
Hosted by Koyoti · EN
While Koyoti Inc. is a marketing and design studio here in Toronto, we’re going to try to go beyond our own comfort zone and talk about all elements that pertain to Small Businesses. From social media marketing to book keeping; and from sales to mental health.

SummaryIn this episode, Andrew Legrand from Sparrow Law discusses the critical importance of legal counsel for small business owners. He emphasizes that avoiding legal advice can lead to costly mistakes and highlights the benefits of having a fractional general counsel. The conversation covers various aspects of business law, including the necessity of contracts, budgeting for legal services, and the proactive measures businesses can take to protect themselves. Andrew also shares insights on navigating partnerships and the common pitfalls that arise from unwritten expectations. The episode concludes with practical advice on finding the right legal representation and the value of subscription-based legal services.TakeawaysAvoiding legal counsel can lead to expensive problems.Proactive legal strategies can save businesses money.Contracts are essential for setting clear expectations.Partnerships can be complicated without written agreements.Legal needs evolve as businesses grow.Budgeting for legal services is crucial for small businesses.Understanding business law can prevent costly mistakes.Fractional general counsel offers tailored legal support.Expectations often lead to conflicts in partnerships.Access to legal services is becoming more affordable.Want to learn more? Contact Andrew here:WebsiteEmailFacebookWould love to hear from you! Drop us a line!Please help the humanitarian efforts regarding the current conflict in Ukraine. Please help by donating, or by spreading the word.For more information, please click hereBuilding a small business community for small business. Sharing experiences, information, stories, and tips to help grow the community. New Episodes every Monday!For more information about Koyoti, please visit: www.koyoti.comHave questions or comments about what we're doing? Email us here!

SynopsisSeason Five of the Koyoti Small Business Podcast is officially here. In this short opening episode, host Thomas Wu reflects on the journey so far—over 130 episodes in, a milestone reached by only a small fraction of podcasts—and shares what’s changing in the new season.Thomas walks listeners through a few format tweaks, what’s staying the same, and one meaningful shift in particular: a more personal, story‑driven approach to the Yips, Pips and Yaps episodes. Instead of repeating familiar territory, this season will draw more directly from real experiences, lessons learned, and hard‑won insights from the entrepreneurial journey.It’s a reset, a thank‑you, and an invitation—whether you’ve been listening since episode one or you’re just tuning in for the first time.Key TakeawaysA milestone worth celebrating: With more than 130 episodes released, the podcast enters a small group of shows that have lasted this long—thanks entirely to its listeners.Season Five brings refinement, not reinvention: Core segments like the Resource Library, Small Business episodes, and Small Business Spotlights continue, with thoughtful tweaks to improve clarity and value.A new direction for Yips, Pips and Yaps: This season leans into personal stories, lessons, and reflections from the entrepreneurial journey—what worked, what didn’t, and what was learned along the way.Vulnerability as a teaching tool: Sharing lived experience feels risky, but the goal is to offer something relatable, useful, and honest for fellow business owners.More conversations ahead: New expert guests and recorded episodes are already in the queue, covering topics designed to support and challenge small business owners.Weekly rhythm resumes: New episodes return every Monday, starting next week.Would love to hear from you! Drop us a line!Please help the humanitarian efforts regarding the current conflict in Ukraine. Please help by donating, or by spreading the word.For more information, please click hereBuilding a small business community for small business. Sharing experiences, information, stories, and tips to help grow the community. New Episodes every Monday!For more information about Koyoti, please visit: www.koyoti.comHave questions or comments about what we're doing? Email us here!

SummaryIn this episode of the Koyoti Small Business Podcast, Thomas and Alan Lazaros discuss the critical role of coaching in personal and professional development. Alan shares his journey from a tech background to founding Next Level University, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and the impact of life-changing experiences. They explore the significance of setting clear goals, tracking progress, and the unique approach of NLU in helping clients achieve their full potential. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating relationships while pursuing personal growth and the necessity of discernment in time management for small business owners.TakeawaysCoaches are essential for success in any field.Continuous improvement can lead to significant personal growth.Setting clear, measurable goals is crucial for progress.Relationships may change as personal goals evolve.High coachability and work ethic are key traits for clients.Real connections with people are more valuable than vanity metrics.Intentional practice is necessary for mastery in any skill.Tracking metrics and habits can lead to better outcomes.Discerning how to spend time is vital for small business owners.Building a community around shared values enhances growth.Want to learn more? Contact Alan here:EmailWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInWould love to hear from you! Drop us a line!Please help the humanitarian efforts regarding the current conflict in Ukraine. Please help by donating, or by spreading the word.For more information, please click hereBuilding a small business community for small business. Sharing experiences, information, stories, and tips to help grow the community. New Episodes every Monday!For more information about Koyoti, please visit: www.koyoti.comHave questions or comments about what we're doing? Email us here!

SummaryThis conversation explores the rise and fall of Blockbuster, examining how it failed to adapt to the changing landscape of movie rentals with the advent of the internet and the innovative model introduced by Netflix.TakeawaysBlockbuster was a significant player in the movie rental industry.The internet changed the dynamics of movie rentals.Blockbuster's late fees were a major point of contention.Netflix introduced a no late fees model that appealed to customers.The advent of DVDs allowed for new rental models.Blockbuster's failure to innovate led to its downfall.The transition to digital rentals was pivotal for the industry.Customer convenience became a priority with new rental services.Understanding market changes is crucial for business survival.Innovation is key to staying relevant in any industry.Would love to hear from you! Drop us a line!Please help the humanitarian efforts regarding the current conflict in Ukraine. Please help by donating, or by spreading the word.For more information, please click hereBuilding a small business community for small business. Sharing experiences, information, stories, and tips to help grow the community. New Episodes every Monday!For more information about Koyoti, please visit: www.koyoti.comHave questions or comments about what we're doing? Email us here!

SummaryIn this episode, Vince Quinn discusses the evolution of podcasting, his journey from radio to podcasting, and the importance of strategy and data for small business owners looking to leverage podcasts for growth. He emphasizes the need for a clear business plan, audience engagement, and the role of AI in streamlining processes. Vince also shares insights on when to seek help from production companies and the common pitfalls that lead to podcast attrition.TakeawaysThe podcasting industry has evolved significantly in recent years.Vince's journey into entertainment began with a passion for comedy.Transitioning from radio to podcasting requires a different approach.Understanding audience engagement is crucial for success.Data tracking is essential for small business growth.AI can streamline podcasting processes and improve efficiency.Not every small business needs to start their own podcast.Building a strong business strategy is key to podcast success.Podcasts can serve as a powerful marketing tool for small businesses.Networking through podcasts can lead to valuable business relationships.Want to learn more? Contact Vince here:WebsiteEmailLinkedInSend us Fan MailPlease help the humanitarian efforts regarding the current conflict in Ukraine. Please help by donating, or by spreading the word.For more information, please click hereBuilding a small business community for small business. Sharing experiences, information, stories, and tips to help grow the community. New Episodes every Monday!For more information about Koyoti, please visit: www.koyoti.comHave questions or comments about what we're doing? Email us here!

SummaryIn this episode of the Koyoti Small Business Podcast, host Thomas speaks with Laura Perkes from PR Worth Perks about the intricacies of public relations. They discuss the evolution of PR, the importance of building relationships with journalists, and when small businesses should start considering PR. Laura shares her journey from agency work to freelancing, the changing landscape of media, and the significance of having a solid foundation before diving into PR. The conversation emphasizes that PR is an ongoing effort focused on relationship building rather than just a series of press releases.TakeawaysPR is everything you do to share your message.PR and marketing are complementary but different.The landscape of PR has evolved with digital media.Building relationships with journalists is key.Small businesses should have a solid foundation before starting PR.Consultants can help businesses avoid PR mistakes.Expect a three-month timeline for PR results.PR is about relationship building, not just press releases.Choosing the right PR partner is crucial for success.PR should be an ongoing effort, not a one-time task.Want to learn more? Contact Laura Here:WebsiteEmailInstagramLinkedINSend us Fan MailPlease help the humanitarian efforts regarding the current conflict in Ukraine. Please help by donating, or by spreading the word.For more information, please click hereBuilding a small business community for small business. Sharing experiences, information, stories, and tips to help grow the community. New Episodes every Monday!For more information about Koyoti, please visit: www.koyoti.comHave questions or comments about what we're doing? Email us here!

Talking about the differences between Commercial vs. Residential Real Estate and why it's prudent to talk to a Commercial Realtor when looking for your next office/store/industrial space. Chatting with us today about this is Michael Davidson from Re/Max Realtron. Want to hear more? Reach Michael here:Email WebsiteLinkedinTwitterBuilding a small business community for small businesses. Sharing experiences, information and stories to help grow the community. New episodes posted every Monday!For more information about Koyoti, please visit: www.koyoti.comHave questions or comments about what we're doing? Email us here!Send us Fan MailPlease help the humanitarian efforts regarding the current conflict in Ukraine. Please help by donating, or by spreading the word.For more information, please click hereBuilding a small business community for small business. Sharing experiences, information, stories, and tips to help grow the community. New Episodes every Monday!For more information about Koyoti, please visit: www.koyoti.comHave questions or comments about what we're doing? Email us here!