Meet Michael Roderick!
Founder and CEO of Small Pond Enterprises LLC, helping subject matter experts, coaches, and consultants turn their expertise into compelling frameworks, lucrative problems, and better-paid offers—and in my Black Box mastermind, I use theatrical techniques to stress-test their big ideas.
Welcome to our Canadian Business Owner Spotlight Series hosted by me… Kelsey Reidl (Business & Marketing Consultant).
In this series, I'll be catching up with the most talented, generous & inspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in Canada & beyond.
Enjoy learning more about these wonderful humans, and give them a ‘follow’ or get in touch in order to collaborate with them + work with them.
-Kelsey
The TL;DR for Michael Roderick of Small Pond Enterprises LLC.
Michael Roderick is the CEO of Small Pond Enterprises, which helps thoughtful givers become thought leaders by making their brands referable, their messaging memorable, and their ideas unforgettable.
Michael's unique methodology comes from his own experience of going from being a high school English teacher to a Broadway Producer in under two years.
Michael uses Broadway-informed branding techniques to help his clients find their I.F. (Innovative Framework) and create offers where they get paid for their brains.
Okay, let’s get to know Michael!
Name
Michael Roderick
Profession / Title
CEO
Business Name
Small Pond Enterprises LLC
Industry / Niche
Thought Leadership advisory for subject matter experts who get paid for their brains.
My Business Was Founded In
2008
Current Location
New York, NY
3 words you would use to describe yourself…
Creative.
Curious.
Connector.
Tell us more about your business
I work with subject matter experts, coaches, and consultants who are either overwhelmed by their expertise, underwhelmed by the clients they are attracting, or “whelmed” by the business and want to spice things up.
I help them refine their ideas, create compelling frameworks, and solve more lucrative problems so they can get paid well. I also run a mastermind called Black Box where I bring subject matter experts together and use theatrical techniques to stress test their big ideas with one another.
In one or two sentences, what specific problem does your business solve for your clients?
I help my clients move from aspirational buyers who see them as the savior and struggle to pay them to excellence buyers who see them as the guide and are happy to pay. I also help my clients tap into their top thinking talent so they know what to double down on and what to let go of.
Recent milestone you've celebrated in your business
I recently celebrated having my business for 18 years.
What is a recent investment you’ve made in your business
I recently joined a community that is focused on connections and relationships that has both live events as well as virtual meetups, and it has been an amazing opportunity to both give and receive. I was prompted to make this investment because I have been away from live experiences for a while and realized I needed to get back out there.
What changed after that investment? Why do you see it as an investment, not an expense?
I’ve found partners, clients, and friends. I see it as an investment because it has already paid for itself ten times over.
What would you tell a new entrepreneur who's considering investing in the same thing, but is hesitant?
I’d say that you just need to take the leap. There are going to be moments where you need to use the money from the business to grow the business, and any investment where you can connect with great people can have an exponential return.
Now for some fun stuff!
Always…
Always listen actively. The more attention you pay, the more you’ll learn.
Never…
Never be rude. There is never a reason for it.
Advice for other entrepreneurs, who are slightly less far along…
You can never underestimate the significance of making other people feel significant. It is the most powerful thing you can do. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, and you can’t go wrong.
What is a tool, resource, podcast, book or person you’ve invested in that’s added value to your entrepreneurial journey
Brandon Fong’s Beyond Curious: https://gobeyondcurious.com/podcast/
Favourite way to wind down after a long workweek
Go for a walk.
Before starting my workday, I make sure to…
Meditate.
Best part of my work is…
Watching my clients realize something about themselves that surprises them.
Last vacation you took (and where did you go)
We went with my wife’s family to France with my two littel girls and it was amazing seeing them enjoy the sights and experiences.
