Exciting news! The Productize brand has been acquired by long-time Productize community-member, Sam Shepler

In this solo episode, I share the audio of my new workshop called What "Productizing" (really) means in 2021.  In this talk, I share 3 new concepts to help you think differently about how you can level up and grow your service business in 2021.Enjoy!

This is my conversation with Philip Morgan who helps independent consultants thrive.  Philip has become known as an expert when it comes to positioning your services as a consultant.And that in itself—the process developing expertise—is something Philip has focused in on in his offerings.  We talked about how he has productized this and helps his customers form habits and build the muscle of writing, publishing, and formulating their expertise on a topic, then turning into tangible IP.Unfortunately—This conversation was cut a bit short due to a power outtage!  But we managed to chat about some good stuff for a good 20-minutes or so.  Enjoy!Follow Philip Morgan on TwitterPhilip Morgan's company

Today I'm talking to Sean McCabe, the founder of Daily Content Machine, a productized service which cuts your long-form video content into 7 "clippable moments" (as Sean puts it) and publishes those to your social media on a daily basis. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talked about his launch of the service, how they run their operations behind the scenes. We also covered Sean's long and winding path through teaching creative people entrepreneurship, building an audience, and running training and online communities. Follow Sean McCabe on Twitter Sean McCabe's company

Hey listeners — Just a quick episode to announce today that I'm taking a break from new episodes of the Productize Podcast for a little while.I decided that I need to focus my creative energy on products—mainly ProcessKit these days—and that I can't put as much energy as I'd like to into preparing and doing interviews on this show, for now.I expect I'll be back on this feed at some point! Maybe whenever inspiration strikes or when I just want to pick somebody's brain on air. I just don't think this will happen on the normal weekly schedule like it has been for the past few months. Basically, this show has, and will continue to be, a "seasons" based show, and for now, it looks like the 2020 season is wrapping up.BUT...I do have another podcast called Bootstrapped Web. That's been running even longer than Productize Podcast, and I'll continue to publish episodes there. Rather than an interview show (which takes more prep time), Bootstrapped Web is where my buddy Jordan Gal and I hop on the mics for some real talk behind the scenes of our building our businesses. Tune in!If you're looking for all of my best content about building a productized service businesses, well all of that still lives here on Productize And Scale.And don't forget to connect with me on Twitter, @casjam.Don't be a stranger!Stay safe.

In this interview I talk to Dan Andrews of of well, a lot of things! He is the co-founder of Dynamite Jobs, the co-host of the well loved podcast Tropical MBA, co-organizer of the Dynamite Circle, and quite a few other businesses he has either exited or moved on from. Dan discusses Productized Services, and how he has used that knowledge to run the TMBA Podcast consistently for over/almost a decade. He also dives into his new venture Dynamite Jobs discussing what led them to starting it, and covering what has and hasn't worked so far and lessons they are taking from that to run this business moving forward. (1:45) Enjoy! Key Takeaways [3:28] - Productized Services are a straightforward way to identify and put yourself into a markets cash flow. [24:45] - Business opportunities can be found by identifying and observing cash flow in a market. Communities are a great place to do this, but also a great place to take your product/service first to validate with early adopters. Today's episode is brought to you by Productize. If, you're sick of the client services treadmill there is a better way, Productized Services. That's why I built Productize. It's a private community and training program for people like you and me. Join our private slack, our private forum and get matched into your own small mastermind group with other members. Give and get honest, constructive feedback to grow your productized service business this year. Plus, get access to my Productized Course. It gives you everything you need to start, grow, and systematically build your productized service business. You already get lifetime access when you signup, but get an extra 10% off here. Links Dan's company, Dynamite JobsDan's podcast, Tropical MBADan's community, Dynamite CircleDan on TwitterProductized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Jordan Johnson of RipplePop. RipplePop is a Productize service model that may sound familiar, but it has a twist. RipplePop is a Wordpress Developer as a Service. However, instead of tackling small maintenance from any available developer, they provide a dedicated developer for each client and a range from part-time to full-time hours.Jordan breaks down the origin story for RipplePop, how they recognized the commoditization of the Wordpress Developer market, and the steps they took to keep their service relevant and profitable. He has a strong opinion about the type of company he and is co-founder are trying to build and it is a great interview. (1:50)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[15:30] - It is okay to stop somewhere healthy. As a service business, you can keep it in a profitable location without scaling, and use that to fund the next opportunity.[26:15] - Opportunities do not always have to be a grind and pulled up from your bootstraps. Just as viable is being open and watchful for the timing of an opportunity. Sometimes you try to make it happen, other times it just falls into your lap and is up to you to take advantage of it.Today's episode is brought to you by Productize.If, you're sick of the client services treadmill there is a better way, Productized Services. That's why I built Productize. It's a private community and training program for people like you and me.Join our private slack, our private forum and get matched into your own small mastermind group with other members. Give and get honest, constructive feedback to grow your productized service business this year. Plus, get access to my Productized Course. It gives you everything you need to start, grow, and systematically build your productized service business.You already get lifetime access when you signup, but get an extra 10% off here.LinksJordan's company, RipplePopJordan on LinkedInProductized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Mike Rubini of Rubini Solutions. Mike Rubini is a Jazz Musician turned entrepreneur. He currently runs over 5 SaaS products focused in what he identifies as micro data.Mike started off as a Jazz musician, but transitioned over to entrepreneurship when he realized he would not be able to make the money he needed as a musician. Since making this transition he has started multiple service and software businesses. His goal? To make enough money so that he can play Jazz, what he really loves, as often as he can. (2:00)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[22:40] - One benefit of having many micro-products under the same business is the ability to share expenses.[52:00] - You do not need the newest or most popular software framework to build good software and a profitable business.Today's episode is brought to you by Productize.If, you're sick of the client services treadmill there is a better way, Productized Services. That's why I built Productize. It's a private community and training program for people like you and me.Join our private slack, our private forum and get matched into your own small mastermind group with other members. Give and get honest, constructive feedback to grow your productized service business this year. Plus, get access to my Productized Course. It gives you everything you need to start, grow, and systematically build your productized service business.You already get lifetime access when you signup, but get an extra 10% off here.LinksMike's company, Rubini SolutionsMike on TwitterProductized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Foti Panagiotakopoulos of Growth Mentor. Growth Mentor is a marketplace model with a community foundation for helping you level up your growth skills. You have access to mentors of all skill sets for helping you break through the problems blocking you in your business.Foti talks through how he stumbled on this problem himself and the steps he took to validate, grow, and sustain Growth Mentor. A marketplace is commonly identified as a difficult business model for bootstrapped founders, but Foti has an interesting mindset that I think you should listen to as well as the mistakes he feels he made along the way. (1:54)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[9:10] - When it comes to looking for a mentor, you will find more success if you force yourself to get stuck first. This helps you focus your question, and will help with identifying and making the most out of a mentor.[49:50] - When building a community, think about both active and passive value provided. What value will your members get when they initiate interaction with the platform/community? What value do you provide even when they are not actively engaging?Today's episode is brought to you by Productize.If, you're sick of the client services treadmill there is a better way, Productized Services. That's why I built Productize. It's a private community and training program for people like you and me.Join our private slack, our private forum and get matched into your own small mastermind group with other members. Give and get honest, constructive feedback to grow your productized service business this year. Plus, get access to my Productized Course. It gives you everything you need to start, grow, and systematically build your productized service business.You already get lifetime access when you signup, but get an extra 10% off here.LinksFoti's company, Growth MentorFoti on LinkedInProductized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Mike Gammarino of Bluprint Partners. Mike founded Bluprint Partners in 2017 to help emerging eCommerce brands build operations that scale. Prior to Bluprint, he served as the internal operator on the founding teams at BeachMint and The Black Tux; both VC-funded startups in Los Angeles.Mike covers a lot of ground in this interview. He gives us an overview of what it is like working in the world of physical products, and the opportunities he identified that pushed him in the direction of starting Bluprint Partners. Despite the different markets in physical and digital products the business fundamentals that go into identifying, starting, and building a productized service are universal. There is a lot to learn in this episode. (2:05)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[11:00] - Understand the language of your target market and optimize your offerings to represent the result they expect to see.[21:00] - Sometime is can be difficult to identify what to productize in a service. Offer a less productized offering as a method for gathering more experience and data.[30:00] - Paid discovery has a lot of benefits for you as a business, but it is a good idea to make sure that you are also delivering something that provides value for your client regardless of moving forward with them or not.Today's episode is brought to you by Productize.If, you're sick of the client services treadmill there is a better way, Productized Services. That's why I built Productize. It's a private community and training program for people like you and me.Join our private slack, our private forum and get matched into your own small mastermind group with other members. Give and get honest, constructive feedback to grow your productized service business this year. Plus, get access to my Productized Course. It gives you everything you need to start, grow, and systematically build your productized service business.You already get lifetime access when you signup, but get an extra 10% off here.LinksMike's company, Bluprint PartnersMike on LinkedInProductized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Tyler Gillespie of Applause Lab and Proofreading Pros. Applause Lab is a video testimonial service focused on eCommerce businesses, and Proofreading Pros is a Software with a Service focused on...you guessed it proofreading and editing.Tyler has also run and exited from a productized service in the content space, and does consulting for other business owners looking to productize their services business. He walks through his journey as a founder of many productized services. What was the most interesting was how he approaches every business he runs as if he is going sell them, and discusses the steps he makes to achieve that. (5:49)Also, Brian answered this question on YouTube, How to productize when every project is different?Brian covers three steps to tackle this problem regardless of where your service business is now (1:22):Figure out who your best business/customers are and target them.Identify the highest value problem for that customer.Standardize it.Enjoy!Key Takeaways[20:00] - There are very few people out there willing to put in the work to focus on and win sales. That skill mixed with the ability to find good people to outsource to can get a service off the ground in no time.[38:00] - Building a service to sell involves a lot of planning before you think you are ready. You job is to de-risk the business and revenue you are generating for someone coming in to run it.Today's episode is brought to you by Productize.If, you're sick of the client services treadmill there is a better way, Productized Services. That's why I built Productize. It's a private community and training program for people like you and me.Join our private slack, our private forum and get matched into your own small mastermind group with other members. Give and get honest, constructive feedback to grow your productized service business this year. Plus, get access to my Productized Course. It gives you everything you need to start, grow, and systematically build your productized service business.You already get lifetime access when you signup, but get an extra 10% off here.LinksTyler's company, Applause LabsTyler's company, Proofreading ProsTyler on LinkedInBrian's YouTube video, How to productize when every project is different? (subscribe to know when new videos drop)The 4-hour Work WeekStartup ChileProductized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Marc McDougall of Clarity First Consulting. Marc has been working as an independent CRO consultant for about 6 years now. He truly enjoys the freedom this affords him to both pursue the things I enjoy in life, and provide real value to people in the B2B SaaS space.What is interesting about this episode is that Marc is the first guest who has reached out to me to be on the show that I have brought on, and it is no surprise why when you listen to this episode. Marc has a deep level of experience with outreach and in this episode he covers his approach and why he does it. (7:57)Also, Brian answered this question on YouTube, What motivates you to do the work you do?Brian covers some methods he uses to reflect on this not just once, but on a recurring basis. This is actually a constantly moving target and it is important to revisit this question along your journey. (1:39)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[19:35] - Keep it simple. Provide value. Do your research. Provide a way for them to convert, but you don't have to ask for it.[38:30] - You have to filter clients to optimize your revenue and time. Focus the product/service you want to deliver and filter clients aggressively.You can short circuit the amount of red tape you have to deal with by adopting a radically different approach and targeting the highest level you can in the org.Today's episode is brought to you by Productize.If, you're sick of the client services treadmill there is a better way, Productized Services. That's why I built Productize. It's a private community and training program for people like you and me.Join our private slack, our private forum and get matched into your own small mastermind group with other members. Give and get honest, constructive feedback to grow your productized service business this year. Plus, get access to my Productized Course. It gives you everything you need to start, grow, and systematically build your productized service business.You already get lifetime access when you signup, but get an extra 10% off here.LinksMarc's company, Clarity First ConsultingMarc on LinkedInBrian's YouTube video, What motivates you to do the work you do?. (subscribe to know when new videos drop)How to build a landing page that convertsCRO ChecklistGetting people to signup for your SaaS demoProductized CommunityAudienceOps

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In this interview I talk to Ward Sandler of MemberSpace. A platform agnostic membership tool that makes growing a membership business a no brainer.In this episode Ward takes us through his journey from Sales to Saas. His first step was consulting, but instead of sales he and his partner learned how to build websites and applications from scratch. Next, he identified a market perfect for Productization to get off of the feast and famine cycle. Finally, they built Memberspace. The problem Memberspace solves was easily identified by listening to the customers they already supported. (1:51)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[23:30] - Look to the data you have access to for business opportunities. Sure finding a new "idea" sounds fun, but your next business is often right under your nose.[27:30] - Being early to a platform can give you a competitive advantage and a distribution channel that you wouldn't get waiting until something is more widely adopted.Today's episode is brought to you by ProcessKit.If your operation needs to become more efficient and more predictable so that your team never lets anything fall through the cracks then it is time to implement ProcessKit. A process driven project management software great for powering client services businesses. It is especially built with productized services in mind.If you would like expert help with improving you processes and automations ask about our ProcessKit Implementer service. Request your free demo and trial here.LinksWard's company, MemberspaceWard on TwitterProductized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Aaron Kassover of AgentMethods, a website builder and suite of marketing tools built for Insurance Agents.After having his first 20 customers handed to him through connections built freelancing, Aaron has spent over a decade creating and scaling a marketing platform specifically for Insurance Agents. In our conversation he breaks down the turning points and growing pains as he has scaled this niche product. (11:14)Also, Brian answered this question on YouTube, 6 Business Models in Productized Services.One-Time ProjectsRecurring ServicesUnlimited ModelCoaching / Done With YouSoftware With A ServiceProductized ConsultingBrian digs into each of these models and more. (1:55)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[27:00] - There is reach and a clarity of purpose when focusing on only a single vertical.[38:30] - An effective sales call does not mean showing how your product looks. Sometimes the most effective sales approach is nailing down the value provided at a higher level.Today's episode is brought to you by Productize.If, you're sick of the client services treadmill there is a better way, Productized Services. That's why I built Productize. It's a private community and training program for people like you and me.Join our private slack, our private forum and get matched into your own small mastermind group with other members. Give and get honest, constructive feedback to grow your productized service business this year. Plus, get access to my Productized Course. It gives you everything you need to start, grow, and systematically build your productized service business.You already get lifetime access when you signup, but get an extra 10% off here.LinksAaron's company, AgentMethodsAaron on TwitterBrian's YouTube video, 6 Business Models in Productized Services. (subscribe to know when new videos drop)Productized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Jane Portman of UI Breakfast (podcast) and Userlist (SaaS). UI Breakfast is a podcast with a rockstar line-up of guests who are industry experts sharing actionable knowledge — so that you can apply it in your business today. Userlist is a Saas for SaaS businesses focused on behavior based customer messaging. In this episode Jane digs into the weeds of what is was like growing UI Breakfast and how that has changed now she is running a SaaS full-time. We then dig into her experience growing Userlist and how the phrase "long, slow SaaS ramp of death" can be true, but how designing your business for a market you are passionate about helping make all the difference. (2:06)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[18:39] Finding a purpose that you are invested in is a lot more sustainable than being "in it" for the money.[19:20] Marketing becomes easier and genuine when you've found a business with a purpose that resonates with what you care about. Today's episode is brought to you by ProcessKit.If your operation needs to become more efficient and more predictable so that your team never lets anything fall through the cracks then it is time to implement ProcessKit. A process driven project management software great for powering client services businesses. It is especially built with productized services in mind.If you would like expert help with improving you processes and automations ask about our ProcessKit Implementer service. Request your free demo and trial here.LinksJane's company, UserlistJane's podcast, UI BreakfastJane on TwitterMicroconfHow We Used April Dunford’s 10-Step Method to Overhaul Positioning at UserlistUserlist's guide to SaaS user onboardingInspire, Not Instruct: How We Do User Onboarding at UserlistStart With WhyThe Infinite GameProductized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Rich Staats of Secret Stache, a development agency purely focused on partnerships with Creative Agencies.Rich takes us through how he has been inspired by bootstrapped SaaS and Productized Services to create a development agency model that can generate the same type of margin that a software business can. He talks about process, market focus, and even walks us through his rather unique outbound sales process. This episode is packed full of real examples and details for how to approach an agency business model. (7:45)Also, Brian answered this question on YouTube, how to keep a high quality standard when outsourcing?Brian has three tips that he covers that helped him break the cycle when he was freelancing. (0:33) Enjoy!Key Takeaways[43:30] - You can spend much more time and resources acquiring a customer when your lifetime value is huge. [46:44] - The difference warm vs cold leads make in conversions rates is very noticeable. How can you optimize for generating more warm leads?Today's episode is brought to you by Productize.If, you're sick of the client services treadmill there is a better way, Productized Services. That's why I built Productize. It's a private community and training program for people like you and me.Join our private slack, our private forum and get matched into your own small mastermind group with other members. Give and get honest, constructive feedback to grow your productized service business this year. Plus, get access to my Productized Course. It gives you everything you need to start, grow, and systematically build your productized service business.You already get lifetime access when you signup, but get an extra 10% off here.LinksRich's company, Secret StacheRich on TwitterBrian's YouTube video, How to Keep a High Quality Standard When Outsourcing? (subscribe to know when new videos drop)Legendary LeadgenSwagUpWizaHunterFull ContactPipedriveProductized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Marcin Chirowski of Growth Turn, a productized SEO service focused on B2B SaaS companies.Marcin explains how he went from a corporate job to freelancing on Upwork. Then he tells how he identified an opportunity from the work he was doing on Upwork to productize the work he was doing for a specific customer in the market. He is now doing over $100,000 in annual revenue. (5:43)Also, Brian answered this question on YouTube, how to decide what to work on next?Brian covers four tactics for how to tackle this problem:Work backwards from your end goalDecide quicklyBe okay with pushing priorities backReview your progressThere is a lot to dig into and it is a topic that is always relevant no matter how big your business grows. (0:32)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[20:54] Even if you are increasing your hourly rate you are still being paid based on time spent doing something instead of the value you bring.[38:05] Sometimes a buy button is not the quickest path to a sale. Know you market and decision makers. Sometime you need to provide something for your champions to take to the decision makers.Today's episode is brought to you by ProcessKit.If your operation needs to become more efficient and more predictable so that your team never lets anything fall through the cracks then it is time to implement ProcessKit. A process driven project management software great for powering client services businesses. It is especially built with productized services in mind.If you would like expert help with improving you processes and automations ask about our ProcessKit Implementer service. Request your free demo and trial here.LinksMarcin's company, Growth TurnMarcin on TwitterBrian's YouTube video, How do you decide what to work on next?UpworkAhrefsCredoProductized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Joel Klettke of Case Study Buddy, a productized service delivering world class case studies. They run the whole process from interview to final deliverable.Joel gives us insight into how he started Case Study Buddy as a side project where he focused on the process more than revenue. He then goes on to explain how he has been able to remove himself completely from the day to day work, and now focuses his effort of strategy and process optimization. (5:45)Also, Brian answered this question on YouTube, does client feedback kill a productized service?Brian has three tips that he covers that helped him break the cycle when he was freelancing. (0:33)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[34:40] - Self-serve is not the common approach to sales or onboarding in most Productized Services. Even if you have pricing and a buy button a sales call is usually a great idea anyway to start building trust and a relationship as soon as possible.[51:14] - You can build a profitable business without using marketing channels like ads. It is not a strength, but Joel has done this so far and sees it as a glass half full problem. It means there are good untapped channels for growth.Today's episode is brought to you by Productize.If, you're sick of the client services treadmill there is a better way, Productized Services. That's why I built Productize. It's a private community and training program for people like you and me.Join our private slack, our private forum and get matched into your own small mastermind group with other members. Give and get honest, constructive feedback to grow your productized service business this year. Plus, get access to my Productized Course. It gives you everything you need to start, grow, and systematically build your productized service business.You already get lifetime access when you signup, but get an extra 10% off here.LinksJoel's company, Case Study BuddyJoel on TwitterBrian's YouTube video, Does client feedback kill a productized service? (subscribe to know when new videos drop)Productized CommunityAudienceOps

In this interview I talk to Belinda Jacobs of Tech Packs Co. A productized service that helps product businesses create the technical packet (aka blueprint) that factories will use to manufacture their products. Belinda walks us through her journey starting Techpacks. We learn how she took a business critical process that everyone seemed to struggle with and created not only a service, but a methodology for how to approach the problem altogether. (7:13)Also, Brian answered this question on YouTube, how do you transition from service to productization?He outlines a productization framework with three big steps:Picking the right customerPicking a valuable problem to solveCreate a predictable version of your serviceHe digs deeper into how to tackle each step and how you can convert your service into a productized version of it. (0:48)Enjoy!Key Takeaways[22:10] A network can be critical to unlocking early growth. Whether that is in person or in online communities. Getting to know people in your market and putting your name/business out there keeps you from toiling in the shadows hoping your product alone brings customers in.[29:12] Hiring someone so that you can scale before you are comfortable can unlock that growth you are trying to reach sooner.[39:48] With the right service, you can become more than just someone who get's it done. You can create processes and methodologies that influence the entire vertical and give you more opportunities for products/revenue.Today's episode is brought to you by ProcessKit.If your operation needs to become more efficient and more predictable so that your team never lets anything fall through the cracks then it is time to implement ProcessKit. A process driven project management software great for powering client services businesses. It is especially built with productized services in mind.If you would like expert help with improving you processes and automations ask about our ProcessKit Implementer service. Request your free demo and trial here.LinksBelinda's company, Tech Packs CoBelinda on TwitterBrian's YouTube video, How do you transition from service to productization?OnlineJobs.phProductized CommunityAudienceOps