Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship

In this podcast, the LAST one of the year, Ryan and Kota look back on the changing landscape of business in 2022, what we learned from the year, problems we encountered, solutions we're currently deploying, and how they might apply to your own business.   And also what to expect in 2023.   This episode also dives into the specifics of a new product/group we're launching (and why we're doing it), so if you've been toying with the idea of starting an apparel line, or maybe you already started one and it's not going the way you expected, you're definitely gonna want to see this.   The new course ITW is launching is a complete guide to get started on your journey of building and scaling an apparel brand; what to expect, how to go about it, and how to avoid the MANY pitfalls on the path.   After 15 years in the apparel game and helping hundreds of other brands grow and scale (as well as his own), the course is a road map of all the lessons learned and best practices. Everything from how to search for a name, to how to scale a modern e-comm apparel brand, to how to establish a valuation model and plan an exit when the time comes.   The course includes 15 video lessons that go in-depth on these topics.  1. Mindset 2. Partnerships 3. Choosing a Name & Creating a Brand 4. Branding & Lifestyle (what is it and how to create it) 5. Business & Banking Structure (banking set up and how to use credit cards to get free money) 6. Creating Digital Infrastructure (your websites & social media) 7. Choosing Products (it's not always T shirts!) 8. Developing Art & Creatives 9. Sizing Ratio 10. Initial Launch Blueprint 11. Fulfillment 12. Data Analysis 13. Scaling Reach & Conversions 14. Advertising & Marketing 15. Valuation & Positioning for Sale For all of these 15 lessons, we have them available as full videos, but also as downloadable PDFs as well as an audio playlist so you can absorb the info whichever way is best for you.  We also have a private Facebook group that has some of our friends and fellow brand owners that have 6,7, and even 8-figure businesses that can answer your questions and get you the info that actually WORKS. As you already know, it's super important to be a part of a community that wants you to succeed, and lifts you up, instead of dragging you down. We also have monthly LIVE ZOOM calls where Ryan and the best professionals in the industry come in and answer all of your questions!    The group will also have access to exclusive events that are very unique to the apparel world.   If you are interested in learning more about the Industry Brandworks course, click the link below!   Check out the FULL INDUSTRY BRANDWORKS course here: www.industrybrandworks.com/home   If you'd like a more a la carte option, each of the products is available individually here: www.industrybrandworks.com/products

If you are new to entrepreneurship, you might be asking yourself: “When should I start to worry about giving out job titles in the workspace?”   It can be a bit confusing if you don't know what each title means and the roles involved. CEO, CFO, COO, and so on.    In reality, it doesn't really matter in the beginning. If you are a solopreneur and it's just you and the company, you can give yourself any role you want. IT'S YOUR COMPANY!   If you do have a partner, it is important to understand each position and how you guys are moving the business forward. You need to find the lines where you don't step on each other's toes, but you have the same end goal in mind.    In the podcast Ryan and Kota discuss: - Understanding the importance of making the right calls for your business (each partner has their specific roles) - Giving yourself space and grace to make mistakes -How you can branch out and expand your company through different avenues to grow the vision even further  -And why you SHOULDN'T move to Texas lol    AND SO MUCH MORE!

“How do I stay strong during the holiday season?” is a common challenge for anyone who has big goals, whether in business or just life goals.   Christmas is right around the corner and it's normal to struggle with maintaining balance between your business needs and family commitments.    You might be heading home for the holidays and see everyone else is taking it easy… but you know deep down inside, you can't afford to do that. You want to SUCCEED!   BUT… it is not always easy.    In the podcast Ryan and Kota discuss: - How to keep your business ON TRACK during the holiday season. - How to deal with family members and their opinion of your entrepreneur journey. - Learning how to let go of people (even family) to build your future. - The importance of surrounding yourself with people that have the same vision you do. - Focusing on the most influential entrepreneurs and their stories how they got to that point ( read their autobiography, watching youtube interviews, documentaries)    AND SO MUCH MORE!

Stress is a normal part of life as an entrepreneur, but it doesn't have to control you! YOU can learn to control IT, and even USE it as an advantage.   You first have to ask yourself… Why are you stressed or anxious?   Are you worried about things that are actually worth worrying about?   Are they things that you can control or affect change upon?   Or do you find yourself worrying about things that are entirely out of your control?   You don't have to be an entrepreneur to have stress. WE ARE HUMANS! WE ALL GET IT!  We get scared of the unknown.  In this podcast, Ryan and Kota break down the importance of handling the anxiety you might have and how to turn that into a superpower. They dive into how dealing with it on your own can be hard, but finding other people that relate to you can help you get through it.    Ryan and Kota also cover: - Setting up dinner meetings with new entrepreneurs that you want to start networking with. - Ryan talks about always thinking of “the worst-case scenario” P.S. It's usually not as bad as you think. - How Kota deals with his anxiety by simply doing breathing exercises. - Preparation is the key to dealing with stress. SCHEDULE, SCHEDULE, SCHEDULE   AND SO MUCH MORE! 

Leadership is one of the most important, yet difficult skills to master. It probably can't ever be truly "mastered", as it's such a nuanced and broad topic, but you CAN make significant changes over time by understanding a few core things.   Leadership is INFLUENCE, which has almost universal applications. Being a leader doesn't mean you have to have a business. Being a strong leader can be with your family, friends, spouse, kids and so on.    Whether you're a small business owner with just a virtual assistant, or running a bigger team of 20 to 200 employees, understanding and applying the tools and skills of leadership can help you achieve your goals, as well as help build everyone around you.   Like any difficult thing, becoming a leader isn't easy. It takes time and patience, but you need to have that skill set if you are planning on building a company of any significance or size.   In this podcast, Ryan and Kota break down the importance of becoming a leader and how it affects everything and everyone in the company, both up and down the chain.   Ryan and Kota also cover: -  How Ryan had to “lead” Disney (Ryan's wife) when she first starting working with him and finding that balance.   - The importance of not burning bridges… you never know what those connections might lead to in the future.   - How listening to Jocko Podcast has helped him become a better leader in both of his companies.   - Why actively trying to avoid “leadership” is hurting you in the long run… It just has to be done!   AND SO MUCH MORE!  

If you're thinking about jumping into entrepreneurship, one of the most uncommon, yet important questions you SHOULD be asking yourself is: “What type of mindset do I have to have to be successful on this endeavor?”   That is a KEY question you need to be asking yourself, yet so many people gloss over it. In order to play the game of entrepreneurship, you need to be resilient. Some people quit their normal 9 to 5 to become an entrepreneur because they say:   “I want to be my own boss.” “I want to make my own work schedule.” “I want to be the pilot of my own life.” So on and so forth, which all sounds GREAT, but in reality, it's not that simple.   Creating your own business is not easy. You have to have a skillset that brings value to people. People that will trade their money for your time/skill. And you have to remember, your income is not always promised. You eat what you kill, there is no safety net.   In this podcast, Ryan and Kota talk about how you need to have the go-ready mindset when it comes to building a business and becoming your own "boss".    Ryan and Kota also discuss: - Why some people operate at a “world class” level while the majority operate at "just good enough”. - Understanding that YOU ARE GOING TO SUCK in the beginning is the best strength to have to just get started today. - No one cares what you are doing day to day nearly as much as you may be afraid they do, stop over thinking social media, just post what you want because the people that do like what you offer will stick around and those that don't, don't matter. - "Success" is a relative term, and how you define it for yourself may be one of the most important things you can do.   AND SO MUCH MORE! ***************************** FOLLOW RYAN WILLIAMS: https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326/ https://www.instagram.com/industry_threadworks/ FOLLOW KOTA: https://www.instagram.com/kotafilms/ https://www.kota-films.com/ FEATURED: OperationStrongDad https://www.instagram.com/operationstrongdad/

If you are an entrepreneur you might come across the act of manifestation. You might have heard it from top entrepreneurs or famous celebrities. In summary, it means, if you ask the universe for something and you think of it into existence, it will come true. But the key thing is, you have to WORK for it! 99.99% of the time, it will not just fall into your lap. You will have to go and show the universe, God, or whatever you want to call it, that you deserve it.    When most people think of manifesting things in their life, they think of money or fame. But what about people? What about asking the universe to bring someone special into your life like a husband or a wife or just a friend?    In this podcast, Ryan and Kota talk about asking the universe for what you want (specifically for a loved one/partner) and how that relates back to your business.   Ryan and Kota also discuss: - When you face challenges, the obvious solutions are sometimes right in front of you, but oftentimes you're too close to see them (can't see the forest for the trees) - from a conversation with @nextsteppx (custom prosthetics company owner). - How meeting Disney made Ryan believe in God.  - Disney (Ryan's wife) gets jealous of Ryan's company until she is introduced into the entrepreneurial world and becomes a part of it. AND SO MUCH MORE!   FOLLOW RYAN WILLIAMS: https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326/   FOLLOW KOTA: https://www.instagram.com/kotafilms/ -------------------------------------------------------- Featured Today: NextSteppX https://www.instagram.com/nextsteppx/  

If you are new to entrepreneurship, you've probably seen a variety of network or entrepreneur groups around, but how do you know which one is right for you, what the differences are, or even if they're useful at all?   Entrepreneur/network groups can be an amazing way to fast-track your learning, while also making some lifelong friends, but there are nuances to navigating them that can either make your experience incredible and life-changing or a waste of time.   A common fear after you do decide to take the plunge, is how do you show up with your best foot forward and not looking like a noob? What are the common mistakes and faux pas that new members make, and how to avoid them.   In this podcast, Ryan & Kota discuss tips and tactics to get the MOST out of the experience, maximizing your time and highlighting your value, while also not coming across like a weirdo.    Ryan and Kota also cover: - It's not about the LEADER of the group, the true value is in the other members of the group. - Tips and tricks when going to a networking event (when to go, which hotel to get, where all the "cool kids" usually hang out, etc.). - How to follow up with someone you connected with at a networking event the right way, and how to make yourself MEMORABLE. - How to make yourself THE GUY (or girl) for your space that everyone thinks of when they hear your niche.   AND SO MUCH MORE!

How to sell your company is one thing, but there are a lot of better podcasts for those details, and while we do go into some of the technical details for basic sales in this episode, we dive way deep into a bigger question that rarely gets asked, is WHO are you WITHOUT the company? And what will you do AFTER the sale? With your money, your time, purpose, relationships, etc.   In this podcast, Ryan and Kota cover some strategies to use when you're wanting to sell your business, lessons learned from the exiting process, and even bigger lessons from what came after.   Most people think when they “sell a company”, it unlocks the NEXT LEVEL and solves all their problems! (Expensive cars, mansions, private jets, models, laying on exotic beaches with umbrella drinks!) This isn't always the case, and is in fact, RARELY the case.   The fact is high level achievers love to achieve. They fall in love with the GAME, and you don't win anything by sitting on the sidelines with a margarita. It might be nice for a reset (which is useful and NECESSARY), but most true players never unplug forever, they just reset and get back in the game.   But before you get to that stage, you first have to build a successful business that investors are going to want to buy. Not every business is sellable! We discuss the differences, and how to structure the company so it will be more attractive to a buyer.   Ryan and Kota also discuss: - What to do after you sell the company that you worked so hard to build. - How selling your company to the wrong buyer can really HURT! Diligence checks go both ways, make sure you know who you're selling to, and what their plans are for your company.. - Understand the process of selling your company (legal documents, payouts, and more!) it doesn't have to be complicated, and at the small scale is probably much easier than you think.

On this week's episode we got a question from one of our viewers, Aleem Afzal, entrepreneur and founder of his new brand, @limitlesslivingco . His question was a common one that all new business owners face as they're getting the brand off the ground: "I know my friends and family will support the designs and tell me they're good, but how can I test designs in the marketplace to be sure they'll actually sell before I put money into purchasing inventory?"   It's definitely scary rolling the dice and spending money on an unsure thing, but that's the gamble of entrepreneurship. Obviously you don't want to waste your time and money on creating products that people are not going to buy, but you also don't want to wait on the sidelines forever either. Taking these steps will help guide you in the right direction!   In this podcast, Ryan and Kota explain how to test and gather the opinions of your target audience when it comes to creating designs that people are going to want to buy and wear. It's hard starting from scratch, but it's harder still if you don't have money to run ads to do the testing, or a big following to poll on social media.   So what do you do?   Simply use these tips that Ryan has gathered over the years and JUST GET STARTED.    Ryan and Kota also discuss:   - What Ryan would do if he had to START OVER! - The pros and cons of a POD (Print On Demand) model using DTG (Direct To Garment) printers, vs. an inventory model (screen printing). - Should you just buy your own screen printer and print your own shirts? Maybe, it depends what you want to spend your time doing, but we do see some patterns as that's a super common question. - The problem of creating to many options (like printing a shirt in LOTS of different colors), and the power & simplicity of the Pepperoni Pizza & Coors Light solution. - Remember, you're NOT selling a t-shirt, or even a product at all, you are selling a LIFESTYLE. The difference is subtle, but HUGE. Your audience cares way more about what the shirt STANDS FOR and the MEANING behind it, than the design that's printed on it.    AND SO MUCH MORE!   Featured Guest: Limitless Living https://www.instagram.com/limitlesslivingco/  

If you're new to entrepreneurship and looking to grow, you might be curious on how a 7 figure business "closes" their leads or what processes they have in place to follow up with referrals. Truth is, there are different, more long-term effective strategies, other than traditional hard sell "closing". In this episode we talk about one of the most powerful and impactful methods, which is simply helping as many people as you can.  If you've built a specific capability, service, or product that solves a problem, it's probably niche and that means you're likely not a great fit for 80-90% of the people you talk to, so explain what you do, but don't try to "close" them on something they don't need. Instead, help point them to a great solution for their problems, even if it's not with your company, and through that, anytime they're having a conversation with someone in their circle who DOES need what you offer, you'll be top of mind and have a raving referral from someone who wasn't even a client, just someone you helped. Ryan and Kota cover: - Not every potential client will work with you, and that's fine, but it doesn't mean you can't help point them in the right direction. - Blending the power of Old School face to face marketing with modern digital content platforms, and how to navigate the changing market landscape as a new brand. - Business is people, and people are relationships. Build your business the right way! The importance of creating solid relationships with your clients, partners, and employees, and ethically expanding your network. - If you can't "close" your leads it may be because you are not truly LISTENING to what they need. Don't "sell", help. AND SO MUCH MORE! 

If you are an entrepreneur, you might be asking yourself, “Should I be finding an investor to grow my business, should I give away equity to certain employees to leverage my company, or should I just focus on salary?”    The truth is there are different answers at different stages, and it depends on what type of company you have.   In this podcast, Ryan and Kota discuss the ins and outs of growing your business and the different compensation packages that make sense at different times. It might be finding specific investors for a start up, or you might be curious about investing your own money into other entrepreneurs that are building a brand.    Ryan and Kota also discuss: - How Ryan invested in 2 different companies/people and how it went HORRIBLY wrong. - When it is the right time to give equity away to grow your business. - 2 books you should read RIGHT NOW when it comes to negotiating with people. - Making sure you do your DUE DILIGENCE when it comes to investing your own money into companies.   AND SO MUCH MORE!

If you are an entrepreneur, you might be asking yourself, “Should I hire someone that is a “newbie” that won't cost as much, but needs more training/ hand holding...” OR “Do I spend MORE money hiring someone that is a trained professional and has years of experience?” The answer truly depends on what stage of business you are in. But we'll leave you a couple of hiring tips for startups to help you out in your entrepreneurship journey. In this podcast, Ryan and Kota talk about the importance of hiring the right people and having the strong ability to sell your vision. Most people that are in the beginning stages of business do not have the budget to spend money hiring top-tier players. You need to use your skills that you have (system and processes) to train people that might not have the experience. And if you have little to NO money to give, in the beginning, it is crucial that you know how to sell your vision and where the final destination lands. Ryan and Kota also discuss: -  The importance of giving your employees a voice in the company -You might be the “boss”, but your employees know more about day-to-day processes than you do   - Why one of Ryan's employees told him to “F*CK OFF!” straight to his face - Selling your vision of where the company is going can be more powerful than you think.  

Welcome back to Mapping It Out Podcast with Ryan Williams and Kota Westbrook! For Episode 29 we wanted to do a little flashback of the last 28 episodes and show some of the more popular moments our audience seemed to really enjoy!  We will be back in the studio next week for episode 30! About the Podcast: “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to take you behind the scenes on the entrepreneurship journey, highlighting what it takes to create, scale, and run a REAL company. The good, the bad, and the ugly, it's all here. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”.

Welcome back to Mapping It Out Podcast with Ryan and Kota!  Episode #28 is another in depth exchange of ideas between 2 entrepreneurs aggressively growing their brands.    This podcast Ryan and Kota discuss what they've learned navigating their businesses through the challenges of 2022 so far, and what plans they're making for the future.    Ryan and Kota cover:   - The importance of having a world class network you can rely on for business advice.   - How marketing & advertising for apparel brands has shifted in 2022.   - Manufacturing has very low profit margins, how to use other strengths to shore up weaknesses in your business.   - Always being aware of new apps and how you can capitalize on them being first to the platform.   - How you can gauge your growth as an entrepreneur by answering questions like the top entrepreneurs (Gary V, Andy Frisella, Ed Mylett, Dan Fleyshman, etc.) - The intricacies and oddities of running a fulfillment operation for VERY diverse e-comm brands.   AND SO MUCH MORE!  

If you are new to entrepreneurship you might be only thinking about the bright side of working with clients. In your head, you're thinking that all clients will be happy and grateful and your business will run seamlessly…   That would be awesome! But it's not reality.   In this episode, we'll talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of client relationships. If you're in business of any kind, whether that's a hot dog stand or a billion dollar corporation, it is GUARANTEED that you will have your share of “tough clients” or unreasonable customers.   You WANT to help your clients, but if you KNOW they're taking advantage of you, where do you draw the line, and what can you do?   Our line is very simple, we'll always bend over backwards to help our clients, but we'll never bend over forwards.   In this podcast, Ryan deeply dives into how he handles relationships with clients and customers, and the difference between the two. He also goes into multiple stories of being screwed over by friends and clients, how he handled it.    Ryan and Kota also discuss: - Ryan taking a past business partner to court, and why it was necessary to send a message.  - Why Industry Threadworks (Ryan's Company) started offering fulfillment/ customer service for their top clients. - Incredibly bad/off brand customer service from a major luxury brand store and what it taught Ryan.  - Customer service is not a liability, it is a huge OPPORTUNITY for your business (How customers will always remember you).  

Do you have a regular 9 to 5 job PLUS a side hustle/ passion project that you work on after hours? One of the most common, yet most personal questions any new entrepreneur has to ask themselves is “when is it the right time to take that leap and make the side hustle your full-time job?” Committing to taking that jump into entrepreneurship can be very intimidating, but it can also be very rewarding. Yeah, entrepreneurship sounds sexy: -Being your own boss. -Setting your own schedule. -Travel when you want. -You don't have to report back to a higher up. BUT… as they say, timing is everything, and when is it the right time for YOU?   While no one can give you the right answer for your own life, what we can do is share our stories so you can find some common threads to your own journey, and hopefully our experiences can help you make the best decision for yourself. In this podcast, Ryan and Kota give their opinions on when to take that leap of faith into your side hustle and go 100%. Ryan and Kota also discuss: - Why Ryan should have left his previous job 6 months earlier, and why he waited. - How much money should you have saved before leaving the stability of your job right now? - Why you should add profit margin to your side hustle business BEFORE you need it. - The importance of having a great track record and a proven concept with reliable clients before leaving your stable job. AND SO MUCH MORE!   ----------------------- Are You a Fitness Coach That Needs Help With Your Online Presence? bookwithvznry.com   Industry Threadworks Information Products https://www.industrythreadworks.com/collections/information-products    

If you are an entrepreneur, it's likely you've experienced frustrations finding, hiring, and working with creatives (people such as video editors, photographers, graphic designers, artists, etc.) to help you create designs and content for your brand.   That's totally normal! And we dive into why it happens, and how to make it better.   “Creatives” are sometimes a different kind of breed. The reason behind that is because they are usually “artists” first. Working with them can either be extremely frustrating, or they can be an AMAZING asset for your brand.   In this episode Ryan & Kota go over some tips on how to get the best work from an artist, while also being a great client for them (and why that's something you should WANT to be).   We also cover where to find creatives to work with, the best way to communicate with them to ensure a seamless art development process, while also building a great relationship for future work.    Ryan and Kota also discuss: -  The difference in mentality between a freelance “creative” compared to the CEO of a company, and why understanding the difference can help you. -  The real reason why Ryan taught himself Adobe Illustrator to help with his logos for work. -  Understanding how to best communicate with “creatives” to make the process of working together smooth and fruitful for both sides.    AND SO MUCH MORE! 

Every entrepreneur knows how difficult the journey can be, you never know when you could possibly LOSE EVERYTHING and have to start all over. It's a scary, gut wrenching, and overwhelming feeling... but you're NOT alone!   In this podcast, Ryan and Kota talk about some entrepreneurial stories, and not the fun stuff. We dive into the really hard times where you don't know if you're going to be able to bounce back, and strategies you can use to help dig yourself out of it. Ryan and Kota also discuss: -  Believing in yourself and your product enough to be willing to gamble a $60k purchase order for a new company while being $20k in credit card debt. -  Kota stood up for himself in front of his client, but then got set-up for failure on a red carpet premiere.  -  How Ryan almost lost his current company because of a bad hire.   AND SO MUCH MORE!   Need Help With Your Apparel Company? Click the Link Below https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/contact Learn to Create Short Form Video Content https://kota-films.lpages.co/vznry-landing-page-free-pdfs-upsell-one-on-one-phone-call  

Do you know how much money you are leaving on the table if you are not selling accessory products for your brand?   Let me give you a quick example:  When your favorite musician/band goes on tour, and you go to one of their shows. You might look around a huge stadium and think to yourself… “Damn! They are making so much money off these tickets!” The thing is, they are barely breaking even with the ticket sales. All the lights, screens, fireworks, custom stage, crews, trailers, travel, and so forth. They are spending so much money to put on the show the ticket prices barely cover it.    Where they really make their money is from selling their MERCH! (T-Shirts) In this podcast, Ryan breaks down how critical it is to sell extra accessories from your personal brand. You might have a product that is super expensive that most people might not be able to afford, but you can still reach that audience by selling smaller, cheaper, easier products like shirts, wrist bands, koozies, keychains and any other product that fits with your market!   Ryan and Kota also discuss: -  How Ryan made more money of selling keychains than his actual MAIN product of kettlebells. -  The importance of really advertising and connecting with your target audience. -  Why T-Shirts are the BEST ACCESSORY.   AND SO MUCH MORE!   Need Help With Your Apparel Company? Click the Link Below https://www.industrythreadworks.com/pages/contact Learn to Create Short Form Video Content https://kota-films.lpages.co/vznry-landing-page-free-pdfs

As an entrepreneur, or even life in general, you might be asking yourself in your day-to-day battles, “Is it okay to quit?” And the answer is yes, but only if you know WHY you're quitting. Let us explain real quick.   In order to build anything truly great, it's going to require a MASSIVE amount of focus, time, and energy. The very definition of focus is that you exclude other things that don't move you further towards your goal.   Now that we know quitting certain things, activities, or even people, is a requirement in order to focus on other things, the key is to remember WHY you're letting them go. Here are some examples:   Quit allowing crappy "friends" to bring you down --- Allowing people (or even family) around you who don't contribute to your dream and only drag you down is something that MUST be shed before you can reach and maintain any real level of "success". Quit wasting time --- How productive are you? Are you truly focusing and maximizing every minute of your day? What are you wasting time on? Quit those things. Quit useless habits --- How many things in your day could you cut out or "quit" if you truly focused on your vision of greatness? This could be alcohol, drugs, bad relationships, porn, dating sites, social media, etc. The list of distractions is endless. Decide what doesn't serve you, and quit it. Quit negative self talk --- You should be your own biggest cheerleader, you can't expect anyone else to believe in you until YOU believe in you.  Quit taking the easy way --- Do hard shit so you know you're not a quitter, which will allow you to quit other things with confidence and maintain momentum towards your goal.   In this podcast, Ryan and Kota discuss the importance of learning how and what to quit so you can focus on the things that actually matter. Ryan talks about learning the “ego and your B*tch voice”.    There is a vast difference between quitting something because it's just too hard, or quitting because it simply no longer serves your purpose. One gets you further towards your goals, the other will have you constantly second guessing yourself and will start a downward spiral that will eventually rob you of self esteem & confidence.    Focus on your MAIN GOAL, quit literally everything else.   They also go over: - The truth and the lie of the old saying “Every millionaire has 7 streams of income” - Ryan is a former Navy SEAL, but still quits things as quickly as possible if they no longer serve a purpose. - How to brush off the peanut gallery when they say “I can't believe you're giving up.” YOU have to know the difference FIRST.   AND SO MUCH MORE!

If you guys have been following Ryan and Kota's podcast, this is a totally different episode. You are in for a treat!  Since it is the 21st episode, they thought it would be only appropriate to do the podcast at Ryan's house in beautiful Pacific Beach, while drinking and smoking cigars.  This podcast takes a ton of fun turns in conversations! Ryan and Kota cover: -  How Ryan met his wife Disney (At a bar in Pacific Beach… Very drunk) - How Kota almost passed out  telling his current girlfriend “I love you.” for the first time -  How aliens are definitely REAL AF - What happens after you die - Why Ryan decided to leave Texas and come back to California - How the universe is guiding you to bigger and better things (if you ask for it)  AND SO MUCH MORE!

As an apparel brand owner, do you ever feel like you're spinning your wheels and wonder what it takes to actually gain traction and scale? In this podcast, Ryan discusses with Kota the 7 things that every apparel brand needs in order to grow and scale. Starting a clothing line is easy, but GROWING one into a profitable and sustainable brand is much more difficult than most people realize. With these simple 7 things in mind, you'll be on the right path to success. The List of 7 to Scale:  1. QUALITY PRODUCT: matches your market (don't overshoot or undershoot). 2. FULFILLMENT: getting products to consumers in a timely manner, making good on the promises the brand makes. 3. RELEVANT CONTENT CREATION - visually defining the MESSAGE and the MISSION that create the IDENTITY of the brand. 4. LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE: knowing how to create social media content that supports your brand effectively.  5. EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING - not just throwing money at reach, but WHERE to put your money to get the most return. 6. EMAIL / SMS CAMPAIGNS: follow up, reach back, etc. 7. CUSTOMER SERVICE: the experience the customer receives should match the messaging your brand is putting out across all the other platforms.   They also go over: Direct and Indirect content creation. Which platforms to start creating content on (Instagram and Tik Tok). Not worrying about the fancy lights and production to make great content, focus on the message.   AND SO MUCH MORE! 

As an entrepreneur, do you ever wonder the top characteristics that every great entrepreneur has? In this podcast, Ryan and Kota go over the top 6 traits that every entrepreneur should strive to develop if they want to become great. Of course there are many outliers, but these 6 are the top most common ones that Ryan and Kota have personally seen or experienced from great entrepreneurs. Awareness (particularly of self) Resilience Controlling & leveraging ego (their own & others) Disciplined Organized Student of the Game They also go over: Ryan's first street fight and what it taught him about business Having a BIG ego vs having NO ego at all Everything is your fault (even when your employees make HUGE mistakes) Making sure you are always a student of the game (industries are constantly changing) AND SO MUCH MORE! 

As an entrepreneur, are you ever curious about what books you should be reading? In this podcast, Ryan goes over with Kota, the top 20+ books that he recommends every entrepreneur should be reading to help them grow as a business owner. They are broken down into 3 separate categories. Personal development, team building and scaling, marketing and branding, and great stories behind different entrepreneurs and how they built their businesses. Here is the list Ryan and Kota cover in this podcast: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: The Magic of Thinking by David Schwartz The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Principles by Ray Dalio Mindset by Carol Dweck As a Man Thinketh by James Allen No Surrender by Paul Waggener The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris Relentless by Tim Grover TEAM BUILDING & SCALING: Powerful by Patty Mccord The E Myth by Michael Gerber MARKETING & BRANDING: Contagious by Jonah Berger Stories That Sell by Casey Hibbard The Culting of Brands by Douglas Atkins $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi The Practice by Seth Godin ENTREPRENEURSHIP STORIES: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight No Filter by Sarah Frier Made in America by Sam Walton AND SO MUCH MORE!

One of the hardest questions you might be facing in your business right now is: “How do I scale my business to get more clients to generate more money?” In this podcast, Ryan and Kota discuss what it takes to scale your business to get more customers. You have to remember, that making your first $1,000 is tough, but so is making $1,000,000. You have to equip yourself with the right skills to scale your company. You might have 5 clients now, but it doesn't mean you are ready for 50. Scaling too fast or scaling when you are not ready can cause big problems long term. They also go over: -How scaling is not always the best option for your company -Business is simple, but not always easy (find others that are your niche and learn from them) -Being a leader is not a skill you are born with, you have to practice it and learn about it -Learning when the right time to reward yourself (entrepreneurs usually quit due to burnout) AND SO MUCH MORE! “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to take you behind the scenes on the entrepreneurship journey, highlighting what it takes to create, scale, and run a REAL company. The good, the bad, and the ugly, it's all here. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”.  

In this podcast, Ryan and Kota take a different approach and answer the most popular questions that their followers ask them. Some of the questions are: How do you deal with burnout as an entrepreneur? Should you be buying or renting real estate property? What advice do you have for people first starting off in apparel? What's the process like when you lose momentum in your business? What bank should I take a look into when starting my business? AND SO MUCH MORE! “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to take you behind the scenes on the entrepreneurship journey, highlighting what it takes to create, scale, and run a REAL company. The good, the bad, and the ugly, it's all here. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”.

If you are currently an entreprenuer or you are thinking of starting your own business, you might have come across this problem. You are looking to start a new company and you think it has all the potential in the world! You start to tell yourself: “This is the NEXT BIGGEST THING! Everyone is going to BUY THIS! I'M GOING TO BE THE NEXT BILLIONAIRE!” Trust us, we have all been there. BUT before you get started, answer these questions. THE 5 FILTERS 1) How big can the “new business” possibly get? 2) How long will it take to actually be profitable, or get it to the scale you want? 3) How much will it cost to start? 4) What are the margins at the beginning and also at scale, how profitable is it really going to be? 5) What is the “END STATE” of the company, do you want to own it forever, or eventually exit? What does that look like? In this podcast, Ryan discusses with Kota about the 5 questions/filters he asks himself before starting any new company. We all think we have great ideas, but are they really? In our heads it might seem like the next BIG thing, but when you look at it from these 5 angles, it may look different. They also go over: - Is it a good idea to start a business with a saturated market? - Understanding more about profit margins in your business - The importance of going the extra mile for your clients - Bootstrapping (using your own money) vs Investors

If you are new to entrepreneurship, you might be asking yourself a couple of these questions: “It seems like every entrepreneur wakes up at 5am, is that what I have to do to be successful?” “When, and how, can I raise my prices?” “How do I tell a client “no”, and when is it necessary to draw that line in the sand?” These are normal questions that you should be asking yourself! In this podcast, Ryan and Kota deviate from their normal topic based discussion and just chop it up on the podcast mics. This is a REAL time conversation between 2 active entrepreneurs about what each of them are going through at this particular moment in their businesses, what they're learning, and how you can apply it in YOUR business. They also go over: -  Entrepreneurial routines that work for Ryan and Kota in the morning. -  Delegating your time to the right people that will get the most impact from your expertise. -  Educate your clients on “personal space” - you can bend over backwards for them, but don't bend over forwards, there's a difference (lol)! -  Saying “yes” to things you don't have experience in, and the benefits and drawbacks of figuring it out on the fly. AND SO MUCH MORE!

If you are new to entrepreneurship, you might be asking yourself this question, “How should I be marketing my brand to get new clients/customers in 2022?” Of course you've heard about running Facebook ads, Instagram ads, Youtube ads, but is that all you should be doing? The answer is simple... NO! Because the old ways simply don't work anymore. You have to understand that running ads on social media is just a tool in your arsenal for branded marketing, and you have to have a full set of tools now to be successful. Yes, running ads on your social media is a huge part, but that has become extremely expensive over the years. Now, you MUST have multiple marketing channels, like SMS (text messaging), email campaigns, and simply creating video content to share to the masses.  In this podcast, Ryan and Kota cover how important it is to market your brand/company in EFFECTIVE ways, to keep costs down, and make your advertising dollars go further.  They talk about the process of running paid ads, but also steps you can take to start creating free marketing content for your social media pages.  They also go over: -  The different types of marketing tools that you can start to implement today. -  The importance of knowing that not everyone is going to like you online (and why that's totally OK!) -  Understanding your “AVATAR" (customer/client) so you know exactly who you are targeting. -  Anyone can create great content! The internet is filled with useless entertaining content that millions of people EAT UP! Why not YOU?

If you are new to entrepreneurship, you might be asking yourself this question, “Should I start a business with a good friend of mine or a family member?” What makes a good partner, what makes a BAD partner?   You might have heard multiple opinions about this topic. Some people may say “No, starting a business with a friend is one of the worst ideas you can have. Great relationships end because of starting a company together.” While someone else might say (from experience) “Yes, you should start a company with a friend. You guys will know each other's strengths and weaknesses already so it has great potential to become a great success.”   Who is right? Is there a “right” at all?   In this podcast, Ryan and Kota go over this exact question! Ryan goes into why it is great to go into business with a friend, but also what to watch out for. Even though you might be great friends, super smart, great work ethics, but there are slippery slopes that you have to be aware of.  They also go over: -  Ryan's experience of starting a company with a best friend and flipping a coin to see who would be President. -  The true downfalls of not setting up a proper business with ANY partner, friend or not. -  Understanding that ONE person has to have the power to say yes or no to certain things within their roles & responsibilities (50/50 doesn't work!) -  The process of “BUYING OUT” a partner, and the importance of setting it up the parameters for that AT THE BEGINNING, so there's no hard feelings at the end.    “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to highlight the entrepreneurship journey of what it means to run a legit company. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”

If you are new to entrepreneurship, you might be asking yourself a couple questions: “When is it the right time to sell my company?”“What is the process when it comes to selling my company?” “Is it hard or easy to sell my company?” "What are some pitfalls or common mistakes I should look out for?" Whether you are starting your business from scratch or already running a 7 or 8 figure company, you need to understand the importance of having the right “exit strategy” and also know how and where to “sell” your business.  In this podcast, Ryan and Kota go over how you can sell your business for a BIG profit. It's crucial that you have the right plan in place beforehand in order to maximize the value of the company. Building a company to a substantial exit doesn't happen overnight and takes a lot of diligent planning, but is totally worth it.  They also go over: -  The different places you can go to sell your company (Even on Instagram or Craigslist). -  Finding out when is the right time to exit your company. -  How, where, and why Ryan sold his first company, what went right, and what he did wrong. -  Tips on how any company can increase their valuation for a higher buyout figure. -  The feeling of having a successful company, but still feeling “broke” (It's normal!). AND SO MUCH MORE! “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to highlight the entrepreneurship journey of what it means to run a legit company. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”

If you are new to entrepreneurship, you might be asking yourself "How do I maintain my passion for the business while also being able to grow and scale it?"   This is a question that trips up a lot of people in the beginning.  So many entrepreneurs start a business that is rooted in a passion for a particular skill, task, or hobby. You might love video editing, so you start a video agency. You might love cooking, so you start a restaurant. Maybe you're passionate about helping people, so you become a coach.    In this podcast, Ryan and Kota go over the importance of staying true to your original vision of why you started the company, and how to maintain the fire and passion when the unsexy parts of business comes up. Burn out is something every entrepreneur will come up against, that's why it's so important to remember to keep that balance of “harmony over hustle”   They also go over: -  How Ryan actually messed up his business by trying to work IN it instead of ON it -  The different strategies to build multiple companies at the same time -  The importance of having an “exit strategy” before starting a company  -  Why being “comfortable” could sabotage the growth of your brand -  When is it the right time to start a 2nd company   AND SO MUCH MORE! “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to highlight  the entrepreneurship journey of what it means to run a legit company.  Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”

If you are new to entrepreneurship, you might be asking yourself “Who should I be listening to when I start my entrepreneurial journey?”  This is a question that trips up a lot of people in the beginning. There is so much information out there and it can be very difficult to find out who you need to listen to.  Everybody has an opinion about what “YOU” should be doing. Your parents will say one thing, your friends will say another, and the entrepreneurs that you aspire to be like may tell you the complete opposite. There are so many directions you can go and it might start to cloud your original judgment.  In this podcast, Ryan and Kota go over the importance of finding the right people to surround yourself with when it comes to building your business. From finding entrepreneurs that have already built a successful brand in that same niche or simply joining different entrepreneurial seminar groups.   They also go over: -  What to do when you start to get “HATERS” -  Why Ryan Williams became a Navy SEAL instead of climbing Mt. Everest -  Why you don't need to go to college to be “successful” -  How Kota got a job at the Dr. Phil Show in Hollywood, California - Becoming friends with people that have the same drive you do (Stay away from the Uncle Ricos ) AND SO MUCH MORE!  “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to highlight  the entrepreneurship journey of what it means to run a legit company.  Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”

You might be asking yourself, “Should I work with my spouse?” It is a common question that is asked when it comes to entrepreneurship. Owning your business can be a lot to handle and on top of that, making sure everything is good at home with your partner. Is it a good idea to bring them on board and work together to grow the company? In this podcast, we have a special guest, Disney Williams (CEO of Industry Threadworks), but she also is Ryan Williams' wife.  Ryan and Disney discuss with Kota what it is like to be in business while being married. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows.  They also go over: -  How they separate business and personal life -  How Disney became the CEO of the business Ryan founded -  The importance of having “common goals” that they both want to achieve -  Stories of poor business decisions and how they got out of them AND SO MUCH MORE! “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to highlight the entrepreneurship journey of what it means to run a legit company. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”

