In this episode of "Let's Talk Business," Meny Hoffman sits down with Jay Owen, a dynamic entrepreneur who founded his own marketing agency as a teenager. Together, they navigate Jay's entrepreneurial journey and share pivotal business insights. This episode is brought to you by Ptex Group’s One-Off Clarity Sessions—a game-changer for business owners looking to get unstuck and move forward with confidence. Whether you need help refining your strategy, improving your branding, or overcoming a business challenge, Ptex Group’s expert-led 60-minute strategy sessions give you the clarity and actionable insights you need to make real progress. Book your session today at https://calendly.com/ptex/60-minutes-strategy-meeting-clone and take your business to the next level. They discuss strategic marketing budgeting, recommending businesses allocate between 5% to 12% of their revenue—tailored by the business's growth stage. The duo emphasizes the importance of choosing the right social media platforms, advocating for mastering one platform before branching out to optimize resources effectively. Jay highlights the profound impact of AI tools like ChatGPT in enhancing daily business operations by generating marketing materials, analyzing data, and streamlining communication. Beyond business strategies, Jay shares his perspective on achieving work-life balance and stresses the impact of personal values on business success. He reflects on fostering a positive family environment and achieving a holistic view of success. This episode is rich with insights on consistent growth, innovative planning, and the benefits of adopting new technologies, offering invaluable takeaways for business owners aiming to elevate their ventures. Tune in to discover how you can apply these strategies for success in your own business journey. Links : http://aiwithjay.com http://linkedin.com/in/jayowen/ https://ptex.co/pandadoc Episode Timestamps :  05:06 - Marketing spend strategy essentials. 06:48 - Strategic website planning essentials. 11:37 - Typical marketing budget: 5-12% of revenue. 15:23 - Focus before expanding platforms. 17:44 - Early tech awakening. 21:57 - AI's impact on agency efficiency. 24:17 - Streamlining tasks with ChatGPT. 28:30 - Effective ChatGPT prompting framework. 29:16 - Refining AI for authentic content. 33:49 - AI integration for business optimization. 36:15 - Optimizing marketing and AI efficiency. PRACTICAL POINTERS: Ensure that marketing efforts are not just expenses but are generating returns. This involves strategic planning and measuring outcomes effectively Even if your business is referral-based, ensure your online presence is strong. Customers often research online before engaging, so maintaining an up-to-date and positive digital footprint is essential  Use AI tools like ChatGPT to save time and improve efficiency in tasks such as content creation, customer engagement, and internal processes. AI can also enhance decision-making by providing quick insights and solutions  As AI evolves rapidly, continuously seek out new tools and ways that AI can benefit your business operations, keeping your workflows efficient and competitive  Develop a clear marketing plan before diving into execution. Avoid starting with SEO or social media without a proper strategy, similar to building a house without a blueprint  

In today's episode of Let's Talk Business, we are thrilled to chatting with Doug Stephens, a visionary in the retail industry and founder of Retail Profit. Hosted by Meny Hoffman, this episode delves into Doug's extensive experience and his expert perspective on the evolution of branding, retail trends, and the essential elements of customer experience. Doug shares his journey of observing and shaping the retail landscape for over two decades, highlighting critical observations about how brands can remain relevant and thrive in an ever-changing market. This narrative underlines the importance of having a clear brand purpose and consistently animating this purpose across all facets of a business. Doug discusses the dual nature of a brand, comprising both visible elements like logos and advertising, and the less visible components such as company culture and supply chain practices. He emphasizes that true brand success hinges on a brand's ability to integrate and manifest its core purpose in every business process, creating a genuine connection with their audience. Additionally, Doug provides a compelling analysis of post-pandemic retail dynamics, discussing the fusion of physical and digital experiences, the rise of third-party marketplaces, and the strategic adjustments businesses must make to cater to modern consumer behaviors. His insights are particularly beneficial for retailers and business owners seeking to navigate the complexities of today's market while aiming to deliver unparalleled value and experience to their customers. Through thoughtful anecdotes and expert advice, this episode offers actionable strategies for business owners and leaders to leverage the principles of effective branding and customer experience design. Tune in to explore how maintaining a clear brand purpose and innovating on customer touchpoints can drive business growth and customer loyalty. Whether you're a seasoned retailer or an emerging entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights to help you refine your strategy and strengthen your brand's impact. 00:00 - Clarifying Brand Expertise in Retail 04:21 - "Retail Profit's Market Vision" 09:02 - Purpose: Key to Brand Success 12:04 - Apple's Renegade Vision 13:46 - Retail Innovation and Founder Vision 18:51 - Branding Commitment vs. Lip Service 21:34 - Brand Identity vs. Strategic Focus 27:25 - Amazon's Delivery Evolution & Marketplaces 29:53 - "Identifying Market Opportunities" 32:37 - Experiential NYC Toy Store 37:26 - AI Transforming Retail Workflow 40:07 - "End of Retail Era" 44:08 - "Dominate One Area, Maintain Values" 45:04 - "Align Business Purpose & Delivery"   Select one primary area to dominate from the four positions mentioned: culture, entertainment, expertise, or design. Focus on excelling in one area rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Experience your own customer service channels firsthand, just as Doug suggested CEOs should do quarterly, to identify gaps in service delivery. If you're growing, create systems to maintain your brand purpose and values even as the organization expands, preventing the "watering down" effect that often happens with scale Create clear guidelines about what your brand promises and ensure all business decisions (from sourcing to pricing) align with these commitments. Review how your stated purpose is actually showing up across all aspects of your business - from products to customer service to employee culture. Look for gaps between what you claim and what you deliver.  

In today's episode of Let's Talk Business, host Meny Hoffman sits down with Yoel Judowitz to explore the fascinating journey from illustration to digital marketing success. Starting his career as a children's book illustrator, Yoel's story is one of adaptation and growth, showcasing how creative skills can evolve to meet changing market demands. What makes this conversation particularly compelling is Yoel's unique perspective on transitioning from traditional artistic work to the dynamic world of digital marketing. As the founder of Story Tribe Media, he shares how his background in storytelling and visual arts became invaluable assets in the modern marketing landscape, especially within the Jewish community. The discussion delves deep into the challenges of scaling a creative business, with Yoel candidly sharing his experiences in building and managing a studio team. He offers valuable insights into maintaining creative quality while delegating work, particularly when dealing with cultural nuances specific to the Jewish market. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the evolution of digital marketing, especially the growing importance of platforms like WhatsApp status in the firm and Jewish communities. Both Hoffman and Judowitz explore how businesses can effectively navigate these new channels while staying true to their brand identity. Whether you're a creative professional looking to expand your horizons, a business owner navigating the digital landscape, or simply interested in the intersection of creativity and business, this episode offers practical insights and actionable strategies for success in today's evolving market. Panda Doc storytribemedia.com Yoel's Links 04:05 - LinkedIn Growth & Creative Storytelling 06:53 - Turning Passion for Illustration Into Business 12:09 - Cultural Challenges in Creative Marketing 15:50 - Building a Sellable Service Business 18:48 - The Rise of Authentic Marketing 21:02 - ArtScroll's WhatsApp Status Development 26:32 - Navigating Social Media Strategies 27:13 - Platform Presence Depends on Company 30:15 - Metrics Inform, But Don't Dictate 35:39 - Align Values, Build Career, Focus Platforms 36:33 - Make It a Great Day Don't be afraid to fail; view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, much like Yoel did when he was initially fired. Learn to delegate tasks and build a team that can sustain your business independently, as illustrated by Yoel’s journey from YJ Studios to managing a team for illustration. Consider building a personal brand alongside your company brand to create a more personalized connection. However, ensure alignment with company values to avoid any discrepancies. Utilize the skills you are naturally good at, as a way to build your career initially, like Yoel did with illustration for children's books. Focus on platforms that provide the most benefit for your business, whether it's LinkedIn, Instagram, or WhatsApp status, similar to Yoel's observations about these mediums.  

How much do you value meaningful content that helps you slow down and be more introspective? This week our guest is Nachi Gordon, the founder, and CEO of Meaningful Minute and co-host of the Meaningful People Podcast; a weekly opportunity for the Jewish world's meaningful and influential people to share their stories with the world. In our interview, Nachi walks us through his journey working in the sports industry and how he came up with the idea of creating the Meaningful Minute platform. He highlights the value of views on social media and how meaningful messages have the power to impact peoples’ lives in a way you can’t imagine. Nachi also discloses why it is always important to be ambitious and stay focused on what you want to accomplish in your life and business. This episode is full of inspiration, you don’t want to miss it. Listen and enjoy!  [00:01 - 12:00] Opening Segment  Nachi Gordon’s background and work Her passion for the sports management field How he was certified with the NBA as a player agent His experience being the youngest agent to have a player sign an NBA contract How Nachi came up with the idea of creating Meaningful Minute [12:01 - 29:01]  Why Being Focused and Ambitious is Essential How Meaningful Minute became popular and well-known Going from zero to 42.000 followers Systemizing and building the structure around Meaningful Minute Making the decision of investing in the platform Starting to build a team  Nachi’s outlook on how to maximize their potential with social media How Nachi was able to have a strong relationship with his users If you’re passionate about something, just take the first step   [29:02 - 40:53]  Expressing What is not Sustainable and Healthy for Society   Nachi shares his insights about running a non-profit work or a for-profit work Stories that have been impactful on Nachi’s journey   Share the pain, not the pictures    Understanding the true value of views The importance of looking  introspect and your media intake Nachi’s most meaningful time in his life Each day and each time in life there's a different message and  [40:54 - 43:07] Closing Segment Learn more about Nachi with the Rapid Fire Questions! Connect with Nachi Follow him on  Instagram, WhatsApp, and Youtube. Make sure to check out Meaningful Minute, your link to what matters the most! Don’t forget to listen to the Meaningful People Podcast. We’re a passionate bunch. Together, we help your business flourish. Visit: https://ptexgroup.com Let’s Talk Exits! Check out my new podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-exits/id1606747718 Connect with Ptex Group: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve in business. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!   Key Quotes  “Our goal is to create content that is meaningful, that can speak to people and draw you in for more.” - Nachi Gordon  “It's so important to constantly reevaluate what you have in front of you and not be afraid to pivot.” - Nachi Gordon  “We just created that organization that its total effort is to create meaningful content that can help people slow down in their daily lives.”  - Nachi Gordon

One of the biggest problems for most business owners is not preparing to sell. Even if they aren't thinking of selling, they should at least evaluate their company. Just like a car, you should pump fuel into your business, take it to the mechanic, and get tune-ups. You want your business to be in its prime so that when push comes to shove, and you have to sell, it will sell fast and earn you a nice profit. Join your host, Menny Hoffman, and his guest, Michelle Seiler Tucker, as they talk about selling your business. Michelle is the Founder and President of Seiler Tucker Incorporated and the author of Exit Rich. She is also a Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary and a Certified Senior Business Analyst. Listen in to learn why you need to prepare to sell your company and the 6 Ps of selling your business.

As a business leader, how important is it to build a company culture that ensures happiness for your employees, and consequently, for yourself? Shawn Johal learned this critical entrepreneurship lesson the hard way as he found himself trying to work with a team that is close to running the business to the ground. In this conversation with Meny Hoffman, Shawn shares some of his hard-earned lessons from this experience, including the danger of seeking growth for the sake of growth, the critical role of people in running a company, creating a hiring process that attracts great people and creates great company culture, and the importance of finding happiness in the present moment instead of focusing on some vague and distant goal. Pay close attention to the whole conversation as Shawn throws in a lot of golden nuggets of wisdom and practical tips.

Rosetta Stone was struggling to stay relevant despite having a 97% brand awareness in the United States. But the company pulled through the difficult times by staying unique to their brand while pivoting according to necessity. The good news is that they did manage to stay relevant, thanks to the leadership of Matt Hulett. Matt is the President of the company, which is a world-renowned leader in technology-based language and literacy learning. Matt is helping entrepreneurs and other small or large business owners by giving practical advice in pivoting company progress in order to unlock their full potential. Join your host, Meny Hoffman as he sits down with Matt and discusses business leadership and how you can level up your company for the future.

Not every business influencer looks or even thinks like Gary Vee and yet they could be just as amazing at what they do. Berel Solomon sports a beard and a kippah and would sooner be seen in a synagogue than in a private jet, but he is as remarkable as business influencers go. Berel is the CEO of Wealthy Executive Coaching, founder of Wealthy Commercials, and host of The Berel Solomon Show. Taking pride in his Jewish roots, Berel dedicates all his work in the world to the One above. Buckle up as he joins Meny Hoffman to talk about his career and purpose as an influencer for entrepreneurs and share invaluable business wisdom, including the importance of finding your zone of genius and operating within it to reach your full potential.