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James Stephenson didn't take the traditional route to entrepreneurship—he left school early, started DJing at 16, and was throwing parties before most of us figured out what a side hustle was. That early hustle gave him the foundation to build something entirely different years later: oHHo, a plant-powered wellness brand combining CBD, creativity, and really good flavor. From the UK rave scene to the U.S. wellness space, James brings his full story and all the vibes to this episode.Tyler and James get into the nitty-gritty of launching a business in a highly regulated and fast-evolving industry. We're talking kitchen-table product drops, surprise pivot moments, and a husband-wife co-founder duo making it work through clear roles, good communication, and shared vision. James talks openly about challenges like supply chain chaos, growing complexity, and the decision to stay scrappy (and cash-conscious) even as they scale.This episode isn't just about infused beverages and cannabis topicals—it's a blueprint for building a brand that feels like you. James' passion for music, flavor, and intentional lifestyle design runs deep in oHHo's DNA. If you're into startups, wellness, or just love hearing how someone turns a festival food truck into a multi-product wellness brand, hit play on this one.TakeawaysCreativity can be your business superpower. From DJ to CBD innovator, James built oHHo with soul.Know your lane—and your partner's. Co-founding with a spouse takes clarity, patience, and teamwork.Start small, stay scrappy, scale smart. Growing slowly gave oHHo the flexibility to build sustainably.Flavor matters. In a crowded space, standing out starts with a product people actually want to consume again.Customer connection is key. Physical stores, community events, and music-driven activations create brand magic. TakeawaysCreativity can be your business superpower. From DJ to CBD innovator, James built OhHo with soul.Know your lane—and your partner's. Co-founding with a spouse takes clarity, patience, and teamwork.Start small, stay scrappy, scale smart. Growing slowly gave OhHo the flexibility to build sustainably.Flavor matters. In a crowded space, standing out starts with a product people actually want to consume again.Customer connection is key. Physical stores, community events, and music-driven activations create brand magic.Chapters00:00 Introduction to oHHo and James Stevenson02:40 James's Journey from Music to Entrepreneurship05:40 Transitioning to the Cannabis Space07:59 Building oHHo: Early Challenges and Strategies10:56 Customer Acquisition and Retail Strategy12:32 Navigating Partnerships and Family Dynamics14:19 Product Expansion and Market Differentiation16:58 Challenges of Complexity in Business18:41 Future Plans and Product Launches21:15 Personal Life and Work-Life Balance27:58 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Jack Shannon, Co-Founder & CEO of Recess, which helps brands drive velocity at retail with turnkey sampling partnerships that reach shoppers who frequent Target, Walmart, Kroger, and 6,000+ top retailers, and Mike Feldman, strategic advisor & former SVP Head of retail Media at VaynerMedia.Follow Jack on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonjack/Follow Mike on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-feldman-9962b230/Follow Recess on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/recess-inc-/Follow Recess online at: https://www.recess.is/Jack & Mike answer these questions:Mike, tell us a bit about your background and would love to hear from you about what macro trends you are seeing in the industry and how it relates to what you all are building with Recess.Tell us what led you to launch Recess, and how did the pandemic shape your model?How does Recess leverage data and analytics to match brands with events and venues effectively? And how do RMNs like Dollar General tie in?What does Recess actually do differently — and how does content and amplification factor into it?Can you talk about the value Recess delivers across the funnel?What trends are you seeing, and where does Recess go next?How does Recess plug into those relationships, especially when it comes to JBPs? How can brands unlock upper-funnel budget while still getting lower-funnel accountability?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comSubscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.
Send us a textThere's nothing like standing in a 10x10 booth, repeating your pitch 83 times, to figure out what actually makes people stop and listen. This week, Mike and Blaine break down how trade shows act as a marketing forcing function—pushing you to clarify your message, sharpen your offer, and finally ditch that confusing slogan you've been clinging to. Whether you walk away with new leads or just a better hook, you'll leave with something more valuable than swag: feedback that punches you in the brand.Don't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! Featured Beer: @burlingtonbeer @estbrewMike: Burlington Beer Co. - Uncanny Valley NEIPABlaine: The Establishment - Perfect Day Hazy IPAWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qvJpVLoknqoThanks to our Beer Sponsors:• Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!• Neighbor PatListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comcashflowmike.comdryrun.com#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeerSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/
Secure your spot now for Vince Gabriele's July 18–19 Mastermind Event in New Jersey: events.vincegabriele.com
In this episode of Remodelers On The Rise, Kyle hits the floor at JobTread Connect in Dallas, TX for quick, candid conversations with some of the brightest minds in the remodeling industry. Hear fresh takes on marketing, leadership, job costing, team culture, and more — all in a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes format. Featuring voices from industry leaders, you won't want to miss this! ----- Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit RemodelersOnTheRise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights! ----- Takeaways Understanding your numbers is crucial for success. Hard conversations are necessary for growth. Identify what makes your business unique. Core values can differentiate your business. Pre-construction efforts save time and resources. A strong company culture attracts and retains talent. Content marketing is vital for visibility. Continuous learning is essential for growth. Adapt to industry changes to stay relevant. Invest in your business to achieve long-term success. ----- Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Importance of Numbers 03:43 Creative Marketing Strategies 06:38 Core Values and Company Culture 09:47 The Role of Content in Business 12:55 Continuous Learning and Improvement 15:49 Evolving with Customer Needs
Is it possible to build a thriving $40 million agency WITHOUT the soul-crushing burnout and toxic client drama that plagues the industry? How do you scale a service business while fiercely protecting your team's well-being and your own lifestyle?On this episode of The Freedom Framework Show, host Sam Silverman sits down with Matt Linder, Co-Founder of the highly successful D2C growth agency, Strand Marketing. Matt pulls back the curtain on his journey from chasing the traditional CMO dream to intentionally building a "No-Burnout" agency by making a radical, yet highly effective choice: firing bad (even profitable) clients.Discover Matt's playbook for sustainable scale and intentional leadership, including:► The eye-opening moment that led him to ditch the corporate ladder for entrepreneurship.► Why Strand Marketing is proudly bootstrapped and debt-averse, and how it aligns with their lifestyle goals.► The "No-PTSD Agency" philosophy: what it means and the non-negotiables for creating a healthy, high-performing culture (Hint: It involves not working with a**holes!).► Actionable strategies for customer acquisition for enterprise brands *outside* the typical Google & Facebook channels.► The mindset shift required to prioritize long-term sanity and team well-being over short-term toxic profits.► How to reverse-engineer your business to support the life you *actually* want to live.► Matt's advice for anyone looking to transition from a high-pressure corporate role to building their own version of freedom.This conversation is packed with candid insights for agency owners, service-based entrepreneurs, leaders aiming to build better cultures, and anyone who believes that success doesn't have to come at the cost of your sanity. Learn how to build a business that respects your time, your team, and your life.Find Matt Linder's agency at: https://strandmc.com/Learn more about building your own freedom at The Freedom Framework: https://freedomframework.co(Keywords: Agency Growth, No Burnout, Firing Clients, Company Culture, Entrepreneurship, Lifestyle Business, Scaling Business, Service Business, Leadership, W2 Escape, Corporate Escape, Sam Silverman, Matt Linder, Strand Marketing, D2C Marketing, Customer Acquisition, Bootstrapping, Work-Life Balance, Intentional Business, Business Strategy, Marketing Agency)
In this episode of the "Predictable B2B Success" podcast, host Vinay Koshy delves into the dynamic business consulting and growth strategy world with the versatile entrepreneur and finance expert Tim Calise. Tim, renowned for his meteoric achievements, including raising an astounding $325 million for his first hedge fund by age 25, dives deep into his journey and the insightful lessons he learned. Discover Tim's transition from an inquisitive child with a penchant for recreating systems to a strategic business consultant eager to help others navigate the intricate landscape of entrepreneurship. With a focus on aligning product, pricing, and positioning, Tim shares his unique "product to profit" framework—a game-changer for business owners eyeing sustainable success and lucrative exits. But the episode doesn't stop there. Explore how businesses can differentiate themselves amid stiff competition and the hustle of modern market dynamics. Uncover secrets to transforming acquisition costs into profit centers and discover why a market of one might be your business's missing link. Join us for a conversation packed with actionable insights designed to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit and craft a roadmap for success. Whether you're a seasoned founder or an aspiring entrepreneur, Tim's strategies will ignite your business aspirations. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Tim's Entrepreneurial Journey: Tim shares how he knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur from an early age and his experiences growing up.Business Consulting and Co-creating: Tim discusses his transition to business consulting and why he decided to co-create with other founders and business owners.Challenges for B2B Brands: Vinay and Tim discuss the struggles B2B brands face in aligning profit with business exit strategies.Product to Profit Framework: Tim introduces his Product to Profit framework and how it helps businesses succeed.Personal Area of Strength: Tim identifies his personal area of strength as aligning investor mindset with on-the-ground experience.Customer Acquisition and Profitability: Tim explains how building a profitable acquisition system turns acquisition costs into a profit center.Creating a Market of One: The idea of differentiating by niching down to create a unique position in the market.Strategic Pricing and Tiers: The importance of having a three-tier pricing system to cater to different client needs and maximize profit.Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges: Discussion on how to counter the loneliness and mental exhaustion that can come with entrepreneurship by having a support system and focusing on core strengths.Future Business Trends: Tim shares insights on the importance of recurring revenue and how live events can differentiate businesses in a competitive market.And much, much more ....
Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast, where we're diving into the fascinating world of Amazon selling with our special guest, Justin Cao. Justin is an Amazon expert who has transitioned from a 9 to 5 job to achieving financial freedom through mastering the art of selling on the platform. Melanie Johnson, our host and a founder of Elite Online Publishing, sits down with Justin to uncover the secrets behind his success and the strategies that can help you turn a side hustle into your main source of income. Learn More: https://amzshifu.com/
In this episode of Ecommerce Toolbox: Expert Perspectives, Jack Farrell, VP of Ecommerce at PopSockets, takes us behind the scenes of the brand's transformation—from a one-product DTC sensation to a global lifestyle powerhouse. Jack shares eye-opening lessons from APAC's mobile-first, creator-driven markets, breaks down why PopSockets puts profitability before hypergrowth, and dives into how GenAI is reshaping creative strategies for ecommerce teams. If you're focused on scaling smarter, boosting bottom-line results, and staying ahead in a fast-paced digital world, you won't want to miss this one.
Ah, podcasts–those “little masterpieces for your ears.” We're back with another episode of our limited series, ‘What's a Podcast? - The Extended Interviews.' We have an all-star panel of industry insiders to debate what a podcast is — and what it could be. Dan Granger (CEO, Oxford Road and Veritone One) hosts:Larry Rosin (President, Edison Research)Hilary Ross Shafer (VP, Podcast and YouTube Influencer, Veritone One)James Cridland (Editor, Podnews and Podcast Business Journal) and Nick Giorgio (Director, Media and Customer Acquisition, SimpliSafe)”Podcasting's unique selling point has always been that it's something for your ears when your eyes are busy.”James Cridland (Editor, Podnews and Podcast Business Journal)The team's talking: Podcasting's Identity Crisis, Podcast Growing Pains, and CAO ad outlook. Let's dive in.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
"The best salespeople don't need to talk about their successes - they focus on what went wrong and how to improve. At Joist AI, we don't want to hear about past wins, only lessons learned."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, We had Anton Marinovich from Joist AI and he shared his construction tech go-to-market journey from my father's masonry business to leading sales at Contentful, HoloBuilder, and now Joist AI.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why matching your product to workflows is crucial in construction tech✅ How simplicity in sales compensation drives the right behaviors✅ Why grit and consistency separate average salespeople from top performers✅ The importance of transparency in building trust with construction clientsListen now on Spotify to hear insights on building effective go-to-market strategies in construction tech!--------Chapters00:00 Intro00:04 Introduction and Background07:01 Journey into Construction Tech10:00 Sales Strategies and Lessons Learned13:10 Revenue Operations and CRM Importance15:59 Building a Successful Go-To-Market Strategy18:53 Understanding Customer Segmentation22:02 Sales Process and Buyer Behavior24:58 Defining Sales and Building Processes27:59 Ideal Customer Profile and Messaging38:14 Leveraging LinkedIn for Networking39:06 The Power of Video in Sales41:27 Professional Persistence in Sales43:55 Common Mistakes in Go-to-Market Strategies45:09 The Impact of AI on Sales48:12 Customer Acquisition vs. Expansion53:31 Sales Compensation Strategies01:00:20 Effective Pricing Strategies01:03:07 Future Trends in Construction Tech Sales
The Power of a Fractional CMO: Strategic Growth Without Full-Time Overhead In this episode, Michael sits down with Angela, a seasoned fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), to explore the advantages of bringing in high-level marketing expertise—without the commitment of a full-time hire. They discuss how fractional CMOs provide strategic direction, prevent costly marketing missteps, and help businesses focus on core growth instead of getting lost in daily execution. Michael highlights the value of fresh, external perspectives, while Angela explains how a fractional CMO can also train and equip internal teams for long-term success. How Team Interaction Can Elevate Work Quality Angela shares a real-world leadership challenge: addressing the decline in a long-serving team member's performance. By increasing direct engagement, setting clearer priorities, and managing workload effectively, she helped turn things around—leading to improved work quality and renewed enthusiasm from the team member. Michael emphasizes the importance of leaders actively supporting their teams, organizing tasks more effectively, and creating environments where employees can thrive. Marketing Success Starts with Strong Foundations Michael and Angela break down the core principles of successful marketing strategies. Angela stresses the need for intentional action—focusing on the right marketing channels rather than chasing trends. Michael reinforces this with a striking statistic: 52% of Fortune 500 companies from 25 years ago no longer exist, largely due to unclear marketing and business strategies. Together, they discuss the importance of messaging clarity, customer attraction, and ongoing adaptation to stay competitive. Website: https://www.growthdirective.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelabfrank/ About Companies like 23andMe, Lemonaid Health, Aeroflow Healthcare, and Total Body Experts prove that health and wellness is a growing industry. The problem? → It's hard to achieve profitable growth without sacrificing scale. I've spent the past decade building growth teams and scaling revenue for wellness brands. Now I advise executives and answer questions like “Where should we focus our marketing efforts for growth?” “How can we reduce CAC while scaling our ad spend?” and “How can we generate dependable leads for our sales team?” My specialty is growing brands through marketing ecosystems → a strategy that supercharges growth while costing less. DM me: get your growth questions answered and learn how I typically structure engagements. Quick facts: → Over $50M generated for brands. → I help health & wellness brands across telehealth, eComm, DME, nutrition, education, aesthetics (and more). → My podcast has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs grow their brands. → I live the lifestyle (and that's why I love helping health & wellness brands grow). Specialties: Growth Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Customer Acquisition, Digital Advertising, Landing Page Optimization, Lifecycle Marketing, CRM Enablement, Content Marketing Strategy.
In this episode, fintech affiliate marketing expert Lawrence Sarpong shares insights from years of hands-on experience in the space. He breaks down how fintech affiliate marketing stands apart from the broader industry — with a stronger focus on customer education and solving very specific financial needs.Lawrence dives into best practices for building a strong affiliate program, from choosing the right platform (he gives a big nod to Impact) to cultivating genuine, long-term relationships with partners. He emphasizes that authenticity beats flashy influencer deals, especially in fintech where trust is everything.He also walks us through a powerful online-to-offline campaign that drove real revenue and explains why social media is becoming more critical than ever in affiliate marketing.Other highlights include common mistakes to avoid (like overlooking partner fit or dropping the ball on communication), plus some personal reflections — including his favorite travel spots and how he thrives as an introvert in a relationship-driven industry.
In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta hosts Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, VP Marketing, Customer Experience & Air Network (MEISA), FedEx. The logistics giant is currently in news for sponsoring one of the most celebrated teams, Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League. Their conversation starts with the inception of the FedEx, its vision and then diving deeper into brand partnerships, and marketing strategy.Nitin shares the brand’s India journey, the global playbook behind major sports sponsorships, and why they chose to back an IPL giant. He also breaks down how sponsorships drive growth across markets and discusses career opportunities for freshers.
Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XXSr4Po30oYPaid ads are busted. SEO is back but weirder. Gen Z isn't using Google. What now?VC Smriti Jayaraman pulls back the curtain on the Shopify brands building futuristic funnels today. We're talking AI quizzes, voice search, digital oracles, and tech that reads your face to guess your shirt size. It's strange. It's smart. And it works.
This episode features Jason Fuentes, a seasoned affiliate marketer and active member of the Austin tech community, now working with Wildfire. Wildfire specializes in white-labeling loyalty and rewards platforms for businesses, particularly within the financial sector, helping them boost revenue and engagement through shopping companions like Capital One Shopping. These tools offer cashback, rewards, and coupons while preserving user privacy by avoiding predictive advertising. Instead, Wildfire focuses on highlighting existing benefits within users' shopping experiences. Jason shares insights into the recent launch of the Wildfire Commerce Network, a retail media network that enables partner apps to drive transactions through strategic partnerships. The conversation also explores Jason's background in ad tech, his life with three dogs, and his love for Costa Rican beaches.
Guest: Sjoerd Handgraaf, Chief Marketing Officer at SharetribeThe most overlooked growth lever in SaaS? Positioning.In this episode, Sharetribe CMO Sjoerd Handgraaf reveals how redefining product positioning transformed their trajectory—and why many SaaS companies are still getting it wrong.Handgraaf takes us inside Sharetribe's journey from chasing big logos to doubling down on their true customer: non-technical marketplace founders. Along the way, he shares hard-won insights about product-market fit, AI disruption, and why going “back to basics” in marketing may be more transformational than the next tech trend.
Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today we're bringing back our very own Director of Retail Marketplace Strategy, Pat Petriello, to discuss how the savviest brands are balancing the needs of brand vs. performance marketing, how to avoid a life sentence in ROAS Jail, and the all-important 95/5 rule. Tune in to find out more! KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Pat discuss: Introduction to ROAS Jail: Pat Patriello explains the concept of "ROAS jail," where marketers focus solely on Return on Advertising Spend (ROAS), leading to inefficiencies and short-term growth strategies. The 95-5 Rule: Only 5% of consumers are in the market for any given product at any time. The focus should be on brand building for the 95% who are not currently shopping. 60-40 Rule: Introduced by Pat as a guideline, suggesting a budget allocation of 60% towards brand-building and 40% towards performance marketing. This ratio helps balance short-term sales goals with long-term brand equity. Brand vs. Performance Marketing: Discussion on how these strategies differ and the importance of emotional connection through branding to attract long-term customers. Amazon's Role: Insight into how Amazon is transitioning to accommodate brand building alongside its historical strength in direct sales and conversion. Practical Recommendations: Tips for business leaders on how to integrate brand marketing into existing performance-focused strategies without necessarily increasing overall spending. Examples of Effective Brand Building: Brands like Patagonia are highlighted as successfully creating emotional connections that lead consumers directly to their products, bypassing competitive marketplace auctions.
In this episode, Tye DeGrange is joined by Udi Ledergor to dive into Udi's new book, "Courageous Marketing: The B2B Marketer's Playbook for Career Success," released on April 10th. Drawing from two decades of experience and insights from top CMOs, the book challenges traditional B2B marketing practices and encourages a bold, strategic mindset.The conversation covers key themes like overcoming “death by committee,” prioritizing product-market fit over blindly following so-called best practices, and embracing a human-first approach — even in an AI-driven world. They discuss the power of bold branding (with examples like Gong's distinct visual style) and the importance of tailoring strategies for both the 5% actively in-market and the 95% who aren't — known as the “95.5 rule.”Other highlights include building trust through authentic content and personal branding, using frameworks like RAPID for faster decisions in big teams, and leaning into courageous marketing that solves real problems and creates lasting brand impressions — even if they're not always easy to measure.
Paige Hope, Founder of Elan Pure, a non-toxic self tanner, shares her journey in launching her e-commerce brand with a background in the influencer technology space. Paige emphasized the importance of community and transparency, noting her brand's growth from 75 to 1,600 affiliates in a year. She discussed the challenges of finding the right manufacturer and the significance of owning the formula. Paige also detailed her retention strategies, including early access to new products, educational content, and intentional post-purchase communication to reduce customer doubt. She stressed the value of small initial orders and the importance of founder involvement in community building.Episode Timestamps:Transition to Personal Brand and Health Challenges 1:52Paige discusses the acquisition of her company by Pattern, a global e-commerce accelerator.She shares her personal motivation for starting her own brand, inspired by her sister's autoimmune disease and her own hormonal challenges.Paige introduces her non-toxic self-tanner, highlighting the challenges of finding the right manufacturer.She emphasizes the importance of transparency and community in her brand's mission.Challenges in Manufacturing and Product Development 2:09Mariah Parsons shares her background in neuroscience, focusing on toxins in beauty products.Paige explains the difficulties of finding the right manufacturer for her non-toxic self-tanner.She advises founders to own their formula and work directly with chemists to ensure quality and transparency.Paige stresses the importance of understanding the fine print in manufacturing agreements and starting with small orders to avoid waste.Building a Community and Early Adopters 2:26Paige discusses the importance of community in her brand's success, starting with 75 affiliates and growing to 1600.She emphasizes the value of early adopters and the importance of building a genuine community.Paige shares her approach to retention, including engaging with customers and providing opportunities for feedback.She highlights the launch of the Living Alana podcast to educate and engage the community.Affiliate Program and Customer Retention Strategies 2:38Paige outlines her framework for building an affiliate program, starting with three audience types and identifying relevant creators.She explains the importance of being present on all social platforms and engaging with the community regularly.Paige discusses the use of technology stacks like Pattern Creator to add value and maintain engagement.She shares her approach to customer retention, including automations, educational emails, and offering discounts to encourage repeat purchases.Customer Experience and Post-Purchase Communication 32:59Paige emphasizes the importance of a positive post-purchase experience to reduce the "zone of doubt" for customers.She describes her brand's approach to customer communication, providing educational content and timely updates.Paige discusses the potential launch of a subscription model to further enhance customer retention.She advises founders to bake in discounts and commissions to accommodate promotions and maintain customer satisfaction.Influencer and Affiliate Engagement 33:11Paige shares her philosophy on working with influencers and affiliates, emphasizing the importance of mutual benefit.She discusses the potential of micro-influencers and the role of customer-generated content in building brand awareness.Mariah Parsons highlights the importance of founder-facing content and being comfortable on camera.Paige and Mariah agree on the value of transparency and authenticity in building a strong brand community.
When we discuss a step-by-step approach to the sales process, we're taking a scientific approach, which most people don't do. They just keep going out there and getting in front of people, smiling and dialing, whatever it is they're doing. And when you take a more strategic approach, you just get far more consistent results. David: Hi, and welcome back. In today's episode, co-host Kevin Rosenquist, and I will be discussing a step-by-step process to the sales approach. Welcome back, Kevin. Kevin: Great to see you, David. Excited to talk about this. David: Yeah, it's great to see you as well. This actually came up because I saw this question going through a Facebook group. I thought it's an interesting topic because everybody's got their own idea of what that is, what that should be, and very few people actually have what they would describe as a step-by-step approach to the sales process, which I believe is critical if you want to be able to create consistent results. Kevin: Why is it you think that people don't implement a step-by-step process? Is it just because they just like to shoot from the hip a little bit more or what is the reasoning? David: Well, there are a lot of salespeople who do just like to go with the flow and they go with the conversation and everything like that. And there are some people who can do that extremely well. Kevin: Sure. David: But my feeling is that even those who can do that extremely well are essentially harming themselves, by not having at least a framework that they go back to again and again and again, so that when prospects or clients inevitably get them derailed, they know exactly where to come back to so that they're not missing any steps. That's why I think having the sales process in place is pretty important. Kevin: Obviously, there's no universal sales approach for every industry because you know every industry is a little different, so how can a business lay out a good step-by-step sales approach that is suitable for what they do? David: Great question. So in our business, one of the things that we help our clients with is exactly this. And a lot of our clients are in the print and promotional products industries, but this also applies to any other B2B business. It actually applies to a B2 C business. I haven't really found an industry where it doesn't apply. And so when we initially laid this out in a program called Top Secrets of Customer Acquisition, we basically laid out six steps to customer acquisition. I'll put up a graph here to sort of demonstrate it as we're going through. But the first step that we've identified is the targeting. Who exactly is it that I'm going to go after? Because if I don't know who I'm targeting, I've got no one to sell to. I've got to have a really crystal clear idea of who the people are that I would like to go after. And so for me it always starts with that, who is it that I want to sell to? Kevin: And in this day and age, we have so much data, we have so much information that there shouldn't be any reason you can't figure out that pretty precise target. David: Exactly, and a lot of times people want to feel like they sell to everybody. But the problem is that, as the saying goes, if you feel like you're selling to everybody, you're probably not selling to anyone. Because people don't always get it. They don't resonate with something unless they feel like the messaging is actually directed toward them. So, it's a really good idea to. target small, Aim small, miss small, as they said in the movie the Patriot, right? Aim small, miss small. You want to be able to do that with your targeting because when you do that, you can be more consistent in what you're saying to the people that you're approaching. It'll make a lot more sense to them, and you'll be able to get a lot more traction with what you're doing. Kevin: All right, so after targeting the right people, what's next?
In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Pitylak, VP of Growth at NinjaTrader, to talk about the evolving world of performance marketing and how AI is changing the game. We dive into the rise of Google Performance Max and how AI is reshaping ad platforms, why the creator economy and authentic influencer marketing are gaining momentum, and the biggest mistakes growth marketers make—especially when they focus too much on advertising over product fundamentals. Ryan shares why a full-funnel, product-first approach leads to better long-term results, the real role of A/B testing, and what most people get wrong about it. He also emphasizes the importance of aligning your growth strategy with what truly matters: patience, passion, and priorities. Drawing from his journey—from launching startups like Zen Business to leading growth at NinjaTrader—Ryan offers practical advice on resource prioritization and building sustainable marketing strategies in the age of AI. Watch the full conversation now — link in the comments.
Art Marketing Podcast: How to Sell Art Online and Generate Consistent Monthly Sales
In this episode of the Art Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing photographer Gary Roach, who has an impressive background in both nursing and photography. Gary has been living in Naples, Florida, for over 30 years and has developed a passion for wildlife photography, particularly in the vibrant ecosystems of Florida. Throughout the conversation, we touched on the importance of marketing, building an email list, and leveraging social media to connect with potential customers. Gary's journey is just beginning, and I look forward to seeing how he utilizes his skills and experiences to grow his photography business in California. This episode is a great reminder of the power of passion and perseverance in the art world. 00:00:00 - The Future of AI in Photography 00:01:24 - Introduction to Gary Roach 00:01:56 - Gary's Background and Move to California 00:03:08 - Photography Journey and Early Experiences 00:04:04 - Transitioning to Photography as a Business 00:06:08 - Challenges of Art Shows 00:07:22 - Balancing Nursing and Photography 00:08:43 - Plans for California and Website Development 00:09:08 - Video Content in Photography 00:10:20 - The Role of AI in Organizing Photos 00:12:50 - AI's Potential for Categorizing Archives 00:14:26 - Discussing Photo Books 00:15:18 - Revenue Opportunities and Market Challenges 00:17:00 - Traveling and Photography Experiences 00:18:18 - Collaborating on Art Shows 00:19:53 - Importance of Customer Acquisition 00:21:30 - Storytelling in Photography 00:23:10 - Utilizing AI for Color Palettes 00:25:13 - Priorities for Website and Print Provider 00:26:09 - Camping Adventures and Equipment 00:27:41 - Future Check-in and Marketing Strategies Gary's Website Not yet launched at time of publishing the pod Gary's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/garyroche.wildlife/ Keep up with the latest https://linktr.ee/artmarketingpodcast Signup for a free account on ArtHelper and use my jazzy coupon code which is POD. This will give you a free month of the Pro plan that has all the bells and whistles
Finding it hard to get traction with your offer? In this episode, I'm sharing the secret to making sales feel effortless—finding a starving market. I'll tell you about one of my private clients who went from barely squeezing out a few sales a day to making 25+ sales daily just by shifting to the right market. You'll hear how he used my Offer Validation Framework to test and pivot quickly—even pre-selling his product before it was fully developed. I'll also explain why sticking to a crowded, competitive market can hold you back and how identifying a hungry audience can completely transform your results. If you're tired of struggling to scale and want to learn how to make your offer irresistible, tune in now!
In this episode, Nancy Harnett, Head of HubSpot's Affiliate Marketing Program, shares how they transformed their strategy to achieve 2x ROI. By shifting from a broad partnership model to a highly personalized, one-on-one approach, HubSpot was able to build stronger collaborations and drive better performance. She highlights the importance of prioritizing key partners, offering tailored support, and using data-driven testing and rapid iteration to optimize the program. Instead of flat-fee structures, HubSpot focuses on performance-based incentives and treats partnerships as strategic investments, similar to marketing or HR functions. Nancy also discusses the company's powerful tech stack, including HubSpot CRM, Impact, PartnerStack, and AI tools, while emphasizing the need for compliance, fraud prevention, and a customer-centric approach. She explores underutilized partner opportunities, outlines a realistic one-year timeline for building a successful affiliate program, and shares valuable book recommendations such as Nudge and Atomic Habits.
AI is changing the way customers search—and smart contractors are adapting. In this episode of the Contractor Growth Network Podcast, Logan Shinholser sits down with Marcus Sheridan (They Ask, You Answer) to discuss the future of customer acquisition in the AI era. Discover how Marcus's new book, Endless Customers, builds on his previous work to help businesses master modern search habits, use video effectively, and diversify beyond just Google. Key Takeaways: What "Search Everywhere Optimization" means for your business How contractors should adapt to AI tools like ChatGPT Why long-form video is making a comeback The 5 pillars of Endless Customers How to sell and communicate like 0.1% of your market Building trust with AI-powered experiences Want to learn more about Endless Customers? Visit https://www.endlesscustomers.com/ Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contractorgrowthnetwork1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractorgrowthnetwork/ View Recent Projects: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/featured-projects/ Listen to Our Podcast: https://www.contractorgrowthnetwork.com/podcast/
In this episode of the Shoot the Moon podcast, Matt Lockhart and Ryan Barnett discuss the key questions buyers ask when considering acquiring an IT services firm. The discussion provides insights for IT services business owners preparing for a potential sale, emphasizing the importance of being prepared, transparent, and able to clearly articulate the company's value proposition and growth potential. They cover critical areas including:Strategic fit: how does this acquisition fit into the buyers service offerings? does it compliment it, fill gaps, or extend service offerings? making the buyer more valuable? market expansion?revenue modelgeographycustomer concentrationhow you have grownProfitabilityFlexibility on deal structureSynergies in Processes / Platforms: What tools are in place to deliverables? Back office, front office, CRM etc... Having financials in order: do you know your revenue, profit, margins? Tip: Having confidence in the number for the potential buyerLeadership & Retention post-transaction: What is the seller looking for?Go-to-Market Strategy: Assessing sales, marketing, and customer acquisition approaches RELATED EPISODES:Episode 186: Dealing with Customer Concentration when Selling your Business. Listen now >>Episode 170: How to Become a Platform Investment. Listen now >>Episode 148: 6 Things that could be Surprises to Sellers. Listen now >> Listen to Shoot the Moon on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Buy, sell, or grow your tech-enabled services firm with Revenue Rocket.
Welcome to the 77th episode of Ecommerce Toolbox: Expert Perspectives! This time, host Kailin Noivo sits down with Alan Ferrero, Digital Director at Camper, for an in-depth discussion on how the iconic Mediterranean footwear brand is embracing digital transformation while staying true to its craftsmanship roots. Alan shares insights on the evolution of ecommerce, the power of AI, and how Camper is leveraging community-driven engagement through The Walking Society. He also dives into how the brand is optimizing global operations across 40 countries while maintaining its authenticity and values.
In this episode, we talk with Sid Nagpal, Director, Customer & Field Marketing at PartnerStack, about the power of community in B2B SaaS marketing. Sid breaks down PartnerStack's four pillars of customer marketing—expansion, engagement, education, and advocacy—highlighting how their thriving community drives success. He discusses the impact of the Stacked Conference and various meetups, emphasizing how community plays a role in every stage of the customer journey. The conversation also explores PartnerStack's partner ecosystem platform (PRM) and its integrations with tools like HubSpot, as well as the rise of B2B creator marketing and the importance of in-person connections for building strong customer relationships. Sid shares personal stories, including his visit to Freshworks India, along with his top book and TV recommendations. He also explains why allocating 20 percent of a marketing budget to community-building initiatives is a strategic investment.
Welcome to this week's episode of Digital Coffee: Marketing Brew! I'm your host, Brett Deister, and we're diving into the fascinating world of customer acquisition and data-driven strategies with our special guest, Trey Robinson. With a wealth of experience in financial services, Trey has been instrumental in transforming marketing channels and growing client acquisitions for major industry players. Join us as we explore the most effective channels for acquiring new customers in today's digital landscape, the role of content marketing, and the emerging technologies that marketers need to be aware of. Plus, Trey shares invaluable insights on creating a sustainable acquisition model for long-term brand growth. Whether you're a marketing professional looking to enhance your strategies or just curious about the intricacies of customer acquisition, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Grab your favorite cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy the conversation!Guest Bio:Trey Robinson is a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to creating seamless, user-friendly solutions that address everyday problems with minimal hassle. With a customer-first mindset, Trey understands the importance of providing easy access to solutions without unnecessary steps or barriers. Recognizing that consumers value efficiency, Trey's approach focuses on reducing friction in the user experience, ensuring that customers can swiftly and effortlessly resolve their issues. Through his innovative thinking and commitment to simplicity, Trey Robinson continues to transform the way people access problem-solving resources.Here are three fun facts from the episode:Trey Robinson has an all-day coffee habit, starting with a morning coffee with cream and sugar, and switching to iced cold brew in the afternoon.Trey once worked with Charles Schwab and was key in doubling their account growth and client acquisition, with impressive growth numbers.Brett Deister enjoys discussing marketing topics so much that he has similar conversations at lunch and social gatherings with friend✅ Unlock the Secrets to Customer Acquisition!Curious about how top marketers successfully reel in more clients?
This podcast features Jennifer Rhima, Apollo's Partnerships Lead, discussing strategies for building and scaling B2B SaaS partner programs. She emphasizes enabling partners beyond acquisition, tracking activation metrics, fostering internal collaboration, and leveraging PRM tools like PartnerStack for scalability. Rhima highlights the value of different partner types, the importance of data analysis in measuring partner success, and the challenges of attribution modeling. She also explores the untapped potential of agency partnerships and shares personal book and travel recommendations.
Have you ever wondered how quickly you can land your first sale with the right offer? In this episode, I'm sharing the surprising story of how I accidentally made my first sale within minutes of launching a $97 done-for-you offer — before my backend tech was even fully set up. I'll walk you through my 'daily customer machine' process and why delivering on promises is crucial. Plus, I'll give you a sneak peek into some exciting upcoming projects, including the rebranding of my personal brand and businesses like Experts Unleashed and Inspired. If you're curious about launching fast and building momentum, this one's for you. Find out here.
Why do business loans drive economic growth while consumer debt can be risky? In this conversation with Y.S. Chakravarti, we explore the power of smart lending, how financing entrepreneurs creates jobs, and why funding business assets is better than fueling consumption.From real-world lending experiences to lessons on financial discipline, this discussion covers:1. The key differences between business loans and consumer debt2. Why smart lending supports MSMEs and long-term financial stability3. How a ₹50,000 loan helped build a ₹5,000 crore business4. The psychology of borrowing and repayment behavior5. The future of finance: Human insights vs. digital lending models(00:00) Introduction(01:20) An anecdote from Mr. Chakravarti's early career(05:45) Growth of Shriram Finance(07:34) Truck Finance and Earning Assets(11:22) Why is Shriram Finance amalgamated?(12:55) Main income streams(15:07) No unsecured credit and why(18:53) 2 Wheeler business(21:38) Views on the technology and the digital world(25:00) Customer Acquisition(28:18) RBI reducing the risk weights(30:00) Expansion in Physical Branches v Digital platforms(32:39) Growth hinges on Transportations and MSMEs(37:24) Anecdote on what to avoid (learning from mistakes)(41:10) What can young people learn from the lending business?Smart lending is about more than just providing money—it's about supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, and long-term financial success. Understanding the difference between business loans and consumer debt is essential for making better financial decisions.Listeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Content marketing plays a crucial role in driving results for your business. Done well, it's your organization's 24/7/365 ” salesperson and your 24/7/365 customer service rep. But the emergence of… The post Best of Thinks Out Loud: Will AI Kill Content Marketing for Customer Acquisition? appeared first on Tim Peter & Associates.
This week, we chat with Troy Osinoff!Troy is the Co-founder of JUICE, a digital marketing agency credited by Facebook as being a top 1% agency with clients such as L'Oreal, Super Coffee, Solidcore & Bartstool Sports. Prior to JUICE, Troy helped a bankrupt shoe company reach profitability, grew a Grammy-winning recording studio, created a viral media site called Make A Dare (featured on Dr. Phil), co-founded a media company with 1.7M visitors daily ($0 paid promotion), and created a viral Tumblr that was turned into a nationally sold book (published by Penguin, sold to FOX). Troy also lead digital marketing for the largest HVAC company in the world ($4.2B annual sales), created a group of eCommerce stores grossing 7 figures of revenue, and was Head of Customer Acquisition at BuzzFeed. In 2021 Osinoff became a partner at Magic Fund, an early stage VC fund.Follow Us!Troy Osinoff: @yoJUICE: /thinkjuice.comErica Wenger: @erica_wengerDear Twentysomething: @deartwentysomething
In this podcast episode, Pranav Piyush joins the conversation to discuss marketing measurement and incrementality, with a focus on affiliate and influencer marketing. The discussion highlights Media Mix Modeling (MMM) and its growing accessibility through open-source tools and lower costs, positioning it as a key attribution method in the coming decade. The episode explains the difference between attribution and incrementality, contrasting the limitations of multi-touch attribution (MTA) with MMM's cause-and-effect approach. Pranav shares insights on how MMM can help brands assess the impact of various marketing channels, including those that are traditionally difficult to track. Listeners will also gain practical advice on implementing MMM, covering data needs, cost factors, common pitfalls, and real-world success stories. The conversation emphasizes the value of actionable insights and the importance of moving beyond basic dashboards to achieve meaningful business growth.
Mariah Parsons hosts Taylor Hall, the Marketing Manager at Bagphic, a company specializing in pre-loved authentic designer handbags. Taylor discusses her background in B2B marketing and her role at Bagphic, which involves bridging the gap between Japan and the US. She highlights the meticulous process of authenticating luxury items, emphasizing the importance of customer experience and loyalty. Taylor explains their marketing strategy, focusing on lifestyle and live selling, particularly on platforms like Whatnot and Poshmark. She also touches on the importance of customer retention through personalized service and maintaining a seamless shopping experience.Episode Timestamps:5:01 Taylor's Journey to BagphicTaylor explains how she found the job at Bagphic, highlighting her background in B2B marketing and her dual heritage.She describes the company's structure, noting that it is a brand of a much larger company based in Japan.Taylor shares her excitement about transitioning into a role that leverages her cultural and global perspective.She discusses the intimidating nature of joining a large company and her initial fears about working with luxury handbags.6:40 Bagphic's Product Offerings and SourcingTaylor elaborates on the unique nature of luxury handbags from brands like Dior, Fendi, Chanel, and Hermes.She explains the meticulous process involved in creating these items and the importance of authenticity in sourcing.Taylor describes the rigorous inspection process for authenticating pre-loved items and the expertise required to identify genuine materials.She highlights the sustainability aspect of selling pre-loved luxury items and the rarity of finding certain pieces.18:35 Marketing Strategy for BagphicMariah and Taylor discuss the nuances of marketing luxury handbags, focusing on the lifestyle and experience rather than specific products.Taylor explains how Bagphic leverages the notoriety of luxury brands and emphasizes the unique selection and customer experience.They talk about the importance of inventory management and the challenges of maintaining up-to-date stock information.Taylor emphasizes the role of social media and live selling in keeping customers informed and engaged.19:50 Customer Acquisition and Social MediaTaylor shares insights on how Bagphic uses social media to promote a lifestyle and build customer confidence.She discusses the effectiveness of live selling in providing a more authentic shopping experience, especially for luxury items.Taylor explains the different platforms Bagphic uses for live selling, including Whatnot and Poshmark, and the benefits of each.They talk about the importance of community building and the role of software like OBS for multicasting live sessions.37:14 Customer Retention and ExperienceTaylor outlines the key factors for customer retention at Bagphic, focusing on experience, impression, and relationship.She emphasizes the importance of providing a seamless experience and building trust with customers.Taylor shares her belief in mutual support and loyalty, both from the brand's perspective and from customers.They discuss the emotional connection between brands and customers and how it contributes to loyalty.45:01 Solving Problems and Future PlansTaylor talks about her approach to solving new problems, emphasizing the importance of understanding the customer's perspective.She mentions the value of research, feedback, and leveraging her network to find solutions.Taylor hints at some exciting collaborations and events in the future, including a Whatnot seller event.Mariah expresses excitement for the upcoming developments and thanks Taylor for sharing her insights.
How much can you really afford to pay for a new customer? The answer isn't as simple as your Facebook ad spend. In this episode, Ralph Burns and Amanda Powell break down customer acquisition cost (CAC) and customer lifetime value (CLV) to uncover what businesses should actually be spending to scale profitably. They discuss how marketing costs go beyond ad spend, why your marketing team and operational expenses matter in CAC calculations, and how to use a 3:1 CLV-to-CAC ratio as a benchmark for growth. If you're struggling with ad budgets, profitability, or scaling your business, this episode is a must-listen.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to the Episode: How Much Should You Pay for a Customer?00:00:44 - Why Knowing Your Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) is Crucial00:06:20 - The Simple Formula for Calculating Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)00:08:15 - How to Calculate CLV Using a Basic Formula00:10:45 - Breaking Down CLV for Different Business Models00:12:10 - How Long Does It Take to Earn Your CLV?00:14:50 - Fast vs. Slow CLV Payback Periods & What They Mean00:17:54 - Transition to Determining Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)00:26:40 - Finding the Right Balance Between CLV and CAC for Growth00:29:52 - Key Takeaways: The 3:1 Rule for Scaling ProfitablyLINKS AND RESOURCES:Tier 11 JobsPerpetual Traffic on YouTubeTiereleven.comMongoose MediaPerpetual Traffic SurveyPerpetual Traffic WebsiteFollow Perpetual Traffic on TwitterConnect with Lauren on Instagram and Connect with Ralph on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Perpetual Traffic? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!Mentioned in this episode:AppSumo - 13% off with code traffic13Tier 11 Data Suite
Quitting a stable job to start a company is a bet on yourself. For Courtney Krstich, that bet started with a simple but widespread problem in the landscaping industry: business owners didn't have an easy way to track their finances. You don't need the perfect product from day one to turn an idea into a business. it's You need constant validation, adaptation, and execution. Product-market fit is a spectrum. It's a process of proving demand, refining the solution, and earning customer trust. Highlights include: Betting on Your Skills (01:21), Accelerating Your Start-Up Idea (04:39), Customer Development Interviews (06:24), Validating Your Start-Up Idea (10:18), One of the Hardest Things to Figure Out as a Founder (14:10), And more… Stay updated with our podcast and the latest insights in Outbound Sales and Go-to-Market Strategies!
In this episode of The Retail Doc's live broadcast, the host shares his newfound joy in birdwatching and how stepping away from daily routines can refresh one's perspective. While discussing the importance of finding a hobby, he addresses the common retail challenges many face today, such as customer attraction and market adaptation. The host highlights the pivotal role of systematic approaches like his online training program, SalesRx, in transforming retail businesses. Listeners are encouraged to adopt proven systems and embrace new ways to engage with both their customers and their passions. The episode also includes a lively Q&A session, covering diverse topics from customer service excellence to hosting memorable retail events.
Hire Yourself Podcast with Pete GilfillanPete Gilfillan tackles one of the most critical questions for aspiring franchise owners: What should you consider when investing in a franchise? In this episode, Pete walks through 11 essential factors to evaluate before making one of the most important decisions of your entrepreneurial journey.In this episode, Pete discusses:The Leadership Team's ExperienceUnderstanding the expertise of the franchise's leadership is crucial. Pete emphasizes the difference between leading a single business and managing a scalable franchise network.Franchisee SatisfactionValidation through conversations with existing franchisees is key to understanding their happiness, financial success, and satisfaction with the support they receive.Customer Acquisition and Marketing ModelsPete explains the importance of knowing how a franchise helps its owners acquire customers and whether the marketing strategies are effective and adaptable.Ongoing Support and TrainingFranchise success is often tied to the support you receive after launch. Pete highlights the importance of regular coaching, KPI reviews, and operational guidance from the franchisor.Key Takeaways:Do Your HomeworkThorough due diligence ensures you understand the franchise's leadership, systems, and overall value.Talk to FranchiseesValidation is one of the best ways to gauge a franchise's reputation, support quality, and profitability.Focus on Long-Term SupportSuccessful franchisors don't just get you started; they guide you throughout your business journey."Investing in a franchise is one of the biggest decisions you'll make—take the time to evaluate the details and align them with your goals." — Pete GilfillanCONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST:Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/podcastApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642Email: info@hireyourself.com
SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 1Episode Overview:Ever feel like your company's stuck in a rut? This week, we're talking with an expert who helps even the best companies get unstuck. He's worked with some of the biggest names out there, and he knows that sometimes, it takes an outsider's perspective to see what's really going on. He'll be sharing his insights on why even seasoned teams need fresh training and guidance in today's rapidly changing business world. Get ready for some game-changing advice with author, speaker and coach, Sam Mallikarjunan.Guest Bio: Sam Mallikarjunan is a growth strategist, entrepreneur, and the Growth Lead at agent.ai. He is the former CEO and co-founder of OneScreen.ai, a marketplace for out-of-home advertising, and previously served as Chief Revenue Officer at Flock.com and Head of Growth at HubSpot Labs, where he drove significant customer acquisition and revenue growth. Sam is a former professor at Harvard University, where he taught Advanced Digital Marketing and Innovation, and he currently shares his expertise as a LinkedIn Learning Instructor. He is also the co-author of the bestseller Inbound Commerce - How to Sell Better than Amazon, and frequently offers insights on AI, marketing, and business strategy.Resource Links:Website: https://agent.aiWebsite: https://www.mallikarjunan.com/Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Inbound-Commerce-Sell-Better-Amazon-ebook/dp/B00C2TJQ16/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3I9DG7WJFAM14&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0j-S9y_pz53zSIRcMxA7a4p2Pg6Qd-2LXlECmsaKizDGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.K8McvllKtWR9LY41Sa0O0FcqjnehotQUAvCwBJTBGXA&dib_tag=se&keywords=inbound+commerce+sam+mallikarjunan&qid=1739840370&s=books&sprefix=inbound+commerce+sam+mallikarjunan%2Cstripbooks%2C123&sr=1-1Insight Gold Timestamps:01:50 I ended up working at HubSpot for about 7 years04:35 B e willing to kill ideas really quickly05:08 Appreciate the independence of a team05:42 The smaller team of higher quality people is going to win every time 06:13 Whoever chases two rabbits is going to catch neither09:29 I t's remarkably hard to get people to change their habits10:28 F ear and greed are just great motivators of human behavior12:02 I n your bestseller, Inbound Commerce13:33 What was the most critical digital marketing concept? 18:02 You probably have a pricing problem more than you realize18:26 If you get somebody to pay up front, they're less likely to cancel long term
