Explore every episode of the podcast INspired INsider Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [SaaS Series] Reinventing Talent Acquisition Through Smarter Tech and Systems With Vikram Seth | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:52:07 | |
Vikram Seth is the Co-founder and Product Visionary at Ducknowl, a talent-screening and assessment platform that helps employers make faster, smarter, and more data-driven hiring decisions. He is also a Co-founder of Simpalm, a company that provides software and services focused on IT and staffing solutions. With more than a decade of management and IT staffing experience and a master's degree from Georgetown University, he brings deep expertise to digital innovation in recruitment. Vikram also supports sustainable organic farming in the Chicagoland area. In this episode…Building better hiring systems isn't just about speed — it's about finding ways to truly understand talent, reduce bias, and streamline decision-making. Many leaders still struggle with outdated processes that overlook talented individuals and waste time and resources. So how can technology and smarter talent solutions transform the way companies hire? Vikram Seth, a leader in technology-driven hiring innovation, believes companies improve dramatically when they look beyond resumes and adopt structured, consistent evaluation methods. He highlights how video screening, skill-based assessments, and integrity-focused tools help hiring teams gain clearer insight into candidates while reducing costly misjudgments. The result is a more efficient, equitable, and data-informed hiring workflow that helps businesses scale with confidence. Vikram also emphasizes the power of global talent and why embracing modern staffing models opens new doors for growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz speaks with Vikram Seth, Co-founder and Product Visionary at Ducknowl, to discuss building better hiring systems through technology and smarter talent solutions. They explore how structured assessments mitigate bias, how global talent enhances operations, and how real-world staffing challenges drive innovative solutions. Vikram also talks about the mindset that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. | |||
| [Top Resource Series] Building Brands and Winning Teams | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:47:01 | |
Anderson Schoenrock is the Co-founder and CEO of Memory Ventures, a fast-growing portfolio of direct-to-consumer e-commerce brands and services specializing in digitization, wall art, gifting, and 3PL/logistics solutions. Paul Bigham is the President and Founder of Bigham Agency, a marketing, advertising, and strategic consulting firm specializing in nonprofit outreach, brand development, and omni-channel communications. Dale Castro is the Co-founder and Chief Creative & Strategy Officer at Overlap Interactive, a full-service digital marketing and development agency specializing in creative strategy, web design, SEO/paid media, and holistic omnichannel digital experiences. Esther Kiss is the Founder & CEO of Born To Influence, the go-to PR firm for entrepreneurs, founders, and brands that aim to challenge the status quo through their innovative approach, products, and services. In this episode…Navigating the fast-paced, ever-changing world of business can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to stay ahead, grow sustainably, and make meaningful connections. What if there were smarter, more actionable ways to preserve memories, scale brands, enhance communication, and leverage cutting-edge tools — without the usual trial and error? Anderson Schoenrock, Paul Bigham, Dale Castro, and Esther Kiss reveal how they're redefining entrepreneurship, marketing, and personal branding with innovation, strategy, and practical insights. Anderson shares how Memory Ventures grows multiple direct-to-consumer brands and a 3PL business while introducing eco-friendly products like dissolvable wrapping paper and specialty coffee through Crema Coffee Products. Paul discusses mindset, communication, and strategies for raising funds for large-scale humanitarian initiatives. Dale highlights leadership lessons, agency growth strategies, and his favorite business books. Esther offers guidance on personal branding, media exposure, and using AI tools to create efficient, impactful content. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz talks with Anderson Schoenrock, Paul Bigham, Dale Castro, and Esther Kiss about building sustainable businesses and achieving long-term growth. They share practical insights on emotional intelligence, copywriting, productivity, and modern tech adoption to help listeners sharpen their skills, innovate, and strengthen relationships. | |||
| [SaaS & WordPress Series] Powering Membership Success: Tools and Tactics With Blair Williams | 11 Nov 2025 | 01:01:23 | |
Blair Williams is the CEO of MemberPress, a powerful WordPress plugin company that empowers creators and businesses to launch and manage membership sites and online courses. He founded MemberPress after years of custom-building membership systems and recognized a gap in the market for a flexible, developer-friendly WordPress solution. Blair is also the Owner of Caseproof, the company behind industry-leading WordPress plugins like MemberPress, PrettyLinks, Easy Affiliate, Wishlist Member, MemberMouse, AccessAlly, ThirstyAffiliates, and Buy Now Plus. In this episode…Building a thriving membership business requires more than great content — it takes strategy, the right tools, and a deep understanding of your audience. From simplifying user experiences to streamlining revenue models, entrepreneurs must balance creativity with technical precision to keep members engaged. So how do you create a membership site that actually scales and sustains long-term success? A seasoned innovator in software and membership platforms, Blair Williams believes simplicity and customer focus are the keys to success. He highlights that many creators overcomplicate their offerings before launching, when the real key is just getting started and refining through feedback. Blair emphasizes the power of accessibility — tools like WordPress and AI have made building profitable membership sites easier than ever. He also points out that success stems from aligning features with audience needs, whether through strong onboarding, smart pricing models, or seamless integrations that enable entrepreneurs to monetize their expertise efficiently. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Blair Williams, CEO of MemberPress, to discuss the tools and tactics that power successful membership businesses. They discuss common mistakes creators make when launching sites, how to simplify offers for growth, and what makes MemberPress stand out in the WordPress ecosystem. Blair also shares lessons from building and acquiring top plugins across the web. | |||
| Mastering the Art of Writing With Ben Jackson of the Writing Salon | 28 Jan 2025 | 01:11:05 | |
Ben Jackson is the Owner and Executive Director of The Writing Salon, a creative writing school dedicated to supporting adults in their storytelling journey. With an extensive background in teaching composition, literature, and creative writing, he has contributed to various educational institutions, including the University of San Francisco. Ben's poetry has been featured in prominent journals and magazines, earning him several accolades and fellowships. After taking over The Writing Salon in 2016, he has focused on expanding the school's community-oriented approach to foster a supportive environment for aspiring writers. In this episode…In a rapidly evolving world, fostering a vibrant community of storytellers requires passion and adaptability. The challenges of unforeseen circumstances, such as a global pandemic, have necessitated innovative approaches to nurture supportive environments for writers. So, how can we cultivate a resilient and engaged literary community that thrives on connection and collaboration? Literature and creative writing expert Ben Jackson delves into the story behind The Writing Salon's inception and its 25-year legacy. He highlights the importance of building a supportive team and how they've adapted to the ever-changing landscape of adult education. From individual anecdotes of student success to the strategies that have fostered growth, Ben provides insight into the art of nurturing a creative writing community. By offering various classes and fostering one-on-one mentorships, The Writing Salon stays true to its mission of encouraging the storytelling passion within each writer. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ben Jackson, Owner and Executive Director of The Writing Salon, about the enriching experience of writing and fostering creative communities. Ben discusses the inspiring 25-year journey of The Writing Salon, how it pivoted during COVID-19 and ensured continuity for its students, and how it advertises itself in the competitive market. | |||
| Finding Your Truth with Edmond Torbati Founder of Label Choices | 04 May 2017 | 02:30:32 | |
Today we have the Edmond Torbati the Founder of Label Choices. They provide labels for some of the industry's most recognized brands. For more than a decade Label Choices has delivered some of the highest quality labels for the cosmetic, bath and body, food and beverage industries including... Makeup Geek, Medulla Beauty, Coconut Girl Icecream, Nutty but Nice and much more. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Do you struggle with understanding how to make your life "work?" It might be time for you to find your truth. Instead of always listening to the latest fads and trends, connect with what works best for your and your environment. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll hear from speaker and business leader Edmond Torbati. Edmond is passionate about helping others find their own truth because he spends so much time trying to find his! Edmond and Jeremy also discuss his personal story of overcoming difficulties, how he got his start in business, and so much more! This is an episode full of inspiration and insight that you don't want to miss! A big reason many business leaders and entrepreneurs can't seem to find the success they are seeking is mainly because they strive to control as much of the process as they possibly can. Do you do that? Do you find yourself constantly tinkering with this or that in order to have control over the results? Edmond Torbati had a similar mindset for a long time until he had a breakthrough. Now, Edmond experiences the freedom AND success he's always wanted. If you'd like to hear more about Edmond's story and how he found the freedom to let go of his need for control then make sure you catch this episode of Inspired Insider! Do you find yourself rushing from task to task? Are you constantly drained in your personal and professional settings? What is it that causes our culture to teach us that busyness equals importance? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll hear from business leader Edmond Torbati. Edmond struggled with a constant need to rush through his life and found that breakneck pace to be disastrous. Now that he's found a better way to conduct himself in life and business he wants to share it with leaders like you! Don't miss Edmond's helpful insight on this episode! Have you found your purpose in life? What is it that motivates and drives you deep down in the core of your being? Everyone needs to tap into this purpose in order to live a life of true meaning. On this episode of Inspired Insider, Edmond Torbati talks about his journey of discovery and how he was able to discover his truth and his purpose. If you've struggled with understanding where you fit in this world and how to connect to energy outside of you, then you don't want to miss this powerful episode! Many business leaders and entrepreneurs have discovered one extremely important practice that has helped them excel in life and business. Pause for a moment, what do you think that ONE practice might be? It's simply gratitude. It sounds elementary but so few individuals have mastered it. But you know the ones who have, they are a joy to be around and work with. Do you practice gratitude on a regular basis? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll hear from business leader Edmond Torbati who explains how practicing gratitude has changed his life. If you'd like to hear more about gratitude and the impact it has made on Edmond's life, make sure to catch this episode! Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| [One Question] Marketing Online with Steve Weiss Founder of Mutesix | 02 May 2017 | 00:16:29 | |
Today we have Steve Weiss CEO and coFounder of Mutesix. In just under three years they have built a team of over twenty people and their company uses online advertising like Facebook and google Ads for eCommerce customer acquisition. They help build high volume lead generation funnels. Basically, they help get businesses more customers! They have worked with brands and companies like meUndies, USA Today, HeadSpace and much more. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Do you know what your main drive and purpose are in life and business? Have you been able to articulate that purpose in a way that inspires others? Business leader Steve Weiss shares about his goal in business is to empower people to become better entrepreneurs. You can tell as Steve shares about his journey and the tools his company, MuteSix has developed that he is fired up about helping others. If you'd like to know how to connect with Steve and to hear more about his story, don't miss this powerful episode of Inspired Insider! Don't you hate it when you find out you've been spinning your wheels with a business or marketing direction? Leaders like you don't want to throw away their money, they'd rather see it grow their company. Are you throwing your money away with your online marketing efforts? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll hear from marketing expert Steve Weiss. Steve breaks down some common mistakes he sees companies make when targeting the wrong audiences on social media platforms like Facebook. Find out how you can work smarter, not harder when it comes to online marketing! Are you missing out on one of the easiest ways to market to your target demographic and build a dedicated following for your brand? Most people think of utilizing social media spaces like Facebook and Instagram to drive traffic toward their product for sales, but what if there was an even better way to leverage your social media advertising efforts? On this episode of Inspired Insider, marketing and sales expert Steve Weiss explains how you can gain an unfair advantage over your competition. Steve talks about the importance driving traffic to a landing page from Facebook or Instagram Ads in order to build an email list. Once you've built this email list that consumers have opted into, you now have a valuable tool that you can use to get important information on your target audience. To hear Steve go into more detail about this topic and much more, make sure to catch this episode! It's always helpful to make sure you have the right tools for the right task at hand. Do you ever find yourself frustrated because of a lack of resources? What simple tools could help you unlock your potential and the potential of your team? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll get an inside look at the tools and practices of successful marketer Steve Weiss. Steve is generous with his time and is open to sharing all the highs and lows of his journey in business. To get all the tools that have helped Steve along the way, don't miss this helpful episode! Resources Mentioned on this episode
Sponsor for this episode Rise25 is where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| Hiring Dependable Employees with Charles Moyer Founder of Badass Beardcare | 27 Apr 2017 | 01:06:55 | |
Today we have Charlie Moyer who went from an unemployed military veteran with no eCommerce or online marketing experience to growing his men's grooming company, Badass Beardcare from $3000 per month to $375,000 in monthly sales. It all started with a simple $20 investment, and now he employs over 12 people in their El Dorado Hills facility. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
There are many factors that go into building a successful small business. You've got to have a killer product, a sound business plan, you have to find dependable employees and much more! On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll hear from entrepreneur Charles Moyer. Charles built his business, Badass Beardcare from the ground up and has experienced exponential growth. He shares how he finds dependable employees, how to leverage social media and free sample offers, adjust to customer feedback, how to build a following and much more! This is a powerful episode where you get to learn from a small business expert, don't miss it! One crucial aspect of running a small business is hiring dependable employees. It can be difficult to bring someone into a small operation with a lot of risks and what is often a passion project. Let's face it, a small business is an entrepreneur's baby and it can be very hard to trust someone with your baby. That's why business owner Charles Moyer has been very cautious about who he brings on board at Badass Beardcare. Charles has a secret weapon that he uses to help him determine who will be a good fit to join his team. Don't miss this episode of Inspired Insider so you can get in on Charles' secret weapon! What is your company doing to engage with potential customers in digital spaces? What value are they offering to incentivize new users of their product? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll hear from business leader Charles Moyer. Charles started his business off with simple but effective social media engagement. He had a small budget for advertisement so he went to the digital space where he hangs out, Facebook. Charles leveraged Facebook Ads and an offering of free samples to entice new customers to his product. His strategy worked and his orders went through the roof! To get more insight from Charles and how he got his business off the ground, make sure to listen to this episode! One of the worst things you can do as a business leader is to ignore feedback from your customers. Sure there will always be a select few who just show up to complain or give you a hard time but make sure you have the practice built into your company to hear from and respond to customer feedback. Taking the time to hear from his customer base allowed Charles Moyer and his team at Badass Beardcare to adjust their product and make key improvements that led to increased sales and customer satisfaction. Learn more about Charles' approach on this episode of Inspired Insider! How do you go from offering a great product to creating a following for your company? Just ask entrepreneur Charles Moyer. His company, Badass Beardcare started off by offering great quality products to care for your beard. Then Charles decided to take it up a notch so he created the "Badass Beard Club." This move was birthed out of Charles' desire to go above and beyond with customer care and create a following among his customers. Through the Badass Beard Club, his company now offers exclusive deals and much more. To hear more about Charles' story, make sure to catch this episode of Inspired Insider! Resources Mentioned on this episode
Rise25 is where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| [One Question] Pushing Through Failure with Conor McCluskey Founder of BombBomb | 25 Apr 2017 | 00:11:28 | |
Today we have Conor McCluskey Founder of BombBomb an interactive email service provider. Basically, you can make quick and easy personalized videos embedded in an email to wow, friends, family or business relationships. Conor co-founded a service company in the multi-family housing industry that grew to 60 employees and over 1.7 million dollars of value in just four years. He is also an owner of a vineyard and winery called "Proper Wines" in Walla Walla, Washington named Best New Winery by Seattle Magazine. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Sometimes the journey toward success requires leaders to push through failure. Sure people love to hear about instant or overnight success stories, but the fact remains that is not how most leaders will find success in life. Conor McCluskey experienced early success with his friend and business partner but ended up quite suddenly losing it all. He had to start again from square one. Conor speaks of this experience as an eye-opening and humbling one. Through this setback, he learned a lot about himself and how business works. Because he had experienced success, he knew what it would take to get there again, and it wasn't too long before that became a reality. If you'd like to hear more about how Conor found his way back to business success, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. Where did you get your work ethic from? Did you learn it from your parents, your peers, or did you have to learn it on your own? Entrepreneur Conor McCluskey learned to "Hustle" and "Grind it out" from his father and grandfather who were themselves, entrepreneurs. Conor talks fondly of how those early years watching and then participating in that hard work shaped him into the focused and driven individual he is today. What lessons can you learn from Conor's story? Find out on this episode of Inspired Insider! Every business leader has a different answer to why they succeed. Some say it's their stellar team members, some say it's the excellent product their company puts forth, still others say it's the culture of their company. While much of that might be true for Conor McCluskey, the one piece that he says fuels his business success is his core values. Sticking to his core values is the way Conor is able to stay focused on what matters in life and business and tune out the negative or critical voices that come his way. If you'd like to hear more about Conor's story, make sure to catch this episode of Inspired Insider! Resources Mentioned on this episode
This is part of the Skubana Ecommerce Mastery Series where top Sellers and Experts teach you what really works to boost your ecommerce business. Skubana is a platform to manage your entire ecommerce operation. Rise25 is where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| Going ALL IN on a Business Acquisition with Pete Spenuzza Founder of Rise Bar | 20 Apr 2017 | 00:32:45 | |
Today we have Pete Spenuzza Founder of RiseBar. After acquiring a small operation in San Diego Pete turned around the healthy snack company. RiseBar can be found in select Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmer's Market, Vitamin Shoppe and much more online and offline. Their facility is entirely free of wheat, cane sugar, GMO's, meat, eggs and peanuts ensuring the products are gluten-free and soy-free. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
What is it like to go "All in" with a business acquisition? Is it a difficult process? Is it worth it? On this episode of Inspired Insider, Peter Spenuzza sits down with Jeremy to discuss how he started Rise Bar by acquiring a small packaging factory in San Diego. Peter goes through all the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of that process and how he eventually got Rise Bar off of the ground and into big retailers like Whole Foods. If you've ever wondered how the business acquisition process works, this is an episode you don't want to miss! As you can imagine, the process of buying a business is a difficult one. Think of when you purchased your home or your car but multiply that by a factor of ten! You want to check, double check, and then check again to make sure you aren't missing any hidden obstacles or liabilities. On this episode, Peter Spenuzza walks Jeremy through the process of his business acquisition. Peter had a few highs and lows along the way that can provide helpful insights to anyone who is considering going through the process themselves. But this isn't just for leaders who plan on buying a business, you can learn some great lessons from Peter's journey - make sure to catch this episode! Sometimes you don't notice how much your influence impacts others. People often get so focused on what they are doing or trying to accomplish that they forget that others, especially children are watching. Who had a big influence on you as a child? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll hear from business leader Peter Spenuzza and how he was impacted greatly as a child watching the hardworking example of his father and grandfather. If you have children or you are trying to leave an impact on others you don't want to miss this powerful and encouraging episode! One of the most important decisions you can make as a business owner is bringing on the right team members. This was especially true for Peter Spenuzza when he acquired an already operational business. He had to decide who to keep on from the old business and who to let go. It wasn't an easy process for Peter and he learned some tough lessons along the way. Because of that experience, he is convinced that leaders like you need to take extra care in selecting, training, and promoting key team members to work for your company. To hear more about Peter's story, make sure to listen to this episode of Inspired Insider! Resources Mentioned on this episode
Rise25 is where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and co-founder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| [One Question] Brand with a Mission with Jake Kloberdanz Founder of One Hope Wine | 18 Apr 2017 | 00:10:52 | |
Today we have Jake Kloberdanz coFounder and CEO of One Hope, a brand with a mission to serve the world. The company started with an award-winning wine brand OneHopeWine.com and has since expanded into gourmet coffee and other gifts. They have gone from 0 to selling over 750,000 bottles a year since its inception. On the serving the world side of things, One Hope has donated more than $2M to date, helping to provide over 1.1 million meals to people in need, plant 56,000 trees, and much more. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Imagine what it would be like to combine your entrepreneurial spirit with a vehicle to help those in need, better your community and make a difference. A brand with a mission, sounds too good to be true, right? It's not! Jake Kloberdanz and One Hope Wine join a growing trend of cause entrepreneurs. These are individuals who want to marry their passion and drive in business with providing a societal good. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear from Jake and how he started this amazing program called "Via One Hope." Jake's energy and excitement over this project and the hope his company is bringing is infectious, you don't want to miss it! An old proverb says, "Do for one person what you wish you could do for everyone." Jake and his team at One Hope Wine are living this ideal out. They don't have the resources to help everyone in need or fund every cause that pulls on their heartstrings but they have devised a way to equip one person to be the change they want to see. Through the development of the "Via One Hope" program, Jake and his team are unleashing the potential in hundreds of entrepreneurs who want to make a difference and build a brand with a mission. They've built a merit-based marketing platform that allows passionate entrepreneurs to spread the One Hope mission and make an income while making an impact. If you'd like to learn more about Jake and One Hope Wine, make sure to catch this episode of Inspired Insider! What is one of the first things you do when you get some good news? You share it! Jake Kloberdanz and his team at One Hope Wine are doing everything they can to spread the word about the great opportunities they've created for their brand. Jake is extremely gracious with his time sharing his passion for One Hope Wine and the amazing things they are involved with. Find out how you can learn from Jake's approach, amplify his voice, get great wine deals and so much more on this episode of Inspired Insider! Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| Navigating Business Risk with Brad Weimert Founder of Easy Pay Direct | 13 Apr 2017 | 01:08:13 | |
Today we have Brad Weimert, he started Easy Pay Direct in 2009 – It is an online credit card processing company for high-level e-commerce businesses. They especially help high volume businesses susceptible to consumer disputes. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
What is it like to build a company around navigating business risk? Is your business operating at a high or low-risk factor? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll learn about navigating business risk from entrepreneur Brad Weimert. He built his company Easy Pay Direct around credit card processing and assessing risk. If you've ever wanted a peek behind the veil to see how all the in's and out's of business risk work, you've got to catch this episode. Brad also talks to Jeremy about the value of deep relationships, holding to high standards, creative marketing strategies and much more! Business risk is one of those topics that people try to avoid. It's like going to the dentist, everyone needs to go but you put it off for too long it can be dangerous! Every business carries with it a risk factor, some are higher than others. On this episode of Inspired Insider, business leader Brad Weimert walks through several examples of assessing and addressing business risk. If you are just starting out or if you've been in business for a while, you will find this episode with Brad very helpful. Set some time aside with pen and paper ready, this is an episode you don't want to miss! Are you as successful in building relationships as you are in building your business? If you want to experience lasting and healthy professional growth, you've got to have deep personal relationships to sustain you. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear from entrepreneur Brad Weimert. Brad is convinced that one of the most important factors to holistic success in life and business is connecting deeply with old and new friends. You'll hear Brad talk about his elaborate dinners he hosts once or twice a month where he seeks to expand his circle of friends who align with his values and goals in life. You've got to hear Brad go in-depth about this wonderful way to connect with like-minded individuals. Do you have a set of standards that you filter your decisions through? The benefits of having high standards are knowing your values and goals ahead of time. You don't have to act in a reactionary fashion, you can use your goals and standards to filter your decision-making process. Business leader Brad Weimert had a series of goals that he filtered his professional career decisions through. This led Brad to eventually start Easy Pay Direct. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you get the chance to hear how those high standards led Brad on the path to success. Make sure to catch this motivating episode! When is the last time you did something way outside of the box to attract new business? After receiving many of the same types of marketing offers potential clients and customers tend to tune out overused mediums. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will get to hear a really interesting and creative method that Brad Weimert used early at the start of his business to attract a client. Brad also shares some helpful tips and insights that you can use to get the success you've been looking for. You don't want to miss this fascinating episode! Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| [One Question] Growth Challenges with PJ Jonas Founder of Goat Milk Stuff | 11 Apr 2017 | 00:20:10 | |
PJ Jonas is the founder of Goat Milk Stuff which she built in her kitchen into a multi-million dollar business. Her goat milk products business has been featured on The Today Show, The Doctors, and in Oprah Magazine. She runs a farm and is a mother of eight. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
How would you handle business growth challenges? Do you have a plan in place? When you are starting out as a small business, you dream of success and rapid growth. But when it comes, it brings with it a whole host of new challenges. This was especially true for PJ Jonas and her family's business. They had to decide what they were going to do to take their business to the next level. Because they deal with dairy products, they were caught in a tough situation. State regulations forced them to decide if they wanted to keep their business at a small scale level or quickly start putting the pieces together for a larger scale operation, there simply wasn't any place in between. If you'd like to hear more of PJ's story and how they were able to overcome this difficulty, make sure to catch this episode of Inspired Insider. One of the best aspects of running a small business that you started from home is being able to raise your children in an entrepreneurial environment. The values and life lessons that you are able to pass on and instill in your children are priceless. When looking back at their decision to move to Indiana, build their life on a farm, and start a small business PJ Jonas relishes the fact that she built the business for her family as her proudest moment. You've got to hear her talk about how much her children are involved in the business, her pride and excitement are infectious! You'll walk away from this episode with profound inspiration - you can't miss it! It's often said that the best way to ruin a relationship is to get money involved. There are countless stories of business leaders who bring in a family member or even friends only to have it ruin their relationships. PJ Jonas and her family learned this lesson the hard way. One of her lowest moments in business was when she realized that she wouldn't be able to continue employing some friends she had brought into the business. It wasn't because they were bad people, it just wasn't a good fit. Can you imagine that scenario? It was really difficult for PJ and it's cemented in her mind as one of the most difficult moments she had starting her small business. Hear about how she dealt with that situation and what you can learn from it on this episode of Inspired Insider. Is the American dream dead? There are many people who seem to think so. From high unemployment rates to stock market instability in recent years it's fair to say that hope in building something from nothing can be hard to come by for many individuals. But there are those who see things in a different light, entrepreneur PJ Jonas is one of them. PJ and her family found their slice of the American dream through hard work and big goals. She will be the first person to tell you that it wasn't all smooth sailing. They had setbacks and failures along the way but they persevered. What lesson can you learn from PJ and her family's story? Hear more about their journey toward success on this episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Sponsor for this episode
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| Business Expansion with Adam Witty Founder of Advantage Media Group | 06 Apr 2017 | 00:50:30 | |
Adam Witty is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Advantage Media Group. What began in the spare bedroom of his home is now an international publishing company. Advantage has been named to the prestigious Inc. 500/5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies and as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina multiple years in a row. Adam is the author of five books and he is a chairman for both Nonprofit Youth Entrepreneurship S.C. and Clemson Entrepreneurship Institute. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Everyone wants to know the secret to business expansion. What will it take to see exponential growth and success? The secret to growth and expansion is typically sold as something that can happen overnight - don't listen to that! Those are the exception, not the rule. Most growth comes with patience over time. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear from business leader Adam Witty. Adam started young with a big dream, to someday own a professional basketball team. Step by step Adam is getting closer to that dream with his dedicated path toward success in business. You have a chance to learn from one of the most successful business leaders in his industry - make sure to listen to this episode! Have you ever wondered how you would respond in a high-stakes business situation? If you had the chance to pitch your great idea or product to a high-level investor or go into a meeting with a potential strategic partner, how would you respond? Adam Witty recently had the opportunity to pitch a strategic partnership that would expand his business with one of the most recognizable names out there, Forbes. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear Adam's key insights and lessons that he took away from that experience and how you can implement them on your journey toward success. You don't want to miss this episode! How can you get an advantage over your competition? What will it take to get you and your business over the top on your journey toward success? It might be time for you to consider writing a book! On this episode of Inspired Insider, Adam Witty makes an excellent case explaining how business leaders can become thought leaders by taking the step to author a book. This is a huge way entrepreneurs can work toward expanding their business. It might sound daunting and impossible but you've got to check out Adam's great case study that will convince you to consider writing a book today! What keeps you up at night? What is your big audacious dream for life? What steps are you taking to achieve your dream? Entrepreneur Adam Witty knew his dream from a very young age, he wanted to own or manage a professional basketball team. That dream led him to contact Pat Williams, the owner of the NBA team, the Orlando Magic. This set Adam on the path of a lifelong friendship with Pat. Over the years they have worked together and at a crucial point in Adam's life, Pat gave Adam some key advice. Find out more about Adam's friendship with Pat and the lessons you can learn on this episode of Inspired Insider. Do you have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur? Do have grit? In order to succeed as a business leader, you have to cultivate a mental toughness that refuses to let anything keep you down. Challenges will arise and you have to be ready to face them. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear from business leader Adam Witty. He knows what it takes to be successful and he knows what it's like to fail. Make sure to listen to this episode to hear Adams insights and lessons so you can learn from his mistakes as well as his success! Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| [One Question] Connecting with Customers with Megan Reamer Founder of Jackson's Honest | 04 Apr 2017 | 00:25:06 | |
Megan Reamer is the founder of the potato chip company Jackson's Honest. She sells them all over the US and in eight countries in places like Whole Foods, Bed Bath and Beyond, Woodman's to name a few. Early on they were even selected by the Academy Awards to be an exclusive snack food for the green room, executive suites, and backstage. Megan is a mother of four and the company was inspired by their son Jackson's illness. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
It's that moment that many entrepreneurs live for, hearing that your product has connected with customers. Megan Remer experienced this delightful moment when she started to receive initial feedback on her company's products, they were connecting with customers. She was overjoyed at the fact that there was a wider audience for her product and that it tapped into a need in the marketplace. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll hear Megan discuss difficulties with rapid growth, lessons learned from a logistics nightmare, how she keeps things positive, and much more! This is an episode you don't want to miss! Every business leader dreams of having their product take off with instant success and rapid growth. Unless you've been there, it's hard to understand why this can be a dangerous desire. Megan Reamer saw her company's product skyrocket in sales and popularity in a short time frame. She connected with an untapped need in the marketplace and the customer feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It was great! But it was also very difficult. Especially as a new company that didn't have the experience and infrastructure to handle such rapid growth. But Megan and her team at Jackson's Honest got a handle on what they needed to do to respond to their quick success. Find out what you can learn from Megan's experience on this episode of Inspired Insider! It's always difficult when things don't go your way. You can react to these frustrations in three ways - fight it, give up, or learn from it. Business leader, Megan Reamer explains how she chose to learn from a frustrating experience. In what would turn out to be a logistics nightmare, Megan had to decide how she would react. She, of course, did everything she could to solve the dilemma she had with shipping her product to a store but more importantly, she looks back as a moment she learned from. Reacting in this way can set leaders up for great success. Don't give up, don't get bitter, learn from low moments! Find out more from Megan's story on this episode of Inspired Insider. What is your response when things get really difficult in life? Are you more prone to fight or flight? On this episode of Inspired Insider, Jeremy talks with Megan Reamer. She found that her response to difficult situations is to keep things positive. Megan encourages business leaders to take a look at the adversity they are facing in life and business and push through it. It's like that old saying, if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Megan did just that when she started her company, Jackson's Honest. Hear more of Megan's success story on this episode! Resources Mentioned on this episode
Rise25 is where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| [Top Agency & Israel Business Series] Revolutionizing Food Advertising With Mark and Dan Sibilia | 23 Jan 2025 | 00:51:05 | |
Mark Sibilia is the Founder and CEO of MPP Marketing Group, an industry leader in restaurant and food service marketing. He has over five decades of marketing experience, specializing in the restaurant industry. Mark is also the Founder of Graphika Print Solutions, a print management company, and the visionary behind ColorSuite, a color printing re-production software. Dan Sibilia heads the digital division at MPP Marketing Group, contributing 17 years of experience to the family business. He has helped the company navigate the challenging landscape of transitioning from print marketing to digital marketing. In this episode…Succeeding in the competitive food and restaurant industry is a challenge. It requires more than offering delicious products: you must also know how to effectively market your business. Where can you find an agency to partner with you in building your brand and boosting your bottom line through a range of marketing services and products, all as part of a cohesive marketing strategy? Marketing experts Mark and Dan Sibilia explore their incredible journey from operating a small print broker business to mastering the ever-evolving world of restaurant marketing. They dive deep into the world of food industry marketing, highlighting transformative strategies, from mouthwatering pizza flyers to robust digital campaigns. They share their expansion from print to a robust suite of digital services that continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in marketing. The father-son duo also discuss their challenges during COVID and the lessons they learned in diversification and resilience. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mark and Dan Sibilia of MPP Marketing Group about the powerhouse strategies that reshaped food industry marketing. They discuss MPP Marketing Group and what it offers, the integration of digital options into traditionally printed restaurant marketing materials, and the transformative deal with Uber Eats that changed the trajectory of MPP Marketing Group. | |||
| Holistic Health with Briana Borten Founder of DragonTree | 30 Mar 2017 | 00:50:18 | |
Briana Borten has built three spas into an eight figure business encompassing a variety of wellness products, including nutritional supplements and the life planner called the Dream Book. She is also the cofounder of DragonTree. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Don't you hate it when you can't solve a problem or finish a puzzle? That incomplete feeling can be very frustrating. Now, imagine if you felt that about your physical health. What would it look like to have someone help you discover holistic health? Briana Borten has built a business around helping people find physical, emotional, and lifestyle health. She has devoted her creative pursuits to treating the whole person. This passion led her to open her spa and apothecary, write her book, and publish a journal. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear Brian tell her story of success, personal struggles, and much more! One of the hardest aspects of starting a small business can be finding the right people to bring on your team. Do you know what qualities to look for in a new candidate? How do you set them up for success from day one? Briana Borten has honed a great hiring process over her years in business. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear some helpful tips from Briana that you can put into place today in your business. Briana's concepts aren't just theoretical, she gives real life examples of mistakes she has learned from and how it's helped her discover the best practices to hiring employees. You don't want to miss this great episode! Do you struggle to fit into the traditional mold of an entrepreneur or business leader? Do you find it difficult to adopt the habits and best practices of some of the most successful business icons? You aren't alone! Successful business leader Briana Borten has found the key to less stress and personal freedom, just be yourself! Sure getting tips and insights on what the most successful leaders do is helpful but just as helpful is finding the right rhythms that allow YOU to thrive. If getting up at 5 am is constantly draining and sucking your productivity, don't do just because "Successful people" do it. Find out what you can learn from Briana's personal journey on this episode of Inspired Insider. Can you imagine what it would be like to work in an industry that changes people's lives? Briana Borten has the great fortune to see that life-changing impact on her clients on a regular basis. Briana's products through her apothecary and the healing benefits of her spa's sessions bring a huge increase in quality of life for many people. She takes great pride in the fact that she is helping people discover holistic health. Not only focusing on the physical, Briana helps people understand other aspects that impact their health. To hear more about Briana's work and the passion behind her success, make sure to check out this episode of Inspired Insider! What's your worst case scenario? What determines your perspective on life? Are you always shooting for the impossible without considering the reality of your dreams? Maybe you need to take a page from Briana Borten's book. She encourages people to get a healthy perspective on life. Pause, take a look at the good things you have going for you in your life. Would it be the worst thing if you never accomplished more than what you already have? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you'll hear helpful insights from Briana on how she gained a healthy perspective. Don't miss it!
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| [One Question] Social Media Engagement with Ashley Drummonds Founder of ABS Protein Pancakes | 28 Mar 2017 | 00:17:46 | |
Ashley Drummonds is the founder of ABS Protein Pancakes. She has been featured on Shark Tank, the Home Shopping Network, Forbes.com, and much more. In over two years she has sold more than $500,000 worth of pancake mix. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Can you really build success off of social media engagement? Is your business just a few hashtags away from unlocking it's potential? Jeremy's guest, Ashley Drummonds found success with her product ABS Pancakes by leveraging social media engagement before she learned all the tricks and tips of online marketing. Ashley applied common sense to her strategy and it paid off! She used the same carefully selected hashtags and constantly posted about her product on the same platforms at the same time each day. Soon she saw her product gain a following. Ashley has since grown that following and has seen her company take off with exponential growth. Learn more about Ashley's experience on this episode of Inspired Insider! What are the ingredients necessary for success? What tools do successful business leaders use on a regular basis? Ashley Drummonds launched her brand in a very public setting with her appearance on Shark Tank. Since that launch and the subsequent success, Ashley has had to find tools and resources to help her keep up with the momentum that she gained. On this episode of Inspired Insider, Ashley shares what tools she uses to stay on top of her personal and professional brand promotion. Don't miss these tools and other lessons from Ashley's success! What is one of the most important things to remember when you rise to the top? It's a kind of unspoken rule in our society - don't forget where you came from. Help out the little guy. It's one of those cultural values that we like to think that we can hold celebrities and successful business leaders to. The truth of the matter is, no one can hold anyone to that ideal. It has to be something that the successful individual values for themselves. Ashley Drummonds learned this crucial lesson from her experience on Shark Tank. She makes every effort to encourage and support entrepreneurs who align with the values of her company. To hear more about Ashley's story, make sure to catch this episode of Inspired Insider! At one point in her journey, Ashley Drummonds had to move out to California for her business. She describes this as being one of the most difficult moments she has faced. She went out there with nothing. No support, no family, she was alone. Ashley talks about this time being very influential for her. This was the moment where she had a HUGE gut check and decided if she really had what it took to start a business and be successful. For Ashley, it worked out. Her hard work paid off. What lessons can you learn from her story? Find out on this episode of Inspired Insider! Resources Mentioned on this episode
Rise25 is where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| Promoting Quality Customer Service with Jay Steinfeld Founder of Blinds.com | 23 Mar 2017 | 01:17:24 | |
Jay Steinfeld is Founder of Blinds.com. He set up the original eCommerce site NoBrainerBlinds for $3000 in 1996 and has since grown the eCommerce company to over $200 million in annual revenue. It is the world's top retailer for blinds and shades and provides blinds for over a million windows every year. The company was acquired in 2014 by Home Depot. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
It isn't sexy but most businesses would LOVE to be known for quality customer service. The problem is that is costs money and resources to build that kind of culture in your company. But those costs can end up paying HUGE rewards. Jay Steinfeld and his company have built a reputation of providing quality customer service. On this episode, Jay and Jeremy discuss taking risks, enjoying work, providing the best product to customers, and so much more. This is an episode that any business leader would be wise to listen to, there are so many applications! Don't miss this episode of Inspired Insider. Taking risks in business can be scary. What if you fail? What if it all comes crashing down around you? However, taking risks is necessary! It's been said that if you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done. Are you taking risks? Jay Steinfeld will be the first to tell you that he is risk averse. But he has forced himself and his organization to push through the uncomfortable and take risks. They don't take HUGE risks, rather they have committed themselves to constant experimentation. They regularly take small risks in the hope that one pays off and becomes the next great idea. Jay thinks of this process as an investment in his company's future. Learn more from Jay and the lessons he has learned in business on this episode of Inspired Insider. Do you LOVE your job? Does getting up for work each morning fire you up? Meet someone who loves what he does, Jay Steinfeld. Jay is the CEO of Blinds.com and he considers his job FUN. He has spent years building up his team and his business from a small operation out of his home to an industry leading multimillion dollar company. The joy and excitement Jay has for his job have spread throughout his organization. In fact, having fun is one of their core values. If you'd like to hear Jay expand on his core values and catch why he is so fired up about his job, make sure to listen to this episode of Inspired Insider! In many sales circles, the emphasis is on the features that a product provides. But this approach doesn't take into consideration the prospective customer's perspective. It doesn't anticipate the customer's needs. A good salesperson listens to their customer and matches them to the product that will provide them the most benefit. This approach is central to Jay Steinfeld and his team at Blinds.com. Jay's many years of experience in sales and specifically dealing with the sale of blinds has shaped his perspective. He wants his salespeople to give outstanding service to their customers. Learn more about Jay's insights and how you can apply them to your industry on this episode of Inspired Insider. The reputation of customer service in our society isn't always positive. You hear horror stories of people calling in and having to spend hours on hold and then get someone who isn't interested in taking care of their problem. On the other side, you hear stories that speak of customer service employees having a terrible working experience. When a business gets customer service right, they stand out. Jay Steinfeld's company, Blinds.com holds to high customer service standards. In fact, it was their excellent reputation for customer service that factored into Home Depot decision to acquire them. Their reputation in this area is not by accident. Jay Steinfeld talks about how this is something he has carried with him through all his years in business. To hear more about Jay's lessons in customer service, make sure to catch this episode of Inspired Insider! Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| [One Question] Small Business Growth with Charles Moyer Founder of Badass Beardcare | 21 Mar 2017 | 00:18:32 | |
Today we have Charlie Moyer who went from an unemployed military veteran with no eCommerce or online marketing experience to growing his men's grooming company, Badass Beardcare from $3000 per month to $375,000 in monthly sales. It all started with a simple $20 investment, and now he employs over 12 people in their El Dorado Hills facility. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
What causes small business growth? Is the right product, the right timing, or the right team? Sometimes it can seem like a bit of all three and a dash of good luck. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear from small business owner Charles Moyer. He and his wife started Badass Beardcare out of their home and have grown it into a thriving company. Charles shares about the difficult lessons learned, proudest moments, the partnership with his wife, and tools that have helped them succeed. This is a helpful episode filled with powerful lessons that you can benefit from, don't miss out! Have you ever had a difficult and challenging moment in business? What about dealing with a difficult personnel problem? One of the low points from Charles Moyer and his company Badass Beardcare came when they had a team member who started to perform poorly. Removing a once productive team member is always a difficult and unpleasant process but it's necessary for healthy businesses to thrive. The good news is that these difficult and uncomfortable situations often lead to greater understanding and lessons learned. What can you take away from Charles' story? Find out on this episode of Inspired Insider. Have you ever had one of those moments when you thought either personally or professionally that you "Arrived?" Entrepreneur Charles Moyer had one of those moments last December when his company Badass Beardcare hit over $15,000 in sales for a single day! He pulls that day out as a shining moment of success. As a small business owner, it's important to hold onto and reflect upon those successful and proud moments, because they don't happen everyday. Charles is also quick to add that he is filled with pride when he hears from his customers. On a regular basis, he hears from satisfied customers who are raving fans of his product. Charles shares more great insights from his journey as a small business owner on this episode of Inspired Insider. Sometimes a small business needs a little push to help take it to the next level of growth. Charles Moyer tells a story about how his wife helped to literally push their small business out of the house and toward greater success. Charles started his company Badass Bearcare out of their home. As he worked to get their fledgling business off the ground, Charles' wife Ashley helped between her shifts as a nurse. She would print all the orders while Charles slept and he would pick up where she left off in the morning. Soon after Ashley became pregnant the odor from the product because too much for her to handle so she "Encouraged" Charles to move the operation outside of their home. This ended up being a huge help on their journey toward success. Don't miss out on more of their story on this episode of Inspired Insider! Do you struggle with organization? Are you looking for tips on how top business leaders stay focused and keep things clear? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear from entrepreneur Charles Moyer. He and his wife Ashley run Badass Beardcare. Ashley says that one of the best tools they've implemented on their journey from small startup to a thriving business is Google Calendar. This simple online and app featured tool helps Ashley and Charles keep their schedules synchronized and their business organized. To hear more - make sure to listen to this episode!
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| Creative Marketing with Ian Stanley Founder of Fixt Water | 16 Mar 2017 | 01:26:00 | |
Today we have Ian Stanley who is a top direct response marketer. He has written email copy for large seven and eight figure companies with email lists topping 1.2 million subscribers. Ian is the founder of Fixt Water and is on a mission to change people's lives by providing drinkable water, no matter the condition. He even has a disgusting video where he collected water with mud and waste and then drinks it after being filtered by a Fixt water pitcher. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
What does creative marketing look like? How can you think outside of the box to engage with your customers? Ian Stanley has gained a following because of his creative marketing approach. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will learn about what sets Ian's methods apart, the components of success that he has built upon, how to connect with customers on an emotional level, and the role of transparency in the marketplace. There are so many great lessons and insights that Ian generously shares, you don't want to miss it! Grab a pen and some paper and get ready for an engaging episode. The marketing landscape has entered a new and exciting time. From Super Bowl commercials to viral videos, social media engagement, and so much more, the possibilities are endless. What can you do to make your product stand out? How can you creatively engage with your customers in a fresh and appealing way? Ian Stanley had honed in on a fantastic approach. Part of his unique approach has to do with his product, the Fixt Water filter. Ian takes great pride in his ability to go to extremes testing and proving that his product is at the top of the industry. He does this by going to various locations and pushing the envelope on what most people would do, like drinking water from a toilet that has been filtered through his product. Ian's approach is connecting with a lot of people. To find out what lead him to this level of success, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. It's can be difficult to find the right path toward success. You might find yourself second-guessing your approach and making tweaks here and there along the way. What if you had to start over? What would you do differently? Ian Stanley had that opportunity. He had a successful start working on sales copy in the water filter industry but then struck out on his own. From that moment on he has had to figure out what the components of success would be for this new company. Ian took some important lessons with him from that first endeavor and has built a new and exciting business. What can you learn from Ian's insights? Find out on this episode of Inspired Insider. Many salespeople and industry leaders miss a vital point of sales and marketing. Connecting with the customer on an emotional level. How do you do this without coming off as manipulative and "Slimy?" Ian Stanley is trying to walk the fine line of engaging with his prospective customers through comedy and then also explaining how his product will impact their lives. It's a difficult balance to strike but Ian's approach makes a lot of sense. What would it look like for you and your business to adapt to this approach? If you'd like to learn more about Ian's product and how he engages with customers, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. The average consumer has become increasingly more educated as research is available at their fingertips. Responding accordingly, today's marketplace has placed a premium on transparency. What does that look like from a business leaders perspective? Entrepreneur Ian Stanley is Jeremy's guest on this episode of Inspired Insider. Ian has built his latest endeavor "Fixt Water" around this concept of transparency. He doesn't want to promise anything his product can't deliver on. Ian has gone to extreme means to put his money where his mouth is. In a series of viral videos, Ian has shown his dedication to proving the superiority of his product. To learn more about Ian's approach, make sure to listen to this episode! Resources Mentioned on this episode | |||
| [One Question] Finding the Right Business Coach with Ed O'Keefe Founder of TimeCollapsing.com & EdOkeefeshow.com | 14 Mar 2017 | 00:26:30 | |
Today we have Ed O'Keefe, Father of seven, grew up in a household of 13 children. He is the author of the book, "Time Collapsing! The New Art of Speed, Money, Power, and Meaning!" He has used his time collapsing methods to leap to the top of industries. He has started multiple companies from scratch to multiple seven and even eight figures. In dentistry, Ed sold over $50,000,000 in marketing systems and seminars. He started Marine Essentials and has sold over $60,000,000 in health supplements. On top of having seven kids and running the businesses mentioned, Ed was a Kokoro 40 Graduate! A 51-hour mini-hell week created by commander Mark Divine. Ed also runs a podcast, the "Ed O'Keefe Show" and invests in KNOWfoods.com a health food company that is disrupting the food industry. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
You learn from the content you consume. That's not a shocking statement. But most business leaders don't discern what content and more importantly, what voices they allow to influence their thinking. You need to find the right business coach. It could make all the difference. You need an outside perspective to help you see the aspects of your business that you are too close to notice. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear from renowned business coach and entrepreneur, Ed O'Keefe. Ed and Jeremy discuss mistakes to learn from, the impact a business coach can have, building the right team, and so much more! Grab a pen and paper, this is an episode you don't want to miss. One of the most important assets for a leader to have is also one of the most underrated; humility. How do you achieve humility? Usually, you become humble because you faced failure or a setback. But there are those leaders that you get around who exude humility because it's just a part of who they are. Either way, a lack of humility is a dangerous trait in a leader. You need to know your limitations and how to grow from your mistakes. Ed O'Keefe isn't shy to talk about the missteps and errors he has made in business. It's refreshing to hear from a business leader that doesn't always put a positive spin on everything, he's aware of his errors and he wants leaders like you to learn from them. Listen to this episode of Inspired Insider to learn more about Ed's story! Are you looking for that one thing that will push you over the top? Have you been tweaking your approach but feel like there is something missing that you can't put your finger on? You might need a business coach. Jeremy's guest on this episode of Inspired Insider is Ed O'Keefe. Ed has worked with business and entrepreneurs to help them take their success to the next level. He has developed tools and strategies leaders like you can implement to see the results you've been looking for. To hear more about Ed's approach, make sure to catch this episode! You hear it mentioned a lot by high caliber leaders but it bears repeating, you need the right team around you. The truth of the matter is, a good leader can only go so far by themselves. If you are wondering what is holding your business back, take a look at your team. Have you put the right people in place? Do you trust them? Have you given them the tools they need to succeed? Before you change your vision or start a new endeavor, it's best to take a look at the people you have around you. To hear more about the necessity of a healthy team, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| High Performing Teams with Vinnie Fisher Founder of Fully Accountable & Total CEO | 09 Mar 2017 | 01:32:00 | |
Today we have a top entrepreneur and business strategist - Vinnie Fisher. Using over ten years experience as a tax and business lawyer he started his entrepreneurial journey in 2007 and since has grown businesses to 7, 8 and 9 figures generating over $300 million in gross revenue for his own companies. Just to give you an example He has started 9 locations for adults with disabilities, information publishing, a web hosting company brain host that grossed over $100 million, a website security company site trust, a health supplement company, and is presently Founder and CEO of Fully Accountable, they act as CFO for your company - a done for you back office solution that allows you to make data-driven decisions based on your numbers. Vinnie is also the Founder of Total CEO, an education company that caters to CEO's to help them grow and scale their company. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Every business leader wants a high performing team. There is a whole section of books and studies dedicated to understanding how thriving teams operate and how to replicate those results. Vinnie Fisher is a renowned business leader and team builder. He doesn't just talk a good game when it comes to building healthy teams, he has the team to prove it. On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will learn about the three main holes that kill businesses, the importance of focusing on profitability, how to hire and train the right people, and so much more! What are the most common reasons that businesses fail? Industry leader Vinnie Fisher has identified three main holes that kill businesses. Don't rush through these and think they couldn't apply to you and your business. Go slow and consider each one. Businesses fail because….
Take a moment and really consider if ANY of these apply to your company. If you think that one might apply or you are getting closer to one than you'd like, don't despair! Vinnie has the tools and solutions to help you out. First, take the time to listen to this information rich episode of Inspired Insider. Then, make sure you get the free resources that Vinnie is offering located in the resources section at the end of this post. Should you be focused on Growth OR Profitability? If you are a business owner, chances are you've asked yourself this question on at least one occasion. Which one are you more prone to effort toward? Entrepreneur Vinnie Fisher is convinced that the best route for most companies to take is to focus on profitability. He explains that by focusing on profit and more specifically profit margins - you are able to keep a better eye on how the rest of your company is performing. If you'd like to hear Vinnie expand on this idea and share more powerful lessons from his years in business, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. How do you hire and train the right people? What does it take to get the right people and build a high performing team? Vinnie Fisher has established a reputation in the business community of building quality teams. He has learned that one of the keys to building a thriving team is knowing your culture. Every company has a distinct culture and it usually comes from the CEO. Do you know what kind of a culture you are disseminating? If you having a difficult time with personal, it's likely because you don't understand your culture and it's impacting your team. If you'd like to learn more about what it takes to build a healthy team, make sure to catch this episode of Inspired Insider! What is the primary reason someone leaves a job or their performance tanks? Business leader Vinnie Fisher says it's because they are dissatisfied with their job. He also shares the three most common reasons for this dissatisfaction.
The important lesson to learn here is to be absolutely clear as possible with your team members. They need to know exactly what you expect from them and they need metrics for success. This will eventually make your job easier because their performance will improve and there will be a streamlined method for evaluation. Hear more insights and tools you can use to build a high performing team on this episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| [One Question] Hiring the Right People with Peter Spenuzza Founder of Rise Bar | 07 Mar 2017 | 00:19:44 | |
Today we have Pete Spenuzza Founder of Rise Bar. After acquiring a small operation in San Diego Pete turned around the healthy snack company. Rise Bar can be found in select Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmer's Market, Vitamin Shoppe and many more online and offline. Their facility is entirely free of wheat, cane sugar, GMO's, meat, eggs and peanuts ensuring the products are gluten-free, and soy-free. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Hiring the right people can be a difficult task for any CEO. Many leaders hire from a place of urgency or desperation. Is there a better way? Peter Spenuzza has determined that taking their time and waiting for the right people to come along is a central piece of Rise Bar's continued success. On this episode of Inspired Insider, Peter talks about the ingredients of success, what he LOVES about his company's product and the difficult aspects of having quality team members. If you are looking for insight and helpful lessons in business, you've come to the right place! Why is Rise Bar so successful? Peter Spenuzza is convinced that they are successful because they produce a high-quality product that is healthy and delicious AND because they hire the right people. Peter is quick to tell you that they were able to ride the consumer wave of an increased demand for transparency - their bars only have a handful of ingredients. They've also excelled in being patient and hiring the right people for each job opening. It hasn't always been easy but this patient approach to hiring and the transparent approach to product development has paid large dividends in success for the company. To hear more insights from Peter, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider! When you see your business or product take off into stratospheric success that usually will count as a "High point" for most entrepreneurs but for Peter Spenuzza, it's different. Peter isn't crazy, of course, he LOVES that his company's product has taken off and is sold at retailers like Whole Foods. But what fires Peter up is getting texts or emails from friends or acquaintances who snap a picture just to let him know where they found his product and that they are HUGE fans of it. To this day, that gets Peter fired up more than the numbers and spreadsheets - they are making a difference in people's lives and that is huge! One of the most difficult aspects of hiring the right people for the job is watching them leave. You invest a lot of time, training, and resources in building up and equipping a talented individual and sometimes that person will move on to new opportunities. On this episode of Inspired Insider, business leader Peter Spenuzza talks about watching talented people move on as being one of the most difficult aspects of running a successful and thriving company. Peter is gracious and understands why people leave to pursue other opportunities but it still stings - you get attached to people! To hear more about Peter's story with Rise Bar, make sure to listen to this episode. Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| Automation Solutions with Wade Foster Founder of Zapier | 02 Mar 2017 | 01:09:50 | |
Today we have Wade Foster CoFounder of Zapier. Zapier gives you internet automation superpowers by making it easy to get your web apps to talk to each other. For example, I use Zapier in two ways - when someone fills out our type form application for Rise 25 it automatically imports it in Infusionsoft so we can make sure to stay in touch. Also for Inspired insider, when a blog post gets published it automatically posts the link on Twitter and Facebook. It's like having a virtual staff member focused on automation for a fraction of the price. Zapier went from zero to over 1.4 million users and grew to 50 staff in five years.
How can your business benefit from automation solutions? You might be quick to point out that you don't run Uber and you aren't experimenting with kiosks at a fast food chain so what does automation have to do with you and your business? Wade Foster started a company called Zapier to provide automation solutions for everyday entrepreneurs and business leaders like you! On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will learn about Wade's company and all they have to offer. You will also hear about Wade's entrepreneurial spirit, some of his best business practices, and much more. This is a powerful episode you don't want to miss! Some people are convinced that everyone can be an entrepreneur and some are convinced that it's something that can't be taught or developed, you have it or you don't. Wade Foster doesn't make a definitive case for either side but he tells his story of how each step was an arrival for him and his journey to become the entrepreneur and business leader he is today. Wade grew up in a culture that didn't really instill or cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit. But Wade kept finding himself pushing for more and more opportunities to prove his capabilities. From early on he couldn't shake the idea that you get paid for the value you create. This drive led to Wade eventually starting his own business, Zapier. Success can feel like it is an elusive target when you are building a company from the ground up. You find yourself waiting, hoping, and stressing for something that feels like you have no control over. Then after all that effort, success starts to grow and blossom from all the plans you've put in place. This is the moment entrepreneurs LIVE for. On this episode of Inspired Insider, Jeremy talks with business leader Wade Foster. Wade started the company Zapier and after months and months of effort, he started to see his company take off. The networking relationships played a key role in convincing Wade that it was time to go all in and focus all of his energy and time into this new startup. Make sure to catch this episode for more of Wade's story! Have you ever had a moment in your work day when you wish you could just press a button to send a report or to have a task begin? Automation is getting a lot of buzz in the business sector right now from self-driving cars, to fast food kiosks, and so much more! Wade Foster started Zapier as an extension of his engineering background. He loves the solutions that his business is able to come up with that saves business leaders time and energy so they can maximize profits. If you haven't heard of Zapier, you've got to check them out. Zapier moves info between your web apps automatically, so you can focus on your most important work. The tools they offer might be just the thing you need to take your business to the next level of success. What advantage can you gain from giving your product away for free? Is this a good strategy? Wade Foster and his company Zapier didn't start with a free version of their product but they decided to offer one for marketing purposes. It makes sense to them because a lot of applications they were interfacing with offer free plans too. They also found that people were more likely to talks about and promote Zapier if it had a free plan that people could start using with no risk right away. To hear more about Wade's decision to offer a free plan and the lessons you can take away, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| [One Question] The Journey to Success with Brad Weimert Founder of Easy Pay Direct | 28 Feb 2017 | 00:17:58 | |
Today we have Brad Weimert, he started Easy Pay Direct in 2009 – It is an online credit card processing company for high-level e-commerce businesses. They especially help high volume businesses susceptible to consumer disputes. The Easy Pay Direct Platform currently serves more than 60,000 merchants. Including Infusionsoft, Digital Marketer, and many more. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
The journey to success is often slower and more complicated than many people give it credit. We love to hear stories of overnight success and rags to riches tales of glory. But the truth of the matter is that many success stories take time. Quality work and steady leadership over long periods of time don't usually grab the headlines. Brad Weimert built Easy Pay Direct on slow and steady success. On this episode of Inspired Insider, tune in to hear Brad's story, the ups and downs, and what motivated him to put it all on the line to start something he believes in. Why are so many business leaders and entrepreneurs thrill seekers? From running marathons to skydiving, to mountain climbing, it's a common thread among many business leaders to push themselves to the limit. Brad Weimert is no different, he learned that there is a correlation with pushing himself physically and pushing himself in the financial and business sector. It was after a trip to climb some mountains in the Swiss Alps that Brad decided that he was ready to start Easy Pay Direct. In what ways are you pushing yourself? What lessons can you learn from Brad's story? Take twenty minutes and listen to this episode of Inspired Insider, you won't regret it! One of the most difficult times for an entrepreneur is often simultaneously the scariest. When you have your hopes, dreams, and future riding on the success of the business that you are starting, that can be nerve racking. Brad Weimert found himself in this situation as he contemplated the steps necessary to start Easy Pay Direct. He knew that he had to make a significant risk and take on some debt to get started. Brad pushed through this difficult period and was able to build a successful business. The beginning was challenging and the success didn't come easily but the journey shaped him into a better business leader. Make sure to catch more of Brad's story on this episode of Inspired Insider. You've heard the saying, "Don't miss the forest for the trees." There is a lot of truth to that statement. Many business leaders get so caught up in the process and details that they can end up so focused on the smaller things that they lose sight of the big picture. Brad Weimert received this helpful word of advice and it changed his thinking. Someone once told him that "The destination is not the outcome, it a beacon." This truth has resonated with Brad. He keeps it close to remind him not to get swept away in the objectives or goals but see them in their proper place, as guiding lights. This word of wisdom might be just the thing you need to implement today. To hear more insights from Brad, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| [Top Agency Series] The Art of Music Marketing With Dalton Piche of Members Media | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:40:15 | |
Dalton Piche is Founder of Members Media, a music marketing platform revolutionizing the industry. Members Media boasts over one billion annual streams for clients, including high-profile artists like Billie Eilish and Bruno Mars. With a background in music as an artist himself, Dalton was motivated by the challenge of promoting music effectively, leading to the creation of Members Media. He empowers artists with opportunities to reach new audiences and has expanded to offer services like playlist promotion, social media advertising, and agency partnerships. In this episode…In today's music industry, independent musicians face the daunting challenge of standing out among mainstream stars. However, with the right strategies and an understanding of the complex landscape of music promotion, they can carve out their unique space in the spotlight. So, how does one navigate the complex landscape of music promotion successfully? Dalton Piche, the mastermind behind Members Media, reveals the hardships and triumphs of innovating within music marketing. He describes how he transformed his struggles as an emerging artist into an opportunity by founding a marketing platform that assists musicians in gaining the exposure they deserve. Dalton dives into the evolution of his agency, detailing its expansive range of services that propel artists into newfound fame. He shares valuable insights on playlist promotion, social media advertising, and the strategic transparency that guides their approach. He also opens up about his journey from starting out, managing a team's growth from one to 18, and the critical learning curve of the business. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Dalton Piche, Founder of Members Media, about finding success in music marketing. Dalton discusses the inspiration behind Members Media and its mission to support artists, why Spotify playlist promotion is a popular and effective strategy for reaching new listeners, and their success stories in amplifying music. | |||
| Successful Cold Emailing with Jake Atwood Founder of Buzzbuilder | 23 Feb 2017 | 01:08:39 | |
Today we have Jake Atwood founder of Buzzbuilder, which is software that allows sales professionals to automate their cold email outreach. His singular focus is to make it easy for salespeople to pack their pipeline with qualified leads. He shows a warmer approach for prospecting to busy executives besides the dreaded cold calling methods. Buzzbuilderpro.com has tools and programs that have been implemented by over 25,000 sales professionals. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Can cold emailing be successful? Is there more to it than just email blasting a list of prospects you acquire from a vendor? Sales and marketing expert Jake Atwood started a company called Buzzbuilder to address cold emailing. He has built a successful team around him that has tapped into this often underutilized market. On this episode of Inspired Insider, hear from Jake as he discusses the power of follow-up, common mistakes salespeople make, cold emailing tips, and much more! Find out how you can leverage the lessons and skills Jake has developed. Most people are focused on immediate results. Patience is not necessarily a virtue in our culture let alone when it comes to sales. What is the solution? Should you expect immediate results or is there a better long term approach? At Buzzbuilder, Jake Atwood and his team emphasize the power of follow-up. They know that most sales prospects don't respond to the first encounter or even the second! On average, it takes up to eight contacts with a prospect for them to reply and engage. Have you developed a strategy for follow-up? Find out how you can take your sales team to the next level with Jake's tools and insights on this episode of Inspired Insider! Pursuing success is not only about finding what works, it also includes identifying what doesn't work and avoiding those mistakes. What are some common mistakes salespeople make? Jake Atwood has been in marketing and sales for many years. He knows what works and what doesn't. Here are a few of common mistakes he's identified.
Don't miss more helpful insights and lessons from Jake on this episode of Inspired Insider! What is so great about Buzzbuilder? Honing into a niche market is a HUGE contributor to the success many startups experience. What does that process look like? Entrepreneur Jake Atwood built a successful company with the aim of addressing a problem in the marketplace no one was solving. From Jake's efforts, Buzzbuilder was born. The niche that Jake and his team have cornered is cold emailing. They don't just compete with companies that focus on email marketing, they specialize and excel in helping salespeople contact and build upon prospects they received from a vendor list. To hear more about how Jake built Buzzbuilder and the lessons you can learn from his success, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider! Cold Emailing: Tips and best practices How can you get the most out of your efforts with sending cold emails? What are you missing? Jake Atwood and his team at Buzzbulider have spent over 10 years perfecting their approach to getting results from cold emailing. Here are some of their tips.
This is just a taste of the insights and tools you will hear about on this episode of Inspired Insider. Make sure to listen in to get more tips from Jake! Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| [One Question] Building a Healthy Work Culture with Adam Witty Founder of Advantage Media Group | 21 Feb 2017 | 00:13:27 | |
Adam Witty is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Advantage Media Group. What began in the spare bedroom of his home is now an international publishing company. Advantage has been named to the prestigious Inc. 500/5000 list of America's fastest growing private companies and as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina multiple years in a row. Adam is the author of five books and he is a chairman for both Nonprofit Youth Entrepreneurship S.C. and Clemson Entrepreneurship Institute. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
What ingredients are necessary for work culture, leaders, and businesses to thrive? How do you measure the results? Are they reproducible? On this episode of Inspired Insider, Jeremy has a powerful and wide-ranging discussion with Adam Witty. They discuss the qualities that Adam looks for in entrepreneurs that are looking for investors, building a healthy work culture, and so much more. The years of experience and wisdom that Adam brings to the table cannot be overstated, you don't want to miss the helpful lessons to be learned from this episode. Grab a pen and some paper and tune in! What do investors look for in a business opportunity? Is it the product? The plan? For many investors, it's the person. Who is often more important than what or how when it comes to resourcing a business venture. On this episode of Inspired Insider, Jeremy sat down with business leader Adam Witty. Adam shared some of the qualities that he looks for when he is deciding which people to work with and invest in. The top priority is perseverance. Adam looks for someone who has the ability to face obstacles and adversity and not let it defeat them. He wants someone with thick skin who can "Take a few licks." Adam expands on the qualities he looks for and more on this episode! Have you ever had a job and felt like the hard work you produce day in and day out goes unnoticed? Why does that happen? Entrepreneur Adam Witty has taken great steps in his business to make sure this doesn't happen. Adam and his team have implemented a tool called "Caught in the act of greatness." Every Friday afternoon, everyone in the company fills out this form where they identify the quality work they've seen from someone in the company that week. This simple act is one of many ways they try to align with their core value to "Create an environment that breeds greatness." Their efforts seem to be working, Adam's company Advantage Media Group has cultivated an impressive reputation in their industry and region as a quality work culture. Don't miss more insights from Adam on this episode of Inspired Insider! Why are so many offices drab and boring? Is it any wonder why attitudes among the workforce match the surroundings? Business leader Adam Witty knows a thing or two about building a healthy work culture. His company, Advantage Media Group has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in South Carolina" multiple years in a row. Adam is passionate about valuing the people he employs. He says that people are the greatest asset any successful company has. It doesn't just start and end there, Adam describes the tangible things he does to cultivate a healthy work culture. To hear more about Adam's story of success, make sure to listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| Happiness Beyond Success, with Tony Grebmeier Co-Founder of ShipOffers | 16 Feb 2017 | 01:33:22 | |
Tony Grebmeier is co-founder Ship Offers that he built with two of his Childhood friends, Doug Roberts and Gil Gerstein. Fifteen years later, ShipOffers is an eight-figure business that has been an INC 5000 Company for the past three years in a row. They ship out over 1 million orders per year. In 2008, Tony almost lost it all. He also runs the podcast the Tony G. Show -- bringing together his love for business and self-improvement. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Is there happiness beyond success? Our country was founded on the ideal we call the "Pursuit of happiness." But many people have attached this ideal to the amount of success or wealth someone has or doesn't' have. On this episode of Inspired Insider, Jeremy sits down with innovator and entrepreneur, Tony Grebmeier. They discuss finding happiness beyond wealth and success, overcoming obstacles in life and business, and how to leave the world a better place. Tony's experience in both success and failure brings a refreshingly honest and authentic approach. Don't miss out on the lessons and insights he has to offer! Success and fame can be powerful drugs. You've seen it play out on the headlines and on cable news. Sometimes the most powerful and successful people end up the most miserable because they've used and abused what they've earned. Tony Grebmeier has been there and seen the ugly underside of a life built purely on success and what you can get from other people. Today he speaks up in business and entrepreneurial circles about the danger of building your life and happiness on your success. Tony doesn't just talk a good game, his life demonstrates it. He has turned his life around and is dedicated to serving others and bringing value to the world. Make sure to listen to this episode of Inspired Insider to hear more about Tony's story. Don't waste your money. Learn from the mistakes of outspoken and successful business leaders like Tony Grebmeier. Tony has been through the ups and downs of starting his own business. He has made some terrible mistakes and he lives to tell the tale! He wants new business leaders to come and learn from the mistakes he has made along the way. He is open and honest so others don't have to suffer the same setbacks he has endured. Learn from Tony's wisdom and find out how you can save money and time on this episode of Inspired Insider. What are you bringing to the table today? How are you making the world a better place? These are the questions that keep entrepreneur and business leader Tony Grebmeir up at night. Tony has built his life, especially in the last nine years, around helping others. He is an individual whose life has been changed and he is driven by a desire to help change other people's lives for the better. Part of that passion is fueled by the awesome work and service he provides through his company ShipOffers and the quality supplements they sell. To learn more about what motivates Tony and his infectious enthusiasm, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. When you get a guy like Tony Grebmeir talking about his passions and the lessons he has learned in life and business, coming away with one key truth can be difficult. Tony had so many great stories and truths to share but the one thing that he wanted to leave people with is this; be your word. What does that mean? It's basically a relentless commitment to honoring others and being accountable for your own actions. This truth has changed Tony's life and has influenced him to share what he has learned with others. To hear more from Tony and the life lessons that he is eager to share, make sure to listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Rise25 is where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| [One Question] Expanding Leadership and Influence with Jay Steinfeld Founder of Blinds.com | 14 Feb 2017 | 00:26:49 | |
Jay Steinfeld is the Founder of Blinds.com. He set up the original e-commerce site NoBrainerBlinds for $3000 in 1996 and has since grown the e-commerce company to over $200 million in annual revenue. It is the world's top retailer for blinds and shades and provides blinds for over a million windows every year. The company was acquired in 2014 by Home Depot. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Expanding leadership and influence is really the goal of anyone successful. People rise to the top not to hide their talents and success but to put them to greater and greater use. The same is true for entrepreneur Jay Steinfeld. He built Blinds.com, a successful company from the beginning and led it into a beneficial acquisition by Home Depot. This allowed Jay and his team to have an even greater platform to expand their leadership and influence on the marketplace. On this episode of Inspired Insider, listen to Jay talk about the early days of social media promotion, his experience with Home Depot, and other lessons in leadership. Why did Jay Steinfeld lead his company into and stay on after their acquisition by Home Depot? Jay's work building and creating a successful culture and product at Blinds.com wasn't just business, it was passion. Jay loved the work he and his team were able to do, that's why they accepted Home Depot's offer. Because of their acquisition by such a large organization they were able to bring their product and success to a larger platform. It was this opportunity that thrilled Jay and brought him and his company through a beneficial transition. To hear more about how the acquisition happened and Jay's lessons learned, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. Transitions in life and business can sometimes be extremely difficult. This is especially true when you go from something that is growing and successful into the unknown. Jay Steinfeld experienced this transition when his company that he founded was acquired by Home Depot. Jay went from a primary role as an entrepreneur to now operating as a CEO. This transition wasn't necessarily bumpy or unpleasant just, new. He went from being a product expert to now having to run, manage, and expand the company's influence and platform on a larger scale. It was an exciting and successful time for Jay and his team. Listen to this episode of Inspired Insider to hear more about Jay's story. Do you ever find yourself wondering that motivates high performing leaders and entrepreneurs? What is it that they believe in that makes them so fired up and dedicated? Jay Steinfeld is a successful entrepreneur and innovator. As he has grown as a leader over the years, Jay has developed and shared what drives his core values. He mentioned, creating the right systems, the right process, the right environment, and hiring the right people that fit. Don't miss out on Jay expanding on these ideas and more on this episode of Inspired Insider! Have you ever struggled with navigating a particularly difficult time in your life or business? How did you respond? Business leader, Jay Steinfeld went through one of the toughest things someone could face, the loss of a spouse. He cites this the lowest point in his life and one is quick to empathize. Even in his pain and loss, Jay was able to see the flourishing and success of the company he started. It's both of these moments, the devastating and the joyous that have shaped Jay into the leader he is today. Listen to this episode of Inspired Insider to hear more from Jay and his interesting journey. Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| Guerrilla Marketing with Russell Saks Founder of Campus Protein | 09 Feb 2017 | 01:06:25 | |
Today we have Russell Saks founder of Campus Protein. He started a national supplement company while attending Indiana University and grew it to over 1200 sales reps and he went from zero to 7 figures in revenue. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Guerrilla Marketing is getting a lot of attention in the business world lately. How do you implement it? What are the best tactics and strategies? Is it even worthwhile to invest in? If you are wondering how guerrilla marketing can help take your business to the next level, this is a great episode for you! On this episode of Inspired Insider, Jeremy sits down with Russell Saks, founder of Campus Protein. Russell and his team have developed some innovative guerrilla marketing tactics that have produced impressive results for their product sales. Learn how Campus Protein harnessed current events and popular slogans to catapult their product to success. You will also hear about the fascinating journey Russell has been on as he led his business from a small college campus startup to become an industry leader. How do you keep your customers coming back for more of your product? Better yet, how do you get your customers to start purchasing additional products you offer? Russell Saks and his team at Campus Protein have found that simply including samples with each order has enticed their customers to expand the products they use. Sure it sounds risky and not everybody who receives a free sample will start regularly buying that product. However, by expanding their experience of your product with the free sample, you communicate to the customer that you care about their interests. Learn more about how Russell and his team consistently improve customer retention on this episode of Inspired Insider. How do you build a large sales representative team, especially one large enough to service multiple college campuses? For Russell Saks and his partners, it took lots of patience and persistence. They went to everyone they knew and encouraged them to join their sales team. They refused to stop until they had enough team members to serve their clients well and keep an eye on expansion. Because of their focus and determination, Russell and his partners were successful in building a team that was in it not only for the money but for the opportunity to help others improve their health. Discover more about what fueled Russell and his team's success on this episode of Inspired Insider. When business is booming and everything is humming along, why change the formula? As the old adage goes, if it isn't' broken, don't fix it! Good luck telling that to an entrepreneur and innovator like Russell Saks. Russell and his team at Campus Protein were doing great selling vitamin and workout supplements on college campuses. But Russell wasn't satisfied with the level of success they were experiencing. This dissatisfaction caused Russell to lead his business in the direction of developing their own product line. That decision set Campus Protein on a whole new course toward even greater success. Even now, they continue to develop and enhance new products for their customers. To hear more about this process and what led Russell to take this big step, listen to this episode of Inspired Insider. Can you remember when you faced a major crossroads in your life? Was it deciding on whether to move to a new city? Or was it a change in your career path? These big life decisions can end up having huge repercussions for you and those close to you. Russell Saks faced a similar crossroads in his life. He had gathered a team to build a small startup on his college campus selling vitamin and protein supplements to his fellow students. The big question came when he graduated, would he continue to build the business or take another path like many of his peers were doing? The weight of this difficult decision caused Russell to really consider what he wanted to do with his future. What lessons can you learn from Russell's story? Find out on this episode of Inspired Insider.
Rise25 is where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| [One Question] Excellent Customer Service with Briana Borten Founder of DragonTree | 07 Feb 2017 | 00:19:54 | |
Briana Borten has built 3 spas into an 8-figure business encompassing a variety of wellness products, including nutritional supplements and the life planner called the Dream Book. She is cofounder of DragonTree.
A reputation is a powerful tool in the business world. It can make or break your company's brand before a customer ever walks through your door. What is the secret that enables some innovators and entrepreneurs to rise above the rest? How do you cultivate a company culture that provides an excellent customer experience? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you will hear from business leader Briana Borten. She shares how her company started, what has allowed it to succeed, the challenges she has overcome, and so much more! If you are looking for lessons in life and business from some amazing industry leaders, look no further! When was the last time you received excellent customer service? It's probably safe to say that only one really sticks out for you. An "Above and beyond" type experience like that leaves an impression, doesn't it? In today's business climate, more and more entrepreneurs are thinking deeply about customer satisfaction and how to shape their customer's experience in a way that stands out. Business leader Briana Borten has built a reputation in her industry for providing an excellent customer experience. Briana and her team learned from the start that a great way to build a customer base is by treating your early customers like the treasure they are. You've got to hear more about Briana's approach on this episode of Inspired Insider! Have you ever been in a circumstance when you thought, "I could do this better?" Maybe it was an experience as a customer, or as an employee, or even watching a movie! What do you do with that thought? Do you let it drive you into cynicism? Briana Borten had those same thoughts while she was working as an employee at a spa. She kept bringing suggestions and innovations up to her employer and half jokingly they said; "If you can do it better, go do it!" So eventually Briana struck out on her own and launched her first foray into running her own spa. Briana's story is fascinating, learn more about what motivated her to take this big step on this episode of Inspired Insider. Everyone wants their hard work recognized and appreciated. Maybe for you, it's seeing your product or company get a glowing review. You might be looking for that appreciation and validation from your supervisor or owner. If you've been there and had even a small bit of encouragement or affirmation, you know if feels great! Briana Borten got a taste of this feeling when she was approached by the Port of Portland asking her if she'd be interested in proposing a plan for a spa in the Portland airport. She leaped at this opportunity flush with excitement and jumped into planning her proposal. It was a daunting experience that left a profound impact on Briana and her business. What lessons can you learn from Briana's experience? Find out on this episode of Inspired Insider! You've been around people who seem like they don't have a care in the world. Have you ever wondered to yourself, "What would that be like?" Wouldn't it be nice to live without the constant pressure and burden of expectations that others have or that you have for yourself? Briana Borten has learned over the course of her years in business, how to gain a healthy perspective. She shares how maintaining a healthy perspective on life and business has kept her sane. This has allowed her the freedom and relief from having to constantly work herself into the ground and hold herself to impossibly high standards of success. Don't miss out as Briana expands on this concept and much more on this episode of Inspired Insider! Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| Building A Customer Service Legacy, with Eddie Lichstein of Autoplicity | 02 Feb 2017 | 00:54:44 | |
Very few companies can claim to have a customer service legacy. But Eddie Lichstein, coFounder of Autoplicity.com can point to the customer service approach they've taken to build the company. His auto parts company has gone from 0 to 50 million dollars in 4 years. He is also the Founder of THMotorsports.com that sells car parts - and the company celebrated 10 years and over 100,000 customers just recently. Eddie is also the coFounder of Rejoiner.com, an email marketing automation software for Ecommerce companies. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Eddie Lichstein and the team at Autoplicity and TH Motorsports built their business by establishing a customer service legacy. They hit the ground running - not through marketing and direct sales but through interactions with real people in online automotive forums. And though they've grown beyond that practice, they haven't left it altogether. To this day forums are a huge place for the company's representatives to engage with potential clients - and the customer service legacy continues as a result. When you think about what Eddie Lichstein and his team have done - building from 0 to 50 million dollars in 4 years, you realize that it's an amazing feat for any company. But when you understand that they are selling in one of the most competitive markets - auto parts for all kinds of automobiles, including high profile sports cars - the task becomes even more amazing. In this conversation Jeremy and Eddie chat about how the company got its start, the things that contributed to its rapid growth, and how they continue to excel in customer service and product sales in spite of vicious competition. Content is definitely king for Eddie Lichstein. He's built three companies on the back of excellent, helpful, incredibly detailed content that provides tremendous value to those looking to purchase anything from auto parts to email marketing services. His companies specialize in providing answers to the questions their potential customers have and they reap the rewards of it in increased sales. Building trust through powerful content marketing is not a theory with Eddie, it's a proven fact. When it comes to eCommerce the team at Autoplicity and TH Motorsports have figured out how to create shopping carts, checkout pages, and follow up email sequences that bring in more purchases and therefore, more profit. But they didn't do it by reinventing the wheel. Much of the approach they follow, they learned from examining and analyzing the big brands that do it well - like Amazon. You can learn a lot from what Eddie Lichstein shares about the secrets to higher conversions that are right in front of you on every Amazon checkout page, so be sure you listen. If you are going to start an eCommerce company that sells higher ticket items (like Eddie Lichstein did) he recommends one thing: Don't go into debt to do it. Take the time to raise capital - because cash flow is the main thing that chokes a startup business and keeps it from growing. You'll need to be able to do the things necessary to push past the obstacles you'll encounter - and you can't do that if you are worried about a load of debt or strapped for cash. That's just one lesson you'll learn from this seasoned eCommerce seller, on this episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode[box type="info"] Sponsor for this episodeThis is part of the Skubana Ecommerce Mastery Series where top Sellers and Experts teach you what really works to boost your ecommerce business. Skubana is a platform to manage your entire ecommerce operation.
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| [One Question] Planning for Success with Ian Stanley of Fixt Water | 31 Jan 2017 | 00:23:53 | |
Today we have Ian Stanley who is a Top Direct Response Marketer. He Has written email copy for large 7 and 8 figure companies with email lists topping 1.2 million subscribers.He is the founder of Fixt Water and is on a mission to change people's lives by providing drinkable water, no matter the condition. He even has a disgusting video where he collected water with mud and waste and then drinks it after being filtered by a Fixt Water pitcher. In this episode…What is the best plan for success? Is rapid growth always the best outcome? You've heard the old adage, slow and steady wins the race. But does that concept apply to the business world? Innovator Ian Stanley believes that it does. He has been involved in multiple successful business ventures over the years but this time he's taking a different approach. With his new business Fixt Water, Ian is practicing a high degree of patience. He is confident that his product will deliver the success he is after. Taking this long view approach affords Ian the time to put all the pieces in place so when the product catches on in the marketplace, he will be ready. As small businesses rise and fall one thing is constant; challenges along the way. The most careful and thought out plan for success will face hurdles of all shapes and sizes. What sets the successful innovators apart from the pack? Entrepreneur Ian Stanley finds that maintaining a long view approach grants him the vision to handle each bump along the way. This perspective keeps him from getting bogged down with difficulties. He takes them seriously but he doesn't allow them to take his eye off of his goals. To hear Ian expand on how he handles problems that arise in starting a business - listen to this episode of Inspired Insider! It's fascinating to hear what people wanted to be when they were younger. What experiences and interests would shape who they become as an adult? Ian Stanley grew up with the narrative since age five from his parents that he would win the Wimbledon Championship in tennis. But Ian's true passion was creating fun and entertaining videos with his friends. Growing up with the pressure and expectations from his parents impacted the decisions Ian made as he headed off to college. Ian says tennis would bring out the worst in him - he would make John McEnroe look like a Teletubbie! He ended up playing tennis in college but now he avoids the sport altogether. Ian decided that it was necessary for him to follow what brought him joy regardless of the expectations of others. This decision changed the direction of his life. Listen to more of Ian's journey - the ups, and downs on this episode of Inspired Insider. What do you do with landmark moments in your life? Do you shrink away from them or do you embrace them and allow them to fuel your passion? Ian Stanley faced a traumatic event when he was fifteen years old, he was mugged at knifepoint in England. Those two minutes changed the course of Ian's life. From that moment on, he wanted to help people and keep them from experiencing the kind of terror and helplessness that he faced. This led Ian to consider joining the military and also get involved with self-defense training. Ultimately, Ian fulfilled this desire to help others by developing the Fixt Water Filter. To hear Ian retell this impactful moment in his life and the course it set him on, make sure to listen to this episode of Inspired Insider! Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Our sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| Successful Product Introduction with David Rabie of Tovala | 26 Jan 2017 | 01:02:16 | |
David Rabie is the Founder of Tovala which is a Smart Oven that is paired with a meal delivery service. Essentially you get a fresh healthy packaged meal delivered and you scan the package and pop it in the Smart Oven and it knows the precise time and method to cook the meal to perfection whether it be broiling, baking, steaming or convection. They sold 250K worth of Tovala ovens on Kickstarter and 100K of that in one day. They also won the University of Chicago New Venture Challenge in 2015. To date they have raised over 700K. In this episode…How an innovator meets and overcomes challenges on their journey says a lot about their character and internal fortitude. One of the many obstacles entrepreneurs like David Robie face is tackling critical feedback. David and his company Tovala have been gearing up for the product introduction of their new Smart Oven. Using his business savvy, David has sought out and embraced critiques and tough feedback for his product. A huge part of this process is incorporating the use of focus groups and beta testing before product launch. It can be tempting for innovators to take this kind of feedback personally. Only the most driven and wise leaders rise above and push through criticism and even embrace it to see their products thrive in the marketplace. Assembling a stellar team can make or break a successful product introduction. A quality team is so vital to the success of today's startups that small business accelerator, Y Combinator largely rejects innovators that don't have a solid team built around them. Entrepreneur David Rabie credits much of his products success and popularity to his all-star team. He has high caliber individuals that have brought key advice, feedback, and contributions to the development of Tovala's Smart Oven. They are poised now for a smooth and successful product launch in Spring 2017 because of the essential contributions and collaboration fostered by this amazing team. To hear more about the necessity of building a quality team and more from David's story - listen to this episode of Inspired Insider.
Sponsor for this episode One of our sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| [One Question] How One Entrepreneur Tries To Be The Change with Tony Grebmeier Co-Founder of Ship Offers | 24 Jan 2017 | 00:27:57 | |
We've all heard Gandhi's famous words, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Tony Grebmeier is a guy who has learned that when he focuses on that truth, amazing things happen. Tony is the co-founder Ship Offers, a fulfillment company that he built with 2 of his Childhood friends Doug Roberts and Gil Gerstein. Fifteen years later, Ship Offers is an eight-figure business that has been an INC 5000 Company for the past three years in a row. They ship out over 1 million orders per year.Tony also serves as the host of The Tony G Show, a podcast that brings together his love for business and self improvement. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
If you want to be the change, you have to be mindful of it every day of your life. Tony Grebmeier is a guy who truly tries to practice that. Because of the things he's experienced, including a bought with alcoholism and almost taking his own life, Tony knows that while everything he sees wrong with the world is true, he can only begin making a change by being a better version of himself, every day. On this episode of Inspired Insider, Tony Grebmeier shares how he and his childhood friends build Ship Offers, a product fulfillment company that ships an amazing amount of product every day - how the company grew 600% last year - what he looks for in employees - how he hires - and a great exercise that helps him get his mind right. Why do you get out of bed every day? It's a question Tony Grebmeier asks his friends, family, and team members often. He doesn't ask just to be different, he asks because he really wants to know and also because he really wants THE OTHER PERSON to know. He believes that when we live with a sense of purpose, we add better things to the world. Hiring is a very difficult process for any company. Wasting time with a selection process that's ineffective is one of the worst feelings. On this episode, Tony Grebmeier shares a new approach he's taken to hiring that he's really enjoying and the incredible results it's delivered. If you want to know how to hire for character and not only skill, Tony has a good place for you to start. If you want to be the change you'd like to see in the world it begins in the present moment. Tony Grebmeier says that when he is able to focus on what he's doing in the moment without looking too far ahead, that's when he's able to add the most value and blessing to the lives of other people. You can hear a bit of Tony's story and catch a whiff of his enthusiasm, on this great episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Our sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only.
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| [Top Agency Series] Navigating the Digital Marketing Landscape With Thaddeus Tondu | 21 Jan 2025 | 00:49:45 | |
Thaddeus Tondu is the CEO and Co-founder of On Purpose Media, a digital marketing agency specializing in services like web design, social media management, branding, and pay-per-click advertising to help businesses achieve real results. On Purpose Media is known for effectively assisting home service contractors dominate their markets — particularly HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Thaddeus is a digital marketing expert with a track record of building a seven-figure business from the ground up. He is known for his candid approach and commitment to transparency, which has transformed the digital marketing landscape for home service industries across North America. In this episode…Navigating the shift from traditional media to a dynamic digital powerhouse poses significant challenges for entrepreneurs. Adaptability and strategic foresight are essential as market landscapes evolve rapidly. Embracing innovation and rethinking business models, how can leaders successfully chart a course toward sustained growth and relevance in the digital age? Thaddeus Tondu, a digital marketing expert, delves into how his agency was conceived and rose to success during the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares strategies for acquiring those first crucial clients, building rapport, and the significant choice to specialize in certain industries to drive value. Thaddeus also explores the lessons learned from high-profile mentors, tells us why culture is the bedrock of his agency, and gives insights into the power of authentic branding. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Thaddeus Tondu, CEO and Co-founder of On Purpose Media, about building and scaling a niche digital marketing agency. Thaddeus discusses On Purpose Media and what it does, effectively managing tough conversations with employees and clients, and its strategic decision to niche down to focus specifically on HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. | |||
| Amazon FBA Tips From An Amazon Insider with James Thomson of MarketplaceAccelerator | 19 Jan 2017 | 01:33:03 | |
Amazon FBA is one of the places James Thomson is a specialist. He is founder of MarketplaceAccelerator.com which is a consulting company for large Amazon sellers typically over $10million. James is the former business head of "Selling on Amazon". He developed the initial Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) NUDGE program that helped Amazon sellers generate an extra $1 billion in annual sales. He also has a Ph.D. in Marketing Strategy from Northwestern University. His primary focus is President of the PROSPER Show, an educational conference focused on helping online sellers become more profitable. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Amazon FBA has become a very popular way for everyday people to build their own brand and business online while still maintaining a 9 to 5 job. But when one of those small guy operations becomes successful there's a whole new level of expertise and specialization that has to come into play. That's where James Thomson and his company, Marketplace Accelerator come in. James has been helping Amazon sellers make the most of their large-scale FBA and eCommerce business for years, helping them refine their strategies, systems, and team to make the most of the opportunities that are available to successful Amazon FBA companies. The reason James has focused on Amazon FBA so much is because he's what you might call and "Amazon Insider," having been employed with Amazon. In fact, James is the creator of the Amazon FBA "nudge" program that helped Amazon generate an additional $1 billion in sales. James Thomson is on the podcast today to talk almost exclusively about Amazon FBA. He shares the biggest mistakes Amazon sellers make and how to avoid them, the biggest challenges growing Amazon sellers will face and how to overcome them, the companies and resources that can make Amazon FBA a winning proposition, and much more. If you are considering Amazon FBA and want to hear from a professional Amazon sales consultant who knows the Amazon way of doing business better than almost everyone, this episode with James Thomson of MarketplaceAccelerator is for you. Be sure you take the time to listen. It will be time well spent. Resources
Sponsors for this episode This is part of the Skubana Ecommerce Mastery Series where top Sellers and Experts teach you what really works to boost your ecommerce business. Skubana is a platform to manage your entire ecommerce operation. ***************
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| [One Question] Cash Flow Problems From Missing Inventory with Russell Saks of Campus Protein | 17 Jan 2017 | 00:17:36 | |
The guest on this episode of Inspired Insider is Russell Saks, founder of Campus Protein. He started a national supplement company while attending Indiana University and grew it to over 1200 sales reps. The business has grown from zero to 7 figures in revenue to date. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Missing inventory is an issue that no product based business ever wants to deal with. But it was the reality for Russell Saks and the team at Campus Protein at one point. Tracking down exactly what happened to the inventory and how it happened was only half the trouble. The other half was the cash flow crunch that came as a result. You can hear how Russell and his team met the challenge on this episode.
To run a product based business you have to keep track of a multitude of variables, from inventory, to sales, to follow up, to returns, to customer service. In today's economy apps and integrations of various kinds make all of that much more efficient and easier. Russell Saks of Campus Protein shares the apps and tools his team uses to keep track of everything and keep it running smoothly, in this episode.
When a business functions as a partnership on any level, decisions have to be made without getting stuck in committee. As Jeremy talks with Russell Saks of Campus Protein on this episode, he digs into the types of conflicts that have been common on the CP team and asks Russell to describe their process for getting through those issues while maintaining the team and culture. You'll learn a lot if you take the time to listen.
It's unusual for a college student to have the drive and ambition to create a successful business. But when it does happen you tend to hear about it (i.e. Mark Zuckerberg). Russell Saks is cut from that same cloth. He started Campus Protein while he was attending Indiana University and now it's tremendously successful. You can hear Russell's amazing story on this episode.
One of the interesting things about every founder is that he/she has interests or little-known hobbies that you'd be surprised to hear about. On this episode of Inspired Insider, Jeremy uncovers one of Russell Saks' life-long interests: magic. In fact, Russell was once performing magic tricks professionally. You can hear about it and find out how to see a video of Russell performing, on this episode. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Sponsor for this episode
Our sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| Ending Food Waste In Organic Products with Nik Ingersoll of Barnana | 12 Jan 2017 | 01:13:31 | |
Eliminating waste in the banana fields where their products are sources is important to Nik Ingersoll, cofounder and Chief Marketing Officer of Barnana. With is co-funders with Caue Suplicy and Matt Clifford Barnana has taken the organic snack market by storm. Barnana is a healthy organic banana snack with flavors like coconut/banana, banana chocolate and many more. They are in over 5000 stores including Safeway and Whole Foods and are in the US, Japan, Canada and Australia. There company is on a mission to end food waste at banana farms. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Food waste is a monumental problem in all areas of the food industry. Much of it exists because the companies that are creating food products don't pay attention to the places in their supply and distribution chain that cause the issues. Nik Ingersoll and the team at Barnana have made the issue of food waste one of their top priorities, examining everything from sourcing to shipping to eliminate food waste in their company. Nik and his co-founders at Barnana noticed that many of the bananas used to source their products were wasted, in large part because companies that use bananas only wanted certain sizes or types of bananas, so those that don't meet the requirements are rejected and left to rot. Nik and his partners decided that they could find ways to utilize those waste bananas and Barnana was born. You can hear the Barnana story on this episode of Inspired Insider. One of the turning points for the Barnana team was when the contact was made and the contract was signed with Whole Foods. It was a powerful push forward but didn't happen without its problems. The team had to scramble to find the necessary funding to enable them to produce the products to fill the Whole Foods order, but once it was done they had the account rolling and were able to use profits to build the business from there. One of the reasons that things like certified organic status and non-waste of food matters to Nik Ingersoll is because he grew up in a farming community in Nebraska. He realized at an early age that the pesticides sprayed on crops were not a good thing in the long run, especially since the water table where he lived was near the surface. So when it came time to build the products for the Barnana brand, Nik was convinced that they had to take the high road. When you run a business you can't live inside a bubble. The normal difficulties and losses of everyday life still affect you even though you have to continue producing in the business. One of the difficulties Nik had to face was the loss of his father. You can hear how he weathered the storm and the impact it continues to have on him daily by listening to this episode. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Our sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| [One Question] Tempted to the Dark Side with Vinnie Fisher of FullyAccountable and The TotalCEO | 10 Jan 2017 | 00:20:34 | |
Embezzlement is a serious thing - and on this episode of Inspired Insider you'll hear top entrepreneur and business strategist Vinnie Fisher tell of his lowest moment, when he was tempted to embezzle money from his company. Using his 10+ years experience as a tax and business lawyer he started his entrepreneurial journey in 2007 and since has grown businesses to 7, 8 and 9 figures generating over $300 million in gross revenue for his own companies. Just to give you an example He has started 9 locations for adults with disabilities, information publishing, a web hosting company brain host that grossed over $100 million, a website security company site trust, a health supplement company, and is presently Founder and CEO of Fully Accountable, they act as CFO for your company, a done for you back office solution that allows you to make data driven decisions based on your numbers Founder of Total CEO an education company that caters to CEO's to help grow and scale their company. He is author of The CEO's mindset: How to Breakthrough to the next level. Oh yeah..4 kids and married for over 20 years... Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
When Vinnie Fisher was at his lowest the company he had built and led for years was unable to make payroll. He was out of money. He didn't know what to do. That's when his assistant called and asked him if he was expecting the $30K affiliate commission check she had just received in the mail, which he wasn't - and he was tempted to take the money and go, leaving his employees to fend for themselves. You can hear Vinnie tell the story on this episode. What would you do if your company was going belly-up, you couldn't make payroll, and you'd just discovered that you had $30K you didn't know was coming? Would you take the money for yourself and your own family, or would you make payroll? It's not as easy a decision as it might sound for many people and Vinnie Fisher faced that exact scenario and came out on the other side. His story is an inspiration, so be sure you take the time to listen. Not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. At least that's what Vinnie Fisher says. He knows that some people don't have the drive or desire to maintain their energy when things are tough and lean times come. He knows that people who have the drive to keep going - people like him - are the ones who should be entrepreneurs. Vinnie's enthusiasm and energy are contagious and you'll enjoy hearing his story, so be sure you listen. When Vinnie Fisher was a boy he watched his Dad work a 40 hour a week job in middle management and decided then and there that he wasn't going to have the same kind of job. He watched as his Dad dealt with frustrations, was responsible for a lot within the company, and had little power to change things for the better. That's part of what drove Vinnie to become an entrepreneur. There are people who simply can't march to the beat of someone else's drum. They can't wait around for other people to give them directions. They are willing to carry the ball - over and over and over. Vinnie Fisher is one of those guys and he's Jeremy's guest on this episode of Inspired Insider. Do whatever it takes to hear Vinnie's story on this episode. It's worth your time. Resources Mentioned on this episode Sponsor for this episodeOur sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only.
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| Business As Mission with Peter Awad Founder of MissionMeats.co and Slow Hustle | 05 Jan 2017 | 01:04:55 | |
Business as mission is one of the foundational compoments of what Peter Awad and the Mission Meats team are doing. Peter founded Import Auto Performance which he has grown to 7 figures. IAPDirect.com has been selling car parts online for over 15 years. He is also Co-Founder of Mission Meats that sells grass fed beef sticks and bars and they even donate a portion of the profits to organizations. If that was not enough he runs the Slow Hustle Podcast showcasing the massive roller coaster that is entrepreneurship. He manages to do all of this with 4 kids! Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Business as mission is a concept that is becoming a bigger topic of discussion these days in entrepreneurial circles. Peter Awad and the team at Mission Meats are at the center of many of those conversations because their company is poised to make money SO that they can support causes that bring truly benefit to real people. Mission is anything that brings a blessing or benefit to people - from food projects, to clean water, to disaster relief - the point is that the business profits fuel helping people in disadvantaged or poor parts of the globe. Peter Awad and his company have been working that angle for years, supporting many causes that they believe in. If you want to run a business but don't want it all to be about you and the profits you're making, business as mission is a concept you should consider. It's a way to build the business for a bigger WHY than you may typically have, and you'll be changing the world one dollar at a time. Peter Awad also shares the story of Import Auto Performance, a company he began simply because he needed to make some money. He tells how he started out by sourcing his products from a friend and shipping them out of the back of his truck before Amazon was even on the scene. Today it's ramped up to an unbelievably complex and specialized business. On this episode of Inspired Insider you're going to hear the heart of a true entrepreneur, a guy who knows what it means to hustle the traditional way and what it means to do what he calls a "slow hustle." You can learn more about Peter Awad's story and life in business on this episode. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Our sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| [One Question] Dealing With Grief While Running A Startup with Wade Foster of Zapier | 03 Jan 2017 | 00:11:12 | |
Dealing with grief is hard enough, but even harder when you are running a busy startup business like Zapier. Wade Foster, co-founder of Zapier discusses his hardest moment on this episode: The loss of his father. Zapier is a software integration tool that enables you to connect your most used apps and software packages to automate an amazing amount of routine tasks. The Zapier team grew the business from 0 to 600,000 users in just 3 years. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
When Zapier - the amazing automation tool that integrates thousands of functions into seamless workflows - was in its beginning stages, co-founder Wade Foster suffered a terrible blow: the unexpected loss of his father. Dealing with grief is hard enough but even harder when you're in the pressure cooker of a startup. Wade shares what he did to deal with the grief and how the Zapier team helped during that season, on this episode. How have you found best to deal with the grief of losing a loved one? Wade Foster says that the loss of his father made him appreciate his father even more, which was a helpful balm to his aching soul. The things he noticed about his father in those dark days still speak to him in the way he works and relates to team members and customers. Hear more of Wade's story on this episode. Parents are supposed to be inspirations to their kids, even as they become adults. That's powerfully true for Wade Foster, co-founder of Zapier. His relationship with his father was one of his foundational sources of strength and inspiration - which is why the sudden loss of his father during the early years of Zapier was so hard to bear. You can hear Wade's story of wading through the grief and pain of loss on this episode. What would happen if your monotonous tasks could be automated and integrated? Maybe they can be! That's the reason Zapier exists, to make your mundane and routine tasks a thing you don't have to think about by causing them to happen automatically. Wade and the team at Zapier are always creating new integrations and "zaps." You can find out more about the tool and Wade's part in founding the company on this episode of Inspired Insider. Zapier is not only a web app, it's also got many integrated Chrome extensions that make the creation of integrations and workflows that much more easy and powerful. Wade Foster, co-founder of Zapier shares some of his favorite and most used Chrome extensions on this episode. Resources Mentioned on this episode Sponsor for this episodeOur sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| Negotiation Tactics From FBI Agent Christopher Voss, Founder of Black Swan, Ltd. | 29 Dec 2016 | 01:07:59 | |
Chris Voss spent 24 years in the FBI and was the FBI's lead international kidnapping and hostage negotiator for 4 years. He was an Instructor of International Business Negotiation at Harvard and is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown and University of Southern California MBA programs. He is author of Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It. He founded the Black Swan Group which is a negotiating consulting firm that applies his field tested lessons of hostage, crisis and kidnapping negotiation to the business negotiation world. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Negotiation tactics may sound like some kind of manipulative ploy to get people to do what you want, but Christopher Voss, one of the FBI's most successful hostage negotiators in history, says that negotiation is not about manipulation, it's about understanding the person on the other side of the conversation. In this interview, you'll hear Chris unpack that definition and learn some very basic but powerful negotiations tactics that you can use in everyday life. Getting the person you are talking with to the point of saying "That's right" is a pivotal point in any negotiation. It's the point when you know that you've understood their side of the argument and that they are beginning to feel that you are someone who genuinely wants to help them. Find out how to use the "that's right" principle to advance your negotiations on this episode. Christopher Voss says that one of the simplest but most powerful negotiation tactics the average person can learn is the practice of labeling. It's learning a specific way to re-express what has been said to you that disarms and deflates the tension in the conversation, enabling you to get further in your negotiation. You can find out how to use labeling and what it can mean for your next business deal in this conversation. You've heard it said that you want to get to "Yes" in business negotiations. But Chris Voss says it's more important to get to "no." When a person is able to respond to you with a "no" answer, it gives them a sense of power and leverage that will lead them to tell more of what is really on their mind instead of keeping up a facade of control and composure. It's an amazing negotiation tactic that yields great results. Did you know that putting yourself into a positive mindset before any conversation will enable you to more effectively deal with the conversation? A positive mood will make you 31% more effective in processing information, hearing what others are saying, and having an impact on the conversation in a positive way. You can learn how to do it on this episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| [One Question] Why You Will Win If You Never Give Up with Jake Atwood of Buzz Builder Pro | 27 Dec 2016 | 00:14:24 | |
Never give up. You hear it said a lot these days but it's not always so easy to decide if it's good advice. Jake Atwood, founder of Buzzbuilder knows the struggle to make the decision intimately. In the journey to create Buzzbuilder, an amazing software that allows sales professionals to automate their cold email outreach, he had to make the decision between startup success or going to find a corporate job. By never giving up he's bgeen able to make it his singular focus to make it easy for salespeople to pack their pipeline with qualified leads. He shows a warmer approach for prospecting to busy executives besides the dreaded cold calling methods. Buzzbuilderpro.com has tools and programs that have been implemented by over 25,000 sales professionals. Thanks to John Corcoran for introducing us Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Put yourself in Jake Atwood's shoes. He had a truly great idea for a software product and got the ball rolling. But he wasn't making much headway on the sales side of things - which means revenue was not coming in. He was stuck in that place of deciding whether he should keep pushing forward or just give up and get a corporate job. Sound familiar? What might happen if you set a self-imposed deadline for the monetary success of your company? What if your deadline was only 6 months away? That's not much time. Do you know what would make the difference between you achieving that goal or not? It's whether you allow yourself to give up or not. Jake Atwood tells the story of how he made the decision to make success happen in spite of the obstacles, on this episode of Inspired Insider. Jake Atwood discovered that if you want something bad enough AND are willing to put in the work to see it happen, success WILL come your way. When you reach that point of commitment, giving up is not an option. The success of Buzz Builder Pro is the result of Jake's hard work and commitment to never give up, and you can hear his story on this episode. Who are the people you go to for counsel and advice about the way forward for your business? Maybe it's not one person, but a group of people like a Mastermind group. Jake Atwood tells how he gleans help and insight from the people in various groups he's a part of and why he thinks that kind of feedback helps him get outside his own head and think of possibilities he never thought of before, on this episode. How do you know if you should keep going when hard times hit? Isn't there wisdom in giving up sometimes? It's hard to know the answer, isn't it? In this conversation Jake Atwood shares how he discovered the will to push forward when no money was coming in, and why that decision made all the difference. You'll enjoy hearing his story and will be inspired by his attitude. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Our sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only.
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| Global Food Sources And Making A Difference with Brian Oaks of Global Goods | 22 Dec 2016 | 01:39:26 | |
Global Food Sources are now being used to create healthy and in-demand products and Brian Oaks, founder of Global Goods uses the demand to generate a supply in struggling areas where the economic boost is most needed. Global Goods is a company that sources and manufactures Agave Nectar, Coconut Oil, and mexican Vanilla products. The company also produces its own Natural Skincare line Cocave. Global Goods sells all over the world and do this by also providing local jobs to struggling areas in Africa , Asia, the Dominican Republic and many other nations. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Global food sources are becoming more and more popular these days in health and wellness communities and for people with particular dietary restrictions and needs. Global Goods is a leader in providing incredible products such as agave nectar, coconut oils, essential oils, and much more. This conversation with Brian Oaks, CEO of Global Goods reveals how the company sources and supplies their products - and sells them successfully only from their online storefront. What would it be like to build an extremely popular and successful business and help some of the most disadvantaged communities in the world at the same time? Brian Oaks and the team at Global Goods have figured out how to do exactly that, sourcing raw materials from places like the Dominican Republic and Mexico and creating products western consumers pay high prices for. The Global Goods team is concerned about the quality and purity of the global food sources they use but that's not all they care about. The team is also concerned that their work in disadvantaged countries also boosts the economy and way of life for the local workers in those countries. You can hear how Brian Oaks and the Global Goods team keep that careful balance, on this episode of Inspired Insider. The difference the right kind of ingredients makes for people with serious health conditions like diabetes is incalculable. Brian Oaks knows from first-hand experience the difference healthy foods and good sources make. His wife has struggled with health issues for many years and only recently has turned a corner toward better health through dietary changes. That knowledge and experience encourages Brian all the more to ensure that the global food sources used in his products are the best possible. What difference would it make to your business if Oprah and Dr. Oz featured your product on national television? Brian Oaks can tell you. In a random segment of the Dr. Oz portion of Oprah's show he held up a bottle of Global Goods Agave Nectar, sourced in Mexico and said it was what he used as a sweetener in place of sugar. The sales started rushing in. You can hear the whole story on this edition of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode
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| [One Question] The Power of Business Systems For eCommerce Sellers with James Thomson, Founder of Marketplace Accelerator | 20 Dec 2016 | 00:03:38 | |
Business systems are what make or break any eCommerce business. That's the wise counsel of James Thomson, founder of MarketplaceAccelerator.com which is a consulting company for large Amazon sellers who do over $10 million in sales annually. James is the former business head of "Selling on Amazon". He developed the initial Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) NUDGE program that helped Amazon sellers generate an extra $1 billion in annual sales. He also has a Ph.D. in Marketing Strategy from Northwestern University. His primary focus is President of the PROSPER Show--this is an educational conference focused on helping online sellers become more profitable. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Business systems are talked about a lot in the internet space - and for good reason. Systems not only cause your business to run smoothly, they also enable you to extricate yourself from the day to day running of the business in a way that gives you peace of mind that everything will continue to run smoothly. On this episode of Inspired Insider Jeremy chats with James Thomson, Founder of www.MarketplaceAccelerator.com - a company that helps eCommerce sellers maximize their business profits and create a well-oiled machine that generates revenue 24/7. James' simple advice about the importance of business systems, shared on this episode, will take you some time to implement, but if you push through the difficulty, you'll be super happy with the results. This is part of the Skubana Ecommerce Mastery Series where top Sellers and Experts teach you what really works to boost your ecommerce business. Skubana is a platform to manage your entire ecommerce operation. *************** One of our sponsors today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only. | |||
| [Top Agency Series] Secrets to Entrepreneurial Success With Chris Herbert of Mi6 Agency | 16 Jan 2025 | 00:55:30 | |
Chris Herbert is the Founder of Mi6 Agency, a technology marketing and customer development firm dedicated to fostering small business growth and entrepreneurship. A former professional squash player, he has held positions as a marketing specialist and marketing director for various organizations, including laser eye care centers and technology firms. Additionally, Chris hosts the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, where he explores sustainable and responsible business growth within rural communities. He is also a founding member of AREA 81, a firm committed to the development, acceleration, and success of rural entrepreneurs. In this episode…In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, the ability to turn challenges into opportunities is a hallmark of successful leaders. By identifying innovative solutions and adhering to core values, they pave the way for sustainable growth in their ventures. What essential strategies can aspiring entrepreneurs adopt to navigate the complexities of launching and scaling their businesses? Chris Herbert, a professional marketer, delves into the practical marketing insights and solutions he provides to small businesses. He discusses the importance of relationships, responsiveness, and how to integrate marketing into a business's core. His innovative agency aims to combine community engagement with entrepreneurial ventures to foster sustainable growth in rural Canadian markets, using his well-honed marketing framework. Chris's approach involves creating value exchanges, developing search-optimized content, and strategically analyzing stakeholders and channels. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Chris Herbert, Founder of Mi6 Agency, about practical frameworks for sustainable business growth. Chris talks about Mi6 Agency and how it assists small businesses, Mi6's marketing framework for business sustainability and growth, how AREA 81 aims to empower rural entrepreneurs in Canada, and the power of patience, understanding, and value delivery in the selling process. | |||
| Effective Delegation As the Company Grows with Brian Goulet Co-Founder of Goulet Pens | 15 Dec 2016 | 01:29:44 | |
Effective delegation is a skill any founder has to learn or the company will not grow. Brian Goulet co-Founder of The Goulet Pen Company learned the lesson of delegation in the trenches. He and his wife Rachel run an online retail store focusing on fountain pens, ink, paper, and other tools for the writing enthusiast. They have grown it from a mom-and-pop startup from their dining room table to a multi-million dollar operation with over 40 team members and a 12,000+sf office/warehouse space. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Learning how to effectively delegate as your company grows is difficult, to say the least. You're used to being a solopreneur and have to begin passing along tasks and roles to others. If you don't, you're going to smother yourself and the company. Brian Goulet of Goulet Pens shares how he has had to learn the art of delegation while maintaining high quality in his company, on this episode of Inspired Insider. Too often the founder of the company becomes the bottleneck that chokes the overall growth of the company. He/she does this by refusing to delegate tasks or hand over roles to other members of the team. Brian Goulet is an ultra-competent CEO who is committed to quality, and he found the task of delegation very hard to learn himself. On this episode, he shares how he overcame his hesitation and began to delegate effectively. Often, the excuse for not delegating is that it's easier not to. The amount of time it takes to adequately train a person to take over high priority tasks is immense. But if the CEO continues to do those tasks he/she will be prevented from doing things that only he/she can do - the things that truly grow the company. Brian Goulet knew that pain himself and had to step out in faith as he brought on and trained team members to take over things he held dear. Find out how he did it on this episode. Too many companies are poised for explosive growth and miss it because of an ineffective delegation of tasks. The potential clients are there. The staff is there. But the systems and procedures are lagging behind because the founder or CEO has not seen the importance of setting aside time to build them and teach others to use them. It's a time-consuming task but it has to be done if the company is to grow. You can hear how Brian Goulet of Goulet Pens overcame that hurdle in his company, on this episode. One of the hardest points in any business is when the needs of the family seem to be in conflict with the needs of the company. For Brian Goulet, that moment came as his co-founder, his wife - experienced ever siring levels of anxiety almost weekly and the company was poised for explosive growth. How did he handle the pressure? You can find out by hearing his story, on this episode. Resources Mentioned on this episode
Sponsor for this episode Our sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only.
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| [One Question] Hostage Negotiator Loses The Hostage with Chris Voss of Black Swan Ltd | 13 Dec 2016 | 00:12:54 | |
Chris Voss spent 24 years in the FBI and was the FBI's lead international kidnapping and hostage negotiator for 4 years. He was an Instructor of International Business Negotiation at Harvard and is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown and University of Southern California MBA programs. He is author of Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It. He founded the Black Swan Group which is a negotiating consulting firm that applies his field tested lessons of hostage, crisis and kidnapping negotiation to the business negotiation world. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
It's not every day you get to talk with a hostage negotiator about what goes into effective negotiations. But that's what Jeremy got to do in his interview with Chris Voss. But negotiations don't always turn out the way you desire, even for the pros. On this episode, Chris tells the story of how his efforts came to naught when a hostage was lost in the Philippines, so be sure to listen to hear the story. If you need to learn how to become a better negotiator for your business deals or other opportunities you really need to hear what Chris Voss has to share on this episode. He tells his story of serving in the FBI as a hostage negotiator and offers some free tools to help you improve your skills right away. For every business person, there is a need for negotiation skills. You need to master negotiations in order to get ahead. What if you could learn from the career of a professional hostage negotiator? You can, on this episode of Inspired Insider. Resources Mentioned on this episode Sponsor for this episodeOur sponsor today is www.Rise25.com where entrepreneurs of 6,7, and 8 figure businesses come together live and in person every few months to solve their biggest business challenges through this high-level Mastermind group. Each member leaves each week with lifelong friendships and actionable steps to take their business to the next level. Check out Rise25.com - a group run by myself and cofounder John Corcoran. Rise 25 is application only.
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