In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Owner of CWR, Jessica Dragan. In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Owner of Can’t Wait To Retire, Jessica Dragan. Jessica's journey into business transition investment was a complex one. After leaving the military, she accidentally fell into business ownership. She built and grew her own business, but eventually, she disliked it and wanted to sell. However, the pandemic allowed her to pivot and explore new ventures. One of these ventures was managing a mini golf course, an experience that led her to discover her passion for mergers and acquisitions. Jessica explained that her business ownership background and ability to evaluate and fix businesses naturally led her to this field. Jessica shared her experience of hating her business due to the constant focus on the company, lack of work-life balance, and challenges managing a large staff. She emphasized the importance of having a balance and enjoying the work you do. When asked for advice on processing these feelings and making a change, Jessica suggested a solution for business owners who want to sell but still want to be involved in the company. They can stay in the company and choose the role they enjoy while Jessica and her investors take over the business operations. This can be an excellent option for those who don't want to exit their business altogether. Key Points from the Episode: Discussion on the value of veterans in the business world Jessica's military experience and how it influenced her approach to business Jessica's role as a business transition investor and her journey into this field Jessica's experience of building and selling her own business The impact of the pandemic on Jessica's career and her pivot into mergers and acquisitions Jessica's reflections on the challenges of business ownership and the importance of work-life balance About Jessica Dragan: Jessica Dragan is a highly experienced and successful business consultant with a background as a veteran of the United States Army. In 2004, she entered the world of business ownership, where she has thrived ever since. Specializing in due diligence services, Jessica assists companies in various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. She excels in business transitions for retiring individuals, those facing life changes like illness or divorce, or anyone seeking a fresh start. With her no-nonsense attitude, Jessica is dedicated to helping her clients increase revenue and reduce fixed costs, making her an invaluable partner to any business owner. Her adaptability and quick thinking have proven beneficial in diverse situations, from turning around struggling mini-golf courses to guiding clients through complex business transitions. Having undergone extensive training in mergers and acquisitions, Jessica has cultivated a valuable network of investors and collaboration opportunities. She values strong relationships and constantly seeks ways to build and maintain connections with clients and partners. Jessica's unwavering belief in the potential of every business drives her passion for helping them achieve their full capabilities. With her military background and ability to tackle challenges head-on, she is exceptionally equipped to take businesses to new heights. About Can’t Wait To Retire: Can't Wait to Retire is a strategic investment and acquisition firm with a distinctive approach. Can't Wait to Retire specializes in identifying businesses whose owners are considering exiting, whether they know it or not. What sets them apart is its extensive network of seasoned professionals and a forward-thinking mindset that explores unique possibilities. They offer financial backing and leverages its network to provide businesses with the resources and expertise they need to reach their goals. The firm's approach is characterized by adaptability and innovation, ensuring that companies are positioned for success, whether it's growth, transformation, or preparing for a seamless exit. Their commitment is to guide businesses to their desired destinations, utilizing its wealth of experience and a proactive approach that embraces unforeseen 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 Can’t Wait To Retire website at https://www.cantwaittoretire.com/ Check out Jessica Dragan on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadragan/ Check out Jessica Dragan on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/TheRealJessicaDragan 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the CEO & Chief Executive Officer of CuriosityBased, Julie Pham. Dr. Julie Pham is a force to be reckoned with. Her mission is to help people practice curiosity in the workplace. She believes there is often a gap between what leaders say they value, such as curiosity, and what individual contributors experience. Curiosity, according to Julie, is a practice. It's about asking questions and feeling safe to do so. She cited a study that found 70% of individual contributors think there are barriers to asking questions at work. This can hinder communication and learning, which are vital for any organization's growth and success. One of the reasons people hesitate to ask questions is the fear of looking incompetent or dumb. Julie acknowledges this fear but also points out that asking questions can reveal that one wasn't listening or their team didn't adequately prepare them. However, she notes that some people consider asking questions passive and prefer to state opinions instead. To counter this, Julie suggests that leaders can model curiosity by admitting when they don't know something and encouraging others to ask questions.  She recommends leaders ask questions themselves, create a safe environment for questions, and give everyone a chance to contribute in meetings. Julie shares her litmus test for language - if her refugee parents with limited English cannot understand the words being used, then it is necessary to reconsider the language. She believes that communication should not be about intellectual bullying but rather about being able to communicate with one another.   Key Points from the Episode: Importance of curiosity in the workplace Gap between leaders' values and individual contributors' experiences Definition of curiosity as a practice and the importance of asking questions Barriers to asking questions at work Fear of looking incompetent or dumb as a reason for hesitating to ask questions Leaders modeling curiosity and creating a safe environment for questions Using plain language and clear communication for effective and inclusive conversations Curiosity-based inclusion and the importance of asking questions for learning about others and oneself Challenging nature of practicing curiosity and the importance of grace and listening   About Dr. Julie Pham: Dr. Julie Pham is a best selling author, a charismatic, dynamic public speaker, and an award-winning researcher and entrepreneur. Her talks are based on her nontraditional career path as well as her original research and years of community building. Her speeches have been characterized as “surprising”, “interactive,” and "thought-provoking.” She engages audiences to reframe popularly held beliefs and guides them to discuss and practice in real time.  Dr. Julie Pham was born in Saigon, and escaped with her family as boat people to the U.S. to Seattle. She earned her PhD in history at Cambridge University as a Gates Cambridge Scholar and she graduated magna cum laude from UC Berkeley as a Haas Scholar.  She then got her "real life MBA" by returning to Seattle to help lead her family’s Vietnamese newspaper through the 2008-2010 recession. She left the newspaper to work in the tech industry and then pivoted to start her company, CuriosityBased, in the middle of the pandemic.   About CuriosityBased:  CuriosityBased is a dedicated consulting practice that empowers individuals to harness the potential of their curiosity through interactive workshops and skilled facilitation. Specializing in enhancing communication, collaboration, and inclusivity, CuriosityBased fosters an environment where curiosity thrives.  The practice develops vital interpersonal skills by guiding participants to embrace their curiosity. Through thoughtfully designed workshops and expert facilitation, CuriosityBased cultivates a culture of open-minded exploration, fostering better understanding, teamwork, and a more comprehensive sense of belonging.   Tweetable Moments: 02:40-  "I don't want to look dumb, I don't want to look incompetent, so I don't want to ask that question in front of my manager, my superior, or my coworkers, my team members. You know, they're going to think I'm a dummy."   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 CuriosityBased website at https://curiositybased.com/ Check out CuriosityBased on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/curiositybased/ Check out CuriosityBased on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/curiositybased Check out CuriosityBased on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/curiositybased/ Check out CuriosityBased on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@curiositybased Check out Dr. Julie Pham on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/ Check out Dr. Julie Pham on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/ Check out Dr. Julie Pham on Twitter at  twitter.com/julesiepham 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Business Profits Strategist & Online Business Coach, Jeanne Omlor. Jeanne Omlor is a seasoned business profit strategist who works with coaches, consultants, and service providers. Her clientele ranges from newbies in the industry to seasoned professionals. Jeanne's expertise lies in helping businesses maximize client acquisition without needing paid ads. She has mastered the art of organic marketing, leveraging social media profiles to attract clients through compelling content. Jeanne emphasizes the importance of focusing on and mastering one platform rather than spreading oneself too thin. She advises against the temptation of chasing shiny objects. Instead, she recommends finding a medium, such as podcasting, and becoming an authority on that platform. Jeanne also highlights the importance of clear messaging and visuals and intriguing and compelling content that fascinates and intrigues the audience. She acknowledges that some people may perceive organic marketing as a lot of work or activity they're not excited about. However, Jeanne compares it to learning any skill, such as playing the piano, which requires coaching, training, and commitment. She encourages listeners to approach organic marketing with the same dedication and seek guidance to avoid going down the wrong track.   Key Points from the Episode: Maximizing client acquisition without paid advertising Leveraging social media profiles to attract clients through compelling content Importance of focusing on one platform and becoming an authority on it Clear messaging, visuals, and intriguing content for audience engagement Comparing organic marketing to learning a skill and the need for coaching and commitment Indicators of being on the right track in business and the role of coaching Engagement on social media doesn't always lead to clients, but can be leveraged for conversions Importance of reviews and positive results in determining credibility   About Jeanne Omlor: Jeanne Omlor is an accomplished Online Business Strategist specializing in Organic Marketing. Her expertise is helping Visionary Coaches, Consultants, and Service Providers achieve significant growth, aiming for $20k in months and beyond. Jeanne understands that many have tried Organic Marketing but have yet to succeed due to the lack of a well-defined strategy. She assists her clients in maximizing impact while generating the revenues they deserve. Beyond working with professionals in the coaching and consulting industries, Jeanne also empowers "Everyday Experts" to package their knowledge effectively and positively impact others' lives. Instead of relying on generic approaches, she emphasizes personalization as the key to success, offering proven sub-strategies tailored to each client's unique business needs. Jeanne focuses on devising customized plans to sell high-ticket offers on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, providing strategic guidance and support.   Tweetable Moments: 19:34 - "It's really important that people see how we all interact with our actual clients. That speaks volumes."   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 Jeanne Omlor website at https://jeanneomlor.com/ Check out Jeanne Omlor on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanneomlor/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/jeanne-omlor-international/ Check out Jeanne Omlor on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jeanneomlor/ Check out Jeanne Omlor on Twitter at https://twitter.com/jeanneomlor Check out Jeanne Omlor on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jeanneomlor/ 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Co-Founders & Chief Operations Officer  of CodeCrew INC, Alex Melone & Andrei Marin. Alexander and Andrei highlighted two crucial areas: deliverability and segmentation. They stressed the importance of ensuring emails reach the intended recipients and tailoring messages to specific audience segments. To illustrate this, they gave an example of a brand selling kayaks and explained how segmenting the audience based on their purchase history can lead to more effective email campaigns. They also mentioned the transition from Google Analytics to GA4 but clarified that it hadn't caused significant issues for them. They explained that they rely on data from their email service provider and e-commerce platforms for reporting rather than heavily relying on Google Analytics. Alexander explained that triggered messaging is a way to send messages to people based on their actions on a website. It involves understanding their intentions and crafting personalized messages. Andrei added that implementing triggered messaging doesn't require expensive software and can be done with a free email service provider for smaller brands. However, more prominent brands with more complex data points may need a more robust and costly tool.   Key Points from the Episode: Specialization in email marketing and 22 years of combined experience Importance of deliverability and segmentation in email marketing Example of segmenting audience based on purchase history Discussion on recent changes in Google and its impact on email tracking Types of companies Code Crew works with and their achieved outcomes Power of triggered messaging and personal experience shared by Speaker 1 Implementation of triggered messaging with free email service provider for smaller brands Need for more powerful and costly tools for larger brands with complex data points   About Alex Melone: Alex Melone is a versatile professional with a wide-ranging skill set. He has explored various industries throughout his career, including race car mechanics and construction management. However, his true expertise lies in email marketing, where he has honed his abilities as a project manager and technical specialist. Having collaborated with prominent brands and exciting startups, Alex understands the essential factors driving success in email marketing. He values client satisfaction and knows how to align strategies with their specific business objectives.He also emphasizes the importance of addressing technical aspects to ensure optimal outcomes, a vital but often overlooked part of the industry. Alex serves as an officer at CodeCrew, a leading email marketing agency. In this role, he oversees and manages projects of all sizes for various companies, contributing to their success in the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape.   About Andrei Marin: Andrei Marin is a seasoned professional with over a decade of technical and marketing expertise. He has held various dynamic roles ranging from email, website, and theme development to adeptly solving diverse email marketing challenges for prominent and emerging brands. Noticing the need for an improved approach, Andrei and his co-founders established CodeCrew – a leading global email marketing agency. Beyond just driving impressive client ROI, their mission extends to utilizing business as a force for positive impact. Andrei's profound enthusiasm for entrepreneurship was ignited during his childhood when he engaged in street-level sales of small items, instilling a lifelong aspiration to be an entrepreneur. His journey culminated in successfully co-founding and independently funding two technology-based ventures before age 30, showcasing his dedication and skill in the business realm.   About CodeCrew INC: CodeCrew INC is an email marketing agency that started in 2018 and has grown into a dynamic team of over 40 experts in email design, code, strategy, data analysis, and campaign management. With vast experience collaborating with startups, industry leaders, and various businesses, CodeCrew is well-equipped to handle any challenge that comes their way. One standout feature of CodeCrew is their flexibility, as they are not tied to any specific email service provider, making it hassle-free for clients to work with their preferred platforms. Their dedication to using business for good is commendable, as they actively turn away clients that might have negative impacts, focusing instead on supporting small businesses and NGOs with pro bono email marketing assistance. Moreover, their commitment to environmental sustainability is evident through their reforestation program, where they plant two trees for every email or SMS campaign they handle and donate 1% of profits towards restoration efforts.   Tweetable Moments: 06:24 - "Your likelihood of annoying them is really, really high. And so why do that? Let's make sure that we know exactly what each segment looks like and what we want to send to each segment specifically because for purchasers, for instance, we oftentimes recommend a much more tailored experience that offers them something else except for just those darn bye bye bye messages all the time." 13:54 - "Thankfully, software has evolved massively and competition has evolved massively and so right now you can get an ESP going for free if you're small enough usually for let's say a brand that I would say 10 to 20,000 subscribers in they would probably pay anywhere in the hundreds of dollars every single month for the USD they probably have the ecom expenses figured out by now anyway and you don't need much else."   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 CodeCrew INC website at https://codecrew.us/ Check out CodeCrew INC on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/codecrewinc/ Check out CodeCrew INC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/codecrew.us/ Check out CodeCrew INC on Twitter at https://twitter.com/codecrewus Check out CodeCrew INC on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/codecrew.us/ Check out Alex Melone on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandermelone/ 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Chief Innovation Officer of Growth Acceleration Partners, Dave Moore. As the Chief Innovation Officer at Growth Acceleration Partners, Dave shared that his role is centered around failure. He emphasized that innovative companies tolerate failure and embrace and celebrate it. This approach involves testing and pushing limits in a controlled environment, not about making catastrophic mistakes. Dave works internally with teams to develop innovative solutions for customers and helps them implement these processes. Dave provided an insightful overview of Growth Acceleration Partners, a company that advises, designs, and builds custom software and data solutions. With a team of 600 people based in Austin, Texas, and engineers in Latin America, they help customers build a competitive advantage by providing engineering talent and expertise. Dave emphasized the benefits of the central time zone alignment with US-based customers and the high quality of engineers in the region. Their range of services is impressive, from long-term engagements for established companies to advisory services for startups, providing flexibility and scalability for their clients' software development needs.   Key Points from the Episode: Overview of Growth Acceleration Partners and its services Advantages of working with a Latin America talent pool Importance of technical knowledge for business owners in software development Origins and growth of Growth Acceleration Partners Current trends in the industry, particularly AI technology Role of Chief Innovation Officer at Growth Acceleration Partners Embracing failure and iterating on ideas   About Dave Moore: Dave Moore is the Chief Innovation Officer at GAP, bringing over two decades of expertise as a software developer and architect keen on creating scalable cloud-based applications. He has led large engineering teams and developed applications utilized by millions of users. Before his role at GAP, Dave served as a consultant at IBM, assisting clients across various industries with public cloud adoption, modern software architectures, big data analytics, and fostering a DevSecOps culture. Dave's versatility shines as he effortlessly advises both C-suite executives on strategic technology challenges and engineers and architects in implementing groundbreaking solutions. He is also an accomplished author and frequent conference speaker, specializing in databases and application modernization. At GAP, Dave's primary goal is to help customers transform their applications and data to gain a competitive edge in the market. His wealth of experience makes him invaluable in driving innovation and technological advancement.   About Growth Acceleration Partners: Growth Acceleration Partners (GAP) is a strategic technology solutions partner specializing in Digital Transformation through top-notch software and data engineering teams. With a focus on building lasting client partnerships, GAP combines extensive domain knowledge and deep technical expertise to deliver seamless, transparent processes and transformative results. Founded in 2007 by CEO Joyce Durst, GAP is driven by values and committed to fostering long-term success for individuals, companies, and communities. As an early advocate of the nearshoring model, GAP provides outsourced software development services from countries close to the U.S., ensuring geographical and cultural proximity. GAP excels in designing cutting-edge solutions using the latest cloud-based technologies. Their agile, accountable, and customer-centric engineering teams contribute to one of the highest client satisfaction rates in the industry. GAP ensures continuous delivery with transparent communication by seamlessly integrating into clients' organizations. GAP's expertise helps businesses scale intelligently, converting objectives into data-driven decision-making and delivering software solutions that drive crucial business outcomes.   Tweetable Moments: 02:33 - "The talent pool of engineers in Latin America is phenomenal, so we get really high marks on the quality of engineers that are helping solve customer problems. That's the big thing."   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 Growth Acceleration Partners website at https://www.growthaccelerationpartners.com/ Check out Growth Acceleration Partners on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-acceleration-partners/ Check out Growth Acceleration Partners on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GrowthAccelerationPartners Check out Growth Acceleration Partners on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GAPapps Check out Dave Moore on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmoore/ Check out Dave Moore on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DAVE_M00RE 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.

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Broker & Business Advisor of Website Closers, Nate Lind. Nate Lind is not your average broker. He started his career in real estate, transitioned into e-commerce entrepreneurship, and eventually found his calling as a broker and business advisor at Website Closers. His diverse background and wealth of experience make him a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to sell their digital businesses. Nate shared his experiences in selling service-based and content businesses. He revealed that Website Closers has built a buyer's network with over 100,000 buyers and has sold over 3,000 companies. According to Nate, digital businesses' appeal lies in their ability to be operated remotely, which significantly broadens the buyer market. Interestingly, Nate mentioned that even institutional investors recognize digital businesses' value, especially in the e-commerce and tech sectors. Despite the current economic climate, digital companies are in high demand. However, valuing these businesses can be complex, with multiples varying wildly depending on growth, earnings, and industry factors. Nate emphasized that selling a business doesn't have to be complicated. He shared his experience of selling a $25 million company with the help of virtual assistants. Nate offers free consultations, including a business valuation and sales plan, for businesses at least two years old and making a quarter million dollars in profit. He stressed the importance of determining the worth of a business before deciding to sell, as it motivates the seller and attracts potential buyers. Nate also mentioned that Website Closers is a leading marketplace for digital companies, selling around 300 businesses per year.   Key Points from the Episode: Nate's experiences in selling service-based and content businesses Market demand for digital businesses and the appeal of operating them remotely Recognition of the value of digital businesses by institutional investors Valuing digital businesses and factors that affect multiples Nate's own experience of selling a $25 million company with the help of virtual assistants Free consultations, business valuation, and sales plan offered by Nate Website Closers as a leading marketplace for digital businesses Importance of confidentiality in the selling process   About Nate Lind: Nate Lind is an accomplished American entrepreneur, triathlete, author, and business broker. Inspired by the book "Rich Dad Poor Dad," he aspired for financial freedom and passive income. In 2016, he successfully exited his first venture, an e-commerce technology company that transitioned into a shopping cart platform. Recognizing the benefits of selling a company and reinvesting in passive income, Nate embraced the role of a business broker. Working with Website Closers, the largest marketplace for Internet, Technology, and E-commerce businesses valued between $1 million to $150 million, he adeptly handles transactions akin to how Realtors sell homes. Currently, Website Closers boasts an impressive 103 client businesses for sale, with 167,000 potential buyers actively seeking investment opportunities. Their impressive track record has facilitated over 300 company sales within their private network in the current year. Nate Lind's diverse expertise and experience make him a key figure in entrepreneurship and business brokerage.   About Website Closers: Website Closers, LLC operates WebsiteClosers.com, a full-service brokerage that assists online and internet asset entrepreneurs. Their highly experienced team goes beyond essential buyer-seller connections, offering personalized sales strategies tailored to each business owner's needs. They provide comprehensive services, including a detailed analysis of the mergers and acquisitions marketplace, business valuations, and coaching on business growth strategies. Specializing in selling website properties, Website Closers excels in representing sellers of online assets and ensuring they connect with the right buyers at the right purchase price. Their strong relationships with various lenders nationwide enable smooth financing solutions for buyers, including expertise in successfully guiding transactions through SBA financing. With over 20 years of experience, Website Closers has earned a reputation for navigating the complexities of government-backed lending, making them a reliable choice for business owners seeking a seamless and profitable sale of their online businesses.   Tweetable Moments: 04:18 - "These businesses are the way of the future and even these old and institutional investors are like dang I need to get something that's digital or that's like growing and the pandemic put you know e-commerce and anything around e-commerce on the map as like the savior of retail so everyone's looking at it right now if you've got an internet tech digital saas company or software company you're actually in high demand you may not even know it." 10:02 - "I sold a $25 million company, it was two founders and 15 virtual assistants, 25 million bucks. It doesn't have to be that complicated."   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 Website Closers website at https://www.websiteclosers.com/ Check out Website Closers on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/websiteclosers-com/ Check out Website Closers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WebsiteClosers Check out Website Closers on Twitter at https://twitter.com/websiteclosers?lang=en Check out Website Closers on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/websiteclosers/ Check out Nate Lind on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelind/ Check out Nate Lind on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mdrnate Check out Nate Lind on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nate_lind/ 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.

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder, Lead Strategist & Social Media Content Creator of Oh Snap! Social, Karlyn Ankrom. When asked about trends in social media, Karlyn emphasized the power of video and the importance of showcasing expertise and authenticity. She encourages business owners to repurpose content, such as podcast interviews or media appearances, to reach a wider audience. She further talked about the ever-changing rules and regulations of social media platforms and the importance of diversifying one's online presence beyond social media. Karlyn advises building an email list and exploring other platforms like podcasts to ensure a sustainable business, even if social media platforms were to disappear. Karlyn also discussed the current state of Twitter, describing it as the "wild wild west" of social media. She advises businesses to continue using it but to measure the metrics and stay updated with the platform's changes. Karlyn shared that Oh Snap Social has recently made a conscious shift to serve purpose-driven organizations and business owners. This decision underscores the agency's commitment to helping businesses that are positively impacting their communities. Carlin also touched on using AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, which she uses for speed and ideation. She mentioned using it for leadership communication and repurposing content but emphasized that it will never replace human interaction. She also mentioned Pinterest as a platform that may be worth keeping an eye on, especially for driving referral traffic to websites.   Key Points from the Episode: Oh Snap Social's focus on purpose-driven organizations The power of video and showcasing expertise and authenticity in social media The current state of Twitter and the need to measure metrics and stay updated The importance of creating original content in short-form videos The use of AI tools like ChatGPT for speed and ideation Emerging social media platforms like Clubhouse and Pinterest Determining client fit based on goals and long-term approach to social media The impact (or lack thereof) of verification on social media platforms   About Karlyn Ankrom: Karlyn Ankrom is a social media expert emphasizing the importance of a strategic and consistent online presence. In today's evolving social landscape, he advocates focusing on key social networks and understanding the target audience to create meaningful content. Consistency is crucial for success, starting with a manageable content schedule and gradually expanding output. Knowing the audience is vital, and Karlyn encourages creating audience personas to tailor content better and engage with them on their preferred platforms. He suggests a diverse content mix, combining brand elements with curated content, owned content, and sales/promotions. Karlyn emphasizes setting measurable goals and having a social media manual to guide marketing efforts, from attracting prospects to converting them into customers. He offers valuable insights and actionable tactics through consultations for individuals, businesses, and brands seeking to maximize their social media impact.   About Oh Snap! Social: Oh Snap! Social is a social media management and reputation management service. They aim to help businesses build a positive reputation and meaningful connections with their customers on various social media platforms. They understand the significance of social conversations in shaping a brand's image and recognize its impact on existing and potential customers. Oh Snap! Social assists clients in developing effective social strategy systems, ensuring that efforts put into social media management pay off with increased likes, follows, and engagement. However, their focus goes beyond mere metrics, emphasizing the importance of establishing genuine connections with the audience and fostering loyalty and support for the business. By offering comprehensive social media management and reputation management solutions, Oh Snap Social aims to ensure businesses maintain an excellent online reputation and thrive through meaningful interactions with their customer base.   Tweetable Moments: 08:40 - "Stop overthinking it. It's literally a ten-second, seven-second short or reel. It's there and gone." 15:17 - "Show up as who you are and who you're meant to be and your authentic self and people will gravitate towards 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 Oh Snap! Social website at https://ohsnapsocial.com/ Check out Oh Snap! Social on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-snap-social/ Check out Oh Snap! Social on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ohsnapsocial/ Check out Karlyn Ankrom on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlynankrom/ Check out  Karlyn Ankrom on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Kar_lyn Check out Karlyn Ankrom on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ohsnapsocialkarlyn 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Managing Director of Blue Sky Exit Planning, Joseph Gitto. Joe focuses on the lower middle market, which includes companies with revenue ranging from 5 to 25 million dollars. This market is often overlooked when it comes to exit planning, and Joe's mission is to bring the level of expertise and resources available to larger companies to these smaller businesses. Exiting a business is not just a financial decision; it's an emotional one too. Joe shared his experience selling his healthcare business and how the buyers initially wanted him and his wife to stay involved, but eventually, they all realized it was best to have a clean break. He acknowledges that letting go of a business can be emotional, as owners worry about how their employees will be treated and what changes will be made When valuing a company for a reasonable exit price, Joe mentions that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. While some may use a multiple of four as a rule of thumb, every business differs. Factors such as the industry, technology, and team can significantly influence the valuation. Joe also shared insights into the process of preparing for due diligence. The potential buyers can be strategic, financial, or internal, and the preparation starts by putting together the necessary materials and working with corporate counsel. Depending on the industry, Joe either takes the company to market himself or partners with investment banking strategic partners.   Key Points from the Episode: Focus on the underserved lower middle market in exit planning Goal to bring expertise and resources to smaller businesses Typical clients are blue-collar business owners in the lower middle market Importance of maximizing business value and considering personal financial and estate planning Valuing a company for a good exit price is not one-size-fits-all Examples of transitioning ownership and the importance of clear plans and structures Psychological and emotional aspects of exiting a business What business owners typically do after exiting their businesses Potential buyers and the process of preparing for due diligence Factors influencing multiples and typical range   About Joseph Gitto: Joseph Gitto is a distinguished senior Finance, Sales, and Operational Executive, Entrepreneur, Coach, and Thought Leader, with over 25 years of remarkable achievements across various industries. As a five-time entrepreneur, he possesses invaluable expertise in assisting clients with capital acquisition, strategic planning, financial controls, and reporting. 2017 Joseph founded Blue Sky Exit Planning, providing comprehensive exit planning solutions to business owners, their families, and their professional teams. He also serves as a Board Member of the East Coast Estate Planning Council, showcasing his commitment to the field. Notably, in 2023, Joseph's expertise was recognized, and he was appointed as a Board Member and Chairman of the Audit Committee for iCoreConnect Inc. (ICCT), a leading cloud-based software and technology company. His diverse background and leadership roles make Joseph Gitto a prominent figure in business, offering valuable insights and guidance to companies and entrepreneurs alike.   About Blue Sky Exit Planning: Blue Sky Exit Planning offers a comprehensive "4 Phase Process" designed to address business owners' common challenges when preparing an Exit Plan. Many owners must avoid this crucial step due to uncertainties about the process and concerns over costs and time commitments. The Blue Sky Exit Planning process provides a clear path to maximize the value of a business during a partial or complete exit. This plan encompasses essential business, personal, financial, legal, and tax considerations in selling part or all of a privately owned company. By completing this process, business owners are better equipped to handle unplanned events, increase the overall value of their businesses, and secure financial stability for themselves and their families. With expert guidance and a structured approach, Blue Sky Exit Planning empowers business owners to navigate the complexities of exit planning and make informed decisions for their future.   Tweetable Moments: 05:51 - "It's never for the money they got, it's because they're bored or they lost their identity." 12:11 - "It is really an emotional tug, a lot of times the business part is the easier part."   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 Blue Sky Exit Planning website at https://blueskyexitplanning.com/ Check out Blue Sky Exit Planning on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-sky-exit-planning-cfo-services/ Check out Blue Sky Exit Planning on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/exitplanningservices Check out Joseph Gitto on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephgitto/ 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the President of SEO National, Damon Burton. A client's question about Google sparked Damon's foray into SEO. He offered to help them with SEO, but with a unique twist - he would only get paid once they achieved a specific benchmark. This unconventional approach was a game-changer, leading Damon to offer the same arrangement to other clients. Fast forward 17 years, Damon now runs a successful agency with a team of 60 specializing in SEO. While Damon's initial success was built on offering services for free, he has since shifted his focus. He now concentrates on giving away valuable content for free through social media and his book on SEO. According to Damon, giving value for free has been the most profitable thing he has done. It has helped him build trust and relationships with his audience, which is a testament to the power of free value. When asked about the role of AI in SEO and content creation, Damon offered a unique perspective. He views AI as an amplifier and magnifier of what was already there. If someone had a strong work ethic and integrity before AI, they would be even better with AI. However, AI would only magnify those shortcomings if someone relied on cutting corners. Damon humorously pointed out the difference between what Google says they're looking for and what they want. He believes that Google is likely working on improving AI detection to counter the abuse of content creation. However, he also cautions that Google's statements about AI usage should be taken with a grain of salt.   Key Points from the Episode: The challenges and benefits of offering services for free The role of AI in SEO and content creation Damon's perspective on AI as an amplifier and magnifier of existing qualities Damon's entrepreneurial journey and current day-to-day activities The importance of self-reflection and personal growth for Damon Damon's focus on team management and process improvement Damon's thoughts on what Google is looking for in the next year The potential improvements in AI detection by Google to counter content creation abuse   About Damon Burton: Damon Burton is a renowned search engine marketing expert whose expertise makes businesses thrive online. Over a decade ago, he achieved a remarkable feat by outranking a billion-dollar company on Google, which inspired him to establish his own international search engine marketing company. His company, SEO National, has worked with prominent clients, including NBA teams and businesses featured on Inc5000 and Shark Tank. In today's digital landscape, with increasing number of people seeking online content, Damon's knowledge is more relevant than ever. He understands that more than simply having a website is required. As a result, he has helped numerous high-profile clients drastically increase their revenue, some even earning more in a month than they previously did in a year. Damon Burton's expertise has earned him recognition as a Forbes contributor, and his accomplishments have been featured in various publications, such as Entrepreneur Magazine, BuzzFeed, and USA Weekly.   About SEO National: SEO National is a personalized and results-driven search engine optimization (SEO) company that goes beyond merely focusing on rankings. Their primary objective is to boost revenue for their clients, considering top rankings a valuable bonus. With an impressive portfolio, they have collaborated with recognized companies featured in the Inc. 500/5000 list in New York, high-profile attorneys in Florida and New Jersey, retail outlets in California, and various other businesses nationwide. At SEO National, every SEO campaign is dynamic and tailored to each client's specific goals and desired outcomes. Their approach involves creating customized strategies to increase return on investment (ROI) while keeping costs low. Their ultimate aim is to secure top placements on major search engines and provide clients with measurable progress reports to track the success of their SEO efforts.   Tweetable Moments: 07:35 - "If you had a little work ethic before AI, then you're going to have a little work ethic after AI." 16:34 - "So if you're willing to put in the time, have the patience, and it'll pay off."   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 SEO National website at https://www.seonational.com/ Check out SEO National on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/seo-national/ Check out SEO National on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/seonational/ Check out SEO National on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SEOnational Check out Damon Burton on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonburton/ Check out Damon Burton on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EntrepreneurDB Check out Damon Burton on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurdamon/ Check out Damon Burton on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/damon.burton 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.

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Founder of Billable at the Beach®, Amy Rasdal. Amy Rasdal started the conversation by dispelling a common myth: consultants make less money than traditional jobs. On the contrary, she explained that consultants can earn more and significantly impact client companies. She likened consulting to being a superhero with a superpower, offering specific skills and expertise for a limited period and being paid handsomely for it. Amy stressed the importance of identifying your superpower and building relationships. She emphasized that relationships are the lifeblood of any business and suggested leveraging existing connections to generate leads and referrals. Amy pointed out that the most challenging part of consulting is selling and generating revenue. She encouraged entrepreneurs to avoid getting caught up in the minutiae and instead focus on starting with a minimum viable product (MVP) and solving a niche-specific problem based on one's background. She emphasized the value of having meaningful individual conversations with decision-makers and networking to explain one's value proposition. Amy also highlighted the significance of maintaining relationships and not burning bridges, as these connections can be valuable in the future. Amy shared her three action steps to generate revenue, available as a free email course on her website. She encourages individuals to leverage their existing relationships, including past colleagues and team members, as potential clients. Amy believes reaching out to these connections can lead to exciting opportunities and emphasizes the importance of not feeling like a burden when offering one's talents.   Key Points from the Episode: Helping people start their own six-figure consulting businesses Dispel the myth that consultants make less money Importance of identifying superpower and building relationships Starting consulting quickly with minimal resources Hardest part of consulting is selling and generating revenue Importance of starting with a minimum viable product (MVP) and solving a niche-specific problem Three action steps to generate revenue   About Amy Rasdal: Amy Rasdal is a successful consultant who made a bold career shift 15 years ago, leaving behind her corporate job for a more fulfilling path. Today, she earns more than most executives while enjoying the benefits of freedom, flexibility, and control over her work. Running her own multiple 6-figure consulting business for over a decade, Amy founded Billable at the Beach® with a mission to empower others to follow a similar path. Amy has helped countless individuals launch their thriving consulting businesses through speaking engagements, workshops, and various ten-year programs. Her program liberates 6-figure earners, enabling them to create successful consulting ventures. Amy's passion lies in guiding others toward the life of their dreams, one where they can have the freedom and flexibility they desire without sacrificing the successful careers they've built. With her expertise and experience, Amy Rasdal continues to inspire and empower others to embrace the consulting world and achieve financial and personal success.   About Billable at the Beach®: Billable at the Beach® is a highly effective program designed to help individuals establish their successful 6-figure consulting businesses. With this proven system, participants gain the means to replace their full-time income and achieve financial security while enjoying the freedom to lead a life on their terms. The program equips aspiring consultants with the necessary tools, strategies, and guidance to thrive in the consulting world and create a sustainable venture. Following the Billable at the Beach® approach, individuals can transition from traditional employment to a more fulfilling and flexible career path. Whether seeking to escape the constraints of a corporate job or looking to explore a new professional journey, this program empowers participants to embark on a rewarding and lucrative consulting business. With its focus on financial independence and work-life balance, Billable at the Beach® offers a comprehensive solution for building a thriving consulting enterprise.   Tweetable Moments: 14:42 - "Put yourself in your possible client's shoes. You're sitting there, it's Friday afternoon, you have all these things that need to get done, you're thinking, oh I need some help with this, but who would help me? Imagine if the perfect person's name happened to come across your desk in an outreach saying, hey guess what? I've left my corporate role, I'm doing consulting now. This is somebody that you know at least a little bit, you know them, you know they do great work. Would you feel like that was an imposition? No, you would be so excited to hear from that person, right?"   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 Billable at the Beach® website at https://www.billableatthebeach.com/ Check out Billable at the Beach® on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/billable-at-the-beach/ Check out Billable at the Beach® on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BillableAtTheBeach/ Check out Amy Rasdal on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyrasdal/ 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.