Episodes

  • E92: Your Secret Weapon for 2026 - Better Business That Works: Published

    E92: Your Secret Weapon for 2026 - Better Business That Works: Published
    Dec 23 2025
    Get your copy from https://www.betterbusinessthatworks.com/my_books/ In this episode, I share why I wrote this book and how it’s designed to help business owners cut through noise, simplify decisions, and build a business that actually works — not just one that looks busy. After 19+ years in business and digital marketing, I’ve seen the same patterns repeat: smart people doing more, trying harder, and still feeling stuck. This book is my attempt to change that. I also walk through three principles every business owner should focus on in 2026 — not tactics, not trends, but the decisions that will matter most as the market becomes noisier, faster, and more automated.
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    9 mins
  • E91: 3 Tips to Stop Your Startup From Failing

    E91: 3 Tips to Stop Your Startup From Failing
    Sep 22 2025
    Starting a business? In this episode of the Better Business Podcast, Alexei shares 3 simple but powerful tips to help startups avoid common mistakes and build a solid foundation. What you’ll learn in just 10 minutes: 1️⃣ How to get clear with your goals and create a simple business plan 2️⃣ Why you should aim to make your business scalable and saleable from day one 3️⃣ The importance of setting boundaries and not working with the wrong people If you’re a new business owner or thinking about starting a venture, these insights will help you save time, reduce stress, and set yourself up for growth. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you found this helpful. 💬 What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business? Drop it in the comments!
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    12 mins
  • E90: The Greenland Illusion: How the Mercator Projection Distorts Maps — and Business Profits

    E90: The Greenland Illusion: How the Mercator Projection Distorts Maps — and Business Profits
    Sep 11 2025
    In this episode of the Better Business Podcast, Alexei Kouleshov explores The Greenland Illusion — how the Mercator Projection makes Greenland look massive on maps, when in reality Australia is more than three times bigger. It’s a striking example of how our perception can be distorted depending on how information is presented. And just like maps, business numbers can create illusions, too. Revenue often looks impressive, but without understanding profit, cash flow, and sustainability, the reality may be very different. Alexei breaks down why we fall for these illusions, how to separate them from outright lies, and what business owners can do to focus on what really matters.
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    9 mins
  • E89: From Books to Billion-Dollar Ecosystem – The Amazon Growth Secrets Story

    E89: From Books to Billion-Dollar Ecosystem – The Amazon Growth Secrets Story
    Sep 4 2025
    Amazon began in 1995 as an online bookstore. Today, it’s a global giant spanning e-commerce, cloud computing, entertainment, and more. In this episode of the Better Business Podcast, Alexei unpacks how Jeff Bezos built Amazon step by step into the powerhouse it is today. We’ll explore: 📚 The early bookstore years and Amazon’s explosive growth 🛒 Amazon Marketplace (2000) – how third-party sellers drive over 60% of sales ☁️ AWS (2006) – the cloud division generating most of Amazon’s profits 🚚 Prime (2005) – subscription loyalty and recurring revenue 🎬 Prime Video & Entertainment – locking in customers through streaming Key lessons you’ll take away: 🎯 Why starting with a focused niche builds the foundation for scale 🛒 How empowering other sellers can multiply your growth ☁️ The power of turning internal strengths (like AWS) into world-class infrastructure products 🔄 Why building an ecosystem keeps customers loyal for the long term Whether you’re a founder, business owner, or simply curious about Amazon’s rise, this episode gives you insights into building platforms, ecosystems, and long-term growth. 👉 Subscribe to the Better Business Podcast for more episodes on business growth, marketing, and scaling smarter.
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    11 mins
  • E88: The AI Revolution in Marketing: What Small Businesses Can’t Afford to Miss

    E88: The AI Revolution in Marketing: What Small Businesses Can’t Afford to Miss
    Aug 28 2025
    AI is reshaping the marketing game faster than most business owners realize. In this episode of the Better Business Podcast, Alexei breaks down the biggest shifts happening right now: Why AI could soon replace traditional video ads How marketing materials are being generated in seconds with smarter tools The rise of AI Engine Optimization (AEO) — and why it’s a must-know for small businesses How search itself is changing, and what that means for the future of customer acquisition If you want to stay ahead of the curve and not get left behind in the AI-driven search and marketing revolution, this episode is packed with insights you can act on today.
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    9 mins
  • E87: Sony’s Quality Lesson: From Lada to China’s Rise & Why AI is the Future

    E87: Sony’s Quality Lesson: From Lada to China’s Rise & Why AI is the Future
    Aug 25 2025
    In this episode of the Better Business Podcast, I dive into: Why Morita refused to partner with the Soviet Union despite massive offers How Fiat’s 1966 deal created the Lada—an example of stagnation without innovation Why Sony waited until 1996 to enter China, and how “Made in China” evolved from low-quality to global dominance The lesson for today’s business owners: quality in a competitive market now comes from automation, AI, and smarter systems—not just working harder 💬 What do you think—does AI improve quality, or risk lowering it? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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    8 mins
  • E86: Cyclone Alfred and Business Resilience: Are You Ready?

    E86: Cyclone Alfred and Business Resilience: Are You Ready?
    Mar 10 2025
    In this special solo episode, Alexei reflects on the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred, which recently swept through Brisbane, causing widespread disruption. Drawing powerful parallels between preparing for natural disasters and ensuring your business is equipped for success, Alexei shares key insights on resilience, adaptability, and proactive planning. Discover why anticipating challenges, building strong foundations, and responding decisively can transform your business from vulnerable to unstoppable—even in uncertain times.
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    10 mins
  • E85: Mastering Email Automation: Boost Your Revenue Fast With These Simple Tactics

    E85: Mastering Email Automation: Boost Your Revenue Fast With These Simple Tactics
    Feb 4 2025
    In this quick solo episode, we dive into the power of email automation and how it can rapidly grow your business revenue. Learn how to set up automated email workflows, segment your audience for better engagement, and use data-driven strategies to boost conversions. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your email marketing, this episode covers the key components of success and common pitfalls to avoid. Tune in and start mastering email automation today!
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    8 mins