Popular Shows by Meny Hoffman מני הופמן

What are the key ingredients for turning a bootstrapped startup into a business with a valuation of up to 10-billion dollars? This week my guest, John Hefter, the founder of Thrasio, shares his story of crafting a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse! In our interview, he explains how he and his partners scaled by prioritizing higher-value opportunities and building harmonious work environments. According to John, one of his most important roles is to listen to people in positions of power in the company and identify what conflicts or problems need resolution. John also talks about the keys to a scalable business; Establishing winning cultures by building endurance in the workplace to drive people towards a goal. Winning cultures are fun, meaningful, and have no room for ego.  Listen and enjoy!  As a founder of Thrasio, John Hefter has been fortunate to witness his original team of 4 grow into a 1000 person, multibillion-dollar powerhouse. At work and in life, he is a polymath with unrelenting energy and curiosity. John enjoys regularly deploying his expertise in branding, creative, neuroscience marketing, business development, acquisitions, leadership, culture building, and product development across diverse sets of business domains. If there is a challenge met, John will face it openly with creativity, humor, and persistence.   [00:01 - 08:04] Opening Segment John Hefter on building a multibillion-dollar powerhouse Starting with four individuals with varying skills - networking, finance, system-building, and sales Play around with the market leverage. When the perfect environment for acquisition opens up [08:05 - 31:51] Building a Winning Culture through Harmonious Work Environments How was the pace of scaling to reach the vision? Taking it one step at a time Being humble enough to be aware of your weaknesses Outsource the daunting tasks. What is the typical day look like in the company? Strategy-building and turning weaknesses into strengths Identifying what conflicts need resolution Balance time to think, to work on projects, to reach out, and to solve problems. How do we establish a winning culture? Being serious without taking life seriously Capitalize your endurance to keep striving despite fear. Knowing your flow state and triggers of stress Grinding your employees to save pennies has a worse outcome than striving to create a harmonious work environment. Getting the best of both worlds - fun and seriousness in the workplace [31:52 - 44:42] Establishing Your Space in the E-Commerce Realm John Hefter’s outlook on e-commerce Modest to moderate growth across every category in Amazon A cooling-off period in the acquisition side for e-commerce Do not expect quick money! Start with the objective in mind and analyze the brand’s position.  Settling in and optimizing management Where should you focus on to grow your business? Showing reliable return of investment Understand the cycle of the products. A smaller, healthier company is better [44:43 - 48:33] Closing Segment John on the four rapid-fire questions Book a strategy session, drop your questions and comments on https://letstalkexits.com   Connect with us! (links below)   Key Quotes:  “There's something captivating about a good origin story because all of us see the potential of that in ourselves.” - John Hefter  “We literally have a rule in our office, that's ‘No Assholes’. I don't care how talented you are if you're not a cultural fit… It's a visceral response of them trying to gain power at all costs… And that, to me is a big sign that you're not going to be fit for our culture.” - John Hefter  “On your spreadsheet, you might say like, ‘Hey, I'm saving pennies here by grinding out my employees just a little bit more,’ but your long term outcomes will be much worse than creating a harmonious work environment.” - John Hefter  Connect with John https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hefter-a27aaaab/    Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! 

What exactly happens in the aggregator space? Let’s demystify the ins and outs of this business model in e-commerce with Brian Harwitt from Coventure. He breaks down what exactly goes on in the operations of aggregators, why they are excited to buy brands, and how credit provides more opportunities for sellers to scale in the space! In our interview, Brian explains why lenders are willing to fund these opportunities as e-commerce goes on its way to stabilization. The obvious effects of COVID-19 on e-commerce seem to be the one to blame when it comes to profitability fluctuation, but considering the ease of supply chain, availability of capital, and consumer preference, Brian points out that we are leaning towards growth and stabilization of the e-commerce ecosystem. Listen and enjoy!  Brian is a Partner at Coventure, working within its Credit Opportunities group. He has spent a significant amount of his time working with Amazon Third Party Seller Aggregators, working with 10+ different aggregators across credit and equity investments. Brian also works with emerging fintech companies to help provide creative solutions to finance their company. Prior to joining Coventure, Brian worked in the Investment Banking group at Guggenheim.   [00:01 - 08:49] Utilizing Credit Opportunities in the E-Commerce Space Brian Harwitt on getting into e-commerce  Utilizing credit opportunities This allows financing new-age businesses including Amazon sellers. Vetting the risk factor Make sure to have the highest quality management teams. Apply due diligence with the competency of underlying aggregators. E-commerce in the lens of credit Opportunities for higher returns Taking away the need of bringing the customers to the page [08:50 - 19:35] Stabilizing the Ecosystem through Supply and Capital Availability What is the economics behind the venture capital perspective? Financial arbitrage by efficient use of debt It is about creating more value through expansion. Prioritizing market share followed by profitability Do equity rounds make a difference in the operations of the company? Prerequisites in taking on debt as a seller Scaling fast without quickly raising equity Brian Harwitt’s outlook on e-commerce for aggregators What the easing of supply chain issues entails Stabilized ecosystem for continued growth Creating more options for exits What should a seller look for to exit? Considering the certainty of the close Dangers of miscommunication or misrepresentation [19:36 - 35:00] Learn From Mistakes and Step into the Industry Are there opportunities for entry into the e-commerce space? Professionalization through aggregators  Learning where to focus on Up to what extent is the control of aggregators? Due diligence to combat potential trust issues Guarding a good reputation for more closes What does day-to-day in the company look like? The intersection of technology and finance The blending of cultures between the venture Brian Harwitt’s outlook on brands picking up on e-commerce Professionalizing the systems in the marketplace The bullish trend and observable growth year by year Awareness of what aggregators avoid Negotiation and mitigating risks [35:01 - 37:18] Closing Segment Brian on the four rapid-fire questions Book a strategy session, drop your questions and comments on https://letstalkexits.com   Connect with us! (links below)   Key Quotes:  “As more and more players came into the space, we [Brian and his business partner] became more confident in the ecosystem, the ability to align to it, and the institutionalization of it.” - Brian Harwitt “The e-commerce on Amazon's platform is really appealing because it took away the need of bringing the customers to your page.” - Brian Harwitt “A lot of what I've seen in a lot of Amazon sellers, specifically in most of my experiences in Amazon, is that you gain market share first and worry about profitability later.” - Brian Harwitt  “As we see the supply chain issues ease, and as we see, hopefully, stabilized demand and more predictability, I think it'll be easier for capital to come into the space as we see more of a steady-state rather than this, like, euphoria, and then come down to earth. And then now we'll sort of see, what does the stabilized ecosystem look like?” - Brian Harwitt Connect with Brian https://coventure.vc/  https://twitter.com/bharwitt    Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts! 

What does it take to set up your corner in eCommerce world? What is the formula for making sure that each product is worthwhile? Our guest, Adam Feinberg from Britech Inc, amazes us with his story of starting a business with $40,000 in capital, selling Bluetooth speakers. As his product line grew, his brand grew to over $80 million in sales. Ultimately, he sold his business for over $100 million! So, how’d he do it? In our interview, Adam advises on practical marketing tips, and he highlights the ways we can prepare ourselves for growth, success, and an ideal exit for our eCommerce businesses. He explains that if we can go the extra mile to enhance our sales processes and financial management, our chances of success are that much greater. With such an admirable story, our chat is filled with golden bits of advice and wisdom. Listen in and you’ll be on the road to taking action in no time. Listen and enjoy!  Adam is the CEO of Britech Inc, a brand new e-commerce start-up, and Chairman for ClearSpace, an e-commerce company focused on storage solutions. He sold Web Deals Direct, an e-commerce firm which grew to over 80 millions dollars in annualized sales in less than 6 years, for 100M plus to Perch in spring 2021. Adam is currently working with the Perch team as a consultant. Prior to selling on Amazon, Adam was the CEO of a search engine optimization firm. Adam also has 15 years enterprise software development experience, as a consultant with Accenture.   [00:01 - 10:10] From Making Websites to Amazon Success Adam Feinberg on discovering eCommerce Making websites and involvement in SEO Turning $40,000 bucks into $100 million It was simply about trying not to get jobs. Starting own logistics and growing the staff Keeping full stocks during COVID-19 as an advantage [10:11 - 28:23] Marketing Tactics to Employ for Better Brand Positioning What was the marketing strategy behind selling multiple brands? Adding variety and selling in different categories Spending money on trademarks Come up with some backup. How do we decide between opening another brand or expanding the existing one? Doubling down what works Expanding from the US to Canada or UK markets Adding complementary products in the same brand How do we go from marketing tactics to selling? Coming into a realization of ongoing expenses Approaching private equity firms and getting the deal done [28:24 - 52:55] The Realities of the eCommerce Space in Financials and Cashflow Where should eCommerce newbies focus on? Establishing serious financials and doing the books Ensuring accurate accounting for transparency Your net margins should be at least 15%. The significance of sufficient capital before starting The rise of aggregators changing the cash flow of the business The simplification of accounting - cash basis Being wary of the $26 million-dollar mark Tips on launching products Offering coupons to run ads Gathering reviews and minimizing ads Building additional storefronts as guidance [52:56 - 56:25] Closing Segment Adam on the four rapid-fire questions Book a strategy session, drop your questions and comments on https://letstalkexits.com   Connect with us! (links below)   Key Quotes:  “I recommend in general, to spend money on trademarks, a couple of years in advance, of things you want, might want to do and come up with brands. And if you like a category, unfortunately, come up with some backup. ” - Adam Feinberg “The most success that we had on web deals direct was taking something that was already working, doubling, tripling and quadrupling down on it.” - Adam Feinberg “I honestly don't recommend people going into the Amazon space, unless they have hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend right now.” - Adam Feinberg    Connect with Adam https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-feinberg-6879033b    Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!   

How is it possible to figure out the next top-selling product on Amazon? With the presence of tools and software at our fingertips, it seems doable, but this week’s guest, Tim Jordan, tells us that those are not precisely the key ingredients to launching success. In our interview, he emphasizes the need to do your own broad research before diving into product development. He warns us of the dangers of trendy products that would someday only gather dust in your warehouse. He explains how the barriers to entry to Amazon become an advantage and that we should trust the system. Trust yourself in looking for opportunities in the space and use the tools available to validate and build confidence in your decisions. Listen and enjoy!  Tim Jordan is a serial entrepreneur and e-commerce expert, having developed multiple online brands as well as helping hundreds of other sellers through training and coaching. He is also the host of many popular content series, such as the AM/PM podcast. Tim also works as an Executive Strategist for many service-based companies in the e-commerce industry. Tim has built, launched, and created multiple brands across multiple platforms and had large collaborations in E-com education.   [00:01 - 07:44] Opening Segment Tim Jordan on getting involved in real estate Comparing wholesale price for government bidding to online shops got him thinking Opening a shipping and sourcing company targets the biggest problem of the private label space Producing content even after the exit and becoming an executive advisor [07:45 - 26:53] Winning Strategies for Finding Opportunities and Product Development What is your strategy in product development? The dangers of not having the right keywords Find keyword opportunities then transition into development. Utlizing tools and software for analysis and confidence Validate the search volume for keywords. How do you approach launching a hot product? Depending on the product - there is no one correct answer Figuring out how many products to launch with little effort Go wide, not deep. What's your take on letting that product go? Asking yourself if it’s worth the time Combating shiny object syndrome by avoiding useless products [26:54 - 35:00] Why the Best Time to be Entrepreneurs is Today What is your advice for people still entering the space? Why the risk is worth the reward Stacking dominoes to reach your Amazon goal Have faith in the system. How the best time to be entrepreneurs is now Tim Jordan on being a host of a big podcast Opportunities to build a network of noteworthy people Making an impact even on another side of the world [35:01 - 39:35] Closing Segment Tim on the four rapid-fire questions Book a strategy session, drop your questions and comments on https://letstalkexits.com   Connect with us! (links below)   Key Quotes:  “When we think about Amazon, specifically, we have to understand that we do not sell products, we sell keywords. So even if I have the greatest product in the world, if there's no keyword demand for it, or there's too much keyword competition, it won't sell.” - Tim Jordan “There's no simple button to push. And if you're just pushing a button to find the great product opportunity, you're pushing the same button as everybody else, and you're gonna fail at it.” - Tim Jordan “The software is giving the evidence and not dictating decision.” - Tim Jordan Connect with Tim privatelabellegion.com IG: @timbo jordan FB: facebook.com/tim.jordan.714 LI: linkedin.com/in/timbo-jordan   Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

What are the secrets to successful fundraising in the nonprofit sector - and can those secrets be translated into advice for business owners in the for-profit world, as well? There are so many misconceptions about fundraising, and the more time passes, the more entrenched these myths become. In this episode of Let’s Talk Business, Meny talks to Moshe Hecht, who has changed the nature of fundraising repeatedly - both as a philanthropic futurist at Charidy.com who helped over 7000 organizations raise almost 3 billion dollars in 7 years, and as co-founder and CEO of HATCH, the world’s first Giving Intelligence Platform. Moshe and Meny dispel some of the misconceptions while offering practical tips that can help you raise money, too - whether you run a charity or a for-profit business. It’s an enlightening conversation, so don’t miss it. Moshe Hecht is the co-founder and CEO of HATCH, the world's first Giving Intelligence Platform. A philanthropic futurist and innovator, Moshe previously built a global team and platform at Charidy.com that helped 6000 organizations raise over 1.8 billion dollars in 7 years. Dedicated to advancing philanthropy through the use of technology, he won the Nonprofit Technology Professional of the Year award, and his articles on the future of giving have been published in Forbes, Guidestar, Nonprofit Pro, Nonprofit Quarterly and eJewishPhilanthropy. [00:01 - 08:21] Opening Segment • Introducing Moshe Hecht, the co-founder, and CEO of Hatch, a giving intelligence platform His experience working at charity.com and helping raise close to $3 billion for charities • How Hecht saw a gap in organizations not monetizing their donor data and founded Hatch to address this issue Helping organizations understand their donors' potential through data analysis [08:22 - 15:42] The Platform Revolutionizing Fundraising and Marketing Efforts for Nonprofits • What allows organizations to prospect for different opportunities and enhance their fundraising and marketing efforts • Where the idea for charity.com came from The prevalence of crowdfunding for small businesses • How charity.com flipped the script on traditional business models [15:43 - 22:43] Building a Successful Platform for Social Giving • Understanding the psychological motivations of donors and creating a sense of urgency How social aspects play a big role in donor motivation • Building a platform for a specific audience is important for success • Emotional connection is important in building products and businesses [22:44 - 30:05] The Importance of Setting Ambitious Goals in Fundraising • Setting goals and helping organizations get the job done is key to sustainability • Belief in oneself is the key to successful fundraising campaigns • Successful fundraisers believe in the urgency of the cause and their capability to make a difference • Fear of failure is a common obstacle for fundraisers, but belief in oneself can overcome it [30:06 - 37:22] Maximizing Your Database • How data can help nonprofits and businesses target their constituents for better results The value of data in targeting and tailoring marketing campaigns • The importance of strong leadership in business success • How targeted campaigns based on public sources and third-party data can increase referral power and donations [37:23 - 45:02] How to Identify Potential Donors • How to communicate better and increase donations for fundraisers • Marketers can use public data to identify potential donors who match their event • Nonprofits are growing based on people's lifestyles and interests • Fundraisers can expand their prospect list by using signals of wealth and capacity [45:03 - 49:06] Closing Segment • Building relationships and cultivating donors over time is critical for fundraisers • Moshe on the rapid four questions Want to connect with Moshe? Follow him on LinkedIn. Head to Hatch, an AI-powered portal for Fundraisers, Marketers, and Volunteers to streamline and Maximize their impact! Key Quotes: “If you can discover the psychological motivations of your audience and if you can build something around those motivations and you can build something successful.” - Moshe Hecht 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!

Are you ready to crack the code on hiring and scaling your business with virtual assistants? From his experience of selling textbooks in college to building an army of VAs to run his business, Nathan shares his expert advice on outsourcing and delegating to grow a business. He discusses the importance of hiring the right people, setting expectations with potential hires, investing in training, and motivating people long-term. You will gain insight into the value of delegating properly, the three types of people essential to a successful business, the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when delegating tasks, and much more. Listen and enjoy! Nathan Hirsch is an entrepreneur and expert in remote hiring and eCommerce. He is the co-founder and CEO of FreeeUp.com, a marketplace that connects businesses with pre-vetted freelancers in eCommerce, digital marketing, and much more. He has sold over $30 million online and regularly appears on leading business podcasts, such as Entrepreneur on Fire, and speaks at live events about online hiring tactics. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 05:45] How to Solve Your Hiring Problems • How Nathan built an army of VAs to help run his Amazon business Building Free Up and Outsource School • The difference between success and failure Mastering outsourcing and hiring the right team [05:46 - 16:32] Mastering the Art of Delegation • How to hire the right people and build trust Entrepreneurs need to surround themselves with followers, doers, and experts • Common mistakes entrepreneurs make when hiring Not focusing on attitude and communication in addition to experience • Why investing time, energy, and money into training someone is important for keeping them around long term [16:33 - 27:04] Mastering the Art of E-Commerce • Why setting expectations is key to successful delegation Make sure to start with the easiest task that doesn't affect your business negatively • How bookkeeping is a key part of e-commerce businesses Bookkeepers need to understand the top line of Amazon, Shopify, etc. • Growing real brands is important rather than "get rich quick" strategies [27:05 - 30:17] Wrapping Up! • The key to success in eCommerce in 2023 • Nathan on the four rapid questions Connect with Nathan: Nathan Hirsch (LinkedIn) Outsource School (Website) Key Quotes: "Hiring is the difference between success and failure." - Nathan Hirsch "You have to be able to surround yourself with other people that can help you get things done." - Nathan Hirsch Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Is it possible that the best way to grow your business is to avoid being a businessperson? It’s not typical to hear expert business advice from a game show host… but there’s nothing typical about Boruch Perlowitz. A filmmaker, game show host, teacher, pilot, and more, Boruch has carved out a unique niche in the Orthodox Jewish community as an entertainer and educator. Boruch believes that one of the secrets to his success is making sure not to think like a businessman and that his best marketing was not doing marketing at all. He has a fascinating perspective and a unique story, so don’t miss Meny’s conversation with Baruch as they discuss the kinds of marketing that work best when to prioritize quality over price, the corporate benefits that come with a positive attitude, the importance of delegating, dealing with failure, and much more. Baruch's films are famous for being both entertaining and educational, while also having high production values. Most of his day is devoted to his role as a game show host, where he entertains corporate and private clients in a creative and fun manner. One of the most interesting characters in the Orthodox Jewish scene, Boruch lives in New Jersey with his wife and children. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 16:01] Opening Segment • Making people happy is the best way to make yourself happy • How to strengthen company culture and build collaboration How quality time sets apart company cultures • Gossip and negativity are the number one killers of company culture • Why positivity is a gift that can be worked on by everyone [16:02 - 32:10] The Benefits of Being the 'Least Focused Businessman • Companies that prioritize spending quality time together have a strong culture • Doing something so good that people remarket it for you is the best marketing • How not being a businessman can help your business grow Willing to go above and beyond to create the best experience possible • The importance of not focusing on generating revenue, but on creating the best movie possible [32:11 - 47:55] Unlocking Success Through Passion and Personal Growth • Why passion and personal growth are necessary for a business to reach your fullest potential • How delegating tasks can help free up bandwidth and allow for more focus on creative projects • Focus on the good, change perspective, and learn from mistakes Validate emotions before offering a different perspective • See mistakes as learning opportunities and chances to grow [47:56 - 55:40] Closing Segment • Boruch on the rapid-four rapid question • Q&A: Is hiring family members a positive step or can it lead to disaster Want to connect with Boruch? Follow him on LinkedIn. Head to his website to learn more about his work! Key Quotes: "Offer a product that people are so in love with that they're gonna tell everybody about." - Boruch Perlowitz "The more you're not a businessman, the more your businesses grow." - Boruch Perlowitz "We are meant to grow and the way we grow is by facing challenges and the real way to grow is by learning from your mistakes." - Boruch Perlowitz 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!

Are you sure how to streamline and systemize your Amazon FBA businesses to earn more and work less? In this episode, Michal Specian joins us to discuss his journey from launching his Amazon business, growing it to an eight-figure business with only a small team, and successfully selling the business. He shares his strategies for product development, product launches, optimizing listings, building teams, and systemizing businesses for successful exits. Michal offers practical tips on how to stand out from other sellers and breaks down the process of selling the business - from finding potential buyers to negotiating the deal. Tune into this episode for insight into successful Amazon brand-building! Michal spent 4 years managing and growing an Amazon FBA Business to 8 figures. Years of process development and optimization allowed them to reach 8 figures with a small team of 2 full-time employees. Their brand was successfully acquired by an aggregator. Michal has recently launched his YouTube Channel, where he shows Amazon Sellers how to transition from Operators to Owners by systemizing their businesses and building teams. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:29] Growing Your Amazon FBA Business How Michal managed and grew an Amazon FBA business to eight figures with just a small team How the brand was successfully acquired by an aggregator How to systemize your business to focus on the business instead of in the business Michal's strategy for product development [07:30 - 14:36] Gaining Detachment and Analyzing Data How to analyze existing keywords to identify customer avatars and create variations of a product Utilizing scientific method to differentiate a product from competitors Make sure to gather data to understand customer avatars and what works for them Why you should keep it simple with a small team [14:37 - 21:54] Navigating the Exit Process How to sell your business at the right time and get the best offer What you should consider when looking for a buyer Successful businesses come from consistent action in the right direction Simplicity is key- Resist the temptation of trying too many tactics Focus on understanding existing assets and constraints and figure out how to get where you want to go [21:55 - 29:17] Increase Bottom Line and Overcome Internal Bottlenecks Focus on customer and product Action steps to get to know the customer avatar better Understand where they are, talk to them, and find patterns Listing optimization and launching process strategies How to implement systems, build teams, delegate tasks, and create strategies [29:18 - 38:54] Closing Segment Strategies for delegation and building the internal structure Advice for sellers who are stuck Michal on the rapid-four questions Connect with Michal: Michal Specian (YouTube) Michal Specian (Twitter) Key Quotes: "The key to consistency is simplicity." - Michal Specian "The objective is not just to differentiate the product, the objective is to make it better." - Michal Specian Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Is there a way to overcome the anxieties and lack of self-confidence that interfere with your business and your life, and prevent you from achieving your dreams? Some people have expertise in business, some in psychology… and then there’s Mordechai Klein, who combines various talents to create a unique approach to coaching in business and life. In this episode of Let’s Talk Business, Meny has a serious conversation with Mordechai about his theories of psychology and business, and how they intersect. Mordechai talks about the importance of systems, the idea that change occurs primarily in a person’s mindset, how to look forward instead of back, building self-confidence and crushing anxiety, and much more. Mordechai Klein is a certified EOS Implementer, and a serial entrepreneur with multiple businesses. He is also a successful real estate owner with a significant portfolio of multifamily units in New York New Jersey. By utilizing my finance & psychology background he helps entrepreneurs implement the EOS system that has worked so well for him. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 15:15] Opening Segment • Mordechai's mission is to help growing businesses flourish as partners The two parts of his personality- an entrepreneur with big ideas and a systematic, structured thinker • When Mordechai'scuriosity about human nature and psychology began • Past should be acknowledged and accepted, but not dwelled on for too long • Discussing the mechanics of any topic won't make you successful, you need to take action [15:16 - 28:49] Understanding the 80/20 Psychology and Systems Balance • Why 80% psychology and 20% systems are needed for personal and business development • Hard work is not going back to the past, but implementing the right tools, and systems in every area of life • Life is difficult and real satisfaction comes from overcoming challenges How to overcome thought processes and build a healthy work relationship • Constantly look for ways to improve and break through ceilings [28:50 - 42:06] Overcoming Anxiety and Low Self-Confidence • How to identify, acknowledge and work on your beliefs Why the two foundations of anxiety are avoidance and exposure • How the lack of self-confidence is a belief usually linked to high levels of anxiety • Understanding the source of negative beliefs and restructuring thinking around them A systematic approach to personal development through relationship building [42:07 - 54:56] Closing Segment • How to make EOS systems work for your company • Moderchai on the rapid -four questions • Q&A: What can you do to get an employee back on track? Want to connect with Mordechai? Follow him on LinkedIn. Head to EOS World Wide to best strengthen each key component of your business! Key Quotes: "Everything in life is a combination of 80% psychology and 20% systems." - Mordechai Klein "I'm trying to take the best out of every field to be able to become better and to help better and quicker other people." - Mordechai Klein "Whatever your mind can conceive and believe it can achieve." - Mordechai Klein 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!

The worlds of e-commerce and AI are changing so fast, it sometimes feels impossible to keep up. Fortunately, Chad Rubin, Founder, and CEO of Profasee, is a renowned expert in e-commerce, Amazon, and leveraging AI strategies, and shares his massive knowledge with Meny on this special episode of Let’s Talk Business. Listen in as they talk about how Chad sold his business (and what you can learn from his experience), the opportunities and threats associated with ChatGPT and AI, whether you should start selling on Amazon and then move into other channels, the most effective way of differentiating your product on Amazon, and much more. Chad Rubin leads Profasee's operations and oversees its strategy. He often speaks about e-commerce, amazon, and leveraging AI strategies on webinars and conferences worldwide. He's also the author of the Amazon bestseller, Cheaper, Easier Direct. Prior to Profasee, he founded Think Crucial and co-founded Skubana and the Prosper Show. He is also a father, and husband and loves coffee and tacos. [00:01 - 07:27] Opening Segment • How Chad launched his startup and exited it • Leveraging AI strategies on webinars and conferences worldwide • The need for events in the e-commerce space How they can help entrepreneurs become 1% better [07:28 - 21:14] Why Timing Is Everything • Why and how Chad decided to build Skubana • How to know when is the optimal time to sell Focus on the revenue-generating side of the business rather than cost saving • The reason why timing is key when selling a business • How one entrepreneur found success after the "Great Reset" [21:15 - 35:45] AI is the Future: Maximizing Profit and Discoverability with AI • AI is still in its early stages but is developing quickly Business owners can start getting acquainted with AI • How Chat GPT can make writers better • Starting a brand on Amazon requires a plan and tight margins • Chad's insights about aggregators and Amazon [35:46 - 45:52] Closing Segment • Your idea must be differentiated to succeed • Chad on the rapid-four questions • Q&A: What is your risk tolerance? Want to connect with Chad? Follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter. Head to Profasee, and predict the perfect price every time! Key Quotes: "So my goal, at least from a career perspective, is to leave an industry far better than how I found it." - Chad Rubin "It's much easier to show people how you can make more money than how you can save money." - Chad Rubin 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! 

You might assume that you need to keep your prices stable and grow your client base in order to become profitable. But what if the reality is actually the exact opposite, and you’re underestimating your value and increasing your workload?  In this compelling interview, join Meny as he speaks with well-regarded pricing expert and business advisor Patty Block about the way to assess your value, understanding which clients are worth pursuing, how to avoid the awkward silence after you mention your prices, why charging by the hour is often a mistake, how to identify and overcome limiting beliefs, why it’s better to tell a story than to talk about features, and much more. Patty Block is a business advisor and pricing expert. She is the founder of The Block Group and has experience as a business owner, lobbyist, political consultant, and non-profit executive. Patty’s passion is to empower women business owners to turn up their power to price, sell, and run their businesses on their own terms. [00:01 - 08:08] Opening Segment Patty’s background and experience empowering women business owners Beating the broken cookie effect Pricing is key to success and understanding your value is essential Women tend to undervalue themselves, focus on serving others, and over-deliver [08:09 - 25:44] Overcoming Fear and Reframing Limiting Beliefs Fear of rejection often keeps people from charging enough Limiting beliefs can prevent people from building a team and training them Value-based pricing is recommended to help understand the value being brought to the buyer Three types of value: extrinsic, intrinsic, and perceived Patty introduces the SNAP System [25:45 - 42:09] Learn How to Sell with Stories and Build Value Don't wait until someone expresses interest; plan ahead and prepare stories and questions Ask strategic questions to qualify whether the buyer is a good fit Marketing raises visibility, business development builds relationships, and sales close deals Features and benefits don't work well; focus on building value with stories Using business storytelling to differentiate yourself and make sure it is relevant for the buyer [42:10 - 48:38] Closing Segment Stand your ground when it comes to the sales process Patty on the rapid four-questions Q&A: How to know in advance if a person is likely to do the job they're hired to do Want to connect with Patty? Follow her on LinkedIn, and Facebook. Head to The Block Group to conquer your revenue roadblocks! Key Quotes: “My mission is helping women business owners beat the broken cookie effect so that they can run their business with more joy where they're generating more revenue with less.” - Patty Block “If you believe that you need more clients to generate more revenue for your company to be more profitable, that is a limiting belief.” - Patty Block 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! 

As Let's Talk Business concludes another great season, join Meny and his producer, Scott Kahn, to review the highlights of the past six months. Together, they reminisce about their favorite guests and most meaningful moments while discussing what makes a good podcast, how listeners can get involved, and some exciting plans for LTB's future. You won't want to miss this celebration of Let's Talk Business, the podcast which offers no-nonsense advice to help you learn, grow, and lead. Listen and enjoy! Key Highlights: [00:01 - 06:46] Opening Segment • A "seasoned review" to talk about some of the podcast episodes that have gotten solid feedback • The effort that goes into producing a show Speaking to guests beforehand and asking more profound questions • The most fulfilling part of producing content [06:47 - 13:09] How One Podcast Episode Changed a Life and a Business • Podcasting is not just about having a great guest or host • The goal of Let's Talk Business • Why feedback from listeners is crucial [13:10 - 26:20] Uncovering the Nitty Gritty • A recap of some episodes and their feedback • Understand the essence of branding and marketing • Salespeople should listen to different ideas and adapt something that works for them Avoiding the feeling of rejection [26:21 - 33:30] Closing Segment • The value of the podcast Introducing a new Q&A segment to the show • Making a difference in the lives of the listeners Key Quotes: "Having a properly prepared podcast, a host, and a guest who work well together. That's what makes a successful podcast." - Scott Kahn. "Give us that 40 minutes, that hour, and we'll give you tremendous value for your time." - Scott Kahn. 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! 

What does “America’s Rabbi” know about business? Plenty, as it turns out. Listen in when Meny talks with Rabbi Daniel Lapin, host of the weekly television show Ancient Jewish Wisdom and author of books like Thou Shall Prosper, about the ways that ancient Jewish wisdom contains the keys to prosperity and financial success. Rabbi Lapin explains why a giving mindset is crucial, how to avoid the incorrect idea that prosperity means taking something away from people, whether the trope that Jews are good with money actually contains an important truth, why you need to increase your circle of friends (and how to do it) when high intelligence can work against you, and more.  Rabbi Daniel Lapin, known widely as America’s Rabbi, is a noted rabbinic scholar, best-selling author, and TV host. He is president of the American Alliance of Jews and Christians, author of America’s Real War; Thou Shall Prosper, and other best-sellers. A frequent guest on Fox News, WallBuilders Radio, and Glenn Beck TV, he hosts his own popular radio and podcast programs with audiences worldwide. He hosts the weekly television show Ancient Jewish Wisdom with his wife, Susan, on the TCT Television Network. [00:01 - 08:21] Opening Segment • Discover the secrets of financial success • The nature of earning money and bringing in the spiritual part • How Jewish people are disproportionately good with money • Check out Thou Shall Prosper [08:22 - 16:12] Understanding How the World Works • Why a high IQ is not beneficial for business success • Success comes from understanding how the world works and exchanging value • People are often uncomfortable when asked to name a price for their goods or services • Paying a fair price is essential to avoid exploitation and ensure satisfaction [16:13 - 24:33] Escaping the Shackles of a Bad Spiritual Schematic • Making money is often associated with evil and greed in society • What "the rich must pay their fair share" means • Making money is not taking; it is evidence that you have served another human being. • People should focus on making money as a way to serve God [24:34 - 32:55] The Secret to Financial Success • Wealth is not defined by money but by satisfaction with one's portion in life • The Five Fs of success (family, physical fitness, friendships, finance, and faith) • Why employees should think of themselves as independent contractors • More business is generated through relationships than at business development meetings [32:56 - 44:35] Expand Your Network and Increase Your Wealth  • Authenticity is essential when trying to build relationships with successful people • Torah system encourages kindness and goodness for financial abundance • Look for opportunities to give, not take • Exploring the interconnectedness of God, money, family, friends, and health [44:36 - 52:41] Closing Segment • Rabbi Daniel on the rapid-four questions • Q&A: How should I balance aiming my marketing budget towards potential new clients vs. keeping my existing clients happy and satisfied? Want to connect with Rabbi Daniel? Check out his YouTube Channel and website. Head to We Happy Warriors, ancient solutions for modern problems! Key Quotes: “Part of understanding how the world really works means you understand that money flows to people who deliver value.” - Rabbi Daniel Lapin “If you understand how the world really works, you will always be able to serve other human beings regardless of what the circumstances are.” - Rabbi Daniel Lapin “Business is about giving; it’s not about getting. The money flows automatically when you find a way to satisfy the needs and the desires of other people." - Rabbi Daniel Lapin Connect with Pte 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!

When you consider growing your business by taking out a major loan, how do you know what risks are worthwhile - and how do you evaluate risk in the first place? What factors are crucial in determining when to invest in real estate and what kind of property you should purchase? Why is it imperative to know your numbers well, and how do you ensure you’re not fooling yourself? These are among the most important questions for any growing business, and Yankie Markowitz, Chief Executive Officer of SBA Loan Group, has a fascinating way of addressing them all. Listen to Meny and Yankie discuss all this and more on this useful and crucial episode of Let’s Talk Business! Yankie Markowitz is the Chief Executive Officer of SBA Loan Group and has helped facilitate over $600 million in real estate transactions and complex deal syndication. He is often sought out by bankers to help structure complex SBA transactions because of his knowledge and unique experience with the U.S. Small Business Administration loan programs. He also serves as a Board Member of C.H.Y.E., a non-profit resource center that helps aspiring entrepreneurs in the area of responsible business development and provides them with the tools and resources that they need to achieve lifelong financial independence.  [00:01 - 07:26] Opening Segment • Understanding SBA loans and how banks pivot to accommodate the market • How Yankie has helped facilitate over 600 million in real estate transactions • How SBA loans are outstanding for small businesses • Banks pivot to accommodate the market and protect themselves [07:27 - 14:22] Small Business Growth • Exploring the benefits of SBA loans • Stimulating the economy by helping small businesses grow • The two primary loan programs that SBA provides • The requirements to qualify for an SBA loan [14:23 - 21:20] Getting the Money You Need • SBA is flexible as long as the bank is willing to take the risk • Banks want to be on the same page with the borrower • How SBA Loan Group educates people on the program • Loans are available for those looking to expand or grow their business [21:21 - 28:11] Making Money Faster • Advice for business owners on taking risks and buying buildings • Success of a business is based on the success of clients • What business owners should consider • The significance of understanding your numbers [28:12 - 35:19] Know Your Numbers to Get the Best Loan Deals • Real estate typically appreciates over time • Owning property can be an investment for a business • Business owners should understand their numbers • The vocabulary of real estate investing [35:20 - 41:48] A Guide for Business Owners • Your numbers are essential to running a successful business • Why you should speak to their accountant at least once a quarter • Be intentional with the goals of the business and set metrics to measure success • Outsource specific tasks, but don't outsource responsibility [41:49 - 48:36] The Power of People, Process, and Product • How SBA Loan Group is helping businesses pivot and succeed • Refinancing can be a great option when rates increase • Having the right team and process in place is critical to success • Attending events and being around like-minded people can be beneficial [48:37 - 1:00:23] Closing Segment • Discovering the power of community • Yankie on the rapid four questions Want to connect with Yankie Markowitz? Follow him on LinkedIn or Instagram. Visit SBA Loan Group, one of the most reputable packagers of government-guaranteed small business loans to business owners. Key Quotes: “We're not interested in wasting time. If we waste time, we're losing money. The faster we can get the deal done, the more money we make.” - Yankie Markowitz “Real estate appreciates no matter what.” - Yankie Markowitz “Knowing your numbers will tell you what your business is doing." - Yankie Markowitz 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!

When Eli Rosenbloom noticed that the price of certain specialized vehicles was unusually high, he started to do some research - and soon started to manufacture them himself. The result? His company, FR Conversions, is on the road to becoming the biggest ambulance manufacturer in the United States and potentially the world. Meny Hoffman and Eli talk about the problem of knowing too much before you start, understanding the barrier to entry before you invest, the issue of information sharing, the best way to train employees, the importance of choosing a specific avatar, and much more. With over 20 years of experience as an owner and operator, Eli Rosenbaum has executive management experience in emergency pre-hospital care, manufacturing, and software. He got his start as a commercial ambulance operator & EMT and eventually went into vehicle manufacturing while simultaneously developing ERP software for manufacturing and distribution. He is currently the CEO of FR Conversions, the only ambulance manufacturer worldwide that has increased production during Covid. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:18] Opening Segment • Eli’s journey from commercial ambulance operator to van conversion company owner How he has expanded his portfolio and opened several new factories • How to help alleviate logistical problems in manufacturing and distribution • Where the idea for manufacturing wheelchair-accessible vehicles comes from [07:19 - 14:02] The High Cost and Complexity of Building Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles • Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are expensive and were not profitable 20 years ago • Why the complexity of building a mobility van is much greater than building an ambulance • How Eli took apart and rebuilt his van with the help of a fabrication shop • The need for more affordable wheelchair-accessible vehicles [14:03 - 20:55] The Challenges and Successes of Building Customized Vans and Ambulances • Minivans are a small segment with low demand and high cost to produce • Building a car is complicated with thousands of parts, and custom fabrication is expensive The barrier to entry for manufacturing vehicles • Why the target audience for Eli’s vehicles is himself [20:56 - 27:26]From Craigslist to Cohesive Distribution Model for B2B Vehicles • Understanding your client is crucial in B2B and B2C businesses The power dynamic between the customer and the company • Service and maintenance are critical in industries where downtime is not an option • Business models should be based on passion and target customers, not just profitability [27:27 - 34:05] Scaling Up a Unique Manufacturing Business • How labor is the biggest challenge for FR Conversions • Information sharing is a significant challenge as the company scales The need for better systems to handle escalating complexity • How building software has been a secret sauce for managing the process of scaling up [34:06 - 44:51] Closing Segment • Tips on delegation and root cause analysis for business success Delegating authority and responsibility is vital for scaling up • Understand the root cause of problems, not just the surface issue Want to connect with Eli Rosenbloom? Follow him on LinkedIn. Head to FR Conversions to explore the innovative conversion van solutions for everybody!  Key Quotes: “Understand enough about your business that you can keep on making or help make informed decisions..” - Eli Rosenbloom “When you teach people, don’t teach them the what to do; teach them the why. When they bring you problems, don’t attack the problem for what it appears to be; attack it for what’s the root cause.” - Eli Rosenbloom “The right hand never knows what the left hand is doing.” - Eli Rosenbloom 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! 

What are some of the ways you can help your business reach and exceed your best-case scenario and find success well beyond your expectations? Eli Rosenbloom, the founder, and CEO of FR Conversions, has built one of the world’s most successful manufacturers of specialized vehicles. In Part One of Meny’s interview with Eli, they discussed the best way to train employees, the problem with knowing too much before you start, the issue of information sharing, the importance of choosing a specific avatar, and much more. Today, they continue their conversation by discussing mapping out your business, ways to exceed your best-case scenario, the market for new and used cars, the future of self-driving vehicles, maintaining passion once success is assured, and more. Don’t miss it! With over 20 years of experience as an owner and operator, Eli Rosenbaum has executive management experience in emergency pre-hospital care, manufacturing, and software. He got his start as a commercial ambulance operator & EMT and eventually went into vehicle manufacturing while simultaneously developing ERP software for manufacturing and distribution. He is currently the CEO of FR Conversions, the only ambulance manufacturer worldwide that has increased production during Covid. [00:01 - 07:11] Opening Segment • The importance of predictability and mapping out your business for success • How Eli’s ambulance manufacturing company saw significant growth in production and market share • Understand your business and create models for best/worst-case scenarios [07:12 - 13:55] Tips from an Automotive Manufacturing Expert • Why it is essential to model out potential supply chain disruptions • The complexity of the automotive manufacturing industry and the need for accurate inputs The consideration of outside advisors or consultants for a fresh perspective • Stick to what works and avoid distractions with new projects [13:56 - 20:48] Vehicle Prices Won’t Be Going Down Anytime Soon • Vehicle prices are not going down, but there may be additional incentives • How the shortage of new cars is affecting the used car market A three-year gap in inventory will take years to refill • Eli’s insights on self-driving cars and why they are an area of interest [20:49 - 27:30] Changing Lives and Making Mobility Affordable • How liability and regulations are significant obstacles to self-driving cars  • A crucial component for self-driving cars to understand their environment • Why Tesla could fall behind other manufacturers • Big companies investing in self-driving technology may not fully understand the challenges involved [27:31 - 37:19] Closing Segment • How Eli’s mission has changed the industry and touched many lives • Having passion is essential for achieving success in business • Eli on the rapid-fire questions Want to connect with Eli Rosenbloom? Follow him on LinkedIn. Head to FR Conversions to explore the innovative conversion van solutions for everybody!  Key Quotes: “Don’t believe what everybody tells you.” - Eli Rosenbloom “You should know enough about what you’re trying to do to make informed decisions.” - Eli Rosenbloom “If you can’t stand the people you work with, you’re gonna be miserable.” - Eli Rosenbloom 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!

Is your fear of hearing the word “No” keeping you from working with authentic leads, causing you to waste time, and leading you to self-deception about your success? What if instead you learned how to have the uncomfortable, upfront conversations that could result in disappointment - but could also lead to lucrative business relationships? We naturally want to leave a meeting feeling positive, and thinking that we’re on the road toward making a sale. But is your fear of hearing the word “No” keeping you from working with authentic leads, causing you to waste time, and leading you to self-deception about your success? What if instead you learned how to have the uncomfortable, upfront conversations that could result in disappointment - but could also lead to lucrative business relationships? In this provocative episode of Let’s Talk Business, Meny speaks with Charlie Hauck, Founder, and President of Growth Dynamics, about how to balance self-confidence with humility, ways to avoid wasting time in the beginning - not the end - of the call, how to get more referrals, why you should never use the word “sales,” what three questions you should ask at the end of every meeting, and much more.  Key Highlights: [00:01 - 16:40] Opening Segment • Charlie's background and story Moving into sales and business development • How ego and self-confidence can be confused • Why sales conversations should be replaced with business conversations Selling belief and trust is more important than product or service value [16:41 - 33:05] Stop Selling and Start Prospecting • Stop selling and have an abundant mentality Target the right people and talk to enough people • Deliver service beyond expectation and ask for help in growing business Get the right decisions and respect the gift of time • Respect the prospect by not being pushy or aggressive [33:06 - 49:53] The Power of Trust-Based Relationships • Truthfulness and slowing down the process leads to better outcomes • Why success comes from referrals and introductions Trust is key to successful referrals • How to succeed in business development 3 essential traits and tips from Charlie [49:54 - 54:18] Closing Segment • Charlie in the rapid-four questions • Q&A: Is there a secret that makes cold calling less unappealing?  Want to connect with Charlie? Head to Growth Dynamics where greater results can be achieved! Key Quotes: "Confidence is knowing that whatever circumstance you find yourself in, you can do what you have to do to survive." - Charlie Hauck "Most people in business development think their job is to collect yeses. That's not it, it's to collect decisions." - Charlie Hauck "The slower you go, the faster it will happen." - Charlie Hauck 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!

Has your business reached a plateau, and you’re eager to jump to the next level of success with increased sales? If so, you need to listen to Meny’s interview with fractional sales advisor Eric Balis. Eric and Meny discuss some of the ways to develop a successful sales strategy, the three potential qualities of your product that will lead to sales, investing in the right people for your sales team, how to find the salesperson who will mesh nicely with your company culture, how to make projections that are both ambitious and realistic, and more.  Eric Balis is a fractional sales advisor who helps small to medium-sized companies build a path to increased sales. A noted expert, Eric helps businesses by assessing existing sales teams, strategies, sales & coaching processes, and sales execution and by creating sales infrastructure components and sales leadership. Eric is the Fractional VP of Sales and Founder of Top Tier Sales Advisors. [00:01 - 07:29] Opening Segment • How Eric helps small to medium-sized businesses, increase sales Helping businesses get unstuck and grow by working hands-on with them • Eric's goal is to help businesses hire a sales leader • Revenue is growing, and business is doing well [07:30 - 14:36] Sales Strategies for Growing Revenue and Business Success • The importance of having an impact on the business and the people you work with • Understanding the "why" behind your business is crucial for strategy The sales process vs. selling process distinction • Adding to top-line revenue, decreasing expenses, and improving efficiencies are critical goals for a business [14:37 - 21:22] Setting Realistic Sales Expectations • How a 360 onboarding plan helps set milestones for new hires The first year is an investment year for both the salesperson and owner • How historical data can be used to project revenue plans Metrics and KPIs are essential for tracking progress and making adjustments [21:23 - 28:17] Tips on Hiring the Right Salesperson • Uncomfortableness is a good thing for growth and meeting goals • Sales success requires the right expectations • Hiring the right salesperson requires assessing attitude and aptitude Why is not everyone cut out for sales? [28:18 - 32:14] Closing Segment • Salespeople should maintain a winning attitude and proactively manage highs and lows • Eric on the rapid-four questions Want to connect with Eric? Follow him on LinkedIn. Visit Sales Xceleration to drive sales revenue! Key Quotes: "What you need to do is be a little uncomfortable to get to the next level and meet your goals and exceed them." - Eric Balis "There are two types of people in a company, those who sell and those who support those who sell." - Eric Balis "Rejection is the heart of sales. If you can't take rejection, then be done." - Eric Balis 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! 

How do you flip a switch so that your sales call will be welcomed instead of being seen as an annoying interruption? Best-selling author and coach Ron Karr say it’s all about changing your story, asking the right questions, and creating an environment that will appeal to your client’s emotions. Join him and Meny in an episode filled with practical examples to learn more. With his Velocity Mindset methodology, Ron Karr has worked with leaders on six continents to eliminate risk, gain buy-in, and achieve better results faster. His presentations and advisory services have generated over a billion dollars in incremental revenues for his clients. Ron is the author of five books, including Velocity Mindset and the bestselling Lead, Sell, or Get Out of the Way.  [00:01 - 08:02] Opening Segment • How to eliminate risk, gain buy-in, and achieve better results faster • Ron offers excellent tips on how to build high-performance sales cultures • Ron's concept of people calling themselves victims of circumstances The way of leadership [08:03 - 15:34] How to Make Purposeful Sales Calls and Get Better Results Faster • People often become task-oriented instead of purpose-oriented • What you should consider making a successful sales call Qualify the account, decide on the best path forward, and map out the steps • What the goal of the call should be [15:35 - 22:56] Uncovering the Neuroscience Behind Engagement • Exploring cortisol levels and how to create an environment for participation Cortisone (fight or flight hormone), low cortisol (not engaged), and high cortisol (fearful). • Before selling, create an environment for customers to want to participate • Moving from static questions to the conversation and trust building [22:57 - 30:02] Unlocking the Power of Empathy to Influence • How asking questions can create trust and change reactions The importance of creating an emotional connection first • Ask questions to understand the customer’s environment • Discipline needed to ask questions and clarify meanings [30:03 - 37:14] The Power of Self-Reflection with Board Meetings • The five steps to break the sales cycle Prospecting, first impression, qualifying, presenting, and closing • Leaders can use the same techniques to understand what is essential to their employees • Make sure conversations are purpose-driven and not task driven [37:15 - 44:22] Transforming Sales with a New Conversation • Make sure to ask questions to figure out what is going wrong • A copier is nothing more than a communication vehicle From selling one copier to filling in gaps with multiple copiers • Used tenacity to try something new and learn from failures [44:23 - 49:33] Closing Segment • Keynote and field visits helped bring back 8 million in revenue • Ron on the rapid-fire questions Want to connect with Ron? Follow him on LinkedIn. Head to his website to create more value and opportunities while shortening your sales cycle! Key Quotes: "Before you even start selling, you gotta create an environment for people to want to participate with you." - Ron Karr “Tenacity is what helps people move forward, but not tenacity, doing the same thing. It's constantly tweaking to get to the purpose that you're after." - Ron Karr 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!

Technology has put us in with more people than ever before, but somehow we’re also more isolated and alone. NLP Practitioner, Hypnotist, and Coach Keith Haddrill - who has been performing on stages since he was four years old and has spent a lifetime studying human behavior and interactions - has some fascinating suggestions for how to break down barriers, improve our communication skills, and learn to connect with people on a deep and meaningful level. Join Meny and Keith as they talk about our models of the world, the impact of non-verbal communication, the problem of self-limiting beliefs and how to overcome them, and much more. Keith Haddrill has been an avid student of human behavior and human thought processes his entire life. He is a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), a Certified Coach, a Certified Master Hypnotist, and a member of Mensa. He has entertained and enlightened thousands of audiences worldwide using world-class ventriloquism, magic, hypnosis, and humor to transform teams for the better in fun and disarming ways. [00:01 - 07:26] Opening Segment • Keith shares his background and story Using Worldclass Oneism, Magic, Hypnosis, and Humor to transform teams for the better • Communication is vital to many things around us. • How to unlock the power of connection in the workplace [07:27 - 15:05] The Human Dynamics of Business • Business is about humans interacting with humans • People realized they were tired of trading their life for dollars They want a sense of belonging, fulfillment, and job satisfaction • How technology is outpacing sociology and leading to increased cases of depression and anxiety [15:06 - 22:35] A Paradigm Shift in Leadership During the Pandemic • People are hungry to be back together but need to learn how to work within workplace conflicts Leaders need to communicate the benefits of being back in the office • How social media has made it difficult to connect with others in person • Each person has a map of reality based on their belief structure and formative experiences [22:36 - 30:12] Understanding Models of the World to Connect with People • Switched the paradigm from “What do I need this person to do for me?” to “How can I serve them?” • Finding commonality is critical to connecting with people and building relationships • How our models of the world can cause damage to communities • Confirmation bias leads us to accept evidence that supports our beliefs [30:13 - 37:53] A Guide to Feeling Heard, Understood, and Appreciated • People will do anything to feel heard, understood, and appreciated • Sometimes, people use excuses to validate why they are not successful • How one can decide to take charge of their life -The twin brothers' story • We tend to find excuses for our failures and not take charge of our own life [37:54 - 45:17] Closing Segment • How you can overcome limiting-beliefs • Keith on the rapid four questions Want to connect with Keith? Head to Keith Haddrill and enrich corporate culture through captivating presentations! Key Quotes: "The better you can connect with other humans, the better you can do in your career and business." - Keith Haddrill  "We teach other people how to treat us; we project our model of the world into the world." - Keith Haddrill  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! 

If you have an idea of how to make an existing system much better and more efficient, but the people who run the system slam the door in your face, how can you manage to implement your ideas despite their resistance? In this episode of the Let’s Talk Business Podcast, Eli Beer, the President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel, talks to Meny about the origins of his massive organization, why he needed to find a way around existing ambulance services, the reason that he chose not to be the CEO of his own organization, how he was able to grow United Hatzalah into the powerhouse that it is today, the proper way to retain volunteers, and much more. Don’t miss this inspiring, illuminating, and surprising conversation.  Eli Beer is the President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel - an independent, non-profit, fully-volunteer emergency medical services organization that provides fast and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel. Eli has been awarded numerous prizes and acknowledgments across the globe for innovative and lifesaving work. [00:01 - 07:34] Opening Segment • Eli shares how he ended up creating the United Hatzalah of Israel An independent nonprofit providing fast and free emergency medical first response • How Eli had an idea to make an existing system more efficient but was met with resistance Being inspired by a bomb attack he experienced as a young boy [07:35 - 15:00] The Story of United Hatzalah • The idea to respond to emergency calls with volunteers and motorcycles How Eli built an underground emergency command center • Volunteers are motivated by the satisfaction of saving someone rather than money • The organization has responded to almost 6 million emergencies since it started [15:01 - 22:14] Achieving a 90-Second Response Time • The vision, challenges, and rewards of United Hatzalah • United Hatzalah uses random people who want to be trained as volunteers • Why CEOs should have an expiration date • Run the organization like a sustainable business [22:15 - 29:39] Treating Donors and Volunteers with Respect • Treating donors and volunteers the same is vital to success • Volunteers are obligated to respond to a minimum amount of emergency calls • Donors get financial and operational transparency • Leaders need to show compassion and empathy when dealing with traumatic situations [29:40 - 36:48] The Incredible Story of United Hu Sela and its 600 Volunteers • Volunteers go through treatments for emotional trauma • Selling donations as a way to learn sales skills Eli's journey of lifesaving and inspiration • Everyone should be involved in doing good in the world [36:49 - 46:36] Closing Segment • Overnight successes are often years in the making • Why Eli realized he wanted United Hatzalah to be less dependent on him • Eli on the apid for questions Want to connect with Eli? Follow him on Instagram and Facebook. Visit his website and check out 90 Seconds: The Epic Story of Eli Beer and United Hatzalah! Key Quotes:  “If you want to really be successful in your life, go work in a non-for-profit for a few years before you start a business.” - Eli Beer “Once you have a volunteer, the more work you give that volunteer, the more committed they are." - Eli Beer “Sometimes you see a story, or you see the end of the story, and you don't realize that every overnight success is years in the making.” - Eli Beer 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! 

Hiring remote workers offers benefits both to businesses and their employees… and this can also lead to headaches and mistakes in hiring and onboarding.  In this episode of Let’s Talk Business, Anna Shcherbyna, CEO of Remotivate and an expert in helping companies recruit remote management and leadership offers practical advice to ensure that your company doesn’t waste time and money by hiring people who look and sound great - but are actually all wrong for your business. Anna Shcherbyna has over ten years of experience in international Operations and Recruitment for major companies and online businesses. Originally from Ukraine, Anna is currently based in Barcelona and is the CEO of Remotivate - a recruitment agency that helps remote-friendly companies hire top remote Management & Leadership via an affordable done-for-you service.   [00:01 - 07:24] Opening Segment • Anna's experience in international operations and recruiting How to help remote-friendly companies with top remote management and leadership • Masterminds help entrepreneurs learn, grow, and lead by providing valuable and actionable tools • Anna's specialty is helping online business owners hire for leadership and management roles   [07:25 - 14:27] Exploring the Benefits of Remote First Businesses and Intentional Culture Building • Remote work creates freedom to be able to spend time with family and have more balance in life Candidates are more productive, engaged and work more hours • What makes work more intentional, resulting in better results, happier people, and faster growth • The increase in remote job postings and applicants on LinkedIn   [14:28 - 21:16] Practical Advice for Hiring Remote Employees • Interviewing process should include a test project to assess the candidate's capabilities Set clear expectations and make them data-driven and time-specific for onboarding • When hiring, interview at least two or three candidates to compare their skillsets • Avoid making hasty decisions when desperate to hire - assess the candidate properly   [21:17 - 27:45] The Benefits of Multiple Interviews for Hiring Success • Interview multiple candidates to ensure the right fit for your business Have an unbiased opinion from someone else in the recruitment process • Meny breaks down his 3-step interview process • Research the candidate and allow them to research you and your business   [27:46 - 34:30] Tips on Structuring Interviews and Communication with Remote Employees • Structure interviews with different goals in mind • Have regular check-in calls with remote employees Use time tracking to understand how much time is dedicated to different tasks • Why you should hire an operations specialist as a business grows   [34:31 - 38:12] Closing Segment • Start hiring sooner rather than later to avoid working 16-hour days and having a messy team • Anna on the rapid-four questions   Want to connect with Anna? Follow her on LinkedIn. Visit Let’s Remotivate, the simple way to find remote leadership!   Key Quotes:   “People will hire quickly to fill in a problem. But they created just another problem because now they're wasting time and money.” - Anna Shcherbyna   “Remote work creates the freedom to spend your time being more productive, but also having more balance in life.”   - Anna Shcherbyna   "It is not quantity; it's really been about quality." - Anna Shcherbyna   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!

When you realize that there’s something in the world that only you can do, it will fundamentally change the way you work and the way you live your life. For visionary, speaker, executive coach, and facilitator Rabbi Ezra Max, that realization came in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, when he worked at Ground Zero and barely escaped with his life. Join Meny in this wide-ranging conversation with Rabbi Max about setting goals, accountability, the definition of coaching, how coaching and consulting differ (and why it matters), the importance of celebrating achievement, and much more.    Rabbi Ezra Max is a visionary, speaker, executive coach, and facilitator. He has a wide variety of management experience in healthcare, technology, emergency services, real estate, and community activism, facilitating transformational change. He has lectured and facilitated internationally on issues of communication, goal setting, stress/trauma resilience, sales, parenting, psychological safety, and classroom management.   [00:01 - 13:34] Opening Segment • Ezra shares his personal experience on September 11th, 2001 • How Ezra had a total meltdown and questioned life's purpose Everyone has a unique job to do in the world • Treat each day as if it's your last and live it meaningfully   [13:35 - 26:41] Know What You're Doing and Do It Well • Measure twice, cut once - know the outcome you're aiming for • Post-traumatic stress is an incident, not a disorder • Use moments of inspiration to step up to challenges and gain clarity • How to achieve personal, spiritual, and family development with the help of accountability   [26:42 - 39:17] Unlocking the Difference Between Coaches & Consultants • The two types of coaching - pure coaching and content-based coaching • Communication skills are vital to avoiding dysfunction in teams • How to balance personal and professional growth • There is an epidemic of aloneness in the world post-covid   [39:18 - 45:24] How Giving Can Lead to Incredible Rewards • We should invest in something eternal rather than something momentary • How a coach can help us zoom out of a situation and alleviate tension • Sometimes, it's helpful to give advice to someone else to gain clarity on our own situation • Ezra Focus on four goals: financial, family, spiritual, and health   [45:25 - 53:39] Closing Segment • The need for a conversation about the "epidemic of loneliness" How to help the next generation plug into their source • Ezra on the rapid four questions   Want to connect with Ezra? Follow him on LinkedIn. Head to his website and create meaningful connections!   Key Quotes:   “Every single day should have an impact. We should treat every day as meaningfully as if it's our last.” - Ezra Max   “Opportunity doesn't always look like a million dollars on a civil platter. Opportunity usually looks like a struggle and something uncomfortable.”  - Ezra Max   "We become different as a result of doing; we don't become different just as a result of thinking. We have to think and do to become different. " - Ezra Max   “Our businesses will never grow beyond our personal development.” - Ezra Max   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!

Almost every business owner dreams of scaling their company, turning it from a small operation into a multinational corporation. Yoni Mazor, Co-Founder and CGO of GETIDA, actually managed to do it, creating the largest organization in the world dedicated to Amazon FBA auditing with more than 180 employees in 7 countries.    In this episode of Let’s Talk Business, Meny and Yoni have a candid discussion about when it’s time to scale a business, what types of investors you should consider, the importance of creating a company culture that will survive your future growth and more. Yoni also offers some practical tips for Amazon sellers on how to increase their profit margins and get back money that you may have assumed was gone forever. It’s a great conversation that might just change the way you understand scaling, so don’t miss it!    Yoni began developing GETIDA after successfully founding and operating a $20 million yearly Amazon FBA business, selling fashion brands internationally. GETIDA specializes in Amazon discrepancy analytics and consulting. By utilizing data visibility technology, GETIDA focuses on discovering and managing financial and inventory-related discrepancies with tens of billions of daily transactions.    [00:00 - 12:50] Opening Segment • How GETIDA has scaled into the largest organization dedicated to Amazon FBA auditing • How the landscape of the Amazon space has changed drastically over the last 20 years • The challenges facing Amazon sellers in the age of increased competition • Sellers have to be good at all aspects of their business to succeed   [12:51 - 24:52] Maximizing Amazon FBA Reimbursements and Refunds with GETIDA • Amazon provides reimbursement or refund for losses incurred in shipping, storage, and returns • Sellers have to bear the responsibility of reconciling discrepancies • GETIDA's mission is to help sellers get maximum FBA reimbursements and refunds How it is achieving rapid expansion and maintaining its culture   [24:53 - 36:35] The Story of Successful Bootstrapping and Private Equity Investment • Good people with honesty and humility are vital to growing a successful company • People are the foundation of every major empire, politically, business-wise, or financially • Staying focused on one niche instead of becoming a jack-of-all-trades master of none • How to leverage strategic investment and smart money for long-term success   [36:36 - 43:58] Closing Segment • Amazon sellers should reconcile shipments to ensure they receive the retail value and make a profit • Yoni's secret weapon for success • Yoni on the rapid four questions   Want to connect with Yoni? Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Head to GETIDA, improving the overall operations of Amazon FBA sellers!   Key Quotes:   “Our mission today is pretty simple, is just to make sure that Amazon FBA sellers all over the world get the maximum FBA reimbursements and refunds that they're eligible to receive.” - Yoni Mazor   “What counts for a business is not gross revenue is always the bottom line net profit.” - Meny Hoffman   “You want to build a good team around you that can really provide something at a large scale if you have the ambition to go large scale.” - Yoni Mazor   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!   

If, as some people claim, A.I. is going to change the world as much as the introduction of electricity and the electric light, how can you get involved before it’s too late?    Join Meny and Chris Winfield, Founder of Understanding A.I. and CEO of Super Connector Media, for a fascinating conversation that will tell you what you need to know about A.I., the opportunities and threats that it presents, and the way you can start using it today   Chris Winfield is a New York City-based entrepreneur, writer, and coach. Chris aims to help his clients leverage the connections they already have to increase their credibility, authority, and profit. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, NBC’s Today Show, ABC News, Fox and Friends, and over 200 other media outlets.   [00:00 - 07:45] Opening Segment • Valuable insight into the emerging world of AI (Artificial Intelligence) AI has been around since the 1950s, but only recently has it become more widely known • There will be two types of companies in the future: those who are great at AI and everyone else • Chat GPT became the fastest-growing app in history, with over 100 million users in two months   [07:46 - 15:43] The Fastest-Growing App in History • AI is still in its early stages, and businesses cannot ignore it, or they risk being left behind • AI can be used for copywriting, customer service, and sales solutions • The impact of AI on businesses and society   [15:44 - 23:22] Exploring the Benefits and Dangers of AI • AI is similar to when electricity came on, creating a whole new economy • Why people who don't adapt to AI will be replaced • Business owners should avoid the "shiny object syndrome" and focus on understanding chatbots • Chris's outlook on executives that have warned of the dangers of AI   [23:23 - 31:08] Creating Avatars & Content with Chatbot Prompts • If used correctly, chatbots can be used to enhance productivity Using multi-shot prompting to get more specific answers from a chatbot • How creating avatars and asking for content examples can help create content • Using chatbots to tweak content based on an audience is beneficial   [31:09 - 42:56] Closing Segment • Utilize research tools to back up your instincts • Chris on the rapid-fire questions   Want to connect with Chris? Follow him on LinkedIn & Instagram. Head to Super Connector Media to leverage your results!   Key Quote:   “You will not be able to ignore AI because your competitors will not be ignoring it. And you do not want them to have an advantage over you. It's just that simple." - Chris Winfield   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!   

Salespeople use so much of their time, money, and energy in trying to find new clients - and so many find that their efforts don’t work, or they fail to find the “hungry fish,” or they get the wrong kind of clients. Fortunately, Meny and entrepreneur, speaker, trainer, advisor, and best-selling author Mitch Axelrod have plenty of practical advice to turn things around, so listen in as they speak about maintaining your existing customers, knowing what questions to ask, radically shifting your self-image, and much more.   A 45-year entrepreneur, speaker, trainer, advisor, and #1 Wall St. Journal, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon best-selling author, Mitch has delivered 3,500 seminars, workshops, keynotes, webinars, executive briefings, and coaching clinics to more than a million people on business, entrepreneurship, sales, leadership, values, and life skills.   [00:01 - 08:12] Opening Segment • How Mitch has helped generate over 3 billion in revenue for thousands of companies • Introducing the New Game of Selling Focusing on long-term relationships and the value of the second sale • How can I serve you from the beginning?   [08:13 - 17:13] How to Identify and Attract Your Ideal Clients • The key is to find the ‘hungry fish’ by asking your best customers why they do business with you • Creating a unique service advantage (USA) Focus on the customer's destination rather than the product/service you are selling • Shift context to understand where buyers are in their buying cycle and meet them there   [17:14 - 25:40] Unlock the Power of Lifetime Value • How to shift your focus from new clients to existing ones • Shift focus from closing a sale to establishing yourself as the trusted advisor • Every person is a gold mine with referrals, testimonials, endorsements, introductions, networking, and joint venturing • When a client favors you with their business, ask them why they chose you and drill down deeply into that conversation   [25:41 - 34:25] How to Build Strategic Business Relationships • Why it is important to build relationships with customers before and after the sale • Stimulus-response is an important concept to understand when engaging with customers • Provide resources, results, and relationships to add value • Maximize the deal instead of compromising   [34:26 - 45:16] Closing Segment • Focus on the business relationship and what the other party will get out of it • Mitch on the rapid four questions   Want to connect with Mitch? Follow him on Facebook & YouTube. Head to the New Game of Selling to learn more about his work!   Key Quotes:     "My model was always backward. It was like, how can I serve you? From the beginning. So the context of the conversation was never about me. My product, my service, it was all about your destination." - Mitch Axelrod   “I believe every one of us, whatever product, service issue or cause we represent, we are in the transportation business, and we are in the transformation business.” - Mitch Axelrod     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!

In an arena swarming with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of competitors vying for the same product niche as you, what sets you apart? We don't want to aim for mere survival; it's about rising to the top.   Aaron Cordovez, a top 100 seller on Amazon, has built a brand and is currently selling $75 million worth of products each year. During his journey to success, Aaron went from trying to get a regular job to creating his own product - the lemon squeezer - which became a number-one bestseller on Amazon. In this episode, Aaron talks about his strategies for taking his business to the next level, such as creating additional revenue streams, focusing on customer service, and understanding your customers' needs.   [00:01 - 15:20] How Aaron Found Success as an Entrepreneur Despite Challenges Aaron Cordovez built a brand that has sold over $200 million worth of products on the internet. To build a successful brand, one needs to think about what their product will have that no one else will have and how they can service the customer better than anyone else. Being secretive about your brand or product doesn't guarantee success or safety from competitors.  Brand strength is key to surviving in a saturated market. Build a product so unique and a service so superior that it can't easily be replicated   [15:21 - 29:29] The Fundamentals of Running an Amazon Business The importance of passing on what you have learned to others, particularly in the realm of business and entrepreneurship. Visit https://www.aaroncordovez.com/invest for investment opportunities. Make an impact on your customer by bringing something unique and valuable to the market. Don’t just sell; build a brand; Shift your focus from solely aiming for top sales rankings on Amazon to creating a loyal customer base and building a brand. The only constant in business is change. Businesses must continuously evolve and adapt their strategies to keep up with changes in the market.    [29:30 - 47:02] Creating Brand Confidence Through Interaction and Disruption Marketing Building a brand means moving beyond individual product offerings to serving customers in a more holistic manner.  Before adding new products to the brand, it is essential to understand customer needs and ensure the products can deliver on these needs. Brands need to specialize in specific areas to maintain their credibility and to ensure their products are of high quality.  Maintaining a top seller spot on Amazon requires continual innovation and adaptation. Overly ambitious expansion can lead to significant financial difficulties. Cash flow planning is crucial to managing expansion and avoiding overextension.    [47:03 - 55:32] Closing Segment Constant learning through reading, attending conferences, and networking is key in any business. However, implementing these learnings is equally important. As your team grows, the need for well-established processes and systems becomes crucial.  Want to connect with Aaron? Visit his website and find him on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.      Key Quotes: “I need to bring money to the table. But how do you bring money to the table? It's actually by bringing value to the marketplace where you're going to be rewarded.” – Aaron Cordovez   “If you can't release a product knowing that it's gonna do a good job, then you can't have much confidence in your brand, and your customer will lose confidence in the brand." – Aaron Cordovez   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!

In an arena swarming with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of competitors vying for the same product niche as you, what sets you apart? We don't want to aim for mere survival; it's about rising to the top.   Aaron Cordovez, a top 100 seller on Amazon, has built a brand and is currently selling $75 million worth of products each year. During his journey to success, Aaron went from trying to get a regular job to creating his own product - the lemon squeezer - which became a number-one bestseller on Amazon. In this episode, Aaron talks about his strategies for taking his business to the next level, such as creating additional revenue streams, focusing on customer service, and understanding your customers' needs.   [00:01 - 15:20] How Aaron Found Success as an Entrepreneur Despite Challenges Aaron Cordovez built a brand that has sold over $200 million worth of products on the internet. To build a successful brand, one needs to think about what their product will have that no one else will have and how they can service the customer better than anyone else. Being secretive about your brand or product doesn't guarantee success or safety from competitors.  Brand strength is key to surviving in a saturated market. Build a product so unique and a service so superior that it can't easily be replicated   [15:21 - 29:29] The Fundamentals of Running an Amazon Business The importance of passing on what you have learned to others, particularly in the realm of business and entrepreneurship. Visit https://www.aaroncordovez.com/invest for investment opportunities. Make an impact on your customer by bringing something unique and valuable to the market. Don’t just sell; build a brand; Shift your focus from solely aiming for top sales rankings on Amazon to creating a loyal customer base and building a brand. The only constant in business is change. Businesses must continuously evolve and adapt their strategies to keep up with changes in the market.    [29:30 - 47:02] Creating Brand Confidence Through Interaction and Disruption Marketing Building a brand means moving beyond individual product offerings to serving customers in a more holistic manner.  Before adding new products to the brand, it is essential to understand customer needs and ensure the products can deliver on these needs. Brands need to specialize in specific areas to maintain their credibility and to ensure their products are of high quality.  Maintaining a top seller spot on Amazon requires continual innovation and adaptation. Overly ambitious expansion can lead to significant financial difficulties. Cash flow planning is crucial to managing expansion and avoiding overextension.    [47:03 - 55:32] Closing Segment Constant learning through reading, attending conferences, and networking is key in any business. However, implementing these learnings is equally important. As your team grows, the need for well-established processes and systems becomes crucial.  Want to connect with Aaron? Visit his website and find him on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.      Key Quotes: “I need to bring money to the table. But how do you bring money to the table? It's actually by bringing value to the marketplace where you're going to be rewarded.” – Aaron Cordovez   “If you can't release a product knowing that it's gonna do a good job, then you can't have much confidence in your brand, and your customer will lose confidence in the brand." – Aaron Cordovez   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!

Everybody knows that company culture is important, but that’s a lot different from actually building a culture that sticks, makes your business better, and gives your employees a sense of mission. How can you build a meaningful and deep-rooted company culture that will also make your business stronger and more successful? Mike Beckham, the co-founder, and CEO of Simple Modern has created one of the most successful drinkware companies on the planet while also fostering a mission-based culture. In this episode of Let’s Talk Business, Meny asks Mike about the secrets of his success, the ways we can all inculcate a positive and productive culture in our companies, what entrepreneurs need to look at when trying to start a company, and much more. Listen and enjoy! Mike Beckham is the co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, one of the largest and most successful drinkware companies in the world. He also helped found several e-commerce businesses which have together generated over a billion dollars in revenue and has been involved both in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 14:45] Opening Segment • Mike shares his backstory and career path leading up to founding the company - Simple Modern • The importance of a company's mission is something that is often overlooked but is essential in order for it to be successful Mission-driven companies are more beneficial to society than those without a sense of purpose • It is the leader's responsibility to create an environment in which their team can thrive and achieve their goals [14:46 - 29:44] How to Create a Culture that's Idealistic & Practical • Diversity is good when it comes to having different perspectives and skill sets, but can be unhelpful when values are different • A company with shared values and a shared mission will be stronger than one with diverse values or no values at all Having core values and focusing on a mission helps to create a culture that is self-fulfilling and attracts employees who share those values • Why a company's culture cannot be created without deep convictions from the leader about what they believe in • How Simple Modern uses transparency to attract and retain ton talent [29:45 - 44:32] Transparent Leaders Build Trust • Transparency is the exercise of allowing other people to see what you're thinking • When you build a culture where both relationally and organizationally, people are transparent, trust is fostered Leaders should be transparent about their weaknesses and get feedback from team members to improve • The mindset for a startup entering a new market is to look at the best players in the space See where players may be white space that they can enter [44:33 - 1:00:48] Closing Segment • How to create a long-term sustainable competitive advantage • Mike on the rapid-four questions • Q&A: How can I figure out the best way to use the money to maximize its effect on growing my business? Key Quotes: "The world doesn't need another water ball company, but the world definitely needs more mission-driven companies." - Mike Beckham "I want to be in environments that add to my quality of life, where I am working with other people who are trying to be about the same things and are trying to accomplish the same mission." - Mike Beckham "Great founders and great cultures, start with deep convictions." - Mike Beckham 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! 

Are you struggling to systemize and scale your eCommerce business? In this episode, Yoni Kozminski digs into the importance of processes and systems in a business's development and when it's the right time to start preparing them. He explains why processes are a key element for every business, but specifically an e-commerce or Amazon business that potentially you want to sell. Pay close attention to Yoni's insights about the aggregator space and how you could still take advantage if you're building your business properly. Listen and enjoy! Yoni has spent a decade in digital marketing & creative advertising globally including places like Australia (origin), Los Angeles, and Tel Aviv developing digital strategies for the likes of Mercedez- Benz, Mastercard, Sony, Medtronic, and many 8-figure eCommerce brands. In 2018 Yoni expanded an eCommerce/Amazon business from $2 million to $5 million in 12 months that was sold in 2019. A key driver was the ability to build a fluid process, as well as a team of incredibly talented individuals in the Philippines. Since January 2020, MultiplyMii & Escala have grown from a team of 4 to over 300+ people on payroll supporting more than 100+ businesses that are responsible for more than 750M+ in annual revenue. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:16] Building an Amazon or E-Commerce Business • Yoni shares his background in digital marketing and the eCommerce space How he has helped hundreds of brands flourish Why his experience with Amazon and eCommerce brands has been key to his success. • How Yoni expanded an eCommerce Amazon business from 2 million to 5 million in 12 months The ability to build a flow process as well as a team of incredibly talented individuals [07:17 - 27:57] How to Systemize and Scale a Business • How to build a process that makes sense for your business • The importance of documenting the process of running a business It helps to ensure that everyone involved is clear on what needs to be done • Why systems and processes in a business are a key element They help to protect the business from competitors and ensure that products are of high quality • It is essential to have a healthy mix of both systems and people to create a successful business [27:58 - 40:37] Amazon's Aggregators Are Pausing Or Not Buying • Yoni's outlook on how Apple has a very focused goal of creating the best products and experience • Why Amazon's aggregated space has seen a rush of activity in the past few years • Yoni introduces South Cal and how they can help you grow your business and exit It provides capital, guidance, and resources on your climb to the summit • The key criteria that South Cal is looking for 2-3 million revenue business The business needs to show a year-on-year growth [40:38 - 42:56] Wrapping Up! • Yoni in the four rapid questions • Check out Successful Scales Connect with Yoni: Yoni Kozminski (LinkedIn) MultiplyMii (Website) We Are Escala (Website) Key Quotes: "The most valuable thing you can do is both build that audience and then continue to launch new products that appeal to the brand that you're trying to create." - Yoni Kozminski "Documenting the process really helps bring clarity to everyone involved in the business." - Yoni Kozminski Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Are you an Amazon seller that is looking to improve your product listings and brand awareness? In this episode, the CEO of House of AMZ discloses the best way to launch a product and what you should consider to build a brand that is successful in the marketplace. He stresses how to utilize your A+ content and storefront in order to get the most ranking for your listings. Mark offers great advice on how to keep people's attention through great SEO and optimize your listing for better search engine rankings. Whether you are new to the game or an established seller, this episode is for you. Listen and enjoy! Mark’s personal background is marketing and branding having brands of his own and along with his Amazon knowledge working under the 9-figure brand. Combining those together is how House of AMZ was born. Where Mark can help to optimize your products and brand not only for the outside world but mainly on Amazon which is its own ecosystem in itself.  Key Highlights: [00:01 - 06:55] The Importance of Branding When Selling Amazon Products • How Mark got involved in the Amazon space His passion for marketing and branding Learning the new ecosystem of Amazon • The importance of building a brand vs building products • Mark's outlook on where the marketplace is going [06:56 - 19:52] Branding Your Product to Stand Out • How packaging can make a big difference • It's important to launch the product the right way Having good graphics and a strong foundation • You should have a conceptual development of the brand, as well as visual components • Why outside traffic is the number one thing to focus on when launching products on Amazon [19:53 - 32:37] How to Rank Higher on Amazon • Why having a good SEO component in your product's listing is crucial It gives you more real estate space on the page It increases the chances of selling your product • How to rank higher on Amazon for your product Focus on keywords that are relevant to your brand • You need to focus on branding and creating a good reputation for your business before focusing on selling products [32:38 - 35:04] Wrapping Up! • Be aware of Amazon's algorithm and make sure your branding is consistent across all channels • Mark on the rapid four questions Connect with Mark: House of AMZ (Website) Mark Casey (LinkedIn) Key Quotes: "The algorithm is very important, but building a brand is what's gonna help you in the long term and overall for your brand itself." - Mark Casey "If you're starting at a very weak foundation, there are a lot more questions you're gonna be having to ask yourself, and you're just gonna be wasting more time." - Mark Casey Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Do you know how to set your e-commerce or Amazon brand up and maximize your results? In this episode, Danny McMillan shares his insights about where the Amazon marketplace is heading to and why sellers should test different pricing strategies and be mindful of their total cost to sales. He also discusses the concept of PPC and how to make sure you're making money and dividing your launch stages. Danny stresses why you should make sure to have a proper ratio between PPC and organic sales as you're managing your products. He digs into the current state of aggregators, why they pause, and what's next. Listen and enjoy! Danny is the host of Seller Sessions, the largest podcast for advanced Amazon sellers. World-renowned public speaker Danny is also the co-founder of DATAbrill. Working alongside respected algorithm expert Dr. Ellis Whitehead, DATAbrill manages PPC and advertising automation for 7 and 8-figure Amazon brands. He also runs the annual conference Seller Sessions Live, Branded By Women, and SellerPoll; the annual awards for the Amazon FBA Community. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:09] The Sellers Sessions • Danny shares his experience as a seller, speaker, and podcast host in the Amazon space. • The concept of aggregators and how they've affected the community • How to create a successful Amazon business Why you should focus on data management, content creation, and networking [07:10 - 20:35] How to Succeed on Amazon Marketplace • If you want to be successful on Amazon, you need to be very sophisticated and targeted in your marketing You need to focus on creating high-quality products that people will want to buy and price them affordably • Why there are more barriers to entry now than ever before • The sophistication of Amazon has increased, making it harder for new sellers It is important to have a product development strategy and product expansion strategy • Product differentiation is key to success on Amazon as is building a strong brand. [20:36 - 34:05] There is Still Room for Growth • The aggregated space has brought a lot of new sellers and entrepreneurs into the market • The key to success in the aggregated space Timing, market knowledge, and having a good product • Aggregators are cleaning up their act to stay afloat and have s healthier business Managing brands and maintaining customer relationships. • Finding the "happy medium" between PPC and organic traffic is important to maximize profits. [34:06 - 47:41] Wrapping Up! • What's the most important of product launches • Make sure to attend events that are relevant to your business • Danny on the four rapid questions Connect with Danny: Seller Sessions (Website) Data Brill (Website) Danny McMillan (LinkedIn) Key Quotes: "Time is money and what you need is a snapshot of information and apply that to your business." - Danny McMillan "Your best learnings come through pain." - Danny McMillan Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Are you clear about your business profits? In this episode, Nachman Leiser shares how he started his career and how he ended up building his eCommerce bookkeeping and accounting firm. He explains the importance of not only having software that connects your Amazon account but really looking at the data. Nachman remarks on what are the key metrics you have to look at to make sure that you have the proper profit margins. Pay close attention to how he has been able to juggle multiple businesses and grow his new SaaS business. Listen and enjoy! Nachman Leiser is the CEO and founder of Connectbooks and Bottom Line Management. For over 10 years, he’s been an entrepreneur, financial analyst, and profit game changer - usually all 3 at once. After working as CFO in several businesses, growing their revenue by double-digit percentages and more, he founded his own eCommerce bookkeeping & accounting firm that specializes in uncovering ways to reduce cost, eliminate losses, and scale profits. He helped online sellers in the red become profitable within a year and exceed the million-dollar mark in net profits. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:15] Benefit from Hiring a Bookkeeping Company • Nachman shares his background in the eCommerce space The CEO and founder of ConnectBooks Reconcile every transaction with banks statements See itemized and bottom line profit and inventory updates as they happen • The importance of having software that connects your Amazon account and data-driven strategies to improve profits [07:16 - 32:42] The Software You Need to Keep Your Amazon Business Running Smoothly • You should determine your break-even point and calculate your profit margins and overhead costs • It is important to have realistic expectations and be willing to pivot to keep their business afloat Put together financial information •Why Nachman decided to split the company into different businesses When you focus on one industry, it's easier to scale the business • How Nachman realized there was a need for a good bookkeeping software [32:43 - 52:12] How to Automate Your Accounting and Selling in QuickBooks • How to hire the right people for your business Make sure they fit the company culture • Why understanding the inventory value and profits can be difficult • Connect books offers data visualization that breaks down profitability by skew and variation Understanding where products are losing money Automating accounting and tracking of product sales • Before taking any action, it is essential to understand the P&L (profit and loss) of a company [52:13 - 57:25] Wrapping Up! • Why Shopify is different than Walmart More customization and control over how orders are processed • Nachman on the four rapid questions Connect with Nachman: Nachman Lieser (LinkedIn) ConnectBooks (Website) Key Quotes: "If you work really hard, nonstop, at some point you'll get there." - Nachman Lieser  "Make sure whatever you're doing, you're doing it a hundred percent completion and then you move onto the next project." - Nachman Lieser Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts  

Are you ready to grow, scale, and expand your eCommerce business through partnerships? In this episode, Nick Penev delves into partnerships and why it's so important for service providers and businesses in general to have them in order to grow their sales. He stresses out how to look at partnerships and what are the first steps you should follow to make sure you find the right partners. Pay close attention to Nick's advice on how you can expand your business to Europe and everything that entails growing to other Amazon marketplaces. Listen and enjoy! Nick Penev is the Partnership Manager and webinar host at Hello Tax and Co-Founder of Xtreme Power Brands. He and his partners developed and launched 20+ Private Label Supplement brands across Europe. Nick exited his brands in 2020 and since then he has rebranded XTREME POWER brands into a Partnership as a service agency for ecommerce service providers. He and his team help these companies to grow through partnerships in the ecommerce space. Nickhas done or participated in 100+ webinars and events with partners in the ecommerce space. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:30] The Power of Partnerships • Nick shares his story of how he got into ecommerce and how partnerships helped him grow his business The partnership manager and webinar host at Hello Tax and founder of Extreme Power Brands Launching 20 plus private label supplement brands across Europe Creating a service agency for e-commerce service providers • Why partnerships are important for service providers or businesses in general [07:31 - 22:00] Tips for Succeeding in Partnership • Nick's experience selling to multiple markets and connecting service providers with his company How Nick started working with other companies in the industry to help them grow their partnerships and services • How successful partnerships involve taking small steps to build a relationship • It's important not to make assumptions about what the other party can or cannot do Be willing to do something for the other party, and not just take advantage of them • Nick's advice on how to grow a company in the eCommerce space, and how partnerships can be an important part of this growth [22:01 - 37:01] How to Expand Your Business • The key points for starting and expanding a business in the Amazon and e-commerce aggregated space Partnering, testing, and evaluating potential partnerships • Nick's outlook on the opportunities in the Amazon and e-commerce aggregated space • Expansion into other countries can be difficult, but there are services available to make the process easier • What you should do if you're looking to expand your business to Europe Do the research, test small, and then expand [37:02 - 44:52] Closing Segment • Never make assumptions, do the research • Nick on the rapid-fire questions Connect with Nick: Nick Penev (LinkedIn) Xtreme Power Brands (Website) Hello Tax (Website) Key Quotes: "You only work from your mistakes, you don't work from actually all the wins that you do." - Nick Penev  "Partnerships is about giving first and then getting big." - Nick Penev "Don't tell me what we can do with money, tell me what we can do without money." - Nick Penev Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

What steps are you taking to sell on Amazon and leverage what you’ve created? If you want to sell the most, you have to be the best. In this episode, Tomer Rabinovich discloses his journey as an eCommerce entrepreneur and stresses where the Amazon space is going. He discusses how product development is not what it used to be, and how you should go about product development these days. Tomer shares his insights about the ecosystem of the aggregator space and why you should attend events in the Amazon community. Listen and enjoy! Tomer Rabinovich is an Amazon seller who has created and launched multiple private-label brands. His first product went live in March 2015, and he became a seven-figure seller within his first year. A sought-after speaker, Tomer addressed thousands of people around the world. His audiences range from intimate mastermind groups to national and global conventions. Though he’s still an active online seller, Tomer’s real passion is helping other sellers and online retailers scale their businesses. He’s grateful for the life-changing opportunities he’s earned as an Amazon seller and enjoys nothing more than seeing other people fulfill their dreams by following a similar path. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:26] The Pro Seller's Guide • Tomer shares how he got into the Amazon and e-Commerce space Helping Amazon sellers transform their businesses and lives Extending the opportunity of selling to anyone willing to do the work and make the dreams come true • Tomer's insights about where Amazon and e-Commerce are going • Check out Ride the Amazon Wave [07:27 - 21:45] How to Develop Products That Sell Like Crazy • The key to success is differentiation and barriers of entry in sourcing parts of the product development process Starting with products that are very cheap or very expensive, and then going for more difficult or niche products • Why branding should be built into products as they are launched A brand needs both high-margin products and low-cost products to generate traffic and sales • How cash flow is a major challenge for new and existing Amazon sellers • Strategies to launch products for existing brands without spending a lot of money [21:46- 35:55] How to Survive When Amazon Aggregators Fail • Why sellers should consider selling and staying on board Keeping sales and learning from the brand • To be successful as an aggregator, you need to focus on acquiring potential rather than becoming a best seller on Amazon • You should launch products to increase your net growth (profit) rather than focus on revenue growth The benefits of having multiple products in your portfolio that are doing well You need to launch multiple products that are different but targeted at the same people [35:56 - 44:57] Wrapping Up! • Vital steps for reaching the next level • Tomer on the rapid-four questions Connect with Tomer: Top Dog (Website) Tom Rabinovich (Facebook) Key Quotes: "When you are acquiring a business, you're actually acquiring potential." - Tomer Rabinovich "The growth is the profit. It's not the revenue." - Tomer Rabinovich Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Is your brand thriving, growing, and staying ahead of the competition? In this episode, Steven Pope dives deep into product development branding and how sellers could win on Amazon. He points out why Amazon is not a passive income anymore and how to look at PPC versus outside traffic. Steven breaks down why your customer avatar is essential to gain a competitive advantage in the market and how to survive when your Amazon products don't sell as expected. If you're selling on Amazon, this episode is definitely for you. Listen and enjoy! Steven is the founder of My Amazon Guy, a marketing agency with 250+ brands managed. Steven started his career as a TV reporter in Idaho, then was an eCommerce Director for 10 years for brands ranging from Gold & Silver Coins to Women’s Plus Size Clothing. Steven then created My Amazon Guy, a 300+ employee agency that focuses on growing traffic and sales on Amazon. Steven not only owns MAG but also My Refund Guy, 2 Amazon Brands: Momstir & Age of Sage, and a Holster company HOLSTIT. Steven has more than 1000 tutorial videos on YouTube showing how to handle ANY problem faced on Amazon and has interviewed every major player in the Amazon space on his podcast. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:42] My Amazon Guy • Steven introduces My Amazon Guy A marketing agency that manages over 300 brands Focusing on growing traffic and sales on Amazon • The four pillars to marketing on Amazon Traffic, conversion, SEO, and PPC [07:43 - 27:32] How to Succeed on Amazon • Make sure to increase your market share, and focus on keywords and rankings in the SEO phase • The key to success on Amazon is understanding your customer avatar and building a brand around that Think about who your target demographic is and what their needs are • How testing and tweaking your product, content, and branding is essential for success on Amazon The power of Amazon's Brand Story • How to know when it's time to let go of a product [27:33 - 46:48] What's Better for Sellers? • There are simple ways to increase your ranking on Amazon Why you should be changing your listing once a month • How to survive when your Amazon product doesn't sell • Steven's outlook on Amazon vs Walmart Why sellers should not put all their efforts into Walmart • How to keep your content fresh while running an agency [46:49 - 53:00] Closing Segment • Steven's business model at his Amazon guy • Steven on the rapid-fire questions Connect with Steven: My Amazon Guy (LinkedIn) My Amazon Guy (YouTube) Key Quotes: "Nobody sells products on Amazon, we all sell solutions and experiences." - Steven Pope "You need sales to get sales." - Steven Pope "If you want a cult brand, you need to push people away." - Steven Pope Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Do you know how to achieve category dominance on Amazon through premium SEO and PPC marketing? In this episode, Isaac Gross provides you with great advice on how to understand TACoS and ACoS, and product launches. He stresses the importance of having a long-term strategy when doing PPC, and why it is a key element for success. Isaac digs into the state of PPC in general and more importantly if Amazon is still a viable option for somebody to enter and make a lot of money. Listen and enjoy! As a long-time Amazon seller, Isaac made it his mission to help others with their PPC. His deep understanding of the Amazon algorithm undoubtedly gives our clients an unfair advantage. Isaac is the Founder and CEO of IG PPC, a hands-on Amazon PPC agency for 7-9 figure brands that manages over $2B in annual sales on Amazon. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:25] Achieving Category Dominance  • How Isaac got started in Amazon selling, how he evolved his business Issac's journey building IG PPC •How to maximize the value of your Amazon or e-commerce business Isaac shares great tips on PPC spending, product launches, and branding [07:26 - 28:28] PPC is a Big Part of the Business • PPC is a long-term investment, and it's important to have a vision for long-term growth Why it's important to have somebody who is US based • Make sure to stay up-to-date on new products and strategies, so you can continue to grow your business • The difference between TACoS and ACoS and how they function • Every new feature that Amazon rolls out impacts the PPC strategy Sellers must have a goal for what they want their PPC to achieve [28:29 - 49:18] How to Launch a Product That Will Succeed • Why the price is one of the most important factors to consider when launching a product • The main thing to remember when launching a product is to give a good price and then go aggressive on PPC If the product does not convert well, it is a failed launch • Isaac's insights about influencer marketing - pros & cons • How to figure out why your sales are dropping You should look at things like pricing, negative reviews, and competitor activity [49:19 - 56:28] Wrapping Up! • If somebody has the experience and knowledge, they can be a successful business on Amazon • Isaac on the rapid-fire questions Connect with Isaac: IG PPC (Website) Isaac Gross (LinkedIn) Key Quotes: "The ultimate goal is to make money, not sales." - Isaac Gross "If you don't expect anything to change, then the conversion rate will never get better." - Isaac Gross Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Is your offer differentiated enough relative to the competition? In this episode, Fernando Campos navigates into how to create a killer listing and to make sure you have a solid strategy when you launch your products. He remarks on the importance of paying attention to proper product development and how you should go about keyword research in your launch phase. Fernando discloses when it's the right time to let a product go and provides his outlook on the aggregated space long-term. Listen and enjoy! Fernando is the co-founder of MarketplaceOps and specializes in scaling CPG brands on Amazon. MarketplaceOps leverages fully-integrated technology and proprietary marketing techniques to beat your competition with repeatable strategies. Fernando has generated more than $150MM in revenue for his clients and sold two businesses in the Amazon space. His companies were ranked in the Inc. 5000 in 2019 & 2020, and in Entrepreneur360 in 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:05] How to Make a Killer Listing and Succeed on Amazon • Fernando shares how he got into the eCommerce space How he became the co-founder of MarketplaceOps He has generated more than 150 million in revenue for his clients and sold two businesses in the Amazon space • Make sure to have something differentiated and not rely on traditional marketing methods Paying attention to keyword research and product development when launching a product on Amazon is essential [07:06 - 20:34] How to Optimize Your Amazon Listing for Conversion • What you need to be successful on Amazon these days You should have your product development, advertising, and listing down "almost perfect." Focus on building a strong brand and converting visitors into buyers • The importance of differentiated and high-quality product offerings • The process of identifying the most relevant keywords for a product launch Target those keywords with the highest volume and highest relevancy [20:35 - 34:34] Beat Out Your Competition  • What Fernando normally considers a launch phase of a product • When is the right time to sell or not to sell a product • How long it will take for a product to be profitable You should consider factors such as whether a product is consumable or not • Fernando's insights about the aggregator space The Amazon brand is still valuable, and there is a market for selling them [34:35 - 39:30] Wrapping Up! • The Amazon business is an asset class and will continue to grow • Fernando on the rapid-fire questions Connect with Fernando: Fernando Campos (LinkedIn) Fernando Campos (Instagram) MarketplaceOps (Website) Key Quotes: "You just have to have something differentiated. It doesn't have to be completely revolutionary." - Fernando Campos "The first thing that's most important that I don't think gets talked about enough is just having a really highly differentiated offer." - Fernando Campos Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Are you figuring out how to build & grow your business while still having the opportunity to exit when the time is right? In this episode, Neil Twa shares his insights about how the eCommerce space has evolved and how you can still be successful if you follow the right path. He breaks down how he addresses launching new products and why it's a different approach than others. Neil digs into how to prevent yourself from sabotaging your business and make it grow organically. If you are looking to build a successful brand on Amazon, this episode is definitely for you! Mr. Twa is the co-founder and CEO of Voltage Digital Marketing. He has been launching, operating, and growing private-label e-commerce businesses for the last 9+ years. Today, he and his clients have sold over $100 million+ in physical products primarily through the Amazon FBA sales channel. Neil shares his blueprint for how to build an online business that can generate a passive “almost automated” six-figure income in just 12 to 18 months. And how to set up the business for potentially millions in sales within 18-24 months through a 'pay as you profit' skin in the game model of consulting + performance-driven business mentoring. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 06:27] What It Takes to Build an Amazon or E-commerce Business • Neil shares his background and journey in the eCommerce space The co-founder and CEO of Voltage Digital Marketing Launching operating and growing private-level e-commerce businesses • How to build an online business that can generate a passive almost automated income Setting up a business for potential millions in sales within 24 months [06:28 - 21:08] How to Survive and Thrive in the Amazon Marketplace • How the maturity of Amazon has shifted from being just about the algorithms It's key to focus on brand development and competition research • The shift towards product development has helped Amazon become a more competitive marketplace Sellers need to understand where the slipstream is to be successful on Amazon • How to launch a product in 90 days or less What will determine which products are most in demand and have the highest sales velocity [21:09 - 37:53] Making your Amazon product profitable •The strategy for launching a new product varies depending on the niche It involves transparency, following the customer into buying gold vein, and using data to overcome competition • You don't want to sabotage yourself by continuing to sell a product that isn't profitable or selling it at a high cost Moving a product that isn't profitable into a position that acquires more customers • Why you need to focus on increasing profitability first and then expanding your customer base • There is more opportunity now than ever before on Amazon [37:54 - 43:45] Wrapping Up! • What Voltage Digital Marketing does and its mission • Neil on the rapid-fire questions Connect with Neil: Voltage Digital marketing (Website) Neil Twa (LinkedIn) Key Quotes: "Brand building is the way you need to do Amazon." - Neil Twa "Do not start a product launch on Amazon if it's not within a brand." - Neil Twa "You have to be willing to do the work, to spend the money, and obviously understand how you're going to compete." - Neil Twa Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

The discipline of truly understanding your accounting, your numbers, and your profits will help you to make decisions quickly and easily. In this episode, Jon Tilley talks about how important metrics and data are for every Amazon seller. He stresses how the marketplace has matured and why you should clearly understand your market, your niche, and your competitors in order to rank and be successful on Amazon. Pay close attention as Jon shares what happens when sellers don’t use data and the tools to their fullest potential. Listen and enjoy! Jon Tilley initial career spanned 15 years working as an account director & strategist for some of the top digital agencies in Johannesburg, London, and Los Angeles before starting his own business. He started his Amazon Seller journey in 2014, launching multiple successful private label brands selling and scaling sales beyond 7 figures. During this time, Jon saw an opportunity to create a business intelligence software tools for Amazon Sellers, co-founding ZonGuru in 2016. ZonGuru continues to launch tools ahead of the market, and use data-driven techniques to help its customers create and run successful Private Label businesses on Amazon. [00:01 - 06:05] How to Use Data and Metrics to Create a Successful Amazon Business How Jon saw an opportunity to create a business intelligence software tools for Amazon sellers Launching his own successful private label brands on Amazon Understanding your metrics and data is essential for every Amazon seller Networking is key to finding like-minded individuals, which can open up many opportunities for you in business [06:06 - 22:43] How to Succeed on Amazon in a Matured Marketplace How the marketplace has matured and how this affects sellers as a whole The four fundamental questions that you need to answer when evaluating a product idea You also need to do research on your target audience and understand their needs and wants The importance of networking and taking action Successful eCommerce entrepreneurs are those that are curious and are there to learn One of the key factors for success is having a gut feeling that comes from experience and learning [22:44 - 33:11] How to Launch a Product on Amazon That Will Succeed There are certain things that successful business owners should never neglect The key points for entrepreneurs when it comes to Amazon and e-commerce Understanding the relevancy of keywords, quality score matching, and PPC campaigns Account health, inventory health, and imagery efficiency are all important factors in Amazon's evaluation of sellers How a launch strategy that includes using programs that Amazon offers is essential for success It’s important to know when to discontinue selling an inventory item to avoid losing money [33:12 - 39:33] Wrapping Up! The key to being a successful entrepreneur Jon on the rapid-fire questions Connect with Jon: Zon Guru (Website) Zon Guru (Instagram) Key Quotes: "Data is always 50% of the equation, and the other 50% is the gut feeling." - Jon Tilley "There's a lot of data. You have to understand how to use that to make good business decisions." - Jon Tilley  "You want to make sure you do the best you can at something, and then know when to stop and move on to the next thing." - Jon Tilley Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Do you want to maximize the value and potential of your brand, but you don't know how? In this episode, Chris Shipferling discusses what's happening in the market right now with the aggregated space and how the investment banking space is looking at brands. He delves into what makes a great brand and provides great advice on what you should focus on if you're starting to build a brand and looking to sell it down the road. Listen and enjoy! Chris Shipferling is a Managing Partner at Global Wired Advisors, a leading Digital Investment Bank that specializes in the optimization of the business sale process. Before working at Global Wired Advisors, Chris was the Owner of Robert & Pearl, the Executive General Manager for North & South America at Jané Group, and the Senior Director of Sales at Evenflo. Through his work at Global Wired Advisors, Chris offers expert advice to Amazon and e-commerce entrepreneurs searching to maximize their potential before, during, and after their big exit. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:29] How to Maximize the Value of Your Amazon or E-Commerce Brand • How Chris got into the eCommerce space His experience in branding and marketing and product innovation Working as managing partner at Global Wired Advisors The optimization of the business sales process • How to maximize the potential of your business before, during, and after the big exit [07:30 - 21:55] The Trending E-Commerce Growth • The reasons why financial institutions invested in FBA businesses, and how this trend continues today Why debt coming into FBA businesses made it easier for people to invest • The market for Amazon businesses has been disrupted with multiples depressed and it taking longer to sell • Why the eCommerce market is becoming more selective Fewer buyers are available and those that are buying are seeking stronger brands and products [21:56 - 36:18] How to Sell Your eCommerce Business • Sellers need to understand their CPG brand and what that really means Developing a product within a category that differentiates oneself from competitors is key •The importance of branding, marketing, and diversification for Amazon sellers • Sellers need to think about their company from a product perspective and divorce themselves from profit margins Sellers should focus on where they are selling their product, and innovate to keep the brand strong [36:19 - 43:03] Wrapping Up! • You need to have a strong brand, good product, and a well-developed financial plan • Chris on the four rapid questions Connect with Chris: Chris Shipferling (LinkedIn) Global Wired Advisors (Website) Key Quotes: "Good assets always sell no matter the market conditions unless we're in a great depression." - Chris Shipferling "You cannot see the potential out of a product's profit. you just can't do it, you gotta have a brand." - Chris Shipferling Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letsat talkeat xits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Are you weighed down by the time and stress of making a product? In this episode, Henrik Johanson, the CEO of Gembah, shares what has changed in product development and what elements people should take into account to get it to markets properly. He provides great advice for people who are trying to develop a new product and points out why it's important to have a clear vision and work with factories that can create the product according to their vision. Henrik and Meny disclose some of the trends they are seeing in the marketplace, the current state of product innovation, the shift towards manufacturing overseas, and much more. Listen and enjoy! Henrik not only co-founded and leads Gembah, but he is a former CEO and co-founder of several venture startups, most recently Boundless, a $100M promotional products company and platform. When he isn’t focusing on building Gembah, you can find him trail running or eating Mexican food. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 05:56] Democratizing Product Innovation • Henrik shares his background and work How he came up with the idea of creating Gembah, a company that democratizes product innovation • What has changed about product development • How entrepreneurs can create products that have a real impact on the world [05:57 - 17:13] Bring the Right Product to Market • Why Amazon sellers need to be aware of the changing product development landscape • Meny's experience learning more about the country's supply chain and factory systems The reason why so many products fail in their journey from conception to sale • How Gembah helps you find the right designer for your product • How to validate an idea for a business before starting it [17:14 - 28:50] When It's Time to Sell Your Amazon E-Commerce Business • The key to success in the Amazon and e-commerce aggregated space Developing a defensible product line that can be sold to the same customer over time • Henrik's outlook on developing new products vs tweaking existing ones Where is the level of creativity of entrepreneurs? • The current state of product innovation, and why it takes more money to innovate on Amazon now [28:51 - 34:08] Wrapping Up! • People are trying to innovate in smaller ways, rather than developing new products altogether • Henrik on the rapid four questions Connect with Henrik: Gembah (Website) Henrik Johansson (LinkedIn) Key Quotes: "People recognize they have to create something different, but you don't start with something unproven that you don't know how big of a market there is." - Henrik Johansson "Creating a brand new product is definitely higher risk, but higher reward. If you succeed, then you have a bigger greenfield opportunity." - Henrik Johansson Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Why would a chiropractor choose to leave his massively successful practice, and pivot into becoming a renowned marketing expert and coach? Dr. David Kaplowitz was one of Connecticut’s most successful chiropractors, building a practice that brought in over one hundred patients every day. Over time, he left the world of medicine and entered the world of business coaching. By using the lessons he learned during his medical career, alongside the many teachable moments he has experienced ever since. David has become a sought-out and wildly respected coach who works with companies and executives to develop leadership skills and maximize performance. Listen to David’s fascinating conversation with Meny to learn more about his story, the importance of active listening, how to resolve conflicts without undermining your entire business, why you should pay attention to the people who think you’re wrong and much more. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:45] Opening Segment • It's important that leaders constantly look for personal growth, professional growth, and development • Dr. David Klotz is a chiropractor who transitioned into becoming a renowned marketing expert and coach Figure out what you do best and go ahead and focus on that • How to move people from point A to point B [07:46 - 23:18] How to Build a Great Company Culture • Why companies need to focus on a great company culture Maintaining and retaining people from leaving and having great productivity • Building a culture of support is easy when leaders understand the right buttons to push • How open-ended questions allow people to express themselves freely and candidly When people feel they can express themselves, they're more likely to come to you with suggestions and feedback • Leaders know how to create teachable moments [23:19 - 38:56] Resolving Conflicts Successfully • The key to resolving conflicts successfully Ask and state the problem, feel concerned, and be transparent Take the personal part out of it and focus on the issue at hand • Leaders should allow their teams to engage in conflict resolution in a way that feels safe and allows for constructive discussion When conflicts are not resolved, they can lead to high turnover and low productivity • Leaders should always seek input from their team to make informed decisions. [38:57 - 51:14] Closing Segment • David on the rapid four questions • Q & A: How do I balance getting the help I need with making the money I want? Want to connect with David? Follow him on LinkedIn. Head to Rock Spring Coaching, where leaders transform! Key Quotes: "It's all about being able to communicate in almost every situation and be able to listen properly." - David Kaplowitz "A company could have a spike in revenue, but if they don't develop their leadership, the spike in revenue will be temporary." - David Kaplowitz 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! 

Are you ready to grow your brands and dominate on Amazon? In this episode, Jon Elder shares how he was able to build five brands and exit them successfully. He navigates into what has changed in the Amazon space, the importance of product development, and how to really be authentic on social media. John's advice for new Amazon sellers is to avoid making the same mistakes that he did, learn as much as possible about the market and product, and use that information to pivot into a thriving business. Listen and enjoy! Jon currently runs Black Label Advisor, an Amazon consultancy focused solely on helping sellers and brand owners expand their reach on the platform and grow their businesses. Clients come to Jon from all over the world for advice ranging from listing audits to solving logistical issues. If your business needs an extra set of eyes on your business, Black Label Advisor delivers.    Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:11] Jon Elder's Shares Story on Amazon and E-Commerce • Jon's background and what led to him launching his first Amazon brand His five successful Amazon brands How he became involved in the space, his successes and failures in product launches • Focus on product research, product development, and avoiding failures [07:12 - 21:38] What You Need to Succeed on Amazon in a Different Era • The main places where things have changed for Amazon sellers The quality of media assets, the need for professional studios, and real models • Talk about how the brand started and give something for people to buy into • Sellers are going deeper in terms of what they're innovating Make it an incredible experience for the consumer [21:39 - 36:21] How to Launch a Product on Amazon for Maximum Success • What sellers should aim for when launching a new product Being cheaper than the competition, ramp up sales quickly and use their email list to promote the launch • Launch products with a long-term outlook and a target price that is fair to both the product and the seller • How to determine if a product is successful Look at units sold and whether or not the product is slowly chipping away at the pie in terms of revenue [36:22 - 47:59] Wrapping Up! • How to master social media for building more connections and relationships • Why diversification is important for success • Jon on the rapid-fire questions Connect with Jon: Jon Elder (LinkedIn) Black Level Advisor (Website) Key Quotes: "If you educate yourself and you do the proper research, your rate of success on Amazon is going to be extremely high." - Jon Elder "Go into micro-niches, find the next Nike product, and think bigger than Amazon." - Jon Elder "Being genuine with your thoughts and your beliefs is just crucial for building out social media." - Jon Elder Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

It’s not uncommon for businesses to initiate an advertising campaign, only to watch it fail miserably. Chayale Kaufman, a media strategist, marketing professional, and the founder of the Jewish Content Network and ConsultWrite Media, explains that companies often ignore the importance of strategy, consistency, and choosing the right media outlets and that some tweaks to the way they implement their marketing strategy can do wonders for increasing its effectiveness. In this fascinating conversation, Chayale and Meny Hoffman talk about the secret to effective sales, what it means to have a marketing strategy, achieve a work-life balance, and much more. Chayale Kaufman is a veteran marketing professional and media strategist with experience spanning over 18 years and thousands of marketing campaigns. After starting as a secretary at a large newspaper and later moving into advertising, Chayale discovered a passion for marketing and a love of sales - a love which she now tries to impart to her clients, and which has helped her become a well-known expert in the Jewish advertising world. She is the founder and owner of the Jewish Content Network & ConsultWrite Media. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:31] Opening Segment • How Chayale ended up creating the Jewish Content Network Creating content that engages and connects with the Jewish community • Chayale shares her career path and how she became successful in sales Her advice for aspiring sales professionals [07:32 - 21:17] Moving On From Sales: How One Woman Succeeded • Why sales is an amazing opportunity that can lead to success and fulfillment • Rejection is something that new salespeople have to learn to deal with Salespeople need to have a strong will to overcome rejection and negativity • What the Jewish Content Network is and what it does Offering a solution for businesses that don't have time or resources to create their content Planning and budgeting for marketing campaigns [21:18 - 34:13] Creating a Successful Marketing Campaign • What small businesses should do to improve their branding and marketing efforts Focusing on their LinkedIn profile, developing a personal brand, and creating a marketing budget • Make sure to have a marketing strategy in place and track metrics to measure success Successful campaigns have a consistent message, focus on a specific target market, and have the potential to inspire people to take action • The importance of having a work-life balance Set boundaries and figure out ways to make sure you're not missing out on important aspects of your lives [34:14 - 43:43] Closing Segment • Q&A: How to determine the right amount to pay your employees • Chayale on there paid four questions Want to connect with Chayale? Follow her on LinkedIn, and visit the Jewish Content Network and promote your business! Key Quotes: "I love getting to know the people behind the product. Understanding them and actually being able to come up with a solution for them." - Chayale Kaufman 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!

Does being productive mean living a life filled with stress and working crazy hours…or is there a way to increase your productivity while also reducing stress and having time for other parts of your life? Many serious business owners assume that the more time they work, and the more stressed out they get, the more successful they’ll become. Naphtali Hoff, President of Impactful Coaching & Consulting, suggests that they have it completely backward. An expert on productivity and leadership, Naphtali explains that with the proper strategies and outlook, you can become more productive and more successful by using your time well, rather than by working late hours. Join Meny and Naphtali as they talk about the secrets of productivity, common mistakes that lead to unwarranted stress, learning how to have a closed-door policy, reducing the number of decisions you make every day, how to create a productive daily calendar, and much more. Naphtali Hoff is the President of Impactful Coaching & Consulting. He is an accomplished executive coach, organizational consultant, and sought-after trainer and lecturer. He is the author of Becoming the New Boss, a leadership book that helps new leaders hit the ground running and enjoy sustained success. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:16] Opening Segment • How to increase productivity while reducing stress • Naphtali's background and story How Naphtali transitioned to becoming a coach and consultant • Check out Becoming the New Boss [07:17 - 21:06] Leaders Must Delegate to Stay Productive •The difference between coaching, consulting, and mentoring • Why a leader's productivity is critical to company success How the success of a leader is largely dependent on their productivity • Leadership productivity is important for any company's success A busy leader will have a hard time leading others, and will not be able to oversee and support them [21:07 - 34:27] Leaders Must Delegate to Stay Productive • Delegating allows leaders to be more strategic and influential in their work • Productivity is about knowing what you need to do and being focused and targeted with your meetings How to protect your time and be more productive • Developing a framework for leaders to serve as coaches within their own organizations The key to productivity [34:28 - 47:46] Set Expectations for Your Teams • Why people are becoming more aware of the "hustle culture" Realizing that there is no direct correlation between work and success. • What has led to a shift in the definition of work-life balance • Leaders should set expectations for when they will be available Make sure to communicate these expectations to their employees [47:47 - 54:22] Closing Segment • Naphtali on the rapid four questions • Q&A: How to start and grow your email list for your business? Want to connect with Naphtali? Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Head to Impactful Coaching and boost your productivity! Key Quotes: "Busy is a matter of just constantly being on the move, but productive is being strategic about your activities." - Naphtali Hoff "The more we are invested in the outcomes that we are seeking to achieve, the more likely it is that we will achieve them." - Naphtali Hoff "If you don't protect your time, nobody else will value it more than you will value yourself." - Naphtali Hoff 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! 

Curious about how to best do business with Amazon and what to do if something goes wrong? In this episode, Stan Friedlander digs deep into the culture inside Amazon, how Amazon is growing its own categories, and how Amazon really looks at large private-label sellers. He also discloses the acquisition between Zappos and Amazon and how that really reflected in the internal culture. Stan points out why Amazon is still the dominant player in e-commerce and encourages sellers to diversify their interests by selling on more than one platform. Listen and enjoy! Stan Friedlander was chief merchant/gm of multiple categories for Amazon in both US and Japan for 10+ years, including all apparel, footwear, jewelry, watches, handbags, sunglasses, luggage, and costumes. He had full p&l responsibility over first and third-party marketplace sales and expenses for these categories, including all customer experience, marketing, shipping, and personnel expenses. His teams ranged in size from 100+ and oversaw revenues of $3.5B+, and he was responsible for launching luggage, kids apparel, and costume categories for Amazon in the US. My first role at Amazon was leading a team of six with revenues under $25M, so I was responsible for leading teams through colossal growth and innovation expansions. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 08:01] Tips for Building a Successful E-Commerce Business • Stan shares his background at Amazon, most notably as the chief merchant officer for multiple categories. His experience moving to Japan and his expertise in Amazon culture Working with Zappos, and his current work as an independent consultant • Stan's insights about Amazon and its growth [08:02 - 30:48] How Zappos and Amazon Stay Separate • The cultural differences and similarities between Zappos and Amazon • How Zappos still does a significant amount of business on Amazon as a third-party seller • Sellers should be careful not to overbuild their businesses How could this lead to them being undercut by Amazon? • Stan's outlook on Amazon's announcement of cutting back on its private label operations [30:49 - 52:40] Is it Time to Diversify Your Interests? • How Amazon will still be the dominant player in ecommerce for the next few years Increasing their chances of success • Businesses should diversify their interests by selling on more than one marketplace • How to build a brand on Amazon Differentiating your product on Amazon can be difficult, but it is important [52:41 - 59:37] Wrapping Up! • What to do if you have issues with an Amazon listing • Amazon has become more automated in its responses, and it may be quicker to respond if you file a case. • Stan on the rapid-four questions Connect Stan: Stan Friedlander (LinkedIn) [email protected] (Email) Key Quotes: "You can build something on product-based search, but at some point, you better start recognizing when the customer starts recognizing this brand." - Stan Friedlander Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

Is there a way to gain more impressions and increase conversions on Amazon using posts? In this episode, Norman Farrar touches on the importance of building a brand and how you can develop a perceived value for your products. He digs into product development, how to optimize your listing, and how to utilize all the different tools Amazon provides in order to build a stronger brand. Norman breaks down the story behind the 'Beard Guy' name and how he helps other entrepreneurs become influencers on Amazon by infusing personality into a brand. Tune in now to hear this inspiring story and helpful tips on how you can succeed in the e-commerce space! Norman Farrar is an entrepreneur who provides online marketing and managed eCommerce solutions for brands. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, and 20th Century Fox. Since the early 1990s, Norman has focused on helping entrepreneurs optimize their operations and unlock their business’s potential. Presently, he is the host of the popular Amazon podcast, Lunch with Norm. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 16:09] Expert in E-Commerce and Amazon Brand Building • Norman's background and expertise in the eCommerce space Providing online marketing and managed e-commerce solutions for brands • How to forge relationships with buyers and reach specialty stores Norman's advice for reaching potential retailers • Why you should focus on building authority to increase trust and sales [16:10 - 31:46] Building Your Brand and Understanding the Numbers • Retailers have different requirements and expectations when it comes to inventory and packaging Retail-ready packaging is essential for making a good first impression on buyers • How Amazon has changed significantly over the years It requires more focus on brand building, PPC, understanding numbers, and driving traffic to websites • How to differentiate your product development and increase the perceived value Differentiate through packaging, customer experience, and branding [31:47 - 48:12] Product Innovation, Keyword Research & Internal Tools • Do a competitive analysis of 10-16 competitors Ask the manufacturer for product improvement ideas • How creating demo videos with benefits/features can make a huge difference • Utilize Amazon's internal tools (managed product documents, listing optimization) • Unlock growth opportunities with Amazon posts, A+ content, and optimization strategies How Amazon posts can increase the conversion rate from 20% to over 30% [48:13 - 55:02] Closing Segment • How Norman went from zero to a hundred thousand followers in a year • Norman on the rapid four questions Connect with Norman: Norman Farrar (LinkedIn) Norm Farrar (Instagram) Lunch with Norm (Website) Key Quotes: "If you're not the authority if you don't have trust you won't get the sales." - Norman Farrar "Never turn down an opportunity." - Norman Farrar Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

If you’re a small business owner, you obviously want to create a profitable company. But have you ever stepped back to ask - really and truly - why you want to be financially successful? The ability to answer that question might be the difference between prosperity and failure. It’s one thing to want to make money; it’s quite another to think about why making money is important to you. This might sound like a question you should ask your therapist, but Dean Mercado, the Founder, and CEO of Online Marketing Muscle and Best Selling Author of The MINDStretch: 49 Inspiring Insights for Business Breakthroughs, suggests that answering this question may be the key to growing your business more than you ever thought possible. Join Meny as he and Dean talk about why the “Why” matters, Dean’s recommendation that a small business owner should make himself unnecessary, the secrets to finding a good business coach, the importance of having an accountability partner, and much more. Dean Mercado, Founder, and CEO of Online Marketing Muscle and Best Selling Author of The MINDstretch: 49 Inspiring Insights For Business Breakthroughs, is a well-respected small business coach, author, and speaker with expertise in helping small business owners raise their game and level up their business. With a professional career spanning four decades, he has served many roles, mostly revolving around his passion for marketing, technology, and leadership. Dean’s articles have appeared in numerous publications, including Inc. Magazine, Investor’s Business Daily, and Crain’s Business News. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 07:32] Opening Segment • Introducing "The Mind Stretch: 49 Inspiring Insights for Business Breakthroughs" • Dean shares his background and story His expertise in helping small business owners around the globe raise their game and level up their business [07:33 - 14:37] Staying Focused on What's Important • Clarity is key for entrepreneurs to be successful and happy Why business is simple but not easy • Keeping focused on what moves the needle is essential • How a coach can help bring clarity and truth to an entrepreneur's goals [14:38 - 22:07] Unlocking Business Growth Through Mind Stretch • Accountability is a key factor in successful coaching • The best reason to hire a coach is that they can recognize patterns that most people don't see A business will only grow to the degree that the owner's mindset will grow • Why it is important to stretch the mind before stretching the business [22:08 - 29:13] Maximizing What Works for Entrepreneurs • Why vision is the core, and mindset is the outer band that needs to be stretched How habits are what make goals successful or not successful • Goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, Timely) • Why reflecting on what worked and didn't work is important for success Maximize successes and reduce failures [29:14 - 36:23] How a Coach Can Help Leaders Make the Right Changes • How getting a coach can help you change habits and hold you accountable Set realistic goals that are aligned with your mission and vision • Make sure to break down goals into 3 strategic initiatives per quarter Create a game plan so you know what to do every day [36:24 - 43:32] Get Real About Your Numbers & Understand the Truth Behind Your Business • Mindset is the most important investment for an entrepreneur Entrepreneurs need to be honest with themselves and their numbers • Knowing your numbers is essential to understanding the truth of your business Having a good coaching system that aligns with your values is key • Chemistry between coach and client is important for success [43:33 - 52:51] Closing Segment • The best coaches will hold you accountable and fire you if it's not a good fit. • Dean on the rapid four questions • Q&A: How could I make sure that I don't fall into that category? Want to connect with Dean? Follow him on LinkedIn, and YouTube. Check out his website to transform your vision into reality! Key Quotes: "Habits are what make goals successful or not successful." - Dean Mercado "If I don't become more, I will not have more. So the more value I could add, the more value I'll receive in return." - Dean Mercado "Working towards expanding the mind is never a bad investment." - Dean Mercado 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! 

Are you afraid of failure, and is that stopping you from reaching for your dreams? If so, you’re part of a very big club - and Pincus Schiff, co-founder, and CMO of Friday and a well-regarded expert in sales understands where you’re coming from. In the process of moving from the classroom to sales and then into building a startup, Pincus has shown that we can overcome our fears, turn our weaknesses into strengths, and transform our failures into successes. Join Meny Hoffman for a fun and fascinating conversation that may change the way you think about your own limits and aspirations. Pinchus Schiff is the co-founder and CMO of Friday, a team management platform designed to simplify life for small businesses. He has a strong background in sales and worked with hundreds of small businesses across a wide range of industries. Crucially, Pincus openly shares the struggles as well as the successes that often come along with sales and with running a startup. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 14:22] Opening Segment • Pincus shares his journey of taking the leap and finding success How he ended up being the co-founder and CMO of Friday • Overcoming fear and building authentic relationships Why fear can be both a friend and an enemy • Take small points from different sales advice to create your own strategy [14:23 - 27:46] Overcoming Disappointment in Sales • How to set realistic goals and adjust accordingly Subconsciously work towards the goal by visualizing it • Be prepared for discouragement when goals are not achieved Expect rejection and learn from it • People don't reject you personally, they reject the call or service [27:47 - 41:43] How One Salesperson Took the Leap to Build a Successful Business • The difference between introverts and extroverts in sales • Taking preventative measures to avoid getting "drunk" on success • Understand not every idea is a business and economics must be taken into consideration The pros and cons of taking a partner or investor • Why taking a partner out of fear is a recipe for disaster [41:44 - 55:42] Closing Segment • Know what you want and how important it is to live the life you want before taking the leap • Pincus on the rapid four questions • Q&A: How should I decide if it's worthwhile to outsource certain office tasks? Want to connect with Pincus? Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Key Quotes: "Once you realize to every single objection there's always an answer. You can even ask a question before they object to you so they can't." - Pincus Schiff "Don't look at what other people will think of you because it's impossible to please everyone. If that's your goal you're failing from the second you wanna start." - Pincus Schiff 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! 

What if you could actually create a content machine outside of Amazon that will bring you traffic all day long? Aside from a great strategy to capture attention, content is something to immortalize who you are on planet earth. In this episode, Manuel Suárez digs dive into how content creation outside of Amazon can be used to create a legacy and leave something behind that will last much longer than any business. He points out how wide to go with different media platforms, how to develop proper content, and how to narrow your focus to ensure that you're serving a certain customer base. Tune in to learn the secrets behind building an e-commerce or Amazon brand that will stand the test of time. Listen and enjoy! Manuel Suarez is the founder and CEO of Attention Grabbing Media. A two-time Inc 5000 award-winning digital marketing agency in Largo, FL. He is also the co-founder of NaturalSlim USA. An e-commerce brand that provides supplements and education on metabolism, weight loss, and health to the Latin American community. After declaring bankruptcy around 2010, Manuel found his initial entrepreneurial success by building and exiting an Amazon private-label bed sheet brand. From there he helped his father take his own company from two million dollars in revenue on the little island of Puerto Rico to over forty million dollars in eight countries, in the span of only four years. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 14:48] From Bankruptcy to Building a Successful E-Commerce Brand • Manuel's journey in the eCommerce space Founder and CEO of Attention Grabbing Media and co-founder of Natural Slims USA • How Manuel found success building and exiting an Amazon private-label • How to create a content machine outside of Amazon to bring traffic all day long The incredible journey of Natural Slim and the power of visionary entrepreneurship [14:49 - 30:06] Building a Legacy Through Content Strategy • How to create quality content and capture the attention Why content strategy is a way to build a legacy Actionable tips for implementation of content strategy • Navigating the balance between quantity and quality for brand building It is important to have consistency in your content, but also ensure it is of good quality • Why building a brand on social media without a personal brand is difficult [30:07 - 52:20] Commitment, Quality, and Quantity: • The keys to building an attention-grabbing content strategy Commitment, quality, and quantity • How to leverage opportunities given by technology to reach the world • Why hiring people remotely is an underutilized opportunity in today's environment People in other parts of the world are educated to work with companies in the US • Amazon is still a great starting point for brands [52:21 - 59:50] Wrapping Up! • How his commitment to impacting people led him to success • Manuel on the rapid four questions Connect with Manuel: Manuel Suárez (YouTube) Attention Grabbing Media (Website) Manuel Suárez (Instagram) Key Quotes: "You're a hundred percent made by the value that you've gotten from other people." - Manuel Suárez "A faceless brand cannot impact today at the scale that a personal brand can impact or at the speed that a personal brand can impact." - Manuel Suárez "Resources are available, but they're limited only to those people that decide to look for opportunities." - Manuel Suárez Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

What do you need to focus on to still be successful on Amazon? In this conversation, Eytan Wiener explores his successful business model of bundling products and selling them on Amazon to help achieve maximum value for the eventual sale of his company. He discusses the importance of having a passion for one’s business and its industry, investing time and money into making quality products, and diversifying across channels to create a more sustainable and valuable business model. Eytan talks about the significance of delegation and objective decision-making for entrepreneurs to be successful. Tune into this episode full of insight from one of the leading voices in the eCommerce space today! Eytan Wiener was the Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Quantum Networks, and the co-founded the Prosper Show. For more than a decade, Mr. Wiener has created an industry-wide awareness of the discrepancies that occur during the lifecycle of inventory sent by sellers to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Wiener utilized GETIDA and discovered that they made the deepest impact in maximizing financial recovery for his company. GETIDA’s solution significantly affected his company’s bottom-line profit, thereby increasing the total value of the sale price, and contributing to Wiener’s successful exit. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 13:02] Maximizing Your Business Value for the Ideal Exit • Eyran shares his background and work The co-founder of Quantum Networks and the Prosper Show • The early days of Amazon and how to be successful on Amazon • Why you should bundle products and offer exclusivity on Amazon [13:03 - 26:02] The Key to Success in the Amazon Ecosystem • You need to invest time, money, and effort into making something better Make sure all the pillars of a successful business are mastered • Developing a passion for the industry is important for success Leaders behind a brand are key to reaching its full potential • Omnichannel is important for diversification and sustainability [26:03 - 38:50] Tips on Delegation and Growing a Business Through Objective Decision-Making • Entrepreneurs should make decisions objectively to maximize resources and achieve desired outcomes CEOs should focus on high-level planning and delegate tasks to those more knowledgeable in the area • The benefits of attending live events Networking at live events is important to learn from others and build relationships • Finding the right people and getting everyone to get along is key to successful companies [38:51 - 50:54] Wrapping Up • Stay up to date on the latest changes • Eytan on the rapid-four questions Connect with Eytan: Eytan Wiener (LinkedIn) GETIDA (Website) Eytan Wiener (Facebook) Key Quotes: "You could make a product and sell it, you need to have good content, you need to have good photos, but it's not as difficult as in the olden days." - Eytan Wiener "You could be in a business that you have zero passion, but you're never going to reach your full potential if you don't develop a passion." - Eytan Wiener Visit Let’s Talk Exits and drop your questions and comments at https://letstalkexits.com  Connect with Meny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/menyhoffman LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve their ideal exit. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts

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.  

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 this rerun episode of Let's Talk Business, we revisit a captivating conversation that dives deep into the essence of strategy in scaling a business successfully. Join your host, Meny Hoffman, as he sits down with Simon Severino, the author, CEO of Strategy Sprints, and host of the Strategy Sprints podcast. Simon shares his journey from a strategy advisor to revolutionizing the business world with the Strategy Sprints method. His approach helps businesses double their revenue in 90 days by focusing on effective strategy and getting owners out of the weeds. Through Strategy Sprints, Simon emphasizes the significance of direct paths to scaling and identifying bottlenecks within a business to streamline operations and maximize efficiency. Throughout the episode, Simon offers insightful advice on understanding the bottlenecks that prevent business growth, highlighting elements such as financial transparency and agility in business operations. He unveils the importance of weekly evaluations of profit, cost positions, and cash flow to maintain proper steering of the business. Furthermore, Simon discusses the role of proper delegation and accountability within business teams. He explains how these elements help business leaders transition from being doers to effective strategizers, who guide their companies through strategic insights and agile decision-making. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on why removing oneself from daily operations and staying focused on strategic growth can propel a company to thrive in today's ever-changing market. Tune in to discover how businesses can achieve rapid growth by implementing strategic operations and learning faster than competitors.   https://ptex.co/pandadoc http://www.strategysprints.com/   00:00 - Business Growth with Simon Severino 06:00 - Scaling Challenges Beyond Initial Growth 08:29 - Uncovering Direct Paths in Business 11:27 - Prioritize Simple, Effective Business Steps 13:32 - Survival Through Fast Learning 19:07 - Financial Oversight for Business Leaders 21:42 - Weekly Scorecards Drive Business Success 26:02 - Strategy Sprints: Doubling Sales Skills 28:19 - Raise Prices to Boost Profit 30:21 - Rapid Testing Over Prolonged Research 33:59 - Podcast Takeaways for Immediate Action 38:59 - CEOs: Balance Autonomy and Oversight 42:10 - Blockchain's Transformative Power   The importance of adjusting pricing strategies and effectively communicating the value proposition is discussed. Simon and Meny talk about how businesses can consider increasing their prices by leveraging client testimonials and focusing on delivering and showcasing tangible value to their customers. Simon introduces the idea of return on luck, which reflects the impact of experimentation on business success. Running marketing and sales experiments regularly helps businesses seize opportunities akin to creating one’s luck through strategic actions and learning faster than competitors.  Simon shares his insights and excitement about blockchain technology, describing it as transformational like the internet. The potential changes to business operations, finance, and global trade are profound, signaling the importance for business leaders to understand and integrate blockchain into their future strategies.  Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various roles to enable effective delegation and reduce reliance on any single individual. Regular inspection of key metrics is vital for ensuring alignment with business goals and for effective decision-making.

In today's rerun episode of Let's Talk Business, we are revisiting an insightful conversation with Jeff Akerman, the founder of Rise Architecture. Hosted by Meny Hoffman, this episode takes us through Jeff's journey from starting his architectural firm in his basement to establishing a successful business that has expanded across 11 states. Jeff shares his story, beginning with his mother's encouragement to pursue architecture, which laid the foundation for his career. His narrative highlights the importance of balancing creative ambitions with business acumen, a challenge many in the creative industry face. Jeff candidly discusses the realization that a successful business requires not just design talent but also a keen understanding of business operations and growth strategies. Listeners will benefit from Jeff's exploration of bridging the gap between creativity and business efficiency, emphasizing the necessity of delegation and creating a company culture that fosters both innovation and accountability. The discussion provides practical insights on maintaining creativity within structured timelines, as well as incentivizing employees through ownership and profit-sharing models. Additionally, Jeff delves into his audacious project in Florida—developing a new community with thousands of housing units, aiming to address the housing crisis in the Jewish community. This ambitious undertaking reflects Jeff's vision of making a lasting impact beyond financial success. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable strategies for business owners and creative professionals alike, offering guidance on building a business that harmonizes creative passion with strategic growth. Tune in to discover how you can nurture a successful business environment while still pursuing creative excellence and community impact. Whether you're starting out or looking to scale your business, Jeff's journey offers valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, resilience, and visionary thinking.   05:15 - Architecture Meets Business Strategy 08:33 - Balancing Creativity and Business 11:36 - Streamline Proposals with PandaDoc 14:42 - Balancing Creativity and Project Timelines 18:59 - Ownership Fuels Business Growth 20:02 - Let’s Talk Business Sponsorship 23:31 - Unpredictable Puzzle Planning 26:47 - Affordable Housing Community Vision 30:32 - Importance of Written Agreements 33:33 - Diversity in Partnerships: Respect Differences 38:26 - Creative Freedom and Aligned Vision 39:26 - Partner Collaboration: Plan & Document https://ptex.co/pandadoc https://www.risearchitecture.com/   Remember that in the creative space, you need to give your employees the leeway to think, because they want to feel that they are still being creative. If you stifle that creativity, and say, “You must do it my way,” you’re likely to lose a lot of people pretty quickly. One of the best ways to avoid the conflict between the business side of things - which demands creativity according to a specific timetable - and the creative side, is to suggest that your creatives give you their own timetable, rather than asking them to hew to one that the business people made. This increases accountability and personal responsibility, and also does wonders for the company culture. The most important element in choosing a partner is to make sure that you have the same vision. If every detail is perfect but you each see the end goal differently, then the partnership will fall apart, with potentially disastrous results. When you work together with a partner, you absolutely must hammer out the details in advance, and put them in writing - even if your partner is your best friend in the world - so that you both understand what’s expected of each of you. If you don’t, the business may fall apart - or on the contrary, it may work great, but you’re doing all the work even though you’re splitting the profits.  

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 this episode of "Let's Talk Business," Meny Hoffman welcomes Dr. Daren Martin, a business strategist and best-selling author, to explore the transformative power of company culture. They delve into the significance of culture, not just as a part of the game but as the game itself, and discuss how it can be assessed and improved within a company. 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 outline the four Cs of company culture: call it, craft it, cast it, and cultivate it. Daren explains that a strong culture is evident when employees are eager to work and proudly represent their company. He shares stories illustrating how culture can be palpable within an organization and emphasizes that cultural change requires genuine commitment from leadership. The conversation touches on debunking the misconception that culture improvement requires significant financial investment. Instead, they highlight the importance of leadership engagement and listening to employee feedback to foster an environment where people feel valued and heard. Throughout the episode, listeners gain insights on building a company of owners, where employees are treated like owners and empowered to contribute ideas and drive change. Daren underscores the potential pitfalls of attempting cultural shifts that appear disingenuous and stresses the importance of patience in this transformation process. This episode is full of actionable insights for leaders looking to enhance their workplace culture and harness it as a tool for business success. Tune in to explore how these strategies can be applied to create a thriving and engaged workforce. Episode Links :  Book a Clarity Session with Meny Hoffman https://www.darenmartin.com/bookstore https://www.youtube.com/@DarenMartinPhD Panda Doc   Episode Timestamps  03:22 - From Kroger to Consulting Tycoon 08:08 - Understanding Company Culture Instinctively 10:38 - Company Culture vs. Reality Gap 14:53 - Streamline Proposals with PandaDoc 16:26 - Great Culture Eliminates Recruiting Need 20:22 - Culture Fix for Rapid Growth 24:24 - Customer Service Over Marketing Budget 27:36 - Employee Appreciation Over Extravagant Events 29:18 - CEO's Distant Approach Criticized 35:25 - Fast Food Success through Training 39:03 - Confronting Workplace Negativity 40:22 - Leadership Decision Boosts Team Morale 43:22 - Amazon Presence and Unique Name 46:35 - Align, Motivate, and Engage Employees Practical Pointers Spend time with employees in various roles to understand their day-to-day challenges and successes. Show genuine interest in their work and listen to their insights. Offer employees the autonomy and decision-making power akin to that of an owner. Recognize their potential to contribute to the company's success and trust them with more responsibility.  Develop a clear, actionable mantra that reflects the values and goals of the company. This helps employees understand and align with the company's vision and mission. Implement a system of recognition to motivate employees. A simple thank you or a public acknowledgment of hard work can significantly boost morale. Understand that culture is more about how employees feel and how engaged they are, rather than just perks. Cultivate an atmosphere where employees look forward to coming to work and are proud of their contributions  

In this episode of “Let’s Talk Business,” Meny Hoffman sits down with Seth Farbman—serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of multiple successful companies including Vintage Filings, Vstock Transfer, and Share Media—to talk about what it really takes to build, sell, and scale businesses. Seth shares his journey from sleeping on a couch while launching his first company, to executing multi-million dollar exits, to reinventing himself as a marketing strategist helping others share their story on LinkedIn. The conversation dives deep into the emotional side of entrepreneurship—what it feels like to step away from something you built, how to navigate identity after a major exit, and what founders often overlook when selling their companies. They also unpack practical lessons on CRM systems, client relationships, and how staying top-of-mind can be more valuable than chasing new leads. Seth explains why storytelling is the ultimate business skill, how great service starts with the person answering the phone, and what really moves the needle when building trust with clients. This episode is full of honest reflections and actionable insights for entrepreneurs across any industry—whether you’re just getting started or thinking about your next chapter. - 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. - Book a Clarity Session with Meny Hoffman Panda Doc Seth’s Life Changing Book Vstock Transfer ShareMedia Seth’s LinkedIn For promotions & inquiries Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Let’s Talk Business 01:27 – Meet Seth Farbman: builder, seller, and storyteller 03:02 – From lawyer to multi-exit entrepreneur 04:21 – The ups and downs after selling Vintage Filings 07:59 – Should you build a company to sell? 09:17 – Structuring your business for a successful exit 14:47 – Why non-competes matter more than you think 20:00 – What matters most: relationships, not just revenue 25:16 – The power of consistent messaging & storytelling 28:11 – How Share Media and LinkedIn marketing began 34:31 – AI’s role in content creation today 35:46 – Advice for entrepreneurs in today’s economy Practical Pointers  Build smart, not just to sell. If you focus on doing good work and solving real problems, the right people will come knocking. CRM isn’t optional. It’s not exciting—but if you’re not tracking your relationships and staying top-of-mind, you’re leaving a lot on the table. Details matter. Sometimes it’s not the pitch, the deck, or the product—it’s the person answering your phone that wins you the client. Learn to tell your story. Your story, is what connects people to your business. And if you don’t tell it, someone else will—and not the way you want. The exit isn’t the end. You’ve still got to show up, keep growing, and stay aligned with who you are and what you’re about.

If you think success is about having it all figured out… this episode will prove you wrong—in the best way possible. From losing his job and being $95K in debt to leading growth at John Maxwell and Dave Ramsey’s companies, and now running his own firm — Trey Sheneman is a master of turning chaos into clarity. In this episode of Let’s Talk Business, Meny Hoffman sits down with Trey to unpack what really drives growth: from mindset, to systems, to what founders often get wrong when scaling from $3M to $30M. You’ll hear: 👉 How being broke and jobless led to a marketing career 👉 Why some brands get stuck at $5M—and how to break past it 👉 The real difference between working in vs. on your business 👉 A breakdown of Trey’s COMPASS Method that’s helped scale dozens of brands 👉 How to stay sharp as a leader—without losing touch with the work Whether you're bootstrapping a startup or scaling something fast, this is a must-watch. 👉 Subscribe for more deep-dive convos with real builders. – 🎥 Watch next: 🔗 Full Episode 🎯 Book a Clarity Session 📲 More Episodes 📲 Instagram 📲 LinkedIn 📲 Facebook 📲 WhatsApp Status 📲 WhatsApp Group – 🔗 Episode Links: 📘 Tray’s Life Changing Book 🎙 Trey’s Podcast – 10 Minute Masterclass 🏢 Herald (Trey’s Company) 👤 Trey’s LinkedIn 📩 For promotions & inquiries – 💡 Practical Pointers from this Episode: 1. Start even if it’s not perfect. Trey didn’t wait for the perfect plan—he just started. You learn more by doing than thinking. 2. Try before you commit. Be a generalist first. Once you find your edge, go deep—and it’ll pay off. 3. Get clarity before action. Ask what’s working, what’s not, and what’s missing. Don’t guess—diagnose. 4. Work on the business regularly. Don’t wait for a crisis. Step back quarterly (or weekly) to course-correct. 5. Stay close to your customers. Surveys, calls, chats—Trey listens nonstop. The best marketing comes straight from them. – ⏱️ Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome to Let’s Talk Business 02:11 – From seminary to $95K in debt 05:00 – The real start: losing both jobs and betting on himself 09:07 – Lessons from building marketing agencies 13:30 – Inside leadership at John Maxwell & Dave Ramsey orgs 18:32 – Why culture and accountability go hand in hand 23:44 – What Trey’s doing now with Herald 27:16 – The full breakdown of the COMPASS Method 33:38 – Why messaging is usually the weak link 35:33 – Hearing your customers clearly (and often) 37:27 – How to actually work on your business every quarter 43:47 – What’s still on Trey’s bucket list

Feel like your hard work isn't delivering the breakthroughs you deserve? Ever wonder what truly separates a dedicated pro from a thriving CEO? This episode reveals the unvarnished truth. Meet Simcha Beller, a leader who climbed from cold calling for a job to CEO of renowned luxury design firm Yossi G Design. He didn't have success handed to him; he earned it. In this powerful Let’s Talk Business episode, Meny Hoffman dives deep with Simcha, unpacking the "brutal truths" and practical strategies behind his incredible journey to sustainable growth and authentic leadership. You'll discover: 👉 Simcha's path to CEO: initiative, sacrifice, and trust. 👉 The "brutal" mindset shifts essential for leveling up your leadership. 👉 Why your hard work might not be paying off (and what to change). 👉 Actionable ways to find clarity and focus in business chaos. 👉 Beyond 10-step plans: What actually drives sustainable success. If you're an aspiring leader feeling stuck, an entrepreneur facing growing pains, or an executive needing fresh perspective on what it really takes, this conversation is a goldmine. 👉 Subscribe for more no-nonsense advice to learn, grow, and lead. – 🎥 Watch & Connect: 🔗 Listen to the Full Episode Here: https://youtu.be/G0lj dCgWNg 🎯 Book a Clarity Session with Meny Hoffman: https://calendly.com/ptex/60-minutes-strategy-meeting-clone 📲 More Let's Talk Business Episodes: https://ptexgroup.com/podcast-main/ 📲 Instagram (@ltbhub): https://www.instagram.com/ltbhub/ 📲 LinkedIn (Let's Talk Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/let'stalkbusinessltb 📲 Facebook (The LTB Podcast): https://www.facebook.com/TheLTBpodcast 📲 WhatsApp Status Updates: https://wa.me/message/IQYNZFUYS443A1 📲 Join the LTB WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EKcdMc4qeZm7AL3VtcTY6T – 🔗 Episode Links (Simcha Beller): 👤 Connect with Simcha Beller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simchabeller 🏢 Yossi G Design Website: https://yossig.com 📸 Yossi G Design on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yossigdesign/ 📘 Book that inspired Simcha ("Think and Grow Rich"): https://amzn.to/43e25iN 📩 For Promotions & Inquiries (LTB Podcast): https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=13474518368&text=Hi – 💡 Practical Pointers from this Episode (Meny Hoffman's Takeaways): 1. Don’t wait for the perfect job — create it. Simcha didn’t wait for someone to hire him. He showed up, added value, and proved himself into the role he wanted. 2. Before you fix something, make sure it’s actually broken. Not everything needs to be reworked. Simcha learned the hard way that changing what’s already working can do more harm than good. 3. CEO and COO are two different brains. A CEO lives in the future. A COO lives in the now. Mixing the two can slow both down; know which one you’re playing. 4. Branding isn’t how you look, it’s how well you connect. Your messaging and customer experience need to click with what people actually want. If it doesn’t feel like a fit, they won’t buy. 5. Clarity doesn’t come from thinking harder. It comes from asking the right questions—to yourself, your customers, and to your team. You don’t need all the answers, just better ones.  – ⏱️ Key Episode Moments (Timestamps): 0:00 – Welcome & Episode Preview 1:14 – Meet Simcha Beller, CEO of Yossi G Design 5:25 – Simcha's Journey: Cold Calls, Sacrifice & Finding His Path 10:53 – The Path to Leadership: From Operations to COO, then CEO 23:58 – CEO vs COO: Understanding the "Brutal" Mindset Shift 32:57 – Navigating Critical Founder & CEO Dynamics Successfully 38:11 – Warning: Understand THIS Before Changing Your Business 42:40 – How to Find True Clarity Amidst Business Chaos 48:56 – Branding & Customer Insight: The Real Keys to Connection 54:58 – Beyond 10-Step Plans: Simcha's Core Advice for Success 56:52 – Rapid Fire Questions with Simcha Beller 58:27 – Meny's Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts

Are you sure your business isn't leaving FREE MONEY on the table? What if there are overlooked tax breaks, incentives, and strategic advantages that could save you thousands, or even help fund your next big move? This episode uncovers exactly that. Meet Gary Marx, an economic development veteran with over 35 years of experience. He's seen it all, from working inside state government to now advising companies (just like yours!) on how to navigate the complex world of incentives and smart site selection with his firm, Blue Cap Economic Advisors. In this eye-opening episode of Let’s Talk Business, Meny Hoffman gets Gary to pull back the curtain on how businesses of all sizes can unlock significant financial benefits and make game-changing strategic decisions often hidden in plain sight. You'll discover: 👉 How to find and secure "hidden" state & local incentives (think tax credits, grants, and more!). 👉 The critical factors for smart site selection that go way beyond just the cost of real estate. 👉 Why states want to give money to certain businesses & what they're looking for. 👉 Costly mistakes businesses make that leave them missing out on massive savings & benefits. 👉 Insider tips for navigating government programs and making economic development work for you. If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader looking to expand, relocate, cut operational costs, or simply maximize every available financial advantage, you cannot afford to miss this conversation. 👉 Subscribe for more insider knowledge to grow your business smarter. – 🎥 Watch & Connect: 🔗 Listen to the Full Episode Here: https://youtu.be/sK57BUHphcs 🎯 Book a Clarity Session with Meny Hoffman: https://calendly.com/ptex/60-minutes-strategy-meeting-clone 📲 More Let's Talk Business Episodes: https://ptexgroup.com/podcast-main/ 📲 Instagram (@ltbhub): https://www.instagram.com/ltbhub/ 📲 LinkedIn (Let's Talk Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/let'stalkbusinessltb/ 📲 Facebook (The LTB Podcast): https://www.facebook.com/TheLTBpodcast 📲 WhatsApp Status Updates: https://wa.me/message/IQYNZFUYS443A1 📲 Join the LTB WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EKcdMc4qeZm7AL3VtcTY6T – 🔗 Episode Links (Gary Marx): 👤 Connect with Gary Marx on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyrmarx/ 🏢 Blue Cap Economic Advisors (Gary's Company): http://www.bluecapeconomicadvisors.com 📘 A Book That Inspired Gary ("Think and Grow Rich"): https://amzn.to/43e25iN 📩 For Promotions & Inquiries (LTB Podcast): https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=13474518368&text=Hi – 💡 Practical Pointers from this Episode (Meny Hoffman's Takeaways): 1. You can negotiate way more than you think. Most people think “incentives” means tax breaks. But Gary explains how local cities will help with things like better lighting, signage, sidewalks, even speeding up your permit process, if they believe your business brings value to the area. 2. Hiring is the #1 deal breaker. Every serious business leader Gary works with asks one thing first: Can we find the right people here? If the labor isn’t there, nothing else matters. So if you’re considering a move, always start by looking at the local workforce. 3. Government help is real — you just need to ask the right way. States and cities actually want to help. But they’re not always shouting it from the rooftops. Gary shows how to find the right contacts, ask the right questions, and unlock the support that’s already sitting there. 4. American manufacturing is quietly coming back. Between tariffs and supply chain issues, more companies are moving parts of their business back to the U.S. And guess what? Local governments are ready to help — especially if you’re creating skilled jobs. 5. Small towns care more than big cities. In big cities, hiring 20 or 30 people doesn’t make headlines. But in smaller towns? That kind of growth matters — and they’ll often roll out the red carpet for you. That’s where Gary helps companies find opportunities others don’t even notice.  – ⏱️ Key Episode Moments: 1:05 – Welcome to Let's Talk Business 1:25 – Meet Gary Marx: Economic Development Expert 2:33 – Gary's 35+ Year Journey in Economic Development 7:07 – Untapped Potential: Incentives for EXISTING Businesses 8:46 – The Power of Asking: How Local Gov HELPS Small Businesses 13:54 – Starting Point: What Gary Marx Asks Businesses First 18:05 – Top CEO Concerns: Labor Availability & Market Predictability 20:28 – Why States PAY: The Drive for Jobs, Investment & Tech 23:45 – Hot Trends: Targeted Industries & The Southern Shift 26:22 – Re-shoring US Manufacturing & Current Market Dynamics 32:25 – Connect with Gary Marx & Blue Cap Economic Advisors 33:00 – Rapid Fire Questions with Gary Marx

Ever wonder what it takes to leave a "dream job" in high finance managing billions to build something from scratch? What do you learn at the highest levels of investing that can be applied to solving messy, real-world problems? This episode is a masterclass in exactly that. Meet Daniel Shonrom. After a 13-year career at institutions like Michael Dell's family office and a $73B hedge fund, he walked away to fix one of the most broken parts of healthcare. He founded Exceptional, a fast-growing software company that is making waves by solving problems most founders would never even see. In this deep-dive conversation, Meny Hoffman sits down with Daniel to uncover his playbook for finding true product-market fit, building an elite team of "drivers," and applying the principles of high-stakes investing to the world of startups. You'll discover: 👉 The real, unvarnished difference between VC, Private Equity, and Hedge Funds. 👉 A critical warning about the hidden dangers of taking venture capital money. 👉 How to find genuine Product Market Fit (PMF) by listening for pain signals (The "Mom Test"). 👉 Daniel's "Drivers vs. Passengers" framework for building a high-performance team with zero managers. 👉 Actionable advice on when and how to raise capital for your startup without derailing your product. If you're a founder trying to solve a real problem, a leader building a team, or anyone curious about what it takes to bring structure to chaos, this conversation is essential listening. 👉 Subscribe for more deep-dive conversations with real builders and leaders. – 🎥 Watch & Connect: 🔗 Listen to the Full Episode Here: https://youtu.be/z-jK-coU1mo 🎯 Book a Clarity Session with Meny Hoffman: https://calendly.com/ptex/60-minutes-strategy-meeting-clone 📲 More Let's Talk Business Episodes: https://ptexgroup.com/podcast-main/ 📲 Instagram (@ltbhub): https://www.instagram.com/ltbhub/ 📲 LinkedIn (Let's Talk Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/letstalkbusinessltb/ 📲 Facebook (The LTB Podcast): https://www.facebook.com/TheLTBpodcast 📲 WhatsApp Status Updates: https://wa.me/message/IQYNZFUYS443A1 📲 Join the LTB WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EKcdMc4qeZm7AL3VtcTY6T – 🔗 Episode Links (Daniel Shonrom): 👤 Connect with Daniel Shonrom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-schoenbrun 🏢 Exceptional (Daniel's Company): https://www.exponentialcare.ai/ 📘 Book That Inspired Daniel ("Amp It Up"): https://amzn.to/4lgRPfA 📘 Book That Inspired Daniel ("Atomic Habits"): https://amzn.to/45Gx2xP 📩 For Promotions & Inquiries (LTB Podcast): https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=13474518368&text=Hi - 💡 Practical Pointers from this Episode (Meny Hoffman's Takeaways): 1. Fix real problems, not trends. Daniel built Exceptional not to chase tech, but to solve a broken process in real people's lives. The market rewards clarity. 2. Ask "where's the friction?" Every manual task, especially in legacy industries like healthcare, is an opportunity for software. Start by asking what slows people down. 3. Complexity is the enemy of adoption. Daniel focused on making the product so simple and intuitive that everyone could use it. That's what makes it scalable. 4. Choose your early clients carefully. Instead of chasing everyone, Exceptional picked early adopters who wanted to innovate with them. That feedback loop made all the difference. 5. Your job as CEO is to create clarity. In a fast-growing company, confusion spreads quickly. Daniel's main job is to keep everyone aligned on what matters most. – ⏱️ Key Episode Moments (Timestamps): 1:34 – Welcome Daniel Shonrom, CEO of Exceptional 2:56 – Daniel's Journey: From a $73B Hedge Fund to Startup Founder 7:29 – The Real Difference: VC vs. Private Equity vs. Hedge Funds 10:10 – A Founder's Warning: The Hidden Dangers of Taking VC Money 13:11 – The Problem He's Solving: Fixing Healthcare's Broken & Messy Backend 16:12 – Transferable Skills: How High-Finance Experience Built a Tech Company 20:07 – The "PMF First" Rule: Why Product-Market Fit is Everything 23:04 – The Mom Test: How to Find Real, Quantifiable Customer Pain 27:22 – Building an Elite Team: Daniel's "Drivers vs. Passengers" Framework 33:31 – The Right Time to Raise Money for Your Startup 45:38 – Key Lesson from a Billion-Dollar Org: Radical Transparency & Teamwork 48:01 – Rapid Fire Questions with Daniel 48:42 – Meny Hoffman's Final Key Takeaways

Ever feel that rush of panic before a big presentation? What if you could command any room with total confidence, not because you were "born with it," but because you learned the code? This episode is a masterclass in exactly that. Meet Bill Smartt. After a career as a classically trained actor, he became one of the most sought-after executive coaches, fixing the #1 thing that holds leaders back: poor communication. He's the secret weapon for executives at Citibank, Deloitte, Harvard Business School, and the United Nations. In this deep-dive conversation, Meny Hoffman sits down with Bill to uncover his playbook for turning nervous speakers into powerful communicators, building unshakeable presence, and using simple frameworks to make any message land with impact. You'll discover: 👉 The #1 mistake 99% of people make when they present (and how to fix it instantly). 👉 An "Actor's Trick" to turn speaking FEAR into genuine, unshakable confidence. 👉 A simple 3-part framework to structure any talk perfectly, so you're never at a loss for words. 👉 The uncomfortable exercise that is the fastest path to improving your executive presence. 👉 Why being a "natural" speaker is a MYTH, and how you can learn this skill starting today. If you're a founder trying to inspire your team, a leader tired of being misunderstood, or anyone who wants to speak with clarity and confidence, this conversation is essential listening. 👉 Subscribe for more deep-dive conversations with real builders and leaders. – 🎥 Watch & Connect: 🔗 Listen to the Full Episode Here: [Your Full Episode Link] 🎯 Book a Clarity Session with Meny Hoffman: https://calendly.com/ptex/60-minutes-strategy-meeting-clone 📲 More Let's Talk Business Episodes: https://ptexgroup.com/podcast-main/ 📲 Instagram (@ltbhub): https://www.instagram.com/ltbhub/ 📲 LinkedIn (Let's Talk Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/letstalkbusinessltb/ 📲 Facebook (The LTB Podcast): https://www.facebook.com/TheLTBpodcast 📲 WhatsApp Status Updates: https://wa.me/message/IQYNZFUYS443A1 📲 Join the LTB WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EKcdMc4qeZm7AL3VtcTY6T – 🔗 Episode Links (Bill Smartt): 👤 Connect with Bill Smartt on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/billsmartt  🏢 Learn More About Bill's Coaching: https://www.billsmartt.com  🎁 Special Offer: Mention the podcast for a FREE Team Tune-Up session with Bill.  📩 For Promotions & Inquiries (LTB Podcast): https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=13474518368&text=Hi - 💡 Practical Pointers from this Episode (Meny Hoffman's Takeaways): 1. Communication is a Teachable Skill. It's not a personality trait. Skills like pausing, controlling your tone, and managing your energy can be practiced and mastered by anyone, not just "naturals." 2. Record Yourself. The Camera Doesn't Lie. This is the fastest path to self-awareness. You’ll instantly see your filler words, nervous gestures, and energy levels, which is the quickest way to begin improving. 3. Use the "Past, Present, Future" Framework. For instant clarity in any situation, structure your communication this way: provide the Past (context), explain the Present (the current situation), and outline the Future (the desired outcome or next steps). 4. Connect Before You Present. Don't just jump into your slides. Start by listening to your audience first. When people feel heard, your message lands with far greater impact. 5. To Manage Nerves, Manage Your Breath. Your breath is the best physical tool to counteract a fight-or-flight response. Before any stressful presentation, take a moment for deep, controlled breathing to ground yourself and lead with calm control. – Episode Timestamps:  00:00 - Teaser: Bill Smartt's key soundbites on communication 01:21 - "Let's Talk Business" Podcast Intro 01:34 - Host Meny Hoffman introduces the episode and guest, Bill Smartt 03:04 - Meny asks Bill about his journey into communication coaching 05:12 - Bill explains his "What, How, Mindset" coaching framework 06:31 - The difference between formal presentations and general leadership communication 08:51 - The root cause of poor communication in organizations 10:32 - The importance of connecting with your audience and listening 13:41 - Ad Break: Clarity Sessions 14:44 - Topic: The difference between "Public Speaking" and "Presenting" 17:48 - How introverts can become powerful communicators 22:08 - Why you must simplify your message to be effective 25:21 - The "Past, Present, Future" Framework for structuring any talk 27:40 - The importance of practicing out loud 32:07 - Meny Hoffman's summary and takeaways begin 49:27 - Outro: "That's my conversation with Bill Smartt. My takeaways from this one..."

Everyone’s talking about Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, but do you know what’s really inside? More importantly, how could it affect YOUR taxes, YOUR business, and YOUR family’s future starting in 2025? In this episode of the Let’s Talk Business Podcast, Meny Hoffman sits down with Saul & Simeon Friedman of Saul Friedman & Company, one of the most trusted accounting firms for over 50 years. Together, they break down the most powerful tax changes, hidden credits, and financial strategies that could save you thousands or even millions if you know how to leverage them. What You’ll Discover in This Episode 👉 The real meaning of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and why the name is genius. 👉 Bonus Depreciation (100%) — how businesses can write off major purchases in a single year. 👉 R&D Credits — cash-back incentives for innovation and development. 👉 Trump Accounts for Kids — how a $1,000 government account could grow into $90,000+. 👉 Scholarship Grant Credits — a dollar-for-dollar credit for private school tuition. 👉 Estate tax exemptions and strategies that could save families millions. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or parent, this episode is a must-listen if you want to stay ahead of the biggest tax changes in decades. Watch & Connect 🎥 Listen to the Full Episode Here: [Your Full Episode Link] 🎯 Book a Clarity Session with Meny Hoffman: https://calendly.com/ptex/60-minutes-strategy-meeting-clone 📲 More Let's Talk Business Episodes: https://ptexgroup.com/podcast-main/ 📲 Instagram (@ltbhub): https://www.instagram.com/ltbhub/ 📲 LinkedIn (Let's Talk Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/letstalkbusinessltb/ 📲 Facebook (The LTB Podcast): https://www.facebook.com/TheLTBpodcast 📲 WhatsApp Status Updates: https://wa.me/message/IQYNZFUYS443A1 📲 Join the LTB WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EKcdMc4qeZm7AL3VtcTY6T Episode Links (Saul Friedman & Company) 👤 Connect with Saul Friedman & Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saul-n-friedman-&-company 🏢 Learn More About Their Firm: https://snfco.com/ 📩 For Accounting & Business Inquiries: (718) 232-1111 📩 For Promotions & Inquiries (LTB Podcast): https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=13474518368&text=Hi Key Takeaways (Meny Hoffman’s Notes) 1. Plan Around Bonus Depreciation. Use the 100% write-off to reduce taxes strategically. 2. R&D Credits Are Underrated. Most businesses are missing free money they already qualify for. 3. Start Trump Accounts Early. A small annual investment can compound into massive savings. 4. Scholarship Credits = Free Tax Reduction. A direct credit, not just a deduction. 5. Your Books = Your Future. A strong set of financials is your ticket to growth and leverage. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Hook: The hidden power of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill 01:21 – Let’s Talk Business Podcast Intro 01:34 – Meny Hoffman introduces Saul & Simeon Friedman 04:02 – Why the bill’s branding is a stroke of genius 06:33 – Key tax changes explained 14:16 – Bonus Depreciation: How it saves businesses big money 19:22 – R&D Credits: What most business owners miss 25:34 – Trump Accounts: Future-proof savings for kids 36:40 – Scholarship Grant Credits: Dollar-for-dollar tuition credit 49:27 – Meny Hoffman’s final takeaways

What if generosity wasn't just a nice leadership trait, but your biggest business advantage? In this episode, Meny Hoffman sits down with John Whitt, executive coach, author of Checkmate: Winning Tactics for Translating Ideas Into Money, and creator of the Whole Life Leadership program. Together they unpack how generosity, clarity, and accountability can transform your business and your life. After three decades inside billion-dollar corporations and years coaching entrepreneurs, John has seen what separates "busy operators" from real leaders—and why most companies stall long before they should. You'll learn: 👉 Why generosity always delivers better business results 👉 The hiring mistake that costs leaders the most time and money 👉 How to build accountability that works both ways 👉 When to stop managing and start leading 👉 What Whole Life Leadership looks like on a stressful Tuesday If you're running a company, leading a team, or trying to grow without burning out, this conversation will change how you think about leadership. Subscribe for more deep-dive conversations with real builders and leaders. – 🎥 Watch & Connect 🎯 Book a Clarity Session with Meny Hoffman: https://calendly.com/ptex/60-minutes-strategy-meeting-clone 📲 More Let's Talk Business Episodes: https://ptexgroup.com/podcast-main/ 📲 Instagram (@ltbhub): https://www.instagram.com/ltbhub/ 📲 LinkedIn (Let's Talk Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/letstalkbusinessltb/ 📲 Facebook (The LTB Podcast): https://www.facebook.com/TheLTBpodcast 📲 WhatsApp Status Updates: https://wa.me/message/IQYNZFUYS443A1 📲 Join the LTB WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EKcdMc4qeZm7AL3VtcTY6T – 🔗 Episode Links 👤 Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjohnwhitt 🌐 Learn More: https://businesswhitt.com 📘 John's book Checkmate: https://amzn.to/3L7WrIo 📩 For Promotions & Inquiries (LTB Podcast): https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=13474518368&text=Hi – 💡 Practical Pointers (Meny's Takeaways) 1. Leadership never ends—it's a daily practice. 2. Generosity pays off. Time, attention, and care go further than money. 3. Hire for ownership, not tasks. Skills can be taught, attitude can't. 4. Accountability goes both ways. Let your team hold you to your word. 5. Clarity is power. When you know where you're going, people Follow.  – ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Generosity defined: time, talent, treasure → profit 00:30 – Leadership is lonely and why every leader needs a coach 00:53 – Show open and host intro 01:10 – Guest intro: who John Whitt helps and how 02:04 – No perfection in leadership; John's path to Whole Life Leadership 03:38 – Pandemic, reset, and lessons from reflection 04:59 – Checkmate: the five steps—clarity, people, testing, planning, and change 05:49 – The six facets: clarity, relationships, goals, teamwork, strategy, and financials 08:05 – Generosity creates profit and how it actually works 10:50 – The costly hiring mistake and why to hire for ownership 13:16 – KPIs, metrics, and the 30–60 day rule for performance 15:02 – Accountability cuts both ways 16:03 – Meny's clarity session plug 17:07 – Quick wins for culture: using behavioral assessments 18:28 – B players vs A players: when "good enough" is enough 19:19 – When to stop operating and start leading 20:39 – The Whole Life Leadership event: format and outcomes 23:42 – "Stressful Tuesday" mindset: business as a vehicle for life 24:42 – Don't do it alone: advisors, coaches, and communities 26:09 – PandaDoc mention 27:04 – Where to find John and his links 28:00 – Rapid fire Q&A 29:40 – Meny's key takeaways 31:19 – Outro

In today's rerun episode of Let's Talk Business, we are thrilled to revisit an inspiring discussion with Isaac Bardos, a renowned business coach, public speaker, and former college athlete. Hosted by Meny Hoffman, this episode delves into Isaac's remarkable journey from being underestimated to achieving success in various fields. Isaac shares his transformative experience of discovering his public speaking talent during a high-stakes college Shabbaton, turning a perceived weakness into a powerful strength. This narrative underscores the potential that lies within challenging moments and the transformative power of necessity. Listeners will gain valuable insights into rethinking leadership and personal growth, as Isaac discusses how upbringing and personal choices shape our paths. The episode highlights the importance of resilience, relatability, and the learnable nature of leadership, encouraging even those hesitant to lead to cultivate impactful leadership skills. Additionally, Isaac shares practical strategies for business growth, emphasizing the significance of genuine engagement, financial literacy, and the role of vulnerability in fostering innovation and trust within teams. Through compelling anecdotes and expert advice, this episode offers actionable strategies for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs to harness their hidden talents and navigate challenges with purpose and resilience. Tune in to explore how embracing vulnerability and maintaining focus can drive both personal and business success. Whether you're an emerging leader or an established business owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you unlock your full potential.   00:00:00 - Discovering Your Calling 00:12:09 - Leading With Purpose and Resilience 00:24:06 - Metrics and Scaling for Business Growth 00:35:11 - Mastering Focus and Adaptation in Business 00:40:32 - Embracing Vulnerability for Business Growth 00:49:22 - Effective Leadership and Business Strategies   Pratical Pointers : “Having a calling” doesn’t mean that you’re going to save the world; it means that you find yourself in a certain situation at a certain time - and you showed up and did what had to be done. Leadership is effective when a leader demonstrates empathy by showing up, participating, and above all listening. That will encourage your employees to follow where you lead them more than simply issuing orders from above. Although leaders like being seen as the experts who know everything, people will look to you for guidance and open up to you if you are willing to be vulnerable and open up to them, too. Great business leaders are like great coaches: they look at themselves and their opponents in order to discover the patterns. If you’re not sure where something is going, zoom out, notice the patterns, and that will help you figure out the most appropriate steps to take and what steps to avoid.

In today's episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of business automation and effective leadership with our esteemed guest, Clate Mask, co-founder of Keep (formerly Infusionsoft). Join us as we uncover valuable insights from Clate's journey in revolutionizing small business operations through automation and his latest book, "Conquer the Chaos 2.0." Clate Mask shares his inspiring journey from developing a CRM tool for direct response marketers to creating a comprehensive automation platform that empowers small business owners. He emphasizes the importance of achieving not just growth but also profitability and freedom, providing key takeaways that can help entrepreneurs elevate their operations to new heights. In this episode, we also explore the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, focusing on the critical aspects of mindset, personal vision, and the rhythm of execution. Clate and I delve into personal stories and research-backed strategies to help you navigate the highs and lows of running a business. Learn how setting personal goals separate from business objectives can ensure a fulfilling life beyond the dream of your enterprise. Finally, we dive into the essence of leadership and building a culture of excellence within your organization. Clate discusses the co-creation process between leaders and their teams, iterative planning, and inclusive decision-making.  Tune in for actionable insights that promise to uplift your entrepreneurial journey and provide the tools you need to master small business automation and leadership.   https://ptex.co/pandadoc https://keap.com/lp/keap-growth-and-freedom-playbook http://ptexgroup.com/goals https://conquerthechaosbook.com/ http://keap.com/   00:04:20 - Frustrated by manual processes, found Infusionsoft software. 00:08:27 - Update book on marketing automation for small businesses. 00:10:53 - Entrepreneurship is exciting but has a dark side. 00:16:13 - Upgrade to Pandadoc for efficient document management. 00:19:50 - Establish purpose, values, mission, set goals. Balance in physical, spiritual, social, business, financial. 00:20:45 - Balance business, financial, social, physical, spiritual goals. 00:26:34 - Balancing leadership between dictatorship and democracy. 00:28:29 - Iterative process of drafting and refining. 00:32:24 - Automation drives profit; people, products, process produce. Leadership is about establishing clear culture. 00:37:00 - Focus on balance, reduce chaos in business. 00:39:39 - Free resources for personal and business success.   That’s my conversation with Clate Mask. My takeaways from this one:  Embrace Automation: Automate various aspects of your business operations, from marketing and sales to internal processes, to achieve growth, profitability, and freedom. Use Comprehensive Tools: Utilize platforms like Keep to centralize and streamline your business processes, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Understand the Evolution of Technology: Stay updated with technological advancements like AI to leverage new tools and strategies for business growth. Develop a Personal Vision: Separate your personal goals from your business objectives to ensure a fulfilling life beyond the dreams of your enterprise. Implement Customer Lifecycle Automation: Automate customer follow-up processes to ensure consistent and effective engagement, leading to higher satisfaction and retention.  

Guy Kawasaki shares his inspiring trajectory, beginning with his early days in the jewelry business, where he honed essential selling skills that set the foundation for his future endeavors. Recruited by his college classmate, Guy made a pivotal transition to the Apple Macintosh Division, marking the start of his significant contributions to the tech world. This episode sheds light on Guy’s philosophies, including the realistic outlook on pursuing interests that may eventually transform into lifelong passions. We also delve into the nuances of career transitions, the vital role of empathy and resilience in sales, and the modern landscape of democratizing design through tools like Canva.   Guy reveals the serendipitous journey that led him to Canva and his mission to make design accessible to all. Through his extensive experience and captivating anecdotes, Guy imparts practical advice on innovation, product development, and the entrepreneurial mindset. Moreover, Guy Kawasaki opens up about his podcast, "Remarkable People," featuring stories that inspire and motivate listeners through the achievements of extraordinary individuals.   Gain insights into Guy's meticulous preparation for interviews, his favorite podcast moments, and episodes that left a lasting impact.   Tune in for a conversation that promises to elevate your understanding of business dynamics, spark innovation, and inspire you to embrace luck and resilience on your entrepreneurial path. 00:04:23 - Standout: Learning sales from unconventional experiences in life.   00:08:24 - Upgrade proposals with Pandadoc: organized, professional, efficient. 00:11:04 - Innovation essential; focus on customer needs, not product. 00:16:09 - Innovation through personal desire and empathy works. 00:17:26 - Customer feedback, talent, mission-driven work foster success. 00:22:49 - Guy Kawasaki became chief evangelist of Canva unexpectedly. 00:25:18 - Remarkable podcast featuring in-depth interviews with luminaries. Connect with Guy Follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter. Head to Guy Kawasaki and see how you could become more remarkable! 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!   Resources mentioned: Book: If You Want To Write - Brenda Ueland   

Chaim shares invaluable insights on setting clear financial goals, long-term planning, and budgeting, especially in the face of today's high inflation and living costs. We explore the psychology of credit card and debit card spending, particularly within large families and among frequent traveler Tune in to hear real-life success stories and rapid-fire advice on impactful books and personal aspirations. This episode promises to transform your financial life with practical wisdom and proven strategies for responsible spending and long-term savings. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to achieve financial freedom with expert advice from Chaim.   Episode Links:  TauberSolutions.com Chaim WhatsApp Panda Doc 00:06:10 - Clear budgeting reveals unnecessary expenses and savings. 00:09:22 - Mindset difference in spending: Credit vs. Debit. 00:12:39 - Use debit card; keep credit card handy. 00:14:49 - Switching to debit saved millionaire $180,000 yearly. 00:18:12 - Knowing numbers helps identify and solve problems. 00:21:31 - Spouses often hide finances to avoid judgment. 00:23:34 - Start financial conversations with spouse to reach goals. 00:28:03 - Rents and home prices skyrocketing, mortgages increasing. 00:31:44 - Teach youth to save with small incentives. 00:35:46 - Emergency fund enables focus on family health. 00:37:24 - Stocks as gambling; possible gains or losses. 00:40:44 - Adapted Dave Ramsey’s principles for Haimisha lifestyle. 00:43:29 - Clients achieve financial independence in six months. 00:46:49 - Use high yield savings accounts; identify goals.   Practical Pointers from this episode : Take inspiration from real-life success stories of individuals who achieved financial freedom through disciplined saving and smart financial planning. This can provide motivation and practical strategies for your own financial journey. Focus on paying off high-interest debts first, such as credit card balances. Once these are cleared, you can allocate more funds towards savings and investments. If you need to build or improve your credit, use credit cards strategically for essential purchases and always pay on time. This helps build a positive credit history without falling into debt traps. For long-term savings goals, consider high-yield savings accounts or mutual funds, such as the S&P 500, to grow your money more effectively. Begin by identifying your long-term financial goals. Whether it's paying off debt, saving for a house, or preparing for retirement, having a clear vision helps in creating a focused financial plan.

In today's episode of Let's Talk Business, we are thrilled to welcome Mitch Axelrod, an entrepreneurial powerhouse, speaker, trainer, advisor, best-selling author, and a man who has significantly contributed to generating over $3 billion in revenue. Join our host, Meny Hoffman, as he sits down with Mitch to unravel the profound insights and strategies that have defined Mitch's illustrious career. We'll delve into Mitch Axelrod's inspiring path from a seasoned salesperson to a thought leader in the world of sales strategies. Mitch will share his revolutionary approach known as "The New Game of Selling," which emphasizes long-term client relationships over transactional sales. You will also learn about the impactful question that Mitch claims has been instrumental in generating substantial revenue. Discover how Mitch has successfully integrated marketing, sales, and service to create a holistic strategy for attracting, converting, and retaining customers. He explains how qualifying prospects early and adding real value, like sharing top 20 no-load mutual funds with clients, has helped him build trust and maintain confidentiality. In this episode, Mitch and Meny discuss the importance of understanding the roles of different corporate buyers, building authentic business relationships, and fostering a win-win philosophy in deals. You'll hear about Mitch's unique methods for engaging clients, maintaining long-term relationships, and the significance of being a trusted advisor.   Episode Timestamps 04:58 Focus on genuine potential clients, not indifferent ones. 09:40 Help clients attract, convert, retain, and reactivate customers. 13:04 Focus on their buying cycle for success. 14:42 Understanding clients' needs to facilitate their journeys. 17:04 Supporting brand journeys; focus on existing clients. 23:42 Build relationships and understand client needs deeply. 25:12 Prioritize long-term relationships post-sale for success. 28:45 Questioning authenticity: genuine or mere marketing tool? 33:39 Switch seats, advocate together, achieve mutual understanding. 35:43 Identify stakeholders and their roles for sales decisions. 40:19 Everyone matters: allies or adversaries based on approach. 42:41 Work backwards, language distinctions, leverage existing clients. Practical Pointers that can learned from this episode : Use impactful questions to understand your clients' needs and motivations, which can drive significant revenue and deeper relationships. Don’t waste time on unlikely customers. Ask your prospects upfront critical questions to gauge their potential as clients. Use real feedback from your satisfied clients to attract similar customers. Directly ask your successful clients, "What was the main benefit you received from our service?"  Start with serving rather than selling. Begin your meetings or calls with, "What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now that I might help with?" When re-engaging lapsed clients, authenticity is key. Refrain from using scripted, generic follow-ups. Instead, say, "I realized it’s been a while since we last connected, and I wanted to make sure your needs are still being met." Links : https://ptex.co/pandadoc https://thenewgameofselling.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/mitchaxelrod https://www.facebook.com/mitchaxelrod  

In today's rerun episode of Let's Talk Business, we're excited to bring back an insightful conversation with a marketing legend who has helped generate billions in revenue for major brands. Join our host, Meny Hoffman, as he sits down with Gerry O’Brien—author, speaker, and advisor—to delve into the powerful strategies and insights that have shaped Gerry's remarkable career. Gerry has worked with household names like Procter & Gamble, Coors Lite, and Red Robin. He is known for his innovative marketing concepts, such as the color-changing mountains on Coors Lite bottles. In this episode, Gerry shares his expertise on how small businesses can stand out in competitive markets without massive marketing budgets. Gerry O'Brion emphasizes the power of word-of-mouth referrals and decreased training times by specializing in specific areas, such as Volkswagen car repairs. He explains that small businesses can learn from large brands by listening to and gathering insights from customers to understand their choices and preferences. A significant challenge in influencing customer decisions lies in external factors and the credibility of a company's claims. Gerry highlights the necessity of providing proof for business promises—referred to as the "because" factor—which helps differentiate a company from its competition and assures customers they're making the right choice. O’Brion promotes his book "They Buy Your Because," offering additional resources through his website, and underscores the value of consistent brand messaging across all platforms. He also discusses the role of inspirational "why" messages internally while stressing the importance of clear and unique value propositions in customer-facing communications. Key insights include the need for small businesses to identify unique aspects of their offerings, ask why existing customers choose them over the competition, and tailor their approach to varied sales scenarios. These strategies, coupled with understanding customer mindsets and problems, enhance a small business’s ability to succeed in a crowded market.   00:04:51 - Focus efforts, refine niche, demonstrate unique value. 00:09:25 - Proof distinguishes your promise from marketing fluff. 00:12:45 - Helping businesses find their "because" for differentiation. 00:14:22 - What makes your business exceptional? List specifics. 00:17:01 - Strategically structure website for effective visitor engagement. 00:22:43 - Varied outreach methods tailored to listener's company. 00:26:06 - Innovative weed control additive for resistant pests. 00:28:47 - Understand and address decision maker's real concerns. 00:30:51 - Optimize messaging sequence based on consumer insights. 00:34:30 - Narrow your focus to grow faster financially. 00:38:50 - Ensure audience targeting, understanding, outcomes, and credibility. 00:42:42 - Identify clients, unique value, and effective persuasion. 00:43:44 - Focus on delivering a unique, authentic because.   The first question a business owner needs to ask is, Where do my current clients come from - and where can I find more like them? Many times, the answer is in small niches where people already value what you offer. That means that the next question you need to ask is, What does your business bring to the table that the bigger competitor doesn’t bring or can’t bring? And the third question which follows is, What is the most effective way of convincing those potential clients that you offer something that bigger companies do not? The biggest mistake that companies make when it comes to marketing, is making promises without also giving the “Because” - meaning, the reason that you will be able to keep your promise. Promises without a “because” sound like empty marketing fluff. Promises with a “because” offer a compelling reason for a potential client to choose you instead of someone else. The following exercise is very important: Write down, “You should buy from us instead of from our competitors because- “ and complete the sentence with your authentic answer. If your answer sounds the same as any of your competitors, you’re just adding to your customers’ confusion, when they actually want certainty that they’re making the right decision. So think long and hard about the “because” that will make your business unique while remaining true to what you can actually do. Many people confuse their “Because” with their “Why” - and that’s a big mistake. Your “Why” is the reason that you do what you do, and is a type of mission statement that can inspire you and your employees. But when you’re selling something and a customer is about to give you money, he doesn’t care about your “Why”; he cares about your “Because” - meaning, what you do differently from everyone else, and how you can deliver that unique aspect to your client. When you talk about your “Because,” you are giving your client the certainty that buying from you is the right choice.  The main thing that big companies do better than small companies is listening and learning from their customers. Understanding the mindset of the people you serve is the foundation of all influence. So act like the big companies, and learn to ask questions. Make surveys. Go to the people who chose your competitor instead of you and ask them why they made that decision. Getting this information will help you better focus on how to close the next sale.   Gerry Website Linkedin They Buy Your Because Panda Doc

In today's rerun episode of Let's Talk Business, we're excited to bring back an insightful conversation focusing on the significance of systems and processes in scaling a business. Join your host, Meny Hoffman, as he sits down with Chris Ranzio, the founder and CEO of Trainual, a SaaS platform dedicated to small business onboarding, training, and scaling. Chris started his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 14 with a video production company, learning valuable lessons about business processes early on. Now, as the author of "The Business Playbook" and the host of his own podcasts, Chris shares his expertise on the importance of proper systems, processes, and delegation for business growth. In this episode, Chris explains how Trainual, which has grown to 81 employees in just four years, uses detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to manage its rapid growth and ensure consistency. He discusses why managing growth can often be more challenging than achieving it, due to the necessity of clear processes and effective delegation. Chris shares valuable insights on the entrepreneurial journey, moving from performing all tasks alone to efficiently using tools and collaborating with team members. He highlights the complexity of managing team dynamics and the importance of creating long-term value and structure over getting stuck in everyday tasks. Additionally, Chris emphasizes the power of delegation, outlining the differences between delegating tasks and delegating responsibilities. He offers practical advice on creating effective SOPs, ensuring clear expectations, and training team members for better accountability   00:02:00 - Transitioned roles, built systems; founded Trainual later. 00:05:39 - Managing growth is harder than starting businesses. 00:09:11 - Entrepreneurs scale by delegating and focusing long-term. 00:10:15 - Leaders focus on unique, non-delegable tasks. 00:15:25 - Delegate responsibilities, not tasks; ensure comprehensive training. 00:19:49 - Onboarding confirms or ruins new employees' initial experience. 00:20:46 - Offer $5,000 for employees to quit early. 00:25:20 - Importance of context, timing, success, and steps. 00:28:42 - Business change frequency influenced by industry pace, hiring. 00:30:58 - Delegation crucial early; formalize roles with growth. Chris Ronzio is the founder and CEO of Trainual, a leading SaaS platform that transforms the way small businesses onboard, train and scale their teams. Chris is the host of “The Fastest Growing Companies” and “Organize Chaos” podcasts as well as the author of the best-selling book “The Business Playbook – How to Document and Delegate What You Do So Your Company Can Grow Beyond You.”   http://www.trainual.com/ http://www.thebusinessplaybook.com/ https://www.ptex.co/pandadoc

In today's rerun episode of Let's Talk Business, we are thrilled to revisit an enlightening discussion on the interconnected realms of SEO, spirituality, and personal development. Join your host, Meny Hoffman, as he sits down with Stephan Spencer, a renowned SEO expert, author, and podcaster who integrates his profound spiritual beliefs into his professional life. Stephan Spencer’s journey transcends traditional business success. As the founder of Netconcepts and author of multiple books on SEO, Stephan has worked with some of the world's largest brands including Volvo and Sony, optimizing their online presence. In this episode, He discusses the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals, and how maintaining a mindset open to miracles can influence business growth and success. The conversation also delves deep into practical SEO strategies. Stephan emphasizes the necessity of integrating SEO from the planning stages of website development and using tools like Moz, Ahrefs, and Semrush for competitive keyword research. Stephan elaborates on the risks of depending solely on third-party platforms and the benefits of maintaining content on personal blogs or resource centers. He offers advice on developing linkable assets and ensuring proper setup of Google Search Console and Analytics to track performance.   00:04:24 - Balancing SEO expertise with spiritual purpose pursuits. 00:07:51 - SEO builds enduring assets; PPC has limitations. 00:10:04 - Research keywords, plan content, build linkable assets. 00:13:26 - Combine text with visuals for engaging content. 00:18:48 - Own your content; don't rely on platforms. 00:22:03 - Ensure Google accounts and tools are set up. 00:25:42 - Substantiated SEO case studies with detailed results. 00:27:15 - Free SEO hiring guide and interview tools available. 00:32:55 - Synchronicities increase with benevolence, creating cycles. 00:35:15 - Personal growth starts within, influences others. 00:38:01 - Optimize SEO: Research keywords, prioritize user-friendly content.     When you plan to redesign your website and you want to make sure that you’re optimizing your SEO, research keywords in advance using tools such as Semrush or Moz Keyword Explorer, in order to identify keywords that your competitors are ranking in, and you’re not. Too many companies work so hard at search engine optimization that they make their sites keyword-rich, but also extremely boring and unhelpful. What should you do? Use those keywords, have rich and valuable content, but avoid a long wall of text. Instead, use short sentences and short paragraphs, while adding lots of imagery, screen shots, pull quotes, and YouTube embeds. That’s the way you can have the best of both worlds. If you hire a professional firm to help you with SEO, don’t just look for a referrals page; look for a results page, with actual numbers that you can analyze. Ideally, this should include case studies explaining the background information, the solution, and results that substantiate the claims that the company makes. You should also be able to take the firm’s clients’ URLs and use various tools to verify that the results are to your satisfaction. Social media presents two obvious problems: first, you’re subject to the rules and whims of the social media companies, and second, no one looks at posts from last month. So turn your social media posts into blog entries on your website- but call them something else, like a research center, academy, or university. Make sure to organize them by subject rather than by date, so that it won’t matter how long they’ve been up.  

In today's rerun episode of Let's Talk Business, we are thrilled to revisit an enlightening discussion on the interconnected world of real estate financing with the knowledgeable Yanki Markowitz, CEO of SBA Loan Group. Hosted by Meny Hoffman, this episode revisits Yanki's remarkable journey from encountering challenges in obtaining SBA loans to successfully facilitating over $600 million in real estate transactions. Yanki's dedication to empowering small businesses shines through as he shares his deep expertise on navigating SBA loan programs, particularly the flexible 7A and the asset-driven 504, both crucial tools in real estate financing. Throughout this insightful conversation, Yanki stresses the vital importance of financial literacy for business owners, covering essential topics such as tax returns, cash flow, and the strategic decision-making process of purchasing versus renting property. The episode also incorporates valuable perspectives from financial expert Dave Ramsey and underscores the necessity of maintaining financial clarity through regular accountant consultations. Listeners will be inspired by Yanki's values of hospitality, rooted in his upbringing, and the significant role of generosity and community in building meaningful relationships. Whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or just beginning your journey, this episode is packed with insights and actionable strategies for leveraging real estate to drive business growth and financial stability. Tune in to discover how to master business finance and make strategic real estate decisions that foster financial success.   00:01:34 - Small Business Financing With Janky Markowitz 00:03:31 - Government-Funded SBA Loan Program Overview 00:08:01 - Small Business Financing Options 00:09:20 - Real Estate Financing and SBA Loans 00:12:31 - SBA Lending to Startups 00:21:32 - Educating Business Owners on Risk 00:22:20 - Real Estate Investment vs. Company Ownership 00:26:51 - Strategic Real Estate Growth and Profit 00:27:29 - Real Estate Financing Decision Dilemma 00:31:02 - Real Estate Financing for Business Growth 00:33:22 - Understanding Business Owners Through Numbers 00:36:46 - Optimizing Inventory and Maximizing Profits 00:37:11 - Understanding Numbers and Strategic Business Planning 00:43:47 - People, Process, Product in Business 00:49:02 - Personal Background and Hospitality Values   One of the safest bets is that real estate appreciates over time - almost no matter what. It may take a while before it happens, but if your business can afford to do so, be your own landlord and own your own facility.    Every business owner hopes and expects to grow as quickly as possible. When investing in real estate - or, frankly, anything - keep this in mind so that you don’t find yourself with a ten year commitment to a building that you outgrow in half that time.    Make sure to speak to your accountant at least once a quarter, and prepare an interim financial statement for that period. Being ignorant of your actual numbers is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, so avoid the problem by regularly updating your statements and being aware of what those numbers really mean.    If you’re a business owner, you can outsource a lot but you can’t outsource the fundamental strategy of where the company is going to go, and what goals it has to reach.

In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of Jewish marketing with our esteemed guest, Menachem Lubinsky, a trailblazer and founder of the leading marketing firm, LUBICOM. Join us as we explore various facets of marketing, branding, and the burgeoning kosher food industry through insightful conversations and expert analysis. Menachem Lubinsky shares his inspiring journey from writing newsletters in a bungalow colony to founding LUBICOM, a prominent marketing firm. He emphasizes the significance of professionalism, precision and offers valuable insights into the evolution of the marketing industry and the enduring principles of strong leadership and high standards. Delving into the fundamental role of messaging in advertising, this segment explores the differences and connections between branding and marketing. Using Coca-Cola as an iconic example, Lubinsky discusses the importance of having a robust product before investing in branding efforts. He also highlights the commitment required to maintain consistent brand positioning, particularly for startups, to avoid market confusion. This segment focuses on the process of developing and evaluating business ideas, emphasizing the importance of preliminary research and cautious investment. Lubinsky discusses the pitfalls of presenting undeveloped ideas and the necessity of ensuring an idea is novel and marketable before seeking professional consultation. The conversation also introduces his new podcast, "Kosher Today," which provides updates and trends in the kosher industry. Join us for a fascinating journey through the intricate world of Jewish marketing, branding, and the dynamic kosher food industry, guided by the expertise and experiences of Menachem Lubinsky. Menachem Lubinsky is president & CEO of LUBICOM Business Consulting, which includes a full-service public relations, advertising and marketing firm he that founded in 1984. Mr. Lubinsky is a seasoned business executive whose successes have spanned many industries and is particularly known for his role in the growth and development of the kosher food industry. He is first and foremost a strategic business professional who is frequently consulted by businesses of all sizes. For more than 30 years, LUBICOM Marketing has provided services to a broad cadre of clients in diverse areas, including MCI, Sprint, Coca Cola, Dannon Yogurt, Lea & Perrins, Welch’s, Frito-Lay, Hospital for Joint Diseases, Maimonides Hospital, Brookdale Hospital, Metropolitan Jewish Health System, the Luggage and Leather Goods and Shoe Industries, and more than 500 other businesses and not-for-profit organizations.  Mr. Lubinsky is the recognized authority on the kosher food market.  Mr. Lubinsky writes a weekly “The Business Monitor” column for Hamodia and lectures extensively on business topics. His business consulting division has grown significantly in recent years, providing business consulting services to some 100 businesses in the past few years, ranging from start-ups to large multi-national companies.     00:04:12 - Precise, perfectionist, role model, influential community leader. 00:09:25 - Effective advertising requires delivering a clear message. 00:12:33 - Branding is essential but can be risky. 00:15:43 - Brand positioning and commitment crucial for success. 00:18:37 - Branding requires professional input and commitment. 00:19:56 - Beware of taking divisive stances in business. 00:23:25 - Missed sales opportunities in Jewish communities, marketing. 00:29:32 - Various countries eager to produce successful kosher wine. 00:31:12 - Prioritize quality service for long-term success. 00:35:37 - Before pursuing an idea, do thorough research. 00:37:53 - Initial investment without proper interest risks loss. 00:40:30 - Podcast covers kosher industry trends and news. 00:44:04 - Growing trends in kosher market, quality products.   The success of marketing campaigns hinges on a clear and compelling message. No matter how visually appealing, advertising efforts will fall flat without strong content and a focused message. Marketing’s core goal is to get products on and off the shelves. While the mediums may evolve, such as the rise of social media, the essence of marketing remains the same. Major brands often overlook opportunities by not fully engaging with the Jewish market. Expanding beyond just kosher certification can unlock growth by better reaching this community. There is a growing trend towards healthy eating in the kosher market, with increasing demand for organic, gluten-free, and sugar-free products. This shift, driven largely by younger generations, mirrors broader market trends. The Jewish community has shown remarkable creativity in producing quality kosher products that appeal not only to Jews but also to non-Jewish consumers who see kosher as a mark of higher quality.   lubicom https://ptex.co/pandadoc

In today's episode of Let's Talk Business, we are thrilled to share this conversation with Morri Chowaiki, a successful entrepreneur, Shark Tank alum, and head of sales and special partnerships for Daymond John's Shark Group. Hosted by Meny Hoffman, this episode dives deep into Morri's extensive experience in business, offering listeners invaluable advice on pitching, partnerships, and entrepreneurial resilience. Morri shares his transformational journey from growing up in Los Angeles to achieving significant success in various business ventures, including his memorable appearance on Shark Tank. This narrative emphasizes the importance of authenticity, preparedness, and leveraging opportunities to build lasting relationships. Listeners will gain crucial insights into the art of pitching to investors, understanding business metrics, and the value of aligning personal and professional brands for long-term success. The episode also explores the pivotal role of resilience, adaptability, and creating genuine, impactful connections in the entrepreneurial realm. Moreover, Morri unveils the intricate details of the Shark Tank process, from auditioning to post-show due diligence, offering a candid look at what it takes to stand out. He shares his firsthand experience of working both sides of the Shark Tank process, which enriches his insights on nurturing successful business partnerships. The conversation delves into the intersection of personal and professional life, reflecting on the sacrifices, challenges, and rewards of the entrepreneurial journey. Morri and Meny also touch upon the critical importance of work-life balance, setting boundaries, and finding personal satisfaction in one's career endeavors. Through thought-provoking anecdotes and expert guidance, this episode delivers actionable strategies for entrepreneurs to optimize their pitches, foster meaningful relationships, and navigate the complexities of business with integrity and resilience. Whether you're new to entrepreneurship or looking to refine your approach, this episode is brimming with valuable takeaways to help you thrive. Tune in to discover how embracing authenticity and strategic thinking can propel your business and personal growth.   Resources :  Morri's Linkedin The Shark Group Panda Doc   00:05:25 - Modern kids lack financial and practical education 00:09:56 - Worked hard balancing theater, work, and classes 00:12:01 - Action distinguishes entrepreneurs from dreamers 00:14:27 - Have resources and passion to succeed entrepreneurially 00:19:17 - Auditioned for Shark Tank; didn't progress further 00:22:30 - No guarantees on Shark Tank appearances airing 00:26:14 - Maintained connection through favors for influential individual 00:27:52 - Top motivational speaker inspires Fortune 500 audiences 00:31:47 - Seek opportunities aligning with intuition for growth 00:35:12 - Personality and sincerity matter more than resumes 00:38:17 - Focus on investor's interests, not personal gain 00:39:50 - Pitch well, maintain relations, choose strategic partners 00:43:22 - He achieved rapid success through entrepreneurship programs 00:47:06 - Support, balance, resilience crucial for success   Practical Pointers   Learning from mentors and industry icons can provide invaluable guidance in one’s entrepreneurial journey. Mentors offer experience-based insights and advice that can accelerate personal and professional growth. Morri emphasizes the importance of authenticity in building lasting business relationships. Genuine interactions foster trust and loyalty, which are essential for sustainable success. A strong support system, both personally and professionally, is integral to entrepreneurial success. Morri’s experience illustrates how surrounding oneself with supportive individuals can provide encouragement, advice, and resources during challenging times. Insights from industry icons like Kevin O'Leary and Mark Cuban emphasize the necessity of balancing professional ambitions with personal life. Achieving this balance is crucial for long-term success and personal well-being. Morri’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, demonstrating how maintaining a strong and adaptable mindset can help navigate both personal and professional obstacles. This quality enables individuals to persevere in the face of setbacks and continue striving toward their goals.    

In today's episode of Let's Talk Business, we're thrilled to revisit an enlightening discussion on the intricate balance between personal charisma and business branding. Join your host, Meny Hoffman, as he dives deep with Bentzi Elkouby, an accomplished entrepreneur who transformed a friend's coaching business into a flourishing enterprise without any prior business experience.   Bentzi shares his inspiring journey from the UK to the US, where he saw the potential in English language coaching for non-native speakers, especially in sectors like high tech and outsourced work. He discusses the pivotal strategies he used to scale his company sustainably, ensuring financial accountability and operational efficiency, and emphasizes the significance of creating both personal and business mission statements to enhance interactions and delineate boundaries.   They discuss how Bentzi's company differentiates itself with a concierge-style service that prioritizes customer satisfaction over conventional language software. The conversation highlights strategic planning, cautious financial management, and the tailored approach of one-on-one coaching to maximize client success.   Moreover, Meny reveals his own experiences and struggles with work-life balance, branding, and scaling his business. He shares practical entrepreneurial advice, emphasizing the value of proving business concepts before expansion, managing employee loyalty, and the benefits of an "Innovation Hour" to explore automation and modernize business operations.   Tune in to gain invaluable insights on creating effective business processes, the power of delegation, and maintaining a strong professional network in today's dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and profound reflections that can help you navigate the complexities of both personal and professional growth.     00:06:17 - Understanding profit structures opens more opportunities 00:09:49 - Struggles with balancing work and fast turnover 00:12:50 - Emphasizing entrepreneurial passion and growth transition 00:13:35 - Course helps business leaders address growth challenges 00:19:42 - Empower employees, reward sales, redefine client trust 00:20:34 - Remote work boosts productivity and personal branding 00:23:39 - Understanding client pain points for effective marketing 00:27:22 - Separated personal and PTEX brands for focus 00:30:23 - Personal brand vs. broader company representation strategy 00:34:15 - Explaining progressive verb forms in English 00:39:47 - Jewish and British cultures share matchmaking practices 00:41:46 - Balance: prioritize 100% where needed, communicate effectively 00:44:41 - Business isn't for everyone; consider alternatives 00:47:46 - Networking, feedback, skills drive growth and innovation   Pratical Pointers :  Bentzi emphasizes the importance of proving business concepts and ensuring financial stability before expanding. His story serves as a reminder that strategic planning and cautious financial management are crucial, particularly in people-oriented businesses, to achieve sustainable growth. The discussion highlights the challenges of managing dual identities as a business owner and public figure. Bentzi shares strategies for maintaining clear boundaries between personal charisma and professional expertise, illustrating how separate mission statements for personal and business brands can enhance both interactions. Bentzi’s success story illustrates the value of building and maintaining a strong professional network. Engaging with peers and mentors provides diverse perspectives and opportunities, which can be pivotal for personal growth and business success. Bentzi emphasizes that a customer-centric approach not only builds loyalty but also drives innovation by encouraging feedback and iteration. Transitioning from an ESL teacher to a successful entrepreneur, Bentzi highlights how constantly acquiring new skills and adapting to changing business landscapes can drive growth and innovation.  

In today's episode of Let's Talk Business, we are excited to present a compelling conversation with Shulem Berkowitz, an esteemed leadership coach and business strategist. Hosted by Meny Hoffman, this episode dives deep into the intricate journey of transforming from a skilled craftsman to an effective leader. Shulem recounts his own transition from excelling in writing, graphic design, and printing to embracing his role as a leadership coach. His journey underscores the challenges and rewards of moving beyond personal accomplishments to empowering others. Highlighting the fundamental distinctions between consultants, coaches, and therapists, Shulem and Meny explore how each role uniquely contributes to business success. Listeners are taken through practical strategies for overcoming bottlenecks, such as temporarily stepping away from daily operations and identifying delegable tasks. Shulem emphasizes the importance of focusing on the 20% of crucial tasks that leaders must handle themselves and trusting the team with the rest. This episode also sheds light on self-awareness and growth, encouraging leaders to recognize their unique strengths and leverage them effectively. The discussion extends to company culture, where Shulem highlights the necessity of clear communication and value alignment. Drawing parallels between organizational success and the leader’s personal development, he illustrates how achieving business goals is intertwined with personal growth and overcoming internal barriers. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge to help you transcend challenges and achieve sustainable growth.   00:06:20 - Learn business, self-transform, understand leadership, empower others 00:08:34 - Consultants guide on business strategies and execution 00:11:04 - PandaDoc streamlines document creation and management 00:14:28 - Transition from craftsman to teacher, guiding others 00:17:40 - Navigating organizational growth while managing uncertainty 00:21:30 - Assess essential tasks by observing absence effects 00:25:20 - Who am I, beyond others' perceptions? 00:28:00 - People struggle with identity, leaders with delegation 00:31:12 - Pursue leadership goals positively, not reactively 00:34:44 - Real understanding and communication ensure company cohesion 00:38:31 - Leadership growth mirrors personal development 00:42:33 - Seek help sooner to alleviate pain and struggles 00:44:33 - Success increases your need for help 00:48:33 - Understand strengths, delegate, align values, seek support   Pratical Pointers  Shulem's journey illustrates the importance of transitioning from a hands-on entrepreneur to an empowering leader. By focusing on enabling team members and embracing leadership roles, individuals can foster business growth and personal development. Recognizing the unique contributions of consultants, coaches, and therapists can help individuals and organizations leverage the right expertise at the right time. This understanding is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving organizational goals. Leadership effectiveness is closely tied to self-awareness and continuous personal development. Shulem emphasizes the significance of understanding one’s strengths and delegating tasks to create space for strategic leadership. Shulem highlights the necessity of aligning company culture with shared values and clear communication. Leaders should articulate their goals and foster a supportive culture to ensure that team members act in ways that reflect the company’s ethos. Shulem’s experience underscores the importance of seeking external support and being open to help. Understanding that asking for assistance is a strength rather than a weakness can lead to greater success and continuous growth, both personally and professionally.   PandaDoc Rock Leadership Solutions Sholem's Linkedin

Today, we're thrilled to have Laibel Schwartz—a dynamic and multifaceted entrepreneur—joining us. Laibel's journey is nothing short of inspirational. From starting as a wedding photographer to evolving into a pioneer in video content creation, Laibel has navigated the ever-changing landscape of business with unyielding authenticity and creativity. In this episode, we're delving into Laibel's extensive experience, gleaning insights from his mastery in storytelling, his emphasis on human connectivity, and his drive to create sustainable business models. Laibel discusses how his unique professional path—marked by genuine human connections and innovative practices—has shaped his approach to modern entrepreneurship. Get ready to explore the essence of what it means to complement your strengths with those around you, the importance of expressing gratitude, and the power of vulnerability in business settings. Laibel also sheds light on his systematic approach to scaling creative processes and the success of his new venture, "Everyone Needs a Video." How can surrounding oneself with individuals who have complementary strengths positively impact business success? What role does genuine human connection play in creating impactful video content? How did Laibel Schwartz transition from wedding photography to establishing a thriving video content business during the COVID-19 pandemic? Why is maintaining authenticity in business presentations critical, and how can it prevent customer disappointment? https://ptex.co/pandadoc http://www.laibel.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/laibelschwartz/ 00:00:00 - Leibel Schwartz: Inspiring journey in business creativity 00:03:37 - She learned photography; built successful wedding brand 00:06:17 - Discussing weddings, innovation in established industries 00:11:14 - Product vs. experience: exceptional service makes difference 00:15:13 - Connecting through storytelling creates lasting bonds 00:16:35 - B2B transactions feel less personal than weddings 00:20:40 - Adapt, innovate, build trust; seize unique opportunities 00:25:08 - Systematizing creativity is challenging but possible 00:27:47 - Perfecting style through detailed training process 00:32:22 - Agility is key: Avoid overcomplicating processes 00:35:45 - Learning and engaging beyond expertise level's norm 00:37:09 - CEOs exchanged insights from diverse industries collaboratively 00:42:14 - Being vulnerable helps relate to others 00:43:01 - Found a truly human-centered, connected company 00:46:23 - Emotional freedom achieved in real estate startups 00:52:13 - Authenticity and storytelling strengthen professional relationships 00:53:09 - Share episode, rate, subscribe to Let's Talk Business Laibel Schwartz emphasizes the balance between technical skills and emotional connection in his photography business. He maintains humility in his personal life while being outgoing professionally, which helps him connect deeply with clients and offer a personalized experience. This theme highlights the need for authenticity alongside professional demands in client interactions. Laibel Schwartz highlights the necessity of genuine business representation to prevent customer disappointment. He advocates for traditional photography over Photoshop to preserve authenticity in headshots. This belief centers on the idea that authenticity builds trust and connection with clients, fostering long-term relationships instead of short-term misrepresentations. Laibel Schwartz emphasizes the impact of gratitude and personal stories on workplace dynamics, especially in healthcare projects. His approach highlights the importance of storytelling and emotional engagement to strengthen connections among employees and clients, enhancing both the work environment and relationships. Schwartz and Hoffman highlight how storytelling enhances real estate projects by fostering emotional connections rather than mere transactions. Schwartz mentions a project at Pure Village that reflects developers' personal dreams. They argue that authentic storytelling in marketing deeply resonates with potential clients, making projects more attractive. Meny Hoffman and Laibel Schwartz highlight society’s focus on weaknesses over strengths and recommend surrounding oneself with those who have complementary strengths. Laibel also notes that valuing others’ skills and giving compliments can enhance positivity, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual strengths.

In today's rerun episode of Let's Talk Business, we're excited to revisit a foundational conversation with Adam Lean, a seasoned accountant, business owner, and founder of the CFO Project. Hosted by Meny Hoffman, this episode focuses on the crucial importance of understanding and managing business finances, especially for entrepreneurs driven by passion rather than numbers.   Adam Lean delves into the common challenges faced by business owners who often prioritize their craft over financial management. This candid discussion illuminates how neglecting crucial metrics can undermine business success, and emphasizes the vital role of cash flow in sustaining and growing a business. Listeners will gain valuable insights into essential financial strategies. Adam breaks down the importance of tracking cash flow over mere revenue or profit, explaining that actual cash on hand is what keeps a business afloat. He introduces key performance metrics—like the number of leads, conversion rates, retention rates, purchase frequency, and average purchase amounts—that drive cash flow and highlights the need for regular monitoring using tools like scorecards. This episode also clarifies the distinction between accountants and CFOs, drawing attention to the proactive, strategic planning that CFOs provide, which goes beyond mere number tracking. The conversation underscores the benefits of virtual CFO services for small and medium-sized businesses, offering a cost-effective way to gain strategic financial insight. Through practical examples, including a roofing company that transformed its business by focusing on targeted financial metrics, Adam underscores the power of weekly tracking and adjustment over waiting for annual financial reports. Tune in to uncover actionable advice and essential wisdom for mastering your business's financial health. Whether you are an emerging entrepreneur or an established business owner, this episode is filled with indispensable strategies to enhance your financial literacy and business performance.   00:00 - Business reports often confuse owners, making it difficult to take actionable steps. 06:12 - Upgrade to PandaDoc for efficient document creation. 07:37 - Miscalculated margins due to overlooked financial insights. 13:31 - Leads, conversion, retention, purchase frequency rates. 15:16 - CFO vs. Accountant: Broader business performance tracking. 19:03 - Strategies to improve gross profit percentage highlighted. 21:49 - Involvement ensures spending yields profitable returns. 27:17 - Successful entrepreneurs are determined and persistent. 28:33 - Helping clients succeed financially as trusted advisors.    Implement scorecards to track weekly performance, helping you make informed decisions in real-time rather than waiting for quarterly or annual reports. Understand that accountants focus on historical data and compliance, while CFOs offer strategic planning for future growth and profitability. If hiring a full-time CFO is too costly, consider virtual CFO services to get strategic financial advice at a fraction of the cost. Evaluate all expenses to ensure they're contributing to making money. Avoid cutting costs randomly, as this could harm business operations. Instead of relying solely on industry standards, benchmark your performance against your past results to gauge progress and improvement accurately.   https://ptex.co/pandadoc https://thecfoproject.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlean/    

In today's rerun episode of Let's Talk Business, we're thrilled to revisit a highly engaging conversation on the critical role of company culture, leadership, and conflict resolution in scaling a business. Join your host, Meny Hoffman, as he speaks with Dr. David Kaplowitz, a former top chiropractor who transitioned into a respected business coach specializing in leadership development and organizational culture. In this episode, Dr. Kaplowitz offers actionable advice on mastering active listening skills, a fundamental component for building a strong company culture. He details a four-step conflict resolution formula that helps leaders address issues effectively while maintaining organizational harmony. Additionally, he discusses the significance of teachable moments in leadership, empowering leaders to grow from everyday experiences and improve team dynamics. Dr. Kaplowitz shares his journey from running a successful chiropractic practice to becoming one of the most sought-after business coaches. Drawing from his experience, he highlights the importance of nurturing a supportive company culture, effective communication, and conflict resolution for sustained business growth. Dr. Kaplowitz also touches upon the balance between a leader making critical decisions and involving the team in the decision-making process for a balanced and inclusive workplace. He emphasizes the need for leaders to understand and refine their leadership energy levels to inspire and influence their teams positively. Tune in for a wealth of practical insights from Dr. Kaplowitz on transforming leadership and cultivating an environment where both business and personnel thrive. Don't miss this episode filled with valuable strategies and real-world examples of effective business leadership.   00:00 - Pioneering Chiropractic Advertising 04:34 - From Practitioner to Leadership Coach 08:21 - Fostering Inclusive Company Culture 12:06 - Improving Company Culture Tips 12:56 - Mastering Active Listening Skills 18:09 - Chiropractor's Early Practice Experience 20:17 - Streamlining IT Management Follow-Ups 25:23 - Effective Conflict Resolution Strategy 26:31 - Empowering Leadership through Engagement 31:31 - Achieving Authenticity in the Workplace 33:33 - Leadership Balance: Directive vs. Inclusive 37:29 - Level Five Leadership and Communication 41:47 - Free Leadership Coaching Consultation 43:08 - Effective Leadership Consulting Advice 47:23 - Hiring Help vs. Profit Balance   Involve your team in the decision-making process to gain different perspectives and ensure informed, balanced choices. Leaders must develop active listening skills to understand their team's concerns better, which includes asking open-ended questions, validating feelings, and truly hearing employees, leading to improved engagement and solutions. Setting clear expectations and accountability mechanisms ensures that employees understand their responsibilities and the timelines for completing tasks, which helps prevent misunderstandings and improves efficiency. Building a company culture requires focusing on both content (operational) and context (emotional) conversations. Creating a supportive environment where employees feel valued and engaged is crucial for sustainable growth and productivity. Continuous personal and professional growth is essential for leaders. Effective leaders listen actively, resolve conflicts constructively, and constantly seek feedback to improve their leadership skills and maintain their organization's direction.   https://ptex.co/pandadoc https://www.rockspringcoaching.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkaplowitz/    

In today's rerun episode of Let's Talk Business, we're diving back into a compelling discussion on the power of authenticity and purpose in driving business success. Join your host, Meny Hoffman, as he reconnects with Berel Solomon, a dynamic entrepreneur and the founder of Wealthy Commercials and Wealthy Executive Coaching. Berel's journey from running a family business to starting his own ventures is nothing short of inspiring. From his candid reflection on mixing family with business, to his passionate approach towards video marketing and executive coaching, Berel provides a wealth of actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike. In this episode, Berel shares his perspective on aligning personal passions with professional pursuits, and the profound impact it has on one's success. He reveals the challenges and triumphs he faced while transitioning from his family business to founding Wealthy Commercials, a company that has taken on a life of its own through powerful video marketing strategies. Moreover, Berel delves into the crucial role of mentorship and coaching in personal and business growth. He talks about the importance of having experienced mentors to navigate the complexities of running a family business and the strategic significance of coaching for continuous development. Berel's core message is to operate within your "zone of genius"—a concept that he believes redefines how entrepreneurs should view their unique capabilities and contributions. He articulates how passion-driven work not only brings personal fulfillment but also attracts opportunities and resources that propel business growth. Throughout the conversation, Berel provides insights on building strong teams, effective delegation, and the impact of genuine, purpose-driven branding. His candid anecdotes and practical advice offer listeners a roadmap to integrating personal values with professional goals for sustained business success. Tune in to this episode for an enriching conversation that marries the heart of entrepreneurship with actionable business strategies. Whether you’re facing challenges in your family business, seeking to explore new ventures, or looking to inspire your team, this discussion with Berel Solomon promises invaluable takeaways.   05:21 - "Balancing Family and Business Dynamics" 09:01 - Embracing Self-Awareness and Authenticity 09:55 - "Embracing Faith and Genius" 13:08 - Pursue Passionate Work 17:40 - Influencer Journey: Open Book Approach 19:21 - "Lighting the World for God" 23:33 - Balancing Personal and Business Success 26:18 - Balancing Business Ventures Timing 29:19 - Empowering Coaches Boost Business 35:11 - Mentorship and Self-Improvement Magic 38:11 - Regretting Poor Influence Decisions   Berel Solomon talks about the challenges of working in a family business, especially with his father and brothers. The key takeaway is the importance of maintaining professional relationships and sometimes seeking external help, like hiring a mentor to mediate conflicts. Berel Solomon discusses being in one's "zone of genius" rather than just following a passion. He shares insights on how operating within this zone allows for greater success and fulfillment. He contrasts this with simply making money, emphasizing that true success comes from aligning one’s work with personal strengths and passions. Berel reveals how he juggles several business ventures, a documentary, and personal commitments by utilizing technology and delegating tasks. He highlights the importance of focusing on high-value activities and outsourcing less critical tasks, underscoring effective time management and prioritization.  Berel’s mission is to bring awareness about God and spirituality through his work. He emphasizes that his end goal is to connect people to the one above, regardless of the means, whether through business ventures, social media, or upcoming projects like his documentary. Berel explains how COVID-19 impacted his business structure. He trimmed down his workforce to retain only the most committed employees. This adaptation not only sustained but also streamlined his business operations, suggesting that crises can present opportunities for re-evaluating and optimizing business practices.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/berel-solomon/ https://www.wealthyco.com/main http://berelsolomon.com/