Points of Interest01:04 – 01:35 – Guest Introduction – Mikael Dia of Funnelytics: Mikael Dia, former agency owner turned SaaS entrepreneur, shares his journey from running an agency to founding Funnelytics, a tool designed to visually map and analyze digital marketing funnels.06:24 – 08:20 – How Funnelytics Was Born: Funnelytics emerged from the need to overlay real marketing data on top of strategic visualizations, allowing agencies and marketers to prove and optimize their funnel strategies effectively.08:25 – 10:05 – The Importance of Visual Communication in Business: Marcel and Mikael discuss how visual communication aids in client understanding, enhances learning, and fosters trust, a principle rooted in adult learning theory.10:42 – 12:13 – Impact of Visual Strategies on Agency Sales & Retention: Using visual models in sales processes helped Mikael's agency close deals faster and at higher prices by positioning services as strategic solutions rather than commodity offerings.12:24 – 14:06 – Enhancing Client Retention with Visual Reporting: By consistently tying marketing efforts back to a visualized strategy, agencies can effectively communicate progress, highlight bottlenecks, and demonstrate value to clients.15:02 – 17:08 – Clients Need a Clear Path, Not Just Services: Clients struggle to see how individual marketing services fit into a bigger strategy. Mapping out a clear pathway from initial engagement to desired outcomes transforms how clients perceive agency value.20:56 – 24:06 – Transitioning from an Agency to a SaaS Business: Mikael shares key lessons from shifting from an agency to SaaS, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's strengths, finding a technical co-founder, and solving real customer problems.27:19 – 32:24 – Common Pitfalls in SaaS Development: Mikael and Marcel discuss the challenges of product development, the need for technical expertise, and the mistake of building features based on assumptions rather than market feedback.32:42 – 36:12 – The Reality of Finding Product-Market Fit: The conversation highlights the challenge of achieving product-market fit, the importance of iterating quickly, and the value of starting with a service-first approach before building software.37:03 – 39:00 – Shifting Mindsets: From Proving Yourself Right to Proving Yourself Wrong: Marcel shares a key insight: the biggest shift in product development success comes when founders move from trying to validate their own ideas to actively seeking to disprove them as quickly as possible.Show NotesConnect with MikaelLinkedInFacebookFacebook GroupFunnelyticsLove the PodcastLeave us a review here.
Imagine leaving a six‐figure Wall Street salary behind to chase a single, daring idea. In this episode, David Heacock shows you how he turned a basic product into a $250M empire. At 29, he left Wall Street to bet on air filters. That bet transformed into Filterbuy, now a $250 million direct-to-consumer manufacturer serving more than 7 million customers through a ruthlessly efficient operation. Today we talk about what actually matters when building a business, balancing obsession with family life, selling on Amazon, what he'd do differently if starting over, and the freight decision he calls his biggest mistake. Whether you're starting a business, scaling one, or simply looking for insights on hiring, managing, or making bold decisions, David shares the lessons that helped him build his empire. David Heacock is the founder and CEO of Filterbuy. Before revolutionizing the air filter industry, he traded options at Goldman Sachs from 2005-2012. If you're driven by bold decisions and value hard-won lessons, this conversation is your playbook. Don't miss out on the insights that could redefine your own path to success. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it's completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: fs.blog/membership and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast (00:02:56) David's Journey to Goldman Sachs (00:06:07) Committing to Entrepreneurship (00:07:35) The Power of Obsession (00:10:08) The Decision to Expand Geographically (00:12:55) Challenges in Building the First Plant (00:18:58) Management Level Hiring (00:22:41) Studying Operating Systems for Companies (00:24:49) The Nuances of Hiring (00:25:53) External Accountability (00:29:37) Adapting Business Operating Systems (00:30:13) The Role of a Chief of Staff (00:31:03) Building Department-Specific Operating Models (00:32:56) Articulating the Company's Mission and Values (00:44:19) Understanding Marketing and Branding (00:47:10) The Strategy Behind Intent-Based Marketing (00:52:13) The Decision to Enter Retail (00:57:26) Success in Retail and Customer Acquisition (00:58:19) Diversifying Market Segments (00:59:13) Competitive Advantage Over Other Brands (01:01:07) The Logistics Aspect of the Business (01:04:25) Defining Direct-to-Consumer Brands (01:08:39) Technical Challenges and Overcoming Setbacks (01:11:46) Core Personal Traits for Success (01:16:37) The Power of Obsession Over Willpower (01:17:46) Facing the Hardest Moments in Business (01:26:36) The Decision to Enter the Freight Business (01:30:48) Diversifying into the HVAC Service Business (01:34:51) The Future of HVAC Service Business (01:36:01) Personal Branding and Business Growth (01:37:23) The Role of Marketing and Operations (01:38:48) Contrasting Business Models: Private Equity (01:43:00) The Importance of Mission and Vision (01:47:12) Balancing Obsession and Family Life (01:53:44) The Dangers of Lifestyle Creep and Maintaining Financial Stability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, Brynn Snyder, co-founder of Slate Flosser, shares how she and her dentist husband tackled one of the most overlooked aspects of health—flossing. Together, they reimagined oral care with a product that could prevent gum disease, heart issues, and more.But flossing is just the beginning. This episode dives into their journey through a $194K Kickstarter campaign, battling knockoffs on Amazon, and scaling a Shopify store with sustainability and innovation at its core.Brynn reveals the challenges and triumphs of creating a physical product, why subscription models are key to recurring revenue, and how staying passionate can make or break your business.Flossing might not seem revolutionary—until you hear this story.Show LinksSlate FlosserKickstarter CampaignSlate Flosser on AmazonSponsorsCleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficialZipify: http://zipify.com/KURTAddress Validator: https://www.addressvalidator.com/Work with KurtGrow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/applySee our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work
Joshua Tuggle-Miller shares his journey from the entertainment industry to establishing a successful vending machine business. He breaks down the key steps to getting started, scaling operations, and maintaining long-term profitability.Learn about location sourcing, customer acquisition strategies, and the critical financial aspects of the business. This episode offers practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in the vending machine industry, from initial investments to daily operations and long-term growth strategies.Key Takeaways:Starting Small – Begin with 1-2 machines and reinvest profits for steady growth.Finding the Right Locations – Build relationships with property owners and offer incentives for prime spots.Financial Planning – Understand startup costs, operating expenses, and the importance of an emergency fund.Effective Outreach – Use professional business packets and cold outreach strategies to secure locations.Operational Efficiency – Stay on top of inventory, maintenance, and daily sales tracking.Scaling Strategically – Maintain steady employment while gradually expanding the business.Risk Management – Learn the industry before making significant investments and prepare for challenges.Maximizing Revenue – Optimize product selection and location strategy for higher returns.This episode provides practical insights for anyone interested in the vending machine industry or looking to build a profitable small business.Resources:Join Joshua in the Academy: https://bit.ly/3Q9i6Px Connect with UpFlip: On Facebook On Instagram On Youtube @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts. Thanks for listening!