The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

Mastering the Art of Business Exit Planning   In a recent episode of the UpMyInfluence podcast, host Josh had an enlightening conversation with Len Bruskiewitz, a certified business and executive coach and certified exit planning advisor. Len specializes in helping business owners, particularly those with revenues between $1 million and $10 million, prepare for a successful transition out of their businesses. This blog post delves into the key themes and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for business owners looking to master the art of exit planning. One of the most striking statistics shared by Len is that only about 20 to 25% of businesses that go up for sale actually sell. This low success rate underscores the critical need for meticulous exit planning. Len emphasizes that business owners should start thinking about their exit strategy well in advance—ideally, from day one. Key considerations include having a clear post-exit plan, developing a robust growth strategy, maintaining accurate accounting records, and creating distance from the business to make it more attractive to buyers. Josh and Len also discuss the emotional challenges that many business owners face when planning their exit. For many, their business is a significant part of their identity and purpose. Strategies to address these emotional hurdles include seeking professional guidance, focusing on legacy, and planning for an exciting future post-exit. Len shares examples of both successful and unsuccessful exit plans, highlighting the importance of starting early, improving business operations, and engaging potential successors.   About Len Bruskiewitz:   As a Business Coach & Certified Exit Planning Advisor, he specializes in assisting business owners generating $1-10M in revenue to plan and execute successful transitions of their companies to family members, third parties, or employees, all according to their specific timelines and terms. In the US, over 3 million of the 6 million companies with 1-19 employees are owned by individuals aged 55 and older, with most lacking any form of transition plan. His services provide them with two primary benefits: a substantial reduction in stress and a noteworthy increase in their company's value.   About FocalPoint Coaching:   Focal Point Business Coaching is the world’s premier Coaching and business skills training organization. We provide business performance coaching and training to business owners and executives. This is accomplished through one-on-one coaching in an environment of continuous learning, positive support and results-driven accountability. Everything is here: Worldwide BRAND, World class CONTENT, A proven SYSTEM, Innovative use of TECHNOLOGY, Unparalleled SUPPORT and an unmatched TEAM of Business Coaches around the world. We are experts at business growth, showing business leaders how to become more profitable, work less and ultimately, enjoy their lives more. Focal Point Business Coaching is powered by Brian Tracy. We use Brian's business building tools, systems and methodology and we are an extension of Brian's goal to help business owners and executives achieve greater success. 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 Focal Point Business Coaching website at https://focalpointcoaching.com/ Check out Focal Point Business Coaching on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/focalpoint/ Check out Len Bruskiewitz's website at https://lenbruskiewitz.focalpointcoaching.com/ Check out Len Bruskiewitz on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevincharlesroy/   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.  

Transforming and Understanding Lazy Leadership   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show," host Josh engaged in a compelling conversation with Holunga, a distinguished leadership trainer, TEDx speaker, coach, and author. As the principal and executive coach at Chinook Executive Solutions, Julie is dedicated to eradicating lazy leadership and promoting impactful leadership practices. This blog post explores the key themes and actionable insights from their discussion, offering valuable guidance for leaders and organizations aiming for excellence. Lazy leadership, as defined by Julie, refers to a lack of proactive, engaged, and effective leadership. It can manifest in several ways, such as micromanagement, lack of vision, and poor communication. These behaviors can lead to decreased employee morale, reduced productivity, and high turnover rates, as employees feel undervalued and unmotivated. Julie's approach to combating lazy leadership involves fostering self-awareness, developing emotional intelligence, and ensuring clear vision and communication within organizations. Julie’s comprehensive leadership training is tailored to meet the unique needs of each leader and organization. Her methodology emphasizes self-awareness and reflection, developing emotional intelligence, and empowering and delegating tasks effectively. By promoting continuous learning and development, Julie helps leaders stay relevant and effective. Her services include one-on-one coaching, workshops, training programs, and a wealth of online resources. For those seeking to elevate their leadership skills, Julie’s programs offer invaluable support and guidance.   About Julie Holunga:   Julie Holunga is a Leadership Trainer and Executive Coach developing professionals to amplify their influence and impact. She works with Attorneys, CPAs, and Business Leaders, with an expertise in the careers of female professionals. Julie’s clients excelled in their careers with her proven communication strategies, honed their leadership skills, built increased visibility, and heightened confidence. Julie works with highly driven teams to instill the Trusted Voice Paradigm to develop collaborative patterns that deliver value. Through these programs, leaders learn to get out of their own way, develop trusting relationships with key stakeholders, and have a positive impact on the organization's bottom line. Prior to starting her own consulting practice, Julie served as Project Manager for Alumni Career Services at Harvard Business School, where she focused on advancing the careers of female alumni. She worked with F500 companies to retain and advance women into positions of leadership. Julie is one of thirty Global Master Trainers with Emergenetics®, teaching leaders, teams, and global organizations to align their communication for positive impact. Julie gave her first TEDx Talk in 2020: Don't Let Your Words Sabotage Your Career. She is a contributing author to the leadership book for women, On the Rise. Julie earned her BA at Union College and her MBA at Boston College. She spent seven years living and attending school in France, India, and Hong Kong. Julie and her family moved from Boston to Calgary, Canada, and are now settled in the beautiful foothills of Denver.   About Chinook Executive Solutions:     Chinook Executive Solutions is a Denver-based training and coaching firm serving mid-career attorneys, CPAs, and female business leaders. We help ambitious professionals reduce stress, manage their time, lead with confidence, and build their businesses. 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 Julie Holunga's website at https://www.julieholunga.com/ Check out Chinook Executive Solutions on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/chinook-executive-solutions Check out Julie Holunga on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieholunga 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.  

Understanding the Current Challenges in Sustainability   In a recent podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Rajeev Peshawaria, the president and founder of Leadership Energy Consulting and the CEO of Stewardship Asia Center. Rajeev, also the author of "Sustainable Sustainability," shared his profound insights on the need for a paradigm shift in how businesses approach sustainability. This blog post delves into the key themes discussed during the episode, offering actionable advice and detailed explanations to guide our listeners towards embracing steward leadership and achieving sustainable success. Rajeev highlighted significant issues in the current landscape of sustainability, such as the gap between rhetoric and real action, often resulting in greenwashing rather than genuine impact. He also addressed the common misconception that sustainability is a cost or compliance problem, which limits the potential for businesses to see it as an opportunity for innovation and growth. By shifting this perspective, companies can unlock new avenues for creating value while addressing social and environmental challenges. At the heart of Rajeev's message is the concept of steward leadership, which emphasizes the importance of considering the broader impact of business decisions on society and the environment. Rajeev outlined several core principles that define steward leadership, including interdependence, a long-term view, taking ownership, and creative resilience. He shared real-world examples like the Tata Group and Faber-Castell, which have integrated sustainability into their core business models, demonstrating that ethical practices can coexist with commercial success. Rajeev emphasized the need to change the narrative around sustainability, viewing it as an opportunity to innovate and differentiate in the market. By declaring a collective purpose, integrating sustainability into business strategy, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability, and innovating for sustainable solutions, businesses can achieve superior shareholder returns while making a positive impact on society and the environment. For more in-depth discussions and inspiring stories of steward leadership, be sure to tune into Rajeev's podcast, "Sustainable Sustainability."   About Rajeev Peshawaria: He is the CEO of Stewardship Asia Center (SAC) in Singapore and the Founder President of the Leadership Energy Consulting Company based in Seattle, WA. He is also the author of several books including "Too Many Bosses, Too Few Leaders," "Be the Change," and "Open Source Leadership." With extensive global experience in Leadership Development and Corporate Governance, his focus lies in streamlining business strategy, organizational architecture, and culture. Previously, he served as the CEO of the Asia-based Iclif Leadership & Governance Center, and held roles as the global Chief Learning Officer at Morgan Stanley and The Coca-Cola Company. He has also held senior positions at American Express, HSBC, and Goldman Sachs. He holds an MBA from Webster University in Vienna, Austria, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Bombay, India.   About Stewardship Asia Center: We help business and government leaders, investors, and individuals accelerate leadership action on environmental and social challenges through catalytic knowledge and advisory. We are part of the Temasek Trust ecosystem with a shared purpose of building a better future for every generation. Temasek Trust is the philanthropic arm of Singapore­ based global investor Temasek Holdings. 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 Stewardship Asia Center website at https://www.stewardshipasia.com.sg/ Check out Stewardship Asia Center on LinkedIn at https://sg.linkedin.com/company/stewardship-asia-centre Check out Rajeev Peshawaria on LinkedIn at https://sg.linkedin.com/in/rajeevpeshawaria 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 Branding Blueprint: Transforming Values into Profitable Businesses In the latest episode of our podcast, Rachel Allen and Solveig Petch, co-founders of Triple Diamond, delve into the intricacies of branding and share their expertise on building legacy brands. Their discussion is a treasure trove of insights for businesses aiming to create a brand that not only stands out in a crowded market but also resonates deeply with their target audience. Here, we break down the key takeaways from their conversation, offering actionable advice and detailed explanations to guide you in your branding journey. Rachel and Solveig emphasize that a brand should be a reflection of the business's core values and beliefs, rather than just a vehicle for profit. This approach ensures that the brand resonates authentically with its audience and stands the test of time. They highlight the importance of creating a unique value proposition that sets your brand apart from the competition and share a compelling case study of a client who successfully transitioned their expertise into a new field with the help of Triple Diamond. This underscores the importance of leveraging your unique strengths to create a brand that stands out. Understanding consumer behavior and building trust with your audience are critical components of a successful brand. Rachel and Solveig stress the importance of market research, creating detailed customer personas, and utilizing behavioral analytics to refine your branding strategy. They also highlight the importance of working with clients who are willing to self-reflect and trust the expertise of branding professionals. By following the insights and actionable tips shared by Rachel and Solveig, you can build a brand that not only stands out in a crowded market but also resonates deeply with your target audience. About Rachel Allen: Rachel Allen is a fast-thinking, deeply nerdy marketer with 15+ years’ broad-ranging experience providing heart-led, data-driven outreach for businesses and nonprofs. About Solveig Petch: Solveig Petch, aka Petchy, is a values-centered, whip-smart brand strategist who’s spent the past 20+ years creating remarkable branding for the quietly rebellious for businesses all over the world. About Triple Diamond: We’ve built brands for some of the biggest (and smallest) businesses on the internet. Now, we’re combining our powers to create the Triple Diamond Brand package, where we take our 3+ decades of combined expertise, our deep commitment to human-first values, and our master craftsmanship to build your bigger picture business brand. If you’re looking for something that goes beyond the typical “7 Days to a Brand You LOVE!”, or some disposable branding you buy off Fiverr, we’re the people you want in your corner. You want to make an impact beyond your bank account. We want to partner with you to make it happen. Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Triple Diamond's website at https://petchy.co/triple-diamond Check out Triple Diamond on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/triplediamond/ Check out Rachel Allen on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcallenwriter Check out Solveig Petch on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/petchy/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time! Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest 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 and Understanding the Core of Business Alignment In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge interviewed Ali Cudby, the founder and CEO of Alignmint Growth Strategies, to explore actionable strategies for business growth. This blog post highlights the key themes and insights from their conversation, offering a comprehensive guide to scaling your business effectively. Business alignment involves the strategic synchronization of all company aspects to ensure every department and team member works towards the same goals. Ali Cudby emphasizes that alignment is crucial for sustainable growth and long-term success. When a company is aligned, team members understand the overarching vision and goals, leading to cohesive efforts, improved efficiency, and enhanced employee engagement. Achieving business alignment requires clear communication of vision and goals, fostering a culture of collaboration, investing in employee development, leveraging data and analytics, and embracing adaptability and continuous improvement. By implementing these strategies, you can create a cohesive and motivated team well-equipped to drive sustainable growth. For more insights and expert advice, tune into The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show and explore the wealth of knowledge shared by industry leaders like Ali Cudby. About Ali Cudby: Ali Cudby is the CEO of Alignmint Growth Strategies, a company she founded in 2014 as Your Iconic Brand. Ali also wrote the book on customer experience – literally. That’s because Ali is the author of the bestseller, Keep Your Customers. From Fortune 500 to pre-revenue start-ups, Ali has spent 20 years refining her craft. Ali first cut her teeth in the world of customer experience after graduating from Wharton Business School and joining The New York Times Company’s corporate planning group. She also had stints in strategic marketing at the Golf Digest Magazine Group and Animal Planet TV Network before opening her own shop, where she focuses on making a difference for small to mid-sized companies that want the know-how to grow. These days, Ali teaches Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Purdue University and works with clients worldwide. When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her in the pottery studio or valiantly trying to tire out her two dogs. About Alignmint Growth Strategies: Alignmint Growth Strategies helps companies develop customer relationships that drive long-term loyalty. We deliver your process for growth through alignment applying our proven MINT Method. When companies apply the MINT Method, growth doesn’t have to be hard. What can feel like a barrier to reaching your next level simply needs a clear path that aligns your team and inspires your customers. Our process had been adopted successfully by companies around the world, and is the foundation of Founder & CEO Ali Cudby’s #1 bestselling book, “Keep Your Customers.” With Alignmint you get the know-how to grow. 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 Alignmint Growth Strategies website at https://alignmintforgrowth.com/ Check out Alignmint Growth Strategies on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/alignmint Check out Ali Cudby on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicudby 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.

Protecting Your Brand: Essential Intellectual Property Insights for Influencers and Entrepreneurs In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge sat down with Ana Juneja, an intellectual property attorney and the founder of Ana Law®. The discussion provided a wealth of information on the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection for influencers, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes. This blog post will break down the key points from their conversation, offering actionable advice and detailed insights to help you safeguard your brand and navigate the complex world of IP law. Ana Juneja specializes in intellectual property law, which encompasses patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Patents protect inventions and processes, granting the inventor exclusive rights to use and commercialize their creation for a certain period. Trademarks protect brand names, logos, and slogans that distinguish goods or services in the marketplace. Copyrights protect original works of authorship, such as books, music, and art, giving the creator exclusive rights to use and distribute their work. One of the most critical points Ana emphasized is the importance of trademark protection for influencers and celebrities. Your name and brand are your identity in the marketplace, and without trademark protection, you risk losing control over how your brand is used. Ana stressed the importance of timing when it comes to setting up legal structures and obtaining IP protection. Establish the right legal structure for your business early on, whether it’s an LLC, corporation, or another entity. File for trademark protection as soon as you have a distinctive name or logo to prevent others from using your brand and give you legal standing in case of disputes. If you have an invention or unique process, file for a patent as soon as possible. While copyrights are automatically granted upon creation of a work, registering your copyright can provide additional legal benefits and make it easier to enforce your rights. About Ana Juneja: As an award-winning intellectual property attorney and the founder of Ana Law®, Ana Juneja helps celebrities, athletes, influencers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and corporations secure and monetize their brands and ideas in the US and abroad. Ana Law® is the first and only law firm that offers flat-fee, 100% guaranteed patent, trademark, and copyright services. Ana has a 100% success rate and often speaks on important topics such as emerging legal issues surrounding security, AI, and social media.  Additionally, Ana has extensive experience with social media intellectual property infringement issues. Ana’s insider connections with premier media agencies allow her to have direct access to key social media platforms, such as Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, and Twitter. These essential services are an important component of the brand protection strategy for Ana’s celebrity, athlete, & influencer clients. About Ana Law®: Ana Law® is the first and only law firm that offers flat-fee, 100% guaranteed patent, trademark, and copyright services. Ana has a 100% success rate and often speaks on important topics such as emerging legal issues surrounding security, AI, and social media. Across the country and around the globe, business leaders and innovators look to Ana Law as their trusted legal advisor for excellence, innovation, and superior results. As you look for opportunities to expand and grow your business and revenue, Ana Law is here to help every step of the way. We provide actionable legal & business advice to protect your ideas, products, brands, and revenue. 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 Ana Law® website at https://analaw.com/ Check out Ana Law® on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/analawhq/ Check out Ana Law® on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/analawgroup/ Check out Ana Juneja on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/anajuneja   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 the Art of Visual Storytelling In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge sat down with Emily Schneider, a visual storyteller and freelance PowerPoint designer, to delve into the intricacies of creating compelling presentations. This blog post will break down the key takeaways from their conversation, offering actionable advice and expert insights to help you elevate your presentation game. Emily emphasizes the importance of well-designed presentations, noting that good design can enhance understanding, engage the audience, and reinforce your message. She offers actionable tips such as using high-quality images, maintaining consistent branding, and utilizing whitespace effectively. Additionally, Emily highlights the role of storytelling in corporate presentations, explaining that a good narrative can create emotional connections, simplify complex ideas, and drive action. She advises starting with a hook, structuring your story clearly, and using real-life examples to make your content more relatable. Emily also shares best practices for creating visually appealing slides, including principles of simplicity, consistency, and visual hierarchy. She recommends using templates, incorporating infographics, and using animations sparingly. For those who prefer a DIY approach, Emily suggests tools like Canva, PowerPoint, and Prezi, and encourages leveraging free resources, practicing regularly, and seeking feedback. However, she also notes that hiring a professional can be beneficial for high-stakes presentations or complex projects.   About Emily Schneider:   Emily Schneider is a visual storyteller specializing in PowerPoint design. Her focus is on enabling business leaders to achieve measurable growth by harnessing the often underestimated power of visual storytelling and presentation design. With a fervor for transforming intricate content into compelling presentations that resonate deeply with audiences, Emily seamlessly blends storytelling with a discerning design sensibility. Her extensive experience has shaped her belief that a well-crafted presentation transcends mere slides and text; it serves as a strategic instrument capable of amplifying impact and driving business success. Emily's expertise lies in intricately weaving narratives into visual aids, crafting narratives that captivate and endure in audience memory. Beyond her role as a designer, she positions herself as a strategic collaborator, partnering closely with businesses to enhance their communication strategies. Together, she endeavors to transform messages into impactful presentations that captivate and inspire intended audiences, guiding them towards informed decisions and empowering storytellers to convey their narratives with confidence. In her podcast appearances, Emily Schneider passionately advocates for the significance of well-designed presentations. She underscores how effectively framing narratives can lead to stronger messages, resulting in increased sales, enhanced relationships, and overall business triumph. Through her insights, listeners gain practical advice on elevating presentations to new heights and forging deeper connections with their audiences. Emily is driven by her passion for storytelling and design, eagerly sharing her expertise to illuminate the transformative potential of design in PowerPoint presentations. She invites discussions on how business leaders can thrive amidst today's competitive landscape by harnessing the magic of storytelling.   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Emily Schneider's website at https://www.iamemilyschneider.com/ Check out Emily Schneider on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyschneider719 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.

Creating a Positive Workplace Culture in the Construction Industry In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge sat down with Chad Prinkey, the founder and CEO of Welbilt Construction Consulting. Chad, who also hosts "The Morning Huddle Construction Show" and authored "Well Built: How the Top 2% of Construction Contractors Create Superior Value, Profits, and Excellence," shared valuable insights on creating a great workplace culture in the construction industry. This blog post delves into their conversation, highlighting how construction companies can foster a positive work environment that translates into superior business performance. Chad Prinkey emphasizes that actively engaged employees are crucial for the success of any construction company. In an industry characterized by high stress, high demand, and low margins, companies that foster a positive workplace culture can achieve a self-perpetuating cycle of happy employees, happy customers, and higher profits. Key takeaways include the importance of employee engagement, creating a positive atmosphere, and understanding that happy employees lead to happy customers, which in turn leads to higher profits. Leaders can implement practical steps such as seeking feedback, demonstrating that they are listening, and considering flexible work schedules. Chad highlights Block, a general contractor in Texas and Louisiana, as a successful example of improved people leadership. Over the past three years, Block has increased employee engagement scores by adding a dedicated HR professional, implementing ongoing training and development programs, updating the benefits plan, and improving communication. Chad also discusses the significant costs associated with employee turnover in the construction industry, particularly for roles like estimating and project management. To mitigate turnover, companies should focus on becoming training organizations that grow their own talent and implement strategies to retain employees, such as offering competitive benefits and creating a positive work environment. About Chad Prinkey: Chad Prinkey is the Founder and CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting, an organization that has carved out a niche in exclusively serving the small to mid-size commercial general contractors, construction managers, specialty contractors, owners, and developers in the building industry.  Prinkey's approach is hands-on, deeply invested in team skill enhancement, devising effective compensation structures, and fortifying communication within construction teams. His strategic vision goes beyond troubleshooting; it's about nurturing a culture where continuous improvement and leadership excellence are the norms in the building industry. Prinkey's expertise lies in strategically refining construction practices, guiding companies through the complexities of the market, and elevating industry standards. He steers organizations toward enduring success and operational distinction through consulting and facilitation. Prinkey's professional trajectory is defined by a strong focus on enhancing the operational aspects of construction companies and project teams. His extensive experience includes delivering keynotes and programs to over 120 construction companies and multiple associations, emphasizing his influence and reach within the industry. Prinkey is also the host of his weekly podcast, The Morning Huddle. Interviewing experts from across the building industry, Prinkey shares insightful and educational messages with listeners looking to impact the industry positively. Well Built distinguishes itself with a team that brings hands-on construction experience. This firsthand involvement ensures that their consulting is not just theoretical but steeped in practiced industry-specific knowledge. The services offered by Well Built are comprehensive, covering everything from strategic business plan development to executive coaching. The solutions provided address a construction company's full spectrum of needs, including acquisition, succession planning, and leadership training. Chad Prinkey is the author of Well Built: How the Top 2% of Construction Contractors Create Superior Value, Profits, and Excellence (Advantage Books, June 18, 2024). In Well Built, Prinkey lays out the roadmap for contractors to make meaningful upgrades in how they operate, strategize, manage teams, win new business, and deliver for customers. With a commitment to improving the industry as a whole, Chad Prinkey and Well Built Consulting focus on delivering results that not only benefit their clients but also set a precedent for excellence and progress across the construction landscape. For more information, please visit https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com and tune into The Morning Huddle Construction Show. About Well Built Construction Consulting: We are a consulting firm with solutions focused exclusively on the construction industry. Our clients are General Contractors, Construction Managers, Specialty Contractors, and the Owner/Developers they serve. We help to build better construction companies and better project teams by delivering strategic consulting, facilitation services, and peer roundtable environments for Construction Executives. 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 Well Built Construction Consulting website at https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/ Check out Well Built Construction Consulting on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/well-built-construction-consulting Check out Simone Wright on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-prinkey 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.

Ensuring Work Quality and Safety: The Future of Quality Management   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show," host Josh from UpMyInfluence.com interviewed Matt Kleiman, co-founder and CEO of Cumulus Digital Systems. The discussion highlighted Cumulus's pivotal role in enhancing work quality and safety in mission-critical industries. This blog post distills the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, offering a comprehensive guide for those aiming to improve operational efficiency and safety within their organizations. Cumulus Digital Systems is a quality management system tailored for mission-critical facilities, ensuring tasks are performed correctly and safely. Matt Kleiman, inspired by his energy sector background and the lessons from the Deepwater Horizon disaster, developed Cumulus to proactively prevent such incidents. The system has significantly impacted various industries, including energy, data centers, and semiconductor fabrication, by guiding workers through tasks and validating their work to avoid costly and dangerous incidents. One of the standout benefits of Cumulus is cost avoidance, saving companies millions by preventing incidents before they occur. Additionally, Cumulus enhances safety outcomes by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, fostering a safer work environment. The company is also committed to raising awareness about the importance of work quality and safety, overcoming resistance to change, and leveraging AI for continuous improvement. For organizations seeking to enhance safety and reliability, exploring Cumulus's resources and tools is a crucial step towards achieving these goals.   About Matthew Kleiman: Matthew Kleiman serves as co-founder & CEO of Cumulus Digital Systems, an award-winning connected worker platform that ensures mission-critical work is done right the first time, every time. With previous experience leading teams at Shell and Draper, Matt leverages his industry knowledge to build positive, lasting impact in the industry.   About Cumulus Digital Systems: Cumulus is a Quality Management System (QMS) that ensures critical construction and maintenance activities are done right the first time, every time. By integrating AI-powered workflows and connected IoT devices, the Cumulus QMS improves the productivity and quality of critical work, such as bolt tightening, welding, and pressure testing. To date, Cumulus has been used to manage over 7,000,0000 work completions across industries such as energy, construction, manufacturing, semiconductors, data centers, transportation, chemicals, renewables, and more. In addition to improving safety and sustainability, our technology also has been proven to reduce costs for quality control and data review by over 60%. Cumulus is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, with additional offices in Houston, Texas, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and serves customers across the globe 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 Cumulus Digital Systems website at https://cumulusds.com/ Check out Cumulus Digital Systems LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/cumulus-digital-systems Check out Matthew Kleiman on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kleimanmatthew 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 Digital Marketing: Enhancing Engagement and Brand Identity In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Elledge sat down with Manish Dudharejia, the Founder and CEO of E2M Solutions, to discuss the intricacies of digital marketing. This episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their digital marketing strategies. Here, we break down the key takeaways from their conversation to help you navigate the digital marketing landscape effectively. Manish emphasizes the importance of **Search Engine Optimization (SEO)**, not just focusing on keywords but also on content quality, user experience, and technical aspects. He advises creating high-quality, relevant content, ensuring a user-friendly website, and paying attention to technical SEO elements like site structure and meta tags. Additionally, leveraging data analytics is crucial for understanding your audience and measuring marketing effectiveness. Manish suggests tracking key metrics, using analytics tools like Google Analytics, and conducting A/B tests to optimize strategies. Content marketing and social media are pivotal in engaging your audience. Manish recommends developing a content calendar, creating diverse content types, and using storytelling to make content relatable. On social media, selecting the right platforms, maintaining a consistent posting schedule, and actively engaging with your audience are essential. Building a strong brand identity is also crucial; this involves developing a unique brand voice, creating a consistent visual identity, and crafting a compelling brand story. Investing in paid advertising can further boost your efforts, with targeted ads and careful budget management to ensure a good return on investment. About Manish Dudharejia: Manish Dudharejia is the President and Founder of E2M Solutions Inc, a San Diego Based Digital Agency that specializes in SEO, Content Marketing, and Website Design & Development. With over 10 years of experience in the Technology and Marketing industry, Manish is passionate about helping online businesses to increase their branding on the internet. About E2M Solutions Inc: E2M is a Full Service White Label Digital Agency. We specialise in providing Website Design & Development, WordPress Development, Shopify Development, WooCommerce Development, eCommerce Stores, Digital Marketing Services (SEO, Local SEO, eCommerce SEO, Content Marketing), and Content Writing Services. Our primary business model is to provide white label services to Digital marketing agencies, Website design and development agencies, Branding and digital agencies. 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 E2M Solutions Inc. website at https://www.e2msolutions.com/ Check out E2M Solutions Inc. on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/e2m-solutions/ Check out Manish Dudharejia on LinkedIn at https://in.linkedin.com/in/manishdudharejia   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.