Connect with Allen! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-cooper-4a07598/ Website: https://ancillaventures.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:40 The Value of an MBA and Entrepreneurship 07:16 The Need for Transparency in Healthcare Costs 12:07 Improving Room Turnover Efficiency and Infection Control 26:34 Improving Efficiencies and Infection Control 28:50 Addressing the High Cost of Care 35:11 Minimizing Infections in Hospitals 38:37 Optimizing Labor and Improving Patient Care 41:29 ReadyList: Growing and Expanding Summary Allen Cooper, CEO and President of Ancilla Ventures and CEO and Co-founder of ReadyList, shares his background and journey in entrepreneurship. He discusses the value of getting an MBA and how it can provide a strong foundation in business knowledge. Allen also talks about the opportunities and challenges in the healthcare industry, particularly in terms of transparency and cost. He explains the focus of Ancilla Ventures on providing solutions and support to hospitals, and highlights the importance of trust and building relationships with healthcare providers. The principal themes of the conversation are improving efficiencies in hospitals, addressing labor shortages, and managing infection control. The cost of care in hospitals is attributed to factors such as high overhead costs, luxurious facilities, and competition among health systems. Infection control is crucial for hospitals to maintain their brand reputation and quality of care. ReadyList offers solutions to help hospitals minimize infections and improve patient turnover. The ROI of properly managed infection control includes cost savings, revenue optimization, and improved patient experience. ReadyList aims to expand nationally and develop new products. As a CEO, Allen Cooper emphasizes the importance of resilience, energy, and nurturing a positive experience for both customers and employees. He advises entrepreneurs to understand their why, make deliberate decisions, and strive for excellence rather than perfection.
Connect with Patrick!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/disasterpatrick/
https://disasterpatrick.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:08 The Importance of Finding a Mentor
10:56 Challenges and Fulfillment in a Career in Emergency Preparedness
14:48 Understanding the Phases of Disaster Response
24:44 Building Resilience: Being Prepared and Independent
30:23 The Risk of Disasters in Louisiana
35:32 The Importance of Business Recovery in Disasters
46:29 Creating a Fun and Empowering Disaster Preparedness Channel on YouTube
52:08 Embracing the Future and Using Obstacles to Grow
01:04:20 The Power of Preparation in Avoiding Disasters
Summary
Patrick W Hardy, an expert in disaster recovery, shares his career journey and the importance of disaster preparedness. He emphasizes the need to find a mentor who can guide and support personal and professional development. Patrick believes that disasters become worse when individuals are too dependent on external factors, such as insurance or a single job. He encourages people to be proactive in preparing for disasters and to view them as opportunities for growth and resilience. Patrick also explains the different phases of disaster response, including preparedness, response, and recovery. Patrick W Hardy discusses the importance of understanding and accepting the risks associated with living in high-risk areas prone to disasters. He emphasizes the need for personal responsibility and having a plan in place in case of a disaster. He also shares his decision to start a YouTube channel focused on disaster preparedness, where he aims to make the topic approachable, fun, and empowering. Patrick plans to finance the channel through ad revenue, sponsorships, and consulting opportunities. He also highlights the significance of mentorship in his career and advises others to seek out mentors.
Takeaways
Finding a mentor is crucial for personal and professional development
Disasters become worse when individuals are too dependent on external factors
Preparing for disasters can turn them into opportunities for growth and resilience
The phases of disaster response include preparedness, response, and recovery Understanding and accepting the risks associated with living in high-risk areas is crucial.
Having a plan in place for disasters is essential, and personal responsibility is key.
Patrick W Hardy aims to make disaster preparedness approachable, fun, and empowering through his YouTube channel.
The channel will be financed through ad revenue, sponsorships, and consulting opportunities.
Mentorship has played a significant role in Patrick's career, and he encourages others to seek out mentors.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Prashant! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pka3300/ Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:53 Defining Startups Beyond Technology
04:29 Challenges of Starting a Technology Business
08:38 Building Viable Technology as a Non-Technical Founder
11:49 Resource and Time Requirements for Building Software
14:44 Exploring Funding Options Beyond Venture Capital
21:36 Mistakes in Approaching Venture Capital
24:38 Research-Based Approach to Finding the Right VC
25:35 Understanding the Conversion Ratio in Fundraising
26:50 The Relationship Between Founders and VCs Post-Funding
28:54 The Control VCs Have Over Startups
32:13 Selection Criteria for VCs
38:08 The Democratization of Technology and its Impact on VCs
45:55 Best Options for Securing Initial Funding
Summary
Prashant Agrawal, a former banker turned consultant, works with startups and small businesses to develop their business strategies and improve their pitches. He emphasizes that startups are not limited to technology companies and that any tangible business solving a real problem can be considered a startup. Prashant advises founders to focus on understanding the problem they are solving before incorporating technology into their solution. He also highlights the importance of diverse funding sources and recommends exploring options beyond venture capital, such as bootstrapping, crowdfunding, and government grants. The conversation covers post-funding dynamics and the relationship between founders and VCs. It emphasizes the importance of finding VCs who are aligned with the founder's vision and purpose. The VCs can act as allies and mentors, providing support and guidance throughout the journey. The VCs typically have some level of control and monitoring through board membership and regular check-ins. The conversation also touches on the selection criteria for VCs, highlighting the focus on the problem being solved rather than proprietary technology. The democratization of technology has made it easier for anyone to build similar products, but investors are still interested in the scalability and viability of the solution. The most popular funding options for founders are bootstrapping and friends and family.
Takeaways
Startups can be any tangible business solving a real problem, not just technology companies.
Understanding the problem and developing a clear solution is crucial before incorporating technology.
Diverse funding sources, including bootstrapping, crowdfunding, and government grants, should be explored before seeking venture capital.
When approaching venture capitalists, it is important to research and target those with aligned interests and priorities. Finding VCs who are aligned with the founder's vision and purpose is crucial for a successful partnership.
VCs can act as allies and mentors, providing support and guidance throughout the entrepreneurial journey.
VCs typically have some level of control and monitoring through board membership and regular check-ins.
The focus of VCs has shifted from proprietary technology to the problem being solved and the scalability of the solution.
The democratization of technology has made it easier for anyone to build similar products, but investors still look for scalability and viability.
The most popular funding options for founders are bootstrapping and friends and family.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Heba! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heba-ayad-4a029797/ Website: https://www.talent-360.me/
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Nico! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/startupislander-nicogramenz/ Website: https://project-bay.de/en Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
09:09 Nico's Journey into Entrepreneurship
22:30 The Demographic Crunch and Germany's Industrial Power
27:22 Project Bay: Addressing the Talent Shortage in Rural Regions
29:25 The Need for Remote Work and Flexibility
33:25 Productivity and Data in Remote Work
39:10 The Importance of Community in Remote Work
42:43 Co-Working Spaces in Hotels
48:30 The Future of Work: Flexibility and Choice
54:02 Expanding the Network of Work Locations
Summary
Nico, the founder of two businesses, shares his journey from being a military officer to becoming an entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of changing perspectives and developing new ideas. Nico discusses the changing dynamics of work and the need for flexible work models. He also highlights the impact of the Russian-Ukraine war on Europe and the need for defense innovation. Nico addresses the demographic crunch in Germany and the challenges faced by industrial companies in adapting to new ways of working. He introduces Project Bay, a startup that offers remote work solutions and aims to attract talent to rural regions. Project Bay is a platform that offers flexible work and travel experiences for remote workers. They partner with hotels and other accommodations to provide professional co-working spaces in desirable locations. The goal is to connect rural regions and provide a professional work environment in beach, mountain, and nature settings. Project Bay aims to be the go-to B2B platform for flexible work models and differentiate themselves by offering a complete experience, including community spaces and events. They believe that the future of work is about freedom of choice and flexibility in where and how people work.
Takeaways
Changing perspectives and developing new ideas are crucial for entrepreneurship.
The dynamics of work are changing, and flexible work models are becoming more important.
The Russian-Ukraine war has highlighted the need for defense innovation.
The demographic crunch in Germany poses challenges for industrial companies.
Project Bay aims to attract talent to rural regions through remote work solutions. Project Bay offers flexible work and travel experiences for remote workers, partnering with hotels to provide professional co-working spaces in desirable locations.
Their goal is to connect rural regions and provide a professional work environment in beach, mountain, and nature settings.
Project Bay aims to be the go-to B2B platform for flexible work models and differentiate themselves by offering a complete experience, including community spaces and events.
They believe that the future of work is about freedom of choice and flexibility in where and how people work.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com.
Connect with Jarod! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarodspiewak/ X: https://x.com/JarodSpiewak Website: https://cometfuel.com/
Chapters
00:00 Jarod's Background and Comet Fuel
00:29 Choosing Your Own Path: College or Real-World Experience?
04:33 Reflecting on Early Graduation
06:04 The Myth of School Performance and Success
06:35 The Value of Hands-On Experience and Self-Education
07:57 The Limitations of Traditional Education in a Changing Industry
27:02 Going Solo and Developing Confidence
30:30 Reflection on Starting a Business
30:41 The Challenges of Starting an Agency
33:00 Recovering from a Crash and Burn Period
38:05 Mastering a Single Marketing Channel
50:34 Setting a New Standard in the Industry
Chapters
Summary
Jarod Spiewak, founder of Comet Fuel, shares his journey from graduating high school early to starting his own marketing agency. He discusses the value of hands-on experience and self-education in the digital marketing space. Jarod emphasizes the importance of gaining real-world skills and building a portfolio before starting a business. He also highlights the limitations of traditional education in keeping up with the rapidly changing digital landscape. Jarod @ Comet Fuel shares his experience of starting and growing his ad agency, highlighting the challenges he faced and the strategies he used to recover. He emphasizes the importance of reflection and learning from past mistakes, as well as the need to have systems and processes in place to effectively manage the business. Jarod also discusses his approach to sales, leveraging his technical knowledge to provide valuable insights to potential clients. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on channels they are familiar with and to pursue marketing strategies that align with their strengths and interests. Finally, Jarod talks about his goals for Comet Fuel, emphasizing the importance of setting a new standard in the industry and prioritizing work-life balance and personal happiness.
Takeaways
Gaining hands-on experience and building a portfolio are valuable steps before starting a business.
Traditional education may not always provide the most relevant skills for the rapidly changing digital landscape.
Self-education and continuous learning are crucial in the digital marketing industry.
Real-world skills and practical experience can outweigh academic performance in the business world.
Exploring different career paths and gaining industry-specific knowledge can help in making informed decisions about education and career choices. Reflect on your business regularly and learn from past mistakes to improve and grow.
Have systems and processes in place to effectively manage your business and avoid chaos.
Leverage your technical knowledge and provide valuable insights to potential clients to stand out in sales.
Focus on marketing channels that you are familiar with and understand how people interact with them.
Set goals that align with your personal happiness and work-life balance, rather than just pursuing growth for the sake of it.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com.
Connect with Mo!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohallaba/
X: https://x.com/ElectronicMo
Website: https://www.datawisp.io/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:25 Transition from Finance to Entrepreneurship
05:26 Working on Wall Street
08:32 Challenges and Rewards of Startups
12:09 Building Something Big vs. Flexibility
15:08 The Problem Data Wisp Solves
20:00 User-Friendly AI and Upskilling
22:16 The Future of AI and Data Analytics
24:32 Optimism and Pessimism in AI Progression
27:51 The Role of Human Creativity in AI
30:08 The Efficiency Gains and New Opportunities of AI
34:56 The Future of Work: Shorter Workweeks or Increased Productivity?
41:23 The Importance of Education and Access to Information
50:21 Challenges of Building a Successful Company
54:05 The Value of Execution in Building a Business
Summary
Mo Hallaba, CEO of Data Wisp, shares his journey from finance to entrepreneurship and the development of his AI data analytics company. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and work ethic in building a successful startup. Mo discusses the challenges of working on Wall Street and the transition to running his own business. He explains the need for startups to handle all aspects of the business and the value of efficiency in decision-making. Mo also discusses the problem Data Wisp solves, which is making data analytics more accessible to non-technical users. He envisions a future where AI improves efficiency and frees up data scientists to work on more complex tasks. The conversation explores the efficiency and speed of AI, its impact on job roles, and the potential for AI to unlock new opportunities. It discusses the balance between automation and human creativity, and how AI can free up time for more meaningful work. The conversation also touches on the future of work and the traditional workweek, as well as the motivation behind building a successful business. The importance of education and the potential for technology to improve access to information and empower individuals is highlighted. The challenges of scaling a company and the value of building a strong team are also discussed.
Takeaways
Perseverance and work ethic are crucial in building a successful startup.
Startups require handling all aspects of the business, which can be overwhelming but also provides opportunities for growth.
Efficiency in decision-making is essential for startups, as it allows for better use of resources and faster progress.
Data Wisp aims to make data analytics more accessible to non-technical users, enabling them to ask questions and get answers without relying on data scientists.
AI can improve efficiency in data analytics, freeing up data scientists to focus on more complex tasks. AI offers efficiency and speed that can unlock new opportunities and free up time for more meaningful work.
The balance between automation and human creativity is crucial in leveraging the benefits of AI.
The traditional workweek may evolve as technology advances, allowing for more flexibility and productivity.
Building a successful business can provide the resources and influence to make a positive impact on society.
Education plays a vital role in empowering individuals and addressing societal issues, and technology can enhance access to information.
Hiring the right people and learning from the experiences of others are key factors in scaling a company.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com.
Connect with Klaus!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klausbartosch/
Website: https://www.dreamoro.com.au/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:15 Entering the Health Tech Space
09:37 Challenges Faced by Health Tech Founders
11:53 The Need for Innovation in Healthcare
21:42 Taking a Holistic Approach to Health
27:25 The Impact of Preventive Measures
29:36 Managing Healthcare Issues Early
32:08 The Role of Technology in Healthcare
38:02 Challenges and Mistakes in the Health Tech Space
55:14 The Rewarding Nature of Health Tech
01:00:51 Advice for Founders and Learning from Failures
Summary
Klaus Bartosch, a venture capitalist and experienced technology founder, discusses his background and the healthcare industry. He shares his experience building a health tech business focused on improving the way people engage with healthcare services. Klaus emphasizes the need for a more proactive and integrated healthcare system that addresses not only treatment but also the overall well-being of patients. He discusses the challenges in the current healthcare system, such as lack of collaboration among healthcare providers and the focus on payment rather than outcomes. Klaus believes that technology and data-driven solutions can incentivize better lifestyle choices and early screenings, leading to improved outcomes and cost savings. The conversation explores the role of technology in improving healthcare and addressing the challenges of an aging population. It discusses how technology can help individuals make better decisions about their health and well-being, detect health risks early, and manage chronic conditions. The conversation also highlights the unsustainable cost of healthcare and the need for technology to mitigate the burden on the healthcare system. It emphasizes the importance of passion and purpose in the health tech space and the challenges that founders face, including hiring the right team, raising capital, and achieving product-market fit. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring founders and the rewarding nature of making a positive impact in healthcare.
Takeaways
Klaus Bartosch is a venture capitalist and experienced technology founder focused on health tech.
He built a health tech business that aimed to improve the way people engage with healthcare services.
Klaus emphasizes the need for a more proactive and integrated healthcare system that addresses overall patient well-being.
The current healthcare system faces challenges such as lack of collaboration among providers and a focus on payment rather than outcomes.
Technology and data-driven solutions can incentivize better lifestyle choices and early screenings, leading to improved outcomes and cost savings. Technology can help individuals make better decisions about their health and well-being.
Early detection and management of health risks can be facilitated through technology.
Technology can help individuals manage chronic conditions and stay in their homes longer.
The unsustainable cost of healthcare can be mitigated through technology.
Passion and purpose are important in the health tech space, and founders should be prepared for challenges.
Hiring the right team, raising capital, and achieving product-market fit are key challenges for founders.
Failure should be seen as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Building a successful health tech company requires resilience and a focus on making a positive impact in healthcare.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com.
Connect with Aylin!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylin-nazlican-b9a284149/
Website: https://www.myfriendsinpr.com/english
Chapters
00:00 Changing Work Environment and Strategy
21:37 The Solopreneur Model in PR: Flexibility and Efficiency
22:59 Navigating Career Growth in Corporate PR
31:37 The Role of AI in PR: Efficiency and Human Connection
36:27 Success Strategies for Aspiring Solopreneurs in PR
Summary
Aylin Nazlican, a PR manager, shares her experience and insights on the importance of PR for businesses. She explains that PR is about telling your story and controlling the narrative to shape public perception. Aylin emphasizes the need for businesses to communicate their story and connect with stakeholders. She also discusses the role of PR in managing crises and finding compromises between different stakeholders. Aylin recently started her own PR business, leveraging her global network and focusing on handpicking teams for each project. Aylin Nazlican discusses her experience working in the PR industry and her decision to start her own freelance PR business. She highlights the benefits of freelancing, such as the ability to work on a variety of projects and the potential for higher earnings. She also discusses the challenges of working in a corporate PR agency, including limited opportunities for growth and low pay. Aylin emphasizes the importance of building relationships and trust with clients and freelancers to ensure high-quality work. She believes that while AI can be useful in certain aspects of PR, the human element will always be necessary. Aylin's focus for the future is to start working on projects that she can showcase as her own and leverage word-of-mouth referrals to grow her business. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to not be afraid of making mistakes and to focus on the things they enjoy and excel at. Aylin is open to the possibility of partnering with others in the future but wants to maintain a project-based approach rather than a traditional agency structure.
Takeaways
PR is essential for businesses to communicate their story and shape public perception.
PR involves telling your story and controlling the narrative to connect with stakeholders.
Managing crises and finding compromises are important aspects of PR.
Entrepreneurs can leverage their network and handpick teams for each project to build a successful PR business. Freelancing in the PR industry offers the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and potentially earn higher income.
Working in a corporate PR agency can be challenging, with limited opportunities for growth and low pay.
Building relationships and trust with clients and freelancers is crucial for delivering high-quality work.
While AI can be useful in certain aspects of PR, the human element will always be necessary.
Word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials are effective growth strategies in the PR industry.
Entrepreneurs should not be afraid of making mistakes and should focus on their strengths and passions.
Maintaining a project-based approach rather than a traditional agency structure can offer more flexibility and equitable compensation.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Edwin! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinmatanavarro/ X: https://x.com/Brickken Website: https://www.brickken.com/en
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:29 Becoming a Lawyer and Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
06:21 The Education Phase of Blockchain
08:52 The Evolution of Banks in the Blockchain Era
11:52 The Integration of Fiat Currencies and Cryptocurrencies
24:10 Consolidation in the Blockchain Space
25:30 The Commodity and Product Nature of Blockchain
26:48 Choosing Ethereum as the Foundation
28:38 Ethereum's Transaction Fees and Future Developments
32:18 Brick-in's Focus on Tokenization and Digitization
39:47 Brick-in's Value Proposition and Services
47:17 Brick-in's Grand Vision for the Future
48:29 Recommendations for Working in the Web3 Space
Summary
Edwin Mata, CEO and co-founder of Brickken, shares his journey from being a lawyer to entering the blockchain space and starting his own startup. He discusses the challenges of being a service provider and the appeal of working with technology. Edwin emphasizes the importance of a legal background in understanding contracts and negotiations in the blockchain industry. He also highlights the need for education and regulation in the blockchain space, as well as the potential for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and stablecoins to revolutionize the financial system. Brickken is a platform that focuses on tokenization, which is the digitization or representation of offline assets on the blockchain. They aim to bring financial instruments, such as equity and debt, online to make transactions more efficient and accessible. Brickken chose to build on Ethereum because it is one of the most developed and widely used blockchains, with a large developer community and high transaction volume. They believe that Ethereum will remain a key foundation in the blockchain ecosystem. However, they acknowledge that Ethereum still needs to address issues such as high transaction fees to become more efficient. Brickken's vision is to be part of the journey towards the full tokenization of equity and the transformation of financial markets. They aim to provide a new alternative for funding and crowdfunding, optimizing investment opportunities for companies and individuals. Their platform offers a seamless user experience, with a Google form for asset origination, an investor portal for distribution, and a management tool for asset and investor management. Brickken charges a monthly fee for their software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform. They see themselves as complementing traditional financial institutions rather than replacing them, providing new options and opportunities for raising capital. In the future, Brickken aims to expand their services and become a leader in the tokenization space.
Takeaways
Transitioning from being a lawyer to working in the blockchain space can offer new opportunities and a different work dynamic.
A legal background can be valuable in understanding contracts and negotiations in the blockchain industry.
The blockchain industry is still in the education phase, but adoption is increasing, especially with the involvement of institutional players.
Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and stablecoins have the potential to revolutionize the financial system and offer new forms of digital money. Brickken focuses on tokenization, digitizing offline assets on the blockchain.
They chose Ethereum as their starting foundation due to its developer community and transaction volume.
Ethereum still needs to address issues like high transaction fees to become more efficient.
Brickken aims to be part of the journey towards the full tokenization of equity and the transformation of financial markets.
They provide a seamless user experience with asset origination, distribution, and management tools.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com.
Connect with Andrea!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamarchiotto/
Website: https://www.blackcube.digital/
Summary
Andrea Marchiotto has 18 years of experience in e-commerce and tech companies, working for top-tier companies like Yahoo, Amazon, Unilever, and Philips. He has a background in content production, marketing, product management, and business strategy. Andrea has been involved in AI for many years, leveraging it for tasks like improving search results and developing AI-powered features. He is currently focused on generative AI and its potential to revolutionize industries like healthcare, climate change, and education. Andrea believes that AI agents will become ubiquitous in the future, working alongside humans to execute tasks and transform the way businesses operate. The conversation explores the impact of AI on various industries and the potential benefits and challenges it presents. It discusses the potential for higher quality healthcare at a lower cost, job elimination due to AI advancements, and the need for responsible AI development. The conversation also touches on the hype and real business impact of AI, the feasibility of universal basic income, and the potential for AI to lower the cost of goods. It concludes with a discussion on the role of Black Cube as an AI-based community and ecosystem, and the advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Takeaways
Andrea Marchiotto has extensive experience in e-commerce and tech companies, working for top-tier companies like Yahoo, Amazon, Unilever, and Philips.
He has been involved in AI for many years, leveraging it for tasks like improving search results and developing AI-powered features.
Andrea believes that AI will have a significant impact on industries like healthcare, climate change, and education, enabling personalized treatments, optimizing energy consumption, and revolutionizing education.
In the future, AI agents will work alongside humans to execute tasks and transform the way businesses operate. AI has the potential to improve the quality of healthcare while reducing costs.
Job elimination is a concern with the advancement of AI, but it also creates opportunities for higher-value work.
Responsible AI development and ethics are crucial to ensure a balance between AI and human creativity.
The feasibility of universal basic income is uncertain, but experiments and testing are being conducted in some countries.
AI has the potential to lower the cost of goods through automation and increased efficiency.
Black Cube aims to be an AI-based community and ecosystem that provides solutions and resources for businesses and individuals.
Aspiring entrepreneurs should focus on understanding their customers' problems, conducting research, building connections, and staying dedicated and consistent in their efforts.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Kristie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiekjones/
Website: https://kristiekjones.com/
Book: https://kristiekjones.com/book/selling-your-way-in/
Summary
Kristie K. Jones, founder of KristieKJones.com, shares her experience and expertise in sales leadership for B2B SaaS companies. She discusses her transition from retail to SaaS sales and emphasizes the importance of finding a company that aligns with your values and offers growth opportunities. Kristie highlights the various sales roles available in the B2B space and encourages individuals to explore their sales superpowers. She also discusses the role of sales development representatives (SDRs) and the challenges they face in a high-rejection environment. Kristie shares her insights on the impact of automation and AI on sales and the potential reduction in workforce. She also discusses the role of VCs in the startup space and the importance of a properly functioning CRM system. Lastly, Kristie explains her process of building sales processes and helping founders hire their first sales team. In this conversation, Kristie K. Jones discusses the challenges of hiring and onboarding salespeople for early-stage SaaS companies. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations for new hires and using a formal process, such as scorecards, to evaluate candidates. Kristie also highlights the need to match the candidate's past experience with the requirements of the role, including industry knowledge, sales acumen, and the ability to adapt to the startup environment. She shares her personal journey as a solopreneur and the power of generosity in building strong relationships and obtaining referrals. Kristie concludes by offering advice to her younger self and discussing her future plans.
Takeaways
Finding a company that aligns with your values and offers growth opportunities is crucial for a successful career transition.
Sales roles in the B2B space are diverse, and individuals should explore their sales superpowers honed from previous experiences.
SDRs face high rejection rates and should focus on personalization and human connection to stand out in a crowded market.
Automation and AI can be used as efficiency tools in sales, but a balance between human and machine is necessary.
VCs play a significant role in funding and shaping startups, and their investment strategies may shift over time.
A properly functioning CRM system is essential for sales success, and founders should be prepared to give up control and provide guidance to their sales team.
Building sales processes and hiring the first sales team are critical steps for startups to scale and succeed. Setting realistic expectations is crucial when hiring and onboarding salespeople for early-stage SaaS companies.
Using a formal process, such as scorecards, can help evaluate candidates objectively and ensure consistency.
Matching the candidate's past experience with the requirements of the role is essential, including industry knowledge, sales acumen, and adaptability to the startup environment.
Generosity and building strong relationships can lead to referrals and business opportunities.
Being true to oneself and following personal values and instincts is important in making career decisions.
Connecting with others and seeking help when needed can lead to new opportunities and growth.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com.
Connect with Brett!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettgrendahl/
Website: https://www.builtdata.io/
00:00 Introduction and Background 06:11 Shortage of Skilled Craft Labor 24:54 Impact on the Housing Market 31:25 Addressing Inefficiencies in Construction 37:13 Build Data's Solution for Field Workers 45:24 The Future of the Construction Industry Summary
Brett Grendahl, founder of Built Data, discusses the challenges and opportunities in the construction industry. He highlights the importance of skilled craft labor and the need to attract more people to the trades. Grendahl shares his own experience in the construction industry and explains why he transitioned to building Built Data. He also addresses the labor shortfall in the industry and the need to improve the working conditions and training for laborers. Grendahl discusses the rising costs in construction and the impact of labor and material shortages. He also explores the state of the housing market and the challenges of generational changes in the workforce. Build Data aims to bring modern support to the construction field by providing a unified platform for communication and information sharing. The construction industry is highly disconnected, leading to inefficiencies and frustration for workers. Build Data's solution allows laborers to easily communicate their needs and receive the necessary support. The company's goal is to reduce wasted labor and improve productivity in the industry. While the construction industry may be resistant to change, there is a growing demand for digital solutions and modernization. Build Data envisions a future where construction is digitally native and highly collaborative.
Takeaways
The construction industry is facing a labor shortfall, particularly in skilled craft labor, which is constraining productivity and impacting the ability to complete projects.
There is a need to attract more people to the trades and improve the perception of construction as a rewarding career path.
Labor wages have been increasing due to the labor shortage, and talented laborers can command higher pay.
The rising costs in construction are influenced by labor and material shortages, as well as disruptions in the supply chain.
The housing market is experiencing constraints in both supply and demand, with low inventory and affordability challenges.
Generational changes in the workforce, such as the adoption of technology and different attitudes towards work-life balance, are impacting the construction industry and require adaptation and effective communication strategies. The construction industry is highly disconnected, leading to inefficiencies and frustration for workers.
Build Data aims to bring modern support to the construction field by providing a unified platform for communication and information sharing.
The company's goal is to reduce wasted labor and improve productivity in the industry.
There is a growing demand for digital solutions and modernization in the construction industry.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com.
Connect with Andre!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andremonforte/
Website: https://www.aidvize.com/
00:00 Introduction and Background 10:17 The Importance of Consistency in Sales 37:07 Closing Customers: The Importance of Discovery and Qualification 44:18 The Uncertainties and Future of AI in Sales 50:42 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Surround Yourself with Smart People and Leverage LinkedIn
Summary
Andre shares his journey from aspiring pilot to sales representative and founder of Aidvize, a role play platform for sales training. He explains the expensive and rigorous training required to become a pilot and why he ultimately chose a career in sales. Andre emphasizes the importance of consistency and perseverance in sales, highlighting the need to focus on the process rather than the end result. He also discusses the misconceptions about entrepreneurship and the challenges of building a company. Andre introduces Aidvize and its use of AI personas to simulate customer interactions for sales training. In this conversation, Andre discusses his experience with sales training and cold outreach. He shares his strategies for speeding up sales training and getting qualified leads through cold outreach. Andre emphasizes the importance of personalization and creativity in cold outreach, rather than relying solely on automation tools. He also provides insights on closing customers and the need for a strong focus on discovery and qualification. Andre discusses the challenges and uncertainties of AI in the sales industry and shares his vision for the future of AI in sales. He concludes by offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the importance of surrounding oneself with smart and experienced individuals and leveraging LinkedIn for networking and personal branding.
Takeaways
Training to become a pilot is expensive and time-consuming, making it inaccessible for many aspiring pilots.
Andre's experience in sales began when he took a sales job to pay for his pilot training and discovered a passion for the field.
Sales is a skill that can be learned and developed with commitment and consistency.
Entrepreneurship is not a guaranteed path to success and requires a deep passion for building and solving problems.
AI Advise is a role play platform that uses AI personas to simulate customer interactions for sales training. Speeding up sales training can lead to faster readiness of sales reps and increased interest from leads.
Personalization and creativity are key in cold outreach to stand out from the competition.
Closing customers requires a strong focus on discovery and qualification to ensure a good fit between the customer's pain points and the product.
The future of AI in sales may involve more autonomous SDRs for demand generation and cold calling.
Surrounding oneself with experienced individuals and leveraging LinkedIn can be valuable for networking and personal branding as an entrepreneur.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with David! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlorango/ 00:00 Introduction and Background
06:31 Market Saturation and Competition
15:41 Managing Costs and Margins in CPG
29:44 The Changing Macroeconomic Landscape
37:34 The Goals of the Agency: Building Partnerships and Scaling Businesses
45:07 Advice to Younger Self: Lose the Ego and Learn from Others
51:50 Ideal Business Partner: Someone with Operational Expertise
Summary
David Lorango, a marketing expert with over 15 years of experience in DTC, shares his insights on branding, marketing, and scaling in the CPG industry. He emphasizes the importance of branding and aesthetics in capturing consumer attention and building a successful brand. He also highlights the significance of efficiency and cost management in growth marketing. David discusses the high margins in the beauty and perfume industry, but notes that margins have become thinner due to increased costs and competition. He encourages entrepreneurs to enter the CPG space, but advises them to thoroughly understand their market and test their ideas before investing heavily. The macroeconomic state of the world has changed since 2019, with high inflation and increased costs of goods. This has made it more challenging for businesses to be profitable and find consumers. However, it has also weeded out fake players and low-quality products from the market. Building a good brand and product, focusing on business fundamentals, and planning for slower but profitable growth are key in navigating the current economic climate. The agency is focused on partnering with small to medium-sized consumer brands that are looking to scale and achieve profitability. The goal is to help these brands become the next success stories, similar to Black Rifle Coffee or Kind Bar. The agency aims to provide a one-to-one partnership model, where they are deeply involved in the growth and success of the brands they work with. The ideal avatar customer is a company doing around $100k a month in revenue and looking to scale to $200k-$300k a month. The agency also works with companies doing several million dollars a month and helps them optimize their operations and scale efficiently. In terms of personal goals, the founder wants to build a company that focuses on both creative marketing and operational excellence, similar to the likes of Henry Ford or the founders of The Wonderful Company. The goal is to create a well-oiled machine that combines innovative marketing strategies with efficient operations.
Takeaways
Branding and aesthetics play a crucial role in capturing consumer attention and building a successful brand.
Efficiency and cost management are essential in growth marketing, especially in the lower funnel.
The beauty and perfume industry have traditionally had high margins, but increased costs and competition have made margins thinner.
Entrepreneurs should thoroughly understand their market and test their ideas before investing heavily.
Entering the CPG space can be a rewarding opportunity for entrepreneurs, but it requires passion, market understanding, and a willingness to learn and adapt. The macroeconomic state of the world has changed, with high inflation and increased costs of goods, making it more challenging for businesses to be profitable.
Building a good brand and product, focusing on business fundamentals, and planning for slower but profitable growth are key in navigating the current economic climate.
The agency focuses on partnering with small to medium-sized consumer brands that are looking to scale and achieve profitability.
The goal is to help these brands become the next success stories, similar to Black Rifle Coffee or Kind Bar.
The agency provides a one-to-one partnership model, deeply involved in the growth and success of the brands they work with.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com.
Connect with Furkan and Kemal! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikemalserbet/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammed-furkan-yilmaz/ 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:21 Overcoming Challenges and Resilience 13:44 The Turkish Startup Ecosystem 38:06 Eliminating Middlemen and Reducing Costs 44:34 Monetizing Through Commissions and Interest Income Summary
Kemal Serbet and M. Furkan Yılmaz, co-founders of etrexio and Otorepa, discuss their journey as entrepreneurs and the companies they have built. They started as freelancers and eventually founded their own product development company, etrexio. They also created a CRM for freelancers called Freelancer CRM, which was later acquired. They emphasize the importance of trust, open communication, and managing client expectations in a co-founder relationship. They also discuss the entrepreneurial culture in Turkey and the challenges they have faced, including bankruptcy. They highlight the need for work-life balance and finding passion in what you do. Otorepa is a closed marketplace for the auto spare parts industry in Turkey, solving the problem of finding and buying the correct parts. The industry is worth $15 billion per year in Turkey, and Otorepa aims to capture 10% of the market. Currently, the process of buying spare parts involves going to a repairman who contacts various stakeholders to find the correct parts, resulting in higher prices and longer wait times. Otorepa eliminates middlemen and reduces the number of transactions, saving consumers money. The platform monetizes through commissions and interest income.
Takeaways
Starting as freelancers can be a good entry point into entrepreneurship, as it allows you to sell your expertise and gain experience.
Trust and open communication are crucial in managing a co-founder relationship and resolving conflicts.
Finding a good co-founder who shares your vision and values is essential for success.
Work-life balance is important for managing stress and maintaining overall well-being.
Passion and desire are key drivers in entrepreneurship, and it's important to pursue ventures that align with your interests and goals. OtoRepa is a closed marketplace for the auto spare parts industry in Turkey, aiming to capture 10% of the $15 billion market.
The current process of buying spare parts involves multiple transactions and higher prices, which OtoRepa eliminates by connecting experts directly to buyers.
The platform monetizes through commissions and interest income.
The founders emphasize the importance of taking action, being adaptable, and focusing on providing value rather than just earning money.
They have a strong network and experience in the industry, which gives them an advantage.
If they had to start over, they would leverage their development skills and advisory services.
They would love to have Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, or Henry Ford on their team.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Rohith! X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/RohithKaliyur Website: https://joininspiringghost.com/
00:00 Building a Business on Twitter 08:05 The Power of Twitter for Business Growth 25:16 Putting People First in Content Creation 30:07 The Importance of Personal Transformation in Branding 38:03 Mastering Oneself for Unlimited Success
Summary
Rohith, a Twitter brand strategist, shares his journey of transitioning from a data scientist to building his own business on Twitter. He started his business on the side while working a nine-to-five job, focusing on building his Twitter brand and online presence. He initially offered to help clients gain 10,000 followers and gradually expanded his services. Rohith emphasizes the importance of credibility, working for free to gain experience and testimonials, and aligning with respected individuals in the industry. He also discusses the strategies he used to grow his own follower count and offers advice for those starting out on Twitter.
Takeaways
Building a business on Twitter requires credibility, which can be established through working for free and aligning with respected individuals in the industry.
Cold DMs and cold emails are effective strategies for acquiring clients on Twitter, especially when starting out.
Growing a follower count on Twitter can be achieved through retweets, shoutouts, and engaging with larger accounts.
While follower count is important, the focus should be on providing value and impacting the lives of the audience.
Experimentation and self-mastery are key to success in building a business on Twitter.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com.
Connect with Lucas!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-saud/
Website: https://www.jobsurfers.org/
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:38 Job Surfers: Landing Your Dream Job
01:05 Standing Out in the Application Process
03:15 Customizing Your Resume for Success
06:08 Applying Sales Skills to Job Hunting
08:09 Preparing for Interviews
09:52 The Benefits of Remote Work
12:16 Selling Yourself in Any Role
16:27 Finding Happiness in Your Career
19:24 Remote Work as the Future
21:51 Hiring Amazing Talent: Location Doesn't Matter
25:03 From Argentina to Australia: Pursuing Dreams
27:40 Job Surfers: Helping Individuals Land Dream Jobs
37:16 Expanding Job Surfers: Business Services and New Markets
42:25 Qualifying and Coaching: High Success Rate in Job Placement
Summary
Lucas Saud, founder of Job Surfers, shares his experience and insights on how to land a dream job. He discusses his own journey of landing jobs at Amazon and WeWork, emphasizing the importance of standing out in the application process. Lucas highlights the significance of preparation, customization of resumes, and showcasing relevant skills and achievements. He also recommends reaching out to recruiters and hiring managers for informational interviews and leveraging personal connections. Lucas emphasizes the importance of selling oneself during the interview process and provides a framework for interview preparation. He also discusses the value of remote work and the need for effective communication and pitching skills in any role. Lucas Saud shares his experience of moving from Argentina to Australia and starting his own company, Job Surfers. He explains that his decision to move was based on his long-time dream of living in Australia and the opportunity to work remotely and travel. Job Surfers was born out of his expertise in finding job opportunities and helping others land their dream jobs. Lucas offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of testing ideas with minimal investment and understanding financials before making the transition to full-time entrepreneurship. He also discusses the future vision for Job Surfers, including expanding the team and offering additional programs.
Takeaways
Stand out in the application process by customizing your resume and showcasing relevant skills and achievements.
Preparation is key for interviews - research the company, analyze the job description, and bring real-life examples of previous experiences.
Reach out to recruiters and hiring managers for informational interviews and leverage personal connections.
Develop effective communication and pitching skills, as they are crucial in any role, regardless of whether it is sales-related or not.
Consider remote work as a viable option, as it offers flexibility and work-life balance. Moving to a different country can provide new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Starting a company based on your expertise can be a fulfilling and successful venture.
Testing ideas with minimal investment and understanding financials are crucial steps before transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship.
Job Surfers offers a bootcamp and self-guided course to help individuals land their dream jobs, with plans to expand into other programs and markets.
Building a startup requires hard work and discipline, but finding work-life balance is important to avoid burnout.
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Rich! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-m-02019551/ Instagram: @rich_moyer Consumer Website: https://hoppinbrands.com/ Franchise Website: https://hoppinbrandsfranchising.com/ Chapters
00:00 Introducing Rich Moyer and Hopin
04:32 Expansion Plans and Franchise Opportunities
12:06 Becoming a Hoppin Franchisee: The Process and Opportunities
23:46 Creating a Unique Experience at Hopin
26:13 The Importance of Loyalty and Customer Experience
28:08 Understanding Culture and Implementing Effective Marketing
30:01 Hiring the Right People and Delegating Responsibilities
32:31 Letting Go of Control and Trusting the Team
33:39 Taking Action, Learning from Mistakes, and Having a Mentor
42:33 Balancing Work and Personal Life
Summary
Rich Moyer is the founder and CEO of Hoppin', a high-tech self-serve beer, wine, and cocktail bar franchise. The concept is unique and offers customers the ability to pour their own drinks from a selection of 60+ self-serve taps. The self-serve aspect provides convenience, a fun and engaging experience, and the opportunity to try different drinks in smaller quantities. The franchise model offers benefits such as decreased labor costs, minimal waste, and access to technology that eliminates common headaches for bar owners. Hoppin' is expanding to fast-growing cities across the US and focuses on creating a unique experience and strong brand through marketing and innovative strategies. The key themes of the conversation are the importance of marketing and branding, the significance of hiring the right people, the value of delegation and trust, and the balance between work and personal life. Rich Moyer emphasizes the need for effective marketing and advertising to drive traffic and brand recognition. He also highlights the role of culture and leadership in the success of a business. Moyer discusses the importance of hiring the right people and giving them ownership in their positions, allowing them to make decisions and learn from their mistakes. He emphasizes the need for leaders to delegate and trust their employees. Moyer also shares his experience of balancing work and personal life, and the importance of prioritizing family and freedom. He mentions the importance of having a mentor and the value of taking action in entrepreneurship. Finally, Moyer discusses his future goals and the desire to continue investing and mentoring others.
Takeaways
Hoppin is a high-tech self-serve beer, wine, and cocktail bar franchise with 60+ self-serve taps and full cocktail bars.
The self-serve aspect provides convenience, a fun and engaging experience, and the opportunity to try different drinks in smaller quantities.
The franchise model offers benefits such as decreased labor costs, minimal waste, and access to technology that eliminates common headaches for bar owners.
Hoppin is expanding to fast-growing cities across the US and focuses on creating a unique experience and strong brand through marketing and innovative strategies. Effective marketing and advertising are crucial for driving traffic and brand recognition.
Culture and leadership play a significant role in the success of a business.
Hiring the right people and giving them ownership in their positions leads to employee satisfaction and success.
Delegation and trust are essential for business growth and allowing leaders to focus on the bigger picture.
Balancing work and personal life requires prioritization and effective communication.
Having a mentor and taking action are important for entrepreneurial success.
Keywords
Hoppin', self-serve bar, franchise, high-tech, beer, wine, cocktail, convenience, experience, engagement, expansion, branding, marketing, branding, hiring, delegation, trust, work-life balance, mentorship, action, entrepreneurship
Guest and business inquiries connordeckpodcast@gmail.com. Connect with Siddhant!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddhant-goswami-6444b0146/
X: https://twitter.com/geeksiddhant
Website: https://100xengineers.com/
Summary
In this conversation, Siddhant Goswami, the founder of 100x Engineers, discusses his background and the journey that led him to start his education company. He shares his experience in building startups and acquiring companies, as well as his foray into generative AI. Siddhant explains how 100x Engineers offers a comprehensive cohort program that teaches individuals, including non-technical professionals, how to leverage generative AI to build software solutions. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right team and staying up to date with the rapidly evolving field of generative AI.
Takeaways
Siddhant Goswami founded 100x Engineers, an education company that offers a cohort program to teach individuals how to leverage generative AI to build software solutions.
The cohort program is designed for both technical and non-technical professionals, with the curriculum evolving to keep up with the rapidly changing field of generative AI.
Siddhant emphasizes the importance of finding the right team and surrounding oneself with experts in different areas to complement one's own skills.
Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize the way people solve problems and build solutions, and Siddhant is optimistic about its future impact.