Unlocking Holistic Revenue Growth: The Visionary Entrepreneur's Path   In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge interviewed Jackson Calame, founder of First Class Business, to explore the nuances of helping visionary entrepreneurs achieve holistic revenue growth and sustainable success. Jackson's methodology is grounded in effective leadership, human connection, and a thorough understanding of business infrastructure. This blog post distills the key insights from their discussion, providing actionable advice and detailed explanations to guide entrepreneurs on their path to success. Jackson Calame compares First Class Business to Alfred, Batman's butler, ensuring that visionary entrepreneurs can concentrate on their strengths without burning out. The company offers a robust support system covering various business operations, including infrastructure and process, vision and culture, leadership and management, marketing and sales, and fulfillment and support operations. Jackson emphasizes the importance of regularly assessing business infrastructure, cultivating a strong organizational culture, and investing in leadership training for sustainable success. Jackson underscores the significance of entrepreneurs focusing on their strengths as visionaries and CEOs. He advocates leveraging resources like webinars and books, such as "The Effective Executive" by Dr. Peter Drucker, to enhance executive effectiveness. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to identify their core competencies, engage in continuous learning, and delegate tasks outside their strengths to capable team members. By doing so, they can maximize their impact and drive their businesses toward holistic growth.   About Jackson Calame: Jackson teaches visionary entrepreneurs how to unlock sustainable revenue growth and expand their legacy by becoming a Power Brand in their market. 96% of businesses fail within the first 10 years. Jackson teaches businesses, not only how to avoid failure, but how to win, by becoming a true leader in their market.  Having worked in, launched, and scaled several successful startups in the b2b industry & SaaS space, servicing thousands of SMBs, Jackson has seen firsthand that even the best operators struggle and often fail. The problem begins with poorly managed growth, due to establishing a weak foundation, which inevitably leads to collapse. Jackson and his teams prepare business owners and executives to bridge their growth gaps. Collectively, we often fill the roles of COO, CMO, or CEO during this transformative process. Your key to success as growth occurs and operations shift, will require that you evolve. Developing an incredible culture, built around a clear vision dedicated to customer satisfaction, must be the focal point of a company's mission in order to ultimately thrive. Most operators think they are prepared for this. The truth is, you aren't. Personal growth will be necessary. Personnel shifts will occur. Cuts will likely be made as accountability begins to expose who your contenders are, and who your pretenders are. It’s not personal, it’s business. And in order for everyone to win, a business can only afford to have leaders who pull their own weight, who add value to the mission, not anchors who will hold you back. If your business is ready for a powerful shift that empowers you to maximize your potential, Jackson and his team members are the key players you need on your team, to make it happen.   About First Class Business:   First Class Business is founded on the principle that we can help you achieve sustainable revenue by partnering with you at a higher level than you would typically find among business consultants. We come alongside you like a business partner who can help you form a strategy at the highest level but then ALSO help with the process of execution, measurement, and adjustment as needed to see the vision through. This rare combination of high-level service is designed to supercharge your goals as we make your vision our own. Invite us into your world and let’s work together to unlock the full potential of your own first class business.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out First Class Business website at https://firstclassbusiness.io/ Check out First Class Business on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/79133881 Check out Jackson Calame on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacksoncalame/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

Embracing the Aliveness Mindset: A Guide to Leading with Passion, Purpose, and Joy In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge conversed with Jack Craven, an executive leadership coach and author of "Aliveness Mindset: Lead and Live with More Passion, Purpose, and Joy." Their discussion explored leadership, emotional intelligence, and living a fulfilling life. This blog post distills key insights from their conversation, offering actionable advice to help you lead with more passion, purpose, and joy. Jack Craven's "Aliveness Mindset" emphasizes living and leading with passion and purpose. It involves reducing reactivity, accessing emotional intelligence, and aligning with true desires. Key themes include reducing reactivity through mindfulness practices, identifying core values by reflecting on peak experiences, and setting intrinsically rewarding goals. Craven also highlights the importance of perseverance, modeling your best self, and taking practical steps to experience more aliveness daily. To experience more aliveness, Jack advises listening to your heart, making heart-centered decisions, and prioritizing activities that make you feel alive. Reframe your perspective on your current role to find meaning, and be open to change if your current path isn't fulfilling. By staying committed to your values, trusting your instincts, and taking small actions daily, you can transform both your personal and professional life, leading with passion, purpose, and joy. About Jack Craven: With a diverse background as a trial lawyer, seasoned CEO, long time member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) mindset author, distinguished executive coach, and C-Suite team facilitator, Jack Craven has spent the last 9 years leading countless CEOs and their C-Suite teams into more fulfilling, authentic lives. In his work over the past decade, Jack continually found what he personally experienced in his long-term CEO role–executives aren’t necessarily satisfied with their lives but feel guilty asking for more because they know they are privileged and blessed. Through his “Living All In” philosophy, he has helped leaders and their companies reach the pinnacle of their potential. He aids leaders in honing their effectiveness and fulfillment by pinpointing drivers, strengths, and blind spots and helps them discover deeper purpose, joy, and happiness in their lives. Jack seamlessly blends his experience with neuroscience-based practices and insights from the Enneagram personality system to facilitate transformative coaching results. Since 2007, Jack has also been an active member and one of only 120 certified facilitators worldwide for the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), the world’s leading community for chief executives, giving him a profound understanding of contemporary leadership dynamics. Prior to his work with executive leadership, Jack was the CEO of his family’s business, Craven Closeouts, for nearly two decades. He began his career as a trial lawyer with the Chicago State’s Attorney’s Office and then moved into private practice. To help executives become fully immersed in their aliveness and live their best professional and personal lives, on April 2, 2024, Jack will launch his first book, Aliveness Mindset: Lead and Live with More Passion, Purpose, and Joy, with publisher Forefront Books. Jack received his J.D. from the Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, and his B.A. in Political Science, Criminal Justice from Indiana University Bloomington. Just as passionate about his personal pursuits, Jack loves keeping. About Aliveness Mindset (Book): In Aliveness Mindset, Jack explains his groundbreaking method to achieve an “Optimal State,” which provides clarity, confidence, growth, and natural concentration. This is honed through implementing “Living All In Tools” and by first grasping an “Aliveness Mindset” and then putting it into practice. In the book, Jack highlights that the “Aliveness Mindset” is the path to freedom. He outlines the seven components of an “Aliveness Mindset,” including ownership, openness, awareness, authenticity, courage, tenacity, and love, and how they work together to power one’s aliveness journey. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Jack Craven's website at https://www.jackcraven.com/ Check out Jack Craven on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackcraven1 Check out Aliveness Mindset on LinkedIn at https://www.jackcraven.com/aliveness-mindset Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

Scaling Your Agency with a Fractional CFO In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge interviewed Michael Wark, a fractional CFO and the founder and CEO of Trimline. Michael specializes in helping agency owners scale their businesses, and during the interview, he shared invaluable insights into the challenges agency owners face, the benefits of hiring a fractional CFO, and actionable advice for those looking to grow their agencies. This blog post will delve into the key themes discussed in the episode, breaking down each tip in detail to provide a comprehensive guide for agency owners. A fractional CFO is a part-time Chief Financial Officer who provides financial expertise and leadership to businesses that may not need or cannot afford a full-time CFO. This role is particularly beneficial for small to mid-sized businesses, including agencies, that are in the growth phase and need strategic financial guidance. Michael Wark suggests that agency owners typically consider hiring a fractional CFO when they have a team of at least 2-3 people and are generating revenue between $500,000 to $5 million. At this stage, businesses are navigating the "valley of death" in their growth curve, where financial missteps can be particularly costly. One of the first areas Michael addresses with his clients is their profit margins. Many agencies struggle with pricing their services correctly, leading to thin margins that can hinder growth. Cash flow is another common challenge for growing agencies, and Michael emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy cash flow to support growth. As agencies grow, it's crucial to focus on building long-term value. Michael advises agency owners to think beyond immediate profits and consider the overall value of their business. By focusing on key areas such as fixing margins, solving cash flow issues, and building enterprise value, a fractional CFO can provide the financial leadership needed to navigate the challenges of growth.   About Michael Wark: Michael Wark is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 19 years of commercial experience. He is the founder of Trimline which helps small agency owners achieve an exit through strategic support and coaching. The coaching is anchored in the numbers but expands quickly beyond that to focus on strategy, and unpacking the key pillars of value that you need to be building alongside improving your numbers. With a deep understanding of best practices for agencies small and large, he guides owners through the growth phase to exit with expertise and care.   About Trimline: Trimline helps business owners acheive an exit through strategic support and coaching. You get an experienced leader on your team at a fraction of the cost and time. Our regular meetings are designed to give you a deeper insight into your numbers, and help you plan for the future. We are here to build real value in your business, and share our insights into best practices from across our extensive industry experience. Our guaranteed confidentiality is a critical outlet for founders. It means you can work through sensitive ideas or problems you can’t share with your existing team. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out the Trimline website at https://trimline.co/ Check out Trimline on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/trimline-co/ Check out Michael Wark on LinkedIn at https://au.linkedin.com/in/michael-wark-18627628 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

Implementing AI in Customer Support In a recent podcast episode, Josh, the host, engaged in an enlightening conversation with Joanne, the CEO of Zingtree. They explored the intricacies of customer support, the role of AI in enhancing customer experiences, and Zingtree's unique approach to ensuring seamless and efficient support for large, complex, and compliant businesses. This blog post breaks down the key insights from their discussion, offering actionable advice and expert recommendations for businesses looking to improve their customer support systems. Joanne emphasized the critical role of customer experience (CX) in business success, noting that poor customer experiences can lead to significant negative impacts such as reduced client retention and lower customer satisfaction. Despite substantial investments in the customer support space, many companies still struggle to provide satisfactory experiences. Joanne highlighted that 85-90% of people report subpar experiences when interacting with customer support lines or chatbots, pointing out that traditional ticket-based systems often lead to prolonged and frustrating processes for customers. Zingtree aims to revolutionize customer support by eliminating the need for tickets, envisioning a future where issues are resolved instantaneously. Joanne shared insights into how AI can be leveraged to provide immediate solutions to customer issues, reducing the need for human intervention and enhancing efficiency. For large, complex enterprises, implementing AI requires a solid foundation, including data cleanliness, workflow optimization, and a phased approach to AI integration. Zingtree's consultative approach ensures they understand the specific goals and pain points of each business, fostering long-term partnerships and providing tailored solutions. About Juan Jaysingh: Juan Jaysingh is President and CEO at Zingtree, leading the company’s mission to transform complex processes into clear actions for businesses around the globe. Since becoming CEO in January 2020, Juan has focused on scaling and expanding Zingtree as a profitable, B2B SaaS organization working with over 700 customers worldwide. Juan’s years of experience in tech entrepreneurship include his time at Universal Tennis, the sports tech startup behind UTR Powered by Oracle. Juan led the GTM strategy and rollout of UTR’s community platform to elite clubs and tennis academies worldwide. Juan also founded ZeeMee, a social media community platform for high school students transitioning to college. Under his leadership, ZeeMee was named to the inaugural CNBC Upstart 25 in 2017. Before ZeeMee, Juan held various technology consulting roles. An accomplished tennis player, Juan immigrated to the United States alone at the age of 14. A chance encounter landed him full tennis scholarships to study and compete at Georgetown Prep and then at American University. Juan says passion and integrity drive his work ethic. As he likes to say, “if it’s too easy, it’s probably not worth it.” Juan and his family reside in Palo Alto, California. About Zingtree: Zingtree is the AI enabled CX automation platform that helps B2C enterprises automate actions, self-service and agent effectiveness. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Zingtree website at https://zingtree.com/ Check out Zingtree on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/zingtree Check out Zingtree on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ZingtreeForBusiness/ Check out Juan Jaysingh on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanjaysingh Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

Mastering Financial Validation: Insights from Chris McCall In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge sat down with Chris McCall, the co-founder and CEO of Valid8 Financial, to delve into the intricacies of financial validation for businesses. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs looking to solidify their financial strategies and ensure sustainable growth. Here, we break down the key takeaways and actionable advice shared by Chris McCall. Financial validation is a critical process for any business, ensuring that financial data is accurate, reliable, and aligned with the company’s strategic goals. Chris McCall emphasizes the importance of this process in building investor confidence and guiding business decisions. Key components include the accuracy of financial data through regular audits and automated systems, reliability and consistency via standardized reporting and historical data analysis, and alignment with strategic goals through goal-oriented financial planning and performance metrics. Investors need to trust that a company’s financial data is accurate and that the business is on a solid financial footing. Chris McCall shares several strategies to build and maintain this trust, such as transparent communication with regular updates and open dialogue, demonstrating financial health through strong balance sheets and effective cash flow management, and showcasing a proven track record with consistent performance and case studies. By following these strategies, entrepreneurs can build a robust financial foundation that supports sustainable growth and long-term success. About Chris McCall: As CEO and Cofounder, Chris leads VALID8’s vision, strategy, and execution. Prior to cofounding VALID8, Chris led marketing as Chief Marketing Officer for NexGen Storage where he built a world class marketing team around strategic market analysis and product management. Chris started his career as an Electrical Engineer designing systems forBoeing 747’s. Identifying the need to modernize the engineering design data infrastructure, he revamped how system design software could leverage large datasets more effectively. Passionate about extracting value from big data systems, Chris took on several product roles with start-ups acquired by F500 companies HP and SanDisk. About Valid8 Financial: Valid8 Financial has become the global leader in Verified Financial Intelligence (VFI) and is used on the highest profile, most complex bankruptcy, fraud, and cryptocurrency cases in the world, but it all started with a frustrated team of accountants trying to untangle a Ponzi scheme case in 2017. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Valid8 Financial website at https://www.valid8financial.com/ Check out Valid8 Financial on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenbananaseo/ Check out Chris McCall on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmccall/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

Mastering Business Leadership with Performance Science In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge sat down with Dr. Carla Fowler, the Managing Director of Thaxa Executive Coaching. Dr. Fowler shared her expertise on leveraging performance science to help business leaders achieve their ambitious goals. This blog post delves into the key themes discussed in the episode, offering actionable advice and in-depth insights for business leaders looking to enhance their performance and achieve success. Dr. Carla Fowler emphasizes the importance of applying performance science principles to business leadership. Performance science, which draws from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics, provides evidence-based strategies to optimize performance and achieve goals. One of the core principles Dr. Fowler advocates is the need for brutal focus. In today's fast-paced business environment, leaders often juggle multiple tasks, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. Dr. Fowler suggests identifying core priorities, time blocking, and regular review to maintain focus and ensure that important tasks receive the attention they deserve. Visibility and reputation play a crucial role in attracting opportunities and building a successful business. Dr. Fowler highlights the importance of building a personal brand, leveraging social media, and showcasing success stories. Additionally, she discusses the superpower of scaling sales conversations to build networks and resilience. Effective sales conversations can lead to increased opportunities and a robust network. Strategies include developing a sales script, practicing active listening, and consistent follow-up. Dr. Fowler's coaching process involves longer initial sessions to establish clarity and focus, followed by ongoing support and coaching sessions to help clients practice skills and work towards their goals.   About Carla Fowler, MD PhD: Carla Fowler, MD PhD founded THAXA out of a passion for performance science, where the fields of strategy, productivity, and psychology intersect. Since its inception in 2013, THAXA’s scientific approach to individualized coaching has attracted a devoted client base of dozens of executives at firms ranging from Fortune 500 technology companies to venture-backed startups to innovative nonprofits. Carla’s coaching methods draw upon the multidisciplinary field of performance science to generate the best ideas surrounding strategy, execution, and mindset to assist leaders in their endeavors. Over the past 10 years, she has distilled the key principles of performance into understandable concepts and a method that helps leaders incorporate these ideas into their day-to-day performance, helping them go faster and improving their results. Outside of her coaching, Carla truly enjoys sharing her key performance principles with audiences while engaging in thought-provoking conversations surrounding her passion for performance science. Carla graduated from Brown University magna cum laude, earned her MD and PhD at the University of Washington, and completed her internship in general surgery at Stanford University. About THAXA: THAXA® is a boutique executive coaching firm that leverages the best ideas from performance science to help its clients focus their strategy, execution, and mental state as they pursue ambitious goals. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out THAXA® website at https://www.thaxa.com/ Check out Carla Fowler, MD PhD on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-fowler/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

The Value of Experience in Executive Coaching In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge engaged in a compelling conversation with Gary Cohen, the managing partner and executive coach at CO2 Coaching. The discussion delved into the nuances of executive coaching, particularly for CEOs and company presidents. Gary Cohen shared his wealth of leadership, coaching, and business strategy knowledge, offering listeners practical advice and profound insights. This blog post will distill the key themes and tips from the episode, providing a valuable guide for business leaders and entrepreneurs. Gary Cohen highlighted the significance of practical experience in executive coaching, stressing that coaches who have held similar leadership roles can offer more relevant and actionable advice. He also introduced the CO2 Coaching framework, which focuses on helping clients reclaim their time by delegating or streamlining tasks. Additionally, Gary emphasized the importance of balancing cost reductions with revenue gains to ensure a sustainable business model. These strategies are crucial for effective time management and financial health, enabling leaders to concentrate on strategic initiatives. The conversation also touched on fostering a culture of accountability and learning from failures. Gary discussed the role of leaders in setting clear expectations and holding team members accountable, which drives performance and alignment with organizational goals. He advocated for a blame-free culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. Furthermore, Gary underscored the necessity of emotional detachment in business decisions and the power of asking the right questions to engage and empower team members. By exploring coaching opportunities, business leaders can enhance their skills and drive their organizations to success. About Gary Cohen: Gary is famous for asking; he wrote the book on it. He probes his clients with the only kind of questions that can produce change: unexpected ones. From the client’s answers, this dedicated Minneapolis leadership coach offers not just insights but alternative courses of action. “There always are several good roads to Rome,” he says. “The key is to identify the one that best fits both your head and heart.” He focuses on the destination–and not the possible curves in the road–for a simple reason: most obstacles are artificial, and the rest are in our heads. “Clear your head,” he believes, “and the obstacles disappear.” This may explain why Gary’s clients call him “eccentric in exactly the right way.” Gary has yet to meet a client who wants to be ordinary, and he helps them enjoy unusual success by employing unusual approaches. CEO experience: Managing Partner and Co-founder of CO2 Partners, LLC (2004), an Executive Coaching and Leadership Development Firm. Founded ACI in 1989 with $4,000 and two employees, then grew 48 percent compounded annually for 12 years to over 2,200 employees and went public on the NASDAQ. ACI was one of Venture Magazine’s Top 10 Best Performing Businesses and Business Journal’s 25 Fastest Growing Small Public Companies, and Gary was an Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. Board memberships: All Kinds of Minds, Harvard Alumni Club of Minnesota, IC Systems, Inc., Richfield Bank, ACI, Telecentrics,, Outward Bound National Advisory, HBS Alumni Club of Minnesota (Past President), Minnesota Zoo Foundation among others. Author: Just Ask Leadership: Why Great Managers Always Ask the Right Questions (McGraw Hill 2009); articles for Business Week, Leader to Leader, and Forbes. Clients: Unilever, Intel, Genentech, MetLife, Thermo-Fisher, and 100-plus entrepreneur-led businesses. Education: University of Minnesota (B.A); Harvard Business School; Covey Leadership Center; Disney Leadership Institute; and Aspen Institute Crown Fellow.   About CO2 Coaching: CO2 Partners, executive coaching, simply put, is group of experienced, entrepreneurial-minded executive coaches business coaches with complementary skills…and a shared passion for elevating others in their leadership journey. Founded in 2004 by Gary Cohen, CO2 includes executive coaches and practitioners who understand the realities of leadership. That’s because we’ve all been there. Our intuition and "street smarts" lend a unique credibility and integrity to our work. It’s not about textbook theory. It’s about grounded, real-world experiences we generously share with clients. More importantly, leaders and organizations see rapid and sustainable returns on their investment from their executive coach. Outcomes are measurable and meaningful. Our fresh perspectives uncover new possibilities, solve problems from different angles, and deliver the skills and courage you need to succeed – even when the summit looks insurmountable.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out CO2 Coaching website at https://co2coaching.com/who-we-are/ Check out CO2 Coaching on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/co2-coaching-llc Check out Gary Cohen on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/garycohen Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. 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Embracing Innovation, Technology, and Customer-Centric Strategies In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge, founder of UpMyInfluence.com, engaged in a compelling conversation with Dawid Sobieski, the creative force behind Plumcat Studio and Flux Verse. Their discussion explored the intricacies of entrepreneurship, offering listeners a wealth of actionable advice and expert insights. This blog post distills the key takeaways from their dialogue, providing a detailed guide to thoughtful entrepreneurship. Josh and Dawid underscored the importance of authenticity in building a personal brand, emphasizing that your brand should genuinely reflect your values and mission. Consistency across all platforms is crucial for building trust and recognition. They also highlighted the significance of quality over quantity in networking, advocating for meaningful relationships over superficial connections. Offering value to your network without expecting immediate returns fosters goodwill and trust. Actionable tips include defining your core values, auditing your online presence, attending industry events, and engaging actively on social media. Dawid stressed the need for adaptability and innovative thinking in the ever-evolving business landscape. Encouraging creativity within your team can lead to groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Both speakers discussed the effective use of technology to streamline operations and enhance productivity, advising entrepreneurs to stay updated with new tools and platforms. Additionally, understanding your audience and delivering exceptional value are pivotal for a customer-centric approach. Regularly conducting surveys and personalizing services based on customer data can significantly improve your offerings. About Dawid Sobieski: Dawid Sobieski, born in 1990 in Szczecin, Poland, grew up amid the transformative aftermath of communism's collapse. Inspired by his father's entrepreneurial spirit, Dawid pursued a Master's in Law before founding Plumcat during university. Starting with animation tutorials and a small ad project, his passion for creative storytelling blossomed into an international success story. Together with his wife, Dawid navigated early challenges in Barcelona, establishing Plumcat as a pioneer in remote work. Now based in Bansko, Bulgaria, Dawid leads Plumcat's global team, shaping its innovative animation and marketing ventures while indulging in hobbies like surfing and mountain biking. Dawid Sobieski, co-founder of Plumcat, embarked on a journey from Poland's post-communist era to becoming a leader in animation and video marketing. Beginning with a humble animated ad in Szczecin, Dawid's dedication to creative excellence and remote work innovation propelled Plumcat onto the global stage. From Barcelona to Bansko, he and his wife have cultivated a diverse team across continents, delivering cutting-edge solutions to clients worldwide. Beyond business, Dawid finds joy in surfing, mountain biking, and composing music, embodying his lifelong passion for creativity and adventure. About Plumcat Studio: Fully remote design & animation studio that produces original content for international clients from various industries. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Plumcat Studio website at https://plumcatstudio.com/ Check out Plumcat Studio on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/plumcat/ Check out Dawid Sobieski on LinkedIn at https://pl.linkedin.com/in/dawid-sobieski-350b12109 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

The Power of Print in a Digital World   In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge interviewed Alysha Burch, the founder and creative director of Square Root Creative, to explore the often-overlooked power of print in today's digital-centric marketing landscape. Alysha shared valuable insights into how print can complement digital strategies, the nuances of effective print marketing, and best practices for creating impactful print materials. This blog post delves into the key takeaways from their conversation, offering actionable advice for businesses looking to leverage print in their marketing efforts. Despite the dominance of digital marketing, print remains a powerful tool for engaging consumers. Alysha highlighted several reasons why print should not be overlooked: it provides a tactile experience that digital cannot replicate, offers longevity as print materials often stay in homes for days or weeks, and garners more trust from consumers who may perceive digital content as less reliable due to online scams and misinformation. Alysha emphasized that print and digital should be seen as complementary, with print reinforcing digital messages to enhance overall marketing effectiveness. Alysha shared several best practices for effective print marketing. Choosing the right paper is crucial; it should match the message and audience, with high-end paper for luxury products and more approachable paper for everyday items. Color psychology is also important, as different colors evoke different emotions and should align with the brand's overall color scheme. The layout and design should guide the reader's eye logically, with clear headlines and engaging visuals. Specialty embellishments like gold foil can add a touch of luxury, and testing and iteration are essential to refine materials before a full rollout. Leveraging data for targeted print campaigns and integrating print with digital strategies can further enhance the impact of print marketing.   About Alysha Burch:   Square Root Creative is the brainchild of Alysha Burch, a 30-year industry veteran. This full-service agency was established in 2002, when Alysha saw the need for a creative house that delivered effective messaging across all marketing mediums. Her vision was to form a group that could think conceptually, act strategically, and design with purpose. 20 years later, the agency remains independent and solely owned, an inspiration for women entrepreneurs worldwide. A native New Yorker, Alysha utilized her connections and resources to build “a rock-star team of talented individuals.” Together this group of innovative thinkers, master storytellers, daring designers, video mavens, and tech sensations rise to any creative challenge-–pushing the boundaries of every project to deliver work that exceeds expectations. While Alysha’s passion, talent, and dedication are the foundation for “the Root,” she’s the first to say that teamwork keeps the agency moving forward. This emphasis on a collective spirit has earned her the affectionate title of “Mama Root” – a nod to the family this fearless leader has built. Prior to opening SRC, Alysha worked at top advertising and marketing agencies on Fortune 500 clients including Nestle, Panasonic, and Hasbro. When not running the Root, she can be found downtown with Mylo, her French bulldog (and the office mascot) looking at street art and discovering emerging designers, jamming to old-school hip-hop during boxing class, or enjoying a late-night meal with friends–– that is, if they will wait for her to get out of the office.   About Square Root Creative:   We are a full-service agency passionate about design and its ability to provoke, inspire and energize. We build strong brands with fresh ideas, engaging creative and the right mix of technology. Our agency is built on integrity, trust and teamwork. We’re independent, giving us the freedom to be innovative and the flexibility to go above-and-beyond expectations. It’s this foundation that allows us to truly connect with our clients and engage with their audiences. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Square Root Creative website at https://squarerootcreative.com/ Check out Square Root Creative on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/square-root-creative Check out Alysha Burch on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyshaburch Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

Kenny Lange, a coach for non-profits and purpose-driven businesses, discusses challenges faced by non-profits, importance of core values, and offers resources for organizational health assessment. He emphasizes authenticity in purpose-driven companies and provides strategies for building high-performance teams and developing leaders worth following.