Podcasts about Rob Walling

For the first time ever, we recorded a Built to Sell Radio episode in front of a live audience at the Value Builder Summit—a gathering of mission-driven advisors dedicated to helping founders level the playing field as they approach their exit.  Rob Walling has started, built, and sold multiple companies. As an investor and conference organizer, he's seen hundreds of founders exit—some thriving, others struggling. He teamed up with Dr. Sherry Walling, a clinical psychologist specializing in supporting entrepreneurs, to codify what separates a successful exit from one that leaves an owner adrift. Their insights culminated in their new book Exit Strategy. 

Andrew and Sean talk about the high robotics team Andrew mentors, choosing to delay the MetaMonster launch, hiring updates from Miscreants, and muse on the pros and cons of adding a custom prompts feature to MetaMonster. Links:Andrew's Twitter: @AndrewAskinsAndrew's website: https://www.andrewaskins.com/MetaMonster: https://metamonster.ai/Sean's Twitter: @seanqsunMiscreants: http://miscreants.com/Sean's website: https://seanqsun.com/Stacked cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/Stacked-Perfect-Sandwich-Owen-Han/dp/0063330652For more information about the podcast, check out https://www.smalleffortspod.com/.Transcript:00:00:00.85SeanYo, yo.00:00:02.06AndrewYo!00:00:03.42SeanHow was...00:00:03.58AndrewHow are you?00:00:04.54SeanI'm good. I'm tired. I'm good. I'm gonna hop in on a flight to New Orleans. New Orleans.00:00:13.79AndrewNolens?00:00:13.76SeanNext. New Orleans in 48 hours.00:00:17.25AndrewSick. I am so fucking jealous you're going to microconf before me, but I'll make it there one of these days. It'll happen.00:00:24.46SeanNext year.00:00:24.73AndrewAlthough, I guess if I keep doing robotics and it's always during robotics season, then maybe I won't ever make it.00:00:29.86SeanYeah, that's...00:00:30.05AndrewI could go to the Europe one.00:00:31.77SeanYeah. yeah00:00:32.79AndrewThat would make no sense. That would be so much more expensive.00:00:35.73Seanand But don't they have like... Oh, so Rob Walling. Rob Walling. Rob Walling. But...00:00:41.58AndrewHey, Rob.00:00:42.78SeanHey, Rob. Don't they have a... Do they only have a Europe and Americas one? For some reason I felt like they00:00:50.68AndrewYeah, I think they just have two.00:00:51.62SeanOkay. Okay. Cool. Cool. Cool.00:00:54.88AndrewTwo per year.00:00:56.38SeanI'm excited. and00:01:00.18SeanI don't know what to expect. I feel like this is the only time I've been to a conference that wasn't a security conference.00:01:01.88AndrewMm-hmm.00:01:05.52SeanSo I'm like a little bit nervous about it.00:01:06.35AndrewWhoa, yeah.00:01:08.86SeanYeah.00:01:09.38AndrewYou're not going trying to get work. You're just trying to meet people and learn and have a good time.00:01:12.04SeanYeah.00:01:16.25SeanI know. That feels so wrong. Yeah,00:01:18.70AndrewYeah, they've that's like not Sean at all. how Sean going somewhere and not trying to make money?00:01:22.02Seanhu00:01:24.87AndrewWhat? What?00:01:27.47Seanyeah I don't know what I'm supposed to do. Make friends is crazy.00:01:35.75Seanyeah and Yeah, no, I, and then, and then, and then I'm going to RSA.00:01:41.10Seanin well one month right after that so i'll be back to my normal self afterwards00:01:47.39AndrewGotcha. How many conferences are you going to be at this year?00:01:54.19Seanlike three just rsa black hat i mean you have to if if like i count rsa and b-sides as one conference and oh shit yeah you're right oh no what going i think i think i might00:01:51.71AndrewTotal. By the end of the year, you think?00:01:56.20AndrewNo.00:02:00.94AndrewWeren't you just at ShmooCon and like... Did you go DistrictCon?00:02:10.09Seantry to sneak into ChinaCon.00:02:12.74AndrewOh.00:02:13.42SeanSmall conference for like to talk about like like Chinese APTs and all that stuff.00:02:13.82AndrewWhat's ChinaCon?00:02:20.27AndrewHmm, neat.00:02:20.38SeanAnyway, yeah.00:02:23.04AndrewAre you gonna go to any of the, we have like multiple clients who are throwing their own conferences this year. Are you gonna go to any of those?00:02:28.75SeanOh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You are reminding me of all the travel that is... You know, I don't think about these things until, like... I didn't book my travel... I didn't book my plane ticket for MicroConf until two nights ago.00:02:41.70SeanBecause...00:02:43.10AndrewIt sounds like someone who has disposable income.00:02:43.84SeanYeah,00:02:47.87AndrewSomeone who has has a business card they can put things on.00:02:48.36Seanthat's weird.00:02:51.51Andrewand00:02:51.75SeanThat's true. That's true. The $100 difference doesn't make a that make good significant difference, I guess. Well, after taxes are involved.00:02:57.64AndrewYeah.00:02:59.44SeanSpeaking of which, my taxes are horrendous this year. Oh, yeah.00:03:02.01AndrewOh, fuck. Mine are going to be terrible, too, because I didn't pay any like estimated taxes last year.00:03:06.33SeanYeah. yeah00:03:09.78AndrewDo you have a good accountant? and00:03:12.42Seanwe just got a new accountant or we stopped working with our previous one because like well he stopped working with us i think we outgrew sort of all the services...

In this conversation, Jim Oliver and Rob Walling discuss the world of bootstrapped software entrepreneurship, focusing on the value of SaaS and subscription models. Rob shares his journey in building a community for software entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of investing in what you know and leveraging resources for growth. They explore real-life success stories, the significance of continuous learning, and the power of leveraging assets and technology in business. 3 Key Takeaways: Bootstrapping Benefits: Bootstrapping a business lets entrepreneurs maintain control, avoid dilution, and build sustainable, cash-flowing assets. Subscription Revenue: Subscription-based revenue models create predictable cash flow and increase company valuation, making them attractive for investors and acquisitions. Industry Expertise: Leveraging personal expertise and industry knowledge provides an edge in entrepreneurship, increasing the likelihood of success and financial growth. Building wealth requires knowledge and action. Keep learning with Breakaway Wealth—subscribe now and take control of your financial future. Connect with Robert Walling: Twitter: www.x.com/robwalling Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/robwalling/ Website: www.tinyseed.com / www.microconf.com

Dan sits down with Neel Parekh (CEO of MaidThis Franchise) to talk about the shifts that drive real business growth—why decision-making matters more than productivity, how time compression accelerates success, and why bigger businesses can create more freedom. They dive into the power of accountability, hiring smarter, and using personal branding to attract the right opportunities. Plus, Neel shares how he scaled through franchising—an unconventional path for a lifestyle business—balancing hustle, risk, and long-term rewards. What's missing in your business that's keeping you stuck? Connect with 1000+ global founders running profitable online businesses without sacrificing their unique lifestyles @ dynamitecircle.com (http://dynamitecircle.com/). CHAPTERS (00:02:02) Compressing Time for Success (00:04:17) The Law of a Thousand Hours (00:07:43) Staying Motivated Through Accountability (00:11:28) Building Confidence in Your Business Model (00:17:25) The Paradox of Growth and Lifestyle (00:24:35) Understanding the Franchise Model and Its Costs (00:26:16) The Challenges of Running a Franchise (00:26:31) The Decision to Franchise vs. Self-Expansion (00:30:44) Vetting Franchisees: Finding the Right Fit (00:31:22) Success Rates and Expectations in Franchising (00:37:01) The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Risk and Reward (00:39:51) The Durability of the Cleaning Business Model (00:43:51) Finding Excitement in Business and Life (00:44:09) Expanding Business Opportunities (00:44:50) The Hustle-Life Balance (00:46:49) The Power of Decision Making CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST "The Tailwind Index" & Dodging Business Blindspots (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/tailwind-index-dodging-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal

The team takes you inside the DC. Who we are, what to expect, and how you can grow your business with the support of other founders on the same journey. Connect with 1000+ global founders running profitable online businesses without sacrificing their unique lifestyles. Join Dynamite Circle. (https://dynamitecircle.com/) CHAPTERS (00:03:36) Introduction to DC (00:05:11) Genesis of DC (00:06:55) Culture & Composition (00:09:59) Application Process and Vetting (00:19:06) Events and Networking Opportunities (00:25:20) Support for High-Level Founders (00:29:14) Joining the Dynamite Circle CONNECT Email Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Follow on X (https://x.com/TropicalMBA) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) LINKS Join Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Subscribe to the newsletter (tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Get our book: Before the Exit (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs-ebook/dp/B07BN2KD1J) PLAYLIST Niche B2B Content = Big Revenue on YouTube (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/b2b-content-youtube) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Is Your Biggest Expense Helping or Hurting? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/your-biggest-expense) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal

The stories we tell ourselves shape our businesses—but how much of it is true? External validation, from market response to honest feedback, is key. Dan & Jeff break down common entrepreneurial mistakes, business strategy, product-market fit, sales, opportunity assessment, and why knowing your numbers (even without a finance background) matters. P.S. Still taking all the sales calls for your business? You need a wingman (https://meetwingman.com/). CHAPTERS (00:02:43) Building entrepreneurial endurance (00:03:35) It's easy to be dishonest with yourself (00:06:49) Tailwind index helps assess market needs (00:15:43) Focus on solving immediate pain points (00:18:38) Communicate effectively with your target market (00:23:39) Monthly business reviews (MBR) (00:25:18) Basic financial hygiene is crucial (00:27:08) Having the courage to be disliked (00:31:52) Contribution vs validation (00:34:22) Tasks vs responsibilities CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST Niche B2B Content = Big Revenue on YouTube (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/b2b-content-youtube) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Is Your Biggest Expense Helping or Hurting? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/your-biggest-expense) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal

Would you put millions into comic books? It sounds crazy, but for Rob Walling, it's part passion, part strategy. He's met people at the airport just to pick up a single book. But this isn't just nostalgia—it's an investment play. Rob Walling is a serial entrepreneur who sold his SaaS companies for millions. But instead of Ferraris, he spends big on collectibles—rare comics, original artwork, and even historical autographs. For him, it's about diversification, but also about reliving childhood joy at a whole new level. In this episode, we break down: Why Rob has over 10% of his net worth in collectibles The hidden risks of investing in physical assets How your childhood obsessions could become your best investments The difference between investing vs. gambling when it comes to collectibles Whether you're a comic book nerd, an investor looking for new angles, or just curious how high-net-worth founders really spend their money—this episode is for you. This is Moneywise, a podcast where host Sam Parr is joined by high-net-worth guests to explore exclusive insights into personal finance and lifestyle tailored for other high-net-worth people, or those on their way. They'll get radically transparent about the numbers, revealing things like their burn rates, portfolios, and spending habits. Who is Harry Morton? Harry Morton is the CEO of Lower Street, a company specializing in premium podcast production that he founded to transform brand narratives through audio storytelling. His expertise has made Lower Street a leader in the podcast industry, working with diverse clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies to enhance their market presence and audience engagement. Who is Sam Parr? Sam is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of The Hustle, which he sold to HubSpot in 2021. He's also the co-host of one of the world's top podcasts for entrepreneurs, My First Million. Known for his insightful business acumen and candid communication style, Sam Parr continues to be a prominent figure in the world of media and entrepreneurship. Sam's newest and biggest venture yet is Hampton, which he co-founded in 2022. Check out Sam's Companies:  Hampton Sam's List This podcast was made for the Hampton community, a private, highly-vetted, peer membership community for founders and CEOs of fast-growing, tech-enabled startups. Chapters: The Emotional and Financial Case for Collectibles (00:28) Rob's Financial Journey and Business Ventures (03:07) Life After the Big Exit (04:45) Diving Deep into Comic Book Collecting (08:11) The Value and Passion Behind Collectibles (13:21) Selling High-Value Collectibles (18:50) Investment Strategies and Diversification (19:10) Challenges of Selling Collectibles (21:20) Balancing Hobby and Investment (24:50) Insurance and Storage Concerns (28:36) Financial Performance of Collectibles (31:07) Emotional Value of Collecting (36:36) Tips for Investing in Collectibles (38:17) This podcast was produced in partnership with Lower Street and distributed by Morning Brew.

Dan breaks down five key mindset shifts for business owners in the thick of the growth grind. Inspired by Alex Hormozi's tweet on sacrifice, he explores what it really takes to succeed—reflecting on courage, relationships, and balance—with actionable takeaways to stay productive and happy. Book referenced in the episode is The Power to be Disliked (https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Be-Disliked-Phenomenon-Happiness/dp/1668065967/ref=asc_df_1668065967?mcid=0db73a9ea9f13b728a2cf3eb593e7720&hvocijid=13369597873068056788-1668065967-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=730432682330&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13369597873068056788&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007527&hvtargid=pla-2281435176698&psc=1). Connect with 1000+ global founders running profitable online businesses without sacrificing their unique lifestyles @ dynamitecircle.com (http://dynamitecircle.com/). CHAPTERS (00:00:35) Hormozi's 10-year formula for success (00:04:29) “The Courage to Be Disliked” (00:11:01) Change your relationships (00:15:12) Accept your responsibility (00:16:33) Take on a six-week sprint (00:18:26) Baseline & Brenwall (00:20:50) Do it for the right reasons CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST Niche B2B Content = Big Revenue on YouTube (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/b2b-content-youtube) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Is Your Biggest Expense Helping or Hurting? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/your-biggest-expense) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal

Why do so many founders feel sad, lost, and even depressed when they come into life-changing money from exiting their business? Dan contemplates why this happens and how to avoid it. Learn more at dynamitecircle.com (dynamitecircle.com) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Dan discusses the shift in SEO and the decline of content sites, emphasizing the need for B2B niche content. He introduces the concept of the 'influence equation' and stresses the importance of creating engaging, long-form content to capture the audience's attention. Learn more at dynamitecircle.com (dynamitecircle.com) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

One of the first questions Dan asks in his coaching sessions with 6 & 7-figure entrepreneurs is: would you re-hire your team today? Your team is likely your largest expense, so it's critical that you know exactly how they're driving revenue every step of the way. Dan goes through 10 questions that will help you make hard decisions with confidence and clarity. Learn more at dynamitecircle.com (dynamitecircle.com) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Today I'm not actually joined by an indie hacker, but by someone who can help a lot of indies out there. Josh Peleg is the Head of Biz Dev and Mergers and Acquisitions at BlueThrone. Essentially, he knows all about how to sell a business from the buyer's side.In this episode we're going to learn from Josh exactly what you need to know about selling your indie product. How you find an acquirer, what does the process look like and how you can get a deal over the line.I've spoken to some indie hackers who have gone through exits, such as Rob Walling, Ramy Khuffash, Tibo Louis Lucas and more, but not so much from the other side. Let's find out what it takes.Timestamps00:00 Intro00:56 What is BlueThrone02:13 How to find a potential acquirer04:41 How to set up your business to be sold06:33 Acquirer red flags08:31 Acquirer green flags10:04 The type of exits and what to choose13:48 RecommendationsReccosBook - The Master and The MargaritaPodcast - 20VCMy linksTwitterIndie Bites TwitterIndie Bites YouTubeJoin the membershipPersonal Website2 Hour Podcast CoursePodPanda (hire me to edit your podcast)This Indie Life PodcastSponsor - EmailOctopus

Dan and Ian reflect on their personal and business highlights from 2024, discussing parenting, travel, finance, making hard decisions in business and gaining clarity. They also dive into the systems and frameworks that have driven meaningful progress for them and their coaching clients over the past year. Learn more at dynamitecircle.com (dynamitecircle.com) Chapters (00:00:27) New Year Reflections and Personal Updates (00:02:54) Exploring Relationships and Parenting Dynamics (00:08:00) Travel Goals: Family and Wifi (00:10:16) Year of Changing Views on Finance (00:15:01) What people who are making progress have in common (00:22:10) What those who are stagnating have in common (00:23:50) Are you the best person for this job? (00:25:14) Understanding your Ideal Customer Profile (00:29:23) Scoreboard discipline (clarity) (00:37:30) Crazy event schedule Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

A personal brand is all about perception—everyone has one, whether you like it or not. So why not take control and shape it to your advantage? In this episode, Yota Trom shares actionable strategies for founders to overcome imposter syndrome, craft an authentic personal brand, and confidently integrate more of their true selves into their business. Start growing your 7-figure business alongside other ambitious and interesting founders from around the globe. Submit your application to join Dynamite Circle at https://dynamitecircle.com/ (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Links: https://www.yotatrom.com/ (https://www.yotatrom.com/) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Shane Hummus reveals his proven strategy for turning YouTube into a reliable source of new clients and millions in revenue, showing how entrepreneurs can succeed even with modest view counts. Links: https://www.youtube.com/ShaneHummus Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

This is the last episode for 2024. To make it special, it's a supercut of all the unconventional advice from every single guest that was on the show this year - Kent C. Dodds, Jerod Santo, Rob Walling, Adrienne Tacke, David Khourshid, Saron Yitbarek, Rachel Andrew, Katie Fujihara, Lena Reinhard, Miriam Suzanne, Kirupa Chinnathambi, Craig Hewitt, Jennifer Wong, Jason Lengstorf, Michael Kennedy, and Asia Orangio. This turned out so well, that I will be definitely re-visiting the format in the new year. I hope you have a successful and adventure-packed 2025, with plenty of room for career growth. See you next year!

Dan and lan break down 10 essential questions to help you reflect on the year, align your priorities, and set your business up for success-no new books or business coaches required (yet). Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Dan welcomes back Jay Clouse, founder of Creator Science, for his third appearance on the podcast. Jay has grown Creator Science into a thriving media company, including a YouTube channel with over 100,000 subscribers. In this episode, they discuss recurring vs. one-time products, effective marketing funnels, channel viability, and the difference between discovery and nurture content. Jay's transparent approach to building his business is truly inspiring. Catch the second part of this conversation on the Creator Science podcast. Links: Part 2 of our convo on the Creator Science podcast (https://podcast.creatorscience.com/dan-andrews-2/) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Brian Balfour, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Dan talks to Matthew Newton, CEO of Leatherback Travel, about his radically unconventional approach to scaling an 8-figure business. They dive into why it's crucial to ruthlessly select your opportunities, along with key lessons learned—including when to pivot, balancing flexibility with structure, and ensuring that running a business is always engaging and fun. Lean into some of these insights as you work on your goals for 2025. Want to get in the company of other entrepreneurs to help you kickstart your 2025 goals? Submit your application to join Dynamite Circle at https://dynamitecircle.com/ Links: Leatherback Travel (https://www.leatherbacktravel.com/) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:00:30) Introduction to Leatherback Travel (00:04:05) Building a House of Brands (00:05:44) Operational Philosophy and Team Dynamics (00:07:27) Scaling Challenges and Growth Management (00:10:39) The Importance of Operating Principles (00:13:23) Special Feeling: The Core Operating Principle (00:16:55) Vision and Decision-Making Frameworks (00:19:05) Navigating Political Opinions in the Workplace (00:20:39) Industry Standards and Guest Expectations (00:22:31) The K Principle: Balancing Flexibility and Policy (00:23:58) Operational Rhythm and Continuous Improvement (00:26:42) The CEO's Role: Captain of the Ship (00:31:31) Top of Funnel Strategies for Customer Acquisition (00:32:18) Finding Your Unique Selling Proposition (00:34:07) Lessons from Struggles: The Importance of Quitting (00:35:35) The Animal Zoo Principle: Making Business Fun Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

If you're sleeping on LinkedIn, let this episode be your wake up call. Dan sits down with Dr. Alex Barker, a pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur who 10X'd his business using LinkedIn. A real LinkedIn success story, proving how this often-overlooked platform can be a game-changer for B2B businesses. If you've ever doubted LinkedIn's potential, this conversation might just change your mind. Become a TMBA Insider and join thousands of entrepreneurs who've started, grown, and exited their businesses for life-changing sums. It all starts here. tropicalmba.com/subscribe Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:02:48) Introduction to Alex Barker's Journey (00:04:37) The Turning Point: Facing Business Challenges (00:11:59) The Power of Focus: Simplifying for Success (00:18:32) Leveraging LinkedIn: A New Opportunity (00:31:41) Vision for the Future: Healing the Pharmacy Profession (00:36:50) Lead Generation Strategies on LinkedIn Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: How do you grow from 7 to 8 figures? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/from-7-to-8-figures) The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Dan and Ian traveled to Barcelona with 12 other CEOs and founders to spend the week with Scaling Up author Verne Harnish. These are the 8 biggest takeaways from the week that you can apply to your own business. Chapters: (00:00:21) Introduction (00:00:34) Insights from the Barcelona CEO Boot Camp (00:07:52) The Job to Be Done Framework (00:12:04) Using the Q4 Method for Customer Insights (00:14:08) Finding a 10X Cost Advantage (00:16:51) The Importance of Understanding Your Solution (00:17:27) Thinking Big: The 10x Mindset (00:23:27) Wealth Through Transactions (00:24:54) The CEO's Role in Increasing Valuation (00:27:29) Defining the Soul of the Company (00:30:55) Triage for Overwhelmed Companies (00:34:51) The Power of Scoreboards Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: How do you grow from 7 to 8 figures? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/from-7-to-8-figures) The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Does your business feel stuck in 'idea mode,' constantly jumping from project to project? If you're ready to get on track and build a more focused, scalable strategy for 2025, this episode is for you. Dan breaks down his proven 4-step framework for driving your next $1 million in revenue. These actionable steps can be implemented in just a few days, with results you'll notice almost immediately. Want to get in the company of other entrepreneurs to help you kickstart your 2025 goals? Submit your application to join Dynamite Circle at https://dynamitecircle.com/ (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters ● (00:00:25) Introduction ● (00:03:35) Financially grounded goals ● (00:06:46) Measured plans ● (00:12:52) Intentional cadence ● (00:14:46) Team alignment Useful links: Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: How do you grow from 7 to 8 figures? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/from-7-to-8-figures) The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Dan revives his Re-Readables series with a discussion inspired by Frank Slootman's business book Amp It Up. He delves into the book's core arguments, such as the idea that execution trumps strategy, faster execution can drive better decision-making and growth, and the importance of building for investability. Plus, how exactly to improve your execution and boost your business's performance. Amp It Up (https://www.amazon.com/Amp-Unlocking-Hypergrowth-Expectations-Intensity/dp/1119836115/ref=asc_df_1119836115?mcid=3f957babb49c3cf4b060030bc82c3f64&hvocijid=12336327232821326462-1119836115-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12336327232821326462&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028277&hvtargid=pla-2281435177338&psc=1) by Frank Slootman Want to get in the company of other entrepreneurs to help you kickstart your 2025 goals? Submit your application to join Dynamite Circle at https://dynamitecircle.com/ (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:00:33) Introduction to 'Amp It Up' (00:04:07) Building a High-Performance Team (00:11:02) The Case for Fast Growth (00:15:14) Building for Investability Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: How do you grow from 7 to 8 figures? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/from-7-to-8-figures) The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Dan & Ian talk to Lucas Peters, founder of Journey Beyond Travel (https://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/), about his plans to get to $10M in 5 years. They break down the business and shift thinking from a project-oriented mindset to an approach rooted in financial analysis: What are your gross margins? What does it take to aquire a customer? What is your rebuy rate and LTV? They consider the highest leverage paths to growth. Want to get in the company of other entrepreneurs to help you kickstart your 2025 goals? Submit your application to join Dynamite Circle at https://dynamitecircle.com/ (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Chapters (00:03:08) Business Growth and COVID Impact (00:04:08) Unique Business Model and Market Positioning (00:04:47) Sales Process and Customer Engagement (00:09:04) Revenue Model and Pricing Strategy (00:13:02) Customer Retention and Repeat Business (00:13:55) Expansion Plans and Market Opportunities (00:14:43) Product Development and Cost Analysis (00:14:56) Maximizing Customer Lifetime Value (00:23:08) Strategizing Location Development (00:25:32) Market Potential and Capacity Constraints (00:31:23) Building a Supportive Team (00:32:38) Testing New Product Offerings (00:35:31) Driving Down Product Development Costs (00:37:53) Final Thoughts and Future Directions Useful links: Access our free business resources (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough)

Dan and Ian discuss the importance of three key executive roles—CEO, COO, and CFO—within bootstrapped businesses, emphasizing the need for founders to embrace responsibilities beyond visionary tasks. They share insights from this year's DCBKK and a sneak peek into the upcoming DC Black event in New York. (00:00:22) Welcome and Introduction (00:01:03) The Three Hats of Bootstrapping (00:09:51) Trends from DCBKK Event (00:12:34) The Importance of Financial Planning (00:19:30) LinkedIn as a Top Funnel Tool (00:22:50) Reflections and Future Events Useful links: Access our free business resources (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months)

This week's episode is for the business finance and idea nerds. We're joined this week in a business breakdown session with Alexej Pikovsky of Alphawellbrands.com. Alexej raised 4MIL to build a CBD marketplace. They were forced to pivot and have currently acquired an Amazon FBA brand and started up a success agency in the process, the combined revenue of both is on track to be over 4MIL this year. We'll dig into the Peter Paul problem– how to choose where to focus your energy when you have multiple businesses? We'll also cover his perspective on what happened in the Amazon aggregator space. How did so much capital implode so quickly? (Thrasio raised 3 Billion dollars and provided exits to many TMBA listeners). Is there room for smaller roll-ups that work in 2024? Takeaways ● ● Transition from a CBD marketplace to an SEO agency and FBA brand. ● The aggregator model faced significant challenges post-COVID. ● Many D2C brands are struggling with profitability and valuation. ● Acquiring the scented candles brand was a strategic move in a declining market. ● The agency provides valuable insights but distracts from brand focus. ● Investor relations are crucial for long-term success and exit strategies. ● The e-commerce landscape is evolving, requiring new strategies for success. ● The agency's role in the overall business strategy is under review. ● Future growth may depend on focusing solely on the brand. Useful links: Access our free business resources (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months)

Selling your product or service requires using words to convey what you offer. But words alone don't convert on-the-fence prospects into paying customers. Great conversion copy is a mix of persuasion, UX, and decision-making psychology. Sound hard? We promise it isn't. Chris, the founder of Conversion Alchemy (https://christophersilvestri.com/), takes us for a deep dive into all things copywriting and how the power of your messaging can impact your business growth, for better or worse. Plus, he shares a simple five-step copy audit process that transforms agency websites into lead generation machines, with principles you can apply to improve your own marketing collateral. Tune in for writing tips, principles, and examples you can copy. Newsletter subscribers (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) will get the 5-step worksheet to help you create your own offer in 30 minutes. Takeaways - Empathizing with the client's problem, understanding your audience's language, and identifying audience awareness levels is crucial for effective messaging. - A clear value proposition resonates with prospects'' goals and increases engagement. - Clarifying what you do and how, backed with empathy, builds trust with potential clients. - Contextual proof enhances credibility and addresses objections, creating a smoother client experience. - Shielding clients from risk reassures them during the decision-making process. - The “coffee table test” helps tailor messaging to the audience. - AI can assist in drafting copy but should not replace personal insights. - Tripwire products can effectively lower barriers to entry for clients. - Analyzing successful agency websites can provide valuable insights. - Dynamic frameworks for copywriting are more effective than rigid formulas. - Leveraging testimonials can significantly boost credibility. Useful links: Access our free business resources (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months)

Dan and Ian talk to 100s of listeners a year via 1:1 coaching. In this episode they distill those calls into 4 breakthrough ideas that can change your quarter for the better. Newsletter subscribers will get our GPS (Goals/Plans/Systems) worksheet. Sign up for the newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Takeaways ● Be sure you pack enough underwear for your next trip abroad. ● Getting aligned on goals is easy, but aligning on plans is hard. ● Hiring should be based on unique business needs, not generic roles. ● Confidence is essential for entrepreneurs, especially in challenging times. ● Discipline in financial management is crucial for sustainable growth. ● Regularly reviewing financials helps maintain business health. ● Accountability in coaching can drive significant progress. ● Sacrifices are often necessary to achieve business goals. ● Effective hiring requires a clear understanding of ROI. ● Facing reality and challenges can build confidence. ● Entrepreneurship allows for a lifestyle designed by personal choice. In honor of traveling to DCBKK this week, here's Dan's original packing list (https://tropicalmba.com/articles/digital-nomad-packing-lis/) from 2010. And an updated list (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/packing) in 2015. Is it time for a new list? Chapters - (00:00:59) Dan's Packing List Ahead of DCBKK - (00:02:28) 4 Breakthroughs From Our Coaching Calls - (00:05:20) The Importance of Goal Alignment - (00:09:54) Hiring for Unique Situations - (00:16:36) Good Confidence vs Bad Confidence - (00:21:03) Discipline in Entrepreneurship Useful links: Access our free business resources (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months)

Transforming from a software developer to a serial entrepreneur with six successful startups can seem daunting, but Rob Walling has shown us how it's done. As highlighted in our latest Marketing Speak episode, his journey is packed with invaluable lessons for anyone in the entrepreneurial space. In this episode, you'll discover Rob's profound insights from founding six companies, authoring four books on entrepreneurship, and investing in over 190 startups. We explore the importance of balancing persistence with adaptability, the significance of market choice, and the necessity of developing a founder's intuition. Rob also discusses leveraging AI for efficiency, the nuances of bootstrapping versus venture capital, and the valuable lessons from his Kickstarter experience. For more inspiring insights into navigating the startup landscape, entrepreneurship tips, and balancing persistence with adaptability,  tune in!  The show notes, including the transcript and checklist for this episode, are at marketingspeak.com/470.

Dan considers why many of us are resistant to a certain type of business idea even when it's been proved time and time again. He'll also explore that often what stands between your business and positive change is some structured thinking. Lastly, we'll hear from a listener who's working to take his lifestyle brand to $1M and what his plans are to get there. Featured in this episode: Founder Robby McClung of the McClumsy (https://mcclumsy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoovUif485xIc7NQ559s51c7sWaSSF_z4jDBNR4eGd0yub7TWUmA) lifestyle brand. This week's episode brought to you by Smash Digital (https://smashdigital.com/). They'll build you a scalable SEO growth strategy to earn the juiciest high-authority backlinks on earth. No, really. Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months)

Dan paid big money for a business coach who only gave him one piece of advice. Listen to the episode to find out what it was and if it worked. Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:00:22) The Perfect Storm for Entrepreneurs (00:03:41) Introducing the System (00:05:37) Implementing the System in Your Business (00:06:50) Defining Roles and Outcomes (00:09:51) The Hiring Process Revolutionized (00:11:01) Performance Conversations and Team Dynamics (00:12:53) Leveraging the System for Business Growth (00:16:37) Recap and Final Thoughts Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Dan & Ian get real about what it takes to create and maintain a successful business. They'll walk you through their Goals/Plans/Systems (GPS) worksheet that's specifically designed to help you plan for business growth. They use it with their coaching clients on a weekly basis. Newsletter subscribers can download and complete their very own GPS worksheet. Through completing this worksheet, you will: Discover key insights about the state of your business that you probably didn't realize before Define clear goals for your business moving forward Develop a plan based on your historical data and a cadence for tracking your progress regularly Plus: Ian talks about his cool and expensive hobby. We talk about a founder who doesn't take meetings and still has a profitable business. We share some insight on how we managed our business during a crucial operational tipping point. Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

“Manager mode is so tempting…” Dan & Ian discuss Paul Graham's most recent essay titled “Founder Mode”, and how lifestyle bootsrappers can harness the power of founder mode to grow their businesses. They'll also address a question they get asked all the time: “But when is my LTV good enough?” How to figure out your LTV to CAC ratio and more in this week's episode. Subscribe to the newsletter to access Dan & Ian's business resources used with their coaching clients. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) This week's episode brought to you by Remote First Recruiting (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/). Hire your next team member in 30 days or less. From the episode: Paul Graham's Founder Mode (https://paulgraham.com/foundermode.html). ‘Old Man River' reference from The 5 Approaches for Getting Rich + Budgeting for Wealth (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/5-approaches-getting-wealth) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Many founders think they have an operations problem - delivery, trust, staffing, leadership. But Dan thinks you might actually have a sales & marketing problem. Dan & Ian also talk about becoming better leaders and how to fight against the erge to control your team. Last but not least, Dan shares the invaluable relationship advice he learned from President Barack Obama and reflects on the benefits of owning a lifestyle business when it comes to parenting. Want to work through your current challenges with Dan & Ian? TMBA listeners can apply to get business coaching from Dan & Ian live on the pod (it's free). Apply here. (https://14sd8k3d6c1.typeform.com/to/aX9YfmGH) Get access to Dan & Ian's business resources that they use with their coaching clients when you sign up for the newsletter. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) This week's episode brought to you by Remote First Recruiting (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/). Hire your next team member in 30 days or less. Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

