Lazy Leverage

Jon Matzner and Peter Lohmann break down the art and science of 'architecting the way work gets done' - a crucial skill for any business owner looking to scale. From handling employee resistance to identifying bottlenecks, learn how to design work systems that unlock growth while keeping your best people happy. Plus: sneaky tips for spotting AI responses in hiring, and game-changing iPhone features you didn't know existed.   Timestamps (00:00) Intro and casual catch-up  (04:15) Understanding "architecting the way work gets done"  (11:40) The Henry Ford approach to work design  (15:45) Why employees resist systems (and how to handle it)  (21:43) Identifying and working with business bottlenecks (26:50) The Korean spa button: A lesson in smart work design  (27:58) Using accountability charts effectively  (30:10) Tech tips: Gmail link copying and iPhone call recording  (32:30) Clever hiring tip: Catching AI responses in job applications    Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following Jon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on X and at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peter: ⁠@pslohmann⁠ on X and at peterlohmann.com

Ever wonder what happens when you mix Moscow State economics, Oklahoma middle school, and global talent acquisition? Meet Anna, Sagan's secret weapon in member success. In this no-BS conversation, she breaks down why some businesses crush it with global talent while others barely scratch the surface. From navigating cultural bridges to building trust-based partnerships, Anna shares the unfiltered truth about what makes global hiring work. Whether you're a startup founder or running a PE firm, this episode is packed with actionable insights that'll transform how you think about global talent integration.   Timestamps (00:00) Meet Anna: From Moscow to Global Talent Success  (03:05) Inside Look: Modern Russian Economic Theory  (07:41) Global Relations: Russia, Israel, and International Dynamics  (10:49) Cultural Intelligence: Learning English in Oklahoma  (15:53) The Secret Sauce: What Makes Members Successful  (19:54) Broker vs. Advisor: Why the Difference Matters  (22:39) Communication is King: The Feedback Loop  (23:55) Size Doesn't Matter: From Startups to Billion-Dollar PE  (28:05) What's Next: Innovation in Member Success  (31:28) Golden Rules for New Members   Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following Jon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on X and at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peter: ⁠@pslohmann⁠ on X and at peterlohmann.com  

Ever wonder how top performers actually work less while achieving more? In this episode, Jon Matzner and Peter Lohmann dive deep into the counterintuitive world of 'lazy leverage,' where working at 80% effort yields better results than grinding at 100%. From project management approaches using Slack to the power of seasonal thinking in business, they share battle-tested strategies for maximizing output while minimizing stress. Plus, discover why your best ideas might come while sitting in a hot tub (seriously). Whether you're a CEO looking to work smarter or a team leader seeking better systems, this episode is your blueprint for strategic laziness.   Timestamps (00:00) Welcome to Lazy Leverage (01:33) Understanding Natural Work Rhythms (02:40) The 80/20 Rule of Effort and Anxiety (06:20) Strategic Rest and Recovery Periods (08:00) CEO Time: Making Space for Big Picture Thinking (15:54) Modern Project Management Challenges (26:23) Leveraging Slack for Team Organization (28:42) Task Force vs Permanent Team Structure (32:02) Building Effective Kanban Systems  (34:45) The Evolution of Company Structure (37:41) GTD Principles in Project Management (41:13) Leadership Through Prioritization (50:41) Takeaways and Reading Recommendations   Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠@pslohmann⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Lazy Leverage, Jon and Binsi tackle the universal challenge of scaling team communication beyond the 30-person mark. They break down their revolutionary "four data types" framework - database, reference, ad-hoc, and project-based communication - while exploring how to effectively leverage tools like Slack, Airtable, and Notion. Through practical demonstrations and real-world examples, they show how to transform chaotic communication into streamlined project management, complete with insights on their preferred GTD-inspired workflow and an innovative approach to KPI-based team organization. Timestamps (00:00) Introduction and Greetings (01:28) Consolidating Information (02:45) Data Types and Tools (04:26) Project Management Discussion (06:22) Choosing the Right Tools (09:16) Implementing Slack for Project Management (16:50) Practical Slack Demonstration (22:45) Reflecting on Past Project Management (24:45) Command and Control in Projects (28:53) Organizing Teams Around KPIs (31:59) Final Thoughts and Reorganization  Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this insightful and candid episode, Jon Matzner teams up with Sofia Bravo, Sagan's Head of Recruitment, to dissect and debunk common hiring pitfalls. They explore why traditional job titles and strict budgets might be holding companies back, emphasizing the power of clear role descriptions and the right attitude over rigid experience. Expect real talk about the recruitment process, from the importance of responsive hiring practices to innovative strategies that ensure top candidates don't fall through the cracks. And stay tuned for some fun discussions about potential off-sites in Mexico!(00:00) Introduction (01:10) Sophia's Background and Role at Sagan (4:08) Common Hiring Mistakes: Job Titles (08:56) Common Hiring Mistakes: Budget Expectations (10:42) Understanding Budget Tradeoffs in Hiring (11:57) Challenges with Unrealistic Expectations (13:40) The Value of Coachable Candidates (17:07) Responsiveness in the Hiring Process (19:08) Final Thoughts and Advice Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Get ready to dive into the real-talk playbook of entrepreneurship and scaling your business with Lazy Leverage! In this episode, we kick it with Jon Matzner and John Kelly to talk about nailing customer acquisition and converting leads in the power washing game. We’ll spill the secrets on remote sales hires, building a killer team from scratch, and sidestepping the common traps in hiring. Learn to streamline your operations, sharpen your sales structures, and deliver pricing presentations like a pro. Plus, get raw wisdom from Mike Costigan on showing up on time, reading body language, and mastering the door-to-door hustle. This episode packs honest insights and practical advice to help you grind, grow, and crush it in the business world. (00:00) Introduction and Background (01:17) Challenges in Sales and Conversion (01:40) Remote Sales and Hiring Strategies (04:26) Cost Analysis and Break-Even Points (07:17) Labor Specialization and Global Talent (11:15) Developing a Scalable Business Model (20:45) Managing and Measuring Performance (25:18) Sales Techniques and Customer Engagement (29:07) Pricing Presentation Techniques (32:42) Learning from Sales Experts (35:10) Old School Sales Tricks (39:54) The Journey of Entrepreneurship (50:05) Staying in the Game Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome back to Lazy Leverage! In this episode, Peter and Jon break down how to maximize your personal and professional life with killer strategies and AI tools. They dive into leveraging teams and systems to handle life's hiccups, boost productivity with Whisper Flow and Audio Diary, and even how limited-time offers can skyrocket your sales. Get the lowdown on engaging clients, personalized outreach, and maintaining exclusivity while expanding your community. Learn from real-life scenarios and high-value tactic, that can help you crush your goals and scale up smartly. Through our Conversation, you'll discover: (00:00) The Power of Leverage in Business (02:49) Balancing Sales and Member Focus (05:27) The Psychology of Limited Availability (10:39) Personal Outreach and Promotion Strategies (13:08) The Power of Personal Outreach (14:49) Sales Strategies and Experiments (16:22) Aligning Audience and Product (18:41) Membership Success and Future Plans (22:14) Tactical Tips and Tools (24:01) Voice Technology Innovations (26:32) Conclusion and Farewell Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Want to learn about cold calling and prospecting? Johnny Costigan has been a sales trainer for 20 years, and has worked with sales teams at Google, Amazon, Dropbox, SAP, Dropbox, and many others. Example - how he describes sales: - Got a problem? - Got money? - Want to solve it? If you are at all interested in professionalizing sales and filling your funnel (like me) there is so much more within this conversation, and Johnny's experience... Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 Introduction to Johnny Costigan and His Sales Philosophy 01:09 The Art of Introducing Yourself in Sales 02:52 Johnny's Approach to Sales Training and Its Origins 06:04 The Importance of Authenticity and Adaptability in Sales 19:28 Leveraging Techniques from Various Disciplines in Sales 28:15 The Chess and Checkers of Sales: Knowing When to Simplify 31:19 The Power of Owning Your Mistakes 32:36 The Importance of Refreshing Sales Training 34:04 Mastering Active Listening in Sales 38:43 The Art of Asking the Right Questions 43:13 Navigating Sales Conversations with Empathy 44:27 The Critical Role of Curiosity in Sales 48:53 Transitioning from Problem Identification to Solution Presentation 53:28 Ensuring Commitment Before Proposing Solutions 58:54 Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Prospecting 59:43 The Art of Earning Credibility in Sales 01:00:30 Mastering the Sales Meeting: Strategies and Insights 01:03:17 Navigating Sales Challenges with Humor and Strategy 01:10:21 Exploring the Dynamics of Modern Sales Organizations 01:12:20 The Philosophy of Self-Sufficiency in Sales 01:17:50 Leveraging Inbound Leads: A Strategic Approach 01:24:43 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Wes owns the number 1 and number 3 largest Fast Signs locations in the 750 unit network. 150 local employees. 0 global talent when I met him - now has 17+. He's become a friend, and we've hired a ton of global talent together. Smart, crazy person - @wes_kauffman -- Starting with our collaborative efforts in systemizing business processes, we explore Wes's experience in growing Fast Signs franchises across various locations. From building a team of nearly 17 global members to enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness, we delve into the strategic utilization of global talent in project management and service delivery optimization. Sharing insights from Wes's success story in the sign manufacturing sector, we underscore the importance of balancing local and global team members for robust business growth. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 Catching Up and Reflecting on Past Collaborations 00:57 The Evolution of a FastSigns Franchise Empire 01:38 Expanding Horizons: Global Talent and Business Growth 02:47 Leveraging Global Talent for Competitive Advantage 04:50 The Transformative Power of Global Talent in Business 07:26 Embracing Global Talent: A Strategy for Success 09:53 Global Talent as a Game Changer in Business Operations 13:40 The Future of Business: Integrating Global Talent 20:05 Practical Advice for Leveraging Global Talent 21:40 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Peter and I talk about: 1) How he planned, structured, and implemented his mini "think week" 2) What we are both afraid of when creating more content --- In this episode of Lazy Leverage, Peter and I dive into the enriching practice of the annual solo retreat, a concept inspired by Bill Gates' Think Week. It's a time dedicated to relaxation, reflection, planning, and diving deep into books, all while stepping back from the relentless grip of technology. We explore the powerful strategy of creating a 'do not do' list, drawing inspiration from Warren Buffet to master the art of prioritization and cutting out distractions. Throughout the conversation, we grapple with finding the right equilibrium between generating meaningful content and not getting lost in the quantification of content creation metrics. We also discuss the essential support systems for embarking on such retreats, the profound impact thoughtful content creation can have on audiences, and the personal and professional revelations that emerge from adopting these practices. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 Welcome to Lazy Leverage: A Solo Retreat Recap 00:33 The Art of the Solo Retreat: Inspiration and Preparation 01:34 Unplugging and Diving into Books: The Retreat Rituals 02:04 Reflection, Relaxation, and Reading: The Core Goals 02:38 Creating Space for Thought: The Importance of Zero Expectations 03:13 Choosing the Right Reads: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Favorites 10:18 The Dynamics of Solo Thinking vs. Group Discussion 16:07 The Do Not Do List: Focusing on What Truly Matters 20:38 Navigating Professional Boundaries: The Do Not Do List 21:24 Evaluating Affiliate Deals and Referral Partnerships 21:54 The Importance of Audience Trust and Content Integrity 23:35 Personal Productivity: Email Management Strategies 24:08 Balancing Immediate Tasks with Long-Term Goals 28:05 Reflecting on Business Changes and Future Stability 30:28 The Power of Building an Engaged Audience 32:01 Rethinking Media Strategy and Personal Fears 36:29 Exploring the Potential of Content Creation 42:35 Concluding Thoughts on Content Creation and Personal Growth Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following ⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠.