The Corporate Escapee: Recent Episodes
Brett Trainor
Are you considering leaving or have left big corporate?
Do you have 10+ years of experience?
If you answered YES to both then this is the podcast for you.
We show you how expert-based freelancing can be your ticket to freedom, flexibility, and financial independence.
Our goal is to help freelancers, contractors, independents & side-hustlers breakthrough and build the businesses they want and take control of their destiny
In the podcast the host, Brett Trainor a fellow corporate escapee, will interview: • Best Selling Authors • Subject Matter Experts to share the latest tactics and strategies that will help you succeed • Freelancers that have broken through and created a life they wanted- all without employees. They will share what they learned and provide practical advice • Lastly- I will share my failures and what I learned from them and what worked for me.
In each episode, we cover topics such as how to get more customers, pricing, business models, productivity systems and tools, and other topics that will help you breakthrough.
If your “great job” feels increasingly empty, this one’s for you. Former corporate leader Lisa Petrilli (Medline/Baxter) shares a practical approach to discovering your Life Quest—the next chapter where purpose, agency, and freedom replace autopilot.
We dig into choice vs. circumstance, how to reframe fear and uncertainty, and simple steps GenXers can take while still in corporate. No dogma required—just a better operating system for work and life.
You’ll learn
•What a “Life Quest” is and how to spot yours
•How to move from reaction and fear to sovereignty and action
•A 30–60 day Next-Chapter Script exercise to regain control
•Why love-over-fear is a leadership OS (not a sermon)
•First small steps for still-in-corporate escapees
Timestamps
00:00 – Why this convo is different
01:20 – Lisa’s corporate path → calling
05:40 – Awakening without the woo
10:40 – Choice vs. reaction in corporate (and life)
12:40 – Reframing uncertainty & fear
16:10 – What corporate gives you—and when it plateaus
20:25 – Purpose, practically: defining mission without dogma
26:50 – Starter steps if you’re stuck (clarity, script, small bets)
30:10 – Why Lisa’s book is free + how to use it
35:10 – Frameworks beat retreats (avoid meandering)
36:45 – Wrap + where to connect
Links & resources
•Free book: Life Quest: Your Role in Saving the World: https://lisapetrilli.com/
•Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapetrilli/
About Lisa
Lisa Petrilli is the founder/CEO of Higher Conscious Leadership and a former corporate exec (Medline, Baxter). She helps leaders move from mind/body mastery to soul-level purpose and practical action.
CTA (one small step)
Download the free book, then spend 10 minutes today writing your 30-day script. Prompt: “If nothing at work changed, how would I live the next 30 days differently?”
Robert Lock went from corporate sales leadership to running supply chain during COVID—then used that “between lanes” moment to launch his own firm, Buffalo Mountain Sales Strategies.
In this episode, he and Brett dig into how GenX escapees can win clients by going local-first and relationship-heavy, not enterprise-style transactional.
You’ll Learn
💡 How to build a referral engine from scratch:
→ Daily LinkedIn connects with a simple, honest message
→ Wait 24 hours
→ Invite to a virtual coffee
→ Leave every chat with 2–3 new intros
💡 Why owner conversations are precious—and how to uncover real problems instead of pitching surface ones.
💡 How to package your offer with paid discovery + 90-day sprints instead of scary year-long scopes.
💡 Why going local first builds faster trust (and how that expands nationally).
💡 How adding exit-planning expertise creates credibility and future opportunities.
Guest
Robert Lock — Founder, Buffalo Mountain Sales Strategies | Advisor with Sales Acceleration | Based in Denver, CO
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockrobert/
Keywords
GenX • Corporate Escape • Solo Consulting • Fractional Leadership • SMB Sales • Discovery Calls • Networking • Sales Acceleration • Denver
When I first interviewed Jesse Cole—the man in the yellow tux and founder of the Savannah Bananas—the team had just started selling out games in Savannah. Fast forward to today, and the Bananas are a global sports and entertainment phenomenon:
•A ticket waitlist of more than 3 million people
•Stadiums of 70–80,000 fans packed to see Banana Ball
•17 Major League Baseball parks sold out on their 2025 World Tour
This conversation captures Jesse’s philosophy before the explosion—and it’s more relevant than ever for GenX escapees and founders building solo businesses. His blueprint proves you don’t need to be the biggest, you need to be the only.
In this episode:
•Jesse’s “ONLY” framework for standing out (Own the problem, Noise, Love, Why)
•Why customers are transactional but fans never leave
•How small first/last impression touches create “happy tears”
•The 5 E’s of experience: Eliminate, Entertain, Experiment, Engage, Empower
•Why constraints drive creativity (and why experiments beat iterations)
•The Visionary + Integrator combo every founder needs
For Escapees:
A great example of what following your dreams can lead to. Also, great insights for building a solo business.
If you’re landing your first client or building a lifestyle business, Jesse’s insights map perfectly: different is better than better. Create fans, not customers—and let them do your marketing for you.
Resources
•Jesse Cole LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yellowtuxjesse/
•Books: Fans First & Find Your Yellow Tux
What GenXers stuck in corporate can learn from a 22-year-old former D1 athlete who walked away from the easy path, found his purpose, and chose to serve others—even when it was uncomfortable.
I like to connect the dots and showcase what's possible if we break out of our comfort zones
🔑 In This Episode:
- Why Conrad left a full football scholarship (and $250K in value) at Kansas to find his true path
- How he walked on to Iowa State’s Top 25 basketball program after not playing for 3 years
- His role as the team’s “Chief Energy Officer” and how he brought discipline and heart into everything he did
- How struggle, loneliness, and discomfort became the fuel for transformation
- The importance of self-awareness, emotional honesty, and earning your identity
- Why he’s building a speaking career focused on pouring into others—and how that fills him with purpose
- How he structures his solo life post-athletics and why discipline still anchors him
✨ Why This Episode Matters for GenXers:
- If you’ve been telling yourself it’s too late to start over… listen to this episode.
- If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to make a move… listen to this episode.
- If you’ve been going through the motions… this is your wake-up call. 🫵
Conrad may be GenZ—but his mindset, energy, and willingness to act despite fear is a blueprint for anyone ready to take back control.
Brett’s Take:
“This episode hit me. Conrad’s honesty, discipline, and self-awareness are things most of us spend decades trying to develop. But more than that, he took action. He walked away from safety and toward purpose. GenXers—we can learn a lot from that.”
🔗 Connect with Conrad:
•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradhawley
•Just Google him—he’s easy to find and open to speaking engagements and collaborations.
Brett and Naveen break down how GenX escapees can use AI to work faster, earn more, and de-risk the leap from corporate. You’ll learn where AI actually helps (and where it doesn’t), how to turn your experience into simple, repeatable, AI-enabled services, and why singles (small wins) beat swinging for enterprise home runs when you’re solo. Think: micro-SaaS, productized services, and month-to-month offers that business owners can say “yes” to quickly.
Key Takeaways
- GenX Advantage: We’ve lived analog → digital → internet → mobile. We know how to train people—now we train AI. We also know when outputs are “off.”
- AI as Fractional Workforce: Treat AI like your on-demand researcher, analyst, designer, scheduler, and SDR. One subscription, many “roles.”
- Start with Singles: Stop chasing six-figure whales out of the gate. Package $1–5K/month services that solve one need deeply, repeat it across clients.
- Outcome > Hours: Price the result (clean CRM, personalized outreach engine, faster proposals), not your time. AI compresses hours into minutes—that’s the point.
- Productize the Process: Turn your workflow into a mini system: inputs → AI-assisted steps → valuable output. Reuse 80%, customize 20%.
- Risk Wins Deals: Month-to-month + clear ROI beats open-ended fractional promises for most SMBs.
Practical Use Cases We Cover
•Lead gen & personalized outreach at scale
•CRM cleanup & contact enrichment
•Proposal/slide creation (e.g., Gamma)
•Research & meeting prep “briefings”
•Contract review & red-flag summaries
•Agents & light automations (only after nailing the manual workflow)
Simple Monetization Paths (Examples)
- $2–5K/mo: “Done-for-you” outbound engine (200 targeted emails, replies routed, CRM updated).
- $1–3K flat: CRM cleanup + enrichment + basic dashboard.
- $1–2K/mo: Founder research briefs + talk tracks before key meetings.
- $3–8K setup + $1–3K/mo: Build a lightweight, repeatable micro-SaaS/workflow (pricing, content kits, hiring screens) for a niche.
Timestamps
•00:00 Intro & why AI is a GenX superpower
•03:30 From big-corp AI to solo/SMB impact
•06:10 Training people vs. training AI (and knowing “good”)
•11:20 AI as your fractional team: practical tools & roles
•16:45 Thought partner use case (Brett’s real examples)
•23:30 Singles over home runs: structure simple wins
•29:45 Value pricing when AI compresses your time
•34:20 Risk, ROI, and easy “yes” offers for SMBs
•38:45 Partnering to productize (stack skills → stack revenue)
•42:50 Action plan & where to find Naveen
Memorable Lines
•“AI is the great equalizer—your fractional workforce in one subscription.”
•“Don’t sell AI—sell a solved problem that AI helps deliver.”
•“GenX knows what ‘good’ looks like. That’s the edge 20-somethings can’t fake.”
Resources Mentioned
•Explained Consulting: explained.consulting
•Gamma for slide/proposal generation
We’re launching a new recurring segment with Lee Ann Pepper focused on real-world revenue ideas for corporate escapees.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How would I actually make money if I left corporate?” this episode is for you.
Lee Ann and I break down practical, low-risk ways GenXers can start monetizing today—without swinging for six-figure fences or waiting years to replace a corporate paycheck.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How User-Generated Content (UGC) works and why it’s perfect for GenXers who don’t want to be influencers.
- The new inventory-free e-commerce model that lets you launch products without warehouses or Amazon risk.
- Why the Connector Model (introductions + network leverage) is a hidden path to retainer + commission income.
- How to get paid for hiring advisory—helping SMBs make better hires using your experience.
- Why small, repeatable service retainers often add up faster than chasing one big consulting deal.
- The mindset shift from swinging for home runs to stacking singles for steady cash flow.
Enjoy and let us know what you think!
For most corporate escapees, networking and sales feel like the biggest hurdles to building a solo business. With hundreds of LinkedIn connections and decades of contacts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—or worse, to avoid networking altogether.
Enter David Ackert—author of The Short List and winner of the 2025 Non-Fiction Book Award. David has spent 20+ years helping professionals grow their books of business and has distilled his research into a simple, proven framework that removes the guesswork from networking.
In this episode, David shares how to replace random outreach with a focused, confidence-building system that actually drives results.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why a bloated network isn’t useful—and how to focus on the 9–35 relationships that matter most
- The three categories every escapee needs: prospects, clients, and connectors
- How to re-engage dormant ties for new opportunities
- The “14 interactions” rule and why most people quit too soon
- Why doing structured free work can accelerate your first paying clients
- How GenXers’ natural problem-solving and “be helpful” mindset is a superpower in building trust
- Why confidence isn’t faked—it grows naturally from following a consistent system
About David Ackert
David is the President of Ackert Inc., creator of the PipelinePlus Tracker app, and author of The Short List. He has dedicated his career to helping professionals simplify business development through intentional, value-driven relationships.
👉 Connect with David:
•Website: pipelineplus.com
•LinkedIn: David Ackert
👉 Resources:
•Get your copy of The Short List wherever books are sold
Fractional, Defined: How to Lead (Not Freelance) with Karina Mikhli
What does “fractional” really mean—and is it the right next step after corporate?
In this episode, I sit down with Karina Mikhli, founder of Fractionals United, Fractional COO, and COO for the Fractional Leadership Alliance. She breaks down what fractional leadership is (and isn’t), how to price and structure your work, and why networking—not job boards—drives real opportunities.
We cover:
•The difference between fractional vs. consulting vs. interim
•Karina’s 3-2-1 ops model for structuring engagements
•How to avoid the hourly trap and sell on outcomes
•Red flags, best practices, and when agencies might make sense
•Why SMBs are the sweet spot (and when it’s too early/too big for fractional)
📌 Links & Resources
•Connect with Karina: linkedin.com/in/karinamikhli
•Join the community: FractionalsUnited.com
•Fractional definitions: fractionaldefine.com
•Free Escapee Starter Kit: Download here
🎙️ Subscribe to The Corporate Escapee Podcast for more GenX stories, tools, and strategies to help you find your path to freedom.
One of the biggest challenges GenX escapees face after leaving corporate isn’t expertise—it’s business development. How do you find customers, create clarity in your message, and grow without getting stuck in trial-and-error mode?
In this episode, I sit down with Tom Freedman, a lifelong entrepreneur who has built six businesses and now helps solopreneurs and small business owners design simple, effective growth strategies centered around relationships.
We dive into:
•Why most escapees waste time on “shiny” strategies that don’t move the needle
•The Three-Headed God of Growth—marketing, business development, and sales—and how solos should prioritize them
•Tom’s SAM framework (Solution, Audience, Message) and how it fuels growth
•The 4 Cs of messaging: Clear, Concise, Compelling, and Consistent
•How to handle the six questions you’ll face on every discovery call
•Pricing strategies that balance affordability for clients with sustainability for you
•Why clarity and consistency in your message is the #1 growth driver
Tom doesn’t just share theory—he lays out practical steps you can apply immediately to land clients faster, refine your message, and build a business you actually want to run.
And yes, we already teed up Part 2—where Tom will come back to break down how to consistently get in front of the right people.
Connect with Tom Freedman:
•🔗 LinkedIn: Tom Freedman
Dual Takeaway:
This episode is a two-for-one: inspiration for escaping corporate and practical fitness guidance for living longer, stronger, and on your own terms.
What happens when you realize corporate life just isn’t for you—before it consumes decades of your career? Greg Bogdanski found out early. After stints in investment banking and consumer goods, Greg walked away to follow his lifelong passion for health and fitness. Today, he runs a growing training facility in Tennessee, helping athletes and adults build strength, resilience, and confidence.
In this conversation, Greg shares the lessons he learned from leaving corporate early, the challenges of opening a gym from scratch, and how fitness principles apply to GenX escapees looking for longevity and freedom.
We discuss:
•Why Greg knew corporate wasn’t his long-term path
•How he turned a side passion into a business—starting with training kids in a park
•The role of experimentation and iteration when launching something new
•Marketing strategies that are working for small gyms today (Instagram, Facebook, email)
•The importance of play, movement, and mental resilience for kids (and adults)
•Fitness and longevity tips for GenXers:
•Why walking is the most underrated exercise
•How to structure a simple 3-day strength training plan
•The 80/20 approach to cardio and nutrition
•Why building a plan—whether in business or fitness—is the key to freedom
Connect with Greg:
•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greg_bogdanski_iii/
•https://www.instagram.com/peak_performancetraining_tn/
After 27 years in corporate—including an executive role—Thea Watkins never imagined she’d end up running her own business. A layoff forced her to pause, reflect, and rethink what she really wanted. Instead of jumping back into another corporate job, Thea leaned into her passions: leadership, people development, and inclusive workplaces.
Today, Thea runs a portfolio career that blends teaching, coaching, facilitation, and consulting. She’s proof that your decades of experience are not only valuable but highly transferable into meaningful and fulfilling work.
In this episode, we cover:
•Why your corporate identity can be the hardest thing to leave behind
•How to intentionally build an external network after decades in one company
•The path from executive leadership to adjunct professor (and why more escapees should consider it)
•The real value of coaching—for both yourself and your clients
•Practical advice for preparing mentally and emotionally for a corporate exit
•Why focusing on values and fulfillment is more powerful than chasing a “perfect” plan
If you’re curious about life after corporate, in the middle of transition, or already building your next chapter, Thea’s story shows that fulfillment and freedom are possible—if you’re willing to step into the unknown.
Resources & Links:
•Website: theawatkinsconsulting.com
•LinkedIn: Thea Watkins
What does “retirement” really look like for Gen Xers—and why do so many struggle with it?
In this episode, I sit down with Joy Levin, market research consultant turned retirement coach, who helps Gen X professionals design their encore years with purpose, connection, and freedom.
We dive into:
- Why retirement is no longer a five-year chapter but a 30-year journey—and what that means for planning.
- How our latchkey kid upbringing shaped Gen X resilience, adaptability, and desire for freedom.
- The social side of retirement—why isolation is one of the biggest post-corporate risks and how to avoid it.
- Common mistakes people make when transitioning out of corporate life.
- How to create your own “portfolio life” built on purpose, flexibility, and joy.
- Why couples need to plan their next chapter together—before one person books the world trip and the other says, “But what about the grandkids?”
Whether you’re years away from leaving corporate or already in your next chapter, Joy’s insights will help you think bigger, plan smarter, and make the most of the decades ahead.
Connect with Joy Levin:
•LinkedIn: Joy Levin
•Website: Gen X Exec Encore
Episode Summary:
Think UGC (User Generated Content) is only for 20-somethings? Think again.
In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Collier—UGC creator, coach, and champion for Gen Xers and Boomers who want to turn their creativity into a revenue stream. Megan shares how she went from scrolling TikTok with just 200 followers to replacing her six-figure corporate income in just 14 months.
We break down exactly what UGC is, why brands want creators over traditional actors, and how YOU can get started—no big following required. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could make money creating content from home (without becoming an influencer), this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
•What UGC is (and isn’t) — and why brands are spending big on it
•How Megan replaced her six-figure corporate income with UGC in 14 months
•Why Gen Xers and Boomers are in high demand in this space
•How to build a simple portfolio (even with zero experience)
•Where to find your first UGC clients
•The right way to pitch brands so you stand out
•Pricing tips, contracts, and the AI “likeness” clause you must watch for
Whether you want a creative outlet, extra cash, or a full-time business, UGC could be your next big opportunity.
Connect with Megan:
•TikTok & Instagram: @megan_ugc
•Ultimate UGC Course: Learn More Here
In this special episode, Brett flips the mic and joins John Browning on the Building Your Life Podcast. They dive deep into what it really means to escape corporate life and build something better—on your terms.
Brett shares:
•His journey from 25 years in corporate to solo consulting and fractional work
•Why GenX is waking up to the reality that corporate won’t take care of them
•How he found his first customers (and how you can too)
•The rise of solo businesses—and why GenX is perfectly positioned to thrive
•A powerful mindset shift: It’s not a tightrope 75 feet off the ground… it’s just 16 inches
•The BAM Framework: Belief. Action. Momentum.
•And why chasing time and experiences is the new chasing titles
Whether you’re still in corporate, recently laid off, or already solo, this episode will get you fired up to take action—and find your path to freedom.
Connect with John Browning:
🔗 Website: https://www.guardianrockwealth.com
🎙️ Podcast: Building Your Life Podcast
📧 Email: info@guardianrockwealth.com
Resources Mentioned:
•Take the GBL Happiness Scorecard: Get Busy Living Quiz
•Join Escapee Plus for $20/month: Join Here
•Follow Brett: Linktree
She’s back for part two! Shelley McIntyre returns to break down the exact framework she uses to help burned-out GenX professionals escape corporate life—without hitting rock bottom first.
If part one was about why we escape, this one is about how to do it—mentally, emotionally, and tactically.
We cover:
•Why grief is a part of every transition (yes, even the good ones)
•How to rediscover your identity after decades in corporate
•The key mindset shift GenXers must make to take action before it’s too late
•A practical coaching framework for reclaiming your life
•The power of “micro experiments” and how to take action before you’re ready
•Why curiosity isn’t a personality trait—it’s a muscle you can rebuild
•How to perform your way into a more fulfilling future
Shelley’s unique approach combines compassion with clarity—and if you’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis, this episode is your permission slip to move.
🎁 BONUS: Shelley is offering 10 FREE discovery calls to podcast listeners. DM her on LinkedIn to claim one: Shelley’s LinkedIn
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🔗 Links & Resources:
•Shelley’s Website: shelleymcintyre.com
•Shelley on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shelley-mcintyre
•Download the Escapee Starter Kit: bit.ly/escapee-starterkit
•Join the Escapee Collective Plus: escapee-collective.circle.so
Joe McKay left a government job in Australia to raise his family in rural France—and stumbled into the solopreneur life along the way. In this episode, Joe shares how one consulting gig turned into a thriving ghostwriting business and agency, all built on the back of his personal brand on LinkedIn.
We talk about:
•The “fork in the road” moment that launched his corporate escape
•Why solopreneurship gave him a taste of freedom he couldn’t un-taste
•The mindset shift from resume-building to brand-building
•How to optimize your LinkedIn profile for connection—not just credibility
•His “Lurker Strategy” that turns profile views into potential clients
•Why FOPO (Fear of Other People’s Opinions) is real—and how to beat it
•Why the 1:1:1 model (1 Problem, 1 Person, 1 Offer) works best when you’re starting
If you’re on the fence about escaping corporate—or building something on the side—this episode is packed with real talk and proven tactics.
Links Mentioned:
•Joe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemckay/
•Solo Success School Playbook: joemckay.info
•Join the Escapee Collective: https://escapee-collective.circle.so
This isn’t a future-of-work episode. It’s a how-to-work-differently episode.
Paul Shirley returns for his third appearance on the show—and this time, we go deep. We’re talking focus, structure, guilt, failure, personal infrastructure, and why GenX escapees need systems more than strategies.
If you’ve ever felt like:
•You “should be able to do more” but can’t quite get there…
•You’ve got time now, but not the energy or structure to use it…
•You miss having a rhythm but hate the idea of being back in a box…
Then this episode is your reset.
What we cover:
•How Paul’s focus system helped me become 100x more effective
•Why 15 minutes of deep work beats 2 hours of chaos
•The science (and myth) behind your tired brain
•Guilt, failure, and why most productivity advice is toxic
•How rituals become your “Turbo button” for meaningful work
•The connection between food, flow, and freedom
•How to plan your days so you don’t burn out—or break down
This one isn’t about getting more done. It’s about getting the right things done—and feeling good doing it.
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📍 Denver Escapees — Listen Up:
If you’re anywhere near Denver, go visit The Process—Paul’s workspace for focused humans. Not a coworking space. Not a cafe. This is structured productivity, in community. Absolute game changer.
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📚 Paul’s Books:
•The Art of Focused Work (2025) – A must-read manual for modern cognitive athletes
•The Process Is the Product (2020) – The original that started it all
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Connect with Paul:
•theprocess.work
•Instagram @theprocesswork
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🎧 Hosted by Brett Trainor
Helping GenX Escape Corporate and Get Busy Living
•Newsletter + Free Starter Kit → linktr.ee/bretttrainor
•Join The Escapee Collective →https://escapee-collective.circle.so/checkout/escapee-plus-subscriptions
Feeling stuck between your 6-figure corporate salary and the dream of going solo? You’re not alone—and the fear is real. But the risk? It’s not as big as you think.
In this Cliff Notes solo episode, Brett breaks down “The Salary Gap Illusion”—why so many GenXers stay stuck in jobs they’ve outgrown, and how to start building your bridge to freedom today.
🎯 In this episode:
•Why the fear of replacing your salary keeps you stuck
•The real risk of staying in corporate
•The 3 post-corporate paths: Go Big, Replace Income with Time, or Lifestyle First
•Why you don’t have to pick just one (and how Brett moved between all three)
•5 steps to get started before you quit your job
•The BAM framework: Belief, Action, Momentum
📥 Mentioned in this episode:
•Free Escapee Starter Kit
•Join The Escapee Collective – Founders Rate Ends Soon
🎧 Whether you’re still in corporate or already on the escape path, this episode gives you a clear, simple starting point—and the mindset shift you need to take the next step.
In this inspiring episode, Brett chats with PR powerhouse Tonya McKenzie, a true OG in the escapee world, having built her own agency nearly a decade ago. Tonya shares the story of how her husband (a fellow escapee) gave her the push she needed to leap from corporate—and how she turned that leap into a thriving PR and media business. From launching a local real estate magazine to running full-service communications and now building a new Substack community, Tonya unpacks what it really takes to go solo and control your own narrative.
What You’ll Learn:
•Why Tonya left a corporate role in frustration over outdated practices
•How her husband gave her the nudge to take the leap
•What she learned from cold calling, local networking, and starting with community
•The critical PR advice solo business owners need (especially GenX escapees!)
•How personal storytelling and vulnerability are your greatest marketing tools
•Why community-driven platforms like Substack are the new PR powerhouses
Key Quotes:
“Listen to hear, not to respond. That’s the foundation of all good PR.”
“Your personal brand will attract the right customers—and repel the wrong ones.”
“Everyone has a story. But not everyone is willing to be vulnerable enough to share it.”
Resources Mentioned:
•Sand & Shores – Tonya’s PR & communications agency
•CTRL the Narrative – Tonya’s Substack community
•Connect with Tonya on LinkedIn
•Ray McKenzie’s past episodes: [Oct 2021] & [Oct 2024]
If you’re ready to get comfortable telling your story and positioning yourself for solo success, this episode is a must-listen. And don’t forget—if you’re looking to join a supportive community of fellow GenX escapees, check out The Escapee Collective.
Shelley McIntyre didn’t just leave corporate—she walked away from a long career in tech and consulting and into something completely unexpected: grief coaching. But as Shelley quickly discovered, grief isn’t just about death—it’s also what we experience when leaving jobs, identities, and entire versions of ourselves behind.
In this candid conversation, Shelley shares her journey of transformation, from leading corporate strategy to coaching GenXers who feel stuck, burned out, and unsure of what’s next. Brett and Shelley talk about grief, imposter syndrome (or why we need to stop calling it that), purpose as a moving target, and the creative rediscovery that often happens post-corporate.
This episode is a must-listen for any GenXer wondering if they’re alone in feeling “done” with corporate life—and what the other side might look like.
What We Cover:
•Shelley’s surprising path from tech to grief coaching to GenX transition work
•Why grief is at the heart of every major life and work change
•The hidden cost of staying in corporate too long
•How to recognize your “hell yes” moments (and why they matter)
•Why imposter syndrome might just be learning in disguise
•Why purpose isn’t a prerequisite—it’s a result of action
•Creativity as a gateway to rediscovery
•What Shelley listens for when helping people “deprogram” their corporate identity
Quotes Worth Sharing:
“All knowledge is rumor until it is in the bones.” – Shelley
“We don’t pathologize a kid learning math…so why do we call it imposter syndrome when we’re learning something new as adults?” – Shelley
“Purpose is a trailing indicator—it’s not something you find on a worksheet.” – Shelley
“You don’t need to pick one path out of corporate. There are many. Just start walking.” – Brett
Connect with Shelley:
🌐 ShelleyMcIntyre.com
🔗 Follow Shelley on LinkedIn
More Free Resources:
🎒 Grab the Escapee Starter Kit
👥 Join the Escapee Collective
🎧 Follow the podcast for more inspiring escapee stories and expert insights
Supersized Episode Alert!
This episode goes deep—and for good reason. Eric Collett didn’t just escape burnout and corporate stress. He rebuilt his life around brain health, longevity, and optimal performance—and now helps thousands do the same.
This two-part-in-one episode blends Eric’s escapee origin story (and the moment he realized he couldn’t go back) with a practical brain health masterclass for GenX escapees looking to stay sharp, focused, and fired up.
Eric’s mission? Save the next million brains.
🧬 BONUS FOR LISTENERS:
Get 30 days of free access to Eric’s A Mind For All Seasons Membership Platform
👉 Visit: amindforallseasons.com
Use code: ESCAPEE at checkout
🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Together, they dive into:
•Eric’s escapee journey from burnout, stress, and “golden handcuffs” to full autonomy
•The moment he knew he had to quit—and how his wife’s belief unlocked everything
•The power of partnership and how saying “yes” (and even hearing “no”) opened doors
•Building a business around brain health—and how it’s helping thousands today
•Why your brain is the most important asset as a solo business owner
Eric also shares the B.E.D.D.S.S. Framework for optimizing your brain:
•Brain Training (and why Sudoku doesn’t count)
•Exercise (cardio + strength = brain fuel)
•Diet (cut the sugar and ultra-processed foods)
•Dental Health (yep—this might blow your mind)
•Sleep (your overnight brain cleaning crew)
•Stress Management (plus why you should schedule time to worry)
Whether you’re still in corporate, recently escaped, or want to stay sharp as you build your post-corporate life, this episode delivers the mindset shift and science-backed tips you didn’t know you needed.
🔗 Connect with Eric:
•Website: amindforallseasons.com
•LinkedIn: Eric Collett
👋 Like this episode?
Share it with an escapee who needs to hear it—or leave us a review so more GenXers can Get Busy Living.
In corporate, most of us weren’t really making decisions—we were following them. But out here? As an escapee, every choice is yours. And decision-making becomes one of the biggest levers for building the life and business you actually want.
In this episode, I’m joined by organizational psychologist Dr. Magda du Preez to talk about the hidden skill that separates stuck escapees from the ones who are truly living. We dig into why decisions get harder after corporate, how emotions throw us off track, and the four key biases that sabotage even the smartest solo operators.
This one’s about reclaiming your power to choose—and learning how to do it better, faster, and with way more confidence. Because out here, your next decision might just be the one that changes everything.
We cover:
•Why decision-making feels harder after corporate—and how to fix that
•The four key biases that derail smart people (and how to navigate them)
•How emotions like frustration, fear, and excitement secretly influence your choices
•The difference between accurate confidence and just being loud
•Why thinking clearly is your new competitive advantage in the age of AI
•A decision-making tool built just for escapees and solo business owners
•How to identify which decisions really matter—and which ones don’t
🔗 Learn more about Magda’s work: https://getsense.net
📍 Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magda-du-preez-phd-932191
Welcome to the very first Cliff Notes edition of The Corporate Escapee Podcast—a short, sharp, and actionable solo episode designed to help you take your next step toward freedom.
In this quick-hit episode, Brett breaks down the 4-step process every GenXer needs to understand to start making money right now using just their corporate experience—no reinvention, no certification, no fluff.
If you’ve ever thought, “I want out… but how do I actually replace my income?”—this is your roadmap.
You’ll learn:
✅ Why starting with the problem you solve is the key
✅ 5 business models escapees use to monetize their skills
✅ A simple formula to clarify what you do and who you help
✅ How to test your offer without selling (and build momentum fast)
🎯 Action Challenge:
Write down 3 problems you’ve solved in your corporate career, pick a business model that fits your style, and reach out to 3 people in your network to test your messaging. No selling—just start the convo.
📥 Grab the FREE Escapee Starter Kit
This episode is based on one section of the full kit—get worksheets, frameworks, and the full 30-day roadmap to land your first customer:
👉 https://bit.ly/41CqjRw
👥 Join Escapee Plus
When you’re ready to go further, Escapee Plus is where strategy meets support. Weekly sessions, expert help, real feedback, and a network of fellow GenX escapees. Just $20/month.
👉 Join here
More Cliff Notes episodes are on the way—subscribe and follow for bite-sized breakthroughs to help you Get Busy Living. 💥
In this special crossover episode, I sit down with Kyle Knowles on Maker-Manager Money to share my journey from 30 years in corporate to building The Escapee Collective and The Collective Academy. We dive deep into why I walked away from corporate life, how I overcame the uncertainty of going solo, and the powerful mindset shifts that made all the difference.
We discuss:
✅ The moment I knew I was done with corporate for good
✅ Why finding your first client is easier than landing your next job
✅ How to structure your day as a solo entrepreneur (without guilt)
✅ The hidden inefficiencies of corporate—and how small businesses are leveraging fractional and consulting talent
✅ Why GenXers have all the skills they need to go solo (even if they don’t believe it yet)
If you enjoy this discussion, I highly recommend checking out Maker-Manager Money—Kyle has some great conversations with entrepreneurs and business owners.
🎧 Listen to Kyle’s podcast here: Maker-Manager Money
Chapters
00:00 The Journey from Corporate to Freedom
02:52 Finding Balance and Managing Time
05:54 Health and Wellness in Entrepreneurship
08:49 Redefining Success Beyond Money
12:07 The Shift to Small Business Opportunities
14:59 The Power of Networking and Finding Clients
18:02 Building the Corporate Escapee Community
21:12 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape
23:56 Embracing Change and Experimentation
29:50 Surprising Insights from the Community
32:01 The Journey of Corporate Escapees
35:02 Building a Supportive Community
38:27 Networking and Collaboration in Business
40:08 The Corporate Escapee Podcast
41:07 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned
49:14 The Freedom and Challenges of Entrepreneurship
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett sits down with Matt Hobson-Rohrer, an early escapee who has been navigating the solo business world for over 13 years. Matt shares how a moment in a Shanghai hotel room made him realize he was missing too much of his daughter’s life—only to have corporate make the decision for him a year later with a layoff (and a farewell gift of pots and pans).
Matt walks us through his transition from a long corporate career in software partnerships to consulting, fractional work, and eventually launching his own digital twin and simulation business. He explains how he leveraged his high-value network to land his first clients, why fixed-price vs. hourly contracts matter, and how he structures his business today—with a team of experienced contractors running projects instead of full-time employees.
Throughout the conversation, Matt and Brett dig into the mindset shift required to go solo, the importance of lifelong learning, and why corporate escapees often undervalue their expertise when pricing their services. They also discuss how solo business models are evolving into ecosystems of independent professionals collaborating without the constraints of traditional employment.
If you’re considering your own escape, Matt’s story is a testament to how building relationships, embracing flexibility, and continually learning can create a sustainable and fulfilling post-corporate career.
🎧 Listen in to learn:
✅ Why your high-value network is your greatest asset when escaping corporate
✅ How Matt structured his business with independent contractors instead of full-time hires
✅ The biggest pricing mistake new escapees make (and how to avoid it)
✅ Why the future of work is shifting toward independent ecosystems
Connect with Matt:
Find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hobsonrohrer/ or visit Roar Simulation to learn more about his work.
Takeaways
- Building a high-value network is crucial for success.
- It's important to coordinate career transitions with your partner.
- Having a plan for leaving corporate can save time and stress.
- Innovations in startups can lead to rapid growth and creativity.
- Networking at trade shows can significantly expand your connections.
- Transitioning to independence requires leveraging existing relationships.
- Mentorship is valuable at any stage of your career.
- Understanding your business model is key to success.
- Digital twins are the future of simulation in logistics.
- Embrace the freedom that comes with being your own boss. Running what-if scenarios provides insights and troubleshooting capabilities.
- A flexible business structure can accommodate various projects and partnerships.
- Understanding team members' values is crucial for work-life balance.
- High talent density leads to better problem anticipation and solutions.
- Experience allows for higher pricing strategies in consulting.
- Fixed price contracts can deliver high value but require careful bidding.
- Lifelong learning is essential for adapting to new challenges.
- Planning for a longer career involves thinking in smaller chunks.
- Teaching and community engagement are becoming important for escapees.
- Remote work allows for flexibility and maintaining productivity.
Chapters
00:00 From Corporate to Freedom: Matt's Journey
03:02 Navigating Corporate Life: Lessons Learned
06:12 Building a High-Value Network
09:12 Innovations in the Startup World
11:52 Transitioning to Independence
15:09 Leveraging Networks for Success
17:58 The Evolution of Matt's Business
21:01 Understanding Simulation and Digital Twins
23:21 Exploring Business Structures and Collaborations
25:14 Team Dynamics and Work-Life Balance
27:16 Talent Density and Experience in Teams
31:26 Valuing Experience and Pricing Strategies
33:47 Lessons Learned from the Escapee Journey
34:48 The Importance of Lifelong Learning
37:52 Navigating Career Transitions and Future Planning
39:34 The Shift Towards Teaching and Community Engagement
40:47 Remote Work and the Future of Collaboration
The corporate world is changing, and businesses are no longer defaulting to full-time employees. Instead, they’re building lean, high-performing teams using fractional talent. But what does that actually look like in practice?
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett sits down with Ran Harpaz, a former corporate executive turned startup founder, who shares why he built his entire company with independent professionals—and why more businesses are following this model.
Ran, whose background includes leadership roles at PayPal and McKinsey, explains why hiring solo professionals isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about culture, performance, and flexibility. He believes that the future of work is independent, and companies that embrace this shift will outperform those clinging to traditional employment models.
Ran also introduces Lettuce, one of the first platforms designed specifically for solo business owners, which simplifies the financial side of running an independent business—automating banking, payroll, taxes, and compliance so escapees can focus on what they do best.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why companies are ditching full-time hires in favor of independent professionals
✅ How the “Ocean’s 11” model is replacing outdated corporate team structures
✅ What business owners actually look for when hiring escapees
✅ The key to landing solo work: focusing on your Zone of Genius
✅ How the shift toward high-talent-density teams gives solos a competitive edge
✅ Why Lettuce is making it easier than ever to run a solo business
✅ Insights into the upcoming Solo Summit (Feb 26-27, 2025 Link Below)
If you’re still wondering whether escaping corporate is a smart, sustainable move, this episode paints a clear picture of where work is heading—and how you can be part of it.
Links
Free Virtual Solo Summit Registration: https://tinyurl.com/escapeesolo
Ran Harpaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranharpaz/
Lettuce.co: https://hubs.ly/Q02XnWz00
🎧 Listen now and position yourself for success in the future of business!
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of a Corporate Escapee
03:03 The Rise of Fractional Leadership
06:08 Building a Company with Fractional Talent
08:56 The Culture of Flexibility and Commitment
12:10 Maximizing Talent Density in Organizations
14:59 The Importance of Finding Your Zone of Genius
18:01 Shifting Mindsets: From Employee to Business Owner
23:35 Building Intellectual Property as a Solo Expert
25:23 Navigating the Transition to Fractional Work
26:59 Identifying Talent and Skill Sets in Fractional Roles
29:14 The Importance of Agility in Business
31:25 The Rise of Freelancing and Independent Work
34:25 Introducing Lettuce: A Solution for Solopreneurs
41:20 The First Annual Solo Summit: What to Expect
In this conversation, Brett Trainor and John Arms discuss the evolving landscape of fractional leadership, exploring its growth, the macro and micro reasons behind this shift, and how individuals can position themselves effectively in this space. They delve into the changing dynamics of corporate work, the demand for fractional talent, and the importance of empathy and networking in securing opportunities. The discussion emphasizes the need for a mindset shift from traditional employment models to embracing fractional roles as a viable and fulfilling career path. In this conversation, Brett Trainor discusses the transition from a corporate mindset to a more passion-driven approach in the fractional work landscape. He emphasizes the importance of finding what you love, taking action, and being proactive in client acquisition. The discussion also covers the differences between fractional and project work, effective client communication, and strategies for pricing services. Throughout, Trainor encourages listeners to embrace their unique skills and experiences, and to approach their careers with confidence and intention.
Takeaways
- Fractional leadership is rapidly growing, with a CAGR of 642%.
- The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work and fractional roles.
- Full-time employment is often not truly full-time; it's about time spent, not productivity.
- Many corporate environments are unhealthy, leading to a rise in fractional work.
- Businesses are looking for pain relief and problem-solving, not just job descriptions.
- Networking and making genuine connections are crucial for securing fractional roles.
- Empathy plays a key role in understanding client needs and building relationships.
- The middle market is the primary sector hiring fractional talent.
- Positioning oneself as a problem solver is essential in the fractional space.
- Starting as a fractional professional requires a mindset shift and self-awareness. It's not about a resume; it's about passion.
- Don't overthink; just start doing something.
- Follow your curiosities to find success.
- Your value comes from your wisdom and experience.
- Proactivity is key in the fractional work space.
- Listening to clients is crucial for understanding their needs.
- Fractional work is about ongoing relationships, not just projects.
- Be clear and intentional in your pricing structure.
- Confidence in your new role is essential for success.
- Embrace the freedom that comes with fractional work.
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett welcomes Denise Murtha Bachmann, a former corporate sales professional who reinvented herself as a consultant, coach, and fractional sales leader. Denise shares her journey of leaving a 30-year corporate career—one she once considered “family”—after an unexpected layoff. She opens up about the challenges of identity loss, mental health struggles, and the self-discovery that ultimately led her to build a business that aligns with her expertise and passion for AI in sales.
Denise and Brett discuss:
✅ The emotional impact of leaving corporate and why many professionals struggle with the transition
✅ How AI is transforming sales—but why the human connection remains critical
✅ The importance of adapting and pivoting as a solopreneur
✅ Finding your first clients and learning to charge what you’re worth
✅ Managing time, priorities, and overcoming the guilt of working ‘too much’ or ‘too little’
Denise also shares her Life Bucket strategy to help balance work, family, and personal growth while building a business. If you’re on the fence about leaving corporate or struggling to find your path post-corporate, this conversation is packed with wisdom, practical takeaways, and inspiration.
📌 Connect with Denise on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/denisemurtha
Takeaways
- Denise spent over 30 years in corporate sales, primarily in software and AI.
- Her layoff in 2022 was a pivotal moment that led to her entrepreneurial journey.
- She emphasizes the importance of human connection in the sales process.
- Denise's initial business focus was on leveraging AI in sales.
- She faced personal struggles, including grief and health issues, after her layoff.
- Denise recognized a gap in how sales teams were adapting to new technologies.
- She pivoted her business model to focus on coaching and consulting.
- The journey of healing was intertwined with her entrepreneurial path.
- Denise's guilt stemmed from balancing work and family life.
- She learned to navigate the challenges of being a business owner while raising children. Creating content pillars can help in organizing life priorities.
- Life buckets allow for better time management and focus.
- Early sales efforts often come from personal networks.
- Valuing oneself is crucial in client relationships.
- Beta clients can help in understanding market value.
- Embracing experimentation leads to growth and new opportunities.
- AI will play a significant role in future business landscapes.
- Human connection remains essential despite technological advancements.
- Self-care and emotional healing are vital for success.
- Adaptability is key in entrepreneurship and personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Denise's Journey
01:17 Corporate Background and Transition to Entrepreneurship
04:37 The Impact of Layoff and Personal Struggles
08:14 Recognizing the Gap in Sales and AI
12:56 Initial Business Ventures and Pivots
15:40 Navigating Guilt and Work-Life Balance
19:25 Finding Focus and Harmonizing Life's Demands
20:37 Creating Life Buckets for Balance
22:27 Navigating Early Sales and Client Acquisition
28:04 Embracing Experimentation and Intuition
33:07 The Future of AI and Human Connection
37:48 Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, host Brett Trainor sits down with Tom Clement, a GenXer who shares his unconventional journey from a blue-collar upbringing to running a motorcycle dealership, transitioning into academics, and ultimately finding fulfillment teaching incarcerated individuals in Arizona.
Tom opens up about:
•The challenges of starting and selling a seasonal business
•The importance of networking and financial planning for freedom
•Lessons from teaching entrepreneurial finance and his detour into academia
•The transformative impact of aligning work with personal values
•How the trades and unconventional career paths offer freedom and fulfillment
They also dive into the broader shifts in the workforce, the rise of solopreneurship, and why GenX is uniquely positioned to lead this movement. Tom shares practical advice for those considering an escape from corporate life, including the importance of planning, budgeting, and imagining a life beyond the cubicle.
Whether you’re dreaming of breaking free or already navigating life post-corporate, this conversation will inspire you to rethink success, happiness, and the possibilities for your future.
Tom Clement LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-clement-ph-d-4261ba19/
Takeaways
- Tom's journey reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by Gen Xers.
- Networking is crucial for career transitions and opportunities.
- Teaching incarcerated individuals has brought Tom immense fulfillment.
- Work-life balance is more important than monetary gain.
- Financial awareness can empower individuals to make life choices.
- Multiple revenue streams can provide financial security and freedom.
- The trades are experiencing a resurgence due to a lack of skilled workers.
- Creativity and imagination are often stifled in corporate environments.
- It's essential to envision a life beyond the corporate structure.
- Reclaiming one's life involves recognizing and nurturing personal passions. Freedom to choose your path is essential.
- You don't need many clients to be successful.
- Companies fear personal branding of employees.
- Resentment grows when employees are forced back to the office.
- Academics and corporations have different approaches to personal branding.
- Disloyalty is a two-way street between employers and employees.
- Millennials are questioning traditional career paths.
- The workforce is shifting towards solo businesses.
- Planning for career changes is crucial.
- Networking should be a continuous effort, not just in times of need.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tom's Journey
01:45 From Business Owner to Educator
07:18 Transitioning to Teaching Incarcerated Individuals
10:16 Finding Work-Life Balance in Academia
12:44 The Shift to Remote Work and Freedom
16:35 Budgeting and Financial Awareness
19:11 Exploring Multiple Revenue Streams
22:54 The Value of Trades and Creativity
25:12 Reclaiming Creativity and Imagination
25:54 The Shift in Work Dynamics
34:06 Navigating Career Fulfillment
41:56 Building Relationships and Networking
Hey everyone, welcome back to The Corporate Escapee podcast! Today’s episode is a special one. I recently had the pleasure of joining Sabrina Romanov on her podcast, where we had an incredible conversation about escaping corporate life, finding freedom, and leveraging tools like AI to build a solo business. Sabrina was kind enough to let me share this conversation with you, and I’m excited for you to hear it
Sabrina's Links:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jf1aa6-w6g
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy9mLEnHHo4UqTYr50vaq2A7L48rJwAwT
Takeaways
- Brett's mission evolved from making money to finding balance.
- AI can significantly enhance business efficiency for solo entrepreneurs.
- There are various paths to escape corporate life, including consulting and fractional leadership.
- Many people have misconceptions about what it means to escape corporate life.
- Building a supportive community is crucial for those transitioning out of corporate.
- Generational differences impact how individuals view corporate work and escape.
- It's important to take the first step and not wait for everything to be perfect.
- Networking and referrals are key to finding clients as a solo entrepreneur.
- You can monetize your corporate experience in various ways.
- Education and community support can help shorten the learning curve for escapees.
Sound Bites
- "How do I get my health back?"
- "TikTok fundamentally changed my life."
- "Time is actually the most important thing."
- "You can be fractional without being full-time."
- "You don't have to have a huge marketing budget."
- "Educate yourself, right?"
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Corporate Escape
02:53 Finding Balance: Time vs. Money
05:47 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency
09:02 Paths to Freedom: Consulting and Fractional Leadership
12:09 Common Misconceptions and Mistakes in Escapism
14:5 6Building a Supportive Community
18:11 Generational Perspectives on Corporate Life
21:08 Final Thoughts and Resources for Aspiring Escapees
Welcome back to The Corporate Escapee podcast. I’m thrilled to bring you something a little different today. Recently, I had the privilege of being a guest on the What’s Next GenX podcast with Nicole and Anne Marie. These two are all about helping Gen Xers like us figure out what’s next in our careers and lives.
In this episode, we dove deep into the journey of leaving corporate life and building a career on your own terms. We talked about the tipping point that led me to escape corporate, how I discovered there are countless ways to monetize your experience, and the surprising role TikTok played in growing my mission to help 100,000 Gen Xers find freedom. We even touched on how small businesses and solo entrepreneurs can thrive in today’s world, leveraging their skills and embracing the new opportunities AI brings.
What’s Next GenX podcast: https://www.whatsnextgenx.com/podcast
Takeaways
- Brett Trainor is on a mission to help 100,000 Gen Xers escape corporate life.
- The transition from corporate to solo work can be liberating and fulfilling.
- TikTok has become a powerful platform for connecting with Gen X professionals.
- Many Gen Xers feel trapped in the corporate ladder and seek alternatives.
- The importance of community support in navigating career transitions.
- Fear of leaving corporate jobs often holds people back from pursuing their passions.
- Entrepreneurship allows for a more flexible and purpose-driven life.
- Collaboration among Gen Xers can lead to greater opportunities.
- The corporate world often stifles creativity and personal growth.
- Designing a life that fits personal values is possible outside of corporate structures. Multiple income streams are essential for financial stability.
- Small businesses often need foundational help rather than advanced solutions.
- AI presents both challenges and opportunities for small businesses.
- Gen X professionals have valuable experience to offer in consulting roles.
- It's important to focus on the problems you can solve for clients.
- Overthinking can hinder progress; taking action is crucial.
- Understanding what you truly want from your career is vital.
- Networking and giving back can help build confidence and connections.
- Testing ideas while still in corporate can ease the transition.
- Structure and routine are important for managing a freelance career.
Sound Bites
- "I'm on a mission to help GenXers."
- "I realized I don't want to climb anymore."
- "It's not as scary as it looks."
- "Multiple revenue streams are the key."
- "Done is better than perfect."
- "What do I want to work?"
- "It's not you, it's me."
- "You can test it without going all in."
- "Your future is yours to create."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Escape from Corporate Life
03:10 Brett's Journey: From Corporate to Consulting
05:52 The Power of TikTok: Connecting with Gen X
09:09 Redefining Success: Beyond the Corporate Ladder
11:52 The Surprising Freedom of Entrepreneurship
15:04 Overcoming Fear: The Transition from Corporate to Solo Work
18:10 Building a Community: Supporting Each Other in Transition
21:03 Collaborative Opportunities: The New Way Forward
22:47 Exploring Multiple Income Streams
29:18 Identifying Problems to Solve
34:20 Testing the Waters Before Transition
36:58 Embracing Change and Future Opportunities
In this episode of the Corporate Escape-y Podcast, Thom shares his unique journey from being a pastor for 19 years to becoming a successful entrepreneur and StoryBrand coach. He discusses the challenges he faced during his transition, including imposter syndrome and the importance of building a network based on trust.
In this conversation, Thom and Brett discuss the importance of growth strategies for small businesses, emphasizing the role of networking and the concept of source networking. Thom shares his approach to building a client base through strategic introductions and the significance of investing in oneself as a solopreneur.
The discussion highlights the need for efficiency in networking and the evolution of business strategies over time.
Key insights include:
- The importance of starting with those who already trust you when building a business.
- How to reframe networking into “source networking” by trading high-quality introductions with a curated group of peers.
- The value of flexibility and adaptability in aligning services with client needs, especially as a solopreneur.
- Why investing in yourself and finding the right support can accelerate success.
Thom’s practical advice and actionable strategies are a must-hear for anyone considering leaving corporate life or seeking to optimize their networking approach. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your solo business model, this episode is packed with inspiration and tips to help you succeed.
Takeaways
- Thom transitioned from a 19-year career as a pastor to entrepreneurship.
- He faced significant imposter syndrome when starting his business.
- Building a network of trust was crucial for his early success.
- Flexibility in service offerings can lead to unexpected opportunities.
- Effective communication is key to connecting with clients.
- Clients care more about results than titles or certifications.
- Adjusting messages to fit client needs is essential for success.
- Thom's first contracts were largely based on sympathy from his network.
- A client-centric approach is more effective than a one-size-fits-all strategy.
- Understanding the client's perspective on revenue is vital. Position yourself as a fractional chief growth officer.
- Networking should be approached with intention and strategy.
- Source networking is more effective than traditional networking.
- Control introductions to ensure quality connections.
- Investing in yourself is crucial for success.
- A full pipeline comes from warm introductions.
- Consistency in chosen marketing strategies is key.
- Avoid cold outreach; focus on relational connections.
- Your unique selling proposition is you and your chemistry.
- Business strategies should evolve over time.
Chapters
00:00 Thom's Unique Escape Journey
02:56 Transitioning from Ministry to Business
05:47 Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Early Success
08:58 Building a Network and Gaining Trust
12:07 Adapting Services to Client Needs
14:57 The Importance of Communication in Business
17:51 Flexibility in Business Offerings
21:00 Client-Centric Approach Over Titles
23:37 Positioning for Growth
24:45 The Power of Networking
25:52 Source Networking Explained
29:46 The Importance of Introductions
32:40 Building a Full Pipeline
35:48 Investing in Yourself
Welcome back to The Corporate Escapee Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to chat with Heather McLean, a recent escapee who left behind a high-powered corporate role leading a 400-person software development team to co-found her own tech-focused business alongside her husband.
Heather shares her journey from back-to-back corporate meetings and burnout to building a company that’s already making waves in AI and emerging technologies. We’ll talk about the leap of faith she took, how leveraging her network got her first clients, and what it’s like to run a business as a couple. Plus, we dive into why AI is the next big wave for escapees and how Gen Xers can get ahead of it.
Whether you’re dreaming of your own escape or looking for inspiration to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with insights, lessons, and actionable advice. Let’s get into it!
Contact Information
- Website: mcleanforrester.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mclean1/
Takeaways
- Heather transitioned from a corporate job to entrepreneurship just over a year ago.
- She leveraged her extensive network to find her first customers.
- The couple's shared passion for their business has strengthened their relationship.
- They are focusing on AI and emerging technology in their business.
- Heather's corporate experience prepared her for pricing and contract negotiations.
- The couple plans to hire employees to grow their business further.
- They initially pursued government contracts but found more success in the commercial space.
- Heather's husband brings valuable expertise in data and IT strategy to the business.
- They have a strong team dynamic due to their previous working relationships.
- The couple enjoys discussing business during their personal time, enhancing both work and life. Passion is essential for building a successful business.
- Seeking a coach can accelerate personal growth and development.
- Investing in personal branding is crucial for attracting clients.
- Starting a podcast can be a valuable way to share knowledge and connect with an audience.
- AI is a transformative force that businesses need to embrace.
- Understanding data management is key to leveraging AI effectively.
- Continuous learning is vital in adapting to new technologies.
- Modern business structures should prioritize customer experience over traditional silos.
- Entrepreneurs should not be afraid to innovate and try new approaches.
- Work-life balance improves significantly after leaving corporate jobs.
Sound Bites
- "We just need to do this ourselves."
- "Leverage your network."
- "We have all the context."
- "I wish I had done that sooner."
- "This is going to be the wave."
- "You can do this. You can do this."
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Escape: Heather's Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
03:02 Building a Business Together: The Power of Partnership
06:02 Leveraging Networks: The Key to Finding First Customers
09:09 Navigating Pricing and Business Structure
11:58 Combining Forces: Heather and Her Husband's Collaborative Efforts
14:59 Passion-Driven Success: The Importance of Love for the Work
16:37 The Importance of Passion in Business
17:18 Reflecting on the Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
18:32 Building a Personal Brand and Seeking Guidance
19:27 Launching the Tech Tea Podcast
20:55 Embracing AI: A New Frontier
22:36 The Role of Data in AI Adoption
24:32 Encouraging Learning and Adaptation in AI
26:27 The Need for Modern Business Structures
28:57 Navigating the Future of AI in Business
31:53 Final Thoughts on Leaving Corporate Life
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett Trainor speaks with Nic Jones, a former corporate executive turned bus driver who shares his journey of redefining success and happiness. Nic reflects on his 40-year career in media and music, during which he held leadership roles at major companies like Yahoo, Murdoch’s digital businesses, and Vevo. After a failed entrepreneurial venture and personal loss, Nic reevaluated his priorities, choosing to pursue a fulfilling yet unconventional path as a bus driver.
The discussion explores themes like:
- Breaking free from societal and corporate expectations.
- The evolving definition of success as happiness and fulfillment rather than money or titles.
- The challenges of overcoming financial fears and golden handcuffs.
- The importance of taking small, intentional steps toward a new life.
- The value of rediscovering purpose and the mental process of transitioning to a new identity.
Nic’s insights highlight the importance of designing life around personal values and happiness rather than fitting life around work. His story serves as an inspiring example of how even high-achieving corporate professionals can make dramatic changes to reclaim their well-being and joy.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic99jones/
The Post That Started It All: https://bit.ly/3BmHKwA
Sound Bites
- "I'm a thoroughly fulfilled and happy bus driver."
- "Success is the happiest person, not the richest."
- "I wanted to be a bus driver as a five-year-old."
- "The world was changing, and I was unaware of it."
- "You have to start writing things down about what are our outgoings."
- "There's nothing richer than feeling happy."
- "You need to realign your values if money is your only focus."
- "Life's too damn short to be unhappy."
- "I never told anyone for the first two years after I left corporate."
••"If we can help one or two people find happiness, we're doing our job."
Welcome to The Corporate Escapee Podcast, where we explore the journeys of GenXers breaking free from corporate life to build something on their own terms. I’m your host, Brett Trainor, and today we dive into a conversation that’s critical for every corporate escapee: mastering LinkedIn.
Joining me is LinkedIn strategist and fellow escapee, Deanna Russo. Deanna’s expertise has helped thousands rethink their approach to LinkedIn—not as a sales tool or online resume, but as a powerful platform for networking, relationship-building, and earning trust. In this episode, Deanna shares her journey from corporate sales to launching her own business, her game-changing “Know, Like, and Trust” triangle strategy, and practical tips to optimize your LinkedIn presence heading into 2025.
If you’re ready to shift your mindset and make LinkedIn work for you, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannarusso1/
https://leverageupllc.com/
Takeaways
- Change your mindset about LinkedIn; it's a networking event.
- Focus on building know, like, and trust with your audience.
- Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your authentic self.
- Visibility on LinkedIn is crucial for standing out.
- Engagement is key; participate in conversations relevant to your niche.
- Your headline should communicate the problem you solve.
- Differentiate yourself from others in your field.
- Content should resonate with your audience's needs.
- Flexibility in your business strategy is essential for growth.
- You don't need to have everything figured out before starting. Engagement is more effective than self-promotion.
- Visibility leads to inbound conversations.
- Consistency in posting builds trust over time.
- Storytelling is key to relatability and trust.
- Commenting on posts can generate content ideas.
- People remember how you make them feel.
- You don't need to post every day to be effective.
- Focus on adding value in conversations.
- The algorithm favors engagement over likes.
- Building relationships is crucial for success.
Sound Bites
- "It's all about changing your mindset."
- "It's really about know, like, and trust."
- "I did not have it all figured out."
- "Different is better than better."
- "Your profile becomes your billboard."
- "You need to have conversations with people."
- "You're only shouting from the rooftop."
- "It's about adding value and listening."
Chapters
00:00 Reimagining LinkedIn: A Networking Mindset
03:03 Deanna's Escapee Journey: From Corporate to Entrepreneur
06:12 Navigating the Transition: Finding Your First Clients
09:02 Evolving Business Strategies: Flexibility in Offerings
12:02 Authenticity on LinkedIn: Being Yourself
15:11 Crafting Your Profile: The Importance of Headlines
17:58 Visibility and Engagement: Building Relationships on LinkedIn
23:55 Engaging Conversations Over Self-Promotion
28:01 The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation
31:57 Building Trust Through Storytelling
39:24 The Power of Commenting and Engagement
44:40 Conclusion and Future Conversations
Can experience and wisdom give us a unique edge in the age of AI? In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, I’m joined by Michael Himmelfarb, a seasoned consultant and one of the original escapees. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping solo businesses, why experience trumps prompts, and how escapees can use AI not just as a tool but as a competitive advantage. From intelligent interrogation to teaching AI to think like you, we uncover how combining AI with decades of expertise can create game-changing opportunities. Whether you’re curious about leveraging AI or just want to stay ahead in the solo business world, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss
Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhimmelfarb/
Takeaways
- AI is becoming an essential tool for business efficiency.
- Experience in a field enhances the use of AI.
- AI can help in making better decisions based on data.
- Small businesses can leverage AI for competitive advantage.
- Understanding customer data is crucial for effective AI use.
- AI can spark creativity and brainstorming.
- The integration of AI can lead to significant cost savings.
- AI can help identify customer needs and trends.
- Using AI requires a strategic approach to benefit customers.
- AI can be a co-pilot in decision-making processes.
- Experience in using AI provides a competitive edge.
- AI can enhance decision-making through intelligent interrogation.
- Empathy and intuition are crucial in AI interactions.
- AI can help identify customer needs and preferences.
- Leveraging data effectively can drive business growth.
- AI serves as a co-pilot for brainstorming and decision-making.
- Small businesses can benefit from AI to understand their customers better.
- The quality of input data significantly impacts AI outputs.
- AI can help in developing predictive models for pricing strategies.
- Strategic use of AI can differentiate businesses in competitive markets
Sound Bites
- "The value we bring is our experience."
- "AI can spark your own thinking."
- "AI is a tool in the toolkit."
Chapters
00:00 Exploring AI and Wisdom in Business
09:11 Leveraging AI for Competitive Advantage
18:32 The Future of AI in Small Businesses
In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Joe Manganelli shares his journey from a corporate finance role to becoming an entrepreneur and the founder of Calculate, a financial services company.
He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a business, the importance of embracing discomfort, and the lessons learned along the way. Joe emphasizes the value of testing assumptions, the significance of enthusiasm in business, and the need for accountability in entrepreneurship.
He also reflects on his recent transition to a new role as Chief Revenue Officer at Amalgam, a software company for accounting firms, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemanganelli/
Takeaways
- Embrace the discomfort of entrepreneurship.
- Don't wait for the perfect idea; start with what you have.
- Testing assumptions with clients is crucial for success.
- The early days of a business are often the most exciting.
- Perfection can hinder progress; focus on being good enough.
- Networking in small business is collaborative and supportive.
- Scaling a business requires understanding what is scalable.
- Accountability in entrepreneurship can be invigorating.
- Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship can be a mindset shift.
- Always be open to new opportunities and networks.
Sound Bites
- "I realized I had it right in my hands."
- "Don't be afraid to test those assumptions."
- "The worst thing that happens is you fail."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Current Endeavors
04:21 The Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
11:55 Building Calculate: The Early Days
18:04 Scaling and Diversifying Services
22:10 Transitioning and Selling the Business
24:59 Current Role and Future Aspirations
Keywords
entrepreneurship, corporate escape, startup journey, accounting software, business growth, scaling, revenue streams, personal development, risk-taking, networking
In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Gabrielle shares her journey from a full-time marketing career to going solo, discussing the importance of understanding taxes and business structures like LLCs and S-Corps.
She emphasizes the advantages of S-Corps in reducing self-employment taxes and the necessity of managing payroll effectively.
The conversation also highlights the role of technology in simplifying financial management for escapees and the future of solo businesses in a rapidly changing workforce.
She provides practical advice on starting a business, including the necessity of separating personal and business finances, the significance of business insurance, and the considerations for forming an LLC or S-Corp.
Links:
Lettuce Promotion: Lettuce landing page: https://hubs.ly/Q02SpnrJ0 Code is ESCAPEE500
Free Resources: https://lettuce.co/resources
Gabrielle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielletenaglia/
Takeaways
- Freelancing offers flexibility and control over one's career.
- Understanding tax structures is crucial for freelancers.
- S-Corps can significantly reduce self-employment taxes.
- Time is a valuable resource that should not be wasted on bookkeeping.
- Automating financial management can alleviate stress for freelancers.
- Choosing the right business structure can lead to substantial tax savings.
- Freelancers need to pay themselves a reasonable salary to comply with IRS regulations.
- Technology can simplify the complexities of managing a freelance business.
- Networking is essential for finding opportunities and support.
- The future of work is shifting towards more freelancers and solo businesses. Finding experts that understand your business is crucial.
- Separate your personal and business finances from the start.
- Business insurance is essential for liability protection.
- An LLC is not always necessary unless concerned about liability.
- S-Corps can provide tax benefits for committed business owners.
- Fractional teams can offer specialized knowledge and skills.
- Sharing your ideas can attract clients to your business.
- Celebrate your achievements as a solopreneur.
- Understanding tax implications is vital for financial success.
- Lettuce provides tailored solutions for solo entrepreneurs.
Sound Bites
- "My time is my most valuable resource."
- "You have to pay yourself a reasonable salary."
- "I didn't want to do any of it."
- "We are focused only on businesses like yours."
- "You need an LLC to have an S-Corp."
- "Get an S-Corp because every penny you make saves."
- "You are doing a great job."
- "Start with the idea before the product."
- "The government doesn't need any more from us."
Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Freelancing
02:56 Understanding Taxes and Business Structures
06:05 The S-Corp Advantage
09:01 Navigating Payroll and Tax Responsibilities
11:49 The Role of Technology in Managing Finances
15:07 Finding the Right Tools for Freelancers
18:00 The Future of Freelancing and Business Management
25:10 Understanding Business Needs and Solutions
28:19 Best Practices for Starting a Business
31:36 Navigating LLCs and S-Corps
35:22 The Value of Fractional Teams
41:41 Encouragement for Solopreneurs and Final Thoughts
Ray McKenzie, founder and managing director of Red Beach Advisors, shares his journey from corporate to entrepreneurship. He started his consulting firm in 2015, focusing on go-to-market strategy and operational efficiency for Fortune 1000 companies in cybersecurity and cloud computing. Later, he founded Starting Point, a workflow management and automation platform for professional services companies. Ray emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships, leveraging your corporate network, and utilizing referrals to acquire clients.
He also discusses the need for a centralized system to manage projects and communication, which led to the creation of Starting Point. Starting Point is a workflow management platform that allows teams, clients, and administrators to log in and see everything in one place. It offers features such as lead management, AI-powered proposal development, client onboarding, engagement management, file management, performance tracking, and invoicing.
The platform was initially built for internal use by Red Beach Advisors but gained traction when shared with professionals in the consulting industry. The development of Starting Point was driven by the need to solve the challenge of scattered information and lack of visibility in managing projects and client relationships.
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymondmckenzie/
Website: https://www.redbeachadvisors.com/
Website: www.startingpoint.ai
Takeaways
- Building and maintaining relationships is crucial for business success.
- Leverage your corporate network and referrals to acquire clients.
- A centralized system for project management and communication is essential.
- Starting a business while still working full-time can be a viable option, depending on individual circumstances. Starting Point is a comprehensive workflow management platform designed for professional services and shared services organizations.
- The platform allows teams, clients, and administrators to have visibility and access to all relevant information in one place.
- Starting Point offers features such as lead management, AI-powered proposal development, client onboarding, engagement management, file management, performance tracking, and invoicing.
- The platform was initially built for internal use by Red Beach Advisors but gained popularity when shared with professionals in the consulting industry.
Sound Bites
- "The people you're working with when you're 23, 25, 27, 29, fast forward 20 years, those are the people who are the VPs, the SVPs, the CEOs, the board directors of major companies."
- "These people are inherently receiving a community or a workforce bench of people and resources that they can use."
- "I just found myself not really having a great grasp as to everything that was going on."
- "It's a workflow management platform that allows your team to log in and see everything, your client able to log in and see everything."
- "I started showing it to people in professional services, consulting firms, people in my network. And as I started showing it to people in my network, they were like, hey, this is something we could use."
- "It's ideally meant to just be simple for people to be able to use."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
02:35 Transitioning from Corporate to Consulting
06:37 Managing Clients and Starting Red Beach Advisors
09:55 Starting a Business While Working Full-Time
16:16 The Inspiration Behind Starting Point
20:00 Introduction to Starting Point
29:02 Features and Benefits of Starting Point
31:36 Addressing the Challenge of Service Delivery
35:34 Advice for Transitioning from Corporate to Solo
In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Nina Sossamon-Pogue shares her multifaceted journey from being a U.S. gymnast to a successful journalist, and then transitioning into the tech industry.
She discusses the challenges she faced, including injuries and career setbacks, and emphasizes the importance of resilience, storytelling, and mindset in navigating life's transitions. Nina provides valuable insights on identifying personal skills, the significance of positive language, and the necessity of building a supportive network. She also introduces her framework for resilience, TIPS, and encourages listeners to envision their ideal life and take proactive steps towards it.
Takeaways
- Nina emphasizes the importance of resilience in navigating life's challenges.
- She encourages listeners to identify their skills and how they can transfer to new opportunities.
- Storytelling is a crucial skill in business and personal branding.
- It's essential to visualize what you want your life to look like.
- Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship requires a mindset shift.
- Understanding the phases of life can help in managing expectations and experiences.
- Creating a personal timeline can provide clarity on past experiences and future goals.
- Positive language can significantly impact your mindset and how others perceive you.
- Building a support network is vital for success and personal growth.
- Nina's TIPS framework offers a structured approach to overcoming challenges.
Sound Bites
- "It's okay to not be okay, but not to stay that way."
- "Your words become your reality."
- "You're either giving energy or taking energy."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Nina's Journey
03:08 Navigating Life's Challenges and Career Transitions
06:06 Finding Your Skills and Purpose
09:02 The Importance of Storytelling in Business
11:48 Identifying What You Want in Life
14:54 The Shift from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
18:14 Understanding Time and Life's Phases
20:56 Creating Your Own Life Timeline
23:45 The Power of Language and Mindset
27:04 Building a Support Network
29:59 Framework for Resilience: TIPS
33:00 Skill Stacking for Career Success
36:02 Mindset for Job Seekers
38:55 The Importance of Positive Language
41:56 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects
Hear from a recent corporate escapee and her journey so far.
Adrienne Farrell is a corporate wellness consultant and the founder of the InnovateHerLab, a community for women exploring their career paths. She focuses on women's health and well-being in the workplace, recognizing the need to elevate this issue.
Adrienne's journey to becoming an escapee started when she experienced layoffs and a toxic work environment. She decided to take a leap of faith and prioritize her own voice and values.
She is passionate about advocating for women's health and believes that the corporate world needs to change to better support women.
Adrienne is currently balancing her corporate wellness consulting work with her side project, the InnovateHer Lab.
The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges of transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship. They discuss the benefits of being your authentic self, the rise of fractional work, and the importance of networking and finding a supportive community. They also touch on time management and prioritization as key factors in the success of solo entrepreneurs. The conversation ends with advice for those considering the entrepreneurial journey.
Adrienne’s Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennel-farrell/
Website: adriennefarrell.com/
Takeaways
- Adrienne's transition from corporate to escapee was motivated by her desire for work-life balance, flexibility, and the ability to advocate for her own values.
- She is passionate about addressing the gap in women's health and well-being in the workplace and believes that organizations have a social responsibility to prioritize this issue.
- Adrienne's experience in setting up wellness programs in corporate roles has informed her current work as a corporate wellness consultant.
- She emphasizes the importance of having a support network and community when navigating the transition from corporate to escapee. Being your authentic self brings the most value and happiness.
- Fractional work offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness for companies.
- Building a supportive network and community is crucial for success.
- Time management and prioritization are key skills for solo entrepreneurs.
- Give yourself grace and embrace the learning process.
Sound Bites
- "There's a real need to elevate women's health within the workplace."
- "Finding your community allows for authentic, transparent conversations without jeopardizing your current career."
- "Having the freedom of voice and advocating for what's important to me is incredibly rewarding and empowering."
- "The opportunity, I guess more than anything"
- "There are opportunities to create the work that you want"
- "The future of work is heading this way"
Keywords
corporate wellness, women's health, career exploration, escapee, toxic work environment, work-life balance, flexibility, support network, entrepreneurship, corporate life, authenticity, fractional work, networking, community, time management, prioritization, advice
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:37 Adrienne's Work: Corporate Wellness and the Innovate Her Lab
05:07 Transitioning from Corporate to Escapee
08:29 Finding Your Voice and Advocating for What's Important
12:45 Addressing the Gap in Women's Health in the Workplace
15:30 Balancing Corporate Wellness Consulting and the Innovate Her Lab
20:00 Approaching Time and Focus as an Escapee
22:10 Transitioning from Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
23:06 The Opportunity of Fractional Work
25:14 The Future of Work
27:36 The Power of Networking and Community
29:17 Challenges and Rewards of Going Solo
33:32 Time Management and Prioritization
37:23 Advice for Early-stage Entrepreneurs
In this episode, Laine Belcastro shares her journey from corporate marketing to becoming a solopreneur and email marketing consultant.
Laine discusses the importance of networking, finding your niche, and the challenges of pricing strategies. Laine emphasizes the significance of email marketing for business growth and introduces her new venture, Accountability Arcade, aimed at helping entrepreneurs set and achieve short-term goals.
The conversation highlights the balance of multiple revenue streams and the mindset shifts necessary for success in the solopreneur world.
Laine’s Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lainemb/
Website: https://lmbdigimarketing.com/
Takeaways
- Laine has her own email marketing automation consulting business.
- Networking is crucial for solopreneurs to find opportunities.
- It's important to focus on a niche to avoid burnout.
- Pricing should reflect the value provided, not just time spent.
- Email marketing is a powerful tool for brand recognition.
- Consistency in email outreach is key to staying top of mind.
- Accountability can help entrepreneurs achieve their goals more effectively.
- Starting with a simple nurture program can keep contacts engaged.
- You don't need to have everything figured out to start your business.
- Taking action is more important than waiting for the perfect plan.
Sound Bites
- "I'd rather be homeless than go back to corporate."
- "Networking is key for solopreneurs."
- "You don't need a website to get started."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:02 Accountability Arcade Service
03:43 Leaving Corporate America and Starting a Business
07:57 The Power of Networking
10:01 Finding Your Niche and Specializing
13:19 Pricing Models for Solopreneurs
17:39 Flexible Pricing and Meeting Customer Needs
19:32 Effective Email Marketing Strategies
27:35 Creating an Accountability Group
31:25 Balancing Multiple Revenue Streams
34:16 Taking Action and Diving into Entrepreneurship
Jaidin McCann, owner of Jasper Consultancy, shares her journey of starting her own executive search firm and offering fractional work. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding and networking in the fractional space. McCann advises individuals to specialize in a specific area and build a strong referral network. She also highlights the need for market research and understanding the buyer's market. McCann encourages individuals to take the leap into fractional work and enjoy the journey.
Jaidin McCann Links
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaidinmccann/
- Jasper Consultancy: https://www.jasperconsultancy.com/
Takeaways
- Specialize in a specific area and build a strong personal brand to differentiate yourself in the fractional space.
- Networking and building relationships with others in the industry is crucial for success in fractional work.
- Conduct market research to understand the needs and demands of the market and position yourself accordingly.
- Embrace the challenges and enjoy the journey of starting your own business in the fractional space.
Sound Bites
- "It's more work than you think it is, but it's so worth it."
- "The world is so much smaller than we think."
- "You can eliminate the negative people and choose who you want to work with."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 Starting a Fractional Business: Personal Branding and Networking
08:03 Building a Strong Referral Network in the Fractional Space
14:05 Understanding the Buyer's Market: Market Research in Fractional Work
21:23 Advice for Individuals Pursuing Fractional Work
29:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This is an audio recording of a recent Happy Hour and Learn Session for members of the Escapee Collective community. Jake Stahl shares his advice, perspective and best practices for thriving as a fractional leader.
Jake Stall discusses the concept of fractional work and shares his experience in the field. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking in order to succeed as a fractional professional. Jake also provides insights on pricing strategies and how to ask for referrals. He promotes the upcoming Frac 2024 conference as a valuable opportunity for learning and networking in the fractional industry.
Guest Links:
Jake Stahl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakestahl/
Frak2024: https://fractionalconference.com/
Takeaways
- Fractional work involves providing a certain amount of time and expertise to a company in return for high-level guidance and leadership.
- Building strong relationships and networking are crucial for success in the fractional industry.
- Pricing strategies should focus on the value provided rather than competing on price.
- Asking for referrals is an effective way to generate new business in the fractional field.
- The Frac 2024 conference is a valuable opportunity for learning and networking in the fractional industry.
Sound Bites
- "Networking is not about attending as many groups as possible, but about being involved in quality groups where you can build meaningful relationships."
- "The more interest you show in someone, the higher your chances of getting a contract with them."
- "The higher your price, the more people perceive value and are willing to pay for your services."
Debbie Schwake and Ashley Evenson discuss their escapee journeys and how they formed a collaborative partnership. They emphasize the importance of collaboration and transparency in their working relationship. They have their own independent businesses but also work together on projects, leveraging each other's strengths.
They highlight the flexibility and work-life balance that comes with being a solo entrepreneur. They see a growing need for fractional talent in the consulting industry, particularly among small to mid-tier companies. Their target audience is those who need an outside perspective and expertise to help with business issues and growth plans.
Ashley and Debbie discuss their unique position as consultants with both big brand and industry experience, providing expert-level consulting to small and medium-sized companies at a fraction of the cost. They emphasize the importance of being hands-on and implementing recommendations, rather than just providing advice. They also highlight the value of an outside-in perspective and the need for validation and direction, rather than relying solely on tools.
Networking is a key strategy for both of them, focusing on building relationships and offering support without asking for business. They stress the importance of belief in oneself and the power of humanizing your brand through video and personal connections.
Guest Links
Debbie Schwake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dschwake/
Ashely Evenson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyevenson/
Website: https://andcoalition.com/
Takeaways
- Collaboration and transparency are key in forming successful partnerships.
- Having independent businesses allows for flexibility and work-life balance.
- There is a growing need for fractional talent in the consulting industry.
- Small to mid-tier companies can benefit from outside expertise and an outside-in perspective.
- Working together on projects allows for leveraging each other's strengths. Consultants with big brand and industry experience can provide expert-level consulting to small and medium-sized companies at a fraction of the cost.
- Being hands-on and implementing recommendations is crucial for success in consulting.
- Small and medium-sized companies often need an outside-in perspective and validation, rather than relying solely on tools.
- Networking is a valuable strategy for consultants, focusing on building relationships and offering support without asking for business.
- Belief in oneself is essential when starting a business, and humanizing your brand through video and personal connections can be powerful.
Titles
- Targeting Small to Mid-Tier Companies
- The Power of Collaboration and Transparency The Importance of an Outside-In Perspective
- Belief in Oneself and Humanizing Your Brand
Sound Bites
- "There's so much opportunity in the more the synergy you put together and the shared values."
- "You can't get into a partnership like this without that commitment to one another to make sure everything's always above the board."
- "Part of this is about life flexibility. Part of this is about getting that balance back in your life."
- "We come from very big consultant brands, but also industry experience."
- "We will go there, advise, have that outside view, but we will go ahead and go into your CRM."
- "Don't limit yourself to Fractional. If you find a business with a problem that you can solve, there's different ways you can do it."
Keywords
escapee journey, collaboration, transparency, independent businesses, partnership, flexibility, work-life balance, fractional talent, consulting industry, small to mid-tier companies, outside perspective, expertise, business issues, growth plans, consulting, small business, networking, outside-in perspective, validation, direction, belief, humanizing brand
Kate Kompelien, founder of The Insight, shares her journey as a customer experience consultant and qualitative researcher. She helps companies understand key moments that matter to their customers and identifies pain points that hinder a better customer experience. Kate started her own business after realizing she wanted to focus on smaller projects and provide a more personalized experience for her clients. She emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships, both with people she knows and with new connections. Kate also highlights the value of face-to-face meetings and taking a genuine interest in others' businesses and lives. Kate Kompelien shares her journey of starting her own customer experience consulting business. She discusses her core offerings, the industries she works with, and the size of companies she targets. Kate also talks about her three-pronged approach to acquiring clients: direct, subcontracting, and referrals. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying revenue streams and being open to different opportunities. Kate encourages listeners to believe in themselves, take risks, and have fun in their entrepreneurial journey.
Kate’s Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katekompelien/
Website: https://www.theinsightshopllc.com/
Takeaways
- Focus on your sweet spots and provide a personalized experience for your clients.
- Networking and building relationships are crucial for finding new opportunities.
- Take a genuine interest in others' businesses and lives during networking meetings.
- Face-to-face meetings can be valuable for establishing connections and building trust. Identify your core offerings and consider peripheral offerings to round out your total offering.
- Industry is less important in customer experience and qualitative research work.
- Target companies with a billion dollars or less in revenue, as they often lack a full customer experience team.
- Diversify your revenue streams by working directly with clients, subcontracting, and forming referral partnerships.
- Believe in yourself, take risks, and have fun in your entrepreneurial journey.
Titles
- Finding Success as a Customer Experience Consultant
- The Importance of Face-to-Face Meetings in Networking Believing in Yourself and Taking Risks
- Diversifying Revenue Streams in Consulting
Sound Bites
- "I'm really trying to help companies understand those key moments that matter to their customers and what are those pain points that are getting in the way that they need to solve to provide a better experience, higher customer retention."
- "It's been a combination of getting customers on my own, working with some research companies for fill-in work, and then having some partners where I can be their customer experience resource on projects."
- "Most people are happy to have conversations and hear what you're up to. And I love to hear what other people are doing because you kind of shared some space. Maybe they're doing something you can help with."
- "I really wanted to focus in on those two spaces as my core and looking for work around the core."
- "I'm working in very different industries. I like to call them the manly industries of the trades."
- "My focus is a billion dollars or less, because generally those industries and those companies don't have a full customer experience team."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Kate's Work
06:27 Building Relationships and Networking
10:24 The Importance of Following Up
12:52 Sales and Running Your Own Business
14:47 Finding Opportunities in a Competitive Market
17:48 Focusing on Your Sweet Spots
21:38 Building a Consulting Business: Finding Your Niche
22:39 Targeting Industries and Company Size
24:33 The Three-Pronged Approach to Acquiring Clients
This bonus episode is a recording of a panel discussion we had during one of the Escapee Collective educational sessions. I had 4 escapees share their strategies and tips for effective networking
The conversation focuses on the importance of networking and provides tips and strategies for effective networking. The speakers discuss the value of building relationships, finding the right networking opportunities, and targeting ideal clients. They emphasize the need to give before asking for anything in return and the importance of establishing trust and credibility. The conversation also touches on the distinction between referrals and introductions and the significance of engaging with content and demonstrating understanding. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and practical advice for successful networking.
Takeaways
- Building relationships is key to successful networking.
- Find the right networking opportunities and target your ideal clients.
- Give before asking for anything in return.
- Engage with content and demonstrate understanding to establish credibility.
- Differentiate between referrals and introductions.
- Establish trust and credibility before making a pitch.
- Focus on quality connections rather than quantity.
- Engage with thought leaders and comment on their posts to expand your network.
- Personalize your outreach and show genuine interest in the other person.
- Share valuable content to get on someone's radar.
- Establish a clear ideal client profile and referral partner profile.
- Protect and prioritize your top networking connections.
- Establish a reputation as a connector and provide valuable introductions.
- Be patient and focus on building relationships before making an ask.
- Use multiple channels, such as LinkedIn and email, to connect with potential networking contacts.
- Tailor your approach based on the individual and their preferred communication method.
Sound Bites
- "Your vibe attracts your tribe."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Networking
16:05 Building Relationships in Networking
23:27 Defining Ideal Clients and Referral Partners
27:46 Referrals vs. Introductions
31:12 Give Before You Ask: Providing Value
36:03 Engaging with Content and Demonstrating Understanding
39:13 Establishing Trust and Credibility
41:33 Quality Connections Over Quantity
43:01 Conclusion and Call to Action
Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson share their stories of escaping the corporate world and starting their own businesses.
Eileen, the CEO of the Harbinger Group, left her job at a PR agency to start her own agency, driven by a desire for a different way of working and a lack of fulfillment in the corporate structure.
Rob, a former television professional, transitioned into consulting after his contract in the media industry was not renewed. Both Eileen and Rob emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with clients and prioritizing trust and partnership. They also discuss the challenges of pricing their services and the need to adapt and pivot in response to changing circumstances.
The conversation explores the concept of value pricing and the benefits of establishing long-term relationships with clients. The guests discuss their approach to pricing, which involves creating a program for clients with a clearly outlined strategy and detailed tactics. They also emphasize the importance of trust and flexibility in client relationships. The conversation touches on the topic of building a solo business and the advantages of hiring specialists on a project basis.
The guests share their insights on networking, highlighting the value of deep, meaningful connections over quantity. They stress the importance of authenticity and a long-term mindset in networking.
Guest Links:
Eileen Rochford:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenrochford/
- Website: https://theharbingergroup.com/
Rob Johnson:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-johnson-communications-advisor/
- Website: https://www.rj47llc.com/
Takeaways
- Leaving the corporate world to start your own business requires careful planning and consideration.
- Building strong relationships with clients and prioritizing trust is crucial for long-term success.
- Pricing services can be challenging, but it's important to understand the value you provide and adjust pricing as you gain experience.
- Being adaptable and willing to pivot is essential in the ever-changing business landscape. Value pricing involves creating a program with a clearly outlined strategy and detailed tactics for clients.
- Establishing trust and flexibility in client relationships is crucial for success.
- Building a solo business allows for more control over time and work-life balance.
- Networking should focus on building deep, meaningful connections rather than quantity.
- Authenticity and a long-term mindset are key in networking.
Sound Bites
- "Why do we all have to physically be in the same place?"
- "I'm gonna resign today... I called my husband first, which was probably a good idea."
- "Every time Eileen and I would see each other, it was like, oh my gosh, is every day like this?"
- "We have value pricing in place, which to us means we've constructed a program for you consisting of X number of campaigns."
- "I just think it's so much easier... I mean, nobody wants to see that."
- "It just makes so much more sense to build relationships in the business comes with it."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Multiple Guests
00:41 Escaping the Corporate World: Eileen's Story
04:04 Transitioning from Television to Consulting: Rob's Journey
07:08 Building Strong Client Relationships and Trust
09:35 Navigating Pricing Challenges
13:07 The Importance of Adaptability and Pivoting
26:10 Value Pricing and Constructing a Program
28:44 Building a Solo Business and Hiring Specialists
32:38 The Importance of Trust and Flexibility in Client Relationships
39:36 Networking: Quality Over Quantity
44:37 Authenticity and a Long-Term Mindset in Networking
In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett Trainor interviews Marcus Sheridan, author of 'They Ask, You Answer.' They discuss the concept of 'They Ask, You Answer' and how it involves meeting the needs and answering the questions of customers. Marcus emphasizes the importance of understanding the buyer's journey and being obsessed with the questions, worries, fears, and concerns of buyers. He also highlights the power of being a rule breaker and disruptor in the market, especially for solopreneurs and small businesses. The conversation also covers the importance of video in marketing, the types of videos every business needs, and the value of networking and outreach.
Key Takeaways
- The 'They Ask, You Answer' approach involves meeting the needs and answering the questions of customers.
- Understanding the buyer's journey and being obsessed with the questions, worries, fears, and concerns of buyers is crucial.
- Being a rule breaker and disruptor in the market can give solopreneurs and small businesses a competitive advantage.
- Video marketing is powerful and can help businesses connect with their audience.
- Creating different types of videos, such as the 80% video, bio video, and product/service videos, can set a business apart.
- Networking and outreach should be sincere and focused on providing value to others.
- Being authentic and human in marketing efforts can resonate with the audience.
- Outsourcing video editing and utilizing tools like ScoreApp and PriceGuide.ai can simplify the video creation process.
- Networking can be done through sincere direct messages and thoughtful outreach.
- Being yourself and providing valuable content can help build a personal brand and connect with potential customers.
Marcus Sheridan Links
- Website: https://marcussheridan.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan/
Sound Bites
- "They ask, then you answer means we're obsessed with the questions, the worries, the issues, the concerns, the behaviors of the buyers and we're willing to meet them where they are."
- "If you take these questions, worries, fears, issues, concerns, behaviors, whatever it is, and you, instead of ignoring them, you lean into them, now they can become your competitive advantage."
- "What's so wonderful about the disruptors and the rule breakers is because, you know, in every industry, you've got these rule makers, right. And they're just establishing the norms and everybody's following them. But then somebody comes along and they break the rules, right?"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Conversation
00:45 Defining 'They Ask, You Answer'
02:06 The Divide Between Sales Process and Buyer's Journey
03:58 Pushing Buyers Through Processes vs. Answering Questions
05:18 The Advantage of Being a Solopreneur
06:23 Being Your Own Media Company and Answering Core Questions
10:48 The Basics of Video Creation and Authenticity
11:39 The Six Videos Every Business Needs
16:24 Creating Different Types of Videos for Business Success
20:33 Lead Generation Tools: ScoreApp and PriceGuide.ai
23:07 Networking and Outreach Strategies
25:12 The Importance of Authenticity and Being Human in Marketing
28:31 Simplifying Video Creation with Outsourcing and Tools
30:08 Building a Personal Brand through Valuable Content
33:45 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, host Brett Trainor interviews Paul Durelli, founder of Digital Kahuna, about his journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. They discuss the challenges of toxic work environments and the importance of personal development for solo business owners. They also explore the use of automation and AI tools to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Paul shares insights on virtual assistants, documenting processes, and leveraging technology to scale a business. The conversation highlights the need for delegation, creativity, and effective communication in building a successful solo business.
Paul Durelli Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-durelli-86394343
Website: digitalkahuna.com
Takeaways
- Toxic work environments exist not only in the entertainment industry but also across corporate America.
- Delegating and orchestrating tasks to virtual assistants is an emotional and mental muscle that needs to be developed.
- Documenting processes and using tools like Loom can help streamline workflows and ensure effective communication with virtual assistants.
- Giving virtual assistants creative license can lead to surprising and innovative solutions.
- Building a well-oiled machine requires leveraging technology, delegating tasks, and fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment.
Sound Bites
- "Toxic work environments exist across corporate America."
- "Flipping the switch, turning the tables on the whole situation."
- "Export the audio, export the text, and create a multi-sequence email using your voice."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:52 Escaping Toxic Work Environments
09:10 The Power of Automation and AI
18:52 Delegating and Orchestrating with Virtual Assistants
24:02 Documenting Processes and Leveraging Tools
32:00 Fostering Creativity and Collaboration
In this conversation, Brett Trainor and Don discuss the topic of guest podcasting as a way to create awareness and grow your solo business. They share their strategies for getting on podcasts, including watching what people are podcasting about, commenting on LinkedIn posts, and finding topics that align with the show's theme. They emphasize the importance of understanding the target audience and tailoring the pitch accordingly.
They also discuss the value of networking and asking for referrals to podcast hosts. Other tips include having strong opinions, being prepared with a good headshot and bio, and promoting the podcast episode after it's released. They encourage guests to be themselves and not be afraid of making mistakes or being imperfect.
Overall, they highlight the power of human connection in podcasting.
Takeaways
- Guest podcasting is an effective way to create awareness and grow a business.
- Strategies for getting on podcasts include watching what people are podcasting about, commenting on LinkedIn posts, and finding topics that align with the show's theme.
- Understanding the target audience and tailoring the pitch accordingly is crucial for success.
- Networking and asking for referrals to podcast hosts can be helpful in getting guest opportunities.
- Having strong opinions, a good headshot, and a well-crafted bio are important for making a good impression.
- Promoting the podcast episode after it's released can benefit both the guest and the podcast host.
- Being authentic and embracing imperfections can make for a more engaging podcast episode.
- Human connection is a key factor in successful podcasting.
Sound Bites
- "Look at what the audience is looking for, the much better success."
- "Throw in something about AI. Everybody wants to hear about AI stuff."
- "Give me something different, a different perspective, a different look."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Mixing Concoctions
00:03 The Value of Guest Podcasting
01:00 Strategies for Getting on Podcasts
02:41 Researching the Show and Suggesting Topics
07:12 Being Yourself and Providing Value
16:15 Improving the Guest Experience
20:32 Promoting the Podcast Episode
23:10 Asking for Audio and Video
25:44 Embracing Mistakes and Human Connection
29:14 Conclusion
John Browning shares his journey from working at large financial firms to starting his own independent financial planning business. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and providing value to clients. Browning also discusses the challenges of acquiring a small firm and the lessons he learned from that experience. He highlights the significance of networking and making introductions for others as a key strategy for finding new clients.
In this conversation, John Browning and Brett Trainor discuss the importance of networking and building relationships in business. They emphasize the value of introductions and learning from others in networking groups, rather than focusing solely on sales pitches.
John shares his experience of writing a book and starting a podcast as effective ways to share knowledge and build credibility. He also highlights the importance of outsourcing tasks that you don't enjoy or excel at, and the need for sales training when transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship.
John’s Links
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrowningfinancialsolutions/
- Website: guardianrockwealth.com
- Book: https://a.co/d/iLeCDMM
Takeaways
- Building relationships and providing value to clients is crucial in the financial planning business.
- Acquiring a small firm can be challenging, and it's important to carefully consider contracts and agreements.
- Networking and making introductions for others is an effective strategy for finding new clients.
- Involving and communicating with your spouse or partner is essential when starting your own business.
- Transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship requires a shift in mindset and approach. Networking is about making introductions and learning from others, not just exchanging sales pitches.
- Writing a book and starting a podcast can be effective ways to share knowledge and build credibility.
- Outsource tasks that you don't enjoy or excel at, and focus on what you do best.
- Sales training is important when transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship.
- Be careful with contracts and seek legal advice to protect yourself in business.
- John Browning's website, podcast, and daily market update provide valuable resources for those interested in his services.
Sound Bites
- "Build your best life, not your portfolio."
- "Be careful with contracts, they may not mean the same thing as in the corporate world."
- "You need somebody to complain to at the end of the day and somebody to celebrate your wins too."
- "I think that's where most networking groups go the wrong way is they see it as a leads group or a friends group that gets together to exchange stories or something like that. And I think it's introductions."
- "Yeah, it's definitely the anti sales sales pitch is counterintuitive, but it works a lot better."
- "I think that's one of the so the bulk of the rest of my business comes from there. People because I I believe that you put as much as you possibly can out there for free."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:40 The Tipping Point and Leaving Corporate
08:08 Lessons from Acquiring a Small Firm
13:04 The Power of Networking
18:12 Involving Your Spouse or Partner
19:18 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
21:11 The Power of Introductions and Learning in Networking
23:17 Building Credibility Through Books and Podcasts
28:20 Outsourcing and Focusing on Your Strengths
29:32 Sales Training for Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
33:01 Protecting Yourself in Business: Be Careful with Contracts
39:05 Valuable Resources from John Browning: Website, Podcast, and Daily Market Update
Keywords
financial planning, small business, corporate escapee, independent, networking, acquisitions, networking, relationships, introductions, learning, sales pitches, book, podcast, credibility, outsourcing, sales training, corporate, entrepreneurship
Bob Burg Info: https://burg.com/. This link will take you to Bob's content, books and contact information
One of the benefits of having a podcast is the ability to connect with folks you really want to learn from and have conversations with
This episode of the Hardwired for Growth 2.0 podcast is a great example
I read the book the Go-Giver on a Saturday and reached out to the author Bob Burg later that night and within in 3 weeks he was a guest on the podcast
I wanted to have Bob on to talk specifically of how we as solo business owners could approach and leverage the "Five Laws of Stratospheric Success”:
1️⃣ The Law of Value: Success is not about the profits we make, but the value we provide to others.
2️⃣ The Law of Compensation: Our income is determined by how many people we serve and how well we serve them.
3️⃣ The Law of Influence: Our influence grows as we prioritize others' interests above our own.
4️⃣ The Law of Authenticity: Authenticity is the most valuable gift we have to offer.
5️⃣ The Law of Receptivity: To effectively give, one must be open to receiving.
If you read the book, you will love this interview and if you are unfamiliar with Bob's work this will be a great intro
Give it a listen and let me know what you think!
Details in the comment or just search for the Hardwired for Growth 2.0 podcast on your favorite platform
Welcome to Hardwired for Growth 2.0, the ultimate podcast guiding GenX business owners to 10x their revenue and lives.
Host Brett Trainor dives into the revolutionary trend reshaping business and GenX's pivotal role in the solo business model surge. Uncover startling stats: GenX comprises 47.2% of US business owners, with 85% running solo businesses.
Discover why GenX leads this movement through experience, tech prowess, independence, meaningful work, and financial stability. Join us as we decode this transformative shift, spotlighted by innovative leaders and a rising solo business landscape.
Subscribe, share, and be part of the GenX Revolution!
I am your host, Brett Trainor. Today, I welcome our guest, Evelyn J. Starr. She is an author, and I recently came across her insightful book called Teenage Waste Brand: How Your Brand Can Stop Struggling and Start Scaling.
I would also like to mention that she has a fantastic newsletter on this topic which I highly encourage everyone to check out. As we have this conversation, I'm eager to explore more about who she collaborates with today, the types of brands she is helping to shape, and the strategies she is currently advocating. In light of Evelyn's initial comments, it seems she wants to reassure our listeners not to let the challenges of branding send them into panic mode.
In essence, she appears to emphasize that success in a service business largely comes down to earning the trust of your customer base.
Welcome back to Hardwired For Growth 2.0!
We're excited to unveil our new direction and refocused approach. After exploring a wide range of topics, we've realized that growth-related content truly resonates with our amazing audience – that's you!
In this revamped version, we're bringing you even more value. Expect in-depth interviews with industry experts, sharing their actionable strategies and insights on branding, marketing, sales, and other growth-related areas. We believe that learning from the best can accelerate your journey to success.
Moreover, I'll be sharing my personal growth journey, including the ups and downs, the trials and errors. By sharing these experiences, we hope to empower you on your own path and help you achieve your revenue and life goals faster than if you were to navigate it alone.
Stay tuned for exciting episodes, packed with market insights, practical tips, and thought-provoking discussions. We are committed to being your go-to resource for growth inspiration and education.
If you haven't already, hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode. Join our community of growth enthusiasts and be the first to receive our regular updates.
Thank you for your continued support, and let's embark on this journey of growth together!
On this episode, I focus on the future of work and why this is a huge opportunity for folks looking to escape corporate or who have already left corporate. The three things I want you to take away from this episode i: 1) Perspective on what the future looks like if you've been in corporate for more than 10 years, 15 years, or in cases like my own, up to 30 years 2) Specialization versus Generalization and why specialization typically equals higher margins and more focused work 3) How to leverage the future of work to jumpstart your escape from corporate and build some momentum
In the last episode, I outlined a five-part plan to successfully exit the corporate world. It's a guide that I used, refined, and now use to help others make the transition to entrepreneurship. In this episode, I'll go deeper into the Part One: The Freedom to Believe. And if you missed last week's episode, I encourage you to go back and listen.
Connect with Brookehttps://twitter.com/BrookeSellas
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookebsellas
https://bsquared.media/
Today I want to share the five step process that I have built after a number of years of trial and error. There are no shortcuts but my hope is that this guide will shorten the learning curve for folks looking to leave corporate America.
Connect with Jillhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jillkbishop
https://multilingualconnections.com/
I was recently on the Powerful Personal Brand podcast with Claire Bahn to talk about personal branding in small or freelance businesses. It was a great conversation, and I think it'll help you better understand how to leverage your personal brand or reputation with your own specific freelance business.
Connect with Michaelhttps://listeninnovategrow.com/
Listen, Innovate, Grow: A Guidebook for Startups and Small Businesses Looking to Acquire and Grow Business Customers
We have 100 days left in 2022 so I thought this was a perfect time to help you strategize these last 100 days.
In this episode, I outline four steps that you need to take this year to leverage your expertise for freedom, flexibility and financial independence.
Connect with KarlImproving Sales Performance
LinkedIn
Revenue Equation Methodology
Set Up To Win
Sales & Marketing Alignment
Today I'm talking to Paul Higgins about his journey from a corporate life at Coca-Cola to building his own consulting company and community.
Today's topic is 5 Things You Can Do Today To 3X Your Income. These five tips will help create more freedom and flexibility in your life.
Today I'm talking with Michael Schein, author of The Hype Handbook. In this conversation we talk about the contrarian and counter-cultural way to get attention for yourself and your business without being a marketer.
Today I'm talking with Bronson Ma, the owner of Bronson Ma Creative. His agency is 19 years strong and I want to find out how he thinks about getting clients and keeping clients.
The audience has spoken! I've been hearing from listeners that the focus of late on helping service-based freelancers and contractors stop fighting the money for time battle is really hitting home. So, I'm doubling down on it. I recorded this short update about the new direction for the pod.
Connect with Faheem:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faheemmoosa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/faheemmoosa
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Website: https://dianamitchell.me/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Website: https://dianamitchell.me/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Website: https://dianamitchell.me/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Website: https://dianamitchell.me/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Connect with Kati:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiryan
Web site: https://www.apositiveadventure.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiryan
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Connect with Nicole:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolewoodalv/
Web site: https://alvcoaching.com/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Connect with Rafer:Website: https://weigelmediagroup.com/team/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaferWeigel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafer-weigel-mediaman/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Connect with Mike:LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/mikedicioccio
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Episode Resources:Flippa - Buy and Sell Online Marketplaces, Apps and Websites
FE International - Professional M&A Advisor
Microaquire - Startup Acquisition Marketplace
DesignJoy.co - Brett William's Agency of One
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Episode Resources:Flippa - Buy and Sell Online Marketplaces, Apps and Websites
FE International - Professional M&A Advisor
Microaquire - Startup Acquisition Marketplace
Connect with Brian:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CasJam
Podcast: Bootstrapped Web
Company: https://zipmessage.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancasel
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Books mentioned:Essentialismby Greg McKeown Deep Workby Cal NewportSo Good They Can't Ignore Youby Cal NewportA World Without Emailby Cal Newport
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
Connect with Brett:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/
If there’s a perfect time to start a business, it’s in this new normal when everyone’s set on an almost equal footing with everything else going digital.
But how do you make sure that the business you’ll be building has got what it takes to reach the ultimate $10 million dollar goal?
Today, I sat down with Steve Hoffman, a.k.a Captain Hoff, CEO of Founders Space, a worldwide innovation hub for entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors with more than 50 partners in 22 countries.
Be it growing a startup through bootstrapping or venture capital, you name it, Steve has done it.
So hit the play button now to not miss this chance of learning from this Captain Hoff.
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- The role of ideas in starting a business in 2022 [03:45]
- Need-to-haves vs. want-to-haves: Coming up with the perfect product [10:06]
- How having the right team is the key to reaching the $10 million mark [14:27]
- Why you should set strict guidelines in doing business [16:31]
- The value of having returning customers [21:54]
- Taking advantage of the opportunity of selling a platform [27:09]
- How do you make a platform more interactive and more valuable [33:38]
- Steve’s take on bootstrapping and getting a venture capital [34:55]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
About Our Guest:
Steve Hoffman, a.k.a. Captain Hoff, is the Chairman and CEO of Founders Space, a worldwide innovation hub for entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors with more than 50 partners in 22 countries.
Hoffman is a venture capitalist, the founder of three venture-backed and two bootstrapped businesses, and the author of numerous award-winning books. "Make Elephants Fly", "Surviving a Startup", and "The Five Forces" are among them.
Connect with Steve Hoffman:
Website https://www.foundersspace.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/foundersspace/
Podcasts https://www.foundersspace.com/s/
https://www.foundersspace.com/m/
Books by Steve Hoffman:
- Surviving a Startup http://SurvivingAStartup.com
- Make Elephants Fly http://MakeElephantsFly.com
- The Five Forces that Change Everything http://TheFiveForces.com
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
The challenge of getting stuck in the growing stage is one that many business owners face. But what most of owners and founders don’t know is that there’s actually a swarm of opportunities for growth out there that they are missing out on.
Today, we’re going to explore those opportunities with Leading SMB Growth Expert Michael Haynes as we talk about common growth hindrances in 2022 and how to address them.
Do you find it difficult to adjust your B2B business tactics? If yes, then this episode is definitely for you.
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- What your areas of focus for growth in 2022 should be [04:49]
- Michael’s A.I.R. concept and the issue of content overload [08:09]
- The best approach to determining your biggest growth opportunities [10:07]
- How you can conduct an effective customer research [12:30]
- Building a sense of community to connect with your prospects [16:03]
- Integrating collaboration and co-creation into your growth strategy [19:38]
- Catering to the needs of every participant in the buying group [27:57]
- How to reframe your selling process to address your buyers’ needs [30:17]
- Skill sets that you need to execute your growth strategies effectively [36:59]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
Past Episodes with Michael Haynes:
- Episode 8. Listen, Innovate, Grow- A Blueprint for Acquiring Business Customers with Michael Haynes (https://bretttrainor.com/2019/08/10/listen-innovate-grow-a-blueprint-for-acquiring-business-customers-with-michael-haynes/)
- Episode 72. Refocus, Reignite, and Rise: Jumpstarting Growth in 2020 with B2B SMB / SME Adviser Michael Haynes (https://bretttrainor.com/2020/10/13/refocus-reignite-and-rise-jumpstarting-growth-in-2020-with-best-selling-author-michael-haynes/)
- Episode 120. Growing a B2B Business in 2021 with Top SMB Expert Michael Haynes (https://bretttrainor.com/2021/09/14/podcast-ep-120-growing-a-b2b-business-in-2021-with-top-smb-expert-michael-haynes/)
Books Mentioned:
- Listen, Innovate, Grow by Michael Haynes and Gareth Chandler (https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Innovate-Grow-Guidebook-Businesses/dp/0646988557)
About Our Guest:
Michael Haynes is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Listen Innovate Grow with over 20 years of experience working with firms ranging from micro-businesses to large corporations in Australia and Canada to develop and implement customer strategies and programs that help them expand their businesses.
Connect with Michael Haynes:
Website (https://listeninnovategrow.com/)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-haynes-lig/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
We talk a lot on this podcast about business strategies and tactics but not very often about the personal side which includes wellness, physical health, and especially mindset.
So today, we’re having Teresa Buruni, founder and CEO of Less Fear More Flow, who helps entrepreneurs and business owners with their personal transformation, mindset, wellness to unlock their true potential.
Teresa shares tips on how we can preserve our wellness so we never get lost amidst burnout while achieving our goals for our businesses.
This episode is a breath of fresh air and will surely enlighten you on how to attain the freedom you’re aiming for through your business so hit the play button now!
We talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- Entrepreneurs’ DONTs that need to be reevaluated [04:12]
- To have your sleep in one go or to break it down in periods? [07:36]
- 45 minutes of laser focus and 45 minutes of break outside [09:59]
- Finding balance through different types of meditation [13:41]
- Bearing in mind that your bed is for resting [17:37]
- Why you don’t have to work 7 days a week [21:36]
- The role of mindset in entrepreneurship [26:24]
- The challenge of reversing the programming set unto us [32:11]
- How you can deal with imposter syndrome [36:02]
- Tips on dealing with the pressures brought by industrialization [41:02]
- Going through the motions and enjoying the process of growing [48:24]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
Books mentioned:
- Three Simple Steps by Trevor Blake https://www.amazon.com/Three-Simple-Steps-Success-Business/dp/1936661713
Episodes mentioned:
- Episode 141 with Paul Shirley https://bretttrainor.com/2022/02/08/podcast-ep-141-the-difference-between-average-and-elite-with-former-nba-player-best-selling-author-paul-shirley/
About Our Guest:
Teresa Bruni is a deeply committed Healer and Spiritual Warrior who helps people overcome difficulties that keep them from enjoying their lives to the fullest.
Teresa is also the founder of Less Fear, More Flow LLC and The 2020 Resilience Journal Project, as well as a #1 International Best Selling Author, speaker, and author. She is a natural instructor who thinks that our thoughts are the only limit to our potential.
Connect with Teresa Bruni:
Website https://www.teresabruni.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresabrunithehealer/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Account-based marketing (ABM) is one of the most effective strategies for B2B sales but many founders are still missing out on the awesome benefits that it offers.
Today, I have just the perfect person to help us understand what ABM is really all about, BusinessOnline Chief Operating Officer Jeff MacGurn.
Jeff shares the different ways that ABM boosts sales. He also gives insights on how to get started with ABM and how to target the right audience with the right type of content.
Are you looking to learn more about ABM and how you can get the most out of it? Jump into this episode now!
We talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- The current landscape of digital marketing for small businesses [03:38]
- Dealing with the changes in buyer expectations [07:14]
- How ABM helps businesses in 6 different ways [10:17]
- Are you in front of the right audience? [17:34]
- How to have a targetted marketing if you’re under $10 million [21:43]
- Coming up with content that connects with your target clients [26:02]
- One of the most compelling reasons for doing ABM [31:38]
- Jeff’s pro tips on getting started with ABM [33:58]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
About Our Guest:
Jeff MacGurn is the COO of BusinessOnline where he works with clients to give strategic consultation on their digital marketing initiatives, specializing on Account-based Marketing.
Sony, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Samsung, IBM, T-Mobile, Disney, Nikon, Apple, State Farm, Intel, Informatica, and Microsoft are just a few of the Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies Jeff has worked with.
Connect with Jeff MacGurn:
Website https://www.businessol.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmacgurn/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bolagency/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
As you’re earning your first million, your costs of doing business become more complicated if you haven’t built a financial structure from the get-go. Today, we’re graced by the presence of Joe Manganelli, founder of Calculate, a company that offers a multitude of financial services from nitty-gritty bookkeeping to big-picture strategies and forecasting.
Joe and I touch on the different aspects of operating a business from a financial perspective.
Joe also shares his insights on scaling a startup through efficient use of resources and putting up checks and balances.
If you’re looking to set up a solid structure for the management of your business’ finances, then this episode is a great place for you to start!
We talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- Joe’s road to founding Calculate [02:20]
- How Calculate started to gain momentum [05:17]
- Calculate’s services and how they sell it to their prospects [7:27]
- Best practices on scaling from the financial side of your business [11:38]
- Setting up your business for a good sale and using your resources effectively [14:37]
- Caculate’s time frame for getting involved in a company’s financial processes [19:47]
- Outsourcing for your business from a financial standpoint [21:19]
- Putting checks and balances in place as you’re growing [23:31]
- The numbers game of bootstrap and cash flow [28:40]
- The importance of implementing a zero asshole policy [31:36]
- Why you should strive to stick with your business’s guiding light [33:38]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
Books Mentioned: * “Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork” by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy (https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork-ebook/dp/B0867ZJ151)
About Our Guest:
Joe Manganelli started his career in corporate jobs at financial services behemoths like Goldman Sachs, but he desired to help start companies from the ground up.
He established Calculate in 2017 with the purpose of utilizing his knowledge of experience to growing businesses.
Connect with Joe Manganelli:
Website https://www.calculate.works/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemanganelli/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
When businesses fall short of their set goals, is it because of poor execution or is it because the direction taken was wrong in the first place?
We’ll answer that in this episode with Alex Batdorf, CEO and Founder of Get Sh!t Done, a platform focused on centralizing access to growth resources for female entrepreneurs.
Alex and I take a deep dive into the common challenges that her collaborating companies face and how she thinks these should be addressed.
We also discuss the importance of a founder’s wellness to the business and the unending quest for innovation for companies today.
Alex unloads fresh nuggets of wisdom in this episode so make sure to catch them all by tuning in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- The kid who wanted to rule the world through entrepreneurship [01:56]
- Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital: How to create sustainable and scalable businesses [10:49]
- The biggest bottleneck that Alex sees the most in the startups she works with [15:21]
- Do you really need venture capital to grow to billion dollars? [20:09]
- Connecting the dots and taking control of your own destiny [26:08]
- Why your wellness should be your top priority as a founder [30:16]
- Thinking bigger and how it does wonders for your entrepreneurship path [33:46]
- Alex’s piece of advice to founders on following their North Star [41:04]
- The best way to get shit done for your business [46:42]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Get Sh!t Done website (https://www.shegetsshitdone.com/)
Episodes Mentioned:
- Episode 141 with Paul Shirley https://bretttrainor.com/2022/02/08/podcast-ep-141-the-difference-between-average-and-elite-with-former-nba-player-best-selling-author-paul-shirley/
-
Episode 131 with Eva Nahari https://bretttrainor.com/2021/11/30/podcast-ep-131-whats-hot-in-b2b-bootstrap-or-raise-with-eva-nahari/
-
Episode 101 with Jesse Cole https://bretttrainor.com/2021/05/04/how-to-dominate-raving-fans-innovation-a-yellow-tux-with-jesse-cole/
About Our Guest:
Alex Batdorf founded Get Sh!t Done with the mission to redefine the narrative of entrepreneurship by helping women mindfully scale companies that have impactful, intentional growth while giving them the power to do it on their own terms.
Alex believes that real growth is making a status quo-breaking impact, not just growing for growth's sake.
Connect with Alex Batdorf:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chief-get-shit-done-officer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shegetsshitdone
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Entrepreneurs and business owners are constantly in scramble mode. So amidst all the chaos in your working space, how do you maintain balance to prevent everything from falling apart?
My guest today, Paul Shirley, is the founder of The Process, a co-working facility and virtual platform whose theory is discussed in his book, The Process is the Product.
Paul shares with us about his experiences as a former professional basketball player and author. He reveals how he learned to add process to the chaos of a working environment and get more done in less time.
This part of productivity focus has been a game-changer for me, and I think it can really help you as well. So get your pen and paper ready as you listen to this episode.
We talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- The reasoning behind Paul’s book, The Process is the Product [03:46]
- Knowing when to go back to life while in your flow state [08:14]
- Is it better to know when you’re having an off day? [12:12]
- Why intensity is worth more than duration [13:30]
- Building a system around having the right priorities [20:24]
- Being fulfilled in life by falling in love with the process [25:09]
- The impact of willpower in our decision making [28:03]
- How to maintain balance when responsibilities are piling up [30:34]
- Staying social and connected in a remote work setup [33:43]
- Positive Peer Pressure: Finding the motivation to go out and connect with people [37:56]
- Lessons that Paul gained when he had to close his first business [39:37]
- Paul’s takeaways in his virtual co-working space [42:38]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- The Process website (https://www.createyourprocess.com/)
Books Mentioned:
- The Process is the Product (https://www.amazon.com/Process-Product-Paul-Shirley/dp/1737563622)
- Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope (https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Connections-Uncovering-Depression-Unexpected/dp/163286830X)
About Our Guest:
Paul Shirley is a former NBA player who operates The Process, a co-working facility and virtual platform whose premise is detailed in his book, The Process is the Product. He dives into this theory in his podcast which is named “The Process” as well.
Paul also wrote two humor memoirs, Can I Keep My Jersey?, and Stories I Tell On Dates, and a novel called Ball Boy.
Paul developed the Writers Blok, a Los Angeles-based co-writing space that aims to provide structure, support, community, and accountability to writers.
Connect with Paul Shirley:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-shirley-360b1649/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulthenshirley
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
There is no right or wrong path when raising money for your startup. You just have to understand the trade-offs for whichever choice you make. Today, I welcome Esben Friis-Jensen, Co-Founder of Cobalt and Userflow, who has raised a bunch of money through bootstrapping to give us different perspectives on scaling.
Esben and I dive into the principles that he had as he was co-founding and growing his two multi-million dollar companies, which you all will surely learn from.
Hit the play button now if you want to scale your business in the most effective way!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- Esben’s first company, Cobalt, and his transition into Userflow [01:50]
- What urged Esben to start his own company [04:05]
- How Esben and his co-founders raised $40 million for Cobalt [6:40]
- The rationale behind founding Userflow [09:51]
- Growing Userflow with two full-time employees and one freelancer [11:53]
- Differentiating yourself through your product [14:36]
- Where Userflow’s first hire will come from as they expand [19:20]
- The value of having team members with more generalist roles [22:14]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Cobalt website (https://cobalt.io/)
- Userflow website (https://userflow.com/)
About Our Guest:
Esben Friis-Jensen is the co-founder of Userflow, a high growth bootstrapped SAS business that scaled with only two full-time employees.
Esben is also one of the co-founders of another high growth company called Cobalt which raised almost $40 million through bootstrapping.
Connect with Esben Friis-Jensen :
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esbenfriisjensen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/esbenfj
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
You'll have to expand outside yourself at some point, no matter how skilled you are at growing your business on your own.
Today we’re going to talk about how exactly you can do that and I have just the perfect guest for you.
Laith Masarweh is the founder of Assistantly, a company that offers virtual team member staffing solutions with a focus on workplace culture.
Laith and I dive into the value of having virtual team members or what he refers to as “Unicorns” and how we see it as the best way to scale in 2022.
This episode offers a lot of insights on growing your business this 2022 so tune in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- How Laith founded a VA company without any idea what a VA is [02:47]
- Industries that Assistantly caters to [08:30]
- The value of having VAs in your team [10:18]
- Part-time vs. full-time: How should you hire for your organization? [13:55]
- Why Laith believes he can start a third company [18:33]
- Should you hire a client success manager? [21:17]
- The eliminate-automate-delegate framework of running a company [28:54]
- The depth of skills that Assistantly VAs offer [32:49]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Looking to hire a VA? Visit (https://www.assistantly.com/)
About Our Guest:
Laith Masarweh, now 24, has been working for his father since he was eight years old. His second company, Assistantly, arose from the necessity to scale his first, Immursiv, a real estate marketing firm, swiftly.
Assistantly is a virtual assistant (VA) firm that is swiftly gaining a reputation for spotting unicorns – people with an inexplicable desire to perform extremely well.
Connect with Laith Masarweh:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laith-masarweh-a2288310a/
Email: laith@assistantly.com
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
When in doubt, start with the customer. If it doesn't make sense for them, you're probably doing it wrong, or you shouldn't be doing it.
Today, we touch on the last part of the A-C-E-S framework which is support.
It's a three-part strategy for your customers with three different areas of focus: (1.) customer success, (2.) customer experience, and (3.) customer service.
This should really be a part of your playbooks so tune in now and learn how you can ensure your success in these aspects of support.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when your sales organization stalls. So when you face this problem, what should your focus be?
Today, I welcome Karl Becker, CEO and Founder of Improving Sales Performance and author of “Set Up To Win: Three Frameworks to a High-Performing Sales Organization.”
In this episode, we dive into the revenue equation he came up with which helps businesses diagnose problems in their sales and marketing strategies to further optimize them.
This conversation has been long overdue and I’ll definitely have Karl back to provide us more valuable wisdom about revenue growth so be sure to not miss this one!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- Recent changes in the B2B world that Karl has observed [5:03]
- A powerful story about delegation from Karl [9:18]
- Karl’s concept to the revenue equation [12:29]
- Why your value needs to be clear to scale [17:39]
- What’s next after you got your messaging aligned? [23:43]
- Understanding the buyer’s journey [29:59]
- Empowering your team and interacting better with your leads [31:52]
- Salespeople don’t like uncertainty and buyers don’t like risks [38:30]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- The Revenue Equation (https://www.revenueequation.com)
- Link to Free Book – Set Up To Win (https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vuqhd6p1y2)
About Our Guest:
With over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing working with SMBs, Karl Becker founded Improving Sales Performance to help businesses find opportunities for quick wins that can increase revenue immediately.
Karl authored “Set Up To Win: Three Frameworks to a High-Performing Sales Organization,” a book that teaches you how to use the power of an organization’s greatest asset— their team —to stabilize and expand revenue over time.
Connect with Karl Becker:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlbeckeriii/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/improving-sales-performance-usa
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
From a customer acquisition standpoint, it’s such a huge waste not to have a procedure in place for when your prospects finally engage with you.
After all you’ve gone through to have them engage with you, it should be your priority to follow through with processes that will enable your target customers in easily availing your services and products.
So what comprises this customer enablement process? And how should you approach it?
Tune in as I introduce you to the 3rd framework in our A-C-E-S Zero to Ten Growth System.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
A new year knocks on our doors but our business goal remains the same. Now, what about our game plan?
Today, I welcome Sean Rosensteel back to the podcast to chat about how to kick some ass in 2022 and really drive growth in your business.
Sean and I each share three ideas or areas that we're focused on as keys for success in 2022 each of which we discuss in detail.
We share some strong opinions and differing ideas at times but are mostly aligned on what will and will not work this year.
This conversation went so great that we felt we had to do a Part 2 and I am sure you will feel the same way so tune in now!
We’ll talk about:
-
Introduction [00:00]
-
The one thing our owners should be focused on for a great 2022 [2:21]
-
Crushing the new year by throwing out conventional wisdom [9:40]
a. The amazing benefit of hiring contractors [12:21]
-
The #2 in Brett and Sean’s 2022 Priority List [20:02]
-
Knowing what works best for your unique situation [26:18]
-
How stepping back to look into what you’ve already got can benefit you [31:10]
Part 2
-
The “Who Not How” Concept [36:26]
-
Fine-tuning the messaging of your company [41:23]
a. Sticking with the controlling idea of your company [48:34]
- Getting a website that does its job with cost-effectivity [52:33]
a. WordPress vs. Squarespace [54:04]
b. It’s all about lead generation and conversion [1:00:14]
- Providing great customer experience in 2022 [1:07:23]
a. Your process vs. what’s right for your customers [1:14:00]
- A couple of parting wisdom to live by for 2022 [1:15:27]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Get a copy of Sean Rosensteel’s book, “The School of Intentional Living” (https://www.seanrosensteel.com/)
-
Tune in to B2B Zero to Ten Episode 129 with Sean Rosensteel: (https://bretttrainor.com/2021/11/17/podcast-ep-129-5-ways-digital-marketers-rip-off-business-owners-and-what-to-do-about-it-with-sean-rosensteel/)
-
Tune in to B2B Zero to Ten Episode 122 with Sean Rosensteel: (https://bretttrainor.com/2021/09/29/podcast-ep-122-the-roi-of-building-hassle-free-websites-for-your-zero-to-ten-journey-with-sean-rosensteel/)
- Tune in to B2B Zero to Ten Episode 65 with Sean Rosensteel: (https://bretttrainor.com/2020/08/25/schools-in-session-intentional-living-is-the-key-to-real-success-with-author-sean-rosensteel/)
- Have a copy of Gino Wickman’s Traction: Get a Grip On Your Business (https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837)
- Have a copy of Bo Burlingham’s Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big (https://www.amazon.com/Small-Giants-Companies-Instead-10th-Anniversary/dp/014310960X)
- Have a copy of Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork (https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork/dp/B08KYKR23H)
- Have a copy of Donald Miller’s Building a Story Brand (https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329)
About Our Guest:
Sean Rosensteel is the owner of Savvy Pro Web, a company helping business owners build hassle-free websites that generate a steady flow of qualified leads.
Sean is also the founder of The Intentional Living Academy and the author of “The School of Intentional Living”, a book that provides insightful tips on achieving goals in the most efficient way.
Connect with Sean Rosensteel:
Website: https://www.seanrosensteel.com/
https://www.savvyproweb.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanrosensteel/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Only 3% of your ideal prospects are in "Buy Now" mode, therefore it's critical for you to be there when they're ready to buy.
After covering the concept and strategy of creating alignment, we now proceed with the 2nd framework, Connect which is critical to going from one-to-one to one-to-many sales.
You can complete the other frameworks but you will not be as effective so if you have not done the alignment exercise yet, I highly advise you to do so before moving on.
Tune in now to get better at creating awareness and providing value for your customers through this framework!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Starting and scaling a company is hard enough. Imagine having to do it with more than one.
It does seem to require a lot of effort but Ryan Kugler made this seemingly insurmountable feat achievable after growing his three companies to 7 figures.
What makes this stint more interesting is he only has five full-time employees to run the three businesses which are all in different industries
Learn how Ryan did it and what his biggest takeaways were by tuning in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [0:00]
- Ryan’s first company and his decision to start another one [02:32]
- The rationale behind Ryan’s small team for his “layered” company [04:43]
- How Ryan got started in the marketing industry [9:19]
- Opportunities that Ryan is looking into for his fourth business [11:39]
- Lessons that Ryan earned as he was growing his three companies [12:34]
- How Ryan allots time among his businesses in the new corporate setup [15:38]
- Expanding your company through delegation [18:22]
- Ryan’s tactic of hiring two people to do one job [23:07]
- Tips for starting entrepreneurs from Ryan [25:35]
- Are you the idea guy or the execution guy? [30:34]
- Ryan’s advice for businesses being held back by their owners’ capacity [32:11]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Ideal Content Website (https://idealcontent.com/)
- Plan B Distribution Website (https://aplanb.com/)
- A5 Events Website (https://a5events.com/)
- Grab a copy of “How to Plan, Produce & Distribute Your Independent Film” (http://ryankuglercom.wpengine.com/book/)
- “Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork” by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy (https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork-ebook/dp/B0867ZJ151)
About Our Guest:
Ryan Kugler is a multi-business owner with over 25+ years of knowledge & experience in Film Distribution and in the Wholesale/Retail Trade.
Ryan is the President of A5 Events, president of Ideal Content, Executive Director of Say No To Drugs Race (Charity Run/Walk), and a past co-owner of DVA, Inc.
Ryan also co-authored “How to Plan, Produce & Distribute Your Independent Film.”
Connect with Ryan Kugler:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kugler-8653265/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanjkugler
Website: http://ryankuglercom.wpengine.com/
A5 Events: ryan@a5events.com
Ideal Content: ryan@idealcontent.com
Plan B Distribution: ryan@planbdist.com
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
In our second re-broadcasting for the holiday break, we have the episode with top-rated podcaster and author, Steve Glaveski, who shared where he came up with the idea for his book, “Time Rich: Do Your Best Work, Live Your Best Life.”
Steve and I also discussed the necessity of establishing an entrepreneurial mindset in children, as well as how it extends to situations beyond business.
Finally, we look back to pre-COVID working circumstances and analyze how businesses are dealing with the current difficulty of working from home.
Let’s look back at this episode that teaches us to be more productive. Tune in now!
We talked about:
- Steve’s professional experience [02:07]
- Teaching an entrepreneurial mindset to kids [05:49]
- The idea behind Time Rich [9:36]
- Flow state: Avoiding time and productivity waste [14:40]
- Tim O’Reilly’s business model for the new economy” [22:23]
- The power of the rule of two [29:36]
- Presence and significance of the Pareto’s principle [32:30]
- PCOATS roadmap [36:47]
- Steve’s take on nootropics use [42:26]
- Tips on increasing memory retention [44:26]
- Time to embrace asynchronous communication [46:37]
- What’s next for Steve [52:40]
- The one thing Steve recommends [55:33]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/
- Steve Glaveski Website (https://www.steveglaveski.com/)
- Download the Time Rich’s first chapter and automaton guide (https://www.timerichbook.com/)
- Know more about nootropics and ergogenic health (https://www.instagram.com/ergogenic_health/)
- Time Rich: Do Your Best Work, Live Your Best Life (https://amzn.to/38NpJa4)
- The Top Five Regrets of the Dying (https://amzn.to/3lwnR97)
- Collective Campus Website (https://www.collectivecampus.io/)
- NoFilter Media Website (https://www.nofilter.media/)
About Our Guest:
An entrepreneur, author, and podcaster, Steve Glaveski is on a mission to untap the potential of people to lead more meaningful lives.
He forwards this mission through his different ventures, such as the Collective Campus, an innovation accelerator; the Lemonade Stand, a children’s entrepreneurial program; and his podcast, Future Squared.
In his latest book, he shares how being time rich is more valuable than living “comfortably miserable” lives.
Connect with Steve Glaveski :
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveglaveski/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
We're taking a short break over the holidays so I've chosen to re-air a couple of the most impactful episodes - impactful both from a business and a personal perspective.
So today, we have the episode with Chris Walker of Refine Labs where we went over his company’s ways of helping B2B companies grow through marketing.
Chris comes from a very unique background (engineering) which allows him to look at the full revenue ecosystem rather than breaking it down into silos.
If you want your revenue acquisition process to rely on digital to create demand, Chris is the man to call.
Join me as we look back to this very insightful episode!
We talked about:
-
How an engineering background gave Chris the advantage in marketing [01:36]
-
Losing his own money as a vital point in his experience [04:20]
-
The gap in the marketplace that Chris saw [06:00]
-
Removing assumptions that are no longer true [07:53]
-
The benefit of working with a blank slate [08:54]
-
Barriers preventing companies from driving demand from digital [10:13]
-
Attribution is not marketing against sales [12:25]
-
Why you shouldn’t measure social channels the same way with Google [13:14]
-
The first step for founders is to know what they’re good at [20:12]
-
Adspend is a cost of doing business [22:28]
-
Why buyer intent is a critical factor to sales [24:32]
-
The major shifts in the buying process [25:22]
-
Customer success should be part of your product [29:35]
-
Through education, you create awareness [31:38]
-
You don’t really need salespeople [33:33]
-
Companies need a recurring revenue model driven by customer acquisition [35:37]
-
How COVID impacted sales and marketing [38:46]
-
The one thing Chris recommends [41:23]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Refine Labs Website (https://www.refinelabs.com/)
- State of Demand Gen Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-demand-gen/id1511588213)
About Our Guest:
Chris Walker is the CEO at Refine Labs, a marketing consulting firm focused on growing B2B SaaS companies. Their Revenue Engine Optimization Formula combines revenue operations, growth marketing, and buyer enablement.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with Chris Walker:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-walker-41597028/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisWalker171
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
In the last episode, I led you through the Zero to Ten growth approach, which is divided into four frameworks: ACES (Align- Connect- Enable- and Support).
Today, I'll delve deeper into the first framework's essential components and consequences - alignment.
Believe me, it’s much more difficult to market if your company and offerings are not aligned from the get-go, especially to those who do not know you.
So hop into the episode now and rid your company of that trouble!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Have of a copy of Anthony Condouris’ book “run_frictionless” (https://runfrictionless.com/buy-run-frictionless/)
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
The face is the mirror of the mind and this is why it is important for everyone, even for business owners, to have at least a bit of knowledge in reading facial expressions.
So today, Emotions Expert Dan Hill gives us a mini-masterclass on the most important emotions to look out for and how you should interpret and properly react to them.
This can be really powerful for you, especially in a digital-first zoom first world that we're in to better understand what the other side is actually thinking versus what they're saying.
Tune in now to enable yourself to communicate better with the people around you!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- The rationale behind Dan’s new book “Blah Blah Blah” [2:19]
- What Dan is working on today [5:22]
- The basics of facial coding [8:16]
- Why emotions are more powerful than the dollars [10:40]
- What you should look out for when facial coding as a business owner [12:23]
- Interpreting happiness in the business world [16:13]
- Dealing with different emotions you get out of a sales pitch [22:49]
- You as the embodiment of your own business [25:24]
- The dynamic between fear and anger and how to manage them properly [29:19]
- How to read contempt and the stakes it involves for your business [37:43]
- Sadness: Its indicators, upsides, and downsides in the business [45:02]
- Signs of stress among the people around you [48:03]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Sensory Logic Website (https://www.sensorylogic.com/)
- “Famous Faces Decoded” by Dan Hill (https://www.sensorylogic.com/famous-faces)
- Have a copy of Dan’s book “Blah Blah Blah” (https://www.sensorylogic.com/blahblahblah)
- Have a copy of Dan’s book “Emotionomics” (https://www.sensorylogic.com/emotionomics)
- Check out Episode 56 with Dan Hill (https://bretttrainor.com/2020/06/24/utilizing-facial-coding-emotion-to-scale-your-startup-with-dan-hill/)
About Our Guest:
Dan Hill is a PhD holder, author, lecturer, and trainer who specializes in interpreting emotions and facial expressions. Dan founded Sensory Logic to help companies better understand the dynamic between the two currencies in life: dollars and emotions.
He has appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Fox, CNN, and ESPN and has advised with over half of the world's top 100 corporations. The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times have both written about him.
Connect with Dan Hill:
Email: dhill@sensorylogic.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmotionsWizard
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hill-emotionswizard/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Emotionswizard/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotionswizard/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Because B2B growth is nuanced, you must grasp the various revenue levers. You can't just hire a sales leader or a marketing leader and expect to solve your growth problems.
So in this episode, I'll walk you through the Zero to Ten System, which will help you break past owners' capacity and go from one-to-one selling to one-to-many selling.
This system is a combination of my experience in helping grow startups from 0 to 10 million dollars in 2+ years which I have improved with the insights that I got from my interviews with subject matter experts..
You’ll surely get a lot of value from learning this framework so hop into the episode now!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Video marketing offers a lot of amazing and exclusive business benefits but entrepreneurs rarely use it to grow their businesses.
If you’re one of those entrepreneurs, I’m telling you, you’re missing out a lot.
Today, I'm pleased to have Clockwise Productions’ Nina Froriep to teach us how to attract ideal clients through video marketing.
Nina also shares the DOs and DON’Ts of video marketing which you can use as a guide once you decide to try it out for your company.
Tune into this episode now to learn how you can empower your brand through video marketing.
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- Nina’s beginning in filmmaking and the goal she developed with it [1:48]
- People’s reluctance to try out video marketing [6:03]
- Sharing what makes you stand out from other businesses in your industry [10:19]
- The first steps that Nina take when helping someone start with video marketing [13:20]
- Why Nina prefers working with businesses in the $120k-$500k mark [18:51]
- DOs and DONTs of video marketing [24:31]
- Maximizing the value you can provide in 60-second videos [30:23]
- The best situation where you can go for longer videos [35:17]
- Establishing familiarity between your prospects and yourself through video marketing [37:53]
- Some parting wisdom from Nina [40:56]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Clockwise Productions website (https://clockwiseproductions.com/)
- Join Nina’s FREE Masterclass on Dec. 14 (https://clockwiseproductions.com/masterclass/)
- Tune in to Episode 124 with Ethan Beute (https://bretttrainor.com/2021/10/13/podcast-ep-124-how-being-20-more-human-can-dramatically-drive-growth-with-ethan-beute/)
About Our Guest:
Nina Froriep enables business coaches, consultants, and service-based entrepreneurs to grow their businesses with easy + fun video marketing so they can attract their ideal clients.
Nina has been in TV, film, and video production her entire life. She’s seen it all from the early days on independent features, to big national TV commercials, corporate mega-shows, and (Emmy award-winning) documentary films, including one she produced and directed, called Abraham's Children.
Connect with Nina Froriep:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-froriep/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VideoMarketingConsultant/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
In this episode, I want to share some of the biggest changes in buyer expectations in the B2B landscape and how you can use them to your advantage.
I touch on why you need to think about business growth the way an ecommerce company would even if you're a services company, which is ultimately digital-first.
Lastly, I talk about the mismatch between buyers and the traditional buying process brought by the pandemic and how you can align with the new normal undertakings.
I’m very thankful for how you have welcomed this new series and may you keep having me as your guide on your way to your $10-million revenue. Tune in now!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
In this episode, I welcome back Eva Nahari, a principal at DNX Ventures, an early-stage Venture Capital firm investing in B2B Startups.
Why am I bringing venture capitalists back to the program?
Eva is on the front lines of new technologies within the B2B space from which you can get potential business ideas or areas you can move your business into.
You’ll surely learn technologies that can help improve your business in efficiency and growth from everything that Eva shares in this episode.
Eva also gives her two cents on scaling through bootstrapping and raising which will help you decide on which between the two should you adopt for your business.
This episode is loaded with insights on the hottest B2B SaaS platforms and growing your startup so tune in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- Eva’s transition to B2B investing and mentoring [3:39]
- Squadcast and its workflow-based UI-guided tool [5:54]
- Quark.ai and how it provides better customer support [8:34]
- Macrometa: The Cloud for the Edge [14:07]
- What’s next on the horizon for Eva [17:13]
- Do you need to get salespeople when expanding? [21:47]
- Eva’s thoughts on bootstrapping and raising [25:05]
- The best-case scenario for founders bootstrapping or raising [28:37]
- Should you bootstrap all the way to your first million? [32:52]
- The biggest challenges that Eva sees from the founders she onboards [34:36]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- DNX Ventures website (https://www.dnx.vc/)
- Squadcast Website (https://www.squadcast.com/)
- Quark website (https://quark.ai/)
- Macrometa website (https://www.macrometa.com/)
About Our Guest:
Eva Nahari is a Principal at DNX Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage B2B companies. Prior to joining DNX, she spent 9 years at Cloudera, where she helped organizations scale by developing products and go-to-market strategies.
Eva is interested in investing in firms that are developing SaaS, Cloud, ML-Enabled Enterprise Software, and DevOps solutions that potentially alter how IT is provided to businesses.
Eva has also worked as a startup coach and angel investor.
Connect with Eva Nahari:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvaNahari
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanahari/
Substack: https://substack.com/profile/26323472-eva-nahari\
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Today, I'm diving into the #1 blocker that keeps businesses from getting to the $10-Million revenue which is.. the owners’ capacity.
No matter how good you are at growing your business on your own, there will come a time that you’ll have to go beyond yourself.
And what’s great about it is you don't have to overcome that learning curve by yourself.
Join me in this episode as I help you figure out how you can conquer this obstacle.
If you have any questions regarding growing your business, drop a comment and I will try to answer them in the upcoming episodes.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Why should your ultimate goal be $10 million in revenue?
Today, I welcome you to Episode 1 of the BizOwner360, a new B2B Zero to Ten series to guide you as you grow your businesses to $10 million.
If you have been listening to this podcast, you’ll know that the tactics and success stories we share are all for our goal of reaching the $10 million revenue mark.
But why exactly $10 million?
Take a listen as we kick off this very special series.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Tune in to the Podcast Ep. 69 with Domenic Rinaldi (https://bretttrainor.com/2020/09/22/what-founders-need-to-do-to-maximize-their-startups-value-with-sun-acquisitions-managing-partner-domenic-rinaldi/)
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Welcome to a special episode of the B2B Zero to Ten Podcast.
Today, I want to introduce “BizOwner360”, a new weekly series that will serve as another resource for you as you break through and grow your businesses to $10 million.
This will air every Friday in addition to the current regular weekly episodes and will also be available on my YouTube channel.
Here, we start with Episode 1 where I tell you why $10 million in revenue should be the objective of every business owner.
Tune in now and let’s get this started!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Tune in to the Podcast Ep. 69 with Domenic Rinaldi (https://bretttrainor.com/2020/09/22/what-founders-need-to-do-to-maximize-their-startups-value-with-sun-acquisitions-managing-partner-domenic-rinaldi/)
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
There are many ways digital marketers rip-off business owners that you should be wary of if you want to attain the ROI you deserve in the “digital marketing first” space we’re in.
We will be talking about 5 of these schemes and how you should deal with them with Sean Rosensteel who becomes our show’s second third-timer.
Sean also brings to the table his company’s sure-fire digital marketing framework that you can easily adapt for your own business.
After this episode, you’ll surely be able to work out with your digital marketer the corporate success that you’re aiming for so tune in now!
We’ll talk about:
-
Introduction [00:00]
-
The one time when Sean got ripped off [2:23]
-
The issue in digital marketing specializations [6:00]
-
The biggest way digital marketers can rip business owners off [8:40]
-
What you should take note of when meeting with a digital marketer [10:22]
-
Two reasons why digital marketers recommend expensive technology [12:58]
-
Defining success with your digital marketer [21:09]
-
The problem with digital marketers who don’t guarantee their work [25:53]
-
Laying your defense: Sean’s three-step framework for starting digital marketing [35:04]
-
Going on offense: Choosing your best promotional activities [46:13]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Get a copy of Sean Rosensteel’s book, “The School of Intentional Living” (https://www.seanrosensteel.com/)
- Get a copy of Donald Miller’s book, “Building a Story Brand” (https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329)
- Download “9 Ways Digital Marketers Rip You Off” (https://www.savvyproweb.com/)
- Tune in to B2B Zero to Ten Episode 122 with Sean Rosensteel: (https://bretttrainor.com/2021/09/29/podcast-ep-122-the-roi-of-building-hassle-free-websites-for-your-zero-to-ten-journey-with-sean-rosensteel/)
- Tune in to B2B Zero to Ten Episode 65 with Sean Rosensteel: (https://bretttrainor.com/2020/08/25/schools-in-session-intentional-living-is-the-key-to-real-success-with-author-sean-rosensteel/)
About Our Guest:
Sean Rosensteel is the owner of Savvy Pro Web, a company helping business owners build hassle-free websites that generate a steady flow of qualified leads.
Sean is also the founder of The Intentional Living Academy and the author of “The School of Intentional Living”, a book that provides insightful tips on achieving goals in the most efficient way.
Connect with Sean Rosensteel:
Website: https://www.seanrosensteel.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanrosensteel/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
It's never too early to build your data infrastructure. You can always start small and scale it.
Today, I welcome back Govind Balu, Founder of QuaXigma, to chat about the power in the strategic value of data analytics, and ultimately machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Govind and I dive into ways on how to set up a business for a smooth sailing data & analytics system. Govind also shares how his firm helps businesses accelerate their digital transformation by creating customer-centric solutions.
You’ll surely come out of this episode with the perfect idea on how you’ll do data analytics for your business so tune in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- Data challenges that Govind see in SMEs [04:11]
- Govind’s data organization tip for small companies [6:21]
- Having the right data on making business decisions [11:47]
- Keeping your database clean starting from the early days [14:02]
- Including data strategies to customer journey roadmap [18:10]
- Enabling your eCommerce strategy with data, AI, and ML [22:19]
- Considerations to take note of for a better customer experience [26:20]
- Govind’s piece of advice for startups [31:16]
- Developing data strategies doesn’t have to be complicated [34:33]
- Professional recommendations from Govind [36:22]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Qua Xigma website (http://www.quaxigma.com/)
- Tune in to Episode 42 with Govind Balu at (https://hardwiredforgrowth.libsyn.com/42-why-data-analytics-could-be-the-difference-between-success-and-failure-for-your-startup)
About Our Guest:
Govind Balu is the Founder and CEO of QuaXigma, a Data Analytics firm that aims to create customer-centric solutions that accelerate digital business transformation and unleash actual value by re-engineering the power of data and AI.
Govind has worked in the data and analytics industry for nearly three decades. Prior to founding his own company, he worked as a lead data scientist for companies including Bank of America and Allstate.
Connect with Govind Balu:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govindbalu/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/quaxigma/
Website: http://www.quaxigma.com/contact.html
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
With the simple goal of making the process of baking easier and more fun for everyone, our guest for today was able to build a fast-growing brand.
So if you’ve always known that you’re going to end up in the entrepreneur world but just don't have the idea as to how yet, this episode is for you.
Today, I welcome Shelley Gupta, co-founder of BāKIT Box, a new company that is modernizing the way of baking and is currently gaining a lot of traction.
Shelley and I break down the origin of BāKIT Box and how she went from being a singer-songwriter to working as a management consultant to ultimately co-founding BāKIT Box.
There's a lot of interesting learning and you can hear the tactics and the approach Shelley and her partner took in their early days so tune in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- How Shelley got started with BāKIT Box [03:01]
- The inseparability of owners from their brand [5:18]
- Shelley’s journey from working for Accenture to founding BāKIT Box [8:51]
- How BāKIT Box makes baking simpler and more fun [11:32]
- The first steps that Shelley took in building BāKIT Box [14:27]
- Shelley’s framework for growing BāKIT Box [16:17]
- Who Shelley envisioned as their ideal customers [19:18]
- Shelley’s small pivots and goals for BāKIT [20:53]
- What Shelley would have done differently with BāKIT Box [24:59]
- Funding and outsourcing for BāKIT Box [26:07]
- What’s next for Shelley and BāKIT Box [28:55]
- Shelley’s personal recommendation [30:40]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- BāKIT Box website (https://www.bakitbox.com/)
About Our Guest:
Shelley Gupta is the Co-Founder of BāKIT Box, a new and fast-growing company that is modernizing the way of baking. Before co-founding BāKIT Box, Shelley worked as a singer-songwriter for years then transitioned to a career in management consulting.
Connect with Shelley Gupta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-gupta/
Email Address: info@bakitbox.com
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Without fully understanding the various factors that surround a business problem, you will never develop the best solutions to them.
This is the key philosophy that Garreth Chandler, who joins me in this episode, uses in delivering the needs of their clients and employees in his company, The Evolved Group.
Garreth and I talk about the business decisions that he had to make to help The Evolved Group succeed, including his huge pivot from consulting business to a tech-enabled services company.
He also touches on the biggest changes that he has observed in the consulting and technology industry and how he adapted to them.
This episode is a valuable guide for you if you’re looking to start a B2B business so tune in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- What motivated Garreth to build The Evolved Group [02:33]
- The customers that Garreth targeted at his company’s early growth stage [6:31]
- The flow of business that Garreth had in his company’s beginning [7:56]
- When Garreth started doing a one-to-many business strategy [11:28]
- The Evolved Group and how they solve their clients’ problems [15:03]
- The market that The Evolved Group is servicing [21:26]
- It's better to be different than to be better [23:30]
- The competency-based view of business [27:01]
- The biggest changes with some of Garreth’s go-to market [31:56]
- A market area that Garreth thinks is ripe with opportunity [34:18]
- The focus for the Evolved Group in the near future [37:46]
- A learning from Garreth [39:16]
- Garreth’s experience writing a book with Michael Haynes [42:18]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- The Evolved Group Website (https://www.theevolvedgroup.com/)
- “Listen, Innovate, Grow” by Michael Haynes and Garreth Chandler (https://amzn.to/345oxLa)
About Our Guest:
Garreth is the founder and CEO of The Evolved Group, a cutting-edge global insights tech firm that specializes in working with consumers and organizations to better understand their behavior, markets, and transformation.
With 25 years of experience in market research on both the client and supplier side, Garreth has developed successful research and technology start-ups and is a published author.
Connect with Garreth Chandler:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garreth-chandler-5821172/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8b6Sf1MQulZouppdq9NSuw
The Evolved Group: https://www.theevolvedgroup.com/contact/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
There are no shortcuts when it comes to setting up your company for success. It takes building a winning culture that works best not just for your market but for your team as well.
Best Practice Biz CEO and Founder Kobi Simmat joins me in this episode to share his Zero to Ten journey from a freelance consultant to the CEO of a multinational company.
Kobi also talks about the most important principles that he teaches to business owners who seek his advice on growing their company.
This episode imparts best company practices and philosophies that you can also apply for your business so tune in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- Kobi’s life before building Best Practice Biz [06:05]
- Problems that Best Practice Biz solves [12:14]
- Lessons that Kobi gained when he was starting to scale [15:18]
- Reviewing your business activities in the previous week [23:24]
- The easiest way to create a grant culture [30:04]
- The value in helping people do the work they love [33:03]
- Kobi’s insights on the power of content [39:12]
- Why you should edit your website daily [45:43]
- Looking at yourself as a consumer [49:50]
- The ultimate test that is a cash flow-positive business [55:13]
- Kobi’s #1 tip [57:28]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Best Practice Website (https://bestpractice.biz/)
- Best Practice Recruitment Tips (https://bestpractice.biz/recruitment)
- Michael Schein’s “The Hype Handbook” (https://www.amazon.com/Hype-Handbook-Indispensable-Propagandists-Self-Promoters/dp/B099BRM28V/)
- Tune in to the Podcast episode with Norman Crowley (https://bretttrainor.com/2021/05/11/how-this-serial-b2b-entrepreneur-has-changed-growth-strategies-and-why-content-is-the-key-to-scaling-with-norman-crowley/)
- Tune in to the Podcast episode with Jennifer Fondrevay (https://bretttrainor.com/2021/08/31/podcast-ep-118-what-now-how-ma-can-impact-your-zero-to-ten-journey/)
About Our Guest:
Kobi Simmat is the Founder and CEO of Best Practice Biz, a global company improvement firm.
With over 25 years of experience in business consulting, Kobi aspires to release the potential in everything by providing pleasant, adaptable business solutions, and a commitment to continuous progress.
Kobi has counseled in over 7 countries, 50 sectors, and over 50,000 people to date
Connect with Kobi Simmat:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kobisimmat/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobisimmat/
Email: kobi@bestpractice.biz
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast
As we get caught up in how much the modes of communication have advanced today, we tend to forget the most important aspect which is you, the human.
In this episode, BombBomb Chief Evangelist Ethan Beute talks us through his new book, “Human-Centered Communication” which provides insights on building a better reputation for your company from the communication side of doing business.
Ethan also gives his take on dealing with prospects that are yet to go “buy now” mode and balancing our focus between the emotion and the message when communicating with our market.
Ethan unloads so many valuable bits of wisdom on how you can drive growth to your business so jump into this episode now.
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- The benefit of video messaging to businesses [04:19]
- What motivated Ethan to write his second book [9:35]
- The value in prioritizing helping over selling [15:34]
- Dealing with leads that are not yet on the “buy now” mode [23:28]
- The human-centered design model of digital communication [31:01]
- Giving a stronger sense of trust to your market [37:43]
- Being on emotion rather than being on message [39:54]
- The Golden Rule in doing business [42:56]
- Allowing your business to be 20% more human [45:23]
- A recommendation from Ethan [50:05]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- BombBomb Website (https://bombbomb.com)
- Tune in to Episode 43 with Ethan Beute (https://hardwiredforgrowth.libsyn.com/rehumanize-your-business-to-improve-customer-experience-and-accelerate-growth)
- Get a copy of Ethan Beute’s book “Rehumanize Your Business” (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QFYQ7G4/)
- Order Ethan Beute’s book “Human-Centered Communication” (https://bombbomb.com/book/human-centered/)
- Check Winning By Design YT Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/WinningByDesign)
About Our Guest:
Ethan Beute is the Chief Evangelist of BombBomb, a company that makes it easy for businesses to build customer relationships through email, text, and social media.
Ethan’s second book which he co-authored with Stephen Pacinelli and is called “Human-Centered Communication: A Business Case Against Digital Pollution” discusses how we reduce unwelcome digital distractions.
Ethan is also the host of the highly regarded “The Customer Experience Podcast.”
Connect with Ethan Beute:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanbeute/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ethanbeute
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ethanbeute
The Customer Experience Podcast: https://bombbomb.com/blog/topics/the-customer-experience-podcast/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
In the B2B world, we experience almost the same kind of problems. So sometimes, all it takes is thinking of your own situation to come up with something that delivers your market’s needs.
This is how Ray McKenzie developed an incredible software called “Starting Point,” a platform that compliments his first company, “Red Beach Advisors.”
Along with Digital Marketing Expert Sean Rosensteel, who co-hosts this episode with me, we touch on the principles and processes that Ray applies to provide a great customer experience through their software services.
Ray also talks about common challenges in delivering Software as a Service (SaaS) and ways that he deals with these obstacles.
This episode provides tons of wisdom and inspiration on scaling a SaaS business into a $10-million company so tune in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- The beginning of Ray’s management consulting firm [04:57]
- How Ray allocates resources on his two companies [11:25]
- Ray’s goals with Red Beach Advisors and Starting Point [14:13]
- What Ray has been doing from the sales side [17:29]
- On-boarding with Starting Point and its service categories [19:24]
- Common objections that Ray gets and how he responds to them [22:28]
- The gap of providing full transparency during the sale-close process [26:46]
- The importance of providing great customer experience [30:48]
- What’s in store for Ray’s companies in Q4 2021 [35:19]
- Ray’s industry of priority and how he approaches them [38:19]
- Starting Point’s biggest challenge and how Ray busts through it [40:36]
- Ray’s personal and professional recommendation [44:06]
- Biggest takeaways from the episode [46:43]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Request a demo with Starting Point (https://www.startingpoint.ai/)
- Achieve efficient growth and success with the Red Beach Advisors (https://www.redbeachadvisors.com/)
About Our Guest:
Ray McKenzie is the founder of Starting Point, a software company that helps businesses delight their customers and clients by increasing customer care and support, reducing workflow to boost productivity. Starting Point is also used by Ray to enable his first company, Red Beach Advisors.
Connect with Ray McKenzie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymondmckenzie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RayMc209
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Is your website not generating enough ROI despite all the money and effort that you’ve poured into it? You might have fallen to the trap of conventional marketing strategies that no longer work.
Today, Digital Marketing Guru Sean Rosensteel exposes web development mistakes and myths that you should avoid if you want your business to stay on top.
Sean and I weigh in on the right mindset to have when starting a business website. Sean also provides useful alternatives and his own lead generation framework that is so easy to follow and surely going to work for you.
Tune in to this episode now to learn new and effective ways to generate more ROIs through your website!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- A great way to lay the groundwork for your digital business [07:05]
- The missing big ingredient in business websites today [14:04]
- The Story Brand Framework [16:08]
- SEO writing in WordPress vs. other platforms [24:20]
- Is SEO still a conducive strategy for your business? [26:26]
- Sean’s recommended alternative for SEO [30:59]
- Finding areas where your fish are already swarming [35:15]
- The three phases of lead generation [39:34]
- The Curb Appeal [47:16]
- The value in simplifying technologies for your business [51:20]
- Sean’s professional recommendation [57:03]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Get a copy of Sean Rosensteel’s book, “The School of Intentional Living” (https://www.seanrosensteel.com/)
- Get a copy of Donald Miller’s book, “Building a Story Brand” (https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329)
- Book a call for a hassle-free website (https://www.savvyproweb.com/)
About Our Guest:
Sean Rosensteel is the owner of Savvy Pro Web, a company helping business owners build hassle-free websites that generate a steady flow of qualified leads.
Sean is also the founder of The Intentional Living Academy and the author of “The School of Intentional Living”, a book that provides insightful tips on achieving goals in the most efficient way.
Connect with Sean Rosensteel:
Website: https://www.seanrosensteel.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanrosensteel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seanrosensteelfan/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
People don’t spend their money on a product or a service. What they buy are the life-changing solutions that they will get from whatever you are offering.
So how do you get your clients into trusting you with providing answers to their lives’ biggest problems?
That’s what User Experience Specialist Valerie Kent and I address in this episode where she shares the philosophy she had behind her iconic webcam covers and when she built her women tech-focused company, Lee London.
We also touch on the business pivots that Valerie had to take and how he managed her way through them.
This episode is full of insights on how you can come up with a brand that your customers will love on your way to your $10-million revenue goal so tune in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- The start of Valerie’s entrepreneurial journey [03:30]
- The first business lessons that Valerie learned [10:53]
- Why Valerie went through retailers instead of individual consumers [12:36]
- Valerie’s next journey after she parted ways with Nordstrom [16:38]
- The birth of Valerie’s company Lee London [19:01]
- Steps Valerie took in putting up Lee London [22:37]
- Building a community beyond selling a product [27:10]
- How Valerie deals with the front and back sides of a business [30:43]
- A recommendation from Valerie [32:23]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
About Our Guest:
Valerie Trent is the founder of Lee London, a women-tech oriented company that develops products aimed at empowering people to use technology in the way they want. Ever since starting in the business world, Valerie has always advocated for making women’s lives better.
Connect with Valerie Trent:
Website: https://leelondon.com/
Email: info@leelondon.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-trent-a560139
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/leelondondesign/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeLondonDesign/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leelondonco
https://twitter.com/valerietrent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leelondondesign/
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
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Are you having trouble adapting your B2B business strategies to today’s disruptive world? If you answered yes, this episode is for you.
Leading SMB Growth Expert Michael Haynes joins me to talk about how you should strategize to keep your company on top amidst constantly changing consumer needs.
We cover topics such as understanding the demands of a market, overcoming weaknesses of a company, and Michael’s new mastermind program called “Empower.”
Tune in now to make sure your company never stops growing with the tons of wisdom that Michael unloads in this episode!
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- What’s going on in the SMB world? [05:30]
- Michael’s take on sales and marketing alignment [07:56]
- Going digital with sales and marketing strategies [11:29]
- Collaboration and co-creation beyond alignment [16:00]
- Understanding and delivering the needs of your buyers [18:47]
- Thinking bigger to drive business growth [20:21]
- Knowing when to do automation and outsourcing [25:40]
- Being aware of your gaps and how to fulfill them [30:18]
- Your clients as your referral engine [33:47]
- The rise of M&A deals in SMEs [36:25]
- Referrals, advocacy, and partnerships [38:50]
- Michael’s newly launched mastermind “Empower” [40:55]
- Michael’s piece of advice (Part 3) [44:07]
Resource Links:
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million: (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- “Listen, Innovate, Grow” by Michael Haynes: (https://amzn.to/345oxLa)
- Learn more about The Empower Mastermind Group: (https://youtu.be/qoadUfZfrnI).
- Listen to Podcast Ep 72. Refocus, Reignite, and Rise: Jumpstarting Growth in 2020 with B2B SMB / SME Adviser Michael Haynes: (https://bretttrainor.com/2020/10/13/refocus-reignite-and-rise-jumpstarting-growth-in-2020-with-best-selling-author-michael-haynes/)
- Listen to Podcast Ep 8. Listen, Innovate, Grow- A Blueprint for Acquiring Business Customers with Michael Haynes: (https://bretttrainor.com/2019/08/10/listen-innovate-grow-a-blueprint-for-acquiring-business-customers-with-michael-haynes/)
- ‘Create Togetherness’ by Jeff Davis (https://www.amazon.com/Create-Togetherness-Transform-Marketing-Expectations/dp/1733450408)
- ‘The Velocity Mindset’ by Ron Karr (https://www.amazon.com/Velocity-Mindset%C2%AE-Resistance-Buy-Results_Faster/dp/1645436284/)
- 'NOW WHAT? A Survivor's Guide for Thriving through Mergers & & Acquisitions' by Jennifer Fondrevay (https://jenniferjfondrevay.com/now-what-by-jennifer-fondrevay/)
About Our Guest:
Michael Haynes is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Listen Innovate Grow with over 20 years of experience working with firms ranging from micro-businesses to large corporations in Australia and Canada to develop and implement customer strategies and programs that help them expand their businesses.
Connect with Michael Haynes:
Listen, Innovate, Grow Website https://listeninnovategrow.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-haynes-lig/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/2Excellyourbiz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelHaynesB2BAdviser
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
One brilliant idea can result in a product or service that customers patronize.
But coming up with an idea is just the first step. It takes great development, adaptation, harmonization, and execution of several ideas before you finally end up with something that your clients will keep coming back to.
In today’s episode, I welcome Danielle Gillespie, founder of Ideas Last, a tech geek who has thrived on building rock solid products that people love for 25 years.
Danielle and I talk about the approaches she does to help companies propel to success starting from one business idea. She also provides useful tips on getting the most out of business ideas and how to adapt or ditch them according to customers’ needs.
If you have an idea on how you can start a business that will bring you good fortune but you’re lost as to how you will maximize it, this episode is the perfect guide for you.
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- How Danielle’s framework helps startup ideas flourish [03:26]
- Planning your company’s success with Danielle [06:20]
- Adapting original ideas into something that people want [10:06]
- Having the idea and passion to solve a problem [15:40]
- When you should pivot and make a market shift [18:05]
- Being receptive to criticisms [22:26]
- Danielle’s advice on growing a $10-million business [23:30]
- The approach used by Danielle in getting great hires [27:50]
- What Danielle looks forward to for startups in the near future [31:54]
- Danielle’s accountability tip [37:12]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
About Our Guest:
Danielle Gillespie has over 25 years of experience developing tech products in different industries including hospitality, health and wellness, manufacturing, retail and first responders. She founded her own company, Ideas Last, and has held various product development roles.
Danielle actively advises a handful of startup tech companies and has helped bring several concepts to life that began as an idea on a paper napkin, combining client demand with budget, timeline, and business case. She excels in converting consumer feedback and data into a positive user experience.
Connect with Danielle Gillespie:
Website: https://www.daniellegillespie.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dgillespie_irl
Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Closing a merger and acquisition deal is just the beginning. Majority of M&A deals fall short of pre-deal expectations, and the key difficulty is ensuring that the deal delivers the value that prompted the decision to get into the agreement in the first place.
In today’s episode, I am joined by none other than the M&A Whisperer herself Jennifer J. Fondrevay who has been a part of three separate multibillion-dollar merger and acquisition deals.
Jennifer and I chat about ways of pulling through mergers and acquisitions, a subject that she also covers in her book “NOW WHAT? A Survivor's Guide for Thriving through Mergers & Acquisitions.”
Most companies that undergo mergers and acquisitions do not get the valuation that they originally intended. Majority of these deals also fail because of the workforce being unable to pivot and adapt as rapidly as the leadership expected.
If you’re worried that yours could end up the same, then this episode will help you find a way to change that.
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- Going through an M&A is a matter of when [04:10]
- What CEOs need to prepare for during M&A [06:00]
- Power and influence of culture in an M&A [09:59]
- Dealing with the new reality of the workforce [11:47]
- How to avoid becoming a “former rock star” [15:37]
- Being crystal clear when approaching the deal [18:07]
- Premortem Exercises - Scenario Planning [20:19]
- The challenge of giving up old ways [25:32]
- Overcommunication as a key to a successful M&A transition [28:44]
- Trends in the new normal set-up of businesses [31:18]
- Jennifer’s piece of advice to fellow workaholics [36:33]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Get a copy of Jennifer’s book “NOW WHAT? A Survivor's Guide for Thriving through Mergers & Acquisitions” (https://jenniferjfondrevay.com/now-what-by-jennifer-fondrevay/)
About Our Guest:
Jennifer J. Fondrevay is the founder of Day1 Ready, an M&A consultancy agency that works with forward-thinking business executives to redefine what day one looks like in the M&A deal experience.
Jennifer has been on both sides of the deal equation as a Fortune 500 C-Suite "survivor" of three multibillion-dollar acquisitions. She witnessed countless growth strategies fail due to a workforce that couldn’t pivot and adapt as quickly as leadership anticipated.
Her satirical business book, “NOW WHAT? A Survivor's Guide for Thriving through Mergers & Acquisitions,” helps middle managers navigate business transformation to find the opportunities in change.
Connect with Jennifer J. Fondrevay:
Website: https://jenniferjfondrevay.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fondrevay
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjfondrevay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjfondrevay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGusxCB8gysRPpB8B4RQBJA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfondrevay
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
By now everyone knows how crucial content marketing is. Effective content marketing connects your business to the right customers and amplifies your brand message. But while B2C brands are nailing it, B2B businesses are having a much harder time finding and distributing their content.
Today we have Jonathan Gandolf, Co-Founder and CEO of The Juice, sharing with us his unexpected journey from craft beer to content marketing and how he envisions the future of B2B marketing.
Find out the most common problems marketers have, how content marketing has evolved over the years, and what you can do to make your vision a reality.
We’ll talk about:
- Introduction [00:00]
- Jonathan’s career background [02:18]
- Getting involved with High Alpha [04:12]
- How Jonathan’s craft brewery cut through the noise [05:19]
- Who High Alpha is and what they do [08:23]
- The problem with B2B content distribution [13:35]
- The vision for The Juice [16:09]
- Becoming the co-founder of The Juice [12:53]
- The value of surveying over 100 marketers [18:07]
- The growth of content marketing due to a pandemic [22:38]
- Being the B2B content hub [24:35]
- What Jonathan would have done differently [26:40]
- What’s next for The Juice [28:00]
- The one thing that Jonathan recommends [30:34]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- The Juice website (https://www.thejuicehq.com/)
- Talk to Your Persona: Here’s How We Talked to 100 Marketers in 100 Days (https://www.thejuicehq.com/blog/talk-to-your-persona-heres-how-we-talked-to-100-marketers-in-100-days)
About Our Guest:
Jonathan Gandolf is the co-founder and CEO of B2B content hub The Juice. He started his career in digital marketing with Salesforce ExactTarget Marketing Cloud where he spent years gaining insights and experience in content marketing, relationship marketing, and product management.
After leaving tech and 4 years of pursuing his craft brewery dreams, he found himself getting drawn back into the biz, surrounded by like-minded colleagues and an idea he pursued relentlessly.
Within a year of conceptualizing, The Juice was born and Gandolf has been busy growing his B2B content hub while also prospecting for new businesses with VC company High Alpha.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with Jonathan Gandolf:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JDGandolf
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
What does Zero to Ten even mean?
If you’ve been listening to my podcast, then you know how often I talk about scaling a startup from 0 to $10 million in revenue. That’s the goal I’ve been helping startups to reach.
So as I do a rebrand of my podcast, I find it fitting to make that a part of my podcast name. In this short and special episode, I’ll tell you what pushed me to make this change and what you can expect as we head towards 120 episodes and beyond!
We’ll talk about:
- Why I’m making this change [00:41]
- What to expect [01:38]
- The history of my podcast [02:38]
- It’s not a traditional podcast [03:51]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Reaching the $1 million threshold is a milestone for all entrepreneurs. But that doesn’t mean everyone actually gets there. In fact, less than 2% of all American businesses have been able to get past this marker. And with the right approach, you can also be a part of that elite group.
In today’s episode, we take a deep dive into the millionaire mindset with Chicago-based business consultant Brad Farris.
Brad leads his team of consultants at Anchor Advisors to get creative services firms reach their million-dollar objective through strategic decision-making and goal realignment.
Learn the most common pitfalls of expanding your business, why you can’t reach that $1M mark, and what you can do to ensure unlimited growth.
We'll talk about:
- Anchor Advisors [1:57]
- The Value of Specialization [5:56]
- Higher Client Qualification [11:19]
- Becoming Attractive to Clients [12:26]
- Challenges of Reaching $1M [3:55]
- Solving Burnout [13:55]
- The Art of Selling Services [18:49]
- Doing Outreach [22:15]
- The Role of Salespeople [27:08]
- Raising Prices [35:15]
- Take a Vacation [36:48]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Anchor Advisors (https://anchoradvisors.com)
- Business Growth Assessment Test (https://learn.anchoradvisors.com/accelerate-your-business-growth/)
About Our Guest:
As Principal Advisor, Brad Farris guides business owners through the pitfalls and joys of growing their business. Brad is passionate about helping business owners find better ways to do things, make more money and enjoy life more. Brad is a speaker and author.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with me and learn more about growing your business:
Email: BT@BrettTrainor.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainorBrett Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brett_Trainor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/
What does it take to build a high-performing team? Is it about getting the best talents? Or building the best program?
We have a unique episode this time as I interview Gene Heidkamp, the basketball coach at Benet Academy. The Redwings netted the 3rd most wins in Northern Illinois from 2010-2020 making them one of the most successful high school basketball programs of the decade.
I believe B2B startups can learn several lessons from Coach Heidkamp’s approach. From how he built the program, getting the team to buy in, dealing with adversity, to setting the expectations for the season, this interview definitely gives us an insider look into the mind of a great leader.
Be sure to catch this episode as it’s a must listen!
We’ll talk about:
- What made the Benet Program successful [04:50]
- The importance of sacrifice in the success of the program [06:09]
- Coach Heidkamp’s philosophy [07:53]
- Why defense is the backbone that leads to wins [13:06]
- The key is to be detail oriented [15:41]
- Dealing with adversity [18:57]
- How the Coach got the team to buy in [20 :13]
- The approach towards those who don’t buy in [24:22]
- Everybody needs to bring in value and be valued [27:21]
- Focusing on presence instead of setting expectations on wins [30:54]
- What can we expect from the team this year [33:06]
- Why the Coach stays away from preseason predictions [34:30]
- The one thing Coach Heidkamp highly recommends [35:59]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
About Our Guest:
Gene Heidkamp is the long-time teacher and head basketball coach at Benet Academy. During his tenure, he led the Redwings to win 300 games. Having had only three Division I scholarship players in the last decade, Coach Heidkamp is one of the top high school coaches in Illinois and has led the team to achieve tremendous success.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Has staying in your comfort zone made you stagnant?
We’re living in a very developed world that has granted us comforts our ancestors likely couldn’t even imagine. But this has somehow impacted our health and our ability to grow.
Today’s episode is going to be very different from my usual, but I guarantee the message will resonate with a lot of B2B founders. Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis, comes in to talk about what’s really causing the physical and mental health issues we’re seeing become more prevalent, despite modern science.
Michael gives us the blueprint for leveraging the power of discomfort so that we can tap into our evolutionary instincts and our need to be challenged. Doing this will allow us to dramatically improve our health and happiness.
For the startup founders there who’ve been neglecting their health and have been feeling stuck, don’t miss this episode.
We’ll talk about:
- Michael’s inspiration for writing the book [02:08]
- When is too much comfort bad? [06:59]
- How to push ourselves out of our comfort zone [09:15]
- Sheltering our kids is us failing them [15:09]
- Experiencing difficult helps us be more grateful [17:01]
- Finding the happy medium [21:29]
- Why fad diets don’t really work [27:17]
- We are most likely overeating, without knowing about it [32:08]
- How to optimize our fitness [35:22]
- The benefit of rucking [38:30]
- Do you need to go to the gym? [40:13]
- One thing that Michael highly recommends [43:31]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self by Michael Easter (https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Crisis-Embrace-Discomfort-Reclaim/dp/0593138767)
- Michael Easter Website (https://eastermichael.com/)
About Our Guest:
Michael Easter is a leading voice on how humans can integrate modern science and evolutionary wisdom for improved health, meaning, and performance in life and at work. He travels the globe to embed himself with brilliant but often overlooked scientists, thinkers, and people living at the extremes and shares the best of his findings and experiences in books, articles, and other media.
Michael’s investigations have taken him into ancient monasteries in Bhutan, US Special Forces training grounds, high-tech genetic labs in Iceland, Fortune-500 boardrooms, the world’s most remote wilderness areas, and more.
He is the author of The Comfort Crisis. You can also find his writing in Men’s Health, Outside, Men’s Journal, Cosmopolitan, Vice, Esquire, Scientific American, Women’s Health, and more. He also shares his thoughts on a Medium feed.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The global workforce is fast becoming remote and borderless.
The current technologies in the human resources space pose so many challenges for companies like Eppione, but along with it comes the enormous potential for scale and profitability as well.
In this episode, David Kindlon, shares with us how their company is catching up with the demands from HR tech platforms and how they are disrupting the insurance industry through their SaaS.
We’ll talk about:
- How David started in the HR tech space [01:49]
- Finding the RIGHT co-founders in business [08:25]
- From mere idea to actual product with early adopters [10:03]
- SaaS is where the future of money is for Eppione [11:45]
- The insurance industry is still using old tech stacks [15:08]
- Global remote work changes the landscape for HR technology [16:53]
- The pivot directed by user feedback [19:19]
- What David would have done in the early stages of the business [21:38]
- Be ready with a plan before getting funding [23:18]
- When should the business have processes in place? [24:11]
- Funding is finding the RIGHT money [27:57]
- Don’t be afraid of competition [30:05]
- The one thing David recommends [34:39]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Check out David’s intelligent HR solutions - (https://eppione.com/)
About Our Guest:
David Kindlon is the CEO of Eppione, an intelligent HR solutions company from Ireland with several locations in the world. Their cloud-based solutions enable companies to have flexibility and understand their unique workforce.
David is passionate about supporting businesses to empower, nurture, and inspire their workforce through technology
Connect with David through his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
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The world of selling has changed so much. It’s no longer just putting up a website and a couple of clicks later - Bam! You just made a sale.
David Premier comes back to the show as we get knee deep into founder-led selling. Why are we seeing founders struggle and face a lot of inefficiencies? David goes over the little, but actually big misses that stop startups for getting over that hurdle.
From the image you need to present the prospective buyer to how you make that discovery call, learn what’s going to make your customers buy. So tune in now.
We’ll talk about:
- A quick background on David [02:17]
- Why you need to look at how you speak to a customer [04:30]
- Being consistent with your mission and vision will get you farther [08:54]
- How to move from features & benefits to problem solving [11:58]
- Think about how you can sound different [16:52]
- People buy the product that aligns with their mental image [18:08]
- Think about that unknown, unspoken [24:33]
- Get them to tell you what they don’t want you to know [25:13]
- Tips for making that discovery call [23:00]
- What a customer tells you isn’t what the objection is about [29:02]
- You don’t have to overcome all objections [27:44]
- Your message and marketing are for helping shape the customer’s journey [33:03]
- The one thing that David highly recommends [36:45]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Cerebral Selling Website (https://cerebralselling.com/)
About Our Guest:
David Priemer is the Founder and Chief Sales Scientist of Cerebral Selling, a modern sales training built through the lens of science and empathy.
David is the author of the highly recommended book, Sell The Way You Buy, which came out last April 2020.
Get more of his free content on their YouTube. Or connect with David on Instagram or Twitter.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
In a busy world of entrepreneurship, staying fit and healthy has always been quite a struggle.
In this episode, Gav Gillibrand, takes us back memory lane to his journey from being a male stripper back in the ’90s to being a Fitness Instructor and now to being a Fitness and Nutrition Coach. Learn how he was able to scale a one-on-one, service-based profession to a highly scalable and highly profitable Fitness and Nutrition Coaching business.
Learn how working less but making more can be made possible by knowing
We’ll talk about:
- How Gav transitioned from the world of stripping to the world of fitness [01:37]
- Scaling the personal trainer profession [09:30]
- LinkedIn as the best B2B platform to connect with ideal clients [13:04]
- Power of video for fitness and nutrition coaches [17:38]
- People want to buy from a person not a company [21:51]
- It’s okay to say things some people disagree with [24:20]
- The benefits of staying healthy for busy entrepreneurs [33:31]
- Gav’s goal to educate people on the myths of weight loss [35:53]
- Two schools of thoughts in nutrition [40:30]
- Your WHY is what will get you to the finish line [46:41]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Visit Gav Gillibrand’s website and subscribe to his newsletter (https://gavgillibrand.com/)
- You can grab a copy of Gav Gillibrand’s book here (https://gavgillibrand.com/the-ghg-method-order-now/)
About Our Guest:
Gav Gillibrand is a fitness and nutrition expert with over a decade of experience and success in helping people lose weight. From being a fitness instructor to a fitness and nutrition coach, Gav specializes in helping busy executives become great role models and leaders both in their family life and business.
He is also known for his book, The GHG Method, which employs practical and actionable weight-loss methods designed for busy entrepreneurs and executives.
Back in the ’90s, he made a TV appearance on “Blind Date” and made a career as a professional revue artist (male stripper) in the UK.
Connect with Gav through his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Getting known, getting leads, and getting sales are all part of online marketing. But the popularity of paid ads shifted businesses to think of marketing as merely budget considerations.
However, SEO pioneer Damon Burton believes that SEO is making a full circle as more entrepreneurs get burned out by paid ads.
Damon has been in the SEO space for almost 15 years and has seen its evolution over the years. He has worked with a wide variety of businesses from mom and pop stores to multi-billion dollar companies and startups.
Listen to him as he shares why SEO remains a strong choice for long-term online marketing efforts and how SEO should be done right over a period of time to experience its full benefits.
We’ll talk about:
- Damon as an early adopter of SEO [02:13]
- The evolution of SEO and paid ads [04:26]
- Why SEO is more stable and scalable than paid ads [05:38]
- Long term and short term objectives of SEO [09:17]
- Understand your audiences when doing paid ads [14:13]
- The difference between transactional item and emotional purchase [16:10]
- Why simplistic websites outperform the most visually amazing websites [17:43]
- Do the content you feel comfortable making [21:35]
- Audio content transcripts are pleasing to search engines [25:15]
- The role of schema in helping search engines understand your website [27:53]
- SEO has the biggest return on profit and better client retention [32:03]
- What to look for when outsourcing SEO work for your business [35:13]
- How social proof helps build your social media credibility [39:19]
- Figure out what format works for you [46:22]
- The one (actually two) thing that Damon recommends [52:23]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Connect with Damon on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonburton/)
- Check out Damon’s SEO Company (https://www.seonational.com/)
- Get a copy of Damon’s book for free (https://trusting.clickfunnels.com/optin1589481029888)
- Read Damon’s published articles in Forbes
About Our Guest:
Damon Burton has been in the Search Engine Optimization space for almost 15 years and is one of the early adopters of SEO. His company, SEO National, has optimized websites for INC5000 companies, NBA teams, and businesses featured on Shark Tank.
Burton has published the SEO book, "Outrank: Your Guide to Making More Online By Showing Up Higher on Search Engines and Outranking Your Competition." He also has tons of published articles in Forbes,
He is a husband and father of three and has been featured on Entrepreneur, BuzzFeed, USA Weekly, and has spoken at conferences.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
For years, entrepreneurs focus on the benefits and features of their products and services. However, many are equally baffled why they are hardly hitting their sales targets.
In this episode, Michael F. Schein brings to the discussion table how the Power of Hype is making people act on something with much gusto. Being good enough at what you do is not enough to make people buy from you these days. Entrepreneurs must find that formula to set themselves apart from the norm and make a solid following from like-minded, loyal followers.
Find out the strategies on how to use hype for business success and increase your sphere of influence.
We’ll talk about:
- How Michael got started in this business [02:20]
- What led Michael to write his book The Hype Handbook [03:01]
- Founders tell stories to sell [06:26]
- Tools and principles on how to hype things up [09:25]
- Crafting a story when selling features and benefits doesn't work anymore. [13:00]
- The importance of authenticity in marketing yourself [20:22]
- The 2 kinds of businesses every B2B founder should know [25:12]
- How to apply the concept of the Bible and the Church in building your authority [33:38]
- Know what Michael is into now that is not for everyone [39:26]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Michael F. Schein’s Website (https://michaelfschein.com/)
- Get a copy of Michael’s Book “The Hype Handbook” 12 Indispensable Success Secrets From the World’s Greatest Propagandists, Self-Promoters, Cult Leaders, Mischief Makers, and Boundary Breakers. (https://michaelfschein.com/the-hype-handbook/)
- Subscribe to Michael F. Schein’s Hype Book Club (https://hypereads.com/)
- Curious how Michael can turn consultants into celebrities? Check https://microfamemedia.com/
About Our Guest:
Michael F. Schein is a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, and hype artist. He helps entrepreneurs and consultants build authority in their niche.
He is the author of The Hype Handbook: 12 Indispensable Success Secrets From the World’s Greatest Propagandists, Self-Promoters, Cult Leaders, Mischief Makers, and Boundary Breakers.
He is a prolific author with articles published in Fortune, Forbes, Inc., Huffington Post, and Psychology Today. He speaks to international audiences spanning from the northeastern United States to the southeastern coast of China.
Michael is the founder and president of MicroFame Media, a marketing agency that has launched campaigns and created content for companies including eBay, Magento, The Medici Group, University of Pennsylvania, Gordon College, University of California Irvine, United Methodist Publishing House, Ricoh, LinkedIn, and Citrix.
Connect with Michael on Twitter and Facebook.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Are trade shows now a distant memory?
In today’s time and with the climate brought about by COVID-19, trade shows look like a thing of the past.
But one entrepreneur saw the opportunity to fill the gap in the space and modernize what used to be so common. CampfireSocial’s Founder and CEO Erica Bishaf shares her journey so far as a startup in its early stages. As the first omnichannel platform designed solely for industry verticals and organizations, they are at the forefront of what could be revolutionary.
The path from startup to scaleup often starts with solving a problem. So this episode is sure to help you see what challenges a young startup faces as it builds and grows.
We’ll talk about:
- Erica’s background and why she started CampfireSocial [01:20]
- What are trade associations and what are they for? [05:31]
- How Erica is modernizing the trade show [06:42]
- Applying the same idea in the pet space to trade associations [08:51]
- Her first priorities during the early days of her startup [13:05]
- Your team has to be on board with your passion [20:03]
- The impetus for her to start fundraising [22:30]
- The biggest challenges for her company [26:02]
- What would she have done differently [28:33]
- What’s next for CampfireSocial [30:28]
- Why feedback matters to them [33:33]
- The one thing Erica recommends [35:06]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- CampfireSocial Website (https://www.campfiresocial.io/)
About Our Guest:
A 20+ year veteran in market intelligence, strategy, and trade shows, Erica Bishaf is the Founder and CEO of CampfireSocial. A tech entrepreneur, Erica saw the need for a platform designed for industry verticals and organizations to cultivate communities and drive revenue growth.
Email Erica at erica.bishaf@campfiresocial.io
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Growing a startup at this time is different from what it used to be.
It will take more than the sales call and networking and promoting features and benefits.
In another episode focused on digital transformation, digital marketing, and branding, Little Bird Marketing’s own Momma Bird, Priscilla McKinney gives her own take on what every founder should be doing now to scale their startup.
It’s time to get with the times, so tune in to grab these awesome digital marketing takeaways.
We’ll talk about:
- Priscilla’s amazing work on marketing [02:35]
- How companies can cut through the noise [04:59]
- Getting the branding and message aligned [10:50]
- It’s no longer sales enablement because the buyer has control [15:59]
- Ask yourself how you can help your customer [18:35]
- Your team doesn’t want the company reliant on the founder [23:04]
- How startups can connect with their audience [26:05]
- Why you shouldn’t sell: Two things that happen before a buying decision [29:52]
- Why you should continue to take care of current clients [33:44]
- Having a great product or service just won’t cut it anymore [41:25]
- The one thing Priscilla recommends [43:01]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Grab the free resources from Little Bird Marketing (https://littlebirdmarketing.com/)
- Ponderings from the Perch Podcast (https://podcast.littlebirdmarketing.com/)
About Our Guest:
As the CEO and Momma Bird at Little Bird Marketing, Priscilla McKinney helps their clients with inbound marketing and social media lead generation. As a creative team, Little Bird is dedicated to providing top-notch content marketing solutions and strategic insights to our amazing clients. This award-winning digital agency serves revenue-minded leaders. Their proprietary content marketing system called S.O.A.R helps those looking to scale who need confidence for the short-term and long-term goals.
Priscilla is also the host of Ponderings from the Perch podcast.
Get in touch with Priscilla through her LinkedIn or Twitter.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Do you know why your customers choose you? Sure, your sales rep may have told you why, but do you really know for sure?
Today’s episode will take you on a deep dive into customer insights. Vennli’s CEO Mary Claire Mandeville gives us lots of reasons why B2B companies need to start leveraging customer feedback more, what you should be doing about market research, customer insights, and even customer experience no matter what stage your startup is, and how this can help startups as they start to scale.
Start with the customer and you can’t go wrong. So tune in now.
We’ll talk about:
- Mary’s journey from sales to CEO [01:27]
- The core competencies of Vennli [04:08]
- Why B2B companies aren’t leveraging services more [05:56]
- Building a company starts with the voice of the customer [09:48]
- Why you should want to hear not so good news [11:58]
- Leadership need to always stay in touch with customers [16:28]
- Two important factors key to scaling to $10 million [18:24]
- How to sell to multiple buyers in an organization [22:38]
- A good cadence for getting feedback [25:40]
- The future will include customer experience analysis [28:54]
- It’s time to embrace making the customer the hero [31:48]
- The one thing Mary recommends [35:00]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Vennli Website (https://www.vennli.com/)
- Podcast Ep 22. How to Grow and Scale a Startup, Even If You Don’t Enjoy Running One with Shark Tank Winner, Martin Hill (https://bretttrainor.com/2019/10/29/how-to-grow-and-scale-a-startup-even-if-you-dont-enjoy-running-one-with-shark-tank-winner-martin-hill/)
About Our Guest:
Mary Claire is the CEO at Vennli. She is driven to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential. In between receiving her BBA and MBA from the University of Notre Dame, this Oklahoma native spent a couple years in between working in Guatemala and Nicaragua for a social enterprise organization. Prior to joining Vennli, Mary Claire was VP of Business Development at a company in the solar industry. At Vennli, she focuses on developing the Chicago and Notre Dame markets.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The sales first approach isn’t going to cut it anymore.
When the market is filled with stiff competition, it’s time to bring out your key differentiator- your CEO.
For today’s show, I finally have the real proof why content is king. Inbound CEO Marti Sanchez shares with us what he does and how he helps B2B CEOs build their personal brands and create trust through high-quality content.
Listen to this episode and find out why content is definitely king!
We’ll talk about:
- How Marti went from ghostwriting to personal branding for CEOs [02:02]
- Why content is important for founders [08:09]
- Content is about providing value and building trust [10:05]
- Everyone has ideas, execution is what matters [11:41]
- Start with 1-2 long-form pieces to build trust [16:22]
- How early-stage founders can get started on content [13:32]
- Speed of execution is key [18:17]
- Inbound revenue should be the only metric you look at [21:23]
- Most of your leads aren’t the ones liking your content [23:18]
- Why a content-first approach is better than a sales first approach [25:20]
- Targeting problem-aware and solution-aware prospects is easier [27:35]
- The CEO or founder is your company’s differentiator [32:38]
- The one thing that Marti recommends [37:43]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Check out Marti Sanchez’s Podcast, Podium Stories (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podium-stories-with-marti-sanchez/id1505931491)
About Our Guest:
Marti Sanchez is the Founder and CEO of Influence Podium. As an Inbound CEO, he represents his company’s brand and uses thought leadership content to drive new business, attract top talent, and channel partnerships. His company helps B2B CEOs build their brand by getting placed on relevant podcasts and creating high-quality content for them.
You can reach out to Marti by sending him an email here: marti@influencepodium.com. Or you can connect with him via his LinkedIn or Twitter.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
In another bonus episode, I’m sharing my second time to be a guest at M&A Unplugged, which is hosted by Domenic Rinaldi. For this episode, I talked about my strategy for helping B2B startups achieve scalable growth.
I’ll be talking about my template for analyzing a company’s growth barriers, strategies for growth, and how to implement those strategies without making bad investments that won’t provide a return.
Whether you are an existing owner of a business or you are contemplating your business acquisition and want to grow it, you wouldn’t want to miss this episode.
Here are the topics we covered:
- Intro to this episode [01:15]
- The stats in the startup space & what Brett found out about what’s preventing scalable growth [03:08]
- Why will Brett’s methodology work for any company [06:22]
- The three levers to look at when it comes to growth [07:11]
- Brett’s discovery process for finding where the plateau is [08:38]
- Most of the time the owners aren’t as accurate in revenue reporting [09:52]
- Finding the true opportunities and their costs [11:33]
- Brett’s approach to analyzing the client and the market [13:54]
- You might want to consider hiring a market research company [16:28]
- What the net promoter score is [19:08]
- Check if your message is aligned with your audience [20:11]
- How to test and find the areas that are paying off [24:07]
- Pitfalls to avoid when doing growth strategies [26:27]
- Brett’s Growth Readiness Assessment [28:35]
- Why so many businesses plateau [30:57]
Resource Links:
- Download my free Growth Readiness Assessment (https://mailchi.mp/bretttrainor.com/growth-readiness-checklist)
- Grab the free best practices and checklists for how to conduct diligence from Sun Acquisitions (http://www.sunacquisitions.com/) or K2 Adviser (https://www.k2adviser.com/)
- You can also listen to this episode on M&A Unplugged Ep. 94 (https://sunacquisitions.com/podcasts/94-how-to-break-through-the-business-growth-plateau-with-brett-trainor/)
As a founder, you are a critical component to your startup’s ability to grow and succeed.
And I’m not talking about who you know. This time, it’s all about how well you know yourself.
Leaders lead and pave the way for businesses to reach new heights. Today’s guest is very passionate about helping entrepreneurs transform their organizations by first looking within and leaning into their personalities and finding that meaningful purpose to tap into that powerful energy that will drive growth.
Dive into this inspirational episode to help you build the backbone of a business built for success. Tune in now.
We’ll talk about:
- Minter's life and global background [02:05]
- Companies need to have a purpose [03:24]
- What led to him writing his book, You Lead [04:47]
- Why entrepreneurs should lean into their personalities [11:41]
- Create a brand that is real for people [16:39]
- Make your purpose meaningful [16:49]
- The two components needed for long-term success [14:56]
- Purpose is key to unlocking discretionary energy [20:17]
- Be intentional with your communication [26:14]
- How to harness that discretionary energy in a remote workforce [23:28]
- Why you shouldn't only surround yourself with like-minded people [30:11]
- The critical work entrepreneurs need to do on their own selves [33:27]
- The one thing Minter highly recommends [42:06]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan (https://www.amazon.com/Change-Your-Mind-Consciousness-Transcendence/dp/1594204225)
- Being Mortal by Dr. Atul Gawande (http://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/)
- Lost Connections by Johann Hari (https://thelostconnections.com/)
- Minter Dial Website (https://www.minterdial.com/)
- YOU LEAD, How Being Yourself Makes You A Better Leader by Minter Dial (https://minterdial.com/books/you-lead)
- The Last Ring Home Documentary Film (http://www.thelastringhome.com/)
- Minter Dialogue Podcast (https://www.minterdial.com/resources/podcasts/)
About Our Guest:
Minter Dial is a professional speaker, elevator and a multiple award-winning author, specialized in leadership, branding and transformation. An agent of change, he's a three- time entrepreneur who has exercised twelve different métiers and moved countries fifteen times.
Minter's core career stint of 16 years was spent as a top executive at L’Oréal, where he was a member of the worldwide Executive Committee for the Professional Products Division.
He’s author of the award-winning WWII story, The Last Ring Home, as well as prize-winning business books, Futureproof and Heartificial Empathy. His latest book on leadership, You Lead, How being yourself makes you a better leader came out in January 2021. He’s been host of the Minter Dialogue weekly podcast since 2010.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
In this bonus episode, I’m sharing my guesting at the B2B Growth podcast.
I get to talk with Lesley Crews of Sweetfish Media about how to shift your mindset and focus on growth. On top of that, I share my four-point plan for growth - something that I encourage B2B startups to use as a framework as early as now.
Here are the topics we covered:
- What exactly is demand generation? Why do we need to have an organizational approach to it? [01:35]
- The need to shift our mindset from a sales perspective to a buyer’s perspective [02:42]
- Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. [04:06]
- The one thing B2B marketers need to stop doing [05:25]
- Why there’s no such thing as a marketing-qualified lead & why you shouldn’t force your prospect through the buying process [07:23]
- The four-point framework to move from startup to scaleup [10:17]
- How to get started on building a demand gen framework [16:11]
- How startups get demand gen wrong [18:42]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- You can also listen to this episode on B2B Growth Ep. 2024 (https://sweetfishmedia.com/show/b2b-growth/how-to-build-a-four-point-demand-gen-strategy/)
Climate change is a controversial topic for many.
But let’s face it. We all want to continue living on our planet.
Imagine combining capitalism and climate change. Serial entrepreneur Norman Crowley is at the forefront of climate capitalism as he pushes forward with his Cool Planet Group. Norman talks with me today about his own entrepreneurial journey and the tough lessons he has picked up.
Get to know this inspirational startup founder who has already successfully sold 3 businesses by tuning in now.
We’ll talk about:
- Starting his entrepreneurial journey at 15 [01:38]
- Energy efficiency through Clarity [04:59]
- Electrify: Converting classic cars to electric cars [06:01]
- The future of food with Cell Ag [06:45]
- From gaming to climate change [04:22]
- His approach to growing his B2B ventures [08:21]
- You have to jump with both feet and learn new stuff all the time [13:56]
- Ask yourself this: Would you want to go drinking with this hire? [19:27]
- How to attract the right talent to help build the business [16:07]
- Lazy people blame not having a process as a reason for failure [22:21]
- What’s changed in B2B since the past 15 years [25:31]
- The key to success is humanizing your business [27:49]
- The one thing that Norman recommends [28:49]
- Why founders should make sure to get good sleep [31:08]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Cool Planet Group Website (https://www.coolplanetgroup.ie/)
About Our Guest:
Norman Crowley is an inspirational international entrepreneur who founded multiple successful businesses including The Cloud - Europe's largest WIFI operator, Inspired Gaming Group - the world's largest company in the server-based gaming domain, and Trinity Commerce. His most recent venture is the Cool Planet Group, a family of environmentally positive businesses and brands that push the boundaries of sustainability.
Connect with Norman through his Twitter.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Standing out when tons of other companies offer similar products is a challenge.
But in this day and age, it pays to be creative. And it pays to be different.
Today, we have a very unique guest, Jesse Cole is the owner of the baseball team, Savannah Bananas. And I believe he has the blueprint for businesses to stand out and separate themselves from the crowd.
When different is better than better, you want to make sure you are highlighting what makes you YOU.
Get to know this passionate entrepreneur and learn what it takes for your startup to stand out.
We’ll talk about:
- How Jesse is changing baseball through differentiation [01:12]
- Constraints force creativity, but you learn by doing [05:19]
- Own the problems [08:37]
- Create Noise [09:26]
- The 3 Loves [09:55]
- Why do you do what you do [10:53]
- The blueprint for becoming the ONLY [08:10]
- Different is better than better [14:01]
- Why you should create the ‘Wow’ factor [19:41]
- Make sure you develop raving fans [17:01]
- Focus on what you can control [24:43]
- What else Jesse is thinking about next [26:58]
- You have to keep pushing forward & do new things [29:40]
- Set aside time to think about the future [30:45]
- The one thing Jesse recommends [33:24]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) (https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710)
- The Savannah Bananas Website (https://thesavannahbananas.com/)
About Our Guest:
Jesse Cole owns the baseball team, Savannah Bananas, which has currently sold out 32 straight games and has a waitlist in the thousands for tickets.
Jesse is also the author of "Find Your Yellow Tux - How to Be Successful by Standing Out,” and the host of the Business Done Differently Podcast.
Jesse believes to be successful you need to Stand Out and Be Different. He is passionate about creating attention, loving your customers more than your product, and loving your employees more than your customers.
Get in touch with Jesse through his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
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Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Selling to a founder’s network is very different from selling to those outside the network.
As startups reach that threshold, they find that what worked before is no longer getting them the leads to scale and grow.
So for my 100th episode, I got back my first guest, Tim Caito. Tim and I revisit what he talked about before, the value and power of differentiation. Now, I believe this has become increasingly valuable as buyer expectations have become much higher.
In this digital-first world we’re in, what are the things startups need to do as they’re planning to scale?
Well, you’d have to tune in to find out.
We’ll talk about:
- Tim’s background and the work he does [02:36]
- Sometimes founders end up as barriers to their startup’s growth [04:54]
- Selling is just problem solving [08:40]
- Crazy founder syndrome is real and it’s a problem [15:03]
- What makes you different makes you relevant [22:35]
- Tim’s process of reverse engineering and forward engineering differentiation [29:56]
- Aim to get the collective ‘Yes’ [34:43]
- Make your differentiation relevant to the customer [36:22]
- Customer expectations are now much higher [41:29]
- Sheer volume won’t get you to where you want to go [45:49]
- The one thing Tim recommends [52:07]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Force Management Website (https://www.forcemanagement.com/)
About Our Guest:
With over 40 years of sales, management, professional development, and business consulting experience, Tim Caito has been helping organizations win better deals and improve critical seller-buyer relationships. Tim is Senior Partner at Force Management, where he is responsible for Customer Success and Strategy. His previous work experience includes helping teams create and execute sales strategies and providing global sales training to transform the productivity and profitability of sales organizations.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Reaching $10M in revenue is a very important milestone. And why wouldn’t it be when less than 1% get there.
Any startup already making half a million to a million dollars in revenue is most likely thinking about scaling. But if you’ll be using the same tactics and sales strategy then you might not give yourself the best chance.
In this guest-free episode, I’ll be sharing my 4-part framework which I’ve used to help companies grow to $10M in revenue. After speaking with quite a number of subject matter experts, I’ve been able to tweak and refine what’s worked, especially as we move to a digital-first approach where flexibility is necessary.
Why wait any further? Get into the episode now.
We’ll talk about:
- Why $10M in revenue is a critical milestone [01:33]
- What’s stopping startups from getting to that milestone [03:52]
- The 4 parts of my framework: ACES [04:39]
- A: Align your company, customer, and offer [05:36]
- C: Connect with your prospects [09:00]
- E: Enable your buyer [11:25]
- S: Build support into the DNA of your organization [15:34]
- Recap of ACES [17:09]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download Startup to Scaleup: A 4-Part Framework to Grow Your B2B Business to $10 Million (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The story of Pepperi is a story of success.
Being in business for almost 12 years, this B2B sales platform has reached heights that most B2B founders dream of.
What did it take to get there? That was a question I wanted to dive into.
So I got Pepperi’s CEO and Cofounder, Ofer Yourvexel, to tell us himself. From offering one unified business logic to the ‘Wow’ factor that got the attention of customers, Ofer reveals that they don’t even do outbound calls.
How did he build the momentum that got Pepperi to where they are today?
You’d have to tune in to this episode to find out.
We’ll talk about:
- Ofer’s personal and work background [01:23]
- What Pepperi offers that others don’t have [05:15]
- Making a pivot to get things right [08:07]
- The benefit of being profitable and not needing investors [10:18]
- The key selling proposition that hooked their first customers [11:35]
- Nurturing customers instead of chasing them [14:26]
- The impact of COVID-19 on Pepperi [18:24]
- What Ofer would have done differently [24:17]
- What’s the focus for Pepperi in 2021 [26:03]
- The one thing Ofer recommends [28:39]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Pepperi Website (https://www.pepperi.com/)
About Our Guest:
With almost 30 years spent working in technology, Ofer Yourvexel has played an executive role in companies such as Amdocs. In 2009, he co founded Pepperi, a B2B sales platform for brands and wholesale distributors. Pepperi connects field sales and B2B e-commerce on a single, flexible, enterprise-grade platform.
Ofer has also spent six years as an officer in the Navy.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The saying hindsight is 20/20 holds true most of the time.
Learning from the mistakes made by businesses that have either gone up or gone under is a worthy exercise.
In this nearly hour-long episode, digital transformation expert, Lynda Roth, takes us back with stories from companies that rode the wave of technology change and those that didn’t and sunk in the process.
We hear about companies such as Sears and Amazon, Blockbuster and Netflix, and even a little sewing pattern maker who craftily built a business digitally.
Don’t get left behind and grab the lessons you can pick up in this episode. Tune in now.
We’ll talk about:
- Getting into and being a pioneer in I.T. [01:58]
- Stories of success & failure in the midst of technology change [08:05]
- The contents of her book - Digital Transformation [16:56]
- Comparing Sears to Amazon [19:31]
- Comparing Sears to Emerson Electric [23:58]
- Whatever business you’re in, start as a digital company [26:59]
- How a little sewing pattern maker grew through digital [28:38]
- When new tech changes a previous solution [34:52]
- Online stores have to replicate the experience in-store [38:44]
- An example of digital being driven by data [45:26]
- Mine the gold from subscription and data [47:51]
- Reimagine your business as a 21st-century business [50:16]
- Lessons from the Blockbuster story [53:29]
- The one thing Lynda recommends [55:06]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Digital Transformation: An Executive Guide to Survive and Thrive in the New Economy (https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Transformation-Executive-Survive-Economy/dp/198225727X)
About Our Guest:
For over 20 years, Lynda Roth has been leading business and technology transformations. She is the author of the book, Digital Transformation: An Executive Guide to Survive and Thrive in the New Economy. Lynda is also a frequent speaker on topics such as I.T.-driven business optimization, successful outsourcing approaches, establishing or growing an internal I.T. department, and creating a high-functioning organization with strategic I.T.
You can connect with Lynda by emailing her at lynda@ljrcs.com
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Marketing is no longer what it used to be.
Forget coaxing customers to attend a demo. Using education to raise buyer awareness is now key.
Chris Walker from Refine Labs joins me today as we go over their own way of helping B2B companies grow through marketing. Chris comes from a very unique background (engineering) and this gives him an advantage of looking at the entire ecosystem of revenue and not broken down into silos.
So if you’re looking into transitioning your revenue acquisition model to drive demand from digital, Chris is just the right man to help you make those crucial changes.
Tune in to this episode to grab insights from this highly disruptive demand marketer!
We’ll talk about:
- How an engineering background gave Chris the advantage in marketing [01:51]
- Losing his own money as a vital point in his experience [04:33]
- The gap in the marketplace that Chris saw [06:13]
- Removing assumptions that are no longer true [08:06]
- The benefit of working with a blank slate [09:07]
- Barriers preventing companies from driving demand from digital [10:26]
- Attribution is not marketing against sales [12:38]
- Why you shouldn’t measure social channels the same way with Google [13:27]
- The first step for founders is to know what they’re good at [20:25]
- Adspend is a cost of doing business [22:41]
- Why buyer intent is a critical factor to sales [24:45]
- The major shifts in the buying process [25:35]
- Customer success should be part of your product [29:48]
- Through education, you create awareness [31:51]
- You don’t really need salespeople [33:46]
- Companies need a recurring revenue model driven by customer acquisition [35:50]
- How COVID impacted sales and marketing [38:59]
- The one thing Chris recommends [41:36]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Refine Labs Website (https://www.refinelabs.com/)
- State of Demand Gen Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-demand-gen/id1511588213)
About Our Guest:
Chris Walker is the CEO at Refine Labs, a marketing consulting firm focused on growing B2B SaaS companies. Their Revenue Engine Optimization Formula combines revenue operations, growth marketing, and buyer enablement.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
It’s an exciting time for the B2B startup world.
With so many opportunities present and probably triggered by the current climate, we’re seeing trends rising for innovative companies to get the spotlight.
What are those and what should you do to get one step ahead of the competition?
Today, I got Eva Nahari from DNX Ventures. As a Principal at DNX, we go over what’s she’s working on, her thoughts on the difference between AI and ML, the areas of her focus, and how automation & streamlining processes are key at this time.
Jump into this powerful episode to find out what this venture capitalist sees coming up next.
We’ll talk about:
- The journey from Sweden to DNX Ventures in California [01:40]
- Moving from angel investing to VC [09:18]
- Her role and what’s she’s working on at DNX [13:44]
- Key things to think about when scaling [19:00]
- Select & prioritize where you put resources [21:32]
- Put confidence in your pipeline [22:43]
- What Eva looks for in potential investments [24:17]
- Differences between machine learning & artificial intelligence [29:48]
- COVID and the focus of her thesis [32:07]
- We’re seeing greater automation of non-value-added tasks [33:12]
- Never underestimate back-end innovation [36:13]
- Expect more entrepreneurs to become more innovative [39:26]
- See more migration to cloud [42:43]
- The one thing Eva recommends [44:29]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- DNX Ventures Website (https://www.dnx.vc/)
About Our Guest:
Eva Nahari is a Principal at DNX Ventures, a VC fund focused on early-state B2B startups. Prior to joining DNX, she worked 9 years at Cloudera building products and go-to-market strategies and helping businesses scale.
Keen on AI, machine learning, and autonomous systems, Eva looks to invest in companies building SaaS, Cloud, ML-Enabled Enterprise Software, and DevOps that could revolutionize how IT is delivered to enterprises.
Eva has also spent time as an angel investor and startup mentor. You can reach her via LinkedIn and Twitter.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did a heavy number on the B2B startup space.
We’ve seen businesses reach accelerated growth. And we’ve also seen businesses shut down.
What does this mean for the venture capitalist world? And what can we expect as we push forward into 2021?
Cofounders Capital’s Tim McLoughlin comes back one-year post-pandemic. We catch up as he shares how they have shifted in the current climate, the opportunities coming out that startups should grab, and what else he sees in the tech space.
Jump into this powerful episode to find out what this venture capitalist sees coming up next.
We’ll talk about:
- Cofounders Capital investments in North Carolina [01:58]
- The amount of deal flow they get [04:34]
- Don’t do this in your pitch email to VC funds [06:18]
- Putting a COVID lens on startups [09:47]
- The opportunity present in building the culture for a remote workforce [12:53]
- A look ahead to 2021: Will the acceleration of certain trends continue? [16:34]
- Will there be consolidation in the B2B tech space? [19:20]
- Ease of buying is a competitive advantage [23:09]
- Be thoughtful, purposeful about going out and building your network [26:31]
- Tim’s First Check podcast launching in March 2021 [31:24]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Cofounders Capital Website (http://cofounderscapital.com/)
- Ep. 68: A Deep Dive Into the Mindset of a B2B Venture Capital General Partner: Who Gets the Money and Why with Tim McLoughlin (https://bretttrainor.com/2020/09/15/a-deep-dive-into-the-mindset-of-a-b2b-venture-capital-general-partner-who-gets-the-money-and-why-with-tim-mcloughlin/)
- First Check Podcast with Tim McLoughlin (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-check-with-venture-capitalist-tim-mcloughlin/id1555319334)
About Our Guest:
As a Partner at Cofounders Capital, Tim McLoughlin is very involved in the North Carolina startup ecosystem. He has served as adviser and board member to several early-stage software companies. Prior to joining CoFounders Capital, Tim was an Entrepreneur in Residence for the Idea Fund Partners.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The success of a company is dependent on its customers staying with them.
But when you’re too focused on chasing new leads, customer success often takes a back seat. Well, there’s no longer room for doing that.
In this specialized episode on customer success, Kathleen Marcell joins me as we go over what startups can do to start building that into their process.
Kathleen consults with companies helping them grow faster through increasing revenue from current customers. So this episode certainly provides a load of strategies growing companies can use.
We’ll talk about:
- Kathleen’s background and work [01:55]
- Kathleen’s definition of customer success [05:57]
- Put yourself in your customer’s shoes [08:45]
- How to get started on building in customer success [07:47]
- Kathleen’s process for onboarding [12:20]
- Smoothing out the transitions to another department [14:29]
- Balancing customer success and revenue [19:05]
- The right time to put in a Customer Success Manager [22:59]
- Close the loop by having a feedback process [27:45]
- Common pitfalls made by companies [31:53]
- What’s next for Kathleen [36:18]
- The one thing Kathleen recommends [37:41]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Carema Consulting Website (https://caremaconsulting.com/)
About Our Guest:
With 10 years of experience building customer success teams, Kathleen Marcell has extensive experience working with enterprise software. She has worked in multiple verticals and across different departments including hiring, support, and implementation teams. She has helped companies provide a seamless onboarding experience for their customers.
You can connect with Kathleen through her LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Lucid Website (https://luc.id/)
- Check out Patrick Comer’s Podcast (https://luc.id/lookingglass/)
In today’s data-focused, consumer-driven market, having insights into the customer mind is priceless.
Getting access to that data though is another thing. But this is where innovation steps in.
A pioneer of the restech or research technology landscape, Patrick Comer combines research, data analysis, and technology in his company, Lucid. We talk about their startup to scale-up story, the learnings they’ve picked up on, the shifts they’ve made, plus more.
Don’t miss this episode on this extraordinary startup making waves in the industry.
We’ll talk about:
- Lucid and the work they do in the research tech space [01:33]
- Why insights are now part of an enterprise’ competitive advantage [03:46]
- Patrick’s reason for starting Lucid [06:40]
- The innovative business model of Lucid [10:08]
- Key learnings in growing to $100M [13:26]
- Competition can help you grow [17:53]
- There’s a lot of value in giving away all your good stuff [21:50]
- The creation of the restech industry is for all companies [23:25]
- When you are in the scaling process, documentation matters [24:28]
- How Patrick shifted from the startup CEO to the scaling CEO [26:49]
- Realizing the importance of culture and values [30:38]
- The switch to a decentralized office [33:11]
- The competition for talent is now global [35:06]
- What’s next for Lucid [37:48]
- The one thing Patrick recommends [40:38]
About Our Guest:
As the Founder and CEO of Lucid, Patrick Comer pioneered the restech or research technology landscape. Lucid provides access to first-party survey data in over 100 countries. A successful growth story that shows how innovation is a key driver, their mission is to change how the world’s answers are accessed.
Patrick welcomes anyone to reach out to him through his Twitter.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
With today’s CEOs being like celebrities and coming out as the face of their brand, personal branding is now even more important for startups.
Thus, founders need to understand that it is in the best interest of their company for them to get out there and get loud.
Personal brand strategist, Claire Bahn, joins me in today’s episode on branding. Find out what you need to do to get started, the common pitfalls people make, and lots of tips for building your personal brand.
The right time to build your personal brand is now, so don’t miss this valuable episode!
We’ll talk about:
- Claire’s journey to becoming a personal brand strategist [01:38]
- What exactly is personal branding [02:54]
- The move from features and benefits to the face behind the brand [05:15]
- Your brand is already out there [06:16]
- The first step is to plan it out [08:14]
- You are your biggest advocate [11:20]
- Niche down first and own your space [14:19]
- You’re not just selling your name but the overall business [16:10]
- Founders act as the face while the business backs him up [18:20]
- Having a personal connection helps businesses take off [21:14]
- Get over imposter syndrome: Be loud & proud [22:46]
- Give your employees a reason to go that extra mile [28:45]
- You don’t have to be an extrovert: Practice makes perfect [31:26]
- Common pitfalls when starting to build a brand [33:16]
- What’s next for Claire [35:48]
- Those who solidify their place as industry leaders get the job [37:09]
- The one thing Claire recommends [39:38]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Claire Bahn Website (https://clairebahn.com/)
About Our Guest:
A former model and actress, Claire Bahn later delved into personal branding and co-founded the Claire Bahn Group. With over 70K followers on her social media, Claire knows the importance of building your own personal brand.
An advocate for ditching the model of corporations as faceless entities, she helps entrepreneurs, investors, founders, and executives create their best personal brand to develop their authority, influence, and trust. With that said, Claire’s work for over 10 years has enabled companies to achieve their business goals.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Landing a new customer outside of a founder’s network is one of the biggest hurdles faced by B2B companies looking to scale.
So in our first Tactical Tuesday episode, we take a look at this problem from a management consultant’s perspective.
Faheem Mossa and I go through his process for getting high-paying clients. Faheem shares a ton of insights on what selling is all about, dealing with multiple buyers in a company, and much more. Don’t miss out on this strategic episode by tuning in now!
We’ll talk about:
- Faheem’s background and the value of a management consultant’s expertise [02:10]
- Sales is about understanding the problem & empathizing with the prospect [04:24]
- There are multiple buyers within a company with different things they care about [06:13]
- Faheem’s recommended approach for dealing with multiple buyers [09:49]
- You have to speak your customer’s language [13:15]
- Start slightly broad, understand the market, then pick one vertical [14:41]
- Don’t pitch, but talk about the value can give [18:17]
- How to ask for the sale [20:39]
- Don’t pressure the buyer to decide before they’re ready [23:29]
- There’s no point in endlessly following up [26:01]
- Make sure you are top of mind [27:23]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
About Our Guest:
As a former management consultant, Faheem Moosa knows how to consistently get clients into his pipeline and build a profitable business. Now, he helps business consultants land 2-4 high-paying clients in 90 Days without using advertising or getting referrals.
You can connect with Faheem through his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The future of B2B startups is going to be fascinating. I’ve seen how companies have risen and transformed the traditional strategies already set in place in the industry.
One such example is Penji. This on-demand graphic design service as a service company catering to businesses has shown what is possible when you instigate change.
In today’s episode, I get to pick the brain of Penji’s Co-founder, Johnathan Grzybowski. We talk about the need to trust the process, growing without using sales reps, how they built customer success into their culture, the importance of putting processes in place to expand, and so much more.
Listen to this very special episode as we dissect the blueprint to the future of B2B!
We’ll talk about:
- The mistake that led to Penji [02:05]
- There’s no overnight success: Be resilient and trust the process [05:38]
- The 4 stages to growing beyond your network [11:23]
- Growing without using sales reps [16:50]
- Building customer success early on in their culture [23:26]
- Penji’s way of treating employees the way they want customers to be treated [27:23]
- The hardest thing is being able to translate the process [32:32]
- Employee role specialization allows the company to expand [34:26]
- If you can’t do it yourself, why expect others to do it for you? [35:44]
- Content is critical to being able to scale [36:51]
- Penji as the blueprint of future B2B companies [39:48]
- The one thing that Johnathan recommends [40:48]
- What’s next for Penji [43:06]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Penji Website (https://penji.co/)
- Get 15% off on your first month with Penji. Just input the coupon code: B2BFounder15
- Content Fuel Website (https://contentfuel.co/)
About Our Guest:
Johnathan Grzybowski is the Chief Marketing Officer of Penji. The on-demand graphic design service company was started by Johnathan with his co-founder Khai in 2017 after they experienced the difficulty of finding talented designers. Penji is now touted as a simple, fast, and affordable solution for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
Johnathan also hosts the podcast Blind Entrepreneurship, which has been downloaded over 100,000 times and is considered a top business podcast on Apple Podcasts. He uses his podcast and business to help entrepreneurs execute their vision and be profitable.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
As a business grows, the ability to do things more efficiently is key to scaling up successfully. But oftentimes, the plan to automate processes gets little priority.
When is the right time to adopt technology to get rid of those manual processes? And how do you go about updating your internal infrastructure?
These are just some of the questions we cover today as process consultant Andrew Millet joins me today to help founders who may have found themselves stuck and in need of ways to streamline their process to meet buyer preferences, improve the customer experience, and improve retention and profitability.
Jump into this episode to grab valuable insights on process and automation.
We’ll talk about:
- Andrew’s background and the start of Process Pro Consulting [01:19]
- What led them to the B2B space [02:12]
- The reason for automating your processes [04:33]
- Setting up your infrastructure to scale [10:56]
- Don’t forget onboarding and organization of process after technology adoption [16:19]
- Successful technology implementations are aligned with your goals [20:17]
- Don’t just sell then forget about the customer [24:37]
- The handoff process is miserable for the customer [29:32]
- Make sure the data follows the customer [33:33]
- How a business delivers customer value is different for every company [35:36]
- Find the things that are taking a lot of time then try to automate it [39:25]
- When’s the right time to be thinking about efficiency and automation [43:15]
- What Andrew plans to focus on this 2021 [45:20]
- The one thing that Andrew recommends [47:04]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Process Pro Consulting Website (https://processproconsulting.com/)
- No Man's Land: Where Growing Companies Fail by Doug Tatum (https://www.amazon.com/No-Mans-Land-Growing-Companies/dp/1591842492)
About Our Guest:
Andrew is the Founder and Principal Adviser at Process Pro Consulting. As a process-oriented consultant with a passion for growing businesses, he has spent the beginning of his career providing services to Fortune 500 companies. He later became the Director of Solutions & Customer Experience ScaleFactor, where he helped accelerate the startup’s growth from seed investment through multiple funding rounds. Now through his own company, he dedicated to helping businesses succeed through the optimization of their processes.
You can connect with Andrew through his LinkedIn or just send him an email at andrew@processproconsulting.com.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Startups looking to scale face challenges on every side of the business. How do you grow beyond your network? Where do you find the people you need to help you reach that goal?
If you do things without a plan, you won’t get the maximum results you could have gotten. But insights from someone with years of experience might help you get there faster.
In today’s episode with a fractional CMO, Mark Coronna gives his own views on buyer enablement, building diversified revenue streams, and much more. With his storied background, his perspectives on growth, planning, and execution are lessons startups wouldn’t want to miss.
Tune in as I pick the brain of this very practical CMO!
We’ll talk about:
- Mark’s storied background that led to him becoming a fractional CMO [01:36]
- Should startups consider getting a fractional CMO? [03:31]
- Insights on how growth has changed since the COVID pandemic [06:03]
- Long-term growth planning shouldn’t take a backseat [08:58]
- The 3 Ps investors look at [19:00]
- The move towards more digital activities and programs [22:28]
- Buyer enablement is about taking an outside in view of customers [25:13]
- Marketing needs to take the role of growth champion [28:00]
- Plan for acquisition, retention, and expansion [32:54]
- Changes are happening fast, so take advantage [36:32]
- What’s next for Mark [40:29]
- The one thing that Mark recommends [42:27]
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Chief Outsiders Website (https://www.chiefoutsiders.com/)
- GET MOVING! - The Two Most Important Words You Need to Know by The Practical CMO Podcast (https://thepracticalcmo.com/category/guest-kyle-arneson/)
About Our Guest:
With a passion of helping leadership teams reach success, Mark Coronna is uniquely qualified to guide businesses during their growth stages. As a Fractional CMO Officer and Area Managing Partner for Chief Outsiders, he focuses mainly on growth planning and execution, building diversified revenue and profit streams, sales pipeline improvements, strategic marketing planning, and digital transformation.
You can reach out to Mark through his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Successfully selling to your prospects is at the core to scaling your startup. But at an age where greater focus is needed towards buyer enablement, the hard sell is no longer selling.
If you’re a startup looking to grow your business, what are you to do then? Well, I’ve got the answer for you in our supersized episode today with my special guest.
As Founding Partner of the Samurai Business Group, Bob Lambert has spent two decades helping small and mid-size businesses improve their growth. Today, he and I talked about everything from strategy and tactics to what folks to hire for sales roles to setting up your business for scale.
Make this year a year of tremendous growth for your business by tuning in now!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Samurai Business Group Website (https://samuraibizgrp.com/)
We’ll talk about:
- Bob’s sales, marketing, and entrepreneurial background [01:46]
- What pushed his pivot towards B2B sales [05:02]
- How founders can start making sales an organizational responsibility [10:09]
- What startups need to do to hire the right sales people [15:21]
- Your sales team needs critical thinking, mastery, and good management [19:50]
- Customer success shouldn’t be an afterthought [25:25]
- Treat your sales people like a pro sports team [30:57]
- You can’t motivate people, so look for attitude [32:28]
- Listen and be a person of honor [34:32]
- Sales is about solving a problem [38:31]
- Take care of your customer & they will evangelize you [40:59]
- Frame your message in a way that attracts your best customers [43:11]
- What’s next for Bob [47:46]
- The one thing that Bob recommends [58:40]
About Our Guest:
With over 40+ years working in business development, market, and sales, Bob Lambert has a solid track record of growing and leading successful businesses. He founded Samurai Business Group, a sales & business development performance firm which developed their proprietary Samurai Buying Decision ModelTM. This model is now being used in the sales curriculum in 36 universities.
Bob has coached, mentored, and trained people who later on became top executives in Fortune 1000 companies or founded successful businesses. He also co-authored the book, Put the WIN back in your SALES, and is the host of podcast talk show Faith Marketplace Radio.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Bob Lambert at r.lambert@samuraibizgrp.com or give him a call at 847-922-1498.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
2020 was definitely a year we won’t forget. But with 52 episodes in 52 weeks and the continued support from my podcast listeners, the re-branded B2B Founder podcast has grown, and it’s all thanks to you.
In today’s mini episode, I want to go over the year that was. Let’s take a look back at what we covered and what my listeners can expect this new year.
Join me as we turn over to the start of another new year full of new and better opportunities. Tune in now!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
We’ll talk about:
The last year was a year of diverse content [01:05]
What were the changes we did with last year’s rebrand [01:47]
Why you should listen to my interviews with growth experts [03:01]
The privilege I had getting the perspectives of over 16 authors [03:41]
What’s new you can expect in 2021 [04:37]
Now is still the best time to start a business [05:44]
New enhancements to make the podcast better [06:45]
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Success and scalability stem from the ethical application of business practices. But, in a fast-paced, revenue-driven world, it’s almost just become an afterthought.
In almost every company, there is a written or unwritten code for how people should behave in the workplace. But without carefully examining and applying a work culture that reflects ethical standards, company culture may just as well be another set of words plastered on the wall.
World-renowned TEDx speaker, Yonason Goldson, shares with us the importance of business ethics in the foundation of healthy work relationships and success. He tells us why startups also need to prioritize business ethics, the significance of creating a positive employee experience, and the role that trust, teamwork, and accountability play in paving the way for scalability.
If you want to build a healthier, happier, more successful work environment, tune in to this episode today!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Good to Great by Jim Collins (https://amzn.to/3gqvwEo)
- Leadership by Rudy Giuliani (https://amzn.to/39Rvxjm)
- Grappling with the Gray with Yonason Goldson (https://amzn.to/39LPNmq)
- Yonason Goldson Website (https://www.yonasongoldson.com/)
We’ll talk about:
- Yonason’s discovery of the path towards ethical affluence [01:44]
- The inspiration behind Grappling with the Gray [04:25]
- The compounding effect of unethical practice in the workplace [10:59]
- Why business ethics is essential in building positive work culture [15:26]
- Taking care of your employees to take care of your customers [21:41]
- Success is not (always) an overnight endeavor [25:28]
- The value of trust and teamwork in the current workplace situation [28:29]
- Compliance is the enemy of ethics [35:47]
- Ethics defined [38:54]
- The significance of the people component for startups [40:30]
- The best CEO does nothing [42:40]
- Empathy is one of the key ingredients in ethics [47:03]
- What’s next for Yonason [49:13]
- The one thing that Yonason recommends [52:22]
About Our Guest:
An advocate in building a culture of ethics, Yonason Goldson has helped countless companies improve employee loyalty and productivity through ethical practices, clear communication, trust, and enthusiasm. He is the Director of Ethical Imperatives, LLC. He’s an ethics and leadership speaker, strategic storyteller, and TEDx presenter. He is also a community rabbi, recovered hitchhiker and circumnavigator, former newspaper columnist, and retired high school teacher in St. Louis. Throughout his career, he has published five bestselling books to his name, including Fix Your Broken Windows, Grappling with the Gray, Proverbial Beauty, to name a few.
You can reach out to Yonason through his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
As your business is starting to take off, how do you create brand awareness and reel more customers in?
The answer lies in media publication and podcast exposure. But the challenge is pitching yourself to journalists and podcast hosts.
Let the world know about you and your business as Brittney Lynn, Founder and CEO of Britney Lynn PR, joins us today to talk about public relations for founders and business owners. Learn how you can pitch yourself more effectively to reach your target audience and get word out about your business. We’ll also hear some amazing and practical tips to help get you started with PR and get down to the nitty gritty of Brittney’s business.
Find out how you can grow your business through the power of media by tuning in to this episode now.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Take the Kolbe A Assessment (https://www.kolbe.com/)
- Brittney L Lynn Website (https://brittneyllynn.com/)
We’ll talk about:
How Britney quit her job and fell into the PR world [01:20]
The essence of PR and “done for you” services in the podcasting space [07:13]
Building the audience’s trust factor and getting your story told [10:10]
The importance of building lasting relationships for the long game [14:12]
Why founders need podcast exposure [16:27]
What should your content strategy be before hiring a publicist? [19:17]
Understanding your audience to add more value to your content [24:19]
Some tips to get started with PR and marketing [27:02]
The benefit of using LinkedIn to grow your connections [32:45]
The big no-nos in PR [36:49]
How to pitch yourself to different media platforms [37:56]
The significance of media sheets [41:56]
What’s next for Brittney [43:34]
The one thing that Brittney recommends [44:38]
About Our Guest:
Initially part of the marketing team of her previous company, Brittney L Lynn discovered just how much media exposure, especially podcasts, can do for founders and entrepreneurs. That’s what led her to found Britney Lynn PR, a company dedicated to helping online entrepreneurs grow through strategic public relations and marketing strategies. Now in its 5th year, her business continues to make great strides in the world of public relations for entrepreneurs.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
B2B startups may not see branding as crucial at the start. With half in the space focusing on features and benefits, you could be missing out on a powerful tool for building momentum for your business.
Today’s episode is all about branding. Tacklebox’s David Kelbaugh covers the different misconceptions involving branding. What is his definition of it, and why your end goal should be to turn customers into your advocates. We also talk about the tactics that no longer work such as lower funnel performance marketing, and the steps any startup can take to build their brand.
It’s time to take action on your company’s brand. So tune in and grab some amazing insights on what you can do.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Tacklebox Brand Partners Website (https://tacklebox.us.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
David’s background in advertising [01:20]
The type of companies they help to build momentum [03:30]
The definition of branding and why is it critical [05:40]
Your goal is to transform customers into advocates [10:20]
Not everyone has to like your brand [15:14]
Be experimental to gain attention of your customers [18:29]
Marketing should be more brand, less product [21:00]
Four brand steps startups should be thinking about [30:55]
Your logo and name are not that important [35:37]
What’s next for David [38:31]
The one thing David recommends [41:32]
About Our Guest:
After working with big advertising agencies for 15 years, David Kelbaugh started Tacklebox Brand Partners. Initially starting out as a market research firm, Tacklebox has since expanded to a full service marketing agency. David now uses his marketing expertise towards helping early stage companies get their brand right so that they can build the momentum that allows them to win.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Most of our work as business owners involves a lot of thinking. But how much do we really know about our brain power and mental capabilities?
There’s so much of our brain that we don’t understand yet, but the propensity to do the things that we do goes all the way back to our primal instincts. However, what does understanding our brain have to do with marketing and business?
Let’s unravel the mystery as Tim Ash, world-renowned keynote speaker and author of Unleash Your Primal Brain, joins us in today’s scintillating episode on the psychology of marketing and business. Today’s topic is all about the brain as we dissect and examine why getting a good night’s sleep is essential, why you’re not really multitasking the way you think you are, and what finding and creating your own tribe means to your business.
Start learning and working more efficiently by tuning in to this episode now!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Crystal Website (https://www.crystalknows.com/)
- Tim Ash Website (https://timash.com/)
- Primal Brain Website (https://primalbrain.com/)
We’ll talk about:
How Tim went from computer science to marketing [01:54]
The adoption of digital optimization in the B2B space [04:39]
Writing his book “Unleash Your Primal Brain” [07:31]
Misconceptions about how the brain works [12:15]
The four stages of learning [16:49]
The essence of getting a good night’s sleep [18:11]
Is multitasking productive or counterproductive? [23:32]
How being in an office work environment decreases productivity [25:29]
The benefit of working from home [27:19]
The link between the transmit culture and marketing [31:00]
Creating your own tribe to grow your business [35:03]
Tim’s views on sleep, company culture, and tribal values [39:00]
What’s next for Tim [41:45]
The one thing that Tim highly recommends [45:36]
About Our Guest:
An evolutionary psychology expert and world-renowned keynote speaker, Tim Ash is well-known for his two bestselling books, Landing Pages Optimization and Unleash Your Primal Brain. He is also a sought-after marketing advisor who founded Digital Growth Unleashed. Now, he is the CEO and Co-Founder of Site Tuners, a digital optimization agency that has been helping businesses scale by taking a strategic approach to business acceleration since 2001.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
It is one thing to be financially rich and another to be time rich. What does it take to become the latter?
In today’s new episode, top-rated podcaster and author, Steve Glaveski, shares where he got the idea for writing his new book, Time Rich: Do Your Best Work, Live Your Best Life. Aside from that, Steve and I also talked about the importance of instilling an entrepreneurial mindset among children and how it applies to situations outside of business set-ups. Interestingly, we also explore the history of the pre-COVID working condition as we discuss how companies are coping with the current challenge of work-from-home situations.
Join us as we talk about
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/
- Steve Glaveski Website (https://www.steveglaveski.com/)
- Download the Time Rich’s first chapter and automaton guide (https://www.timerichbook.com/)
- Know more about nootropics and ergogenic health (https://www.instagram.com/ergogenic_health/)
- Time Rich: Do Your Best Work, Live Your Best Life (https://amzn.to/38NpJa4)
- The Top Five Regrets of the Dying (https://amzn.to/3lwnR97)
- Collective Campus Website (https://www.collectivecampus.io/)
- NoFilter Media Website (https://www.nofilter.media/)
We’ll talk about:
Steve’s professional experience [02:51]
Teaching an entrepreneurial mindset to kids [06:34]
Idea behind Time Rich [10:20]
Flow state: Avoiding time and productivity waste [15:24]
Tim O’Reilly’s business model for the new economy” [23:07]
The power of the rule of two [30:20]
Presence and significance of the Pareto’s principle [33:14]
PCOATS roadmap [37:31]
Steve’s take on nootropics use [43:10]
Tips on increasing memory retention [45:10]
Time to embrace asynchronous communication [48:05]
What’s next for Steve [53:24]
The one thing Steve recommends [56:17]
About Our Guest:
An entrepreneur, author, and podcaster, Steve Glaveski is on a mission to untap the potential of people to lead more meaningful lives. He forwards this mission through his different ventures, such as the Collective Campus, an innovation accelerator; the Lemonade Stand, a children’s entrepreneurial program; and his podcast, Future Squared. In his latest book, he shares how being time rich is more valuable than living “comfortably miserable” lives.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The end-user may not be the buyer making the decisions in the company. While customer enablement has empowered the product or service users, forgetting to transform value for the buyer could result in failing to maintain important relationships.
Today, we’re all about buyer enablement. Startup mentor, Joey Knecht, advocates for engaging with the buyers within an organization. With the shift in the B2B buying environment, maybe you’ve dropped the ball in maintaining those connections. If so, how do you pivot to create a process that not only drives growth but leads to new business for your company?
Say goodbye to customer enablement and hello to buyer enablement by tuning in to this episode!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Proteus Website (https://www.proteus.co/)
We’ll be talking about:
A brief introduction on Joey and Proteus [01:45]
The journey towards becoming an advocate for buyer enablement [03:33]
The product is always pivoting and morphing [07:50]
Maintain long-term relationships by justifying your value to the buyer [11:34]
Invest in client success early on [15:21]
Stay in your lane and own what you do well [19:14]
The big secret sauce of expanding beyond your network [27:41]
Non-traditional tactics for growing the business [32:33]
Your role is to help the buyer solve their problem [37:34]
What’s next for Joey [43:12]
The one thing Joey recommends [45:06]
About Our Guest:
An advocate of buyer enablement, Joey Knecht learned from a young age how to navigate through challenges by helping engage diverse groups of people to find solutions. Now, as CEO and Managing Director of Proteus, he is leveraging technology to empower and engage buyers in complex B2B sales cycles. By taking the guesswork out of the so-called “dark periods” that often slowdown or kill the sale, he is helping sales leaders illuminate a crystal clear path of personalized buyer enablement with multiple decision makers.
To find out more about Joseph and his work, reach out to him through Proteus.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Technology is a central component we see in startups nowadays. But the part technology plays in the business is an area that deserves better focus.
In today’s episode, startup mentor, JC Garrett, talks about the importance of defining the role of technology in any startup, whether it is tech centric or tech enabled. While there is no right choice, having that clarity is key, as we are seeing paradigm shifts accelerated by the current COVID pandemic. We also discuss the opportunities that come up during these difficult times and why now is the right time to start a business.
Find out how the balance of business and technology play together by tuning in to this episode.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- FarShore Partners Website (https://www.farshore.com/)
- Dash Fire Website (https://dashfire.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
What led to JC being an advocate of technology [01:38]
Startups should figure out if they’re tech centric or tech enabled [05:10]
There is no one right choice, just define who you are [09:01]
Before product and features, market efficacy comes first [14:07]
COVID and the shift towards new technology implementation [17:43]
Startups need to progress through the three stages of sales [23:04]
Why NOW is the best time to start a business [27:19]
Words of wisdom every startup founder should follow [36:59]
What’s next for JC [38:50]
The one thing JC recommends [40:30]
About Our Guest:
Having worked with hundreds of startups in the past 10 years, JC Garrett is passionate about coaching, mentoring, and consulting with founders. Through FarShore Partners, he has helped launch and scale over 250 growth startups, which have gone on to raise $1B in financing. JC is an advocate for defining the role of technology in any venture as he continues to work in executing scalable IT solutions and accessible software resources that allow businesses to leverage their vision.
You can connect with JC through his LinkedIn or send him an email at jc@farshore.com
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- DNX Ventures Website (https://www.dnx.vc/)
- Check out Ep. 68: A Deep Dive Into the Mindset of a B2B Venture Capital General Partner: Who Gets the Money and Why with Tim McLoughlin (https://bretttrainor.com/2020/09/15/a-deep-dive-into-the-mindset-of-a-b2b-venture-capital-general-partner-who-gets-the-money-and-why-with-tim-mcloughlin/)
While the COVID-19 pandemic brought down businesses globally, it didn’t stop one venture capital firm from closing a $315M fund.
Based in Silicon Valley and in Tokyo, DNX Ventures focuses solely on B2B companies. Today, we have Managing Director Q Motiwala who discusses with us the opportunities in the B2B space and what they look for in startups and their founders.
Q’s perspectives share some consistencies and differences with those shared by Tim McLoughlin of Cofounders Capital which I interviewed in Episode 68.
So if you want to pick up some more great insights in identifying the right startup or founder to invest in, tune in to this episode.
We’ll be talking about:
- Q’s professional background [01:55]
- Why, how, and timings of investments [06:32]
- Technology adoption in legacy B2B firms [09:29]
- How pre-COVID born and post-COVID born companies reacted [12:16]
- Businesses that are worth investing in [15:28]
- What Q looks for in entrepreneurs before investing [18:27]
- How a socially distant lunch helps Q understand a founder [20:41]
- Mistakes that cause blow ups early on [25:48]
- What early-stage firms do to operationalize processes [30:46]
- What’s next for Q? [35:38]
- Q’s perspective on remote work and its effectivity [38:07]
- The one thing Q highly recommends [44:09]
About Our Guest:
Q Motiwala is the Managing Director for early stage venture capital firm DNX Ventures. He is primarily focusing on hardtech. Motiwala is on a mission to fund entrepreneurs on their “crazy” startup journey. With more than a decade at Qualcomm trying to figure out his life calling, he is well acquainted with mobile technology from the early 90s. He claims that he is still learning everyday by learning hard lessons in Deep Tech and in the enterprise and cloud infrastructure sectors recently.
You can reach Q Motiwala on LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The goal of any B2B founder is to expand and strengthen the company’s network.
With today’s technology, public relations and marketing strategies are no longer restricted to written and printed ads. The rise of new media has led to new ways of reaching a wider audience. This is where podcasting steps in as more founders realize the impact and reach of this new platform.
Today, we have top-rated podcaster Jeremy Ryan Slate who emphasizes the role of podcast guesting as not just a public relations but also business development tool. We cover the do’s and don’ts and how to get maximum value.
Tune in to this mini masterclass on how to get on a podcast and leverage that.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Create Your Own Life Podcast (https://www.jeremyryanslate.com/podcast-2/)
- Jeremy Ryan Slate Website (https://www.jeremyryanslate.com/)
- Command Your Brand Website (https://commandyourbrand.com/)
- “7 Reasons You’re Not Getting on Your Favorite Podcasts” (https://commandyourbrand.com/7reasons)
We’ll be talking about:
- Why Jeremy got into the B2B space and podcasting [02:02]
- Podcasting as a PR strategy [05:34]
- Podcast guesting tip #1: Establish your credibility [10:02]
- Podcast guesting tip #2: Determine your target audience [11:51]
- Podcast guesting tip #3: Leave a compelling call to action [12:21]
- Do not make the podcast about you [14:00]
- Podcast guesting is a PR action, not a marketing action [15:22]
- Don’t force people down the buying path, be helpful and awesome [18:13]
- Build trust and credibility as a host [19:08]
- If you want to be on a show, be resourceful [21:02]
- Best practice for after the episode airs [23:31]
- Getting the most from your guest experience [27:21]
- Effective ways to promote on LinkedIn [29:38]
- Common mistakes of podcast guests [31:46]
- What’s next for Jeremy [35:18]
- The one thing Jeremy recommends: ‘Don’t drink milk on a hot date’ [36:05]
About Our Guest:
A former champion powerlifter, Jeremy Ryan Slate switched to new media and started the Create Your Own Life Podcast, which became, at one point, the #1 rated show on iTunes. With over 2.5 million downloads, the Create Your Own Life Podcast studies the highest performers in the world. It propelled Jeremy’s success in podcasting and led to him later founding the Command Your Brand Media to help leaders use the power of podcasts to change the world.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Businesses are no longer single units. Businesses are ecosystems.
In today’s podcast episode, Kurt Johnson of 11.2 Ventures will discuss how the gears run within the company when it comes to building small businesses and products and how it fits into all the other enterprises that they manage.
We will also talk about the shift in the marketing perspective and technologies from ten years ago, around the time that Kurt started dipping in the B2B business circle, up to the present. Also, he presents how the B2B market is not only a business nor a product, rather, it is an entire platform.
If you want to hear more about the business ecosystem, listen to today’s episode now!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- 11.2 Ventures Website (https://www.11-2ventures.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
Kurt’s involvement in B2B startups [02:07]
Transitions in B2B sales methods from 2012 [03:04]
Salespeople educate on what the customers know [05:38]
Gaining traction for the business’ growth [07:45]
Weighing the leverage of marketing opportunities [11:24]
Businesses are ecosystems [13:51]
Approach of selling into an ecosystem [17:51]
Why Kurt established 11.2 Ventures [22:08]
The B2B market is a platform [26:28]
The ideation process of Kurt’s business ideas [28:27]
Long term visions for 11.2’s product or businesses [31:15]
Eradicate the founder’s bias [34:24]
Working with a certain type of founder [39:55]
Customers, connections, and capital [41:16]
What’s next for Kurt and 11.2 Ventures [47:12]
The one thing Kurt recommends [48:26]
About Our Guest:
Kurt Johnson is the co-founder of 11.2 Ventures and one of its current managing partners. Johnson is an author and entrepreneur who primarily works with B2B startups. Together with the team behind 11.2 Ventures, they ensure a greater likelihood of success for businesses and investors.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Cold calls and hard sells need to say goodbye.
As sales reps, there is a very short timeframe to capture your prospects’ attention. Don’t bore and put them off by acting as if you are presenting the solutions to problems that you don’t even know about.
In today’s episode, we learn a thing or two about how humor improves rapport-building for sales reps, executives, and founders from Jon Selig, who does comedy and sales for a living. We learn how to create effective jokes specifically for your clients.
If you want to know more about this refreshing take at sales talking, this episode is for you!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Jon Selig Website (https://www.jonselig.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
Jon’s professional background [01:40]
Parallels between standup comedy and sales [05:19]
What exactly is a joke [08:10]
Great comedians and founders stick to what works [11:08]
Creating excellent content [13:22]
Workshop sessions with Jon [14:02]
How Jon incorporates humor in sales [16:32]
Jokes build connections [27:13]
What’s next for Jon [29:42]
One thing that Jon recommends [31:47]
About Our Guest:
After twelve years of selling technology, Jon Selig is now a part-time comic and part-time sales person. Selig performs stand-up skits for companies who need a boat and facilitates workshops for companies to learn how to “roast their prospects’ pain”. He uses jokes in the same way as cold calls, cold emails, and social selling among others.
You can reach out to Jon through his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
What works before may not work now. Upfront and distant hard selling hardly ever brings in clients anymore.
The approach in dealing with clients has long evolved and salespeople need to let go of textbook strategies.
Today’s podcast episode will feature an in-depth conversation with Diane Helbig, a growth accelerator and the host of the Accelerate Your Business Growth podcast. We talk about her newest book, Succeed Without Selling, and how this global pandemic actually accelerated the shift in the role of salespeople, and how fast the sales perspective is changing.
If you want to close sales and gain profit by doing things effectively, this episode is for you!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Helbig Enterprises Website (https://www.helbigenterprises.com/)
- Accelerate Your Business Growth Podcast (https://www.helbigenterprises.com/resources)
- Succeed without Selling: The More You Think About Selling, the Less You Will Sell (https://amzn.to/3iXSQcb)
We’ll be talking about:
Diane’s professional expertise and background [01:48]
Incorporating influence from other experts’ points of view [04:52]
The reason behind writing Succeed Without Selling [07:01]
Selling is discovery, connection, and problem solving [09:33]
Engage a dialogue with your client rather than do a monologue [11:45]
Each client is a prospect [13:57]
Build a community for your business [16:16]
The transition of a salesperson’s role [22:32]
Marketing and selling go hand-in-hand [24:27]
Tips for B2B founders [27:27]
What’s next for Diane [29:13]
One thing Diane recommends [32:01]
About Our Guest:
Diane Helbig is the author of the bestselling book, Lemonade Stand Selling, and host of the long-running business podcast, Accelerate Your Business Growth. She is a growth accelerator focusing on creating strategies for small business owners across all industries. Helbig also provides workshops and presentations regarding business topics, such as sales, social media, leadership, and business planning.
You can reach out to Diane through her website.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
As the year is coming to a close, how do you plan on re kick-starting your business?
Founders experience 2020 in different ways. But the one thing they need to focus on is how to quickly adapt to the changing times as buyers’ preferences have changed with it.
Listening to your buyers’ needs can be a game changer for your business as we focus on being buyer-centric with SMB / SME adviser and my repeat guest, Michael Haynes. We talk about touching base with your customers as well as with your team to make sure your business rises back up as we kick-start the second half of 2020!
Refocus, reignite, and rise in these challenging times by tuning in to this episode now!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Listen, Innovate, Grow Website (https://listeninnovategrow.com/)
- Listen, Innovate, Grow by Michael Haynes (https://amzn.to/345oxLa)
- Listen to Podcast Ep 8. Listen, Innovate, Grow- A Blueprint for Acquiring Business Customers with Michael Haynes (https://bretttrainor.com/2019/08/10/listen-innovate-grow-a-blueprint-for-acquiring-business-customers-with-michael-haynes/)
We’ll be talking about:
Michael Haynes zeroing in on the buyer-centric approach [02:20]
How B2B companies are faring in 2020 [04:58]
What you need to do to refocus, reignite, and rise in Q3 and Q4 [07:22]
Why you need to talk to your current and former buyers [09:27]
Reinforcing decision-maker confidence on risk-averse buyers [11:23]
Three key things you need to deliver to your buyers [17:08]
In these times, focus on the need-to-have instead of the nice-to-have [20:39]
The “Listen, Innovate, Grow” framework [25:01]
There’s no better time to be in tune with your customers than now [28:45]
Touch base with your team more frequently than before [30:25]
What’s next for Michael [32:12]
The one thing that Michael recommends [34:22]
About Our Guest:
Having launched his book, “Listen, Innovate, Grow”, Michael Haynes firmly believes in a buyer-centric approach as a business. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Listen Innovate Grow, which has been helping SMEs create buyer-driven strategies to acquire and retain customers. Michael works as an SME B2B Customer and Marketing Strategy Adviser helping CEOs and their teams by empowering them to understand and deliver to their business’ buyer needs. Based in Australia, he’s been in the business for more than 9 years and is continuing to help drive business growth and performance.
You can get in touch with Michael through his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
With over 6,500 branding books on the market, how do you identify what truly works and which tactics are merely a waste of time?
Branding is the key to scaling a business regardless of whether you’re B2B or B2C because at the end of the day, it’s about talking to another human.
A 40-year veteran of branding, David Brier, walks us through his process for achieving differentiation, the brands that have successfully stood out and those who have failed, his perspective on growing beyond your network, and so much more.
Transform your startup from the mundane into awesome by tuning in to this episode.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Brand Intervention: 33 Steps to Transform the Brand You Have into the Brand You Need by David Brier (https://amzn.to/36jZwi2)
- Rising Above The Noise Website (https://www.risingabovethenoise.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
40 years of helping businesses be bold and stand out [02:18]
Branding as the art of differentiation [06:47]
Why you need to get your branding right [13:06]
The process for getting companies to identify what makes them different [17:21]
The greatest brands are built on a set of values [22:54]
Don’t think of it as B2B, think of it as human to human [27:11]
The difference between Microsoft and Apple [30:17]
Complacency and stagnancy will kill your business [35:42]
It’s not a matter of everyone knowing you, but the right people knowing you [37:01]
A book as a powerful tool for scaling [45:35]
David’s book and masterclass [47:19]
The one thing that David recommends [49:31]
About Our Guest:
A branding veteran with 40 years of experience in strategy, brand identity, and package design, best-selling author David Brier is the epitome of the no bullshit marketer. His book, Brand Intervention: 33 Steps to Transform the Brand You Have into the Brand You Need, has been labelled “the branding bible”. Passionately advocating differentiation over the mundane, David has been responsible for building the brands of well-known companies such as the New York City Ballet, Revlon, Legacy Chocolates, The New York Times magazine and many others.
You can connect with David on LinkedIn or Instagram. Get inside tips on branding and business growth with David’s One-Minute Wednesdays on YouTube.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Can your business stand out in an ultra competitive and rapidly evolving business space?
In a market filled with businesses that offer the same things, the same service, and the same value, making sure your customers notice you is a tremendous task to achieve.
Market dominance is our goal today as the author of a #1 Amazon bestseller, Theresa Lina, goes over the four pillars for owning the market. We discuss the need for differentiation and the constantly changing environment that means this process has to be continuous.
Find out how your startup can become the go-to and even charge more. So tune in now!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- Download The Growth Readiness Checklist (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Apollo Method Website (https://apollomethod.com/)
- Get the book Be the Go-To: How to Own Your Competitive Market, Charge More, and Have Customers Love You For It by Theresa Lina (https://amzn.to/3kzvaMi)
We’ll be talking about:
Theresa’s backstory that led to her writing her book [01:28]
Focusing on complex business solutions [04:32]
The need to transition to a modern business model in the B2B space [06:51]
The inspiration for the Apollo method of achieving market dominance [11:56]
Do you have to be the category king? [18:45]
Companies need to shift their mentality to a value-driven model [23:01]
Steps to differentiating yourself in the market - Launch and Ignite [26:33]
Conversations are key to identifying customer frustrations [32:51]
Have an overarching brand vision then put in different dimensions to the story [37:32]
The lead up to becoming the go-to - Navigate and Accelerate [43:11]
Don’t make the mistake of failing to evolve [46:53]
What’s next for Theresa and the book [50:03]
The one thing that Theresa recommends [51:12]
About Our Guest:
As the author of the #1 bestselling Amazon book, "Be the Go-To: How to Own Your Competitive Market, Charge More and Have Customers Love You For It", Theresa Lina is a well-known strategy and marketing thought leader who has helped companies achieve sustainable differentiation and evolve in a rapidly changing environment.
On the education side, Theresa also works as part of the teaching team at Stanford University.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
If worse comes to worst, how much would you be able to get for your business?
Most founders fail to appreciate the importance of planning ahead. When the time comes for them to exit their company, they get disappointed by how much their startup is valued.
In today’s episode, I talk with Domenic Rinaldi, President & Managing Partner at Sun Acquisitions, about why founders always need to think of maximizing their business’ value and how it ties in with their end game.
Don’t let those years of business-building go to waste. Increase your market value by tuning in to this episode!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Sun Acquisitions Website (https://sunacquisitions.com/)
- K2Adviser Website (https://k2adviser.com/)
- M&A Unplugged Podcast (https://sunacquisitions.com/podcasts/)
We’ll be talking about:
Domenic’s journey into the M&A space [01:38]
Launching the M&A Unplugged podcast [03:48]
Always think of your business’ endgame [05:55]
Understand and optimize the value drivers of your business [09:46]
Never let one client’s share of your sales exceed 10% [10:55]
Should non-subscription type businesses start charging for subscriptions? [14:32]
Have a backup solution for when the vendor’s market strategy changes [16:16]
Founders need to practice removing themselves from the business [17:58]
Get a good accountant who understands exits and taxation [21:16]
Buying a business vs starting a business from scratch [24:14]
Be fully prepared if you want to buy a business [27:05]
Get your business to adapt to the digital transformation [30:33]
What’s next for Sun Acquisitions [33:03]
The one thing that Domenic recommends [34:39]
About Our Guest:
In 2005, Domenic Rinaldi had acquired Sun Acquisitions and became its President and Managing Partner. He helps several privately-held companies prepare for the sale or acquisition of businesses. He specializes in Certified Business Intermediary. He also hosts a podcast called “M&A Unplugged,” helping founders gain a full understanding of the buying and selling process, as well as learn how they can add more value to their business.
You can reach out to Domenic through his email.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
When it comes to startups looking to grow, funding is a crucial part of their journey.
But deciding which startup or founder to invest in is a question not easily answered. Venture capital firms are faced with throngs of companies vying for their attention. What are the parameters they look into? What sort of metrics do they want?
In my first interview with a venture capital firm, Tim McLoughlin from Cofounders Capital shares with us what they look for in the early-stage B2B startups they invest in. We also discuss insights on why he thinks startups fail.
Tune in to this episode to find out the perspective of a VC fund on who to give their money to!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Cofounders Capital Website (http://cofounderscapital.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
Tim’s roots in North Carolina and getting involved in startups there [01:13]
‘The Triangle’ as fertile ground for startups [03:33]
The attraction of B2B software companies [04:15]
The decision criteria for which early-stage B2B startup to choose [05:49]
Founders shouldn’t getting stuck on a idea they had going in [09:15]
Being an entrepreneur involves a flurry of activity [10:42]
Their preference for first-time founders [11:40]
Two actionable traits that separate good from bad companies [14:10]
Knowing when to segment your model and KPIs is important [17:18]
Going broad vs. taking one niche at a time [19:35]
Always prepare for the hand off to the next person [21:15]
Focus and know your onboarding process [23:41]
What happens following the success of a startup [25:13]
The changes in the startup world influenced by COVID-19 [26:55]
What’s next for Tim and Cofounders Capital [29:25]
The one thing that Tim recommends [30:44]
About Our Guest:
As a Partner at Cofounders Capital, Tim McLoughlin is very involved in the North Carolina startup ecosystem. He has served as adviser and board member to several early-stage software companies. Prior to joining CoFounders Capital, Tim was an Entrepreneur in Residence for the Idea Fund Partners.
You can reach out to Tim through Cofounders Capital or his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Is having better technology the first answer to scaling your business?
At the start of the 21st century, people got so caught up in relying on technology to make their lives easier and their business processes better that they forgot the basic and most important building block of all: people.
This week, we’ll be putting more emphasis on the people side of the business with Lisa L. Levy, author of Future Proofing Cubed, and why founders need to prioritize it above all else.
Learn how you can build a stronger, more customer-centric business by tuning in to this episode today.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Future Proofing Cubed by Lisa L. Levy (https://amzn.to/3lFJNPs)
- LCubed Consulting Website (lisalllevy.com)
We’ll be talking about:
Lisa and the LCubed Consulting [01:33]
The people component is still essential despite technological advancements [05:25]
Keep your team in the loop regarding company changes [07:38]
Memorialize your superhero employees through putting in processes [11:47]
How to incorporate the company DNA into your team [15:11]
The key to improving your team’s process is by being customer-centric [19:40]
How founders can slowly automate their processes [27:33]
The sacred sequence that startups need to know [31:48]
Focusing on technology on the first phase is a recipe for disaster [33:49]
Make sure you interact with your employees regularly [36:02]
Remind your employees not to mix life and work in this day and age [40:07]
What’s next for Lisa [42:04]
The one thing that Lisa recommends [43:25]
About Our Guest:
Well-known for her project management and process performance management skills, Lisa L. Levy has helped several organizations achieve their goals by adapting better business processes. She is the Founder and CEO of LCubed Consulting and is the #1 bestselling author of the book “Future Proofing Cubed.” She has also guested on several media outlets including NBC, ABC, CBS, to name a few.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast. There’s a lot more to learn when it comes to podcasting, and we’re here to help!
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Getting word out about your product is one thing. But getting your buyers to hear your message is another.
Nothing has been more relevant in this day and age than the use of online marketing tools to connect with your buyers. Simply spreading the message without putting too much thought in the value you’re giving in your interactions with prospects is just not going to work anymore.
In this episode, we’ll talk about making your content crispier for your prospective clients with Diana Mitchell, Digital Marketing Consultant at Peoplemover.
If you want to find out what makes your customers tick, then this episode is a gold mine of incredible and insightful information for you.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- HEY Email Platform (https://hey.com/)
- Diana Mitchell Website (http://www.dianamitchell.net/)
We’ll be talking about:
Being a fractional CMO before it was a thing [01:39]
The experience of being a guest on Oprah [02:26]
Opportunities are present in B2B marketing [03:50]
How companies reacted to the pandemic [05:59]
Invest in buyer enablement instead of sales enablement [09:07]
Your online content has to be up to par [13:56]
Don’t be afraid to give away 99% of your great stuff [16:09]
Now’s the time to have conversations and give value [17:34]
Focus on what your prospects would like to hear [21:31]
Treat your customers like prospects and your prospects like customers [27:57]
Re-engage with those already in your customer database [33:24]
Three things new founders should do [35:23]
Provide value, don’t sell [38:02]
Get yourself a good writer [39:08]
What’s next for Diana [41:17]
The one thing Diana recommends [42:04]
About Our Guest:
Diana Mitchell appeared as a two-time guest in Oprah and in a movie featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. She is an Outsourcing Content & Digital Marketing Manager as well as Marketing Coach & Mentor at Peoplemover, helping junior marketing teams excel, and increasing leads and revenue for companies through her senior-level marketing team. In the next few months, Diana is preparing to launch her podcast “Moms Who Lead” designed for leaders who are supermoms at the same time.
Connect with Diana on LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Rising up from bankruptcy to finding your true path is an amazing achievement.
Just as we’re facing uncertain times in our lives, a lot have started to reconsider their priorities and how they’ve been living their lives.
Which is why we have a very timely episode today with Sean Rosensteel, who shares why it’s so important for founders to become more intentional with their lives. You’ll get not just the reason for living intentionally, but also how you can do so.
No matter where you are in your life’s journey, this episode has so much value for you!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Grab the book and get a ton of bonuses! (https://www.seanrosensteel.com/b2b)
We’ll be talking about:
Overview of Sean’s new book and the journey to writing it [01:59]
How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the release of his book [03:07]
The things that led to him writing his book [05:23]
Reaching the turning point that got Sean into taking responsibility for himself [08:39]
How the choice to be intentional came about [13:13]
The need to identify what intrinsically motivates us [17:31]
Who you are becoming is more important than what you get [20:30]
The right timing of the book during this reset [23:59]
Real magic happens in the constant state of balancing [25:46]
What is important changes at different times in your life [26:30]
Adapting the framework to business [28:07]
Attract people by showing your vulnerability [30:35]
People buy from people [34:14]
What’s next for Sean [35:29]
The one thing that Sean recommends [37:45]
About Our Guest:
After finding himself bankrupt at age 28, Sean Rosensteel realized that, in order to attain happiness and fulfillment, he has to break free from conventional wisdom. As a consultant, coach, trainer, and now, book author, he has a passion for helping others. He has recently published his first book, “The School of Intentional Living: A Real-World Approach to Living Life on Your Terms" and also founded The Intentional Living Academy to support his readers on a deeper level.
Go ahead and grab a copy of his new book on Amazon and Audible.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Getting a customer to buy your product after trying for so many hours, days, or weeks is a priceless feeling. Imagine if you can do it in just minutes.
Most entrepreneurs make the rookie mistake of building a business without a framework in mind. Thus, the client intake and sales process become a massive mess that creates a lot of friction and will eventually tire them out in the years to come. However, it’s not too late to unravel the chaos.
Today, Anthony Coundouris, author of run_frictionless, shares with us the 4Qs that will help solve your sales problems.
Make things easier for you and your client by tuning in to this show now!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- run_frictionless by Anthony Coundouris (https://amzn.to/3fI5uui)
- run_frictionless Website (https://runfrictionless.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
Overview of today’s topic [01:18]
Being occupied in creating the playbook [01:40]
The path that led to writing run_frictionless [03:04]
The type of companies Anthony worked with [04:42]
Scale yourself out of the business rather than throw yourself out [06:05]
The value of a sale that didn’t need the founder’s involvement [07:58]
The 4 Quadrants as a decision-making framework [10:11]
Making sure your products or services are aligned with the right customer [14:12]
Understand the limitations of your product or service [17:15]
Why a Q1 and Q3 fit is better [20:43]
The importance of selling to those who share your belief [24:22]
Sharing your Q3 with an online audience [30:53]
Hire someone who shares the same beliefs [33:35]
Serve your customers in the fastest way possible [36:32]
What’s next for Anthony [43:35]
The one thing Anthony recommends [44:35]
About Our Guest:
Anthony Coundouris is the founder and author of run_frictionless, a playbook that helps entrepreneurs achieve predictable sales. He has assisted in scaling small and large businesses for a decade and has consulted with big companies worldwide. With his experience as a founder for two startups, he has seen where businesses fail short and is dedicated to guiding companies out of that direction.
You can connect with Anthony on LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
One of the biggest myths in business is that you, the business owner, have to be the one to manage it day in, day out.
However, by setting the wheels of systemization in motion, you’ll see how your business can run without it being too dependent on you.
Today is Part 2 with Dave Jenyns as he shares about the six stages of SYSTEMology that will allow you to remove yourself from your business from time to time.
Enhance your business process by tuning in to this episode!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- SYSTEMology by David Jenyns (https://www.systemology.com/book/)
- Business Processes Simplified Podcast (https://www.systemhub.com/podcast/)
We’ll be talking about:
The six steps of the SYSTEMology process [01:00]
Define stage: Mapping out the Critical Client Flow [02:20]
By systemizing your process, you can remove yourself from the business [05:26]
Assign stage: Identifying the key team members [08:02]
Extract stage: Picking the brains of your team [09:49]
Integrate stage: Getting the buy-in from the staff [16:00]
People resist systemization and eventually stop [18:36]
Scale stage: Systemizing the business as a whole [20:51]
Optimization stage: Monitoring your metrics [24:59]
The next step for Dave [27:47]
The one thing Dave recommends [31:39]
About Our Guest:
Dave Jenyns is the author of the upcoming book SYSTEMology and the host of the podcast Business Processes Simplified. As the Founder and CEO of systemHUB, he is keen on building systems that free small business owners from the day-to-day operations of their companies.
Having systemized himself out of this business and hired a CEO to run it, Dave was able to pursue opportunities that he would have missed out on had he needed to be present running his company.
You can reach Dave through any of his social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The sad reality faced by startups nowadays is that they’re unable to build systems in place that allow them to run smoothly.
Most think of systems in terms of the ones used by big corporations, which do not fit the needs of small businesses.
Thus, I invited Dave Jenyns to share how he was able to systemize himself out of his company which later allowed him to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
We have a phenomenal episode here that continues on to Part 2 next week. So stay tuned!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- SYSTEMology by David Jenyns (https://www.systemology.com/book/)
- Business Processes Simplified Podcast (https://www.systemhub.com/podcast/)
We’ll be talking about:
The business of creating systems [02:22]
A business system as the last piece to scaling [05:41]
The importance of having great people [09:06]
There is value in systems for the startup space [11:31]
Systems create space for other opportunities [13:49]
The project with Michael Gerber of The E-Myth [17:32]
When more doors start to open [21:30]
Where SYSTEMology comes in [22:17]
About Our Guest:
Dave Jenyns is the author of the upcoming book SYSTEMology and the host of the podcast Business Processes Simplified. As the Founder and CEO of systemHUB, he is keen on building systems that frees small business owners from the day-to-day operations of their companies.
Having systemized himself out of this business and hired a CEO to run it, Dave was able to pursue opportunities that he would have missed out on had he needed to be present running his company.
You can reach Dave through any of his social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Do you ever wonder why no matter how great an idea you have, you struggle with making it click? A perfect dream is just that unless you can turn it into reality.
But all it probably needs is the right person to work on your vision.
In this week’s podcast episode, Mark C. Winters joins us in an informative episode on the execution problem faced by most startups, the integrator as key to solving that, the relationship between visionaries and integrators, and how to find the right partner for your business.
If business hasn’t grown as much as you like then this episode is a must for you!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters (https://amzn.to/3jtlfbv)
- Entrepreneurial Leap by Gino Wickman (https://amzn.to/2DcJAlj)
- Mark C Winters Website (https://www.markcwinters.com/)
- Find Out If You’re A Visionary Or An Integrator (https://blastoff.rocketfuelnow.com/quiz/crystallizer-quiz.php)
- focus@will Website (https://www.focusatwill.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
Mark’s line of work [02:28]
Visionary and integrator defined [04:11]
Great ideas are not powerful if you can’t execute them [07:13]
An integrator doesn’t have to be a co-founder [08:21]
What motivated Mark to write the book [12:14]
The five rules and five tools in the ‘Rocket Fuel’ journey [13:23]
Staying on the same page is essential in a business marriage [15:48]
Identifying a visionary and an integrator [21:43]
The essence of the seven-step connection process [23:38]
Finding your integrator [25:03]
The downside with an assessment score overlap [27:52]
Determining if the visionary and integrator are a good fit [31:11]
The next step for Rocket Fuel [34:44]
One thing Mark recommends [38:08]
About Our Guest:
Mark C. Winters is the co-author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller ‘Rocket Fuel.’ He is also the CEO of Rocket Fuel Ventures, a company that helps entrepreneurs achieve business success by helping visionaries partner up with integrators.
You can reach Mark through any of his social media pages, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
You’ve heard from B2B founders who have successfully scaled their businesses, but have you taken a look at the fundamentals that allowed them to get to the point of scaling their business?
In today’s episode, I’m going to share with you a checklist you can use to make sure startup fundamentals are covered and to verify that activities have been covered.
Get ready to find out how you can if your startup is ready to grow.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
We’ll be talking about:
What are the objectives and vision you’re driving towards? [01:44]
Document your risks and restraints [02:29]
Identify customer pain points [03:12]
Communicate the value drivers of your products or services [04:52]
Do a competitive analysis of others in your space [06:31]
Pick a single vertical to dive into [07:05]
Check how big the market is [07:57]
Breakdown revenue into acquisition, retention, and expansion [09:02]
Understand key financial metrics [10:41]
Look at the customer lifetime value [12:41]
Differentiate yourself with content marketing [14:02]
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Most startups prioritize customer experience above all else. While that’s something to strive for, it isn’t easily ingrained into your employees. So how do you make sure your employees start valuing your customers more?
The answer? By improving employee experience.
Today’s subject matter expert, Gil Cohen talks about creating a positive employee experience that translates into a positive customer experience, how values go hand-in-hand with hiring the right people, and how to improve employee connections in a remote work setting.
If you are struggling with keeping your employees engaged, then let this episode serve as your guide and tune in!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Employee Experience Design Website (http://employeeexperience.ca/)
We’ll be talking about:
His history with employee experience and how it shaped his company [02:18]
Employee experience vs employee engagement [04:00]
The essence of understanding your whys and your values [07:14]
Finding the right fit for your company [10:54]
Two things to consider before hiring employees [15:43]
How to incorporate employee experience into your organization [21:46]
Redesigning the culture of a growing startup company [24:46]
The result of good employee experience and engagement [27:50]
How to improve employee connections in a remote-work environment [30:42]
Having the right people in the right roles [34:06]
The next move for Employee Experience Design [37:32]
One thing that Gil recommends [38:48]
About Our Guest:
Gil Cohen is the founder of Employee Experience Design, a company that helps organizations co-create experiences that have better outcomes for both people and businesses. With his several years of experience as an Employee Experience expert in an IT company in Toronto, Canada, he has then catapulted himself into success despite the pandemic.
You can connect with Gil through his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
The travel industry is one of those most affected by the current pandemic we’re on. We anticipate that the recession we’ve entered will likely kill many businesses in this industry.
Surprisingly, there is one travel company that’s growing in the midst of all stalemate in travel. But we find that their ability to thrive is based on their use of mindset-driven marketing.
Which is why we continue on the theme of buyer enablement in today’s episode. Revenue coach Kristin Zhivago is here with us as we talk about leveraging your customer’s mindset to grow your business, looking at the customer’s perspective on why they’re buying from you, why sales and marketing cannot be isolated, and much more.
If you’re a B2B company interested in approaching growth this way, then this is just the right episode for you!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Zhivago Partners Website (https://zhivagopartners.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
The journey from traditional advertising to digital marketing [01:45]
We’ve been incorrectly assuming what customers want [05:55]
Why you shouldn’t focus on features and benefits [11:36]
Don’t forget about the post-sale journey [17:14]
Reaching customers outside your network [19:40]
Marketing and sales should not be separate [26:43]
Customers just want their questions answered [29:33]
Her excitement over mindset marketing [33:47]
One thing she recommends [35:00]
About Our Guest:
Kristin Zhivago is the President at Zhivago Partners. Zhivago helps partners increase their revenue by providing digital marketing management services. Kristin’s book, “Roadmap to Revenue: How to Sell the Way Your Customers Want to Buy”, has been named the Top 6 Marketing & Sales Books by Forbes.
You can get access to her guide on mindset-driven marketing, her book, and more resources on her website.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
With 400 million users, LinkedIn has become the most useful social network for B2B marketers. It's a platform for people to connect with colleagues and learn more about their industry.
LinkedIn is an excellent source of traffic that is underutilized by most. One main reason is because of the unfamiliarity with leveraging the opportunities there.
In another series featuring subject matter experts, we have LinkedIn expert Anthony Blatner with us as we talk about best practices for targeting niche audiences at scale, organic vs. paid advertising, upcoming new tools, and much more.
Learn more about his wonderful and important LinkedIn tips by tuning in to the show!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- Modern Media Website (https://modernmedia.io/author/admin/)
We’ll be talking about:
Working in an undervalued area as a LinkedIn focused agency [02:00]
Tips for maximizing your organic reach [06:21]
Improving engagement on LinkedIn posts [09:32]
LinkedIn articles vs. LinkedIn posts [11:45]
Best practice for linking to outside posts, videos, or sites [13:22]
Optimizing LinkedIn paid ads [14:57]
Tactics for shifting through leads [21:14]
Why you should specific with targeting [23:44]
Leveraging your ad analytics [26:52]
Advantages of LinkedIn ads over Google and Facebook [28:17]
Upcoming new LinkedIn features Anthony is excited about [32:37]
One thing Anthony recommends everyone to do [35:53]
About Our Guest:
Anthony Blatner is the CMO at Modern Media Advertising, an agency focused on organic and paid LinkedIn advertising. As a LinkedIn advertising expert, Anthony is a great resource for early-stage entrepreneurs.
You can connect with Anthony through his LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Sales is often focused on pushing the product or trying to understand the customer's needs. But there is one aspect that is often overlooked, emotions.
Emotions let us know when someone is happy or not. Being able to read your customer’s emotions is a powerful skill that startups should learn.
How do you read emotions? Today, we chat with emotions expert Dan Hill, who breaks it down for us. We talk about prospecting the customer experience, customer success, employee engagement, and so much more.
Find out how to interpret emotions to benefit your business by tuning in to the show!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- “Famous Faces Decoded” by Dan Hill (https://www.sensorylogic.com/famous-faces)
- Sensory Logic Website (https://www.sensorylogic.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
Dan’s background and what he’s working on [02:06]
The value of reading emotions [04:33]
Emotions are the currency of business [06:49]
Understanding the signals to the 7 core emotions [09:04]
Getting started on adopting facial coding to your routine [14:26]
Make customers smile to trigger engagement [17:51]
The importance of building rapport [20:51]
Why you want to sell to people’s wants [22:50]
Facial expressions as a good indicator of the customer experience [24:24]
Facial coding as a unique kind of differentiation [29:12]
How to figure out more about who a person is [30:45]
The role of the feedback loop with maintaining employee value [34:04]
The difference between EQ and reading emotions [36:31]
The need for diversity and taking in others’ perspectives [38:32]
The one thing Dan highly recommends [42:31]
About Our Guest:
Dan Hill is a PhD holder, author, speaker, trainer, and expert in the area of reading emotions and decoding facial expressions. Widely known, he has consulted with over 50% of the world’s top 100 companies and has appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Fox, CNN, and ESPN. He has also been featured in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Founders often push their products by highlighting the features and functions they offer. While it’s best to create a product that solves a problem, the right way to reach and engage your customer requires a different approach altogether.
You might be pushing your product or service too much that you’re creating unnecessary friction for your customer. So take a step back because there is an art to modern selling.
Why do buyers buy? Today, we chat with David Priemer, a research scientist turned tech entrepreneur. We go over the importance of messaging, focusing on pain points, how to build trust, the value of having a natural conviction towards your product, and more.
Get into the show now to learn the science behind sales.
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
- “Sell the Way You Buy” by David Priemer (https://cerebralselling.com/book/)
- Cerebral Selling Website (https://cerebralselling.com/)
We’ll be talking about:
The negativity surrounding selling and the culmination of his book [02:51]
The differences between working in a startup and with a huge company [04:49]
Why you should put your message out there like a lightning rod [07:24]
People buy based on emotion [09:28]
Focus on pains and problems, not features and functions [11:18]
Remove unnecessary friction when getting a customer to buy [12:46]
The purpose of content is to educate [15:01]
What founders can do to build successful sales teams [18:56]
Show expertise to build trust and confidence in you [22:11]
The best practice when introducing your product [27:48]
Have conviction in the value you provide [31:07]
An example of a business nailing the messaging [35:15]
The best way to do cold calls [36:47]
What’s next for David [38:38]
The one thing David highly recommends [40:23]
About Our Guest:
David Priemer is the Founder and Chief Sales Scientist of Cerebral Selling, a modern sales training built through the lens of science and empathy.
David is the author of the highly recommended book “Sell The Way You Buy” which came out last April 2020.
Get more of his free content on their YouTube.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Entrepreneurs are always told that the best way to start a business is to solve a problem. Scaling the business to grow beyond the network you have is a different problem.
Relying solely on the people you know won’t get you to your goals. But there is no shortage of successful businesses we can take inspiration from.
Today, we have IntelligenceBank CEO, Tessa Court. We talk about how she scaled her business beyond her network, doing it profitably, how she priced her offering, adding credibility through big logos or brands, and so much more.
Head on over to find out how this founder scaled her business to reach that million dollar mark!
Resource Links:
- Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
- “3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
We’ll be talking about:
Introduction to IntelligenceBank [02:15]
Building a business from something you know [03:27]
When starting a business, tap into a growing market [05:00]
Founding a tech business when you’re not a technical person [07:23]
Big clients build your credibility [10:35]
Selling beyond their network [14:50]
Work on fit at the start to get to that million dollar mark [17:17]
Focus on your business milestones [19:36]
Hire early the people who will push your business forward [22:38]
The passion and devotion of her team [26:20]
Culture and values needs to be set from the top [28:50]
Valuing people more than the product [32:40]
What’s next for IntelligenceBank [34:13]
The importance of taking time out [35:40]
About Our Guest:
Tessa Court is the CEO and Director of IntelligenceBank, a leading digital asset management and marketing and operations platform. They currently support over 400 brands and 350,000 users in over 55 countries. They help marketing departments manage the content that gets produced, approved, and distributed through the process they provide.
Tess was previously head of a global sales and marketing team when she couldn’t find a solution to her problem. She started IntelligenceBank to provide a solution to that problem.
You can connect with Tessa through her LinkedIn.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Founders are often faced with the question of how to scale their business to reach that million-dollar mark. Are you still doing your marketing and sales correctly? Is your network working to your benefit?
The right question here is what are the tactics needed to be able to build your business to achieve the high levels you want. Today, we pick the brains of a B2B subject matter expert.
In this episode, we have a chat with Terminus Co-founder and Chief Evangelist, Sangram Vajre. We talk about his thoughts on why sales and marketing sucks, why customer success should be your first hire, the conversation you should have with your customer, and so much more.
Whether you have stalled in your efforts or are about to start scaling, get into this episode now.
Resource Links:
Brett Trainor Website (https://bretttrainor.com/)
“3 Stages of Startup Growth and How To Breakthrough” (https://bretttrainor.com/resources/)
We’ll be talking about:
Which should you focus on: product-market fit or problem-solving network? [02:19]
The power of a community around your product [05:04]
The right route for category creation [09:38]
Creating authenticity and building trust [13:25]
Look at partners to leverage and start conversations [14:57]
Get out of the process to be able to scale [19:11]
What to consider when bringing somebody in [21:54]
How you should communicate with your customers [25:31]
ABM for transactional businesses [30:07]
Why your marketing and sales don’t function [33:22]
Set expectations when you’re hiring [37:47]
The next challenge for Terminus [41:05]
One thing Sangram recommends [43:19]
About Our Guest:
Sangram Vajre is the Co-founder and Chief Evangelist of Terminus, an account-based marketing (ABM) platform. Since starting five years ago with three co-founders, Terminus has grown to about 250 people.
The author of two books, “Account-Based Marketing For Dummies” and “BM is B2B.: Why B2B Marketing and Sales is Broken and How to Fix it”, Sangram also started a movement called #FlipMyFunnel which has grown to over 100,000 members.
Sangram is the host of the #FlipMyFunnel daily podcast. Every Monday, he has a live show called Office Hours with Sangram where they talk about business ideas, marketing, ABM, and other stuff.
He has a newsletter on LinkedIn called Becoming Intentional.
If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Connect with B2B Founder:
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySoKsETeKxu-Fnf2VfE7Gg/
Vivek Khandelwal is the co-founder and COO of high growth software company, iZooto.
In this episode, we discuss how iZooto was able to gain early momentum and validate their offering. We also discuss the key tactics and strategies as they scaled their business to over $1 million in annual re-occurring revenue in less than 4 years.
(By the way, they process over a billion notifications a day.)
We also talk pricing, workflows, customer success and many other topics including how to divide and conquer with 3 other co-founders.
One of my favorite quotes from this episode from Vivek was, “Founders can scale a business, but it is not sustainable."
John Vuong, CEO and Founder of LocalSEOSearch, joins the program to discuss his journey to the 5% Club.
John’s sales and marketing background allowed him to gain traction early, but the business really took off when he made the investment in on-boarding and customer success.
We discuss how he was able to scale without taking VC money, why his business model focused on reoccurring revenue and cash flow was a priority.
Huckabuy CEO and founder Geoff Atkinson discusses how he was able to get his business “unstuck” after a very successful launch. He shares what he did, what worked, and most importantly, what he would have done differently. He also alludes to how Huckabuy is growing even during the pandemic.
Huckabuy is a fast-growing tech startup based in Park City, Utah. They are a SaaS company that is changing how organizations grow their organic search channel through a technology-forward SEO approach.
Prior to Huckabuy, Geoff was the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Analytics at Overstock.com where he developed expertise in SEO and managed everything from pricing algorithms to content generation. He was named Advertising Age’s “Top 40 Under 40” list
In today’s short solo episode, I discuss the “big” announcement regarding the podcast (no, it is not going away, but you will have to listen) and what is next.
Thank you all for your continued support. We do appreciate it.
Until next week, cheers!
On this episode, we welcome Gregory Skeete to the program. Gregory helps entrepreneurs and business owners to 'engineer' their best selves and systematically achieve results that are both successful and significant while maintaining their ideal work-life balance and lifestyle.
Gregory’s unique background has allowed him to provide a unique and powerful perspective on how entrepreneurs can become the best versions of themselves and not only transform themselves but also their businesses.
Stay tuned next week for a big announcement!
On this episode, we welcome Martin Hill to the program. Martin is the CEO, Founder and inventor of The Beebo: a free hand bottle holder designed to enhance the feeding time between you and your baby. On this episode, Martin shares his unbelievable growth journey. It was an amazing combination of ingenuity, timing and a successful pitch on the shark tank. Plus, Martin even announces that his company is for sale at the end of the show.
Twitter: @the_beeboInstagram: the_beebo
On this episode, we welcome back Dan Pfister to the program. Dan is the founder of StrategicWinBack.com.
He’s also the co-founder of two other businesses where he's helped generate over 50,000 customers, and has worked with brands like Fidelity Investments and people like Tony Robbins.
Strategic Win-Back’s sole focus is re-engaging and re-activating lost, forgotten and disengaged clients. To learn more about the exceptional ROI that winning back past clients can generate.
Website: https://www.brightmove.com/
On this episode, I have a conversation with Dr. David Arrington — author, speaker and the Principal and Chief Operating Officer of Arrington Coaching. They fundamentally help executives realize their vision and create sustainable change through 3-dimensional coaching. David shares his journey as a first-time founder and the key lessons he learned. He also shares leadership and culture best practices.
Key 1st Time Founder Lessons:
- “I would argue that it's all pivots….if you're not pivoting, you're probably not moving forward”
- “Everybody wants to make a million dollars with their business, very few people do, because most people don't have plans. They just have an aspiration”
- “Stop reading books about growing your business and just work on your business”
- I love the Colin Powell, quote, he would say that when he had 70% of the information, he would make a decision, he would move forward. This is when he was a general in Battlefield situations”
- When we look at culture, I like to think of it as the air of an organization because I say no one notices it until it stinks, right. You have a culture you always when you get two people together, you're creating a culture. The problem is most cultures are and they're not intentional”
- “I would early on bring on people who are going to help you make money. Because that's why businesses go out of business because of cash flows……cash flow covers a multitude of sins”
- “Good leadership is almost hidden under a co-located environment….bad leadership becomes very visible when you go remote.”
David’s Contact Information
Website: arringtoncoaching.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmackarrington
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dmackarrington
Book: https://arringtoncoaching.com/promotable-book/
On this episode, I have a conversation with Jack Chen, the CEO and Co-Founder of SWIDIA (a performance marketing partner for high-growth companies and venture-funded startup). Jack worked for 10+ years in the content and influencer space before co-founding SWIDIA.
Jack and team are changing the way brands are thinking about growth marketing.
They take a four-pronged approach to growth: Strategy, Media Planning, Conversion Centric Creative and Analytics. The results have been incredibly impressive. They are working with brands such as Cameo, Dude Wipes, Radish and many others.
Key 1st Time Founder Lessons: - The keys to really scale a company, you need to make sure that everything you're doing is trackable, measurable and scalable. - How complimentary skills between the co-founders (Creative & Analytics) was the right combination for SWIDIA. - Don’t copy someone else’s story, create your own. - The difference between performance marketing and traditional agency marketing and how to incorporate into your growing business. - How 1st Time Founders should be thinking about performance marketing in their growth plans. - How to successfully work with operating partners to assist with growth and the key questions to ask.
On this episode, I have a conversation with Ethan Beute. He’s the Chief Evangelist at BombBomb, an innovative and high growth software company. Ethan is also the Host of the very popular The Customer Experience Podcast, and co-author of Rehumanize Your Business, which is a hands-on guide to adding simple videos into your communication mix in order to build trust, save time, and truly connect with people.
On this episode:
The powerful psychology behind why video flat out works to grow any business.
How to use video to communicate more clearly, connect with people more effectively and get higher conversions.
Video messages are highly valuable and simple to do and why this is a competitive advantage
Why ALL companies need a Chief Evangelist leading the charges.
Bonus, that we don’t discuss in the episode, Ethan has a great post/mini-white paper on how first-time authors can write a book. It is a can’t miss resource on his web page.
Also be sure to check out BombBomb's podcast as well here.
On this episode, we welcome Govind Balu, Founder and CEO of QuXigma. Govind has over 3 decades of experience in the data and analytics space. He was the lead data scientist at companies such as Bank of America and Allstate prior to starting his own company.
His mission is to make data and analytics accessible to all companies and help them prioritize on value and customer experience. We discuss not only the why but more importantly how companies of any size, but especially startups can and should be leveraging data, analytics and ultimately machine learning.
#LessonsInGrowth:
- Data in itself, is not valuable; it is converting the data into information that allows the business to make better decisions.
- Two keys for startups- build a data foundation to collect and consolidate all of your data and start converting your data into information
- 3 key areas of positive impact- targeting the right prospects, sales conversion rates, up-sell/cross-sell and customer retention.
- The “barriers to entry” for startups to use data and analytics have mostly been eliminated.
- Using data and analytics to measure and analyze customer experience.
Website: https://www.quaxigma.com/
This is the second installment of our new weekly series: Lessons in Growth.
Each week, Brett will share thoughts and perspective on a single topic. This could be something top of mind, in the news or questions I receive from my customers or audience. Feel free to shoot me a note if there is a topic you want me to cover.
In today’s episode, I share my perspective on the top 5 reasons startups successfully scale.
I hope you continue to enjoy the new segment. We will still have the longer form interviews every Tuesday.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor
www.BrettTrainor.com
On this episode, we welcome Brandon Mateika, the Founder and CEO of Sales and Marketing Inc. a growth agency dedicated to taking the confusion out of sales and marketing. This is Brandon’s second visit to the show. In episode 2, Brandon and I discussed the importance and the foundational need of product/market fit. If you haven’t listened to it yet, do yourself a favor and go back and listen. It is still one of our most referred to episodes.
Today, Brandon and I go deep on the what, why and how of competitive analysis. This is a must listen if your business growth is stalled or you are in the early stage of starting your business. Brandon shares in detail how to perform your own analysis and the eye-opening results you will experience.
Key #LessonsInGrowth:
- Competitive analysis will drive your messaging, positioning and in many cases your offerings.
- Identifies the 13 key variables you need to measure against customer importance and competitive strength and how to use this as a differentiator
- How this 3-4 hour time investment can get your business unstuck and positioned for high growth.
Website: https://www.salesandmarketingus.com/
If you are a regular listener to the show, you know that I usually have discussions with guests.
This is the first in a new weekly series where I do a deeper dive into a single topic. This could be something top of mind, in the news or questions I get from my customers or audience. Feel free to shoot me a note if there is a topic you want me to cover.
In today’s episode, I take deeper dive on the power and the potential competitive advantage that data and analytics can provide a startup.
I hope you enjoy the new segment. We will still have the longer form interviews every Tuesday.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor
www.BrettTrainor.com
On this episode, we welcome Sue Tyrrell and Kala Liebe to the program. Sue is the founder and CEO and Kala is the Chief Experience Officer for a company called Hands Up Communications.
Hands Up is a single point of contact for language access needs. They offer offer a mixture of interpreting, translating, and captioning solutions.
Their story is an interesting one. Sue started the company, merger with a company in 2015 then took the company back and partnered with Kala to build what is now known as Hands Up Communication. It is a cautionary tale about failed partnerships and ultimately having the right complementary management team. Key #LessonsInGrowth:
- Why the keys to success are having a very solid executive team
- The pros and cons of strategic partnerships (and mergers) and what to look for
- Why dissolving the merger was a better path to growth for Hands Up
- How a complimentary skill set allowed Hands Up to flourish
- Warning signs that a potential partnership may not be right for your business
On this episode, we welcome Tim Caito. Tim is a Senior Partner at ForceManagement. He combines more than 30 years of sales, management, professional development and business consulting experience to help selling and buying organizations, challenged by dramatic shifts in market conditions, win better deals and improve critical seller-buyer relationships. He helps companies define and articulate their unique differentiators and value drivers.
Key #LessonsInGrowth:
- Messaging must come from the perspective of your customer not your company
- Understanding the Zero Moment of Truth for your customers
- Why you MUST be an expert on your customer problems
- How to avoid the common disconnect between sales and marketing
- If technology or pricing is your differentiator you are on a race to the bottom
- These are only scratching the surface of what we discuss.
On this episode, we welcome Pam Didner. She is an author, speaker, podcaster, adjunct professor, marketing strategist and a Fortune 100 Marketer. She leads a boutique-consulting firm that trains, coaches and provides strategic guidance on audience development, messaging, editorial planning, content creation, media buys and social media outreach on a global scale
Key #LessonsInGrowth:
- Who do you hire first, sales or marketing (the answer might surprise you)?
- The power of word of mouth referrals
- How startups should think about sales enablement (and what is it).
- How to think about and execute account-based marketing (ABM)
- Why there are only TWO types of qualified leads. and buyers are buying on their own schedules, not yours!
On this episode, we welcome Ricardo Regalado, the Founder and CEO of Rozalado Commercial Cleaning Services, plus 3 other companies including his latest venture Route, an end to end software platform for service providers.
Ricardo shares his personal journey from buying his uncle’s franchise commercial cleaning business where he and his wife were working 18 hours a day to a soon to be $10 million company that was featured on Inc. 500’s fastest growing companies, which is a rare feat for a cleaning services business.
Key #LessonsInGrowth:
- How scaling to $1 Million was different than from $2M to $4M and from $4M to $7M.
- How he successfully balanced family and business (he has 17 family members working in the company).
- How he was able to scale from 5 employees to over 300 and keep the culture.
- How intuition, persistence and relentlessness were the key drivers of success
- Plus numerous other words of wisdom for entrepreneurs
On this episode, we welcome Kelly Glover, founder of The Talent Squad.
The Talent Squad is a boutique podcast agency that book podcast tours for entrepreneurs. Kelly started podcasting in 2007 and has an 18-year track record working in media and talent management. Kelly knows what producers want because she's been one! With a background in commercial radio, Kelly has walked her talk and hosted her own syndicated radio show, worked as a talent agent, celebrity interviewer, and has produced award-winning podcasts.
Key #LessonInGrowth:
- Podcast guesting, yes, it is a thing, is an unbelievable opportunity to jump start growth (if you are prepared)
- Why launching your own podcast is a long tail growth strategy while guesting is a shorter term strategy?
- Podcast guesting- it is not about you, it is about the audience
- Size doesn’t always matter when pitching a show- make sure you can add value to the audience
- How to effectively pitch to guest on a podcast- hint- the key is to make it easy for the producer/host
- How to repurpose your podcast guesting episode content for maximum impact
Website: http://thetalentsquad.com/
On this episode, we welcome Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey to the program. Michael and Michael & Bonnie are the founders of Barefoot Wine, America’s #1 Wine Brand. Their New York Times Business Bestseller, The Barefoot Spirit, is now required reading in more than 50 schools of entrepreneurship
In this episode Michael and Bonnie shares their remarkable journey from a laundry room of a rented farmhouse to the boardroom of the world’s largest wine company, E&J Gallo and how that journey paved the way for their future endeavors and the creation of a new category of audio books called Audio Theater.
Key #LessonInGrowth:
- The Barefoot Spirit equates to an entrepreneurial mindset (West Coast Style)- opportunistic and problem solving
- Not being an “expert” on insider allowed them to ask dumb questions to break out of “this is how it has always been done” mentality
- Consistency in the wine/product was a differentiator to the current model.
- Why 500 Cases of Wine/year was their top priority
- Leveraged outsourcing and partners to scale the business
- Leveraging grassroot tactics and community level brand building helped accelerate acceptance and growth.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bonnieharvey/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mhoulihan/
Website: www.thebarefootspirit.com
Website: www.barefootaudiobook.com/
Click here for a free audio episode of The Barefoot Spirit.
On this episode, we welcome Phil Hollyer to the program. Phil is the Co-Founder, former CEO and now Executive Chairman for Bounteous. Bounteous creates big-picture digital solutions provider that helps drive growth for their clients.
In this episode Phil shares the Bounteous journey from a 2-person startup to a high growth company that has been featured in Inc.’s fastest growing companies. Bounteous now has over 300 employees and is closing in on the $100 million in annual revenue.
We go deep on how Dominos became one of their first customers how their partnership launched both companies to the next level, especially in the digital revolution in the early 2000’s.
Questions we answer:
- How Phil and Bounteous were pioneers in creating a virtual organization
- How working with a couple of large, enterprise customers, Ceridian and Domino’s proved to be the right strategy
- How Bounteous was at the center of the digital revolution with Dominos
- Why they chose a Horizontal vs. a Vertical focus on growth- broad vs. niche
- Why Human Resources was a critical focus early on
- The power and constraint of unicorn employees
On this episode, we welcome Christine Perakis to the program. Christine, AKA the Storm Warrior, is a serial entrepreneur, business coach and author.
Christine’s first entrepreneurial venture was a fragrance company. Since then, she has started, grown and expanded 9 others as well as advised 100s of clients on five continents.
Her remarkable journey includes surviving two record-breaking category 5 hurricanes, including the first one that left her buried alive for nearly 24 hours and forced her to survive without electricity, running water and telecoms for a couple of months on an isolated adopted-island nation.
The leadership and resilience lessons that she learned have been incorporated into her next book, The Resilient Leader, which is being released in 2020.
In this episode Christine offers strategies that anyone can use to weather the inevitable storms of life and business and come through thriving.
On this episode, we welcome Victoria Tretis to the program. Victoria is a former executive assistant that became a virtual assistance before starting her current company- VA Matchmaker.
VA Matchmaker helps take the confusion and complexity of using virtual assistants. She matches entrepreneurs with the skill set they need.
In this episode Victoria breaks down the What, the Why, and the How of using remote resources to drive efficiency and value in your growing organization. She also provide tips on what not to do.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/victoriatretis
Website: https://www.victoriatretis.co.uk/
On this episode, we welcome Matt Morse to the program. Matt is the Founder and CEO of Precision Today. They are a Chicago based plumbing services company that started over 25 years ago.
In this episode Matt lays out a blueprint for scalable growth. He shares what worked and what didn’t work during his growth journey. Even though this is more of a traditional main street type of business Matt really is a modern visionary on how to grow a company in the digital era. His company enjoys a 4.9/5.0 Google review rating with over 1380 reviews!
Key take-a-ways:
- Top priority is creating an employee centric culture
- Always have a plan!
- Why buying out his co-founder was the right strategic move
- Expansion for expansion sake is not always the right move
- Hiring folks that aligned values to company vision
- Transitioning from the day-to-day operations allowed the company to thrive
- Plus many additional lessons
Email: matt@precisiontoday.com
Website: https://www.precisiontoday.com/
On this episode, we welcome Jo Johnson to the program. Jo is known in Australia and Worldwide as the Content Coach. She turns Experts into Thought Leaders - one story at a time.
She raises the visibility of entrepreneurs and small business owners through using the art of storytelling. Aligning your Brand values with effective storytelling is a powerful combination that can energize your customers to take action.
In our really informative conversation, Jo breaks down what, why, and how to incorporate storytelling into all aspects of your business.
On this episode, we welcome Gregory Skeete to the program. Gregory helps entrepreneurs and business owners to 'engineer' their best selves and systematically achieve results that are both successful and significant while maintaining their ideal work-life balance and lifestyle.
Gregory’s unique background has allowed him to provide a unique and powerful perspective on how entrepreneurs can become the best versions of themselves and not only transform themselves but also their businesses. This was a really interesting discussion.
Questions we answer:
- Why you need to build your business “with the end in mind”
- Why process and documentation are fundamental to scalable growth
- Why benevolence is important for the entrepreneurial journey
- Why inspiration is better than motivation
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gsskeete
Website: https://www.gregoryskeete.com/
The Exact Instruction Challenge (PB&J Instructions)
If you are a regular listener to the podcast, you know I usually have discussions with guests.
In this episode, we're going to be doing something a little bit different. Today, I'm not interviewing anyone, and I'm actually going to host and guest on my own show.
I review the 3 stages of startup growth, the common thresholds where founders get stuck, and how to prioritize focus for each stage of growth.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor
www.BrettTrainor.com
On this episode, we welcome Kenneth Kinney to the program. Kenneth is the host of “A Shark’s Perspective,” a nationally recognized podcast featuring the "who’s who" of experts and thought leaders in marketing, and he's the VP of Marketing and Digital Strategy at Ai Media Group, a leader in performance marketing. Kenneth is a highly accomplished and creative marketer, growth executive, consultant, and speaker. He is passionate about lead generation, leveraging data in omni-channel strategies, driving growth, digital marketing, advanced TV, and helping make marketers better.
Here's what we cover in today's episode:
- Why you need to invest in marketing early
- How smaller companies can compete with bigger brands
- Why you need to have a marketing strategy
- Don’t create content to just create content
- Why data is critical
On this episode, we welcome Bill Bice to the program. Bill is the CEO and Founder of Boomtime. Boomtime built the world's first marketing-as-a-service platform: fuse.
Bill is a serial entrepreneur, he is passionate about helping small businesses grow. Bill started his first company at age 18, growing ProLaw Software into the largest law firm automation system for small and mid-size law firms. Bill's goal at Boomtime is to enable smaller businesses to more effectively compete with their larger competitors.
On this episode, we welcome Bob Furniss to the program. Bob is the Godfather of Customer Experience. He spent his entire 30+ year career helping companies of all sizes better connect with their customers. Bob was awarded the ICMI Lifetime Achievement Award and has also been recognized as a Top 50 Contact Center Thought Leader. He is also an author and a keynote speaker.
You can reach Bob at bob@bobfurniss.com or follow him on Twitter: @bobfurniss.
On this episode, we welcome Martin Hill to the program. Martin is the CEO, Founder and inventor of The Beebo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CK4izXDxLA
The voice you heard a moment ago is that of Martin Hill. Martin is the CEO, Founder and the inventor of the The Beebo. The Beebo is a free hand bottle holder designed to enhance the feeding time between you and your baby. On this episode, Martin shares his unbelievable growth journey. It was an amazing combination of ingenuity, timing and a successful pitch on the shark tank. Plus, Martin even announces that his company is for sale at the end of the show.
Questions we answer:
- How he was able to get an investment from Shark Tank investors Lori Griener and Ashton Kutcher
- How he scaled a fast-growing company with only a couple of employees
- Why Martin doubled down on understanding the flaws with his design
- How he was 1 of 100 that were selected out of 50,000 to appear on Shark Tank
- How he leveraged outsource partners to scale his business
- Why he decided to sell the company
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/martin-hill-33b88ba9
Website: https://www.thebeebo.com/
Twitter: @the_beebo
Instagram: the_beebo
On this episode, we welcome Nicole Wood to the program. Nicole is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ama La Vida. Ama La Vida is an innovative leadership and career coaching company. They believe that there doesn't need to be a tradeoff between success and happiness and that with the right tools, coaching and accountability, everyone can find meaning and purpose in their work.
On this episode, we welcome Vivek Khandelwal to the program. Vivek is a co-founder and COO of iZooto. iZooto is the World's First Owned Audience Marketing Platform that helps media publishers and retailers to own, build and engage their audience using web push notifications. Over 15,000 marketers push over 18B notifications every month to engage their audience and drive repeat traffic.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/khandelwalvivek
Website: https://www.izooto.com/
Twitter: vivekk
On this episode, we welcome James Carbary to the program. James is the Founder and CEO of Sweet Fish Media. Sweet Fish Media produces podcasts for B2B companies. Their service allows you to partner with your ideal clients to create industry specific content through an interview-based podcast.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamescarbary
Website: SweetFishMedia.com
Twitter: jamescarbary
Book Referenced: https://www.tablegroup.com/organizational-health
On this episode, we welcome Lindsay Kelley to the program. Lindsay is the Vice President of Content and Digital at Telit. Lindsay is an inbound and marketing expert that has is using conversational marketing to help drive large increases in qualified, new business leads to her organization’s sales teams.
Lindsay has over 20 years of experience in marketing, both from the start-up world and large enterprise organizations.
She has been at the forefront of marketing innovation, whether it was the early days of marketing automation on the current revolution of chat bots and conversational marketing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaykelley/
Twitter: lvkelley
Website: https://www.telit.com/
On this episode, we welcome Ovi Negrean to the program. Ovi is the Co-Founder of Chief Executive Bee of SocialBee.io
SocialBee.io offers which offers social media management tools, training and teams.
LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/socialbee.io/about/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ovidiunegrean
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OviNegrean
Website: http://socialbee.io/
On this episode, we welcome Dan Pfister to the program. Dan is the founder of StrategicWinBack.com.
He’s also the co-founder of two other businesses where he's helped generate over 50,000 customers, and has worked with brands like Fidelity Investments and people like Tony Robbins.
Strategic Win-Back’s sole focus is re-engaging and re-activating lost, forgotten and disengaged clients. To learn more about the exceptional ROI that winning back past clients can generate.
Website: https://www.brightmove.com/
LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/customerwinback/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmpfister
On this episode, we welcome Dave Webb to the program. Dave is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of BrightMove, Inc. – pioneers of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) – and now one of the fastest growing global providers of hiring and recruiting software within the HR Technology industry.
While working in the evolving digital economy, David and his colleagues discovered a market opportunity in recruiting and staffing highly specialized information technology professionals for large scale projects. They also decided to build their own ATS solution with the granular-reporting and data-analytic features that would result in better- informed business decisions – for themselves and their clients. Thus, licensing the ATS software, which they called BrightMove, became a business of the same name in 2005.
Website: https://www.brightmove.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightmove-inc./
LinkedIn Dave Webb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwebb/
On this episode, we welcome Ish Jindal to the program.
Ish is the Founder of Tars,. which helps businesses boost their PPC conversion rates through Conversational Landing Pages.
Chatbots built on the Tar’s platform help businesses give their customers an experience that is far more engaging and far more human than a boring old form. The end result is a higher conversion rates, more quality leads and most importantly, a happier customer.
To date, our product has enabled over 9,000 creators to build over 16,000 bots that have together completed over 12 million conversations.
Website: https://hellotars.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ish-tars
On this episode, we welcome Michael Himmelfarb to the program.
Michael Himmelfarb is co-founder of InnoEQ, an analytics and advisory firm that shows companies how to be more successful with collaborative innovation i.g. working with enterprise organizations. InnoEQ provides seasoned product marketing leadership to B-to-B startups that want to accelerate their growth, and also advises corporations on how to effectively engage with startups.
Previously, Michael was an SVP and general manager at the research company Nielsen, where he transformed series of mature businesses into high performers leveraging startups and innovation. At Nielsen he also started and ran an incubator in Africa, India and China, and launched a corporate “Shark Tank.”
Before Nielsen he scaled series of startups while serving in various product and business development leadership roles.
Website: www.innoeq.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelhimmelfarb
Follow up materials:
Da Vinci Biography by Walter Isaacson
Article on Anchor Pricing
https://www.cultofmac.com/631180/apple-prices-anchoring-effect/
On this episode, we welcome Nicki Perchik to the program.
Nicki is the founder/CEO of The NLP Group, a boutique Executive Search Firm based in Chicago. NLP works with Senior and Executive level professionals on opportunities covering a broad spectrum of industries and functional areas. NLP’s clients span the entire United States and globe, ranging in size from early stage start-ups to Fortune 50 companies. NLP has consistently been recognized for outstanding performance, exceptional results and unmatched levels of service and support.
Website: https://www.thenlpgroup.net/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicoleperchik
On this episode, we welcome Tessa Herd-Court to the program.
Tessa Herd-Court is the CEO and co-founder of IntelligenceBank, a smart content management platform that helps businesses streamline processes and put governance around digital content. IntelligenceBank is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with offices in the US and Canada.
In 2013, IntelligenceBank was named a Deloitte Asia Fast500 winner and Tessa was named as a finalist in the NAB Women’s Agenda Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
IntelligenceBank Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLYvrwegGWE
Website: https://www.intelligencebank.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessacourt/
Branding is one of the first things that companies work on when they start to do business, and yet it is one of the last things that ever gets finalized within the organization.
From explaining to clients and customers what a company's value is, to making sure that their positioning in the marketplace is well represented, branding accounts for a lot of a company's ability to succeed.
Diana Finley the Co-Founder of InnerView Group and today’s guest on the Hardwired for Growth podcast, knows a thing or two about the power of a strong brand. She works with internal brand representatives to help organizations rethink and imagine the way that they are organizing their teams around their marketing messages.
Website: https://innerviewgroup.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diana-finley-4692026
On this episode, I am thrilled to have Dan Weinfurter join the program.
Dan was the Founder of GrowthPlay, an integrated sales effectiveness services business that grew rapidly to be ranked #22 on the 2017 Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing private companies. In Dan’s 25 years as a serial entrepreneur, he has built three prior private equity-backed companies from start-up to considerable scale, including Parson Group, his first startup that landed #1 on the coveted Inc. 500 list.
He is the author of Second Stage Entrepreneurship, Ten Proven Strategies to Drive Aggressive Growth (Macmillan/Palgrave, 2013).
Dan was an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Dan is currently a Director at Mentor Group UK. Mentor is a London-based global technology-enabled services firm that delivers solutions focused on improving sales productivity, leadership capability and revenue growth.
Visit: www.mentorgroup.co.uk and www.danweinfurter.com
Michael Haynes is a B2B Growth Accelerator.
His passion and focus is helping start-ups and Small-Medium Businesses (SMEs) to use buyer driven approaches to develop products, services and solutions that business customers want thereby enabling them to acquire the corporate customers they seek.
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Michael has been living in Sydney Australia for over 19 years.
Michael has over 23 years’ experience working with companies in Australia, Brazil and Canada across a range of industries including Financial Services, Professional Services, IT and Telecommunications to develop and implement customer driven strategies and initiatives to drive business growth and performance.
He has been interviewed on international podcasts including Accelerate Your Business Growth and The B2B Growth Show here in the US, the Start-up Canada Podcast as well as the Making It Count podcast in Australia.
Michael is also the author of the book, Listen Innovate Grow: A Guidebook for Start-ups and SMEs to Acquire and Grow Business (B2B) Customers.
Michael’s Social Channels:
- Website
Rachel Clapp Miller is the Vice President of Marketing and Digital Engagement at Force Management. She leads digital marketing campaigns and has worked to build the brand’s content strategy to target both c-level executives and salespeople focused on closing opportunities. She brings an extensive television and media background to her marketing role. She has earned two Emmy awards and six Emmy nominations for her producing work.
In addition to her role at Force Management, she also runs Content Hacks, a website and social brand dedicated to helping people produce content easily and effectively.
Rachel earned her Masters in Communication from Wake Forest University. Her Master’s research focused on effective social media communication by organizations. She also served as a faculty adjunct at Wake Forest teaching relational communication in the undergraduate school, as well as Communication for Business Professionals in the Executive Program at the school’s Charlotte Center.
Rachel’s Social Channels:
- Website
Jim Vaselopulos is a C-level executive with a proven record as a rainmaker and new business development expert. With a reputation for principled leadership, strategic vision, and effective execution, Jim has built successful new enterprises and turned around underperforming organizations. Jim has been a consultant to many companies across nearly every industry. An entrepreneur at heart, Jim has started many companies, managed partnerships and participated in several well-orchestrated exits.
As the founder of Rafti Advisors, Inc., Jim helps early stage companies get off on the right foot, growth stage companies push through plateaus and mature companies with strategic shifts and complex challenges.
Jim is a sought after executive coach focusing on leadership, business development, effective communications and professional development. He is a frequent speaker on leadership, sales, professionalism, networking and innovation. Jim volunteers regularly with veterans groups and business incubators.
Jim is also co-host of The Leadership Podcast
One third of our lifetime is spent at work. Great leaders see this as an opportunity to revolutionize the human experience by making work valuable. Teresa has dedicated her career to this concept. Having spent the past 14 years helping companies attract, engage, recognize, and retain the employees driving their companies to be successful, Teresa has worked with some of the best companies in industries ranging from media to tech.
In 2017 she founded Culture Engineered, an employee feedback tools & services company helping small and mid-sized businesses improve business performance by creating a thoughtful, unique, employee experience. Committed to advancing SMBs, Teresa hosts monthly events featuring employers with outstanding company cultures, connecting traditional businesses with modern people strategies – that work.
Teresa’s Social Channels:
- Website
Kati has built a world class, award-winning training programs for companies like Instacart, Gannett, LivingSocial, and others. Founding A Positive Adventure, an L&D consultancy business based in the Bay Area, Kati is a highly respected leader in the industry.
She is a professionally trained and engaging public speaker and subject matter expert. She has spoken at industry conferences including Training Industry Conference & Expo, ATD International Convention, contributed content to publications such as ATD Blog, #GirlBoss.com, and been quoted in Fast Company on effective team building practices.
Kati’s passion is making learning stick, enjoyable and helping employees and companies reach their full potential through learning.
Kati’s Social Channels:
Why is different more impactful than better?
On this episode, I am thrilled to have Tim Caito join the program. Tim and I break down the importance and value of understanding your company’s value drivers and why it is critical that the entire organization and not just your sales team is aligned around them.
Tim is a Senior Partner at ForceManagement and responsible for their Customer Strategy and Success Center of Excellence.
This center provides Force Management customers guidance on how to align their sales effectiveness strategies with their overall growth strategies, creating a success roadmap for achieving sustained sales productivity.
Tim Caito combines more than 30 years of sales, management, professional development and business consulting experience to help selling and buying organizations, challenged by dramatic shifts in market conditions, win better deals and improve critical seller-buyer relationships.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Bowling Green State University.
Tim’s Contact Information:
- Website
Forty-three percent of start-ups fail because of a lack of product/market fit.
Brandon Mateika is passionate and a tad bit unrelenting when it comes to helping business owners achieve their business goals and objectives.
Brandon breaks down the steps new and existing businesses should take to validate product/market fit. He shares a number of real-world examples of success and learnings from the companies he works with.
Brandon is the CEO and founder of Sales and Marketing Inc., a growth agency dedicated to taking the confusion out of sales and marketing. He specializes in the SMB market, but has worked with numerous Fortune 500 and Inc. 5,000 companies across the United States and globally, including companies as large as Google.
In addition to running Sales and Marketing Inc., Brandon works with America’s SBDC of Iowa, 1 Million Cups, Kirkwood Community College, and the University of Iowa as a mentor and business coach. Due to this outreach, he has helped over one-hundred business owners across the United States reach new levels of success personally and professionally.
Brandon’s Social Channels:
- Website
Brett Trainor gets you ready for his new podcast, “Hardwired for Growth” by letting you know what to expect when the podcast debuts on June 25.