The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

Navigating the Evolving Tech Landscape In a recent episode of the podcast, host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Justin Fortier, the founder and CEO of FYC Labs. This development and creative agency specializes in building web applications, mobile applications, and websites. The discussion delves into the evolution of the software development industry over the past 11 years, the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI), and best practices for collaborating with tech vendors. Here, we break down the key insights and actionable advice shared by Justin, providing a comprehensive guide for businesses and entrepreneurs navigating the tech landscape. Reflecting on the past decade, Justin acknowledges that while many companies have struggled to keep pace, FYC Labs has differentiated itself through a commitment to innovation. Key points include embracing emerging technologies like blockchain and AI, and creating a consortium to leverage collective buying power and retain talent. Justin shares an anecdote from his time in graduate school, where he worked in a bar that expanded into multiple restaurants, teaching him the value of creating a consortium of businesses to leverage collective buying power and retain talent. Justin emphasizes the importance of treating vendors as partners rather than mere transactional relationships. Key advice includes clearly defining requirements and expectations, investing time in this process, and maintaining ongoing communication and collaboration. At FYC Labs, all team members have technical backgrounds, ensuring effective communication and smooth project execution. As the episode concludes, Justin invites listeners to explore opportunities for collaboration with FYC Labs and the broader Fractal Group, which encompasses various entrepreneurial ventures and investments. About Justin Fortier: Justin Fortier is a tech entrepreneur and founder of multiple successful companies in California. As CEO/CTO of FYC Labs, he successfully led the company to acquisition in 2020. The boutique design agency grew internationally, capturing clients such as Remax, National University, Budweiser, and Pepsi Co., and has been recognized on several top lists for Web Design and Development. Justin has been named as finalist for CEO of the year twice by the San Diego Business Journal and was recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Business Leaders in San Diego by San Diego Daily Transcript. In addition, he holds top-level Technical/Business advisory positions at 11.2 Ventures, Blush Design Inc, Edvo, Aura Finance, and Intraratio Corp. He has held technical executive roles for blockchain innovators – XYO Network, ecommerce game changer – For Days, and manufacturing technology SaaS – Intraratio Corp. Justin volunteers his time helping other entrepreneurs and small business owners through various organizations such as San Diego Small Business Advisory Board, Sierra College, Folsom Chamber of Commerce, and the Granite City Foundation Justin is a father of two and enjoys fishing, hiking, and playing hockey Founder and CEO/CTO of FYC Labs, Justin Fortier, has been a guest on similar podcasts where his discussions have garnered positive feedback and engagement from audiences. Justin has also been showcased on Fox Business News twice in the last year. Moreover, his dedication and success have earned him a finalist spot in the "40 under 40" Next Top Business Leaders and acknowledgment as the 2024 Mentor of the Year honoree by San Diego Business Journal. FYC Labs has added another award to the growing collection- a coveted spot on the esteemed 2023 Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. Recently, FYC Labs has also been recognized as a leading IT Services provider in the field of Artificial Intelligence by Inc. Magazine’s Power Partners list. About FYC Labs: FYC Labs has been a top provider of innovative solutions for over a decade. We specialize in engineering and cutting-edge UI/UX web and product design, and provide organizations strategic support. We strive to exceed expectations by understanding your unique needs and delivering exceptional results. 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 FYC Labs website at https://fyclabs.com/ Check out FYC Labs on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/fyc-labs Check out Justin Fortier on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinffortier 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.

Building Trust in B2B Marketing In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Nikhil Sai, the founder and CEO of Funnel Media. Nikhil shared his inspiring journey from being a broke dropout in India to building a successful marketing agency. He emphasized the importance of empathy and relationship-building in sales, and provided valuable insights into effective B2B marketing strategies. This blog post will break down the key takeaways from the episode, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to help you enhance your marketing and sales efforts. Nikhil Sai's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in a small town in India, he faced significant challenges, including language barriers and a lack of resources. Despite these obstacles, he was determined to succeed. By the age of 19, he had dropped out of school and set out to build a marketing agency. Within two years, he successfully established a million-dollar business, leveraging online strategies to attract high-ticket clients. At the core of Nikhil's approach is his **AI Funneling System**, which combines various tools and techniques to replicate the effects of personal referrals in an online environment. Nikhil advocates for a robust content creation strategy to effectively connect with potential clients. Here’s how you can implement this: Identify audience problems through research and use the same language your clients use to describe their problems. Provide value-driven content that offers solutions and insights, demonstrating your business's expertise through detailed and actionable content. Engage in response marketing by articulating the outcomes you can help clients achieve and maintaining a consistent presence across various platforms to build familiarity and trust. By implementing the strategies and insights shared by Nikhil Sai, businesses can enhance their marketing and sales efforts, build trust with potential clients, and achieve sustainable growth. About Nikhil Sai: Nikhil Sai's journey in the entrepreneurial world is nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a 19-year-old broke college dropout, Nikhil defied the odds and established a $1 million marketing agency within just two years. His accomplishments are even more astounding considering he's recognized as the world's youngest recipient of the hundred million dollar award in his field. He has won multiple 2 comma club awards from the Founder of ClickFunnels, Russell Brunson . He also has the privilege to generating over half a billion dollars in verified client results, having worked with Inc 500 companies, Forbes Council Members and various other high ticket coaches and real estate companies. About Funneling Media: This platform provides 'done-for-you' marketing services. It is tailored for businesses already generating over a million dollars in revenue, aiming to boost their marketing strategies further. 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 Funneling Media website at https://funnelingmedia.com/ Check out Funneling Media on LinkedIn at https://in.linkedin.com/company/funnelingmedia Check out Nikhil Sai on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikhilsai   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.

Sales Coaching Insights: A Comprehensive Guide In this insightful episode of the podcast, the host welcomes Phil Whitebloom, a seasoned sales coach and the founder of Been There Consulting Services. With over 40 years of experience in sales and consulting, Phil shares his expertise on the importance of effective sales strategies and personalized coaching for business growth. This blog post will break down the key themes and actionable advice from the episode, providing a detailed guide for listeners looking to enhance their sales practices. Phil addresses a common misconception among founders and entrepreneurs: the belief that a great product will naturally attract customers. He references the famous line from the movie "Field of Dreams," stating that this mindset is unrealistic in the business world. Many intelligent and successful individuals often overlook the necessity of a solid sales strategy, assuming that their product's quality alone will drive sales. Phil emphasizes that without a well-structured sales organization and effective sales practices, even the best products can fail to gain traction in the market. Phil distinguishes between sales coaching and traditional sales training. While many sales training programs provide valuable information, they often lack the personalized approach that coaching offers. Effective coaching involves understanding the unique challenges faced by each client and working collaboratively to develop strategies that yield immediate results. Phil shares a success story from his recent coaching experience, where a client transformed a $5,000 opportunity into a $150,000 sale within just six weeks, illustrating the potential impact of personalized coaching on sales performance. About Phil Whitebloom: Phil Whitebloom is a seasoned sales expert with over 40 years in sales, management, and executive roles. His career highlights include a 23-year tenure at Sony, where he advanced from salesperson to Vice President of Sales for Government, Corporate, and Education sectors, earning the prestigious Samurai Award twice. Phil has led sales teams across North and Latin America and held VP roles in businesses across the U.S., France, and Israel. His impressive client base includes the White House, major broadcasters, universities, and Fortune 500 companies, generating over $1.5 billion in career sales. Post-retirement, Phil founded BeenThere Consulting Services, LLC, focusing on sales coaching and motivational speaking. He also co-hosts the BeenThere/SoldThat Podcast and is authoring “Handling Objections – Clues for Closing the Sale.” Phil is actively involved in community service, serving as a guest lecturer, board member of ASPIE, and former president of his religious organization and the Howard Astronomical League. His personal interests include astronomy, nature photography, and family life with his spouse, three children, two grandchildren, and a dog. About BeenThere Consulting Services: BeenThere Consulting Services is founded on the principle of helping others be successful in selling, leadership, managing others, and effective communications. Decades of experience working with thousands of people in a vast number of businesses and organizations have provided us with learning experiences we share with others, so they can benefit from the stories and skill set development provided by us and our subject matter expert partners. 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 BeenThere Consulting Services website at https://beentherecs.com/ Check out BeenThere Consulting Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/beenthere-consulting-services-llc Check out Phil Whitebloom on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/philwhitebloom 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.

Join Eisha Armstrong, executive chairman and co-founder of Victorious and author of influential works like "Productize," as she shares her insights on productization for B2B service providers. Discover the transformative power of turning services into scalable products, and learn how to identify urgent customer problems that your offerings can solve. Eisha also discusses the role of generative AI in enhancing productization, emphasizing the need for automation and market testing. Embrace innovative strategies to future-proof your business!

Understanding the Importance and Benefits of Team Dynamics In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh explores the complexities of team dynamics with Karen Wright Gordon, the CEO of Simpli5. This episode is a goldmine of insights for leaders and managers aiming to boost teamwork and collaboration within their organizations. Karen discusses the significance of understanding individual work preferences and how this knowledge can revolutionize team performance. Here, we distill the key takeaways from the episode, providing actionable advice and detailed explanations to help you implement these strategies in your own organization. Five Dynamics is a company dedicated to enhancing organizational teamwork through a unique assessment methodology. Their core tool is a three-minute assessment designed to identify how individuals prefer to work, learn, and collaborate. This assessment, which took a decade to develop, reveals each person's most efficient neural pathways, highlighting their strengths and areas where they may struggle. Leaders can use this information to tailor their management styles to better suit their teams, thereby enhancing overall performance. Josh raises an essential question about the importance of understanding team dynamics amidst the myriad responsibilities leaders face. Karen emphasizes that this understanding can significantly accelerate team performance. By understanding how new team members will fit into existing dynamics, leaders can avoid lengthy adjustment periods, establish a common language for discussing team dynamics, and reduce conflicts arising from different energy levels and work styles. This shared understanding leads to enhanced communication, minimized conflicts, and improved collective performance. About Karen Wright Gordon: Karen Gordon is the President and CEO of Simpli5, a technology utilized by Fortune 500 companies that analyzes teams’ work styles and their affinity for different phases of a project cycle to improve team collaboration, satisfaction, and results. A serial entrepreneur who loves strategy and execution, Karen finds fun in solving big problems and making deals work. Throughout her career, Karen has dedicated herself to transforming workplace cultures through the power of collaboration and team performance. Karen has worked with a who's who of businesses, including transformational partnerships with Nortel Networks, Humana, AT&T Wireless, and LinkedIn. In 2000, shortly after founding GTCI, she secured a significant deal with AT&T Wireless to develop and deliver a course about 3G wireless technology, training over 2,000 employees nationwide. Nortel Networks was GTCI's biggest customer, allowing Karen to lead their outsourced documentation program globally. Her strategic insight and resilience led to a significant win against larger competitors. Humana stands out as a pivotal client. Their CEO, Mike McCallister, recognized the potential of the 5 Dynamics model after Karen's first presentation. LinkedIn remains a fantastic partner, utilizing Simpli5's model extensively and supporting the company’s growth. A recognized leader and influencer, Karen's accolades include being a two-time Inc. 500 Honoree, an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, and a notable spotlight in the Dallas Top 25. Her expertise has been featured in leading publications such as SWAAY, The CEO Magazine, Business News Daily, Huffington Post, HR Dive, and Entrepreneur. One of her career highlights is her TEDx UT Austin presentation on "The Myth of Difficult People," which has further cemented her status as a thought leader in understanding and navigating complex human dynamics in the workplace.   About Simpli5 by 5 Dynamics:   5 Dynamics isn’t just a one and done assessment; it is a common language that enables individuals to better understand themselves and those with which they work and interact. By recognizing the different perspectives each person brings to the table, friction points are minimized and productivity is accelerated. Our methodology opens the door to greater understanding and our Simpli5 platform enables continuous application in your day-to-day life. If you're looking for a tool that is directly applicable to the work at hand and can be integrated into the core of your company’s culture, 5 Dynamics is for you. 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 Simpli5 website at https://www.simpli5.com/ Check out Simpli5 on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/5-dynamics/about/ Check out Karen Wright Gordon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-wright-gordon-1937a66/ 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.  

Fostering Meaningful Connections and Effective Leadership In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Andrew Horn, the co-founder and CEO of Tribute, and the founder of the Institute for Relational Leadership. The discussion delves into Andrew's innovative work in enhancing human connections and leadership effectiveness through his two ventures. This blog post will break down the key themes and actionable insights from the episode, providing valuable guidance for listeners and readers alike. Andrew Horn shares a deeply personal story that inspired the creation of Tribute. On his 27th birthday, his partner surprised him with a video compilation featuring heartfelt messages from 20 of his closest friends and family. This emotional gift left a lasting impression on Andrew, highlighting the profound impact of meaningful gestures. However, he quickly realized the challenges involved in creating such videos, which often required extensive coordination and technical skills. This realization led to the founding of Tribute, a platform designed to simplify the process of creating and sharing impactful video montages. Tribute has facilitated the creation of over 7 million tribute videos worldwide, with 82% of recipients reporting "tears of joy" when watching their tribute videos. In addition to Tribute, Andrew founded the Institute for Relational Leadership, which provides training and frameworks for leaders to navigate difficult conversations and build collaborative teams. Effective leadership hinges on interpersonal dynamics and communication, and the Institute aims to equip leaders with the tools and language necessary to foster thriving relationships within their teams. The Institute has developed a five-step framework designed to help leaders engage constructively with conflict and foster collaboration. Andrew emphasizes the importance of objectivity in communication and offers practical advice for leaders, including active listening, asking open-ended questions, and maintaining composure under pressure. About Andrew Horn: Andrew Horn is an entrepreneur, speaker and leadership coach who Forbes recently called “Dale Carnegie for the digital age.” He built his last company Tribute.co to 8-figures, millions of users and landed at #256 on the INC500 before stepping down to focus on coaching and growing IRL - the Institute for Relational Leadership.  Andrew spends most of his time helping high-impact entrepreneurs and executives to master a relationship-centric path to success, fulfillment and leadership excellence. He frequently speaks for organizations like Google, The Cleveland Clinic and he’s even been featured on the homepage of TED.com. He's on a mission to create art that reminds him how he wants to live and his creations revolve around three core pillars; radical authenticity, personal integrity and relational mastery.   About Tribute: Tribute makes it easy to create and gift a love-filled group video montage. Tribute was recently #256 on the INC500 list of fastest growing companies in America. We have delivered 6,000,000+ Tributes since launching.   About the Institute for Relational Leadership:   We are a boutique consulting firm that helps people work better, together. From unicorn startups to the Fortune 500, we equip teams with the people-centric leadership skills needed to communicate, collaborate and resolve conflict.   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 Tribute website at https://www.tribute.co/ Check out Tribute on Facebook at https://facebook.com/wetribute Check out Institute for Relational Leadership website at https://www.relationalleadership.net/ Check out Andrew Horn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhorn   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.  

Gender Equity in the Workplace In a recent episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur podcast, the host engages in a profound conversation with Kim Jones, the founder and CEO of the Kim Jones Alliance. The episode delves into the critical issue of gender equity in the workplace, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities for women in male-dominated industries like technology. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared by Kim Jones, providing a comprehensive guide for listeners and readers alike. Kim Jones boasts a 25-year corporate career, having ascended to senior executive roles in the information technology sector. As a former divisional CIO at a Fortune 250 company, Kim witnessed firsthand the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, particularly in tech. This experience ignited her passion for elevating women in the workplace, leading her to establish the Kim Jones Alliance. Her organization is dedicated to empowering women to reach their highest potential through coaching, consulting, education, and workshops, creating a supportive environment where women can thrive, especially in industries where they are significantly underrepresented. Despite positive developments over the past two decades, such as increased conversations about gender equity and evolving leadership models, significant gaps remain. Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles, particularly in Fortune 500 companies, and hold only 25% to 35% of positions in the tech industry. Kim emphasizes the need for organizations to turn their intentions into actions to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. She encourages women to recognize systemic bias, find allies, promote visibility, and prepare to use their voices. Additionally, she urges men to understand women's experiences, avoid assumptions, and become allies by recognizing biases and uplifting others.   About Kim Jones: Kim Jones draws on her 25 years of combined corporate and C-suite experience, coupled with her deep knowledge of leadership norms and best practices in corporate America, to develop a leading resource for women who want to advance their careers and create maximum workplace impact. She created Kim Jones Alliance (KJA) for individuals and companies looking to accelerate the progression of women in their work and careers. As part of this work, she partners with her clients to examine the structures that exist in their organizations and identify and implement solutions that create more equitable outcomes for women and other underrepresented groups, whether they be through leadership development or culture change. KJA’s chief objective is working in traditionally male-dominated fields—especially technology -- to assist them with becoming more hospitable for women while retaining the female talent already there. As such, KJA has developed courses and products that are designed to provide an equalizer for women seeking to climb the corporate ladder and reach their highest leadership potential. Through the trifecta of education, coaching, and consultancy, KJA empowers women in male prevalent fields like technology and leadership to shift both their mindsets and their behaviors to attain their professional goals. Furthermore, by embedding research and data on the ways that systemic bias shows up in companies and the strategies that effectively counteract them, Kim helps her clients examine and understand the systems of which they are a part and the actions that will best enable them to make meaningful changes within them. By doing so, she goes beyond merely highlighting the shortcomings in diversity and inclusion practices to empower her clients to take effective action. She is also starting a new KJA Academy for women to enroll in to benefit from her work wisdom.   About Kim Jones Alliance, LLC: Kim Jones Alliance helps ambitious women up-level their careers by creating work they love. Our deepest passion is guiding women into their freedom, empowerment, and purpose by helping them imagine and create the career of their dreams. Both personalized one-on-one and group coaching programs are offered to assist clients with navigating their career transformation journeys. Both offerings are designed to guide clients in creating the vision of their most amazing career imaginable, and then building the blueprint to launch it. Our coaching focuses on the premise that inner work plus outer change is what fuels career transformation. 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 Kim Jones Alliance, LLC website at https://www.kimjonesalliance.com/ Check out Kim Jones Alliance, LLC on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenbananaseo/ Check out Kim Jones on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberleesjones/ 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 Gym Industry: Addressing Industry Trends and Strategies   In the latest episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," we had the pleasure of hosting JP Levesque, the founder of Profitable Gyms. JP shared his invaluable insights into the gym industry, drawing from his extensive experience in both gym ownership and ultra-endurance sports. This blog post will delve into the key themes discussed in the episode, providing actionable advice and detailed explanations to help gym owners navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in this competitive landscape. The episode kicks off with an introduction to JP Levesque, highlighting his background in ultra-endurance events and his goal of completing a 100k race. This experience serves as a powerful metaphor for the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and mental toughness. JP draws compelling parallels between endurance sports and entrepreneurship, underscoring the significance of mental resilience, strategic planning, and long-term vision. Just as athletes push through physical and mental barriers during a race, entrepreneurs must navigate the ups and downs of running a business. The conversation shifts to the current state of the gym industry, particularly during the summer season. JP provides valuable insights into seasonal trends, marketing strategies, and industry trends. He stresses the importance of marketing during the summer, suggesting short-term offers that appeal to potential members looking for quick results. JP also addresses the impact of weight loss drugs on the gym industry and explains how Profitable Gyms assists gym owners in overcoming common challenges. He advocates for a sales approach rooted in integrity, focusing on providing value and building trust. About JP Levesque: JP Levesque is a fitness industry veteran of 15+ years. Starting out as a personal trainer in 2008 and working his way to gym ownership in 2017. He owned and operated a successful Crossfit gym for 6 years before selling it and going online to help gym owners grow their business. He is married to a naturopath, has two daughters ages 2 and 6, is an ultra runner, practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and is an all around fitness enthusiast. About Profitable Gym: They helps gym owners sign up and retain new high-paying members every single week. They will get more leads, make more sales, and truly see the growth they've been looking for with his powerful growth engine. 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 Profitable Gym website at https://profitablegyms.com/ Check out JP Levesque on LinkedIn at https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jp-levesque-782331255 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 Podcasting for Business Podcasting has become a powerful medium for businesses and individuals to connect with their audiences, share valuable content, and establish authority in their fields. In a recent episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, Dave Jackson, a renowned podcast consultant and founder of the School of Podcasting, shared his expertise on the state of podcasting, the value it brings to businesses, and common pitfalls aspiring podcasters should avoid. This blog post delves into the key takeaways from the episode, offering actionable advice and in-depth insights to help you navigate the podcasting landscape successfully. Podcasting offers a unique platform for businesses to engage with their audience in a more personal and impactful way. Dave Jackson highlighted several benefits, including building authority and trust by consistently sharing valuable content, which positions businesses as thought leaders. The intimate nature of podcasting fosters a personal connection with listeners, enhancing trust and loyalty. Additionally, podcasts can reach a global audience through diverse platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, making it a cost-effective marketing tool with high engagement rates. Starting a podcast can be daunting, and many aspiring podcasters fall into common traps. Dave Jackson shared some frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them, such as the importance of having a clear focus and target audience, investing in good equipment for better audio quality, and maintaining a consistent publishing schedule. He also emphasized the value of understanding your audience and delivering great content through storytelling and value-driven episodes. Consulting services, like those offered by Dave Jackson, can provide personalized guidance, technical support, and expert insights to help podcasters avoid common mistakes and optimize their shows. For more information and resources, visit the School of Podcasting and explore the wealth of support available to aspiring podcasters.     About Dave Jackson:   Dave Jackson began podcasting in 2005 and launched the School of Podcasting. His School of Podcasting show has over 3.2 million downloads. He has helped hundreds of people plan, launch, and grow their podcasts. He is the author of the book Profit from Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners into a Livelihood, and is a featured speaker at events. In 2016 Dave joined Libsyn (the largest podcast hosting company) as part of their tech support team. In 2018 he was inducted into the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame. Find him at www.schoolofpodcasting.com   About School of Podcasting:   The School of Podcasting is for the person looking to launch their own podcast. They want to do it right the first time. They want to be seen as an expert, reach a global audience, make more sales, know their audience, meet like-minded people, and grow their community. I have great step-by-step tutorials that will show you how to use podcast software titles like Audacity (a free software package), Adobe Audition, Sound Forge, and more. These tutorials walk you through the entire podcasting process. 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 School of Podcasting website at www.schoolofpodcasting.com Check out School of Podcasting on LinkedIn at Check out Dave Jackson on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/davejackson/ 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.    

Elevating Your Brand: The Impact of Hiring a Fractional CMO   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show," host Josh Elledge engaged in a compelling conversation with Jessica Shirra, a fractional CMO for seven-figure brands and the founder of Navi, a boutique fractional CMO agency. They explored the unique advantages of hiring a fractional CMO, the specialized services provided by Navi, and the transformative impact these services have on businesses. This blog post distills the key insights from the episode, offering actionable advice and detailed explanations to guide listeners and readers alike. A fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) is a marketing executive who works with companies on a part-time basis, providing high-level strategic guidance without the full-time commitment. This role is particularly beneficial for businesses that need expert marketing leadership but may not have the resources to hire a full-time CMO. Jessica Shirra's agency, Navi, specializes in working with six and seven-figure brands, particularly those with digital products such as membership subscriptions, courses, and e-commerce. Navi's approach emphasizes data-driven decision-making and comprehensive business assessments, ensuring that marketing strategies are tailored to align with the business's goals and resources. One of the significant benefits of hiring a fractional CMO, as shared by Jessica, is the relief it provides to founders and CEOs, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of their business. Navi's professionalism and elevated standards have been praised by clients, resulting in overall business improvement. Ideal clients for Navi are established businesses with sufficient revenue or funding, an adequate marketing budget, and existing marketing support to implement the strategies developed by the fractional CMO. For businesses looking to elevate their marketing efforts without the commitment of a full-time executive, exploring the services of a fractional CMO like Jessica Shirra from Navi could be a transformative step in their growth journey.   About Jessica Shirra: Jess Shirra is a Fractional CMO, and the founder of Fractional CMO School. Her days are spent supporting her 7-figure clients, helping them grow their membership + course businesses. Additionally she mentors other marketers to launch and grow their own Fractional CMO business. With more than 15 years in the field, she's led marketing for both high-growth startups, well-known global names like Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Jenna Kutcher, Strava, and Deloitte to name a few. Jess' philosophy is rooted in customer-first marketing, which she believes makes marketing and sales effortless and cultivates fiercely loyal brand advocates. She upholds that the key to true excellence is focusing on doing fewer things, but executing them exceptionally well. About Navi: Navi is a boutique agency offering Fractional CMO and contract marketing services to high-growth D2C brands on a fractional and project basis. We specialize in marketing for memberships, online education, high-ticket digital offerings, and e-commerce. 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 Navi website at https://www.jessicashirra.com/ Check out Navi on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hire-a-cmo Check out Jessica Shirra on LinkedIn at https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jessicashirra 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.