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What does it really take to build a business that lasts 20 years—and not hate it by the end?

Summary:
Lisa Tilt, founder of Full Tilt Consulting, joins us to break down what it actually takes to build a long-term business without burning out your people or yourself. From her early days in grassroots marketing and big-brand PR to launching her own firm after a toxic work environment, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, culture, and communication that actually works.

We get into why entrepreneurs have to live in the gray, how internal communication can make or break your company, and what really changes when you go from doing the work to leading a team. Lisa also dives into scaling with intention, building a referral-driven business, and why chasing an “exit” can be the wrong goal. If you’re trying to grow without losing your culture, this one hits.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
• Why “more emails” is killing your internal communication
• The shift from employee mindset to true leadership
• How to make decisions when there is no clear answer
• Building trust through simple, consistent video communication
• Why most exit strategies are misunderstood (and overrated)

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://fulltiltconsulting.com

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatilt/

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

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If your team can’t answer “what is a lead?” the same way, your CRM doesn’t stand a chance.

Summary:
We kick things off with real shop talk from the field, then get straight to the hidden issue wrecking most CRMs: unclear definitions. Dominic Carubba from SalesAndTechnology.com breaks down a simple, powerful framework—leads are raw inputs, opportunities are real revenue conversations, and cases are what happens after the sale.

We dive into why vague language creates expensive chaos, why training alone won’t fix broken systems, and how switching CRMs can actually make things worse. Dominic shares how tightening stage criteria improves forecasting, accountability, and focus—so your pipeline finally works like a system instead of a guessing game.

If you’re tired of reacting instead of scaling, this episode delivers clarity you can implement fast.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
• Why most CRM problems are actually definition problems
• Leads vs. opportunities vs. cases—clear and simple
• How vague language creates chaos in your pipeline
• Why training doesn’t fix broken systems
• The real risk of switching CRMs
• How stage clarity improves forecasting and focus

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://salesandtechnology.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccarubba/

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Sponsor:
Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

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What if your credit is the one thing quietly limiting how fast your business can grow?

Summary: Gerri Detweiler, credit expert and education advocate at Nav, breaks down why credit is one of the most misunderstood—and most important—tools for small business owners. We get into the difference between personal and business credit, how lenders actually evaluate you, and why chasing quick fixes can backfire. Gerri shares practical strategies to build strong credit, manage cash flow during tough seasons, and avoid the traps that derail entrepreneurs. If you want to grow smarter, borrow better, and protect your business, this episode is a must-listen.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
• Personal + business credit both impact your growth
• Why business credit feels confusing and less transparent
• There is no “one score”—lenders look at multiple factors
• What lenders consider a solid starting score
• Fix cash flow before chasing credit repair
• Credit utilization and why paying early matters
• How personal guarantees work (and fade over time)
• Business credit cards as a starting tool—and risks to watch
• Safer options when cash gets tight vs. risky fast financing
• Free help from SBDCs and where to find them
• AI-driven fraud and loan scams to avoid

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://nav.com/gerri

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerridetweiler/

gerridetweiler.com

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!