The Hub of Success: Recent Episodes
David Elmasian
Discover the best and brightest business leaders in Boston on the Hub of Success Podcast with David Elmasian. Listen-in as they discuss what it takes to be successful in business and why Boston is a great place to start and build your business.
The co-Founder and co-CEO of Thrasio, Carlos Cashman has built many successful businesses. His latest company, Thras.io buys businesses that sell their goods on Amazon.com, the world's largest e-commerce business. In this episode Carlos tells us the keys to growing and starting a business, why most ideas never go anywhere and why the maps we look at are all wrong!
We talk about…
- Why Carlos believes it was necessarily the education at MIT that fueled his success but rather the experience
- The value of people and having a team empowered to fuel growth
- Why he believes that technology is a huge plus to our culture
- How he built a business that helped fuel e-commerce client to one that is now an e-commerce powerhouse
- And more…
The Founder and CEO of Bond & Des Voeux, Eve Ward has moved many times in her life. As an executive in a Fortune 500 company she has lived in many countries and with each promotion experienced first hand what a corporate relocation can offer, but also where if falls short.
She founded Bond & Des Voeux so it can provide management services for individuals and businesses experiencing personal or professional transitions. They focus on everything that isn’t your everyday. From planning a home or business move to ensuring you have the help and support you need after a life changing event, they partner with you to ensure that every detail is looked after.
We talk about…
- Eve's commitment to her clients and team and how she has been able to build such a great team
- The dangers of being that "too slick" networker
- Acclimating to life in Boston's business community
- Why Eve's background in risk management has led her to this career path
- And more…
President of Complete Energy Services, Mike Duffy uses his background in customer services to help small businesses upgrade their utility usage and costs. His team does a complimentary energy assessment and then creates savings in electricity, gas and water.
Prior to getting in to the energy business, Mike was a customer service manager for many years and understands that in today's world serving customers is the key to any successful business.
We talk about…
- How your business can qualify for free or subsidized equipment that saves thousands annually on energy usage.
- How building a team is the key to his success
- Why customer service is crucial in today's business climate
- And more…
As the creator of Engage The Room, Stacey Shipman uses her background in research, wellness, and business to show people who are used to working behind the scenes (i.e., finance, operations, analysts, IT, etc.) how to present themselves better when they move into management or own a business.
Stacey has had a lifelong passion for health and wellness and loves nothing better to help empower her clients through coaching to achieve their goals
We talk about…
- Practical strategies and advice to eliminate the fear of public speaking
- The dangers of being that "too slick" networker
- A strategy for running effective meetings
- Why Stacey's background in health and wellness has led her to this career path
- And more…
Monique Allen is NOT a landscaper, she is a lifescaper! What does that mean? As the owner of The Garden Continuum, she doesn't just plop down some shrubs or add a water feature, she works with her clients to develop a plan that enhances their life through nature and their outdoor living spaces. Oh, and when not running her super successful business she also coaches OTHER landscapers how to grow their business!
Monique talks about how she developed her unique process and how it has caused explosive growth for her and her team. She dives in to her background and what makes her tick....
We also discuss…
- How to differentiate yourself from your competitors
- How to build a great team that loves the work they do
- How to build a sales and marketing process for any service business
- What her favorite plant is and why!
And more..
Listen now…
The Internet changed sales and marketing. That’s common knowledge. But, says Dave Orecchio, founder of Bristol Strategy, too many companies still struggle to take full advantage of all the ways online marketing can increase leads and boost profits.
Even worse, they throw a lot of money at solutions that are anything but.
Dave talks about the strategies to avoid and the digital marketing fundamentals that can set the stage for exponential growth. Simple techniques that get big results.
We also discuss…
- The simple way to figure out if your website brings in customers
- A sales-centered website content strategy
- Best practices in marketing automation
- What you must do when offering a new product or entering a new market
- And more
The #MeToo movement focused the world’s attention on the issues facing women in government, the entertainment world, the justice system, and even daily life.
Julia Geisman, founder and CEO of CareerAgility, has been fighting that fight her whole life. And, through her business, she studies the dynamics between genders in the workplace and helps women advocate for themselves.
She also shows Corporate America how having executives diverse in gender and race can make a company more innovative – and profitable.
But her advice for career advancement applies to people of any background.
We talk about…
- How to match personal and professional goals effectively
- The dangers of group think
- A strategy for negotiating better compensation packages
- Why you should think of most job listings as a wish list
- And more…
Pamela Bardhi is a real estate agent and developer through her Bardhi Investment Group (the acronym is no accident), as well as the owner of the famed gelato shop, Ria Café, right here in Boston.
For Pamela, investing is about more than making money but also changing communities for the better, one project at a time.
She highlights where she sees opportunity right now in Boston, as well as the mistakes she sees uninformed investors make – and what to do instead.
We also talk about…
- The myth of overnight success
- The #1 thing to look at before buying real estate
- The strategy to your get best ROI on real estate in today’s market
- The problem with home improvement reality shows
- And more
Where do you see yourself in five years? What are your weaknesses?
Career coach Beth Hendler-Grunt helps recent college grads face down those types of questions in job interviews. But that’s only part of what she does with her company, Next Great Step.
If you’re a college student or just out of college – or a parent – listen to what Beth has to say before sending out one resume.
But you don’t have to be looking for your first job to get value from her advice on standing out from the competition to potential employers… and how to get value from every single interaction you have with people in your work and life.
Listen in to find out…
- The biggest mistake parents make in their kids’ job hunt
- Why a good resume and a degree from a top school aren’t enough
- What a student should be doing sophomore year to land a great job after graduation
- The #1 question you should ask during a job interview
- And more
Ever been to a wedding where the DJ got everybody up and dancing?
That DJ might have been Rob Peters, who these days runs his own company providing music, games, and other entertainment for corporate events, special occasions, parties, and more.
He’s passionate about getting the crowd moving.
But as he grew his business he also learned strategies for figuring out what new services the market wants, how to distinguish yourself from the competition, and ways to recognize the customers you want – and avoid the ones you don’t.
Rob is full of crazy stories, but we also talk about…
- The one thing you must do to generate repeat business
- The key to hosting a memorable event, no matter what the occasion
- How to compete with the DIYers and free information online
- Creating a wow experience for customers in every type of business
- And more
It’s a double-header today. Brian Scanlon reveals his social media marketing secrets AND how to create value in your business so you can sell it for top dollar.
As the founder of the agency Posted Social and head of M&A at Global Source Infrastructure Partners (and future college baseball coach), Brian is uniquely qualified to help startups, small companies, and service providers boost their business in all sorts of ways.
He gives away plenty of trade secrets, including…
- Why “creative” social media marketing doesn’t work
- The #1 thing you can do to make your business appealing to buyers
- One of the best ways to capture the Baby Boomer market
- The most important metric in social media today
- And more
Most people have met someone with a food allergy, say to peanuts or dairy. But, says Matt Bomes, the problem is more widespread than you know.
1 in 12 kids have food allergies… and 26 million adults in the U.S. do, too.
Matt’s startup, The Bantam Group, is ready to tackle this epidemic head on by spreading awareness, bringing together a community of those with allergies, and providing solutions and resources for families.
Matt talks about ways to make life easier for allergy sufferers, as well as…
- How you can do business and help people at the same time
- Uncommon food allergies that can be deadly
- The next generation EpiPen in development right now
- The worst place to get info on food allergies
- And more
Digital marketing is pretty much essential for businesses these days. But, says Jared Laidlaw, too many companies just want to throw money around without considering the right marketing strategy for them.
Even though he offers digital marketing solutions he’s not afraid to turn away potential clients who aren’t ready to follow his advice.
We also talk about how Jared manages to run his business from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. It’s been a rewarding experience but not without its issues.
Listen in to find out…
- Where every business must appear online
- What you should be worried about with Google
- The best way to find out your client’s real goals
- How to identify the top service providers
- And more
Stuart Balcombe is in startup mode. PaymentLink is a unique solution that offers freelancers and small business owners a hassle-free way to get paid. No invoices needed.
But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. We talk about the struggles in the run up to the launch, including the research he did to ensure he had a ready market. He explains how he boosts retention by making PaymentLink more than just a product.
We also talk about…
- How to speak your customer’s language
- The biggest challenge in software development
- The best place to get feedback on your product
- Why customers don’t buy features
- And more
What’s the difference between entrepreneurs in the U.S. and those in Latin America? Lee Ullmann sees more similarities than differences.
But there are some key shifts in mindset that he always considers in his role as Director of the Latin America Office for the Sloan School of Management at MIT.
Based in Santiago, Chile, Lee works with innovators in the private sector, governments, and NGOs to help the region build a more knowledge-based economy. He’s found ready and qualified partners across the continent – and all the way in Antarctica.
Listen in for details on that, as well as…
- One of the hottest sectors in Latin America
- Why the Boston startup scene and MIT fosters innovation
- How to do business with limited resources and infrastructure
- The positive and negative aspects of consumerism
- And more
Cathie Briggette knows that most media aimed at women doesn't really speak to that audience in an authentic way. And that’s how Herself 360 was born.
Co-founded by Lyvia Feraco, this online magazine is a community that engages, supports, and encourages with stories written for women by women.
But anyone can learn from how Cathie and her colleagues were able to build this business from the ground up. We talk about the challenges of being a startup and the inspiration behind this venture, as well as…
- How to create an “advisory board” to help guide your business
- Ways to set yourself apart in a crowded Internet landscape
- Two strategies for attracting an audience online
- Why a technical background can make you a better salesperson
- A better alternative to traditional networking
- And more
Dan Thibeault has a tendency to “go for it” when given the chance, even when he’s not sure how it’ll turn out.
That willingness to get out of his comfort zone served him well when he started Fast Twitch Media, which helps people produce and distribute podcasts. Way back when, he didn’t know much about podcasts at all.
But he drew on past experience and a willingness to learn to make it happen.
We talk about ways to get up to speed on any topic, why podcasts are so important to business owners, and what makes for an engaging podcast, as well as…
- A lesson a mentor taught him years ago that Dan follows to this day
- 4+ resources you can draw on to be a lifelong learner
- How to harness the power of your business and personal network
- Why “rough” podcasts are sometimes best
- And more
Diana Bagas, co-founder of web marketing agency, Launch, with Michaela Mendez, knows platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be an affordable and effective way for businesses to market.
But, she says, too many owners have a mistaken impression about what social media is, how it works, and how valuable it can be, especially for small companies trying to reach a local audience. And those that do, often go about it all wrong, she says.
Her mission: To educate folks and help them put together sound social media strategies that bring in more leads and sales consistently.
We talk about how do that, as well as cover…
- How to deal with negative online reviews
- 3 ways businesses sabotage their social media efforts
- The role of good copy in a Facebook or Instagram post
- When Twitter doesn’t work – and what to do instead
- And more
Life is short. Too short to allow negativity to guide your life.
That’s why comedy magician and motivational speaker Jonas Cain is all about helping people stay inspired, motivated, and, of course, positive in their business and personal lives. That’s what inspired him to start Positivity Magic and why he helps groups around the country manage change and overcome the things they struggle with most.
We talk about what magic really is and how everybody can experience it in their own lives.
Tune in to discover…
- The 8 steps to staying positive – that actually work
- The danger you don’t expect from past success
- How to make networking events worthwhile
- Why great is the enemy of good
- And more
Technology may advance. Business needs may change. But telecom vet Scott Layman is always focused on one thing as the industry changes around him: constantly improving the customer experience.
In the days where massive service providers for phone, Internet, and the like are known for less than stellar customer service (which helps them cut costs), Scott, COO of Pioneer Telephone, says you can wow your clients in every interaction – and still make a healthy profit.
We discuss how to make it happen and also talk about…
- The importance of “instant” customer service – and how to provide it
- Why you should avoid customer acquisition
- When you must say no to huge deals
- What you can learn from having dinner in Italy
- And more
New clients, new strategic partners, new jobs – that’s what should happen when you go to a networking event.
But too often, says Valerie McSorley, typical networking involves nothing more than time-wasting chit-chat and awkward conversations. Valerie, a veteran event producer (she founded Avant Garde Events, among several other companies) has a system to help attendees speak with only the right people – and watches fruitful relationships form as a result.
Learn how to stop handing out business cards to random strangers and start forging deep connections that can turn into real opportunities at the next event you attend.
We also talk about…
- Creating a solid “pipeline” of new clients
- Today’s hottest topics in customer service and customer contact
- Contributing to worthy causes in ways beyond financial
- The best way to “navigate the room” at an event
- And more
In this age of digital marketing, you can’t forget the value of making a personal connection, says Bobbie Carlton, founder of a trifecta of important organizations in the Boston startup scene, including Carlton PR and Marketing, Mass Innovation Nights, and Innovation Women.
Bobbie says social networks must go beyond the online world.
And with Mass Innovation Nights, which has brought together startups and established tech companies for 10 years, she has helped foster a real community. One that’s resulted in more than $2 billion in funding for Boston-area startups.
As if that wasn’t enough, Bobbie is also involved in bringing a diversity of viewpoints to Boston events with a speaker bureau that connects event managers directly with potential speakers, Innovation Women.
We talk about…
- The “dating website” for speakers
- Why Visibility = Opportunity, and other “Bobbie-isms”
- How events have become an integral part of digital marketing
- Exponential networking through public speaking
- And more
Nesterly co-founder and CEO Noelle Marcus looked to the past to find a novel solution for the affordable housing crisis facing Boston and cities around the world.
The site connects people who need a place to live with those who have extra room in the house. With rents sky high – and going higher – in urban areas, it’s a service made for these times.
But for this MIT alum, Nesterly isn’t just a company… it’s a social movement.
Tune in to find out…
- An unlikely “roommate” relationship that works
- Why grad students are Nesterly’s top users
- The benefits of intergenerational home sharing
- Why Boston was ideal for the pilot project
- And more
As the head of a unique entrepreneurship training program at MIT’s Sloan School, Travis Hunter is directly involved in supporting innovative startups across the globe.
But whether he’s in Asia, Latin America, or beyond he’s found that there are more similarities than differences in the businesses that “make it.” And that realization led to a set of guiding principles for startup success.
In this episode, you’ll discover how you can apply the solutions Travis has helped implement around the world right here in Boston.
We cover…
- The 4 critical components of a successful startup
- How to identify high-growth companies
- What makes Boston a hub for startups and innovation
- Why humility is a must-have for entrepreneurs
- And more
Data mining… machine learning… AI… quantum computing.
Technology that was on the horizon just a few years ago is now fully part of the marketing and business landscape, says digital marketing expert and BrainTrust Insights Co-Founder Chris Penn.
It can be effective for every industry – not just tech. And for companies large and small.
Embrace these methods, says Chris, or you’ll struggle to remain relevant. And with the quickening pace of innovation, you’ll just fall farther and farther behind if you don’t take action now.
Chris shares some ways you can integrate data mining, AI, and the rest in your current marketing efforts – it’s easier than you might think.
We also cover…
- Where marketing automation is headed next
- How to leverage data you already have that can change your business
- A source for free expert training in analytics
- Forecasting tools for a more efficient, more profitable business
- And more
Ben Raffi had a problem. He was building a business in an industry with slim margins.
The solution: outsource, be efficient… no wasted marketing dollars.
He turned what he learned into a successful operation… that was soon acquired by a major corporation in his niche.
Now, as the co-founder and CEO of Growlabs, he helps other businesses use super-targeted automated marketing to land the clients they need to create their own transformation story.
Ben credits a lot of his success with the time he spends “underwater.” Tune in to find out all about it, as well as…
- The “micro-segmentation” technique for turning more leads into clients
- How to compel your ideal clients to create your products (and then buy them)
- When perseverance can turn “no” into “yes”
- Why you should always “drink your own champagne”
- And more
You’ll no doubt recognize the voice of my guest, Candy O’Terry. She was on air at Magic 106.7 for 25 years and has performed with the Boston Pops. She’s a community leader, mentor, and executive coach working to bring up the next generation of media and business professionals in Boston.
She’s also deeply involved in fundraising and volunteer efforts for several worthy causes.
It’s all part of her philosophy of giving back. She says that as you become more accomplished in your career, the more you should be helping others.
We dive into how she’s managed to have a successful career and be an integral part of the community.
Listen in to discover…
- Ways to recognize pivotal moments that can change your career – and life
- What can happen when you become your true self in all things
- How facing your biggest fears can lead to your biggest breakthroughs
- Why connections and relationships are everything
- And more
When it comes to technology, most small business owners and professional service providers know they need it to grow… but they struggle with how to implement it.
That’s something Max Faingezicht deals with every day. He’s CTO (and a founder) of ThriveHive, which specializes in helping small businesses build an online presence that markets their products and services effectively.
Software and data are an important part of that process. But the key ingredient in business success, says Max, is not something you can download.
We explore that concept, as well as…
- The importance of shared values and vision to business growth
- How past experiences can – and should - inform the direction of your business
- Why you should be “customer-obsessed”
- The many ways other people can help solve your business problems
- And more
A recent article in Crunchbase said that Boston is set to overtake New York as the second-largest hub for startup funding in the country. With all the local talent, high profile educational institutions, and ingrained entrepreneurial mindset… it’s no surprise.
Business is booming in Boston, especially among tech companies. And the Hub of Success Podcast is dedicated to exploring this phenomenon.
Who are the people behind this boom… and what makes them tick? How have they overcome the challenges that came their way?
That’s what hosts David Elmasian and Michael Delany are trying to find out by chatting with Boston’s most innovative business leaders.
Tune in now to find out…
- The most important element in any tech company
- An easy way to gain a competitive advantage in your niche
- How to apply the power of mentoring
- What – and who – you can expect in future episodes
- And more