Apr 27, 2025
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy
Trewin interviews Karl
Schwantes, Founder of Reputable and Managing
Director of Xenox Diamonds. Karl shares how he built a six-figure
reputation marketing business through the power of Google reviews.
He also dives into growing Xenox Diamonds over three decades into a
leading jewelry brand. Karl reveals key strategies on creating an
outstanding client experience and scaling sustainably. Tune in to
learn how you can build a million-dollar lead machine without
spending a dollar on ads!
Other Resources:
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Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their
perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal
stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of
small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies
for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable
advice.
And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small
Business Questions:
What do you think is the
hardest thing in growing a small business?
According to Karl Schwantes, the hardest thing when growing a small
business is to work between being on the business and in the
business. He explains that many small business owners are excellent
practitioners who may have started their own business after feeling
they could do better than a previous employer. The challenge lies
in transitioning from working in the day-to-day operations to
working on the strategic development and growth of the
business.
What's your favorite
business book that has helped you the most?
Karl Schwantes favorite business book is "The Road Less Stupid" by
Keith Cunningham. He values its focus on asking smart questions to
solve problems and avoid costly mistakes. Karl believes it's a
powerful tool for strategic thinking and smarter decision-making in
business.
Are there any great
podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow
a small business?
Karl Schwantes recommends the podcast Near Memo for staying updated
on local search trends and Google's ever-changing algorithm, as it
provides insights from industry experts. He emphasizes learning
from professionals deeply engaged in specific fields for effective
business growth. This aligns with his focus on leveraging Google
reviews as a powerful tool to enhance online reputation and SEO
impact.
What tool or resource
would you recommend to grow a small business?
Karl Schwantes highly recommends leveraging Google Reviews as a
powerful tool for small business growth. He highlights that
investing in online reputation through Google Reviews yields
exceptional returns, with every dollar spent generating $326 in
value. Additionally, Google Reviews significantly enhance local
SEO, accounting for nearly 50% of its effectiveness, making it an
essential strategy for visibility and growth.
What advice would you give
yourself on day one of starting out in business?
Karl Schwantes advises focusing on building your online reputation
from day one, particularly through tools like Google Reviews. He
reflects that if he had started earlier, he could have achieved
thousands of reviews, making his business the clear choice in the
industry. He emphasizes starting small, as consistent actions over
time lead to significant long-term advantages in both attracting
customers and key talent.
Book a 20-minute Growth
Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming
course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small
business to new heights!
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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:
Consistency in the client experience is the benchmark of
excellence – Karl Schwantes
Reputation marketing isn't built overnight; it's crafted
through relentless consistency – Karl Schwantes
Online reviews are not just testimonials; they’re your digital
currency – Karl Schwantes