Rob Peters knows what it’s like to wear every hat in a business. He started in the mobile DJ world—lugging gear, booking gigs, balancing books—and over 38 years, turned that hustle into something bigger. Now he’s the author of The Small Business CEO’s Playbook, a straight-talking guide for entrepreneurs who want to stop feeling overwhelmed and start leading like real CEOs.
His recent interview on Success, Motivation & Inspiration with M. Curtis McCoy pulled back the curtain on what really separates struggling business owners from those who grow and scale.
From Side Hustle to Small Business Authority
Back in the ’90s, the DJ industry had zero business structure. There were workshops about performance, but nothing about budgeting, marketing, or running an actual company. Rob Peters had a degree in communications and business, so he filled the gap. His first book, The Business of Mobile DJing, sold 500 copies and helped him stand out as an expert.
Two decades later, a friend found a copy on eBay for $5 and told Rob, “This is still relevant—you should update it.” That push led to The Small Business CEO’s Playbook.
The Book Isn’t Just for DJs
The new version isn’t industry-specific. It’s a playbook for any small business owner stuck in the “chief everything officer” role. Rob Peters pulled together lessons from both wins and missteps—things he wished he had known earlier.
The book covers everything from how to build a real business plan to rules like “return your phone calls” and “never stop learning.” Some advice is simple. But simple is what most people skip.
Plan First. Then Move.
Most small business owners don’t have a plan—they just start moving. Rob compares it to taking a road trip with no destination in mind. The first thing he asks is: Why are you even doing this? What’s your actual goal?
He also stresses the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan. One’s a document you create. The other is how you think and act. Being strategic doesn’t mean you never pivot—it just means you’re not guessing every day.
The Value of a Good Mentor
When Rob Peters made the leap to full-time DJing, it was because a mentor pushed him. That experience made him passionate about mentoring others. He’s taken young DJs to conventions, watched their eyes light up, and helped them build businesses of their own.
Some of those people still work with him today—or reach out for coaching now that they’re on their own.
Build a Personal Brand People Trust
Rob Peters doesn’t hide behind a company name. His brand is literally his name: RobPeters.biz – That’s intentional. He wants people to know, like, and trust him—not a logo.
He’s big on showing up. Podcast interviews, speaking gigs, his book—all of it builds authority and makes it easier for people to say yes. He doesn’t believe in selling with ego. He believes in solving problems and showing you care.
How to Sell Without Being Pushy
A recurring theme in Rob’s advice is simple: shut up and listen. Most business owners pitch like they’re selling stereo equipment—rattling off specs the customer doesn’t care about.
Instead, Rob Peters focuses on asking the right questions. “What are you trying to solve?” “Why now?” He references the movie Tommy Boy as a perfect (and hilarious) example of how not to sell.
Why Small Businesses Stall
Rob sees a common pattern: businesses start strong but stall when they lose focus. Sometimes they fall into “spray and pray” marketing—trying a dozen strategies at once, hoping one sticks. Other times, it’s what he calls “new best friend syndrome”—chasing the next shiny object.
The ones that grow have a clear plan, stay consistent, and learn to say no.
Goodwill Pays Off
One of the most underrated sections of The Small Business CEO’s Playbook is about goodwill. Rob Peters shares stories from his father’s gas station business—how giving back to the community helped build customer loyalty. That lesson stuck.
Rob Peters practices what he preaches. During the pandemic, when events were canceled and bookings dried up, it was his past clients and community connections that kept his business afloat.
Stop Trying to Do It Alone
For business owners struggling today, Rob’s message is simple: you don’t have to do this alone. There’s no shame in asking for help—but make sure you’re asking the right people. Legal issues? Call a lawyer. Tax questions? Talk to an accountant. Don’t crowdsource your business decisions in Facebook groups.
He says one of the biggest shifts you can make is in your mindset: go from pride to progress. Let go of the “I’ve got this” mentality and start building a support system.
People Buy People
Everything Rob Peters teaches boils down to this: people buy from people they trust. If they trust you, they’ll buy from you. If they like you, they’ll refer you. That’s why personal branding matters—and why being consistent and visible is non-negotiable.
Even if your business changes, your name and reputation are what follow you.
Final Thought
Rob Peters closed his interview with a reminder worth repeating:
“You can’t control what other people say or think. Focus on keeping that noise out and keep your eye on the prize.”
Where to Get The Small Business CEO’s Playbook
The book is available in hardcover on his website or on Amazon as a Kindle download. It’s not fluff. It’s a practical, real-world guide from someone who’s been in the trenches—and wants to help others climb out.
If you’re building a business and want something that’ll actually move the needle, this book belongs on your desk.