Mastering Business Skills

Making Merchant Services Work for You with Frank Scearbo

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, we sit down with Frank Scearbo, a credit card processing expert with a background in banking, accounting, and business advisory services. Frank shares how he helps business owners navigate the often confusing world of merchant services, ensuring they get the lowest possible cost on every transaction while receiving top-tier customer support.
With over 20 years in the industry, Frank breaks down:
– Why credit card processing doesn’t have to be a “necessary evil”– How to avoid hidden fees and misleading rate structures– The power of personalized service in a tech-driven world– Why handwritten cards and simple check-ins still matter– How mindset and positive thinking shape long-term success
Whether you’re running a brick-and-mortar shop or selling online, Frank’s insights will help you rethink how you accept payments, and how you treat your customers.
 
Connect With Frank Scearbo:Credit Card Expert WebsiteCompany WebsiteLinkedIn
 
 Tune In & Share:If this episode helped you rethink your payment systems or sparked a new idea, share it with a fellow entrepreneur. And don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that help you master the skills that matter most.

Franchise Smarts: Building Wealth & Freedom with Dan Collins

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, we sit down with Dan Collins, founder of Franchisee First Advisors, to explore how franchising can be a powerful path to financial freedom, legacy-building, and lifestyle flexibility.
With over 30 years in the franchise world, Dan shares what makes a franchise truly worth investing in, how to avoid costly mistakes, and why the right fit matters more than flashy concepts.
💡 What You’ll Learn:– Why only 50–60 out of 4,200 franchises are worth considering– The difference between “semi-absentee” and “engaged investor” models– How to spot red flags in franchise disclosure documents (FDDs)– Tips for matching your personality, goals, and financial comfort to the right franchise– How franchising can help you buy back your time and build generational wealth
Whether you're dreaming of business ownership or looking to expand your portfolio, Dan’s insights will help you make smarter, more confident decisions.
 
Connect With Dan Collins:Website
Facebook
 LinkedIn
 Youtube
 
Tune In & Share:If this episode opened your eyes to the world of franchising, share it with a friend or colleague who’s ready to take the leap. And don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that help you master the skills that matter most.

From Chaos to Clarity : Streamlining Success With Ashlee Berghoff

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, we sit down with Ashlee Berghoff, to talk about the systems that help entrepreneurs turn big ideas into sustainable success.
Ashlee shares how she helps event-based businesses move from 7-figure chaos to 7-figure profit by building operational infrastructure that actually works. From simple systems to complex human dynamics, she breaks down how to create structure without sacrificing creativity or personal values.
What You’ll Learn:– The four types of systems: simple, complicated, complex, and chaotic– Why systems don’t cheapen meaning, they protect what matters most– How to use small, intentional habits to support your big-picture goals– The importance of aligning your business model with your personal definition of success– Why community involvement and personal balance are key to long-term growth
Whether you're scaling up or simplifying down, Ashlee’s insights will help you build a business that supports your life, not the other way around.
Connect With Ashlee Berghoff:Website
LinkedInBook: Eureka Results
 
Tune In & Share:If this episode helped you rethink your systems or sparked a new idea, share it with a fellow entrepreneur. And don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that help you master the skills that matter most.

Turning Expertise Into Impact with Michelle Correnti

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, we sit down with Michelle Correnti, CEO and founder of Correnti Marketing, a branding and digital marketing agency that helps professional service providers transform complex expertise into clear, compelling messaging.
Michelle shares how she built her agency around the belief that service-based businesses thrive when their brand reflects not just what they do, but who they are. From visual identity to content strategy, she dives into the importance of staying top of mind with clients and referral sources alike.
💡 What You’ll Learn:– How to translate your expertise into messaging that resonates– Why consistency across platforms builds trust and visibility– Tips for optimizing your LinkedIn profile (even if you hate LinkedIn!)– The power of community involvement for personal and professional growth– What success looks like beyond the paycheck, and how to find balance
Whether you're just starting out or refining your brand as a seasoned pro, Michelle’s insights will help you show up with clarity, confidence, and connection.
 Connect With Michelle Correnti: Website Facebook LinkedIn
 
 Tune In & Share:If this episode sparked ideas or helped you rethink your brand, share it with a fellow entrepreneur or service provider. And don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that help you master the skills that matter most.

