Beyond 8 Figures

Sustainable growth hinges on leadership tactics that delegate authority and responsibility.  Adam Sandman’s journey of  bootstrapping, diversifying markets, and building a strong global team, demonstrated that smart, intentional decisions are what drive long-term success. His approach to leadership—decentralized, customer-focused, and growth-oriented—is what empowers teams to innovate and adapt, ensuring the company remains resilient and competitive in a global marketplace.About Adam SandmanAdam Sandman is the founder and CEO of Inflectra, a company that creates tools for software testing and automation. His journey with programming started when he was just ten, making computer games for fun. Later, he studied Physics at Oxford University but realized that working in labs wasn’t for him. So, he moved to the U.S. to follow his passion for technology.One of Adam’s first big roles was at Sapient, where he worked on projects for the U.S. Marine Corps. Eventually, he decided to start his own company, and that’s how Inflectra came to be. What began as a small business grew into a leader in the software industry. Adam’s focus has always been on creating innovative products and expanding the business. Today, Inflectra is known around the world for its top-notch software management tools.Key Insights:Start small, stay in control. Build your business without relying on outside funding so you can make decisions that align with your long-term goals. This way, you maintain control over your company’s direction and can grow at your own pace.Mix up your client base. Diversify your client portfolio by balancing startups with more established companies to provide stability and reduces the risk of losing significant revenue during market downturns.Build strong partnerships. Develop relationships with partners who can help you reach new customers and expand your business. These partnerships can act as a force multiplier, amplifying your sales and marketing efforts.Define your sales process. Before hiring salespeople, map out your sales process and understand the specific roles needed. Make sure you hire the right people for the right tasks and avoid costly mistakes.Focus on customer needs. Prioritize building products and services that truly meet your customers’ needs, even if it goes against industry trends. A customer-focused approach builds loyalty and drives long-term success.Adam's best advice for entrepreneurs:“You need to define your sales process differently before you start hiring people because otherwise what you'll do is you hire people like you or you hire people who are call themselves salespeople, but that may or may not be what you need in your particular moment in that particular phase.”Connect with Adam Sandman:LinkedInXInstagramFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsite

Building wealth isn’t just about making money but managing it wisely. Mike Brown, entrepreneur, investor and wealth coach, found out post-exit from his company that without proper financial strategies, you can quickly lose it all. Luckily for him, Mike used his setbacks to build a comprehensive wealth-preserving strategy, which he now shares with other entrepreneurs to help them avoid his mistakes and build lasting financial stability. About Mike BrownMike Brown is a successful entrepreneur and investor, who started his career as a Navy pilot flying  F/A-18 Super Hornets. After leaving the military, Mike entered the oil and gas industry and built an eight-figure investment firm, which he sold in 2019. Facing financial challenges after the sale, Mike learned the importance of smart money management, which he now uses in his coaching program Unbreakable Wealth to help other entrepreneurs build and manage their finances. Key Insights:Diversify but don’t overdo it. Avoid putting too much of your money into high-risk investments. A balanced approach helps you grow wealth steadily without unnecessary stress.Examine your money habits. Take a hard look at your relationship with money and how it influences your decisions. Fixing any unhealthy habits can prevent future financial headaches.Set realistic financial goals. Figure out what you truly need to be happy. Clear, achievable goals give you direction and purpose. It’s not always about having more money, but about having enough to meet your needs and desires.Seek advice from experts. Their insights can help you adopt effective wealth management practices and avoid common mistakes. Learning from others’ experiences can save you time and money.Prioritize your core business. Your main business is your best investment. Focus on growing and strengthening it before spreading your resources too thin in unrelated ventures. This ensures sustainable growth and stability for the long haul.Mike’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“The fact is, most people don't need more. They need to optimize what they have to create the experiences in the life that they want to live. And that's actually a lot easier than just constant growth.”Building lasting wealth is not rocket science. Sign up for Unbreakable Wealth’s coaching program to learn exactly how you create a stable financial future, and don't forget to mention "Beyond 8 Figures" for a special bonus!Subscribe to Mike’s free weekly finance newsletter Connect with Mike Brown:LinkedInInstagramXWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsite

Even if you run a profit-first business, you can still create a lot of good in your community. And the good news is that it doesn't affect your bottom line. If anything, it can significantly improve the chances of lasting growth for your business. Take Mike Smith, for example. Mike built Rabble Mill and Bay High into thriving organizations that focus on youth empowerment and community impact through innovative programs and spaces. His approach to solving real-world problems and building strong community connections is a perfect example of how aligning your business with meaningful impact can drive both social and financial success.About Mike SmithMike Smith is a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to making a difference. As co-founder of Rabble Mill and founder of The Bay and Skate For Change, he empowers youth through creative programs. With Stanford certification in Design Your Life and as a StoryBrand guide, Mike helps others find their path and tell their stories effectively.But what’s amazing about Mike is that his actions speak louder than his words. He’s skated 430 miles across Nebraska and lived homeless for 30 nights to raise funds, showing his commitment and unconventional approach. Mike’s relatable and practical strategies make him a valuable mentor for anyone looking to grow their business and create community impact.Key Insights:Create repeatable models. Develop and document successful business processes that can be easily replicated. This allows you to efficiently scale operations, whether opening new locations or expanding services, reducing costs and increasing profits.Network with purpose. Attend industry conferences, local business events, and networking meetups. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to referrals, partnerships, and new business opportunities that drive growth.Be ready to adapt. Stay flexible and open to change by regularly reviewing and adjusting your business strategies. This helps you stay ahead of industry trends, better respond to market shifts, and maintain a competitive edge.Measure success your way. Develop metrics that go beyond financial performance to include what truly matters to your business. This can help to differentiate your brand, attract customers who value corporate responsibility, and ensure your success aligns with your core values and mission.Stay transparent and authentic. Be open about your business practices and the impact you’re making. Authenticity builds trust with customers and stakeholders, fostering long-term loyalty and support.Mike’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“The social entrepreneurship success that I'm looking for is this thing that is scalable, replicable and impactful all over.”Resources mentioned:StoryBrandThe HarborConnect with Mike Smith:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsite

If I can give one piece of advice, it’s to make data-driven decisions. Data on market trends and customer needs has moved my business forward. Trust the data! I spoke with Austin Linney, a seasoned innovator and entrepreneur, who shared how data helped him pivot from real estate to business acquisitions. By integrating data into every step of his business process, he was able to optimize operations, reduce risks, and build a resilient company. Today, he’s sharing how you can do it, too. About Austin LinneyAustin Linney is a serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, and host of the "Construct Your Life with Austin Linney" podcast. He has built several successful businesses, including Crementum Capital Holdings, and helped numerous people break through obstacles to achieve their goals.But Austin’s life wasn’t always easy. He struggled with negative thoughts, self-sabotage, and alcohol addiction, which led to financial troubles and poor relationships. Hitting rock bottom, he decided to change his mindset and life, and now he focuses on helping others build businesses, achieve financial freedom, and grow personally.Key Insights:Deliver great service. Positive customer reviews and feedback are critical indicators of business success as they build trust, attract new customers, and signal high-quality service.Balance big dreams with practical choices. Pick projects that make sense both financially and operationally. Austin compares the flashy appeal of big commercial jobs to the stability of residential projects in his business. Use data wisely. Let data guide your decisions. Keep track of key metrics like call volumes and customer feedback to understand business trends and make informed choices about the next steps you want to take.Contribute to your community. Creating jobs and a positive impact not only adds to your business success but also fosters a positive social impact. This way, you build a loyal customer base and create a thriving environment that benefits everyone involved.Plan for the long term. Building a successful business takes time. I don’t believe in overnight success, and Austin also highlighted how planning ahead and being patient through the growth process can set you up for success.Austin’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“An hour spent Monday morning by a business owner, shaking your hands, smiling at them, asking them how their weekend was, will give you a more ROI on your business than the other 40 hours that you'll spend in your business that week.”Connect with Austin Linney:LinkedInInstagramXWebsiteResources mentioned:*Buy then Build bookFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsite*Affiliate 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. 

Kevin Ashcroft, an entrepreneur who started his journey at 19 and sold his IT business in 2011, shares his insights on leveraging global talent for business growth. He emphasizes the strategic advantages of hiring remote teams, detailing how to navigate platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Kevin discusses the importance of virtual assistants, cost efficiency, and enhancing customer service across time zones. He advocates for structured hiring processes that focus on cultural fit and removing biases, making a compelling case for a modern approach to talent acquisition.

