Bananas Founder Jesse Cole: How to Solve the Hardest Problem in Business

Plus: Gathering reviews, essential sales tips, a NEW #SBOC25 Speaker, and an old-school road trip invitation

Author

Pat Miller
August 12, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Welcome to our 1,631 readers including our latest subscribers including:
Claire, Betty Jean, Raynell, Grayson, and Carole

Welcome back to The Summary - We’re really close to a major vibe shift with many of your customers. Kids are going back to school and Summer perceptually “ends” on Labor Day, Monday 9/1. Right now is NOT the time to coast. We must make the most of the next week or two before the entire planet takes a break in late August. Let’s go!

In this issue:

  • Reviews: How to do a better job collecting customer feedback

  • Sales: 5 essential tips on how to get better at selling your products and services

  • Road Trip: The SBOC is headed to Fond du Lac, WI…You in?

The Small Business Summary is sponsored by Enji because they rule.

Bananas Founder Jesse Cole:
How to Solve the Hardest Problem in Business

For months you’ve seen me jump up and down in the newsletter about how great our time with Jesse Cole - founder of the World Famous Savannah Bananas - would be. Last Wednesday, we kicked off #SBOC25 presented by Horicon Bank with out exclusive Pre-Conference interview event.

It was even better than I hoped it would be.

I’m going to save the full video for our conference ticket holders but you need to see this clip that has lived rent-free in my head since he shared it…

It’s the secret of the Savannah Bananas. He has focused on the friction in baseball - it’s too slow and boring. So, he fixed it and they have become so differentiated that they’re now breaking the internet.

So, how do you escape being an “-ER” in your business? Where do your instincts take you around the friction your customers experience? We’re going to do an Idea Slam conversation on this today inside the Small Business Owners Community because this concept is just that important.

I’d love it if you’d be willing to hit REPLY and share how you’re differentiated. I always believe in collaboration over competition and we can all learn from each other.

And if the FOMO is just too much, remember that if you get your #SBOC25 Conference ticket, I’ll share the full one-hour Jesse Cole interview with you. It was just awesome!

Reviews: Why customer reviews are crucial for small business success

WTM: People check your reviews before they check your website. What is your review score? What are your endorsements? Are you considering this? If you need to step up your focus, this article is for you.

bmmagazine.co.uk/opinion/why-customer-reviews-are-crucial-for-small-business-success

Sales: 5 Essential Tips to Get Good at Sales

WTM: There’s no way around it - you MUST be able to sell your products and services. Here’s a quick read to suck less…(ahem)…I mean, improve your closing rate 😉 

smallbiztrends.com/how-to-get-good-at-sales

We’re taking the SBOC Idea Slam to Fond du Lac with Horicon Bank!

Join us in Fond du Lac for this
FREE SBOC Meet up!

WTM: Horicon Bank is hosting a business meet up with the Small Business Owners Community and YOU are invited! We’re road tripping to build relationships and host the SBOC’s special event: The Idea Slam. It’s the fast, fun, and creative way to instantly turn a conference room into a collaborative community! Stop by for a beer, snacks, prizes and SHENANIGANS GUARANTEED. Bonus: we’re also giving away a free ticket to #SBOC25!!

forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ZhmHk1oJgkurj2Wbn_f49jh-2vfMit5KhkjjDwt_bmxUMFBWVzZFV0FURE5CSlZIT1pNQjFPSU8wTC4u&route=shorturl

Tweet of the Week - If You Dare…

YIKES. OUCH. STOP.

#SBOC25 - New Speaker Announcement

I’m excited to share that we’ve added ANOTHER speaker to our killer line up for #SBOC25 presented by Horicon Bank: Dr. Jason William Johnson with his talk “AI Powered Entrepreneurship: Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI for your Business.” Jason and I had a chance to connect last week and I’m fired up for his talk.

He knows that we’re all already using AI, his talk is focused on how we use this technology in all facets of our business so we can go further, faster. He kicks off a full-day on Thursday of business strategies and tactics to move the needed towards your Record Year! Welcome, Dr. Jason William Johnson!

BUILD YOUR RECORD YEAR AT #SBOC25
Presented by Horicon Bank
September 16-19, 2025
Brookfield, WI

See the full lineup and get your ticket here: https://event.smallbusinesscommunity.com/25conference

A HUGE thank you to our major sponsors: Horicon Bank, Money Masters, Athena Legal Solutions, Magnolia Tax, and Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative

Last bit: I read a quote attributed to Tony Robbins that has been in the front of my mind for days: “Don’t teach what you know. Teach what changed your life.” For the past 9 months, I’ve taken radical responsibility of my lifestyle, productivity, time, messaging, and more.

Tomorrow in the #SBOC, I’m going to announce a new way that I’m going to lead our tightknit group of solopreneurs and scaling small business owners. I’m ready to share the transformation I’ve been experiencing. And, I’ve created a way to open the door even wider to new members that want to join us in changing the landscape for Small Business Owners in the US. Next week in the Small Business Summary, I’ll spill the beans and invite you on the journey. too.

NOW GO SELL SOMETHING!

Pat

The Small Business Summary is sponsored by Enji . Enji is the confidence-boosting system solopreneurs and small business owners need to finally take control of their marketing. Create your marketing plan, do the plan, and track your results all within Enji.