Ryan Carey on Building BetterOn: Boosting Fortune 1000 Execs’ Authentic Presence, Growing 15% YoY, Staying Bootstrapped—& Why Disc Golf Keeps Him Balanced While Leading a Unique Asynchronous Video Platform. (Episode 689 - Ryan Carey)

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Ryan Carey, founder of Better On — a platform that helps leaders enhance their communication skills through asynchronous video. Carey recounts his path from working at YouTube to establishing his own venture in 2019. He underscores the importance of self-care and mental health, sharing how his company has achieved consistent 15% year-over-year growth and now employs seven full-time team members, all without external investment. Carey highlights the power of video in marketing, the ongoing challenge of balancing sales efforts with product development, and the critical roles of trust, exercise, and sound financial management. He also reflects on the value of mentorship and the courage required to navigate the uncertainties of growing a business.

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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:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?

Ryan Carey believes the hardest part of growing a small business is facing the unknown — never knowing what tomorrow might bring, how you’ll feel, or what changes could come in the market or industry—which means having the courage to move forward despite constant uncertainty.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?

Ryan Carey said his favorite business book that has helped him the most is Blue Ocean Strategy, explaining that it opened his eyes to how to approach markets differently.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?

Ryan Carey shared that he doesn’t listen to many podcasts, but he did highlight his use of tools like Loom, an asynchronous video recorder, as a valuable resource. While not a traditional learning tool, he uses video heavily to communicate more effectively and save time — something he considers essential for running and growing a small business.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?

Ryan Carey recommended QuickBooks as a key tool to help grow a small business. He stressed the importance of getting your “money house in order,” noting that having clean, organized financials makes running and growing a business much easier.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?

Ryan Carey said that if he could give himself advice on day one of starting out, it would be: “It’s going to be hard as shit, but it’s going to be so great.”

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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Take care of your body first — it’s the only temple you’ve got — Ryan Carey

Success is helping the most people, making the most money, while hiring the fewest — Ryan Carey

Trust your people, make them feel seen, and you’ll build a culture that lasts — Ryan Carey