In this episode of the Business Breakthrough New York podcast, Matt is joined by Brandon DeFeo who shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of starting small and building a brand through customer relationships. He discusses the challenges of navigating fear, the significance of networking, and knowing when to shift and expand a business. Brandon offers valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting that success is a gradual process that requires persistence and adaptability. *=============================* *Have an Idea???* *=============================* Do you have a topic that you’d like to see us cover? Contact us here! sbdcpodcast@farmingdale.edu *To learn about additional upcoming SBDC workshops click here:* https://www.farmingdale.edu/small-business-development-center/workshops.shtml *=============================* *🔗*Connect with the Business Breakthrough Podcast!* *=============================* *Business Breakthrough LinkedIn*➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/business-breakthrough-l-new-york-a40a6229a/ *SBDC LinkedIn:* ➡https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmingdale-small-business-development-center/ *Spotify:* ➡ https://open.spotify.com/show/6DW01ZFk7RDUz2O2VqSwCa?si=af1b5c582cc64d98 Connect with our Host: Matthew Lostaglia: *LinkedIn:* ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lostaglia/ *=============================* *The Business Breakthrough | NY* Podcast is produced by the NY Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Farmingdale State College. _Your go-to podcast for small business_ *=============================* *Chapters* 00:00 The Value of Starting Small 03:01 Brandon's Entrepreneurial Journey 05:50 Building a Brand and Customer Relationships 11:54 Navigating Fear and Taking Risks 15:10 The Importance of Networking 24:10 Knowing When to Shift and Expand 29:01 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs *============================= * Disclaimer *=============================* Books, materials, and other products discussed in this episode are not sponsors of this show and are not explicitly endorsed by any Small Business Development Center. They are the recommendations & experiences of the individuals on the episode. Please note that some of the links on this site are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. *Podcast Equipment* *Our Camera (kits)*➡ Sony a6400 4K Mirrorless + 55-210mm Lens ➡ https://amzn.to/48Czow4 *Our Mics*➡ Shure MV7 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone ➡ https://amzn.to/3UbqHV9 *Lavalier Mics* ➡ Rode Lavalier GO Mic ➡ https://amzn.to/47GdcQA *Wireless Mic receivers* ➡ Rode Wireless ME ➡ https://amzn.to/3S2qhxP *Sound Mixer:* ➡ RØDE RØDECaster Pro II ➡ https://amzn.to/4b50my3 *Camera Switcher* ➡ ATEM Mini Pro ISO ➡ https://amzn.to/3HsPtbG *More Wireless Mic receivers* ➡ Rode Wireless GO ➡ https://amzn.to/3Hn1sI1 *Floor Lamps* ➡ Govee RGBIC Smart Floor Lamp ➡ https://amzn.to/47HdKpg *Studio Lights* ➡ LED Light Kit NiceVeedi ➡ https://amzn.to/42mqReF *Soundproof Wall Panels* ➡ Acoustic Panels (Hexagon) ➡https://amzn.to/48Yrflj *Headphones* ➡ Rode NTH-100M Over-Ear headset ➡ https://amzn.to/3SqGX3u *Storage/Memory* ➡ SAMSUNG T7 Touch *2TB* ➡ https://amzn.to/3SqpBna