Connection Accepted

This episode is a deep dive on social media and business with Eric Wei, co-founder of Karat, a $100M fintech business helping creators with their finances - think "Square" but for influencers.We flew out to LA and sat down with Eric to break down his story from working at top firms like McKinsey and Instagram, to meeting his co-founder Will Kim and launching Karat in 2019. Eric sheds light on why creating content isn't optional for creators in 2026, how LinkedIn has helped his business, and what he's learned from working with some of the biggest names in social media, including Graham Stephan, Alex Botez, and Nas Daily.For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to connectionaccepted@gmail.comFollow Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-wei-43078068/Join Matt & I as we build a $10M Podcast: Subscribe on YouTube @ConnectionAccepted Or listen on Apple/Spotify.Thanks for the support!

3,000 cold DMs. Co-founders with millions of TikTok followers. A portfolio ranging from de-extinction science to Kentucky Derby horses.Marshall Sandman isn't running a traditional venture capital fund.In this conversation, Marshall breaks down the Animal Capital model: using massive influencer reach to bypass traditional ad spend for their portfolio companies. We debate the cringiest parts of LinkedIn (and why he’s hesitant to become a "LinkedIn influencer"), discuss the economics of bringing wooly mammoths back to life with Colossal Biosciences, and share the insane story of how Griffin Johnson moved the betting odds at the Kentucky Derby by 60% just by posting.If you want to understand how the creator economy is reshaping venture capital, this episode is your blueprint.Connect with Marshall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-sandman-9ab40526/Go to connectionaccepted.com and put in your email if you want to be in a future creator help hotline episode.For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to connectionaccepted@gmail.comJoin Matt & I as we build a $10M Podcast: Subscribe on YouTubeListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oeHvC5O1oSqIw428DpTHX?si=wy5JJTUvQ96a01xoRqeHGListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-accepted/id1844434065 Our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connection-accepted/

The generic "Analyst" headline. The "About" section filled with buzzwords. The "Experience" section copied and pasted from a Word doc, burying your best achievements (like 70k TikTok followers) where no one will ever see them.Your LinkedIn profile is a digital graveyard.In this conversation, we do a live, 8-point teardown of Jacob Fenton's profile. We share the exact, behind-the-scenes process of transforming a generic profile into a "mental athlete" and finding a powerful niche in the "psychology of business."If you're tired of feeling scared to hit post, this conversation is the tactical playbook you need.Connect with Jacob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobfenton24/Go to connectionaccepted.com and put in your email if you want to be in a future creator help hotline episode.For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to connectionaccepted@gmail.comJoin Matt & I as we build a $10M Podcast: Subscribe on YouTubeListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oeHvC5O1oSqIw428DpTHX?si=wy5JJTUvQ96a01xoRqeHGListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-accepted/id1844434065 Our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connection-accepted/

Kevin Baker is the funniest person on LinkedIn.Just a few years ago, Kevin was working in the mailroom at a top talent agency (UTA), restocking printers and wearing a suit. He was surrounded by corporate culture and felt stifled, unable to post the "stupid stuff" he loved. His job had become a prison for his creativity.Instead of conforming, he started posting. He tested the waters with a post acting like he fell for a "CEO gift card scam," which didn't go over well. So he quit. He leaned into satire, creating the legendary 3.1 million view "Costco as a co-working space" post and mastering the art of content that makes people ask, "Is this a joke?"In this conversation, Kevin gives a masterclass on creating viral, satirical content. He shares the exact, behind-the-scenes stories of his most famous posts, breaks down his creative process, and reveals why LinkedIn is the ultimate platform for humor because everyone else is so serious.In This Episode, We Cover:The 3.1M View Post: The story and creative process behind the "Costco co-working" hit.The "CEO Scam" Post: The post that got him in hot water."Is This Real?": The philosophy of creating content that perfectly toes the line.Fear of Flopping: The mental warfare of following up a 3 million view post.Corporate "Alpha": Why LinkedIn is the best platform for humor right now.Why Are People Scared to Like?: The "boss" factor holding back engagement on funny posts.If you're tired of generic social media advice, this conversation is the tactical playbook you need.Find Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbakerwa/Foster Point: https://www.fosterpoint.co/Go to connectionaccepted.com and put in your email if you want to be in a future creator help hotline episode.For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to connectionaccepted@gmail.comJoin Matt & I as we build a $10M Podcast: Subscribe on YouTubeListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oeHvC5O1oSqIw428DpTHX?si=wy5JJTUvQ96a01xoRqeHGListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-accepted/id1844434065 Our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connection-accepted/

