The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

Mastering Lead Generation: Essential Strategies for Defining Your Ideal Customer Profile and Boosting Sales Success In the latest episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh delves into the intricacies of lead generation and sales development with John Karsant, the founder and CEO of LevelUp Leads. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice and expert insights, particularly valuable for business owners and professionals aiming to refine their sales strategies. Let's break down the key takeaways and tips from this enlightening conversation. Josh kicks off the episode by addressing the importance of building connections with partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He shares his experience of engaging in private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to understand the sources of their best business. Josh offers a free video resource on achieving 100% inbound marketing in one’s industry within six to eight months, emphasizing a spam-free, ad-free, and sales-free approach. Listeners are invited to visit his website, Up My Influence, to access this valuable content. John Karsant introduces LevelUp Leads, a sales development agency dedicated to helping small to midsize companies enhance their prospecting and appointment-setting efforts. The agency's primary goal is to create more sales opportunities for their clients by leveraging effective lead generation strategies. John and Josh discuss the dynamic nature of lead generation strategies over the past five years, highlighting the resurgence of cold calling and the importance of human-to-human conversations. John emphasizes the need for a clearly defined Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and the significance of understanding a client’s current strategies, successes, and challenges for effective outreach and engagement. About John Karsant: John Karsant is the Founder and CEO of LevelUp Leads, an outbound lead generation agency that typically works with small companies. John is also a Member of RevGenius, a group of revenue generating sales and marketing professionals. Previously, John served as the Head of Sales and Business Development at Brightest Minds, Sales and Account Manager at DaoCloud, and in business development roles at Accelevents and Solar Lead Factory. Prior to their career in sales and business development, John was a Tennis Professional at Claremont Country Club and Teaching Professional at Peter Burwash International. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing Communications from California Lutheran University. About LevelUp Leads: LevelUp Leads is a B2B sales development agency that offers a comprehensive, done-for-you service. Acting as an extension of clients' teams, they provide both fractional and full-service Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) supported by a robust technology stack. The LevelUp Leads team spearheads outbound strategies, sourcing relevant data, implementing advanced technology solutions, crafting compelling copy, and managing campaigns to generate meetings and drive revenue. This approach allows clients' teams to focus on closing more deals while LevelUp Leads handles the intricacies of lead generation.   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 LevelUp Leads website at https://levelupleads.io/ Check out LevelUp Leads on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/levelup-leads/ Check out John Karsant on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkarsant 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 Music in Leadership In a recent podcast episode, the host had an enlightening conversation with Susan Drumm, CEO of Meritage Leadership Development and author of the USA Today bestselling book, "The Leader's Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life". This episode delves into the fascinating intersection of music, neuroscience, and leadership, exploring how music can serve as a transformative tool for personal and professional growth. Susan, with over 20 years of experience in leadership development, has a remarkable ability to recognize and disrupt unproductive patterns in leaders, helping them build high-performance teams. Susan's book, "The Leader's Playlist", emphasizes the power of music in leadership. Leaders often face the challenge of achieving exceptional results in an environment characterized by rapid change and complexity. Many find themselves stuck in unproductive patterns that hinder their effectiveness. Susan introduces the idea that music can be a secret weapon in recognizing and disrupting these patterns. For example, she shares a compelling story about a chief marketing officer who struggled with feelings of exclusion. Through coaching, Susan helped her identify the root of this pattern, create a playlist that represented her feelings, and develop a new playlist that embodied her desired emotional state, ultimately improving her relationships with colleagues. Susan explains that music's ability to change emotional states is well-known, but its potential to help identify and transform limiting patterns is less recognized. Music activates all four regions of the brain, making it a powerful tool for personal development. By pairing behavioral changes with music, individuals can accelerate their transformation and achieve their goals more effectively. Susan encourages leaders to be intentional about their music choices, using it as a tool for state change and personal growth. The episode concludes with Susan inviting listeners to visit her website, [susandrumm.com](https://www.susandrumm.com), where they can take a quiz to discover their path to enlightened leadership and receive a downloadable playlist to help them create their own music-based transformation. About Susan Drumm: Susan Drumm is a CEO Advisor, speaker, USA Today bestselling author, and leadership coach dedicated to empowering leaders and their teams to thrive in today’s disruptive landscape. With extensive experience coaching billionaire CEOs, high-profile political figures, and Fortune 100 executives, she leverages her diverse academic background—including graduate degrees from Harvard Law School and Carnegie Mellon University—to inform her unique coaching approach. As a Master Certified Coach (MCC) through the International Coaching Federation, Susan holds multiple certifications, including HeartMath™ and the Integrative Enneagram. She is the two-time bestselling author of *The Leader’s Playlist*, where she explores how music and childhood experiences impact leadership. Her podcast, "The Enlightened Executive", ranks in the top 2% globally, featuring groundbreaking strategies for personal and leadership effectiveness. Susan's clientele spans various industries, including tech, healthcare, and finance, with notable organizations such as KPMG and Oracle. Before founding Meritage Leadership Development, Susan held senior consulting roles at The Boston Consulting Group and NBC/GE. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, she is an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and enjoys travel, hiking, and spending time with her toy Australian Shepherd, Jasmine. About Meritage Leadership Development: Meritage is a leadership consulting firm built on the principle that people are the most important asset of any business. We know that without high-performance leadership and aligned teams, no company can reach its full potential. Our clients span healthcare, private equity, financial services, technology, media, retail and consumer goods 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 Meritage Leadership Development website at https://meritageleadership.com/ Check out Meritage Leadership Development on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/meritage-leadership-development/ Check out Susan Drumm on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-drumm 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.  

Navigating the Evolving SEO Landscape: Essential Insights for B2B and SaaS Success In the latest episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh sits down with Steven Schneider, the CEO of TrioSEO, to delve into the evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO). This episode is a treasure trove of insights, particularly for B2B and SaaS companies looking to refine their SEO strategies. Steven shares his extensive experience in the SEO and content marketing space, emphasizing the importance of quality content and strategic approaches to attract high-intent traffic. Here, we break down the key takeaways from their conversation, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to help you navigate the complex world of SEO. Steven introduces TrioSEO, an agency that primarily serves B2B and SaaS founders. Unlike many SEO agencies that focus on technical SEO or backlinks, TrioSEO specializes in creating high-quality content aimed at attracting ideal customers. Steven underscores the importance of an ROI-focused SEO content strategy that prioritizes meaningful traffic over mere numbers. As 2024 approaches, the SEO landscape is rapidly evolving. Steven notes that AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly popular for content production. However, he advocates for a more traditional approach that emphasizes quality and sustainability. Josh and Steven discuss the potential pitfalls of producing large volumes of low-quality content using AI tools like ChatGPT. Steven warns that while this approach might yield a temporary increase in traffic, it is unlikely to be sustainable. Google is adept at recognizing low-quality content, and user behavior—such as high bounce rates—will ultimately impact a site's ranking. The episode concludes with actionable advice: focus on creating valuable, high-quality content that meets the needs of your audience, monitor user behavior, and leverage expert advice to position your business for long-term SEO success.     About Steven Schneider: Steven is co-founder and CEO at TrioSEO - a blog writing agency that helps online businesses scale organic traffic and use their blog to generate qualified leads through BOFU (bottom of the funnel) content. Before TrioSEO, he co-owned a portfolio of 40 blogs, managed 400 articles monthly, and scaled to 7 figures in annual revenue with his two partners. Today, TrioSEO creates content strategies that speak directly to their client's ideal customers and targets topics that convert browsers into buyers. The team at TrioSEO manages everything from strategy and outlines to writing, editing, uploading, and publishing- even offering tips and tricks to enhance user experience (UX) and conversion.     About TrioSEO: TrioSEO is a monthly SEO agency tailored for SaaS, eCommerce, and online businesses. They specialize in creating SEO content that effectively drives traffic and attracts customers to websites. For those looking to increase their website traffic, TrioSEO offers a comprehensive approach that includes auditing existing SEO practices, conducting keyword research, identifying content opportunities, creating high-quality content, and optimizing current content. Their mission is to enhance SEO traffic for thousands of online businesses through exceptional content. Recognizing the value of SEO but lacking the time to implement it? TrioSEO serves as the ideal solution. Founded by Connor Gillivan, Steven Schneider, and Nathan Hirsch, the agency is led by experienced SEO professionals who have successfully built businesses generating six, seven, and even eight figures through effective SEO strategies. 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 TrioSEO website at https://trioseo.com/ Check out TrioSEO on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/trioseo/ Check out Steven Schneider on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneis 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 Importance of Operational Leadership in Business Growth In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into the critical role of operational leadership in driving business growth, particularly for small and medium-sized business (SMB) founders. This episode features two main speakers: the host, who introduces the episode and the guest, and Mara Whitener, a seasoned business growth strategist and fractional CEO. Mara shares her expertise on how operational leadership can transform a business, helping entrepreneurs streamline their operations and uncover hidden financial opportunities. The host opens the episode by addressing the audience, emphasizing the need for effective introductions to partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He highlights his extensive experience, having engaged in private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to discover the best sources of business growth. To support listeners in their entrepreneurial journey, he promotes a free video resource that outlines steps to achieve 100% inbound marketing in their industry over the next six to eight months, without relying on spam, ads, or sales tactics. The host encourages listeners to visit his website, upmyinfluence.com, to access this valuable resource. Mara begins by sharing her extensive background in entrepreneurship, having spent over 20 years growing six and seven-figure companies. She observes that many entrepreneurs start their businesses driven by passion and skill but soon realize the complexities of running a business can detract from their core mission. Mara positions herself as a "translator" for CEOs, helping them articulate their big vision and translating it into actionable plans that encompass systems, workflows, team dynamics, and marketing strategies. One of the key areas Mara focuses on is helping entrepreneurs identify hidden money within their businesses. She explains that many founders are sitting on untapped financial resources due to inefficient systems and processes. By analyzing their operations, Mara has helped clients uncover significant savings—one example being a client who discovered $12,000 in initial savings, which eventually grew to nearly $300,000 through strategic operational improvements. The conversation shifts to current trends in operational leadership. Mara notes a societal shift towards valuing work-life balance and the desire for entrepreneurs to enjoy their lives more. This trend has led to a demand for simpler, more efficient business operations. However, the plethora of available tools and platforms can create confusion for founders trying to determine the best fit for their needs. For those who have never hired a director of operations or fractional CEO, Mara outlines her engagement process. She begins with a "blueprint to success," where she collaborates with the CEO to assess what is working, what isn't, and where gaps exist. This thorough analysis allows her to create a customized plan that addresses the unique needs of the business. Mara invites listeners to explore the free resources available on her website, whitenerpros.com, offering a popular guide on finding hidden financial opportunities in businesses and complimentary strategy sessions to help business owners move the needle in their operations. About Mara Whitener: Meet Mara Whitener - seasoned entrepreneur, systems expert, and passionate business puzzle-solver. With over 20 years building and scaling companies, Mara brings precision and proven methodologies to unstick growth challenges. Having built and sold several 6&7 figure firms, Mara understands first-hand what it takes to transform vision into reality. Her superpower is designing fully-custom operational systems - the missing piece to level up your business. Mara’s systems empower you to take on more clients, save money, and focus on what you love. Growth doesn’t have to feel chaotic. Mara tailors solutions catered to you and fixed for how you best operate. Beyond