Helping Lawyers Find the Right Fit Firm with Jennifer Gillman

In this episode of the Mastering Business Skills podcast, hosts Erin Alli and Sharon Savage sit down with Jennifer Gillman, founder and CEO of Gillman Strategic Group.
A former lawyer turned candidate-facing recruiter, Jennifer specializes in helping attorneys find their “exact right perfect fit” law firm opportunities that align not only with their professional goals but also with their personal well-being.
Jennifer shares how she quickly identifies whether lawyers need a career shift, a new firm, or simply better resources to thrive. She also debunks the myth that attorneys only move for money, highlighting instead the importance of balance, culture, and the ability to serve clients effectively.
Other highlights from this conversation include:
Jennifer’s superpower of spotting career misalignment in under 15 minutes
Why most lawyers leave firms for better resources or balance—not just compensation
The power of focus: how adopting the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) transformed her business
Why taking imperfect action beats waiting for perfection every time
The concept of the “Happy Rainmaker” and her six pillars for building a fulfilling legal career
A sneak peek at Jennifer’s upcoming book, inspired by The Go-Giver, launching in 2026
Whether you’re a lawyer searching for happiness in your career, a professional struggling with perfectionism, or a business owner trying to master focus, Jennifer’s story offers practical insights and inspiring advice.
Resources & Links Mentioned
Gillman Strategic Group Website
Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn

People Over Everything: HR Made Practical with Shannon Carriere

Episode Summary:In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, hosts Erin Alli and Sharon Savage welcome Shannon Carriere—an “HR without the fluff” expert who brings a global perspective and a pragmatic approach to solving complex people problems. With experience spanning manufacturing, healthcare, finance, construction, and beyond, Shannon specializes in guiding leaders through sticky, urgent, and high-stakes HR challenges with clarity, common sense, and calm.
Shannon shares her journey from corporate HR to running her own HR hotline for small businesses, helping organizations navigate laws, compliance, and team dynamics without the overwhelm. From building HR functions from scratch to untangling growth pains across the US, EMEA, South America, and APAC, she’s seen it all—and knows how to cut through the noise.
You’ll learn:
Why even seasoned leaders skip the most obvious first step in resolving employee issues
Shannon’s proven method for conquering “where do I even start?” overwhelm
Why small businesses should invest in experts before they think they’re “ready”
How proactive HR saves far more than reactive clean-up
What “managing seasons” means in business and life—and how Shannon uses it to stay intentional
Why she’s embracing video (and even “winning ugly”) to showcase her personal HR style
Whether you’re running a startup or leading an established team, this episode will change how you approach your people problems and give you practical tools you can use immediately.
About Our Guest:Shannon Carriere is a global HR expert and founder of an HR hotline service for small businesses. She’s helped leaders across industries and continents handle complex, high-stakes people issues without overcomplicating solutions. From startup growing pains to global transition support, Shannon’s approach is rooted in practicality, clarity, and putting people first.
Connect with Shannon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannoncarriere/ 
Website: https://carrierehr.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonCarriere/videos

From Clarity to Impact: How Business Coaching Drives Growth with Ed Keoha

Episode Summary:In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, hosts Erin Alli and Sharon Savage sit down with Ed Keohan—executive coach, advisor, and president of Clarity and Impact Coaching—to explore what it really takes to help businesses grow and thrive.
With over 30 years of leadership experience in industries ranging from food and beverage to medical diagnostics, Ed shares how his transition from corporate executive to certified business coach reshaped his approach to problem-solving, leadership, and strategic growth.
You’ll hear Ed’s insights on:
Why great coaching is more about asking questions than giving answers.
How to resist the urge to be the “answer person” and instead empower clients to find solutions.
The importance of clarity in setting long-term business goals—and the accountability to follow through.
Why networking is a critical skill most business leaders overlook.
How leaders can let go of control without losing momentum.
The role of communication in driving change and avoiding “ripple effect” chaos.
Ed also shares his honest reflections on lessons learned, skills he wishes he’d developed sooner, and how business owners can prepare for sustainable growth without getting stuck in the “founder’s trap.” Whether you’re leading a growing team or considering a shift into coaching, this episode offers practical advice and inspiring stories you can apply today.
About Our Guest:Ed Keohan is a certified business and executive coach and the president of Clarity and Impact Coaching. Based in Southern New Hampshire, Ed works with small to medium-sized companies to improve communication, refine processes, boost profitability, and guide leaders toward both business success and personal balance.
Connect with Ed:
Website: https://www.clarity-impactcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-keohan-abb6748 

Crafting Authentic Marketing Strategies with Ashlan Glazier-Anderson

Episode Summary:In this inspiring conversation, Erin and Sharon sit down with Ashlan Glazier-Anderson—a Professional Certified Marketer and Certified Digital Marketing Professional with over 18 years of experience—to talk about building authentic, effective marketing strategies that fit each client’s unique strengths. Ashlan shares her journey from corporate and agency work to launching her own business, Ashbeam PDX Marketing, and how she tailors marketing solutions for both small businesses and nonprofits.
Ashlan dives into:
Why “one-size-fits-all” marketing advice often fails.
How to identify your best-fit clients (and say no when it’s not a match).
The value of authenticity in marketing and sales conversations.
Balancing multiple marketing services while avoiding burnout.
Documenting systems and processes early to save time and headaches later.
Her “Christmas in July” workshop series for prepping Q4 sales strategies.
She also shares the personal habits that keep her focused—including her morning pages routine and color-coded calendar—and her belief that success is measured in client retention and long-term impact, especially for nonprofits.
Takeaways:
Build strategies around what works for you, not just what the latest trend says.
It’s okay (and often necessary) to fire clients who aren’t the right fit.
Consistency, authenticity, and strategic preparation are keys to long-term growth.
Retention and relationships can be more important than rapid scaling.
Connect with Ashlan:Website | LinkedIn 
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From Camera to Client Strategy: How Sharon Sobel Evolved with the Industry

📌 Episode Summary:In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, we sit down with Sharon Sobel—founder of Picture This Video—to explore how she transformed her passion for video production into a sustainable business that has evolved alongside changing technology and client needs.
With over two decades of experience in educational and nonprofit media, Sharon shares how she transitioned from cable television and school system production to launching a thriving freelance business that now focuses on livestreaming, video podcast production, and marketing strategy.
Whether you're starting a creative business, growing a podcast, or figuring out pricing and pivots, Sharon's journey offers lessons in adaptability, self-awareness, and the power of taking strategic risks.
🧠 Topics Covered:
How Sharon went from public access TV to business ownership
Learning pricing and value the hard way (and how she improved it)
Supporting podcasters with livestreams, branding, and monetization
The difference between skill and business acumen—and how she built both
How her husband turned podcasting into a full-time career with sponsors
The importance of local resources (SCORE, SBDCs, chambers, etc.)
Building process documentation for livestream events
Why consistency trumps quantity when podcasting
💬 Quotes to Remember:
“The video skills are great—but if you’re running a business, you have to learn how to run the business too.”— Sharon Sobel
“I didn’t know how to price until I was the one processing invoices. Watching what others charged taught me more than a course ever could.”— Sharon Sobel
“You don’t have to be everywhere at once. You need to show up consistently—even if that’s once a month.”— Sharon Sobel
“We named it Picture This Video—but in five years, I could see us calling it Picture This Radio and merging the video and podcast sides of the business.”— Sharon Sobel
📣 Who This Episode Is For:
Creative entrepreneurs navigating business growth
Podcasters looking to improve production quality or monetize
Freelancers unsure how to set rates or scale services
Anyone debating a leap from employment to self-employment
Service providers considering a niche pivot or rebrand
👋 Connect with Sharon Sobel:🔗 Website: Picture This Video🔗 LinkedIn: Sharon Sobel
📌 Want more behind-the-scenes conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs?Be sure to follow or subscribe, and if you loved this episode, leave us a review!

PR Powerhouse Andrea Pass on Building a Successful PR Business and Network

📌 Episode Summary:In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, we sit down with award-winning public relations expert Andrea Pass, founder of Andrea Pass Public Relations. With decades of experience across national media, consumer products, nonprofits, authors, and more, Andrea shares her journey from dreaming of a broadcast career to building a thriving PR agency—and the powerful relationships that fueled her path.
She dives into the essential business skills new entrepreneurs need beyond PR—like relationship building, organization, and resilience—and why communication methods matter more than ever. Andrea also discusses her successful networking venture, Access Success Networking, and why intentional connection beats the elevator pitch every time.
If you're building a business, trying to increase visibility, or want insight from someone who's pivoted successfully (and happily) over time, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and tactical advice.
🧠 Topics Covered:
Andrea’s unexpected path from broadcast journalism to public relations
The most underrated skills that helped her launch and grow her business
How to make authentic networking actually work (no more boring elevator pitches!)
What new entrepreneurs often get wrong about PR—and how to fix it
The difference between DIY PR and hiring a professional
Why happiness is her definition of success—and how that’s evolved
Her new focus on media training and leadership at the Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce
🔥 Quotes to Remember:
“Everyone's got a story. But what makes yours special? That’s what drives PR.”“If you’re not organized, things slip through the cracks—and that’s where you lose business.”“Happiness is success. That’s what I strive for now, every day.”
📣 Connect with Andrea Pass:
Website: AndreaPassPR.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andreapass
Instagram: @AndreaPassPR
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andreapasspublicrelations
X: https://x.com/NJ_Andrea
🎧 Tune in and learn:Whether you're navigating a new business or thinking about your next pivot, Andrea’s honest, insightful journey will leave you inspired—and ready to build stronger relationships in your business today.
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