Beyond 8 Figures

As your business grows, what worked before won't always work anymore. This is where business adaptability becomes crucial. Entrepreneurs need to be ready to change and update their strategies and processes, ensuring they can keep pace with their business's growth. Having been through growing and selling his own company, Feras Alhlou knows firsthand the importance of adapting and evolving to meet the changing business environment. Today, he joins us to talk about the power of resilience, the art of delegation, and the strategic use of technology to streamline operations.About Feras AlhlouFeras Alhlou is a seasoned entrepreneur with a golden touch for growing businesses from the ground up. He's taken companies from zero revenue to impressive 7 and 8 figures, showcasing his skills in Silicon Valley and beyond. In 2019 he sold his previous company, e-Nor, his digital marketing consultancy, to dentsu, a leading global media company. Now he uses his passion for sharing his knowledge in his current project, Start Up With Feras, guiding new entrepreneurs to make good, informed decisions about business. Besides his business acumen, Feras has a lifelong commitment to nonprofit organizations. Fun fact, he also holds a 3rd-degree black belt in Aikido!Key Insights:Embrace change. As your business grows, what used to work might not cut it anymore. Learn to stay flexible and change your game plan as you go, which ensures that you're always moving forward, not just treading water. (04:41)Delegate to elevate. Trying to do everything yourself can hold your business back. By handing off tasks to others, you free up your time to focus on big-picture strategies and growth and your business can grow more smoothly and faster. (09:23)Implement goal-oriented frameworks. Frameworks like OKRs help everyone on your team pull in the same direction toward shared goals. This organized approach makes your team more efficient and effective, leading to faster progress and better results. (11:38)Cultivate an open and honest work environment. Building a business where everyone feels free to share their thoughts and ideas creates a strong, united team. This leads to better decision-making, happier employees, and a more adaptable company. (15:47)Stay ahead with technology and trends. Staying updated on what’s happening in your (and other industries) allows you to spot and seize opportunities that others might miss. (22:52)Feras’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Success is also when you're making it big and you're profitable, and you share it with your team, those who have helped you grow the business.” (31:29)Get a free 30-minute session with Feras Connect with Feras Alhlou:LinkedinYouTubeInstagramXStart Up With Feras Resources Mentioned:Good to Great by Jim CollinsMeasure What Matters by John Doerr and Larry PageFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinXWebsiteAffiliate 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.

When it comes to continuous improvement methods, there’s no one better than Justin Breen, founder of BrEpic Network, to talk about the best tools for slow but steady personal and professional growth. In this conversation, he shares his best pracices, from strength assessments to pattern recognition, that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey and also helped numerous businesses thrive in competitive landscapes.About Justin BreenJustin Breen is the dynamic force behind BrEpic Network, a cutting-edge public relations firm that connects and elevates visionary entrepreneurs and brands. Justin's unique approach to business and life has been shaped by his experiences as a top-tier journalist, acclaimed author, and relentless innovator. His books, "Epic Business" and "Epic Life," have inspired countless individuals to pursue greatness through simplicity, focus, and a relentless commitment to improvement.Beyond his professional accolades, Justin is a sought-after international speaker known for his compelling insights into the power of networking, storytelling, and mindset. He has a knack for distilling complex concepts into actionable steps that anyone can follow to achieve their fullest potential.Key Insights:Play to your strengths. Operating in your zone of genius results in higher productivity and a greater quality of work. Once you pinpoint your innate strengths, prioritize tasks that align with them and strategically delegate the rest. This boosts overall team efficiency and allows everyone to work in their areas of expertise. (06:45)Transform weaknesses into opportunities. What you’ve considered your weaknesses can be used as learning moments and give you new ideas for growth, like a new market niche, a unique product feature, or an innovative service model that sets you apart from the competition. (12:02)Win the right game. Take time to reflect on what success truly means to you. Then, create your own success metrics based on your values and goals. For instance, if community impact is vital to you, measure success by the difference you make in other people's lives rather than just your profits. (18:05)Be your own leader first. Before leading others, ensure you are effectively leading your own life. This includes maintaining a healthy work-life balance, nurturing personal relationships, and committing to personal growth and self-improvement. (22:29)Work on your mindset. The right mindset attracts the right network and invites new opportunities. Develop and nurture a growth mindset to set the stage for positive outcomes and the right opportunities that resonate deeply with your aspirations. (41:44)Justin’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“If you have the right mindset, it attracts the right network, and then that network creates the right opportunities for you.” (42:01)Get Justin’s Map of EQ and IQConnect with Justin:XInstagramLinkedInResources Mentioned:Join BrEpic NetworkRead Epic Life by Justin BreenKolbeGallup Clifton StrengthfindersThe EnneagramWorking GeniusGood to Great by Jim CollinsBuilt to Last by Jim CollinsThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinXWebsiteAffiliate 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. 

Most entrepreneurs aim to increase productivity. Yet, we often fall for unsustainable practices that promise quick results but falter in the long run. To help you overcome it, the biohacking expert Tanessa Shears, introduces a game-changing approach. As a productivity coach and health consultant, she’s mastered the art of sustainable self-improvement. In this episode, she and A.J. dive deep into the secrets to making small, impactful changes that will help you boost your daily output and significantly enhance your quality of life for the long haul.About Tanessa ShearsTanessa Shears is a visionary in the field of health optimization for increased productivity. With a background in biohacking and health science, she has dedicated her career to helping entrepreneurs and busy professionals fine-tune their health so they can unlock their true potential. Through her “Becoming Limitless” podcast and comprehensive coaching programs, Tanessa demystifies the biohacking process and provides practical, actionable guidance for those looking to elevate their productivity without sacrificing their well-being.Key Insights:Prioritize your health for optimal performance. Your physical and mental health are the foundations of your productivity. Make time for regular exercise, adequate sleep, and nutritional foods to ensure your performance is peak. When you're in good health, you're more focused, energized, and ready to tackle any challenge your business may face. Healthy entrepreneurs foster healthy businesses. (03:51)Create sustainable practices that work for you. Avoid the allure of quick fixes because they’re not sustainable; instead, focus on practices you can maintain over the long term. As an entrepreneur, maintaining sustainable practices means you will be better equipped to manage the constant change and challenges that come with running a business, leading to improved personal resilience and long-term business success. (10:49)Find the root cause of your productivity blocks. Identify underlying issues—whether they’re emotional, environmental, or related to your health—and tackle them head-on. For instance, this might mean decluttering your workspace or addressing time management problems. This is how you can significantly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness, creating a smoother path toward achieving your goals and supporting sustainable growth. (18:35)Be consistent. Consistency breeds habit. Choose your productivity strategies and stick with them. It’s consistency, not intensity, that leads to enduring changes and improvements in your work output and quality. (20:26)Take care of your brain. Invest in activities that sharpen your cognitive abilities because, as an entrepreneur, you rely heavily on your mental acuity for decision-making, problem-solving, and vision-setting. You can do this by taking breaks to avoid burnout or learning new skills to stimulate the brain. (26:54)Learn to recognize your limits. Pushing beyond your limits can lead to burnout because it exhausts your mental and physical stamina, which are critical for maintaining the consistent and high-level performance required in entrepreneurship. Learn to set boundaries for your work and respect your need for rest and recreation. It's crucial to understand that taking a break or saying no can actually increase productivity in the long run. (30:38)Tanessa’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“I want to know that when I look back on this entrepreneurial journey, that I felt great the whole time, and I wasn't putting off my life, my energy, and my health for some arbitrary goal that I kept pushing into the future.” (04:28)Connect with Tanessa:LinkedInInstagramFacebookPersonal WebsiteResources Mentioned:Entrepreneur's Playbook: 12 Ways to Biohack Your EnergyFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinXWebsite

Discover the fascinating journey of Kanessa Muluneh as she navigates the complexities of entering and thriving in African markets with her brand Mulu. Gain insights into her innovative strategies, challenges faced, and the unique opportunities presented by this vibrant market. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on expanding business horizons!Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures

Standing out in business isn’t just about what you sell but how you create customer value. Rylee Meek, the seasoned entrepreneur from King's Council, knows this all too well. Today, he joins A.J. to discuss his strategies for maximizing customer value, making a real difference for your customers, and operating within your intended purpose. About Rylee MeekRylee Meek is an acclaimed entrepreneur and business advisor known for his expertise in sales conversions and innovative business approach. He made a name for himself by changing how marketing is done, especially through dinner seminars and direct mail, a method called the Social Dynamic Selling System. This system uses a personal touch and ensures people find value in the products they buy. He’s also the host of King's Council Coaching, which helps people level up in faith, business, and life.Over the years, Rylee has helped many businesses connect better with their customers and increase sales. Today, he is a popular speaker and consultant, offering valuable advice to businesses on how to grow and be more effective in selling their products.Key Insights:Create value, extract, repeat. Building value for your customers is a two-way street. First, make something valuable that your customers will really like. Then, once they love it, find a way for it to benefit you too. For example, you can implement a subscription model for your service to ensure steady revenue or, if you have a product, encourage happy customers to spread the word. It's important to keep repeating this process, constantly creating and sharing value in this beneficial cycle. (02:47)   Figure out what your customers want. Spend time understanding exactly what makes your customers happy. The better you know what they want, the easier it will be to provide it. Use market research, customer feedback, surveys, and data analysis to uncover your customers' desires and keep those insights front and center of your strategy. (12:20)Get creative. Don't be afraid to think outside the box when making your products or services. Embrace brainstorming sessions, encourage creative thinking in your team, and don't shy away from unconventional ideas. This kind of creativity can help you maximize customer value and can lead to unique, stand-out products that capture their attention. (21:27)Find your purpose. Knowing why you're doing what you're doing is super important for both your business and life. It’s your purpose that will keep you going when things get tough and help guide your decisions. When you align your actions with your purpose, you're more likely to lead a life filled with passion, achievement, and fulfillment. (42:41)Never stop growing. There’s always room to get better. Keep learning, adapting, and growing. The world changes fast, and staying ahead means constantly improving what you do and how you do it. A growth mindset opens you to unlimited potential, leading to a more impactful life and business. (49:21)Rylee’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“It's so fun to just build things for the benefit of others and then get rewarded for it. That's the beauty of this entrepreneurship journey.” (03:08)Get “Food for Thought” by Rylee MeekConnect with Rylee:InstagramLinkedInXPersonal WebsiteResources Mentioned:Social Dynamic SellingKing’s CouncilKing's Council PodcastFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinXWebsiteAffiliate 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. 

Discover how leveraging AI can revolutionize productivity, streamline tasks, and empower entrepreneurs to scale their businesses effectively. Tune in to explore the transformative potential of AI in simplifying operations and driving sustainable growth.Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures

Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, but it doesn't have to be. You can achieve so much more with business collaboration and support from others. So this week, Tanya Alvarez of OwnersUp sits down with A.J. to chat about the importance of community building for entrepreneurs and how she’s helping owners to team up and scale faster. They go into the details of finding the right network, keeping each other in check, and growing faster together.About Tanya AlvarezTanya Alvarez is the founder of OwnersUp, a platform revolutionizing how service-based founders scale their businesses. She’s a Miami native with Colombian heritage who built a 7-figure ad agency (Blink Ads) from scratch at just 25. But Tanya found her entrepreneurial journey isolating and overwhelming, which motivated her to create OwnersUp. Now, she helps other successful business owners to collaborate, share challenges, and hold each other accountable. Beyond her business successes, Tanya is a proud parent and a seasoned marathoner, having completed the Boston, NYC, and a Half Ironman marathons despite living with a rare bone condition. She’s also an avid traveler who has visited over 42 countries and loves learning about other cultures.Key Insights:Build your support network. Start by actively seeking out communities of fellow entrepreneurs, both online and offline. Don't just network—seek genuine connections where you can both offer and receive support and guidance. That’s how you’ll build a strong support system that will help you thrive personally and grow professionally. (01:57)Not every opportunity is worth pursuing. Create a system to evaluate new opportunities that come your way so that you’re not distracted by shiny new objects and lose focus from the bigger picture. This can be a checklist of criteria or a monthly review with your mentor or even a peer group. This process will help you assess if an idea is worth pursuing and help you stay focused on what truly matters for your business. (14:27)Use business collaboration for accountability. As an entrepreneur, partnering with a like-minded individual or joining a business-focused group can keep you accountable. This involves sharing your goals, tracking your progress, and tackling any setbacks together. Regular check-ins inspire motivation, helping you stay committed to your entrepreneurial vision. (15:42)Establish a routine that works for you. Schedule weekly planning sessions to reflect on your personal and business goals. Use this time to adjust your workload and plan future activities, but also incorporate time for rest and personal interests. This routine will help you ensure you’re headed in a good direction with your business but, at the same time, keep you grounded and balanced in all aspects of your life. (20:34)Decide what success means to you. Take the time to define success for yourself, considering both your personal and business values. Once you are clear on that, let these ideas help you make decisions for your business that align with these values, moving steadily toward your vision of success. (30:49)Tanya’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Entrepreneurs are always looking into, like business growth, profit… But what about yourself? Your own well-being? Who keeps you in check on that?” (05:17)Connect with Tanya:LinkedInInstagramOwnersUp WebsiteResources Mentioned:Benjamin Franklin’s Daily RoutineFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinXWebsite

Jon Matzner, an accomplished business leader and former national security expert, discusses the significant advantages of hiring global talent. He challenges the stereotype that only low-skilled labor comes from abroad. Jon shares personal stories from his time in Dubai and emphasizes the transformative potential of diversifying talent pools. He also highlights the importance of nonjudgmental exploration of cultures, the balance between personal and professional growth, and practical strategies for maximizing business efficiency through strategic hiring and effective time management.

There’s one crucial ingredient that sets successful business owners apart from the rest: their unstoppable entrepreneurial mindset. And our today’s guest is the perfect example of that. Join Paola Telfer of Sens.ai and A.J. as they discuss tips for maintaining focus and mental acuity even in the face of challenges. Drawing from personal experience and her work building a cutting-edge business focused on brain health, Paola talks about the importance of aligning values, embracing continuous learning, and fostering genuine connections with business partners.About Paola TelferPaola Telfer is the CEO and Founder of Sens.ai, a company at the forefront of optimizing brain health and wellness. As an avid explorer of neuroscience, consciousness development, and peak states, Paola is passionate about creating tech-forward and accessible solutions for busy professionals. She aims to bring a holistic approach to wellness by combining technological innovation and meditative principles.Paola's life took a pivotal turn during recovery from an accident, igniting her passion for neurotechnology. Today, she balances her leadership role at Sens.ai with her love for outdoor activities and family life. She epitomizes success through her dedication to enriching lives and embracing life's joys.Key Insights:Communicate openly with your business partners. Honest and open communication builds trust and improves teamwork. This kind of relationship helps you achieve your shared goals but also solve problems when they arise more efficiently, which is a win-win for partnerships. (05:07)Stay humble. Being humble is important for entrepreneurs. It helps you grow by allowing you to see and seize more opportunities for growing your business. Also, everyone prefers working with people who are transparent, so you’ll always get much more out of being humble than pretending you have all the answers. (09:36)Keep your brand messaging authentic. Stay true to your values if you want your customers to trust you. People can tell when a brand is authentic and not just after money or trends. So, this authenticity in your messaging will attract and retain customers who share similar values, ultimately building a loyal community around your brand. (11:22)Recognize the transformative power of mindset. Paola found that by clearing her mind, she could think better at work and be more peaceful at home. This is something you can achieve as well. Start with a regular self-care routine and try simple activities like meditation and deep breathing. They can help you be more present, reduce stress, and sharpen your focus. (21:22)Align your business with your core values. This alignment creates a business culture and brand identity based on what you truly believe in. It helps you connect with customers and employees, build a good brand reputation, and make your company stand out from competitors. (38:38)Paola’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Life just throws things at you. And the best you can hope is that you've built some resilience, you have some wisdom, and you have a support structure around you.” (15:06)Connect with Paola:LinkedInXInstagramResources Mentioned:Sens.ai WebsiteSens.ai BlogSens.ai InstagramFollow 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. 

Dive into the essence of entrepreneurship with Mikael Dia, as he uncovers the four pillars crucial for business success. From profit to fulfillment, gain insights to simplify your journey towards sustainable growth.Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures