Podcasts about orchid black

Host Cyrus Webb welcomes Tashauna Williams, CEO of Orchid Black and Company, Inc, to Conversations LIVE to discuss her work as a consultant and what it's been like to help others. 

Nick Bialaszewski Nick Bialaszewski is an experienced IT leader with a passion for building high-performing teams. Currently, he serves as an operating partner at Orchid Black, a consultancy firm, and VP of Engineering at Restore for Retail, a retail tech software company. Nick’s background as a software engineer and his expertise in lean methodologies inform...

The name of the game is flexibility. Today's guest is an agent of change who has an exit under his belt, a transition from founder out of the CEO seat and recently increased the company from a 4-day, back to a 5-day work week.Join Jim and Alejandro as they go deep discussing Alejandro's journey building Komet Sales - a vertically integrated floral platform - with a focus on what it means to build a strong culture and how to align people to the company's long-term vision. 3 Key TakeawaysEmbrace Change: Don't get attached. Whether that's a title, a GTM approach, a person on your team. Things change, the ability to adapt quickly is an asset. Learn to let go, to move forward!Find a Mentor: This is a golden nugget that not nearly enough founders/CEOs do. As Warren Buffet says, “It's good to learn from your mistakes. It's better to learn from other people's mistakes.”Understand People: Take the time to know your team. This is the foundation for culture. When people believe in what you're doing, combined with a strong sense of connection, you've got a recipe for company success. Resourceshttps://www.kometsales.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aperez/About Our Guest Alejandro started Komet Sales, the top software platform for the flower industry. He built the business from nothing until he was able to sell it successfully. Along the way, he faced many challenges that most startups deal with. His journey needed a strong passion for what he did, lots of creative thinking, and taking smart risks.About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black Jim Barnish's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast/ Orchid Black's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

From humble beginnings in a Beijing apartment to building a business teaching 50,000 students Chinese and Spanish worldwide, Tom Shugg is well versed in immersive learning. Whether it's changing diapers or expanding into a foreign market, Jim and Tom go deep on what it takes to build a company across country lines. 3 Key TakeawaysTrust the Market: As a business owner or leader, you likely have preconceived notions about what you think is right in your industry. But that's not always the case, one example - a lack of Spanish teachers in the US. Gamification Warning

In this episode of the Dirt, Graeme Barlow, a seasoned tech founder and entrepreneur, shares his unique journey from starting an online gaming currency business as a rebellious kid to spearheading a multi-million dollar software development agency in Ottawa, Canada. With a candid recount of his entrepreneurial ventures, Barlow dives into the lessons learned from expanding and then narrowing his company's focus, the pivotal shift to a retainer-based business model, and the importance of investing in people and culture. His story is a testament to the power of adaptability, the value of focused execution, and the unforeseen paths to success.Join Jim and Graeme as they unpack his unconventional path to tech company success …3 Key TakeawaysFocus is Critical for Growth: Maintain the focus on core competencies; expanding services can dilute your core competencies. Concentrating on your strengths leads to sustainable growth.Adaptability is Key: Embracing change and the willingness to pivot in response to market demands and internal assessments is crucial to survival.Culture and Leadership are Foundational: Develop a strong culture and invest in leadership training. This is critical for maintaining alignment and ensuring quality as a company scales.Resourceshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/graemebarlow https://www.graemebarlow.com/coaching https://www.iversoft.ca/About Our Guest Graeme Barlow, a serial entrepreneur with over 24 years of experience, has co-founded five companies, including a notable digital currency firm and RocketOwl Inc., which were both successfully acquired. He's significantly contributed to the pet industry through ProPetSoftware, achieving an ARR of over $1M. Leading Iversoft since 2016, he's driven its growth from a small team to over 50 members and nearly $10M in annual revenue, specializing in mobile and emerging technologies, and delivering impactful software solutions globally.About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black Jim Barnish's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast/ Orchid Black's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless...

In this episode of the Dirt, Jenny von Podewils, co-founder of Leapsome, shares the origin and mission of their people enablement platform, designed to help companies retain, develop, align, and engage their workforce. Starting from a personal realization of the gaps in organizational health and culture, Jenny and her co-founder embarked on a journey to create a solution that addresses these challenges. With a background in politics and economics, Jenny's pivot to entrepreneurship led to the development of Leapsome, which has seen remarkable growth and success, including a significant Series A funding. Through a focus on customer feedback, continuous learning, and challenging the status quo, Leapsome has become a crucial tool for companies worldwide, including industry giants like Spotify and Unity.Join Jim and Jenny as they unpack strategies on how to maximize employee engagement for a better culture…3 Key TakeawaysInvest in People Enablement: Focus on retaining, developing and engaging employees as a core strategy for business successEmbrace Feedback & Adaptability: Regularly solicit and act on feedback to improve and meet emerging challengesPrioritize Alignment and Clarity: Ensure that your team understands their roles, expectations, and how they contribute to the company's goalsResourceshttps://www.leapsome.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/leapsome/About Our Guest Jenny von Podewils is the co-founder and co-CEO of Leapsome, a people enablement platform backed by Insight Partners, Creandum, and Visionaries Club. Leapsome helps more than 1500 companies (including Spotify, Unity, and monday.com) build high-performing teams by driving employee development, productivity, and engagement.Jenny is an alumna of the Universities of St. Gallen and Oxford. Prior to Leapsome, Jenny led teams in business development, corporate development, and digital transformation roles in media and tech companies. In recognition of her work, Jenny was awarded Female Founder of the Year 2023 in the prestigious German Startup Awards and has been listed as one of the top 50 female entrepreneurs in Germany by Handelsblatt. Jenny lives in New York City with her husband and two children.About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black Jim Barnish's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast/ Orchid Black's LinkedIn:

Roy Cohen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Fetcherr, an Algo based company using an AI-based Generative Pricing Engine (GPE) to disrupt pricing and profitability in the airline industry. Join Jim and Roy as they go into the details of what it takes to build a company for profitability. Roy is in the business of making money; not raising capital. 3 Key TakeawaysEBITDA > ARR - Build a business to become cash positive. ARR does not meet the strategy to become profitable. Markets will go dark, but cash positive businesses will not go out of style. CEO KPI = Self Sufficiency - One of your goals as a CEO should be to make the company self-sufficient. Your job is to work yourself out of a job. Know Your Customers - Do you have a truly disruptive technology that solves a big problem, so much so that potential customers don't believe the problem can be solved? If that's the case, then be prudent about who you're selling to initially - identify and go after the trailblazers. ResourcesRoy Cohen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-cohen-a9a7093a/Fetcherr: https://www.fetcherr.io/About Our Guest Roy Cohen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Fetcherr. Roy has twenty years of experience in operational management, product strategy, and product and business development with large global companies.About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black Jim Barnish's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast/ Orchid Black's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

In this solocast, Jim Barnish explores three actions an international company needs to take when entering the US market. Some of what Jim gets into: Testing for Product Market Fit: An international company can have an amazing product, but if it doesn't resonate with the US market, then it's going to almost certainly fail. Understanding the cultural nuances and preferences of the American consumer base is crucial for penetrating the market effectively. Leverage a US-based Growth Consulting Firm: They'll have a deep cultural understanding, networking advantages, and market research expertise that you'll need to be successful. Embarking on your US expansion journey shouldn't be a crapshoot. To successfully enter the US market and avoid stumbling blocks, you need to carefully plan and execute a strategic market entry strategy. Be sure to listen to this episode for Jim's actionable strategies to avoid common mistakes. About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black Jim Barnish's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast/ Orchid Black's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Learn about how the strategic move towards a SaaS model is a golden ticket to maximizing the overall value of your business.In this solocast, Jim Barnish delves into four reasons why transforming your IP into a SaaS model is such a game changer. Some of what Jim gets into: Scalability is About Growing Smarter: In a SaaS model, it's not just about getting bigger; it's about getting smarter. Ideally, you should aim for the cost of serving an additional customer being close to zero. SaaS = Steady Revenue Streams: With a traditional product or service-based business, you're often chasing the next deal to keep the lights on. Turn your business into a SaaS subscription model, you'll make your revenue streams more consistent—as long as you continue providing value to your customers. Scalability and predictable revenue are just two reasons to transform your IP into a SaaS model. To hear Jim's take on increasing customer value and lowering operating costs, listen to the show. About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black Jim Barnish's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast/ Orchid Black's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

This is a recast of a previously aired episode about Katie Merrill's entrepreneurship journey while also building a family. Hear Katie's story as she walks host Jim Barnish through the challenges she has faced and continues to learn from.As a go-getter with a strong operations background, Katie was hyper focused on the day-to-day grind, but learned over time that she had to get out of her own way. Finding a COO combined with efforts to scale her sales team has been a game changer for the evolution of the business. Freeing up her time as the founder from the daily operations has allowed her to prioritize other areas to grow.Key TakeawaysShift focus from the day-to-day operations to other key strategic areas like product evolution, strategy, etc.You might be a founder, but that doesn't mean you know everything. Set aside your insecurities and don't be afraid to ask questions to mentors that have been there before.Put effort into building a scalable sales engine. It's a lot easier when founders aren't the only ones selling. ResourcesKatie's LinkedInB-Lynk websiteDare to Lead by Brené BrownRocket Fuel by Gino WickmanAbout Our Guest Katie Butcher-Merrill is CEO and Founder of B-Lynk, providing training services, including sales and end-user training on the Smart-Lynk managed service platform for over 40 BroadSoft based Service Providers and Hosted Unified Communications companies globally. Prior to this, Katie held supply chain management roles at both General Mills and The Mosaic Company. She is a graduate of Iowa State University.About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Many businesses are oblivious to how out of whack their Go-To-Market strategy is. In this solocast, Jim Barnish explores three critical opportunities for businesses that are out of alignment with their GTM strategy. Some of what Jim gets into: Trust Your Product Leads: Both CEOs and product leads understand customer pain points and the market. Yet sometimes a CEO makes decisions based on their gut, not data, while a product lead often has more direct access to customers and data, and thus a more in-depth understanding. Don't overlook the knowledge of your product leads! Build a SINGLE Revenue Team: If your sales and marketing teams are not on the same page, you're going to run into roadblocks. You need one one revenue team. Yes, they'll have different functional objectives, but they'll have the same overall goal—creating revenue and meaningful value for customers. Third opportunity? You'll have to listen to the podcast! About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

A company-wide commitment to customer success is essential for your business. But remember: it starts with you. In this solocast, Jim Barnish gets into actionable strategies for growth-stage companies building their first customer success team. Some of what Jim gets into: When A Company Scales, Sometimes Customers Get Left Behind: Problematically, many growth-stage companies prioritize acquiring new customers over customer success. They invest heavily in marketing and sales, yet overlook their legacy customers. While initially fruitful, this approach often overlooks the long term value of nurturing and retaining your customers. Hire Someone Who Knows Their Sh!t: To start building your customer success team right, be sure to hire a leader who knows the distinctions between the following: customer success, customer support, and sales. These functions seem similar, yet they have vastly different goals. Customer Metrics Are Your Roadmap to Success: It's crucial that you track metrics such as Net Revenue Retention (NRR), Gross Revenue Retention (GRR), Net Promoter Score (NPS), and Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT). These metrics are vital in understanding if your product/service is resonating with customers, and if your customers are satisfied. About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

If you want to unlock unprecedented growth in your business—which will lead to exceptional value creation—consider taking the leap and expanding into new markets, verticals, and offerings. In this solocast, Jim Barnish dives deep into strategies to ensure that your products or services cater to the needs and preferences of your new customers. Some of what Jim gets into: Before Jumping Into A New Market, Immerse Yourself In It: You can't just assume you and your team knows your audience, that your pricing strategy will be effective, and you'll be able to handle any risks that pop up. If you don't conduct extensive market research, you'll surely miss out on valuable insights that could make or break your business. Engage Early Adopters In A Pilot Program: Validating a business concept through a pilot isn't just about testing your new product. It's also about engaging with real customers who can provide actionable insights. Bonus points if you target early adopters who are much more likely to provide constructive criticism and be invested in your new offering's success. About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

In the realm of e-commerce, Heather Udo personifies success, innovation, and tenacity. A trailblazer who pushes what's possible for brands, publishers, and retailers, Heather has her finger on the e-commerce pulse. Join Jim and Heather as they dive into the business challenges of creating an innovative tech platform that transforms e-commerce shoppers into loyal buyers3 Key Takeaways- Raising Venture Capital Might Create Problems: If you successfully raise capital before your product is fully fine-tuned and before the market is ready, you could run into trouble. Take a feather out of Heather's cap: consider keeping a lean team and funding your growth via sales (bootstrapping). - Strategy First; Technology Second: If a company doesn't have a strong go-to-market strategy, it doesn't matter what your technology does. Strategy first. Technology second. It'll never work if you try to do it the other way around. - Educating Your Customers Can Be A Slow Burn: After Heather shared her e-commerce visions with some retailers and brands, many of them balked. They just weren't ready to do more than the required minimum with their online stores. But they could see the value in upping their digital game. Over the years, they came around. ResourcesHeather Udo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherudo/ Heather on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathermarieudo/Heather on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/heatherudo Shoppable: https://linktr.ee/Shoppable About Our Guest Heather Udo is the Founder and CEO of Shoppable, an e-commerce solution that helps brands, retailers, creators, and publishers power innovative commerce experiences such as ads, websites, mobile apps, and shops. Some of Heather's career highlights: - Won the 2013 Women in Digital Award from L'Oreal. - Named one of the ten “Most Powerful Millennials in Manhattan” by Gotham Magazine.- Identified as and one of the eleven “Tech Gurus Changing the Luxury Game” by Refinery29. - Holds three U.S. Patents for technology she invented.- Prior to Shoppable, participating in a successful exit as the business she co-founded was acquired. About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

As a business owner, you've turned dreams into reality, navigating challenges, and witnessing your venture grow from infancy to maturity. Yet there comes a time in every entrepreneur's life when the idea of selling your business becomes a reality. If that's you, two important questions you should ask yourself are: 1. "What's my level of confidence in meeting my goal for selling the business?" 2. "Am I mentally ready to exit my business?" These delve into the heart of a significant transition—one that requires both strategic planning and emotional preparedness.In this solocast, Jim Barnish brings you part 2 in his series about evaluating your readiness to sell your business and move onto the next entrepreneurial chapter in your life. Two key topics Jim gets into: Know Your Goal: Just like your initial plunge into entrepreneurship, embarking on the sale of your business requires a mix of optimism and preparation. It can be a tough process, especially mentally - it is recommended to have confidants that understand the process by your side to help bolster your confidence and build your exit strategy for success!Say Goodbye to the Familiar: Mentally preparing to exit your business is akin to preparing for a new chapter in life. Your business has likely become more than just a means of income; it's a part of your identity. Losing this part of you challenges you in new ways. It is best to have a plan for your life post-exit. About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Pricing & Packaging (P&P) doesn't need to be complex, but it does need to be purposeful.Does your pricing and packaging strategy entice new customers, retain loyal customers, and topple competitors? If not, how could you implement a P&P structure to do so?In this solocast, Jim Barnish identifies three keys for executing a pricing and packaging strategy to perfection:Set a Strategy: Like other areas of your business, you should be purposeful in setting your vision for what pricing and packaging means for your organization and what your goals are for this strategy. Validate Your Ideas With Research: Customer research is essential to understand their needs and preferences, which should be the core of any pricing and packaging strategy. Additionally, market research and competitive analysis also plays a crucial role because it allows you to communicate value to the market and position your product in its sweet spot. Different Customers Require Different Approaches: When implementing an overhaul of your pricing and packaging strategy, it's beneficial to group your customers into two groups: new customers and old customers. New customers are unaware of your historical prices, however, existing customers might resist changes in pricing and packaging, so a well-planned transition with over-communication, transparency, and customer support is crucial. Listen to Jim's Other Solocast About Pricing & Packaging This episode is Jim's second solocast about pricing. Here's his first episode: https://www.orchid.black/podcast/72In that episode, he talks about value-based pricing, packaging challenges, and understanding the competitive landscape when it comes to pricing and packaging. About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please subscribe.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Most business owners who have mastered growth eventually end up asking themselves questions like: How will I know if it's the right time to sell my business? What steps do I need to take to prepare my company for an exit? Where can I go for help?In this solocast, Jim Barnish outlines how to time a successful exit. Selling your business can be very stressful - lots can go wrong. However, when done correctly, a business owner can achieve life-changing results, both financial and emotional. Some of what Jim gets into: Understand your motivators: It can be beneficial to think through the different motivators all business owners have—financial motivators, strategic motivators, and personal motivators. Know when the time is right: A good time to sell your business is when you have a strong motivator, you are confident you will meet you financial goals, and you are psychologically prepared to sell.t Lessons from LinkedIn's exit: From this sale ($26 billion!), business owners can learn what an ideal transaction can look like, including tangible growth opportunities, ease of integration, complementary solutions and services, and ability to work together to grow market share.About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Ben Weiss has significantly impacted the cryptocurrency space not once, but twice. A bona fide crypto thought leader (there are a lot of crypto charlatans out there), Ben has led a company that has exceeded $1B in transaction volume and also gets deep into the weeds of cryptocurrency regulation. Oh, and Ernst & Young recently named him an Entrepreneur of the Year. Join Jim and Ben as they explore Ben's wild ride from dorm room to Bitcoin ATMs to dreams of connecting with a billion crypto users. 3 Key TakeawaysSimplify, Simplify, Simplify: Committing to making your product as easy-to-use as humanly possible will set you apart from competitors. Prioritize simplicity, intuitiveness, and a smooth user experience throughout every aspect of your product.Know Yourself: Building a business is a roller coaster ride. We can—like many business owners—lose our identities by intertwining them with our careers. Our personal worth shouldn't be so closely tied to the success of a business.Explain the Why: You hire executives to do a job. They're better than you at it (or you have a problem), so let them take care of the “how.” But for them to be most effective, they need to know the “why” in all that they do—that's your job as the leader! Resourceshttps://www.olliv.com/en-US/ https://coinflip.tech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/benweisscoinflip About Our Guest Ben Weiss co-founded CoinFlip in 2015 and served as the Chief Operating Officer before being appointed as Chief Executive Officer in April 2021. Since its inception, Ben has led the company's strategy and helped CoinFlip surpass $1B in transaction volume. In addition to running a burgeoning startup, Ben works with governing bodies towards cryptocurrency regulation. Regarded as a thought-leader in the crypto space, he is regularly interviewed by major news outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and The Washington Post, and has given several keynote speeches about the future of cryptocurrency.About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Many growth-stage companies make mistakes when it comes to pricing and packaging. If you're losing sales and experiencing negative brand impressions, maybe it's time you took a good hard look at your pricing and packaging. For starters, are you focusing on value or cost? In this solocast, Jim Barnish details simple solutions to rethink pricing and packaging for companies committed to growth. Some of what Jim gets into: Value-based pricing: Customers don't care about your cost structure or your margins. They care about achieving their desired outcomes at a fair price.Packaging challenges: Trying to align your offering to what customers perceive the value to be. Company Self-awareness: Understanding the competitive landscape (pricing, brand, etc.) and your place in the market. About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

In just two and a half years, with just six people, Adam Robinson bootstrapped his company, Retention.com, to $12M Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) with 6 employees. By next year, he's on target to hit $20M ARR. Join Jim and Adam as they explore the importance of taking calculated risks while building businesses.3 Key TakeawaysFocus First, Expand Later: Retention.com sells only to Shopify Plus (top-tier) stores. Find a niche (in the market) and exploit it. Worry about expanding after you've won that market. Experiment with Minimal Resources: Before throwing substantial amounts of time and money at a business idea, dedicate the least amount of resources to it to check if it's viable. Try experimenting as lean as possible. Only after you receive a strong signal back from the market should you throw significant capital at an idea. Market Variability is Real: Sometimes your business will have growth spurts where you're growing rapidly, and you'll need a larger sales force. At other times, it could seem like that sales force is twiddling their thumbs. Be aware of what's happening in your market and react appropriately.ResourcesVisit Retention's website: https://retention.com/Adam Robinson on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retentionadam Adam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RetentionAdam The Four Steps to the Epiphany: Successful Strategies for Products that Win, a book by Steve Blank that Adam recommends: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976470705/ About Our Guest Adam Robinson is the Founder and CEO of Retention.com. A former finance professional at Lehman Brothers, Adam launched Robly, an email marketing company. With no prior tech background, in two years he grew the bootstrapped startup to $5M in revenue. When a cutting-edge identity resolution feature he added to Robly gained user interest, he pivoted. With an 8-figure exit, he founded what would later become Retention.com. Today, Retention.com transforms anonymous website visitors into authenticated first-party data, helping clients unlock unparalleled high-ROI marketing flows.About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Tomer Azenkot joined Vee24, a video-powered digital customer experience platform, as CEO in 2022 to help brands accelerate their digital business. Amidst a cultural transformation in buyers' expectations, he believes that when a company delivers a great customer experience, growth will follow. Join Jim and Tomer as they talk about the future of customer engagement, specifically as it relates to the development of AI, chatbots, and video chat for in-store > online sales. 3 Key TakeawaysDifferentiate Yourself From Past Leaders: When Tomer started as CEO of Vee24, he learned that a previous CEO only visited their overseas team once in two years. Tomer visits them monthly. As a leader, you need to foster collaboration and innovation in your organization. If you're stuck, always lean on the side of investing extra time in your people.AI Ain't Gonna Solve Everything: Way too many people talk about how AI is revolutionizing the world. But people like people, and human interaction will continue to be essential in most businesses. We can't lose sight of the importance of person-to-person interaction. The data shows that people buy more from humans than bots.  Consider Becoming Extremely Transparent: When Tomer took over the reins of his company, he instigated an “overly transparent” system. All strategic tracking and OKR frameworks are viewable by the full team. No one wonders why things are being done. ResourcesTomer Azenkot on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomerazenkot/ Vee24's website: https://vee24.com/ Vee24 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vee24/ “The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers,” a book by Ben Horowitz that Jim and Tomer discuss in this episode: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062273205 About Our Guest Over the last decade of Tomer Azenkot's career, he has been at the intersection of online video and digital customer experience. Having a passion for building products and teams that focus on delighting customers, he has led multiple organizations in periods of rapid growth and success. He is currently CEO of Vee24.About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.P.S. Above, we wrote: “The data shows that people buy more from humans than bots.” We sourced that from Gil Press, “AI Stats News: 86% Of Consumers Prefer Humans To Chatbots”: 

Breaking through the $5 million revenue ceiling can be a slog. 95% of businesses find themselves unable to surpass this threshold. If you're approaching this level, and want to surpass it, you could focus on the negatives that are holding you back. Maybe its been poor hiring decisions. Maybe it's failure to continuously innovate. Maybe it's not keeping up with disruptive trends. Whatever it is, it's time to shift your focus so you can scale and prioritize long-term growth. In this solocast, Jim Barnish will walk you through three proven strategies that you can apply to your business to help you break the $5 million revenue ceiling. The three strategies are: Investing in a robust customer success team. Emphasizing product innovation. Harnessing the power of strategic partnerships. About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Doug Short is a trailblazer in the healthcare industry and is changing the way patients and hospitals think about health insurance and technology. Committed to using technology to transform the healthcare industry from a “diagnose and prescribe” model to a “predict and prevent” model, Doug is at the forefront of our nation's much needed healthcare revolution. Join Jim and Doug as they explore how millions of Americans are on the cusp of having personalized health plans that take into account everything from their gender to their metabolic disposition. 3 Key TakeawaysA Sexagenarian Startup: Doug refers to his company as a “60-year-old startup.” Being an entrepreneur is more than simply starting a business. It's a mindset. It's about repeatedly—perhaps over decades—creating something new and innovative.Healthcare Ripe for Disruption: Amazon outsmarted Sears. Netflix pummeled Blockbuster. All the current big healthcare companies have been around for a long time - and it shows. The industry is in need of innovation. Food for thought - what other industries increase their prices by 10%+ each year and people don't bat an eye? People eventually catch on (and vehemently oppose) to corporate greed.. Logic > Tradition: In 2023 insurance shouldn't be based solely on the demographic you're in. It should be based on you, and your individual lifestyle characteristics.   ResourcesDoug Short on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-short-clu-cfp-rhu-lutcf-20698056/ BeniComp Health Solutions on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/benicomp/ Learn about BeniComp's innovative health insurance solutions: https://www.benicomp.com/ About Our Guest As the CEO of BeniComp Health Solutions, Doug Short leads a team that creates tech products that solve healthcare challenges facing employers and individuals. Doug and his team believe in the importance of collaboration and are actively focused on establishing a proof-of-concept model for population health and empowering workforces with sustainable healthcare.About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Manik Suri is Founder and CEO of Therma, a technology startup whose mission is to combat climate change by reducing food waste, refrigerant leakage, and energy use from the global refrigeration system. Therma is deployed across restaurants, retailers, and manufacturers nationwide, with leading brands including McDonald's, 7-Eleven, NOW Foods, and Marriott Hotels.Join Jim Barnish and Manik Suri as they discuss innovations in the cooling industry, creating an app customers loved yet rarely used, pivoting your business, expanding your sales channels, and experimenting with various business strategies until you find a few that work.  3 Key TakeawaysUnderstand Your Customer Acquisition Model: In the past, Therma offered a freemium model, but got burned by customers' churn before the recurring revenue started. Focus on paying customers to better understand what top of funnel customer acquisition works for you.Raising Capital Is Not the End Game: “Raising money is really a tool, not an end. It's just a way to scale impact and do things faster.” Bridging the Divide: Mass media might make you think that the government and tech companies are at odds with each other. But if you get to know the people involved, it might surprise you to see that they are two groups of people working towards similar outcomes. ResourcesManik Suri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maniksuri/Manik Suri on Twitter: https://twitter.com/manikvsuri Therma website: https://hellotherma.com/Therma on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hellotherma About Our Guest Manik Suri is the Founder and CEO of technology company Therma. Before founding Therma, Manik co-founded the Governance Lab (GovLab), an innovation center at NYU that developed technology solutions to improve government. He is a former Affiliate of Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet & Society and has held positions at global investment firm D.E. Shaw & Company and the White House National Economic Council. Before founding Therma, Manik co-founded the Governance Lab (GovLab), an innovation center at NYU that developed technology solutions to improve government. He is a former Affiliate of Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet & Society and has held positions at global investment firm D.E. Shaw & Company and the White House National Economic Council. About The Dirt Podcast The Dirt is about getting real with businesses about the true state of their companies and going clear down to the dirt in solving their core needs as a business. Dive deep with your host Jim Barnish as we uncover The Dirt with some of the world's leading brands.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAbout Our CompanyOrchid Black is a new kind of growth services firm. We partner with tech-forward companies to build smarter, better, game-changing businesses. Website: https://www.orchid.black LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrchidBlack All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

If you're feeling powerless and frustrated as you keep investing time and money into your company, only to see diminishing returns and waning interest from prospects, you are not alone!In this solocast, Jim Barnish offers insights and strategies for thriving in declining industries. Jim focuses on three key strategies, which, if executed correctly, will boost business growth and enterprise value. Hear the transformation stories of Netflix, Adobe and Domino's (didn't think they were a tech company, did you?) in this episode.Some of what we'll get into:How to transform your business model to thrive in the rapidly changing landscapeEmbracing new technology in order to enhance your business relevance and valueBroadening your horizons by tapping into adjacent marketsIf you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Tommy Sheahan is the CEO of Red Oxygen, a leading developer and distributor of email to SMS software applications. His company combines the power of today's email applications with the ease, convenience and mobility of SMS messaging. This technology is more important than ever with new regulations on text-messaging that could cost businesses big time. Join Tommy and Jim as they talk about the growth of Red Oxygen and how it is changing the game for business-to-consumer messaging.You'll hear about getting into a market too early, the current regulatory issues facing mobile carriers and the negative impact on small businesses, and how Red Oxygen provides a solution to these issues. 3 Key TakeawaysGet Team Feedback: Empower your team to feel like owners in the business. Get their input on where your company is and where they think it should be going. It might open your eyes to things you don't see from your point of view.Have a Well-Rounded Advisor: As founders or CEOs, we like to think we know the company best, but having a well-rounded, experienced advisor by your side can help you see the “forest from the trees,” as Tommy says. He also claims it's helpful when they have a few gray hairs!Follow the Playbook - There are (most likely) people that have done what you're looking to do. Don't reinvent the wheel, find comparable companies that are a step or two ahead of you and follow the roadmap they've created. ResourcesTommy's LinkedInRed Oxygen WebsiteAbout Tommy Sheahan is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry. He is a strong business development professional skilled in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Sales, Go-to-market Strategy, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Mobile Applications.Established in Australia in 2001, Red Oxygen is one of the world's leading developers and distributors of email to SMS software applications and related desktop messaging software. Red Oxygen combines the power of today's email applications with the ease, convenience and mobility of SMS messaging. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

During his time in university, Joseph Black discovered a pivotal flaw in the current education to employment gap. Many of his peers either lacked the experience to go into their desired field after graduating, or had to leave school altogether due to the rising cost of living, so Joseph decided to create a platform to change that. As the Co-Founder & CEO of UniTaskr, Joseph built a platform connecting students with quick & reliable part-time work by providing tasks set by members of the local community. Join Joseph and Jim as they talk about building Joseph and his co-founder's vision of tackling the student financial crisis into a usable, successful platform. They'll get into mistakes and pivots made early on in the process, marketing strategies to grow the platform (Word on the street Gen-Z uses this platform called TikTok)and UniTaskr's evolution from local to global by focusing on the demand for highly skilled remote workers. 3 Key TakeawaysThe Difference Between a Boss and a Leader: “A boss will dictate, a leader will work alongside you.” As a founder, it can be easy to fall into the mindset that you have to always be the boss, but a leader keeps their team motivated, creates transparency, and gets people invested in the company values. Are you a boss, or are you a leader? Know Your Employees with Regular Touchpoints: At UniTaskr, they have “quarterly appraisals'' that act as a touchpoint with each employee to give them the opportunity to discuss their progress at work, set key milestones, and share how they're feeling within their day-to-day roles. This creates happier employees more invested in your company's vision and more likely to stick with you.Having a Technical Cofounder Helps: Newsflash - It can be  tough to build a tech company if none of the founding team knows how to code. As you're looking to start a company, find people that fill the gaps you have; none more important than someone that can build the product!ResourcesJoseph's LinkedInAbout From a reusable golf ball seller at age 11 to safari ranger at 16, Joseph's journey to founding his current company (UniTaskr) at 19 has been a meteoric rise. UniTaskr - The Student Marketplace, has been created in order to tackle the student financial crisis. Students all over the world are constantly on the lookout for ways to earn money effectively around their studies. Meanwhile members of the general public and local businesses are constantly on the lookout for ways of cutting costs.UniTaskr allows students to find quick & reliable part time work, through accepting tasks set by members of the local community. Upon signing up, students are able to highlight any key tasks they believe they can complete, then when a member of the public posts a request, the right students are notified.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

In this solocast, Jim Barnish shares his 3 decision making methods for founders and CEOs, and more importantly, how to involve your team in those decisions to get them invested in the results. If you've ever struggled to truly align your team  with business decisions, this episode is for you. Some of what we'll get into:How to improve your decision-making processThe pros and cons of each decision-making method and difference between Type 1 and Type 2 decisionsCreating buy-in from your team and keeping them investedIf you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Chris Federspiel, the Founder and CEO of blackthorn.io, has grown his company from a small team of developers to 105 employees and millions in monthly revenue.The Blackthorn Engagement Suite features Salesforce-native applications for events, payments, compliance, messaging, and more. The success of blackthorn.io continues to grow, but like many founders, Chris' journey hasn't always been an easy one. Join Chris and Jim as they discuss the founding and growth of blackthorn.io, supporting employees and keeping them happy (with a 4-day work week!), overcoming struggles with funding and a “near-death experience” for the business, and the mental battles along the founder journey and the weight of building a company. 3 Key TakeawaysThe Brilliance to Kill: As Jim puts it, “The brilliance to kill often outweighs the brilliance to create.” Don't be afraid to stop something that you know isn't working, no matter how much time you've already put into it. Know when to cut your losses and move on to the next big thing for your business. Work Where Your Patience Is: We tend to perform best with tasks we have the most patience for. Make sure you're bringing on people who have patience where you don't so you can focus on what you're best at as a CEO. Tinker until the Price is Right: Chris received some counterintuitive (but valuable) advice on pricing that many business owners miss: “Double your price until people say you're crazy, then double it again.” ResourcesChris' LinkedInblackthorn.io WebsiteAbout Blackthorn.io makes Salesforce apps for higher education and nonprofits for event management, and home services for mobile payments. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

With years of experience in fundraising, founding and working with nonprofits, and studying the nonprofit sector at graduate and law school, Nejeed Kassam saw the potential for more to be done to strengthen the organizations and professionals who work tirelessly every day to make our society better. That's why he founded Keela, a complete software solution for nonprofits looking to grow revenue, manage data, track performance, and deepen their donor engagement. Join Nejeed and Jim as they discuss nonprofits and how Keela can help them use technology  to do more for their communities. They'll talk about the digital transformation of non-profit operations, the shift in mindset required to scale a business, and the transparency needed with your team to better communicate and prioritize as you grow.3 Key TakeawaysCreate Your Own Growth Formula: Nejeed is happy to veer from the typical growth formula for his company to be more intentional and drive the business forward in the best way he can. He says it best, “it's not growth at all costs. It's growth in the right way, in the most repeatable, scalable, repeatable way”. Be Careful About What You Build: Scaling your business usually comes with a drastic change to the way you've been doing things. Your focus shifts, your mindset shifts, and you find what got you to your first milestone might not get you to the second, third, or fourth. Embrace the shift and don't let the business stagnate.Being a Good CEO = Being a Good Coach: A huge part of your role as the leader of a company is coaching your team to be their own leaders and tackle their own challenges. Sure, it might seem easier to do it all yourself at first, but that isn't scalable. Empowering young leaders and teaching them to grow their skills will only help you and your business in the long run.ResourcesNejeed's LinkedInKeela WebsiteAbout After years of fundraising, founding and working with nonprofits, authoring a book about change, and studying more about the nonprofit sector at graduate and law school, Nejeed Kassam realized more had to be done to strengthen the organizations and professionals who work tirelessly every day, to make our society better.Nejeed believes a strong nonprofit sector is fundamental to our freedom, harmony, protection, success, and growth as a society. Keela was born out of a desire to strengthen the nonprofit sector. Nejeed understands that technology is more than capable of transforming the way we work, fundraise, build relationships with donors and do good, and Keela's tools are setting the pace for the future of the nonprofit sector. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

In our inaugural solocast, Jim Barnish dives into a topic that founders don't talk enough about: founder burnout. If you want to unlock the secret to thriving both personally and professionally as a founder, this episode is for you.  Some of what we'll get into:- Identifying founder burnout and its impact- Jim's personal experience with founder burnout and lessons learned- Practical tips to simultaneously scale your business AND personal life Direct links to podcast:Spotify – http://bit.ly/spotify-authentic Apple – http://bit.ly/apple-authentic YouTube – https://bit.ly/youtube-authentic Connect with me:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjmsalespro Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rjmsalespro/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/rjmsalespro Web – http://ryanjamesmiller.com/ If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Zack Dugow, the Founder and CEO of Insticator, has mastered user engagement for publishers. He believes that the future of social media lies outside of the walled gardens of platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Insticator builds social communities for publishers to connect audiences on their sites by curating relevant content for their users. Much like Facebook's algorithm pushes content they think you'll like based on your Facebook interactions, now publishers can interact with users to learn what they like and increase ad revenue with a better picture of your audience. In this episode, Zack tells you exactly how that works and shares all the benefits Insticator provides for publishers and their users.  Join Zack and Jim as they talk about building strong publisher communities for improved user engagement. They discuss maximizing ad revenue, building strong teams and the potential pitfalls of acquisitions, and creating a better experience for users without sacrificing privacy. 3 Key TakeawaysDefine Success for the Stage: Sometimes your team's skill sets are really helpful to the business in one stage may but they not be helpful in the next stage. Question to ponder, what would it look like having an A-player in a leadership seat where you currently have a B or C-player?'When Acquiring Companies, Create a Cultural Diligence Checklist: So many M&A deals fall short post-acquisition  because of a cultural mismatch. When acquiring a company, learn about their culture (e.g., do people answer the phone after hours, are they team-first or customer-first, etc.) by asking questions and building a checklist to see how the organizations align culturally.Check Yourself: Grind culture is highly celebrated in the entrepreneurial world, but when it comes to your work as a CEO, quality is better than quantity. A well-rested,physically active CEO makes better decisions than one who is burnt out. ResourcesZack's LinkedInZack's InstagramAbout Zack is the Founder and CEO of Insticator, a leading global Publisher engagement platform. With over 100+ team members spanning the globe and nearly 2000 publishers utilizing their content engagement units, commenting, and monetization solutions, Insticator is considered one of the most rapidly expanding companies in North America, with their products reaching over 2 billion users annually.Over the last four years, the company has been named to the Inc. 5000, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, Crain's New York Business Fast 50, and AdWeek's Fastest Growing Solution Providers for Publishers lists. I have also been recognized on the DMN Top 40 Under 40 list and named to Crain's New York's 40 Under Forty list.Early on, Zack established Insticator partnerships with large-scale media companies such as The Washington Post, WebMD, and Ancestry.com. In addition to heading Insticator, Zack mentors and invests in startups. Zack is a member of YPO, the IAB and a contributor to the Forbes Tech Council.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Most content creators are very familiar with the never-ending game of email ping-pong to get content edited and approved. Niklas Dorn, a creative and ambitious entrepreneur, identified this problem and founded Filestage, a platform that streamlines content review and approval processes. With a passion for finding a more efficient and innovative way to enhance workflows, the Filestage team has developed a powerful solution to improve communication and collaboration for content creators worldwide. As a result, Filestage now boasts over 700 customers and helps marketing teams and agencies save time and resources during their content approval process.Join Niklas and Jim as they discuss the benefits of streamlining content review and approval using this game-changing platform. You'll get to hear about Niklas' experience in starting a remote company (before it was cool) and understand all the steps he had to take to turn an innovative idea into a successful platform and business.  3 Key TakeawaysInvest in Your Core Team: In the early days, it can be easy to fall into the pattern of hiring cheap just to get things done. But at the end of the day, paying more for a few key people that are all-star employees can make all the difference. Explain the Why: If you want something from somebody, try to give them as much context as you can. Without knowing the bigger picture behind it, an employee may just complete the task and move on, but with context, they can do a much better job and even come up with a new solution or process to make the task more efficient in the future. Intentionally Communicate: As the co-founder of a fully remote business, Niklas has learned that nothing “just happens” communication-wise. You need to be explicit about how you communicate and what you share with your team to shape the company culture in a proactive way. ResourcesFilestage WebsiteNiklas' LinkedInAbout Filestage is a review and approval platform that frees teams from chaotic approval processes, making work more joyful and productive. From large enterprises to independent agencies, we help teams share, discuss, and approve all their files, all in one place – including documents, images, videos, websites, and audio files. Filestage was founded in 2015 by Niklas and his two cofounders and is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, with a remote team working all over the world.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

With a degree in international studies and training in software development, Michael O'Rourke possesses a unique blend of skills and knowledge that has shaped his understanding of technology and its potential impact on the world. Michael is Co-Founder and CEO of Pocket Network, a Web3 middleware protocol that provides a decentralized infrastructure for blockchain node interaction. Join Michael and Jim as they discuss Michael's initial foray into Bitcoin that led to a unicorn Web3 company. You'll gain insight on the importance of a tempered mindset, finding internal harmony between public service and entrepreneurism, and navigating leadership shifts to get to the next stage.3 Key TakeawaysPurposeful Hiring: When a business starts to do well and we see significant growth, it's easy to get excited and hire rapidly. Take your time and be strategic and intentional with new hires.. Remember: hiring faster doesn't mean you scale faster!Don't Sleep on Web3: Bitcoin (beginning of Web3) became mainstream in the last decade and was only created in 2009  before rising above a trillion dollar market cap. With people losing faith in our current institutions, there is an opportunity for founders to build up new institutions in the decentralized world of Web3. It's Lonely at the Top: You know what's tough? Building a high-growth business. What's even tougher? Letting go of the leadership team that helped get you to where you're at, knowing (on both sides) that they're not going to be the team to get you to the next level. ResourcesPocket Network WebsiteMichael's TwitterAbout Michael is Co-Founder and CEO of Pocket Network, a blockchain data ecosystem for Web3 applications. Prior to building Pocket Network, he owned and operated a blockchain development agency, and was on the ground level of Tampa Bay's largest Bitcoin/Crypto meetup and consultancy, Blockspaces, with a focus on teaching developers Solidity. Michael first got into bitcoin in 2013, and his interests quickly grew much deeper. In 2016, writing smart contracts and making discoveries in API services for Ethereum gave Michael a unique perspective on what is required to provide a vertically and horizontally scalable infrastructure service in a decentralized manner.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

For Ben Goldman, no challenge is insurmountable with a great work ethic and willingness to hustle. Having grown his own business, successfully exiting and becoming a leader in the acquiring company, you won't want to miss out on his story. As the Senior Vice President of Business Development and Digital Partnerships at Anteriad, it's Ben's job to be an expert in understanding marketing, sales, strategy, and how the three fit together to acquire your ideal customer. With his company's focus on programmatic marketing, Ben is uniquely positioned as business development and sales leader that really understands how all parts in the revenue cycle work together. Join Ben and Jim as they discuss intent-based marketing and sales with automation. They'll talk about the obstacles Ben faced on his journey as a founder, how his company was acquired and how he dealt with the transition. Ben will give his expert advice on creating a winning sales and marketing strategy. 3 Key TakeawaysA Good Company Has (Some) Tension: When your company has healthy tension it means you've all chosen a goal worthy of your time, and you all feel the passion and drive to get it to where it needs to be. Something is off if the leadership team is always agreeing.Your Challenge Is Also Your Gift: Growing up with dyslexia presented many challenges for Ben, but he wouldn't have it any other way. He turned his challenges into a creative mind, a relentless hustle, and an incredible work ethic that has got him where to where he is today. Choose the Right Advisors: When picking advisors, you pick people that have done the things you want to do. If you're looking to become a $50M company, then your advisors should have built a company to $50M. Otherwise, how could they successfully advise you on getting to that point? ResourcesBen's LinkedInAbout Ben is currently the SVP of Business Development and Digital Partnerships at Anteriad. He was the co-founder and CRO at 180byTWO prior to being acquired by Anteriad (formerly MeritB2B) in 2020. At Anteriad, they leverage cutting edge technology, analytics, and data insights to drive our approach to data solutions and audience services. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Jonathan Kazarian knows how beneficial events can be for businesses to reach their audience and improve brand awareness, but he also knows how stressful and time-consuming hosting these events can be. He saw a gap in the market for user-friendly and cost-effective event technology. That's why Jonathan founded Accelevents, which has become a leading event technology platform with a user-friendly, customizable experience for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.Jonathan gives his advice on catering to customer feedback, navigating fundraising, and building a strong and loyal customer base. He also shares what it was like to pivot into virtual events during the 2020 pandemic, and how that space in the market is still booming today. 3 Key TakeawaysThe Customer Is The Catalyst: Make your company as accessible as possible to customers who want to give feedback. Be focused on listening to that feedback and let them know action is being taken to actively improve your service for them. Supporting your customers means they're supporting you. Push Your Team: Top performers want to be challenged. The best people in the company aren't looking for an easy job, they're looking to continue building the company, and by extension, their career. Keep them in a position where there is something to be gained New To Events? De-Risk!: The safest way to dive into hosting events for your business is to go virtual. It's less expensive, less time consuming, and it will set your audience up to expect great things so that when you start doing in-person events, you've got a built-in audience that will make them a success. ResourcesAccelevents WebsiteJonathan's LinkedInAbout Jonathan Kazarian is the Founder & CEO of Accelevents, a leading virtual and hybrid event management platform recently recognized by Inc. 5000 as a top 100 fastest-growing private company in America.As CEO, Jonathan is focused on leading the company's vision of helping event organizers and marketing professionals transform their events through innovative technology solutions. As an industry thought leader, Jonathan actively publishes insights on the events landscape and frequently speaks at industry events such as EventMB's Event Tech Innovation Summit, BizBash Live, and INBOUND. Jon also chairs the board for the Fall Formal fundraiser benefiting the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Outside of work, Jon has a passion for anything on water — sailing, boating, scuba diving, and kiteboarding. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Jim Barnish is the Founding Managing Partner of Orchid Black and the host of The Dirt podcast. Orchid Black is a consulting firm that focuses exclusively on revenue-positive start-ups looking to make an exit within three years. This conversation discusses the nuances of Orchid Black's unique business model, the hurdles and opportunities facing companies looking to scale, and how to balance working with multiple start-ups.    You can learn more about Orchid Black at orchid.black, and The Dirt podcast is streaming on all podcast platforms. 

With the exponential growth of data in organizations, cyberattacks are becoming frequent and costing American companies millions and risking their reputations. Kevin Coppins, President and CEO of Spirion, knows just how much is at risk when it comes to employee data. When he stepped into his role as CEO, he made sure that the founder's vision to “eliminate data breaches and the pain associated with them” stayed very much alive. Join Jim and Kevin as they dive into the cybersecurity threats businesses face with the use of sensitive employee and consumer data. They discuss the importance of companies understanding the value of the information they have in order to protect it, how Covid has changed the world of cybersecurity, and Kevin's experience transitioning into a CEO role and taking over a company from its founders.  3 Key TakeawaysProtect the Digital You: The digital version of you is almost as valuable as the physical version of you, and you have to protect it accordingly. This is even more important for businesses, who have tons of “digital people” to protect.Choose the Right Buyer : Choosing the right buyer for your company can make or break your company moving forward. Take the time to do your research and find the buyer with the greatest propensity to drive the company where you want it to go. (Hint: It's not always the highest bidder!)Make Customers Successful, Not Happy: Counterintuitive? Maybe. Effective? Definitely. In some industries (e.g., Cybersecurity), not every interaction is going to make customers feel good. There will be tough conversations because data integrity and protection is a high-stakes game and many companies don't do it right. As a vendor, your job is to make the customer successful (i.e., data and assets secure) - this will cultivate a mutual respect and make for successful, long-term customers. ResourcesSpirion WebsiteKevin's LinkedInKevin's TwitterAbout As Chief Executive Officer at Spirion, Kevin leads a team of passionate data privacy professionals driven daily to “Protect What Matters Most” for their customers, colleagues and communities. Data breaches continue to grow with more than 33 billion records projected to be stolen in 2023, a 175% increase over 2018. As a result, privacy has taken legislative center stage as people's physical identities become digitized into a form of personal data currency, for sale to the highest bidder. The real victims of a data breach are those individuals who will forever have to deal with their identities being compromised. It's why Spirion takes what they do so seriously, and it's why Kevin is honored to be a part of this team.  If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Workers share more data with their employers than with any other service. Whether it's work history, educational experience,family structure, etc. employers have all of this information at their fingertips. What if that data could be used to deliver a better experience for every employee? That's the question that Kiran Menon asked when he founded Tydy, a People Ops Automation platform. Kiran believes with the increasing number of systems in organizations, employee data is just sitting in silos, and he saw a need for a product to build a cohesive, unified profile of an individual.Join Jim and Kiran as they discuss how a People Ops platform can improve the employee experience. They discuss whatPeople Ops means and its growing popularity, building custom systems for large businesses (we're talking 100,000+), and how Kiran's experience in enterprise sales translates to his work as a founder of a startup. 3 Key TakeawaysDon't Shy Away From the Rough Days: When building a business, it's inevitable that you'll go through rough patches. Embrace those challenges as they come and build back better every time. You want to build an organization that lasts. Identify Your Gatekeepers: Although these aren't the people who are actually purchasing your service, gatekeepers have a huge influence on whether or not your deal goes through. Find a way to show value to them and how you can make them look good in the sales process! Navigating Procurement: When selling to an enterprise, you're not just selling to the user-group of the product, you have to convince the whole company to get on board. In many cases, this means you will need to go through a procurement process. Be patient, focus on the overall value of your product, and trust in what you've created. ResourcesKiran's LinkedInTydy Company WebsiteAbout Kiran Menon is the CEO & Co-Founder at Tydy - the People Ops Automation platform. Prior to starting Tydy, Kiran worked 17 years in Sales & Consulting with companies like Opera Software, Case Consulting Group and more.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Whether it's a new sport, a new language, or a new instrument, we can't master a skill overnight. We learn by practicing and making mistakes along the way. That isn't an option in the medical field because lives are at stake. That's why Danny Goel, the founder and CEO of Precision OS, has created a simulation software that incorporates VR and AR to allow medical professionals to practice their skills and gain a deeper understanding of a procedure before entering the operating room.Join Jim and Danny as they explore virtual reality in the medical field. Danny shares his journey in creating Precision OS as they talk about the future of medical care and the challenges that come with implementing new technology in an industry that's baked in tradition.3 Key TakeawaysValidate Before You Scale: Don't raise funds until you see a direct path towards acceleration. Make sure your agenda aligns with your investor's agenda, and that the money you raise will go straight into creating tangible results for the goals you have set. Feature vs. Value: Don't focus simply on the wow-factor of your product or service. Creating value that lasts is the key to a sustainable future. Valuable Reps > More Reps: People need repetition to learn a skill, but a lot of learning gets diluted in people not being equipped for different situations. e.g., If you're practicing 3-point shots, yes you should take plenty of shots alone to hone your form, but you also need reps where you have a defender in your face because that's what you'd face in the game situation. ResourcesDanny's LinkedInPrecision OS WebsiteAbout Danny Goel is an Orthopedic Surgeon in Vancouver, BC. He has a passion for evaluating and managing complex shoulder disorders, improving access to care and educating the next and current generations of surgeons. This has translated into his role as CEO and Founder of Precision OS, a software company focused on immersive experiential virtual reality based medical education.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

The world is becoming more digital by the second, but not everyone is up to speed. Serial entrepreneur, Matias Marquez, helps brands connect with consumers with digital assets. His company, ethos, works with brands   to provide digital assets (i.e., NFTs) to customers that have real-world benefits.    Join Jim and Matias as they discuss bringing Web3 to consumer brands.They talk about digital asset ownership, engaging  your consumer base, and exit lessons learned.3 Key TakeawaysSimplify technology: Make new technology (i.e., NFTs) so simple that users don't know what they're interacting with - just that it works and they like it! e.g., You don't know what happens with the payment interface when you use Apple Pay at Starbucks, it just works seamlessly. Exit Intentionally: Some business owners are intentional about every aspect of their business until they get to the exit. Don't stop being intentional at the end - be mindful of all three parties that matter: employees, customers and shareholders. Yes, that means business owners not simply taking the largest offer… Follow the Vision: Create an environment where you're thinking about the long-term goals of the business (including exit) and chart a path towards it. You can't get somewhere if you don't know the end goal. Resourcesethos Company Websiteethos Company LinkedInMatias's LinkedIn Matias's Twitter Matias's InstagramAbout Matias Marquez is the CEO of ethos, a company that is on a mission to accelerate the world's mass adoption of Digital Assets (NFTs) by humanizing, simplifying and facilitating rich experiences for brands and their customers. Matias is also an active advisor and investor in technology companies and a PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs Ambassador. Matias founded Buyatab in 2009, led it to become a global leader in digital gift giving and sold it to Atlanta-based FLEETCOR Technologies. (NYSE: FLT). By the time of the acquisition, Buyatab's clients included brands such as Walmart, Whole Foods, Four Seasons, and others.Throughout his career, Matias has received many awards for his entrepreneurial success, including being named a BC Business Top 30 Under 30 recipient in 2016; winner of the 2016 EY Entrepreneur of The Year award; being named to Canada's Top 40 Under 40 for 2017; and being named a Forty Under 40 recipient in 2018. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Companies, enterprises, entrepreneurs, and individuals face security threats every day, and Tony UcedaVelez has spent over 25 years understanding and dealing with those threats. During this time, he realized that the cybersecurity industry desperately needed a makeover. He created the company, VerSprite, to fill a void in security consulting where most firms continued to sell their services using fear-factor techniques (“You don't want your organization to face an 8-digit hack, do you..”) instead of value-added services.Join Tony and Jim as they discuss the methodology and practices that have brought VerSprite to the forefront of cybersecurity and risk management. They'll talk about managing risk with intention, scaling a cybersecurity services business, and a spiritual approach to leadership with compassion and accountability.3 Key Takeaways:- Don't Let Fear Control You: Sometimes our fear allows us to validate business decisions that turn out to be bad for the company in the long run. - Be tactical and intentional, don't let a knee-jerk reaction be your response when something goes wrong.  - Secure Your Business with Intention: Understand the risk appetite of your company and the threat landscape of your industry. Set up security where the risk is most relevant. You don't need all the bells and whistles that many companies try to scare you into wasting money on. - Bring in the Experts: As entrepreneurs, we have to not only hone our own skills and strengths but know when to delegate tasks to other experts. Bringing on the right people and giving them the right tasks will make or break your business. ResourcesTony's LinkedInVerSprite WebsiteAbout Tony UcedaVélez is the co-creator of the Process for Attack Simulation & Threat Analysis and the CEO of VerSprite. Tony has over 25 years of IT/InfoSec work experience across a vast range of industries. He is also the OWASP leader for Atlanta, GA.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

A good partnership can accelerate building a successful business, and guest Todd Buelow knows firsthand just how advantageous they can be through their work at Dualboot, a 400-person software development company he and his two business partners founded.Join Todd and Jim as they discuss the advantages and challenges associated with partnerships and growing companies alongside others. From finding partners that have complementary strengths and weaknesses, to staying aligned on a plan (shoutout to other EOS practitioners out there) and even running a business alongside your spouse - this episodes has a little something for everyone.3 Key TakeawaysChoosing Dev Teams: Pick a development team that's right for your stage. 100% of development companies will say they're good at building from the ground up, but the reality is ~20% are actually adept at that.Accountability in Partnerships: Utilize some type of operating system (EOS, OKRs, V2MOM, etc.) to provide visibility into what you're doing. Check in regularly (quarterly goal setting, weekly progress reports, etc.) to hold each other accountable.Failing Fast: As an entrepreneur, you're going to fail so do it fast. Failing fast means getting up trying something different. 90 days is a good barometer to figure out if something (marketing initiative, customer experiment, etc.) is worth investing more resources into or eliminating.  ResourcesDualboot Company WebsiteDualboot LinkedIn PageTodd's LinkedInAbout Dualboot is a business and software development company. When they build your software, it builds your bottom line. Their Founders have 25 years of experience starting, leading, and selling tech companies and products. They know what it takes - and will do whatever it takes - to help you succeed, too.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Lars Helgeson knows that the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) space is crowded, with Goliaths like SalesForce, Oracle, HubSpot, and Pipedrive taking up their well-established places. But, a strong believer in the underdog, he bootstrapped a multimillion-dollar business and carved out his own space in the CRM and marketing automation industry. In this episode, Lars joins host Jim Barnish to share his go-to marketing strategy that has allowed him to consistently acquire new customers while competing with more established companies. They discuss making your product stand out, understanding client-company relationships as a whole, and thinking through the lens of the customer. 3 Key TakeawaysCommoditization: Innovative technology today will become a commodity over time. Figure out how you stand out (i.e., GTM approach, pricing strategy, feature set, etc.), and lean into it to differentiate from competitors. Feedback Loop: Honest feedback, especially negative, is necessary for innovation.Company Priorities: If you take care of your employees, your employees will take care of your customers, and your customers will take care of the businessResourcesLars Helgeson's LinkedInGreenrope Company WebsiteGreenrope LinkedIn PageAbout Lars Helgeson is a retired Air Force veteran, the Author of CRM For Dummies, and the Founder of GreenRope CRM and marketing automation platform. He is dedicated to helping businesses grow and run more efficiently through the concept of "Complete CRM" by using software to build a culture of accountability and team-based sharing of sales, marketing, customer service, and operations in business. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE. For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcast All contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Josh Holloway, founder and CEO of 7th Dimension, joins Jim Barnish on this episode to talk about all things growth. How do you navigate when your business plateaus and you feel stuck, whether that's at $2 million, $5 million, or $10 million? Should you invest funds into organic growth through marketing and sales, or consider an acquisition? How do you ensure your company is in order to handle the growth you're aiming for? Tune into Josh and Jim's insightful conversation as they dive into answering these questions.3 Key TakeawaysHiring strategy: It should reflect your vision for the company. You need to hire people that will succeed where the company is going, not just where it is today.. If they can handle the workload at $2 or $3 million, but not the $5-10 million you plan to get to in a few years, they're probably not a fit. Content Marketing: Campaigns take time and iterations. Be patient! Test outreach to a reasonable segment of people (more than a few dozen, less than a few hundred) over a multi-month timeframe to get an idea of what works or doesn't work. Mergers and acquisitions: Before you jump into one, consider that you're taking on a new set of problems to solve, not just new revenue. Make sure your house (company) is stable enough to handle the new expansion. Acquisitions enhance (the good and bad) what is already in place. ResourcesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-holloway-2692147/ Website: https://www.7thdi.com/The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene: https://a.co/d/9P9nF5m About Josh Holloway has over 24 years of experience in the IT infrastructure and IT security industry. He serves as CEO at 7thDi that services hundreds of clients in multiple industries across the United States. Josh specializes in managed IT services, network design, and implementation.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

“I can't describe it, but I know it when I see it,” is pretty common when describing a company's culture. But not so much for Bobby Mason, CEO of SPOC Automation. Bobby joins host Jim Barnish to talk about how his company has defined their “Lift Up” culture and how that culture has redefined what success means for their company. Listen in to see how lifting up in every aspect of the business - yourself, your team, your customers, your innovation - can't help but lift up the company itself.3 Key TakeawaysHiring strategy = culture strategy. The people you hire need to be hired (and fired) based on culture. Align with people that believe what you believe and you can succeed with that.  Rate your meetings. This is a rarely used, but highly effective, tactic that forces organizations to critically think about the effectiveness and necessity of meetings they're in. Host Note: Check out this article on Level 10 meetings to get an example of what this process can look like: https://hypercontext.com/blog/meetings/the-level-10-meeting-agenda#what-is-a-level-10-meetingThe top barrier to growth is people and communication.ResourcesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-l-mason-9122817/SPOC Automation website: https://spocautomation.com/SPOC Automation Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SpocAutomationExtreme Ownership by Jocko Willink: https://a.co/d/1CrWuuzAbout Bobby Mason is CEO and President of SPOC, a family of innovative companies specializing in variable speed drive automation and inverter technologies. SPOC Automation, SPOC SCADA, and SPOC Grid Inverter Technologies are built on an award-winning culture of innovation called Lift Up.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Did you know that 75% of highschool students are not proficient in high school mathematics? There's some problems we often think, “well that's the government's job to fix.” Education (and math education specifically) often falls into that category. But Dr. Aditya Nagrath had a different perspective. What if he solved that problem from the private sector, and built a sustainable, profitable business while doing it? In this episode he joins host Jim Barnish to share how he founded his company Elephant Learning to confront the problem of learning math head on. They discuss math proficiency among students today, lessons learned from hiring family, and how to build longer relationships with clients when your product solves their problem.3 Key TakeawaysDon't sit around waiting for others (*ahem* the government *ahem*) to solve problems you see. Public problems can (and perhaps should) be solved by private companies.Understand the risks and impacts when hiring family and friends. If you hire someone ill-equipped for a role, it will not only hinder your growth as a company, you will hinder their growth as individuals.Don't focus on the competition; focus on getting your next customer(s).ResourcesDr. Aditya Nagrath's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityanagrath/Elephant Learning LinkedIn company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elephant-learning/Elephant Learning Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElephantLearningApp/Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny et al.: https://a.co/d/gGSwymEElephant Learning website: https://www.elephantlearning.com/ (mention The Dirt podcast for a scholarship offer!)About Aditya Nagrath, PhD is the creator and cofounder of the Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy. Dr. Nagrath is a mathematician and software engineer turned entrepreneur. On average, children in his system learn 1.5 years of mathematics over the course of 10 weeks using his system just 30 minutes per week.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Starting in banking that shifted to software development with MercuryWorks, Chris Karlo brings 20 years of entrepreneurial experience to this conversation with host Jim Barnish. They discuss how to make business and customer partnerships work well, why a happy team produces high quality products, and how to survive this and the next recession.3 Key TakeawaysA business partnership is like a marriage - you need to be in lockstep with your partners on the same vision and end goal. As an entrepreneur you have to find balance between your business, your relationships, and yourself. Try to keep at least two of them in sync, but you run into problems when you let the third drift for too long.Employee sentiment is a top priority; everything else in a business flows out from employees' perceptions of the job and work they're doing. ResourcesChris Karlo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskarlo/MercuryWorks website: https://www.mercuryworks.com/The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday: https://a.co/d/ijZzLOmAbout Chris has over two decades of experience in business, strategy and technology consulting with companies across a host of industries. He is currently an equity Partner at MercuryWorks, a leading digital application and professional services firm obsessed with the development of custom software, mobile, and data driven solutions.  Chris has proven experience leading complex software development teams; bringing a combination of business and technical acumen to client project needs.  During his career Chris has worked with companies to develop new growth strategies and redesign core operational & business processes.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Web 3.0 is a hot topic right now. What is it? And why is there so much skepticism and hype surrounding it? Serial entrepreneur and Web3 expert Sam Kamani joins host Jim Barnish on this episode to discuss why this is an opportunity for building in a new environment. Whether or not you're familiar with blockchain technology, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies, you need to pay attention.3 Key TakeawaysProblems are opportunities. Don't complain about them - go to work, fix them, and profit.Recessions are a great time for building and experimenting, thanks to lower operating  costs and the necessity for innovation to survive (and thrive)!To grasp Web3, you need to understand the evolution:Web1 = Information consumption disruption e.g., Blogs, websites, etc.Web2 = Information/content creation disruption e.g., Social mediaWeb3 = Ownership revolution i.e., data & currency ownership decentralizationResourcesSam's LinkedInSam's TwitterSam's websiteIt's All In Your Head by RussWeb3 with Sam Kamani podcastNaval Ravikant on the Tim Ferriss ShowBalaji Srinivasan on the Tim Ferriss ShowAbout Sam Kamani is head of growth at Cookbook, cofounder of Ensydr, host of the Web3 with Sam Kamani podcast, and author of “The 30 Day Startup” and “Business In the Time of Corona.”Prior to working in blockchain, Sam has 15+ years experience building and growing startups with 2 exits under his belt. Sam currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife and 3 sons. He is always open to having a conversation about Web3 and blockchain based Gaming so feel free to DM him on Twitter or Linkedin. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Do you feel the call to entrepreneurship? How do you know when to make that jump from the corporate ladder to defining your own career? From farm girl to vice president of technology in real estate investment management, Tami Jaffe made that leap, and is now helping others do the same. Tune into her conversation with host Jim Barnish as they talk about why you need to stop asking yourself if you're meant to be a founder, and focusing on the better questions to ask. They discuss what she calls the clarity trifecta of confidence, courage, and commitment, partnering with great talent to fill your weaknesses, and focusing on the steps directly in front of you.3 Key TakeawaysStop asking whether you're meant to be a founder and barraging yourself with self-doubt. Imposter syndrome is an excuse; focus on filling your role as founder.You don't need to have everything figured out. Take the step in front of you. What you thought were steps C, D, or E will likely change as you move forward.Instead of asking, “how do I do this?” shift your perspective to, “who can do this?” - partner with and hire the talent who will fill your weaknesses, whether that's in leadership roles or graphic design. ResourcesTami's LinkedInYou Already Made the Decision, You Just Aren't Happy With It by Tami JaffeThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksCorporate to Cash Jumpstart KitAbout Tami Jaffe is a success coach, energy shifter and international speaker on topics of making better decisions and business growth.  Tami helps guide her clients through the sometimes overwhelming prospect of starting a new business. Her Amazon #1 best-selling book You Already Made the Decision, You Just Aren't Happy With It, is a guide on how to make better decisions or live with the ones you've already made.Tami has made it her mission to liberate independent success-minded professionals from the shackles of a corporate career so they can start, grow and scale their own business and not only replace their corporate income but exceed it. She teaches you what to do when in your business to have the most success and not waste time and money on the shiny objects that can be a distraction. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Mutual friend of Tobias Günther (see episode 24), longtime entrepreneur and founder of Partners in Clime, Yannick Frank joins Jim Barnish from Germany to discuss strategy, financing, and sustainability. They talk about bootstrapping versus venture capital for financing, how the startup culture in Germany has evolved over the last decade, and hear why Yannick's daughter was the catalyst for his newfound passion in sustainability.3 Key TakeawaysBootstrapping vs. institutional funding: both have pros and cons. Know what you're getting into when you bring on outside funding.Your strategy needs to be clear and concise. It doesn't matter if it makes sense in your head–if your team has a hard time following, consider how you can simplify it and articulate it.Environmental impact and sustainability are increasingly important. Even though sustainability-first companies' core value may not be profit, without monthly revenue growth, your business is done.ResourcesEmail: yannick@partners-in-clime.comYannick's LinkedInThe Lean Startup by Eric RiesPartners in Clime website About Founder of Partners in Clime, Yannick Frank has been building startups since he was 20 years old, either as a co-founder, mentor or investor. Some of them were successful, many of them failed. All rich in experience!If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Ken Pomella, founder and CEO of RevStar Consulting, joins Jim Barnish on this episode to discuss how he went from a side hustle for five years to finally taking the leap into a full business that has seen massive growth since that decision. They discuss operations and the value of Agile in project management and software development, the importance of always assessing your processes to stay on target, and putting the customer before the technology.3 Key TakeawaysHave confidence in yourself to start (or continue) your entrepreneurial journey. You don't need to know everything. There's a lot of trial and error, so start moving, keep going, and never give up.Regularly reassess your processes and operations. Regardless of the industry your business is in, build a strong operational foundation so you're not hamstrung as you grow.Focus on the customer and business problem. Your technology (solution) might be cool, but always ask how it is adding value to the customer. ResourcesKen's LinkedInRevStar websiteThe Go Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David MannRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert KiyosakiAbout Ken is a serial entrepreneur & CEO of RevStar, specializing in creating pure cloud software solutions that solve business problems. Ken has had several successful entrepreneurial endeavors in the technology realm. He has experience in both running startups & working at fortune 1000 enterprises. Hence, he is well-versed in the sometimes overwhelming task of starting a new endeavor or scaling up a current business.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

“Don't put off you dreams for tomorrow when you can do it today.” - Chris MortonChris Morton is an operating partner at Orchid Black. Chris launches and accelerates the profitable growth of companies by creatively mapping technology to successful business models and market penetration strategies, leveraging industry partnerships, and securing institutional and strategic investment.Highlights for Chris include being the co-founder of SkyCross which sold over 750 million antennas and was later acquired by Airgain.Chris is also the co-founder of Mesh Networks which was acquired by Motorola and has also raised over $85 million in capital. Chris was awarded the GE Doctoral Fellowship and the Cade Prize for Company Innovation and Leadership.Community involvement for Chris includes being the former Chairman and now Advisory Board for a Grove Florida and a member of the Executive Committee of Orlando Tech Council.When it comes to business advice, Chris says, know your strengths and limitations. Be open to feedback and new ideas and hire accordingly. Chris's bucket list includes traveling to Egypt, learning about the structure and uses of DNA from experts, and learning to play the electric guitar when he isn't playing the drums. Chris earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in Communication Systems.Click here to subscribe to The Sell My Business Podcast to save time and effort.SELECTED LINKS FOR THIS EPISODEcm@orchid.blackOrchid BlackThe Deep Wealth Sell My Business PodcastCockroach Startups: What You Need To Know To Succeed And ProsperFREE Deep Wealth eBook on Why You Suck At Selling Your Business And What You Can Do About It (Today)Book Your FREE Deep Wealth Strategy CallContact Deep Wealth: Tweet @JeffreyFeldberg LinkedIn Instagram Subscribe to The Deep Wealth Podcast Email podcast@deepwealth.com Help us pay it forward by leaving a review.Here's to you and your success!

Stop wasting time and resources building the perfect product prior to launching. Know your customer, listen to them, and build what they need. They will likely enjoy giving feedback and being part of building the product alongside you!Tune into this episode to hear Brad Kugler, cofounder of DirectMail 2.0, talk with host Jim Barnish about his founder's journey moving from VHS sales to building a SaaS company that accompanies direct mail advertising. They discuss jumping ship mid-career, how Brad utilized his (lack of) education in developing new technology, and why continually iterating on your product is essential to stay ahead.3 Key TakeawaysKnow your customer. Let them guide your product development. It doesn't have to be perfect, it has to be what they need.Technology can't be static. You have to build your product and improve on it. If you don't, your competition will one-up you and leave you behind.Become educated in your industry. That doesn't necessarily mean you need a formal degree. Brad spent months educating himself so he could communicate effectively.ResourcesBrad's LinkedInAll In podcastDirect Mail websiteAbout Brad Kugler is CEO and Co-Founder of DirectMail2.0, LLC. A direct mail marketing automation company. 30 years experience in building businesses, teams and gathering and distributing knowledge based on his experiences in many mediums.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

“As a founder you are the one who brings the idea to market and proves product-market fit. But at some point between then and the growth stage, you need to do some self-assessment.”You've brought a product to market that works, you've started building a team, and you're entering the growth stage of your business. As a founder, it's time for you to do some self reflection. What is your core skill set? What do you enjoy doing? What motivates you?Founder and now Chief Product Officer of dbaPlatform, Trevor Grace joins Jim Barnish on this episode to share what he learned from shifting himself into a different role he finds more fulfilling than just head of the company. They also discuss product development, pricing, and boosting local retail stores by plugging your inventory online. 3 Key TakeawaysBeing CEO is not all that it is cracked up to be if that's not what your passion is. Shift yourself out of that role if your core skills and motivations lie elsewhere. Prove the value of your product. It's okay if you don't have the exact price point right away, but you'll never know its value until you start somewhere.Know your customer. KYC isn't an acronym just for regulation in the financial sector. If you don't know your customer, you don't know your monetization model or how to improve your product.Resourcestrevor@dbaplatform.comTrevor's LinkedInThe End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter ZeihanAbout With 20+ years' entrepreneurial experience, Trevor Grace is part technology expert, part market strategist, thought-leader, innovator, and big-time adrenaline junkie.Trevor thrives on turning chaos into order. He is revered for his ability to organize a myriad of disparate marketing campaigns into a predictable, producing, well-oiled sales machine. An extraordinary leader, Trevor strips complex plans into clear, actionable strategies that get everyone in the organization nodding and contributing.Trevor pioneered Buycabinets.com, the first online catalog in the megalithic cabinet industry and lifted it to $1MM/month in three years. He brokered the first-ever e-commerce product platform for broadcast networks with Univision. He was instrumental in bringing a government sector software company into the commercial sector growing revenue from $70MM to $100MM in three years. Trevor has worked with Fortune 500 giants such as MasterBrand where he integrated backend systems with front-end analytics; Eldridge's capital equipment division where he built the loan processing platform; and Norcraftcompanies whom he helped grow to $600MM by digitizing the dealer program. Since 1998, Trevor has successfully built over 100 enterprise-level web applications.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Naked Marketing Podcast with Guest, Jim Barnish This episode with Jim Barnish, Jr. got really naked, with him admitting that his biggest and costliest marketing mistake was in fact…himself. The Founding Managing Partner of value creation firm, Orchid Black, says that he had been going through multiple marketing talents, getting frustrated over the lack of... continue reading »

As the future of work increasingly moves remote, how do you build and scale an organization that can operate successfully with limited interaction? Liam Martin, cofounder of Time Doctor and Staff.com, joins Jim Barnish to discuss all things remote work. At the start of 2020 only about 5% of the workforce worked remotely (per Bureau of Labor Statistics). The pandemic propelled the world forward in a global shift that hasn't been seen since the advent of the internet. Many tech startups are finding it relatively easy to work remotely. But what about the big fortune 500 companies? Is remote work here to stay? What changes do companies need to make to implement remote work successfully?3 Key TakeawaysSuccessful remote work requires “asynchronous management” - the ability to manage without direct interaction. You can accomplish your work without needing constant permission from others to get it done.Remote work isn't synonymous with working from home. It's the choice to work from whatever location you want. Empowering your employees to choose their location and hours is the real game changer.Accepting product feedback? Make sure it comes from the right customers. Freemium users are valuable for word of mouth references to expand your customer base, but leave feedback for those paying for a seat at the table. ResourcesLiam's LinkedInTimeDoctor.comRunningRemote.comRunning Remote YouTube ChannelRunning Remote by Liam MartinZero to One by Peter ThielAbout Liam runs one of the most popular time tracking and productivity platforms in use by top brands today - Time Doctor. He is also a co-organizer of the world's largest remote work conference — Running Remote. Whenever possible, Liam encourages others to work remotely and actively promotes remote work. His products and services are defined by the concept of giving workers the flexibility to work wherever they want, whenever they want.Liam has also co-authored a book - Running Remote - focused on remote work methodology. In this revolutionary guide, Liam and his co-founder, Rob Rawson, have unearthed the secrets and lessons discovered by remote work pioneering entrepreneurs and founders who've harnessed the async mindset to operate their businesses remotely in the most seamless, hassle-free, and cost-effective manner possible.Liam holds an undergraduate and graduate degree in Sociology from McGill University.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Money. You need it, and investors and financiers have it. So how do you raise capital without losing too much stake in your business? Lauren Cascio, founder of Gulp Data, joins Jim Barnish in this episode to talk about financing and the important distinctions between dilutive and non-dilutive financing.Join Jim and Lauren as they discuss which finance option is best for you at the stage you're at, understanding the value of your “alternative company assets” (like company data), and the hidden secret to being a successful entrepreneur (hint: there isn't one).Resourceslc@gulpdata.comLauren's LinkedInGulp Data LinkedInWebsitePlanet Money podcastThe Prophet by Kahlil GibranInfonomics by Douglas LaneyAbout Lauren Cascio is the founder of Gulp Data, a company providing non-dilutive funding using data assets as collateral. She also recently founded aKinned, a seed fund backing healthcare in Africa. Prior to her recent move into funding, she co-founded abartysHealth, a growth stage health-tech company, where she ran product, data, and development for six years. She is a proven angel investor and an active tech ecosystem builder, successfully advising and mentoring dozens of companies through go-to-market, data monetization and fundraising.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Cofounder and CTO of SCOUT, Sergio Gallucci joins Jim Barnish in this episode to talk about all things space and sustainability along his rocket-fueled entrepreneurial journey. He teaches us what sustainability in space means and how that can be valuable in other industries, while also building a company culture of excellence, and how data can better inform your strategy.3 Key TakeawaysSustainability and collaboration among competing entities are key factors in the space industry, because of the inherent collaboration needed for projects (and problems faced) of this magnitude.You don't need to be a visionary with tons of ideas to be a successful founder. But you do need to develop a long view in your strategy, and build systems so you can test ideas as they come.Your Key Progress Indicators (KPIs) can and should shift over time as your business evolves and you need to track different areas of growth.ResourcesSergio@scout.space Sergio's LinkedInSCOUT's LinkedIn Business PageWebsiteThe Pitch podcastAgainst the Day by Thomas PynchonGravity's Rainbow by Thomas PynchonAbout Sergio Gallucci is the co-founder and CTO of SCOUT, a company innovating space safety with distributed space-based sensing. He offers diverse technical insights, having built flight programs around the space environment, radiation, and control systems. He has led aggressive R&D programs from concept to orbit in under 9 months across academia, the industry, and with NASA, USAF, and USSF. He also serves as a technical and strategic advisor to Abacus Ridge, an energy resiliency start-up.In 2021, Sergio was recognized as one of the Forbes Next 1,000 Upstart Entrepreneurs who are "Redefining the American Dream". He holds a B.S. (Honors) in Aeronautical Engineering from Clarkson University and was an NSF GRFP Fellow at the Pennsylvania State University for graduate work on propulsion and the space environment. He is an alumnus of the 2016 NASA Glenn Space Academy.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Longtime entrepreneur and scaling coach George Morris joins Jim Barnish on this episode to discuss what it takes to build teams of A players who will scale and grow your business.As a founder you likely have some employees who helped you in the startup stage, but will they grow with you beyond that stage? How do you separate the A players and build around them?As you scale, you will have to define who does what and delegate responsibilities. How do you identify and assign your core functions and processes to grow smart?Tune into this episode as George and Jim explore all those questions, and hear his lengthy but amazing recommended reading list. Key TakeawaysLearn the difference between abdicating your responsibility as a founder, and delegating responsibilities to the people who will do it right.Build around your A players. They're the ones who step up and hold themselves and the organization accountable for the work being completed.Learn how to compartmentalize work with your personal life. It does not need to be separated (as many people think), but they should be integrated cohesively. ResourcesGeorge's websiteGeorge's LinkedInThe Art of Manliness podcastSee the Orchid Black page for George's recommended reading listAbout George Morris is a Certified Scaling Up Coach and lifelong entrepreneur. He found success running his digital agency, Imulus. Co-Founded TEDxBoulder, is a Techstars Alumni, Mentor at the Founders Institute, and former President of the Entrepreneur Organization, Colorado Chapter.George has walked the entrepreneur's journey from zero business experience and starting up during awful economic conditions in the dotcom crash, to building a best place to work and a fastest growing company. He happily shares his mistakes and lessons learned with his coaching clients. George is adamant that business fundamentals unlock the potential of teams and organizations. Too many times, companies pile on unnecessary tasks, projects, and systems that slow down their growth. He helps companies shed organizational debt to accelerate their growth by focusing on the goals and the actions needed to get there. He lives just outside of Boulder, Colorado with his two kids and can often be found riding his bikes on the mountain roads.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Product-market fit. How do you get there? Do you have the right team? The right timing? The right product? Samantha Citro Alexander, cofounder of bitewell, joins Jim Barnish on this episode to answer those questions.With lots of product iteration and pivots, Samantha's company created a sub-category in an established market (preventative health) where they are seeing incredible results by creating value across multiple stakeholders (employers, employees and insurance providers). Their mission to improve people's health through nutrition drove them to product-market fit. Listen along as Jim and Samantha discuss the lessons bitewell has learned from their journey.Key TakeawaysDon't get too attached to a specific version of your solution. Let your mission and vision guide how your product and company evolves to find product-market fit. Your product doesn't need to be perfect before going to market. Your runway will end before your product ever reaches perfection.Finding the right talent for the right positions in a startup takes time. A 3-month trial run for new hires has been very effective for bitewell.ResourcesSM handle: @samanthacitroalexander sam@bitewell.comSamantha's LinkedInbitewell websiteThe Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben HorowitzAboutSamantha Citro Alexander is the Co-Founder of bitewell, a food health company on a mission to improve your health through food. Prior to co-founding bitewell, Samantha worked at The Estée Lauder Companies as the Chief of Staff to Jane Lauder (Clinique, NYC) and as the Director of Integrated Marketing (Smashbox, LA), where she co-created Jefacon, a women's empowerment and leadership summit celebrating the Beauty of Being a Boss.Previously, Samantha was a VP where she led a brand for a consumer-focused private equity firm and the Research Department Chief of Staff at Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest hedge funds in the world. She began her career at an indie beauty company selling products at the counter. Samantha earned a BFA from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and graduated with honors. Samantha is passionate about supporting women in business, education around health & nutrition, and cooking/eating delicious food.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Brenden Kumarasamy, founder and CEO of MasterTalk, joins Jim Barnish on this episode to discuss how you can become a master communicator. He breaks down key areas of communication into actionable steps and why they are invaluable to you as a founder. These include leveraging your strengths (e.g. introverts are generally better at communication because they listen more and talk less), how to be bulletproof in answering questions about your business, and the necessity of online, remote communication.Brenden offers a few simple practices to do daily that will make you a top 1% communicator, including: Random word exercises where you learn to make sense out of nonsense, for example: Make a story out of “tissue box.” It will help you think on your feet. Answer one question per day about your company (e.g. Why is your price high, how are you different from competitors, etc.) to become an expert in your space. After a year, you'll have answered 365 questions. Master the framework for improving your business meetings.Key TakeawaysCultivate daily habits to improve your communication. See above…Improve your meetings by answering Brenden's 3-question framework:Determine the goal of the meeting - not all meetings are necessary. What is YOUR contribution to the meeting? The meeting itself may be needed, but are YOU needed there?How does your contribution INSPIRE and ADD VALUE? Take your meetings seriously.Your growth as a company correlates to your growth as a person. Keep working on yourself and show your team how to continue reaching higher.ResourcesBrenden's LinkedInMasterTalk YouTube ChannelThirst by Scott HarrisonRockstar Communicator Free CoursesAboutBrenden Kumarasamy is the founder of MasterTalk, he coaches ambitious executives & entrepreneurs to become top 1% communicators in their industry. He also has a popular YouTube channel called MasterTalk, with the goal of providing free access to communication tools for everyone in the world.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Patrick Brown, founder and CEO of Unity Communications, joins Jim Barnish on this episode to discuss building teams and the people behind them. He shares his own journey of leaving the corporate job and the ‘dirt' he's gathered while growing his company from just himself to 300+ people.How do you find the right talent to hire in a young startup when you don't have the cash or benefits to compete with the big guys? What do you do when a great employee finds an opportunity elsewhere? How do you empower your team to make decisions and grow with you?Join Patrick and Jim as they deep dive into creating successful teams, the costly mistakes he has made in building websites and hiring outside consultants, and why profit margin is the number one metric he is focused on. Key TakeawaysLook to hire talent from unusual places. It might be someone who's after a certain lifestyle (vs. money) or a corporate employee that hasn't advanced through the ranks.Hiring the right people is vital for any business to thrive, but so is firing those who don't fit. Cutting them loose benefits your company, but also that person.Profit margin is the one number that aligns all your financials. It shows you when you can pay your employees more, and when you need to increase prices or make other adjustments.ResourcesPatrick Brown's LinkedInhttps://www.unity-connect.comThe Icarus Deception by Seth GodinSeth Godin's podcastsAbout Patrick Brown is founder and CEO of Unity Communications, an award winning Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company. Unity helps brands hit their core metrics, streamline processes, and properly ensures business operations scale responsibly. His career began in the Navy that led him to work and learn from leaders in various companies, governments, and NGO's. Those formative years helped cement a foundation of working with people of incredible diverse backgrounds, cultures, and stages of life. Now, with over 25 years of experience in complex service delivery products/services, his team understands the overall scope of work that clients expect, while holding vendors and employees accountable to their SLA's and roles. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Ascenditt cofounder Mason Dorner joins Jim Barnish on this episode to talk through the adversity he's overcome, both personally and in business. He'll outline how to avoid costly sales and marketing mistakes, and weaponizing hard times to drive growth.With a background in marketing, Mason went from sports to Disney before leaving the corporate world for a tech startup. Over the span of 4 years, he helped this company grow from $1M to $100M and achieve unicorn status ($1B+ valuation). On the side, Mason was already setting the foundation for his next venture. Today, as a cofounder, he takes his expertise to other digital startups looking to reach aggressive revenue targets and grow.Scaling companies is the easy part for Mason when compared to his personal life. While building both companies, he was diagnosed with cancer and a degenerative eye problem within months of each other. He decided to not let his health problems drag down the rest of his life, and used the concept of "weaponized adversity" to compartmentalize worries and focus on big opportunities.Key TakeawaysConversion rates (MQL > SQL > Revenue) and acquisition costs need to be a focus for SaaS leaders.Compartmentalize negative situations and focus on your opportunities. Find places where you can win bigger in order to offset the bad.“Alter Ego Effect” - Emulate high performers who have gone through similar adversity. Being a founder is a unique and often lonely journey - find others who can coach and walk you along the way having traveled that road before.Being passed over does not mean someone is a bad employee, it means they weren't a great fit for that organization. Find diamonds in the rough by setting expectations together (e.g., work-life balance, working style, etc.). ResourcesMason's LinkedInMason's websiteThe Alter Ego Effect by Todd HermanMFCEO Project Podcast with Andy FrisellaReal AF Podcast with Andy FrisellaAbout As cofounder and Chief Ads Officer of Ascenditt, Mason Dorner helps startup and rapid-growth stage SaaS and e-commerce brands quickly scale and achieve 8,9, and 10 figure exits through aggressive marketing and sales strategy and execution.He has worked in digital performance marketing for 10+ years, including brands such as Comcast and Disney. After exiting the corporate rat race he joined a local Orlando tech startup, Stax, scaling their marketing spend by over 1,000%, acquired 25,000+ customers, and grew to a valuation of over $1B under his leadership. If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.

Twelve years of entrepreneurship while building a family as a new wife and mom is Katie Merrill's founder's journey. Hear her story as she walks host Jim Barnish through the challenges she has faced and continues to learn from.As a go-getter with a strong operations background, Katie was hyper focused on the day-to-day grind, but learned over time that she had to get out of her own way. Finding a COO combined with efforts to scale her sales team has been a game changer for the evolution of the business. Freeing up her time as the founder from the daily operations has allowed her to prioritize other areas to grow.Key TakeawaysShift focus from the day-to-day operations to other key strategic areas like product evolution, strategy, etc.You might be a founder, but that doesn't mean you know everything. Set aside your insecurities and don't be afraid to ask questions to mentors that have been there before.Put effort into building a scalable sales engine. It's a lot easier when founders aren't the only ones selling.   If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.ResourcesKatie's LinkedInB-Lynk websiteDare to Lead by Brené BrownRocket Fuel by Gino WickmanAbout Katie Butcher-Merrill is CEO and Founder of B-Lynk, providing training services, including sales and end-user training on the Smart-Lynk managed service platform for over 40 BroadSoft based Service Providers and Hosted Unified Communications companies globally. Prior to this, Katie held supply chain management roles at both General Mills and The Mosaic Company. She is a graduate of Iowa State University.

Dan Clark, CEO of Brain.fm, joins Jim Barnish on this episode to deep dive into operations and what it takes to align teams to the same objectives. At Brain.fm they combine everyone's love of music with neuroscience, their goal: helping you hit your flow state faster to achieve more. Your objectives as the founder or the business may not be the same as your employees, because everyone has different motivations. The key is fusing the strengths of those different motivations to grow together.Having goals is important, but you need to ensure you can break them down into actionable steps and time frames. Goals are often used as a pass/fail system, but there is something to be said for switching your focus to progress. Are you 1% better than you were yesterday? Will you strive to sell more next week than you did last week?Key TakeawaysEveryone in your organization does not need to have the same motivations. Align company objectives to personal goals (e.g. job security) to see the team flourish. Ensure that your KPIs are tracking what you really want. Your employees should be satisfied where they are, but not complacent. Ideally they are working well at the edge of their skill set.  Goals are important, but maybe not as important as progress. Are you better today than you were yesterday? Are you increasing profitability more this quarter than last? Consistent progress is key.If you love what you are getting out of our show please SUBSCRIBE.For more information on how we dig into the dirt check out our other episodes here: https://www.orchid.black/podcastAll contents of this show are rights of Orchid Black©️ and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent.ResourcesDan's email: dan@brain.fmDan's LinkedInThe 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer, et al.20% Discount Code to Brain.fmAbout Dan Clark is an entrepreneur at the intersection of technology and mental wellness. After joining Brain.fm as head of engineering, he bought out the company from its original founders and now leads it as CEO. Brain.fm combines everyone's love of music with neuroscience, creating music to help enable you to be your best self.

Steven Horwitz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Orchid Black, a management consulting company focusing on helping companies scale and grow. We discuss his passion for music and how it gets pulled into his business life. One of my favorite quotes from Steven, during this podcast is, "If you're going to be a good musician, you need to have big ears." In other words,  you have to be a really great listener to be successful in both music and business too.Michael LaVista is the CEO and Founder of Caxy Interactive, a custom software development company in Chicago. Caxy helps companies double in half the time they could on their own by creating custom software. He is also a guitar player, singer and songwriter. His new book, Superpowered: 7 Leadership Superpowers Technology Executives Can Use to Grow a More Engaged, Tech-driven and Profitable Organization, is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Superpowered-Essential-Leadership-Technology-Executives/dp/1735504904https://www.caxy.com

Our guests, thought leaders, clients, partners, and all-around good humans, have taken us on their incredible journey through their dirt: the good, the bad, the ugly, and everything in between. So many of them called out some of the outstanding results they have had in overcoming obstacles in partnership with Orchid Black, which is always fantastic to hear about their team's extraordinary work.Jim Barnish walks us through the five pillars of a company growing smart from startup to exit: Strategy. Talent. Product. Revenue. Operations. Create a strategy, hire talent to fulfill the strategy, build a product with that talent, drive revenue with the product, and operations facilitate the journey.3 Key Takeaways“Founders need to free up their time so that they can focus on strategy.” - Mark Parrott.“Letting go on an executive means trusting your employees.” - Juan Betancourt.“Real value comes from having predictable revenue and recurring revenue. Without revenue, the business is a product, pre-business.” - Jim Barnish.ResourcesOrchid Black website: https://www.orchid.black/Episodes:   Stephen White: https://www.orchid.black/podcast/04   Juan Betancourt: https://www.orchid.black/podcast/05   Matt Brown: https://www.orchid.black/podcast/06   Stephen Timme: https://www.orchid.black/podcast/07   Mark Parrot: https://www.orchid.black/podcast/08   Bill Lederer: https://www.orchid.black/podcast/09   Mike Smith: https://www.orchid.black/podcast/10About “The Dirt”This business podcast is a place where we get down into the depths of a founder's story and expertise. Being an entrepreneur isn't easy; it's painful, it's ugly, it's dirty, and it usually entails things that people don't want to hear. This show is meant to bring forward the trials and tribulations that entrepreneurs have encountered and overcome. This show will make you uncomfortable. But here at Orchid Black, we know that growth is far from comfortable. It's raw. It's real. It's dirty. And we are here to uncover everything that happens before an exit. Because at one time, even the yellow brick road was covered in dirt.

“There's a real joy and figuring out the solutions to people's problems.” - Chris MortonChris Morton is an operating partner at Orchid Black. Chris launches and accelerates the profitable growth of companies by creatively mapping technology to successful business models and market penetration strategies, leveraging industry partnerships, and securing institutional and strategic investment.Highlights for Chris include being the co-founder of SkyCross which sold over 750 million antennas and was later acquired by Airgain.Chris is also the co-founder of Mesh Networks which was acquired by Motorola and has also raised over $85 million in capital. Chris was awarded the GE Doctoral Fellowship and the Cade Prize for Company Innovation and Leadership.Community involvement for Chris includes being the former Chairman and now Advisory Board for a Grove Florida and a member of the Executive Committee of Orlando Tech Council.When it comes to business advice, Chris says, know your strengths and limitations. Be open to feedback and new ideas and hire accordingly. Chris's bucket list includes traveling to Egypt, learning about the structure and uses of DNA from experts, and learning to play the electric guitar when he isn't playing the drums. Chris earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in Communication Systems.Please enjoy!Click here to subscribe to The Sell My Business Podcast to save time and effort.SELECTED LINKS FOR THIS EPISODEcm[at]orchid [dot]blackOrchid BlackThe Deep Wealth Sell My Business PodcastCockroach Startups: What You Need To Know To Succeed And ProsperFREE Deep Wealth eBook on Why You Suck At Selling Your Business And What You Can Do About It (Today)Book Your FREE Deep Wealth Strategy Call

We wrap up our first guest here on The Dirt Podcast, who is, coincidentally, also our host, Jim Barnish. Join him and interviewer Josh Tapp as they greater discuss the elements of Orchid Black's exit strategy, review what types of entrepreneurs Orchid Black can apply to (hint: it's more than you think), and give the one piece of advice Jim Barnish would leave with all of his viewers, whatever their niche may be. Let's finish kicking off this podcast the right way–with resources!3 Key TakeawaysTwo things that Exit In Mind is aboutWhat The Dirt Podcast can do for your companyWho The Dirt applies to

Jim Barnish and Orchid Black's origin story continues on episode two of The Dirt Podcast, where our original host, Jim, is asked questions as the first guest on the show about his company: its goals, its purpose, and why in the world it's named after a flower. Tune in today and get key information on why Orchid Black only takes on companies that are already profiting, how they boil an exit strategy down to five key elements, and the number one advice Jim would give to listeners about making a space for you to do what you do best and get out of the way at the same time.3 Key TakeawaysThe function of a growth mindset over a profitability mindset3 key things that make a company grow stagnantWhy you should have a growth over profitability mindset

Today, we kick off our first episode with a reverse-host situation. Jim Barnish takes a turn in the hot seat as first guest on his own show just so you viewers can get to know his origin story and why he really does what he does–transparently. Tune in to part one of this inaugural episode and find out how this entrepreneur had his first experience at age three, why it's important to get deep into the “dirty side of things,” and how ending two startup companies led him to run Orchid Black, the booming business that he heads from the mast today.3 Key TakeawaysWhy running middle school lemonade stands isn't a true sign of entrepreneurshipHow you can avoid the BS in personal and business relationshipsWhy people try a lot of things and end up doing nothing

In this episode, Jim Barnish joins me and we talk about an alternative to climbing the career ladder. We also talk about how careers no longer follow straight lines; Jim shares how his career didn't follow a traditional straight line either. Jim has spent the last two decades growing tech companies as an entrepreneur, operator and consultant. Jim now runs Orchid Black, a growth services firm complete with growth experts, just like Jim, that share an incredible track record for making technology companies worth so much more.Key TakeawaysWhen considering job opportunities, don't only dwell on the functional aspects of the job but look closely at the company cultureSometimes your dream job isn't your ideal jobDon't underestimate the value of having a coachWhen looking for your ideal role, look beyond the career and personality testsIkigai is a fantastic tool to help find your purpose and ideal roleSuccess is not built on success. It's built on failure. It's built on frustration. Sometimes it's built on catastropheIt is okay to make mistakes, as long as you are learning from themPerseverance and working hard are the basic skills that everyone should developWherever you are on your career or entrepreneurial journey, there is always help availableEven if you are not a project manager, having those skills is importantKey transferable skills are communication, critical thinking, and problem-solvingBeing a team player means that you don't always get the wins yourself, but you help others to achieve those winsResources We discussed the following resources on the show:Ikigai on WikipediaThe Squiggly Career: The No.1 Sunday Times Business Bestseller - Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah EllisHow Successful People Lead: Taking Your Influence to the Next Level by John C. MaxwellTrillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Handbook of Silicon Valley's Bill Campbell by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan EagleHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieHow to Ikigai: Lessons for Finding Happiness and Living Your Life's Purpose (Ikigai Book, Lagom, Longevity, Peaceful Living) by Tim TamashiroConnect with JimListeners can learn more about and connect with Jim by visiting his LinkedIn page or the Orchid Black website.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gunterrichter)

In this episode, your host Bob DePasquale speaks with Orchid Black's Jim Barnish about transferable value when selling your business, how a business can grow endlessly in the right circumstances, having the right coach and mindset, how self-development drives the growth of your business, and more. Check out Orchid Black at https://www.orchid.black/Interested in being on the show? Apply HERE.

"You can be a leader, but don't always need the ball in your hands" - Jim BarnishJim Barnish is the Co-founding Managing Partner of Orchid Black. Jim is a strategic change leader with over 15 years of leadership experience in global and integrated operations. M&A and strategic go-to-market planning. Drawing on deep operational and investment experience at startup and scale-up businesses, Jim has created and curated a collection of proven data-driven processes and methodologies to help companies build a scalable, fundable, VC-ready solution with accelerating organic growth. ‍‍SHOW NOTESJim shares the mission of Orchid Black to help early growth stage companiesHow to become a durable and robust business growing to new heightsWhat a company needs to do at the pre-product market stage for successStrategies to grow during the post-product market stageWhat growth experts focus on to help your business welcome rapid growthThe power of Orchid Black's 360 perspective platformWhy you must create a strategy that aligns with your teamThe power of a strategic narrativeWhy you must show transferable value to your future buyerHow the correct type of strategy connects to your operating modelWhy you must ensure your business runs without youThe power of a coach to help business ownersHow to avoid burnout so you can thrive and prosperStrategies you can use to fund growthWhy you and your business must show compassion, especially with the coronavirus pandemicHow the coronavirus pandemic has forever changed the business landscapeM&A valuations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and where the market is headingHow to think about the timing of your liquidity eventThe pyramid of value and how you can incorporate it into your businessWhy you must build a moat around your business to drive value and protect you from the competitionThe difference between being bought versus soldWhat you can do to be a better leader and welcome growth‍This podcast is brought to you by Deep Wealth. When it comes to your liquidity event, you have one chance to get it right, and you better make it count. Enterprise value is created from preparation and not the event itself. Learn how the Deep Wealth Experience helps you maximize enterprise value. Master the same strategies our founders used to increase their company value 10X. Access the same 9-step road map of preparation that paves the way for success. Enjoy the certainty that you'll capture the maximum value on your liquidity event.  Click here to book your free exploratory call.Enjoy the interview!‍SELECTED LINKS FOR THIS EPISODEJim Barnish on LinkedInJim's email JB[at]Orchid[dot]black The Deep Wealth ExperienceBook Your FREE Deep Wealth Exit Call‍This podcast is brought to you by the Deep Wealth Experience. Your liquidity event is the largest and most important financial transaction of your life. But unfortunately, up to 90% of liquidity events fail. Think about all that time, money and effort wasted. Of the "successful" liquidity events, most business owners leave anywhere from 50% to over 100% of their deal value in the buyer's pocket and don't even know it.I should know. I said no to a seven-figure offer and yes, to mastering the art and science of a liquidity event. Two years later, I said yes to a different buyer with a nine-figure offer. Are

Today I talk with Philip Eliot, Operating Partner at Orchid Black, and someone who has tremendous experience in Venture Capital (20+ years!). I ask what makes startups and founders resilient though economic downturns, and what might be contributing to this abysmal statistic we keep hearing about: how female founded teams receive only 2.3% of venture capital out there. I'd love to hear your thoughts, too! What do you think? Is there a pipeline issue? How have you navigated entering the tech industry? Email me on maxim@cuttingthroughtech.com - I'd love to feature you on the show! Philip has been a venture capital investor for the last 20+ years, primarily in the enterprise software sector and more recently in the social impact sector as well (environmental sustainability, health, and economic mobility). After working as a strategy consultant at Dean and Company, with a focus on the telecommunications and utilities sectors, he began his venture capital career in 2000 at FBR Technology Venture Partners (FBRTVP). That was the height of the Internet bubble, and FBRTVP was one of the leading firms on the East Coast, ultimately producing a return of almost 10x to its investors. In 2018, he launched his own investment and advisory firm, Reflection Ventures, which focuses on early stage companies with positive social impact, in areas such as environmental sustainability, healthcare, and improving upward socio-economic mobility for lower-income Americans. He is currently an operating partner at Orchid Black where he has been advising cleantech and enterprise software companies. Philip holds an undergraduate degree in Physics from Harvard University. Learn more about Philip and Orchid Black here: https://www.orchid.black/ (Orchid Black) https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack (Linkedin)

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mk7g-JMlK3w This week we have an entrepreneur’s crash-course in maximizing the valuation of an early stage company. Our guest is Jim Barnish, who co-founded Orchid Black to help growth stage companies who are already in the black, grow fast. Join us for a fun and interesting conversation! Your own professional podcast, as easy as a video call and an email – https://algmin.comSave 20% on your first order at the DATAVERSITY Training Center with promo code “AlgminDL” – https://training.dataversity.net/?utm_source=algmindl_resData Leadership Lessons home – https://dataleadershiplessons.com About Jim Barnish:Jim Barnish, who has spent the last two decades as serial entrepreneur, operator, investor and M&A expert. Jim now runs Orchid Black, a boutique growth services firm complete with former CEOs, CXOs and strategy consultants. All are accomplished entrepreneurs and operators with an investor mindset and a history of growth and exits. Like an orchid, a company's maximum value emerges from cultivating growth. Orchid Black's business model not only accelerates this value, but aligns their own compensation with their partner-clients' success. https://twitter.com/ordblkhttps://www.facebook.com/ord.blkhttps://www.orchid.black/https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack Episode Transcript 100:00:05,000 –> 00:00:09,000anthony_algmin: Welcome to the Data Leadership Lessons Podcast. I’m your host, Anthony J. 200:00:09,250 –> 00:00:12,750anthony_algmin: Algmin. Data is everywhere in our businesses and it takes leadership to make 300:00:12,916 –> 00:00:16,125anthony_algmin: the most of it. We bring you the people stories and lessons to help you 400:00:16,291 –> 00:00:20,208anthony_algmin: become a data leader. Our show is produced by Algmin Business Media, where we 500:00:20,291 –> 00:00:23,791anthony_algmin: make having your own podcast as easy as joining a video call and sending an 600:00:23,791 –> 00:00:28,125anthony_algmin: email. At Algmin Business Media the stage is yours. Learn more at Algmin.com 700:00:28,208 –> 00:00:31,875anthony_algmin: Today on Data Leadership lessons we welcome Jim Barnish, Jim has spent 800:00:31,875 –> 00:00:32,458anthony_algmin: Today on Data Leadership lessons we welcome Jim Barnish, Jim has spent 900:00:32,625 –> 00:00:37,166anthony_algmin: the last two decades as a serial entrepreneur, operator, investor, and M a 1000:00:37,333 –> 00:00:41,500anthony_algmin: expert. He now runs Orchid Black, a boutique growth services firm complete 1100:00:41,875 –> 00:00:46,000anthony_algmin: with former C, E os C, Exxos and strategy consultants. ▁jim. Welcome to the 1200:00:46,000 –> 00:00:46,666anthony_algmin: show. 1300:00:46,666 –> 00:00:49,708jim_barnish: Thanks, Anthony, super excited to talk, Dayta and leadership. 1400:00:51,416 –> 00:00:55,666anthony_algmin: Awesome So and we had a great call on our out of pro sessions. I can’t wait 1500:00:55,791 –> 00:00:58,458anthony_algmin: to have this conversation with you day, So why don’t we start like we d

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mk7g-JMlK3w This week we have an entrepreneur’s crash-course in maximizing the valuation of an early stage company. Our guest is Jim Barnish, who co-founded Orchid Black to help growth stage companies who are already in the black, grow fast. Join us for a fun and interesting conversation! Your own professional podcast, […]

Thanks for listening in to this week's episode of the Think Business with Tyler podcast.  Today's guest is Jim Barnish Jr. Jim is the Co-Founding Managing Partner of Orchid Black, a new kind of growth services firm that partners with tech companies to build smarter and better businesses. Jim is a strategic change leader with over 20 years of global, focused, and integrated experience. Throughout his career, he's helped many organizations reinvent themselves by undergoing business process improvements, 360 assessments, and strategic actions. Jim has curated a collection of proven processes and methodologies that can help companies build scalable, fundable, and exit-ready solutions.  In this episode, we talk about: ●      The founder's journey and what it actually looks like; ●      Scaling a business and ways to identify where your company stands when it comes to scale and growth; ●      Why sales funnels still very much exist and are crucial for business growth; ●      And how to effectively attract and retain top talent. I could talk to Jim for hours because he's got so much knowledge and experience to share. I'm sure you'll feel the same.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode and I hope you'll enjoy listening to it as much as we did recording it. Full Show NotesPodcast Directory: ThinkBusinesswithTyler.comHost: Tyler Martin Business Coach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, your host Carol Schultz talks to Orchid Black's Founder & Managing Partner, Jim Barnish Jr. about growth, impact, lessons, and more. Closing in on four years old, Orchid Black is a boutique advisory of former CEOs, CROs, CMOs, strategy execs, and board members. It is staffed with accomplished operators with an investor mindset and deep M&A experience. Jim believes, like an orchid, a company's maximum value emerges from cultivating growth. Orchid Black's unique business model, which is at the intersection of consulting and private equity not only accelerates value but aligns our compensation with our partners' success. They invest together, betting on a collective vision, using shared skills and expertise. Jim comes from an entrepreneurial family and, among other things, talks a bit about his journey to hiring an executive coach. Learn more about Orchid Black here: https://www.orchid.black/ (https://www.orchid.black/) You can find more information and all episodes at https://verticalelevation.com/podcast/ (verticalelevation.com/podcast) and you can find Carol on Twitter https://twitter.com/CarolBSchultz (@carolbschultz).

Founder & Managing Partner of Orchid Black, Jim Barnish tells us about his story from being a part of his family business to having his own successful company. 

882 - Maximizing Growth and Exit Value with Orchid Black's Jim Barnish

im Barnish has spent the last two decades as an entrepreneur, operator, investor and M&A consultant. Jim now runs Orchid Black, a boutique advisory of former CXOs, strategy execs and board members. They are accomplished operators with an investor mindset and deep M&A experience, allowing them to help growth-stage tech founders understand exactly how to make their business worth at least 50% more, and execute as true partners, aligning their compensation with their client-partner's successes.   Due to the great work that Orchid Black has provided to larger organizations and PE firms throughout the course of their careers, they also provide research and advisory services to companies like RSA, Intel, KKR, Dell and Intuit in a fee-for-service model that allows them to take on more risk (upside) with the earlier stage companies they work alongside, further aligning their incentives with performance."   If you ever identify anyone that is a great fit for us feel free to send over the following: Overview of Orchid Black - for founder-led technology companies between $3M-$50M revenue that have the desire to grow and exit within the next 3 years Sample Case Study - where we increased the value of a founder's business from $23M to $36M in 7 Months Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchidblack https://www.facebook.com/ord.blk https://twitter.com/ordblk   More mid-market businesses will be sold over the next 10 years than ever before. I have created a methodology to help business owners see where they can exponentially create value in their business and get the most for their company when they decide to sell. Value is not about chasing multiples. It's about creating “transferable value” by building the business in a manner that attracts and compels the right and best buyers and is stress-tested against due diligence and buyer criteria. That puts you in a place where investors and acquirers are calling you. You're not selling, you're being bought. The following are topics that I'm passionate about: -Executive coaching -Founder burnout -Scaling via channel partners -Creating predictable revenue growth via SDR/BDR programs and smooth seller handoff -Student of divorce/unhappy home and motivations that come from this -Operating systems (eg EOS, V2MOM, OKR, etc) -Strategic planning -Product led growth -Customer acquisition and go to market -Mergers and acquisitions (and integrations) -Fintech - especially B2B Fintech Marketplaces -Cloud business decisions (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS) -Human capital management, talent and systems -Customer success strategies to reduce churn and grow net retention rate / recurring revenue -Negotiation strategies and tactics -Conversion funnels and how the funnel is not dead (AARRR, Awareness-Consideration-Conversion) -Value creation 2.0, 3.0, etc -Communicating for success and delegating authority - ties to exec coaching  

For those who come from the corporate world, the term sales enablement might sound familiar. However, for small business owners, it has been a methodology out of reach for years. Why? It was simply not affordable for many in the past. But what is sales enablement, and what does it do for your business? Craig Potts from Orchid Black is here to answer these and more questions around this topic. He shares six steps to transform sales, six elements around messaging, and sales enablement platforms that you can now use in your consulting business.   Links 333 - Show Notes Take the Accelerated Pulse Check! Masterclass BLG Sales Machine   Connect With Paul  On LinkedIn On Facebook On Twitter: @BuildLiveGive On Instagram: @paulhigginsmentoring Email: Paul@paulhigginsmentoring.com   Thank You for Tuning In!

Jim Barnish is the Founder and Managing Partner at Orchid Black, a growth services firm that helps tech-forward companies build better game-changing businesses. We talk about finding your ideal client profile, value creation strategies for flatlining companies, and dissect Aaron Ross' Predictable Revenue.   Timestamps [00:29] Jim's entrepreneurial journey [01:49] Jim's exit from the family business and launching Orchid Black [04:58] Orchid Black's mission to grow and maximize exit value for tech business [06:49] How to define, measure, and assess value creation in companies [09:11] Value creation strategies for flatlining companies [13:31] What is Predictable Revenue? [16:21] Dissecting Aaron Ross' Predictable Revenue [18:44] The Three-Tier Organizational Sales Strategy [22:31] Product-market fit: What is it and why is it important [24:42] Key Differences between product-market fit and minimal viable product [26:48] How to find your ideal client profile   Links and Resources Jim's LinkedIn Page Jim's Website Orchid Black Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross Orchid Black's Market Insights Reach out to Jim via email Steve Preda's Book: Buyable Complete the Buyability Assessment for Your Business https://StevePreda.com

 Strategic change leader with over 15 years of leadership experience in global and integrated operations and founder and managing partner of Orchid Black, Jim Barnish Jr joins the show to share his passion for growth. Together, they discuss the importance of focusing on growing the people within your organisation, why we sometimes need to break things down to push forward and why personal growth can be transformational.   KEY TAKEAWAYS As a leader, If you are focused on growing the people, you will find that the people are focused on growing the company and will take care of the customers. Growing people is possible through solid leadership. It is a luxury to be able to take risks in life but if you are lucky enough to be able to take a step back and look at what you're wanting to accomplish in life, it can be transformational. It is life-changing to align what you're good at, what you get paid to do, the impact you have on the world and what you love to do. Most businesses stop at the operational and revenue layer of business. They focus on driving as many sales to the business as possible. Whilst these things are important, the real value in a business sits above the operations and revenue layer. It is important to understand what transferable value the product or service is going to have. Sometimes you need to break things down to push forward. It is very hard for a lot of business founders to do this, but you have to accept what is in your control and what's not. Sometimes things are outside of your control and you must go above and beyond your comfort zone to push the company forward. Many companies miss the boat on understanding what the right compensation package is for their employees. Providing motivational benefits that will make your employees happy will make your company great and allow your staff to please your customers the way you would. Focusing on your personal growth can also be transformational. It is okay to take a step back and grow yourself. Your support system is important when you are trying to grow your company and they should not be separate.   BEST MOMENTS “I have a mission for just plain growth.” “That is such a special feeling.” “There had to be a better way, there just had to be.” “That is fun when you can unlock it."   ABOUT THE GUEST “ I am a strategic change leader with over 15 years of leadership experience in global and integrated operations, M&A, and strategic go-to-market planning. Drawing on deep operational and investment experience at a startup and scale-up businesses, I have created and curated a collection of proven, data-driven processes and methodologies to help companies build scalable and fundable VC ready solutions—accelerating organic growth.” Website: www.orchid.black.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast           Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/groups/430218374211579/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Barnish, has spent the last two decades as serial entrepreneur, operator, investor and M&A expert. He runs Orchid Black, a boutique growth services firm complete with serial entrepreneurs and growth experts, who are all accomplished operators and consultants with an investor mindset and a history of value creation and exits. Orchid Black's business model not only accelerates this value, but aligns their own compensation with their partner-clients' success. During this interview we cover: 00:00 The Financial Due Diligence Framework Course 01:02 - Intro 02:01 -  PMF & Nailing Your Niche 05:03 - What is Limiting Your SaaS to Achieve Faster Growth 07:54 -  Content Marketing Growth Hacking 10:49 - Best Distribution/Marketing Channels With Best ROI 13:04 - SaaS Metrics That Matter The Most 16:26 - Grow Smart & Grow Fast 18:18 - Orchid.Black's Growth Hacking Playbook 25:32 - Orchid.Black Target Company Profile 29:35 - Maximizing Exit Value 32:19 - Predictable Revenue & Revenue Growth 36:17 -Jim's  Capital Investment Network 37:44 - Jim's Background Coming From an Upbringing of trials & Tribulations  41:53 - Am I Ready for an Executive Coach?, Jim's Routines & Productivity  47:07 - How's Jim Measuring his Own Leadership Success? 49:38 - Advice Jim Would Tell His 25 Years Old Self 50:23 - Instrumental Resources for Jim's  Success 50:51 - What does Success Mean to Jim 51:10 - Get in Touch With Jim Mentions: https://www.orchid.black/ (Orchid.Balck) https://www.orchid.black/enhanced-case-study/from-vca-to-exit-a-fintech-firm-reinvisions-their-go-to-market-strategy (VCA) https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai/ (Ikigai) People: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-horwitz/ (Steve Horwitz) https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-joyce-a012a/ (Howard Joyce) Get In Touch With Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grow-smart-grow-fast/ (Jim's Linkedin) Books:  https://fromimpossible.com/ (From Impossible to Inevitable) https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/courses/216 (How to Win Friends & Influence People) Tag us & follow: https://www.facebook.com/HorizenCapitalOfficial/ (Facebook)  https://www.facebook.com/HorizenCapitalOfficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/horizen-capital (LinkedIn)  https://www.linkedin.com/company/horizen-capital https://www.instagram.com/saasdistrict/ (Instagram)  https://www.instagram.com/saasdistrict/ (https://www.instagram.com/saasdistrict/) More about Akeel: Twitter - https://twitter.com/AkeelJabber (https://twitter.com/AkeelJabber) LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/akeel-jabbar (https://linkedin.com/in/akeel-jabbar) More Podcast Sessions - https://horizencapital.com/saas-podcast (https://horizencapital.com/saas-podcast)

Co-Founding Managing Partner of Orchid Black Jim Barnish Jr. joins Darryl for this week's instalment. With over 15 years leadership experience in M&A, strategic market planning and global operations, Jim draws on deep functional and investment experience. With "smart" growth as their focal point, Orchid Black partner with tech-forward companies to build game-changing businesses. They strive to see their clients hit bigger milestones and greater returns faster. Using their experience driven insight and execution, they elevate companies and amplify their value in the marketplace. Whether the end goal is market fit or an exit, Orchid Black strengthens its partner-clients with their transformative relationships. Orchids are durable plants which can grow for over 100 years if looked after properly - their clients thrive in the same way. Secondly, the team works exclusively with companies that are cash flow positive, or already in the black, hence the name Orchid Black. Jim has curated a collection of proven, date-driven processes to assist companies build scalable VC ready solutions, facilitating and accelerating organic growth with his clients. He advocates success in business is a result of determination and mentality, rather than finding exploitations in the marketplace.

Co-Founding Managing Partner of Orchid Black Jim Barnish Jr. joins Darryl for this week's instalment. With over 15 years leadership experience in M&A, strategic market planning and global operations, Jim draws on deep functional and investment experience. With "smart" growth as their focal point, Orchid Black partner with tech-forward companies to build game-changing businesses. They strive to see their clients hit bigger milestones and greater returns faster. Using their experience driven insight and execution, they elevate companies and amplify their value in the marketplace. Whether the end goal is market fit or an exit, Orchid Black strengthens its partner-clients with their transformative relationships. Orchids are durable plants which can grow for over 100 years if looked after properly - their clients thrive in the same way. Secondly, the team works exclusively with companies that are cash flow positive, or already in the black, hence the name Orchid Black. Jim has curated a collection of proven, date-driven processes to assist companies build scalable VC ready solutions, facilitating and accelerating organic growth with his clients. He advocates success in business is a result of determination and mentality, rather than finding exploitations in the marketplace.

https://youtu.be/6rsNoTrAYY0 Jim Barnish is the Founder and Managing Partner at Orchid Black, a growth services firm that helps tech-forward companies build better game-changing businesses. We talk about finding your ideal client profile, value creation strategies for flatlining companies, and dissect Aaron Ross' Predictable Revenue.   --- Create Predictable Revenue with Jim Barnish Our guest is Jim Barnish, who's a 20 year entrepreneur, operator, investor, and M&A expert. He runs today Orchid Black, a growth services firm, helping founders let technology companies grow and exit. Welcome to the show, Jim. Thanks, Steve. Happy to be here. Great to have you. So Jim, tell me a little bit about how you cut your teeth in entrepreneurship and then also, you know, where this journey led you, because you're a very early starter, as I understand. So tell us a little bit about that, and then I'm going to have a follow-up question about what you're doing now and how you kind of transitioned over to your current stage. Sure. So I may be the only person your audience will ever meet that appears on both the 40 under 40 list and has also been growing and exiting businesses for more than half of their life. But ultimately I got my start in my family business that was doing well, but was your typical family run business really focused on trusting family and only bringing in family to help run and drive the business. And so at the ripe young age of 15, I was put in charge of finding our target acquisitions. And then ultimately later on in charge of both acquiring and integrating these businesses into our existing business. And, you know, thinking about what most people are doing at 15, probably the other stuff I was doing, going to school full time. But ultimately was entrusted with a pretty major operation with very little to rely on other than my gut and a learner's permit. Okay, so that was your family business, and this is where you got started, and are you still involved with it now, or are you focusing completely on Orchid Black, which is your current business? What are you doing right now? I'm no longer involved with that business today. It's doing well through the years. While I was there, it grew to over 600 million, and now today, it is over a billion in our enterprise value. So a nice family business that's now worth, you know, quite, quite a bit and a lot of great, great success stories there. What it really did was instill a fire inside of me to help founders and CEOs, similar to what my family was going through, that are founder led companies, wondering if their company could be worth much more and what to do to drive growth within that existing business, whether that's organic or inorganic. And so ever since the family business, that's what I've been doing is building and growing businesses focused on tech founders, CEOs that have typically hit some sort of growth stage revenue obstacle, you know, 5 million, 10 million, 25 million, and are ultimately looking to maximize the value of their business and leave a legacy for their family. Just, just like, uh, the family story I told. And so what's really great about that is I've been fortunate enough to have worked with a number of other serial entrepreneurs, C-level operators, and investors who've seen and done it all and had a bunch of exits behind them as well. And that's what Orchid Black has really become is helping to turn good, but somewhat stagnant companies, tech companies into great high growth companies with a hand-selected team that can really drop in and provide guidance and operational support, whether that be around M&A like myself, or more allowing customer success, sales, marketing, partnerships, really anything that when combined with our playbook as an organization, we're able to help founders navigate all of the growth stage obstacles that could possibly be presented to them, because we've been there ourselves. So how did you get Orchid Black started?

David Steen is an associate partner at Orchid Black. A growth services firm based in St. Petersburg Florida with offices in New York, Chicago and San Francisco Before joining Orchid Black, David was the co-founder of SparkVision and spent some time as the interim Chief Operating Officer for Meros Works. David is also an advisory board member to CarePro.io About The Funding University: The mission of The Funding University to Enable Funding around the world. Hosted by Seth Block, CPA. Visit The Funding University: https://www.thefundinguniversity.com Get Access To: 1. Blog: https://www.thefundinguniversity.com/blog 2. CPE Courses & Modules: https://www.thefundinguniversity.com/cpe 3. TFU Masterclass: https://www.thefundinguniversity.com/masterclass 4. Funding Expert Certification: https://www.thefundinguniversity.com/certification