The Life of a “Chief Everything Officer”
When I was writing The Small Business CEO’s Playbook, I had a few key goals in mind:
Expanding on topics from the book.
Sharing new experiences that can benefit fellow entrepreneurs.
Offering insights on issues relevant to small business owners.
Promoting live opportunities where I’ll be speaking or participating.
Showcasing some of the fun and unique experiences I get to have.
This week is packed with exciting opportunities, including two podcast interviews and a LIVE radio appearance on WATD this Wednesday night as part of The JV Team with Jared Valanzola. I’ve been on the show before to talk about music and entertainment (lots of Beatles talk!), but this time, we’ll be diving into The Small Business CEO’s Playbook—and it’s even more special because we’re discussing it in a market where I built my business.
You can listen live at 959watd.com on Wednesday night!
A Small Business Spotlight: WATD Radio
WATD is one of the few remaining family-owned radio stations in the country, which takes me back to my early radio days in Portland, Maine. Back then, I worked for a small company that ran an AM/FM combo (essentially an AM and FM station under one roof).
WATD’s owner, Ed Perry, is a true small business leader. He’s been running the station for decades and keeps it LOCAL—local hosts, local news, local sports, and even community-driven programming. That local focus aligns with the FCC’s original mission for radio stations: serving their communities.
Ed is as hands-on as they come. He’s been known to jump in his car and report breaking news live from the scene, covering events across the South Shore. His passion for radio and the communities he serves is undeniable.
And here’s something fun—on Ed’s business card, his title reads: “Ringmaster & Owner.”
Let’s be honest… that’s pretty fitting for any small business owner! Running a business can feel like managing a three-ring circus, but Ed takes it all in stride. Like most entrepreneurs, he wears many hats and is willing to jump in wherever needed.
The “Chief Everything Officer” Life
If you’re a small business owner, you know the drill: You’re not just the CEO—you’re the Chief EVERYTHING Officer.
You may not do everything, but you certainly juggle a wide range of responsibilities. One moment you’re handling sales, the next you’re troubleshooting tech issues, then you're managing customer service, marketing, and finances—all in the same day!
So let’s have some fun with this…
What’s the most unexpected role you’ve had to take on as a “Chief Everything Officer”? Drop a comment below!
#EntrepreneurLife #SmallBusinessCEO #ChiefEverythingOfficer #RadioLife #WATD #SupportLocal #SmallBusinessTips
Get Ready: Employee Appreciation Day is March 7th!
Employee Appreciation Day is just around the corner—happening Friday, March 7th—and it’s the perfect opportunity to show your team how much they mean to your business! Recognizing your employees isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a game-changer for workplace morale, performance, and even your bottom line.
Why Employee Appreciation Matters
A motivated, valued team leads to happier employees, better productivity, and increased profits. But here’s the thing—showing appreciation shouldn’t just happen once a year! In my experience as a small business owner, I’ve always made it a priority to celebrate my team throughout the year. From hosting holiday gatherings to providing meals at team meetings, small acts of gratitude go a long way in building a strong, loyal workforce.
Easy & Impactful Ways to Show Appreciation
Looking for ideas? Here are a few simple yet meaningful ways to make your employees feel valued:
Say "Thank You" – The Right Way
A handwritten thank-you note is a personal, heartfelt way to show appreciation. (Psst… wasn’t that one of the “10 Strategies” in my book?) Taking the time to personalize each note makes all the difference.
Food = Appreciation!
Host a coffee & donuts breakfast or a team lunch—even if it’s just in the breakroom. And if you can swing it, an early Friday dismissal is a fantastic way to reward your team’s hard work!
Small Gifts, Big Impact
Stores like Successories and Positive Promotions offer great employee appreciation gifts for any budget or industry. Whether it’s a thoughtful keepsake or a fun desk accessory, a small gift can leave a lasting impression.
Pro Tip: Recognize Employees in a Way That Works for THEM
One big mistake? Not all employees like public recognition! Some thrive on being celebrated in front of the team, while others prefer a quiet, personal “thank you.” Make sure your appreciation is delivered in a way that makes each team member feel comfortable and valued.
Appreciation = Retention & Success
March 7th is just one day—let’s make appreciation a habit all year long! A team that feels valued will always go the extra mile for your business.
How do YOU show appreciation to your employees? Drop your best ideas in the comments!
#EmployeeAppreciationDay #WorkplaceCulture #SmallBusinessSuccess #TeamMorale #LeadershipTips #EmployeeRecognition #BusinessGrowth #GratitudeInBusiness #HappyEmployees #SuccessMindset
What a Week in Vegas!
Last week was an unforgettable kickoff to this incredible new venture at the Mobile Entertainment Expo and Photo Booth Expo at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas!
Major Highlights from the Week:
Book Launch Success! On Tuesday, I officially released The Small Business CEO’s Playbook—a powerful guide designed to help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. The response was phenomenal, and I’m beyond grateful for the support from the incredible entertainment and small business community.
Packed House for My Presentation! Wednesday brought an electrifying experience as I took the stage to present "From Strangers to Supporters: The Art of Business Networking" to an engaged crowd of over 250 DJs and Photo Booth Operators. The energy in the room was amazing, and I loved sharing strategies to help fellow entrepreneurs turn casual connections into loyal customers and brand advocates.
What’s Next? This is just the beginning! I’ll be sharing more insights, success tips, and behind-the-scenes moments in the coming weeks. Whether you're in the entertainment industry or running a small business, stay tuned for actionable strategies to boost your networking, branding, and business growth!
Let’s keep the momentum going! If you were at the expo, drop a comment below—I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaways!
#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSuccess #NetworkingTips #DJBusiness #PhotoBoothExpo #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategies #EventIndustry #BusinessNetworking #VegasEvents #MobileEntertainmentExpo