In this episode, Keith and Patty share their New Year’s stories, from Patty's tradition of watching When Harry Met Sally to Keith's family visit filled with unexpected challenges. They dive into the importance of resilience in business, emphasizing how staff well-being drives exceptional customer service.

The conversation highlights practical tools like automation and the 12-Week Year program, helping business owners balance growth and personal well-being. Keith and Patty discuss how leaders can avoid burnout by addressing personal challenges and staying proactive. As the podcast gears up for an exciting return in April, they leave listeners with actionable insights for a strong start to the year.

Take a trip down memory lane with us as we share holiday party stories and explore festive ideas that blend the best of our corporate and solopreneur worlds. Patty reflects on her time at boutique investment firms in Cincinnati, where the holiday parties were a chance to dress up and bond in a warm, family-like atmosphere. Keith chimes in with memories of intimate office dinners that fostered team camaraderie.

Now, as solopreneurs, our celebrations look different—more laid-back and focused on family gatherings. We chat about creative ways to celebrate, like the spirited Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) holiday parties that inspired fun and connection. From potlucks to team-building activities and even alternative venue ideas, we discuss how to make celebrations inclusive and meaningful, no matter your setting.

Join us for personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of inspiration to craft memorable and inclusive holiday traditions!

Is the holiday season a blessing or a challenge for small businesses? In this episode of Continuity Conversations, we dive into the ups and downs of the busiest time of year. From Thanksgiving colliding with year-end madness to the quirks of customer service during the holidays, we’re talking about how timing can make or break your plans. Along the way, we share laugh-out-loud stories about AI mishaps and take a nostalgic look at classic holiday movies, all while focusing on why simple, human connections matter most.

We also dig into holiday planning strategies and why starting early is key. Learn how “Christmas in July” became a thing and why putting up stockings before Halloween might actually make sense (we’re serious). Whether you rely on digital tools or stick to good old-fashioned lists, we’ve got tips to help you stay ahead.

With real-life stories from small businesses who’ve nailed the art of personal connection, this episode is packed with insights you can use right now. Whether you’re running a business or just love the holidays, join us for a fun, relatable conversation about making the most of this busy season.

Listen in as we emphasize the importance of clear and straightforward terms and conditions in business. By simplifying these agreements, we can improve client relations and avoid potential misunderstandings. We also discuss the often overlooked default settings on digital platforms that prioritize data collection and how crucial it is to actively manage privacy settings to safeguard personal information. This conversation also touches on the role of social media in business and the importance of being mindful of what we share online. By understanding the implications of public profiles, especially on platforms like Facebook, we can protect our privacy while maintaining essential professional connections.

Frustrated by poor customer service that feels like a dead end? You’re definitely not alone. In this episode, we dive into the maddening experience of navigating automated systems and dealing with reps who lack empathy—showing how these interactions can make or break brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.

From stories of battling insurance rate hikes to unreliable service providers, we uncover why clear, effective communication is essential for retaining clients. And sometimes, escalating an issue on platforms like LinkedIn is the bold move needed to get real solutions. Tune in to hear more!

Join us as we reminisce about how this season sparks creativity and community spirit. From epic decorations to trick-or-treating, Halloween brings neighbors together. Plus, we dive into the booming business of Halloween, from skyrocketing spending to the rise of Spirit Halloween stores.

Then, we shift gears to discuss the delicate balance between keeping customers happy and caring for employees. Using a real-life leadership transition, we explore how focusing only on customers can hurt employee morale, and why both are crucial for long-term success.

Join Patty and Keith on this episode of Continuity Conversations for a fun look at Halloween and some serious lessons on balancing priorities.

Join us for a fun episode of Continuity Conversations! This time, we dive into the differences between corporate jobs and starting your own business. Patty shares her experience working in boutique investment firms back in the '90s, where she loved the structure and social atmosphere of smaller companies. Keith brings his perspective from his work in ministry and business, including his time as a church music director and a trainer in healthcare sharing.

We chat about the ups and downs of moving from corporate life to consulting, and how important it is to stay connected with colleagues. There’s even a funny story about a candidate who showed up to training in sweatpants and a pajama top! We also take a look at how hiring has changed over the years and why the "phishing" method of recruiting might not be the best way to build a solid team.

We wrap things up with a chat about finding the right fit in a company and whether personality tests like Myers-Briggs or Clifton StrengthsFinder really work in hiring. We're reminded that personality traits change over time, and that relying too much on these tests when hiring can be tricky. It's full of personal stories, laughs, and practical advice for anyone in the corporate world or thinking about going solo!

Join us on the latest Continuity Conversations as we dive into the challenging but necessary topic of firing clients. We share our own experiences, discuss why it’s important to work with clients who align with your values, and explain when it’s time to move on.

Drawing from the "Book Yourself Solid" approach, we explore how client relationships can go wrong and why maintaining high standards is crucial for consultants.

Listen for practical strategies like the "three-strike rule" for dealing with toxic clients, along with advice on clear communication. This episode is full of insights to help you build strong client relationships while safeguarding your well-being and professionalism.