business, she is a dedicated foster pet-parent, award-winning community leader, and thrives behind the scenes as an introvert. If you seek to turn your endeavors into well-oiled machines, let Mara work her magic. With unmatched dedication, she will unpuzzle your operations so running your business feels easy, while making your biggest dreams possible. About Whitener Professional Services: Whitener Professional Services specializes in business development, project management, and account services designed to help businesses enhance their profitability. With a dedicated team of experts, Whitener Professional Services offers tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by each client. Their strategic approach focuses on optimizing operations, streamlining processes, and fostering strong client relationships to drive growth. Committed to delivering measurable results, Whitener Professional Services empowers businesses to achieve their financial goals and sustain long-term success in a competitive market. 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 Whitener Professional Services website at https://whitenerpros.com/ Check out Whitener Professional Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenbananaseo/ Check out Mara Whitener on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-whitener/ 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 Your Money: Proven Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Create Cash Flow and Passive Income In a recent podcast episode, host Josh engages with Chris Miles, the founder of Money Ripples, to discuss effective financial strategies for business owners. The conversation centers on how entrepreneurs can achieve time freedom and create passive income, moving away from traditional investment methods that often do not yield the desired results. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared by Chris Miles, providing a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their financial strategies. Chris Miles is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners regain control over their finances. His tagline, "Create freedom and prosperity today," reflects his mission to enable individuals to work because they want to, not because they have to. He acknowledges that many entrepreneurs find themselves trapped in a cycle of working excessively hard, often mirroring the rat race they sought to escape. Josh sets the stage by highlighting the typical financial struggles faced by business owners, especially those who have been in business for five or more years. Many entrepreneurs deal with cash flow fluctuations, business debt, and the pressure of maintaining profitability. Chris emphasizes that the key to overcoming these challenges lies in adopting a common-sense approach to money management. Chris argues that many financial advisors promote a mindset that locks money away in retirement accounts and encourages debt repayment, which can hinder entrepreneurs' financial growth. He advocates for a different approach: freeing up cash and investing it wisely. He points out that only 25% of entrepreneurs have enough cash reserves to cover two months of operating expenses, which is a critical oversight. Chris emphasizes the importance of creating cash flow and passive income streams, suggesting that true passive income comes from investments that generate cash flow without the investor needing to be actively involved. He shares a success story of a client who transformed a million-dollar investment from a traditional financial advisor, which would have yielded only $30,000 a year, into a diversified portfolio that generated between $100,000 and $130,000 annually. This was achieved by investing in real estate, syndications, and other cash-flowing assets, demonstrating the potential for higher returns through strategic investments. About Chris Miles: Chris Miles, the Cash Flow Expert and Anti-Financial Advisor, is a leading authority teaching entrepreneurs and professionals how to get their money working for them TODAY! He’s an author, podcast host of the Money Ripples Podcast, has been featured in US News, CNN Money, Entrepreneurs on Fire, BiggerPockets, and has a proven reputation with his company, Money Ripples (https://moneyripples.com/) getting his clients fast, financial results. In fact, his personal clients have increased their cash flow by $300+ Million in the last 14 years!   About Money Ripples: Money Ripples is dedicated to helping individuals improve their cash flow, enabling them to work because they want to, not because they have to. Their financial consulting services, coupled with an innovative infinite banking strategy, aim to guide clients toward financial freedom. Rather than relying on traditional retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s, clients are encouraged to embark on a passive investing journey with the support of Money Ripples. Together, they strive to create a path to freedom and prosperity. 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 GreenBanana SEO website at https://moneyripples.com/ Check out GreenBanana SEO on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/money-ripples/ Check out Chris Miles on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscmiles 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.  

Transform Your Business: The Essential Guide to Innovation and Growth Strategies In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with West Stringfellow, the CEO and founder of HowDo. This platform is dedicated to providing open-source resources aimed at fostering innovation and business growth. West shares his extensive background in leading innovation at major corporations and the mission behind HowDo. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice from the episode, offering a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to innovate and grow. West Stringfellow introduces HowDo as an open-source resource platform designed to help individuals and businesses innovate. He acknowledges that the term "innovation" has become somewhat diluted over time but clarifies that, in a business context, it fundamentally means evolving and changing. West believes that the greatest opportunity in business today lies in innovation, whether that involves developing new processes, launching products, or reassessing existing business practices. Notably, HowDo has engaged over 400,000 users globally, with a diverse audience that includes students, educators, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. He emphasizes that half of the users come from outside the United States, showcasing the platform's international appeal. While the resources on HowDo are free, West offers consulting and coaching services on the side. He finds that many people enjoy learning about innovation but may struggle with the implementation. His consulting work focuses on helping teams develop the skills necessary to apply the innovative processes outlined on HowDo. Josh wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore the resources available on HowDo, emphasizing the platform's wealth of information, including book summaries and masterclasses. He invites entrepreneurs and business leaders to adopt a growth mindset and leverage the tools and insights provided by West and his team. About West Stringfellow: West is a product and technology visionary who has launched zero to one innovations at Amazon and PayPal, led transformations at Fortune 500s like Visa and Target, and accelerated startups with Techstars. He's not just an innovation and product management executive, he's also a successful founder and entrepreneur whose startup was acquired by a Fortune 50. With over 20 years of experience, West has consistently driven innovation, resulting in market disruptions and massive revenue growth. Today, West empowers entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes through coaching and consulting, sharing his expertise in product innovation and digital transformation. With 5 patents to his name and a wealth of international experience, West is here to share insights that can help you revolutionize your approach to product and technology. About HowDo: HowDo, founded in 2017, is dedicated to helping business leaders unlock their business’ growth potential through innovation and technical transformation. We partner with businesses of all sizes, from Fortune 50s to startups and government agencies. Our vision for sustainable innovation combines solid business fundamentals with industry best practices and cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, cloud computing, and open-source solutions Our team of experienced consultants, led by former industry executives, works closely with organizations to tailor solutions to their unique challenges and opportunities.   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 HowDo website at https://howdo.com/ Check out HowDo on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/howdo-com/ Check out West Stringfellow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/weststringfellow/ 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.  

Unleashing Your Inner Power: A New Era for Women in Business In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Amanda Riffee, a certified executive coach dedicated to empowering female business leaders. Amanda's mission is to help women navigate their careers and businesses in a way that aligns with their values and well-being, steering clear of burnout and traditional success metrics that often lead to dissatisfaction. This blog post delves into the key themes and actionable advice shared by Amanda during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for female leaders striving for success without sacrificing their personal lives. Amanda Riffee is an executive and career coach who specializes in working with career-driven women, including founders, business owners, and C-level executives. Her approach is centered on helping women achieve success on their own terms, ensuring that their professional achievements do not come at the expense of their personal lives. Amanda's coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that women can design businesses and careers that work for their lifestyles, rather than the other way around. The landscape of female leadership is evolving, with more women stepping into leadership roles and challenging traditional success metrics. Amanda and the host discuss how corporate structures have historically been built around a male-centric model, where men were expected to sacrifice their personal lives for work, while women were often relegated to domestic roles. Burnout is a significant issue that Amanda is particularly passionate about, given her personal experiences. She explains that many women who transition from corporate jobs to entrepreneurship often carry over the same work habits that led to their burnout in the first place. Addressing burnout requires inner work, including shifting beliefs and mindsets. Amanda emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and understanding one's values to create a fulfilling work environment. By identifying what truly matters to them, women can establish boundaries that protect their time and energy, ultimately leading to greater success and satisfaction.   About Amanda Riffee: Amanda Riffee is an Internationally Certified Executive Coach for Women. She is a thought leader and event speaker with a business degree and 17 years of corporate experience. She is also the host of the Unleashing You with Amanda Riffee podcast, a happy wife, and a mom of two.   Her mission is to help women unlock their mindset, see their worth, and create a career (and life) they love—no burnout required! Amanda resides in Colorado with her family and loves traveling to new places while spending time with other powerhouse women who are passionate about personal growth and enjoying this beautiful life!   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 Amanda Riffee's website at https://acrprofessionalcoaching.com/ Check out Amanda Riffee on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-riffee/ 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.  

Unlocking the Potential of Opportunity Zones: A Comprehensive Guide In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh delves into the intricacies of opportunity zones with Ashley Tison, the founder and president of OZPros. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for investors looking to capitalize on tax mitigation strategies while contributing to the revitalization of underserved communities. Let's break down the key takeaways from this enlightening conversation and explore how you can leverage opportunity zones to maximize your investment returns. Opportunity zones were introduced as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, aiming to stimulate economic growth in economically distressed areas by incentivizing investors to direct their capital gains into these regions. The mechanics are straightforward: investors can defer their tax liabilities by reinvesting capital gains into a qualified opportunity fund (QOF), which is typically an LLC taxed as a partnership. If the investment is held for at least ten years, any appreciation in value can be withdrawn tax-free. Since the inception of opportunity zones, approximately $150 billion has flowed into these regions, resulting in increased property values, new businesses, and job creation. Ashley outlines the types of individuals who would benefit most from opportunity zone investments, including those with capital gains, entrepreneurs looking to start or relocate a business, and families investing in properties near campuses. OZPros offers various services to assist clients, such as setting up QOFs, ensuring compliance, and offering strategic consultations with a flat fee structure. As the conversation wraps up, Ashley encourages listeners to explore the opportunity zones in their areas by visiting the OZPros website, emphasizing the dual benefit of building wealth while revitalizing communities.   About Ashley Tison: Ashley Tison, Esq. is the founder of OZPros, the leading Opportunity Zone consultancy. A leading consultant and attorney on Opportunity Zones, tax advantaged structures and investing strategies, Ashley has advised over 500 commercial property investors, family offices, investment advisors and high net worth individuals on how to how to best maximize their tax savings in real estate investments, how to maximize the positive community impact of their projects, selecting an optimal investment strategy, and properly navigating the applicable regulations. Ashley is an engaging and enthusiastic speaker and / or guest covering topics such as opportunity zones, tax advantaged alternative investments, real estate, and tax planning for leading national conferences and educational seminars.   About OZPros: At OZPros, the team assists high net worth investors, real estate professionals, business owners, and community stakeholders in navigating the complexities of legislation and regulations, enabling them to successfully execute their Opportunity Zone strategies. 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 OZPros website at https://ozpros.com/ Check out OZPros on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ozproscom Check out Ashley Tison on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-tison 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 Importance of Publicity and Kindness in Business   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jill Lublin, the founder and CEO of Jill Lublin Publicity. Jill, a seasoned expert in publicity and the author of influential books such as "Guerrilla Publicity" and "The Profit of Kindness," shares her invaluable insights on the critical role of publicity and the transformative power of kindness in the business landscape. This blog post delves into the key themes discussed in the episode, offering actionable advice and expert recommendations to help you leverage publicity and kindness for business success. Jill begins by addressing the disconnect that has arisen in modern business due to an over-reliance on technology. While technology can facilitate connections, it often lacks the personal touch that is vital for building meaningful relationships. Jill emphasizes the joy of simple acts of kindness, such as sending a handwritten card or expressing gratitude, which can significantly enhance personal and professional interactions. She explains that her monthly "Kindness Circles" are designed to create a supportive environment where participants can connect and help one another, fostering collaboration and ultimately leading to business opportunities. Transitioning to the topic of publicity, Jill shares her insights on what is currently effective in the realm of public relations and media visibility. She notes that podcasts have become a powerful tool for gaining exposure and connecting with audiences. Jill encourages listeners to leverage the opportunities presented by podcasts to share their messages and expertise. She also advocates for exploring alternative communication methods, including phone calls, to establish more personal connections with media professionals. By integrating the principles of kindness and effective publicity strategies discussed in this episode, you can create a more connected, supportive, and successful business environment.   About Jill Lublin: Jill Lublin is a master publicity strategist, bestselling author, and dynamic speaker with over 200 engagements each year. Renowned for her entertaining and interactive keynotes, Jill covers topics like publicity, networking, kindness, and influence marketing. She has shared her expertise on stages alongside Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, and Lisa Nichols, and her popular Publicity Crash Course has drawn thousands. With 25 years of experience working with major media outlets like ABC, NBC, and CBS, Jill is a recognized authority in her field, featured in publications such as The New York Times and Forbes. She is the author of four bestselling books, including "Guerrilla Publicity," often called the "PR Bible," and her latest release, "The Profit of Kindness," which topped multiple bestseller lists. As the Producer and Host of "Messages of Hope," Jill inspires audiences to take positive action. She also consults with Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike, delivering innovative strategies that drive success through effective influence marketing and publicity.   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 Jill Lublin Publicity website at https://jilllublin.com/ Check out Jill Lublin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilllublin/ 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 Growth: Essential Strategies for Effective Marketing and Audience Engagement In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jason Shafton, the founder and CEO of Winston Francois, a growth consultancy that partners with companies to develop and execute effective growth strategies. Jason shared his wealth of knowledge on business growth, marketing practices, and the importance of understanding target audiences. This blog post delves into the key takeaways from our conversation, offering actionable advice and expert insights to help businesses thrive. Jason Shafton introduced Winston Francois as a growth consultancy that differentiates itself by taking a hands-on approach. Unlike traditional management consultants or agencies, Winston Francois works closely with clients to implement strategies and improve their operations. The company adheres to the "campground rule" of leaving clients in a better position than they were before. Winston Francois has an impressive portfolio, having worked with notable brands such as Adobe, Uber, Kajabi, Google, and Disney. This showcases their ability to assist both well-known companies and lesser-known startups in achieving growth. Jason's passion for solving complex problems and unlocking new growth channels for businesses is evident in the success stories he shared. To help businesses refine their growth and marketing strategies, Jason encourages entrepreneurs to consider three fundamental questions: What are we selling? Who is it for? Why should they care? These questions are essential for effectively communicating the value of a product or service and understanding the target audience. Jason stresses that a great product is the foundation of successful marketing and growth efforts. He also outlined several best practices that are currently effective in driving growth, such as understanding customer behavior, optimizing conversion rates, and adopting a holistic marketing approach. By following the actionable advice and expert insights shared by Jason Shafton, businesses can refine their growth strategies, optimize their marketing efforts, and achieve sustainable success. For more in-depth discussions on business growth and marketing, be sure to check out Jason's podcast, "Frank Growth." About Jason Shafton: Jason Shafton is a 20+ year veteran in growth, where he built billion-dollar businesses at Google, Paramount, and DaVita and scaled startups like Headspace, Soothe, and Heal (acquired by Humana). At Google, he scaled the Google Ads platform and launched Google Music and Google Play. He also spent time leading marketing at Comedy Central, where he launched new seasons of South Park and The Daily Show as well as new franchises Broad City, Drunk History and Inside Amy Schumer. After co-founding Heal where he helped thousands of families get access to better health, he ran growth marketing both at Soothe and Headspace, scaling those businesses to millions of global users. Finding himself on speed dial with some of the top tech founders, investors, and CEOs asking for growth marketing support, he now acts as founder of growth consulting firm, Winston Francois (named after his dogs Winston and Frank). Winston Francois works with brands to provide strategic guidance across product, growth, marketing, management, and organizational design to support sustainable value creation. About Winston Francois: Our scope is helping you scale. We take a custom approach to your growth goals by assembling and leading the best-in-class marketing team to support your next stage. If you’re looking for your typical agency - you won’t find it here. We’re a team of experts across a variety of disciplines that will get in the trenches with you. Our role is to guide you, pair you with extensive resources so that eventually, you’ll fly on your own. We want to help you outgrow us, and when it’s time we’ll build a team to carry the work forward. 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 Winston Francois website at https://winstonfrancois.com/ Check out Winston Francois on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/winstonfrancois/ Check out Jason Shafton on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonshafton 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.