The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the CEO & Founder of Simple Strat, Ali Schwanke.   Connecting with Ali Schwanke can provide numerous benefits, especially if you want to enhance your marketing and sales strategies. As the founder of Simple Strat, a Diamond HubSpot Solutions Partner, and a B2B content marketing agency, Ali has a wealth of experience in helping businesses optimize their use of HubSpot and improve their customer acquisition and retention. As a sought-after speaker, marketing advisor, and podcast guest, Ali can offer valuable insights into marketing strategy, content creation, and HubSpot. Her no-BS approach and ability to bring fresh ideas and strategies to the table can be beneficial for marketing and sales teams.   About Ali Schwanke: Ali Schwanke is the founder of Simple Strat, a Diamond HubSpot solutions partner and B2B content marketing agency. She’s also the co-host of HubSpot Hacks, the unofficial YouTube channel for HubSpot tutorials with more than 1M views and over 15,000 subscribers. Ali is a sought-after speaker, marketing advisor, and podcast guest about HubSpot, marketing strategy and driving leads and awareness through content across multiple platforms. Audiences appreciate her no-BS approach and her keen ability to bring fresh ideas and strategies to marketing and sales teams. A past-president of the Lincoln chapter of the American Marketing Association, Ali also serves as a trusted advisor for Vistage International and a marketing mentor for the Gener8 Accelerator Network. In her spare time, you can find her running or watching her boys play sports.   About Simple Strat: Simple Strat is a marketing and sales firm that optimizes businesses' use of HubSpot, a leading inbound marketing, sales, and customer service platform. They provide various services, such as CRM strategy and setup, marketing automation, and content creation, designed to enhance customer acquisition and retention. As a Diamond Solutions Partner, Simple Strat demonstrates high expertise in the HubSpot ecosystem. Additionally, they host HubSpot Hacks, a popular unofficial YouTube channel that offers HubSpot tutorials. They work with diverse clients across the United States, from Fortune 500 companies to startups, helping them maximize their investment in HubSpot and achieve their marketing and sales goals.   Tweetable Moments: 02:14 - “We help folks get more out of the system because when you're using a new technology, you don't know what you don't know.” 02:26 - “If you're a founder, you should not be spending your time learning all the things. You should hire the people that know what they're doing and then ultimately help them accomplish your vision."   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 Simple Strat website at https://simplestrat.com/ Check out Simple Strat on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/simple-strat/ Check out Simple Strat on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/simplestrat/ Check out Simple Strat on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/simplestrat/ Check out Simple Strat on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SimpleStratChat Check out Ali Schwanke on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alischwanke/ Check out Ali Schwanke on Twitter at https://twitter.com/alischwanke?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Check out Ali Schwanke on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/alischwanke/?hl=en 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 COO of Async Labs, Luka Klancir.   By connecting with Luka Klancir, individuals interested in entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and blockchain technology can access a wealth of knowledge and experience. Luka's background in founding Async Labs and the Croatian Bitcoin website and his role as COO demonstrates his expertise in these fields. Engaging with Luka allows for exchanging insights, advice, and practical leadership and project management lessons. Also, building a connection with Luka may lead to networking opportunities with other professionals and experts, fostering the growth of one's professional network and providing access to up-to-date information on industry trends and developments.   About Luka Klancir: Luka Klancir is an entrepreneur and developer, co-founder of a Croatian digital agency Async Labs and Croatian Bitcoin website. Although he just entered his thirties, Luka has been in the entrepreneurial scene for almost a decade now. Interestingly, after living and studying abroad for a couple of years, he decided to quit college and start working as soon as possible. He applied for various internships and entry positions until he finally got accepted by one of the most successful marketing agencies in the region. Although his love is programming, his passion was project management which ultimately led to him positioning his current role of COO. The start of his career is marked by the launch of the first and currently one of the biggest cryptocurrency-related platforms in SE Europe, CroBitcoin. As a crypto and blockchain enthusiast, Luka wanted a relevant and exact source of information regarding the industry, so he made one. Now, besides integrating CroBitcoin, Async Labs, among other things, is one of the few IT companies in the region that deals with blockchain technology. Luka was also listed as one of the "30 under 30" successful people in the Balkan region and is the author of the book "Lean It if you Mean It". The book is a kind of diary of how he lived and worked during a period when he extremely optimised his life by certain rules and habits. This included lots of planning, precisely defined dates for sports, work and study, etc. This was all inspired by startup methodologies, especially the "lean" startup method. Although he doesn’t have much free time, his hobby is scuba diving and of course, continuous learning and advancing.   About Async Labs: Async Labs is a global IT solutions provider, specializing in creating and implementing tailor-made solutions for various industries. They focus on addressing businesses' specific challenges and delivering meaningful results that align with each client's brand vision and objectives. With expertise in developing engaging digital experiences and innovative business solutions, Async Labs ensures that clients receive top-tier service. Their team of experienced and passionate professionals works tirelessly to meet and surpass client expectations. Async Labs' commitment to excellence and client satisfaction has established them as a reliable choice for businesses seeking a competitive edge in today's digital landscape.   Tweetable Moments: 07:08 - “As you know, the business climate, the markets are always shifting. There are always new parameters and factors that are impacting your directions.” 07:26 - “If you see an opportunity in some aspect of the market you haven't noticed, you need to quickly adapt to it."   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 Async Labs website at https://www.asynclabs.co/ Check out Async Labs on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/async-labs/ Check out Async Labs on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/asynclabs/ Check out Async Labs on Instagram at https://instagram.com/asynclabs Check out Async Labs on Twitter at https://twitter.com/asynclabsco Check out Luka Klancir on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lklancir/ Check out Luka Klancir on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lklancir 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 Growth & Profitability Consultant, Founder of Ilderton Bookkeeping, Jordan Ilderton.   As a financial expert, Jordan has a unique and comprehensive approach to bookkeeping and CPA services. Her methods focus on helping clients understand their financial reports and providing actionable insights for informed decision-making. Jordan has successfully transitioned from traditional bookkeeping to a coaching role, demonstrating her commitment to assisting business owners in their growth journey. She has firsthand experience in increasing revenue through strategic content creation, which can be valuable for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses. Entrepreneurs can learn from her knowledge and experience by engaging with Jordan. Her personalized support and guidance can contribute to unlocking a business's full potential and achieving long-term success without the promotional tone typically found in the industry.   About Jordan Ilderton: Jordan Ilderton is a passionate financial expert dedicated to empowering soulful entrepreneurs, particularly women, to achieve peace of mind and increased business profits. As a female CPA and bookkeeper with a unique approach, she partners closely with clients who share her vision for growth and improvement. Jordan believes in providing a comprehensive and holistic financial experience, enabling her clients to understand and act on their financial data. Motivated by many entrepreneurs' struggles, especially women, Jordan offers invaluable guidance and support to help them leverage financial insights and drive their businesses forward. As a result, clients can trust her as a committed ally on their journey to greater profitability and success.   About Ilderton Bookkeeping: Ilderton Bookkeeping is a successful multi-six-figure business focused on helping clients increase revenue through consistent content creation. Recognizing the importance of content as a key driver for attracting more clients and boosting revenue, Ilderton Bookkeeping has transitioned from traditional bookkeeping services to a more comprehensive coaching role. Drawing on personal experience of doubling their revenue through strategic content creation, Ilderton Bookkeeping is committed to supporting clients in achieving similar growth. By partnering with entrepreneurs and sharing their expertise, Ilderton Bookkeeping empowers clients to effectively harness the power of content and unlock their businesses' full potential.   Tweetable Moments: 04:22 - “I'm just such a big fan of being so intentional and so strategic about what we are adding in the business and really doing that kind of piece by piece, picking one focus area so that we can go all in.” 15:30 - "If you have content out there that people can binge, they just get to know and trust you so much faster."   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 Ilderton Bookkeeping website at https://ildertonbookkeepingllc.com/ Check out Ilderton Bookkeeping on Facebook at facebook.com/IldertonBookkeepingLLC Check out Ilderton Bookkeeping on Instagram at instagram.com/ilderton_bookkeeping_advisory Check out Jordan Ilderton on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-ilderton-cpa-4743719/ 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-Founder & CEO of Dreamdata, Lars Grønnegaard.   Connecting with Lars Grønnegaard offers valuable insights into B2B go-to-market strategies and data-driven decision-making, thanks to his expertise and experience with Dreamdata. You can benefit from his knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and innovative solutions to drive growth and optimize performance by engaging with Lars. Also, connecting with him can expand your professional network, providing access to other experts and resources in the B2B and data-driven decision-making sectors.   About Lars Grønnegaard: Lars is a professional dedicated to solving problems in B2B go-to-market strategies. He has a keen understanding of the importance of data-driven decision-making in modern B2B companies and the challenges they face in accessing and utilizing data effectively. As businesses undergo digital transformations and buyers take more control over their journey, Grønnegaard recognizes the need for companies to have a comprehensive and structured approach to managing their data. He has witnessed firsthand how lacking access to holistic data across marketing, product, sales, and customer success can lead to poor decision-making and hinder growth. Grønnegaard is acutely aware of the paradox that B2B companies face when dealing with data. While often overwhelmed with information, they struggle to process it into actionable insights and automations. This issue frequently results in companies working directly with raw data, leading to suboptimal outcomes.   About Dreamdata: Dreamdata is a B2B revenue attribution platform designed for small to midsize businesses, enabling them to connect marketing and sales activities to revenue generation. By utilizing a smart on-site behavioral tracking script and integrating data from CRM, ads, automation, and customer success tools, Dreamdata provides comprehensive customer journey insights and reveals the impact of marketing and sales efforts on revenue. The platform's out-of-the-box, no-code algorithms simplify data processing, transforming it into actionable insights. As a result, B2B growth leaders can make data-driven decisions, accurately predict revenue, benchmark growth, and rapidly scale successful strategies. Dreamdata fosters alignment between marketing and sales teams, empowering businesses to take control of their revenue activities confidently.   Tweetable Moments:  1:31 - “I think one of the things we see across a lot of customers which a lot of people are not aware of, is sort of what everybody understands is that the length of the B2B sales cycle is quite long, but very few people know how long it actually is.” 03:48 - “What's happening is that in B2B, people like your product, but it's not the right time. I think it's like Sales 101, that you need timing to be correct.”   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 Dreamdata website at https://dreamdata.io/ Check out Dreamdata on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dreamdata.io/ Check out Dreamdata on Twitter at https://twitter.com/dreamdataio Check out Lars Grønnegaard on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsgroennegaard/ Check out Lars Grønnegaard on Twitter at https://twitter.com/groennegaard 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 CMO & Co-Founder of Tekrevol, Abeer Raza. Connecting with Abeer Raza, a visionary entrepreneur and business strategist, offers numerous benefits, including access to his proven track record in driving growth, expertise in digital transformation, growth-focused mindset, mentorship abilities, and extensive professional network. By engaging with Abeer, you can gain valuable insights, guidance, and resources to help you scale your business effectively, create high-performing teams, and unlock new opportunities for success in a rapidly evolving business landscape.   About Abeer Raza: Abeer is an entrepreneur on a mission to empower today's business leaders by helping them transform their ideas into reality. As a seasoned business strategist and growth advisor, Abeer works closely with companies to create, refine, and implement strategies that drive rapid expansion and generate significant returns. As the CMO and founding partner of TekRevol, an Inc 5000-listed digital transformation company, Abeer has played a pivotal role in the company's astounding growth of 829 percent within a mere four-year span. His deep-rooted passion, unwavering determination, and over a decade of marketing expertise have been instrumental in shaping the organization's success. Abeer is not only a master strategist but also a dedicated mentor who is committed to nurturing high-performing teams. By fostering an environment of learning and growth, he ensures that his teams have the skills, knowledge, and mindset to make a lasting impact in digital transformation.   About Tekrevol: TekRevol is a world-renowned digital transformation company that provides a comprehensive range of services, including product development, innovation strategy, and technical consulting. With a wealth of experience spanning 11 diverse industries, TekRevol excels in delivering cutting-edge solutions for corporate SaaS, cloud, mobile, wearable apps, and gaming platforms. Composed of an elite team of professionals, TekRevol's talent pool includes creative designers, engineers, cloud architects, data scientists, product strategists, and digital marketing experts. United by a shared mission to create a technology-driven impact in the global business landscape, they focus on delivering robust business value by implementing emerging technologies and hyper-scalable solutions. At TekRevol, innovation is fueled by the seamless integration of the right technology and talent. The company's hands-on approach to leveraging big data, deep learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud capabilities has positioned it as a frontrunner. By offering business process automation and industrial disruption, TekRevol empowers its stakeholders – clients, businesses, partners, and connected communities – to accelerate their goals.   Tweetable Moments:  05:15 - “The idea was, how can we exchange value for value where we would see ourselves as not just a tech company, but essentially a partner for clients in whatever capacity we can help them, whether it's marketing, whether it's PR, whether it's digital, whether it's offline.” 07:13 - “At the end of the day, the biggest killer of progress is perfectionism and sort of this mindset of getting everything 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 Tekrevol website at https://www.tekrevol.com/ Check out Abeer Raza on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/abeerraza/ 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 M&A Consultant, Acquira Representative of Acquira, Rich Coppage. Connecting with Rich Coppage can be a game-changer for acquisition entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized businesses. His mergers and acquisitions (M&A) expertise allows him to offer a range of services, such as off-market sourcing, acquisition screening, financial analysis, acquisition capital, and due diligence, which can help entrepreneurs identify promising business opportunities and navigate the complex M&A landscape successfully. Rich's focus on the English-speaking market also ensures clear communication throughout the process, critical for building strong working relationships with clients. By leveraging Rich's knowledge and skills, entrepreneurs can obtain the necessary funding and confidently complete the acquisition process, enabling them to seize valuable business opportunities and lay a solid foundation for future growth.   About Rich Coppage: Rich is an experienced professional specializing in offering mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and financing advisory services to acquisition entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized businesses. His expertise lies in various aspects of the M&A process, ensuring clients receive comprehensive assistance in achieving their business objectives. He offers off-market sourcing, acquisition screening, financial analysis, acquisition capital, and acquisition due diligence. By providing these services, Rich can identify promising business opportunities, evaluate their potential value, and support clients in obtaining the necessary funding and completing the acquisition process successfully. With a focus on the English-speaking market, Rich's proficiency in the language ensures clear communication and an effective working relationship with clients throughout the process.   About Acquira: Acquira is an investment fund and accelerator that supports acquisition entrepreneurs in their quest to acquire and grow successful businesses. The company deploys its capital towards acquisition entrepreneurs and their targets. It offers a comprehensive acceleration program that includes online training, structured calls, in-person meetups, and access to a repository of systems. In addition to financial assistance and training, Acquira provides guidance and mentorship to entrepreneurs in areas such as due diligence and negotiation. Its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in achieving their business goals has made it a valuable partner for individuals seeking success through mergers and acquisitions.   Tweetable Moments: 04:31 - “If you've got a world changing idea, you can come up with the next version of Facebook or Amazon and it's going to put them out of business, then by all means there's going to be a venture capital firm that supports you, by all means, go for it.” 06:22 - “What we found is that one of the constraints to actually growing something, even from an established standpoint, is trying to find enough bodies to put in the seat to actually execute on your strategy. Whether it's a sales strategy or whatever type of growth strategy you're looking at, it's hard to find good and qualified people out there.”   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 Aqcuira website at https://acquira.com/ Check out Acquira on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/acquiraco/ Check out Rich Coppage on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richcoppage/ Check out Rich Coppage on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Rich_Acquira 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 Brand Strategist of Christine Gritmon Inc, Christine Gritmon. Connecting with Christine Gritmon can provide you with valuable insights and guidance in building and enhancing your personal brand, particularly on social media. Christine's expertise in personal branding, social media strategy, and content marketing can help you identify your unique strengths and effectively showcase them to your target audience. By learning from her experience as an international speaker and her work with numerous professionals, you can benefit from her proven strategies, ultimately leading to improved online visibility, professional growth, and career success. Moreover, connecting with Christine grants you access to her extensive network, providing further opportunities for collaboration, learning, and expanding your own professional network.   About Christine Gritmon: Christine is a renowned personal brand strategist and international speaker, helping professionals establish industry presence and develop thought leadership. Her expertise extends to personal branding, social media, content marketing, and more. Christine has spoken at prestigious events, such as #INBOUND, #DigitalWomen, and the American Marketing Association of New York, and has been featured on over 100 podcasts and other platforms. By supporting your employees in building strong personal brands, your company can enjoy increased visibility, enhanced brand reputation, improved employee retention, and more effective recruitment efforts.   About Christine Gritmon Inc: Christine Gritmon Inc is dedicated to empowering marketers to discover their unique strengths and showcase them on social media. By assisting her clients in identifying their distinct awesomeness, Christine helps them effectively leverage their personal brands on various digital platforms. This targeted approach not only enhances their online presence but also contributes to their professional growth and success within the marketing industry.   Tweetable Moments: 02:04 - “I really feel like there's so many people doing truly incredible things out there, and there's people who need to find those people.” 02:48 - “The reason why someone is going to support your business is not necessarily because it's better than other businesses. It's because they want to support you and be part of your success story.”   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 Christine Gritmon Inc on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/christine-gritmon-inc./ Check out Christine Gritmon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinegritmon/ Check out Christine Gritmon on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cgritmon Check out Christine Gritmon on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/cgritmon Check out Christine Gritmon on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/christinegritmoninc 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 & CEO of Success Through Trust Inc, Natalie Doyle Oldfield. Connecting with Natalie Doyle Oldfield offers numerous benefits, as she is a leading expert in trust building with a proven track record. Engaging with her can gain valuable insights and tools to foster trust within your organization, leading to increased sales, profitability, and customer loyalty. Additionally, her well-established connections within the business community can provide networking opportunities for your professional and personal growth. Ultimately, forging a relationship with Natalie can lead to business success and personal development in today's trust-driven marketplace.   About Natalie Doyle Oldfield: Natalie is the author of The Power of Trust: How Top Companies Build, Manage, and Protect It and serves as the President of Success Through Trust. She has been recognized as one of the world's Top Thought Leaders in Trust for five consecutive years by Trust Across America, an honor she shares with other prominent leaders such as Howard Schultz, founder and CEO of Starbucks, and author Stephen M.R. Covey. Hailing from Canada, Natalie is celebrated as one of the nation's Most Inspiring Women Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs. She was also nominated for the prestigious 2023 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneurs Award of the Year. Her mission is to help business owners and leaders expand their companies by fostering relationships of trust with their customers and colleagues. Natalie's training programs, trust measurement system, tools, and proprietary Trust Building framework are all grounded in scientific research and evidence. As a sought-after podcast guest and writer, she contributes to Forbes and has been featured in Economist Impact as a "Business Trust Expert."   About Success Through Trust Inc: Success Through Trust Inc. is dedicated to helping businesses enhance their sales, boost profitability, and strengthen customer loyalty. In today's fast-paced world, numerous business owners grapple with stagnant or declining growth, fewer referrals, and increased negotiation stress. Business owners must recognize that we have entered a new era where customers prioritize trust when purchasing. Simply offering best-in-class products and services is no longer sufficient; customers now choose to buy from people and companies they trust. In the absence of trust, sales suffer. Success Through Trust seeks to empower businesses to overcome these challenges and achieve tremendous success by focusing on fostering Trust.   Tweetable Moments: 02:45 - “What I realized is it all comes down to building relationships of trust.” 06:02 - “Probably a lot of your listeners are trustworthy. However, not everyone knows how to build a relationship of trust. It is a skill that you can learn and you can cultivate and develop. And when you practice it, you become even more trustworthy.”   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 Success Through Trust Inc website at https://successthroughtrust.com/ Check out Success Through Trust Inc on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/success-through-trust-inc-/ Check out Natalie Doyle Oldfiend on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliedoyleoldfield/ 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 & CEO of Particle 41, Benjamin Johnson. Connecting with Benjamin Johnson would be beneficial due to his extensive experience and expertise as a technology leader. His strong background in open-source programming and various frameworks and ability to scale and lead engineering teams in diverse environments make him a valuable asset. Benjamin's proven track record in delivering high-quality products on time and within budget demonstrates his commitment to excellence. His experience managing remotely distributed teams and implementing effective project management methodologies like SCRUM ensures seamless collaboration and communication. Benjamin's dedication to professional and personal pursuits showcases his well-rounded character and ability to impact the technology industry and local community positively.   About Benjamin Johnson: Benjamin is a highly accomplished technology leader with expertise in open-source programming and various frameworks. He excels in scaling and leading engineering teams, particularly in remote and distributed environments. By implementing SCRUM and other best practices, Benjamin maintains high-quality standards and achieves exceptional results in product delivery. His dedication to professional and personal pursuits is evident in his commitment to his local church and family, as he actively coaches his sons' soccer teams and leads community workshops. Overall, Benjamin is a well-rounded individual who significantly impacts the technology industry and his local community.   About Particle 41: Particle41 is a technology company inspired by niobium, the 41st element in the Periodic Table, known for its superconducting properties and ability to strengthen alloys. The company aims to improve businesses through its expert teams, specializing in Application Development, DevOps, and Machine Learning. Particle41's core values include velocity, visibility, and vision. The company believes in moving quickly to get things done, ensuring clear and constant communication, and preparing for the future while creating new opportunities. Particle41 aims to amplify businesses and drive their success in the ever-evolving technological landscape by offering dependable, high-caliber teams.   Tweetable Moments: 06:33 - “Development is a very iterative process. If you have big bangs in your project management lifecycle, those are bad because then there's this kind of distance between the people executing the mission and then the results.” 09:48 - “I would say almost 60% of my business has been referral and about 40% partnerships. So also, finding strategic partners is a great way to achieve hair steps in growth.”   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 Particle 41 website at http://particle41.com/ Check out Particle 41 on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/particle41/ Check out Particle 41 on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/particle41 Check out Benjamin Johnson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/particle41/ Check out Benjamin Johnson on Twitter at https://twitter.com/benjohnson77 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 Chairman & CEO of BCT Partners, Randal Pinkett. Connecting with Dr. Randal Pinkett offers numerous benefits due to his vast expertise, experience, and accomplishments in entrepreneurship, innovation, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). By engaging with Dr. Pinkett, you can gain valuable insights and knowledge on DEI strategies, best practices, and data-driven approaches that can help promote equity in your organization or community. Dr. Pinkett can guide business growth, management, and innovation as a successful entrepreneur and leader. Moreover, his extensive academic background and experience as an international speaker make him a valuable resource for learning and personal development. Connecting with Dr. Pinkett can expand your network, open up potential collaboration opportunities, and offer inspiration for your own professional or personal journey.   About Randal Pinkett: Dr. Randal, author of DATA-DRIVEN DEI, is an entrepreneur, innovator, and DEI expert. He is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of BCT Partners, a global research, training, and data analytics firm whose mission is to provide insights about diverse people that lead to equity. The company has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms, Ernst & Young as EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Manage HR Magazine as a Top 10 Firm for Diversity & Inclusion, the Black Enterprise BE100s list of the nation’s largest Black-owned businesses, and the Inc. 5000 list of the fastestgrowing private companies in America. An international public speaker, Dr. Pinkett is the author or co-author of Black Faces in High Places, Black Faces in White Places, Campus CEO, and No-Money Down CEO. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Rutgers University; an M.S. in computer science from the University of Oxford; and an M.S in electrical engineering, plus an MBA and Ph.D. from MIT. The first African American to receive a Rhodes Scholarship at Rutgers University, he was inducted into the Academic All-America Hall of Fame as a high jumper, long jumper, sprinter, and captain of the Rutgers men’s track and field team. Dr. Pinkett was also the Season 4 winner of the reality television show, The Apprentice.   About BCT Partners: BCT Partners is a globally recognized, diverse-led consulting firm committed to transforming lives, accelerating equity, and creating lasting change through various services such as research, consulting, training, technology, and analytics. Collaborating with multiple organizations, including government agencies, corporations, nonprofits, and educational institutions, BCT boasts expertise in sectors like housing, economic development, workforce development, health, education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a minority-owned business, BCT offers research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, management consulting, IT services, and business intelligence and data analytics solutions to help clients increase capacity, streamline operations, and achieve better outcomes.   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 BCT Partners website at https://www.bctpartners.com/ Check out BCT Partners on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/bct-partners/ Check out Randal Pinkett on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/randalpinkett/ 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.