Freedom Sun

Blockchain, 150 million USD lost, and the fraudsters still haven’t been caught.

In this episode, we interview Alejandro Gil and discuss one of the biggest frauds in Cannabis to date: Juicy Fields. If you’re interested in reading more, check out Alejandro’s article in Investor Times https://investortimes.com/a-textbook-exit-scam-the-juicy-fields-case-in-detail/.

Ready to nail your business and profit plan? Join the Startup Profit Accelerator today! https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/spa

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

Every business experiences an ebb and flow but seasonal businesses experience these all the more.

In this mini episode, Simone shares how you can understand your business better to keep your seasonal business.

Ready to be more confident in your sales and marketing strategies? Join the waitlist today on Startup Profit Accelerator: https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/spa.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

Revenue is one of the key metrics in any business.

In this mini episode, Simone talks about 3 different ways you can build more revenue in your business and increase your profitability.

If you’re interested in learning more sales and marketing techniques for a profitable business, join the waitlist on Startup Profit Accelerator: https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/spa.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

In this mini episode, Simone challenges you to think out of the box and work on abundance.

Ready to make more profit in your business with the right mindset and strategies? Join the Startup Profit Accelerator today! https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/spa

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

In this mini episode, Simone talks about how you can quickly assess your profit to allow you to make smarter finance decisions in your business.

If you’re looking for best practices in cannabis accounting, make sure that you check out THC Finance Bootcamp (https://www.cbmnetwork.com/bundles/thc-bootcamp) which will give you access to tools, templates, and training on cannabis accounting.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @businesswithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

Are you prepared for a cyber attack? 

Did you know that 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses but only 14% are prepared to defend themselves?

In this episode, we interview cyber expert Corey White to give us a lowdown of cyberattacks and how small businesses can protect themselves and be cyber protected.

Corey White is a proven security industry veteran with more than 25 years of success building and implementing security strategies and leading consulting teams. His work encompasses virtually every industry, including government, high tech, hospitality, critical infrastructure, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Are you ready to start your cannabis business?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

Eye cream cannabis? In this episode we unpack the benefits of what cannabis can do to your skin and building a cannabis skin care business in California with Bridget May and Kim Howard of Green Bee Botanicals. Some major highlights:

• How to stand out and show your brand in a crowded marketplace
• How cannabis can help with skincare
• Building a business in turbulent times in California

Cannabis wellness startup Green Bee Botanicals was founded by Bridget May, a botanist and chemist who left the biopharmaceutical industry to pursue her passion for cannabis medicine. She leveraged her biology degree, knowledge of plant medicine, and biopharmaceutical experience to formulate her first cannabis skincare products that went on to win the Emerald Cup, "the Academy Awards of Cannabis".

Kim Howard joined her childhood friend Bridget as co-founder in 2019. Prior to Green Bee, Kim was marketing VP for Silicon Valley analyst firm Infonetics Research, which she helped build and sell to analytics giant IHS Markit in 2014. She's also a former development director and grant writer for social justice and environmental conservation non-profits.

Are you ready to start your cannabis business?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.
Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

A quick update from Portugal and what's in store for Cannabis Business Minds. 

Did you know that at 8% cannabis actually has a higher rate of female CEOs than most other industries? In a 2019 study, nearly 37% of executive-level positions in the field were held by women, whereas the national average for other industries is only 21%.

In this episode, we talk with Rachelle Gordon, a journalist and copywriter focused on cannabis and psychedelics. We dive deep into what’s happening in the cannabis and psychedelics industry, pain points, potential solutions, and how women can find their place in this market.

Rachelle has been featured in several outlets including High Times, Cannabis Now, Beard Bros, MG Retailer, Cannabis & Tech Today, and many more. She was also part of the The Women in Cannabis Study Report recently released on March 3rd. It's a culmination of over two years of research and helps guide the narrative of a more equitable industry. Check it out at https://www.womenincannabis.study/.


Are you ready to start your cannabis business?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

Did you know that, on average, it takes 20 impressions for people to remember a brand? 

In this episode, we talk to Liam McGreevy, a business executive with two decades of experience and a successful track record in developing businesses in disruptive market sectors, particularly in healthcare and wellness. Liam has established a reputation for finding
solutions to regulatory barriers, engaging effectively with legislators, and driving business
and brand growth.

We dive deep into getting into the cannabis market and how to differentiate your brand in this ever-growing and competitive industry.

To know more about our guest, check out his social media links below:
https://www.instagram.com/liammacriabhaigh
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-mcgreevy-5a808724https://www.facebook.com/mcgreevys25


Are you ready to start your cannabis business?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

Illinois made history in January 2020, becoming the first state to prioritize a social equity program for business licenses in their cannabis legislation.

On today’s show, I talked with an amazing team who went through the social equity process. 

From healthcare to starting and running a vertically integrated cannabis business, I get the pleasure of chatting with Nakia McAdoo, Maria Davis, and Crystal Anderson of MJO Farms. These amazing women have dedicated their careers to health and wellness, and are making the transition from the traditional acute care setting to an alternative wellness space. 

While much work still needs to be done, in January 2021, Illinois legislators began reshaping the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act “to get more licenses out the door and into the hands of socially equitable applicants.”

We talk about what it takes to go through the licensing process, how to prepare, what questions to ask, and the importance of mentors even if you don’t have a cannabis license yet. 

We spend a portion of the interview talking about funding and what it takes to get up in running in terms of capital. 

For more information about MJ Organics, reach out to them at [email protected]. 

Are you ready to start your cannabis business?

Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

Did you know that it takes more than 20 touchpoints to engage with a prospective customer before they buy from you?

With so much noise in the digital space, the limits for cannabis businesses to advertise on traditional social mediums because cannabis is a schedule 1 substance and federally illegal in the US (come on META, get with the changing tide), you want to be creative and engaging with your marketing dollars in cannabis.

One of the most effective ways of engaging marketing is events. 

Adelia Carrillo, CMO at EventHi, joins us in this episode as we talk about cannabis event marketing trends and what to expect this year.

Eventhi is an online ticketing platform for cannabis-related events. With Adelia’s professional experience she is set to help bring life to EventHi’s brand, vision and mission.

Adelia sits on the advisory board for the International Cannabis Business Women Association and is a board member for San Diego Americans for Safe Access.

In 2021, she co-founded Blunt Brunch with business partner Parisa Rad, an event series empowering and bringing women executives together in the industry to connect, build business relationships and empower each other through blunt conversations, and unique experiences.

Adelia’s first position in the cannabis industry was as CEO of Direct Cannabis Network. DCNis the leading digital B2B news network highlighting the latest tech, entrepreneurs and innovative companies in the cannabis industry.

With her roots in the corporate and consumer electronics industry, her passion for technology, business and marketing has been a key strength in her transition into the cannabis space. Adelia is building an inspiring yet prominent voice in the world on the topic of cannabis and the event industry.

To learn more about EventHi visit www.eventhi.io.

Need help in starting your business the right way?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

Did you know that the annual cost of compliance to operate a cannabis business is estimated to be $200,000? Unfortunately, many cannabis businesses spend thousands of dollars on SOP books that are never used and don't understand how to implement compliance measures effectively in their business. 

We get a veteran of the cannabis industry, Logan Goolsby originally worked on the regulatory side under four different Directors with the Marijuana Enforcement Division while the State of Colorado moved from medical marijuana to a retail or adult-use program. Working with LexisNexis, Logan codified and indexed the first Colorado Marijuana Laws and Regulations legal book in 2011. Now Logan serves the role of compliance specialist and officer; performing on-site inspections, reviewing sale transactions, security footage and working with federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies. 

In this episode, we dive deep into building a compliance foundation for your cannabis business. 

Need help in starting your business the right way?
Download the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

Did you know that It’s not illegal for financial institutions to engage with legally operating cannabis related businesses – even if the CRB is not in the same state. The SAFE Act is only codifying what is already being done. CRBs have a right to the same banking services as other small businesses for their safety, peace of mind, and ability to scale their business.  

Kevin Hart, Founder & President of Green Check Verified, Inc., joins us in this episode as we dispel myths and dive deep into all things banking in cannabis.



Ready to start a profitable cannabis business? Grab the FREE startup checklist here: https://resources.cbmnetwork.com/.

Connect with us on Instagram @cannabisbusinessminds @bizwithsimone.

Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at [email protected]. 

Every cannabis entrepreneur has a different exit strategy, and Debra Borchardt is a story for anyone who is looking to make the exit in cannabis. Although Debra is still working in her business, she is no longer an equity owner.

In this episode, I get to dive deep into Debra's journey with selling her company Green Market Report.

About Debra:
Debra has covered the cannabis industry since its earliest stages when she recognized that the legalization story was the biggest business news story of the decade. As a senior producer and reporter at TheStreet.com, Debra was awarded an ASPBE.org (American Society of Business Publication Editors) in 2014 for Best Video - News, “Guess Where People Want To Buy Pot.” Debra is also a Co-Founder of the women’s cannabis executives networking group Industry Power Women and serves on the board of the cannabis newswire Axiswire.

She began her career in the securities industry where she was a Vice President at Bear Stearns holding three securities licenses. She left Wall Street to earn her Masters's Degree in Business and Economic Reporting from New York University. At that point, she embarked on a career as a financial journalist and spent eight years at TheStreet.com working daily with Jim Cramer. She is also a frequent panel moderator and guest at cannabis conferences. Looking ahead to 2019, Debra has big plans for GMR, which include the launch of additional websites. Following the successful Green Market Summit in  2018, she is planning her next Green Market Summit event in Chicago on May 7.

This is the last lesson of the year, and it's important to feel confident about the cash flow and money management in your business.

In this episode, I give you a quick lesson on some of the basics of money management as an entrepreneur and invite you to join me live to get your money questions asked and answered live with me on December 28 @ 8am PST/ 11 am EST. 

All you need to do is join me https://www.wisdom.audio/ and find my handle @bizwithsimone

This episode helps you evaluate your business and entrepreneurship and gives you actionable tips to make sure you're filling your entrepreneurial bucket with the right stuff and how to prepare for a successful 2022. 

You can download the year end business owner checklist here-> https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/bizchecklist

As a small business owner, your cash flow is the most important metric in your business.

Cash helps you make smart business decisions, pay yourself as an owner, save for taxes, and is the main contributor to building a profitable business.

If you've been low on cash flow and haven't been seeing the profit you'd like in your business, you can apply these steps to start seeing results. 

Now is the time to start thinking about your business operating budget for the next year.  Here are 7 actionable steps to reducing your spending in your cannabis business. 
 

1. Start analyzing where you spend your money

Before you can make any changes to your cash flow, you need to understand where you are spending. Set aside one day to review your purchases for the past 90 days. 

You'll want to classify your purchases into different categories:

• Necessary for Business
• Not-Necessary

2. Create a Monthly Budget

Once you've become aware of where you are spending your money, you can determine where you can cut from your current operating expenses and create a budget for the month.  You can break your budget into different categories of your business, such as your cost of goods/services, operating expenses, owner pay, taxes, and the amount you will allocate to profit.  

3. Create Expenses Policies and Procedures to help reduce spend

Once you have an idea of where you are spending your money, it's important to start building policies to help you reduce business spending. Some areas that you will want to have in your policy are the rules and guidelines for travel and entertainment, competitive bidding with vendors, approval of spending, and reimbursable expenses.  

4. Perform a Vendor Analysis  

Assess who your major vendors are and create a preferred vendor list of those vendors that provide you the best service and for the best price. Make an effort to only purchase from your approved vendors, and make sure you've negotiated the best rates.

5. Consolidate your Payment Dates

Instead of paying vendor invoices when you get them, set a schedule to pay out twice a month. This practice will establish more control in your business and give you more time and freedom.

6. Automate routine tasks in your Business  

Paper, excel files, and a business without systems is a business that will not be able to scale. Take time to evaluate the systems that you use and where you can automate them. Automation will help build an effective workflow and help build more cash reserves.

7. Invest in People

If you want to build a sustainable business that can live without you, you need to have a team.  People matter and will drive your business to the next level. Even if you're a solopreneur, investing in a virtual assistant to help you with the administrative side of your business, will help you focus on activities that can move the needle to profit.

If you want to build a profitable strategy for your business and approach financial decision-making with ease, check out our Profit Builder Membership.  

In this episode, I talk with cannabis attorney Toni Forge about the importance of having access to capital when you're in the licensing phase of your cannabis business. 

If you are a cannabis business owner, this is an episode that you cannot miss. We talk about:

• Changes to the California Cannabis Licensing Division and How that has impacted the California cannabis industry
• Best practices in building a cannabis business that gets funding 
• How to apply corporate principles and structure into a cannabis business
• How your mindset and perspective is a game-changer when it comes to working in  cannabis

Hello Cannabis Business Mind!

If cannabis is legal in your state, you might be thinking about applying for a cannabis license and the steps it takes to go from an idea to open up a cannabis business.

Starting a licensed cannabis business doesn’t happen overnight — thousands of hours are invested in the planning, building, and launching of a cannabis business.

I walk you through some of the technical and non-technical things you can be doing!   

 Check out the Cannabis Startup Bootcamp if you're interested in getting started with a coach! https://www.cbmnetwork.com/bundles/SPA