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What if the biggest risk in deploying AI isn't the technology itself, but how your team is able to understand its most significant benefits? Agility requires more than just adapting your technology stack; it demands a flexible brand narrative and a creative approach that can evolve with customer sentiment and cultural shifts. This is particularly true when tackling a topic as hyped and misunderstood as artificial intelligence. Today, we're going to talk about what it takes to break the mold of traditional B2B marketing, particularly in the age of AI. We'll explore how brands can move beyond feature-focused messaging to create genuine emotional resonance and build a brand that feels both innovative and human. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Robbie Ferrara, Global Creative Director at monday.com. About Robbie Ferrara As Director of Creative at Monday.com, Robbie leads the creative vision for the brand, shaping global marketing strategies, defining messaging, and spearheading mass advertising campaigns that drive brand growth and engagement.Robbie oversees the in-house creative department and manage relationships with creative agencies and production partners to deliver impactful global campaigns. He also plays a critical part in evolving Monday.com's creative identity and driving its position as one of the fastest-growing tech brands in the world.Prior to monday.com, Robbie held creative leadership roles at Prime Video and Amazon. Robbie Ferrara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbieferrara/ Resources monday.com: www.monday.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Take a look a the Monday.com marketing campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Hkcw_j8js0 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
Ryan Gentry, CEO of Bitcoin Infrastructure Acquisition Corp, discusses his $220M IPO, the "aerospace mafia" thesis, and why Bitcoin lending is the next big sector for public markets. Ryan Gentry, CEO of Bitcoin Infrastructure Acquisition Corp (BIXI), joins us to talk about taking a Bitcoin company public via SPAC. We dive into his journey from aerospace engineering to Lightning Labs, and why so many engineers flock to Bitcoin. Ryan breaks down the current state of Bitcoin infrastructure, the massive opportunity in Bitcoin lending, and how Lightning Network integrates with new side systems. We also discuss why the "burden of proof" has shifted to the no-coiners in traditional finance. Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com Notes: * IPO oversubscribed, upsized to $220 million * BTC Lending very attractive * Square used by 28% of US merchants Timestamps: 00:00 Start 01:31 Ryan intro 07:12 Aerospace Bitcoin Mafia 09:29 What is Bitcoin Acquisition Infrastructure Corp? 13:06 Target company count? 14:10 SPAC vs Index investing 17:28 Areas of industry focus? 21:25 Bitcoin's evolution as asset 26:33 L2s & Lightning 29:13 Side Systems 33:41 AI agents & payments 36:04 Investor technical understanding -
Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson l Presented By Marigold
Holiday urgency is real, whether you are trying to squeeze into your jeans or squeeze in those last few deals, and on this Bathroom Break Daniel Murray pulls Jay Schwedelson into a fast, funny riff on how to make that urgency actually pay off. They get into a wild "ate through the shot" Wegovy story, then flip it into simple, budget friendly tactics that push people to buy or opt in without feeling gimmicky. From DTC countdown discounts to B2B content that literally expires, you get plug and play ideas you can steal before the year is over.ㅤFollow Daniel on LinkedIn and check out The Marketing Millennials podcast for sharp, no-fluff marketing insights. Subscribe to Ari Murray's newsletter at gotomillions.co for sharp, actionable marketing insights.ㅤBest Moments:(01:08) Jay admits he tried Wegovy expecting magic, then laughs about how he "ate through the shot" and ended up just eating less instead.(02:30) Daniel calls out how much money Jay wasted on the shot before pivoting into the real topic of using urgency to close year end revenue and email goals.(03:22) Daniel breaks down Set Active's "Set Miss" promo and why shrinking discount windows instantly force shoppers to make a decision.(05:26) Jay shares a dead simple B2B play where you put a countdown on how long a guide is available, then actually remove it from your resources page.(07:11) They brainstorm a "12 days of content" idea where every day a new curated asset drops and then expires to rapidly grow your email list.(08:23) The chat drifts into holiday party avoidance, sweatpants vs real pants, and Jay getting officially banned from wearing his hat backwards at 50.ㅤCheck out Jay's YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@schwedelsonCheck out Jay's TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@schwedelsonCheck Out Jay's INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jayschwedelson/
Karl-Moritz Hermann, Gründer von reliant.ai, spricht über den Weg von DeepMind zum eigenen KI-Startup. Er teilt, warum sie bewusst B2B statt B2C wählten, wie sie durch Benchmarks echte Probleme identifizierten und warum manchmal 85% Genauigkeit hervorragend und manchmal katastrophal sein können. Was du lernst: Die richtige KI-Produktstrategie finden Wie man echte Probleme identifiziert Warum Benchmarks entscheidend sind Den richtigen Mix aus Forschung und Anwendung ALLES ZU UNICORN BAKERY: https://stan.store/fabiantausch Mehr zu Karl-Moritz: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlmoritz/ Reliant AI: https://www.reliant.ai/ Join our Founder Tactics Newsletter: 2x die Woche bekommst du die Taktiken der besten Gründer der Welt direkt ins Postfach: https://www.tactics.unicornbakery.de/
In this week's episode of the B2B Marketing Podcast, David Rowlands spoke with Paul Collier, CMO, FunnelFuel; Chris Omotosho, Managing Director, UK, Gravity Global; Nick Watmough, Executive Creative Director, The Croc; and Jon Buckthorp, Commercial Director, Differentiated. As we close out 2025, it only felt right to end with a conversation inspired by the year's standout work. Drawing on insights from across agency, brand and creative leadership, the panel discusses what made this year's award-winning campaigns at the B2B Marketing Awards resonate. The conversation opens with a focus on the growing role of emotion and creativity in B2B, with brands increasingly doing their best work by connecting on a human level. From there, the discussion turns to the rapid influence of AI, the rise of experiential marketing, and a noticeable shift away from product-first messaging in favor of more meaningful, human-to-human engagement in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. The panel also reflects on Gravity Global's ‘Global B2B Agency of the Year' win for the second year running, before diving deeper into some of the more thought-provoking themes emerging from the awards. In particular, Jon explores how concepts like content dysmorphia and thought theatre are influencing both creative strategy and how brands show up in-market (ideas first unpacked in a previous episode with Differentiated). If you're curious about the other award-winning campaigns highlighted at our 2025 awards, check out our Winners Report here: https://www.b2bmarketing.net/reports/b2b-marketing-awards-winners-report-2025/
Drop us a message!Enterprise marketing isn't just driven by logic or data—it's powered by emotion. In this episode, Chris Dale, Brand Strategy & Marketing Performance Manager at Hammer Distribution, joins us to explore how design psychology, nostalgia, and emotional cues shape brand perception in even the most complex B2B environments.Chris breaks down why emotional resonance matters just as much in enterprise as it does in consumer marketing, how nostalgia can create instant trust and familiarity, and the subtle design decisions that influence brand recall, confidence, and long-term loyalty.Plus, we're also speaking to Lizzie, a Paid Media Manager here at Giraffe Social, to get her thoughts on User Generated Content on social media.Want to be featured on the pod? Drop us a voice note on Instagram at @GiraffeSM. About Giraffe Social's Social in 10 Podcast Giraffe Social is a multi-disciplined digital marketing agency specialising in social media marketing based on the South Coast of the United Kingdom. We work with a wide range of industries, spanning from Fintech and L&D, to Beauty and Retail. Social in 10 is a weekly podcast about all things digital marketing. We discuss all the things social media managers want to know, including the latest platform updates, emerging trends, campaign ideas, and best practices to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're managing multiple clients or growing your brand in-house, each episode is packed with actionable insights… all delivered in under ten minutes. Hosted by the Giraffe Social team, this is your fast, fun, no-fluff guide to making sense of social. New episodes every week, so tune in and level up your marketing game!
We often think of influencers as people with huge follower counts, but true influence happens at the micro-level, right where your customers and brand evangelists live. This is the realm of Personality-Led Growth, and it's where B2B marketing is headed, but we there's a lot of improvement needed beforehand. On this episode of FINITE, we're joined by Andy Lambert, the entrepreneur who scaled ContentCal to 30,000 users before selling the business to Adobe.Andy has a rare perspective, having seen influencer marketing from both the scrappy startup trenches and the massive enterprise scale:Andy shares the costly mistake of misaligned paid media and how ContentCal pivoted to building genuine advocacy through Community-Led Growth and activating micro-evangelists. He explains how this approach doubled pipeline velocity and average sales price.Now leading product at Adobe Express, Andy reveals how he tackles B2B influencer marketing at scale, moving past simple reach to buying creativity and deep integration. He breaks down their strategic partnerships with macro-influencers like Steven Bartlett to drive unaided brand awareness and embed the product directly into a creator's workflow.If you're looking for practical advice on how to structure, manage, and measure your B2B influencer initiatives—shifting your focus from merely buying an audience to cultivating genuine advocacy and authority—this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode of Good Morning BSS World, I invite you to listen to the talk I had with two independent CX analysts I truly value – Peter Ryan and Matt Kendall. Our conversation revolves around the freshly released Offshore CX Confidence Index 2025, now celebrating its fifth edition.We discuss how the index has evolved over the years, including important methodological changes in data collection and a significant increase in respondent volume. Peter and Matt explain why maturity and consistency are now key characteristics of the global CX outsourcing market, rather than dramatic year-to-year shifts.Together, we analyse regional trends across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, highlighting notable movers such as Jamaica, Guatemala, South Africa, Romania, and Colombia. We also reveal the Top 5 global CX destinations, discussing why, for example Poland continues to strengthen its position, why the Dominican Republic remains a nearshore favorite, and why India still stands unchallenged at number one.This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in CX strategy, outsourcing decisions, or location analysis. If you want to understand where confidence, stability, and long-term CX potential truly lie in 2025, this conversation provides both data-driven insights and real-world perspective.Key points of the podcast:The CX Confidence Index reveals significant growth in countries like Jamaica, Guatemala, and South Africa, reflecting improvements in their customer service sectors.India maintains its dominance as the top destination for customer experience outsourcing, driven by high confidence in its labor market, infrastructure, and economic stability.Poland and Romania emerge as strong European contenders, with Poland showing notable gains in economic stability and Romania leading in multilingual talent availability. Links:Peter Ryan on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-ryan-montreal/Matt Kendall on Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cognitivematt/Cognitive Copy – https://www.cognitivecopy.com/ and https://www.cognitivecopy.com/offshore-cx-confidence-index-2025Ryan Strategic Advisory – https://ryanadvisory.com/ and https://ryanadvisory.com/offshore-cx-confidence-index-2025/Talk to AI about this episode – https://gmbw.onpodcastai.com/episodes/852Yf3D4q7H/chat **************************** My name is Wiktor Doktór and on daily basis I run Pro Progressio Club - https://proprogressio.com/en/activity/pro-progressio-club/1 - it's a community of many private companies and public sector organizations that care about the development of business relations in the B2B model. In the Good Morning BSS World podcast, apart from solo episodes, I share interviews with experts and specialists from global BPO/GBS industry.If you want to learn more about me, please visit my social media channels:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/wiktordoktorHere is also link to the English podcasts Playlist - https://bit.ly/GoodMorningBSSWorldPodcastYTLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiktordoktorYou can also write to me. My email address is - kontakt(@) wiktordoktor.pl **************************** This Podcast is supported by Patrons:Marzena Sawicka https://www.linkedin.com/in/marzena-sawicka-a9644a23/Przemysław Sławiński https://www.linkedin.com/in/przemys%C5%82aw-s%C5%82awi%C5%84ski-155a4426/Damian Ruciński https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-ruci%C5%84ski/Szymon Kryczka https://www.linkedin.com/in/szymonkryczka/Grzegorz Ludwin https://www.linkedin.com/in/gludwin/Adam Furmańczuk https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-agilino/Anna Czyż - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-czyz-%F0%9F%94%B5%F0%9F%94%B4%F0%9F%9F%A2-68597813/Igor Tkach - https://www.linkedin.com/in/igortkach/Damian Wróblewski – https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianwroblewski/Paweł Łopatka - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawellopatka/Ewelina Szindler – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewelina-szindler-zarz%C4%85dzanie-mark%C4%85-osobist%C4%85-0497a0212/Wiktor Doktór Jr - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiktor-dokt%C3%B3r-jr-916297188/ Once you listen, give a like, subscribe and join Patrons of Good Morning BSS World as well. Here are two links to do so:Patronite - https://patronite.pl/wiktordoktor Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/wiktordoktor Or if you liked this episode and would like to buy me virtual coffee, you can use this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wiktordoktor - by doing so you support the growth and distribution of this podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-morning-bss-world--4131868/support.
What if the most powerful leadership lessons start long before your first title? We sit down with Sumi Shukla, VP of Global Marketing at Riverbed, to explore how immigrant roots, blended cultures, and early responsibility shape a career built on resilience, fairness, and authenticity. Sumi's story moves from a childhood balancing identity in a predominantly white town to leading global teams across field marketing, ABM, partners, and digital. Along the way, she learned to trade control for trust, to define outcomes clearly, and to give people the space to deliver in their own way.We get into the big tension leaders face: courage versus perfection. Sumi argues that fearless presence beats “flawless” execution when it carries substance—evidence, iteration, and accountability. She shares concrete examples from marketing, including how her team launched ambitious account‑based marketing programmes, read the data honestly, then made the tough call to scale back and reinvest where results were strongest. You'll hear how to normalise experimentation without recklessness, drop sunk costs without leaving gaps, and build a culture where learning is a habit, not a post‑mortem.Mentors and representation play a central role here. Sumi highlights the impact of formidable female leaders early in her career and the insights from her Global Voices of Leadership: Women Who Inspire series—stories of resilience, unconventional paths, and sponsors who opened doors. Together we map a practical leadership playbook: be clear on the outcome, be consistent and fair, lead from the front or the back as needed, and stay humble because you might be wrong. We close with a simple, moving question about legacy - what remains when titles fade - and why the answer should guide how we show up at work and at home.If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who's growing a team, and leave a quick review to help others find these leadership stories. Your feedback shapes what we explore next.Don't miss the "Virtually Anything Goes" question at the end, where Lev faces Sumi's unscripted question for the first time!Subscribe for more inspiring leadership conversations and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message today.Sumi Shukla is the VP of Global Marketing, at Riverbed Technology, where she leads all field marketing teams, ABM, Partner and Alliances, and Digital marketing. Sumi has 25 years of experience working in Tech Marketing, having spent over 10 years working at Cisco and having now been with Riverbed Technology since 2016. If that wasn't enough, Sumi is also a strong advocate for Women in Tech and has established the “Women at Riverbed EMEA” initiative.Connect with Sumi Shukla on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumi-shukla/Lev Cribb is the Founder and Managing Director of Made To See, a UK-based Video and Livestreaming Agency, specialising in the strategic and tactical use of video across B2B organisations. Lev is also the host of the Virtually Anything Goes podcast.Connect with Lev Cribb on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levcribb/For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to https://www.madetosee.com or our YouTube channel @madetoseemedia
What if the biggest risk in deploying AI isn't the technology itself, but how your team is able to understand its most significant benefits? Agility requires more than just adapting your technology stack; it demands a flexible brand narrative and a creative approach that can evolve with customer sentiment and cultural shifts. This is particularly true when tackling a topic as hyped and misunderstood as artificial intelligence. Today, we're going to talk about what it takes to break the mold of traditional B2B marketing, particularly in the age of AI. We'll explore how brands can move beyond feature-focused messaging to create genuine emotional resonance and build a brand that feels both innovative and human. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Robbie Ferrara, Global Creative Director at monday.com. About Robbie Ferrara As Director of Creative at Monday.com, Robbie leads the creative vision for the brand, shaping global marketing strategies, defining messaging, and spearheading mass advertising campaigns that drive brand growth and engagement.Robbie oversees the in-house creative department and manage relationships with creative agencies and production partners to deliver impactful global campaigns. He also plays a critical part in evolving Monday.com's creative identity and driving its position as one of the fastest-growing tech brands in the world.Prior to monday.com, Robbie held creative leadership roles at Prime Video and Amazon. Robbie Ferrara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbieferrara/ Resources monday.com: www.monday.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Take a look a the Monday.com marketing campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Hkcw_j8js0 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
Jak co roku zaprosiłem do Sztuki e-Commerce ekspertów z różnych obszarów rynku i zadałem im jedno proste pytanie: jakie zmiany naprawdę będą miały znaczenie w nadchodzącym roku?W tym odcinku swoje opinie i obserwacje dzieli 19 ekspertów. Mówimy o AI i dużych modelach językowych, o tym, dlaczego pozyskiwanie klientów staje się coraz trudniejsze, jak zmienia się rola marketplace'ów, co dzieje się z SEO, danymi, logistyką, B2B i sprzedażą zagraniczną.To nie jest odcinek o modnych hasłach ani o futurystycznych wizjach. To próba zebrania w jednym miejscu realnych sygnałów z rynku i spojrzenia na to, co faktycznie wpływa dziś na wyniki e-Commerce.Jeśli prowadzisz sklep internetowy albo odpowiadasz za sprzedaż online, ten materiał pomoże Ci lepiej przygotować się na decyzje, które i tak przyjdzie podjąć w 2026 roku.Rozdziały:00:00 Wstęp02:30 Bartosz Jurga07:54 Wojciech Nowak12:01 Barbara Tatar20:59 Mateusz Rębisz26:14 Piotr Susz35:07 Marcin Kamiński41:47 Paweł Chodkiewicz52:00 Mateusz Waligóra56:22 Marcin Piwowarczyk59:49 Tomasz Zagdan01:06:29 Paweł Szymoniak01:10:28 Adam Jędrychowski01:17:05 Piotr Kiljański01:23:34 Krzysztof Wieczorek01:26:09 Jędrzej Przeździęk01:30:31 Marek Mac01:32:03 Partosz Pilch01:40:35 Krzysztof Marzec01:44:38 Bartosz Konopka01:49:35 Zakończenie
This week on Digi-Tools in Accrual World, John Toon joins Indi from Las Vegas to unpack a massive week in accounting tech. We cover Thomson Reuters' major move to integrate their PPC methodology with AI audit partners like Trullion and Fieldguide. We also break down Xero's two biggest announcements: the "JAX" powered automated bank reconciliation that learns from your history, and a complete overhaul of the dashboard into a "financial command center". Plus, we discuss the confirmation of a "soft landing" for MTD for Income Tax penalties and the UK Budget's surprise announcement mandating B2B e-invoicing by 2029. 0:00 Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World! App News 02:49 Thomson Reuters Integrates PPC Methodology with AI Audit Partners 06:50 Xero Rolling Out JAX-Powered Bank Reconciliation 11:00 New Xero Homepage Dashboard Launched 16:03 Xero Celebrates Ecosystem Innovation with November Updates 17:34 MTD Penalty Soft Landing Confirmed 21:43 Budget 2025 Mandates E-Invoicing by 2029 22:50 Like and Subscribe!
Send us a textIn this episode, we unpack how a sales recruiting business scaled from $100K per month to $7M in cash collected and why the growth ultimately wasn't worth the stress. We explore rapid offer pivots during the pandemic, launching B2B and B2C divisions simultaneously, equity partnerships gone wrong, and the critical mistake of scaling faster than leadership and systems could handle. A candid look at why more revenue doesn't always mean more freedom.Learn how to invest in real estate with the Cashflow 2.0 System! Your business in a box with 1:1 coaching, motivated seller leads, & softwares. https://www.wealthyinvestor.com/Want to work 1:1 with Ryan Pineda? Apply at ryanpineda.comJoin our FREE community, weekly calls, and bible studies for Christian entrepreneurs and business people. https://tentmakers.us/Want to grow your business and network with elite entrepreneurs on world-class golf courses? Apply now to join Mastermind19 – Ryan Pineda's private golf mastermind for high-level founders and dealmakers. www.mastermind19.com--- About Ryan Pineda: Ryan Pineda has been in the real estate industry since 2010 and has invested in over $100,000,000 of real estate. He has completed over 700 flips and wholesales, and he owns over 650 rental units. As an entrepreneur, he has founded seven different businesses that have generated 7-8 figures of revenue. Ryan has amassed over 2 million followers on social media and has generated over 1 billion views online. Starting as a minor league baseball player making less than $2,000 a month, Ryan is now worth over $100 million. He shares his experiences in building wealth and believes that anyone can change their life with real estate investing. ...
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan welcomes brand strategist and agency veteran Ulli Appelbaum to dive deep into the science of brand associations—a topic that's often referenced but rarely explored with the rigor it deserves. If you've ever struggled to quantify the value of your agency's or your client's brand, this episode will provide you with the data-backed frameworks and practical wisdom you've been searching for. Drawing on decades of experience across leading global agencies and his own consultancy, Ulli Appelbaum shares key insights from his new book, "The Science of Brand Associations: When Minds Win Markets." Together, he and Drew McLellan break down what brand associations really are, why they matter for long-term growth, and how emotional resonance and consistency are critical in embedding brands into consumer memory. Whether you're building brands for clients or shaping the reputation of your own agency, Ulli Appelbaum's science-based approach gives you the tools to move beyond gut instinct towards strategies that drive measurable results. The episode covers actionable strategies for identifying and cultivating the right brand associations, crafting memorable brand assets, and leveraging the power of emotional storytelling—even in B2B environments. You'll also learn how to use frameworks and scorecards to focus your branding efforts on what really matters, ensuring your brand stands out distinctly against competitors. Plus, the discussion explores why brands with strong association networks rebound faster from economic downturns and command higher price premiums. Don't miss this episode if you're ready to combine creativity and data in a way that elevates your agency's brand work—and your own brand presence—above the noise. By the end, you'll walk away with practical tools to guide both client conversations and your agency's growth, grounded in proven science rather than simple opinion. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: The science behind brand associations and why they matter Data-backed reasons brand associations drive growth and profitability How emotional impact and memory structure strengthen brands The power of consistency and distinctiveness in brand assets Using frameworks and scorecards to build effective brands The surprising resurgence and importance of brand characters Practical tools agencies can use to differentiate themselves and their clients
In this episode of Top Line, Sam Jacobs, Asad Zaman, and A.J. Bruno dive into the economic and mental health crises facing young professionals, analyzing data on why entry-level opportunities are shrinking in the age of AI. Shifting to business strategy, the group also examines the nuances of pricing power, warning companies against raising rates without delivering commensurate value to the customer. Thanks for tuning in! Catch new episodes every Sunday Subscribe to Topline Newsletter. Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders to keep the conversation going beyond the podcast! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:35 Quiz Pro: Testing Knowledge with Fun Questions 02:40 Discussion on Young Professionals' Challenges 13:44 Advice for Young Professionals Entering the Workforce 15:43 Mental Health and Employment Challenges 20:50 The Impact of Technology and Inequality 32:57 Navigating Career Choices for Young Professionals 33:22 The Importance of Cultural and Historical Awareness 34:57 Balancing STEM and Humanities in Education 35:21 Building Community and Identity 36:35 Practical Advice for Job Seekers 38:56 The Challenge of Pricing in Today's Market 45:16 The Impact of Private Equity on Industries 51:57 The Role of Strategy in Business Success 58:49 Personal Reflections and Inspirations
Discover how AI-powered lead generation transforms B2B sales by sourcing verified leads in real-time, automating data enrichment, and crafting personalized outreach—all while integrating smoothly with your existing tools. nerDigital AI City: Toronto Address: 4610 Dufferin St Website: https://nerdigital.ai/
This Week In Startups is made possible by:LinkedIn Ads - http://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartupsDevStats - https://www.devstats.com/twistCrusoe - https://crusoe.ai/buildToday's show: FINALLY, you can hang out with Kylo Ren and Olaf the Snowman… thanks to the magic of AI.On TWiST, we're digging into the mega OpenAI-Disney deal. Mickey is giving Sam Altman a $1 billion investment AND will allow is copyrighted characters to appear in Sora and ChatGPT images.Of course, Jason predicted this would happen WAY BACK during the summer months and even showed off his “Darth Calacanis” creation on the “All-In Podcast.”PLUS Amazon has been launching and pulling AI features from Prime Video… what gives? Jason's predictions on the coming AI blowback and who's on what side. Why he's so focused on Education, Health Care, and Housing as issues. AND why founders should always take calls from Big Companies, even if it might just be a fishing expedition.It's a new Friday TWiST! Check it out!Timestamps:(00:00) Lon joins Alex and Jason to talk about the big Disney-OpenAI deal bringing Disney characters to Sora(03:10) Jason totally called the Disney-OpenAI stuff on All-In(9:42) LinkedIn Ads: Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. Launch your first campaign and get $250 FREE when you spend at least $250. Go to http://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups to claim your credit.(18:59) DevStats - DevStats integrates your dev work and your business goals into a shared language that everyone can understand. Get 20% off, plus access to their dedicated Slack channel. Just go to https://www.devstats.com/twist.(20:15) Why Amazon Prime Video pulled its AI recaps and anime dubs(24:44) Who gets to set the rules around AI: The Debate Continues(26:13) Jason's predictions on the AI blowback coming in 2026… with clips!(30:11) Crusoe Cloud: Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit https://crusoe.ai/build to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.(31:21) Is AI here to help people or replace them?(35:55) It's all about EHH: Education, Health Care, Housing(40:47) How all of this and MORE will be impacted directly by AI automation(45:35) Why Alex wants to lower the temperature around AI Doomerism(51:19) JUST FOR FOUNDERS: When should you take a call from a BigCo?(53:45) Why Jason thinks just about everyone in media will lose to TikTok and YouTubeSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com/Check out the TWIST500: https://twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp*Follow Lon:X: https://x.com/lons*Follow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm/*Follow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis/*Thank you to our partners:(9:42) LinkedIn Ads: Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. Launch your first campaign and get $250 FREE when you spend at least $250. Go to http://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups to claim your credit.(18:59) DevStats - DevStats integrates your dev work and your business goals into a shared language that everyone can understand. Get 20% off, plus access to their dedicated Slack channel. Just go to https://www.devstats.com/twist.(30:11) Crusoe Cloud: Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit https://crusoe.ai/build to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.
Most salespeople are taught to push for the yes.And that's exactly why prospects push back.In this episode of No BS Sales School, Walker McKay breaks down one of the most overlooked principles in modern selling: giving your prospects agency.Nobody wants to be cornered. Nobody wants to be pressured. And when prospects feel forced, they walk. Even if your product is great.Walker explains why outdated pressure tactics damage trust, ruin your reputation, and quietly kill deals before they ever close. You'll learn:Why giving prospects permission to say no actually increases close ratesHow pressure-based closing creates resistance, even with qualified buyersThe psychology behind agency and decision-making in salesThe 5 Cs of Closing, including the closing agreement most salespeople are afraid to useWhy being an “evangelist” for your product can work against youHow skeptical selling builds credibility and long-term relationshipsThis episode is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, consultants, B2B sales professionals, and anyone tired of sounding like every other salesperson in their market.Sales is still the most lucrative skill in the world.But only if you do it differently.If you want to close more deals without being pushy, awkward, or manipulative, this conversation will change how you sell. Resources mentioned in this episode:Walker McKay's book: Some Will, Some Won't, So What, Who's NextFree mini-course: Learn the seven most expensive sales mistakesSearch 7salesmistakes.com to access it. Subscribe for more no-fluff sales advice that actually works. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
"Should I niche down in my prospecting to a vertical or an industry?" That question came up on an office hours call yesterday with a bunch of MSP business owners. Here's what I told them based on managing 50 different IT companies in our fractional sales program and listening to thousands of prospecting calls: Yes, you should absolutely niche down—but you don't have to rebrand your entire company to do it. Most people think going vertical means becoming "the law firm IT company" and changing everything. That's wrong. You niche at the campaign level, not the company level. This episode breaks down how to compartmentalize your outbound: build a law firm-specific list, create landing pages with their language and acronyms, develop messaging that speaks to their specific IT fears and problems—all without touching your homepage or inbound script. The benefits are massive: your scripting has immediate relevance, you stand out from the 100 other calls they're getting, and you can feed patterns back into your campaigns through AI analysis of recorded calls. Learn why law firms have different IT concerns than manufacturing companies, how to stack verticals over time without getting diluted, and why this approach lets you leverage specialization into better specialization once the flywheel starts moving//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Franchise Fit Podcast (formerly Eye on Franchising) is back with another powerhouse episode — and today's guest is disrupting an entire industry. Meet Daniel McCarty, CEO & Founder of JunkStart, the first and only pay-by-weight junk removal franchise that's redefining pricing, margins, and customer trust in a category that desperately needed innovation.If you think junk removal is a crowded, me-too home services space… buckle up.Daniel exposes “inside baseball” secrets of the industry, the infamous grandma tax, why traditional volume-based pricing makes no sense, and how JunkStart engineered a patented pay-by-weight model that transformed revenue, margins, and customer experience.We also break down territory size, investment levels, ideal franchisee profiles, enterprise value, B2B vs B2C mix, marketing strategy, and why 99 out of 100 franchises are not worth owning unless there's true differentiation.This episode is sponsored by SEO Samba — AI-driven marketing for franchisors and franchisees.
Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson l Presented By Marigold
Subject lines that tap into who your audience wants to be, a bathroom emergency at a Nashville hot chicken spot, and a minus-200 degree cryotherapy experiment all show up in this Ask Us Anything with Jay Schwedelson. Jay riffs on a listener's challenge to share a subject line test they probably have not tried yet, breaking down the idea of aspirational personalization that speaks a level above your current audience. Then he answers a not-so-serious question about his health that turns into a ridiculous story involving Boca Raton, Brass Monkey, and a frosty recovery chamber.ㅤBest Moments:(00:16) Jay explains the Ask Us Anything format and how to send him your own work and ridiculous questions through his site.(01:15) Hattie B's "shut the cluck up" hot chicken story ends with a bathroom line so long he swears they need 74 restrooms.(02:15) Jamie's challenge for a subject line test they have never tried sets Jay up to go beyond basic personalization.(03:38) Jay introduces aspirational subject lines that speak to the C level or lifestyle people want instead of the role they have now.(05:30) He shares data from 50 million sends showing aspirational subject lines lifting open rates by roughly 24-28 percent in both B2B and consumer campaigns.(06:30) Bill's jab about Jay's health leads to a cryotherapy adventure in Boca Raton, complete with Brass Monkey and dancing in a minus-200 degree box.ㅤCheck out Jay's YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@schwedelsonCheck out Jay's TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@schwedelsonCheck Out Jay's INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jayschwedelson/
This episode is a special replay of David George's conversation with Harry Stebbings on 20VC. David is a General Partner on a16z's growth team, and in this discussion he breaks down how he thinks about breakout growth investing: why great business models are now table stakes, where real edge comes from non-consensus views on TAM, and how to underwrite upside in a world of higher prices and increasing competition.They also dig into the mechanics behind the scenes: unit economics at growth, “pull vs push” products, winner-take-most market structures, and how David decides when to double or triple down on a company. Along the way, they touch on SPACs, the rise of crossover funds, single-trigger decision making, and how David manages fear, pressure, and performance over the long arc of an investing career. Resources:Learn more about 20VC: https://www.thetwentyminutevc.com/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@20VCFollow Harry on X: https://x.com/HarryStebbingsFollow David on X: https://x.com/DavidGeorge83 Stay Updated:If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: https://x.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures](http://a16z.com/disclosures. Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
How much money has water damage cost your owners? How much time and money could you save if you were able to detect issues within a property before they became a larger problem? In this episode of the #DoorGrowShow, property management growth expert Jason Hull sits down with Nadav Schnall to explore how innovative water and gas leak detection systems are transforming residential property management and to share how these technologies can prevent costly damage, protect tenants, and streamline maintenance operations for property managers. You'll Learn [1:14] Nadav Schnall's Background in Property Management [05:06] Innovative Solutions for Leak Detection [11:07] Understanding the Technology Behind Pro Sentry [17:25] Implementing Smart Detection Systems Quotables "If something goes unchecked, somebody's out of town, there's a water leak, I mean, it can just do massive damage." "The responsibility of a property manager is to make sure the building is operating properly, to make sure it's operating efficiently, to mitigate damages, to mitigate risks." "Time is of the essence when something like this happens." Resources DoorGrow and Scale Mastermind DoorGrow Academy DoorGrow on YouTube DoorGrowClub DoorGrowLive Transcript Nadav Schnall (00:00) No need for displacement, no need to wake up in the middle of the night, come back to a flooded home. So we can solve all that Jason Hull (00:05) All right. Welcome everybody. I am Jason Hull, the founder and CEO of DoorGrow, the world's leading and most comprehensive coaching and consulting firm for long-term residential property management entrepreneurs. For over a decade and a half, we have brought innovative strategies and optimization to the property management industry. We have spoken to thousands of property management business owners, coached, consulted, and cleaned up hundreds of businesses. helping them add doors, improve pricing, increase profits, simplify operations. And we run the leading property management mastermind with more video testimonials and reviews than any other coach or consultant in the industry. At DoorGrow, we believe that good property managers can change the world and that property management is the ultimate high trust gateway to real estate deals, relationships, and residual income. We are on a mission to transform property management business owners and their businesses. We want to transform the industry. eliminate the BS, build awareness, change perception, expand the market, and help the best property management entrepreneurs win. Now, let's get into the show. Today, my guest is Nadav Schnall. Welcome, Nadav Nadav Schnall (01:14) Thank you for having me, Jason. Jason Hull (01:15) All right, so your company is called ProSentry. We're going to be getting into that. But before we chat about our topic today, which is protect, prevent, perform smart leak detection for modern property managers, tell us a little bit about your background, how you got into entrepreneurism and what finally led you. Nadav Schnall (01:33) Sure, happy to provide some background. So my background is actually in property management. I was a property manager for about a decade for First Service Residential in New York City. I had their kind of luxury. group or luxury division. So I did a lot of consulting for developers and lot of property management, opening buildings, know, placing staff, making sure buildings kind of transition from construction to operation. So that was really the lion's share of my background as it relates to property management. Then I went into and opened another company that had to do with the service industry, kind of fire suppression systems, mechanicals, kind of the the heart of a building, so to speak. And that led me to connect with my co-founder and business partner, John Russ, who is a builder in New York City. I've known him for probably about 15 years. And we came together to do this idea. So really very much so kind of experiencing firsthand. what we are trying to solve and that's kind how I got into the world of entrepreneurship and into the world of ProSentry Jason Hull (02:35) Got it. All right. Thanks for the background. So you're an expert. This is your bio, an expert in smart building monitoring. We're going to chat about exploring how innovative water and gas leak detection systems are transforming residential property management and maybe share how these technologies can prevent costly damage, protect tenants, streamline maintenance operations for property managers from boosting safety to increasing operational efficiency. And in today's episode, you'll get to learn how smart monitoring is reshaping the way you care for your properties and your bottom line. So cool. I'm excited to get into this. So, so now, Nadav, where, where do we start? Nadav Schnall (03:15) Well, we can probably start in property management. And I can tell you how many times I would wake up in the morning and I'd be checking my phone and then find that I have emails from last night that there was a leak in the building or my super calling me at two o'clock in the morning saying, hey, we had a flood or someone, there was a construction going on and someone left a window open and some pipe froze. Jason Hull (03:19) Okay. Nadav Schnall (03:42) And so that's kind of where it started for me, kind of really looking into these operational issues, which in today's day and age with technology, you are able to solve. And so that's where the journey started for me is really trying to look at properties and saying, how can we help common day-to-day occurrences? More so you look at the insurance industries and that's one of the... biggest pluses that we try to bring to the table is trying to helping buildings with insurance. Water leaks are non-weather related water leaks are typically the top three causes for insurance claims. And many times it's the number one reason for insurance claims. And so you look at these things and you're saying, there is technology out there. There is ways to substantially reduce that. How do we do that, improve the day-to-day work of property managers? reduce insurance claims for buildings, reduce insurance rates and premiums, and also improve the life of the residents and tenants that live within. No need for displacement, no need to wake up in the middle of the night, come back to a flooded home. So we can solve all that and we focus in the multifamily. That's kind of our main focus. Jason Hull (04:53) Yeah, Yeah, I mean, if something goes unchecked, somebody's out of town, there's a water leak, I mean, it can just do massive damage. Yeah, so how do we mitigate that? Nadav Schnall (05:04) Yeah, so I can tell you a little bit about the technology and what we do and how we do it. first of all, traditional systems that existed so far were really based on Wi-Fi, which is a big difference. And they were more geared towards maybe something that you would do for your house or maybe something you would do for your apartment. But how do you resolve that in a multifamily world, right? Where even if I am the most responsible resident in the building and I put water leak detection and temperature and humidity and maybe gas, you put all detection technologies in your apartment, you can still get leaked on from your apartment above. Something can still happen. And you just said it, right? A resident that may be away. And we have this actually. is an actual... know, claim that we were able to avoid. In a building, someone, you know, it was a vacant apartment, a realtor came in to show the apartment, walked out to the terrace. It was a classic wintery day. Didn't close the door all the way. Realtor left, came in, blew the apartment door open and the temperatures started going down and going down and going down. Luckily that building had ProSentry and that building was notified when the temperatures hit about 50 degrees and the resident manager of that building got the notification today that doesn't sound right. Of course, checked the records, found out there was a vacant apartment, ran upstairs, saw that the door was open, was able to close the door, turn on the heat before frozen pipes. But otherwise you would have had frozen pipe and that could have easily knocked out 10 apartments insurance claims and so on and so forth. So I think that's kind of one of the biggest areas where we can save. And the nice part about that is insurance carriers are starting to recognize us and starting to recognize that we are actually reducing claims inside buildings. We're doing that across the board. We recently did a study across 18 months. We took a bunch of properties and we wanted to see what happened in those properties across an 18 month period. we alerted those properties to over 6,000 different types of water events, right? Whether it's water or, you know, could be some, some of it can be just be drizzling. Some of could be, you know, a condensate drain and an HVAC unit overflowing, right? So different types of leaks. And then we followed up with the properties. Not one of those buildings and any of those water events resulted in an insured claim. And so we were able to actually prove to the insurance world that this is a risk mitigative tool and actually the service that we provide, we like to call it risk mitigation as a service. ⁓ And by doing that, we've been able to help several buildings either move from kind of E &S, Excessive Surplus insurance policies over to admitted carriers, which of course are substantially cheaper. Jason Hull (07:27) Yeah. Nadav Schnall (07:41) or just simply being able to reduce insurance rates, right? You presented a certain risk before, now you present this risk. And so it can help properties both on the operation side, the maintenance side, but also on the insurance side. And I know I said a lot. Jason Hull (07:53) Yeah. No, that's, no, that sounds very fascinating. So I can see how this would be very important. So if the insurance companies are not having to do anything on these claims, then you would think they would be very incentivized to get people to implement this. Nadav Schnall (08:10) That's 100%. So in New York State, for example, where we have a lot of presidents, especially in New York City, we work with a number of carriers that provide anywhere from, this is on the homeowner side, but anywhere from 3 % up all the way up to 12 % premium reductions. year over year on your homeowners insurance policy. So if you have a building and let's say there's 100 apartments, if you happen to be insured with one of these insurance carriers, you will receive a discount on your premium year over year. their ROI is right there. And then of course we can help on the underlying building insurance policy as well. Jason Hull (08:50) Got it, okay. So what are the benefits for the, that's obviously a benefit for the property owner, right? What are the benefits for the property manager? Nadav Schnall (09:00) So, I mean, the obvious would be peace of mind, right? Because at the end of the day, the responsibility of a property manager is to make sure the building is operating properly, to make sure it's operating efficiently, to mitigate damages, to mitigate risks. And so the advantages of property managerial, first of all, you're able to see what happens in your entire building. So you'll have a dashboard. You'll be able to see each one of our sensing technologies. And I think we've heavily focused so far on water leak detection and maybe temperature detection, which is really, you know, these are one of our biggest sellers, but we do anything from water to gas to oil leaks, to mechanical malfunctions, environmental issues, even rodents. So we have a lot. know, thermostat. So we have different types of technologies all surrounded under our platform. And so the property manager will be able to see all these sensing, all these sensors across this entire building on one, on one dashboard. It will substantially reduce damages, right? So from a... to do share responsibility to the building. is very important, but more so it also gives peace of mind, right? That you know that this apartment or this building or this area, because a lot of our installations are mechanical equipment, right? We have a building that had a couple of leaks coming from the mechanical systems. Every time there was a leak there, it leaked into the elevators. The elevators went out, had to call the elevator company out, had to file another insurance claim. And every time that's there, the amount of time the property managers have to spend to deal with an incident like this, right? It doesn't only start with mitigating the damage itself. You gotta mitigate the damage, you gotta communicate with all the apartment owners, you gotta let them know what's going on. Then they have repairs, they have to coordinate with contractors, they have to file insurance claims, they have to file reports, they have to talk to their boards or their building owners. So there's a lot there. By installing a system like this, it gives you lot of peace of mind and saves you a lot of time. Jason Hull (10:46) So less damage, less work for the property manager, less stress in having to deal with frustrated owners, frustrated tenants. Yeah, so win-win all the way around. So you had mentioned a few things that this equipment can send for. So could you go over all those for us? Nadav Schnall (11:04) Yeah, sure. It's 100%. So we have, you maybe I started off a little bit in the beginning, we talked about Wi-Fi, but I really complete that thought. So I can start high level. So. First of all, what we use is use a technology called LoRaWAN. LoRaWAN stands for long range wide area network. So it's very similar to Wi-Fi in the sense that it is a wireless technology that we can communicate over this wireless network that it creates. But indifferent than Wi-Fi, has a couple of major differences, which is huge for buildings, huge for properties, right? Especially existing buildings where you're trying to retrofit a system, which of course you're very sensitive to, right? Because if you're... You know, if you're doing property management in a multifamily residential building and you have to access every single apartment, no one wants to like start running electricity or opening walls. It has to be really easy to deploy. You come in and come out under 10 minutes. That's what you're looking to do. So this technology, LoRaWAN, what it does is it is a very strong frequency. So the advantage is it can penetrate brick, mortar, you know. concrete, steel, whatever, whatever inside a building. And you can use one of these gateways. Gateways are similar to what we would call in the Wi-Fi world as like a router. So you would install one of those every maybe three to six floors, I would say, as opposed to a traditional router where you put it in an apartment, you have one for the entire apartment. The downside to it is that you can stream a lot of data on it. So it's great for the world of IoT and the world of sensors because you don't have to put on that. You just need to say, what is the temperature? I having a leak? Do I have this or do I have something else? So that is a very, very important advantage that this technology has over traditional systems, which rely on Wi-Fi. The other big thing it has is that it's extremely energy efficient. So each one of our sensors will last for about 10 years on battery life. Whereas traditional Wi-Fi systems, probably have to replace the battery once a year, once every two years, depending on the system. As far as our offering, so we have different liquid sensing technology, so oil and water. We also have gas detection. And for example, in New York City, they passed a law which was now tabled again, but they passed a law called Local Law 157. Every, you know, apartment or building in New York City that had gas, had to have gas detection. So we were able to help those buildings as well. And so buildings that already had our system had to now comply with a new law, easily just put it on the system, no problem. Temperature humidity, we spoke about. We have rodents. We have different types of sensing. For example, if you want to see the levels of different tanks. So for example, you have a big water storage tank or you want to know what the capacity is of trash or different. So we have devices that can sense distance. different sensors for different types of mechanical equipment to see where they go, what the status is, are they operating, are they not, are they in movement? Steam traps, we can tell you if a stream trap open. So there's a lot of stuff there. And I think one of the unique parts about ProSentry is that both me and my business partner, John, really come from the world. And so we meet with supers, we meet with property managers and they say, hey, you know, I really want to understand how I can better see this or how I can do that. And that's what we developed. And so we go out and we figure out what sensing to cloud booth exists for the world and we customize them for the buildings themselves. Jason Hull (14:15) Got it. Is this system also tie into some of the other sort of catastrophes besides water, like fire, smoke? ⁓ Nadav Schnall (14:23) So we have a smoke and vape detector, but it is not what you would call your traditional carbon-fiber monoxide type of sensor. And that is because, first of all, it's a very saturated market. There's a lot of companies out there that provide. We have the ability to interface into it. It was just a conscious choice not to get into that yet. Jason Hull (14:38) Yeah. Nadav Schnall (14:47) Just because you know, it's more of a niche market and that's more of a very wide market. There's also a lot of regular Jason Hull (14:52) Figure out smoking and vaping is another thing. Like, maybe four terms, stuff like this. Nadav Schnall (14:55) Yeah. So that we do have on the property, on the platform. that is a great sensing technology, especially for like rental buildings or buildings that have passed no smoking laws in the building. So it can do vaping, it could do marijuana, it could do cigarette smoke. And so we've had that. actually, one of the reasons we developed it, again, speaking to property managers and building owners, This is a West Coast property owner. he said, you know, one of my main reasons for non renewing leases in my building is because people smoke and people don't want to renew. And so that was one of the reasons we went out. came out with this, with a sensing technology and it can, you know, it kind of tattles on the smokers, but it works with that kind of building. Right. So if you sign into a building, which is a non-smoking building, you should have that same with hotels, et cetera, et cetera. Jason Hull (15:45) Cool. So I'm going to read a word from our sponsor and then I some more questions we'll get into. So this episode is sponsored by Vendoroo So many of you tell me that maintenance is probably the least enjoyable part of the property manager and definitely the most time consuming. But what if you could cut that workload by up to 85 %? That's exactly what Vendoroo has achieved. They've leveraged cutting edge AI technology to handle nearly all your maintenance tasks from initiating work orders and troubleshooting to coordinating with vendors and reporting. This AI doesn't just automate, it becomes your ideal employee, learning your preferences and executing tasks flawlessly, never needing a day off and never quitting. This frees up you to focus on the critical tasks that really move the needle for you and your business, whether that's refining operations, expanding your portfolio, or even just taking a well-deserved break. So over half the room at last year's DoorGrow Live. conference signed up with Vendoroo right then and there after hearing about it. A year later, they're not just satisfied. They're raving about how Vendoroo has transformed their business. Don't let maintenance drag you down. Step up your property management game with Vendoroo Visit vendero.ai. That's V-E-N-D-O-R-O-O.ai slash door grow today and make this the last maintenance hire you'll ever need. All right, cool. So back to... Back to what you were talking about, Nadeav. I'm curious, this sounds like a no-brainer. Is this expensive to get set up? Can this be turned into a profit center for property managers in some way? How does this typically work for property managers? Nadav Schnall (17:20) Yeah, sure. So, excellent questions. As far as the cost goes, it is very competitive in the marketplace. Sensors start at about $70 a sensor, depending on what it is. There is a cost for the network, but again, it is not a significant cost. The costs kind of vary based on the size of the building, and obviously there's volume discounts. But, you know, I think it, you know, from a Profit center, it's an interesting question, right? Because I don't know if you're actively going to make money from the building, from activating the system. However, you will get a return on your investment because again, you're able to, first of all, reduce repair costs. There's no question about that, right? we have... Examples examples examples of buildings that have installed our system and have caught dozens of water leaks some of which may have turned into Small things or maybe you and an overflowing club, but you caught that and you mopped that up But others are like these slow leaks behind walls and all kinds of areas like that that you otherwise would have not noticed and before it became mold and stuff so hundred percent you save money on that from a repair across perspective and Jason Hull (18:09) Yeah. Nadav Schnall (18:24) on insurance front, is really one of our biggest areas that we're focused on is trying to help buildings reduce insurance costs. And so in that sense, it does turn into a profit center, maybe not the traditional profit center as a fee for it, but you do save on other repairs on insurance costs. So in that sense, yes, you do make money on that. Jason Hull (18:42) So, Nadav, a question. So you've mentioned multifamily. There are a lot of people that listen to this podcast that also do single-family residential, or maybe they do individual condos, or they do short-term rentals or Airbnbs. Do you find that this makes sense for those scenarios as well? Nadav Schnall (19:03) 100 % it does. We focus... only on multi-dwelling, in other words, we're a B2B company in that sense, unless maybe there's a situation where there's someone who manages multiple individual condos, let's say, right? Or multiple Airbnbs and they want everything on kind of a dashboard and maybe that would make sense. There are solutions out there that focus on the single-family world, that are Wi-Fi based and they're meant for that. We are really more of a commercial grade. solution, right? And that's kind of how we set ourselves up. And that is really the big differentiator with us is that we're really focused on whole building solutions. We have automatic border shutoff valves, for example, which I haven't even mentioned before. But for example, we have a commercial building. where the building owners have no one at the building over the weekend and actually no one in the building after I think it's 7 or 8 p.m. till they come back at like 6 or 7 in the morning. So they proactively shut the water to the building when they leave and no one's there. So they don't even want to take the risk. Of course all of our sensors can connect to the automatic shutoff app and say hey if there is a leak we'll shut that off, we'll shut the water off. They just want to they just put it on a schedule and proactively shut it. So in that sense if you have single family or Airbnb managers, cetera, et cetera, you can all control it even from the app. You don't even have to be at the property. And you can just shut the valve off and shut the property. So if you're going to go away and let's say you want to winterize the property and shut the water off for a prolonged amount of time because you're not going to be there going on vacation. So you can do that with the system quite easily. Jason Hull (20:35) Interesting. for somebody that's like an Airbnb and they wanted to get this set up, and they wanted like maybe water, auto water shut off, some gas detection, you know, a couple of the most obvious important ones, what would it roughly cost for them to get that property outfit? Nadav Schnall (20:53) I mean, if it's a, if let's say we're talking about a single apartment, maybe like a one or two bedroom, you're probably talking about a one time cost of anywhere between 300 to $500. If you're in, if you're in that kind of situation, if it's slightly bigger, it all depends on the number of sensors. But again, if it's about $70 a sensor, how many points of water do you have in your, in your apartment? And then that's how you do the math. Jason Hull (21:18) Got it. So typically sensor per maybe bathroom or water. Nadav Schnall (21:22) Yeah, you'd put one to two per bathroom, right? Depending on how many, if you have a tub or a shower, we typically catch that with another sensor that would be placed nearby, maybe behind a toilet. Sensors are very sleek, non-invasive. They don't actually, many of them, this is actually a sensor. They don't even look that way. So it's good. They're discreet. They go behind toilets, under sinks and so on and so forth. And so it's very easy to deploy them as well. Jason Hull (21:48) Got it. And these don't have cameras on them, right? Nadav Schnall (21:51) No cameras. And as I mentioned, because we use LoRaWAN and it is unable to communicate or transmit large packets of data, it is impossible for me to record someone because the data packets are so small. The amount of data that would need to be transmitted just to record a sentence would take days and days and days. So it is impossible for us to do that. Jason Hull (22:04) Hmm. Got it. Got it. Okay, very cool. Well, what else should people know about this solution or whatever questions that people ask, maybe about ProSentry and then how can people get in touch with you? Nadav Schnall (22:29) So first of all, think the most important thing is, you know, we were built by real estate professionals. And so we really understand the industry and we're happy to consult. and speak to anyone who has any questions. There's no strings of ties. There's no cost for that. We're happy to give proposals. And every building is unique and every building has their unique set of challenges. And so I think it's important for your listeners to know that that's the world that we come from and we actually enjoy having conversations with real estate professionals. And so if anyone has any questions or wants to discuss, just feel free to reach out. Our website, which is www.prosentry.com. prosentry.com. Contact us or request a proposal. Very easy to get in touch with us. Or also info at prosentry.com. Jason Hull (23:14) Very cool. So one last question. If somebody goes to your website, they decide they want to get some of this stuff set up for the property, who actually comes out and gets all this stuff set up and installed? Do they have to get a contractor to do it? How does that work? Nadav Schnall (23:27) No, so it is extremely, extremely simple. So we have designed the system so that it is easy to be deployed by the building itself. And while we can provide recommendations for installers, 100%, I think there's one, I wouldn't say 100, I think 99%, I think it's one property that actually hired someone to do that. All of our properties, and I'm talking about hundreds of buildings, have installed the system by themselves. It is extremely easy. The system comes pre-configured. So the gateways are the only component that gets plugged in. Those are the routers, right? So you start by plugging those into the wall into regular outlet. They turn on in about a minute or so and start communicating. They automatically connect to cellular antennas. They automatically... create this internal private network only to that building. So there's no configuration, nothing else to do. And then you take the devices, the sensors themselves, you download our app, you scan a QR code on the device and all you do is you have a drop down menu and you say, I am in apartment 22B, it's already pre-configured, we'll configure the apartment, everything will be there. And you'll say, I'm placing it by the kitchen sink. That's it. That's all you gotta do. It automatically connects, the sensors automatically connect. And so, We do speak to some buildings and they're like, yeah, we don't want to take on. so I call it deployment because it's not even installation. It's not invasive. There's no drilling. There's nothing to do there. So we say, OK, we can give you a proposal for installation or connect you with someone who can do it for you. But then once they understand how they get a little bit of a demo and see how it's done, go, oh, this is it. It's very, very easy to install. one of the features that I neglected to, to, to, to mention, I think is important is we offer, live operator calls to buildings. And so a lot of providers out there will send you like an app notification or maybe an email or a text message, right. say, Hey, but again, property managers, right. We realize that at two o'clock in the morning, no one's looking at their phone to see if you got a text message. So we use an underwriter, laboratory certified call center with live people, not some robo call. Jason Hull (25:19) and Nadav Schnall (25:33) and they will actually call you and say, Jason, you have a leak in apartment 22 B in the kitchen. under the dishwasher, right? And if you happen not to be answering, we will call the next person online. We can have multiple people. And so we'll call the front desk. Front desk doesn't answer. Maybe the handyman, handyman doesn't answer. The resident manager, the property manager, the hotline, the board president, whoever you need. We can put that all under the platform. So that is an important feature and a differentiator, by the way, because there are not many companies that do that. But we do recognize that because time is of the essence when something like this happens, you need to make sure you can get in touch with Jason Hull (26:01) Mm. Nadav Schnall (26:09) someone before damage becomes something very small into something really big. ⁓ Jason Hull (26:13) Yeah, well, it sounds like a no brainer. Sounds very cool. And yeah, I recommend everybody check it out at prosentry.com. cool. Well, Nadav, thanks for coming and hanging out with us here on the DoorGrow show. Yeah, I appreciate it. So for those of you that maybe felt stuck or stagnant in your property management business, you want to take it to the next level, reach out to us at doorgrow.com. We can help. Nadav Schnall (26:27) Thanks for having me, Jason. This was fun. Jason Hull (26:40) And for a free training on how to get unlimited leads for free for your property management business, text the word leads to 512-648-4608. That's the word leads to 512-648-4608. Also be sure to join our free Facebook community just for property management business owners at doorgrowclub.com. And if you would like to get the best ideas in property management, you can join our newsletter. at doorgrow.com slash subscribe. And if you found this episode even a little bit helpful, don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on whatever platform you saw this on. We'd really appreciate it. And until next time, remember the slowest path to growth is to do it alone. So let's grow together. Bye everyone.
As we gear up for Christmas and wind down the year, now is the time to assess your 2025 performance and plan your B2B sales strategy for 2026. While some clients have had their best financial year ever, others have seen dips or plateaus, often feeling that revenue has become harder to generate. In this episode, Jess breaks down the difference between short-term (non-ideal) and long-term (ideal) revenue, why so many entrepreneurs get stuck chasing quick cash injections, and what it really takes to build a resilient, predictable pipeline. You'll hear practical insights on how our current market has changed, why accidental revenue is disappearing, and what you can do to avoid the dreaded feast-and-famine cycle in your corporate sales journey. Plus, hear about exciting opportunities like the Expert Services Directory and upcoming events designed to help you take your sales process to the next level. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or taking some well-deserved downtime, grab your headphones, and let's get set to make 2026 your best year yet in corporate sales! Here's what you'll find in this episode: Are You Riding the Revenue Rollercoaster? Jess addresses the feast-or-famine cycle many entrepreneurs face, sharing why relying solely on those "quick cash injection" sales is keeping you stuck and stressed—and what you need to do instead. Short Term vs. Long Term Revenue—What's Your Strategy Missing? Get to grips with the difference between non-ideal (short term) and ideal (long term) revenue. Jess explains why building a consistent, sustainable pipeline is the only way to create real freedom and flexibility in your business. Why 2026 Will Be Different for B2B Sales The easy wins of past years won't cut it next year. Jess details how to adapt your sales approach to thrive in a tougher market, and why mastering both long and short-term sales tactics is key. If you want steady, predictable revenue (and less stress in 2026), now's your moment to shift from "panic selling" to a deliberate, data-driven sales process. Key Quotes; "I think that the reason that most people have felt 2025 has been harder is because we have seen a shift in the quality of sales processes out there and the accidental revenue that they used to provide dropping off." 00:03:0100:03:16 "It's a massive skill to be able to generate short term revenue or non ideal revenue successfully." 00:11:0400:11:10 "And unfortunately, without having a long term sales process in place and developing that, you will never get to that point where you feel like revenue is easy, where you feel like it is steady, where you feel like you can take, you know, six weeks off and completely racks, because you know you're coming back into sales calls, to deals, to closing out your pipeline on things." 00:16:2400:16:46 "You kind of go from this place where you're like Scrabble, Scrabble, Scrabble, run around, do the things to get short term revenue, make deals, have lots of delivery, you're at a peak, you're buzzing, you're doing all the things that you need to do to deliver a great experience, and then suddenly you have no revenue and you have no deals in the pipeline and you don't know what to do again because now you're in the dip." 00:18:2300:18:45 "You start to run out of short term revenue offers that quote unquote work and that generate revenue. And instead you're going to be feeling really panicked and like, and like nothing is working for you. You'll see revenues dip, you'll see plateaus and you'll also feel more stressed and like you've worked harder than ever before." 00:22:1800:22:39 Key Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Cold & Sold Bundle: Secure your spot at Converting Corporates 2026, get a year's inbound leads, plus access to the popular Cold to Closed course (8 sales calls in 4 weeks, anyone?) .https://smartleaderssell.thrivecart.com/cold-and-sold-bundle/ Expert Services Directory: Start getting found by clients searching for your skills. (If you aren't listed, you're missing leads!) Click here: http://bit.ly/4f3ch1I If you've enjoyed listening to Two integral sales strategies you must focus on for winning sales in 2026 check out these other episodes that may be of interest. Updating the market: Making sales process integral for your best results https://bit.ly/SellingToCorporate151 How to make the next 6 months of your sales strategy EPIC https://bit.ly/SellingToCorporate154 Why bother with forward selling? Predictable revenue or scary sales strategy? https://bit.ly/SellingToCorporate125 Converting Corporates is the B2B sales event of the year for service based entrepreneurs, if you want to join the waitlist for 2026 click the link https://smartleaderssell.vipmembervault.com/cc2026waitlist If you would like to sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay in touch with the latest B2B sales tips and techniques click https://sellingtocorporate.com/newsletter/ Content Disclaimer The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article, video or audio are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article, video or audio. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article, video or audio. Jessica Lorimer disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article, video or audio.
Josh Ho is the Founder and CEO of Referral Rock, a bootstrapped referral marketing platform serving SMBs that rely on multi-step, relationship-driven sales. Starting in 2015 as a solo developer consulting on the side, Josh built the first version himself, validated demand quickly, and landed early customers by doing demos and hands-on support. Referral Rock has grown to roughly 500 customers, 20 team members, and about $3M in annual revenue. The company scaled through strong inbound SEO, founder-led sales, and a high-touch onboarding model for B2B businesses that value referrals. Over the years, the product expanded too broadly, creating UX and complexity challenges that later required a deliberate refocusing on core use cases. Today, Referral Rock is profitable, founder-owned, and steady at its current revenue plateau as Josh rethinks pricing, packaging, product simplicity, and ICP focus. He shares practical lessons on avoiding over-complexity, hiring from what you've already figured out, returning to first principles, and treating plateaus as puzzles to solve rather than signs of failure. Key Takeaways Charge Early, Not Late – His first startup delayed monetization; Referral Rock asked for payment within days of launching an MVP. Pricing For Segments– Good-better-best failed for SMBs with wildly different referral economics; switching to two specific lanes solved misalignment. Do the Job First – Hiring worked only after Josh personally figured out support, sales, or marketing enough to define the role clearly. Plateaus Aren't Failure – Post-COVID shifts and SEO changes slowed growth, but Josh treats plateaus as system puzzles, not existential threats. Profit Equals Freedom – With no investors and steady profitability, he optimizes for enjoyable work, long-term optionality, and building at his own pace. Quote from Josh Ho, Founder and CEO of Referral Rock "For me, a plateau or a pivot is a puzzle to be solved. Any time you try to build something, you hope to just keep hitting accelerators and different serendipitously find those things. But I've learned through my life, the most part, there are things that work only for a certain duration, right. "For me, it comes back to how I think about the business and. my innate goals for the business which, are different from most founders. When I'm talking to another founder is, they'll ask me what my exit strategy is. And my answer is usually, Well, I don't really have one. That's not how I think about the business. It's a very clear. "I enjoy my work and that's my North Star. Am I having fun? Do I enjoy this work? And I also continuously reinvent myself and my role to fit those changes.. There might be a job I had to do that I don't enjoy, but then I'll do that until it's no longer like the limiting step and then hire someone to backfill for myself." Links Josh Ho on LinkedIn Referra lRock on LinkedIn Referral Rock website Podcast Sponsor – Designli This podcast is sponsored by Designli, a digital product studio that helps entrepreneurs and startups turn their software ideas into reality. From strategy and design to full-scale development, Designli guides you through every step of building custom web and mobile apps. Learn more at designli.co/practical. The Practical Founders Podcast Tune into the Practical Founders Podcast for weekly in-depth interviews with founders who have built valuable software companies without big funding. Subscribe to the Practical Founders Podcast using your favorite podcast app or view on our YouTube channel. Get the weekly Practical Founders newsletter and podcast updates at practicalfounders.com. Practical Founders CEO Peer Groups Be part of a committed and confidential group of practical founders creating valuable software companies without big VC funding. A Practical Founders Peer Group is a committed and confidential group of founders/CEOs who want to help you succeed on your terms. Each Practical Founders Peer Group is personally curated and moderated by Greg Head.
Most founders don't realize how much their work is reshaping who they are. Until it's too late.In this episode of Founder Talk, Nick Greco, mental health expert, crisis intervention instructor, and founder of C3 Education & Research, breaks down what chronic stress really does to people who live in it day after day. Nick has trained thousands of officers across the U.S., taught suicide prevention globally, and even worked with other national police forces in different countries. Few people understand high-pressure psychology like he does and the crossover to entrepreneurship is undeniable. Nick explains why people in these high-stakes, high-pressure positions lose their identity, shut down emotionally, and drift from the people they care about. He shares why communication at home often collapses, why “I'm fine” usually isn't true, and how simple habits like taking 20–30 minutes to decompress can save marriages and families. We also dive into why men struggle to ask for help, why emotional isolation is so dangerous, and how founders can actually retain people instead of losing them to fatigue, resentment, or culture issues. Nick also unpacks the psychology behind overworking, financial stress, identity fusion (“I am my job”), and why so many founders unknowingly mirror the same patterns he sees in first responders.What You'll Learn✅ Why chronic stress leads to burnout, isolation, and identity loss✅ How emotional shutdown damages relationships and how to reverse it✅ Why “burnout” is usually a system problem, not a personal weakness✅ How to decompress and reset after high-pressure days✅ Why founders and first responders fall into the same psychological trapsIf you're a founder navigating nonstop pressure, this episode gives you the clarity, tools, and mindset to stay grounded, connected, and healthy without losing yourself to the work.Connect with Nicholas GrecoGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-greco-iv-m-s-bcets-catsm-faaets-ba78168/Guest Website: https://www.c3educationandresearch.com/If you are a B2B company that wants to build your own in-house content team instead of outsourcing your content to a marketing agency, we may be a fit for you! Everything you see in our podcast and content is a result of a scrappy, nimble, internal content team along with an AI-powered content systems and process. Check out pricing and services here: https://impaxs.comHead to our website to stream every episode on your favorite platform, join the Founder Talk community, and submit questions for future guests–all in one place: https://foundertalkpodcast.com/Timecodes00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:46 Founding C3 Education and Research02:43 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship04:58 Law Enforcement and Public Perception15:45 Mental Health and Officer Wellness17:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life28:09 Effective Communication in Relationships33:39 Financial Pitfalls of New Recruits35:01 The Importance of Financial Planning35:49 Materialism and Happiness36:50 Balancing Family and Work39:29 The Role of Passion in Business46:19 Stress and Burnout51:54 Mental Health and Suicide Awareness56:38 Global Training Experiences59:36 Training and Curriculum Design01:04:10 Conclusion and Contact Information
When's the right time to let go of a brand that's no longer serving your business—even if it's been working for 10+ years?In our latest episode of The Debrief, Focus Lab CEO Bill Kenney talks with the GigSalad team: CEO Mark Steiner, CTO Locke Bircher, and Product Designer Nichole Baiel. Together, they discuss the bold, intentional rebrand that helped them level up and better align with their future audience and goals.They unpack the creative decisions, moments of friction, and meaningful conversations that shaped the transformation from the brief to the big reveal.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ Why holding onto a legacy brand can quietly limit future growth✅ How “playing it safe” in B2B branding makes it harder to stand out✅ Why designing for your audience—not yourself—drives better results✅ The often-overlooked value of soft skills when choosing a branding partner
Magen Mintchev is a social media strategist, content creator, and founder of Social with Magen, a boutique social media agency helping authors, brands, and executives grow with clarity and strategy. After 20+ years in marketing communications for global tech companies, banks, and newspapers, she launched her agency in 2023 and now partners with clients across the B2B tech, publishing, writing, and education industries to craft authentic, data-driven social media strategies.Magen also runs the popular Bookstagram account @bonechillingbooks and co-leads a virtual book club with nearly 3,000 members worldwide, uniting readers around their shared love of thrillers and mysteries. Through her platform, she has collaborated with major publishers and entertainment brands including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Paramount+, and Peacock. Her work has taken her from the Sharjah International Book Fair in Dubai to Prague for Dan Brown's international launch event, and she's been a speaker at both Bouchercon and the International Thriller Writers (ITW) conference.Born in Maine, Magen now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her husband and two sons, and when when she's not reading thrillers, she's likely strategizing social campaigns or watching true crime documentaries.Killer Women Podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network#podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #bookstagrammer #bonechillingbooks
Join my AI Consulting Community (PlaymakersAI):https://playmakersai.com/Check out my newsletter at https://TKOPOD.com and join my new community at https://TKOwners.com━I sat down with Will Cannon again and we talked about how he went from scraping and selling lead lists to building multiple million-dollar SaaS businesses. We covered his early background, losing everything in 2008, and how that pushed him into B2B data, cold email, and eventually software.We broke down how he built a profitable lead-selling agency with almost no upfront costs, why recurring revenue changed everything, and how UpLead got its first customers. Will also shared how he thinks about copying existing businesses, acquiring customers before building, and why you do not need to be technical to make this work.Will shares his free playbooks and his socials at IAmWillCannon.comGet Will's Free Cold Email Playbook: https://iamwillcannon.com/free-resources/the-cold-email-playbookWant to copy Will's system? He gives away his entire strategy (scripts included) in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YmJsHESukCo2i9YS9xNMD?si=DDT_jlpeRviFBe7lr4KNKAEnjoy! ---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---
If you're in B2B SaaS, you probably feel it already: the old way of “just hire more SDRs and send more emails” is broken.Everyone has the same tooling. Everyone is running the same sequences. Everyone is “personalising at scale” with the same prompts. Yet pipeline quality is down, efficiency is under scrutiny, and suddenly… go-to-market (GTM) design has become a first-class strategic problem.Few people are better positioned to talk about this shift than Harrison Rose.Harrison co-founded Paddle, helped turn it into one of the UK's fastest-growing software companies, and has now raised a $13M Series A (led by Notion Capital, with participation from Robin Capital, Inovia, Salicap, Common Magic, Andrena and more) to build GoodFit – an AI-driven GTM data platform.Here's what's covered:00:47 | What GoodFit actually does — mapping your entire market and scoring every account01:32 | Paddle origins → the first-principles GTM problem that later became GoodFit03:31 | From internal tool to standalone company — recognizing the “product inside Paddle”04:18 | Who buys GoodFit — why B2B tech is the first adopter (and why the market is much bigger)06:28 | Second-time founder advantage — credibility, networks, and selling before the product exists08:29 | Choosing investors — why Notion, avoiding echo chambers, and constructing a syndicate13:24 | Bootstrapping for four years — optionality, profitability curiosity, and knowing when VC is the right path18:34 | AI's real impact on go-to-market — why most teams are just automating bad outreach22:25 | The GoodFit vision — deciding who to sell to, why, and how (and leaving execution to others)35:34 | Leaving Paddle — identity, founder evolution, and learning to lead differently the second time around46:40 | Giving back — why Harrison opens his inbox for “weird, gnarly, unsaid” founder questions
In this episode, host Brendon Dennewill sits down with Bill Wilson, Founder and CEO of Pace Pricing and three-time software entrepreneur with over 20 years building and scaling SaaS companies. Bill shares how he evolved from software developer to pricing strategist after recognizing the deep anxiety founders face around pricing decisions. Through his work guiding hundreds of SaaS teams, he's discovered that pricing isn't just a numbers game—it's about alignment, belief, and understanding the jobs customers hire products to do.The conversation explores why pricing, product, and positioning cannot be separated, and how misalignment at the leadership level cascades throughout organizations, leaving money on the table. Bill unpacks his PACE framework (Profile, Architect, Calibrate, Execute) and explains why he shifted from pure data-driven decisions to building belief through iterative validation. He also tackles how AI is fundamentally reshaping SaaS business models, from enabling outcome-based pricing to introducing new cost structures that challenge traditional economies of scale.This episode is essential for SaaS founders, RevOps leaders, product executives, and B2B growth teams looking to unlock revenue through strategic pricing, eliminate cross-functional friction, and prepare their business models for an AI-driven future.What You'll LearnWhy pricing misalignment at the leadership level quietly becomes a company-wide problemHow the PACE framework brings structure and repeatability to pricing decisionsThe difference between solving a problem vs. executing a job to be doneWhy belief, not data, is the true catalyst for pricing changes and adoptionHow AI is accelerating the shift toward outcome-based pricing modelsWhy product, pricing, and positioning can't be separated, and what happens when they areThe single most impactful action a founder can take if pricing hasn't been reviewed in a yearResources MentionedPace Pricing PACE FrameworkJobs to be Done (JTBD)Bob Moesta April Dunford, author of "Obviously Awesome"HubSpot Intercom Is your business ready to scale? Take the Growth Readiness Score to find out. In 5 minutes, you'll see: Benchmark data showing how you stack up to other organizations A clear view of your operational maturity Whether your business is ready to scale (and what to do next if it's not) Let's Connect Subscribe to the RevOps Champions Newsletter LinkedIn YouTube Explore the show at revopschampions.com. Ready to unite your teams with RevOps strategies that eliminate costly silos and drive growth? Let's talk!
Copper State of Mind: public relations, media, and marketing in Arizona
Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre look back at their Top 10 most popular podcast episodes of 2025 to identify the key themes, trends, and industry shifts that will impact public relations in 2026.They talk about how PR and media are undergoing rapid transformation due to technological advancements and societal changes. Issues such as authenticity, trust, and influence are recurring themes in the discussion, along with the manipulation of public opinion, the impact of AI on the profession, and the decline of traditional journalism. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways The media landscape is shifting with the decline of traditional journalism and the rise of niche digital platforms, requiring new strategies for engagement. Building genuine trust through authentic storytelling and transparent communications is crucial for brands in the current climate. Public relations strategies must adapt to focus on influence and relationship-building rather than traditional celebrity endorsements. AI is changing how media and communications are handled, presenting both challenges and opportunities for growth. Developing leadership skills and fostering a culture of trust within organizations can enhance both internal and external communications. Follow the podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." CreditsCopper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona.If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world's local public relations agency.”
Magen Mintchev is a social media strategist, content creator, and founder of Social with Magen, a boutique social media agency helping authors, brands, and executives grow with clarity and strategy. After 20+ years in marketing communications for global tech companies, banks, and newspapers, she launched her agency in 2023 and now partners with clients across the B2B tech, publishing, writing, and education industries to craft authentic, data-driven social media strategies. Magen also runs the popular Bookstagram account @bonechillingbooks and co-leads a virtual book club with nearly 3,000 members worldwide, uniting readers around their shared love of thrillers and mysteries. Through her platform, she has collaborated with major publishers and entertainment brands including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Paramount+, and Peacock. Her work has taken her from the Sharjah International Book Fair in Dubai to Prague for Dan Brown's international launch event, and she's been a speaker at both Bouchercon and the International Thriller Writers (ITW) conference. Born in Maine, Magen now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her husband and two sons, and when when she's not reading thrillers, she's likely strategizing social campaigns or watching true crime documentaries. Killer Women Podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #bookstagrammer #bonechillingbooks
Ray Green breaks down why both hustle culture and the "deep work only" mindset miss the mark, using a simple physics formula to explain what real work actually is. The equation? Force times Distance times Alignment. In this episode, Ray explains why effort alone doesn't equal results, why you can bust your ass and go nowhere, and why even getting results doesn't matter if they're not aligned with your actual goal. He walks through practical examples—from salespeople making calls to authors writing books—to illustrate why some people accomplish massive results while others stay stuck forever despite working just as hard. Ray shares how to clarify your real goal, define the right distance metrics to track meaningful progress, and apply the necessary force to actually get there. This is about understanding what real productivity looks like and making sure the time and energy you're investing is actually moving you in the right direction.//Welcome to Repeatable Revenue, hosted by strategic growth advisor , Ray J. Green.About Ray:→ Former Managing Director of National Small & Midsize Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he doubled revenue per sale in fundraising, led the first increase in SMB membership, co-built a national Mid-Market sales channel, and more.→ Former CEO operator for several investor groups where he led turnarounds of recently acquired small businesses.→ Current founder of MSP Sales Partners, where we currently help IT companies scale sales: www.MSPSalesPartners.com→ Current Sales & Sales Management Expert in Residence at the world's largest IT business mastermind.→ Current Managing Partner of Repeatable Revenue Ventures, where we scale B2B companies we have equity in: www.RayJGreen.com//Follow Ray on:YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
In our penultimate episode of the year, annual podcast guest and friend Trent Guyer returns to talk about all our favorite topics: AI, e-commerce, and small teams doing big things. Being the Christmas season, of course gifts are exchanged and toasts are made—but the real present is having Trent in the studio with us to chat marketing.Among the gems dropped this episode:“Data makes you fast, your gut keeps you right.”69% of B2B businesses cite bad data as their biggest barrier to fully leveraging AI.89% of B2B customers plan to use AI tools to purchase products next year, compared to 34% of B2C customers.“Don't ever give a customer a reason to regret after the fact doing business with you.”And more!So grab some eggnog and your favorite blanket, and join us as we have another epic discussion with the VP of Marketing and Digital Strategy at Grasshopper Mowers, Trent Guyer.Next week: Sam and Roop wrap 2025, Spotify-style!—Trent, Sam, Roop, Claudia, and ChelseaTell us what you think!
Conseils Marketing - Des conseils concrets pour prospecter et fidéliser !
Adoptez le psycho-marketing pour convaincre vos clients ! Interview de Stefan Lendi --- Au sommaire de l'interview de Stefan Lendi : 1 - Est ce que tu pourrais te présenter ? 2 - Quelles sont les bases du psycho marketing ? 3 - Est ce que tu peux nous expliquer le principe de la spirale de valeur, et peux tu nous donner quelques exemples ? 4 - Quelles sont les nouveautés de la seconde édition du psycho marketing ? 5 - Est ce que l'IA peut aider un débutant à appliquer la spirale de valeur ? 6 - Si on veut en savoir plus, où peut on acheter le livre ? Pour le commander : https://librairie.gereso.com/livre-en... --- Présentation du live Et si vous pouviez transformer chaque prospect en client fidèle, de manière mesurable et reproductible ? Derrière chaque décision d'achat, il y a une personne avec ses croyances, ses besoins et ses envies. Le PsychoMarketing décrypte comment vos prospects et clients perçoivent, mémorisent, décident et passent à l'action. Cette approche, basée sur la science, vous permet de comprendre comment guider leur choix avec plus d'impact. L'auteur s'appuie sur des recherches scientifiques et plus de 20 ans d'expérience en marketing pour vous proposer une méthode originale et pragmatique en 7 étapes, avec des outils pour créer des campagnes performantes qui attirent, convertissent et fidélisent. Cette nouvelle édition offre également les ressources nécessaires pour implémenter le PsychoMarketing dans trois contextes distincts : le B2C, le B2B et les logiciels SaaS. Que vous soyez entrepreneur, marketeur, communicant ou dirigeant, quelle que soit la taille de votre entreprise, découvrez comment utiliser les leviers du PsychoMarketing pour améliorer vos résultats. --- Au sommaire du livre RADIOSCOPIE DU CERVEAU ET DISSECTION DE LA PRISE DE DÉCISION Dans les coulisses des coups de maître commerciaux Pourquoi le marketing traditionnel dysfonctionne Anatomie du PsychoMarketing Un filtre de lucidité pour vous transformer en super-PsychoMarketeur Dans la tête de vos clients Comment identifier un marché porteur LE SYSTÈME QUI DÉCLENCHE DES ACHATS ET QUI FIDÉLISE VOS CLIENTS Introduction à la Spirale de Valeur et de Persuasion (SVP) La Pré-influence : convaincre votre marché avant le moindre contact L'Attraction : générer des prospects ciblés La Transformation : éveiller un intérêt marqué pour votre produit L'Engagement : susciter un désir ardent chez le prospect La Tantalisation : rendre le désir intenable La Transaction : déclencher un acte d'achat important La Récurrence : créer des ambassadeurs ravis LE PSYCHOMARKETING EN PRATIQUE Trois types d'implémentation : B2C, B2B et SaaS La Spirale de Valeur et de Persuasion à l'oeuvre Comment amplifier la Spirale de Valeur et de Persuasion
Are you buried in the daily grind, afraid that missing one detail could wreck your team or business? Wondering how the best COOs stay energized, innovate, and avoid burnout while leading in a world that never slows down?This episode, guest host Sivana Brewer dives deep with Nick Dinsmoor, COO of Reel Axis, a fast-growing B2B marketing powerhouse. They unravel the secrets of self-awareness, delegation, and what happens when leaders brutally prioritize. You'll hear why letting your employees run side hustles sharpens your edge, how to ride the AI tsunami without drowning, and why radical candor—without the edge—still gets results.If you want to stop reacting and start driving bold operational change, this conversation drops the truth you need. Listen now to discover how top COOs avoid chaos and push their teams further, faster. Tune in or risk missing out on the real breakthroughs shaping the new COO elite.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The critical habit COOs need to ignore “the noise”—and why it's a superpower[02:16] – Why giving back is central to culture, and how it wins business in surprising ways[04:37] – How AI completely upended content marketing (and what agencies do differently now)[06:15] – When radical transparency turns toxic, and the pivot that saved a team[08:29] – Newsletters: The “outdated” tactic that's suddenly driving explosive growth[10:29] – The 95/5 rule: A marketer's secret to outlasting competitors in any vertical[21:29] – The surprising upside of having employees with side hustles[27:07] – What ruthless prioritization actually looks like for high-performing COOsAbout the GuestNick Dinsmoor is the Chief Operating Officer at Reel Axis, a leading B2B marketing agency specializing in buyer intent data and anonymous visitor identification. Known for his blend of financial discipline and creative strategy, Nick has helped scale Reel Axis through radical transparency, empowering culture, and a relentless focus on operational evolution.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed James Green. Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to showcase James Green’s entrepreneurial journey as the founder of KyuTeaCo (Kyushu Tea Company), a premium tea brand focused on curating authentic Japanese tea experiences. It highlighted his unique position as an African-American entrepreneur bridging cultures, his passion for tea, and his mission to educate consumers about tea’s health benefits and heritage. Key Takeaways Background & Inspiration James Green grew up in Atlanta, studied international business and Japanese, and lived in Japan for five years. His passion for tea began during a high school exchange program in Fukuoka, Japan, and deepened through cultural immersion. Business Model KyuTeaCo partners with eight small, organic tea-growing families in Kyushu, Japan. Direct-to-consumer and B2B approach: e-commerce platform launching soon, plus partnerships with cafes. Simplified supply chain: Farmers → Kuti Co → Customer (eliminates middlemen, ensures fair pay for farmers). Mission & Differentiation Focus on storytelling and cultural connection, not just selling tea. Educates consumers on tea’s health benefits (e.g., reducing hypertension and diabetes risks). Premium curated experience vs. mass-market tea brands. Challenges & Lessons Kickstarter campaign failed due to lack of collaborators and marketing reach. Learned importance of storytelling and emotional connection for crowdfunding success. Social Impact “11% for Good” Program: 11% of every sale goes to sustainability efforts for Japanese tea farming. Name significance: “11” in Japanese sounds like “ii,” meaning “good.” Future Plans Launching e-commerce in January. Exploring subscription models and virtual tea tastings. Goal: Build a brand that consumers care about through cultural education and premium experiences. Notable Quotes On launching a business:“I’m learning now more than anything, just launch it. Just go. You’ll build it brick by brick, day by day.” On cultural connection:“We’re not just selling tea; we’re telling the stories of Kyushu and these families. It’s about legacy and sustainability.” On social impact:“Every bag of tea someone buys, 11% goes toward rehabilitating the Japanese tea industry. We’re investing in their futures.” On entrepreneurship:“Anybody can sell a product. What we’re doing is creating an experience and educating people about the culture behind it.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed James Green. Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to showcase James Green’s entrepreneurial journey as the founder of KyuTeaCo (Kyushu Tea Company), a premium tea brand focused on curating authentic Japanese tea experiences. It highlighted his unique position as an African-American entrepreneur bridging cultures, his passion for tea, and his mission to educate consumers about tea’s health benefits and heritage. Key Takeaways Background & Inspiration James Green grew up in Atlanta, studied international business and Japanese, and lived in Japan for five years. His passion for tea began during a high school exchange program in Fukuoka, Japan, and deepened through cultural immersion. Business Model KyuTeaCo partners with eight small, organic tea-growing families in Kyushu, Japan. Direct-to-consumer and B2B approach: e-commerce platform launching soon, plus partnerships with cafes. Simplified supply chain: Farmers → Kuti Co → Customer (eliminates middlemen, ensures fair pay for farmers). Mission & Differentiation Focus on storytelling and cultural connection, not just selling tea. Educates consumers on tea’s health benefits (e.g., reducing hypertension and diabetes risks). Premium curated experience vs. mass-market tea brands. Challenges & Lessons Kickstarter campaign failed due to lack of collaborators and marketing reach. Learned importance of storytelling and emotional connection for crowdfunding success. Social Impact “11% for Good” Program: 11% of every sale goes to sustainability efforts for Japanese tea farming. Name significance: “11” in Japanese sounds like “ii,” meaning “good.” Future Plans Launching e-commerce in January. Exploring subscription models and virtual tea tastings. Goal: Build a brand that consumers care about through cultural education and premium experiences. Notable Quotes On launching a business:“I’m learning now more than anything, just launch it. Just go. You’ll build it brick by brick, day by day.” On cultural connection:“We’re not just selling tea; we’re telling the stories of Kyushu and these families. It’s about legacy and sustainability.” On social impact:“Every bag of tea someone buys, 11% goes toward rehabilitating the Japanese tea industry. We’re investing in their futures.” On entrepreneurship:“Anybody can sell a product. What we’re doing is creating an experience and educating people about the culture behind it.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do you make sense of an industry that is changing at a pace few predicted, especially with SIGNAL London still fresh in our minds and Twilio unveiling the next stage of its vision for customer engagement? That question sits at the heart of today's conversation with Peter Bell, VP of Marketing for EMEA at Twilio, who joined me to unpack what the past year has taught both companies and consumers about AI's role in shaping modern experiences. Peter begins by grounding everything in a single, striking shift. Only a year ago, AI-powered search barely registered in global traffic. Today it accounts for around a fifth of all searches. That leap signals a broader behavioral shift as consumers move instinctively toward conversational interfaces, which, in turn, leaves brands with a clear message. The clock has moved on. AI is no longer a nice-to-have. It is a direct response to how people now choose to discover, question, and buy. Our conversation turns to the gap between customer expectations and the experiences they receive. Peter discusses why brands often struggle to integrate channels, data, and AI coherently. He explains how first party data has become the anchor for any serious AI strategy, why generic public models cannot solve brand-specific tasks, and why the most successful teams start with simple, tightly scoped problems. A password reset may not sound glamorous, yet it is the kind of focused use case that teaches teams how to govern data, automate safely, and build confidence in the process. We also spend time on branded calling, RCS, and the evolution of voice. Peter breaks down what modern messaging now looks like and why trust sits at the center of every interaction. His explanation of Conversational Relay shows why natural voice exchanges finally feel within reach after years of frustration with rigid IVR systems. The thread running through all of this is clear. Consumers want speed and clarity, but they want reassurance too, and brands need to honor both sides of that equation. Later in the conversation, Peter makes one of the episode's most compelling points. Brand visibility has become harder, not easier, because much of the early research now occurs within AI tools. Buyers form opinions long before they speak with a sales rep. That shift explains why so many B2B companies are returning to high-impact brand channels, whether that is F1 sponsorships or other standout moments that keep them in the initial consideration set. We close with the topic that Peter believes will define the next stage of enterprise AI. Model Context Protocol. MCP has emerged as a quiet breakthrough, enabling LLMs to access data across CRM systems, files, and other software through a standard protocol. This removes one of the biggest blockers in AI projects: the practical challenge of connecting disparate data to a model built for a specific purpose. As Peter puts it, MCP gives companies a realistic way to make the special-purpose models that deliver reliable ROI. It is a wide-ranging conversation shaped by SIGNAL London's announcements, the evolving customer journey, and a year in which AI moved from curiosity to expectation. I would love to know what part stood out most to you. Are you seeing the same shifts Peter describes in your own business, and how are you preparing for the year ahead? Useful Links Interact with the Inside the Conversational AI Revolution report. Learn more about the Signal event Connect with Peter Bell, VP of Marketing for EMEA at Twilio. Tech Talks Daily is sponsored by Denodo
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed James Green. Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to showcase James Green’s entrepreneurial journey as the founder of KyuTeaCo (Kyushu Tea Company), a premium tea brand focused on curating authentic Japanese tea experiences. It highlighted his unique position as an African-American entrepreneur bridging cultures, his passion for tea, and his mission to educate consumers about tea’s health benefits and heritage. Key Takeaways Background & Inspiration James Green grew up in Atlanta, studied international business and Japanese, and lived in Japan for five years. His passion for tea began during a high school exchange program in Fukuoka, Japan, and deepened through cultural immersion. Business Model KyuTeaCo partners with eight small, organic tea-growing families in Kyushu, Japan. Direct-to-consumer and B2B approach: e-commerce platform launching soon, plus partnerships with cafes. Simplified supply chain: Farmers → Kuti Co → Customer (eliminates middlemen, ensures fair pay for farmers). Mission & Differentiation Focus on storytelling and cultural connection, not just selling tea. Educates consumers on tea’s health benefits (e.g., reducing hypertension and diabetes risks). Premium curated experience vs. mass-market tea brands. Challenges & Lessons Kickstarter campaign failed due to lack of collaborators and marketing reach. Learned importance of storytelling and emotional connection for crowdfunding success. Social Impact “11% for Good” Program: 11% of every sale goes to sustainability efforts for Japanese tea farming. Name significance: “11” in Japanese sounds like “ii,” meaning “good.” Future Plans Launching e-commerce in January. Exploring subscription models and virtual tea tastings. Goal: Build a brand that consumers care about through cultural education and premium experiences. Notable Quotes On launching a business:“I’m learning now more than anything, just launch it. Just go. You’ll build it brick by brick, day by day.” On cultural connection:“We’re not just selling tea; we’re telling the stories of Kyushu and these families. It’s about legacy and sustainability.” On social impact:“Every bag of tea someone buys, 11% goes toward rehabilitating the Japanese tea industry. We’re investing in their futures.” On entrepreneurship:“Anybody can sell a product. What we’re doing is creating an experience and educating people about the culture behind it.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The holiday season is in full swing, and as retailers vie for consumer dollars, some of the biggest ones are branching out to answer engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity. In this episode, we describe what that experience looks like now and what brands should do in response. We also look at the lasting implications of a high-profile legal case for CISOs and the state of AI in B2B sales.
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Justin: What I try to do is…bring that authenticity to our clients in everything that we do.Success in crowdfunding isn't just about having a great product or service—it's about building a community that rallies behind your mission. This idea was central to my conversation with Justin Starbird, CEO of The Aebli Group, in today's episode. Justin highlighted that the real “silver bullet” for a successful crowdfunding campaign is the strength of an engaged community.“From our experience, a lot of times that secret weapon…is the community that they have amassed around their mission,” Justin explained. He emphasized that mission-driven companies often have an edge because their stories resonate deeply with their supporters, creating a foundation for passionate engagement.Justin shared how his team works with companies to authentically communicate their vision and values in ways that connect with people. “It's really important to be able to tell a story that's compelling, that's authentic, that's true to who they are,” he said.Justin and his team recently worked with Organic Transit, a company bringing back its innovative solar-electric bicycle, the ELF. The company's founder, Rob Cotter, turned to crowdfunding after a challenging bankruptcy. With The Aebli Group's help, Organic Transit is now raising funds on Wefunder to scale its ELF 3.0—a modernized, Eco-friendly version of its original product. Justin noted that the campaign's success is rooted in the loyal community Organic Transit had already built, which helped them pre-sell over 800 vehicles and log 10 million miles.Through storytelling, community engagement, and a focus on authenticity, Justin and his team enable mission-driven companies to thrive. “At the end of the day, it's still the mission, the vision, the goal of the company, and their authenticity,” he said.By building campaigns that connect with communities, Justin and The Aebli Group are transforming crowdfunding into a powerful tool for both raising capital and creating meaningful change.tl;dr:Today's episode explores how mission-driven storytelling creates community engagement for crowdfunding success.Guest Justin Starbird shares insights on building authentic marketing campaigns that resonate with investors.Justin describes working with Organic Transit to revive its solar-electric bicycle, the ELF 3.0.The Aebli Group uses authenticity to help startups foster trust and build meaningful connections.Justin's superpower, authenticity, is key to creating campaigns that leave lasting impacts.How to Develop Authenticity As a SuperpowerJustin's superpower is authenticity. He described it as being unafraid to share hard truths with clients and always striving to leave things better than he found them. “What I try to do is…bring that authenticity to our clients in everything that we do,” he explained. Justin emphasized that authenticity fosters trust, builds communities, and ensures long-term success for businesses.Justin shared a personal analogy to explain his approach to authenticity. He recalled hiring a yard-cleaning service and finding a Coke can left in the brush after they finished. Though small, the oversight eroded his confidence in the team's attention to detail. That lesson shaped Justin's ethos at The Aebli Group: always go the extra mile. By doing the “small things” right, like addressing potential blind spots, his team ensures their campaigns resonate with clients and communities.Tips for Developing Authenticity as a Strength:Be Vulnerable: Acknowledge weaknesses and lean into them to foster genuine connections.Address Blind Spots: Identify potential risks or challenges and confront them openly.Focus on Community: Build trust by staying true to your values and mission.Always Go the Extra Mile: Pay attention to small details that demonstrate care and commitment.By following Justin's example and advice, you can make authenticity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileJustin Starbird (he/him):CEO and Founder, The Aebli Group (pronounced ABE-Lee)About The Aebli Group: At The Aebli Group (TAG), we help innovators, founders, and established companies plan, execute, and optimize crowdfunding campaigns that build community, humanize your brand, and drive sustainable growth. Crowdfunding campaigns require a unique blend of strategy, storytelling, and platform knowledge. Companies choose us because we:Have deep experience navigating crowdfunding platforms and have led multiple successful campaigns by understanding how to leverage each platform's unique audience and dynamics Combine marketing strategy with human-centered engagementHelp clients avoid pitfalls while maximizing funding potentialTurn campaigns into long-term growth engines, not just one-off eventsOur clients have successfully raised millions of dollars, validated new products, generated media coverage, and built lasting communities.Website: aebligroup.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/AebliGroupBiographical Information: Justin Starbird is the CEO and Founder of The Aebli Group (pronounced Abe-Lee), a full-service marketing agency focused on assisting founders in the crowdfunding space. Additionally, TAG is an experienced B2B marketing agency that specializes in the medical device, medical technology, and manufacturing industries. He has built his company into an industry leader by focusing on the details that help push clients to the next level. Most recently, Justin and the TAG Team launched the TAG Awards. The inaugural TAG Awards will spotlight the MedTech and Healthcare sectors, underscoring The Aebli Group's long-standing commitment to driving success in these essential industries. With advancements in medical technology and healthcare delivery shaping the future of patient care, this focused awards program aims to honor the companies, products, and leaders redefining the standards of excellence in these fields.Justin is also dedicated to his community and has been recognized with the prestigious “Spirit of America” and “Local Hero” awards for his volunteerism and philanthropy. Today, Justin lives in Maine with his loving wife, two beautiful daughters, and two dogs.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/justinstarbirdPersonal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/justin.starbirdSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, and BabyQuip. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Green, Envirosult | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, December 11, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern / 5:00 PM Pacific, will bring together four mission-driven founders—Fran Maier (BabyQuip), Farooq Zama (CureValue), Andrei Evulet (Jetoptera), and Erin Martin (Pump For Joy)—as they present their companies live to a national audience on e360tv, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Hosted by Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., this special broadcast showcases entrepreneurs raising capital to solve real-world problems across family travel, healthcare access, disaster response aviation, and maternal health. Viewers are encouraged to watch the live pitches and then continue the experience by joining the Private Investor Session immediately following the broadcast, where attendees can engage directly with founders, ask deeper questions, and explore their active investment offerings in a focused, off-air environment. Whether you are an active investor or simply interested in the future of mission-driven innovation, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness purpose-driven companies in action and connect with them directly after the show.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on December 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, December 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern, will feature Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., leading a session on “Designing a Winning Marketing Strategy for Your Investment Offering.” Drawing on his deep experience in impact crowdfunding and investment storytelling, Devin will break down the essential elements of building a marketing strategy that attracts, engages, and converts potential investors. Participants will learn how to identify and reach the right audience, craft messages that build trust, and develop a promotional plan that supports sustained momentum throughout a raise. Whether you're preparing for your first regulated investment crowdfunding campaign or looking to strengthen an ongoing one, this SuperCrowdHour will provide the insights and practical frameworks you need to elevate your offering and boost investor participation.SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don't miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.CfPA President-elect's Vision for 2026 with Brian Belley, December 17 at 2:00 PM ET – reserve your spot now!If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Your brand isn't losing to competitors, it's getting ghosted by the algorithm. As AI eats search, the “spray and pray” content playbook turns invisible. Are you training the models…or training your team to burn cash?This week, Jenna Hannon, Founder & CEO of Hatter, drops a State of the Union that B2B marketers need to hear: SEO isn't dead, AEO (AI Engine Optimization) is here and lazy tactics are DOA. We unpack why LLMs reward actual marketing (crisp messaging, specific content, real PR) and punish AI-slop; how to merge SEO, AEO, and content into one motion instead of siloed teams; and why product marketing is the new growth core powering every channel.We also get into:SEO → AEO: Same inputs, new outputs and the extra layers that matter now.Quality > quantity: Why “programmatic, no-human” content craters (and how Google/LLMs sniff it out).Metrics that matter: Beyond traffic to AI visibility, context, and link-back citations that convert.Org design for 2026: Product marketing as the engine; experts in the loop; PR that teaches LLMs.
How can marketing teams succeed when budgets shrink, expectations rise, and the pressure to perform intensifies?In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Matt Hummel, Chief Marketing Officer at Pipeline 360. Matt shares firsthand insights into why the modern environment is more challenging and dynamic than ever and what leaders must do differently to help their teams thrive. With deep experience navigating resource constraints, motivating teams, and driving performance in uncertain conditions, Matt sheds light on what it truly means to lead in high-pressure marketing environments.He breaks down why simply letting people achieve what they believe is possible is no longer enough. Instead, leaders must set higher expectations, push teams beyond their comfort zones, and foster a culture where adaptability and innovation aren't just encouraged, they're essential. We also explore the critical role of transparency, creative problem-solving, and clear communication in helping marketers stay resilient and effective, even when the odds aren't in their favor.In this episode, we cover:Rising expectations paired with shrinking budgets and what that means for B2B marketers trying to hit ambitious targets.Why leaders need to challenge teams to stretch beyond perceived limits, not just maintain the status quo.How transparency around constraints can open the door to creative solutions and stronger team collaboration.The growing importance of adaptability, experimentation, and resilience as core marketing competencies.The leadership mindset required to navigate uncertainty, motivate teams, and drive performance despite limited resources.If you're ready to strengthen your leadership approach and help your marketing team excel, even in the most challenging environments, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!
In this episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen sits down with global venture capitalist Alex Lazarow, founder of Fluent Ventures, to unpack the future of early-stage investing as AI, globalization, and shifting economic forces reshape the startup landscape. Alex brings a rare perspective shaped by 20+ markets across Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, plus experience backing seven unicorns, from Chime to breakout fintechs worldwide.Alex shares insights from his unconventional path from academia-curious economist to McKinsey consultant, impact investor at Omidyar Network, partner at global firm Cathay Innovation, and now solo GP building a research-driven, globally distributed early-stage fund. He dives into why the best startup ideas no longer come from one geography, why AI has permanently rewritten the cost structure of company building, and how proven business models are being successfully reinvented in emerging markets and then exported back to the U.S.He also breaks down why small businesses may become more powerful than ever, the rise of “camel startups,” and what founders everywhere must understand about raising capital in a world where early traction matters more than ever.Whether you are a founder, operator, or investor navigating the next era of innovation, this conversation reveals how global patterns, AI tailwinds, and disciplined research can uncover tomorrow's winners.From Winnipeg to Wall Street: Early Career Lessons (00:01:17)* Alex reflects on growing up in Winnipeg and navigating a multicultural family background.* How early roles at RBC M&A and the Bank of Canada shaped his analytical lens.* Why he pursued economics, consulting, and academia before landing in venture.* The value of testing career hypotheses instead of blindly following one path.Building a Global Perspective Through McKinsey (00:06:42)* Alex describes working in 20 markets, from Tunisia during the revolution to Indonesia and Brazil.* Why exposure to varied cultures and economies sharpened his ability to spot emerging global patterns.* The framework he used to choose projects: people, content, geography.Entering Venture Through Impact Investing (00:08:05)* Joining Omidyar Network to explore fintech innovation and financial inclusion.* Early exposure to global mobile banking and super-app models.* The origin story behind investing in Chime.* Why mission-driven investing shaped his lifelong global investment thesis.Scaling Globally at Cathay Innovation (00:13:14)* Transitioning into a traditional VC role after Omidyar.* Helping scale Cathay from a $287M fund to nearly $1B.* Why he eventually left to build a more focused, research-driven early-stage fund.The Fluent Ventures Thesis: Proven Models, Global Arbitrage (00:16:45)* Fluent backs founders who take validated business models and execute them in new geographies or industries.* Investing between pre-seed and Series A with a tightly defined “10 business model portfolio.”* Why their TAM is intentionally much smaller, only 200–500 companies worth meeting each quarter.* Leveraging a network of 50 unicorn founders and global VCs to discover breakout teams early.Why AI Is Reshaping Early-Stage Investing (00:23:01)* AI has dramatically reduced the cost of building early products.* Increasingly, startups raise capital after launching revenue not before.* The new risk: foundational AI models may “eat” many SaaS products.* What types of companies will survive AI disruption.The Camel Startup & The Great Diffusion (00:28:14)* The “camel startup” concept: resilient, capital-efficient companies built outside Silicon Valley norms.* How software (and now AI) lets small companies “rent scale” once only available to big enterprises.* Why the next decade will favor startups that focus on durability, not blitzscaling.Why Silicon Valley Still Matters, Even for Global Founders (00:32:47)* Alex encourages founders to build in their home markets but visit Silicon Valley to raise capital and absorb cutting-edge ideas.* How one founder raised SF-level valuations while building in the Midwest.* The “global arbitrage” advantage: raise capital where it's abundant, build where costs are low.Where Global Markets Are Leading Innovation (00:35:41)* Why Japan is 5–10 years ahead in generational small-business transitions.Examples of B2B marketplace models thriving in India and now being imported to the U.S.* How construction marketplaces, industrial marketplaces, and embedded fintech platforms are spreading across continents.About Alex LazarowAlex Lazarow is the founder and Managing Partner of Fluent Ventures, an early-stage global venture fund investing in proven business models across fintech, commerce enablement, and digital health. A veteran global investor, Alex has backed seven unicorns, authored the award-winning book Out-Innovate, and previously invested at Omidyar Network and Cathay Innovation. He has worked in more than 20 countries and teaches entrepreneurship at Middlebury Institute.Connect with Alex Lazarow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrelazarowVisit the Fluent Ventures website: https://www.fluent.vc/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com
A new proposal suggests burning "spam" Bitcoin UTXOs. We explain why the "CAT" proposal is technically flawed, philosophically dangerous, and amounts to on-chain confiscation. Today, we break down the controversial "CAT" proposal by Claire Ostrom. This idea suggests snapshotting and burning UTXOs associated with Ordinals and Stamps to curb spam. We analyze the technical flaws, the failed game theory, and why seizing user coins—even "dirty" ones—sets a dangerous precedent for Bitcoin censorship and on-chain confiscation. Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com Notes: * CAT burns UTXOs under a specific threshold * 100 million inscriptions are likely junk * Proposal is a soft fork consensus change Timestamps: 00:00 Start 06:16 BIP text 08:20 Burning Bitcoin UTXOs 11:55 non-monetary UTXO? WTF? 13:10 BIP process 16:43 Coinjoined Chris' thread 21:14 Game theory 23:08 hard price floor -