Beyond 8 Figures

In today’s dynamic business landscape, where companies constantly compete for customers’ attention, effective business copywriting is your best chance to rise above the noise. Our guest, Will Green, of Copy Road, shares three key copywriting principles that can significantly improve your brand’s impact, help build persuasive messaging, and establish meaningful connections, ultimately driving business growth and lasting success.About Will Green:Will Green is the master of copywriting. He’s the Founder of Copy Road, where he’s teaching others to turn content into cash flow for their businesses. Will is one of the few copywriters to earn 7-figures in royalties, making him the best person to talk to about copywriting for businesses.Will used to work in a Charleston-based independent publishing house, Joggling Board Press, where he was in charge of marketing and platform development. He became a junior copywriter at Stansberry and further honed his copywriting skills at Money Map Press. Now, he’s helping clients with their copy while also sharing his valuable knowledge through his course “The Hunger Games,” where 100% of profits from buying go towards feeding hungry people.Episode highlights:Copywriting principles, though effective, can lose their impact when being overused, making them predictable to the audience. Mastering these basics empowers you to refresh your messaging while maintaining relevance with your audience. (06:17) In business copywriting, less is more. Concise, resonating copy is undeniably effective, memorable, powerful, and persuasive. This minimalistic approach is a crucial principle as it makes your message clear and easy to understand, and ultimately - more memorable.  (07:25)The secret to writing a winning copy is simple - make a big promise to your audience and make sure you deliver on it. The trick is understanding their problem, offering them a practical solution, and convincingly showing that you can and will fulfill that promise. But making the promise is only half the battle; the ability to deliver on that promise is what ultimately distinguishes successful businesses. (08:24) Building genuine customer relationships is a vital aspect of business copywriting that often gets overlooked. Copywriting is not just about crafting persuasive words; it's about creating a narrative filled with honesty and transparency. This sets the stage for a consistent relationship, trust, and loyalty, ultimately impacting the overall customer experience and business growth. (13:09)While artificial intelligence has many strengths, achieving consistency at scale with it is still a challenge. For instance, AI isn't up to par yet when it comes to preserving cohesion across different types of content. But paired with human understanding of communication, it can achieve tremendous results. That’s why there’s no reason to fear AI. Instead, embrace it as a powerful business tool for maximizing human potential and accelerating business progress. (26:25) Will’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“What works in copywriting is you make an offer that people want, and you make it clear, and then you prove that you can deliver it because if you promise me something I want and you prove to me that you can deliver it, and I can afford your price, I'm going to buy.” (07:25)Connect with Will: TwitterLinkedInResources Mentioned:Hunger Games courseCopy RoadFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

Building a purpose-driven company is important, but aligning that purpose with your business goals is the real secret to lasting legacy and success. Today, Amit Garg joins A.J. to discuss the importance of having a plan, a sense of purpose, and a clear mission for your business. He shares his first-hand tips for raising funds as a startup, choosing VC investors, and why picking someone who aligns with your values and goals is crucial.About Amit Garg:Amit Garg is an entrepreneur and a venture capitalist. He’s the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at TAU Ventures, an AI-first, seed-first VC fund in the heart of Silicon Valley. Amit has built a remarkable career as a tech professional spanning over 20 years in none other than the heart of innovation, Silicon Valley. As a VC, he has a keen eye on promising startups and specializes in seed-stage applied AI investments in Digital Health, Automation, and Enterprise.Amit has also made a significant impact through philanthropy, merging his purpose with his business goals. He and his team successfully raised funds through crowdfunding to establish essential facilities in rural India. One of them is a self-sustainable hospital, Hospital for Hope, which provides healthcare in a neglected part of the country and serves a community of 100,000 people.Episode highlights:Aligning your business goals and purpose is crucial, especially in the planning stage, where it serves as a strong foundation for your venture. From there, you can use it as a roadmap for deciding on the type of financing model, attracting the right investors, and developing authentic relationships with your clients. In the long run, this alignment fortifies your venture’s position, driving consistent growth and long-lasting connections. (06:13) When you’re creating value and nurturing a purpose beyond pure profit, success becomes the only option. Products and services that genuinely add value to people’s lives inevitably lead to financial gain. More importantly, they make a difference in the world, which is the ultimate measure of success. (13:14) Mistakes are a natural part of life. Without them, success wouldn’t be nearly as meaningful. But when these tough moments happen, staying focused on your business goals and purpose matters most. This will help you keep your eyes on the prize, ultimately overcoming any obstacles that come your way and achieving what you’ve planned for from the start. (16:37)Creating high-quality, valuable content for your audience is fundamental. It fosters customer trust and loyalty, strengthens your company’s reputation, and establishes your brand as a thought leader. Most importantly, this act of giving back to the community through knowledge sharing, education, and empowerment is never without reciprocity. Essentially, the more value you create, the more you receive in return. (29:14)Success in business goes beyond mere profits. In fact, different factors define a successful business, from brand reputation to employee satisfaction. That said, one less-talked-about indicator of a company’s success is meaningful legacy. To build this long-term impact, aligning business goals with purpose is vital, which will result in positive change in society, not just financial gain for your company. (33:30) Amit’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“I've always believed that when you create value, you get valuations. It's not the other way around. If you're doing something meaningful, then you will figure out a way to also make money out of it. And I've been able to align this in my life.” (13:16)Connect with Amit: LinkedInTwitterResources Mentioned:Hospital For HopeTau VenturesData DrivenFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

Being a digital nomad and an entrepreneur is a match made in heaven. You live on your terms while working from any part of the world you want. Bakari Akil is the perfect example. This week, he joins A.J. to discuss his unique approach to acquisition entrepreneurship and how he’s managing various business ventures remotely, all while exploring the world and building a community of like-minded nomads.About Bakari Akil:Bakari Akil is a seasoned entrepreneur and a full-time digital nomad. He’s currently traveling the globe while running his ventures remotely. Bakari is the Managing Director of Graves Hall Capital, an investment firm he founded to acquire businesses. He's also the founder of Nomad Noir, a platform inspiring black digital nomads to pursue this incredible lifestyle.Bakari is an expert in sourcing, evaluating, and executing multi-million dollar acquisitions. In addition to all his ventures, he’s a visiting lecturer at Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management. He teaches MBA candidates how to buy a business and pursue acquisition entrepreneurship.Episode highlights:The digital nomad lifestyle is very popular among remote entrepreneurs. But making such a huge transition may seem daunting. It can be overwhelming, from setting up your business adequately to lacking a support system. However, if you strive to live abroad, you can always seek help from experienced travelers such as Bakari and programs like Remote Year. (01:50) Despite what some people think, you can become a digital nomad at any age. It’s one of the most liberating and inspiring lifestyles that allows you to travel the world while still working full-time. As long as you have the flexibility to pursue digital nomadism with your job and the income to sustain you, you can embark on this incredible journey anytime. (04:19)Like other business ventures, acquisition entrepreneurship also has its challenges and obstacles. But what truly defines you during these hard times is your mindset. Perseverance and resilience are key to success in entrepreneurship. You can overcome almost any business challenge by staying resilient and pushing forward. To get better at it, adopt a can-do attitude and start believing that success is the only option. (12:32) Being a digital nomad is a life-changing experience that impacts you both personally and professionally. It helps to master the technical steps to build a rock-solid business, broaden your perspective, and see the world through new lenses. Ultimately, this gives you a profound sense of fulfillment, making you a more inspired leader and a better entrepreneur. (18:44)Some aspects of acquisition entrepreneurship require your physical presence. However, in most cases, a stable connection will do the trick. In reality, if you’re considering becoming a digital nomad, effective leadership and strong communication skills are even more valuable for entrepreneurs on this journey. (22:03)Bakari’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“This has to happen. There's no other way I'm going to make this particular thing happen. If you could pull that kind of energy into a goal, and you have the staying power when things get tough, more often than not, you'll be able to accomplish the thing you're trying to accomplish.” (13:13)Connect with Bakari: LinkedInInstagramResources Mentioned:Remote YearMy 3 Greek Dates End in RuinsNomad NoirTaj Lewis - Production ManagerFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

Generative AI is redefining the business landscape. This cutting-edge technology is not only driving customer value to new heights, but it’s also transforming the way companies operate across industries. Nick Desai and his AI-driven healthcare app, Together by Renee, are a true testament to the power and potential of generative AI. Today, he joins A.J. again to talk about harnessing AI tools to make a significant difference in both customer experience and business operations. About Nick Desai:Nick Desai is a visionary entrepreneur, inspiring inventor, and leading expert in the field of artificial intelligence and healthcare technology. He is the Founder and CEO of Together by Renee, an innovative AI-driven healthcare app that is revolutionizing healthcare solutions. Prior to Together, he also co-founded Heal, a healthcare startup providing on-demand medical house calls.With a wealth of knowledge and experience in the tech sector, Nick is now committed to leveraging generative AI to offer user-friendly tools and personalized recommendations to health patients all around the country. Given his significant strides in the industry, Nick is an invaluable source of wisdom for both established professionals and aspiring innovators.Episode highlights:Generative AI has managed to overcome two of its most significant limitations - the inability to grasp context and the lack of syntax understanding. Fortunately, the newest AI models have successfully bridged this gap. They are now indispensable tools for forward-thinking business owners who want to stay ahead of their competitors. With these AI tools, businesses can now improve customer experience, streamline operations, and ultimately drive more value for their customers. (03:04)When adopting new AI tools in your business, keep in mind that technology should be effortless and intuitive for the users. Rather than overburdening them with complex features and processes, these solutions should adapt to the users’ needs and behaviors. The ultimate goal of generative AI is to create user-friendly experiences that continually evolve and improve with customer engagement. (10:39) There are a lot of strong technology solutions available, but the true metric of good technology is its usability and the value it delivers to the users. It’s important to have this in mind when implementing generative AI into your business. Focus on user-friendliness and value delivery to ensure these AI solutions contribute to customer experience and overall business success. (13:15)The seamless integration of generative AI into businesses is a crucial factor for successful customer experiences. The goal is to provide significant value to the customers but also allow them to interact with AI tools without feeling disrupted in their everyday lives. This harmonious integration is essential because it fosters customer satisfaction, loyalty, and engagement, directly impacting business growth and long-term success. (20:49)Out of all technological revolutions, such as the PC era, the rise of the internet, and smartphones, AI is certainly the most transformative one. It progresses more rapidly than any of the previous revolutions, so it’s critical for businesses to understand its significant strategic value and potential sooner rather than later. Implementing AI can empower growth, efficiency, and innovation in unprecedented ways, making it a must-have for businesses that want to stay competitive. (29:17)Nick’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“I would say to any business owner, embrace this sooner rather than later because if you don't use it [ generative AI], it's going to use you and use you right out of business.” (02:35)Connect with Nick: LinkedInFacebookResources Mentioned:Together by Renee appFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

Your customers are not merely purchasing your products or services. They’re buying into your brand’s story and its purpose. This is where the power of storytelling comes into play. Karen Eber of Eber Leadership Group joins us to discuss the profound impact of storytelling on customer engagement, relationships, and the long-term success of your business.About Karen Eber:Karen Eber is a thought leader, leadership consultant, author, keynote speaker, and, above all, an exceptional storyteller. She’s currently serving as the CEO and Chief Storyteller at Eber Leadership Group, a consulting group helping companies build leaders, teams, and culture through the power of storytelling.Karen’s collaborated with some big names in the corporate world, such as General Electric, Facebook, Kraft Heinz, Kate Spade, and Microsoft. In addition, she has served as a guest lecturer at esteemed institutions, including the London School of Business, MIT, and Stanford. Her Ted Talk ‘How your brain responds to stories & why they are critical for Leaders’ has almost 2 million views and counting. On top of that, Karen has a new exciting project going on –  her book “The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories That Inform, Influence, and Inspire” that just came out! For a comprehensive book review, check out this page.The Power Of Storytelling For Long-Term Business SuccessStories make us connect to each other and build long-lasting relationships. They’re deeply installed in our DNA, so it’s no wonder that they also greatly impact our purchasing behaviors, decisions, and brand loyalties. This is exactly where the power of storytelling for businesses lies. It has the ability to transform your business and shape your long-term success entirely. It cultivates a genuine bond with your customers and fosters long-lasting loyalty.So, how do you harness the transformative potential of storytelling in your business? When crafting your brand’s story, it’s vital to keep your audience at the heart of the narrative. They are the main characters of your story. To do this effectively, understand their deepest concerns, needs, and desires. In storytelling, it’s equally essential to stay authentic, so let your mission shine through your stories. This strategic use of storytelling can significantly improve your customer engagement, strengthen brand loyalty, and ultimately transform your business.Episode highlights:When it comes to the power of storytelling, there's a romanticized notion among entrepreneurs of having a special origin story for your business. However, the reality is often totally different. There’s never only one story but a series of specific moments in your customers’ lives that connect them with your business. So, it’s essential to address their main concerns and pain points so that your narrative resonates deeply with them and eventually engages them to engage with your company. (05:58)To leverage the power of storytelling in business, go beyond your origin story. Instead, tell your customer's story, focus on their pain points, and solve their burning issues, one story at a time. This will help you build a strong connection with your audience, ultimately creating a loyal customer base, which is crucial to your overall success. (07:32) What matters most in storytelling for business is that you continuously dial into your audience's evolving needs and aspirations. You can use social media, ChatGPT, or direct interactions to keep up with their pain points. This will give you a good insight into their actions and motivations so that you craft narratives that truly resonate with them. (12:21)When crafting your brand’s narrative, start by getting a broad understanding of your audience before narrowing it down to specific interests. This approach will allow you to understand them better and also determine how your business can solve their issues. In the long run, it’ll help you create a relatable brand story and build lasting relationships with your customers. (14:13)Storytelling isn't a one-off tool or a quick fix. It’s a skill and resource to work on consistently and systematically throughout your entrepreneurial journey. It helps you create magnetic stories that draw people in and connect with them on a deeper level. This makes them more than just customers but loyal advocates of your business. (17:48)Focus on the main priority and big-picture stuff when crafting your brand story. But also remember that storytelling is flexible, so be free to drill down on your stories as time goes by to refine your approach. This lets you engage with your audience in real time and attune to their ever-evolving needs. (19:30)Karen’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“That's why storytelling is so key for as an entrepreneur. You have these opportunities to just connect to all of these thoughts, fears, hopes, aspirations, and that's where you are grabbing people. And you know you're doing it well when people say, ‘I feel like you wrote that just for me.’” (09:13)Connect with Karen: LinkedInTwitterInstagramResources Mentioned:Karen’s Ted Talk about why stories are crucial for leadersThe Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and InspireKaren Eber WebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsiteAffiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey. 

AI tools are here to stay, and they’re reshaping numerous aspects of the business world. One area where artificial intelligence is demonstrating its potential for tangible impact is leadership and management. In this episode, Sid Pandiya of Kona joins A.J. to explore how AI tools like Kona are empowering managers and helping them become more effective leaders in the long run.About Sid Pandiya:Sid Pandiya is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kona, an AI-powered leadership coach helping remote teams build culture and stay connected through expert-backed advice and daily check-ins. Their goal at Kona is to empower managers and support them as they hone their leadership skills. Prior to founding Kona, Sid worked as an intern at Zumper, where he made significant contributions to the company’s product management, software engineering, and machine learning.Sid’s remarkable talent for innovation and tech leadership earned him distinctions like the Kleiner Perkins Engineering Fellowship and the role of a Product Management Fellow at Product Space. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Greenwood High International School.Episode highlights:Using AI can help stay consistent with your business WHY, create structure, and achieve high results. (05:20)AI takes the guesswork and stress out of leadership. It helps lead more efficiently and uplift the team’s spirit. (15:24) Making AI more proactive in the future. (19:40)The importance of coaching and therapy for founders. (26:32)Managers need safe spaces and supporting communities. (31:11)AI can make sure that managers do their jobs more efficiently by providing valuable feedback and high-quality advice to their people. (31:58)Sid’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“I've seen and felt the impact that both a bad manager can have on your well-being, mental health, and overall happiness. On the flip side, how uplifting and energizing, having a great manager can be for your life, your career, your success, and your overall happiness because a big part of your mental health and well-being comes from your work and your work environment and your manager is the most important person that you will interact with at any given job.” (15:47)Connect with Sid: LinkedInFacebookInstagramResources Mentioned:KonaEvolution CoachingGeoff GraberJanine DavisKona’s Manager Book ClubRadical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim ScottJust Work: How to Root Out Bias, Prejudice, and Bullying to Build a Kick-Ass Culture of Inclusivity by Kim ScottKona’s Manager Accelerator ProgramFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsiteAffiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey.

Selling a business is more than just finding the right buyer; it’s about taking the necessary steps to effectively prepare for this major transition. In this episode, A.J. welcomes Kirk Michie from Candor Advisors to discuss the six key steps for a successful business sale. They talk about the importance of understanding your purpose in business, why entrepreneurs need to be more open to outside help, and the indispensable role that trusted financial advisors can play when you’re looking to sell your business.About Kirk Michie:Kirk Michie is the Founder and currently the Managing Partner of Candor Advisors, a company providing transaction advisory services to successful founder-led businesses. With 30+ years of industry experience, Kirk has built an exceptional career in strategic planning, investment, and legacy preservation. He has leveraged his entrepreneurial wisdom to guide business owners, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth families through complex financial decisions. He has an impressive record, having managed over $1 billion in capital allocation and assessed over 2,000 direct investments. Kirk is also the Founder of EBITDA University, which offers learning programs about selling businesses. Kirk is not just a financial advisor but a thought leader, having spoken at numerous prestigious events and organizations, including Association for Corporate Growth events, Vistage, and Entrepreneurs Organization gatherings.Episode highlights:Entrepreneurs often find it hard to seek advice, especially when they’re faced with crucial inflection points in their business growth. However, if you want to achieve the right outcome for you, whether that’s the most money or the best legacy control, asking for help and finding a trustworthy person to lean on throughout the process is a necessary step. (05:09)Effective communication is essential in every business aspect, and selling a business is no exception. One powerful technique that can significantly impact your business exit outcome is Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP). It offers great tools for comprehending different communication styles and processing modes, leading to better mutual understanding and more successful sales outcomes. (09:52) When you’re hiring an advisor for a capital event, it’s essential to look for someone whose expertise combines three different skill sets for different parts of the sales process. According to Kirk, the most successful sales outcomes happen with advisors who play these three roles: guru, guide, and gladiator.. (16:10)There are six key steps that lead to a successful business sale: knowing your why, matching a buyer's why with yours, professionalizing financials, not giving up too much too soon, seeking guidance from experts, and having reasonable expectations. (24:19)Finding your ‘why’ is essential when preparing to sell your company or take on investment capital. Understanding this will help you optimize your financial sale or process, ultimately leading to a successful sale and a smooth transition. (33:15)Kirk’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“If you're the entrepreneur and you're selling, you're still Don Quixote, we're Sancho Panza. It is your hero's journey. But the critical thing is pick your Guru Guide Gladiator and lean on them. That doesn't mean stop listening to other good advice that you've used to build your business, but lean on that person for their experience, their scar tissue, their perspective. Because if you've found the right advisor, you're going to get to the right outcome for you, whether that's the most money, the best terms, the best legacy control, you're going to get to the right outcome if you collaborate the right way on your sale.” (05:54) Connect with Kirk: LinkedInInstagramYouTubeResources Mentioned:Use the code ‘B8FP’ to receive a 25% discount off any EBITDA University programCandor AdvisorsStart with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon SinekFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsiteAffiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey. 

Intentional leadership is a powerful way of driving success and inspiring business growth. But how do you lead your team with purpose? In today’s episode, Adam Sandman from Inflectra Corporation joins our host, A.J., to discuss this empowering leadership style. They talk about the importance of intentional culture-building, the power of coaching teams, and how value alignment helps drive business in the right direction.About Adam Sandman:Adam is the Founder and CEO of Inflectra - a company that develops software testing tools, application lifecycle management, and automation platforms. He is responsible for product strategy, technology innovation, and business development. Adam’s programming journey started when he was ten years old, writing computer games and applications for fun. He then went to Oxford University to study Physics, but after realizing that lab life was not for him, he moved to the US to pursue his other career dreams. One of his first major jobs was for a consulting firm - Sapient, where he was in charge of development with the U.S. Marine Corps. After a while, Adam decided to jump into entrepreneurship, and that’s how Inflectra was born. Over the years, the company transitioned from a lifestyle business to a growth-focused enterprise and is now a market leader in software test management and enterprise portfolio management space.Episode highlights:Bootstrapping has its drawbacks and limitations, but this financing model is a great way to build a business with a clear purpose instead of chasing the hot money. When you choose bootstrapping, you’re more flexible and independent in your decisions. In addition, as you’re growing and scaling up, you’re continuously reminded of your WHY, which is the ultimate fuel that drives your business.  (04:06)Transitioning from a founder-led sales model to a team-led model might seem overwhelming, but it’s a huge step forward for your business. It allows you to focus on other business growth areas and support your team’s professional development as you scale together to new heights. Since sales become a collaborative approach rather than a one-person job, the business can grow sustainably and manageable. (06:53) It’s important to define your sales process before bringing in new salespeople. By optimizing the sales process and making it as clear as possible, you help new hires understand what steps to follow and how their success will be measured. This allows them to do their jobs more effectively and contribute to the overall growth and success of your organization. (08:10)Intentional leadership is about supporting your team as they drive your business forward. That’s why coaching is a much better approach than managing in a top-down approach. It helps align their growth with company goals, fosters a purpose-driven environment, and ultimately inspires business growth. (17:00)Every company has its own unique culture, so it’s important to recognize the importance of intentional culture-building. By intentionally building a company culture that aligns with your values, you can create a more cohesive and motivated team and enhance employee satisfaction. Satisfied employees who enjoy their work environment tend to remain loyal to the company and its objectives, ultimately resulting in higher productivity and lower turnover. (24:08)Adam’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“The culture was more intentional. [...] When we interview people, we interview them both from a skill fit and a core value fit. When we look at how we do business, we try and align our business practices with our values. One of our values is called build for customers, not for Wall Street. And the idea is we want to be around for the long term, build things that the customers find useful, even if it may be against the grain of where the industry has gone.” (24:08) Connect with Adam: LinkedInTwitterInstagramResources Mentioned:Good to Great by Jim CollinsBuilt to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras The Spirit to Serve Marriott's Way by J. W. Marriott and Kathy Ann BrownInflectra WebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsiteAffiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey. 

Investing in a franchise is a smart way to diversify your portfolio, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom. That said, it’s important to remember that building, growing, and scaling a franchise business takes a lot of hard work and dedication. As Brian Beers from Prenlyn Automotive Group shares in today’s episode, a franchise is essentially a business that calls for a business-owner mindset. If you want to hear how Brian grew his small family automotive repair shop into a million-dollar enterprise, tune into this episode to hear his valuable insights.About Brian Beers:Brian is a seasoned entrepreneur, a podcast host, and an investor. He took his small family franchise auto repair business into an enterprise with 32 locations (and counting) and grew it from $5M to $26M in sales. The company operates franchised Midas shops throughout the Philadelphia and New Jersey region.After years of experience in scaling a franchise business, Brian is now on a mission to help others do the same. He helps ambitious entrepreneurs build wealth and create freedom through franchising. In addition, he hosts a podcast called Business with Beers, where he shares tips with business owners who want to grow their income by investing in people, processes, and technology.Episode highlights:The beauty of franchising is that once you figure out how the franchise model works, you can repeat the process over and over again. It’s essentially a rinse-and-repeat approach that helps you grow more rapidly and add new markets successfully. (05:07)Successful entrepreneurs challenge themselves, fight their limiting beliefs, and constantly strive to overcome challenges. They aim for progress over perfection, which allows them to get ahead in life and build long-lasting success for their businesses. (07:08)True leaders elevate and inspire others. They support their professional growth and help them develop the necessary skills to achieve their full potential. This kind of leadership boosts motivation, creates a positive culture, and ultimately increases the team’s performance, leading to unparalleled success and business growth. (08:51)The best part about franchising is that there's something for everyone. Once you figure out what success looks like for you and what you want to achieve in life, you can find the right franchise opportunity that will fit your long-term goals. (19:30)Even though franchising has a lot of benefits, it’s not the easiest way to run a business. You can’t invest in it and forget about it. The real work actually starts after you’ve bought it. As an actual business venture it requires constant work and commitment to grow and become a sustainable revenue source. (25:49)Brian’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“I'm a big believer that the bigger that my world gets, the more opportunities that we create for the people that live within our world. So if I can continue to make our world bigger, I can bring in higher-level people, we can elevate other people, and provide a lot of opportunities. So that's my goal is making my world bigger in whatever direction.” (08:51) Connect with Brian: TwitterLinkedInPersonal WebsiteResources Mentioned:Business with Beers PodcastMidas: Prenlyn Automotive GroupFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

If you want to diversify your revenue streams and get into business ownership without starting a new company from scratch, investing in a franchise might be a good option for you. But how do you find the right franchise opportunities? In today’s episode, Jon Ostenson and A.J. explore franchise opportunities to help you grow your entrepreneurial journey. They also dive into the smartest tactics for matching your long-term goals to your franchise investment, how to prepare to break into franchising, and why investing in a franchise is a wise choice.About Jon Ostenson:Jon Ostenson is a Certified Franchise Consultant and a top 1% consultant/broker nationally specializing in non-food franchising. As the Founder and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, he has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and investors understand all aspects of non-food franchising and explore different business ownership opportunities. You’ll find his insightful contributions in well-known publications like Forbes, Inc., The Franchise Journal, and Franchise Connect, where he writes about franchising and franchise investments.Drawing on his experience as a multi-brand franchisee and his background as an Inc. 500 franchisor, Jon authored the book called “Non-Food Franchising: The Better Path to Business Ownership.” Addressing key topics such as strategic opportunity selection, semi-passive business models, and financial potential, this book is an essential resource for aspiring entrepreneurs, underscoring why non-food franchising is the optimal route to successful business ownership.For a comprehensive book review, check out this page.Episode highlights:Fast food businesses are not the only franchise opportunities you can explore. Non-food franchising could be a much better path to business ownership as they’re often necessities that people can’t go without, like dumpsters, children's apparel, or pet stores, which makes them more lucrative and sustainable. (03:43)Franchising is a great way to create multiple income streams and diversify your investment portfolio, helping you build long-term wealth and secure revenue. It’s ultimately about not putting all your eggs in one basket but allocating your money across different investments. (05:49)Having a good manager for your franchise is a game changer. It takes the burden off you without sacrificing the quality of business operations. (07:59)Every entrepreneur is different. So, it’s important to identify your own business WHY to understand which direction you want to take next in your entrepreneurial path and then unlock a franchise opportunity that will fit those goals. (14:07)When you’re preparing to invest in a franchise business, it’s critical to first research and identify market gaps where the customers’ needs are not being met. Then, start thinking about how you could solve their pain points with the right business. Only once you’ve uncovered the right opportunity can you start working on the funding piece and the actual paperwork for owning your franchise. (18:13)Even though some businesses don’t seem that intriguing at first glance, what matters is that they’re necessities on the market. They have real franchise potential and are more likely to stand the test of time. (22:43)Jon’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Where we see most of the attention being given today, again, it's these what I would call boring businesses, things like gutters and insulation and floor coatings and dumpsters. We have clients killing it with dumpsters. It's things that, like I mentioned, the senior care, we're still doing a lot of oil changes in most states, but it's pets, it's kids, it's businesses like that, that you don't think of oftentimes until they're in front of me and say, wow, there really is a market need.” (22:54) Connect with Jon: LinkedInTwitterFacebookResources Mentioned:Non-Food Franchising by Jon OstensonSign up for the monthly newsletter to receive a free copy of Jon's book and/or for a free franchise consultation at FranBridge ConsultingFranchise GatorFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsiteAffiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey.