Ask Brien Show

The Learnings and Missteps Podcast

The Learnings and Missteps Podcast on YouTube

Adept Builders and Design - Website

Jesse Hernandez - LinkedIn

Becoming the Promise You're Intended to Be - Book

Lean & Love - 5S Love Letters: A #NoBS Look Into How Your Relationships Create Ripples of Impact - Book

BIO

Jesus “Jesse” Hernandez is a dynamic personality on a quest to improve the lives of construction leaders, managers, and workers.

He’s taken the lessons he’s learned firsthand from working in the field on construction sites in Texas, grading ditches and as a plumbing journeyman. He shares these lessons in his training courses, peer groups, presentations, webinars, and podcasts.

Jesse is also the published author of two books in which he shares his life experiences with us. His first book, "Becoming the Promise You Are Intended to Be," addresses overcoming addiction and improving mental health. Additionally, he wrote Lean & Love with his "No BS with Jen & Jess" podcast co-host Jennifer Lacy, which dives into improving work and personal relationships.

Connect with Jesse on social media at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok; check out his latest speaking engagements and guest appearances on construction podcasts; or learn more about his training courses and peer groups.

The Profit Playbook: Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Enhance Financial Literacy

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Ask Brien Podcast, hosts Peter and Traci delve into the essentials of business success, focusing on financial management and strategic planning with Michele Williams the Founder and CEO of Scarlet Thread Consulting. Michele shares her journey from financial software development to entrepreneurship. She discusses the creation of a financial dashboard to aid business owners, particularly in the creative industry, in understanding their financial health. The conversation covers hiring strategies, the importance of a strategic plan, and the role of podcasting in marketing. Michele emphasizes financial literacy and adaptability, offering practical advice for navigating economic challenges.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:11] Michele shares her journey in financial software development and her motivation to create a financial dashboard for business owners to understand their finances.
[8:04] Michele shares her approach to using SaaS or Software as a Service
[15:26] Michele explains how her user-friendly software complements existing financial software like QuickBooks.
[20:03] Entrepreneurs should focus their hiring efforts on business development that align with their strategic goals over administrative roles.
[23:04] Exploration of how podcasting serves as a crucial marketing element for the business and various ways that content can be repurposed into different marketing materials for different platforms.
[28:02] Advice on managing cash flow and adapting to economic fluctuations in business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Software development can be expensive, so make sure you have a strategic plan that you can build from to create exactly what you are aiming to create.
It is essential that software is user friendly. If it is not, clients will choose a platform that is easier to use and understand.
Having a financial dashboard for your business readily available and easy to understand can be extremely beneficial when making important financial decisions for your business.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Scarlet Thread Consulting Website

Profit is a Choice Podcast

Michele Williams LinkedIn

Email: team@scarletthreadconsulting.com

BIO

Michele Williams is a serial entrepreneur and speaker on a mission to close the financial literacy gap for small businesses.

Through her two companies, Scarlet Thread Consulting, a client-facing coaching program, and Metrique Solutions, a robust financial software platform, she supports entrepreneurs to understand their numbers confidently.

Michele is a champion for creative entrepreneurs (designers, event planners, photographers, etc.), serving as a change agent to facilitate building scalable and profitable businesses. Michele’s empowering work has been applauded by The Business of Home, My Doma Studios, and The American Society of Interior Designers.

Connect with me today and I will send you details of how to build a scalable Interior Design Business.

Changing the Way the World Innovates: Tony Ulwick of Strategyn

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 01:00:00 -0500

This week we were joined by Tony Ulwick, CEO of Strategyn. Tony shares the importance of doing research to understand what potential customers are really looking for and what their current unmet needs are. Instead of spending time testing out several different solutions or products, go directly to the source to see what their needs are, then design a solution around those needs. He talks about how AI can be positively utilized in business and how the business landscape has shifted since COVID. Tony explains how he outsources, and what he recommends for small business owners who don’t have a lot of overhead business expenses. Tune in to learn more and make sure to grab his book Jobs To Be Done for free!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:26] Tony shares his background and where his career started.
[9:35] How do businesses know what customers actually want?
[15:13] Where did Tony come up with ‘outcome driven innovation’?
[20:16] How is AI affecting Tony’s business, Strategyn?
[24:05] What was a challenge that Tony faced when starting his own business?
[27:08] Why did Tony start outsourcing right away?
[29:44] What was the catalyst for Tony to publish his book and what was the process like?
[30:57] What do customers want?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Spend time upfront understanding exactly what job people need done, what they struggle with, and what needs are most underserved. Once you have the top 10 unmet needs, you can come up with the right solutions for your customers.
AI isn’t something to be feared, it can be a tool to uplevel your business. It’s just another tool in your toolbelt that you can utilize.
Outsource what you can, but take the time to wear all the different hats to get a good feel for what the business has to do in its entirety in order to be successful.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Tony Ulwick | LinkedIn

Strategyn Website

Jobs To Be Done Book - FREE

Email: Ulwick@strategyn.com

BIO

Tony is the pioneer of Jobs-to-be-Done Theory and the inventor of Outcome-Driven Innovation® (ODI), a powerful strategy and innovation process with a documented success rate that is 5-times the industry average. Tony has been granted 12 patents for his game-changing innovation practices, which result in products that help customers get a “job” done better.

Philip Kotler, S. C. Johnson Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University says, “I call Ulwick the Deming of Innovation because, more than anyone else, Tony has turned innovation into a science.”

The late Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen says, "Ulwick's outcome-driven programs bring discipline and predictability to the often random process of innovation."

Tony began his career with IBM’s PC division in 1981. Witnessing the failure of the PCjr, Tony was inspired to develop a better approach to innovation. Since founding the innovation consultancy Strategyn in 1991, he and his global team of ODI practitioners have led strategy engagements with over one-third of the Fortune 100, helping them generate billions of dollars in revenue growth.

In 2002, Tony introduced Harvard Business Review readers to ODI in the article Turn Customer Input into Innovation. HBR recognized ODI as one of the best business ideas of the year, declaring it one of “the ideas that will profoundly affect business as we forge ahead in today’s complex times.”

The Customer Experience Blueprint: How Customer Insight Drives Innovation with Aransas Savas and Dave Norton of Stone Mantel

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Customer experience can make a huge difference in the success of a company, but it often gets overlooked. This week, we are joined by Aransas Savas and Dave Norton of Stone Mantel, a business that helps create better experiences for customers and helps clients create more value. Our guests discuss how they onboard new customers and uncover what their customers are needing in order for them to innovate and create new products. They share how they’ve helped past clients, and what businesses could do today to get them started with future customer expectations. Tune in to learn more about customer experience and how to create a strategy for your business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:18] Aransas shares her background before starting her current company.
[6:28] Dave shares his background and what led him to start Stone Mantel.
[8:17] What type of strategies does Stone Mantel help with?
[9:31] How do they onboard new clients?
[13:08] Are their clients mainly online or do they work with offline companies as well?
[16:12] Dave provides an example of work they’ve done to help a company innovate.
[18:55] How should companies look at their customer experience journey?
[24:38] Dave provides one tip that Business Centers could start today that would help them with future expectations.
[27:03] How can you provide intricate detail for customer experience?
[32:36] What have been the biggest challenges Dave and Aransas have run into in business?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Customers need to be understood holistically instead of just in a single moment. Look at their broad desires, wants and needs, don’t just solve a single problem.
You really have to listen to your customers' desires and personalize experiences for them. For example, a realtor should really listen to each of their clients and then give a housewarming gift specific to their interests. This will generate great word of mouth and a meaningful experience.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Stone Mantel's Website

The Experienced Strategist Sub Stack

Dave Norton | LinkedIn

Aransas Savas LinkedIn

Stone Mantel: Overview | LinkedIn

BIO

There are so many firsts and starting points in the history of our firm. But perhaps the most important was a conversation between Dave Norton, our founder, and Joe Pine, the guy who discovered the Experience Economy.

In 2002, Joe and Dave were partnering on a lot of experience projects. The Experience Economy—the book that launched a million experiences—was one of the hottest-selling business books in the world (and still is). But Dave was struggling with a problem. Every company wanted better customer experiences but most companies were struggling with what was the most strategic way to go about creating experiences that mattered. Should they focus on new channels, new solutions, branding, marketing, technology, physical environments, operations, innovation, design, or something else? Or . . . all of the above.

When you produce experiences for customers, they affect every part of the company and every other strategic decision.

One afternoon, Dave called Joe and they debated the core definition of experience strategy. Dave said, “I think it’s all about Time Well Spent.” Joe said, “Let me think about that.” He thought about it for a few years and then he agreed.

Marketing 101 with Cyndee Harrison of Synaptic Approach

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0500

This week we are joined by marketing expert, Cyndee Harrison. Cyndee has worked with many entrepreneurs and businesses on sharing their stories and creating success in the marketing world. She explains why internal and external messaging is critical, and why your team needs to all be on board with the same mission. Cyndee talks about how podcasting has changed over the last 10 years, and why it can really help to push PR for your business. Tune in to learn some amazing marketing tips!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:17] What was the catalyst for Cyndee transitioning from working for a person to starting and running her own PR agency?
[10:35] Why is telling your story and sharing your story so important to business?
[12:26] What are the differences in platforms and how to best promote your business?
[16:45] Cyndee talks about the halo effect.
[21:53] Why is internal and external communication matching important?
[25:37] What’s the best way to connect with entrepreneurs and why is it important?
[27:24] How does podcasting help with PR?
[33:46] What are the first steps you should take when it comes to PR?
[35:42] What is Cyndee’s biggest challenge she’s had to overcome as an entrepreneur?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you are delegating work to members of your team, make sure that the message is the same across all avenues. You want to make sure your core values are known so your messaging can be consistent.
It is important as an entrepreneur to align with other like minded entrepreneurs who feel the same way and who understand your mission and values and how you do business.
The best opportunity for building your business is to add value as a subject matter expert.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Podcast Publicist Website

LA Corporate Attorney Website

BIO

CYNDEE HARRISON has worked in marketing agencies for over 20 years, with the notable exception of a 7-year period working full time for a former client whose business and family became the subject of a global reality television show. She has extensive experience in project management, overseeing the branding of diverse organizations ranging from global e-commerce sellers to local pawn shops. She founded Synaptic in 2018 and has won numerous accolades and awards.

Start Smart: Legal Must-Knows for New Business Owners with Peter Bronstein

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Should you form a corporation or LLC immediately when starting a business? This week, our very own Peter Bronstein is discussing how to set up a business correctly, and the impacts that could happen if you don’t. He describes what companies need to know when it comes to written and verbal contracts, and how to best protect yourself. Peter dives into why a business may not create a separate entity and what they are risking. These details apply specifically to California, but are likely similar in other states. Tune in to learn more about the legal side of owning a business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:56] What do businesses need to know about verbal contracts?
[14:50] What should a business know about a written contract?
[18:23] Why should you create an entity?
[24:06] Why would you choose not to create an entity?
[27:43] What does it look like to register a trademark?
[32:36] How are businesses and owners impacted by taxes?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Your personal assets are protected if you create a corporation or an LLC for your business
There are two different types of contracts, verbal and written. Both are valid contracts and are upheld in court if necessary
When it comes to a trademark, if it isn’t registered, then it defaults to the person who has been using it the longest

LINKS MENTIONED:

Michelle B Griffin’s Website

BIO

By focusing solely on legal issues affecting businesses, with an accounting degree with his JD, lawyer Peter Bronstein is able to offer informed counsel, detailed planning, clear communication and aggressive representation during negotiations and litigation.

Before creating our law firm, attorney Peter Bronstein spent five years as corporate counsel for Mail Boxes Etc., a major franchisor with national and international locations. He has experience in the inner workings of a business and the challenges that accompany business ownership in California.

Mastering the Art of Branding with Personal Brand and PR Advisor, Michelle Griffin

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Does it feel like you're spinning your wheels to get your business noticed? This week, we have Michelle Griffin on the show who is an expert on branding. As a Personal Brand and PR Advisor, Michelle discusses how to get your name out into the world as a small business and the best way to create a good message for potential clients. She talks about the books she has written, and why they can benefit business owners. Michelle shares some incredible tips for where to start with your small business, how to get noticed, and how to stand out. Tune in to learn more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:35] Michelle shares what her business is and provides some details of her background.
[10:22] How did Michelle get her first customer?
[12:10] What are the elements needed to create a good message?
[13:40] Michelle discusses the books she has written.
[15:32] How do you get your business’s name out there with a limited budget?
[18:13] Should you focus more on the company’s brand or personal brand?
[23:06] What are the biggest challenges Michelle sees with her clients following their blueprint?
[26:06] What are some of the challenges that Michelle ran into when starting and growing her business?
[27:58] What did Michelle outsource right away?
[29:33] What was the catalyst for writing her books?
[34:16] How do you come up with a message that is going to resonate with your target audience?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

It is essential to differentiate yourself and your business. Determine how your business is different and why people should choose you over the competitor. Start narrow and get really curious about your ideal client, you can always expand later.
You need to own your own assets. This could be a podcast, potentially leveraging PR, sharing your message, your transformation, and your solution in a podcast.
Lean into what you are good at, because you’ll get a lot more done and a lot faster. Outsource the things that you are not excited about, so you can focus on your zone of genius.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Michelle B Griffin LinkedIn

Standout Women: Personal Branding, PR & Thought Leadership For Female Experts & Entrepreneurs | Podcast on Spotify

The LinkedIn™ Branding Show | Podcast on Spotify

Michelle B Griffin’s Instagram

BIO

Michelle B. Griffin is a personal brand and PR advisor, speaker, and author who guides professional women to position themselves as thought leaders. As the founder of Standout Women, Michelle teaches experts to position their unique value, build personal brands, and amplify their expertise with PR to confidently step out and stand apart in their roles and businesses. She is the author of "The LinkedIn Branding Book" and the upcoming book, "Own Your Lane™ - Create the Category of You," publishing Nov. 19, 2024. Learn more at MichelleBGriffin.com.

Business Financing Made Simple: Expert Tips from Glenn Russo of Avatar Financial Consultants

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0500

There are so many financing options available, sometimes it can feel confusing to know which option would be best for your business. This week, we have Glenn Russo from Avatar Financial Consultants on the show to discuss the various funding options, as well as what to watch out for. He goes in depth on the different financial options and explains what types of business they may be best for. Tune in to understand what may be available to you and how to approach the different loan and funding options.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:52] Glenn shares his background and why he became a financial consultant.
[11:43] How can new businesses get set up correctly when they have limited funds?
[20:50] What are different types of business loans available?
[26:42] How can you keep pushing through with your business when you want to give up?
[30:50] What are other funding options that can help a business to scale?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you’re in business, you’re probably going to be in many businesses over a period of time, and everyone’s going to remember you for the way you treat them. Be respectful to those you work with!
Don’t fall for loans or funding that are businesses saying they can have cash in your account the next day. This is likely a cost of money basis and the interest rate will be incredibly high, most businesses cannot survive that type of loan.
There are many different loan options out there for all sizes of business. Talk with a financial consultant or advisor to determine what the right loan is for your business.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Email: avatarfinanicalconsultants@gmail.com - Subject: Ask Brien

Glenn Russo - LinkedIn

BIO

We currently are taking advantage of a special situations that exist high margin & high barrier to entry manufacturing. We and our lenders are industry agnostic.

We find niches unexplored by the crowd - finding an angle to enter a narrow path that captures some value that currently isn't recognized. Many CEOs, investors like follow trends only after firmly established - the comfort to enter a crowded trend is a sign that that trend is about to tire due to carrying so many followers.

We will work with principals, w a great product or idea, who are financially stable but who may not be financially strong. We can help accomplish the principals' goals as quickly as they themselves can act. We can improve organizational skills, and efficiency in the organization and help them realize value that otherwise would go untapped.

We provide and arrange loans and lines of credit for companies needing highly leveraged loans (80%LTC/LTV) for Commercial Real Estate acquisitions and new construction projects in North, South, & C. America, as well as, worldwide.

We have and can arrange loans for companies at 400% of their cash available, or 3x to 8x the EBITDA and for Company Acquisitions. For an owner interested in selling their company, we can help create a buyout structure that will minimize the tax impact of the sale, and defer most of the income received from the sale using multiple paths with the entire strategy reviewed and sanctioned by a top tier law firm to provide peace of mind for the Owner/Seller.

In 1993, I had the pleasure to sit with George Lane while trading. He is the inventor of one of the most popular trading technical indicators called Stochastics. George, later in his years wearing a light-blue leisure jacket, pointed to a historic chart of a long well-formed trend, and said while pointing to the beginning of that trend: "Here 10% of the winners ride to the top (as he moved his finger up the trend of data) on the backs of 90% of the losers." A note: George told me that he and his father sat in the library for many months developing Stochastics with a hand-held calculator and paper and a pencil.

The lesson is to do your homework no matter how tedious or laborious and be the first to make a move if you want to win! The Exit is typically narrow and ephemeral; if you are not the first mover, you are likely a follower left behind as a winning trade for you, the timid latecomer, turns into a loss.

Perfect your Marketing Game with John Davenport of Salt Mine Development

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:30:00 -0500

Are you a new business owner or entrepreneur who is looking for the best tips to get your business started right? This week, John Davenport joins the Ask Brien Show to talk about business development, marketing, and social media strategies. He shares some incredible tips on the best ways to utilize social media and how to ensure you are using ads correctly. He explains what the most important thing to do in marketing is and why it's crucial to be persistent. Tune in for some great business takeaways and to learn about his generous offer for our listeners!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:05] John shares his background and how he got to where he is today.
[9:04] What is Salt Mine Development?
[11:11] Why are new business owners more open to feedback in their business?
[12:07] What is business development?
[13:19] What are the type three industries that are growing right now?
[15:04] What is the most important thing to do when marketing your business?
[17:56] What is the best way to utilize social media?
[25:18] How do you know if your ads are working and how do you test them?
[28:39] How can people pivot with social media always changing?
[33:22] What has been the biggest challenge in John’s businesses?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The key to social media is engagement. Find people having conversations about the thing you are selling, and ask them questions to create engagement.
Each social media platform has its own demographics, so while you need to be on all the big ones (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), you want to focus more energy where your target demographic spends their time.
If you are looking to spend money on paid ads, start with Google. They’re going to get you better results.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Salt Mine Development

Email: John@saltminedevelopment.com

Amicable Divorce Expert Podcast

BIO

John is the CEO of Salt Mine Development. He began the Business Development Company after working in different ventures for over two decades. John began Salt Mine Development to serve both budding businesses and those already established to get the most out of their connections with their customers. Salt Mine Development focuses on social media marketing, engaging the client, consulting, direct marketing, AI marketing as well as website and mobile app design. John talks about the importance of using social media properly to market to your clients specifically, stating that certain social media sites may be more productive for your demographic, which is where Salt Mine Development can help you.

Workplace Diversity Redefined with Judith Weigle

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Diversity is so much more than just gender or race, according to Judith Weigle. Today, we have workshop leader and diversity expert Judith Weigle on the show to discuss how she has redefined diversity and why human connection is crucial to employee retention and a successful business. Judith explains how remote work has impacted diversity and the culture in companies and why the nationwide process for diversity isn’t the best option. Please tune in to learn more about the program she offers to businesses to create a unified company and why this is vital to creating success.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:15] Judith shares her background and what she did before focusing on diversity.
[11:42] How does Judith define culture?
[12:50] Have remote workers helped or hurt workplace diversity?
[13:57] How has diversity impacted company culture?
[16:48] Should businesses follow the nationwide process for diversity?
[22:13] What is the best method to bring people to communicate as a team?
[25:45] What drove Judith’s idea to develop her program for companies to integrate storytelling into diversity?
[29:06] How is Judith using stories for employee retention?
[34:50] What happens if an employee wants to keep to themselves?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Focus on human connection, and you will improve inclusion and diversity in your business.
Storytelling is a powerful method of human connection. People sharing where they came from, what they’ve been through, etc., help people connect in a unique way.
Focusing on diversity and connection helps with retention. Employees want to work in a place where they have community and security. If someone does not want to be involved, allow them to watch management and other employees connect, and then they’ll likely feel comfortable enough to get involved.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Call: 310-441-7555

Judith@JudithWeigel.com

Race Ready Products Website

BIO:

As a speaker and workshop leader, Judith draws from her experiences in entertainment, family law, and mediation to deliver programs that have audiences listening, learning, and laughing.

Judith is focused on delivering high–value, high-impact Keynotes, Seminars and Workshops to corporations, associations, and the public both in person and virtually. Lunch’n Learn programs are a great way of becoming acquainted with her topics.

Judith fulfilled her first life dream by working with the Clyde Beatty–Cole Bros. Circus. Her aesthetic goal in college was to work with as many cultures possible in as many cities in the world, too. With this blended family of performers and animals from countries near and far, Weigle got her first taste for amicable living, and the concepts of Trust, Respect and Inclusion. She understood how to create the greatest team on earth.

In the cultural hodge–podge of the circus, she learned different parenting styles, and most importantly learned that different educational and economic backgrounds could respect each other and work towards a common goal: A show that made millions of other families happy.

From the 3–Ring circus of elected politics, to a career in the actual circus, and currently the divorce arena through her podcast THE Amicable Divorce Expert, Judith has been in the spotlight her entire career. Now she is shining a spotlight on you, your company, and your clients to grow in ways that will have you perform at your best in your very own center ring act, your job and your life.

Understanding Inventory and Brick and Mortar Stores with Alex Grossman

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0500

As a serial entrepreneur, it seems that Alex has done it all. His latest venture into the retail space has proven to be more challenging, but he’s learned a lot. In this episode, Alex shares more about his specialized venture into the motorsports industry and his advice on running a brick and mortar store. Alex shares how COVID has changed the landscape for businesses and what people are more likely to purchase post COVID. Lastly Alex talks about marketing and how he gets customers into the store, and how the brick and mortar store allows for more interest. Tune in today to learn more.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:41] Alex shares what his newest venture is.
[9:05] How do you pick a niche without getting too specialized?
[11:19] Are there a lot of inventory control issues in Alex’s specialized business?
[18:58] What was Alex’s biggest challenge when taking over this business?
[24:12] Alex shares his background.
[26:05] What is the best thing you can do financially when you own a retail store?
[28:58] How did COVID shift and help certain businesses?
[32:17] How can you reach Alex?
[34:29] How does Alex market to people online to get them in the doors?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Inventory can be a huge challenge in having the right amount on hand. Understanding what your clients and customers want is essential to managing inventory.
When buying a business that is already established, it is key to have the prior owners help you get situated with the business. Having them on your side, promoting you, and helping with the transition will make a huge difference in taking over.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Alex Grossman LinkedIn

Race Ready Products Instagram

Call Race Ready Products @ 619-691-9171

BIO

Dynamic and results-driven problem solver, team builder, and thought leader with an accomplished record in product, management, product marketing, program management, and corporate marketing leadership at major technology corporations and successful entrepreneurial start-ups.

Highly collaborative and motivational cross-functional team leader

Excellent relationship management with internal staff, contractors, vendors, customers, and other partners and stakeholders.

Create and launch successful and innovative new software, AI, cloud, SaaS, and hardware products and services for commercial, enterprise, consumer markets.

Develop go-to-market plans for sales, marketing, and product teams.

Equally comfortable working with software engineers in Agile methodologies and SCRUM as with senior management, marketing professionals and web developers.

Strengths include excellent presentation and customer-facing skills, analyzing markets, identifying new niches, gathering and evaluating customer needs, building the internal mission, developing innovative products and services to meet the requirements of demanding users and industries.

Proficient at creating and implementing effective multi-platform digital marketing strategies.

Career highlights

Created a multi-billion dollar product line for Apple. Developed product roadmaps, built strategic partnerships, and delivered business analysis.

Revitalized a lethargic digital workflow product line leading to 10x sales growth year-over-year

Built a market leading content production supply company Achieved profitability with $44m sales in 36 months through intense customer relationship management, product and go-to-market execution

Developed a highly successful appliance product and marketing category, and AI product plan and new division and successfully launched in less than 9 months.

From Hollywood to Marketing: Jenna Capozzi's Journey to Empower Women Over 40

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Empowering women over 40 is Jenna Capozzi’s speciality, especially when it comes to helping them market their businesses! This week, Jenna joins the show to talk about how she transitioned away from Hollywood into marketing and mentorship. She shares the best ways to cold call businesses in order to get your services in front of them, and how to be prepared for those calls! Jenna shares the most common pieces of advice that she provides clients with and explains why jumping in is the best way to do it! Tune in to learn more from this amazing expert.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:05] Jenna shares about her background and how she got to where she is today.
[11:04] Jenna explains how she landed her first clients.
[15:01] What’s the best way to be successful with reaching out to companies and pitching your service?
[17:58] When does Jenna do the research - before or after cold calling?
[20:10] What made Jenna decide to focus on empowering women over 40?
[25:16] What does Jenna’s mentorship program look like?
[26:06] What are the most common pieces of advice Jenna shares with her clients?
[29:30] Jenna describes her retreats and how they work.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Move quickly! You will make mistakes, but make it fast and make it quick, then pivot and do it a bit differently. Don’t let failure stop you, there is always another way.
If in the marketing field, when you are going to approach a business, make sure that you’ve done your research, you know what their business does, who their competitors are, and a direction their marketing plan could go in, then call them and share your insights.
Trust your instincts, if you focus too much on the fear and worry of what could go wrong you’ll never get started. Focus on your goals and keep moving forward.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Leader Builder Workbook

Jenna Capozzi Website

Two Feet Marketing Website

BIO

A young girl with big dreams, a head full of ideas, and a heart bursting with ambition. That was me!

I loved bringing people together and creating something beautiful out of nothing.

Fast forward, I found myself diving headfirst into my career in Hollywood, then diversifying into the advertising and the marketing world.

It was everything I thought I wanted – the hustle, the challenge, the glitz.

But at the top of my game after 30 years filled the bookshelf with awards and all.

But, I realized something crucial was missing:

PURPOSE!

That's when I launched. It wasn't just a sudden spark of inspiration; it was the culmination of everything I'd learned, experienced, and yearned for. It is my mission to empower women over 40 – incredible, talented, yet often overlooked women – to rewrite their stories, reignite their passions, and achieve their wildest dreams.

I believe in the power of community, the strength of shared experiences, and the magic that happens when women support each other. That's why this is more than just a retreat coaching service – it's a sisterhood, a movement, a force to be reckoned with.

In my spare time (which, let's be honest, isn't much), you'll find me with my kiddos or pups, experimenting in the kitchen, or planning our next travel adventure. I'm a firm believer in living life to the fullest and finding joy in the little things. So, here I am – an entrepreneur, a mentor, a friend. I'm here to guide you, inspire you, and cheer you on every step of the way. Let's embark on this journey together and show the world what we're made of!

Search Engine Optimization with David Lowbridge, Owner of Two Feet Marketing

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Have you been trying to get your website to rank on Google, but you can’t get it past the second or third page? This week, we are joined by David Lowbridge of Two Feet Marketing to discuss SEO (Search Engine Optimization). David shares best practices to get your website seen, including information about how many words to use, what type of images to use, and where to place your keywords to give you the best chance of ranking on Google. He discusses some of the feedback he gave to Traci’s company, Produce Your Podcast, and how those changes have increased their visibility. Tune in to gather some great tips to improve your website’s visibility and reach!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:12] In the last 12 months, what has Google done to change SEO?
[9:30] What are the best practices for ranking high on Google?
[11:40] Does it matter where your videos are hosted?
[12:43] How does speed impact SEO?
[14:08] How does Google know if you are using stock photos and what other options do you have for photos?
[15:58] How does Google know you are using AI?
[18:12] What are the best first steps for people when it comes to SEO?
[20:47] How can people determine which keywords are right for their business?
[23:16] What should you look for when hiring a SEO expert?
[25:08] How did David improve on the Produce Your Podcast website?
[28:34] How does SEO differ for a product based business?
[31:44] How long does SEO take to start seeing results?
[33:43] How does David work with clients?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Using your own images and videos in your articles, which should be around 1,000 words, will help you rank higher on Google.
When choosing SEO keywords, use a keyword tool to ensure the word you are using is being searched for. You must be using the words that your customer is using and then put that keyword in the meta title, meta description, and on images throughout the article.
SEO is about keeping people interested when it comes to your website. You want them to spend time looking around on each page, not just reading one article and moving on to the next website. The more engaged a user is on the website, the more often it will show up for that user when they Google another question.

LINKS MENTIONED:

David Lowbridge LinkedIn

Business Storytelling Workshops, Keynotes & Strategy

BIO

I’ve never believed that quality should be expensive; which is why I started TwoFeetMarketing. My adventure started at University. After studying BA Management and Mathematics, I took an MSc in Management where I specialized in Marketing and Human Resources.

During my early career, I worked in recruitment and human resources and ran a CV writing company, Avid CVs. I’ve also spent time learning to be a professional digital marketer. Early in my marketing career, I advised people how to market themselves online after setting up my own author blog.

In July 2013, I took the skills I had learned and began offering online marketing services to businesses. I kept to my original beliefs – quality does not have to be expensive, and continually offered great services at affordable prices.

I have a mixture of clients from solopreneurs to large organizations. I expand brand awareness while increasing website visits, generating leads and sales. My SEO skills are good. Companies that have used my SEO skills have seen their rank skyrocket, and even small businesses have found themselves competing with, and in many cases ranking higher than big industry leaders.

In 2017, I was a finalist for the best business blog award in the Essex Digital Awards.

I'm a dedicated father to three great children and husband. In my spare time, I look after my collection of animals including Geckos, Bearded Dragon, Kenyan Sand Boa, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens. I can also be found walking around the fields several times a day with my dalmatian dog, April.

Why Storytelling is Essential to Your Business with Park Howell, Founder of The Business of Storytelling

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Storytelling is one of the most important aspects of your business, because it allows your customers to know what to expect when they choose to work with you. This week we are joined by the Founder of The Business of Storytelling, Park Howell. Park shares why storytelling is so critical to your business, and provides the key elements that every story needs. He explains where content creation is heading, and the impacts of AI on content creation. Park shares a challenging story that he had to help a customer with, and does an incredible job providing an example of how he would create a story for a legal company. Tune in to learn how to transform your story successfully!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:17] Park shares his background and how he got started with his current business.
[8:40] What is storytelling and why should it matter to business owners?
[11:00] What does Park mean by characters?
[12:02] What are the most important pieces to have in a good story to make it successful?
[20:09] What is the framework when setting up your story?
[22:48] What was the catalyst that led Park to start his own business?
[25:13] What are Park’s revenue streams?
[26:22] Where does Park see content creation heading in the future?
[30:02] What can content creators look to in terms of navigating AI and technology?
[33:42] What was the difficult story Park had to come up with for a client?
[35:30] What services does Park offer?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

You want to gear your product or service to the average person. The goal is to make the average person great.
Clarity is key when it comes to getting your message across. If your ideal client is confused at all, they will just move on to the next business.
AI can be used as a tool, as an intern if you will, that can do the first digging of information, but you need to go in and humanize the information or content when you put it out to your audience.

LINKS MENTIONED:

The Business of Story Podcast

Business of Story Podcast

BIO

Park Howell is known as The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller having grown purpose-driven brands by as much as 600 percent. He is an EMMY Award Winning, 35+ year veteran of the advertising industry and now consults, teaches, coaches, and speaks internationally to help business, sales, and marketing leaders excel through the stories they tell.

He is the host of the popular weekly Business of Story podcast, which is ranked among the top 10% of downloaded podcasts in the world. Park published Brand Bewitchery in 2020 to help you use his proven Story Cycle System to craft spellbinding stories for your brand. In 2021, he co-authored The Narrative Gym for Business, a short 75-page guide on how to use the foundational narrative framework of the ABT (And, But, Therefore) to make you a more confident, compelling and persuasive communicator.

Understanding Values, Niching Down, and Business Growth with Ben Utley from Physician Family Financial Advisors

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Unlock the secrets to business growth by understanding your ideal customer. This week, we are joined by Ben Utley , a seasoned Certified Financial Planner™ professional from Physician Family Financial Advisors. Ben shares his journey into financial planning and the advantages of niching down his business. He highlights the importance of vision, values, and culture and building a strong team while explaining his approach to leadership. Ben also talks about turning away business that doesn't align with his goals and the benefits of having a robust network for referrals. Tune in to gain valuable insights on growth and leadership.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:39] Ben shares his background prior to becoming a financial advisor.
[9:58] How did Physician Family Financial Advisors get started and what do they offer?
[17:12] How did Ben expand to 200 clients?
[19:56] How does working specifically with families impact Ben’s clientele?
[21:58] Was there ever any trepidation around niching down to work with families?
[23:07] Ben provides tips on how to turn away business that isn’t right for you as an entrepreneur.
[25:00] Ben shares some leadership tips for having a strong team.
[28:08] What is Ben’s biggest challenge in growing his business?
[28:55] How has podcasting helped grow the Physician Family Financial Advisors business?
[32:37] How do the advisors within the company work together?
[33:23] What is Ben’s goal for Physician Family Financial Advisors?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you are operating in alignment with your values, everything in life is easier. You know when to say yes and when to say no.
It’s an amazing skill to network and know that if a client comes into your business who isn’t a right fit, that you can still be helpful and direct them to someone who is the right fit for what they are looking for. Having a robust network benefits you, your clients, and other businesses that specialize in different niches.
You can’t run a business with people who do not match your culture. You have to build your culture first before you build your business strategy.

LINKS MENTIONED:

contact@physicanfamily.com

Physician Family Financial Advisors Website

Physician Family Financial Advisors Podcast

BIO

Are you a dedicated physician mom or dad, striving to balance your practice and family while securing your financial future? With the demands of work and family life, navigating the complexities of investment options, tax laws, and retirement planning can be overwhelming.

Join W. Ben Utley and Nate Reineke, seasoned Certified Financial Planner™ professionals, on a mission to empower physician parents like you with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve long-term financial security. Through our podcast, we provide expert financial advice tailored to physicians, covering essential topics such as wealth management, retirement savings, tax-efficient investing, and estate planning.

Gain valuable insights into wealth accumulation strategies, investment strategies, and asset allocation techniques to optimize your financial portfolio. Enhance your financial literacy with practical budgeting tips and learn how to set and achieve long-term financial goals. Discover effective risk management strategies to protect your assets and ensure a secure future for your family.

Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for your children's education, or considering estate planning options, our podcast offers actionable advice to help you make informed decisions. Explore college savings plans, retirement income strategies, and specialized financial planning for physicians to maximize your financial well-being and investment.

Subscribe now to our podcast to access guidance on navigating the complex world of finance and visit https://physicianfamily.com/podcast to learn more about how we can help you achieve financial peace of mind and secure your future investments

Utilizing Economic Development Programs to Expand Your Business: Drew Mercy from AV EDGE

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Antelope Valley is growing at a rapid pace, and AV EDGE is ready to help businesses get started with expansion into the area. This week, we have Drew Mercy from Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise on the show to discuss how they can help all sizes of businesses take advantage of economic development programs. Drew discusses what the use tax is, how it impacts those doing business in California as well as residents of California. He provides examples how AV EDGE can help small businesses and highlights the businesses they are currently seeking to work with. Tune in to learn more about how they can help you!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:00] Drew introduces himself and shares his background.
[7:32] What is public policy?
[8:53] What is the use tax?
[13:53] What is Drew’s role at Antelope Valley EDGE?
[16:12] How do tax breaks work in cases of economic development?
[18:03] Do the economic development programs apply to small or medium size businesses?
[20:12] What are opportunity zones and what are the benefits of utilizing them?
[22:45] How can business owners learn more about what Antelope Valley EDGE can do for them?
[24:09] Drew gives some examples of how a small business used AV EDGE.
[25:47] Where can people reach Drew?
[26:47] Drew provides an example of how AV EDGE could help a carpet company with less than 12 employees.
[30:07] What types of businesses is AV EDGE currently looking for?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

AV EDGE can help ensure that you are following the correct tax laws within your business, because there can be a lot of gray areas.
The economic development department markets the area for economic activity from the local government’s perspective. Anything that brings in jobs, businesses, sales tax, etc.
Aerospace, distribution centers, industrial manufacturing, film studio space, sound stages, and energy companies are all areas where AV EDGE is looking to expand.

LINKS MENTIONED:

AV EDGE CA

AV EDGE CA Facebook

AV EDGE Instagram

Phone #: 661-441-2957

Small But Mighty Agency Podcast

BIO

The Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) is an organization that devotes itself to facilitating business growth and opportunity within our 3,000 square mile region.

In February of 2020 AV EDGE was founded on the legacy of two great organizations: the former Antelope Valley Board of Trade and the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance. Despite coming together during a strange and difficult time, this new organization is energized and on the rise. Armed with a new structure, new attitude, and a fresh new way of doing business, we are excited to be able to have an opportunity to foster both old and new relationships with the hopes of achieving steady regional economic development and growth.

We strive to attract and maintain diverse business growth and retention opportunities, quality infrastructure, and a strong legislative voice, leading to the success and prosperity of AV EDGE members and the greater Antelope Valley region.

Creating Your Leadership Philosophy with Audrey Kwan

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0500

After her mother unexpectedly passed away, Audrey knew she needed to take her business into her own hands so that she could enjoy her life to the fullest. This week on the podcast, Audrey Kwan, founder of AJK Consulting, joins us to talk about how she started her own agency, with the mission to help businesses build workplaces that give back their freedom, families and joy, so more kids have healthy, happy parents to come home to. She talks about how she got her first clients and some of the biggest struggles she came up against when starting her business. Audrey shares the three foundations that are key to building an effective team. Tune in as this is information that all entrepreneurs need to know!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:31] Audrey shares her background and how she got started in consulting.
[13:21] When did Audrey decide to start her own agency?
[14:55] What did her business look like when she first started out?
[17:29] How did Audrey land her first clients?
[18:11] Audrey shares some case studies of working with other agencies.
[20:12] What is the biggest struggle Audrey’s agency sees with agency owners?
[22:03] What are the three foundations that are key and required to build an effective team?
[33:12] How can someone work with Audrey?
[34:27] What was Audrey’s biggest challenge with starting her business?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The first thing that has to happen for any business to work well, is leading people well. Leadership is essential for a business to be successful.
A key skill to become a leader is learning to ask better questions, which need to be open ended to create more critical thinking.
It is essential to have a clear leadership philosophy so that you and your team are on the same page. This includes understanding what your expectations are, how you operate best, and what your values are.

LINKS MENTIONED:

AJK Consulting

Audrey Kwan LinkedIn

BIO

Before there was AJK, there was Audrey, a teenager with a hard-working mom. So hard-working, in fact, she toiled long hours in a toxic workplace to support her family. For years, Audrey knew her mom’s workplace was taking the joy from her life—she would come home depleted and without anything left to give. As it turned out, it was taking more than her joy—it was taking her health. In 2012, Audrey’s mom received a terminal cancer diagnosis and lost her life three weeks later.

After her mother’s death, Audrey became a woman on a mission: to help businesses build workplaces that give us back our freedom, families and joy, so more kids have healthy, happy parents to come home to. In 2015, Audrey founded AJK with this mission to help more businesses and families thrive—not just survive. We’re here to help you do the same.

How NFIB Supports Small Businesses with John Kabateck

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0500

NFIB is a wonderful home for small businesses. This week, John Kabateck is joining the show to talk about NFIB and all the work they are doing to keep small businesses safe and get their voices heard. John talks about the amazing benefits that members of NFIB receive as well as the top three goals they are currently working on. John discusses Proposition 47 and how it will help hold criminals accountable for retail crimes. He also talks about being an entrepreneur and why partnering with other entrepreneurs is such a passion of his. Tune in to learn more about NFIB and how you can get involved.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:04] John provides his background and his variety of past roles.
[9:08] What does the NFIB do?
[11:19] What are the three top goals NFIB is currently working on?
[15:02] What is Proposition 47?
[18:37] How can people get involved with NFIB?
[23:13] What resources can be found on the NFIB website?
[26:20] Does NFIB have alliances with other industry trade organizations?
[28:53] What is John’s favorite thing about being an entrepreneur and supporting other entrepreneurs?
[32:57] Is there criteria to enter into the NFIB?
[34:12] What is the biggest challenge NFIB faced with their organization?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Proposition 47 will hold criminals accountable for retail crime. It will also address the fentanyl crisis, and provide a pathway for rehabilitation for the criminals.
NFIB supports small businesses by being the voice at the state and federal levels, providing networking opportunities, giving workplace education, work webinars and information to make them compliant, help them save dollars, and be their voice.
Members of NFIB feel that they are not alone and have a family of other businesses and support to help them. Join today!

LINKS MENTIONED:

NFIB Website

Email: john@kabstrat.com

Kabateck Strategies

Salad With a Side of Fries Website

BIO

Raising the relevance of people, associations, and causes with the California policymakers who shape their future has been the specialty of John Kabateck for more than a quarter of a century.

From keeping small-business owners at a safe distance from the taxes and regulations that threaten their solvency to mobilizing restauranteurs and their employees for fights against legislative proposals harmful to their way of life to giving voice to hundreds of mom-and-pop construction companies working to rebuild California, his Kabateck Strategies firm has made the cause of his clients unmistakably heard, unavoidably registered, and universally respected in the State Capitol.

After graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in English, Kabateck went to work for Gov. Pete Wilson as his appointments secretary responsible for finding the best qualified people for more than eight state agencies. His reputation for spotting talent caught the attention of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger who selected him to serve as his director of external affairs.

After his service to two governors, Kabateck later became vice president and senior legislative director for the California Restaurant Association. Soon after, he was recruited by America’s voice of small business, the National Federation of Independent Business, as its California state director, where he served the next eight years.

Today, his Kabateck Strategies clients include the Associated Builders and Contractors of Northern California, NFIB, which asked him to guide its California efforts once again, and a half dozen other groups dealing with everything from consumer internet privacy to legal marijuana sales and distribution to health care. Kabateck is also of counsel to the international law firm of Alston & Bird.

A native Californian who grew up in Glendale, Kabateck attributes part of his success in working with people to having grown up in a Hollywood family. His mother was musical director for the Ernie Kovacs Show and his father produced the Criswell Predicts TV Show.

Kabateck serves his community as chairman of Patients Rising Now and as a volunteer with the St. John’s Program for Real Change.

Hedge Funds to Health Coach: Jenn Trepeck from Salad With a Side of Fries

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Building a side hustle while working a full time job can be difficult, but this week's guest was able to turn that side hustle into her now full time job after years of work. Jenn Trepeck joins us this week to talk about her transition from working in hedge funds into creating her business, Better Life Now LLC, and her podcast, Salad With a Side of Fries. Jenn talks about how she utilizes her podcast, Salad With a Side of Fries, to help promote her health coaching business and how she helps her clients live happy, healthy lives. Jenn teaches her listeners how to make healthful decisions in their everyday lives (yes, even when we eat out). Jenn and Traci talk a little about their new business which they are co-founders of, and why Jenn decided to take that leap. Tune in to learn more from today’s expert.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:43] Jenn shares her background prior to starting Better Life Now LLC.
[8:23] How did Jenn transition from working in hedge funds to health coaching?
[10:39] How did Jenn turn her side hustle into a full time job?
[12:38] Where did the catchy name, Salad With a Side of Fries, come from?
[14:06] Jenn shares how the podcast is structured, including expert guests.
[15:07] How do you monetize a podcast?
[16:43] How many employees work at Salad With a Side of Fries?
[17:25] Is Jenn certified with a nutrition certification or how does she provide the information she shares?
[19:30] How can you make restaurants and take out fit into your health goals?
[22:30] How do you understand what’s in the food when you choose to eat out?
[26:20] Why did Jenn decide to be a co-founder of an industry trade organization?
[29:43] What should you think about when getting into a business partnership?
[32:03] How can people get in contact with Jenn?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Protein and fiber at every meal makes removing fat no big deal. It is 100% possible to get these things into a meal even when you are eating out.
Jenn offers an affordable and info-packed membership that includes a weekly recipe, a monthly curated article or study to dive into topics not covered in-depth on the show, discounts from Jenn and her partners, and a one on one quarterly live session to help keep you on track and meet your health goals while enjoying your life. That’s a steal!
Getting into a business partnership is not something that you want to jump right into. You want to feel like you have a good relationship with the person that you’re going to be working, ensure that they have the same mission, values, and work ethic as you.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Salad With a Side of Fries Podcast

Better Life Now Website

Podcast Professionals Association

BIO

“My passion for nutrition and helping others stems from “kicking my food issues” with my own weight management saga.

I believe that the greatest accountability is paying it forward! That’s why I teach the nutrition education we are all supposed to know but no one ever taught us, along with the science behind food, fitness, and health.

After I graduated from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, I founded Better Life Now LLC while working full-time in hedge funds. In 2019 I took my practice from side-hustle to full-time self-employment and launched my podcast, Salad With a Side of Fries. On the show, we offer science-based tips and tricks for how to achieve wellness and weight loss for real life - because who wants a life without fries or dessert?!

Due to my decade-long experience of working with clients, I have gained insight into the health and food industry and the how-tos of building a business. On the subject of business, I can help you by teaching critical pieces every entrepreneur should know, how to make your side-hustle into your full-time job, ways to sustainably achieve success without burning out, contemporary networking, and how to prioritize wellness while pursuing your projects.

Pros and Cons of Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing with Chuck Schwerin

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 31 May 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Inspired by his three years teaching at a junior boarding school in the Adirondacks, Chuck Schwerin wrote a fiction book about a 15 year old ninth grader and a 63 year old headmaster who are haunted by events that they’ve caused and for which they struggle to address. Chuck joins Peter and Traci to talk about his writing process and why he chose to write a book. He walks through the pros and cons of self publishing vs. using a traditional publisher. Chuck shares how he went about finding an agent to help get his book published and promoted as well as the biggest challenges he faced throughout the whole process. Tune in to learn more about publishing options and to hear a bit more about his new book, Ghosts of Glencoe.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:18] Chuck introduces himself and shares his background.
[9:01] What made Chuck decide to write a book?
[11:17] Is the book fiction or nonfiction?
[14:12] How did Chuck find an agent for publishing his book?
[17:41] What were the pros and cons of self publishing vs. using a publisher?
[19:48] Did Chuck already have a social media following to promote his book?
[21:21] What has been the most difficult part of this process?
[22:48] What is Chuck’s workflow when writing?
[28:34] What was the biggest challenge in the book process?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Publishing through a publisher gets you a real advantage because you have more access to bookstores. You also get editorial support which can include designing the cover art, layout, font, the type of paper, how it gets put together, etc.
It’s important to be concise and edit yourself, but you can become immobilized if you can’t let it go and move on. Hiring an editor can help move the process forward.
You may need to get out of your own way and push yourself to get uncomfortable in order to promote your book. It is essential to promote your work because your readers are out there!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Email: ChuckS@beadjarstrategies.com

Ghosts of Glencoe Novel

Rowman & Littlefield

Courtenay Shipley, CRPS, AIF, CPFA, CEPA | LinkedIn

BIO

As a committed environmentalist, Chuck’s volunteer work reflects those passions. Through his editorship, he transformed Adirondack PEEKS magazine for the Adirondack 46ers and produced a quarterly online newsletter for the Edward L. Rose Land Conservancy. He is also on the Advisory Board of the World Trails Network-Hub for the Americas that supports field schools and an expedition program which promote trail conservation, sustainability, and stewardship.

Planning your Retirement Strategy with Courtenay Shipley from Retirement Planology

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 24 May 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Are you looking into retirement plans for your employees and are not sure where to start? There are many different types of retirement plans available, so we brought on Courtenay Shipley from Retirement Planology to help understand the different types of plans and when businesses should start implementing them for their employees. Courtenay breaks down the top 4 retirement plans and who each plan is made for. She also discusses when businesses should consider putting plans in place. Towards the end of the episode, Courtenay discusses who Retirement Planology’s ideal client is and how they market their business. Tune in to learn more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:06] What is Courtenay’s background?
[8:35] How Retirement Planology works with businesses.
[11:58] What are the top 4 retirement plans that Retirement Planology works with?
[13:04] What is a Simple IRA and SEP IRA?
[18:23] How does it work if the profit sharing plan is higher than the maximum amount?
[20:14] What do businesses need to be thinking about when putting retirement plans in place?
[22:17] When should a business start to plan for retirement benefits?
[24:09] Who is Retirement Planology’s ideal client?
[25:21] How do they market for lead generation to reach their target market?
[29:21] How does Retirement Planology’s business model work?
[31:42] What was one of the biggest challenges Courtenay has had to deal with?
[33:30] How did they get new clients during COVID?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[11:21] A simple IRA is a good option for smaller employers as they have less fiduciary liability than the 401K.
[20:14] Before setting up a retirement plan, businesses should get clear on why they are putting the plan in place to begin with.
[27:28] When promoting your business, choosing to be a guest on podcasts and doing radio shows is a really efficient and successful marketing tool because people are able to hear your story and your expertise to learn they can trust you.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Retirement Planology

BIO

Our Chief Planologist, Courtenay Shipley, has a diverse background in the retirement plan industry providing a unique foundation for her clients in the areas of fiduciary responsibility, investment analysis, and participant education. During her career she has provided institutional investment consulting to qualified retirement plans, developed business strategy for a boutique third party administrator and recordkeeper, conducted over 9,000 education meetings to groups and individual employees, and served the nonprofit market.

Courtenay is an enthusiastic and focused retirement plan advisor who is committed to the idea that everyone should have the luxury of deciding how they spend their time later in life, on their terms. She is passionate about her work and thinks the key to making change in a complex world is listening to people and enabling them with the tools and knowledge they need to meet their goals and retool their habits.

Courtenay is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, and is licensed as an investment advisor representative (Series 66). She holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ (AIF®) designation through the Center for Fiduciary Studies, the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS) designation from the American College of Financial Planning, the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) from National Association of Plan Advisors, and the Certified Health Savings Advisor (CHSA) designation. Since 2015 she has been featured in the Financial Times Top 401 Retirement Plan Advisors annual list, named a Top Women Advisor All-Star by the National Association of Plan Advisors, and named a 2018 NAPA Young Gun: Top 75 under 40.

Utilizing Lead Magnets and Funnels with Jason Kramer, Founder of Cultivize.

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Thu, 16 May 2024 01:00:00 -0500

How do you get potential new customers to inquire about your business? Jason Kramer, the Founder of Cultivize joins the show to discuss several tactics that can be used to drive potential customers to inquire about your products or services. He breaks down what funnels and lead magnets are and the best way to use each to your advantage. Jason discusses how to get people engaged in the online world through social media and email marketing. He dives deeper into what services his business, Cultivize, offers and at what point a business may want to utilize their services. Tune in to learn some great information on guiding your ideal clients to your business!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:18] Jason shares about his background prior to opening Cultivize.
[9:00] What is Cultivize?
[10:46] How do you calculate a referral/networking?
[14:12] How does Joson quantify a successful lead magnet?
[17:41] What is a funnel?
[20:19] What is a lead magnet?
[23:25] How do you get people engaged in the online world?
[25:27] What is the business model for Cultivize?
[29:29] Jason describes the team at Cultivize and their roles.
[30:53] What is the ideal place for a client to hire Cultivize for their services?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[15:52] To gain customers, you have to have a process to nurture people. It's about staying in front of the person from the point of them showing interest to the actual point of them making a decision to utilize your business’s services.
[19:25] Funnels are designed for a longer sales process, typically a few months or longer to actually sell whatever is you’re trying to sell.
[24:10] Email marketing is the most cost effective, cheapest option out there for marketing. In order for it to be successful, you have to be looking at the data to determine the percent open rate, contact rate, etc.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Cultivize Website

Jason Kramer’s LinkedIn

BIO

Jason lives in NY with his wife, two children, and two dogs…you guessed it, it’s not a quiet house.

He is formally trained as a brand strategist and holds a communication design degree from Syracuse University. He started his career as a graphic designer at NYC ad agencies working with global clients in the travel, food, and liquor industries. Seeing an opportunity to help startups and small businesses with an alternative option in lieu of hiring several freelancers, Jason started his first company in 2002, a pioneering virtual agency long before that concept even existed. For over 15 years Jason’s agency, JLK Creative, worked with a wide variety of service-based companies in the Metro NY area helping them with branding, web development, print, and email marketing.

In 2018, Jason founded his 2nd company, Cultivize, and leveraged his existing partnership with SHSP. Today, Cultivize is one of only a handful of Platinum Certified partners in the world and 100% focused on coaching, empowering, and implementing lead nurturing strategies for its clients.

Innovating the Small Business Digital Landscape with Jen McFarland, CEO of Marit Digital

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 03 May 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Today on the Ask Brien Podcast, our resident experts Peter and Traci interview Jen McFarland, founder of Merit Digital, a digital operations agency. They discuss various topics related to small businesses like digital support, business skills, technology, and artificial intelligence. Jen shares her insights on website development and support, SEO rankings, and the use of AI tools for time management and efficiency. She also talks about her journey as an entrepreneur and her decision to make her company a B Corp. If you’re a small business owner in need of digital support, this episode is for you!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:13] Introducing Jen McFarland, Founder of Merit Digital
[6:39] Jenn shares the services and support offered by Merit Digital
[8:33] Maintaining SEO rankings with a new website. Jenn discusses redesigning an existing website vs building a new site
[10:01] WordPress and website compatibility issues that many small businesses struggle with
[11:27] Advice for small business owners searching for digital support
[12:56] Choosing the right digital agency for your business
[19:38] Jenn discusses becoming a B Corp
[22:33] Insights on Artificial Intelligence and how it can be a helpful tool for business owners
[25:53] How to connect with Jen McFarland
[27:46] Challenges and advice for new business owners

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Many small businesses can streamline their workflow and lessen their workload with the help of a digital agency. You don’t have to do it all on your own
When creating your company website, start small. Use a platform that offers clear features and is a pleasurable experience for your customers. You can always upgrade your website as your business grows
When choosing a digital agency, look for testimonials, subscribe to their newsletter, and have a conversation to gauge compatibility and trust

LINKS MENTIONED:

Marit Digital Website

Dream Machine Foundation Website

BIO

Marit Digital helps small businesses and teams plan, implement, and improve the digital solutions that help them succeed.

Making A Million Dreams Come True with Charlie Rocket of Dream Machine Foundation

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Charlie Rocket realized the need to chase his dreams after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. So, after making some big life changes, Charlie started the Dream Machine Foundation. During this episode, Charlie shares more about his journey and how he is using his foundation to change the lives of others. Charlie shares how they make an impact on those who share their dreams with Dream Machine, and tells us a few amazing stories, such as a homeless artist becoming successful, a child raising $500,000 selling cookies in her new bakery and more. Charlie shares their Million Acts of Kindness challenge that took place earlier in April, and we hear some ideas of how you can provide a random act of kindness any time! Tune in to hear his incredible story and learn more about the Dream Machine Foundation!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:46] Charlie shares his story with us.
[8:13] How is Dream Machine Foundation different from Make A Wish?
[9:29] Where does the funding come from for the dreams?
[10:40] What is the impact the foundation makes each year?
[15:11] How are the decisions made on who will get their dream fulfilled?
[16:46] Charlie shares some of the dreams they have completed.
[22:13] Were there any challenges when Charlie transitioned from being in the music industry to launching his Dream Machine Foundation?
[24:15] What does the rest of the “Dream Team” do for the Foundation?
[26:34] How does Charlie get partners, such as Sprouts?
[27:43] How did Charlie get Once Upon A Coconut launched into stores?
[30:13] What are some examples of Acts of Kindness?
[33:12] Where can people find out about upcoming Dream Machine events?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[8:27] Dream Machine is a small foundation, consisting of 7 employees who utilize connections and social media to make dreams come true. They utilize the viral internet era of philanthropy to help make these dreams a reality.
[22:20] Charlie realized that he spent his whole adult life just focusing on making money, which buried his real dream of being an athlete. That’s when he decided to leave the music industry and start the Dream Machine Foundation.
[31:18] Acts of Kindness don’t have to cost any money and can be simple things such as holding the door open for someone, giving up your seat for an elderly or pregnant person. A little kindness goes a long way.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Charlie Rocket's Instagram

Dream Machine Foundation Instagram

Regina Bonds - The Confidence Coach

BIO

Charlie Rocket was managing one of the biggest music management companies in the world when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Facing death and weighing over 300 pounds, he made the choice to return to his childhood dream of being an athlete. He ended up losing 125 lbs, running 5 marathons, completing an ironman, and best of all, reversing his brain tumor. To top it off, he was even featured in Nike’s biggest Super Bowl commercial of all time called “Dream Crazy”, the Colin Kaepernick commercial. Charlie has now dedicated his entire life to making other people’s dreams come true through his non-profit the Dream Machine Foundation. He wants to become a new type of millionaire: the one that makes a million dreams come true.

Finding Confidence in Your Entrepreneur Journey with Confidence Coach Regina Bonds

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

“Reach for the moon, because even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” This week on the Ask Brien Radio Show Podcast, Confidence Coach Regina Bonds joins Peter to discuss her coaching business. She explains how she went from working as a banker to thriving as a confidence coach. In the conversation, Regina reveals what challenges she faced as a brand new entrepreneur and how she worked through them. Regina walks us through her three C’s to confidence, and shares some valuable tips for fellow women who are on the journey to create their own business. Tune in to learn more about becoming the most confident version of yourself.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:31] Regina shares her background and what she did before becoming a confidence coach.
[10:23] Regina walks us through her coaching business.
[16:00] Regina dives deeper into one of her programs she offered at the beginning of her entrepreneurship.
[17:10] Regina shares the three C’s to confidence and how she uses them with her clients.
[19:35] When did Regina find the confidence to push her business?
[23:16] How does Regina market her business to gain new clients?
[25:19] What has been one of the biggest challenges that Regina has faced?
[26:22] What are Regina’s current offerings?
[27:52] Regina shares a success story from one of her first clients.
[31:09] Does Regina run her business alone?
[32:11] Regina offers a few pieces of advice for women wanting to pursue their dreams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[17:11] Clarity is the first step to confidence. Understanding what it is you truly want and getting clarity around your desires and giving you a point to determine where you want to go.
[20:47] The entrepreneurial journey is not an easy one. Your business will ebb and flow, and you have to be committed for the long haul. You must cultivate an inner knowing and inner belief in yourself.
[32:21] The first step when getting out there and chasing your dreams is to develop a support team. These are the coaches, mentors, accountability partners, etc. who can help you when you are scared to keep pushing forward or want to give up.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Regina Bonds - Instagram

Regina Bonds - Facebook

NHL Wraparound Podcast on Spotify

BIO

Regina Bonds, affectionately known as The Confidence Coach, is celebrated as one of the world’s most trusted voices to women. She challenges them to use their confidence to improve, enhance, and ultimately elevate their lives. Regina has worked with women around the world helping them to recognize their value, find their voice, and clarify their path through the power of her confidence formula. She is a change agent, spiritual catalyst, and a confidence accelerator to many. Regina is a sought-after speaker, mentor, and expert to those that are tired of living mediocre lives and ready to live in the realm of unstoppable confidence.

Succeeding Off the Ice: Neil Smith goes from Winning in the NHL to Building a Successful Podcast

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 01:00:00 -0500

After building a successful career in the NHL, Neil Smith decided to make a shift into a new career. In doing so, he found a way to utilize his experience and passion for the NHL in a new way. On this episode, sports manager turned senior wealth strategist, Neil Smith joins us to talk about his transition from sportscaster into the financial sector. Neil talks about the similarities between building a strong and successful sports team (and winning the Stanley Cup!) vs. in the financial world. He explains why energy and enthusiasm go a long way when it comes to motivation. Neil talks about his new podcast NHL Wraparound and how he plans to build a business with the show. Tune in for some great insight on finding a career you love.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:31] Neil Smith discusses his background and experiences.
[10:32] How does Neil’s hockey fame help convert hockey fans to UBS?
[15:18] Is turning the podcast into a business Neil’s ultimate goal?
[18:23] What are the similarities between building winning teams in the sports world vs. the business world?
[21:31] How can you effectively do team building in the remote world?
[23:02] What does Neil think about energy and enthusiasm as a way for team motivation?
[25:34] Does Neil have advice on managing people with a high ego?
[30:31] What is the biggest challenge Neil has faced in his career shift?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[8:34] Enthusiasm and passion are the best ways to grow any career or business.
[18:30] Building a successful sports team vs a successful business team isn’t all that different. The first rule of building a good team is that the people you put on that team, including the leader, have to have character. Then you can start to consider talent.
[27:30] When dealing with difficult people, you’ve got to remind yourself that it’s not about you. It’s all about them, it’s what’s going on inside of them, it’s not that you’re beneath them, it’s that they are having to act like this to feel secure.

LINKS MENTIONED:

NHL Wraparound Podcast on YouTube

Neil Smith LinkedIn

Email: nhlwraparound@gmail.com

BIO

Neil Smith works with the UBS Athletes and Entertainers business for Wealth Management USA. As a member of the team, Neil draws on his deep background as a Hockey Professional to help Financial Advisors understand and address the needs of this special group to succeed off the ice.

The goal of the team is to facilitate holistic advice and planning for these high-profile individuals, and provide Financial Advisors who are focused on this segment with the resources they need to grow their business.

Neil joined UBS Financial Services in February 2018 after more than 35 years in various roles in the National Hockey League and was one of the most highly regarded executives in the NHL.

Neil served as President and GM New York Rangers from 1989-2000. In 1994 under his leadership, the Rangers won the Stanley Cup, their only championship in the past 81 years. Having twice been named NHL Executive of the Year, Smith brought many Hockey Hall of Fame players to the Rangers. He traded for legendary players such as Mark Messier, Mike Gartner, Kevin Lowe, and Adam Graves. In 1996 Wayne Gretzky and Neil agreed to a contract which would see hockey’s greatest player retire as a Ranger.

During his hockey career, Neil served as General Manager/Governor of the Adirondack Red Wings of the AHL and Director of Scouting for the Detroit Red Wings. He has been an NHL consultant to the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Neil began his professional hockey career with New York Islanders, and joined the scouting department in 1980.

In his current role, Neil is the liaison between the UBS Arena, Islanders and UBS. He is responsible for ensuring that the Islanders and all visiting players, coaches and managers are fully supported during their time at the Arena. Neil also acts as the face of Hockey at UBS working with the Sports and Entertainment Segment.

A native of Toronto, Ontario, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Western Michigan University where he was an All-America defenseman. He was inducted into school's Sports Hall of Fame, as the first ever hockey player. He was inducted into the Communications Hall of Fame and awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award at WMU. Neil remains an avid hockey player and very active in hockey analysis and player evaluation and development.

Neil holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses and has licenses for property, casualty, life, health and accident insurance.

Sponsor:

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Tangible Tips to Create a Successful Business with Ben Bucher from Bucher Family Allstate Insurance

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 09:45:00 -0500

Ben Bucher decided to take a chance on himself when he transitioned from being a manager at McDonald’s to opening his own Allstate Insurance business. Ben joins us on this episode to talk about how he decided to open his own business and the challenges that came along with being a new entrepreneur. He shares how he grew his insurance business so quickly and what the most valuable things are that he has implemented into his business. Tune in to hear Ben share some great pointers for creating a successful business with zero experience.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:37] Ben share’s his background and what led him to open an Allstate Agency.
[12:48] How working at McDonald’s helped Ben when opening his own business.
[14:46] How did Ben grow his business so quickly?
[17:39] What free resources are out there that are free when just starting a business?
[19:19] What were the first challenges Ben encountered when becoming an entrepreneur?
[24:53] Why did Ben grow his business and how did he find success?
[26:12] What type of insurance do small businesses need?
[27:50] What led Ben to expand his business outside of Indiana?
[31:18] Ben shares some pointers for creating a successful business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[23:07] Don’t be impressionable, just because somebody says something, doesn’t mean it’s true. Keep finding contacts and learning and you can succeed.
[24:20] Business is different than it used to be, while it is still a people business because you are selling to people, now your employees desire the camaraderie that you have when you’re all in the office together and you’re all rowing in the same direction. It can be hard to achieve. Get to know your team on a personal level and ensure that you are valuing the same things when it comes to the business.
[25:19] All growth takes place outside your comfort zone.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Ben Bucher - Allstate Insurance Agent in Fort Wayne, IN

Ben Bucher - Allstate Insurance Facebook Page

Ben Bucher (@benbucherAllstate) • Instagram

BIO

Welcome to Bucher Family Insurance, your trusted local insurance agency serving Indiana, Ohio, and beyond!

At our agency, we believe in more than just selling insurance policies – we're dedicated to building lasting relationships with customers based on trust, reliability, and personalized service.

With years of experience in the insurance industry, our team of knowledgeable agents is here to guide you through the often complex world of insurance, helping you find the coverage that best fits your unique needs and budget. Whether you're looking for auto, home, life, business, or specialty insurance, we've got options.

What sets us apart is our commitment to providing exceptional customer service. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and go through your options in plain language, so you can make informed decisions with confidence. And when it comes to claims, we'll be by your side every step of the way, helping with a smooth and hassle-free experience.

But our dedication to our community goes beyond just insurance. We're proud to support local charities, events, and initiatives that make Fort Wayne, Indiana a better place to live and work. Because we believe that being a good neighbor means more than just selling insurance – it means giving back and making a positive impact wherever we can.

So whether you're a new customer looking for coverage or a longtime customer in need of assistance, you can trust Bucher Family Insurance to provide the personalized service and peace of mind you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect what matters most to you.

Introducing a New Product in a Saturated Market with Marcin Malyszko of Mission Craft Cocktails

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Creating a brand new product in the beverage industry has its challenges, but this week's guest, Marcin Malyszko of Mission Craft Cocktails explains how they’ve been able to promote their business. Marcin talks about how they differentiate their product from other top name beverages out there, including how they utilize their marketing strategy. He discusses their liquid-to-lips strategy and why that has been a win getting their product into stores. Mission Craft Cocktails also donates a percentage of their proceeds to a charity, so Marcin talks about what that looks like and how they chose who to give back to. Tune in to learn more about Mission Craft Cocktails!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:45] Marcin shares his background.
[7:43] What is Marcin doing now with Mission Craft Cocktail?
[11:28] What differentiates Mission Craft Cocktails from other top companies?
[15:02] How are the ingredients locally sourced?
[16:10] Did Mission Craft Cocktail use focus groups or how did they determine what would sell best?
[18:30] How do they take their differentiator and leverage that into their marketing strategy?
[21:04] How did they decide which charity to donate to?
[22:25] What was their biggest challenge to get into a store?
[26:07] What are some of the things they do that have worked well to navigate a higher price point?
[28:32] What does their current team look like?
[31:27] What is the best method they’ve used to get people to try their product when it was brand new to the market?
[32:49] What is the biggest challenge they foresee for the future?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[20:41] In just 8 months of being in business, Mission Craft Cocktail was able to provide 26,777 meals through their 5% cash donation. This year, they are on track to provide 100,000 meals.
[22:34] Independent liquor and grocery stores get pitched hundreds of products every day, whether from a distributor or an independent brand, which can make it difficult to get your product into stores.
[31:43] Tastings and word of mouth and involving themselves in their communities have been the biggest things that have made an impact when selling their new product.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Mission Craft Cocktails' Website Coupon Code: KHTS20 - 20% off order

Marcin Malyszko LinkedIn

Creating a Better For You, Better For The World Product with Kevin Hartley of Cambio Roasters

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Using his knowledge of the beverage industry, Kevin Hartley created a product that not only is better for the environment, but it also tastes great, and gives money back to coffee farming families. Today, we are joined by Kevin from Cambio Roasters to learn all about his product and how to enter into the environmentally sustainable side of business. Kevin tells us about how Cambio Roasters was started, how it currently runs, and how they are addressing single use plastics along with common environmental concerns within the beverage industry. He talks about how much capital is available for “better for you, better for the world” products and how that can benefit entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:23] Kevin tells us about his background and experience in the beverage industry.
[8:48] How did Kevin’s company, Cambio Roasters, come about?
[10:58] Is a patent owned by Keurig and do they allow other companies to use the “K-cup”?
[12:32] What is the unique difference between Cambio Roasters vs. other companies making K-cups?
[14:42] How is Cambio Roasters run (distribution, employees, etc)?
[17:25] Kevin addresses the single use plastics and environmental concerns, and how Cambio Roasters are addressing this.
[21:33] What is the difference in the leadership capacity to attract energy on the consumer and the team building side?
[24:02] How does environmentally friendly and sustainable activities affect the bottom line of Cambio Roasters?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[20:16] Only about 8 percent of plastics that are in our curbside recycling in the US end up in another product.
[24:33] If the claims you make about your business are transparently true, a large percentage of consumers are willing to pay 5, 10, 20% more for a product.
[29:09] For aspiring entrepreneurs, there’s drastically more capital looking for “better for you and better for the world” ideas than there are investment opportunities, so that is a big void that can be filled.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Cambio Roasters Website

Email: kevin@cambioroasters.com or ann@cambioroasters.com

BIO

After decades of executive roles at large corporations, including nearly a decade as the Chief Innovation Officer at Keurig®, I was ready to transition to creating companies that are driven to do good by doing good. I love the notion of using business to solve some of the huge problems the planet and its people face. So I started Cambio Roasters®, pouring my creative energy, passion and instincts into this challenge. I believe we've created a pretty special small business that we hope you'll like. I'm thankful to have a driving range in walking distance, where I enjoy my frequent "coffee breaks." If I'm not there, then I'm probably spending time with my three kids, who round out the rest of my world. (Or Ann will know where I am. 🙂)

An Entrepreneur's Dream with Barry Meisel, President and CEO of MeiGray Group

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Finding an authentic Super Bowl 3 jersey, working with an incredible business partner, and turning a hobby into a thriving business can truly be classified as entrepreneur Barry Meisel's dream. This week, Barry Meisel joins the show to talk about his business MeiGray Group, which sells authentic game-worn jerseys and sports memorabilia to collectors. He discusses his background in the sports journalism field, as well as how he transitioned to become an entrepreneur. He has some incredible stories that he shares, including the one time Traci was with him and he confirmed an authentic Super Bowl 3 jersey from Matt Snell. Tune in for this fun discussion with Barry Meisel!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:02] Barry introduces his background and talks about the books he has written.
[11:35] What were the first few years of entrepreneurship like for Barry?
[17:47] How has Barry been able to scale his business and leverage all the enhancements in technology over these years?
[21:00] Barry shares a story about when Traci was with him and he retained an authentic Super Bowl 3 jersey from Matt Snell.
[25:35] Barry talks about his experience working with a business partner.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[18:37] MeiGray has techniques to prove that the items they get are real, authentic items. They use technology that blows up an image a thousand times to find one thread or imperfection depending on the sport to prove that it is authentic.
[30:57] The jersey’s and items that you can purchase from MeiGray are so special because they have a connection with the actual event and player. This is something that was worn or used by a player at a specific game, which can be a real special memento.

LINKS MENTIONED:

MeiGray Website

MeiGray Auctions Website

Discount Code: WRAP10

Email: sales@meigray.com

Barry Meisel LinkedIn

NHL Wraparound Podcast on Spotify

NHL Wraparound Podcast on YouTube

BIO

On April 21, 1997, The MeiGray Group wooed award-winning sportswriter Barry Meisel from the New York Daily News by signing the Brooklyn, New York native to an exclusive multi-year contract.

On April 21, 2017, Meisel celebrated his 20th year at the helm of the hobby’s No. 1 source for Game-Worn Jerseys.

MeiGray marks the second sports memorabilia company to be headed by Meisel. His successful 18-year sports journalism career began while he was directing Garden Sportscard Company, which Meisel founded in August 1977, the prehistoric days of the sports memorabilia industry, while a junior at the State University of Binghamton, N.Y.

Garden's rapid growth under Meisel's direction - sales rose more than 500% over four years - mirrored Meisel's blossoming journalism career. After his graduation from SUNY-Binghamton in May 1979, he was hired by the Binghamton Sun-Bulletin to cover the American Hockey League's Binghamton Whalers.

By 1981, Garden had become phenomenally successful - so successful that it needed Meisel and his partner to run it full-time. Rather than give up his sports journalism career at the age of 23, Meisel sold his 50 percent stake in Garden. He spent five years at the Sun-Bulletin, and then was hired in June 1984 to cover the New York Rangers, New York Mets and New Jersey Devils for the Morristown, N.J., Daily Record.

After only 15 months at the Daily Record, Meisel was hired in October 1985 by the New York Daily News. In his 12 years at one of the nation's largest dailies he covered the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils and New York Giants. He spent 1993 and 1994 as the News' investigative sports reporter.

He has also worked as a columnist for The Hockey News (1982-90) and The New York Giants Newsweekly (1990-96). He was a contributing writer for Sport from 1990-1994. He has written two books. In 1988 he co-authored 'Boss: The Mike Bossy Story' and in 1995 he wrote 'Losing the Edge: The Rise and Fall of the Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers.'

Marketing to Your Ideal Client with Wayne Lutomski of Hydro Shot Energy Drink

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Do you have a business idea, but don’t know how to get it on the market, where to share the product, or how to identify your target consumers? This week, Wayne Lutomski of Hydro Shot Energy Drink joined the show to talk about his incredible success in the food and beverage industry space, and tips for bringing a new product to market. Wayne starts by telling us about his new business, Hydro Shot, and then dives into some great tips for creating a successful business. Tune in to learn how to position your brand and product, how to understand your ideal consumer, and why you need to have alignment in your values within business partnerships.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:46] What is Wayne’s business background?
[6:55] What is Hydro Shot and how does it help people over the age of 55?
[11:02] What is Hydrogen Water?
[12:13] What is L Citrulline?
[15:09] What is Wayne’s role with Hydro Shot?
[19:06] Wayne gives advice on how to compete in a highly competitive market.
[25:06] Where should a brand with a new product start building their brand in the market today?
[27:31] How do you make a startup successful when you don’t have a lot of money?
[29:44] Why is it important for a brand to have alignment with their vision and values?
[32:52] What is Wayne’s biggest challenge in life?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[19:29] Understand the core value of your target consumer, to the point that you understand the psychological point of view and understand what they think about themselves. Having a strong understanding of the consumer is critical in order to message to them accordingly.
[20:31] To be successful, you must understand the current market dynamics, where your competitors are playing, what they are doing, what their core marketing and sales principles are. Don’t replicate your competitors, just understand what they are doing, and then play a game you can win.
[30:03] If you don’t share the same values with the partners that you are working with, your relationship is going to fail because you’ll be spending so much time managing the relationship rather than managing the business. Your focus needs to be on the business, not the relationship.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Hydroshot Website

WNDY LinkedIn

Email: WLutomski@wndyinc.com

Masterful Coaching Website

BIO

I bring FMCG brands to life around the world. A values based C-Level CPG Executive Leader in Sales, Marketing and Commercial development. Extensive multi-regional global experience in 60+ countries that leads the global expansion of brands into high growth markets, including the USA. Drove significant results and market leading positions in multiple global markets for the Welch’s, Starbucks Frappuccino, MIKE & IKE, SoBe, Gatorade, Snapple and Gallo Wines brands. Experienced in developing market entry, brand growth and innovation plans that enable internal and external partner team’s success.

Elevate your wellness with Hydro Shot® — the premier natural energy drink for those seeking vibrancy and mental clarity without caffeine jitters. At Hydro Shot®, we're pioneering the future of functional beverages with our patent pending blend of molecular hydrogen and L-Citrulline, aimed at enhancing your overall health and helping you LIVE LIFE...WELL! Our commitment to health is evident in our scientifically supported formula, which has shown remarkable benefits for real people of any age, but especially those 50+. We offer a delectable range of flavors: Lemon Lime, Strawberry, and Orange, each crafted to support your body's natural energy production and overall well-being. Hydro Shot® isn't just a product; it's a lifestyle choice for those who want to prioritize longevity and quality of life. 'Whatever your idea of living is, Hydro Shot® empowers you to pursue your passions and live your best life,' encapsulates our mission to serve a community that wants to LIVE LIFE…WELL! Discover the potent benefits of Hydro Shot®. Join us on our mission to enhance health and enable peak living experiences. Visit www.DrinkHydroShot.com to learn more about our groundbreaking beverage and take the first step toward optimized health.

Turning an E Commerce Business into a Seven Figure Business with CEO of NATPAT, Michael Jankie

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Do you have a bunch of ideas in your mind that might make a great product to sell, but you aren’t sure how to get started? This week, we have CEO of NATPAT Michael Jankie on the show to talk about how he and three partners started their e Commerce business. Michael talks to us about how they transformed their idea of stickers with citronella on them to a full seven plus figure business that is constantly expanding. He shares how Kim Kardashian helped them realize they truly had a business and how they’ve continued to grow. Michael shares his stop 3 things he would recommend for new business owners when turning their ideas into a full on business. Tune in to learn more about their amazing product!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:35] What did Michael do prior to starting his current business?
[6:57] How did Michael get started in his new business and is he the sole founder?
[8:27] What products does NATPAT sell?
[10:54] How did NATPAT create these products without a medical background?
[12:53] How did Michael and his team turn their idea into an actual business?
[15:43] How did NATPAT decide to expand their product line?
[20:11] Michael shares an influential moment that validated his team’s hard work, and it came in the form of a candid post about NATPAT products by Kim Kardashian.
[24:21] When the business started did all the partners just jump in and leave their prior jobs or was this a side creation?
[27:34] What are three things Michael would recommend new businesses not to do?
[31:41] Where can people buy NATPAT products?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[15:53] NATPAT was started because of a common need for Michael’s daughter. From there, the the three owner team recognized this need and began looking into other needs for children and adults to help their pain points utilizing a product that would appeal to both parents and children through their natural products and design.
[27:58] To have a successful business, you have to really enjoy your style of work and have your values at the top of your mind.
[30:08] The cash flow that comes with an e-commerce business is fantastic. Customers pay you up front, and most of the expenses come after the customer has paid you.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Michael Jankie LinkedIn

The Natural Patch Co. Website enter KHTS for 15% of a discount code (valid for 48 hours)

BIO

For Michael, the journey of NATPAT is more than a business venture; it’s a personal mission. His background in B2B software provided a solid foundation for strategic thinking, but it was a personal experience that sparked the creation of NATPAT. Observing his own children plagued by mosquito bites, Michael envisioned a wellness solution that would be both effective and family-friendly. This vision has been the driving force behind NATPAT’s success.

Michael’s approach to entering retail spaces is rooted in a commitment to reach families seeking simple, nature-inspired solutions. NATPAT began by targeting independent stores, recognizing the importance of local connections and community engagement. The brand’s focus on these smaller retailers, often overlooked by larger corporations, has not only provided families with accessible well-being solutions but has also nurtured strong partnerships at the grassroots level. It’s those partnerships that without a doubt have become the base of the company’s success.

Take Your Business to the Next Level with Founder and CEO of Masterful Coaching, Robert Hargrove

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Are you ready to take your business to the next level, but you are feeling stuck? This week, we have Founder and CEO of Masterful Coaching, Robert Hargrove, on the show. Robert’s company helps CEOs and Founders take their businesses to the next level by helping them find their originality, grow successful teams, and create a personal brand. He talks about the difference between an entrepreneur and a CEO or Founder and why businesses should operate from an entrepreneur mindset. Robert ends the episode sharing his seven concepts for scaling a business. Tune in to learn how to elevate your business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:33] Robert gives a brief summary of his background.
[10:45] What is Masterful Coaching?
[11:40] What is the Blueprint to a Billion?
[13:28] What’s the difference between an entrepreneur and a CEO/Founder?
[17:20] How does Robert work with businesses who don’t have a team under them?
[18:48] How do you grow a successful team?
[24:11] What are some of the biggest challenges Robert sees with his clients?
[29:47] What are Robert’s seven concepts for scaling a business?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[13:46] An entrepreneur is someone who does something creative, something innovative, something new that has an impact, whereas a CEO or Founder is a proprietor, they do the same thing that’s been done a thousand times before. To scale your business as a CEO/Founder, you need to think like an entrepreneur and determine what you can do that’s original, different or better than what’s been done before or currently on the market.
[21:11] The three things to look for when hiring someone is: 1) They are smart and capable which is determined by watching the work, 2) they have good character, 3) they are hard workers.
[24:27] The biggest opportunity you have in 2024 to grow your business is to build a personal and organizational brand. The best CEOs in the world create a personal brand that drives their organizational brand.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Robert Hargrove’s LinkedIn

Email: roberthargrove611@gmail.com

Call for an exploratory conversation: (617) 953-5252

BIO

Robert is the Founder/ CEO of Masterful Coaching and Co-Director of the Harvard Leadership Research Project. He is the author of 10 books, including the most definitive book on coaching in existence, Masterful Coaching. His clients include the Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, Fortune 500 CEO of the Year, European CEO Entrepreneur of the Year, and various presidential appointees. Robert was awarded the Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the highest award given to a civilian, for his work at the Pentagon.

He has led leadership weekends with over 30,000 people in the US, Canada, Europe, South Africa, and Korea. Client companies include Fidelity Investments, UBS, Zurich, Nike, Adidas, Phillips Electronics, Andeavor Energy, Chevron Oil, Shell, Biogen, AbbVie Pharmaceuticals, General Motors, Toyota, Phillips Electronics, Samsung, Bell Canada, the United Nations, the US Pentagon, and the NFL.

Optimizing Your Business Using Leedly, with CEO Clayton Turner

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:53:00 -0500

Do you find your small business missing out on customer opportunities because you don’t have the bandwidth to get back to everyone? This week, on the Ask Brien Podcast, Clayton Turner from Leedly joined us to talk about his lead generation tool and how it can impact all businesses. Clayton discusses the features of Leedly, how the tool can help small businesses connect with their customers and nurture B to C relationships. Clayton talks about how he has grown Leedly and provides some great tips on employee hiring and retention. Tune in to learn how Leedly can manage everything for your business from lead generation to social media, newsletters, and more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:02] What is Clayton’s background?
[8:14] What did Clayton’s former business, Contractor Training Center, do?
[10:37] How did Clayton grow that company from 1 state to 50 states?
[11:51] What was Clayton’s biggest challenge and how did he overcome it?
[13:25] Clayton talks about how Leedly was created.
[14:50] What are the features of Leedly?
[19:26] How does lead generation work using Leedly for those who don’t have a geographic restriction?
[20:50] Once a business gets a lead, how do you nurture the relationship?
[22:16] How does Leedly help with as far as newsletters, social media, etc?
[23:35] What type of business is Leedly best for?
[26:04] What type of training is involved with Leedly?
[27:18] Clayton explains the infrastructure and team he has built out for Leedly.
[33:04] What does Clayton look for when hiring employees?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[11:52] Ensure that your technology, SOP’s, and team are ready to go before you even start marketing your product. This takes time and money up front, but when your product hits the market, it will be ready to help your consumers on day one.
[27:32] In order to have happy customers that stay on board with you, you have to have a good team. The first thing Clayton did before he even thought about launching anything was go out and hire the best developers and support staff that he could find. He was lucky enough to find a really good team of winners that love working together and love developing Leedly and helping customers.
[33:06] When building a good team, finding team members with attention to detail is one of the most important things you can do as a business, especially if they’re dealing with customers, data, numbers and workflows. So attention to detail as well as their ability to get along with others, passion for what they do and for helping customers, and they love working with each other to achieve a goal.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Email Clayton: clayton@leedly.com

Leedly Website

Successfully Utilize Facebook Ad Campaigns to Launch Your Business Forward with Jodi Sodini

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:32:00 -0500

Have you been thinking about using Facebook Ads to launch your business forward but you aren’t sure where to start? This week we have digital marketing expert Jodi Sodini on to talk about Facebook advertising and marketing. Jodi discusses how to start campaigns and make them successful, the difference between Google Ads and Facebook Ads, as well as the trends that are currently leading back to conversions. She also talks about how AI can be utilized in writing the ads and where she has seen success with AI. At the end of the episode, Jodi breaks down what business owners should be aware of when starting an ad and the best steps to take. Tune in today to learn more about Facebook Ads!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:06] What did Jodi do prior to her marketing and advertising business?
[10:11] How did Jodi get her first marketing customer?
[11:45] How did Jodi learn Facebook advertising and marketing?
[13:20] How do you start a campaign and how do you make it successful?
[15:51] What’s a typical budget that you need per month to really promote a Facebook ad?
[17:21] What’s the difference between Google Ads and Facebook Ads?
[18:35] Who is Jodi’s target audience and what is it like working with Jodi?
[23:00] What type of ads are on trend right now that are really getting those conversions back to lead gen opt-ins?
[25:45] How has AI influenced ad messaging?
[27:56] What are some of the other innovative things that are happening in the paid advertising space?
[31:07] What are the first things people need to do when starting an ad campaign on Facebook?
[33:30] How do you know what price to sell your product at?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[13:24] The way to make money online is to create an offer and send traffic to it.
[20:00] Every type of content is worth testing for Facebook Ads. What might work for one company doesn’t work as well for others, it really depends on your audience and the execution of the type of creative.
[31:08] The first thing you need to do before creating an ad is to know where you’re currently at with your numbers and your conversations, and then where you want to be.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Jodi’s Instagram

Sodini Marketing Website

Funding Your Small Business with Matt Olsen, Vice President of Nano Banc

Ask Brien Show — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:18:00 -0500

Are you looking to start a small business, but you don’t have the funding readily available in your bank? If so, you don’t want to miss this episode where we spoke with Matt Olsen, the Vice President of Nano Banc. Matt provides so many valuable resources regarding the various types of funding available to small business owners, what you need to have in hand when setting up a business account, and the pros and cons of utilizing a traditional vs nontraditional bank. With over 20 years of experience working in the financial field, the information Matt provides throughout this episode is top notch. Tune in to learn more about small business loan options so you can be prepared when you start reaching out to banks for funding!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[9:27] Matt introduces himself and discusses his experience in the business world.
[10:40] How can you get a start-up loan without any revenue?
[12:30] What is a micro loan?
[15:36] What are private micro loans?
[16:53] Are there industry micro loans?
[17:19] What are the challenges with the 7A or 504 programs?
[20:22] How do you determine an accurate projection for the 7A loan?
[22:20] What you need when you go to a bank to open up a business bank account.
[27:44] What are the pros and cons of banking with traditional vs nontraditional banks?
[30:07] Does every single bank operating the services have to be part of the FDIC?
[34:34] Why do businesses need a line of credit before they may even need the funding?
[37:49] What is the standard to determine what the credit line will be?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[11:11] The most basic loan program for a small business that doesn’t have revenue is through the Small Business Administration, SBA, 7A program. Their loans are typically based on the income that you’re projecting when you’re a start up.
[18:30] There are two types of loans for a small business, a 504 and a 7A. A 504 is specifically for commercial real estate and it has to occupy 51 percent or more of the available rentals or available space. The 504 consists of two loans, the first is through the bank and the second is called a debenture that a community development (a private organization) supplies – called a CDC loan. The 7A program can be used for real estate or for businesses that want capital, want to buy equipment, or need to do expansion buyouts. This is where you can use the projections for your financing requisitions.
[29:04] When choosing a bank make sure that their services fit your needs. For example, do you need a bank that you can go into and talk with someone, is there a personal touch? If you don’t foresee yourself needing to be in direct contact with a teller/banker/etc. then an untraditional bank might work for you, but if you want those specific services then check out traditional banks.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Matt’s Contact Email: molsen@nanobanc.com

Peter Bronstein on New Laws For 2024 Business Owners Should Know

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 14:50:58 -0500

Do you keep track of the new laws passed each year? There are some critical laws that are being passed that every business owner needs to know about. During this episode, Peter and Traci discuss new laws, specific to California, for 2024 that are passing that are crucial to business owners. Then they discuss a new law called the Corporate Transparency Act that will impact every business owner in the United States and those that do business with the United States. Peter walks through the risk that arises with this new act, and information that you need to be aware of while filling out the information. Tune in to this important conversation to gain knowledge about the Corporate Transparency Act, and understand how it will impact all business owners.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[09:05] Peter Bronstein walks through laws that California business owners need to know.
[13:13] Peter talks about non-business related laws that are new for 2024 in California.
[16:52] Peter explains what the new law called the Corporate Transparency Act is and how it will affect every business owner in the United States.
[20:12] We learn about other new laws that are being put into place in 2024 for Californians.
[32:28] What risks come with the new Corporate Transparency Act?
[35:08] What is a beneficial owner and how do they apply to the Corporate Transparency Act?
[37:55] What happens if you have a foreign corporation that does business in the United States?
[39:40] Where can you fill out this paperwork?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[17:43] Regardless of where you live, if you are doing business in the United States or with the United States, you will be required to fill out the form for the Corporate Transparency Act beginning in 2024. All businesses opened before 2024 will have a year to start completing this information.
[32:41] The Corporate Transparency Act was created for anti laundering and anti terrorism issues. By allowing the government to know who the owners of the entities are, people cannot hide behind somebody or involve or create a scheme where people are transferring money in and out.
[38:48] If you choose not to file this new transparency act, you will be penalized $500 per day as well as it being considered criminal.

LINKS MENTIONED:

FinCEN Website

Striving for Excellence with Entrepreneur, Catalina Gaete-Bentz, CEO of Catan Pisco

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:14:33 -0500

Today, Catalina Gaete-Bentz, CEO of Catan Pisco, a spirit distilled 100% from grapes, shares the challenges she faced as a female entrepreneur. Catalina was told that she could not attend business school, but did not let that stop her from pursuing her dream. She utilized her resources to start her business and continues to push for excellence bringing Pisco to the market. Catalina tells about her experiences retaining investor funding and how she plans to grow Catan Pisco in the future. Tune in to learn more about this amazing woman owned business and give Catan Pisco a try.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:36] Catalina’s experience prior to starting Catan Picso.
[9:24] How Catalina came up with the idea for Catan Picso.
[11:45] What were the first things she did to create a viable business?
[16:35] What is Pisco?
[17:50] Catalina reflects on the challenges she has faced as a female entrepreneur.
[20:09] Why did Catalina walk away from an angel investor?
[22:08] How has Catalina worked with investors to receive outside funding?
[24:01] Where does Catalina see her business growing with her next large investment?
[25:29] How can Pisco be enjoyed?
[28:09] The best way to support women entrepreneurs.
[30:48] The biggest challenge for Catan Pisco.
[31:35] Where does Catalina distribute her product?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[16:12] If you don’t invest in yourself first, why would anyone else? Invest in yourself and learn the skills that you need to have in order to grow a successful business.
[22:56] Going to friends, family, and people that believe in you and want to support you while also having a piece of your company is a great way to acquire funding. Tap into micro investments then move into the next level when you are ready to grow your business.
[29:02] Women businesses need support! There is a big hole with women even being able to receive funding, there are so few women owned businesses that reach the million dollar mark. When you are going to make a purchase, do some research and spend some time learning about who you are supporting.

BIO:

For as long as I can remember, pisco is associated with celebration. Instead of champagne, my family marked special occasions and life milestones with pisco sours—the spirit’s most popular cocktail from the land where my story began.

Born in Santiago, Chile, my family moved to Bellflower, California when I was three years old. Though I was raised stateside, my Latin American roots and Chilean soul is who I am. My parents ensured we were raised with our Chilean traditions—and my mother’s cooking, accompanied by my father’s pisco cocktails were the center of it all.

Being raised in a traditional Latin household in the USA was truly wonderful. However, it also came with its challenges. I knew at a very young age I wanted to start and own a business, but when the time came to pick a college major, my father did not approve or support my entrepreneurial path; so, I settled on a Psychology BA and eventually pursued a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, MPA (which was the closest study to an MBA without disappointing my father.) Eventually, my desire to become an entrepreneur became unignorable, and I knew I had to establish my own business. All I needed was my product. The answer eventually came to me overwhelmingly, and that answer was pisco.

Though pisco did retail here in the states, it was always difficult to find, and premium pisco brands were never an option. We relied on my aunts and uncles’ visits from Chile to smuggle in the good stuff. Not only was pisco not widely accessible in the U.S. market, but the reality is, pisco had not been truly discovered by the American consumer. This had to change, and I knew I had to change it, so I did.

In 2018, I launched the first American pisco brand in the USA, and became the first female-owned pisco company in the history of Chile. I humbly carry this title with honor, in hopes to inspire other Latina women to chase their entrepreneurial dreams, to turn them into realities.

I dedicate Catan Pisco to reflect the beautiful journey, the inevitable struggles and the wonderful celebrations of life and love with those who mean the most—and I invite you to join me with Catan Pisco. Salud!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Catan Pisco

Catan Pisco Instagram

Email: Catalina@CatanPisco.com

We Funder Website – To Support Catan Pisco as an Investor

Credit Union Conversation Podcast on Apple

Understanding Small Business Loans with Mark Ritter, CEO of Member Business Financial Services

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:34:45 -0500

When is the right time to get a small business loan in your entrepreneurship journey? Founder and CEO of Member Business Financial Services & Nu Direction Lending, Mark Ritter, joins Traci to discuss small business loans and what type of bank to look for when applying for a small business loan. Mark explains how underfunding can jeopardize a business as well as the emotional decisions that need to be made throughout an entrepreneur’s journey. Mark encourages people to start their business as a side hustle, make some mistakes, and get clear about the direction their company is going before going all in. Tune in to hear the incredible tips Mark has for small business owners!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:50] What got Mark into the small business lending industry?
[7:43] When should small business owners start thinking about lines of credit and building bridges for cash flow?
[11:34] How should a small business manage their finances in the early years?
[13:01] Is underfunding one of the major reasons for businesses not making it past the first couple years?
[17:25] What is Mark’s outlook on people starting a business as a side hustle versus jumping right in.
[21:34] How can you keep the love of your business going while realizing your role will shift as the business grows?
[23:07] How has Mark seen businesses transform as they grow?
[25:40] What are some of the biggest mistakes that Mark has seen when businesses are trying to secure financing?
[28:27] What is the difference between a bank and a credit union?
[31:04] How do emotional decisions impact financial decisions?
[33:50] What is Mark’s best advice for partnering with a credit union locally to you?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[20:52] If you don’t have foundational basics and the kindergarten-level-concepts of doing everything right, treat people nicely, make yourself happy, make your clients happy, and focus on those kindergarten level concepts, everything else just falls apart.
[23:25] Many people start their business on one path and then grow in or shift in a different direction, and that’s ok. You can change your vision and your direction, but you must allow yourself to grow and not be held back by your original vision.
[26:00] There are so many different banks and credit unions out there that offer different support. Make sure that who you get financed through specializes in small business support and that you are their ideal customer, or it can be a death spiral for your business. Find a bank that needs you just as much as you need them.

BIO:

Mark was the founder of Members 1st FCU’s credit union business lending program that grew to be one of the top ten in the nation in number of loans and balances outstanding for federal credit unions. In addition, Mark developed a participation program that grew to one of the top buyers and sellers of credit union business loans in the eastern United States. He has done extensive work with branch retail staff, business lending operational and sales staff, and credit unions throughout the Mid-Atlantic States to educate and train them on the merits of member business lending. His primary role at MBFS is leading the day-to-day operations of the organization and consulting with credit unions on planning the delivery of business services to their membership. Mark is a native of Berwick, PA and a graduate of Penn State University.

LINKS MENTIONED:

MBFS Website

Mark Ritter’s Website

Mark Ritter LinkedIn

Creating a Parallel Economy with David Ragsdale of RePlatform

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 20:38:29 -0500

David Ragsdale of RePlatform joins host Peter Bronstein to discuss parallel economies. David discusses what a parallel economy is and how RePlatform is building a community of people to change how the economy operates. David breaks down what a parallel economy is and explains why it is different from an underground economy. David also explains how RePlatform works and what their goals are, as well as how they advertise and bring in money while operating as a B2B style business. Tune in to learn all about the parallel economy and decide if RePlatform Vegas is a conference for you to attend.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:53] David shares his background.
[7:45] What is the parallel economy?
[11:23] How is the parallel economy different from the underground economy?
[12:25] How does Bitcoin fit in with the parallel economy?
[13:55] Is RePlatform Vegas a political movement?
[15:44] Is the main function of RePlatform events?
[17:03] How do the RePlatform Events work?
[18:46] How does RePlatform bring in revenue and what are their marketing techniques?
[20:43] What does their advertising budget look like?
[24:38] How is RePlatform marketing their conference to get a large number of attendees, vendors, and sponsors being a newer company themselves?
[28:58] What makes businesses enter into the parallel economy?
[31:34] How can people register for the RePlatform conference?
[33:35] What things does RePlatform want to see happen in the future with the parallel economy?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[7:59] The parallel economy is an alternative to major corporations that are incredibly centralized and monopolistic which control much of America’s economy today. There are three types of parallel economies: cryptocurrency or bitcoin, social conservatives, and the health freedom movement.
[20:08] RePlatform is similar to a B2B service for companies in the parallel economy. The business’s primary goal is to get companies to realize the value of getting into the parallel economy and then setting those companies up for success.
[33:57] RePlatform wants to see more decentralized options for American consumers and businesses and decision makers, to find balance between smaller businesses and the large corporations that currently control around 90% of the economy.

BIO:

David Ragsdale, is the brains behind the The RePlatform parallel economy initiative. David is a former Creative Strategist at Live Nation Entertainment’s North America Festival Division, Housing Policy Coordinator at the Extension in Marietta, Georgia, and a Lee Kuan Yew Scholar at the National University of Singapore.

LINKS MENTIONED:

RePlatform | The Freedom Economy Convention

David Ragsdale’s LinkedIn

From General Electric to Making a Difference in the Trucking World, Frank Sonzala, ConTrade Holdings LLC.

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:39:29 -0500

From General Electric to the music industry, to plastics, and now fixing issues with the long haul truck parking, it seems that Frank Sonzala has done it all. He has had his hands in many start up businesses helping bring their companies to success. Frank has a passion for turning a business into a hobby so that it is truly an enjoyment and something to look forward to every day. Currently, Frank and ConTrade Holdings are working to fix the long haul trucking parking issues that truckers face on a daily basis by creating a space where drivers can feel safe and secure while parked. Tune in to learn more about Frank’s background, how he’s found success, and what the future holds for ConTrade Holdings.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:50] Frank discusses his background and the lessons he learned from General Electric.
[12:11] Frank tells Peter about the various start up businesses he’s been a part of.
[21:40] We hear Frank’s approach solving the truck parking problem that many truckers face on a daily basis.
[25:05] How is ConTrade Holdings different from a traditional truck stop?
[29:10] What percent of parking spaces does ConTrade Holdings currently have?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

There is a huge shortage of parking spots for truckers. There are 365,000 parking spaces in the country, and there is a need for 12 spaces for every one. This means that many long haul truckers are not guaranteed a safe and secure place to park and rest while on the road.
ConTrade Holdings is working to create secure truck stops that include places to shower, watch tv or movies, get a meal, etc that keeps truckers rested and safe.
There is a driver almost killed every single day in the country due to non-secure truck stops.
Long haul truckers are crucial members of our workforce that keep our society running smoothly. They deserve to have dependable and safe spaces no matter their route.

BIO:

Entrepreneur with 44+ years’ expertise in manufacturing, entertainment, and trucking industry associations.
Notable achievements include significant sales growth at Reef Industries and leading the world’s largest trailer manufacturer.
Introduced and developed manufacturing, sales and patents for automatic tire inflation systems for the trucking industry. PSI is the world leader in automatic tire maintenance.

LINKS MENTIONED:

ConTrade Holdings, LLC

Danielle Mulvey’s Website

Educating and Empowering Kids of Today, Entrepreneur David Williams of 5th Degree Academy

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:05:20 -0500

From working at Circuit City to running 7 figure businesses, David Williams is quite the inspiration. His newest business, 5th Degree Academy is helping children learn the skills they need to surround themselves with positive people and be successful in all areas of life including faith, family, freedom, finances, and fitness. David shares his many years of entrepreneurship experience and how he has put in the work to create various successful businesses. He talks about the path that he and his team have for his new business 5th Degree Academy and what their goals are. With this being a new business, David gives some great insight into how to gain traction and get through the crawl, walk, and run aspects of a company. Tune in to hear all about 5th Degree Academy, how it can benefit children, and insightful tips on entrepreneurship.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:22] David Williams introduces himself and shares his experience as an entrepreneur.
[12:29] What is 5th Degree Academy?
[14:53] How does 5th Degree Academy utilize a subscription model? Why does it work for this business model?
[17:37] What makes 5th Degree Academy different from other types of learning experiences for kids?
[20:21] How does 5th Degree Academy handle feedback and pivot when needed?
[24:40] How the attitudes and positivity of their speakers impact the program.
[27:22] How many subscribers does 5th Degree Academy have?
[29:38] How did they come up with the name 5th Degree Academy?
[32:15] How can parents support their children using 5th Degree Academy?
[33:26] David shares the biggest challenge so far with the business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[12:29] 5th Degree Academy embraces the 5 pillars of faith, family, freedom, finances, and fitness.
[26:44] If we look at life through a different lens and get excited about the challenges, because right on the other side of the challenge is usually the next best version of ourselves, we will become the more capable version of ourselves. That next best version of our life where we can really enjoy life.
[28:36] There’s so many kids out there that don’t have a community. Part of 5th Degree Academy’s vision is to create that community, give them their five people in their circle that are on the same path and allow them to feel like they have a safe place they can come to with like minded kids.

BIO:

David Williams is the second co-founder of 5th Degree Academy, a serial-entrepreneur, investor, and public speaker.

LINKS MENTIONED:

5th Degree Academy

Email: support@5thdegree.com

From Flight Attendant to 50 Million in Revenue with Danielle Mulvey from Profit First Nation

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:38:39 -0500

Danielle Mulvey from Profit First Nation went from working as a flight attendant to running multiple businesses doing over $50 million in revenue. Today we will learn just how she scaled her businesses.

Danielle discusses the importance of managing your finances and how to set up a cash management system when scaling your business. Danielle talks about how paying yourself can increase the valuation of your business, and how to utilize full-service businesses to scale your business.

She has so many incredible insights from setting up business accounts, keeping your finances safe, and how to recruit the best employees. Tune in to learn some amazing tips you can implement into your business today!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:07] How did Danielle go from being a flight attendant to running multiple businesses doing over $50 million in revenue?
[7:17] What was Danielle’s first business?
[13:49] How should you manage your finances in a business?
[18:26] What is Profit First and how integral is a cash management system for entrepreneurs who are scaling their business?
[27:26] How can Profit First set your business up for success?
[28:28] How does paying yourself correlate to the valuation of your business?
[33:11] Why are full-service businesses so important?
[35:22] Danielle gives some tips around recruiting and retaining employees.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[13:49] You must have a pulse on the finances of your business. If you just hire a bookkeeper and expect that they’ve got it all handled, there is the huge potential to miss something. If you are going to own a business, you need to learn to love your numbers and own the financials of your business. Also, always have a separate CPA that reviews the books to ensure nothing is going missing.
[17:07] There are only two ways to increase profitability in your business. The first is to increase margin, meaning increasing prices, and the second is to decrease expenses.
[20:03] Your business should have 5 financial accounts – an income account, a profit account, an owner’s pay account, a tax account, and an operating expense account. The book, Profit First by Mike Michalowicz can help you to understand what goes in each account and how to allocate money.

BIO:

Former flight attendant turned entrepreneur, Danielle Mulvey currently runs multiple businesses with over $50-million in annual revenues and is such a geek about Profit First: The DIY Cash Management System for Businesses – that she is Mike Michalowicz’ #1 recommended go-to Workshop Facilitator and Keynote Presenter when his schedule is booked.

Maybe even more exciting….Mike and Danielle are currently collaborating on his next book, ALL IN: How to Get Your Employees to Act Like Owners. This collaboration tackles the biggest challenge to the profitability of businesses with employees – their payroll expenses being weighed down by average, ho-hum or worse employees who “collect a paycheck” and provide no measurable results or return on their salaries.

Based on her 25 years-plus of being an entrepreneur, Danielle has cracked the code on how to recruit, hire and retain 5-Star Employees and is the originator of The 5-Star Star Employee Rating System™ – a personalized and customizable DIY process to objectively hire the top 15% of available talent for the given role while filtering out the average, ho-hum or worse candidates.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Profit First Nation Podcast

Profit First Nation Website

Text PROFITFIRST to 909-741-1321 – Summary Format of Today’s Episode

For Purpose Law Group Website

Nonprofit Advice with For Purpose Law Group CEO, May Harris and Errin Mendibles of Bella Vita Tucson

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:41:43 -0500

Today Traci is joined by two guests, May Harris, CEO of For Purpose Law Group and Errin Mendibles, Founder of Bella Vita Tucson. Throughout this episode you will hear Errin discuss how she created her nonprofit and the questions that she has for May regarding the best ways to operate Bella Vita Tucson. May brings to light the things that those opening or running a nonprofit may not be aware of. She tells the right way to set up the nonprofit so that it is tax exempt and the best ways to raise funding through gifts and grants. Tune in if you are interested in starting a nonprofit yourself, the information in this episode is priceless!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:20] Why did May take the nonprofit path in law?
[10:48] Errin tells us about herself and about her business, Bella Vita Tucson.
[15:37] What are some of the hurdles nonprofits owners may encounter when starting out?
[18:10] May discusses a challenge that many people face, but are not expecting with their nonprofit.
[25:00] What are some of the most popular ways that nonprofits can raise funds and are there different opportunities for different sizes of nonprofits?
[26:50] Where can nonprofits go to find available grants to help with admin costs?
[30:33] What are some of the things that a nonprofit can do in the strategic planning area?
[32:14] When should a nonprofit start working with an attorney?
[33:40] What were some of the first steps Errin took when starting her nonprofit, Bella Vita Tucson?
[36:00] How should a nonprofit be set up as a business?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

- [19:00] If the nonprofit has activities that cross state lines in fundraising or even providing services, they’ll have multiple statutory schemes to keep track of.
- [25:53] The number one most efficient way to fundraise through gifts, grants, and contributions is relationship building.
- [37:10] A nonprofit should almost never be set up as an LLC, they’re the wrong entity type or selection if you want to be a 501c3.

Bio:

Mary L. Harris founded For Purpose Law Group in 2021, and currently serves as the firm’s CEO and Managing Attorney.

Ms. Harris chairs the firm’s transactional practice group, working with an outstanding team of FPLG attorneys and professionals in service to clients of all sizes, including museums, schools, churches, medical organizations and other charitable tax-exempt entities.

Serving in the role of non-profit founder, board member, corporate counsel and executive director over the course of her career, Ms. Harris has been instrumental in the development of each of the organizations she has led, and she understands the challenges facing nonprofit executivites each day.

Over more than two decades of legal practice, Ms. Harris has developed widespread recognition of her expertise & knowledge specific to the challenges facing tax exempt organizations and social enterprises. She excels at the advising growth-focused purpose-driven organizations, ensuring they receive practice, real-world advice they can apply immediately with staff, board members, stakeholders and donors to establish, protect and fulfill their mission, vision and values.

Bella Vita is dedicated to assisting Tucson’s adolescents and their families. We’re committed to providing a secure, nurturing environment for processing the complex emotions that accompany eating disorder recovery. Our unwavering efforts are aimed at making this vision a reality for every family.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Bella Vita Website

Bella Vita Instagram

Twin Flames Studio Website

Twin Flames Studios – Become a Thought Leader Worth Listening To With Tina Dietz

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:47:52 -0500

In this episode we are interviewing Tina Dietz from Twin Flame Studios. Her business is a full-service, award-winning audiobook and podcast production company that creates nonfiction audiobooks and podcasts, as well as high-quality content marketing assets for established experts and successful service companies. Tina shares how audiobooks and podcasts can propel a business forward by creating deep relationships with listeners. She talks about overcoming the fear of hearing your own voice and gives some great tips on integrating a good content marketing strategy. Tune in for some excellent tips.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:25] Tina introduces herself and tells us about her background.
[8:39] Tina tells us about her current company Twin Flames Studio.
[10:38] How were podcasts and audiobooks affected during the pandemic?
[16:25] How do authors sell their audiobooks?
[20:04] What advice does Tina have for people who are wanting to get into the podcast field but are afraid of how their voice sounds?
[25:32] Tina gives some advice to help new business owners integrate a good content marketing strategy.
[29:02] How can people leverage their podcast or audiobook to get onto stages?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you are an independent author, you are self publishing, then you have basically 2 options to get your audiobook distributed. The first is through the back end of audible and amazon which is called the audiobook creation exchange or acx.com. Or you can go through findawayvoices.com which can get your book uploaded to spotify.
Vocal leadership is becoming aware of not just the external voice that you are broadcasting, but your internal voice(s) that are coloring how your voice comes across to other people.
If you are just starting out you need to start with your lowest hanging fruit, what’s natural for you, what’s going to be easiest for you to just get going.
Being a guest on a podcast can be a great way to get content out there. You can repurpose the podcast to audio clips, the podcast itself, pulling the content to write captions to use on social media, and more.

Bio:

Tina’s work has been featured on media outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, INC, HuffPost and Forbes. Her insatiable curiosity and quest to create more belonging in the world has taken her on a journey as an international speaker and executive business consultant, therapist, voice actor, university instructor, and lifelong entrepreneur. Tina’s first podcast, The StartSomething Show, was named by INC magazine as one of the top 35 podcasts for entrepreneurs and she is recipient of the Evolutionary Business Council MORE award and the award for Outstanding Audio Company from The Winner’s Circle. Tina was also the lead interviewer in the podcasting documentary “The Messengers” and featured in the film.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Attorney Peter Bronstein’s Website

How to Set Up and Protect Your Business with Peter Bronstein

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 03:00:54 -0500

In this episode we are interviewing our very own Peter Bronstein to talk about contracts, lawsuits and how to protect yourself and business from lawsuits. Peter walks us through a variety of different contracts and how to choose the correct one for your needs. He discusses the most important things that a business needs to be aware of when starting out, and the different types of attorney’s there are. Tune in for some great legal tips! These tips are for information only, please hire an attorney to help ensure your business is set up for success.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[9:04] What are some of the most important things that a business needs to be aware of when they’re starting out?
[15:30] Why would you need a contract in your business and what are the different types of contracts?
[19:06] What is an attorney fee clause?
[28:25] How can you reach Peter for legal assistance?
[30:15] Do you need a certain type of attorney to support your business?
[30:47] How do contracts differ and can you use a generic contact you find online?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

People’s biggest mistake is they think if they own the business and they’re the only owner of the business and it’s a corporation LLC, then they can just go ahead and pay for everything they want because it’s their personal account. You can’t do that.
There are written contacts and oral contracts. Both are valid the majority of the time, but you do have more bargaining power if the contract is written out and signed by both parties.
If you cannot afford an attorney to create a contract, at the very least write down everything you want in the contract and make sure it is specifically stated. Include what the transaction is, what the most important part of the deal is, what money is being exchanged, what terminates the contract etc.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Bending Our Reality By Viviana Escobar

The Power of Human Design and Breathwork with Viviana Escobar, Author of Bending Our Reality

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 16:28:50 -0500

In this episode we are joined by multi passionate entrepreneur, Viviana Escobar. Viviana shares the three different businesses she is currently working with and describes her various roles. She walks us through human design and explains how it can help you to determine your employees strengths and weaknesses. Viviana takes us through a breathwork practice and explains how to utilize it to create calmness or conscious living. We end the episode with Viviana discussing the projection for her businesses in the next 3-5 years. Tune in to learn some great business tips.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:08] Viviana discusses what her background was prior to her current career.
[9:12] What are the three different companies Viviana currently works with?
[11:05] How can people find Viviana?
[13:30] What are the two other companies that Viviana works for?
[15:08] Learn how to calibrate your breath and how to utilize breathwork.
[18:32] What are Viviana’s roles across the three companies she works with/in?
[20:00] What is the human design system and how does Viviana use it when hiring team members?
[26:13] What are the plans for Viviana’s companies and where does she see them going in the next 3-5 years?
[32:21] How can you promote your business if you have zero dollars to invest?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Human design can be beneficial by learning the strategies, strengths and weaknesses that a person can have. By knowing their design and prioritizing their training to meet their personality type, you can empower them to be their best.
A business plan is important, but don’t get too attached to it, as it will change down the road due to shifts in the market and business directions. Work on it constantly, adding your ideas and altering it as things shift in the market and world.

BIO:

At Viviana Escobar Conscious Lifestyle (VECL), we are dedicated to providing discerning individuals with exclusive, discreet, and unprecedented access to leading-edge medical professionals and treatments, both conventional and alternative. Our carefully cultivated relationships with the world’s foremost health professionals enable us to identify the best options for each of our clients.

VECL helps clients optimize their health through an integrated mind/body/spirit approach. With a single call, our team will set in motion a strategic plan that includes scheduling priority appointments and assistance with treatments, procedures, and all phases of perioperative care. In addition to medical care, VECL also arranges lifestyle aspects of medical tourism so as to provide clients with nurturing, comfortable environments to support their health goals.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Viviana Escobar Conscious Lifestyle Website

Mana Breathwork

Ask Brien Radio

Mastering the Art of Content, Ranking, and Keywords with David Lowbridge, Founder and Manager of TwoFeetMarketing

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 03:00:33 -0500

On this episode we were joined by David Lowbridge, a content and SEO expert. David runs his own company that helps businesses succeed with their SEO, blog writing, and ranking. He explains many of the terms that go along with websites and ranking, and then explains how conversion happens. David discusses what is needed in a blog to help it rank on Google, as well as the number of blogs to post per month and the length of those blogs. He provides insight into utilizing AI and whether that is a good avenue to explore. Tune in to hear some excellent tips on SEO and creating a successful website.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:43] David shares his background and how did he start his current business.
[9:55] How did David get his first customer using SEO?
[12:04] What is domain authority?
[13:14] What are links and backlinks and how does that process work?
[16:00] What does keyword density mean?
[17:40] How important is it to create content and how does that correlate with SEO success?
[19:00] How does the content conversion happen?
[20:18] What types of content (blog posts, social media, video, etc) helps with conversion and driving traffic?
[21:12] Is there a particular format that people should take into consideration when having blogs written for their website?
[23:19] What is the average investment to pay a blog writer?
[23:44] How many blogs should you post per month to optimize your blog?
[26:25] How is AI impacting SEO and ranking on Google?
[28:28] Should you go back and update past blog posts or just improve your strategy moving forward?
[32:00] How long should you expect to have your blog/site to rank?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you are buying a link you need to make sure the quality of the links that you are buying is reasonable and not a scam.
Put the keyword in the first paragraph, the last paragraph and at least 1 heading on the page. Any more than that for keyword usage could get your page flagged.
SEO has to be used all the time and it’s got to be used within every blog post you write. If you don’t have the skills, you’re going to have to hire someone to at least consult with you and teach you how to do it or to do it, do it for you.

BIO:

In 2017, I was a finalist for the best business blog award in the Essex Digital Awards.

I’m a dedicated father to three great children and husband. In my spare time, I look after my collection of animals including Geckos, Bearded Dragon, Kenyan Sand Boa, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens. I can also be found walking around the fields several times a day with my dalmatian dog, April.

Feel free to reach out to me and connect. I would love to hear from you.

David Lowbridge. Copywriter, SEO Consultant, Digital Marketer.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Two Feet Marketing Website

David Lowbridge LinkedIn

Easy Shrimp and Grits Website

From Food Truck to Store Shelves – Chef Julius West’s Journey with Sarge’s Shrimp and Grits Sauce

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 02:00:12 -0500

On this episode we were joined by Chef Julius West, the owner of Sarge’s Shrimp and Grits Sauce. Chef Julius discussed how he went from owning a food truck to expanding and selling their products in stores and online. His business transformed during COVID, when he had to pivot due to the risk of being a food truck became too high. He talks about how they’ve been able to get their food into the hands of customers as well as expandinging into stores. Tune in to this episode if you are interested in the restaurant industry or are looking to bring a food or beverage item to market.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:21] What is Sarge’s Shrimp and Grits Sauce and what did Julius West do prior to starting it?
[11:29] How did experience as an entrepreneur help Julius keep moving forward with his business?
[14:15] What was their first minimum order?
[15:34] What made Sarge’s Shrimp and Grit decide to sell online and not focus on local stores?
[18:03] Julius discusses the basics about the sauce.
[19:41] How did they get the product into the hands of buyers?
[22:18] Was a food truck a good way to get into the industry?
[25:50] What is their expansion plan?
[29:55] How does it work for products to get into stores for sampling?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you are interested in getting into the restaurant industry, a food truck can be a great option that gets your name out there, allows you to travel around, and it gives you the capability of getting started with less of a financial outlay.
To get your product out there, you can connect with speciality food associations. They help you get samples out and they offer trade shows so you can get your product in the hands of others. This can also allow for sponsors or investors!
A lot of entrepreneurship is trial and error. Determining what the market is wanting, try out your solution and then adjust per the feedback you get.

BIO:

Chef Julius West’s love of food developed as a child traveling the U.S. as the son of an Air Force Sergeant. While his dad was serving, Julius spent hours in the kitchen with his mom where she taught him that thoughtfully preparing traditional, homestyle dishes is a way to show others care and respect.

This inspired Julius to open his food truck in 2012 where his delicious shrimp & grits quickly became the most popular dish on the menu. Julius has now decided to bottle this fan favorite to make it easy for anyone to enjoy this delicious, time-honored regional favorite at home.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Understanding SEO with Isaac Rau from Proactive SEO Solutions

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 05:00:49 -0500

Today we are talking to Isaac Rau from Proactive SEO Solutions. Isaac walks us through what SEO is and why it is vital to the success of your business. Although SEO can seem like an easy few steps like finding the right keyword, there is actually a lot more to it. Understanding how your website ranks, getting backlinks, improving the content you have on your website are all key to achieving SEO success. Tune in to this episode to understand where to start, even if you don’t have a large enough budget to hire an SEO company. Isaac provides some really great tips.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:58] Isaac describes his background and how he got started in the digital world.
[11:16] What is SEO (search engine optimization)?
[12:54] Does SEO include Google Maps and how does that help if you are an online business?
[14:32] What do people need to know about SEO?
[16:53] What would cause you to get black listed?
[17:45] How do you get your site to rank? Why do you need a backlink to rank?
[22:41] What is high level and low level PR?
[23:58] How do you stay at a high level?
[24:54] What type of content best impacts your ranking?
[30:30] What is an affordable option that someone can do to boost their ranking without hiring an SEO company right away?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

SEO (search engine optimization) is how your business or website shows up in Google or other search engines. There are critical pieces to add into your website to have it rank on the first page of Google.
Some great ways to uplevel your SEO is to utilize news resources or other local media. If a magazine publishes something about your business it will generally push up the searches and keep your page more popular. When preparing for this type of content to go live, make sure that your website is up to date and ready for new eyes on your business.
Site speed is a huge piece of getting people to stay on your website. If it takes 15 seconds for your page to load, you’ve likely lost your audience. Check to make sure that your content looks the same on a computer and on a phone.
Spending money on ads doesn’t necessarily mean that your page will rank. If you aren’t having luck with your ads, check your pages speed, look to make sure your page isn’t blacklisted, and make small tweaks to see what changes make a difference in clicks.

BIO:

Proactive SEO Solutions is a premier, boutique digital marketing firm nestled right in the juncture between Los Angeles and Orange County. We design, develop, and deliver results-oriented search engine optimization, PPC marketing, and bring innovative advertising strategies that keep our clients forging ahead and future-relevant.

Though we host scores of local clients, we’re also able to command a national and global presence, serving both domestic and international companies, practices, individuals, and brands.

SEO and Pay-per-click advertising on Google, when utilized correctly, will help boost your online marketing campaigns — both are important components of driving organic SEO. We’ll find innovative and effective ways to guide desirable clients to your website to take advantage of your services. We’ll strategically choose the precise keywords for your business, maintaining your search engine relevance.

We know that people are only getting more and more options, which is why we use marketing best practices to build loyal audiences based on providing real value. In this industry, you’re either selling snake oil, or you’re offering something worthy. Proactive SEO Solutions remains a boutique, minority women-owned marketing firm, and we’re able to give you the intimate, personalized attention that you need in order to see swift results.

In short, we take your brand to the next level — no matter where you’re at currently. Even though our specialties lie in highly technical online solutions, we never lose sight of the human element in what we do. We’re in the business of building partnerships with a long-term lean. We know that by committing ourselves to YOUR success we will always be successful in our endeavors.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Proactive SEO Solutions

Mastering the Art of Starting a New Company with Peter Bronstein & Traci DeForge

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 01:11:32 -0500

Today we are walking through the process of starting a brand new company. Many people not only create a new business as a full time journey, but there has also been a lot of growth in creating a side business to bring in additional income. We walk through how to open a business, setting up a website, allocating your money, as well as driving traffic to your new business. There are some great tips in this episode for driving your ideal client and audience to your social media accounts and website, as well as why it is important to get your name out there. Tune in today as we walk through the high level steps of opening a new business, and keep listening to the next few episodes as we dive deeper into each topic!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:41] How we would walk through creating a new company.
[13:00] What are the next steps after you have your corporation created?
[14:58] How do you set up a website?
[18:43] How do you determine where to spend your budget?
[20:47] How can you collect money on your website for your business?
[22:20] How do you drive an audience to your site?
[26:05] How can podcasting help with your business and how do you create one?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Once you’ve created your new company, you’ll want to buy your domain name, check for trademarks, and create social media handles.
To take in money you will need a merchant account (such as Stripe or Square). Those will charge anywhere from 2.5-4% for a general business, if you have bad credit or you are in a high risk business, you’ll likely be charged a higher rate, sometimes up to 10-12%.
Even if you aren’t going to utilize all the social media channels, still set up an account with your name so it is reserved for future use and it starts to establish the history for a business. You don’t want to have different names for your company across different platforms.

LINKS MENTIONED:

https://www.justjaiwear.com
https://www.instagram.com/justjaiwear/
https://spaceofgrace365.org/
info@justjaiwear.com

Navigating the Legal Landscape and Setting Up Your Business with Bill Saller of Legal Stepz

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 23:16:47 -0500

Today we have Bill Saller, the COO of Legal Stepz on the show. Bill talks about the importance of setting up a business correctly and how Legal Stepz can help entrepreneurs do so. He describes how business has changed in the 30 years since he got started in his career, and the best ways to market your business now. Bill also compares Legal Stepz to Legal Zoom and other websites out there that help set up businesses, while explaining the benefits of going with Legal Stepz. Tune in to learn why you should use their site and how they are growing in the future.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:40] Bill Saller introduces how he got started in his career.
[10:08] How has the business world changed in regards to marketing and running a business since 30 years ago?
[12:22] Should businesses be grown organically or should owners pay for marketing and promotion?
[15:41] What is Legal Stepz?
[16:47] What’s special about Legal Stepz?
[17:37] What was the toughest challenge in starting Legal Stepz?
[19:05] What’s the difference between Legal Stepz and Legal Zoom?
[26:01] Who is creating the Legal Stepz videos?
[27:04] Where do they expect to be in 5 years?
[31:50] What all is included in the video?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Legal Stepz walks anyone through how to start a business via a video. It is a one stop shop where you can get your trademarks, a calendar to show you what you should do and when. Legal Stepz is a one time fee and really empowers business owners to set their company up themselves.
The capital that you have in your company is absolutely crucial and you need to be using that very wisely in it and for things that will move the company forward. Legal Stepz is a great way to save your money while taking all the correct steps to get your business up and running.
You can find videos on how to set up a business on YouTube, or just walk through on a website, but Legal Stepz helps you determine meeting minutes, what type of business to set up, trademarking information, a compliance calendar, and more!

LINKS:

Legal Stepz

The Journey of BioLift and the Entrepreneur Behind the Coffee Alternative with Eli Faraggi, CEO of BioLift

Ask Brien Show — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 22:00:18 -0500

Today we have found and CEO of BioLift, Eli Faraggi on the episode. Eli is in the food technology field and created an ingredient that is an alternative to coffee. This ingredient can go in food and drinks, and is natural and healthy for the body. He talks with us about how he transformed his idea into a profitable business creating success after years of trying different avenues. Eli discusses the challenge of bringing a product to market in the United States while living in Israel. Tune in for some great information and to hear an entrepreneur full of tenacity.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:40] Eli tells us about what he did before creating BioLift and how it came to be.
[5:26] What is food technology?
[9:15] How did Eli get from understanding the research to starting a business?
[15:18] What is the ingredient that provides energy in his products?
[17:34] How did Eli transform his idea into a profitable business/product?
[22:02] Who does the distribution in the United States for BioLift?
[23:33] Why has created the success for BioLift?
[25:32] How do they produce the BioLift?
[26:30] Where can people buy BioLift?
[28:20] How was Eli able to fund his business across 13 years before producing a successful product?
[29:26] How will BioLift grow in the future?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

It may appear that businesses come up as overnight successes, but the truth is there is a lot of work that is happening prior to a business being launched such as testing the product, market research, patents, along with the possibility of failed businesses that are then re-vamped and become successful.
Eli knew he had something special, it was just figuring out the best way to get it into a product and in the hands of customers. He spent 13 years perfecting the ingredient that goes into BioLift.
Finding a gap isn’t enough to start a business, especially something like a beverage. You have to make sure it tastes good, speaks to your market, the price has to be affordable to your ideal client, as well as protecting your product legally so competitors won’t take it.

BIO:

Eli is an award-winning entrepreneur who specializes in food technology. He taps 11 years of experience in the global beverage industry to help steer BioLift toward success. Eli‘s passion for creating relevant consumer packaged goods, especially beverages, eventually led to a partnership with the Shiff Group’s investment arm, to develop new products. Eli learned about the Post Lunch Dip (P.L.D.) biological slump, which was costing the work industry in the United States billions of dollars. He began working with a leading scientist in the field of Chronobiology to explore the effect and possible solutions. In 2008, Eli founded InnoBev, a company dedicated to the study and development of functional beverages, with its main focus on using reversible science to find a solution for P.L.D. The results: the successful WakeUp formula and finally, BioLift, the delicious beverage developed to bring WakeUp’s effects to the public.

LINKS MENTIONED:

BioLift Website

The Heart Behind Her Brand’s Success with Jai-Leta Colvard, Founder and CEO of Just Jai Wear

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:32:12 -0500

In this episode of the Ask Brien podcast, we sit down with entrepreneur Jai-Leta Colvard. We discuss her journey from starting a fitness apparel line, Just Jai Wear, to securing partnerships with major retailers. Jai also shares her experiences in dealing with personal challenges and how she established a non-profit organization to support mental health. The episode covers various aspects of entrepreneurship, including the importance of education, the role of networking, and the significance of protecting one’s brand through trademarking.

Timestamps:

[8:06]: Jai-Leta introduces herself, her fitness apparel line, and her day job in cybersecurity.
[12:43]: Motivations for supporting breast cancer survivors through her business and discusses her personal experience with mental health.
[17:57]: The growth of her fitness apparel line, her expansion into golf and tennis products, and partnerships with major retailers.
[23:41]: The hosts inquire about the impact of Jai-Leta’s MBA on her entrepreneurial journey and how it influenced her leadership and financial management skills.
[27:29]: Jai-Leta offers advice to young girls looking to become entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of passion, planning, and understanding their target audience.
[35:13]: The discussion touches on creating a customer avatar and setting pricing strategies for products based on factors such as quality, style, and profit margin.

Key Takeaways:

Jai’s fitness apparel line, Just Jai Wear, supports breast cancer survivors and promotes mental health awareness.
Young female entrepreneurs should follow their passions, create a business plan, and understand their target audience.
Setting product prices should consider factors like quality, style, and profit margin.
Trademarking your brand is essential to protect it from potential infringement.
Networking and partnerships with major companies can help small businesses grow and succeed.

Guest Links:

Ask Brien Links:

Peter Bronstein’s Attorney Website
Legal Stepz Website
Ask Brien Podcast

Advertising or Awareness? Unpacking Strategies with Alex Grossman

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 17:50:10 -0500

Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Alex Grossman, who shares his knowledge of launching a new enterprise by drawing parallels between achieving success in business and the stability of a three-legged stool. During our conversation, he discussed the significance of frequency, brand, and mission, offering comprehensive insights into each concept. Alex also holds a strong aversion to the term “advertising,” opting instead for “awareness,” and he’ll substantiate this preference through practical examples. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Alex brings a wealth of invaluable advice to the table.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[07:27] Alex Grossman advises on starting a business.
[08:44] Alex explains why reviews are essential and how to get them
[11:16] A discussion between Yelp and Google
[13:49] How to decide if the review is legit
[16:26] Alex talks about the business that is starting with no reviews
[19:37] Alex explains the importance of your brand and your mission statement
[23:44] Alex shares what some of the myths of marketing are
[26:23] Alex talks about knowing who your audience is
[31:38] Alex explains that ad campaigns need to run for a minimum of three months, and he gives other advertising tips

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

At one time, the saying was, location, location, location, but now your location is your website.
There are ways to determine if a review is legit. There is a lot of abuse of the “review” system on Amazon.
A successful entrepreneur must educate themselves about their industry or product, or they will not be successful.

Bio:

I am a dynamic and results-driven executive and thought leader with an accomplished record in product and product marketing leadership at major technology corporations and successful entrepreneurial start-ups. A highly collaborative and motivational cross-functional team leader, I excel at relationship management with internal staff, contractors, vendors, customers, and other partners and stakeholders.

I have created and launched successful and innovative new software, cloud, SAAS, and hardware products and services for commercial, enterprise, consumer markets. Developed go-to-market plans for sales, marketing and product teams. I am equally comfortable working with software engineers in Agile methodologies and SCRUM as I am with senior management, marketing professionals and web developers. My professional strengths include excellent presentation and customer-facing skills, analyzing markets, identifying new niches, gathering and evaluating customer needs, building the internal mission, and developing innovative products and services to meet the requirements of demanding users and industries. Proficient at creating and implementing effective multi-platform digital marketing strategies. I have been a requested keynote speaker at many industry conferences and events. I have hosted podcasts and co-host a Los Angeles radio show.

My background also includes founding and building start-ups, and successfully raising capital and negotiating the sale of companies at favorable terms.

Among my career highlights, I was recruited directly by Steve Jobs to develop a new line of Apple server and storage products which established a profitable new multi-billion dollar product category. As VP at Quantum Corporation, I revitalized its big data and media & entertainment digital workflow product line which led to sales growth of 10x year-over-year. I built a company, Active Storage Inc., which quickly became a market leader in the content market.

I am passionate about my work and mission focused, but also humble enough to know when to listen and learn.

LINKS:

Alex Grossman – Website

Alex Grossman – LinkedIn

Peter Bronstein’s Attorney Website

Misim Baja Upwork Profile

Marketing Magic: The path to 7-Figure Business Growth with Misim Baja

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:27:32 -0500

Digital marketing expert Misim Baja specializes in helping businesses scale through utilizing Facebook ads and other avenues of marketing. Misim started his business not knowing any marketing, and now helps companies scale to the 7 figure dollar mark. He discusses the most important aspects of marketing your business, how to test what you are doing, and how to utilize paid vs free advertising. This episode is full of incredible nuggets, so make sure to tune in to learn the best tips about marketing and advertising your business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:20] Misim shares his background.
[9:10] How did he manage getting his first marketing job with no experience?
[11:25] How does Misim promote his Upwork business?
[12:18] When did Misim hire his first employee and what size is the business now?
[13:02] What’s the most important thing to do when starting to advertise for a business?
[15:23] How does Misim onboard new clients?
[17:05] What marketing things can people do to improve their revenue?
[19:53] How can businesses sort through the variety of marketing advice out there?
[23:20] What tips does Misim have around Facebook ads?
[26:49] What barriers does Misim see for women owned businesses to hit the 7 figure mark?
[32:45] What’s the best split between SEO and paid advertising?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Get hired at an agency, learn all the skills, do some work on the side, and then when you have the experience you desire, step out on your own and start your own business.
Run many ads at the same time with different messages and do testing to see which campaign/ad is going to run the best.
If you are not able to hire a company to do your marketing for you, get resourceful. You can go online and learn how to do ads on YouTube.
Make sure that your offer is scalable, that you’ll be able to manage, and run your business successfully for the higher volume of customers that come with a 7 figure business.

BIO:

My team and I are on a mission to help businesses like yours thrive. We do this by using customer acquisition systems that WORK!

We’ve literally tested every single strategy under the sun, so you don’t have to.

With over 15+ years of experience combined in marketing, we can help shortcut your way to getting customers and clients on autopilot.

So are you finally ready to grow your business without feeling overwhelmed or throwing money down the drain?

LINKS MENTIONED:

Misim Baja Website

Entrepreneurial Insights: Building Passionate Family Ventures with Josh from Wild Zora

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 03:00:25 -0500

This week on Ask Brien, we have Josh from Wild Zora on the show. Josh has been an entrepreneur across 18 businesses, and has a wide variety of experience and advice for our listeners. He and his wife, Zora, have 3 different businesses that connect in with one another, Wild Zora, Fully Healthy, and Drink Cusa. Josh talks with us about what led them to create these businesses, what it’s like working with his spouse, and the long term plans for the direction of their companies. Tune in to hear his advice with running a family business along with their expansion plans.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:27] Josh gives us his background.
[9:09] What was the most important attribute Josh found to create the most success along his 18 different businesses?
[11:14] What are the different businesses Josh and his wife currently run?
[16:22] Which of their 3 businesses is the most difficult?
[17:57] What part of marketing works best with e-commerce?
[22:38] How did they get to the place of creating these businesses?
[26:25] What is it like working with your spouse?
[33:13] What does Josh think about what Legal Stepz provides?
[34:57] How do Josh and his wife separate business and their relationship?
[37:31] Do they plan to get their children involved as the business evolves?
[38:30] How will they expand their business/plan their exit strategy?
[40:50] What was the worst thing that ever happened to Josh regarding exiting a business?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

You have to constantly be in motion when running your own business, day after day keep swinging. Be able to adapt and change as the market/world/technology changes.
Working with your spouse can have its challenges, but Josh and Zora have found that by working in separate parts of the business, they are able to keep their marriage strong while also having a business they are passionate about.
Josh and Zora are a great example of seeing a gap in their life and finding a way to fulfill that gap by creating a business. This can lead to being more passionate about your business and feeling like you are serving a purpose.

BIO:

Growing up in the Czech Republic meant growing up with a close connection to food for young Zora. This wasn’t just because at the time there was little-to-no access to processed and pre-packaged foods, but also because Zora is the granddaughter of farmers! Both her maternal and paternal grandparents lived on farms complete with abundant gardens and small livestock as they were easy to keep. She and her brother spent many summers working hard harvesting the orchards, weeding the gardens, and mucking behind the animals.

When it was time to learn to cook, Zora was taught to walk out to the garden, gather the ingredients needed for your meal and begin prepping. There was no concept of running to the store to grab something quickly, it was all home-made, start to finish. This way of living has stuck with Zora and it’s what helped inspire our very first products: the BBQ Beef, Parmesan Beef, and the Chili Beef bar.

In 2012, Zora, Josh, their son Adrian and daughter Abby landed in Fort Collins after 10 years of living abroad in incredible places like Czech Republic, Poland, and Cambridge. It wasn’t until they arrived in Fort Collins, CO that they were introduced to American “healthy snacks” for their long family hikes.

Zora quickly realized that these bars were all low protein, high sugar and she wanted something better for her and her family and soon she started making the infamous Meat & Veggie Bars. In 2015 Zora introduced the bars to the public at the farmers market near her house and the rest is history…

LINKS MENTIONED:

Wild Zora

Email: info@wildzora.com

FullyHealthy

Drink Cusa

FlatIron Food Factory

Peter Bronstein’s Attorney Website

Legal Stepz and Entrepreneurial Insights with Peter Bronstein

Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 05:47:00 -0500

Today we have our very own Peter Bronstein talking about Legal Stepz. Peter gives us a view into his background and the many businesses he has started. He talks about where Legal Stepz came from and how entrepreneurs can use it as an affordable option for starting a new business. The courses available on Legal Stepz will help you get your business set up correctly at a fraction of the cost of hiring an attorney. Tune in to learn more about S-Corps, LLCs, registered agents, and tips to set your company up right!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[10:16] How did Peter get into the entrepreneur field?
[13:09] Why did Legal Stepz come about?
[17:40] How does the metaphor “teaching some of the fish vs. fishing for you” play into Legal Stepz?
[20:30] What is an S-Corporation?
[24:10] What does LLC mean and does the course cover running LLCs?
[28:35] What is a registered agent?
[31:11] Where can people get started with the courses?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Legal Stepz is an affordable option, especially for those who are just starting out in entrepreneurship. It allows you to set your business up on your own, following a course that was created by an attorney, so you’ll know you are doing it right. Other sites available like LegalZoom charge you upwards of $600-$800 plus additional fees which is a lot of money when just starting out.
Limited liability means that you, your liability is limited to the assets within the business itself. If you run your business as a DBA (doing business as), meaning doing business as, or fictitious business name, or operate your business on your own as a sole proprietor, you will be personally liable for all of your business obligations.
A registered agent is someone who can accept documents on behalf of the company. This could be legal documents, lawsuits, IRS letters, etc. Make sure that the person listed as the registered agent is someone who checks mail/is available at the location often so something doesn’t get delivered and then sits for weeks at a time.

BIO:

LINKS MENTIONED:

Scaling an All-Natural Deodorant Brand with Ira Kaganovsky, Founder of Freedom

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 22:47:29 -0500

This week we have Ira Kaganovsky, the visionary founder of Freedom Deodorant on the show. Ira takes us on a journey through the origin of Freedom and the process of turning the vision of a healthy aluminum free-deodorant into a reality.

Ira shares the challenges and success of getting Freedom products into stores, with a story about breaking into the prestigious Four Seasons Spa in Las Vegas.

Ira talks about business development, sales, and the art of pitching, emphasizing the significance of building trust with customers and crafting a robust sales team from the ground up.

One of the biggest obstacles faced during the startup phase—building a stellar team. With a keen eye for spotting entrepreneurial spirit, Ira shares the key qualities to seek when assembling a team.

Tune in today to gain valuable insights on how to implement crucial elements into your own business early on. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business professional, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and motivational stories. For a discount visit https://freedomdeodorant.com/ Use discount code: Brien25

IN THIS EPISODE:

05:42 Ira Kaganovsky Introduces Freedom Deodorant
6:47 Types of packaging for a health conscious company
00:07:22 Eco-friendly deodorant ensures long-lasting effectiveness without harmful chemicals
7:44 How Ira came up with the concept for the company. Toxic products.
10:11 Natural deodorants at the time didn’t work
11:38 Ira created her own natural deodorant at home. Friends liked her homemade recipe so much she decided to turn it into a business
15:00 Toxins in products, stress, environmental factors, detergents
17:44 Environmental factors and stress: potential links to women’s health, specifically breast cancer risk
19:00 Taking her new product to spas door to door, 14 out of 15 asked her to leave
20:50 Rapid expansion and success: from first client to 400 spas in three years
23:46 The challenges of selling consumer goods
26:27 Navigating venture capital
28:29 Gender bias in venture capital interviews
33:00 Pitching to raise capital
34:40 The value of entrepreneurial spirit In hiring

Key Takeaways

One of the biggest obstacles faced during the startup phase was building a stellar team. With a keen eye for spotting entrepreneurial spirit, Ira shares the key qualities to seek when assembling a team.
One of the best qualities Ira has found is entrepreneurial spirit.

BIO: When Ira’s 3 friends were diagnosed with Breast cancer and were told to switch to natural products Ira had the hardest time finding a natural deodorant that worked, smelled good or even looked good. So she created one that did all three! Freedom luxury natural deodorant can now be found in Four Seasons Spas and Canyon Ranch spas nationwide…have you found your Freedom?

LINKS MENTIONED:

https://freedomdeodorant.com/, Discount code: Brien25
Ask Brien Podcast
Freedom Deodorant Instagram

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepzProviding the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

Growing a Family Business The Healthy Way with Leslie Zinn, Arden’s Garden

Ask Brien Show — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 19:04:11 -0500

Today we have Leslie Zinn from Arden’s Garden on the show. Leslie’s mom started Arden’s Garden and turned it into a family business. The passion behind getting cold pressed juice into everyone’s hands to improve their health was the main mission behind their business, but it got started in an unlikely way. Leslie talks about what it’s like working in a family business, how their company operates today, and also summarizes their product line. Tune in today to learn about expanding a company slowly and steady to create success.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:42] What was Leslie’s background prior to Arden’s Garden and what’s the story behind Arden’s Garden?
[8:58] What is the difference between cold pressed juice and juicers?
[11:22] How did they approach the first hair salon to sell juice?
[15:49] How does their company operate today?
[17:30] Have they ever thought about franchising?
[18:07] What are their product lines?
[20:31] What was it like to work in a family business?
[26:45] How is their company expanding?
[27:53] What does their product development look like?
[32:27] What was the biggest challenge that they had when going from 3 people to a full business?
[34:16] What is the company culture?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Small family business therapy is a real thing! Learning to work together professionally as a family can be tricky, but the therapy can help settle any disputes and ensure you are all on the same page.
Getting creative in your business when it isn’t going as well as you hoped is essential for having your business continue to grow. Get creative with your marketing, or who you are presenting your products to. Arden’s Garden went and sold their juice to hairdressers which would seem odd, but provided major success.
Having employees who are as passionate about your product or service as you are will help you business grow and keep you all working together as a team.

BIO:

Many years ago, Arden Zinn began making fresh juices out of her kitchen for herself, her family and her friends. She believed that fresh juice was the key to good health, and wanted to share that with the people close to her.

Back then, she would juice any fruit or vegetable available and deliver the juice to whomever wanted some. Most people drank the juice because they liked the taste, but Arden’s satisfaction came from knowing the health benefits they were receiving. Can you believe that from these beginnings a business was born?

LINKS MENTIONED:

Arden’s Garden Website

Arden’s Garden Instagram

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepz

Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles

Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

The Importance of Business Development and Sales with Matt Pell of Beyond Pulse

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 19:26:32 -0500

This week we have Matt Pell, the CEO of Beyond Pulse on the show. Matt talks about how he came into the company and took over the CEO role from the founders, and what changes he made. He discusses why hiring him was such a definitive decision. Matt also talks about the importance of business development and sales. He has a large focus on building trust with Beyond Pulses customers and how to build a strong sales team. Tune in today to learn the key things to implement into your business early on.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:34] Matt provides us with his background in business prior to joining Beyond Pulse.
[9:32] What is Beyond Pulse?
[13:37] Where does the collected data go?
[16:53] What is the cost for the hardware and app for customers?
[19:20] What was the journey to the company prior to Matt joining, and why was Matt coming on as CEO definitive?
[23:50] Why do founders end up hiring a CEO?
[25:35] How important is it to get into the business development and sales space coming out of the gate?
[27:10] How do you go about hiring/building a sales team?
[29:20] Matt share’s a business motto that is a great way to look at customer service.
[32:20] What is the most important thing someone needs to have to be successful?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Don’t be afraid of failure, it is part of the process. You don’t want to get to the end of your life having regrets, so go all in and learn from any mistakes so you can keep growing.
Building trust with your customers is what keeps them coming back and referring others to you. If you don’t have their trust, you have nothing.
Think of selling your product as looking for partners who are going to help you with your product. They’ll give you valuable feedback and help you improve your product. This can make “selling” feel less stressful and overwhelming.

BIO:

Matt Pell is an experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the internet industry. Skilled in Digital Strategy, Sales, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Management, and Account Management. Strong professional with a Bachelor of Science focused in Marketing.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Beyond Pulse Website

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepz

Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles

Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Chrissa McFarlane Website

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

Building a Successful Company with Chrissa McFarlane

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 08:47:01 -0500

Today we are talking with Chrissa McFarlane, the Founder and CEO of Patientory Inc. Chrissa started her business after working in the corporate world, and has some great insight in the shift between corporate and creating a startup. She tells us what Patientory is, how this digital health wallet can help patients connect with their doctors and how she built out the company. She gives some great tips on her marketing strategy and how she utilizes podcasts to get the word out about Patientory. Tune in today to learn more about building a successful company you’re passionate about.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:16] Chrissa explains what Patientory is and discusses her background.
[9:07] How did Chrissa fund Patientory and get it off the ground?
[11:16] Is data security a concern for users?
[12:26] Does Patientory connect with wearable health trackers?
[13:46] How does Patientory make money?
[14:23] What has been the biggest challenge in the data health space?
[15:42] What does Patientory’s team look like and where is it going in the future?
[17:11] What has been Chrissa’s biggest challenge while building a team?
[18:41] What differences has Chrissa experienced from working in corporate to a start up business?
[20:26] Is Chrissa fluent in Spanish? How has that benefitted her in her business?
[22:04] What is Chrissa’s marketing strategy? How has being a podcast guest helped with marketing?
[29:23] What does Chrissa think is the most important attribute of an entrepreneur?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Going from corporate work to creating a startup is a large shift that many don’t expect. The support, funding, growth, everything is smaller and as a CEO you have to be much more hands on through every aspect of the business.
Entrepreneurs must have perseverance to push through and keep going with their vision and business when times get tough. There will be things that come your way that you want to give up on, but pushing through and remembering why you started the business will help you have success.

BIO:

As the Founder and CEO of Patientory, Inc. Chrissa McFarlane publishes international healthcare research articles and actively writes for Forbes on emerging healthcare technological advances. In 2019, McFarlane authored her first book titled Future Women: Minority Female Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Era of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency.

Devoted to fostering digital innovation in the healthcare industry, McFarlane served as co-chair of the Inaugural HIMSS18 Blockchain Workgroup, member of the; HIMSS Interoperability & Health Information Exchange Committee, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Access Network and the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer.

Chrissa has an array of professional experiences in the healthcare industry, specializing in technology transformation, delivering cost efficient services and products for corporate 500 enterprises/ startups achieving prestigious awards, McFarlane serves as an Influencer for the Inaugural Class of the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Choose ATL campaign and Digital Influencer for HIMSS.

Specialties: Leadership, Program/Product Development, General Management, Healthcare Technology

LINKS MENTIONED:

@patientory

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepz

Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles

Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

Mastering Data Analytics with Mia Umanos, Click Voyant

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 03:00:31 -0500

On today’s show we have founder and CEO of Click Voyant, Mia Umanos join us. Mia talks about why data analytics are important and how learning your audience is key to success in a business. She discusses the use of Chat GPT, AI, and gathering data analytics and what to look for in order to take action on the feedback. Mia tells us how Click Voyant can help you get the specifics for your data analytics, plus provides a coupon code at the end for Ask Brien listeners! Tune in to learn how to reduce data analytic costs while boosting sales in your business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:40] What is Mia’s background?
[9:04] How did Click Voyant get started?
[11:10] Why is data analytics important?
[13:51] What does Mia think about people thinking data is being manipulated.
[17:55] What is the one thing people don’t talk about when it comes to data analytics?
[19:15] Mia provides an example of taking raw data through AB testing and what is done with those results.
[23:52] What is the minimum amount of information they need to make an analysis?
[27:13] How does Click Voyant use AI?
[31:00] How easy is it to get results using Click Voyant?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

There’s a $200B gap in analytics talent right now. This means there are not enough people to do the work, which makes it very expensive. Plus the length of time to get that information is 12-18 months.
Exploring where your customers are on social media, what your ideal clients want, how to hit their pain points, that is the data analytics that you need, but a lot of consulting companies do not look into that information.
Chat GPT cannot give you the detailed information that pertains to your specific website, only general information. So if you ask it how to drive traffic to your website you won’t get specific for your individual website. However Click Voyant can help you get that information.

BIO:

Mia Umanos

Mia’s superpower is her instinct for user behavior.

Her optimization strategies have lifted revenue $4M in 90 days, created a sustained 40% increase in advertising revenue, taken a political candidate from 4th to 2nd place in 3 months, and won a Google News Initiative Grant. She is a 14-year veteran of analytics who grew up inside digital marketing agencies like Huge, Critical Mass, and Mirum.

During her sabbatical from digital marketing, Mia worked for 3 years for independent media to re-imagine what data could do on media sites to promote civil civic engagement.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Click Voyant Website

AskBrien Discount Code 20% off

Mia Umanos LinkedIn

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepz

Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles

Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

Journey from Idea to Successful Business with Ira Kaganovsky and Freedom

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 02:49:37 -0500

Today we are talking with Ira Kaganovsky, creator of Freedom, a clean deodorant company. Ira shares her incredible journey through taking an idea and turning it into a successful product. She shares how she inquired about large brand partnerships with Four Seasons, Airlines, and other big name companies. Then our hosts dive into how important packaging and cash flow are to the success of a company, as well as the key steps to creating a business the right way. Tune in to hear Ira’s story and how Freedom came to be.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:25] What is the company Freedom?
[5:17] How do you make deodorant without a manufacturing shop?
[6:36] Does Freedom’s deodorant have alcohol or aluminum?
[10:23] How did Ira turn her idea into a company and how did she get some big brands to sell her products?
[15:35] Did everything just fall into place or were there challenges Ira faced?
[15:56] Ira shares about her breast cancer diagnosis due to high cortisol levels and high estrogen levels.
[19:13] The incredible story of using instincts to become an entrepreneur.
[24:36] How important is packaging?
[26:30] How important is cash flow and how does an entrepreneur get cash in order to scale?
[29:56] Where can people get information about the products available from Freedom?
[33:12] Are corporations expensive to start?
[34:18] What steps should people take when starting a company?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The pitch and the story has to connect to your audience. Connecting to them is what will drive people to purchase your product.
You can’t operate a business without cash. How you have access to cash is something that you’ll need to think about before you even launch a business. You don’t want to rack up personal debt on credit cards, so what other options are there to get cash/funding?
Legal Stepz is the place to go to learn about all types of businesses.

BIO:

Our why…

A few years ago, three of my friends were diagnosed with breast cancer. The ongoing theme from all their doctors was the importance of using natural products on the body, and especially to stay away from antiperspirants.

An unsettling fact that I hadn’t realized until that time, was that the antiperspirant most people use daily is actually classified as a drug per the FDA. I was eager to switch to natural products for myself.

So, I purchased my first natural deodorant, which did NOT go so well. I purchased my second one, third, then fourth and so on. When none of them worked for me, I decided to create one that did!

Am I a chemist? Nope – just a single mother of three lovely girls. I wanted to create a natural alternative to the typical not-so-good-for-you products that line the shelves of every store. For me, deodorant was just the first step.

Our products are all human-tested to ensure effectiveness, and are completely safe enough to eat! (Although they work much better than they taste…)

This is where I found my Freedom. The natural deodorant that really works! Be Healthy, Not Stinky!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Freedom Deodorant Website

Freedom Deodorant Instagram

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepz

Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles

Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

Taking Risks and Learning From Mistakes with Sam Krichevsky and GeoJam

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 03:00:47 -0500

Today we are joined by Sam Krichevsky, the COO & Co-Founder of Geojam. Sam talks with us about the creation and launch aspects of their app, Geojam, and the lessons he has encountered during his entrepreneurial career. He talks about how Geojam has partnered with celebrities and what impact that has had on converting users to the app. Sam discusses how their company operates with three owners and the division of duties. Tune in to learn about failing fast while creating a successful business with the amazing tips Sam provides.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:47] What is Geojam and how does it work?
[11:12] What was Sam’s background prior to starting Geojam?
[14:55] Have a lot of people joined the Geojam app in the short amount of time it’s been available?
[18:35] Do their different products collaborate/live together or separately?
[19:38] What was Sam’s experience with failing fast?
[21:37] How did they bring in the tech experience for the app?
[23:02] How did they break apart the responsibilities across the three owners of the company?
[24:43] What other employees and roles do they have within the company?
[26:55] How did they grow their incredible list of celebrities and investors that are coming to the platform?
[28:40] Has the list of celebrities helped with the conversions to users?
[31:20] How does cryptocurrency tie in with Geojam?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

It’s easy to get caught up when starting a business and wanting to share all your great ideas. However launch it in steps, don’t put everything out at once. Especially for an app, users need to get comfortable using the base of a new app before every feature is thrown at them.
Entrepreneurship means wearing a variety of different hats and learning all kinds of new things that you may have never expected. Go into it with an open mind, see what you can learn, hire someone for the things that you aren’t passionate about, and enjoy the journey.
Take risks and learn from your mistakes. If you aren’t failing then you aren’t trying! The fastest way to success is to try, fail, learn from the failure, and keep going!

BIO:

Sam Krichevsky is a technology and music innovator, Co-Founder, and Chief Operating Officer of Geojam, a Social-Fi platform revolutionizing how people interact with social media and earn rewards for creating and sharing content.

Before Geojam, Krichevsky founded TanZ, a full-service live event production company, where he brought innovative ideas to life. He also served as a founding partner at LaunchHouse, a seed capital investment fund, where he developed LHX, a nationally recognized accelerator program that provides top entrepreneurial talent with mentorship, strategic business development resources, and seed funding.

Krichevsky is a seasoned strategist and startup expert actively involved in the music and entertainment industry. He is a member of the Recording Academy and the Forbes Business Council, and he currently serves as a board member and advisor to music, tech, and entertainment startups. With his vast experience and innovative ideas, Krichevsky is paving the way for the future of the fan economy with Geojam.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Geojam Website

On all social media: @Geojamofficial

Sam’s profiles on all social media: @Geojamsam

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepz

Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles

Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

Profit Matters, But So Does the Right Partner with Ashley Ingle

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 03:00:14 -0500

Today we are joined by the owner of Profit Matters, Ashley Ingle. Ashley walks us through her experience of starting a business, losing a partner in business, and researching venture capital options. She discusses how AI has changed the way Profit Matters works and how she is looking to add more AI into her service based company. Ashley discusses the process of raising funds while running her day to day business operations and what complications can come up. Tune in to hear how Ashley manages her business in a male dominated industry and why she has been so successful.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:07] How did Ashley come up with the name “Profit Matters” for her business?
[8:50] What did Ashley do prior to starting Profit Matters?
[15:51] Does Profit Matter have an AI feature or is it all manual and being done by people?
[19:58] What made Ashley bring in a partner originally?
[22:36] Did Ashley and her partner have the provisions for exit in a legal document?
[24:31] What does the rest of the Profit Matters team look like?
[26:06] What areas in her team are they looking to experience growth?
[27:20] What is the process of raising funds while also working in the day to day operations of running a business?
[31:20] Have there been any struggles being a female in a male dominated industry?
[35:01] How did Ashley get her first client?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

When you are thinking of bringing in a partner, think about the long term relationship. Know that going into a business partnership is like going into a marriage. It may not work out, so have a plan of what will happen if the business needs to dissolve or if someone wants out of the partnership.
If you are a female in a male dominated industry, and you want to be treated equally, then you need to act like everyone else. Don’t except special treatment while also expecting to be treated like an equal.
Get curious about the people that you are going to hire. Ashley uses a predictive index/culture index personality test that identifies your workplace trait behavoirs to determine what role applicants would fit into best. This avoids the issue of hiring someone as a bookkeeper who will be unhappy in the long term, but would be an excellent sales person.

BIO:

I help ambitious business owners overcome financial challenges to increase product margins and project profitability.

I know how seemingly small things can turn into massive issues on the operations side if not managed correctly. All the smart work on the project planning side of the business can easily come undone if there are issues with systems and processes.

We have uniquely positioned ourselves to help construction and real estate companies navigate all aspects of operations and tax, to ensure they can maximize their profit. I do this using my proprietary P.R.O.F.I.T plan which I have developed exclusively for construction, real estate, and development companies.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Ashley Ingle LinkedIn

Email: Ashley@profitmatters.co

Profit Matters Website

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepz

Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles

Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

Market Research and Manufacturing with Rebecca Styn and Blind Tiger

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 03:00:04 -0500

Today we are joined by Rebecca Styn, the owner and creator of Blind Tiger. Rebecca talks with us about the shift her business had to experience during COVID and how she went from running a speakeasy style restaurant to shifting into a product line of alcohol free beverages. She talks to us about making this pivot and how they are growing this area of their business now. Rebecca gives some great tips on market research, marketing products, and getting into the manufacturing line of business. Tune in today to get some great tips on taking the leap into entrepreneurship!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:04] What is Blind Tiger? What types of products do they have?
[7:00] How has business shifted post-COVID?
[10:24] How does Blind Tiger keep their cocktails made with healthy ingredients?
[11:59] How did Rebecca get into the restaurant/manufacturing field?
[13:40] How did Rebecca navigate this new field?
[17:48] What are some of the mistakes she has made and what has she learned from them?
[21: 30] What was the initial response when the product launched and what did they need to change?
[22:18] What are the current products in the Blind Tiger line?
[28:56] What legal items did they need to go through with naming and business aspects?
[24:09] How did the inspiration around the SpeakEasy and prohibition beverages happen?
[26:30] What does Rebecca’s current team look like?
[27:45] What is the vision for the future of Blind Tiger?
[30:17] How are people finding out about Blind Tiger? What are their marketing efforts at?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

When you are passionate about something, go into it with open arms, expecting there to be mistakes, learning from those mistakes, and being ready to trust that what’s meant to be will happen.
Do market research before starting a new company. Are there people out there seeking your idea? This was a big help for success with Rebecca’s product once she got the idea to launch.
If something shifts the business that is making sales decline, look at your different options and pivot. During COVID Rebecca’s business would have shut down due to not being able to sell alcohol, so they pivoted to non-alcohol drinks which allowed them to expand and grow their business much more than it would have had they not pivoted.

BIO:

Blind Tiger’s founder story is rooted in the spirit of the Prohibition era, where people gathered at speakeasies to enjoy drinks that were otherwise banned. Rebecca Styn, founder of Erie, PA’s Room 33 Speakeasy, brought her passion for this time to life by creating a sophisticated cocktail experience that captures the defining flavors of the era, with or without the alcohol.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the speakeasy was forced to provide only sans-alcohol drink options to-go, and the team rose to the challenge to create a top-notch spirit-free cocktail that mirrors the flavors of the original. As a result, Blind Tiger was born – an all-inclusive luxury drink that lets you feel part of the occasion with or without alcohol.

Named after the Prohibition-era speakeasies that had to keep a low profile to avoid detection, Blind Tiger is here to enhance the limited dry options offered to consumers. Our formulation uses natural ingredients to embody the flavor and depth that alcohol would customarily offer the drink. So whether you’re looking for a sophisticated alcohol-free drink at a bar, event, or just at home, or an easy classic cocktail – Blind Tiger has got you covered.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Blind Tiger Website

Rebecca Styn’s LinkedIn

Rebecca’s Email: rebecca@blindtigerspiritfree.com

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepz

Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles

Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

Finding Investors and Setting Goals with Michael Brown CloudNine AI

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 12 May 2023 03:05:50 -0500

Today we are joined by Michael Brown who is a co-founder of CloudNine AI. They are a company that gathers and stores healthcare information for researchers to utilize as they try to find connections and cures for diseases. Michael talks with us about the incredible work they are doing and how they have grown and scaled in the past three years. He talks about their planning cycles, team development, and the breakdown and relationship between him and his co-founder. Tune in today to hear about the mind-blowing work they are doing and the best ways to partner with investors.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:13] What is CloudNine AI?
[8:45] How can this private information be shared with researchers legally?
[11:13] How does the AI know if the information is confidential?
[13:34] How does CloudNine AI gather data that is stored in Excel sheets?
[15:42] How long is the process to get the data digitalized to where researchers can use it?
[17:24] How much data has been gathered in the last three years?
[18:21] What type of team does CloudNine AI have? How has it grown over time?
[20:36] How was the business impacted when the 3rd co-founder passed away?
[23:00] How does CloudNine AI manage its planning cycles?
[27:18] What does the focus on revenue look like? Do they have someone in charge of business development?
[29:29] How do they have conversations with investors about equity and having skin in the game with the company?
[31:28] How did they get their first company?
[32:09] What is the breakdown of roles between the two co-founders?
[32:56] Where will they be attending their next tradeshows?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

When looking for investors for your company, you have to constantly be talking to people and pitching your business.
If a business has a co-founder, it is critical to put together legal notes regarding what happens to the company if someone wants out, what happens if someone passes away, etc.
Minimize focus to the next 100 days with your goals. This helps you stay focused instead of getting too far ahead and skipping over important steps. Things can/will shift within those 100 days and may change direction, but at least you are focusing on a smaller amount of time. Then start planning out your 5-year, 10-year goals.

BIO:

Michael Brown is the Founder of CloudNine AI and CloudNine Healthcare AI. Democratizing AI with Human-Centered design provides untapped opportunities for enterprises to protect personal information while leveraging data for instant insights. By using data as a resource, the greater the value, the greater the need to apply measured governance – tracking, data protection, maintenance, and compliance with applicable obligations while the pace of change and innovation rapidly evolves.

Healthcare, Insurance, Agriculture, and Finance are among the industries that are governed by such a wide range of regulatory obligations around the treatment of personal information, while also needing to ingest, analyze, process, and retain the most sensitive information belonging to the leading companies in the world.

As the Founder and CEO, Michael has developed, implemented, and deploys our human-centered AI for enterprises positioning the organization to leverage the transformative opportunities that human-center design presents. In his role, Michael is responsible for the processes, tools, and controls necessary to meet the complex information handling requirements, enabling use while ensuring protection. Enabling the use of information while complying with regulatory obligations, protecting digital information, and PII

With over 25 years of experience assisting company innovations with business-enabling technologies while managing related risks. The experience helps focus on the management of information, technology, protection, and privacy risk/control frameworks, to ensure they are aligned with business strategies, processes, policies, and compliance requirements, and to make information privacy and confidentiality part of the organization’s culture.

Also, a dedicated philanthropist supporting a number of charities that focus on children, inclusion, economic equality, food security, and serving the last billion. Human-centered AI should Predict, Prevent & Cure Diseases. #aiforthe

LINKS MENTIONED:

CloudNine AI Website

Building a Company with Outcomes that Matter to Everyone

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 05 May 2023 05:23:48 -0500

Today we are joined by Co-Founder & CEO at ClinNEXUS, Dr. Greg Caroll. Dr. Caroll talks with us about how he shifted from being a doctor to a medical entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of team building and leadership and his company’s success working together to build their incredible company. Dr. Caroll shares some excellent tips about transitioning from one career to another and searching for gaps when starting your entrepreneurial career. Tune in today to learn more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:54] How many years was Dr. Greg Caroll a doctor, and what was his background?
[9:07] What is Dr. Greg Caroll’s new business?
[12:40] Who is their customer?
[13:16] What was the biggest challenge in starting this business?
[14:48] How did they find their first customer?
[15:50] Are there any scalable issues due to medical laws?
[17:05] Can you apply standard entrepreneur practices in the medical field?
[17:55] Is it common for an MD to have an MBA?
[19:17] Was it always part of Dr. Greg Caroll’s long-term trajectory to work as a doctor and then shift to an entrepreneur?
[21:28] What are some of the challenges and rewards that Dr. Greg Caroll has faced while being in leadership?
[24:00] When did Dr. Greg Caroll know it was time to add to his team?
[25:14] What does Dr. Greg Caroll think about the type of business to set up – LLC, Corp., etc?
[26:01] What are the critical positions on Dr. Greg Caroll’s team?
[28:58] What is ClinNEXUS’s marketing strategy?
[32:22] What are the three most essential skills for an entrepreneur?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Find an area where there is a need, and identify the customer you can go to school and understand. Learn what their pain points are, what it is they are looking for, etc.
As a successful entrepreneur, you must be able to adjust, course correct, and communicate your vision as you make the course corrections.

BIO:

Recognizing service gaps in healthcare as an emergency medicine, urgent, and virtual care physician for 20+ years, Greg leverages his deep commercial experience to assemble and deliver revenue growth to venture and private equity-backed healthcare start-ups.

He leads ClinNEXUS, a venture capital-backed, multi-channel care transition services platform. This will help patients navigate medications, social needs, and symptom management without multiple visits to an office or avoidable re-admissions.

He takes inspiration from his parent’s complex need healthcare experience, as well as the availability of technical advances, combined with additional insights gained in tele-health during the pandemic to disrupt the care industry.

Career Highlights

Secured $200M+ high-impact service partnership revenue growth as member of Executive team
Established Digital Addiction Medicine Platform while securing $10M+ series A funding
Raised company valuation 350%+ from seed to series A with development of ‘outside-in’ ecosystem

LINKS MENTIONED:

ClinNexus Website

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepz

Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles

Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

Building a Data Bank Business with Daniel Uribe of GenoBank.io

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 03:07:15 -0500

Today we are joined by Daniel Uribe, the Co-Founder & CEO of GenoBank.io. GenoBank is a DNA data bank that stores people’s DNA and can be used by researchers to find cures for rare diseases. Daniel was inspired to create this business after his son was diagnosed with a rare disease. During this episode, Daniel talks about what his company does, how they securely store DNA data and the encryption process. He also talks on the team building side about how his company operates and how they plan to scale in the future. Tune in today for this interesting conversation!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:08] Where did the name GenoBank come from?
[8:04] How does the process of storing DNA work?
[15:10] How can researchers take this data to look through the information with it being encrypted?
[17:26] How has Daniel built a team at GenoBank, and how do they operate?
[20:20] What challenges has Daniel come up against with hiring/team management?
[24:28] How will GenoBank scale in the future?
[27:43] What is the focus of the business development person on the team?
[31:26] How do people use GenoBank?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The concept of GenoBank is that people will anonymously enter their DNA into the bank, and then researchers can utilize that information to search for a cure.
Your DNA is a family reference, not just an individual. It involves your parents, grandparents, etc.
Find out with your doctor what is happening with your biodata, and invite them to enter it with GenoBank.

BIO:

GenoBank.io is the first anonymous DNA Test kit with blockchain.

Our Patent Pending DNA Saliva Kit will allow our users to participate and take advantage of the Genomic Revolution, maximizing privacy by using Blockchain Networks to keep track of all the data sets and Genomic Reports (insights) without exposing their personal data!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Daniel Uribe’s LinkedIn

GenoBank.io Website

daniel@genobank.io

Twitter: duibb

https://www.legalstepz.com/

This podcast is sponsored by:

LegalStepz

Providing the Easiest Way to Handle Legal Issues

Albany Farms Twisted Noodles

Domestically made Ramen Noodles

Millionaire Morning Mamas Academy Website

Please contact Produce Your Podcast if you want to increase visibility, leads and sales for your business.

Making Women’s Wealth the New Normal with Lisa Easton

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 02:47:59 -0500

Today we are joined by manifesting and wealth mentor Lisa Easton. Lisa walks us through her marketing strategy and how she helps her clients shift their limited money beliefs so they can create significant financial success in their lives. Lisa shares the top things she learned while working for millionaires and billionaires and how she took those lessons to build her own business. She helps women create wealth in 3 years instead of 30 with her Millionaire Morning Mamas course. Tune in today for some incredible tips on building wealth in your life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:54] What is Lisa Easton currently working on right now?
[8:45] What was Lisa’s experience before creating her company, Millionaire Morning Mamas?
[9:19] What were the top 3 things Lisa learned working with millionaires and billionaires?
[14:33] Why are niches essential and key to business success?
[16:22] What made Lisa shift from working with millionaires and billionaires to becoming her own CEO?
[18:35] What was Lisa’s experience being mentored, and why are they essential to business success?
[20:35] How doe Lisa run her Millionaire Morning Mamas course?
[23:23] What mindset shifts are necessary to reach a 7 figure business?
[26:51] What has Lisa’s marketing strategy looked like throughout her business?
[30:03] Lisa talks about her next business venture of luxury bags.
[32:43] What is Lisa’s 12-week digital course?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Removing limited beliefs about money is the first step to shifting the mindset. Then step into a wealth mindset – embody that through your actions. This will lead you to financial success. Mindset has to shift first; it is the foundation of everything. Most common limiting belief: I’m not capable, and I’m not worthy.
Investing isn’t just financial; you can also invest your time in learning all kinds of skills. There is so much available online for free. If you financially can, investing in courses, 401k, real estate, etc, are great ways to get a return on your investment.
Pay attention to your audience and tribe. They will tell you exactly what it is they want and what their pain points are. Use social media to attract more people and understand what they are wanting. Focus on getting your followers to know, like, and trust you at the beginning of your business, which will build a solid community.

BIO:

I am the CEO and Founder of Millionaire Morning Mamas. I’m a mindset and wealth coach with a specific focus and passion for helping women break through their financial ceiling and create a life of first-class financial freedom.

I spent 15+ years directly supporting multi-billionaire executives and got a front-row seat to learn exactly how they used manifestation to attract and create their lives of exponential wealth. Luckily for you – I was taking notes!

I used those skills to take my life from struggling single mom of four with $55k of debt to extraordinary financial success and CEO of multiple thriving businesses in just a few years.

Today, I teach women just like you how to do the same.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Lisa’s Instagram

Ilana Muhlstein’s Instagram

Building a Weight Loss Business Empire with Ilana Muhlstein

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 07:30:13 -0500

Today we are joined by nutrition expert Ilana Muhlstein. Ilana has created a weight loss program different from any others available. She takes into account the different needs that people have and their ways of life. She has also created her own line of meal delivery that came out last year and is launching a houseware kitchen line to make cooking and portions more accessible for people. Ilana gives some great tips on creating businesses and growing social media (she has over 3M followers across all social media). Tune in today to learn more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:50] Who is Ilana Muhlstein?
[10:40] What is the key to Ilana’s weight loss program?
[15:19] Ilana’s advice for a filling breakfast meal?
[18:45] What goes into launching a meal delivery service?
[25:55] What are Ilana’s other programs that she offers?
[28:12] How did Ilana work through weight gain and pregnancy?
[32:55] What is the one tip Ilana could give to grow social media? She currently has 3M followers across social media.
[34:13] How do her plans work for individuals?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

When creating a business, find someone to partner with that has a different zone of genius than you so you each have your area of expertise but aren’t spreading yourself too thin.
Losing weight doesn’t have to be complicated. Finding a sustainable way to eat for your lifetime is the goal! Learning an order to eat that will keep you full, satisfied, and your blood sugar balanced can go a long way in creating weight loss.
Listen to your clients, customers, and following! They will tell you exactly what they are looking for/what they need. Once you find the missing gaps, you can create a solution, and they will come to buy your product/program.

BIO:

I serve as a nutrition consultant and have the privilege of consulting for and investing in many food, fitness, and wellness companies. I love using my expertise to lead nutrition seminars, cooking demonstrations, and my Mind and Body Reset Retreats designed to change lives.

With my third pregnancy, I developed a program with Beachbody LLC called 2B Pregnant to help guide women with their increased food cravings, aversions, and nutritional needs. Now with three kids, Olivia, Julian, and Gideon, I’ve been fortunate enough to share my learnings and teachings with my private clients, online communities, book readers, retreat guests, and private clients.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Ilana Muhlstein’s TikTok

Ilana Muhlstein’s Facebook

Ilana Muhlstein’s YouTube

Ilana Muhlstein’s Website

Email: hschaen@targus.com

A Successful Marketing Strategy with Harrison Schaen of Targus

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 03:00:55 -0500

Today we are joined by Harrison Schaen, the director of e-commerce for Targus. Harrison talks to us about his high school basketball days and how that experience propelled him into a successful businessman. He talks about how Targus does business, its products, and its marketing strategy. Tune in today to learn more about SEO and how implementing keywords into your website and marketing can move the needle in your business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:57] Harrison gives a summary of his background and experience.
[9:33] What does Harrison do at Targus?
[11:46] What are the main products that Targus sells?
[14:35] Are all Targus products sold over the internet?
[15:32] How does Targus market its products?
[16:35] Harrison’s experience at Princeton.
[19:34] How did Harrison’s basketball days help with working in the business?
[20:27] What was the biggest challenge Harrison had in business?
[22:08] What is the best thing you can do for SEO? What should your website have?
[23:58] Can you SEO your company using a free platform like Wix, Weebly, or Squarespace?
[25:06] Does SEO go with the domain or the platform?
[27:24] How does Harrison deal with health issues and his business success?
[33:31] How much money do you need for a PPC campaign?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Speed wins! Ensure your website is optimized before you focus on SEO so that you know the speed is fast enough for a high volume of audiences.
Take 30% of whatever your revenue is and invest that in marketing.
As a new business, start with a free website. Use SEO and keyword phrases to gain traction on your website, then convert over to your own platform.

BIO:

As a varsity and professional basketball standout, entertainment and computer science entrepreneur, and graduate of Princeton University, the last decade has been a series of strategic steps on a path towards growing the community through art, entertainment, and science.

Since moving to San Diego, I have acted as Communications Co-Lead for Startup San Diego and Executive Director of San Diego Startup Week, Speaker at San Diego Startup Week, Guest speaker at the Collaboratory for Downtown (San Diego) Innovation program, Mentor at Startup Weekend and the ConnectAll program, and Professor of Web Development at UCSD and LEARN Academy, and Professor of User Experience and User Interface design at IgniteMe, and Board Member of the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce.

My passion has been finding patterns in technology, teams, and testing theories until they can be proven over and over again with minimal optimization. As the creator of the LADDER development methodology, co-creator of a system for rapid prototyping known as JETFEUL, and co-creator of the workshop for communicating complex ideas inter-departmentally (the MARS Model), I have helped grow hundreds of businesses, including Issue Fixers, a company which grew to over 60 employees in over 14 countries in the last 6 years.

In my professional career, I have been a Salesperson, Designer, Product Manager, Account Manager, Marketing Manager, Web Developer, Sr. Developer, Technical Director, Director of Engineering, Professor, Founder, and CTO. I have been a resident of San Diego since 2011, working for companies such as NTN Buzztime, Mirum, Bask Digital, Smashtech, GoMeta, UCSD, and LEARN Academy.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Targus.com

LomaLindaLivingDonor.org – Kidney Donor Site to see if you are a match for Harrison Schaen

IT and Cyber Security with Justin Winder and SMS Datacenter

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 02:55:17 -0500

Today we are joined by the President of the SMS Datacenter Justin Winder. Justin talks with us about the most significant challenges around security that his customers face today and what actions businesses can take to make their information more secure. He walks through SMS Datacenter’s marketing and sales strategy and how they promote their offers. Tune in today to learn some valuable information to keep your company safer.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:23] Justin gives a summary of his background.
[7:36] What areas of IT is Justin involved in?
[13:42] What are the three biggest challenges customers face today?
[14:15] How do they make sites more secure?
[18:25] Justin gives a snapshot of his entrepreneurial journey.
[22:34] How does Justin handle personality conflicts and people management?
[26:09] What is Justin’s current sales and marketing strategy?
[31:42] How does SMS Datacenter work with retail businesses?
[34:30] What is Ransomware?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Transparency and authenticity as a tool for communication make you an outstanding leader.
Ultimately sales come down to building trust; it’s key for the customer to know that there are depth and layers within organizations.

BIO:

SMS is a leading provider of Managed Services, Colocation Services, Private Managed Cloud, and IT Strategy & Consulting. Our success is based on building long-lasting relationships with our clients who are leaders in their respective industries, offering and developing innovative IT solutions.

LINKS MENTIONED:

SMS Datacenter Website

Phone: 949-223-9220

Re-Introducing The Ask Brien Hosts – Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForge

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 03:00:16 -0500

It’s been a while since we talked about who we are and our entrepreneurial experience, so today, we are diving in! Both Peter and Traci discuss their backgrounds and the different experiences they’ve gone through while building a business. This episode has some great information from the technological differences over the last 30 years to advice on what qualities we look for when creating a business partnership!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:28] Peter’s background and his journey with entrepreneurship.
[18:43] Traci’s background and her journey with entrepreneurship.
[24:57] How do you find the right people to work with?
[25:53] How challenging can it be to have a business partner?
[29:00] What qualities would Traci look for in a business partner?
[33:33] Business Partnerships all come down to trust

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you know what kind of business you want to launch but aren’t an expert in that field, network with the community to find someone who is passionate about the same area and is an expert.
There are other options for having partnerships that are not legal partnerships, such as revenue share relationships, strategic partnerships, and collaborations.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Steps for Hiring your First Employees and Challenges of Post-Pandemic Employment

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 05:21:59 -0500

Today we are joined by Angie Besler, HR & Communications Manager at Belle Fourche in South Dakota. Angie walks us through the process of hiring your first employee and discusses what information is key to having when posting your first role. She talks with us about how the pandemic has impacted employee expectations, from unlimited paid time off to the quality of work. Tune in today to learn some great tips on the hiring process and items to prepare before the interview.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:43] Angie explains what she does in Human Resources.
[7:30] What areas does Angie delve into on a daily basis with her current position and with Albany Farms?
[8:22] Angie discusses the process of hiring your first employee.
[11:12] What are the best software tools for tracking employee time, requests, etc., and what should you look for in various companies?
[13:53] Where is the best place to look for employees to hire?
[15:02] How do you know what qualities to hire for and what salary to pay employees?
[18:42] How has the pandemic impacted the HR aspects of hiring and recruiting potential employees?
[20:10] Is unlimited PTO the new expectation for employees?
[21:34] Finding employees who actually want to work seems complicated. Is that a generational issue?
[23:49] What is the process of letting an employee go who doesn’t end up being the right fit?
[26:30] What is HR’s role in keeping the team connected and providing employee growth opportunities?
[27:50] How does a company determine what benefits are included?
[31:43] What can employers ask during the interview process?
[32:27] How does Angie handle employees who are hard workers but are struggling at work?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Many employees are now interested in unlimited PTO, which some companies offer. New employers must strategize around this area and understand what they want to provide.
Be clear about expectations during the interview and hiring process. Vetting out employees during the interview process and understanding their work ethic can go a long way. Sometimes people will join a company, and their work ethic is quite different than their performance.
Make sure you understand the process when hiring your first employee. This includes what forms you need to complete, benefits you want to offer, review periods, etc.

BIO:

Our story began in 2014 as a small company with a big dream. So where did we go? The center of the United States, Belle Fourche, SD. People may ask why ramen? But our question is, why not? Ramen is versatile, convenient, and affordable ~ appealing to ALL age groups, budgets, and lifestyles!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Albany Farms

Belle Fourche Economic Development Website

Economic Development in a Rural Community Explained

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 03:26:39 -0500

Today we are joined by Hollie Stadler, the Executive Director at Belle Fourche Development Corp. Hollie shares with us what Belle Fourche Development Corp does in their rural community and how what types of services they offer to small businesses and entrepreneurs. She also discusses some of her biggest takeaways and lessons she learned in sales and marketing through her past job working with wineries. Tune in today for some great tips to implement into your sales strategy!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:57] Hollie Stadler introduces herself and explains how Belle Fourche Development Corp helps businesses.
[14:00] Who are the three biggest clients Hollie has worked with?
[16:02] What is the biggest challenge Hollie has had to deal with?
[18:36] What are some of the biggest takeaways from being in sales and marketing?
[20:50] Hollie shares advice on how to get comfortable with sales.
[22:08] How has media impacted how business is done now?
[24:25] What is one of the biggest learning experiences Hollie has had that helped her grow?
[25:18] What advice does Hollie have for businesses during challenging times?
[27:38] How can the younger generation work towards keeping personal connection at the front of their business?
[31:30] What are the three top things Belle Fourche can do for its clients?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Sales are about creating relationships and understanding what’s in it for potential clients and customers.
You are never done; you have to keep sharpening yourself, keep reinventing yourself, and keep learning.

BIO:

Hollie Stalder is a 21-year veteran in the newspaper industry with a passion for community involvement and development. Prior to joining the Belle Fourche Development Corp in late October of 2014, she was the publisher for four years of the local community newspaper, the Butte County Post. Those four years in the Belle Fourche community developed relationships and a vested working knowledge of the business community that inspired her to pursue the director position with the Development Corp. when it opened late summer of 2014.

Her 21-year career in newspaper spanned two media companies with full engagement in all aspects of the business – circulation, sales & marketing, management, customer service, writing, and photography. Most of which carries through in her role with the Development Corp.

She and her family enjoy a rural lifestyle in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota and have since 1993. Stalder has spent most of her life in South Dakota. Only about 11 years were spent out of state for college, work, and traveling abroad. She has deep connections to Belle Fourche and the Tri-State community.

She served for 10 years on the Northern Hills Junior Achievement board and is involved with the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association, Northern Hills Little Britches rodeo, Belle Fourche Hometown Thursdays, and the Black Hills State University School of Business Advisory Board.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Belle Fourche Economic Development Facebook

Millionaire Morning Mamas Academy Website

Millionaire Morning Mamas Academy with Lisa Easton

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 03:00:58 -0500

Today we are joined by manifestation and wealth mentor Lisa Easton. Lisa started her company, Millionaire Morning Mamas Academy, with no business experience and told us the strategies she used to create a successful company. She walks through her company, how she got started, and what funnels she uses to get clients from cold leads to purchasing her course. Lisa is starting a new company bringing luxury handbags to market, so she talks about the difference between selling a product and online courses. Tune in today to learn how to manifest the life and business that you want and hear some great tips on business building.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:50] Lisa tells us about her background and what Millionaire Morning Mamas Academy is.
[12:09] How long did it take for Lisa to know that her business would be successful financially?
[12:30] What does the company do for people?
[14:26] What was the biggest challenge Lisa faced in her business?
[16:07] What is Lisa’s digital course, and how are people directed to the course?
[18:16] What is Lisa’s projection for her business in the next 12 months?
[20:02] What do Lisa’s upcoming revenue streams look like for 2023?
[20:36] What does bringing a product to market with her luxury bag collection look like?
[22:15] How will Lisa launch the luxury bag collection, and how will that business be run?
[24:00] What recommendations does Lisa have about getting mentors when starting and running a business?
[25:13] What was the best piece of advice she got from her mentors?
[27:55] How did Lisa market her course?
[31:07] What’s the difference between aspirational dreams vs. realistic expectations?
[35:07] What’s the typical life cycle for clients to work with Lisa 1:1?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Knowing when to outsource, bring on help, and hire employees is essential in building your business. You will get to a point where your time focuses on things that are not profiting your business; that’s when to bring people in.

Don’t recreate the wheel; get mentors who have the skills or are living the life you want and learn from them.
Invest in yourself, embody what you want, laser focus – nix the distractions and focus on your opportunities.
Starting a business requires that you build relationships with your potential clients. They need to feel that they like, know, and trust you before they even consider investing in your products or services.

BIO:

LISA IS THE LIGHT FOR WOMEN STRUGGLING TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL FREEDOM WHO WANT TO ATTRACT AND GROW THEIR MONEY TO CREATE GENERATIONAL WEALTH

After ending a toxic 23-year marriage, Lisa found herself $55k in debt, standing in front of her 4 college-aged kids, and knew she couldn’t let them – or herself – down. She decided to stop focusing on just the money and heal herself and her place in life. Only when she began doing the inner work was she able to gain the wisdom she needed to develop a system that attracts millions.

Now, through her 20-minute-a-day system, she shares her know-how and guides women through their own journey. She shows women how to take control, attract and grow their wealth, and create a life of financial freedom for themselves and their loved ones.

With her no-BS style, Lisa knows exactly how to guide women from being in debt and overwhelmed to manifesting millions. With warmth and wisdom, she shows women how to attract the abundance that is their birthright.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Lisa Easton Instagram

Lisa Easton TikTok

Email: info@lisameaston.com

Best Tips for Individuals Starting a Business with Bill Saller

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 03:00:50 -0500

Today we are joined by Albany Farms CEO Bill Saller. Bill joins us to talk about how to start a new business successfully. He walks through areas where you can cut costs and create savings and how to push through and be tenacious when times are tough at the beginning. Bill gives some excellent tips about bootstrapping your business from the start, how to manage marketing spending, and when to expand your team. If you are an individual starting a business, this episode is full of golden tips!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:20] What are the three most successful things about starting a business?
[10:40] How do you build a bit of a mouse trap?
[14:07] How can you be tenacious and push through the difficulties of starting a business?
[19:04] Tips for bootstrapping your business at the start.
[23:26] How does Bill feel about bootstrapping when it comes to marketing?
[26:00] At what point do you look to expand your team, and what does that look like?
[28:23] What tips would Bill share with founders starting to sell their products?
[34:15] What’s the story behind Legal Stepz? Why is it the best?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

There is always a way to get creative and figure out ways to cut corners when starting the beginning of a business. Who can you bring on to help with the business that wants to invest or simply be a part of the company? Legal Stepz is an excellent entrepreneur step to success when setting up the company.
Start small with your business, knowing that you will grow. Give yourself time, sustainably launch your company, and find your customer base organically.
Reviews are KEY when launching a business. Reviews are more important today than good reviews.

BIO:

Everything we do is about you. From chefs who create exciting new flavors to our noodle engineers that bring the BEST to ramen lovers everywhere. The days of ramen just being for college students are over. We embrace everyone in the ramen universe! We give you the fuel from the plants and the sun. Our noodle-obsessed engineers and chefs turn it into an easy on-the-go meal at an affordable price.

Providing Safe Quality Food to the ramen universe. Albany Farms maintains a food safety culture and continually improves our management system. We are 100% committed to complying with FDA and customer requirements.

We would love to take you on this journey with us. Albany Farms is committed to bringing America’s favorite meal, ramen noodles, to your dinner table. We proudly label our ramen noodles as MADE IN THE USA!! This means the WHEAT grown by our very own hard-working farmers, is transformed into steamy bowls of delicious noodles to satisfy ramen lovers far and wide.

What’s next in the Albany Farms journey? In addition to the BEST ramen noodles, we will be making our own flour. If you like our ramen noodles, just wait; our Albany Farms flour will come to you from local wheat farmers and will be seen on shelves soon.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Albany Farms Website

Top 10 Marketing Strategies with Traci Deforge Part 2

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 03:00:11 -0500

Today is Part 2 of Marketing Strategies for businesses. During this episode, we discuss using paid advertising campaigns on social media, knowing the best social media platform for your business, and collaborating with influencers. Gaining knowledge about your target market is crucial to any successful business strategy. This episode provides excellent tips on considering which platforms to use and how to learn more about your ideal clients. Tune in today to discover the second set of marketing strategy tips!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:55] Recap of the first four marketing strategies from Part I
[9:33] How to use paid advertising campaigns
[13:09] What social media platform is the best place to put ads?
[14:45] How do you know when your ad is testing well?
[18:41] What is the difference between business to business vs. business to consumer?
[21:50] How do you collaborate with influencers?
[25:32] Where do you find influencers?
[31:36] How to utilize in-person events, workshops, and webinars.
[35:15] How to protect your business when partnering.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Boosting posts lets you get your message out to more people. It doesn’t matter if you can pay $1 or $50 a boost; anything will help you gain traction and get eyes on your post.
When deciding on which social media platform, consider what you are selling. If you are selling a product that people need to see, such as a hair salon, interior design, etc., you will want to go with Instagram or tik tok. LinkedIn will be a great platform if you work more with a business-to-business.
There is a wide range of relationships with influencers and collaborators. Some influencers are paid to promote your product, but when starting out, you can also do free collaborations, such as having a guest on your podcast (so their followers will listen). If you have the funding available, companies are out there to match you to an approrpitate influencer for your product/business.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Top 10 Marketing Strategies with Traci Deforge Part 1

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 03:00:06 -0500

January is a time when many businesses review their marketing strategies or when people decide to create a new business. Knowing how to strategize your marketing is key to building a successful company. Today, we walk through four of the ten marketing strategies for businesses. Traci discusses creating a solid brand identity and what you should know when building your social media presence. Peter jumps in with great information on how to research your company’s name and what legal things you should be aware of before purchasing any domains or business creation. Tune in next week to hear tips six through 10!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[9:10] How to develop a strong brand identity.
[14:44] The best ways to optimize social media.
[17:13] Why should you search for a name before you get fully invested in branding?
[20:19] How do you use social media correctly?
[23:03] Content is KING for marketing.
[24:46] How do you determine which social media platform to use?
[27:22] What are the best email marketing methods, and why is it important?
[32:48] What is a lead magnet, and how do you get people to leave their info?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Foundational pillars when creating your brand are video, audio, and digital. What people see, hear, touch, and experience. People should be able to connect pieces of your branding to who you are.
Ensure you have a website domain (URL) that is recognizable and easy for your audience to remember. Claim all the social media names on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
Choose one primary platform where your audience, customers, and clients live. Put your energy into that one platform. Have a presence on social media channels, but if you don’t have time to invest in them, prioritize one of them. Utilize scheduling tools.
Content repurposing is critical! Putting your energy into a podcast can then create content for blog posts, social media posts, video content (if you record the podcast on camera), audiograms, etc. You can use the one episode in a wide variety of ways.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Produce Your Podcast

Creating Connection Between Consumer and Product Through Video

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 03:00:14 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by the owner of Industrious Films, Jeff Nicosia. Industrious Films is a turn-key video content provider for clients and agencies, specializing in case studies, testimonials, commercials, tradeshow, and web content, with particular strength in the tech space. Jeff discusses how COVID impacted entrepreneurship and videography creation. He talks about why providing video testimonials and case studies is essential, as it creates a connection between the consumer and the product. Tune in to hear some great tips on preserving brand safety and what to look for when hiring a videography company.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:12] What is Jeff’s background?
[7:53] What services does Industrious Films offer?
[9:45] What is the biggest difference between working at an agency firm vs. working for himself?
[11:52] How does owning your own business allow for more flexibility?
[12:57] Does Jeff handle all functions, or does he outsource work?
[14:15] How was videography done during COVID?
[16:25] What is the most important thing he’s learned in business?
[18:25] Why are interviews and getting people’s voices out there so important?
[20:50] What advertising works the best?
[21:53] Jeff gives tips for new business owners regarding videography.
[25:21] Jeff provides insight into how to preserve brand safety.
[29:30] How does Jeff best manage teams and work with companies via remote work?
[34:11] What does Jeff look for when hiring/outsourcing work?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Seeing someone in an interview advertising a product creates the ultimate connection between the product and the consumer. It builds trust for the customer.
Have someone shooting behind the scenes, interviews, presentations, and corporate events. Capture as much as you can so that you can utilize it in a variety of ways.
Honesty goes a long way in entrepreneurship. If you create honest relationships, your business will go a lot further. Be honest with your clients, employees, contacts, and everyone you do business with.

BIO:

Industrious Films is a turn-key video content provider for clients and agencies, specializing in case studies, testimonials, commercials, trade show, and web content, with particular strength in the tech space. As EP/CD, Jeff oversees all pre & post-production. He is also an on-set director and interviewer. Some of Jeff’s clients include Quantum, DDN, Ghostbed, Thanx, ExtraHop, Backblaze, A-Check Global, SpinMaster Games, Creative Direct Marketing Group, Positive Coaching Alliance, and Manhattan Wine Auction.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Industrious Films

Email: jeff@industricousfims.com

Jeff Nicosia’s LinkedIn

Luxury with a Purpose with Ivy Alexander

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 03:00:57 -0500

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Alexander, owner of Ivy Alexander. After discovering a box of broken dreams from a family member, Nicole decided to chance her dreams of starting her own luxury bag hook company. She discusses how she built the company from inception to manufacturing and shares her best marketing tips for bringing a product to market. She discloses what’s ahead for her company and the challenges she has faced while creating Ivy Alexander. Tune in today to hear about the entrepreneur process and get some great tips on pushing forward through fear.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:33] Nicole introduces her company, Ivy Alexander.
[10:36] Who are the competitors for Ivy Alexander?
[10:57] Where can people buy their bag hook?
[11:29] Why did Nicole start this business?
[13:14] What did Nicole do before starting her company?
[14:38] What was the process for Nicole to start her company and manufacture the bag hooks?
[15:55] How much time was there between starting the process and going to market?
[17:00] How did she determine the pricing?
[18:57] What is the Ivy Alexander Foundation, and how does the “Luxury with a Purpose” tie in?
[21:27] How did Nicole’s grandmother influence her business?
[22:50] How does Nicole manage her work-life balance?
[24:25] What are some of the things Nicole does to make Ivy Alexander stand out with marketing?
[25:33] What are the next products in the vision for Ivy Alexander?
[29:44] What was one of the biggest challenges she faced?
[33:24] How did Nicole overcome fear?
[34:45] How did Nicole get to the level of success she is at right now?
[55:27] What are the most significant things she sees for the next year?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Surrounding yourself with wonderful people helps with work-life balance. It is also crucial to acknowledge people who are supporting you and let them know how important they are to you.
Important to have good marketing and PR and put products out there to grow the company. It will not happen overnight, but nothing will happen unless people know about the product.
When becoming an entrepreneur, look around at the people in your corner to see who has connections that can help you build your business. Nicole expedited her business growth through the connections that she had.

BIO:

Ivy Alexander is a luxury accessories brand starting first with opulent purse hook products designed to keep your beloved handbags safe from theft and damage. We hope this will be the first of many products we offer, manifesting our tagline, “Luxury with a Purpose.”

The meaning behind “Luxury with a Purpose” is two-fold. First, we hope to create small, functional, luxurious accessories and products for a sophisticated clientele. Second, a percentage of our proceeds shall go to the Ivy Alexander Foundation, a foundation dedicated to helping non-profit organizations that advance equity for women.

Founding this company has been a truly joyful experience because during the process, from inception to launch, I have had the opportunity to work with a fantastic group of talented, creative, and strong women professionals, all seeking to raise each other to new heights. I hope that this company and the Ivy Alexander Foundation will be able to give back and provide others with opportunities to flourish and find joy.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Ivy Alexander Website

Ivy Alexander Instagram

Ivy Alexander Facebook

Discount code: Brien -10% off

Impacting the World For The Better with a Business and Dignity Coconuts

Ask Brien Show — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 03:00:32 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Stephen Freed and Erik Olson, the founder, and president of Dignity Coconuts. This incredible company was started to create opportunities for communities experiencing poverty. Stephen felt called to figure out a way to help those in the Philippines who typically experience dangerous employment conditions. During this episode, we discuss issues while building a company outside of the US, how the pandemic affected their business, and their impact on the people in the villages. Tune in today to hear their inspiring story and begin to think about how your company might be able to create transformational change in the world.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[5:19] What is Dignity Coconuts?
[8:19] What was the plan for the company?
[9:30] How have politics affected the business?
[11:05] How did Erik come on board, and what was his role?
[13:23] What issues did they face while building a factory in the Philippines?
[15:45] What was the population in the villages when Dignity Coconuts started, and how has it grown?
[16:38] Where do they sell their products?
[17:09] Has Stephen always been involved in non-profits?
[18:21] What is the current revenue estimate for the next 12 months?
[20:35] In 2020, was the business able to do any sort of exporting?
[25:17] During the pandemic, were they able to keep up their supply chain?
[26:17] What are their plans for the future?
[28:34] What countries have the largest supply of coconuts?
[30:03] Where can someone buy Dignity Coconut products?
[31:02] Are they specific to retailers or expanding to wholesalers?
[33:16] What kinds of bundles can a customer buy?
[34:20] How many employees does Dignity Coconut have?
[35:30] How did they get into big-name stores?
[36:20] How does their price point compare to competitors?
[37:41] Have they always been organic certified?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

You can put a business in a difficult area and make a difference in the world and communities.
The Philippines has an over 70% unemployment rate. Most of the community is overworked, lonely, abused, and trafficked. Much of the population has to go elsewhere to find any work. Dignity Coconuts created a way for people to live and work in their villages so they didn’t have to leave home to work.
Most businesses could add an aspect of community outreach to their business. Not only will they grow their business profits, but they will help out communities that otherwise are struggling to have the things we take for granted in America.

BIO:

We saw a problem: abject poverty. So we set out to find a solution. What we found was a sustainable business. The kind of business that transforms communities. We provide jobs to break the chains of poverty and slavery. We know that a person who is empowered to work and make a living for his or her family is a dignified person. And that person is less likely to become trapped in harmful cycles.

WHAT

We are committed to making the best products on the market. Our team of engineers from the Philippines and the US created a proprietary method for extracting coconut oil. This gentle way to obtain the oil creates the best coconut oil on earth – a product our staff can proudly sell to the global market.

We also bring jobs to those who need them most in hard-to-reach places, often distressed communities. Even if it makes our jobs harder. Because that is where the business can transform communities. Those are the places where our business can be a catalyst to improve issues like unemployment rates, cycles of sickness, personal finances, education, environment, business development, leadership, and water sanitation.

WHERE

Our production plant is located in a relatively untouched area of the Philippines, full of pristine coconut trees. We have individually organic certified over 63,000 trees. We have trained our small-scale farmers in organic and sustainable practices that allow them to be proud of their harvest, as well as get a higher price for their work. Our 85 plant workers are paid fair wages for their work and given opportunities for training.

WHO

The message so many impoverished people hear is that they are somehow less – less intelligent, less capable, less motivated. Years of believing this can bury a person’s dignity. But it just isn’t true. We are seeing those lies shattered. We are seeing dignity unearthed and hope arises in villages along the coast of an often ignored part of the Philippines.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Dignity Coconuts Website

Sabine Schindlbauer LinkedIn

Successful Market Strategy and Brand Positioning with What if Foods and Sabine Schindlbauer

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 03:00:53 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Branding Expert Sabine Schindlbauer. Sabine introduced the company she works for, WhatIF Foods, and talked to us about their products. Her past role at Red Bull gave her a lot of experience with influencers, so she talks to us about what brands look for in influencers and if this is still an up-and-coming space. Sabine gives some fantastic tips on branding, handling negative reviews, and determining the best social media platform for companies. Tune in today to learn more about creating a successful branding strategy and to learn all about WhatIF Foods!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:30] Sabine introduces herself and how WhatIF Foods got started.
[14:07] What countries are the product sold to?
[14:32] What are the product categories?
[16:02] What is the main ingredient WhatIF uses in its products?
[18:36] What are brands looking for when looking for influencers?
[20:23] How do brands manage ‘brand safely’?
[22:36] Sabine talks about her work with non-profits.
[24:01] What are Sabine’s favorite platforms to utilize for advertising and branding?
[28:50] Sabine discusses their upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday promo!
[30:23] How do you handle negative reviews?
[30:53] What is a food company’s best social media platform right now?
[31:53] What does Sabine think is the future of Twitter?
[32:15] What is WhatIF Foods’ growth expectation for the next 12 months?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Bambara groundnut is known as a complete food by farming communities, packed with natural iron, B vitamins, 20% protein, more than 18% fiber, and 7 minerals. This lentil replenishes the soil.
Influencers need to be credible and buy into the product completely to be representing a brand. With so many influencers now, it’s so important that they are passionate about the products and not just sharing the product to get paid. Make sure they believe in what the brand is doing.
When choosing which social media platform you want to use, ensure that it works well with each platform; each content platform is different – short form, long form, audience, demographics, consumer needs, etc.

BIO:

Sabine is an experienced marketing and management expert, building and developing strategies for brands and companies. Her passion to deliver extraordinary experiences for people, companies & brands manifests itself in her creative approach, effective leadership, and operational skillfulness.

As a seasoned manager and consultant, Sabine has over 15 years of experience offering services to prominent international companies, non-profits and startups. During her 10 years at Red Bull GmbH, in the International Sports Marketing Department, she helped shape the company’s global sports marketing strategy, managed athletes and events, developed branding strategies, and trained managers around the world. Her skills and expertise cover a wide range of areas, including event management, partnership strategy, talent (athletes & artists) management, brand development, community building, marketing, budgeting, and planning.

Sabine has been instrumental in building the brand new consumer brand WhatIF Foods, supporting the Singaporean start up with building this new brand from scratch, a successful go to market strategy, brand positioning and messaging as well as several product and market launches.

Sabine is curating global networking experiences and fundraiser events for the Send It Series and the Robot Heart Foundation, a 501c3 with its purpose to support artists and the arts. The foundation aims to create and fund projects whether they be self-created, collaborative or commissioned. At its core, the Robot Heart Foundation’s focus is experiential Music and Technology.

LINKS MENTIONED:

WhatIF Foods Website

WhatIF Foods Instagram

Contractor Growth Network Website

Marketing a Niche Market with Logan Shinholser

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 03:00:14 -0500

In today’s episode, we have Logan Shinholser, founder of Contractor Growth Network (CGN). Logan shares his experience through entrepreneurship, how he started his company and some of his best tips for fellow entrepreneurs. He shares how he helps companies with their marketing strategies and how CGN diversifies itself when working with similar clients. Logan talks about niching down and the success that can create for a company by being an expert in their field. Tune in today for some excellent tips to grow your business through marketing while facing a recession.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:16] Logan introduces his company, Contractor Growth Network (CGN).
[10:01] Logan provides a breakdown of his experience and career.
[11:53] What services does CGN provide for its customers?
[13:13] What is a “funnel”?
[15:23] How does CGN diversity itself with multiple contractors of the same type?
[17:37] What is the price point CGN has for their packages?
[20:32] What advice does Logan give someone trying to determine their niche?
[23:55] Given a potential recession, what marketing recommendations would Logan give?
[26:00] How does Logan use his podcast to leverage his company?
[30:22] How do you get people to pay attention to you in this social media market?
[33:02] What does Logan attribute to getting the “INK 5000” status?
[34:55] How to do YouTube SEO.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Video Marketing is working really well for businesses right now.
As a company that does network growth for multiple businesses, it’s vital to diversity your work, create a different look for everyone, and use branding specific to each company.
Narrowing down your niche can help your business immensely. Having too wide of a niche doesn’t allow you to be an expert in your area, which is what will make you successful.

BIO:

Growing up as the son of a contractor, Logan Shinholser watched my father work through the struggles of running a construction business. He saw his triumphs and failures and learned how difficult running a construction company could be. Watching his father build his business taught him what makes a construction company successful and what doesn’t. Logan’s experiences made him passionate about helping contractors build healthy, thriving businesses. Out of that passion, Contractor Growth Network was born.

Logan’s unique perspective and background in marketing allow me to bridge the gap between best marketing practices and what the average contracting company owner goes through daily. That’s why CGN focus on helping hardworking contractors instead of spreading ourselves thin by trying to assist several industries.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Contractor Growth Network Email

Produce Your Podcast Website

How to Grow Your Business Through Podcasting with Traci DeForge

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 03:00:07 -0500

In today’s episode, we interview our very own co-host, Traci! She has a lot of experience with podcasting through owning a full-service podcasting company and being a co-host on a few different podcasts. Traci discusses how podcasts can help grow your business through the potential recession we are facing. Tune in today to learn the best tips for promoting and growing your company through a podcast.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:51] Traci introduces what a podcast is.
[10:43] When was the first history of a podcast, and what was the first podcast?
[14:08] Demographics for podcast listeners.
[17:17] How do people find podcasts?
[18:25] How do you direct people to your business using podcasts?
[19:22] How do you start a podcast?
[20:32] Can you SEO a podcast?
[23:54] Can podcasts have commercials that create funding for a podcast to be self-sufficient?
[25:43] What are the trends Traci sees in podcasting?
[31:23] How does YouTube work with podcasts?
[34:23] How can a podcast help you during a recession?
[39:53] How do you prioritize all these media channels (Instagram, Linkedin, etc.)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

51% male/female split of listeners. The golden demographic is listeners aged 25-54. Podcast listeners are typically very highly educated. 45% or more podcast listeners are likely to have a college degree. And 68% are more likely to have a graduate degree.
Google loves show notes and timestamps because it pulls up keywords, which is excellent for directing to your podcast/your company.
People are leveraging their podcasts for marketing purposes and then recording “commercials” to add them to the middle of their podcasts as a further advertisement.
For 2023 podcasts are fundamental for content creation going forward. If you record your podcast both through audio and video, you can create a lot of other avenues of content for your business.

BIO:

Traci is the Founder & CEO of Produce Your Podcast.

She is also the Co-Host of the Make Real Money Podcasting Podcast, The Podcast Experts, and Ask Brien Live Radio KHTS FM in LA. She has 20+ years in Broadcasting Radio, Business Development, and Strategist for Fortune 500 Companies. She is an Industry Leader in Full-Service Production of podcasts since 2016.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Torrey Pines Bank Website

Navigating Distribution and Marketing with a Regulated Product with Harji Singh

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 03:00:14 -0500

Today we are joined by Harj Singh, creator of Loki, one of the first cannabis-based beverages on the market. Loki is a non-alcoholic drink designed to be a healthier alternative for those who don’t want to drink alcohol. We discussed the regulations around a beverage like Loki and the hoops they had to jump through to get started. Harj talks about what marketing looks like for a regulated product and how they plan to keep up with the growing cannabis beverage industry. Tune in today to get some great marketing and SEO tips!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[06:16] Introduction to Harj Singh and how he started Loki.
[10:24] How did Loki come up with their flavors?
[11:05] How did they create a distribution market? Where did they start selling first?
[13:08] Are there rules around how much they can produce?
[13:37] Is Loki available in all states? How does Loki handle selling in states where cannabis isn’t legal?
[17:29] How many employees are there at Loki?
[19:21] What does marketing look like for a product not legally sold in all areas?
[24:23] What is the barrier of entry for a cannabis beverage?
[25:41] How will Loki keep up with the growing industry?
[29:12] What challenges has Loki faced, and how have they overcome them?
[30:02] What’s the most rewarding thing about being an entrepreneur?
[31:40] What are the differences between being a solo entrepreneur and working in a partnership?
[34:54] How did they come up with the name Loki?
[36:05] What is the best way to get SEO for a company?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Make the brand approachable and show that it can easily fit into someone’s life.
Getting started with a business is the very first thing to do. Don’t overanalyze things and jump in. Figure everything out as it comes. No one will be 100% prepared!
Positioning the company as a unique item and determining how to make it stand out is key with marketing and branding. When having a product that has regulations, you need to understand those regulations and how to market around them.

BIO:

SipLOKI was aptly launched on National Cannabis day, 4/20 of 2021, and today has over 4 active distributed and available in over 300+ locations. Nationwide. You can take a sip of LOKI in select pharmacies, yoga studios, convenience stores, smoke shops, and some vegan restaurants, bars, and spas. So celebration and euphoria are never too far away!

To learn more about SipLOKI, their products, and the work they do to enhance our drinking experiences, be sure to check out their website and visit their socials!

LINKS MENTIONED:

SipLOKI Website

SipLOKI Instagram

SipLOKI Twitter

A Passion for Regenerative Agriculture with Ken Rapoport Azuluna Foods

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 03:00:01 -0500

Today we are joined by farmer and Co-CEO of Azuluna Foods, Ken Rapoport. He talks about regenerative agriculture and how Azuluna Foods uses this style of farming to create fantastic meal-delivery options. He discusses their marketing strategy and how Azuluna Foods converts people into customers. Tune in today to learn about healthy foods and how to market a mail-delivery service.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:00] Ken introduces his company, Azuluna Foods, and regenerative agriculture.
[13:49] When was Azuluna Foods founded, and why was it created?
[16:19] How can people purchase items from Azuluna Foods?
[19:45] How does Azuluna Foods distribute items?
[21:13] What is their marketing strategy?
[25:14] What is the call to action to convert people to become a customer?
[29:01] How Azuluna Foods focuses on education for its customers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The key to healthy food for all of us is having healthy soil. Regenerative Agriculture helps restore the soil.
People have to see things up to 7 times before they want to try them out.
If you are eating the wrong thing, it impacts your brain function. People wouldn’t put bad fuel in their vehicles, so stop putting bad food in your body to fuel you.
If you don’t drink enough water, your body robs water from your brain. Drink half your body weight in water.

BIO:

Ken is a farmer and co-founder of Azuluna Foods. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and has since pursued entrepreneurial endeavors in the technology sectors, supporting IT and telecommunications, power generation, and software- businesses that continue to thrive today.

Ken knows nutritious food and sustainable agriculture are key to building a more humane, sustainable, and healthy future for people, animals, and the land. He established Woodstock Sustainable Farms in 2011, pasture-raising animals through rotational grazing; feeding his community in his 18th-century event center; and investing in state-of-the-art energy alternatives like biochar heating systems, wind turbines, and solar panels. Ken and his staff have preserved nearly 200 acres of pristine, New England landscape in partnership with the Wyndham Land Trust. Securing this land and nurturing its growth for eternal conservation is a legacy to his late wife, Linda, who is the inspiration for the farm and its bounty.

Ken acquired the Azuluna Foods brand in 2019, merging his farm with programs established at Tufts University, expanding the agricultural services of Azuluna, and fortifying our partnership with Whole Foods. Ken believes that vertically integrating food production, processing and distribution can enhance local economies and improve community health. Ken has unified the best of sustainable agriculture, advanced dietetic sciences, culinary innovation, and medical research to create Azuluna Foods’ mission: Regenerative Farming. Better Food. Stronger Communities.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Azuluna Foods

Azuluna Foods Instagram

Challenges and Lessons with Twisted Noodles and Bill Saller

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 03:00:56 -0500

In this episode, we are joined by the CEO of Albany Farms, Bill Saller. Bill gives some excellent tips on entrepreneurship and the lessons and challenges of creating a start-up. He talks about COVID and supply chain issues that impacted his latest venture, Albany Farms. Tune in today to learn more about Albany Farms and Bill’s suggestions for new entrepreneurs.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[10:00] Bill Saller introduces himself.
[11:26] What was Bill’s process to create Albany Farms?
[14:22] How did COVID impact the business?
[18:52] How will relying on non-imported products impact inflation?
[20:17] What has been Bill’s entrepreneurial path?
[23:07] What recommendations does Bill have to help a CEO learn to delegate?
[26:32] What tips does Bill have for retaining great employees?
[29:35] What is next for Albany Farms?
[30:43] Bill shares suggestions for new entrepreneurs.
[33:36] How did Albany Farms come to be?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Retailers have learned not to rely on folks that depend on imported products from the shortage issues during COVID.
Failures can lead to incredible lessons to help you move forward with your entrepreneurship.
Transitioning from founder to operator is a significant move and is actually a good move, not a negative transition. It is necessary for the success of a business.
Having problem-solving skills/strengths is vital for employees in a start-up. This is an invaluable skill to keep the business moving forward.

BIO:

LINKS MENTIONED:

LegalStepz.com

Albany Farms Website

Mortgage rates Explained with Michael Fawver

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 03:00:40 -0500

In this episode, we are joined by Sr. Mortgage Advisor Michael Fawver. He explains why it is still an excellent time to buy a home, even though interest rates have skyrocketed since the beginning of the year. He explains why it is still an excellent time to buy a home, even though interest rates have skyrocketed since the beginning of the year. He also discusses the market for investors looking to enter the commercial market. Tune in today to get some great tips for navigating today’s market.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:59] Mike Fawver gives an introduction about himself and the mortgage industry.
[7:40] What are the reasons for interest rates skyrocketing?
[9:52] Are the listing costs of houses starting to go down?
[11:13] What do rates look like on commercial real estate?
[13:33] Is now a good time to buy an apartment building because rent is also rising?
[14:33] What is a qualified assumption?
[16:40] How does it look for self-employed people with an income that ebbs and flows?
[18:15] What options are available to entrepreneurs for home loans?
[21:45] How are home equality loans affected by the interest rates?
[28:40] What is a reverse mortgage?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

General consensus is that rates will continue to rise through the end of 2022 but should start to level out and go down in 2023.
If you are planning to sell a house in 10 years, your probably going to get great deals right now; rates are going to go down so that you can refinance and lower your payments.
There are many options available for getting a loan; make sure to find a professional who can help you look at everything.

BIO:

Michael Fawver, a 30+ year veteran of the mortgage business, currently serves as the Director of Branch Production as well as Senior Loan Officer for American Pacific Mortgage’s Preferred Rate Division. In this role Mike mentors Loan Originators through the entire mortgage cycle from pre-qualification of the client through closing and beyond.

In addition to bolstering the originators on his team, Mike also works with his local real estate community by providing training on market conditions and products as well as co-marketing and working hand in hand with real estate agents to ensure that home purchasers are well informed and comfortable in making their major purchase.

Mike is quite adept in providing financial planning for consumers as it relates to home financing including, but not limited to, savings, college funds, move-up borrowers, investment property/second homes as well as cost analysis regarding renting vs. owning. He will listen and set up long-term goals/plans tailored to each individual’s specific needs.

Mike considers himself truly fortunate to work in the mortgage field, an industry he loves. He is also enthusiastic about various humanitarian organizations including Boys & Girls Club, Pathways to Independence, and Food Finders – an organization dedicated to feeding hungry children in his local area.

When not assisting in making financial dreams come true or aiding in charitable events, Mike enjoys golf and outdoor time with his wife, Susan, six children, multiple grandchildren, and his favorite dog, Lucky.

Understanding Consumer Behaviour with Reagan DeLattre

Ask Brien Show — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 02:17:18 -0500

In this episode, we are joined by Reagan DeLattre, a CPG professional with 113 Industries. Reagan gives us some great information around insights and analysis that companies can use to reach their customers better. Reagan covers what services 113 Industries provides but also gives a glimpse into the tools entrepreneurs, and small businesses can use who don’t have a budget to hire a company. By asking open-ended questions, being authentic, and digging into consumers’ conversations and feedback, a company can learn so much about what people are looking for when buying products. Tune in today to understand consumer behaviour!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[9:40] Reagan DeLattre talks about her background.
[13:07] What does Reagan do at 113 Industries?
[14:00] What data insights/analysis that 113 Industries use?
[16:30] Reagan gives an example of the information that 113 Industries can uncover regarding consumers’ wants.
[20:58] What is Reagan currently working on?
[22:27] How can entrepreneurs get good feedback from their ideal clients?
[26:01] How can a service company check on satisfaction from customers?
[33:28] What’s the best tool to do a poll to learn more as a small business owner?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Authenticity is the best way to attract customers. Show up as you are and who you are. Let them know, like, and trust you, which will bring them in to purchase the product/item.
People engage more with the people and the moments they tell vs. the product. People want to see themselves in the moment that the company is advertising. Funny, quirky moments are great for engagement. Have an actual dialog with real people, and you’ll uncover incredible information.
Text boxes and digital conversation is the best way to learn from your consumers. It leaves them a place to have an open-ended answer, and you can gain a lot of insight from that.

BIO:

Reagan is a CPG professional with over a decade of experience in sales and marketing. Her passion is fueled by collaboration, supporting a vision, and fostering its growth through meaningful analysis. Her greatest adventure has been bringing a pet food brand to life, a dogged pursuit that went from ideation to back shelf to an epic journey with a team and retailer committed to its purpose that resulted in launch with sustained market success. Reagan credits her achievements to the leaders that have championed her and shares that there is no greater gift or pursuit than believing in others.

LINKS MENTIONED:

113 Industries Website

Reagan’s email: reagand@113industries.com

Small Business Challenges with Michael Tashman, Founder of Churnfoods

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 03:00:39 -0500

In this episode, we are joined by Michael Tashman, founder of Churn Foods. He discusses the transition from being a high-class chef to becoming an entrepreneur. He discusses the challenges that he faced when starting Churn Foods. Tune in today to hear about Michael’s love and passion for butter and some great entrepreneur tips.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[9:45] What is Churn Foods?
[12:15] What is the story of the commoditization of butter?
[13:23] Why does grass-fed matter?
[15:20] What do the overhead costs look like for transportation for Churn Foods?
[17:11] Where can people buy Churn Foods butter?
[21:06] What’s the process for making Churn Foods butter?
[24:48] What was the aha moment when Michael decided to create Churn Foods?
[26:45] What are some of the biggest challenges Michael has faced?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Grass-fed makes a big difference with the health and vitamins that cows get, which transfers to us as humans when we ingest it.
Keeping business and personal life separate is essential. If you don’t and you are very passionate about your business, it can take over your personal life.
Start small and stay focused. Don’t go from creating a product to hoping it’ll be in all the retail stores immediately. Perfect your craft and grow at a slow and steady rate.

BIO:

As Julia Child famously said, “With enough butter, anything is good.” Chef Michael Tashman took her sage advice to heart. Now, he’s spreading the word with Churn — grass-fed, hormone-free, European-style butter made right here in Los Angeles, CA.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better butter. Sweet, nutty, earthy, and creamy, Churn values quality and quantity in equal measure. Flavors like Garlic Shallot, Cacio e Pepe, and Maple Cinnamon can turn plain bread into a masterpiece, but why stop there? From sautéed veggies to grilled swordfish, Churn was made to elevate every meal.

Thankful for all the support he’s received, Michael is quick to dish the love right back to his employees and loved ones. As he evangelizes butter, just like Julia, he abides by another one of her timeless quotes:

“Remember, no one’s more important than people. In other words, friendship is the most important thing—not career or housework, or one’s fatigue—and it needs to be tended and nurtured.”

LINKS MENTIONED:

Churn Foods Website

Churn Foods Instagram

Churn Foods TikTok

Small Business & Entrepreneur Banking Options with Matt Olsen

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 03:30:00 -0500

In this episode, we are joined by Matt Olsen, the Vice President of Torrey Pines Bank. Matt walks through the different types of loans available to small business owners and entrepreneurs. He also discusses the difference between big-name branches and customers’ personalized touch with a smaller bank. Matt gives tips on what is a true bank and a scam. Lastly, we touch on how COVID has changed the dynamic of banking.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[10:38] How can our guests help small businesses?
[11:30] What do loans look like for brand-new companies? Can they qualify?
[13:10] Does this bank use merchant processing?
[15:43] What is the SBA, and what is the 7A program?
[19:21] If a company is a DBA and becomes successful, does the time the business has been in place based on the original company, or is it a brand new company?
[23:48] Micro-fund companies – how do you know what is real and what is a scam?
[25:30] How is personalized service even possible anymore?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Small businesses have options for funding, going to a smaller bank will give you more options than a large chain bank.
If you aren’t sure if a loan offer is legit, look up the company on the internet, better business bureau, and read other reviews from customers of the bank to see what their experience has been.
COVID has opened up the doors to do more banking online and created a way to do banking without having to go into an office. This is a great option for solo online entrepreneurs.

BIO:

Matt Olsen is vice president of commercial banking for Torrey Pines Bank. Based in Beverly Hills, Matt works with clients throughout California, focusing on developing customized depository and treasury management solutions for privately held businesses and partnerships. He works with deposit-centric clients in real estate, property/HOA management, non-profits, private equity, and venture capital firms.

Mr. Olsen joined Torrey Pines Bank in 2019 and has more than twenty years of banking experience.

A graduate of San Jose State University, Matt volunteers with local charities, including NFTE, the International Visitor’s Council of L.A., and the L.A. Regional Food Bank.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Email: molsen@torreypinesbank.com

310-623-8908

Creative Photography and Copy with Ryan Boudreau

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0500

We are joined by Ryan Boudreau, founder of Good Eye Kid. Good Eye Kid is a product photography company focused on the food and beverage space. Ryan gives us some great tips on positioning product photos and the writing portion of the creative business. We talk about why creative is essential when marketing and selling a product. At the end of the episode, Ryan gives tips for small companies that don’t have much funding about what they should focus on. Tune in to this valuable episode to learn tips and tricks to improve your business’s creative side.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:30] Ryan describes what Good Eye Kid is.
[10:10] How does it work when the client doesn’t live near the studio?
[11:40] How does Good Eye Kid keep client expenses down when it’s so customized?
[12:46] How do privacy rules affect Good Eye Kid’s images?
[13:58] Is retargeting dead?
[14:58] What is the most important thing when shooting an image?
[16:24] What is your lighting style?
[16:56] How has the iPhone impacted Ryan’s company?
[18:10] Which social media would you use for advertising and reaching customers for food and beverage companies?
[19:13] Ryan gives a tip he would give to a beginning photographer.
[21:29] For a furniture company, what avenue would Ryan start with to catch customers’ attention?
[23:11] How does a picture sell a product or a service?
[26:50] What equipment is a must?
[28:48] What tips could Ryan give to small business owners to be successful?
[30:23] What would Ryan tell a person with limited funds, and how do you know if a test is successful?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

For someone looking to get into the photography space, start with building a portfolio of photos. People want to see what you can do before they hire you. So grab some white paper and your camera and start shooting!
Creative / images and copy are essential to pull in your customers. People want to be able to see what they are buying. The messaging you use pulls at their emotions and gets them to purchase the product.
The first two tasks to start a business are going on google and yelp. These are free tools. Ensure you have cohesive messaging across platforms. All information should be consistent no matter where the customer looks.

BIO:

Good creative is everything. Bold visuals that make the digital world a more authentic, brighter, and happier place.

We are an end-to-end commercial photography and UGC studio. We also act as a full-service advertising agency for many of our creative clients – providing creative direction + strategy, content strategy, media buying, ad design, and ad copy.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Good Eye Kid Website

Good Eye Kid Facebook

Good Eye Kid Instagram

Email: hello@goodeyekid.com

Santhigram Foundation – Ayurveda and Yoga with Dr. Anurag Nair

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 03:00:55 -0500

We are joined by Dr. Anurag Nair who is the director of the Santhigram Foundation. Dr. Anurag Nair educates us on Ayurveda and the position of introducing it as an alternative to modern medicine. Ayurveda is used to create self-awareness, as it helps to uncover many details about what our specific self needs, such as what time to wake up, how to eat, and more. Dr. Anurag Nair also talks to us about the combination of using Ayurveda and Yoga together. Tune in today to learn more about how Ayurveda can improve your mental health.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:02] Introducing Santhigram Foundation
[10:40] What is Ayurveda?
[12:51] How does Yoga fit in with Ayurveda?
[16:12] Connection between these practices and mental health
[19:21] What is one thing someone new to Ayurveda can do to start coping with the escalated stress levels?
[22:04] How do you know you have optimized your mental state?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Ayurveda is a whole body approach that looks at complete physical, mental and social development.
The idea of Ayurveda is that it is a disease that occurs in the body because of an imbalance of the body’s energy. In ayurvedic medicine, there are three energy types. Knowing your energy type helps to restore balance to the body.
Ayurveda helps you to understand the specifics of your body. It will tell you the best time to wake up, what time to eat, what diet to eat, what type of exercise is best for you, and what occupation will meet your needs best.

BIO:

Dr.Anurag Nair is a Doctor of Modern Medicine with a keen interest in Complementary and Traditional Medicine.

He has served as Vice President of Santhigram Wellness Kerala Ayurveda USA since 2016.

He has been instrumental in establishing FDA-compliant product lines made under the highest quality standards.

He has been at the forefront of helping Traditional Indian Medical Sciences attain global recognition and has strongly advocated research-centered medical practices.

He believes in the body’s inherent ability to heal and thrive and that true healing comes from the inside out, requiring a whole-body, whole-life approach.

To this end, he has leveraged his experience and knowledge in the health and wellness industry to establish Vibrant Veda LLC. This consultancy firm offers a full array of functional and effective end-to-end solutions for anyone desiring to venture into the American health and wellness market.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Santhigram Website

Anurag Nair Linkedin

Santhigram Foundation Facebook

Santhigram Foundation Twitter

Sobriety in Business with Kelley Kitley

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 08:23:40 -0500

We are joined by psychotherapist, author, and short filmmaker Kelley Kitley. Kelley talks with us about starting her psychotherapy job and her entrepreneurial journey. She discusses her journey through becoming sober and the pressure of peers telling her not to share her journey. However, sharing her journey made clients feel more comfortable with her, and her business took off. Tune in today to hear more about Kelley’s sobriety journey and the effects on her business. Also, check out her book MY self, An Autobiography of Survival and her short film Gray Area.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:05] What is Kelley’s business and her journey thus far?
[17:10] Kelley talks about entrepreneurship and how she started with psychotherapy.
[19:12] What was the biggest challenge from leaving an established practice to starting her practice?
[21:05] What has her experience as an entrepreneur been in sobriety vs. before she was sober?
[24:12] What is the difference between alcohol dependence and alcohol addiction?
[28:38] How do you integrate the intersection between work and life?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Sharing your story and showing authenticity can make a huge difference in your business. It allows people to know, like, and trust you, as well as relate to you, which shows that you’ve been through the trenches, and you can show them that your story can help them.
Find the time that you are most productive and work during that time. When a lot is going on in life and work, finding that balance, your best work time, and having a supportive partner are huge for success in the business.
Follow the path that you feel most called to. Take the risk. If you are unhappy in your current job/business, leap and go for it. The worst that will happen is you hear “no” and keep pushing.

BIO:

Kelley has an eclectic array of experiences using a holistic approach. Her areas of expertise include anxiety and depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, enhancing relationships with couples, and using a short-term model called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT.) Kelley also works with patients in longer-term treatment to work through trauma (including rape and sexual abuse), eating disorders, substance abuse, loss, and phase of life issues.

She’s an action-oriented therapist who believes the therapeutic process is a partnership and works with clients to define and ultimately achieve their goals. She uses positive psychology and coaching to help people be the best version of themselves.

LINKS MENTIONED:

MY self, An Autobiography of Survival

Kelley Kitley Website

Full Measure Education with Greg Davies

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 03:00:10 -0500

We are joined by the founder and CEO of Full Measure Education, Greg Davies. Greg digs into what inspired him to get into the education field and what difficulties he has encountered as an entrepreneur. Greg talks to us about his success with three different start-up companies and dives deep into his latest company, Full Measure Education. He talks about the importance of students accessing the administrative lifecycle on their smartphones and how technology has shifted. Tune in today to learn more about the college administrative lifecycle and the processes Greg follows when thinking about his program.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[6:38] What is Greg Davies’s background?
[8:44] How did Greg develop the idea of Full Measure?
[11:07] How has Greg streamlined many of the typical friction points?
[14:16] What are the top 3 products that are used?
[17:27] What are some of the tech and marketing tools colleges use?
[19:19] How is this setting freshman students up for success?
[21:08] What inspired Greg to get into this field? What were the difficulties he encountered when becoming an entrepreneur?
[23:35] Where does Greg see the innovation going in the future in this space?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The times of letters in the mail and emails are no longer relevant. To get information to students, they need to get it through their smartphones. The upcoming college-age students have had a smartphone since they were young and are dependent on them for information.
9 out of 10 students drop out for non-academic reasons. Some of these reasons are that they cannot afford it, don’t know how to fill out forms, live too far away, and have other responsibilities in their life that pull them away from college.
Getting freshmen in the loop of what’s going on at the college, what clubs there are, how to sign up for classes, when orientation is, etc., is key to them showing up for college. Giving them a feeling of inclusion is very important for their success.

BIO:

Greg Davies is the founder and CEO of Full Measure Education. He has dedicated his career to improving student outcomes by launching innovative solutions to help remove student barriers to education. Greg was part of the founding management team at Blackboard in 1997. He then went on to start Presidium, a college call-center support service. In 2011, he sold Presidium to Blackboard and, taking no half measures with his next company, founded Full Measure Education. During his time with Presidium, Greg became more aware of – and was inspired by – the challenges students face as they navigate the complexities of the college enrollment process. Determined to make the steps throughout the student lifecycle more navigable and accessible for all students, Greg set forth to better curate and personalize school-to-student communication using mobile-first technology.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Full Measure Website

Full Measure Website Tours

Full Measure Facebook

Full Measure LinkedIn

Full Measure Twitter

Creating a Successful Partnership Inside and Outside Marriage with Carl and Jeri Goldman

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 03:00:45 -0500

We are joined by Carl and Jeri Goldman, the owners of KHTS radio station. Throughout this episode, we discuss how they built up the success of their station after taking over from near bankruptcy. Carl and Jeri discuss creating a successful partnership inside and outside marriage while working together. Tune in today to hear how Carl and Jeri have pivoted throughout their time in the industry.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:15] What is Jeri’s background?
[8:29] How does radio still make it today with social media and all the other entertainment?
[10:27] Why did Carl pivot into the web space?
[14:27] How is KHTS shifting more into the internet?
[17:26] What is a suggestion for making a successful partnership inside and outside of the marriage when working together?
[21:35] What are some of the big things they have seen happen in radio in the last decade, and where are the areas in which radio is growing in the broadcast area?
[25:21] Does the growth in podcasting impact the radio station?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

There are multiple funnels to drive success in the radio industry by using podcasts, website news, and radio news.
Throughout the years, times will come up where it is necessary to pivot in the industry and follow new trends to create a successful business.

BIO:

Carl Goldman, along with his wife, Jeri, repurchased KHTS AM-1220, Santa Clarita’s hometown station, on October 24, 2003. Since then, they have rebuilt KHTS as a critical voice of the Valley. In 2015 the radio station moved to its new headquarters on Main Street in Old Town Newhall, in the original Newhall Hardware building. The Goldman’s added 98.1FM in 2018, as a simulcast of AM-1220.

Carl Goldman has worked in radio since 1974. His experience includes seven years at a major Los Angeles radio station, KIQQ-FM. In 1980, he and a partner started their own radio syndication business, which they sold in 1983 to the Transtar Radio Networks. Carl remained with Transtar, which later merged to become Westwood One Radio, as Vice-President of Special Features through 1990.

In 1990, Carl became the CEO of Saddleback Broadcasting, Inc., which purchased radio station KBET (AM-1220), in Santa Clarita, California. In 1995, along with his CEO duties at Saddleback, he became COO of Gold Coast and High Desert Broadcasting, operating six radio stations in Oxnard/Ventura, CA, and five radio stations in Palmdale/Lancaster, CA, of which his company, Jeri Lyn Broadcasting, Inc., still owns a minority interest. The couple sold AM-1220 to Clear Channel Communications in 1998 and repurchased it in 2003.

Carl, along with his wife Jeri, raised their two sons, Ryan and Kyle in Santa Clarita. They now have two grandchildren.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Email: Jeri@hometownstation.com

Happiness and Joy with Peggy Sullivan

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 03:00:24 -0500

We are joined by speaker and author Peggy Sullivan in today’s episode. Peggy discusses happiness and what it means in day-to-day life and business. She talks about value management and how focusing on our values pushes us towards our true happiness and joy. Peggy discusses the importance of employees having breaks throughout their day and how employers must focus on retaining staff. Tune in today to hear the top three things necessary to maintain happiness.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:55] Where did Peggy come up with “Happiness,” and what does it mean?
[7:48] How does happiness relate to the business world?
[9:49] How do you get everything done in a day?
[13:10] How do you deal with happiness issues in a work situation you disagree with?
[14:33] We explore Peggy’s background and how she got into this space.
[16:50] We listen to Peggy’s personal story about book writing experience and getting on stages.
[24:43] The big chaos of doing nothing. How to “do nothing” guilt-free.
[28:23] What three things are most important to maintain happiness?
[28:58] What was Peggy’s greatest challenge and how did she overcome it?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Eat, Work, Sleep, Repeat does not work. It’s hard to be our best selves when we live that way. Take a big look at your life and see where you may need intervention in your life.
Slowing down, allowing ourselves to refuel with rest, and doing nothing are vital to maintaining happiness. It’s essential to let ourselves pause every ninety minutes to refocus.
The most profound way to enhance your life is to claim responsibility for your happiness. Focus on what you can control and on self-care.

BIO:

Peggy Sullivan teaches women to nurture their mindset, professional growth, and health and wellness. She is the author of “Happiness is Your Responsibility,” does speaking engagements, and created a nonprofit women’s organization, SheCAN! Peggy teaches the tools women need to ditch the negative mindset and start living a life full of happiness.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Peggy Sullivan’s Website

Peggy Sullivan’s NonProfit – SheCAN!

Peggy Sullivan’s Facebook

Peggy Sullivan’s LinkedIn

How To Create A Successful Product with Lyle Rogalla

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 03:00:58 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by an engineer, Lyle Rogalla. Lyle touches on what to focus on when creating a new product or service and how to have success within a business. Throughout the episode, we discuss the supply chain issues post-COVID and how to create a successful product. Lyle also touches on what to focus on in the world, including communication and limiting the focus on what is negatively happening in the world. Tune in today to hear more about the potential possibilities in the United States today and the keys to success in business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:13] Lyle Rogalla’s highlights and major experiences.
[11:15] The best way to recreate the supply chain post-COVID.
[16:15] Lyle shares his thoughts about having success with or without a formula.
[21:22] What is the new product or service that will be coming out shortly?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you can add value to physics and nature, you usually get a good result.
Success is not complicated. It’s simple; it’s just finding that one way in ten that’s superior, and as soon as possible finding that one way in ten that’s an absolute failure. The other eight would get you the same amount of blood, sweat, and tears; if you keep going, you’ll get there.
Expect to use trial and error with new products and services. What works perfectly on paper doesn’t necessarily work when it is created.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Lyle Rogalla Website

Lyle Rogalla Linkedin

Managing Happiness with David Henzel

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 03:00:17 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by David Henzel, an entrepreneur who has started many businesses over the last 20+ years. David talks to us about creating businesses, how to take a business online, and tips on how to build a successful business. David talks about the importance of habits, how he created partnerships, and his coaching program, Managing Happiness. Tune in today to hear some inspiring tips on creating and promoting a business with love, not fear.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[9:37] We examine highlights of David’s 15+ year career.
[10:44] Old businesses want to go online – how would you determine building out a website?
[15:58] David explains how he created his new business.
[18:13] How does David find the partnerships to promote his business?
[19:39] What is the Managing Happiness coaching program?
[24:48] Making decisions out of love, not fear.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

How you do one thing is how you do everything. When looking for partnerships, look at how they behave in one area of life; that’s how they will operate in other areas of life. This is an excellent way to figure out credibility.
Selling from a place of love will create fulfillment and a more successful business than selling from a place of fear, needing to hit numbers and make a certain amount of money.
Habits determine everything in your life – if you are rich, poor, happy, unhappy, obese, or in shape, it comes down to how you manage the habits in your life.

BIO:

David is the CEO of upcoach, a platform built especially for group coaching. He is also a veteran entrepreneur who has been building in the SaaS and E-com space for over 20 years. He had multiple exits including MaxCDN.

His passion is to help individuals and their organizations reach their full potential.

Aside from upcoach he has a small portfolio of startups including LTVplus, (Modern Business Process Outsourcing) TaskDrive (Sales Development) Shortlist.io (SEO Agency), 50saas (Laravel app Marketplace) and his passion project Managing Happiness (Peak Performance Group Coaching)

LINKS MENTIONED:

David Henzel’s website

Managing Happiness Website

Lead Your Life and Business with Love – Not Fear Website

David Henzel LinkedIn

David Henzel Instagram

Healthy Living for Entrepreneurs with Jenn Trepeck

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 03:00:39 -0500

On this episode of the Ask Brien Show, our hosts Brien Johnson and Traci DeForge speak with Jenn Trepeck about entrepreneurship and healthy living. Jenn is an entrepreneur, health coach, and podcast host of Salad with A Side of Fries. Brien, Traci, and Jenn talk about how she started her business as a side hustle and grew it through networking. Jenn shares her 30-30-30 fitness hack and how the best diet isn’t a diet at all. They also talk about the myth of balance for entrepreneurs and how investing in your health is investing in your business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[08:08] Jenn is introduced and her entrepreneurial journey explored
[12:14] How she started her business
[15:40] Building relationships that become customers
[18:00] The importance of health and the 30-30-30 explained
[28:05] What is the best diet
[31:55] Moderation and the myth of balance for entrepreneurs

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

As entrepreneurs, we are our business. If we are not well, if we are not able to function, the business suffers. Taking care of ourselves is a piece of taking care of the business.
The best diet is actually the one that you can follow for the rest of your life.
We have this idea that for our activity to count, it has to be 30 minutes or 45 minutes or an hour. And it has to make us feel like we’re gonna die. That is nonsense!

BIO:

Jenn Trepeck is described as a “force of nature” in the wellness space. She is an Optimal Health Coach, Podcaster and Business Consultant. After graduating from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, Jenn founded Better Life Now LLC while working full time in hedge funds. After over a decade of coaching clients, Jenn started Salad with a Side of Fries podcast to help pay it forward and reach a larger audience to teach the nutrition education we are all supposed to know but no one ever taught us. Jenn implements revenue generating wellness programs in doctors’ offices, salons and spas to further expand impact and help change the state of healthcare as a Certified Transitions Lifestyle Coach and Consultant with nutraMetrix Custom Health Solutions. When not hunkered-down at home during a pandemic, Jenn is typically working out at Physique57, discovering hidden gem restaurants in NYC or traveling to spend time with friends and family.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Facebook – @Saladwithasideoffriespodcast

Instagram – @saladwithasideoffriespod

Twitter – @JennTrepeck

TikTok – @JennTrepeck

Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifertrepeck/

Website – www.asaladwithasideoffries.com

Buying and Selling Commercial Real Estate with George Kalta

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 03:00:24 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Commercial Real Estate expert, George Kalta. He discusses his experience buying and selling commercial real estate and how he runs his business. Rarely owning a property for over a year, he discusses his strategy for buying and looking for properties in a building. We also discuss franchises and whether they are a good business decision.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[7:06] Introduction to George Kalta and his background.
[9:30] What are the growth factors for commercial real estate?
[13:33] What is a CAP?
[15:11] What are the risks with buying industrial property and renting it out?
[16:38] What is the strategy with franchise businesses?
[20:05] How does George run his business and make purchase decisions?
[25:33] What mistakes has George made that ended up being a success?
[28:33] With the internet, do you think more people will buy through searching online or will still want to see the properties in person?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

3 Things to look for to decide if a commercial property is the right property: 1. Resale potential, as well as how quickly you can get tenants in. 2. Physical aspects of the property: assess the land, room for growth, and off-street parking situations. 3. Price – will you make a 20% mark up after paying commissions and escrow?
When looking for a good broker, look for someone who will watch your back if you make a mistake, who is responsive, willing to put things in writing, and makes showings easy.
Buy real estate individually, do not buy in a partnership. Things can get messy when someone wants out of the partnership, repairs need to be made, or any other items that arise with the company. It’s unlikely everyone will come to the same conclusion on the decisions.

BIO:

George Kalta is primarily an investor based out of the Westlake Village, CA, area. He connects with investment and non-investment properties.

LINKS MENTIONED:

George Kalta LinkedIn

George Kalta’s Facebook

George Kalta’s Twitter

Social Media and Influencer Marketing with Jolene Goring

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 03:00:48 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Jolene Goring, Social Media and Influencer Marketer. She discusses how to become an influencer, what brands look for, and how to grow your business. She discusses how she went from a very limited social media presence to getting paid over $10,000 for a post. Tune in today to learn what makes a good influencer or what to look for when hiring an influencer!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[8:48] Introducing Jolene Goring and explaining what Influencer Marketing is.
[11:21] How do you connect with an influencer for your product, and what do you pay an influencer?
[17:10] What is the most valuable thing Jolene has learned doing business?
[18:56] Was there an opportunity that helped Jolene realize the intentionality in her business?
[24:50] Who was the first brand that Jolene worked with? And how did she find companies?
[28:38] How do Influencers and Brands use Podcasting to grow their business?
[30:15] What makes a good influencer from a brand’s perspective?
[31:52] What’s next for influencers? What’s next for Jolene?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Understanding the brand and influencers’ goals are key to making the partnership work. Being intentional with what the goal is of the campaign and making sure they are both aligned.
Every regular person can work hard and put the effort in and become an influencer. Focus on one platform you are comfortable with and most excited about and grow your presence there, don’t try to do every platform at once.
Being an influencer can be a mixture of a product trade, affiliate marketing, or the traditional paid amount per post. There is no set formula.

BIO:

As a board-certified nutritionist, wellness coach, and former corporate gal, I’ve worked with hundreds of women just like you: who are ambitious, but overwhelmed and unable to live a fulfilled life.

After struggling to overcome my own feelings of guilt and all-or-nothing thinking, I put in thousands of hours of research and tens of thousands of dollars into my education and I’ve finally found a system that works!

Through my system, I’ve helped myself and others:

Define & create our version of a balanced lifestyle
Indulge without guilt
Enjoy the present moment
Discover true happiness

LINKS MENTIONED:

Jolene Goring’s Instagram

Jolene Goring’s Facebook

Jolene@JoleneGoring.com

JoleneGoring.com

Successful Career with John Chaffin

Ask Brien Show — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 03:00:39 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by John Chaffin, the Founder and President of Western States Machinery Corp. His company provides packaging and processing machinery for some of the largest companies in the United States. John talks about some of his biggest wins, his best practices in business, thoughts on labor shortages, and the future of the production industry. Tune in today to learn about some tips and tricks that can create success in your career.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[9:17] Introduction to John Chaffin – what’s the most important thing he’s learned about business during his career?
[16:07] What was the very first design or engineering design John ever did?
[18:49] Of all the products John has seen, were there any he thought would be successful that didn’t become successful?
[20:30] What companies has John had success with in the packaging and processing manufacturing area?
[27:50] What are John’s thoughts on remote living and working?
[32:55] If someone graduated high school today and wasn’t sure of the direction they wanted to go; what would John tell that graduate?
[35:04] What are John’s thoughts on the labor shortage and robotics?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

In today’s world, showing up for your customers and demonstrating that you are dedicated, reliable, and dependable will offer you the best success to keep growing in your career.
In the production and processing industry, if you want to get ahead, you must get out there, meet your customers, and tour the facilities. Anyone trying to do this work from home or who is unwilling to travel will not see great success.
The drive to succeed, becoming the best at every level in your career, integrity, and honesty will provide you with great success in your career.

BIO:

John Chaffin started as a “Silicon Valley Automation Specialist” and had many installations with customers such as Apple Computer, Microsoft, Atari, Hewlett Packard, and Lockheed. From the first “Power Bar” line, “Pringles Potato Chips” to “Bowl Appetite”, John has always contributed to each customer’s introduction of successful new products. Del Monte, Nestle, Dole, General Mills, Nabisco, ConAgra, Kraft Foods, Proctor and Gamble, and Campbell’s Soup, are but a few of the many companies in the food and beverage industry that have relied on John’s solutions. Having traveled to more than 25 countries, John brings over 50 years experience to his customers…thus earning a reputation as “The guy who has the solutions.”

LINKS MENTIONED:

Western States Machinery Corp. Website

John Chaffin’s Email

John Chaffin’s Linkedin

Arrow AI with Rolan Reichel

Brien Johnson — Fri, 27 May 2022 10:00:08 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Rolan Reichel, founder and CEO of Arrow. Arrow is artificial intelligence that solves a real problem for millions of businesses which is finding and attracting the right users at the top of the funnel without paid ads. We discuss Rolan’s career background in advertising, what motivated him to start Arrow and how it helps small business owners with content creation. Tune in to learn more about exactly how Arrow works, and who the ideal user is. Plus, Rolan shares Arrow’s future plans for integration partners.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[09:50] What is Arrow and what does it do?
[13:54] Rolan shares three qualities you need to be successful.
[21:26] Rolan explains how Arrow helps small business owners who don’t have any marketing in place.
[25:45] How did Rolan develop a business monetization for his business model?
[34:15] Rolan shares future plans for Arrow.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

In the last 15 years, there has been an explosion of platforms and data. A lot of companies invested in automation development. Unfortunately, a lot of investment and development of automation has gone to the biggest companies, but powerful technology can come in tiny packages and everyone can use it.
Paid advertising is a train wreck. At the moment, paid advertising struggles with privacy problems, it’s difficult to understand and quite expensive for small businesses. That’s why content marketing is a better option for small business owners.
Small business owners need to create content. It’s essential for your business, but content creation is very time-consuming. You can use software like Arrow that helps you to curate content and publish it in an automated way.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Rolan’s LinkedIn Profile

Rolan’s Twitter

Rolan’s Facebook Profile

Rolan’s Instagram

Arrow Website

Arrow on YouTube

Building a Business as a Visionary & Innovator With Wanda Toro Turini

Brien Johnson — Fri, 20 May 2022 10:00:35 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Wanda Toro Turini, podcast host of Rock-It Fuel Podcast, and the Founder of Ketchwords, and Bull’s Eye Innovations. Ketchwords is a texting platform that allows audiences to text for information and get in their email inbox instantaneously. Wanda shares her story of how she started her first business, the struggles of bringing an innovative product to the market that wasn’t ready for it, and rebranding EcoFiles into Ketchwords. Tune in to learn more about what Ketchwords is and how it helps business owners to add to the audience experience and measure audience engagement. IN THIS EPISODE:

[07:25] What is Ketchwords?
[12:02] How is Ketchwords different from a hashtag?
[20:35] Pivoting back and the emotional attachment that comes with it.
[25:45] Rebranding EcoFiles to Ketchwords and how has it been beneficial?
[28:04] Wanda’s definition of success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Business owners spend thousands of dollars on printing educational material but don’t know if anybody picks it up or winds up in the garbage. There is no way to measure it. Plus, people don’t like to carry paper materials around.
The issue with telling your audience to follow you on social media is that you don’t own that lead. The algorithm owns that lead. Your audience might follow you, but it is the algorithm that decides if your content will be shown.
Being a visionary and innovator are common traits of an entrepreneur, but they are the blessing and the curse. Because sometimes you can come to market too quickly or be the first one to market, and people might not be ready for your product or service yet.

BIO:

Wanda has a Doctorate in Pharmacy and served patients in the critical care and emergency medicine setting before venturing into the business world as a marketer for oncology treatments. In 2005, she left a high paying executive opportunity in the pharmaceutical industry and leapt into the world of entrepreneurship. Dr. Wanda began her entrepreneurial journey in 2005 pioneering innovative solutions for multi-billion dollar healthcare companies.

As a Rock Star in marketing and audience engagement, Wanda invented Ketchwords.com, which is a texting platform destined to be THE Gold Standard Lead Gen Tool for all experts who love to share their knowledge with audiences. As an expert speaker herself, Wanda was frustrated with seeing people engaged in her presentations and not having an easy way to continue the conversation. Wanda first used Ketchwords to connect with all of those Anonymous Fans in her audiences. She used her marketing skills to master the tool and massively boost the ROI of every appearance. She grew her consulting business to $4.2 Million and was able to expand her team, hire her husband, incorporate travel into her business and, best of all, invest over $100,000 into her fertility journey.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Wanda’s LinkedIn Profile

Wanda’s Facebook Business Page

Ketchowords Website

To receive Wanda’s Guide send a text LEADS to 411321 (for listeners in the US) or (for the listeners outside the US) via Whatsapp to +1 9097 411 321

Finance Business With Robin Saacks

Brien Johnson — Wed, 18 May 2022 15:35:33 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Robin Saacks, the CEO of Timac Business Systems. Timac Business Systems is business management software that helps small businesses to improve internal controls within the company, and generate meaningful financial and management reports. We discuss what business management software is, how it helps small businesses, and when to upgrade to business management software. Tune in to learn more about how to build a good financial foundation for your company, important things to know about the financial side of the business, and what expenses you can write off when you are working remotely. IN THIS EPISODE: [08:40] What is business management software? [10:40] Three most important things small business owners should know regarding finance. [17:53] The best way to set yourself up for financial health and a good financial foundation. [21:04] Writing off home office expenses and what to be aware of. [31:06] How to build a business when you have no money. KEY TAKEAWAYS: If you don’t have the right software in place for your business, you are losing to your competitors. With good business management software, you can get a complete picture of your business, including cash flow, inventory, what items are slow-moving, etc. A lot of small businesses forget to reconcile their bank and so miss out on an opportunity to deeper understand their business cash flow. Nowadays, 90% of the process can be automated via software that automatically integrates with your bank. When starting out a business, separate yourself individually from the corporate as an entity. Also, have a separate bank account to keep liabilities separate from yourself in the corporation. LINKS MENTIONED: Rovbin’s LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinsaacks/ Timac Business System Website – https://www.timacinc.com https://www.albanyfarms.com

Time Management With Peggy Sullivan

Brien Johnson — Fri, 06 May 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Peggy Sullivan. Peggy is the author of the book “Happiness Is Your Responsibility”, speaker, mindset coach, and founder of a nonprofit for women called SheCAN!. We discuss time management and how it is related to our happiness, the science behind happiness, and Peggy shares a few tips on how to improve your time management skills. Plus, Peggy tells us how she went from being always late to teaching people how to plan their day-to-day schedules better, and so create time for things that matter most to them. Tune in to learn more about Peggy’s book “Happiness Is Your Responsibility” and how most people don’t realize that simple things can increase your dopamine and serotonin which make you feel happy.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[08:27] Peggy’s career background.
[16:00] Peggy shares her tips on determining priority tasks on your to-do list.
[23:35] #1 thing that most people don’t schedule in their calendars (and they should).
[27:20] Peggy gives advice on how to get better at time management.
[31:52] Peggy’s biggest challenges in starting and growing her business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Knowing your values is your pathway to happiness. Values are all about things that make you happy. If you don’t have everyday rituals that are based on your values and you can incorporate them into your life, then you are missing out on a quality of life.
Time management is about practice. Through practice, you can learn how to change your behavior and your habits which will result in better time management.
Your brain can transmit neurotransmitters that will make your body feel good. It’ll give you energy. It’ll make you feel happy. That can be achieved through simple things like exercise, eating healthy, or getting a good night’s sleep. That increases dopamine and serotonin, which makes you feel good.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Peggy’s Facebook Page

Peggy’s LinkedIn Profile

Peggy’s book Happiness Is Your Responsibility

Business Law With Jay Razzouk

Brien Johnson — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Jay Razzouk, the owner of ProSCALE Legal. Jay is a lawyer with a legal coaching business that provides legal templates to coaches and other experts who want to build a solid legal foundation without spending thousands of dollars. We discuss what inspired Jay to start his legal business, how it is different from buying templates off the internet, and the biggest mistakes that entrepreneurs make when it comes to legal issues. Tune in to learn more about how Jay transitioned from a 9-5 job to starting his own business, what he wishes he would have done differently, and the importance of adapting online marketing in your business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[11:24] Jay shares how he started his legal coaching business ProSCALE Legal.
[15:20] Jay explains what it is like to work with ProSCALE Legal versus buying legal forms off the internet.
[25:02] The experience that made Jay pivot into his current business model.
[33:06] Jay gives advice to those who want to take the leap and transition from the corporate world and start their own business.
[41:33] Three biggest mistakes that entrepreneurs make when it comes to legal issues.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

It doesn’t matter what type of business you have. You need to have basic skills in selling and marketing.
A lot of people spend their whole life helping to grow somebody else’s business, but they have nothing to show for it, they have not built a legacy for themselves. They’re not doing what they’re called to do and when they turn 40 or 50, they face a mid-life crisis.
Build a solid foundation for your business so that once you quit your 9-5 job, you can take off running. Start networking, figuring out how to position your service/product, and how to message and communicate with your ideal clients.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Jay’s LinkedIn Profile

Jay’s Facebook Page

Jay’s Instagram

ProSCALE Legal Website

Business Basics With Alex Grossman

Brien Johnson — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 10:00:38 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Alex Grossman, who is an expert in selling different types of businesses. Alex shares common reasons why people decide to sell their businesses and how some business owners make bad decisions because of emotional attachment. We discuss what is a business evaluation, why it is important, what should be included in the evaluation, and how some business owners might be disappointed by the final evaluation. Tune in to learn more about different ways to sell a business, which is the best one, and how you can find potential buyers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[04:55] Good and not-so-good reasons to sell a business.
[13:16] How to value a business before selling?
[15:58] What are intangible assets and why are they important when selling a business?
[25:52] Ways to sell a business.
[33:23] How to find buyers when selling a business?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The worst time to sell a business is when it’s not making money.
The hardest thing about selling a business is evaluation because there are so many factors that need to be considered. For example, revenue sales, type of business, tangible and intangible assets, competitive analysis, and so much more.
One of the easiest ways to sell a business and find potential buyers is to do it online. But other options are to do it locally, hire a broker or ask your attorney.

LINKS MENTIONED:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexgrossmanla/

Multi-Media Business with Reenita Malhotra Hora

Brien Johnson — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 10:00:42 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Reenita Malhotra Hora. Reenita is a founder, executive-level content, operations & marketing leader, and prolific writer. We discuss her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges she faced along the way. Reenita gives advice to new entrepreneurs on how to turn a hustle project into a profitable business and how to pick the right vendors for your business. Tune in to learn more about how to balance the creative and business side of entrepreneurship if you are a multi-passionate creative entrepreneur.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[08:06] Reenita’s career and business background.
[16:34] The current project Reenita is working on right now.
[20:20] Advice for new entrepreneurs who want to turn a hustle project into a profitable business model.
[26:08] Lesson Reenita learned about delegating while trying to grow a business and saving cash flow resources.
[28:57] Challenges of balancing the creative and business side of entrepreneurship.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you want to have a successful podcast, the podcast itself must be interesting, the show must be appealing, and you must target the right audience at the right time.
If you are a first-time entrepreneur, you might feel like you need to have a perfect business plan, office, business cards, etc. It’s nice to have, but you don’t really need that. Don’t spend money on things that are not necessary for your business.
Having discipline in a creative business is essential for balancing the creative and business side of entrepreneurship.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Reenita’s LinkedIn Profile

Reenita’s Website

Reenita’s Instagram

Reenita’s Twitter

Reenita’s Podcasts: True Fiction Project Podcast and The Shadow Realm Podcast

BIO:

Reenita Malhotra Hora is a founder, executive-level content, operations, & marketing leader, and prolific writer. With multiple years of experience in media, entertainment, communications, tech/innovation, and wellness industries in the USA and Asia, she grows organizations, ranging from early-stage startups through mid-size businesses, through storytelling, creative marketing, and business strategy.

She has served as Head of Marketing at SRI International, Silicon Valley’s pioneer science and deep tech research institute, VP of Content at hibooks/Otto Radio producer/presenter for Bloomberg, and award-winning host for RTHK Radio 3 in Hong Kong. Reenita founded, built, and sold Ayoma, a health and wellness brand, and has written seven books – five non-fiction and two fiction. She has contributed to The Hindu, South China Morning Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNN, Asian Investor, Times of India and National Geographic Kids, Cartoon Network Asia, Disney, and more. She is a limited partner in the How Women Invest fund which specifically invests in women-owned companies. She is working on her next novel and has recently launched Chapter by episode, a digital publishing platform for immersive chat fiction stories with diverse themes.

Children’s Learning Business With Rashi Bahri

Brien Johnson — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 10:00:18 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Rashi Bahri – the CEO and Founder of Shoonya. Rashi has been working in the world of media for more than 20 years. She has an MSA in filmmaking and she has always been drawn to education. In 2017, she started her own company, Shoonya, which focuses on helping children learn different languages and cultures through gamification. We talk about what inspired Rashi to start Shoonya and how it’s different from other competitors. Tune in as we discuss how to increase the lifetime value of a product and expansion challenges.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[08:31] Rashi shares more about her company Shoonya.
[10:12] How is Shoonya different from its competitors?
[16:09] The concept behind Shoonya and why children love it so much.
[19:23] How Rashi is planning to expand her business model.
[24:45] Rashi shares the strategy behind 60 000 app downloads.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Children need to learn 500 words in order to speak a language. Shoonya breaks the words into bite-size learning activities which makes it easier to learn the language.
The best age to learn a second language for a child is the age of 10.
Most language learning apps are structured for adults. They teach you one sentence and then ask you to translate it into another sentence. But that’s not how children learn. Children need the gamification aspect in the learning process.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Rashi’s LinkedIn Profile

Soonya Website

BIO:

Rashi Bahri

Rashi Bahri Chitnis, a Hollywood media executive is the visionary behind Shoonya, an ed-tech company based out of Santa Barbara with a mission to foster the next generation of global citizens by exposing them to cultural diversity and world languages. She is the winner of the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award, in Science and Technology and her team is well known for their outstanding stellar execution.

Rashi has a background in media, having worked in film and television in both Hollywood and India. She has produced and managed various television content, production, post-production, commercials, music videos, broadcast design, and corporate communication. Her direct clients were Discovery, ABC, Warner Bros, and Lifetime Television. Her other television stints are story-producing reality shows like Mark Brunett’s “The Restaurant” and FOX’s “Trading Spouses”.

Her directional short films, “Secret Ingredient” and “Sarah” have premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2009 & 2012.

She holds an MFA Degree from the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts where her thesis film as a sound-designer won the Student OSCAR in 2004. During her Masters, she won various scholarships including the well-known AAUW (American Association of University Women) International grant.

Independent Medical Business With Jorge Hinojosa

Brien Johnson — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Jorge Hinojosa. Jorge is an industrial engineer who co-founded a business accelerator in Mexico and spent his whole career as an advisor for other entrepreneurs. In 2018, Jorge started his own company called Eucalyptus Medical. Eucalyptus Medical gives elderly people easy access to geriatricians through telemedicine without waiting months for a doctor’s appointment. Tune in as we discuss a lack of geriatricians in Mexico, its consequences on elderly people, and how Eucalyptus Medical makes things easier and cost-effective for elderly people.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[06:23] Jorge’s career background.
[09:25] How was Eucalyptus Medical born and what inspired Jorge to start the company?
[14:04] What makes Eucalyptus Medical different from a regular doctor’s visit.
[22:51] Jorge shares his 3 key learnings from his entrepreneurial journey.
[27:19] Eucalyptus Medical is planning a collaboration with pharma and insurance companies.
[29:32] Jorge’s expansion strategy outside Mexico to Latin American countries.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Mexico lacks geriatricians, specifically there are only 742 geriatricians in the whole country. The elderly must wait weeks for a doctor’s appointment and often rather choose to avoid it altogether.
Effective communication in a remote team is extremely important. Jorge’s first recommendation is to always make sure there is enough contact with your team. And the second recommendation is to trust your team but verify.
Most companies are not interested in targeting people over 65 years old which creates a perfect gap in the market and opportunities for companies like Eucalyptus Medical.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Jorge’s LinkedIn Profile

Research Business With Dan Mourich

Brien Johnson — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Dan Mourich, the Co-Founder of Biotesserae. Dan is a trained neurologist, an immunologist who moved into the drug development sector about 18 years ago. Biotesserae focuses on developing drugs for canine cancer treatments that are simple procedures, easy to access, and financially affordable for pet owners. Tune in as we speak about what motivated Dan to start Biotesserae, how is animal drug development process different from human drug development, why is Biotesserae considered a disruptor in the space, and what lessons Dan and his team learned when looking for a partner and funding for Biotesserae.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[05:27] Dan’s career background
[12:01] How is the drug approval process with the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) different from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
[16:35] Challenges that come with funding and finding a partner
[19:19] How are Dan and his team disrupting the space in the animal drug industry
[28:01] Challenges that Dan faced as a new entrepreneur and how he approached them
[31:25] Talking to granting agencies versus talking to investor require a different set of skills

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The FDA process is very onerous and expensive. While dealing with the USDA is less time-consuming and less onerous because they partake in helping to develop a drug, to get it to the clinic, as opposed to just being an imposition.
Pharma companies adopt new technology by taking human drugs that are no longer used and putting them into veterinary clinics to see if they’ll work. Biotesserae builds from the ground up by developing drugs specific for canine cancer.
Traditional dog cancer treatments are expensive. But Biotesserae is developing a simple treatment in the form of injections. That means dog owners could give the cancer treatment at home.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Dan’s LinkedIn Profile

Dan’s company email

Mental Health Business With Patrina Mack

Brien Johnson — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by Patrina Mack who is the CEO of YouRok Corporation. Patrina spent her entire consulting career helping companies bring new products to market until she decided to start her own company. YouRok’s goal is to teach adolescents how to build emotional resilience skills and they do that through a digital care app called K’Bro. Tune in as we discuss how exactly the K’Bro app works, how it helps kids to navigate through mental health issues, what inspired Patrina to build YouRok and challenges she faced as a female entrepreneur in the tech industry when raising funding for her company.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[07:36] Patrina’s career background and how YouRok was born.
[10:05] How does the K’Bro app work?
[13:58] First realization and trigger that adolescents might need help with mental health.
[20:18] Patrina’s entrepreneurial journey and how her career background influenced building YouRok.
[24:33] Virtual relationships vs. in-person relationships.
[28:44] Challenges that Patrina faced as a female entrepreneur in the tech industry
[33:25] Patrina’s expectations and future plans for YouRok.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Adolescents nowadays work out their in-person relationships through a digital format that is safe and anonymous. Therefore, digital mental health apps as K’Bro are a very attractive way for children and teens to talk about mental health struggles.
The most sensitive age for adolescents is when they are hitting puberty. That’s the moment when teens are pulling away from parents and trying to figure out who they are as an individual.
Most digital health companies like Headspace or Calm focus on adults and not on children or teens.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Patrina’s email

YouRok website

Patrina’s LinkedIn Profile

Medical Business With Guenevere Blanchard

Brien Johnson — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, we are joined by serial entrepreneur, Guenevere Blanchard. In 2020, Guenevere founded Sage Medical Billing and Coding, a digital program that uses AI technology to drastically reduce human errors and timely processes in the billing industry. This technology can potentially save patients over one hundred billion dollars in billing and coding errors. Tune in as we discuss the challenges of the medical coding and billing industry, how physicians will benefit from Sage Medical’s services, and the tech company’s business development.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[08:34] What sets Sage Medical Coding and Billing apart from their competitors?
[10:16] Here are some of the challenges Sage Medical Billing and Coding is facing.
[12:55] How Sage Medical Coding and Billing’s AI technology performs on their platform.
[19:25] Guenevere shares what it was like entering the AI technology industry and the company’s business development.
[24:49] What does a typical day for a serial entrepreneur look like?
[29:43] Guenevere shares challenges she’s faced as a female entrepreneur.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Every year, patients receive over one hundred billion dollars worth of bills in the mail as a result of incorrect or improper medical coding and billing.
Many of the systems that physicians are having to use for data entry can be somewhat archaic. It’s very time-consuming and frustrating for physicians.
Medical coding and billing is at the heart of the healthcare industry.

Links Mentioned:

Ask Brien Website

https://www.sagemedical.io

https://www.linkedin.com/in/guenevere-blanchard-a25aba201

info@sagemedical.io

Health Care Business With Muri Raifu

Brien Johnson — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Imagine a free platform where patients can be connected with medical care, resources, and medications all from their phones. That is exactly what our guest, Dr. Muri Raifu created with Talamus Health. By utilizing the power of technology, Talamus Health is revolutionizing healthcare and bringing life-changing and life-saving services to patients. Tune into today’s episode to learn about the Amazon of healthcare.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[05:14] Dr. Raifu shares about his revolutionary platform, Talamus Health.
[09:13] How Talamus Health remains HIPAA compliant while offering online services.
[11:30] How Talamus Health bridges the gap between medical services, resources, and medications in a patient’s area.
[17:35] How the pandemic has affected the Talamus Health business model.
[24:00] What is Talamus Health’s marketing strategy?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Talamus Health believes in cost transparency for its services to help patients avoid catastrophic bills from traditional medical insurers.
Talamus Health is implementing “Demand Forecasting” to prevent a lag in the supply chain for medications and medical supplies.
Clinics can opt for a single system to test before starting the process of going fully digital.

Links Mentioned:

Ask Brien Website

Talamus Health Website

Muri Raifu, MD, MPA, FAANS LinkedIn

Muri Raifu, MD, MPA, FAANS Email

BIO: Muri Raifu, MD, MPA, FAANS

Dr. Murisiku Raifu, CEO and founder of Talamus Health, is a board-certified spine and neurosurgeon who is known for his compassion and outreach. Dr. Raifu has assisted in many programs to aid the underprivileged, using his medical training to help those in need. Following his vision to create free access to medical services for all, Dr. Murisiku Raifu founded Talamus Health, a revolutionary platform that is helping patients live healthier and safer lives.

Marketing Plan Formula With Russell Lundstrom

Brien Johnson — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Today we are joined by Russell Lundstrom, founder of a simple 5-step Marketing Plan Formula which gives business owners the ability to create more effective and profitable marketing. Marketing strategies can get complicated and expensive very quickly, making a truly effective strategy unattainable for many business owners. Most marketing strategies only follow a general model that is not effective. What if your company’s marketing strategy didn’t have to be complicated? What if you knew exactly where to put your marketing budget? Tune in to hear how Russell helps entrepreneurs and founders grow their businesses through effective and profitable marketing.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[06:02] Russell shares why he created the Marketing Plan Formula.
[10:01] Russell breaks down how reverse engineering can revolutionize marketing strategies.
[12:33] Why it’s important to identify the most profitable customer for your business.
[16:38] What role the Marketing Plan Formula plays in the marketing strategy process.
[17:29] Russell elaborates on his single sheet marketing plan concept.
[21:21] How the Marketing Plan Formula helps to define a company’s vision.
[23:34] Why businesses should revisit their marketing strategy as their business grows.
[27:53] What it means to find your company’s profitable ideal customer.
[34:02] How companies can narrow down the platforms they can use to bring their customers solutions.
[36:58] How to calculate your marketing budget.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The Marketing Plan Formula was designed to help entrepreneurs design a customized marketing blueprint to bring solutions to customers.
Businesses need to be really clear on their mission, vision, and values because that helps to clarify their target market.
A company’s ideal customer can easily shift, even if that is not the intention of the company.

Links Mentioned:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-lundstrom

https://mpf.thrivecart.com/mpi-masterclass-membership/partner/

https://marketingplanformula.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/swathian

https://www.linkedin.com/in/swathian

BIO: Russell Lundstrom

I was raised as an entrepreneur.

It isn’t always the easiest road, that’s for sure. Sometimes I think I must be crazy for choosing this lifestyle. But then, I realize that I didn’t choose it, the life chose me.

I just see things different than most. Luckily, I was raised to see the opportunity in things – sort of a ‘cup half full’ philosophy.

I’ve been lucky enough to start three 7-figure businesses and help many others do the same. For me, entrepreneurs are the engine of the world.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. Each milestone in your life leads to another, and another, which builds who you are.

And now, I am…

A husband and father of two young boys in Denver, CO. I love starting businesses. I love marketing. I love motocross, skateboarding, scary skiing, insanely loud heavy metal music, and all those other extreme things.

My father taught me that business is easy, just create value for other people it will work.

I’ve tried to apply that throughout my life.

I love to help people with strategic thinking. Taking scattered data points and connecting them – creating something new, something valuable. This is a skill honed through 30 years of ups and downs.

Now, I use these skills and experiences to help other entrepreneurs realize their dreams and build their businesses.

I’ve often joked I’m an info hoarder. If you need something or have an idea you’d like to flush out, hit me up. I bet I have something I can give/show/send/share with you that could be valuable.

I now help entrepreneurs and founders grow their businesses through better marketing. I’ve discovered a simple, 5-step Marketing Plan Formula which gives business owners the ability to create more effective and profitable marketing.

A way for you to control your leads, your sales, your growth.

It is called the Marketing Plan Formula and I’d love to share it with you.

If you want to know more, connect with me and let’s talk. I’ll send you the Formula and help you get a hand.

Better Meals With Swathi Arelguppe Nagendra

Brien Johnson — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Today, we are joined by Swathi Nagendra, creator of Better Meal AI, a customized diet and lifestyle plan. Better Meal AI was born from a personal need, but quickly grew into a life changing resource for thousands of people. Swathi shares all about her start-up’s creation, journey, and challenges she faced along the way. Join us today to learn how Swathi used her background in data science to develop a database of over five hundred thousand biomarkers and how she has managed to launch a company with a very small team.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[05:03] What exactly is a data scientist?
[06:59] Swathi shares what inspired her to start Better Meal AI and her goals for the company.
[10:04] How Better Meal AI was able to develop a database of over 500,000 biomarkers on a start-up’s budget.
[12:06] How Better Meal AI uses their biomarker database to develop customized plans for their clients.
[13:01] How does Better Meal AI make money?
[14:52] Better Meal AI provides solutions for both dieting and eating healthy using these practices and resources.
[18:45] This is an ideal Better Meal AI client.
[20:08] Swathi shares about Better Meal AI’s successful marketing strategies.
[21:34] Here is an explanation of the services available to members.
[23:21] Who makes up Better Meal AI’s team?
[25:36] What Swathi’s typical day looks like while running Better Meal AI and some of the challenges she faces.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Better Meal AI began as a mission for Swathi Nagendra to help relieve her health conditions, but once she realized the value of her data and practices, her start up was born. Now this small start-up is preparing to launch worldwide.
As an entrepreneur, it’s important to prioritize your mental health and self care, because if you don’t it’s really easy to get burnt out and lose passion for what you do.
It’s crucial for entrepreneurs to have a solid personal and professional support system around them.

Links Mentioned:

info@bettermeal.ai

www.bettermeal.ai

Having a Sidekick With Jake Foerster

Brien Johnson — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Today, Jake Foerster, co-founder of Sidekick Mobile Technologies, joins us to discuss Sober Sidekick, a free app that anonymously connects people in sobriety. This startup has grown from 10,000 downloads to 80,000 downloads in the last year alone. Jake answers questions about how a free app generates revenue, the app’s primary method of growth, and his background that inspired the app. Tune in to learn how this free resource is changing lives.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[05:46] What is Sober Sidekick?
[08:42] How Sober Sidekick generates revenue while still helping their app users.
[11:02] How Sober Sidekick utilizes integrative ads.
[12:56] Jake explains the layout of Sober Sidekick’s platform.
[14:13] This was Sober Sidekick’s primary method of growth.
[15:27] Jake shares his background and what inspired Sober Sidekick.
[19:00] Can Sober Sidekick’s growth in the past year be attributed to the pandemic shutting down in person meetings?
[20:50] How are people finding out about Sober Sidekick?
[24:29] Here are some ways that Sober Sidekick is expanding.
[32:16] Jake shares his biggest learning curves while working on the Sober Sidekick start up?
[34:42] What’s next for Jake and his team?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Sober Sidekick values being a platform where everyone can have free access to connection and fellowship in sobriety.
Substance abuse and alcoholism thrive in isolation. Sober Sidekick combats isolation by promoting connections and engagement between people.
21 million Americans suffer from substance abuse. Data shows that only one in seven people will ever receive help for their addiction. That leaves a target audience of 18 million people.
Sober Sidekick aims to destigmatize substance abuse and alcoholism and create more avenues for people to connect with resources and support systems.

Links Mentioned:

support@sobersidekick.com

www.sobersidekick.com

jake@sobersidekick.com

Jake Foerster’s Linkedin

BIO: Jake Foerster

Jake Foerster, Co-founder of Sidekick Mobile Technologies, has held several positions in the substance abuse field. Starting as a recovery technician and working his way into many other roles, Jake has dedicated his life to giving back and helping others in recovery. This passion inspired Sober Sidekick, a free app that anonymously connects people in sobriety. Jake and his team at Sidekick Mobile Technologies are dedicated to providing support, resources, and fellowship to people at every stage of recovery.

Podcasting For You With Traci DeForge & Peter Bronstein

Traci DeForge & Peter Bronstein — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In today’s special episode, Brien interviews our very own Traci DeForge. Traci is recognized as an international podcast expert, sought after speaker and media contributor. Traci is the founder of Produce Your Podcast, a premier podcast consulting & production agency providing a comprehensive, full service high quality solution to incorporating podcasting into B2B and B2C clients’ overall digital marketing strategy. Today she dives into the podcasting industry. Why are podcasts so popular? Can anyone start a podcast? How do you start a podcast and make it stand out? What is a podcast manager? Tune in as Traci answers all of these questions and more.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[09:11] Why podcasts are so popular.
[11:58] How different platforms have contributed to the podcasting industry.
[15:09] How someone can grow their numbers when launching a podcast.
[18:37] Traci breaks down everything you need to start a podcast.
[23:51] What kind of budget do you need to start a podcast?
[27:14] Which platforms should someone utilize to start a podcast on their own?
[29:44] What does the monetization of a podcast look like?
[34:19] Can a podcast provide SEO benefits?
[36:38] What to look for in a podcast coach or podcast manager.
[40:40] What it’s like working with Produce Your Podcast.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Before you start your podcast, make sure you really know your “why”, so that you can find your niche and create something really unique.
Anyone can hit “record” and start a podcast, but to make your podcast successful, there is work that needs to be done on the front end.
There are various platforms out there that you can use to get started. Make sure to do your research to make sure you choose the right one for your unique podcast.
Working with an experienced podcast coach or podcast manager is one of the best ways to set your podcast up for success, growth, and to stand out in the crowd.

Links Mentioned:

www.produceyourpodcast.com

@produceyourpodcast

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracilongdeforge

https://www.linkedin.com/company/produce-your-podcast

BIO: Traci DeForge

Traci is recognized as an international podcast expert, sought after speaker and media contributor. She’s been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, CTV, Fortune.com, American Express Open and is a member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council, Editorial Advisory Board of The Podcast Business Journal and regular contributor to RadioINK.

Her 30-year professional career reflects a unique combination of Broadcast Media, Executive Management & Fortune 500 Business Consulting.

This powerful combination led to founding Produce Your Podcast, a premier podcast consulting & production agency providing a comprehensive, full service high quality solution to incorporating podcasting into B2B and B2C clients’ overall digital marketing strategy. She is also the creator of PodHive, an online community for Podcasters, My Podcast Biz, an online certification program for Podcast Managers and The Professional Podcaster Association.

Avana Drinks With Brad Ledford

Brien Johnson — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Today we are joined by Brad Ledford, founder of VitalBev Inc, owner of the Avana Cocktails brand. Brad brought VitalBev Inc to life using his experience in international contract and business dealings, financial modeling and planning, business structure and formation strategies, and B2C & B2B marketing tactics. Avana is the first fully organic canned tequila product to hit the market and is rapidly growing in popularity. Tune in to find out how Brad’s grassroots marketing strategies helped him go from distributing using his own car to having a nationwide distribution plan in just two months. VitalBev Inc is changing the alcohol industry one refreshing drink at a time.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[06:42] Brad shares how he got started in the tequila industry.
[12:50] How Brad sold his first batch of Avana, taking the internet by storm.
[15:02] Avana got their brand out into the market and into the hands of their first customers using these techniques and strategies.
[18:57] What is next for Avana as they shift from grassroots tactics to B2B and B2C sales?
[22:07] Avana is the first company to organically can tequila. This was their biggest hurdle in getting their business off the ground.
[23:59] What does Avana’s team look like?
[26:40] Why Avana’s relationships with its distributors are crucial to their team.
[31:55] Upcoming Avana products to get excited about.
[36:27] How Avana stands out from big name seltzers dominating the market.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Many alcoholic companies are not transparent about the way they produce their products. Avana hopes to change that standard.
Distribution management is so important, because whether it’s the B2B or the B2C sales, the customer experience is what’s most important. Avana is the first company to organically can tequila products. Their products are 100% organic, making them stand out amongst the big names in the seltzer industry.
Even as Avana’s sales reach grows, their main priorities are the distributor and customer experience. Avana vows to never put sales over their customers, and this has already built a strong fan base and return customers.

Links Mentioned:

http://www.drinkavana.com/

Brad’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-ledford-avana

BIO: Brad Ledford

Starting and running VitalBev Inc, owner of the Avana Cocktails brand, has brought me experience in international contract and business dealings, financial modeling and planning, business structure and formation strategies, B2C & B2B marketing tactics, and the many other managerial roles that come with leading a startup company.

My motivation has always come from inspiring those around me to be the absolute best version of themselves they can be. True passion stems from knowing that you can settle right where you are in life yet choosing to pursue something greater, more refined, more purposeful. With the Avana Cocktail line we will be setting a new standard for health consciousness in the alcoholic beverage industry. A new peak for competitors to look up to. A new height for our consumers to climb to and relax at.

A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Trademarking and Copyrights With Peter Bronstein & Traci DeForge

Brien Johnson and Traci DeForge — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500

For this special Ask Brien anniversary episode, Traci interviews Peter Bronstein, aka the man himself, Brien Johnson about what he knows best, trademarking and copyrighting So, what is the difference between the two? Can small businesses be trademarked, if so, where do small business owners start? Traci and Brien share insight into patents, domain names, the trademark registration process, and how to navigate the different classifications. Tune in to discover how you can set your business’s brand up for long-term success.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[03:50] What is the “Ask Brien” podcast and radio show all about?
[06:32] What is the difference between a patent, a copyright, and a trademark?
[13:00] Should small business owners trademark their business?
[14:49] Peter explains why registering a domain name and registering a trademark are two very different things.
[18:37] When should a small business owner begin the trademark registration process? In what order should they file?
[25:25] Where can small business owners research available domain names, trademarks, and copyrights?
[28:13] How a trademark attorney can help you navigate trademarking your business.
[33:02] Connect with Peter and start your trademarking journey today.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Many people don’t realize that a trademark itself is based on usage, not on registration.
When trademarking, make sure the name you choose is available, otherwise the costs to retrace and start the process all over again is going to be quite expensive.
In the long run, hiring a trademark attorney and having your business trademarked properly is going to cost far less than going about it yourself and spending a fortune on legal fees and having to start the process all over again.

Links Mentioned:

www.lacorporateattorney.com

www.uspto.gov

peterbronz@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-bronstein-5a70a611

BIO: Peter Bronstien

Business Leading With Dee Breazeale

Brien Johnson — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500

On this episode of the Ask Brien Show, our hosts Brien Johnson and Traci DeForge speak with Dee Breazeale, vice president of business development for Albany Farms. Brien and Traci discuss with Dee how the company plans to be the leading producer of ramen in the United States by mid 2022. Dee also elaborates on why Albany Farms chose to manufacture in the United States rather than import their ramen, how the supply chain is affecting all US companies, and how their new facility is going to benefit Belle Fourche, South Dakota. In addition, Brien and Traci discuss the current market trends driving the potential for project and manufacturing expansion in the United States.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[04:25] Dee Breazeale is introduced and she shares how she got started in business.
[07:53] Dee’s role as the vice president of business development for Albany Farms.
[10:40] How the supply chain has affected Albany Farm’s brand and products.
[15:20] Albany Farm’s current standing in the ramen industry and where they aim to be in six months.
[21:55] Have labor shortages impacted the construction of the new facility?
[24:44] Could more companies establish manufacturing plants in the United States rather than importing their goods?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Many companies, big and small, are being affected by the supply chain, leading some companies to consider manufacturing in the United States.
Most ramen sold and consumed in the US is imported. With a new facility under construction, many strategies in place, and utilizing local farmers, Albany Farms aims to be the United State’s leading producer of ramen by mid 2022.
Albany Farms selected Belle Fourche, South Dakota to build their manufacturing plant because of the geographical location, the city is on a major railroad line, and their wheat will be grown and provided by local farmers. The company truly put a lot of thought into this decision that will benefit the community by providing careers for many people and feed for livestock.

Links Mentioned: