Making one bold decision can revolutionize your career. In this episode of the Marketing Umbrella podcast, our guest Cristian Dina, a young entrepreneur and founding member of Tekpon, shares his story of leaving college to venture into the tech world, inspired by Gary Vaynerchuk’s advice. He compares the outdated lessons he learned in school with the fast-moving, real-world experiences at Tekpon, showing how taking risks early can lead to fulfilling work.   Cristian explains how Tekpon grew from a tool-testing platform to a top software review aggregator, using their AI tool, Global Buzz, to gather real user feedback. He talks about the importance of honest reviews, the hurdles they faced, and how building strong networks helped Tekpon thrive. He also shares tips from his upcoming book on networking, focusing on the value of humility and authentic connections.   As we wrap up, Cristian highlights how Tekpon is helping agency owners grow and shares his excitement about expanding into the U.S.  . Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Building trust through genuine user reviews fosters informed decision-making and maintains business integrity.Strategic networking and genuine connections fuel business growth and ensure long-term success.Mentor-mentee relationships drive personal and professional development by offering valuable insights and guidance.Committing to self-improvement and personal growth transforms both life and career success.Creating a supportive industry community can drive collective growth and innovation by fostering an environment where like-minded individuals thrive.Humility and a genuine willingness to help others are values that build stronger relationships and enhance personal growth.Integrating multiple services, such as combining marketing efforts with software solutions, can create a more resilient and scalable business model.Expanding into new markets requires collaboration and support for effective growth and scaling.   As a closing thought, "Taking risks and pursuing your passion is crucial. Dedication and relentless self-improvement lead to success!”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Cristian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristiandinaa/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristiandinaa/Tekpon: https://tekpon.com/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

Bilal Ararou, a product designer turned entrepreneur from Morocco, shares his journey from early tech enthusiast to successful business founder. Beginning as a web developer in 2008, Bilal transitioned to product design and UX in 2009, collaborating with global clients as a freelancer. In 2016, he founded Kreatinc, a web design and development agency that has created SaaS products for industries including real estate, finance, eCommerce, and marketing. Kreatinc's work has reached millions of users and included projects for major companies like JP Morgan and Zurich. In 2022, Bilal launched Nuelink, a social media automation tool that has quickly grown to serve over 20,000 creators and businesses worldwide. Nuelink, which has earned recognition from G2 with seasonal badges, aims to enhance social media presence for its users. The tool leverages AI to automate and optimize content sharing, addressing the needs of businesses and creators in managing their social media strategies. Bilal's entrepreneurial path has included challenges, particularly in his early agency experience where he faced setbacks due to poor delegation. He credits influential books like "The E-Myth" with helping him reshape his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of effective delegation and team empowerment in scaling operations. Bilal's mission extends beyond his business success; he's committed to proving that global success can be achieved from Morocco and inspiring the next generation across Africa. With a background spanning web development, product design, and entrepreneurship, Bilal offers insights into the evolving landscape of digital business and marketing. His ultimate goal is ambitious: to build Morocco's first unicorn company. Through his work with Kreatinc and Nuelink, Bilal demonstrates his belief that significant technological and business achievements can originate from anywhere, including his home country of Morocco. His story provides a practical example for entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their businesses in the digital age.   Learn from Failures: Empower your team. Bilal's agency initially failed due to poor delegation. Trust your team with important tasks to grow.Strong Social Media Presence: Use tools like Nuelink to boost credibility and attract talent. Consistent, quality content enhances brand image.AI in Marketing: Automate social media with AI. Nuelink uses AI for content sharing, multilingual captions, and scheduling, saving time and optimizing management.Act on Customer Feedback: Quickly implement user suggestions. Nuelink's rapid response to feedback gives it an edge over larger competitors.Scale Through Automation: Focus on automating processes and prioritizing customer needs. This approach helps businesses grow efficiently.Balance Personal and Professional: Pursue both personal and business goals. A well-rounded life can fuel entrepreneurial success.   As a closing thought, "Whether it's in business or personal life, success comes from a combination of passion, learning from failures, and being adaptable.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Bilal: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilalararou/ Nuelink: https://nuelink.com/    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

Struggling to keep up with the demands of social media content creation? Imagine having a personal AI team at your fingertips. Austin Armstrong built the solution with Syllaby.io, and it's changing the game for solo creators and small businesses.  Austin's journey from MySpace enthusiast to AI innovator is a testament to the rapid evolution of digital marketing. In our chat, he shares how the pandemic became a turning point, pushing him to dive into TikTok and eventually create Syllaby, a tool that's bringing AI power to social media creation and scheduling. But it's not all about the tech. Austin digs into the human side of marketing too, emphasizing the value of collective decision-making in teams and addressing common challenges faced by marketing agencies. He offers insights on how AI tools can help solve issues like inconsistent content production from clients, while also looking ahead to future developments in AI-generated content, including longer-form videos and animated images. This conversation shows a glimpse into how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape. Whether you're a social media pro, a business owner, or just curious about where tech is heading, Austin's journey and insights provide food for thought on the practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in the world of digital marketing.   Bet on Yourself: Take bold risks and seize control of your destiny.One Bold Move: A single courageous action can transform your career and spark greater achievements.Pivot and Innovate: Turn adversity into opportunity through adaptability and creative problem-solving.Collaborative Leadership: Value every team member's voice to foster innovation in marketing.Embrace Change: Evolve with the world to transform challenges into opportunities.Break Self-Imposed Limits: With the right mindset, you can overcome obstacles and create resonant content.Innovate from the Mundane: Automating routine tasks frees your creativity for new explorations.   As a closing thought, "Success isn't always a straight path. It's a series of pivots, learning from setbacks, and continuously refining your approach to reach your ultimate goal.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Austin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinarmstrong90/ Syllaby: www.syllaby.io  (Save 25% on Syllaby when you use the code Challenge)    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

Outreach without spam, is it completely possible? Our guest today will certainly clear this up.     Join Kevin Prewett, host of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast, and Outreach without spam, is it completely possible? Our guest today will certainly clear this up.     Join Kevin Prewett, host of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast, and Tomáš Blaťák, Chief Product Officer and COO of Leads Picker. Tomáš shares his journey from running a lead generation agency to creating a cutting-edge sales platform that prioritizes precision over volume.   In this episode, Tomáš shares insights on targeting the right leads at the right time, moving away from mass outreach methods. They discuss effective strategies for LinkedIn and email campaigns, focusing on using job postings and social media mentions to create meaningful connections.   Learn about the benefits of a multi-channel outreach strategy that uses both email and LinkedIn to stand out in a competitive market. Tomáš highlights the drawbacks of generic email blasts and stresses the importance of targeting curated leads. Discover how AI can analyze personal profiles and company websites to make your outreach efforts more relevant. We also explore how integrating LinkedIn Sales Navigator with AI can improve your lead generation and outreach, leading to higher response rates and better engagement.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Focus on targeting the right leads at the right time; use job posts and social media for connectionsCombine email and LinkedIn outreach to capture potential clients' attention, moving away from generic email blasts to highly curated leads.Use AI to analyze personal profiles and company websites for targeted, relevant outreach, integrating tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator for higher response rates and engagement.Quality triggers for high-ticket sales: Larger companies focus on fewer, higher-quality leads, while smaller organizations may prioritize quantity over quality.LeadSpeaker, initially for internal use, is now a versatile tool for marketing agencies, managing multiple clients, combining LinkedIn and email outreach, and simplifying trigger-based campaigns.   As a closing thought, "In the digital marketing landscape, success hinges on precision and personalization—leveraging AI to ensure every outreach is timely and relevant can truly transform your engagement and response rates.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Tomáš: LinkedIn: https://cz.linkedin.com/in/tblatakLeader Spicker: https://leadspicker.com/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com, Chief Product Officer and COO of Leads Picker. Tomáš shares his journey from running a lead generation agency to creating a cutting-edge sales platform that prioritizes precision over volume.   In this episode, Tomáš shares insights on targeting the right leads at the right time, moving away from mass outreach methods. They discuss effective strategies for LinkedIn and email campaigns, focusing on using job postings and social media mentions to create meaningful connections.   Learn about the benefits of a multi-channel outreach strategy that uses both email and LinkedIn to stand out in a competitive market. Tomáš highlights the drawbacks of generic email blasts and stresses the importance of targeting curated leads. Discover how AI can analyze personal profiles and company websites to make your outreach efforts more relevant. We also explore how integrating LinkedIn Sales Navigator with AI can improve your lead generation and outreach, leading to higher response rates and better engagement.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Focus on targeting the right leads at the right time; use job posts and social media for connectionsCombine email and LinkedIn outreach to capture potential clients' attention, moving away from generic email blasts to highly curated leads.Use AI to analyze personal profiles and company websites for targeted, relevant outreach, integrating tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator for higher response rates and engagement.Quality triggers for high-ticket sales: Larger companies focus on fewer, higher-quality leads, while smaller organizations may prioritize quantity over quality.LeadSpeaker, initially for internal use, is now a versatile tool for marketing agencies, managing multiple clients, combining LinkedIn and email outreach, and simplifying trigger-based campaigns.   As a closing thought, "In the digital marketing landscape, success hinges on precision and personalization—leveraging AI to ensure every outreach is timely and relevant can truly transform your engagement and response rates.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Tomáš: LinkedIn: https://cz.linkedin.com/in/tblatakLeader Spicker: https://leadspicker.com/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

Growth hacking can truly transform your marketing strategy – Fabian Maume shares this and much more in our latest episode of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast.   Fabian Maume, a dedicated growth hacker and marketing automation expert since 2017, has an inspiring journey. He began with web scraping for lead generation, then moved on to automating LinkedIn activities, scaling his marketing agency, and even launching and selling his own SaaS product. Now, he helps B2B SaaS startups as a fractional CMO, guiding them to success with his expertise.   Fabian has been leading the way in developing creative marketing automation tools. His ability to integrate data-driven strategies with innovative tools has made him a sought-after consultant in the industry.   Tune in to hear Fabian's story, gather some warm, insightful tips on growth hacking, and learn how to apply these strategies to elevate your own marketing efforts.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Web scraping is one of the key foundations of growth hacking. It involves extracting data from websites to make informed marketing decisions or automate tasks.Growth hacking is about blending marketing and IT methodologies to scale marketing efforts cost-effectively. It's a specialized field that requires both technical and marketing skills.Understanding and leveraging Quora’s karma and upvote system can boost the visibility of your answers, and using promoted answers can strategically increase reach and engagement.Automation in email marketing is crucial for both top and bottom-of-funnel activities, with tools like Leadfeeder and Clearbit aiding in lead enrichment, pre-qualification, targeting, and segmentation.Email Segmentation: By segmenting the audience, marketers can ensure that their messages are more relevant and engaging to specific groups.Employing data analytics and segmentation in email marketing ensures higher deliverability and engagement rates. Regularly cleaning email lists and segmenting audiences can significantly improve results.Captivating subject lines and compelling copy are essential for increasing open rates.In SaaS businesses, focusing on retention through data-driven insights and personalized communication can often yield better results than constantly acquiring new leads.Intent-based targeting is key for effective cold outreach. It gives you a signal and an excuse to be contacting your leads.   As a closing thought, "Growth hacking is all about scaling marketing at the lowest possible budget while maintaining high efficiency.."   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Fabian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabian-maume/ Tetriz.io: https://www.tetriz.io/fractional-cmo/ WarmupInbox: https://www.warmupinbox.com/ QApop: https://www.qapop.com/authors/fabian-maume/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

Can you really apply game strategies to marketing?    This question and many more are answered in our recent podcast chat with Ashley Stanford, Executive Vice President of Client Strategy at TicketSocket and Vice President and Co-Founder of Ice Cream Social. From her early days in search engine optimization to creating Ice Cream Social, Ashley has always turned challenges into opportunities. She shared how she found creative ways to boost event ticket sales without spending extra on ads, demonstrating her innovative approach.   Ashley discussed her unique marketing approach, drawing connections between marketing and gaming. Her passion for optimization led to the success of Ice Cream Social, which helps increase event ticket sales without spending more on ads. With years of experience in strategic marketing and optimizing tactics, Ashley focuses on the events and entertainment sectors but also has expertise in medical devices, healthcare, and finance tech. As the Executive Vice President of Client Strategy at TicketSocket and Co-Founder of Ice Cream Social, Ashley's wide-ranging experience in customer acquisition, email, search, and content marketing showcases her versatility. In her spare time, she loves biohacking and staying active with her Peloton. Tune in to hear Ashley Stanford's inspiring story and discover how game strategies can transform your marketing approach.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Gamification in Marketing: Applying video game principles to marketing emphasizes the importance of optimization and problem-solving.AI and Modern Marketing: AI is transforming marketing with predictive writing and ad optimization, and inclusive, word-of-mouth marketing can outperform traditional influencer models.Foundational Strength and Communication: A strong foundation in product development and clear team communication are vital for long-term success. Rigorous reporting and analytics drive informed decisions and continuous improvement.Shared Vision: Everyone in the company must understand and be excited about the big vision. Without this, the quality of work will suffer.Importance of Measurement: What gets measured truly matters. Agencies that prioritize reporting are the ones that see their budgets increase year after year.   As a closing thought, "Every single person is an influencer, even if they don't have social media. We all have friends and family we interact with daily, and word-of-mouth marketing can be powerful."   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashcline/Website: https://ashleyncline.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshNCline/X: https://twitter.com/AshleyClineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleycline/    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

Curious about how AI can revolutionize your business? In this episode of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast, Yoni Belson, the co-founder of DreamCrew, shares his journey. From his time at UCLA to developing innovative AI solutions for sales and content production, Yoni's story is an inspiration to all of us.    DreamCrew started by helping small businesses with project documentation. Today, they have created a state-of-the-art AI sales representative that engages website users in a personalized, real-time manner. This intelligent agent not only increases engagement but also boosts conversion rates by mimicking the personalized sales experience of a physical store.   Originally from Los Angeles, Yoni began his entrepreneurial journey by founding a company that guaranteed admissions to prestigious universities. Realizing that traditional college education wasn't the best path for everyone, he decided to pivot. At 22, he was recruited by the CEO of a leading commercial real estate debt broker to help start their equity division, giving him his first startup experience within a larger corporation.   Yoni's career then shifted towards the startup ecosystem, with roles in real estate and Web3 startups. Eventually, he partnered with his father to launch DreamCrew, an AI sales agent platform.    Join us as Yoni shares the challenges and successes of developing an AI system that offers a personalized sales experience and its potential for various industries.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   AI technology can enhance business communication and sales efficiency by using AI-driven sales agents. These agents provide personalized, real-time interactions with website visitors, increasing engagement and conversion rates.AI sales agents must focus on selling, avoid irrelevant topics, and deliver accurate information to ensure their success.Future AI advancements will incorporate voice capabilities and personalized avatars to enhance human-like interactions with customers through text, images, or voice.Partnerships and reseller feedback have significantly improved product development, streamlined onboarding processes, and enhanced content agents' SEO and business profile management capabilities.A demo tool is being developed to improve the reselling experience by allowing resellers to showcase AI salespeople on potential clients' websites, offering real-time ROI calculations.AI sales agents are versatile and can be integrated into various businesses, particularly those requiring consultation before purchase, including service-based industries and home services.   As a closing thought, "Leveraging AI to personalize and streamline business processes is the future of sales and content creation.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Yoni: LinkedIn: https://il.linkedin.com/in/yoni-belsonDreamcrew AI: https://dreamcrew.ai/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

What if you could scale your business without burning out? Sujan Patel, a marketing veteran with two decades of experience and a former collaborator with industry giants like Salesforce and Mint, shares his riveting journey from launching his first digital marketing agency to mastering the SaaS space. Learn firsthand about the difficulty of early success, the risks of heavily relying on projections, and how to manage the uncertain waters of sustainable growth. Sujan's honest insights on managing profitability in a cost-heavy agency environment are a treasure trove for anyone aiming to scale their business effectively.   Sujan Patel is a seasoned marketing expert, recognized for his instrumental role in shaping the digital strategies of major corporations. Transitioning from the agency world due to challenges in sustainable growth, Sujan ventured into the SaaS sector where he co-founded Mailshake, a sales automation tool that revolutionized sales efficiency. Throughout his career, he has not only consulted for numerous companies but also cultivated his own SaaS businesses including Mailshake and Right Inbox. With a focus on scaling businesses, managing work-life balance, and aligning personal passions with professional ventures, Sujan offers invaluable insights and guidance to entrepreneurs and industry professionals alike.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Early success may not always indicate sustainable growth. It's important to manage profitability and be wary of projections.Implementing tools like Mailshake can significantly improve sales efficiency and effectiveness, leading to better conversion rates.SaaS companies and sales professionals should target customers with a budget for long-term investments and set realistic timelines to manage expectations effectively.Aligning your business with your personal passions can help prevent burnout and ensure that you're investing your energy in fulfilling work.A business that provides excellent service is likely to receive referrals, which are a strong growth lever. Not receiving referrals may indicate a need to improve the product or service, or a failure to actively ask for referrals.Focusing on areas of excellence and rejecting others can lead to exceptional service, retention, expansion, and referrals while narrowing down offerings and market targets can enhance profitability.Build a business that can operate without your constant presence to achieve true scalability and personal freedom.   As a closing thought, “The insights serve as a reminder that the journey to success involves more than just financial gain—it's about creating a balance that sustains both professional growth and personal well-being.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Sujan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sujanpatel/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patel_sujan/Sujan Patel: https://sujanpatel.com/Mailshake: https://mailshake.com/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.   To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

Digital marketing maven Ryan Deiss lights up this episode with insights learned in necessity-driven entrepreneurship, from his dorm-room launch to his current post at Scalable.co. Ryan's journey exemplifies dynamic marketing expertise with operational savviness, offering a blueprint for success that breaks down the complexities between generating demand and delivering on your brand promise. This episode of Marketing Umbrella Podcast is a masterclass in effective marketing and business scaling, as we explore the customer acquisition process, the importance of 'power stages,' constructing SOPs, and establishing strategic direction. For those grappling with growth, our discussion on debunking scaling myths and developing strategies to alleviate bottlenecks offers pragmatic solutions.   Ryan Deiss - influential entrepreneur, author, and investor in digital marketing, with companies described by Daymond John as "practically owning the internet." Now the Founder and CEO of The Scalable Company, DigitalMarketer.com, Recess.io, and a Founding Partner at Scalable Equity, LLC, Ryan created the "Customer Value Optimization" methodology and pioneered key digital selling strategies. DigitalMarketer, his training company, has over 15,000 paid members and half a million subscribers. He also founded the Traffic & Conversion Summit, North America's largest digital marketing conference, and has shared stages with leaders like Sir Richard Branson, Gary Vaynerchuk, Sarah Blakely, Martha Stewart, Tim Ferris, Daymond John, and Dave Ramsey.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Marketing and Scaling is a strategic approach to sustainable business growth by combining marketing expertise with operational efficiency, creating revenue-generating marketing systems and operational systems that ensure quality and customer experience during expansion.Mapping the Customer Journey Framework is a process of outlining and understanding the various stages a customer goes through from the initial awareness of a product or service to the final purchase and beyond. Here are the steps for Mapping the Customer Journey Framework:Identify initial customer awareness strategies.Chart the customer's journey to a closed sale visually. Identify critical 'power stages' prone to errors and develop playbooks, checklists, and SOPs.Assign team responsibilities and establish scorecards for process stage efficacy.Align business strategy with core goals, mission, values, and competitive advantages. Building scalable businesses with effective systems requires addressing core system issues before considering expansion and recognizing that personal productivity tools alone won't guarantee success.Entrepreneurs should aim to create businesses that operate efficiently even in their absence.Growth alone does not solve all problems. Robust systems are essential for sustainable growth.To achieve long-term success and sustainable and scalable businesses, entrepreneurs must prioritize building effective systems Effective and strong operating systems ensure efficiency, prevent burnout, and enable independence from constant founder presence.Dispelled Scaling Business Myths:More People as a Solution: The belief that hiring more staff solves core issues is a myth; broken systems can overwhelm even capable individuals, highlighting the fallacy of relying solely on manpower to fix structural problems.Personal Efficiency as a Savior: Despite the belief that an entrepreneur's personal productivity can save a business, the reality is that successful entrepreneurs rely on independent operational systems, emphasizing that personal efficiency alone cannot ensure a business's success.Growth as a Cure-All: Confronting the notion that growth solves all, the narrative underscores the peril of rapid expansion without robust infrastructures, highlighting the risk of failure in the absence of proper systems.The 'Magical Unicorn Integrator': The belief in a single individual's ability to fix all business issues is countered by the necessity of a functional operating system for effectiveness, debunking the notion that one person alone can revolutionize a business without proper systems.   As a closing thought, “Build a business that not only thrives but also makes a significant impact for generations to come.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Ryan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandeiss/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandeiss/Scalable.co: https://scalable.co/Get Scalable Book: https://www.getscalable.com/free/    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

Logan Mallory's career journey from sales to marketing is nothing short of inspiring. As the Vice President of Marketing at Motivosity, he shares how a pivotal networking event in Utah's thriving tech scene led him to where he is today. His story is a testament to the value of seizing opportunities and making the most of every connection. In this latest episode of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast, Kevin and Logan showcased the importance of strategic networking and continual career development, emphasizing that the right moves can lead to transformative changes.   Logan Mallory is a renowned professional speaker and Vice President of Marketing at Motivosity, with a distinguished career in leadership. He has inspired audiences globally with his engaging storytelling and practical insights, empowering them with tangible takeaways. Logan has held leadership positions at LogMeIn, Jive Communications, and Workfront, and was recognized as a Utah "40 Under 40" honoree in 2023. He shares his knowledge as an adjunct professor at BYU's Marriott School of Business and is currently finalizing his debut book, slated for release in the fall of 2024.   Motivosity transforms employee recognition in companies by providing weekly affirmations that align with the needs of today's workforce. This timely approach has proven to be highly effective, particularly for younger employees who value frequent and sincere recognition.   Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:   Applying marketing principles internally can foster employee engagement and motivation. Innovative recognition programs can create positive work cultures and potentially decrease turnover while boosting productivity.Emphasize personalized and frequent acknowledgments that resonate with younger employees who value authentic appreciation over traditional reward systems.Great ideas can blossom from anywhere, but it takes a specialized skill set to navigate the vast seas of marketing.It is recommended to have a unique onboarding process that includes personality assessments to facilitate communication and identify preferred motivation techniques.Improved metrics like turnover and absenteeism show hard ROI, while improved workplace culture, employee morale, and organizational interpersonal relationships demonstrate soft ROI.Strategic career planning and networking within a vibrant local economy are keys to professional growth and opportunity.Visibility, competition, and a little healthy competition can combine to create a vibrant office environment that motivates and engages.   As a closing thought, “Innovation in employee recognition isn't about dusty trophies. It's about creating personalized experiences that resonate.”   Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frintmediaApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk   Connect with Logan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganmalloryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/logan_mallory/Logan Mallory Speaks: https://www.loganmalloryspeaks.com/Motivosity: https://www.motivosity.com/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

Join the ranks of marketing mavens and startup enthusiasts as Sandro Okropiridze the mastermind behind STORI, unveils his entrepreneurial odyssey to becoming the CEO of an AI-powered branding revolution. In this episode of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast, Sandro shares the trials and triumphs encountered while transforming Stori from a straightforward no-code solution into a sophisticated social media storytelling powerhouse. His insights into customer-centric product evolution, the pivotal role of honest feedback, and the surprising truths about automation preferences will certainly encourage and enlighten anyone hungry to understand what truly powers innovation in today's fast-paced tech landscape. Sandro Okropiridze, CEO of Stori, is a curious and visionary leader in the tech realm. He has transformed Stori from a no-code website development platform to a cutting-edge AI-powered brand automation platform. Sandro's expertise lies in the innovative application of AI in branding and marketing while advocating for the democratization of marketing tools. With Stori AI, he aims to revolutionize digital content creation. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation: Product interaction studies indicate that users favor a blend of automation and customization, challenging the assumption of a preference for fully automated solutions devoid of personalization or interaction. AI's role in maintaining brand essence is to ensure that the content created aligns with a brand's DNA, demonstrating the potential of AI to automate yet personalize branding efforts. Customer feedback, particularly from paying customers, plays a pivotal role in refining products, underscoring the necessity for businesses to actively engage with their customer base, listening attentively to their insights to guide product development effectively. "Brand identity as a dynamic construct" emphasizes that a brand's identity evolves through interactions with customers and market changes, highlighting the importance of adaptability to audience perceptions and evolving trends. Democratizing Marketing: A vision to make advanced tools accessible to all businesses, leveling the playing field and amplifying diverse voices. As a closing thought, “mastering customer engagement involves the subtle art of balancing user desires with product scalability.” Listen to the full conversation here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR   Connect with Sandro: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrookropiridze Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrookropiridze/ Stori AI: https://storiai.com/   Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to ⁠https://umbrellaus.com

In today’s episode of The Marketing Umbrella Podcast, we grab a few minutes with Andrew Mounier, a true marketing guru who's journeyed from the hustle of agency life to leading the charge on user growth at Xembly, a cutting-edge AI company that's changing the game in marketing. We dive into how he's switched up the marketing game, moving from classic SEO tactics to using some cutting-edge AI tools that are making waves in the industry. Andrew's been in the marketing world for over 15 years, doing everything from marketing at startups to being the marketing boss at companies pulling in as much as $500 million a year. Now at Xembly, as the head of user acquisition and growth, he's mixing his deep knowledge of what makes people tick with the power of storytelling to get people hooked. He's not just about the numbers; Andrew's all about sharing what he knows, popping up on larger sites like FastCompany and Forbes, and even hosting his podcast, 'AI Unboxed', and newsletter, 'Turing's TOFU', chatting tech, strategy, and scaling up. Here are the key takeaways from this conversation: Xembly isn’t just another AI tool. Xembly is a virtual assistant that streamlines tasks for professionals with AI-powered features that go beyond meeting facilitation. It helps knowledge workers with rewriting emails, learning communication styles, and freeing up time for strategic work. Xembly's unique pricing strategy involves offering free trial signups which has revolutionized the user experience.  Diverse teams bring significant benefits by offering a broader range of ideas, enhancing problem-solving efficiency, and preventing groupthink. They also foster a better understanding of customer needs, attract and retain talent, and contribute to global market competitiveness. By implementing these strategies, businesses can more effectively attract and retain strategic enterprise clients, positioning themselves for sustainable growth in the AI-driven market: Offer Trial Signups Without Cost Barriers: Free trial signups improved user experience for enterprise clients, reducing initial hesitation to try and appreciate the product's value. Tailored Pricing Strategy: tailoring the costs to each client's needs ensures a personalized approach that fosters a sense of value and partnership. Provide White-Glove Onboarding: Emphasize a white-glove onboarding process with a Customer Success representative to help clients integrate the product into their operations. Focus on Larger Organizations: target larger organizations to maximize the compounding benefits of the platform.  Closing Thought:  “It's finding what works for you in your organization and what you need to help take you to the next level.” Where to find Andrew: LinkedIn: ♜ Andrew Miller (Mounier) Xembly Turing’s TOFU Newsletter To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to https://umbrellaus.com

Could a LinkedIn faux pas be the best thing to ever happen to your business? Braden Wallake, CEO of HyperSocial and OttoMatey, joins us to recount the viral sensation he never saw coming—a social media post that unexpectedly boosted his profile and taught him, and many others, invaluable lessons.  Meet Braden Wallake, the CEO and founder of HyperSocial and OttoMatey. Despite being a 5x college dropout, he leads a team of marketing experts in creating personalized, effective B2B marketing campaigns. His responsibilities include managing the team, developing strategies, and working with clients to achieve their unique goals. Braden unpacks the intersection of AI and marketing, spotlighting the potential and pitfalls of letting algorithms take the wheel in professional communications. Listen to this episode that's part business masterclass, part survival guide, and all about turning a leap of faith into a forward march. Here are the key takeaways from this conversation: Strategies how to reassure the team amidst media attention and uncertainty Communicate openly and transparently with the team about the company's challenges, decisions, and the context behind the viral event and its consequences. Address concerns about stability and employment directly. Offering Support such as free consultations and LinkedIn profile optimizations Focusing on Moving Forward by directing attention to future actions and growth Handle the situation with grace and dignity.  It is important to have open and honest conversations with individuals in order to maintain positive morale while still addressing areas that need improvement. The Risk of relying on white-label services: Using white-label services without proper knowledge can harm your service quality, value, personalization, client engagement, and agency growth. Leveraging Viral Attention for Good: Braden and his team chose not to take advantage of the viral moment for their own benefit. Instead, they used the attention to help others. They offered free consultations and LinkedIn profile optimizations to those who had lost their jobs Enhancing personalization in LinkedIn marketing: Use AI but add a unique human touch. Craft original messages that stand out. Lead with value instead of aggressive pitches. Build relationships, not just sales agendas Closing Thought:  “Owning your mistakes has the power to transform individuals and organizations. It strengthens leadership, trust, and continuous learning, and can turn blunders into strategic triumphs.” Where to find Braden: LinkedIn: Braden Wallake - HyperSocial Instagram: Braden Wallake | Instagram Website: HyperSocial The Most Viral Post on Linkedin To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to https://umbrellaus.com

If there's one thing that both sports and business have in common, it's the relentless pursuit of excellence. But how often do we connect the dots between the strategies that drive success on the field and those that propel victories in the business world? In this episode of The Marketing Umbrella Podcast, our guest, Andy Neary of Complete Game Consulting, draws these parallels and provides listeners with a masterclass in marketing strategies, influenced by the principles of athletic competition. Andy Neary is a former Professional Baseball Player and two-time Iron Man finisher. He's the founder of Complete Game Consulting and helps business and insurance professionals succeed in their careers and lives. His programs help people cultivate off-field habits and mindsets that lead to all-star performances. Here are the key takeaways from this conversation: Turning athletic experience into business success: Sports mindset and strategies can benefit marketing and business by addressing imposter syndrome and performance pressure. Identifying ideal clients: Knowing your target audience's demographics and psychographics is crucial for successful marketing and customer acquisition. The five questions that one needs to answer to get a clear picture of their ideal buyer are: Who is my favorite client today? Why are they my favorite client? What is the one problem my company solves better than anybody else? What is my process for solving that problem? What does the result look like when we solve that problem? Complete Game Marketing Playbook: This playbook outlines a sales process that includes clarity, content, capture, and conversion. It emphasizes the significance of marketing for client retention. Clarity - Understanding who your audience is and what they truly need. Content - Establishing credibility by creating and distributing valuable, relevant content that resonates with your audience. Capture - Implement strategies to capture leads by encouraging potential clients to engage with your content and provide their contact information. Convert - Converting those leads into clients through a systematic process that guides them from initial interest to the final sale, while providing value every step of the way Closing Thought:  “The best thing that could ever happen with a good marketing strategy is you literally detract the people who you don't want to do business with.” To Connect with Andy: Website: Complete Game Consulting - Andy Neary - Speaker, Author, Consultant LinkedIn: Andy Neary | LinkedIn To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to https://umbrellaus.com

What is it like to trade the comforts of a corporate gig for the roller coaster ride of entrepreneurship? Join us as we welcome Aditya Varanasi, CEO of Awarity, to unlock the secrets of a successful transition from corporate stability to entrepreneurial success. From analyzing Cheetos at PepsiCo to spearheading a digital marketing agency, Aditya's story is full of insights on leveraging integrated marketing strategies and the courage to pursue passion over comfort. Aditya Varanasi is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Awarity. He graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and started his career at PepsiCo in the R&D group.  Here he helped develop and launch new products like Lay’s Stax and Tostitos Scoops and earned multiple US Patents for his work.  It was during this time he had an opportunity to work alongside brand marketing teams and developed a passion for consumer marketing.  Here are the key takeaways from this conversation: Leverage Integrated Marketing Strategies: Using an orchestrated mix of TV ads, in-store promotions, and strategic pricing, as seen in PepsiCo's analysis of Cheetos, can create a compounding effect on consumer behavior. Tailor Your Approach: Customize marketing strategies to suit different business sizes and types. Small businesses must focus on strategic market niches to compete effectively, and larger enterprises require a different approach. The Power of Brand Awareness: Brand recognition and consumer recall are crucial for a business's success. It measures the familiarity of consumers with a brand and how well they associate it with the products or services offered. Innovate to Differentiate: Awarity has made world-class marketing tools accessible and easy to use for small businesses by offering affordable minimums and real-time reporting without retainers. The 4Ps of Product Marketing: Product: This involves the development of the right product or service that meets the needs of the target customer. It includes the design, features, quality, branding, and variety of the product. Price: This relates to the strategy around setting a price that is acceptable to consumers while still yielding a profit. Pricing strategies take into account costs, competition, market demand, and perceived value. Place (Distribution): This concerns the channels through which the product or service is sold and how it is delivered to the consumer. It includes the selection of distribution channels, market coverage, locations, and logistics. Promotion: This encompasses all the communication tactics used to inform, persuade, and remind customers about the product or service. It includes advertising, sales promotions, public relations, personal selling, and direct marketing. Closing Thought:  “There's very little we can ultimately control. We can control our efforts. We can't always control the outcome.” To Connect with Aditya Varanasi: Website: https://www.awarity.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityavaranasi/  To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to https://umbrellaus.com

In this episode of the Marketing Umbrella podcast, Kevin Prewett interviews Tim Calise, an entrepreneur who has had a diverse career. He started as a financial expert, then became a fitness enthusiast, and is now a tech entrepreneur and podcast host. Tim co-created ALAN, which is an AI-powered SaaS platform, with Alexi and Leila Hormozi. Within six months, the platform grew from zero to $20 million in annual recurring revenue.  Listen to hear Tim's story, including the key decisions that shaped his journey. He talks about how he strategically closed his hedge fund just before the 2008 financial crisis, his foray into the fitness and tech industries, and what he learned from those experiences. Here are the key takeaways from this conversation: Living with intentionality: Success is more than just being busy or making money. It's about living intentionally, making choices that align with your values, and staying true to yourself. The art of saying "no": saying "no" to certain opportunities can be as critical as seizing others, allowing for strategic focus and alignment with one's strengths. Redefining success: Don't equate personal worth with professional accomplishments. Focus on relationships and presence over constant hustle. Leveraging unique strengths and recurring revenue: To build a successful business, focus on opportunities that match your expertise and passion. Look for business models that include membership, subscription, and recurring revenue components. Capitalize on what came easily to you, that which translated into significant value for others. Seek out opportunities that are rooted in a relationship-based approach to the business. If you're an entrepreneur, you are constantly seeing opportunities in front of you, and everything is like a challenge to figure out how to do it better, how to make it better, and how to improve the process. Closing Thought:  “You don't need to just do more, you need to do it differently.” To Connect with Tim Calise: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.calise  Website: https://timcalise.com  Leveling The Field Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cE6i6IpWBgZQUYl9ldYvU  If you're feeling isolated or confused as an entrepreneur, Tim's got your back. Head over to his Instagram and DM the word "umbrella". That'll get you his super helpful product expansion formula framework. To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to https://umbrellaus.com

In today's digital world, how can your brand's voice be heard and distinguished from others? This is the focus of the latest episode of the Marketing Umbrella podcast, where David Wachs, the creative entrepreneur behind Handwrytten, shares his insights. In this episode, we discuss how the art of handwriting is not only still alive but also thriving as an effective tool in modern marketing.  David is the CEO of Handwrytten, a platform that brings back the lost art of letter writing through scalable, robot-based solutions that actually writes notes in pen. With Handwrytten, users can send personal notes from their CRM system, website, apps, or through custom integration. The service is used by many diverse clients including eCommerce giants, nonprofits, and professionals, and it is changing the way brands and people connect.  Here are the key takeaways from this conversation: Reviving Personal Connection: Bringing back a personal touch to digital communication by using robots to pen sophisticated, human-like notes. Cutting Through Digital Noise: Serves as a strategic tool to counter the saturation of digital messaging, offering a unique approach to increase open rates and drive engagement. Authenticity with Technology: The robots create notes that pass the smudge test, ensuring authenticity and value in a world dominated by digital methods. Personalized touches:  Such as handwritten apologies accompanied by gifts, can boost customer loyalty and business value. Impactful Connections: Handwrytten reminds us that amid the digital chase for innovation, impactful connections can still be made through the traditional, yet powerful, medium of ink on paper. Retention: Handwrytten notes are great for customer retention and lead generation. Closing Thought:  “It's not what you do or sell, it's how you make people feel.” To Connect with David: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwachs   Handwrytten: https://www.handwrytten.com  To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to https://umbrellaus.com

Welcome to another great episode of the Marketing Umbrella podcast where we host Lewis Rothkopf, Chief Revenue Officer at Pairzon. Together, we explore the crucial transformation of digital advertising and the increasing importance of first-party data amidst growing privacy concerns.  As the Chief Revenue Officer at Pairzon, Lewis leads the sales, marketing, and business development teams to provide AI-powered data intelligence solutions for retailers and brands. With 24 years of experience in digital media, he has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and executing successful mergers and acquisitions across the marketing, ad tech, and media industries. His passion lies in using data, technology, and creativity to create value and impact for the digital ecosystem. Listen in as Lewis discusses the intricate challenges marketers face and how Pairzon is pioneering the use of AI in predictive analytics, giving marketers an edge by closing the gap between digital ads and in-store transactions.  Some key highlights include: Embrace First-Party Data: With third-party cookies declining and privacy regulations increasing, marketers must use first-party data effectively. This data is valuable as it comes directly from consumers, ensuring compliance with privacy laws and improving marketing relevance. AI can optimize marketing campaigns by analyzing data, bridging the gap between digital engagements and in-store purchases. AI integrated with media buying platforms can create real-time audience profiles for quick adjustments in marketing strategies, making ads more efficient and less intrusive. Balance Between AI and Human Insight: While AI can enhance efficiency in marketing, it's essential to maintain a balance by incorporating human creativity and insight. AI should support, not replace, the human element in crafting marketing strategies. Misuse of AI can lead to privacy concerns and low-quality content. Humans are essential to connect with consumers emotionally through impactful creative work, while AI can process data and provide insights. Digital out-of-home advertising requires marketers to measure brand metrics and sales impact, looking beyond clicks and views. Successful marketing prioritizes consumer experience by avoiding irrelevant ads, respecting privacy, and offering valuable content. Closing Thought:  “Use technology to enhance marketing while preserving the human touch that resonates with audiences.” To Connect with Lewis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis  Pairzon: https://pairzon.com  Twitter: https://twitter.com/lewisnyc  To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to https://umbrellaus.com

Join us on the Marketing Umbrella Podcast, hosted by Kevin Prewett, as we chat with Ian Campbell - the CEO of Nucleus Research and the author of the Wall Street Journal Best Seller, "The Value Sale." Ian is a technology value expert, and he is responsible for Nucleus Research's investigative research approach, product set, and corporate direction. He has written and presented extensively on various organizational topics and the importance of matching technology to business objectives. Ian has also been quoted in major business publications such as The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Economist, and was even the subject of a personal profile in The Financial Times.  Don't miss this episode if you're looking to gain a fresh perspective on technology and sales! Some key highlights include: Importance of Value-Based Analysis: understand the specific value a product brings to a company, rather than just looking at market rankings.  Focus on a product's value and benefits, not just its features, to simplify ROI in sales and marketing. This includes increased productivity, reduced costs, and increased profits. The payback period is the time to recover investment costs and is important for risk-averse decision-makers. Differentiating Between Benefits: Prioritizing direct benefits strengthens the business case. Stressing the importance of balancing work and leisure to stay refreshed and generate new ideas. Closing Thought:  “To truly excel in sales and marketing, focus on communicating the tangible benefits and value of your product, not just its features.” To Connect with Ian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iancampbellnucleusresearch/  Nucleus Research: https://nucleusresearch.com The Value Sale Book in Amazon (Paperback): https://www.amazon.com/Value-Sale-Prove-More-Deals/dp/1544543301  To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to https://umbrellaus.com

Entrepreneurs in the constantly evolving world of technology and startups face numerous challenges. In this latest episode of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast, hosted by Kevin Prewett, we explore the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and marketing with our guest, Alex Levin, the co-founder and CEO of Regal.io. Regal is a customer engagement platform that drives revenue through personalized interactions. From his academic background in philosophy and psychology to his venture into the world of startups, Alex emphasizes the importance of persistence and the creation of a strong, value-driven company.   Some key highlights include: Persistence, Company Values, and Team Building - Keys for Startup Success Persistence to the point of insanity is essential for startup success. Founders must persevere despite challenges to keep their businesses moving. On company values, being able to build a company based on one's own beliefs and finding like-minded individuals to work with is a rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship. To avoid software feature creep, prioritize customer outcomes, manage expectations, and integrate their needs into product development. Don't add unnecessary features, but focus on finding the best solutions for your customers' needs. By offering exceptional and personalized customer service, the customers feel valued and it also builds a strong brand.  Regal.io can help turn contact centers into revenue centers by improving customer interactions with personalized experiences and technology. Find the right moments to provide a human interaction that can enhance customer engagement and drive revenue. Closing Thought:  “The goal should not be to make the product better, but to improve the customer's outcome.” To Connect with Alex: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlevin1  Regal.io: https://www.regal.io  To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to https://umbrellaus.com