Bad Business with Bryan Laurel

TheGuardian.com released a list of 50 (50!) Apps for Creatives.  We discuss some of those on the show.  For the complete list click here. Melissa talks about her new e-book Single Rich Girl.  It's an easy read and it's afffordable. And funny. And action-packed.  If you're single, or know someone who is, check it out.  In the meantime we discuss it on the show. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be reached at info@syndicatepr.com

We talk about some new apps or add-ons to popular apps that could help give a little shine to your brand's presence on social media. We then discuss brand wars in the form of Taco Bell's latest ad taking a not-too-subtle shot at McDonald's and if you're looking to go to war with a brand that is your mortal enemy, we talk about a website that'll take your competitor's logo and redesign it with a... penis drawn into it.  Seriously, this is a new business. Featured on AdWeek. Seriously.  This may be a good episode to listen to when the kids aren't around. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be reached at info@syndicatepr.com  

We touch on a couple of the breakout stories form this year's SXSW in Austin. First McDonalds crashes the party with their own food truck - and man, the local food trucks are not happy.  We also discuss the launch of Meerkat, the app that allows you to video stream via Twitter - good stuff. We may or may not discuss/debate other random stuff as well. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be reached at info@syndicatepr.com

In an effort to nudge the conversation of peace and unity between races, Starbucks put itself in the crosshairs of the social media world with the #RaceTogether hashtag. Some people like it, some were offended, some took the opportunity to out themselves as the idiots they are on their own social media feeds. Melissa and Bryan also talk about their favorite things of the week: RentTheRunway.com and the Tether App for iPhone. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be contacted at info@syndicatepr.com

We get some quality time with corporate advisor, executive coach, speaker, entrepreneur and podcaster, Brett Milan Gajda of Where There's Smoke Podcast & RaiseYourValue.com. We talk to Brett about goals, taking action now instead of later, self-development and maintaining a life/work balance by managing your time with "buckets".  If you stick around until the end, Brett even shares some of his favorite books, apps, gadgets and more.  To reach hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel email them at info@syndicatepr.com

In this episode we tackle the the Ten Types of People Who Will Help Your Business. We cover personalities and skill sets that you should make sure are covered as you launch or grow your business. Nobody can be a master at everything so listen and take inventory of what types you have covered and what you could stand to add to your team. Then Melissa talks about the stresses of being an entrepreneur and ways to manage that stress before you go completely insane and lose hope in why you started your own business in the first place. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be reached at info@syndicatepr.com

This week we talk to a man who rarely sleeps. And how could he when he's in the education field, runs a kimono website for the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu crowd, produces a podcast AND is a husband and father. Brendan Hufford  is the host of Entrepreneurs and Coffee podcast and the owner of OK! Kimonos.  Brendan shares the road he took to running his own business, tips for those considering entrepreneurship and solid advice from those he has interviewed or has been mentored by along the way. And... we may or may not take a few minutes at the end to discuss some Star Wars geekery. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be contacted at info@syndicatepr.com

The business of movies is an attractive profession. Sometimes it seems "it's not what you know, but who you know" - and Hollywood can seem like a difficult door to get into. Your Hollywood Pro is a new website that offers budding filmmakers or those interested in aspects of the motion picture industry, the opportunity to get on the phone or even have lunch with a Hollywood Pro for insight and motivation. Jordan Gregory Director of Business Development of YHP joins us in this episode to not only talk about the benefits of Your Hollywood Pro, but also the related podcast and book. Along the way we find lessons that apply to almost every industry and provide motivation to pursue something that may scare you. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be contacted at info@syndicatepr.com

Get ready for a double-freaking-awesome interview episode with actor, writer, producer, director, podcast broadcaster, sports authority, businessman and entrepreneur: Jerry Ferrara. You know him from his roles in the HBO series and upcoming film Entourage, Think Like A Man films and you'll see him in the upcoming Season 2 of Power on Starz - but Jerry doesn't rest on his acting laurels - he's an investor/entrepreneur as well. We talk to Jerry about his restaurant chain Fat Sal's Deli, his podcast Bad4Business and Bad4Sports and get into stories of business/investment in Jerry's life. We discuss the importance of family and how a good game of Clue can help clear the mind. If you stick around long enough, we work in a little Entourage talk as well. Visit Jerry's site at www.b4bent.com. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be contacted at info@syndicatepr.com  

We talk about creating a collision event with your inner circle of contacts.  If you want to learn what the hell a collision event is, go ahead and listen, but we're warning you - this episode really stinks.

Mentors can be such an excellent resource to honestly uncover weaknesses to improve your skills and keep you on your desired career path while helping you become a stronger, well-rounded person. Bryan talks about the benefits and how to find (or be) an exellent mentor.  Melissa talks about mastering a healthy life/work balance to be a healthier, happier, more successful you. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be contacted at info@syndicatepr.com

In another of our series of narrative episodes, we discuss the first several potential clients we encountered officially under our new company name, Syndicate Public Relations. We said "no" to more than we said "yes" to these potential clients.  While it was painful at the time, and seemed to fly in the face of why we started this new company in the first place, we quickly learned that turning down business that did not fit with what we wanted to accomplish was a good thing.  Trusting our gut proved to be key in avoiding more than one bullet. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be contacted at info@syndicatepr.com

Do you procrastinate? Do you like to win stuff? If you said "heck yeah I do" then you want to listen to this episode. First Melissa talks about putting things off. As small businesses or entrepreneurs it is easy to put things off. Melissa has a few steps to take to make delaying progress a thing of the past.  Bryan talks about Amazon's new offering - Amazon Giveaways. It's an easy and brilliant way for small businesses to give away and item that is stocked by Amazon. You buy the item, fill in some information in their Giveaway Wizard and boom, you've created a giveaway. And Amazon handles the fulfillment. We give it a test drive by giving away a great book for startups. The Startup Playbook, which is a collection of closely held advice from 40 of the businesses world's top CEOs from the days when they began their companies like 1-800-Flowers, PayPal, Jawbone, Flickr and Spanx to name a new. So if you want the chance to win this book, check out this little link. We'll give it away by February 18, 2015. And if

In this episode we interview Max (Tripp) Kramer of TrippAdvice.com. Max is a dating coach/advisor/guru and in the spirit of Valentine's Day, we got some time with Max to learn about his company, but also the road he took to get there. Max shares what worked and what didn't when trying to promote his company and how a walk to his car after giving a buddy some advice about a particular girl led to to become one of the most sought-after coaches for men.  From helping his clients build confidence to finding confidence as an entrepreneur, Max shares advice that translates to any relationship - personal or professional.   Max can also be heard on his podcast, How To Talk To Girls. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be contacted at info@syndicatepr.com

Melissa and Bryan talk about the changes that come from starting their own business. The challenges and stress may remain, but ultimately, running your own business also provides freedoms and unforseen opportunities that come from taking control of your professional and personal life.

This episode is focuses on things every small business and entrepreneur/startup struggles with at some point - not enough hours in the day and the potential need for a brand refresh. Bryan talks about the benefits of virtual assistants, how they can make your life easier, how to get connected with one and just how much you should expect to pay for a good VA. Melissa provides tips on how to determine if your company is in need of a rebrand and if so, how to tackle it. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be contacted at info@syndicatepr.com

As part of our new format, welcome to our first Interview Wednesday episode. This week we talk to Morpheus Titania, a Bitcoin advocate/trader/miner. What is Bitcoin? It's a new form of electronic currency that, while only several years old, has the promise to become something larger.  In a world of credit card data breeches, stolen identity and transaction fees for business owners, Bitcoin offers a something that could prove to be attractive to small businesses and consumers. Still confused?  Yeah, we thought so, give this episode a listen to learn more. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be reached at info@syndicatepr.com

In this abbreviated episode we talk first steps, first things to tackle when starting your own business.  We also discuss the pros and cons of working from home... or coffee shops... or libraries when you're just starting out and don't have the budget for an office yet. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be contacted at info@syndicatepr.com

This week begins our new format. We listened to your feedback and will produce shorter episodes that are easier to listen in one sitting. With new episodes every week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we'll continue to bring you great content, excellent interviews and valuable marketing and PR information. In this episode we talk guerrilla marketing/marketing stunts and how, if done well, they can attract a lot of attention for little money.  We then get into tips on how small businesses can make themselves look bigger to attract the clients or customers they want. Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be reached at info@syndicatepr.com

This week we talk about the transition period between leaving a comfortable corporate job and starting a new business.  Hosts Melissa Epstein and Bryan Laurel can be contacted at info@syndicatepr.com