This founder started an Upwork agency less than 2 years ago and is making $30K a month… JUST on Upwork alone. We talk about how to take it to $80K a month and beyond in the next year. In this week's newsletter, we include our ICP exercise. Your next breakthrough in under 30 minutes. TMBA email subscribers can also apply to get business coaching from Dan & Ian live on the pod (it's free). Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Today's guest is Phil Kuehnen, founder of Rev Gravy (https://hey.revgravy.com/welcome). Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:00:00) Introduction and Overview (00:00:35) Current Revenue and Pricing (00:05:11) Financial Goals and Challenges (00:05:32) Strategies for Revenue Growth (00:05:40) Acquiring and Retaining Customers (00:07:11) Key Value Proposition and Benefits (00:07:33) Identifying Obvious Growth Opportunities (00:10:50) Creating a High-Ticket Front-End Offer (00:12:37) Focusing on the Business Model (00:19:33) The Importance of Sales Calls (00:21:12) Building a Machine for Growth Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “1,000 Customers from One Channel” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/1000-customers-one-channel) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

These co-founders want to more than triple their revenue in the next 12 months. Despite stagnation the past few years, they believe they can get there. Dan & Ian dissect their plans to achieve this goal and offer some counterintuitive advice. They cover repackaging a product for a higher cost, focusing on your premium customers, and how to lead a sales call. In this week's newsletter, we include our favorite resources for getting started with sales calls. TMBA email subscribers can also apply to get business coaching from Dan & Ian live on the pod (it's free). Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Today's guests are Elburz Sorkhabi and Colin Gibson, founders of The Interactive & Immersive HQ (https://interactiveimmersive.io/). Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:00:00) Introduction and Overview (00:04:40) Financial Goals and Challenges (00:06:07) Current Revenue and Pricing (00:07:51) Strategies for Revenue Growth (00:10:13) Acquiring and Retaining Customers (00:12:45) Key Value Proposition and Benefits (00:14:36) Identifying Obvious Growth Opportunities (00:16:06) Repositioning the Product for Customer Goals (00:18:32) Repositioning and Repackaging for Revenue Generation (00:24:17) Creating a High-Ticket Front-End Offer (00:34:02) Focusing on the Business Model (00:39:40) The Importance of Sales Calls (00:44:00) Building a Machine for Growth Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Go from being trapped in the job you've built for yourself to building a wealth-generating machine. Dan & Ian challenge service businesses to determine their LTV to CAC ratio so they can improve their cashflow and run a “real” business that gives them the lifestyle they want. Calculating the LTV to CAC ratio may sound hard (and boring), but it's no harder than solving all those other things you're struggling with in your business. Also, Dan's hot take on the digital nomad ratio and being “relatively” wealthy. Plus, one lucky listener (and email subscriber) will win a free ticket to this year's DCBKK (over $1,000 value) in October. Details on how to enter in this week's newsletter. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters: (00:01:00) Free Ticket to Our Next Event (00:04:49) Business Breakdown Series (00:06:50) Understanding the LTV to CAC Ratio (00:08:08) Scaling a Service Business (00:18:33) Lifestyle Business vs Real Business (00:20:40) Easier to Run a Real Business (00:26:00) Understanding Key Metrics (00:29:47) High Fidelity Problem-Solving (00:35:03) The Digital Nomad Ratio (00:36:10) Living Like the Wealthy Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Acquisition (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi) The Secret Weapon to Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power)

Dan & Ian talk to a listener who's running a SaaS business that within one year got to $8K MRR. The business is full of potential and opportunities, but the risks involved with having all of your customers come from one channel looms heavily in the background. They discuss topics like how to build relationships with customers, increase average cart value, how to grow your business when you're not a sales and marketing expert, and more. Dan & Ian brainstorm ideas about how this founder can future-proof his business while still maintaining his ideal lifestyle. TMBA email subscribers can submit their business to be reviewed with Dan & Ian on the pod. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Today's guest is Pavel Schoffer, founder of Beaver Codes (https://beaver.codes/#:~:text=My%20name%20is%20Pavel%20Schoffer,our%20CTO%20and%20founder%20%E2%80%93%20Pavel.). Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters: (00:00:13) Introduction and Background (00:08:23) Building a Successful Lifestyle Business with Beaver Codes (00:09:50) Navigating Platform Risk and Diversification (00:11:04) Expanding the Business: Leveraging the Passionate Customer Base (00:13:34) Reaching Out to Customers and Gathering Insights (00:23:49) Managing Online Reviews and Filtering Options (00:25:50) Automating Review Responses and AI Integration (00:33:59) Balancing Platform Risk and Diversification (00:35:41) Upselling Premium Features to Existing Customers (00:37:39) Identifying Personal Passion and Building Relationships (00:42:02) Recognizing Expertise and Hiring for Growth (00:42:52) Bringing in Talent and Sharing Wisdom (00:44:28) Maximizing Personal and Business Potential Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Acquisition (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi) The Secret Weapon to Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power)

Dan & Ian talk to a listener who's running a $1M D2C e-commerce business about the challenges and opportunities he faces as he plans for future growth and a potential exit down the road. They discuss topics like decreasing customer acquisition costs, increasing profit margins, the absolutely essential role of a CFO, and not letting your passion for the product get in the way of your growth. At the end of the call, Dan & Ian will recommend key next steps this founder should take in order to scale their business effectively and aggressively. TMBA email subscribers can submit their business to be reviewed with Dan & Ian on the pod. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters: (00:00:27) Introduction and Business Overview (00:02:18) Transitioning to D2C E-commerce (00:05:59) Scaling and Future Plans (00:13:11) Becoming a Software Company (00:14:17) Challenges and Future Growth (00:18:06) The Role of a CFO in Financial Management (00:28:28) Developing an Expensive Product for Customers (00:32:48) Improving Profit Margins and Considering Tax Implications Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Acquisition (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi) The Secret Weapon to Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power)

Tackling one of the biggest problems entrepreneurs struggle with: separating their business from their own narrative and looking at it with fresh eyes. This episode will uncover the simple but hard truths to every business and reveal the three (and only three) ways to grow any business. We talk about customer acquisition, order value, retention, risk-free offers, and more. TMBA email subscribers will get access to the platonic business calculator discussed on today's show. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters: - (00:00:45) Introduction - (00:02:24) The Platonic Ideal of a Business - (00:04:18) Simplify, Focus, Execute - (00:10:27) The 3 Essential Ways to Grow a Business - (00:12:47) Understanding the Numbers - (00:29:07) Better-Than-Risk-Free Offers - (00:32:53) Conclusion Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: Winning and losing Millions with Nathaniel Eliason (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/winning-and-losing-nathaniel-eliason) Less Than 5% of Businesses Get to 1MIL+ - A Process to Reach the Goal (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/process-to-reach-goal) The Secret Weapon to Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power)

We speak to hundreds of entrepreneurs every year through one-on-one coaching and live events. Many of those entrepreneurs have gone on to become very wealthy, and throughout our conversations with those people, we have found some common threads to the ways that wealthy people behave. This was one of our most popular episodes of 2019 so we're bringing it back with updated thoughts. This week, newsletter subscribers will get Dan's personal monthly budget template. Sign up for our newsletter to receive TMBA-exclusive business-building resources weekly. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Chapters ● (00:02:20) Every Dollar Has a Job ● (00:09:30) Deals. People. Energy. Luck. ● (00:14:42) Strategic Identity Creation ● (00:21:22) Comprehensive Arbitrage ● (00:29:03) Old Man River ● (00:33:15) Shovel Stamper Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com (ian@tropicalmba.com) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: Winning and losing Millions with Nathaniel Eliason (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/winning-and-losing-nathaniel-eliason) Less Than 5% of Businesses Get to 1MIL+ - A Process to Reach the Goal (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/process-to-reach-goal) The 7 Most Common Money Mistakes for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-money-mistakes)

In this week's conversation, Dan and Ian discuss 10 ideas that provide valuable insights and strategies for entrepreneurs looking to grow their revenue to $1 Million and beyond. From years of experience and countless coaching calls, Dan and Ian cover topics such as finding a product with a tailwind, getting out of delivery, hiring a key badass, understanding your business model, optimizing your marketing funnel, and much more… These strategies can provide a roadmap for entrepreneurs to focus on the most impactful areas of their business and make informed decisions to drive growth. Dan & Ian's Stuff: Our book: Before the Exit (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs/dp/1980628823/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E5PMCCM0TDZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GnIb36rltn6NgcjHBCs8zg.waeKvE3zKoAbCt6Adoo5o5vv7M4PDyOj9pMXE7dM82A&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+the+exit+dan+andrews&qid=1711510466&s=books&sprefix=before+the+exit+dan+andrews%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1) The Newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) “The DC” (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) DC Accelerator (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) DC Black (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Global events (https://dynamitecircle.com/events) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters: (00:00:49) Introduction and Setting (00:02:02) 10 Ideas for Reaching $1 Million in Revenue (00:03:46) Finding a Product with a Tailwind (00:11:11) Getting Out of Delivery (00:17:57) Hiring a Key Badass (00:23:48) Knowing Your Numbers (00:25:05) Understanding Your Numbers (00:29:27) Creating a Resident Offer (00:32:46) Optimizing Your Marketing Funnel (00:38:50) Identifying Key Metrics (00:40:51) Patching the Leaky Boat Links: Diagnostic & Goals | Plans | Systems Work sheet (https://docs.google.com/document/d/15eai16-JiRqUDYyKBdG6Za-vIs_xLCnGRcLYYcbrGDE/edit) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: Winning and losing Millions with Nathaniel Eliason (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/winning-and-losing-nathaniel-eliason) Less Than 5% of Businesses Get to 1MIL+ - A Process to Reach the Goal (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/process-to-reach-goal) The 7 Most Common Money Mistakes for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-money-mistakes)

This week's conversation revolves around the book 'Crypto Confidential' and explores author Nathaniel Eliason's experience during the crypto mania. From the moment he decided to go all-in on crypto and the impact it had on their personal life, Nathaniel delves into the mechanics of farming and the process of launching decentralized exchanges. Enjoy insights deep insights from the crypto world including off-ramping, the risks and challenges of early wallets, the mindset of crypto whales, the experience of losing and making millions, the rise and fall of the Titan project, and the author's biggest win in developing a crypto game. Dan & Ian's Stuff: Our book: Before the Exit (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs/dp/1980628823/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E5PMCCM0TDZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GnIb36rltn6NgcjHBCs8zg.waeKvE3zKoAbCt6Adoo5o5vv7M4PDyOj9pMXE7dM82A&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+the+exit+dan+andrews&qid=1711510466&s=books&sprefix=before+the+exit+dan+andrews%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1) The Newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) “The DC” (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) DC Accelerator (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) DC Black (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Global events (https://dynamitecircle.com/events) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters: (00:16:41) Going All-In on Crypto (00:20:53) Exploring the Mechanics of Farming and Decentralized Exchanges (00:26:35) The Role of Social Media in Spreading Information and Attracting Investors (00:34:37) The Influx of Money into Crypto: Motivations of Investors (00:35:22) Challenges of Off-Ramping Crypto and Early Wallets (00:36:01) The Mindset of Crypto Whales (00:41:13) Lessons from Losing Money in the Crypto World (00:42:59) The Rise and Fall of the Titan Project (00:52:42) The Author's Biggest Win: Developing a Crypto Game (00:59:50) Choosing Fulfillment over Financial Success: The Decision to Focus on Writing Links: Crypto Confidential: Winning and Losing Millions in the New Frontier of Finance (https://www.amazon.com/Crypto-Confidential-Winning-Millions-Frontier/dp/0593714040) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: Less Than 5% of Businesses Get to 1MIL+ - A Process to Reach the Goal (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/process-to-reach-goal) The 7 Most Common Money Mistakes for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-money-mistakes) Unlock Wealth Through Financial Fluency (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/unlock-wealth-financial-fluency)

Dan and Ian discuss the fundamental principles of change and how they apply to both weight loss and entrepreneurship. The conversation explores the three key components of successful change: knowledge, accountability, and identity. Listen in for how these principles are practical and applicable to your business growth, cause ass we know breakthroughs in our business don't happen through epiphanies, they happen through small and consistent accumulations of change. Dan & Ian's Stuff: Our book: Before the Exit (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs/dp/1980628823/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E5PMCCM0TDZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GnIb36rltn6NgcjHBCs8zg.waeKvE3zKoAbCt6Adoo5o5vv7M4PDyOj9pMXE7dM82A&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+the+exit+dan+andrews&qid=1711510466&s=books&sprefix=before+the+exit+dan+andrews%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1) The Newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) “The DC” (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) DC Accelerator (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) DC Black (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Global events (https://dynamitecircle.com/events) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters ● (00:00:54) Introduction and Catching Up ● (00:02:42) The Need for Change in Business ● (00:04:40) The Pyramid of Change ● (00:10:34) The Three Components of Successful Change ● (00:10:53) The Power of Accountability ● (00:12:31) Changing Practices and Relationships ● (00:14:23) The Importance of Accountability ● (00:17:27) The Role of Knowledge in Change ● (00:18:01) Different Types of Knowledge ● (00:22:16) The Power of Identity ● (00:28:57) The Priority of Change ● (00:29:45) The Promise of Change Links: Dr. Layne Norton's YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@biolayne1) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: The 7 Most Common Money Mistakes for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-money-mistakes) Unlock Wealth Through Financial Fluency (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/unlock-wealth-financial-fluency) The Secret Weapon for Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power)

Dan and Ian discuss the biggest money problems they've seen in their own business and hundreds of other bootstrapped businesses. Learn how to craft a sustainable financial model, the importance of owner compensation, how to avoid being under-invested, and more. Dan & Ian's Stuff: Our book: Before the Exit (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs/dp/1980628823/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E5PMCCM0TDZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GnIb36rltn6NgcjHBCs8zg.waeKvE3zKoAbCt6Adoo5o5vv7M4PDyOj9pMXE7dM82A&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+the+exit+dan+andrews&qid=1711510466&s=books&sprefix=before+the+exit+dan+andrews%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1) The Newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) “The DC” (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) DC Accelerator (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) DC Black (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Global events (https://dynamitecircle.com/events) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters ● (00:00:45) Introduction and Setting the Stage ● (00:01:13) The Importance of Money Attitudes and Metaphors ● (00:16:08) The Startup Spending Mindset in Bootstrapped Businesses ● (00:29:39) Focusing on the Wrong Problems ● (00:31:25) Strategies for Affording to Start a Business ● (00:34:28) Starting Early and Investing in Yourself ● (00:38:18) The Importance of Owner Compensation ● (00:41:15) Setting a Salary Cap ● (00:45:12) Avoiding Being Under-Invested Links: - Derek Sivers article “Shed Your Money Taboos” (https://sive.rs/mn1) - Venkatesh Rao article “Ancient Rivers of Money” (https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2010/11/05/ancient-rivers-of-money/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: Unlock Wealth Through Financial Fluency (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/unlock-wealth-financial-fluency) The Secret Weapon for Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power) How Healthy is Your Business? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/how-healthy-is-your-business)

In this episode, Dan and Ian discuss the credible and reliable ways to build wealth through your business, based on the work of author Keith Cunningham. The conversation emphasizes building a financially sound foundation for your business by understanding and applying financial principles, planning effectively, managing risks, and maintaining financial discipline. As Cunningham says, "Building a business without mastering the financial statements is like building a house on the beach. It's not if the tide will come in, it's when. And the tide always comes in." Enjoy this week's episode as you consider how to build a durable business for long-term success! Dan & Ian's Stuff: Our book: Before the Exit (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs/dp/1980628823/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E5PMCCM0TDZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GnIb36rltn6NgcjHBCs8zg.waeKvE3zKoAbCt6Adoo5o5vv7M4PDyOj9pMXE7dM82A&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+the+exit+dan+andrews&qid=1711510466&s=books&sprefix=before+the+exit+dan+andrews%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1) The Newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) “The DC” (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) DC Accelerator (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) DC Black (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Global events (https://dynamitecircle.com/events) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters ● (00:00:44) Introduction: Credible and Reliable Ways to Build Wealth Through Your Business ● (00:04:09) Building a Durable Business for Long-Term Wealth ● (00:04:54) Mitigating Risks: Excess Capacity, Client Concentration, and Key People Dependency ● (00:11:49) Understanding the Language of Finance for Business Success ● (00:19:01) Sustaining a Business for the Long Term: Commitment and Adaptability ● (00:20:53) Understanding Finance and Starting a Business ● (00:33:50) The Role of Culture in a Company ● (00:35:29) The Responsibilities of a CEO ● (00:37:42) Growth Priorities for Business Success ● (00:39:09) Capital-Efficient Strategies for Wealth Generation Links: - Keith Cunningham's book 'The Ultimate Blueprint for an Insanely Successful Business' (https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Blueprint-Insanely-Successful-Business/dp/0984659250/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2D3HYVG2XIL8E&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6wdrFdtbm0DM4YXd9z-7Eg9hSx7g-qEqNSc6mcRKhvXX5LeVKUFI7s-Mk6ogS9nCRgWK7FKyBUgHkvR1APe1B31DvYgxvuzLLkQwBDZBD2tblhHNOTc_y_Vw9xOdloAH7wg8rVbWShf0bIQzv1Eulxpq3ei0imX87F7HTMkKwub58NAwIRQUmKyZSsY7It-Ab6jzcJb_9U0L5HKNFaAU7AFfrelF6YpYbSuWDwxdgN0.zbX1oiTeTlGx2AUi1Kuq6ypRgpMAVFunKIDtssU7QOI&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Ultimate+Blueprint+for+an+Insanely+Successful+Business&qid=1718197927&sprefix=the+ultimate+blueprint+for+an+insanely+successful+business%2Caps%2C59&sr=8-1) - Keith Cunningham's book ‘The Road Less Stupid' (https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Stupid-Keith-Cunningham/dp/0984659269/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QSYA03DUPLBS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.38XR5RwqaXyMwB0ZdJAPnpC1BdgaQLvjMsWtoc6-iSYa8RzEhdSYSPVoqaJhB_aU6WeLIm30lN90exgwyi3UHvBIsrBMb60JkLdYnFVMt1nfog5uR8VVMRmfhz3blxqJzdKLlZjMn95jmKfFi0Lz5NcEEQ1Lgo-knbxKX8PzCe120eDSKl4oLgUWNCLD2NcdUk0E0pCzYTfYbC5yXvi_n77TZUCp-sKAdTplHRxsTH0.YFtfbChtHiVP11ILE_7VTO-SWC2jte-ZLHlxaDrzWqw&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Road+Less+Stupid&qid=1718197959&s=audible&sprefix=the+road+less+stupid%2Caudible%2C68&sr=1-1-catcorr) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: The Secret Weapon for Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power) How Healthy is Your Business? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/how-healthy-is-your-business) The Million Dollar Service Business Playbook (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-dollar-playbook)

Dan and Ian explore the concept of power in business and how businesses can transition from being a grind for the owner to having sustainable pricing power. Derived from the book 'Seven Powers' by Hamilton Helmer, they delve into the idea of cornered resources as a source of power and discuss examples of cornered resources such as patents, unique brain trust, and exclusive partnerships. You'll be challenged to consider how you can identify and leverage counter positioning, networked effects, distribution, and brand to sustain margins and pricing power over time. This is an essential conversation for building and maintaining a competitive advantage in any industry. Dan & Ian's Stuff: Our book: Before the Exit (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs/dp/1980628823/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E5PMCCM0TDZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GnIb36rltn6NgcjHBCs8zg.waeKvE3zKoAbCt6Adoo5o5vv7M4PDyOj9pMXE7dM82A&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+the+exit+dan+andrews&qid=1711510466&s=books&sprefix=before+the+exit+dan+andrews%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1) The Newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) “The DC” (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) DC Accelerator (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) DC Black (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Global events (https://dynamitecircle.com/events) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters ● (00:01:07) Understanding Business Power and Transitioning Camps ● (00:09:44) The Importance of Cornered Resources in Business ● (00:19:59) Leveraging Distribution as a Source of Power ● (00:36:03) Unleashing the Power of Brand Links: - The 7 Powers: The Foundation of Business Strategy (https://www.amazon.com/7-Powers-Foundations-Business-Strategy/dp/0998116319) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: How Healthy is Your Business? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/how-healthy-is-your-business) The Million Dollar Service Business Playbook (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-dollar-playbook) Run Any Business with Just Two Simple Things (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/run-business-two-simple-things)