Business & Bytes Podcast

"Let's be reasonable. But if we missed it, we have a conversation about, hey, what happened? What can we do to kind of avoid that? Because that's the best thing we got going for us, is that responsiveness, that care, that attention, that conscientiousness."
 
Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! I'm your host John Hansman, alongside my co-host Emelio Mejia. Today, in Episode 3, we'll be diving deep into the art of hiring and creating a thriving work culture with our special guest, Kevin Hayward, a seasoned State Farm agency owner from Lacey, Washington.
Kevin has been mastering the craft of building a strong team for over a decade, and he's here to share his structured assessment process that prioritizes motivation and urgency in candidates. We'll unpack his meticulous interview strategies — from the initial handshake to the follow-up call with references — and discuss how these methods contribute to his impressive track record of hiring reliable individuals.
Emelio will shed light on his innovative post-hiring techniques, while I'll be probing into how Kevin fosters a proactive and engaged team culture. We'll explore how Kevin's hands-on approach has empowered his employees not just to excel in their roles but also to prepare them for future success – highlighting a case where a former employee was inspired to open her own State Farm office.
Plus, stay tuned as we navigate through the aftermath of a significant data breach and reinforce the importance of cybersecurity in your business. It's a jam-packed episode filled with enriching discussions and takeaways designed to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.
So whether you're looking to refine your hiring process, boost your work culture, or just fishing for some expert tips on employee development and cyber protection, you've landed at the right place.
Let's get started on Episode 3 of the Business and Bytes Podcast, with Kevin Hayward – where every byte of business knowledge counts. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and episodes! Let's roll!
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Friend Kevin, trusted insurance agent, business journey.05:44 Grateful for success despite challenges and turnover.08:13 Failed hiring process, learning from past mistakes.12:40 Using Zoom for interview provides better insight.15:57 Thorough interview process focuses on important details.17:54 Pre-hiring process: video responses and self-presentation.22:47 Encouraging accountability, support and empowerment in leadership.24:21 Balancing friendliness and professionalism in customer service.29:17 Young employee shows grit, joins family business.31:54 Encouraging ambition and growth in office staff.34:52 Learning process shows dedication and character assessment.37:46 Creating culture for employees and customers' satisfaction.42:58 Cyber attackers are improving phishing attacks.47:01 Seeking audience engagement and guest recommendations.48:16 Excited for it, see you next week!
 
To Contact Kevin -(360) 459-2277/ https://www.laceywainsurance.com/
 

"This is where companies like ours come in handy because we're, for, 199 percent of us, have an ethical belief that keeps us from doing those types of things. And, and it gives you somebody else you can trust that if you have, even if you haven't a internal it person or internal it person, people having a second company with, with the keys to the kingdom, if you will, gives you an ability to have just backup if something goes sideways."
 
Welcome to Business and Bytes Podcast. I'm your host, Emelio Mejia, joined by my co-host, John Hansman. Today, in episode two, titled "Micki Nichols - BNI Pacific Northwest | How to get the most out of networking!", we're diving deep into the world of networking with our esteemed guest, Micki Nichols.
Get ready to uncover effective strategies for recruiting new members as Micki guides Emelio's new networking group towards growth, and learn how to maintain a healthy balance by focusing on just three types of networking groups.
Micki takes us through the pivotal role of brand awareness in networking groups and stresses the significance of investing time and budget into your networking marketing plan.
We're not just talking about making connections today; Micki brings to light the critical aspect of cybersecurity within the networking realm, the risks of weak passwords, and the smart use of password managers like Keeper. Listen in as we explain "zero knowledge architecture" and why even in the face of breaches, it's a safer bet.
Plus, don't miss Micki's prediction on the rise of supply chain attacks, drawing examples from notorious hacks like Lastpass and the Target incident.
Amidst the networking talk, we'll also share why networking is not a sprint but rather a marathon, highlighting the importance of body language, setting realistic goals, and the added value of virtual and in-person networking.
Stay tuned as we chat about the long-term game of building those crucial business relationships, the do's and don'ts at networking events, and how to best leverage your local BNI chapters for brand new business owners.
Join us in this jam-packed episode as we blend the critical topics of networking and cybersecurity, offering valuable takeaways for every business professional looking to expand and secure their network in today's digital world.
Let's get connected and stay secure—right here on Business and Bytes Podcast!
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Meeting discussion about networking, password management, news.05:53 Networking is not just about selling products.07:43 Networking should be like farming, not hunting.00:00 Meeting discussion about networking, password management, news.05:53 Networking is not just about selling products.07:43 Networking should be like farming, not hunting.10:39 Networking is crucial for career success.16:25 Woman criticizes man's rudeness, emphasizes mutual support.18:23 Building business networks: invite, expand, set goals.21:28 Networking through chambers of commerce and groups.26:05 Blend different networking groups for maximum profit.27:33 Zoom lacks physical interactions and social cues.32:38 Building relationships before offering solutions yields success.36:54 Secure password managers encrypt data, enhancing protection.39:26 Educate public on password security, use manager.40:47 Be cautious with personal information for security.45:41 Protect infrastructure from trusted employees, implement policies.49:46 Supply chain attack led to successful protection.53:35 Guests coming to discuss small and medium businesses.55:12 Prepare pre-recorded content, returning in January. Networking is crucial for career success

"Both of us are in cybersecurity. So we would be amiss if we didn't talk about what we're seeing in the industry and what's going on so that we have equal value for both. How do you grow your business but then also how do you keep your business secure?"
 
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the "Business and Bytes Podcast," where your hosts, John Hansman and Emelio Mejia dive into the fusion of business savvy and cybersecurity. I'm John, joining you from Olympia, Washington, and with me is Emelio from sunny Miami, Florida.
Today, we kick things off with personal tales of entrepreneurship, shedding light on our transitions from full-time employment to running our own successful businesses. You'll hear candid discussions about the real emotional hurdles like imposter syndrome, self-accountability, and the importance of a good working system.
As we chart the course for our weekly Monday meetings, we aim to arm our fellow small and medium business enthusiasts with timely advice on cybersecurity. Hear how John strategically negotiated his venture's beginning to coincide with his career move and how Emelio juggled being his ex-employer's client while building his new empire.
This podcast is more than just us; it's about creating a community. So we'll be inviting business owners to the conversation, sharing industry trends, and keeping you updated on the latest in tech security—all flavored with personal anecdotes and experiences to help you grow your business dream.
Today's episode also features a practical discussion on the necessity of multi-factor authentication, password management, and the realities of cybersecurity breaches infiltrating even the largest of players. Plus, you'll get the scoop on handy networking tools like Bumper and Dot, and the controversial Name Drop feature from Apple.So tune in, as we blend business stories with tech insights, and get ready to take notes. This is Business and Bytes: Your weekly byte-sized guide to a smarter, more secure business venture.
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
Timestamps for your reference:
00:00 Excited about bringing podcast, interviewing successful business owners.03:58 Sharing insights to help others grow business.07:47 Transitioned through various IT roles, gained experience.12:21 Started own business after being purchased. Reached success.14:59 Transition to Olitech, learned to be authentic.17:39 Balancing full-time work while moonlighting as tech consultant.22:03 Business culture perpetuates feeling of being stuck.25:44 Owning a business brings self-accountability and insecurity.26:31 Thrilling journey of business ownership and accountability.29:39 Podcast seeks input for professional guest speakers.36:00 Networking events and Apple's new product.37:25 Apple needs to improve information sharing.41:03 Whitman's response to cybersecurity incident proved successful.44:48 Improve your cybersecurity with layers and planning.47:45 New incident with MGM Grand, $8 million loss.51:48 Unique passwords vital for online security.54:04 Small and medium business topics discussion invitation.