In this insightful episode, Matt Levenhagen delves into the dynamics of partnerships and team collaboration across organizations. With his extensive background in team building and project management, Matt unpacks the key elements that ensure successful and harmonious relationships in the workplace. Starting the conversation with a candid observation on the longevity and depth of working relationships, he emphasizes the importance of synergy, mutual respect, and shared business ethos for enduring and productive alliances. Matt candidly discusses the intricacies of agency collaborations, emphasizing the necessity for goodwill, seamless communication, and cultural compatibility to drive joint ventures forward. By weaving personal experiences with practical advice, he offers a nuanced perspective on establishing meaningful connections within and beyond one's company. His approach underscores a holistic view of business partnerships, where value, talent, and personal rapport are equally crucial. Key Takeaways: Building lasting business relationships requires a combination of mutual respect, a culture fit, and delivering value.It is critical to not only establish business connections but also to foster personal rapport, leading to an enjoyable work environment.Equally important is ensuring timely compensation and clear communication, which are foundational for trust and smooth operations.Personal relationships with agency owners or team leaders can significantly enhance the collaboration and project outcomes.The challenges and rewards of outsourcing are balanced through strategic partnerships that focus on mutually beneficial goals. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this enlightening episode, Randy Wilson delves into the crux of transforming life's challenges into stepping stones for growth. His candid discourse encompassing opportunity, preparation, and the pursuit of genuine desires resonates with anyone standing at the crossroads of personal and professional evolution. Randy's tale, starting from an unexpected career setback to finding solace and direction in self-education, serves as an inspiration for self-driven improvement. Randy's region-centric upbringing in the Midwest laid a foundation for work ethics, however, it left him unprepared for the curveballs of corporate unpredictability. His pivot from corporate life to self-reliance showcases a quintessential journey of American entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the pivotal role self-learning plays in recognizing and seizing opportunities. Through his podcast, Rich Mind, Randy seeks to echo timeless values of resilience and lifelong learning, making his narrative particularly engaging for those in their decisive years of personal development. Key Takeaways: The store closure that prompted Randy to seek control over his destiny through self-education.Randy's realization that resenting past influences is unproductive and that self-improvement is continually achievable.The importance of discipline and presence in positioning oneself to capitalize on arising opportunities.His motivation for the "Rich Mind" brand is rooted in providing generational value and personal experiences that resonate universally.How Randy leverages his podcast as a medium to impact lives positively and drive change at an individual level. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this dynamic episode of the builders, host Matt engages with Ben Johnson, the innovative CEO behind Particle 41, to unravel the complex interplay between technology, entrepreneurship, and business growth. The dialogue opens doors into the formulaic aspects of transforming ideas into executable and profitable business ventures, with Ben underscoring the vitality of thorough market research and entrepreneurial adaptability. The conversation covers the nuances of business strategy, market segmentation, and the importance of addressing industry needs with a creative touch. Pondering the technological advancements since the days of the Commodore 64, Ben reminisces on his formative experiences with tech and how his journey has led him to equip companies with the tools to thrive in a modern, digitally-driven landscape. Key insights into the role of technology in scaling businesses are explored as Ben maps out the process of transitioning from legacy systems to cloud-based solutions. As an advocate for custom software at customer-touch points, he provides a pragmatic view on leveraging technology as a conduit for business growth and customer engagement. Key Takeaways: A successful entrepreneur needs to validate their business ideas with market research and be willing to pivot or adapt as necessary.Building a business often requires a co-founder or team that can complement one's skill sets and share a unified vision for growth.Moving businesses from legacy systems to the cloud is not merely trendy; it's strategic for scalability and future-proofing.Investing in custom software can offer high value at the intersection between customer experience and brand identity.Engaging in mastermind groups and seeking counsel through coaching or advisory services can be pivotal for business owners at any growth stage. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In an enlightening episode of the builders podcast, Jeremy Shapiro dives deep into the intricacies of structuring and scaling a business. His insights into drawing up an effective organizational chart and identifying key roles underlying current business operations serve as the foundation for strategic growth. From discussing the critical differences between working in versus on the business, to the significance of hiring and delegating effectively, this episode is a treasure trove for any entrepreneur looking to elevate their enterprise to the next level. Jeremy emphasizes the vital role of documenting roles, responsibilities, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to enable not just delegation, but informed and focused team productivity. He also challenges common entrepreneur reservations such as the fear of losing control over quality, and the misconception that scaling requires exponential increases in team and resources. Key Takeaways: Map out an organizational chart for your business as it stands today, identifying all the roles and responsibilities, not titles.Understand the difference between working on your business (strategic planning and vision) versus working in it (daily operations).The freedom gained by hiring others can increase your business's capacity, even if new hires aren't performing at the same level initially.Recognizing the importance of letting go of perfectionism can accelerate business progression and focus on value delivery.Identifying and leveraging the ‘superpowers’ or strengths within your team can lead to cross-pollination of skills and ideas, fostering growth and innovation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this engaging episode, guest Kristin Schvago shares her deep insights into branding, marketing, and creating a customer-focused business strategy. The conversation unlocks the often-overlooked simplicity behind marketing and selling—fulfilling promises and satisfying customer desires. Kristin emphasizes that branding should not be overcomplicated; it's fundamentally about making and keeping promises to customers. Drawing from her extensive experience, she elaborates on the significance of understanding customers' desires, concerns, and questions to streamline the buying process. Creating a 'jerk-free' business and work environment is a central theme, as Kristin advocates for workplaces devoid of individuals who make things harder for others. Key Takeaways: Branding is about the promise made to customers, while the brand represents the promises kept.Effective branding and marketing can be simplified to understanding and fulfilling customer desires.Interviewing five to seven customers of a particular segment can lead to actionable insights for businesses.A strategy to maintain a 'jerk-free' business environment is critical for reducing stress and improving productivity.Kristin prescribes empathy and love as guiding principles for entrepreneurship and interactions within businesses. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this episode, listeners get an insider's perspective on the enigmatic world of website analytics with Philippa Games, a seasoned expert in the field. Philippa demystifies the process of dissecting analytics and leveraging the data to bolster business objectives. Understanding the narratives behind the numbers is her forte, making her insights invaluable for businesses looking to extract actionable steps from overwhelming data sets. Philippa emphasizes starting with clear business and website goals before diving into the analytics. Customizing tools like Google Analytics four to fit these goals can yield insights into customer behaviors and preferences. Philippa shares fascinating case studies where analytics led to the creation of new products or the optimization of existing processes—demonstrating that with the right analytical approach, data can be transformed into a strategic asset. Key Takeaways: Every page of your website should have a strategy, and understanding what actions you want visitors to take is crucial.Site search analytics can offer a gold mine of insights into what your audience is looking for, which can drive content and product development.Setting up analytics properly is vital to ensure accurate data collection for meaningful insights.Holistic analysis involving a blend of technical skill and creative thinking can reveal unexpected opportunities for business growth.Consulting with analytics experts like Philippa can help businesses interpret overwhelming data to make informed decisions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this introspective episode of "The Builders," host Matt Levenhagen takes a deep dive into the philosophy of lean startups, beyond the surface of initial business launches, and applies it to internal business processes and ventures. His refreshing take on minimizing risk and fostering innovation through rapid, iterative testing of products and services comes to life through real-life examples drawn from his decades-long experience in the trenches of entrepreneurship and internet marketing. Matt discusses his journey from testing various special reports to hitting gold with a report on PPC advertising, which eventually morphed into a robust 200-page guide and associated products. Listen in as he unravels how this lean startup approach allowed him to refine his business strategies over the years, leading to the evolution of his agency and its offerings. Moreover, Matt provides insights into his current suite of plugins developed under Unified Plugins, detailing the lean methodology in action within his product development process. Key Takeaways: Lean startup principles can be effectively applied to product and service innovation within an established business, not just at the startup phase.Rapid, iterative testing with minimum viable products (MVPs) can save time and resources while finding the market fit.A successful product or service can evolve from a simple test, such as Matt's special report on PPC advertising, which grew into a larger, profitable venture.It's essential to gauge the market's response to a product or service before fully committing to its development.A lean approach can be applied to various business areas, from plugins and digital products to services and even marketing strategies. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this engaging episode, Matt welcomes intellectual property expert Andrei Minkoff to explore the significance of trademarks for entrepreneurs. The conversation starts with Andrei's foundational story, which is rooted in his father's encounter with copyright infringement, fueling Andrei's eventual immersion into the world of intellectual property law. Andrei shares his journey from Russia to Canada, his struggles with establishing his law career overseas, and how these experiences led him to launch Trademark Factory. With profound insights into the trademarking process, Andrei highlights the importance of protecting one's brand and the ingenuity of his business model, which guarantees results for a flat fee. Key Takeaways: Trademarks are crucial for legal brand ownership and enforcement against imitation.Andrei Minkoff’s journey in IP law was inspired by his father's struggle with copyright infringement in Russia.Founding Trademark Factory, Andrei developed a unique trademark registration service with guaranteed results for a guaranteed budget.Statistics show a high percentage of trademark applications initially get rejected, highlighting the importance of professional help in the process.Entrepreneurs should value their brand and consider trademarking early to avoid costly legal disputes. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this engaging episode of the Builders Podcast, host Matt welcomes Jeannette Sibly, an expert in leadership coaching and talent advising. With decades of experience and a hands-on approach to driving tangible business results, Jeannette shares insights from the trenches that are particularly relevant to small and medium-sized business leaders. Jeannette discusses the nuances of hiring, the transformative power of effective coaching, and the common pitfalls that companies face in the employment process. From the importance of knowing who you're hiring to the critical role of job fit in an employee's success, Jeannette emphasizes the high cost of intuition-based hiring and the substantial benefits of a structured, data-driven approach. Listeners are provided with a wealth of knowledge, including actionable strategies for improving hiring processes and optimizing team performance. Jeannette's focus on people challenges and her tools for understanding the core of an individual make this episode a must-listen for any business owner or manager looking to refine their hiring and management practices. Key Takeaways: Hiring the right people is less expensive than training and exiting, but doing it poorly can be costly and detrimental to your business.Jeannette advocates for a balanced hiring approach, with one-third of the decision based on interviews, one-third on vetted assessments, and one-third on thorough due diligence.Proper assessments are vital for determining job fit; legitimate assessments should have technical manuals, high validity and reliability, and account for distortion.Employers must understand that job fit is the number one indicator of job success, and not all capable job applicants will necessarily fit the job.Leadership and hiring managers should be equipped with the right questions and tools to discern between an interviewee's rehearsed responses and their true potential and fit for the role. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this episode of "The Builders," we are thrilled to have Jim Bishop, a renowned leadership coach with a background as a trained scientist, share his unique insights on transforming leadership and executive coaching's pivotal role. Jim takes us on his journey from his scientific beginnings to becoming an influential figure in human resources and leadership. He discusses his holistic strategy for reshaping work cultures, emphasizing the shift from reactive measures to proactive leadership styles that significantly impact workplace dynamics. Our conversation with Jim illuminates the essential transition leaders must undergo, especially in the face of challenges brought about by the pandemic. He highlights the importance of adaptability and emotional intelligence in today's rapidly changing business environment. By focusing on midlife leaders, Jim offers guidance on navigating through these shifts with a redefined sense of purpose and connectedness, which is vital for personal and organizational growth.Key Takeaways: Jim Bishop's expertise lies in enhancing work cultures and honing the leadership skills of executives through effective coaching.The evolution from traditional training methods to a coaching-centric approach enables leaders to transform their experiences into powerful tools for cultural change.The unprecedented disruptions of 2020 have underscored the need for a leadership paradigm shift, prioritizing flexibility and emotional intelligence.Bishop's approach is particularly impactful for midlife leaders striving to recalibrate their definitions of success to focus on more meaningful aspects like purpose and legacy.Embracing authenticity in leadership fosters a dynamic team environment and culture, paving the way for innovation and improved organizational performance. This episode not only explores Jim's transformative coaching methods but also delves into how leaders can navigate the complexities of today's business world with resilience and foresight. Join us as we uncover the strategies for building a culture that thrives on innovation, purpose, and connectedness. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this enlightening episode, Matt welcomes Mark Grabin, an advocate for utilizing mistakes as opportunities for growth in business settings. With a compelling commitment to the concept of continuous improvement, Mark shares his extensive experience and insights on the positive transformation of workplaces. From the onset, Mark delves into his diverse background, explaining the trajectory of his career that led him to focus on fostering better organizational cultures through continuous improvement and lean management principles. He reflects on his early days in manufacturing and how a move to healthcare consulting offered a broader perspective on the necessity of empowering employees and recognizing the universal desire to contribute meaningfully to one's work. As the conversation unfolds, Mark emphasizes the importance of cultivating psychological safety in the workplace, asserting that an environment where employees feel secure to raise concerns, admit mistakes, and seek help is pivotal for fostering continuous learning and growth. He further discusses how the principles he learned in manufacturing and healthcare can apply to any business, and underscores the role leaders play in modeling constructive responses to mistakes. Key Takeaways: Continuous improvement and respect for employees are critical components of lean management and organizational success.Psychological safety and effective problem-solving are foundational for building a culture that embraces learning from mistakes.Mistakes should not be met with punishment but should be used as opportunities for improvement and prevention of future errors.Organizations benefit from self-assessment and openness to change, especially when persistent issues are rooted in systemic problems.Mark Grabin's work includes books, podcasts, speaking engagements, and his company, Kinexis, which focuses on supporting continuous improvement through software. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this enlightening conversation, Matt and AJ Saunders delve into the strategies and mindsets required to harness the power of e-commerce and digital marketing to advance business goals. The episode provides a deep dive into creating a minimal viable online presence and building upon it through strategic marketing efforts. The host and guest commence by examining the essence of starting small when venturing into e-commerce. AJ emphasizes the significance of establishing a straightforward, functional system that allows for testing and growth, urging businesses to transition from traditional methods to more automated, customer-centered online solutions. They then pivot to the vital role of content strategy and social media presence in scale and outreach. AJ illustrates this with his personal victory on LinkedIn, where consistent, strategic posting led to real business opportunities. Key Takeaways: A fundamental starting point for any e-commerce endeavor is developing a minimal viable product or service – focusing on strategy over breadth.Incremental marketing strategies are vital to test the waters before allocating major resources.Networking and strategic content sharing can significantly contribute to business growth.Consistent, value-driven engagement on platforms like LinkedIn can help attract ideal clients over time.A library of content, such as a Trello board filled with social media post ideas and drafts, can streamline and inspire regular posting. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this episode of The Builders, host Matt welcomes Carrington Crothers, a remarkable photographer and entrepreneur from Prospect Street Studio. Tune in for an insightful discussion as Carrington shares her intriguing journey from a student with changing majors to becoming a founder with a successful career in photography. The conversation dives deep into the power of networking, the pivotal moments that shape a career, and the importance of building relationships beyond immediate business needs. Carrington discusses her transition from feeling like a 'hot mess' with no clear career path to finding her passion in photography. After gaining hands-on experience and learning a valuable lesson in happiness over job security, she took the leap to start her own studio. The dialog also highlights the significance of being more than just a provider of photographs, as Carrington emphasizes the role of strategic imagery in solving business problems like return rates and enhancing search engine optimization (SEO). Key Takeaways: Networking and building long-term relationships can significantly influence one's career trajectory and create new business opportunities.Personalized photography holds more value and can significantly influence a brand's online performance compared to stock images.Strategic imagery goes beyond aesthetics, serving as a communication tool to enhance user education and business goals.Carrington values helping her clients bridge the gap between their current state and their desired achievements through tailor-made photography strategies.Prospect Street Studio is specialized in creating images that not only resonate with audience engagement but also contribute to tangible business outcomes. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this insightful episode of "the builders," host Matt welcomes back Joel Solomon, a financial guru and self-improvement enthusiast who captivates the audience with his dynamic approach to money management and personal growth. As an advocate for continuous learning, Joel shares his unique perspective on turning financial responsibility into a fun and engaging activity. This episode not only delves into the significance of reading for professional development but also provides a deep dive into the power of budgeting and transforming one's financial landscape. Joel Solomon prompts entrepreneurs to always prioritize 'paying themselves first' and sheds light on the importance of understanding personal money personality types, which can significantly impact business decisions and relationships. As the conversation unfolds, Joel introduces fun and motivating techniques like 'The Budget Game' to help listeners effectively manage their finances. By the end of the episode, Joel passionately asserts that focusing on money with positive energy can lead to phenomenal growth both personally and professionally. Key Takeaways: Emphasize the importance of learning and growing every day, with Joel Solomon advocating the reading of a book a week to enhance knowledge and mindset.Understand the imperative of paying oneself first in a business to secure personal financial stability.Learn about the 'sugar pie' money personality types that Joel and his co-author created and their influence on how individuals and businesses handle finances.Discover 'The Budget Game,' an engaging approach to budgeting that turns a typically mundane task into a motivating and goal-oriented activity.Recognize the impact of concentrating on money and how this focused energy can lead to unexpected financial opportunities and 'money miracles.' --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this enlightening episode of The Builders, we warmly welcome back Pete Mohr, delving into the art of delivering transformative client experiences. Our focus: creating the greatest future impact for clients. This episode is a treasure trove of insights on business coaching, nurturing client relationships, and fostering strategic growth. It's an essential listen for anyone seeking actionable strategies to elevate their business's value to customers and refine operational efficiency. Pete introduces the 'Promise' framework, a pivotal concept spotlighting the transformative journey businesses undertake to elevate clients from their current challenges to a future of enhanced possibilities. We explore how to craft unique solutions that distinguish your business in a competitive landscape. Pete sheds light on visualizing and articulating the future benefits clients will gain, and the importance of a robust action plan to turn these visions into reality. Crucially, he underscores the power of feedback and success metrics in ensuring that your business consistently delivers on its promise of transformative impact. Key Takeaways: Deeply understand client challenges and innovate distinct solutions to stand out.Effectively communicate the future benefits and transformative potential of your services or products.Develop and implement action plans that resonate with your clients' future aspirations.Continually measure success and gather feedback to refine and enhance your impact.Ensure your team and resources are perfectly aligned to fulfill the transformative promise to your clients. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

In this insightful solo episode, Matt Levenhagen delves into his strategic blueprint for 2024, focusing on the integration of services and products. He reflects on pivotal decisions, emphasizing the '4 Key Pillars' that are central to his vision for growth and innovation. Matt shares his journey of transitioning from an insurance niche to a broader focus, underlining the importance of adapting and refining business strategies. He also introduces Unified Plugins, a burgeoning product arm of his business, and discusses how it fits into his comprehensive services-plus-products strategy. The episode highlights the creation of a cohesive ecosystem, where diverse websites and content not only coexist but thrive together, bolstering the overall brand. Wrapping up, Matt expresses deep appreciation for his team's dedication and his listeners' unwavering support. Key Takeaways: The integration of services and products is key in a dynamic business landscape.Strategic planning and focus on core pillars are instrumental for business evolution.Adapting business strategies to current trends and needs is vital for success.A unified ecosystem of products and services enhances brand strength and growth.Passion, team support, and strong relationships are cornerstones of business success. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

Alexander Day Ritter shares his origin story, growing up in a small village in Belgium and his early fascination with computers and technology. He discusses the importance of creativity and how it has shaped his career in AI. Alexander emphasizes the need for businesses to embrace AI and the potential it holds for improving processes and creating value. He also talks about the concept of AI agents and how they can revolutionize industries and transform the way we work. Key Takeaways: Embrace AI as a tool to improve processes and create value in your business.Think of your company as a story and communicate that story to inspire your team and customers.Focus on soft skills and creativity to thrive in the AI industry.Start collecting and storing data now to prepare for the future of AI.Use AI agents to offload tasks and increase productivity in your business. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

Donna Dubay, a certified Director of Operations and Business Growth Strategist, joins the show to discuss the importance of operations in small businesses. She explains that while marketing and front-end activities are important, it is equally crucial to focus on the back-end operations to ensure the smooth running of the business. Donna emphasizes the need for a clear vision, measurable goals, and a well-defined team to achieve success. She also highlights the importance of work-life balance and taking time for personal well-being. Key Takeaways: Operations in small businesses are often overlooked but are crucial for success.Having a clear vision and measurable goals is essential for growth.Building the right team and delegating tasks can help alleviate the burden on the business owner.Prioritizing work-life balance and personal well-being is necessary to avoid burnout. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

Victoria Pelletier shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful corporate executive and entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding and how it has played a significant role in her career success. Victoria highlights four key components of a strong personal brand: subject matter expertise, storytelling, differentiation, and legacy and impact. She also discusses the importance of authenticity and connecting with your audience on both digital and in-person platforms. Key Takeaways: Personal branding is essential for career advancement and building relationships with clients and customers.A strong personal brand goes beyond subject matter expertise and includes storytelling, differentiation, and a focus on legacy and impact.Authenticity is key in building a personal brand and connecting with your audience.Personal branding should be consistent across all platforms, both digital and in-person. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support

Summary:Anne Laffin, a marketing consultant and fractional head of marketing, joins Matt Levenhagen on The Builders podcast to discuss how she helps early-stage startups wrangle their chaos and get organized. Anne shares her own journey from working in market research and financial services to starting her own company and working with startups. She emphasizes the importance of being open to feedback and flexible in the ever-changing startup environment. Anne also highlights the significance of messaging and creating a marketing plan that is adaptable and focused. She concludes by discussing the challenges of defining roles and maintaining clear communication within startups. Key Takeaways: Startups should be open to feedback and flexible in order to adapt to changes and find the right path.Messaging is the foundation of effective marketing and should be clear, consistent, and aligned with the company's goals.Marketing plans for startups should be shorter-term (3-6 months) and regularly evaluated and adjusted based on results.Startups often struggle with defining roles and maintaining clear communication, which can lead to chaos and inefficiency. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-builders/support