Your content strategy is mental warfare.In this conversation, Matt & I tear down the "virality" myth. We reveal the truth about what comes after a post takes off and share the #1 mindset shift (stop "hacking the algorithm" and start understanding "people"). We break down the 3-part framework that separates sustainable creators from one-hit wonders.If you're tired of chasing analytics and want to win the battle against your own brain, this conversation is the tactical playbook you need.Go to connectionaccepted.com and put in your email if you want to be in a future creator help hotline episode.For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to connectionaccepted@gmail.comJoin Matt & I as we build a $10M Podcast: Subscribe on YouTubeListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oeHvC5O1oSqIw428DpTHX?si=wy5JJTUvQ96a01xoRqeHGListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-accepted/id1844434065 Our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connection-accepted/

From solo traveling India for six months to building a personal branding business, Marta Rus isn't teaching typical marketing tactics.In this conversation, Marta breaks down her "Heart-Led Founder" model: using deep authenticity and vulnerability to bypass the noise on Instagram and stand out to the 1% of users actually posting on LinkedIn.We debate the role of AI in creative writing (and why she still writes her first drafts by hand), discuss the "Soul Meter" concept for content, and share why sending voice notes in DMs is the highest ROI networking strategy you aren't using.If you want to build a personal brand that feels authentic rather than just purely strategic, this episode is for you.Connect with Marta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/happiness-coachingGo to connectionaccepted.com and put in your email if you want to be in a future creator help hotline episode.For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to connectionaccepted@gmail.comJoin Matt & I as we build a $10M Podcast: Subscribe on YouTubeListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oeHvC5O1oSqIw428DpTHX?si=wy5JJTUvQ96a01xoRqeHGListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-accepted/id1844434065Our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connection-accepted/

Applying to jobs is harder now more than ever.Everyone feels it. The "spray and pray" of a hundred cold emails. The feeling of being one of "thousands of applicants" for two slots. The "wall of silence" from recruiters and the fear that you have nothing "valuable or interesting" to say.It's the single biggest thing that stops college students from landing a job.In this conversation, we break down why LinkedIn content is the new networking. We share the exact "G.A.P. Framework" for "networking at scale," what to post when you feel you have "nothing to say," and how to get job opportunities to come "inbound" to you.In This Episode, We Cover:The "Digital Black Hole": Why 1,000+ job applications lead to 0 offers."Networking at Scale": The new playbook for standing out (and getting your network's network to help you).The "Spray and Pray" Problem: Why your traditional cold emails are getting ignored.Inbound Opportunities: How to get recruiters and professionals to message you.The G.A.P. FrameworkIf you're tired of your resume getting ignored, this conversation is the tactical playbook you need.Go to connectionaccepted.com and put in your email if you want to be in a future creator help hotline episode.For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to connectionaccepted@gmail.comJoin Matt & I as we build a $10M Podcast: Subscribe on YouTubeListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oeHvC5O1oSqIw428DpTHX?si=wy5JJTUvQ96a01xoRqeHGListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-accepted/id1844434065Our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connection-accepted/

If you can't run a business without you being there, you built a prison, not a business.In this episode of Connection Accepted, we sit down with Charlie Hills, a LinkedIn expert who scaled his personal brand from 0 to over 170,000 followers and built a top LinkedIn ghostwriting agency.Just over a year ago, Charlie was a "one-man band" on the verge of burnout. He was working a full-time job, managing 7 clients, and was ready to "close it all down." His business had become a prison.Instead of quitting, he partnered up and built a system. He treated every post as an experiment, mastered the algorithm, and developed a content playbook that exploded his growth.In this conversation, Charlie gives a masterclass on LinkedIn growth, sharing the exact, tactical playbook he uses for himself and his clients. He reveals his counter-intuitive strategies for writing viral hooks (using colons and brackets), why he never uses bold text, and the "weird" scheduling hack he uses every day.In This Episode, We Cover:The "Prison" Framework: Why your one-person business is holding you back.The 0 to 160k Playbook: Charlie's full journey from "cringe" posts to LinkedIn star.The AI Avatar: The personal branding "explosion" that changed his growth.Escaping Burnout: How finding an operational partner saved his agency.Viral Hook Formulas: The tactical guide to writing hooks (using colons, brackets, and numbers).The "Weird" Scheduling Hack: Charlie's 11:15 AM posting conspiracy.Why You MUST AVOID Bold: The formatting mistakes that are killing your reach.The 70/20/10 Content Funnel: The exact content mix he uses for clients.The Perfect DM: How to use Kondo and "warm intent signals" to get clients.Are Company Pages Dead? A new strategy for growing your company page.If you're tired of generic social media advice, this conversation is the tactical playbook you need.Find Charlie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hills/Linked Agency: www.linked-agency.comGo to connectionaccepted.com and put in your email if you want to be in a future creator help hotline episode.For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to connectionaccepted@gmail.comJoin Matt & I as we build a $10M Podcast: Subscribe on YouTubeListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oeHvC5O1oSqIw428DpTHX?si=wy5JJTUvQ96a01xoRqeHGListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-accepted/id1844434065 Our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connection-accepted/

Posting on LinkedIn is "mental warfare."Everyone feels it. The fear of "climbing Cringe Mountain." The feeling of being self-conscious, the fear of "rejection at scale," and the "moat of low status" you have to cross while people wonder what you're doing. It's the single biggest thing that stops people from building an audience.In this conversation, we break down the psychology of content creation. We share the exact, behind-the-scenes stories of pushing past the fear, what to do after a post goes viral, and why the cringe feeling may actually be a good sign.In This Episode, We Cover:Climbing Cringe Mountain: The psychology of why posting feels so uncomfortable."Rejection at Scale": The mental warfare of putting yourself out there.The "One-Hit Wonder" Problem: The immense mental pressure after a post goes viral.The Moat of Low Status: The social hit you must take before you succeed.The "Cringe" Signal: Why feeling uncomfortable might mean your post will perform better.If you're tired of feeling scared to hit post, this conversation is the tactical playbook you need.Go to connectionaccepted.com and put in your email if you want to be in a future creator help hotline episode.For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to connectionaccepted@gmail.comJoin Matt & I as we build a $10M Podcast: Subscribe on YouTubeListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oeHvC5O1oSqIw428DpTHX?si=wy5JJTUvQ96a01xoRqeHGListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-accepted/id1844434065 Our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connection-accepted/

Cold outreach is dead. At least, "Outreach 1.0" is.In this episode of Connection Accepted, we sit down with Noah Greenberg, the founder and CEO of Stacker, a bootstrapped company that just crossed $10 million in revenue.Two years ago, Noah was frustrated. Cold outreach was inefficient, and getting press was a dead end. He had a powerful realization: every single one of his potential B2B customers was already on LinkedIn, every single day.So, he decided to stop chasing journalists and turn himself into his own media company.In this conversation, Noah gives a masterclass on "Outreach 3.0," sharing the exact, tactical playbook he used to build a massive audience, generate hundreds of sales calls, and drive millions in revenue: all from LinkedIn.In This Episode, We Cover:Outreach 3.0: Why LinkedIn is the most effective outreach model in human history.The 70/20/10 Rule"Earn the Right": Why you can't just pitch your product (and what to do instead).The 5-Step Playbook: An exact, step-by-step guide for anyone starting from zero.The ICP Method: How to find your perfect audience by focusing on just ONE person.Why You MUST Comment: How commenting gets you on the radar of your dream customers.The Perfect DM: The exact DM strategy Noah uses to get a 25% response rate.How Stacker Grew: How Noah solved the "chicken-and-egg" problem for his marketplace.Becoming a "Top Voice": How Noah got the blue badge (and how you can too).If you're tired of generic social media advice, this conversation is the tactical playbook you need.Find Noah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahg/Stacker: https://www.stacker.com/Go to connectionaccepted.com and put in your email if you want to be in a future creator help hotline episode.For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to connectionaccepted@gmail.comJoin Matt & I as we build a $10M Podcast: Subscribe on YouTubeListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oeHvC5O1oSqIw428DpTHX?si=wy5JJTUvQ96a01xoRqeHGListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connection-accepted/id1844434065 Our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connection-accepted/