Beyond 8 Figures

Discover what it takes to excel in copywriting from an industry expert who's made a million dollars a year without relying on the hyped-up promises of quick riches. In this eye-opening Biz Bite, Will debunks the myths of copywriting courses and shares the real secret to making an irresistible offer – it's simpler than you think, but far from easy.Gain insights into the transformative power of clear, honest copy that delivers on its promises, and learn why tactics like the surprisingly effective Post-it note ad are just fleeting advantages in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. Whether you're crafting your next campaign or refining your brand's message, this episode will arm you with the foundational principles of copywriting that endure beyond the latest trends.Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures/videos

The challenges of entrepreneurship are sometimes hidden behind those "instant" success stories, which are actually built on loads of hard work, smart planning, and detailed execution. Today, A.J. welcomes Kim and Lance Burney of Mighty Carver, who know quite well what it takes to overcome these entrepreneurial hurdles. In this episode, they share their journey from starting in 1999 to an overnight boost after their appearance on Shark Tank.About Kim and Lance Burney:Kim and Lance Burney are a powerhouse duo famous for their creation, the Mighty Carver, an innovative company born out of a family tradition. Their story is one of perseverance and dynamic adaptation in entrepreneurship. They have been leading innovators in manufacturing since 2000 with their primary venture, Sigalarm. They revolutionized the power-line warning system industry, growing from being the only players to standing out among ten competitors globally. Branching out, they grabbed an opportunity on a Thanksgiving dinner when a quirky idea sparked - manufacture an electric carving knife that looks like a chainsaw. Leveraging their expertise in manufacturing, Kim came up with the idea out of a playful thought that if the knife were a chainsaw, every member of their family would be excited to cut the turkey. So, the Mighty Carver was born, a testament to their creativity, wit, and entrepreneurial spirit.Key InsightsTake a leap of faith. Success often starts with taking a calculated risk. You need to rely on due diligence and informed judgment, but be ready to dive deep when you sense an opportunity. This leap of faith, combined with resilience and hard work, lays a strong foundation for your business. This approach inspires forward-thinking strategies, innovation, and sustainable growth, which are key elements in achieving long-term success. (07:55)Embrace the good side of competition. Competition can give you a necessary push towards innovation and excellence. It keeps you on your toes and encourages you to improve your products, services, and processes continuously. Taking cues from your competitors can lead to new ideas and underline areas of growth in your business. (10:15)Believe in what you're doing. Passion and belief in your cause will help you go far. They not only fuel motivation but also encourage others to support your vision. Your employees, partners, and customers can all sense true passion, motivating them to invest their time, effort, or loyalty into helping bring your vision to life. So, stand behind your product or service and ensure your actions and strategies align with this belief. (17:48)Define success on your own terms. Success is subjective - it doesn't have to align with societal expectations or norms. Define what success means to you, whether it's gaining financial independence, making a difference, or achieving a healthy work-life balance. Follow this personal metric instead of comparing yourself with others because that’s the only way to achieve the goals that truly matter to you. (33:25)Maintain a good work-life balance. While it's important to be dedicated to your business, setting aside time for relaxation and relationships is equally important. Striking a balance between professional goals and personal time isn't just crucial for well-being—it can actually boost productivity at work. When you return to work recharged, you can focus more, creatively solve problems, and stay motivated for longer periods. (34:56)Kim and Lance’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“You can't focus on the failures. [...] Yes, you have to learn from it, but you cannot dwell on it and let it consume you and your drive for whatever it is you're doing.” (31:07)Connect with Kim and Lance:Kim’s LinkedInLance’s LinkedInResources Mentioned:Mighty CarverMighty Carver on InstagramMighty Carver on LinkedInSigalarmSigalarm on LinkedInFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

In this insightful segment, join Amit Garg, Co-Founder, and Managing Partner at TAU Ventures, an AI-first, seed-first VC fund, as he delves into the entrepreneur's dilemma, weighing the options between Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and startups. Gain strategic insights, investor selection tips, and a nuanced understanding of purpose in business. Navigate the crossroads with Amit Garg, drawing from his wealth of experience in the business landscape.Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures/videosConnect with Amit: LinkedInTwitter

Entrepreneurs are continually seeking new opportunities to expand their wealth. One standout strategy is to diversify investments, a powerful approach that minimizes risk and maximizes opportunities for growth. Jason Ehrlich of Fruition Capital sits down with A.J. to explore how you can create wealth through acquisition entrepreneurship and real estate but also demonstrate the key advantages of investment diversification.About Jason Ehrlich:Jason Ehrlich is an entrepreneur and passionate investor based in Atlanta who's also a pro at juggling family, business, and adventure. He spends his days managing two investment firms that he founded—one in the commercial multifamily space, the other in small business acquisitions. Jason and his wife, Kelly, were digital nomads for two years, traveling all over the world way before remote work became cool. When he's not running his investment firms or spending quality time with Kelly and their two boys, you’ll find him on a learning journey, always open to the world of new opportunities. With his unique insights and experiences on the connection between entrepreneurship and investment diversification, Jason helps other entrepreneurs level up their financial game to eight figures and beyond.Key InsightsFind investors who will actively participate in your journey. When working with investors, remember it's not just about the capital they provide. They offer much more, from providing valuable insights and experience to extending your network. They can help you build a stronger foundation and build a roadmap that works for your unique goals. (08:29)Embrace incremental growth. Aim for steady progress rather than overnight success. This way, you can build long-term value and gradually move towards your goals. This approach ensures sustainable growth, lays a solid foundation for your business, and even attracts investors who can provide strategic guidance and share valuable industry insights. (12:32)Focus on one thing at a time. As Jason puts it in this episode, growth comes from a dedicated and singular focus. When you focus on everything all at once, you can spread your resources too thin and get mediocre results. Prioritize and direct your energy and resources toward a specific aspect of the business to improve your decision-making processes and create more intentional growth. (17:29)Get a clear picture of the operations before you acquire a business.  When considering an acquisition, it's crucial to thoroughly understand the operational aspects of the target company. Research, analyze, and assess the company's systems, strategies, and compatibility with your own business to ensure a successful integration. (33:52)Bring on an investor to improve your chances of success. Engaging with the right investor can bring additional value to your business. The expertise, mentorship, and network they provide can enhance your chances of success, thereby making the investment a mutually beneficial partnership. With their support, your ability to diversify investments also improves. (39:06)Jason’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Growth comes from dedication, focus on a particular area of expertise. So that's where our fund kind of comes in and adds some value: we are investing with folks that have that singular laser focus on the thing that we're doing.” (17:29)Connect with Jason:LinkedInEmail: jason@fruitioncap.com Resources Mentioned:Fruition Cap Website Fruition Cap for Potential InvestorsFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

Not many investment opportunities are as rewarding and powerful as real estate investing. However, it requires careful planning and an in-depth understanding of the real estate market. Today, Brandon Cobb of HBG Capital joins A.J. to discuss how real estate can help you generate passive income, ensure financial stability, and leave a legacy for generations to enjoy. They dive into the value of investing in middle Tennessee, the benefits of passive real estate investing, and when to consider jumping into this field as an entrepreneur.About Brandon Cobb:Brandon Cobb is the CEO of HBG Capital, assisting busy business owners to build a legacy, retire, and make an impact with real estate investments. He’s a strategic legacy consultant dedicated to providing passive investment opportunities for busy professionals who want to invest in real estate without the hassle of being a landlord.Brandon worked as a medical device sales rep before becoming a fund manager & licensed GC in TN, managing 20 million+ of new development annually in first-time home buyer housing and build-to-rent communities. He was featured on the cover of REI Wealth magazine, Realty 411 Magazine, and has been quoted and published in Forbes magazine. Key Insights:Identify the best investment opportunity and lean into it. Just like in business, real estate investing is also about spotting the right investment opportunities. Once you’ve recognized the most promising opportunity, commit to it with confidence and diligence. This is how your real estate investment portfolio can experience significant growth and returns. (05:10)Reinvent your strategies. The same strategies give the same results, whether it is in business, real estate, or any other investment. Stay flexible to change and ready to pivot when it’s needed. So, when you feel stuck, don’t be afraid to refine and reinvent your strategies. That’s how you achieve progress and ultimately open yourself to a world of new opportunities. (15:20)Shift your growth mindset. When you feel like you’ve hit the growth ceiling, Brandon suggests applying the concept ‘10x is easier than 2x.’ This will force you to think exponentially instead of linearly and redefine your approach to push the boundaries of what you deem possible. (17:28)Hire strategic partners, not employees. Hire proactive people who you can learn from and who can take initiative when needed. Empower them to take ownership of not only their own professional development but also your company’s growth. This hiring attitude will benefit you both, leading to a more growth-centric environment. (18:58)Focus on one thing. Single focus is vital in real estate, just like business. It allows you to think more clearly, make better decisions, and ultimately achieve excellence. So, focus your attention on one opportunity, and don’t stop until you have mastered it! (26:05)Brandon’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“If you want to grow a giant pumpkin, first identify the strongest pumpkin early on, cut off all those other pumpkins off the vine, so all of the nutrients goes to that pumpkin.’ And that's how you grow.” (05:32)Connect with Brandon:LinkedInResources Mentioned:The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy The 10X Rule by Grant CardoneGet the free e-book, ‘100 Questions Business Owners Ask Before Investing’ at HBG Capital Recession Resistant Real Estate Radio PodcastFollow 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. 

As we prepare and set goals for the upcoming year, reflecting on how far you’ve come and where you want to go next as an entrepreneur is important. Join our host, A.J. Lawrence, in this special episode as he shares his top 5 business learnings from the brilliant guests in 2023. Let’s set the tone for a successful 2024.About A.J. LawrenceA.J. Lawrence is the Founder and CEO of the award-winning JAR Group, a global growth strategy and management agency. You probably also know him as the host of Beyond 8 Figures. A.J. is a dedicated mentor, growth strategist, and angel investor. He calls himself a “journeyman entrepreneur” because he finds great joy in learning from accomplished experts and finding ways to apply these insights to his life and business.Having led his award-winning digital marketing agency into the INC. 500 twice and having several 7-figure exits, he knows exactly what it takes to get where he is today. Apart from providing consulting services to his clients, he also gives back and shares his expertise with the community by hosting Beyond 8 Figures and welcoming other inspiring entrepreneurs to the show.Craft your own entrepreneurial journey in 2024With the new year just around the corner, ask yourself, ‘Where do I want to be this time next year?’ More precisely, ‘What kind of entrepreneur do I want to be?’ Before you write any resolutions and business goals this year, take the time to reflect on lessons, achievements, and failures from 2023. Identify the highs and lows, the opportunities you seized, and the challenges you successfully overcame. Acknowledge the overall progress you’ve made both personally and professionally. This is the perfect time of the year for introspection and past year reflection. Take some rest from hard work and give yourself a pat on the back. And then, it’s time to get to work!2024 has the potential to be your best year so far, but it’s all up to you. Embrace the learnings from 2023 and stick with us at Beyond 8 Figures – we’re here to share insights, guide, and inspire you with every new episode. Key InsightsBelieve in possibilities. Believe you can and you will. As A.J. puts it in this episode, a can-do attitude can weather any storm. So, start consistently working on the belief that you will succeed in your business goals. That’s how you will be able to take the necessary actions to achieve them and overcome any challenges. (02:09)Define what success means for you. Success means different things for different people. Defining your version of success is important to set clear goals and priorities. When you have a clear idea of where you’re going, you can better decide on the next steps and build a business that aligns with your values and mission. (04:13)Communicate your vision consistently. Setting goals is not enough. You also need to consistently communicate them with your team as you move toward them together. Consistently communicating your vision will encourage your team to keep going and help recognize and celebrate the progress you’re making together, ultimately fostering a resilient team culture. (06:05)Invest in your people, and they’ll invest in your vision. It’s no secret that growing your team means growing your company. When you invest in your team’s development, you practically invest in your company’s future. Skilled people deliver better results; that’s a fact. But this kind of leadership goes beyond mere numbers. It inspires and motivates people to drive innovation, work more productively, and ultimately push together toward a shared vision. (08:40)Take small steps to achieve big goals. There’s a reason we say ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ Achieving big wins involves setting up the right foundation and making consistent, incremental progress toward your goals. So, take the time to build a strong foundation and a resilient team. Then, maintain your pace; when the right opportunity comes, you'll be fully prepared to seize it. (12:24)A.J.’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“A can-do attitude can weather any storm. [...] Just consistently work on the belief that you will succeed. That doesn't make it that you will succeed, but it will help when problems come up.” (02:24) Connect with A.J.: LinkedInTwitterResources Mentioned:Bakari Akil, Nomad NoirBillie Simmons, DaylightBen Kelly, Acquisition AceMackenzie Drazan, MiResourceAmit Garg, Tau VenturesMaxwell Reed, Kingdom of SomethingLeon Winkes, IWBSid Pandiya, KonaSean Si, Seo HackerPhilip Blackett, Dream Business MakeoverElliott Holland, Guardian Due DiligenceRay Titus, United Franchise GroupFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

‘New Year, new me.’ Why don’t we switch it up in terms of business and instead say, ‘New Year, new heights?’ With this as our main motto for the following year, we’re bringing you our special compilation episode. We’ve had so many incredible guests this year that it’s almost impossible to pick the best moments from 2023. So, we focused on highlighting the best business lessons that can help you set your goals and transform your business in 2024.About the GuestsRay Titus is the CEO of United Franchise Group™ (UFG), who transformed Signarama® into a leading sign franchise, laying the groundwork for UFG's success as a global leader for entrepreneurs.Juho Makkonen is the CEO and Co-Founder of Sharetribe, an innovative software company helping entrepreneurs get their marketplace businesses off the ground.Billie Simmons is the co-founder and COO of Daylight, a company on a mission to help LGBTQ+ people live their best lives.Kirk Michie is the Founder and currently the Managing Partner of Candor Advisors, a company providing transaction advisory services to successful founder-led businesses. Curro Romero is the founder of Vimbu (also considered an Airbnb of ski lessons), an innovative app connecting skiers and snowboarders directly with instructors.Matthijs Welle is the CEO of Mews, a hospitality software company. He’s passionate about reshaping the hotel industry with technology and an innovative approach.Karen Eber is a thought leader, author, and an exceptional storyteller. She’s currently the CEO and Chief Storyteller at Eber Leadership Group.Key InsightsGear your business towards your strengths. Instead of trying to do everything on your own, focus on your strengths and hire your weaknesses. This will allow you to channel your energies into areas where you excel and make the most impact. (00:30)Open your eyes for opportunities. Sometimes, there are business opportunities staring you right in the face, but you don’t even see them. Try to be more present and keep your eyes open. An opportunity of your lifetime could be just around the corner! (09:19)Seek help when you need it. Despite what some entrepreneurs believe, it’s okay to ask for help. It acknowledges the fact that you're determined to overcome obstacles and succeed by leveraging all available resources. So, whether you need a growth advisor or a team coach, don’t hesitate to get support when needed. (12:33)Embrace uncertainty. When you accept that life is unpredictable and that you can’t control everything in your business, that’s when you truly open yourself to opportunities. It’s true that uncertainty brings challenges, but it also spurs innovation and creativity, so embrace it to unlock your business potential. (16:06)Focus on your customers. Your business is all about your customers. When you’re thinking of a new content strategy, sales pitch, or unique differentiator for your company, keep your customers at the forefront. This will create a loyal customer base but also grow your business through referrals. (23:09)Connect with our guests: Ray TitusJuho MakkonenBillie SimmonsKirk MichieCurro RomeroMatthijs WelleKaren EberResources Mentioned:How to Franchise a Business with Ray Titus, United Franchise GroupBuild a Successful Marketplace Business with Juho Makkonen, SharetribeThe 6 Key Steps to Selling a Business with Kirk Michie, Candor AdvisorsFinding Opportunities in Underrepresented Markets with Billie Simmons, DaylightAchieving Success Through Innovative Thinking with Curro Romero, VimbuContinuous Growth on the Entrepreneurial Journey with Matthijs Welle, MewsTransform Your Business Through The Power of Storytelling with Karen Eber, Eber Leadership GroupFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

Global expansion offers many business benefits, but it requires careful planning and a deliberate approach. Kanessa Muluneh of Mulu joins A.J. to discuss how she built a multimillion-dollar lifestyle brand and global influence spanning different industries and continents. She dives deep into her immigration journey, the challenges of unfamiliar territories, and overcoming cultural barriers. About Kanessa Muluneh:Kanessa Muluneh is the Founder of MULU, a multimillion-dollar plus-size clothing brand. She comes from Ethiopia but was raised in the Netherlands. From reshaping fashion with MULU to launching Europe's first Female American Football League, Kanessa uses her global influence to solve actual problems for her audience and make a true impact beyond business.She started six businesses by age 32 but also built diverse streams of income and companies. She's not just an entrepreneur; Kanessa prefers to call herself a ‘problem solver.’ Shaped by her cultural background and motivated by impact, Kanessa brings a unique perspective to the table, fostering learning in underserved regions and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs worldwide.Key Insights:Take the time to adjust to a new market. Every new market is different and it requires a different game plan. No matter how much you read and learn about it, you can never be fully prepared to take on a new market until you have boots on the ground. So, it’s essential to take your time with global expansion, stay agile, and learn from the local environment. (06:01)Find your unique differentiator. The thing with achieving significant success is pinpointing what sets you apart and then playing to those qualities. Just like Kanessa recognized what made her special to her audience, you can leverage your special traits to your advantage and turn them into value for your customers. This will attract more like-minded people to you, create stronger bonds with them, and ultimately build a successful personal brand. (15:48)Learn from your mistakes. Much like every other person on the planet, you will also make mistakes. But what matters for your entrepreneurial journey is to find a lesson in every failure. They are the most valuable opportunities for growth and improvement. (17:55)Surround yourself with supportive people. A strong support system is one of the key factors for success in life. That can be your family member, friend, or partner, but it can also be a mentor. So, find someone who will hold you accountable, push you to new levels, and help you achieve your goals. With that kind of support, everything is possible. (19:35)Let go of fear. The best things in life are on the other side of fear. Despite the fact that fear is a natural human emotion, you can’t let it get in the way of your goals. So, instead of just ignoring these anxious feelings, learn to use them to your advantage. Sit with your fears to uncover what’s truly underneath. Then, when you’re ready, take small steps outside of your comfort zone because that’s how the most rewarding experiences will happen. (32:16)Kanessa’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Sometimes people are quick to just say, ‘Just work hard, work smart, whatever.’ It's not just that. It's really your support system or the people around you that can get you to where you are sometimes.” (19:55)Connect with Kanessa: InstagramTikTokLinkedInResources Mentioned:MULUFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

What an exciting time to be alive. Using artificial intelligence for business has ushered us into a truly fascinating era of unprecedented productivity and efficiencies. Today, AI expert Kevin Surace of Appvance.ai joins A.J. to share his game-changing insights into AI capacities. He gives practical lessons about using automation to improve performance, choosing the right AI tools for your needs, and harnessing the power of AI to revolutionize your business.About Kevin Surace:Kevin Surace is a Chairman and CTO at Appvance, an AI expert, keynote speaker, and an award-winning CEO, CTO, and Innovator. He has been working in the Artificial Intelligence space since the 1990s and has much to say about AI's state, GPT models, and the impacts on your job and your life. He has been awarded almost 100 worldwide patents, including the core technology that would become Siri and other virtual assistants.  Futurist and Disruptive Innovation Keynote Speaker, Creator of the First Smartphone and Digital Assistant, and Innovator of the Decade. Kevin is a top innovation keynote speaker, CEO, and inventor of one of the world’s first smartphones. Kevin has been named Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year, CNBC’s Innovator of the Decade, and inducted into RIT’s Innovation Hall of Fame. While he has a deep technical background, he has been featured in over 15 TED and TEDx talks and is a high-energy, dynamic speaker and true entertainer who has energized hundreds of audiences to action.Key Insights:Automate your business for faster delivery. You can use large language models to automate various tasks in your business, such as emails, presentations, social media scheduling, etc., to save time and money. This ensures faster and more accurate delivery, improving operational efficiency and leaving more time for strategic tasks. (09:53)Improve communication with AI. AI can simplify complex information and help you achieve more clarity by condensing lengthy reports or turning articles into briefs. You can use it to streamline communication and reduce misunderstandings, ultimately improving work productivity and professional relationships. (12:58)Double your productivity with AI. Using artificial intelligence for business is the ultimate productivity hack. Kevin says AI makes us 10 to 100 times more productive with everyday tasks. So, use it to boost your team’s performance and ultimately achieve more with less time. (14:58)Choose the right AI tools. Take the time to find what works for you, what brings value to your business, and what improves your team’s productivity. This will ensure you get maximum value from the tools you use and not get distracted by every new one on the market. (21:25)Futureproof your business. AI is transforming almost every industry. There’s no hiding from it or denying its potential. Artificial intelligence is no longer a fun thing to have for businesses that want to thrive - it’s what sets them apart from the competition. You either embrace it or risk extinction. (31:41)Kevin’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“I think as an entrepreneur, the only thing we don't have is time because time is money. [...] Start using these accessible models that are now in English, and you might find five hours of your day come back to you.” (20:02)Connect with Kevin: LinkedInPersonal WebsiteResources Mentioned:Kevin’s Ted TalkCrystal KnowsChatGPTBardFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

Business efficiency paves the way for sustainable growth and long-term success, so it’s important to prioritize it within the organization. This week, we have a special episode where A.J. reflects on the importance of simplicity in business and walks us through five tried-and-tested ways to improve business efficiency. Key Insights:Remove inefficiencies from your processes. Increasing business efficiency starts by revisiting and reviewing your processes. Closely examine your current workflows for complexity and inefficiencies. When you identify unnecessary steps that no longer serve your purpose, eliminate them to leave more space for strategic thinking and innovation. (01:37)Embrace automation. Automation can reduce repetitive tasks and minimize errors, leading to improved team productivity and overall business efficiency. Once you successfully implement automation into your processes, you can then repurpose your team's time and effort towards activities that require creativity and strategic thinking, as well as spark innovation. (02:00)Standardize your business procedures. Instead of burdening yourself and your team with constant decision-making, aim to standardize your business procedures. Provide clearly defined processes and precise guidelines. This will reduce missteps, drive more efficiency, and ensure consistency in your business. (02:30)Choose the right AI tools to improve business efficiency. AI is a powerful business ally, particularly when you use it effectively. The best AI tool is the one that perfectly aligns with your organization's needs, so take the time to find the right solution for your team, as this is an investment that will certainly bring incredible value to your company. (02:55)Commit to ongoing improvement. As an entrepreneur, you can get so invested in daily operations that you overlook your potential to improve. But the key is to stay open to new ideas, groundbreaking technologies, and constant improvement. This is how you grow as an entrepreneur and, ultimately, how your business grows and evolves with you. (03:58)A.J.’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Take the time to identify and eliminate unnecessary complexities. You can then create a more efficient, productive, and enjoyable environment for you and your team.” (05:29)Connect with A.J.:LinkedInTwitterResources Mentioned:Simplifying Business Operations for Sustainable Growth with Mikael Dia, FunnelyticsMikael Dia’s LinkedInFunnelyticsFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite