Shows
Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastThe Ability to Adapt Is More Important Than Ever | Mike Sharp, Guest HostIf the past year and a half has taught us anything, it’s that the ability and willingness to change are critical attributes for every business owner. Adaptation is important to survival, and it’s always been a mantra in modern business. But the pandemic has challenged us more than any other event in recent times. The really interesting thing is that entrepreneurs who are growth oriented and open to ideas tend to have an advantage when faced with change under difficult circumstances. In other words, they are not overly romantic about their business concepts. Instead, they are more inte...
2021-09-2738 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastWhy Every Entrepreneur Is Also a Salesperson | Mike Sharp, Guest HostIf you own a business, then the inevitable reality is that you are also a salesperson. You may not think of yourself as one, and you probably didn’t get into business to hone your sales skills, but this is a fact of entrepreneurship. Understanding this distinction can mean the difference between starting fast or slow during the critical early days of a company’s life. The good news is that “sales” no longer has to mean high-pressure tactics or sleight of hand designed to get people to buy. Those days are over, and consumers see right through the tricks...
2021-09-0933 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastThe Power of Mindset | Mike Sharp, Guest HostMike Sharp, owner of the Sharp Insurance Agency, is back on the show in this new Season 6, but this time he is a “guest host.” In this episode, we discuss the book “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. During a recent phone call, we both realized that we just read it and thought it would make an excellent topic to kick off this new season. The book is full of powerful insights as it pertains to business, relationships, parenting, and really all aspects of life. If you haven’t read the book, it’s okay. We review the highlights a...
2021-09-0143 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastIntroducing Season 6 and the State of the Podcast | Proprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastHey, Pittsburghers! I just wanted to say a few words about the pandemic, the state of the podcast, and what we’ve all been through this past year-and-a half. Season 5, which I started at the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, has been a season of learning and adaptation. Like everyone else, I had to figure out how to go virtual and remote with my work and art. I’m so proud of the episodes in Season 5. If you want to get a feel for how the pandemic has affected many of our small businesses, just listen to these epis...
2021-08-2502 minProprietors of Pittsburgh PodcastDon't Wait for the Right Time | Mike Sharp, Owner of Sharp Insurance AgencyMike Sharp didn’t let the pandemic stop him from starting his own independent insurance agency. In August 2020, he realized his dream and opened the doors to his office in the Brentwood borough. Both he and his wife did the bulk of the renovation work to the space, which needed considerable upgrading before they could open to the public. Mike’s experience as a sales agent, manager, and recruiter with two large national insurance companies has given him the confidence and depth of knowledge necessary to build his own firm. His choice of creating an independent agency allows him to p...
2020-11-0636 min