The Builders

Hey everyone, Matt Levenhagen here, and welcome to episode #137 of The Builders podcast. In today's episode, I'm giving you an agency update on Unified Web Design — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Over the past year, we've been scaling like never before. While growth is exciting, it's also packed with challenges that I can't wait to share with you. We've been investing heavily in our team, our systems, and new initiatives. I'll be diving into some key operational changes we've made, how we are overcoming obstacles, and the new exciting projects we've taken on. The journey of entrepreneurship is never linear, and that's what makes it both thrilling and, at times, nerve-wracking. So, sit tight and get ready for an insider's view of our growing agency. If you're an entrepreneur, a web designer, or someone who's interested in the behind-the-scenes of business growth, you'll find tons of actionable insights in this episode. And for those of you who've been following our journey, you'll get a fresh perspective on what's been happening at Unified Web Design. I'm excited to share this journey with you, so let's get started!

In this latest episode of The Builders podcast, I have the pleasure of chatting with Amy Foley, the co-founder of Inbound Backoffice. We get into the nitty-gritty of her journey from working solo at home to heading a thriving business. We discuss how she scaled her team to handle growing demands and share valuable pointers on networking and referrals—essential tools for any entrepreneur. If you're a freelancer on the rise or an established business owner, this episode is loaded with gems for you. We don't stop there, though. Amy delves into her tactical strategies for forming key business relationships and successful agency partnerships. She's got a passion for helping others and a knack for getting things done—qualities that shine throughout our conversation. I also weigh in with my two cents on how advancements in AI and chatbots are poised to disrupt the way businesses operate and how we can think about it. You'll want to hear this part. Last but not least, we spotlight HubSpot's robust features. It's not just a CRM; it's evolved into a comprehensive marketing solution. Amy and I break down its myriad capabilities, from email marketing to website development, and discuss why it's become a cornerstone for many modern marketers. So buckle up for a jam-packed episode that takes you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, tactical networking, and the future of business tech. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.

In today's enlightening episode of "The Builders," we sit down with Tyler Pigott, a seasoned marketer and entrepreneur, to delve deep into the art of crafting a compelling vision for your business. But we don't stop there. Tyler shares his perspective as a generalist vs a specialist (someone going into a business being 'known' for a specific craft) . Ever wondered what fuels long-term decision-making? Tyler spills the secrets. Plus, we discuss the invaluable experience of having a mentor or coach by your side and the tremendous impact it can have on your business trajectory. I even share my own entrepreneurial experience, shedding light on the strategy behind adding products to Unified Web Design's service-based model—always with an eye on the long game. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a business owner rethinking your current approach, this episode promises actionable insights that you can apply immediately to up your game.

Entrepreneurs, get ready to dive into the world of servers, growth, and security without a hint of techy jargon (or a minor hint). In this episode, I'm sharing my personal journey from the trenches, revealing how I've navigated the complexities of servers and growth strategies without the tech overwhelm. Discover the actionable insights I've gleaned from the front lines of my own server experience. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or seasoned veteran, these tips are tailored for those who prefer plain English over technical lingo. Join me as we explore the roadmap to robust servers, sustainable growth, and secure online ventures. Tune in to episode 134 of "The Builders" and empower your entrepreneurial journey with no-nonsense advice. Together, we'll demystify the technical aspects of growing your online business in a way that's both engaging and easily digestible.

This episode explores the power of visualizing ideas through the art of graphic recording with Ashton Rodenhiser. Ashton explains how she turned her creative skills into a career as a graphic recorder, capturing the key ideas and insights from meetings, conferences, and presentations through illustrations. She discusses how graphic recording can improve meetings by helping people engage, remember information, and make connections visually. Ashton shares tips for how anyone can start incorporating visual note taking into their own lives through simple doodling and drawing techniques. She recommends starting with basic shapes like lines, circles, and squares and building a "visual vocabulary" of icons that represent multiple ideas. Ashton stresses that the drawings don't have to be perfect - it's the process of listening, processing, and visually representing information that matters most. Key takeaways from the episode: • Graphic recording can improve meetings by helping up to 80% of "visual learners" engage and remember information presented. • Simple doodling techniques like drawing lines to connect ideas or using icons can boost information retention by up to 29%. • Anyone can learn the basics of visual note taking - it just requires practice drawing simple shapes and building a set of visual "shortcuts" that represent multiple concepts. Neatness and artistic ability are not important. • The illustrations created through graphic recording can be used as accountability tools, reminders, and even marketing materials to demonstrate the value of meetings and presentations. Offer from the Episode (not sure when this will expire, so definitely check it out asap if you're interested!) Title: The Beginners Guide to Sketchnoting By link:  http://www.sketchnote.school/book Coupon: builders

Welcome to Episode #132 of "The Builders" podcast, hosted by me, Matt Levenhagen. In this engaging episode, I sit down with Ron, a recovering engineer turned team builder, who has set out to change the stories we tell ourselves. Our conversation isn't just about transforming team culture; it's about redefining the very art of connection and openness within teams. Join us as Ron shares lessons on building trust, nurturing relationships, fostering creativity, and embracing change. We explore questions like, "What stories shape our culture?" and "How can we free ourselves from narratives that no longer serve us?" This isn't just a podcast episode; it's an invitation to discover who you want to be within your team and as a leader. Subscribe and tune in for actionable insights and stories that will challenge you to think differently about yourself, your team, and the culture you cultivate.

Welcome to the 131st episode of "The Builders" where I, Matt Levenhagen, your seasoned host and founder of Unified Web Design, delve deep into the why and how of building authority online. We kick things off with a throwback to my humble beginnings, navigating the treacherous waters of early online entrepreneurship, and the stash of old products that paved the way for my business's success today. I shine the spotlight on an old product - Niche Authority, a pivotal milestone in my journey that shaped my perspectives on online authority. As we weave through my story, we'll be revisiting Episode 1, the very beginning, where we discussed the importance of a strong business identity as the cornerstone of a successful business. In this episode, we talk about everything from building a compelling website to creating a lasting first impression. We cover why a business, especially an online one, should prioritize website development, and why first impressions often hinge on the quality of your homepage. We delve into the importance of trust-building and presenting an image of authority to your audience, all while keeping things simple and easy to navigate. I'll be sharing personal insights from my journey of building my first website and the lessons I learned along the way. Finally, we dive into the more technical aspects, including content management, user experience, professional design and how these contribute to a company's image of professionalism and legitimacy. I emphasize the importance of incremental improvements and leveraging relationships for business growth. You'll also get an insider look into search engine optimization and how it contributes to your business's authority.

In Episode 130, we dive into a fascinating conversation with David Van Beekum, one of the minds behind Tweva, a revolutionary platform that's redefining local advertising. David shares his journey from being a tech enthusiast to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and how his father's passion for sound and audio technology in the '70s influenced his career path. We delve into the complexities of building a business beyond just creating a website, as David recounts his experience in developing a unique software for small food distributors and the challenges he faced in securing a patent for it. He provides valuable insights into the patent process, highlighting the importance of uniqueness and the risks involved. The conversation takes a poignant turn as David shares the impact of his business partner and friend's sudden passing (instrumental in developing the ideas behind Tweva). He discusses the importance of networks in business and the challenges he faced in securing VC capital. Finally, we explore the concept of Tweva, a social TV channel for your city that allows community participation and offers a platform for businesses and influencers. David explains how Tweva makes it easy for businesses to advertise on local screens and how it provides a platform for sharing local, relevant content. He emphasizes the importance of creating 'infotainment' - content that is not only informative but also entertaining.

In this episode of The Builders Podcast, I, Matt Levenhagen, delve into the process of navigating change and balancing business priorities while exploring new strategies. I share my journey of starting a new YouTube series on The Builders channel, a venture that was both exciting and challenging. This series was a departure from my usual style, featuring a completely new format and approach. However, the time and effort required to produce these videos led me to reassess their impact on my overall business operations. I discuss the importance of understanding the full context of your business activities when considering new strategies. This includes acknowledging your baseline operations, the role of marketing, and the need to constantly reassess your strategies to ensure they align with your business goals. I also share my experience of adding a new SEO person to our team, a strategic decision aimed at enhancing our content strategy. In the process of exploring new content formats, I discovered the tool Veed.io and the benefits of short-form content. This led to a shift in our content strategy, incorporating lessons learned from the phased-out YouTube series. I emphasize the importance of trying new things and pushing your limits, even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone. I also share my increased respect for YouTubers and the amount of work that goes into creating engaging content. This journey has taught me valuable lessons about time management, the value of presence in content strategy, and the importance of learning from failures or stopped initiatives. Join me as I navigate the complexities of change, explore new strategies, and provide insights on how to effectively balance business priorities and content strategy. Whether you're a business owner or a content creator, this episode offers valuable insights into managing change and making strategic decisions.

Welcome to Episode #128 where we delve deep into the heart of my business operations: time tracking. We'll pull back the curtain on how I've mastered this crucial aspect in running my web design agency efficiently. From invoicing to hourly tracking, discover how I've developed an intricate dance of cash flow, all while staying close to the numbers and enjoying the process. I share with you an inside look at our meticulous tracking mechanisms for employees and external collaborators alike. Through meticulous systems like Freshbooks and spreadsheets, you'll see how we record hours and translate this into the financial flow of the business. The takeaway? Good software and processes are key. If I can manage this, given the complexity of my agency's operations, you certainly can, too. So join me as I unravel the nuts and bolts of time tracking, an invaluable tool for running any business. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I have. Thanks for being part of the builders' crew. Enjoy the episode!