You might be asking yourself, “How do I build a strong personal brand that people can connect with?” It's not how it was 10 years ago. Social media has taken over and it is the #1 tool that can make or break your “brand”. In this day and age it is so critical to have a strong personal brand that people can connect with. In this podcast, Ryan and Kota go over how critical it is to build an authentic brand that your target audience can relate to and possibly want to work with. They also go over: - Being your most authentic self can catapult your business to new heights - How to get to the point where other “brands” want to work with you - Getting over the fear of not being “liked” by everybody (Find the people that resonate with you) - Creating content online so people know who are (people don't want to work with a ghost) AND SO MUCH MORE! “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to highlight the entrepreneurship journey of what it means to run a legit company. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”

Are you someone that has always wanted their dream car, but not sure if you are able to afford it? It might be Lamborghini Huracan, or a Ferrari 488, or maybe it's a brand new customized Honda Civic.  You might be telling yourself: “How am I ever going to afford that?” “Only super rich people have exotic cars!” “That is my dream car, but it's not realistic for me.” "Exotics are a waste of money." In this podcast, Ryan breaks down his story to Kota about how he thought buying his “dream car” was an unrealistic goal, until he had one in his driveway. He breaks down the exact process of how he was able to afford his first Lamborghini, and how anyone can break down the numbers to make a seemingly impossible goal a reality. From buying it, to driving it, to finally being over it and selling it, Ryan goes into the lessons he learned for owning that car, and how it helped him grow his business, stretch his thinking, and actually MADE him a lot more money than it cost.  They also go over: -  If you should lease or buy an exotic car. -  When it is the right time to reward yourself, whether it be a car or otherwise. -  Truly understanding the difference between being able to “buy" something vs "afford” it. -  You don't have to be as rich as you probably think you do to have the nicest things in life! AND SO MUCH MORE!

If you are an entrepreneur or thinking about starting your own business, one of the FIRST questions you should ask yourself is "How do you define "success"? You need to know the answer behind this crucial question because this is one of the biggest pillars of how you are going to actually build and operate your company. You might end up creating a “successful business” making millions of dollars, but if you hate your life because you are working non stop, is that REALLY "success"? When you imagine “success”, do you think about the Roll Royce and Lamborghini you will have parked out front of your 25,000 square foot mansion on the coast of Malibu? Or is it simply living in a comfortable suburban home on a cul-de-sac with a white picket fence? Both are equally valid definitions! Everyone has their own meaning of “success”, and it is absolutely CRUCIAL to clearly define it for YOURSELF before building a company. In this podcast, Ryan and Kota give their take on what THEIR vision of success looks like and how they keep working on achieving that goal. They also go over: - The importance of having 1 HUGE GOAL (that seems literally impossible to achieve). - Ryan's first Lamborghini purchase! - Having small goals to hit on your journey to success to avoid “burnout”. - The difference between being able to “buy” and “afford” luxury purchases. - Where you should be investing your money you are making. AND SO MUCH MORE “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to highlight the entrepreneurship journey of what it means to run a legit company. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”

One of the hardest questions you might be facing in your business right now is “When to fire an employee?” In this podcast, Ryan and Kota give their take on 2 important, and common questions in business: what would you do if you had to start building a new business from scratch, and when it might be the right time to fire one of your employees. They also go over: - Why you want to hire people that are BETTER than you. - The importance of working “smarter” not “harder (stop wasting time on activities that don't move your business forward). - How “perfection” is relative, and determining whose opinion REALLY matters (PS, this will help you scale!). - The benefits of joining different networking groups to help push you as a business owner to the next level. “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to highlight the entrepreneurship journey of what it means to run a legit company. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”

One of the most common questions we've seen successful people get asked is “What would you do if you had to start over?” In this podcast, Ryan and Kota give their take on what they would do if they had to start from scratch on building a new business. They also go over: - How Ryan went from Navy SEAL to creating a successful apparel company. - The importance of being “World Class” in 1 specific skill. - Fully committing to your business full time instead of having a “side hustle”. - How and what to say in order to network with entrepreneurs you aspire to be. AND SO MUCH MORE! “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to highlight  the entrepreneurship journey of what it means to run a legit company.  Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”

How do you deal with an upset customer/client? In this podcast, Ryan and Kota cover the importance of reframing an unhappy customer from a negative experience into an OPPORTUNITY to go above and beyond for them, and turn them into a raving fan. They also go over: - What to do when your employees make mistakes (they will). -The importance of creating content for your online presence. - The power of good, clear, communication. - Understanding clients expectations so you can deliver exactly what they expect. - Educating & empowering your clients.   “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to highlight the entrepreneurship journey of what it means to run a legit company. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”    

You might be asking yourself, when should I hire my first employee? This might be one of the toughest questions in any new business! In this podcast, Ryan and Kota go over some tactics and lessons learned about when you should hire your first employee for your business. They also go over: - What it takes to be an entrepreneur. - How to price your skills, and communicate the value of your product or service to your clients. - The mindset shift needed to start delegating your work in order to scale your brand.   “Mapping It Out: The Roadmap of Entrepreneurship” podcast was created to take you behind the scenes on the entrepreneurship journey, highlighting what it takes to create, scale, and run a REAL company. The good, the bad, and the ugly, it's all here. Follow along as we talk about topics from “how to start a company” all the way to “the mistakes we have made”.