The Small Business Safari

Have you ever sat there and wondered "What am I doing here stuck in the concrete zoo of the corporate world?" Are you itching to get out? Chris Lalomia and his co-host Alan Wyatt traverse the jungle of entrepreneurship. Together they share their stories and help you explore the wild world of SCALING your business. With many years of owning their own small businesses, they love to give insight to the aspiring entrepreneur. So, are you ready to make the jump?

The Small Business Safari is a business podcast hosted by Chris Lalomia, with 301 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Chris Lalomia hosts The Small Business Safari, a business show with 301 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #264

  Authenticity Wins | Madison Whitcher

  Oct 6, 202658 minS5

  Send us Fan Mail If your social media sounds like everyone else’s, your customers are probably scrolling right past it. Summary: Madison from MDZN Studio joins us to cut through the social media noise and explain what actually works for small businesses today. We challenge the idea that social media should instantly “pay back” like an ad and look at why authenticity, community, brand awareness, and trust often matter more than chasing immediate leads. Madison shares a practical posting strategy that small business owners can actually maintain, including a cadence of about three posts a week and a mix of educational, inspirational, and promotional content. We break down where Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok fit, plus why Reels can drive reach while carousels create repeat exposure . We also dig into why authentic, on-site video is outperforming overly polished content, how quarterly content shoots make posting easier, and why AI-generated “slop” is already turning audiences off. If you're tired of posting just to post, this episode will help you create content that feels human, builds trust, and keeps your business top of mind. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari GOLD NUGGETS Why authenticity beats AI-generated content What social media ROI really looks like A simple three-post-a-week strategy Reels for reach, carousels for repeat exposure Why real, on-site videos outperform polished graphics How batching content prevents social media burnout Turning followers into customers through trust Guest Links Website: https://mdznstudio.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-whitcher-a3221b116/ Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ Website: https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

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  Episode #263

  Think TV Ads Are Too Expensive? Think Again | Colin Williams

  Sep 29, 202653 minS5

  Send us Fan Mail What if your small business could advertise on TV with the same kind of targeting you use for digital ads? Summary: Colin Williams of Advu Media joins Chris and Alan to pull back the curtain on how TV advertising has changed — and why streaming TV may be more accessible to small businesses than most owners realize. Colin breaks down programmatic connected TV advertising in plain English, explaining how streaming ad inventory is bought through real-time auctions and how a DSP (demand-side platform) allows businesses to target audiences based on geography, demographics, and other factors. Instead of choosing your favorite TV show, Colin explains why successful campaigns start by identifying the right audience. We also dig into what needs to be in place before spending money on TV. A strong creative message matters, but so does having a fast, mobile-friendly website with clear navigation and an easy way for potential customers to take action. Then we get into CPM pricing, marketing attribution, and omnichannel marketing — including how TV can create demand while search, display, audio, and other channels help capture it. Colin explains how businesses can connect ad exposure with website traffic and leads so they're measuring results instead of relying on gut feelings. To put it all into practice, we walk through a real-world example using zip-code heat maps and a $5,000 advertising budget to show how a local service business could decide where to focus its spending. And before Colin joins us, Chris and Alan get candid about something technology can't replace: human connection and face-to-face networking — and the unexpected opportunities that can come from simply getting out there and meeting people. GOLD NUGGETS • Why face-to-face networking can still create unexpected business opportunities • How programmatic TV turns streaming advertising into an auction-based buy • What a DSP is and how audience targeting actually works • Why your website and creative need to be ready before launching TV ads • How CPM pricing varies across streaming platforms • Why blended media buys can make sense for small businesses • How attribution connects advertising exposure to website visits and leads • Why TV works best as part of an omnichannel marketing strategy • How zip-code heat maps can help determine where to spend your advertising dollars • Why consistency matters more than running a short test and expecting immediate results And don't forget to check out General Thomas Bourbon! https://generalthomasbourbon.com Guest Links — Colin Williams / Advu Media • Website: https://adviumedia.com • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinwilliamsadviumedia/ Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | Chris Lalomia • Website | https://chrislalomia.com • YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

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  Episode #262

  From Handyman To Candidate: Fixing Homes And Fixing Systems

  Sep 22, 20261h 5mS5

  Send us Fan Mail What do protecting a customer's home, building a successful business, and serving your community have in common? It all starts with trust, accountability, and doing the right thing. Adam Cleveland joins Chris and Alan on the Small Business Safari to share his journey from handyman to attorney and candidate for the Georgia State House. From working in home maintenance to navigating the legal profession, Adam explains how his experiences shaped his approach to business, leadership, and public service. The conversation kicks off with a powerful lesson for every home service business owner: treat your customer's home like their crown jewels! Chris and Alan discuss how storytelling, clear expectations, and consistent training help employees understand the importance of respecting a customer's most valuable asset. Adam shares how his experience in the trades inspired him to attend law school, where he hoped to write better contracts for a growing business. He also discusses his time as a closing attorney during the lending boom before the 2008 financial crisis and how rebuilding his career taught him the importance of improving broken processes. The conversation then turns to Adam's decision to run for the Georgia State House. He discusses his experiences with the legislative process, why local government matters, and his interest in election reforms, including ranked-choice voting, term limits, redistricting rules, and ballot access. Whether you're running a home service company, leading a team, or looking for ways to get involved in your community, this episode explores the connections between business ownership, personal responsibility, and public service. GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments) Treat every customer's home like their crown jewels and make respect a nonnegotiable standard for your team. Use memorable stories to reinforce employee training and improve customer service. Learn how Adam's handyman experience led him to law school and a career in real estate law. Discover how rebuilding after the 2008 financial crisis shaped Adam's approach to solving problems and improving processes. Explore how local government works and Adam's perspectives on ranked-choice voting, term limits, redistricting, and ballot access. Guest Links Adam Cleveland Website: https://adamcleveland.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-cleveland-27b5576a/ Watch the Full Episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram: @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ Website: https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

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  Episode #261

  Stop Running on Empty: Formula for Better Business Performance | "Dr. Pat" Boulogne

  Sep 15, 202649 minS5

  Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest thing holding back your business isn’t your strategy—it’s your energy? Dr. Pat joins the Small Business Safari to explain why business performance and personal performance can’t be separated. A chiropractor turned executive and business coach, Dr. Pat shares her approach to “performance intelligence” —combining wellness, mindset, and smart business strategy to help leaders think clearer, make better decisions, and build businesses that don’t leave them running on fumes. We dig into the basics that can make a surprisingly big difference: nutrition, hydration, sleep, blood sugar, and intermittent fasting. Dr. Pat also shares her “nine before nine” routine for creating momentum by taking care of yourself, your family, and your business before the day gets away from you. Then we head into the business jungle. Dr. Pat talks about networking by solving problems instead of simply collecting contacts, finding that one powerful referral relationship, spotting missed opportunities for revenue, and creating systems that make growth more repeatable. And don’t miss her fascinating communication tip: when people get upset, they often respond from a much younger emotional age—and recognizing that can completely change how you communicate with employees, customers, and even family. GOLD NUGGETS • Why your physical energy directly affects business performance • Turning networking conversations into real opportunities • The value of one great referral relationship • Finding monetization gaps hiding inside your business • Nutrition and blood sugar strategies for clearer thinking • Using intermittent fasting to simplify your routine • Hydration habits for better energy and focus • Dr. Pat’s “nine before nine” approach • Practical strategies for reducing jet lag • Why simple, plain-language communication works • How to communicate more effectively when emotions take over Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari Guest Links • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpatboulogne/ • Website: healthteamnetwork.com (Company) Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ Website | https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

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  Episode #260

  Stagnation Is Worse Than Failure | Guffy Wright

  Sep 8, 202649 minS5

  Send us Fan Mail The Small Business Safari One angry email, one bad review, one nitpicky complaint—and suddenly your whole day is off track. But what happens when you stop making your business your identity? Summary: Guffy Wright of The Mahoney Group joins Chris and Alan to share how he broke through stagnation and helped scale his real estate insurance practice from roughly $80 million to $350 million in premium. Guffy explains why stagnation can be more dangerous than failure, how to attach yourself to contribution instead of comparison, and why sometimes the fastest way to grow is through “addition by subtraction.” We dig into niching, raising your standards, saying no to the wrong clients, and surrounding yourself with masterminds, coaches, and mentors who challenge you to think bigger. We also unpack ideas from Guffy’s book, Attach High: How Elite Advisors Remove Friction from High Stakes Decisions , including his V3 framework: Value + Vulnerability + Validation = Decision Velocity. And because it’s Small Business Safari, we finish with customer service pet peeves, a painfully relatable DIY paint disaster, and a special offer for listeners who make it all the way through the episode. GOLD NUGGETS • Don’t let negative customer feedback become personal • Stagnation can be more costly than failure • Attach to contribution and detach from comparison • Raise your floor by saying no to the wrong work • Get crystal clear about your ideal client • “Change rooms” through better mentors, coaches, and masterminds • Use Value + Vulnerability + Validation to create decision velocity • Build a culture that helps customers make better decisions LISTENER BONUS: Listen through the end of the episode for details on how to get a free copy of Guffy Wright’s book plus a $25 Amazon gift card! Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari https://www.linkedin.com/in/guffy-wright-752679b/ www.guffywright.com Guffy's book: Attach High Follow The Small Business Safari Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast LinkedIn |https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ Website | https://chrislalomia.com Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

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