Advice Archives

Smart Advice is our community-driven Q&A section. Each issue we solicit our favorite reader-submitted questions and ask one of our Smart Hustle Mentors, all of which are esteemed subject matter experts. Have a question you’d like to field to the Smart Hustle Mentors? Click HERE.

By Ramon RayAdvicebest small business books, book review, books for small business success

Top 13 Best Small Business Books: Learn to Start, Run & Grow Your Business

There are thousands of great business books. These are the top 10 small business books that I've read over the years that have been most helpful for me. These books will help ground you in mindset, marketing and finances. MINDSET of business, being a better leader and inspiring your team. MARKETING your business to get more...

healthcare business food prep in kitchen

By Ramon RayAdvice, General, Military Entrepreneurs, Tips

10 Must-Dos When Starting Your Healthcare Business

Some people say they were born to run their own business, but me? I never envisioned myself as an entrepreneur with a healthcare business. In fact, when I was in the first year of my dietetic internship, one of my professors predicted my future. She went around the room and guessed where in the nutrition...

By Sandeep BabuAdvicestarting a business

Starting Your Business? Ramon Shared Indispensable Tips in US Chamber of Commerce’s Panel Discussion

The 9-5 grind indeed kills many people’s spirits, but entrepreneurship is not easy either. You need to overcome a host of challenges for starting your business venture and keeping it running profitably. And they say - entrepreneurship is a lonely affair. This means you have to solve your problems yourself. None is going to...

By Ramon RayAdvice, General, Leadership, Marketing, Operations

Jim McCann On How To Future Proof Your Business

Dave Kerpen, serial entrepreneur, author and speaker, hosted Jim McCann of 1800-Flowers on Clubhouse, in the Likeable Business Club. Jim McCann went from being a social worker having a home for boys to building the world’s largest flower company. We learned his story and so much more wisdom and insight in the Likeable Business Clubhouse...

By Morgan GertlerAdvice, Tipsnetworking, Smart Hustle Interviews

Leveraging Your Community and Networking Online

Rodney Sampson and Cate Luzio spoke at the Survive and Thrive Summit, hosted and produced by Ramon Ray of Smart Hustle Media. The first two Summits were held earlier in 2020 and the next one will be in the spring of 2021. Registration is free. If you don't want to miss when the event...

By Morgan GertlerAdvice, Covid19, InterviewSmart Hustle Interviews

Is Pivoting in Business Necessary? Hear from Our Experts

COVID-19 has caused many people to pivot unexpectedly. From CEOs to stay-at-home parents to educators, everyone had to learn quickly how to shift and embrace this new normal. But pivoting in business is not for everyone. Some businesses are better off weathering the storm while others would be smart to shift as soon as...

By Morgan GertlerAdvice, Covid19, Money, TipsInterview

Street Survival: Bringing Back Small Business

Emily Washcovik from Yelp and Mike McDerment of FreshBooks spoke at the Survive and Thrive Summit and discussed some hot topics for small business. Hosted and produced by Ramon Ray of Smart Hustle Media, the first two Summits were held earlier in 2020 and the next one will be the spring of 2021. It's...

By Sandeep BabuAdvice, Interview, Smart Women, Your Smart Hustle

Hesitating to Implement an Awkward Business Idea? This Founder’s Story Will Inspire You [Plus 3 Growth Tips]

Not all business ideas receive a beam from the audience. Some business ideas sometimes get a frown from some people, too. Well, there is nothing wrong with such awkward business ideas. It is just some people don't get unusual business ideas at first. Later, the same people whose faces wore disapproval at first often become...

By Sandeep BabuAdvice, Marketing

7 Ways To Make Perfect Podcasts That Keep an Audience Engaged

Ramon Ray, the founder of Smart Hustle Media, wears multiple hats. He started four companies (sold two of them), wrote best-selling books, and interviewed the past United States president. Ramon is an authority on small business growth. Through his speeches, he inspires audiences around the globe. In addition to the above things, Ramon Ray is...

By Ramon RayAdvice, Featured, General, Public Speaking, Your Smart Hustle

How to Deliver a Powerful Media Interview for Your Business

Connecting your business, and yourself, with the media is extremely important for exposure. In fact, anytime you are in front of a camera, how you communicate and present yourself is critical. So once you have a media interview lined up, or even a presentation or upcoming video, how do you successfully present yourself? Jane Hanson...