Informal Networking at Business Events

Paul and Kirill discussed their experiences at a recent small business event, where they both had meaningful conversations with attendees despite not attending as many presentations as they could have. Paul emphasized that the best connections often happen informally, outside of formal meetings, and encouraged Kirill to continue building relationships with the people he met at the event.

Podcast Strategy for Dual Businesses

Kirill discussed his two companies, one focused on corporate sustainability and the other on small business marketing. Paul advised Kirill to discuss both companies in the podcast, similar to talking about two children. Paul emphasized the importance of getting to know the person being interviewed and suggested focusing on personal stories and experiences. He also mentioned that the podcast serves as a call to action, so it's important to provide enough information to encourage listeners to reach out.

Ontario Small Business Podcast Plans

Paul and Kirill discussed the challenges and triumphs of running a small business, comparing it to an ongoing opera of trials and successes. They agreed to focus on sharing compelling stories of Ontario small business owners in their upcoming podcast, with Kirill set to introduce himself and share his experiences. 

Business Sustainability and Podcasting

Kirill Anikin introduced himself as the owner of Volterra Energy Marketplace and Anikin Technologies, companies focused on corporate sustainability and marketing for small to medium-sized businesses. Paul, who hosts a business podcast, invited Kirill to share his background and discuss his interest in being a storyteller for businesses. They briefly touched on Paul's experience with podcasting and his approach to overcoming challenges in the early stages of his podcasting career.

Kirill's Journey to Mortgage Success

Kirill shared his background, explaining that he was born in Kyrgyzstan and moved to Canada at the age of seven, where he grew up in Etobicoke. He discussed his journey from studying criminology to becoming a mortgage agent, inspired by a business teacher who offered him his first entrepreneurial experience. Kirill emphasized his stubborn nature and resilience, which have driven his business ventures, and he reflected on the importance of community and personal connections in his life.

Kirill's Journey in Sustainability

Kirill shared his career journey, highlighting how his experiences as a mortgage broker and his studies in policy and statistics shaped his approach to business and sustainability. He emphasized the importance of focusing on long-term impacts and making sustainable decisions, drawing from his background in finance and his understanding of the financial system. Kirill's experiences taught him the realities of entrepreneurship, including the pressure to generate income and the need for customer focus, which ultimately guided his transition into marketing and sustainability.

Embracing Diverse Business Conversations

Kirill and Paul discussed the importance of small businesses understanding their true nature and not limiting themselves to a single identity. Paul emphasized the value of having diverse conversations and being passionate about multiple interests, rather than focusing exclusively on business. He shared his experience in real estate, highlighting how engaging in various topics can lead to better connections and opportunities. Both agreed on the significance of being able to discuss a range of subjects to build stronger relationships and enhance business success.

Building Genuine Business Connections

Kirill shared his experience meeting a business owner at the Royal Winter Fair who introduced him to his innovative chicken fried ribs product. He emphasized the importance of building personal connections with clients through in-person meetings, which he believes is often overlooked in the current AI-driven business environment. Kirill highlighted that every business has a unique story and emphasized the value of listening to these stories to foster genuine relationships.

Empathy in Business Relationships

Paul and Kirill discussed the importance of empathy in business and client relationships. Kirill shared his experience in marketing and sustainability consulting, emphasizing the value of understanding clients' unique needs and challenges. They agreed on the power of building superfans through genuine connections and personal stories. Paul expressed interest in continuing the conversation with potential clients who listen to his podcast. They also discussed the potential for future podcast episodes and the importance of sharing content across different platforms.