In this conversation, Abbey Crane interviews Kelli Jones, a trademark and contract lawyer, discussing the importance of trademarking for businesses, the differences between trademark and copyright law, and the impact of AI on legal practices. Kelli shares insights on the risks of not trademarking, the costs involved, and the necessity of having well-drafted contracts. The discussion emphasizes the need for legal protection in business to ensure growth and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• Trademarking is essential for brand recognition and protection.
• An LLC does not provide ownership of a brand name.
• The first to file a trademark has the strongest rights.
• AI-generated content may not be legally owned by the user.
• Contracts should address all potential scenarios to avoid disputes.
• Trademark registration can take over a year to complete.
• Legal advice is crucial for effective contract drafting.
• Budgeting for legal needs is important for business planning.
• Rebranding due to trademark issues can be costly.
• Understanding the difference between trademarks and copyrights is vital for business owners.

Interested in working with Kelli or want access to her templates? Click here!

In this engaging conversation, Rachel Smalling shares her journey as a small business owner in Cookeville, Tennessee. From launching the Lakeside Inn during the pandemic to expanding her portfolio with the Sportsman's Lodge and the 1854 Cocktail Bar and Lounge, Rachel discusses the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of community support, digital marketing, and maintaining quality in her offerings. Rachel also provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of passion, market research, and building a strong network.

• Rachel Smalling has multiple small businesses in Cookeville, TN.
• The Lakeside Inn was purchased during the COVID pandemic.
• Running a motel involves constant availability and mental challenges.
• Building a reliable team is crucial for small business success.
• The Sportsman's Lodge was a partnership with her partner's parents.
• Digital marketing is essential but can be overwhelming for small businesses.
• The 1854 Cocktail Bar was inspired by a trip to New York.
• Quality ingredients are prioritized in the cocktail offerings.
• Networking and community support are vital for entrepreneurs.
• Aspiring business owners should focus on authenticity and market needs.

In this conversation, John Cousins shares his journey from being an engineer to becoming a successful entrepreneur and investor. He discusses the challenges of partnerships, the impact of AI on the future of work, and the potential for automation to reshape industries. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and leveraging technology to enhance productivity and creativity. He discusses the importance of pivoting in business, the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing world, and the significance of financial literacy through accessible education. John emphasizes the value of side hustles and the need to embrace failure as a part of the learning process, encouraging listeners to take action and refine their ideas through experimentation.

Top Quotes from the Episode:

• "There's really two things I think that businesses do. Either they solve some pain that we have , or they bring us some sort of delight, some sort of joy. And in both those ways, I think that AI can help us."
• "In entrepreneurship, it's persevere or pivot."
• "I think everybody should have a couple of side hustles, a couple of side businesses that they're working on, some sort of plan B- like an inflatable sail boat in case you lose your main source of income."
• " Find out how you learn, so that when the time comes, if you ever have to quickly scramble and learn something new, you have the habits and the skill sets to be able to do that."
• " Thinking about our lives is kind of like a business. Business skills, just some business skills are good for everybody."
• "Try something and then be ready for feedback."
• "Courage is not being fearless, but acting in the face of fear."
• "Perfection is the enemy of good enough."
• "If you're not embarrassed by your product launch, you've waited too long to launch."
• "You have to fail to succeed."

Download John's book on the topic of focus here!

Register for MBA A$AP here!

In this episode of the Unscripted Small Business Podcast, Abbey Crane interviews John David Graham, founder of Good Samaritan Home. John shares his remarkable journey from a series of career changes to establishing a nonprofit that provides housing for homeless individuals and ex-offenders. He discusses the challenges of expanding their mission, overcoming community misconceptions, and the importance of kindness and action in creating change. John emphasizes the significance of stable housing and independent living for rehabilitation, as well as the need for patience and listening in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.
The conversation highlights the impact of Good Samaritan Home in the community and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, John David Graham discusses the challenges of navigating the nonprofit sector, including the complexities of grant applications and the importance of accountability. John emphasizes the need for compassion in managing a support team and the significance of humility in nonprofit work.
He also reflects on his personal experiences, the inspiration behind his book, and the value of second chances in life. Ultimately, he conveys a message of perseverance and the importance of giving back to the community.
Sample of The Conversation:

John David Graham: Life isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. You may fall, but if you keep going, you'll reach your goal. It's about forgiving yourself and pushing forward.

Abbey Crane: Let's say someone wants to be a professional chess player, a marathon runner, business owner selling board game tables, and an author. What advice would you give someone juggling multiple dreams?

John David Graham: Do your best in whatever you're doing. If you want to be an actor, wait tables during the day and be the best at it. In my case, I didn't expect to make money from my book. I wrote it because I wanted to share a message. Just give it your all and keep moving forward.

In this conversation, Doug Johnson, a CPA, shares his journey from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and partnership in accounting. He discusses the challenges of starting his own firm, the significance of understanding business structures, and common misconceptions about tax deductions. Doug provides valuable insights on when to hire an accountant, strategies for optimizing taxes, and the importance of tracking expenses. He concludes with advice on personal taxes and the key considerations for scaling a business.

• Small businesses often lack the processes of larger companies.

• Accessibility is key in providing accounting services.

• Hiring an accountant makes sense when net profits reach around $100K.

• Many believe they need an LLC to deduct expenses, which is a misconception.

• Buying items solely to reduce tax bills is not a sound strategy.

• Estimated tax payments help avoid tax sticker shock.

• Keeping receipts is crucial for substantiating deductions.

• Taking risks is essential for building the life you want.

Interested in working with Doug? Check out his website here!