Putting the Spotlight on Successful Business Owners and Their Companies

Too much of what we see and hear about business talks about the struggles -- and, frankly, discourages people from pursuing this incredibly rewarding path to freedom.

The Bob Graham Experience video podcast counteracts this problem with upbeat, interesting and insightful interviews with business owners and leaders who are making a difference.

Each episode focuses on a business owner, their journey, their successes, their lessons learned and whatever else we uncover. And the 5 questions near the end of each episode that make up The Bob Graham Experience.

Want to be on the show?

About Bob Graham

Using my POWER Process, I have written 55 Soft Skills to Rule the World (2024), Writing With POWER: Taking Your Book from Dream to Done (2024), Alignable Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Small Business Success (2023) and The Renegade Way (2021).

I co-authored The 55 Soft Skills That Guide Employee and Organizational Success (2017) and The Insider's Guide to Baltimore (1998).

In addition to my latest podcast, The Bob Graham Experience, I have created and cohosted a number of podcasts, including The Benefit Roast, The Serious Soft Skills Podcast, Today's Antidote and Let's Chat Sales.

I began my career writing up to 20 articles a week for newspapers. Later, I freelanced for magazines, wrote several speeches for a governor and other state and local officials, prepared seminars and workshops for business leaders, and crafted numerous marketing messages, from press releases to annual reports.

I have taught English, Composition, Journalism, Communications and Marketing classes to high school, undergraduate and graduate students at various schools in the Baltimore, Maryland area: Towson University, Goucher College, and Johns Hopkins University.

As a business coach, I have helped hundreds of businesses with marketing, leadership and ownership. Among my clients are an insurance brokerage that sold for 12 times its annual revenue, an entrepreneur who started three multi-million dollar businesses in four years, a startup courted by Apple and a regional pain management practice with eight locations in the Mid-Atlantic.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Say

"Bob Graham is my business Buddha.....Just so you know this morning's call with you was probably the single most important call to date. Thank you! I believe I have made a breakthrough."

Eric Dexter

Entrepreneur

"Bob is like a Swiss army knife for your business."

Brendan McAdams

Entrepreneur and Author

"It was great experience working with you on this branding project for Cowtrip.com. This is one of the happiest invoices I have had to pay."

Terry MacGregor

Business Owner

"I appreciate all the professional help you gave me with my book. I had never done anything like this before. Your help with getting everything in the correct order made the piece look much more professional. Your suggestions with several areas made the information more understandable to the average person. Your selection of the cover made for a more sellable book. The marketing suggestions you made helped me pass my sales goal."

Bob Porterfield

Author/Photographer

"We worked together to identify the right audience, the right message for that audience and how I can draw from my experiences to tell a powerful story that helps me achieve my big business goals while giving the audience what they need. His system and coaching made what seemed complicated so much easier and fun. He’s a wealth of information who is dedicated to helping executives accomplish big breakthroughs. I feel inspired and with much clearer direction thanks to Bob!"

Dr. Dori Gatter

Psychologist and Business Coach

"The most impressive aspect of Bob's style of work is that he consumed himself in our culture and services. He truly inhaled our culture, studied our history, learned about our services and goals, and examined us thoroughly prior to even starting the project....Bob is a consummate professional with a a wealth of innovative knowledge in an ever-changing world of marketing. He is highly attentive, masterful in his human relation skills, excellent problem-solver, prudent decision-maker and extremely flexible in his work style. His work ethic, integrity, character and how he conducts himself is beyond reproach -- a truly refreshing energy."

Sandy Meagher

Corporate Fitness Firm Owner

FAQS

What makes you different?

My commitment is unfailingly to your clients. As a former journalist, I have refined my ability to be objective and quickly assess situations. I'm going to provide honest, constructive feedback on your work in a way that encourages and inspires you to achieve more. Having worked with hundreds of business owners and more than a thousand college students, I have learned how to deliver messages on writing and other topics with finesse and tact. In all cases, I will work with you to deliver tailor-made solutions that resonate with your specific audience and goals. I'm not just your partner; I am your brand's advocate and storyteller.

I have a marketing department. Why engage you?

The marketing folks may argue (which only proves the point more); however, marketing departments tend to fall into a "groupthink" approach. Thinking the same way or using confirmation bias to make decisions can cripple the best communications. My work should never be seen as a threat. I can help you become more successful at engaging customers by providing the outside perspective and new approaches; For example, a book written specifically for marketing, that your marketing team may discourage, knowing they might struggle in executing it.

How do you measure success?

Sales, sales, sales. When you become more in tune with your customers and their situations, you will see more sales. It's that simple.

What's your process?

I help authors clarify their vision and their audience; craft an outline; identify and compress their anecdotes and examples; draft the pages section by section; review and help them revise; edit and proofread the manuscript; and print and publish the manuscript. In addition, for some authors, I help market and promote their book to target audiences.

When I am helping companies with their communications, I meet with key players to identify objectives and approaches. Then I talk to customers, prospects and other stakeholders to evaluate messaging and to identify areas to consider moving forward.

Do I need more than an idea for a book?

Absolutely not. You don't even need much of an idea. I have drawn books from the most unlikely of writers. I have worked with authors in every phase of the book creation process -- from concept to outlining, first draft to printing. What helps most is to have a good idea of what you want to say, who you want to say it to and why they should care. If you don't know all that, I am skilled at helping you.

What would I do with a book I write?

Four big things, not to mention the incredible joy that comes from seeing your thoughts and ideas in a form that can outlast you.

First, putting your ideas to paper clarifies them for you and others who read the book. Second, it's a great touch point with your clients, who, if invited, might share a copy with friends, meaning easy referrals. Third, nothing separates you from your competitors better than sending prospects an autographed book reinforcing your ideas.

Fourth, the best -- absolute best -- business card is a book you write and sign. Few people can discard a book with the author's autograph. Even better, people like to place these books in prominent locations in their offices and homes, which gives you access to everyone who visits as potential clients.