The more experience I have in being an entrepreneur, the more I see the importance of diversification in my investment strategies. It's not just about spreading your money across different stocks or sectors; it's about creating a safety net that can withstand market volatility and support your entrepreneurial efforts. My latest conversation with Ben Fraser from Aspen Funds is exactly about how spreading investments across different sectors can really protect your wealth and help you build a resilient portfolio. About Ben FraserBen Fraser is the Chief Investment Officer at Aspen Funds, where he helps investors diversify investments beyond Wall Street. To date, Ben's firm has managed over $150 million in investor capital and achieved a strong track record of delivering outstanding client service and impressive returns through out-of-the-box investments. Ben is also the host of the popular podcast "Invest Like a Billionaire," where he shares valuable insights on building and preserving wealth. He emphasizes the importance of diversification, leveraging expertise, and understanding macroeconomic trends. One of his unique approaches includes offering tax benefits through real estate investments, which can significantly reduce taxable income for entrepreneurs.Key Insights:What are your investment goals? Think long and hard about what you want to do with your investments. Understanding what you want and need beforehand allows you to build for the long term and not scattershot your investments. Consider macro trends. Don't ignore larger economic trends. Identifying growing markets and macro-driven opportunities can help you make smarter investments and find unexpected opportunities.Diversify your investments. Instead of reinvesting all profits into the business, create diversified investments and income streams. This will build more external stability and preserve your wealth​ but also help you reduce stress if something goes wrong with your business. Educate yourself. Spend time learning how to grow, preserve, and invest money effectively. DIY investing is becoming more popular, and understanding investment basics can lead to better financial control and decision-making​.Leverage other people's expertise. When entering new investment areas like real estate, consider partnering with or investing through experienced firms to avoid a steep learning curve and mitigate risks​.Plan for the future. Teach financial principles and investment strategies to your children. Help them understand the importance of creating value and contributing to the economy rather than just consuming resources.Ben’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“We believe that understanding the macro picture, the bigger term trends that are going on, is way more important in identifying your investment strategy than the actual deal itself.”Connect with Ben Fraser:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteInvest Like a Billionaire PodcastFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsite

Suneera Madhani, CEO of Worth AI, shares insights on leveraging AI for data-driven business decisions, standardizing data collection, empowering women entrepreneurs, and simplifying business operations. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, staying true to oneself, and seeking time freedom in entrepreneurship.

It's the Fourth of July this week in the US, so I'm celebrating America's birthday with my family. Meanwhile, I wanted to find a great episode from our vaults to help you grow your brand. This one features Ray Mendez from Masa&Boz, my old friend and branding genius. In this episode, Ray shares his expertise in strategic decision-making and transformative branding and discusses how understanding core values, leveraging AI, and focusing on sustainable growth helps in building a successful brand.About Ray MendezRay Mendez is a partner at Masa&Boz, where he crafts strategies to help businesses connect with their customers. He's an expert in brand prototyping, strategy, and workshop leadership. Ray's impressive resume includes roles as a Creative Director at top firms like TBWA and Saatchi & Saatchi, and he has worked with global brands such as Apple and Greenpeace. He also teaches at Pratt Institute, sharing his knowledge from a Master of Fine Arts at Syracuse University. Known for his creative solutions and high standards, Ray believes in bringing brands to life with passion and innovation.Key Insights:Empower your business. Take control of your strategy and let external agencies help you articulate your vision by asking the right questions. This way, you maintain authenticity and ensure your business’s mission and values guide your growth.Leverage technology. Using AI to deepen your brand's creative opportunities helps you pinpoint key areas for improvement and enhancement, making your branding efforts more effective and resonant with your target audience.Balance creativity with analytics. Combining creativity with data ensures your marketing is both imaginative and effective, attracting more customers and driving better results.Measure effectiveness. Continuously analyzing your marketing efforts ensures they align with your goals, allowing you to make informed adjustments and achieve optimal outcomes.Choose long-term sustainability. Focusing on the long game leads to steady and reliable growth, ensuring your business remains robust and competitive over time. As good as overnight success sounds, it’s not likely to get you far. Ray’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Good marketing should be about innovating your product over time, coming up with better ideas, coming up with better solutions for your customers, rather than trying to sell something that is not good enough for them.”Connect with Ray Mendez:LinkedInWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsite

Potential clients are within reach, but how do you make them loyal customers? In this episode, I talk with Karen Briscoe, a mega real-estate agent, successful author, and coach who shares how personalized follow-ups and scalable systems help to convert leads into lifelong clients in real estate and beyond. About Karen BriscoeKaren Briscoe is the creator of the innovative "5 Minute Success" concept, which simplifies the path to success in both business and life. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her real estate career, where she leads a top-performing team and consistently sells over $100 million each year. Karen's methods have proven effective not only in her field but as a blueprint for others in various industries, making her a sought-after coach and podcast host. Karen's work and books focus on essential themes for business growth: generating leads, mastering sales, building connections, and fostering a success-oriented mindset. Each book, like Real Estate Success in 5 Minutes a Day and Consult to Sell: 66 Day Challenge®, is designed to help readers learn and apply new skills daily in manageable steps. Her latest book, Flip Time / Love Life, expands on this by showing how to balance professional achievements with personal happiness, encouraging readers to succeed in business while also enjoying life. Well worth checking out.Key Insights:Use your time wisely. Break tasks into smaller parts and set strict deadlines. Focus on one thing at a time and use time blocks to get more done to stay productive and less stressed.Be ready to adapt. Stay flexible and open to change, especially in industries prone to fluctuations. Monitor market trends and customer feedback. Review your business strategy regularly to make changes and stay ahead of the competition.Learn a bit every day. Spending just five minutes daily improving your business knowledge can go a long way. Read an article, listen to a quick podcast, or watch a short video—this keeps you sharp and creative.Collaborate with others. Find other businesses to work with to boost your reach and offer better services. Partner up for joint promotions, events, or bundled services. Focus on collaborations that can help you tap into new customer bases.Have a conversion strategy. Make sure you have a plan to turn leads into paying customers. Follow up quickly, personalize your approach, and keep in touch. CRM tools can make this process easier.Karen’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Build the systems, the leverage to create scale, because until you have the ability to reproduce it, you're always going only to be as good as your next deal.”Read Karen’s book “Flip Time / Love Life: A Heroine’s Journey - A 5 Minute Success Story”Connect with Karen Briscoe:InstagramXLinkedInWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsite

Purpose-driven innovation starts with aligning a product with core values rather than just chasing market trends. This means understanding what truly matters to customers and addressing these needs. Take Amanda Thomson, for example, who aligned her personal values with her business and developed a range of premium non-alcoholic wines that not only filled a market gap but also established NOUGHTY as a leader in the beverage industry. It’s already available in the USA, Canada, UK, and Europe and continues its rapid global expansion.About Amanda ThomsonAmanda Thomson is the visionary founder and CEO of Thomson & Scott, where she has created Noughty, the world’s first premium non-alcoholic wine portfolio. With a background as a journalist and broadcaster at the BBC, Amanda used her media savvy and storytelling skills to shift into the entrepreneurial world and study for her Diploma in Wine at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Her commitment to innovation and health-conscious alternatives led her to develop a product that caters to a growing global demand for non-alcoholic beverages.Under Amanda’s leadership, Noughty became a market leader, being served in some of the world’s top bars, restaurants, and hotels, including The Soho House Group and The Mandarin Oriental. Her commitment to purpose-driven innovation and ethical business practices has not only shaped her company but also made her a recognized industry leader.Key Insights:Focus on quality and branding. High-quality products combined with strong branding can set you apart from competitors, leading to increased customer retention and premium pricing opportunities.Adapt and innovate. Update your offerings regularly to stay relevant. This keeps your brand competitive and can open new market opportunities, ensuring long-term business growth.Develop strategic partnerships. Collaborate with reputable businesses to expand your reach. This can help you enter new markets and increase brand prestige through association with established companies.Educate your customers. There’s a good chance you target audience doesn’t know much about the market. Educating them on the topics beyond your offering can help overcome consumer skepticism, leading to higher adoption rates and customer satisfaction.Be patient and strategic. Scale your business methodically to ensure sustainable growth. Avoid rushing into expansion without a solid foundation to prevent operational and financial setbacks.Amanda’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Having the idea is one thing. Execution is a whole different ballgame.”Taste the difference with NoughtyConnect with Amanda Thomson:InstagramLinkedInXWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsite