen Brewing “Puca” Extra Stout

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1c1pXM1ppiE

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

Every entrepreneur begins with a vision of how their journey will unfold—but reality often takes unexpected turns. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the essential skill of trusting the process, even when the road looks uncertain. Mike and Blaine share candid stories about adapting when things don’t go as planned, how to connect the dots looking back, and why resilience matters more than perfection.

We explore the mindset shifts that help business owners stay focused, the role of patience in long-term growth, and how seemingly random detours can lead to breakthrough opportunities. If you’ve ever felt unsure whether your path is leading you forward or backward, this episode will remind you that hindsight is often the clearest map—and success comes to those who keep moving forward.

👉 Want to support the show? Visit mikeandblaine.com and buy us a beer!

#entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #startupmindset #trusttheprocess #mikeandblaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!

Featured Beer: @suncreekbrewery @omenbrewingyeg

Mike: Suncreek Brewery “Sun Squishy” IPA

Blaine: Omen Brewing “Puca” Extra Stout

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5T4g7JBRsLw

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

Most entrepreneurs think they know their business partners—until debt quietly takes a seat at the table. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we explore how debt acts as a hidden partner in your business, shaping decisions around pricing, hiring, expansion, and risk—often without you realizing it.

It’s not about fear—it’s about visibility. If you’ve ever borrowed money, signed a lease, or leveraged financing to grow, debt has already become part of your leadership team. Mike and Blaine break down how to recognize debt’s influence and what you can do to stay in control.

• How debt quietly drives business decisions
• Why visibility into your obligations changes your strategy
• The risks of ignoring debt as a “silent stakeholder”
• Practical steps to manage financial commitments with confidence

Tune in to rethink how you view debt and its role in your entrepreneurial journey.

#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessFinance #CashFlow #BusinessGrowth

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!

Featured Beer: @snakelakebrewco

Mike: Neighbour Pat’s “Shallow Grave” Porter

Blaine: Snake Lake “Sidewinder” IPA

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4Mj948JyYTk

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

Artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize the way we work and live—but why does “smart” tech so often feel dumb? In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the real frustrations of AI in business and everyday life. From customer service chatbots that trap you in endless loops, to voice assistants that don’t understand context, to productivity tools that almost deliver but never quite work, we break down the everyday struggles that business owners, entrepreneurs, and consumers face when relying on artificial intelligence.

We’ll explore the truth behind AI hype, how automation and machine learning can create both opportunities and headaches, and why businesses can’t afford to blindly trust AI without human oversight. Whether you’re running a company, managing a team, or just trying to get through your day without fighting with “smart” tech, this episode highlights the gap between artificial intelligence’s promises and its real-world performance.

Join us for a candid discussion on when AI works, when it doesn’t, and why sometimes the smartest solution is still a human who knows what they’re doing.

#ArtificialIntelligence #AIinBusiness #TechFrustrations #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!

Featured Whiskey and Beer: @SaloonDoor @bruichladdich

Mike: Bulleit Rye Whiskey and Saloon Door “Crank Dat AC” IPA

Blaine: Port Charlotte “Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt” Scotch Whiskey

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jzwZCgZIZ7I

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

We’ve all been there—stuck on hold, bounced between departments, or treated like an inconvenience. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the frustrating world of bad customer service and how it silently kills customer success, retention, and brand loyalty. Poor service experiences cost businesses millions in lost revenue every year, and for small businesses and entrepreneurs, one bad interaction can be the difference between growth and failure.

From viral customer service disasters that went mainstream, to everyday tone-deaf policies that drive customers away, we unpack the real stories behind service fails and ask: when did “the customer is always right” stop being true? We’ll also talk about how customer success impacts long-term business growth, why companies overlook it, and what happens when service is treated as an afterthought rather than a core part of business strategy.

But it’s not all negative—we share legendary examples of companies that got customer service right and built incredible loyalty, showing that outstanding service still wins. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just someone who’s survived a nightmare customer service call, this episode gives you insights, lessons, and a few cringe-worthy laughs along the way.

#CustomerService #CustomerSuccess #SmallBusinessGrowth #BusinessPodcast #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!

Featured Beer: @lonepintbrewery @cabinbrewingco @bornbrewingco

Mike: Lone Pint Brewery “Brewer’s Select” American Wheat Ale

Blaine: Cabin Brewing Company and Born Brewing Co. Collaboration “Super Cutie!” Hazy IPA with Mango

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wF1pM8EdhFI

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

When you’re the boss, everyone looks to you for answers, paychecks, and stability—but who has the boss’s back? In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we dig into the hidden reality that many entrepreneurs and small business owners face: carrying the weight of leadership alone. From sleepless nights over payroll to tough decisions that affect employees and families, the entrepreneurial journey often comes with isolation that no one talks about.

We explore why small business owners so often feel unsupported, what that lack of support costs them mentally, emotionally, and financially, and how it can impact the long-term success of their companies. Leadership burnout is real, and without a network or system in place, even the strongest leaders can struggle.

Mike and Blaine also share strategies for building a safety net of mentors, peers, and advisors, as well as personal stories of how having (or not having) support systems changed the trajectory of their businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a startup founder, or someone dreaming about running your own company, this episode offers valuable insight into the entrepreneurial mindset and what it truly takes to sustain leadership over the long haul.

#Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurMindset #SmallBusinessOwners #BusinessLeadership #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!

Featured Beer: @GooseIsland @estbrew

Mike: Goose Island “Hazy Beer Hug” Hazy IPA

Blaine: The Establishment Brewing “Tidal Wave” West Coast IPA

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L7z09H2uVes

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

Some business phrases are so overused they make you cringe—yet we keep saying them anyway. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we explore the world of business jargon and corporate buzzwords, from classics like “circle back,” “touch base,” and “low-hanging fruit” to terms like “red tape” that sneak into meetings, emails, and everyday conversations. These phrases may sound empty today, but they all have surprisingly real origins.

Mike and Blaine trace how these sayings started on ballfields, farms, and battlefields before they invaded the workplace, showing that even the most irritating corporate clichés once had a practical meaning. We’ll laugh at the ridiculousness of how overused they’ve become, break down why jargon spreads so quickly in business culture, and talk about why these phrases stick around despite making so many people roll their eyes.

It’s part history lesson, part comedy, and part therapy session for anyone tired of hearing the same buzzwords in every meeting. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or corporate professional, this episode will give you new perspective on the words we love to hate—and maybe even a little forgiveness for using them yourself.

#BusinessCommunication #Buzzwords #CorporateJargon #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!

Featured Beer: @GreatRaftBrewing @estbrew

Mike: Great Raft Brewing “Reasonably Corrupt” Black Lager

Blaine: The Establishment “Dream Your Life Away” Hazy IPA

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TDICQlWPHL4

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Send us a text

pisode 200 is here, and we’re celebrating with a big question every entrepreneur has asked at some point: should you turn your hobby into a business? In this milestone episode of Mike and Blaine, we dive into the real challenges and opportunities of turning passion projects into profitable ventures. From weekend hobbies that spark full-time startups to the risks of burning out when your favorite pastime becomes your paycheck, we explore what it really takes to make the leap.

We’re joined by our show beer sponsor and neighborhood legend, Pat—who thought he was showing up for a beer tasting (spoiler alert: Mike and Blaine brought whiskey instead). Along the way, we share stories of entrepreneurs who successfully transformed hobbies into thriving businesses, the red flags to watch for when a hobby isn’t business-ready, and practical advice for anyone weighing whether their side hustle could become a career.

It’s part business conversation, part celebration, and of course, part prank—the perfect mix of what makes Mike and Blaine unique. Whether you’re dreaming about launching a startup, already running a side hustle, or just here for the laughs and whiskey, this episode delivers inspiration, cautionary tales, and plenty of fun.

#StartupStories #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #SideHustle #MikeAndBlaine

Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!

Featured Beer (and Whiskey!): @buffalotracedistillery @anohkadistillery @upstreambrewing

Mike: Buffalo Spirit “Traveller Whiskey”

Blaine: Anohka “This is Not Whiskey” Barrel Aged Single Malt Spirit

Pat: Upstream Brewing Company “Dundee Export 90” Scotch Ale

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fk400eU3XS8

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors:

• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog

• Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com

• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!

• Neighbor Pat

• Devin

• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.com

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/