Lazy Leverage

Join me in a compelling dialogue with Peter Lohmann (@pslohmann) as we explore the intricacies and hurdles involved in crafting and sustaining robust business partnerships. Our discussion is rooted in the belief that the foundation of a successful partnership lies in clear communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. We delve into the necessity of formalizing agreements to address potential challenges proactively, the dynamics of unequal partnerships, and the evolution of partnership roles over time to preserve clarity and trust. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - Kicking off with an overview of why partnerships are crucial to business success and the initial steps to establishing a solid foundation. 01:08 - Delving into the dynamics that define and differentiate successful business partnerships from the rest. 02:27 - Exploring the nuances between global collaborations and traditional business partnerships. 03:17 - The critical role of clearly defining the business objectives and expectations within a partnership. 06:16 - Discuss how trust serves as the cornerstone of any partnership and strategies to build and maintain this trust over time. 07:26 - Sharing valuable lessons learned from past partnerships, including the highs and lows that have informed our current understanding. 20:21 - Emphasizing the value of experience and the long-term benefits of prioritizing learning and growth over immediate financial gains in partnerships. 22:30 - Concluding with insights on the dedication and effort required to elevate a partnership to new heights of success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of business partnerships with wisdom and foresight. Whether you're forming a new partnership or looking to strengthen an existing one, Peter and I offer practical advice and reflections based on our extensive experiences. --- Next Episode Teaser: Tune in for "Decoding Talent Management: Recognizing Red Flags in Global Teams," where we tackle the pressing question: "Is your global team failing you, or are you failing them?" With extensive experience in hiring hundreds of individuals, we'll discuss the top red flags for both American and global talent, providing insights into how to foster a thriving environment for your international team. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.

In this episode, I connect with Peter Lohmann (@pslohmann), a significant figure in the SMB space known for his deep insights and influential presence. Our discussions on small and medium business (SMB) issues have always been enriching, prompting us to record our latest conversation for a broader audience. We dive into the concept of building business leverage, discussing everything from the nuances of high-leverage work to the practicalities of hiring and employee management across various business sizes. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - Reconnecting and setting the scene for our discussion on leveraging business dynamics. 00:26 - Delving into the impact and creation of content as a leverage tool in business. 01:18 - Reflecting on the excitement of live events and the challenges of shifting focus in business strategies. 03:03 - Examining the allure of high-leverage work and its implications for business transitions. 04:45 - Jon's transition to embracing 'lazy leverage' and the reasoning behind strategic business laziness. 06:50 - Discussing the misconceptions of fame and success in the business world. 09:10 - Addressing the struggle with high-priced fixed costs and the quest for sustainable business models. 17:01 - Debating the dilemma of hiring in-house marketing versus outsourcing for flexibility and efficiency. 21:37 - The critical role of equity and ownership in fostering business commitment and accountability. 22:20 - Highlighting the power of accountability in leadership and its impact on business culture. 23:20 - Exploring local accountability and its influence on organizational culture and success. 23:47 - The importance of normative accountability in achieving business objectives. 25:03 - How revenue models profoundly affect business operations and strategic decisions. 25:48 - Navigating the challenge of hiring the right talent for optimal business growth. 26:31 - Emphasizing the importance of focus for achieving business success. 27:33 - The indispensable role of CEOs in spearheading business growth and direction. 28:07 - The effectiveness of single-minded focus in driving business achievements. 28:48 - Managing the complexities of juggling multiple business interests and ventures. 37:45 - The unique role of satire in public debate and its unexpected relevance to business discussions. 39:52 - Wrapping up with insights on understanding the business scale and leveraging it for success. Peter and I tackle these topics with candidness and depth, offering listeners a comprehensive look into leveraging business practices for success and growth. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or navigating the early stages of entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons and strategies. --- Stay tuned for our next episode, "Building Strong and Successful Business Partnerships," where Peter Lohmann and I delve into the complexities of establishing and nurturing effective business partnerships, sharing our experiences and insights on overcoming challenges and maximizing partnership potential. Keep up with the latest insights by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.

Join me in a fascinating conversation with Michael Greenberg (@gentoftech), a brilliant mind and frequent collaborator who often experiences the spontaneous "Jon treatment" — impromptu Zoom calls to dissect various business concepts. This time, we hit the record button on one of our dynamic discussions, covering the expansive terrain of digital operations and automation. We delve into how the digital operations toolkit, encompassing AI, automation, and the strategic use of global talent, is revolutionizing business practices from the core. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - Kicking off with an introduction of my guest, Michael Greenberg, and the unique backstory of our collaboration. 00:25 - How our friendship and professional partnership began and evolved over time. 00:51 - Diving into the essence and future of digital operations within modern business ecosystems. 01:23 - Discussing the transformative impact of automation and AI on enhancing workforce capabilities and business models. 02:20 - A critical look at how business models are being reshaped by digital advancements. 02:59 - Drawing parallels between the internet revolution and the current wave of digital operation tools. 05:37 - Unpacking the components of the digital operations toolkit and its role in business innovation. 05:50 - The critical role of effective documentation in streamlining digital operations. 06:27 - Addressing the challenges and considerations in automating operational tasks. 08:17 - Operationalizing AI for business efficiency and competitive advantage. 09:51 - Exploring the capabilities and potential of AI tools in business settings. 11:38 - Analyzing the emerging business model of integrating human expertise with technological solutions. 14:36 - Projections on the future role of AI across business sectors. 16:39 - The burgeoning potential of AI in content creation and its implications for businesses. 21:48 - Investigating innovative business models enabled by AI advancements. 23:45 - Discussing pricing strategies and business models in the context of digital operations. 24:42 - Evaluating different charging models for digital services and products. 25:02 - The effectiveness and appeal of productized services in a digital-first marketplace. 26:37 - The inherent challenges within the traditional agency business model and potential solutions. 28:21 - The concept of embedded staffing as a response to evolving business needs. 31:47 - Debating the future of labor in the context of high skill versus global talent. 33:23 - The overarching impact of AI and automation on labor markets and employment strategies. 35:46 - The significance of contract structures in the freelance and remote work landscape. 37:20 - Concluding with reflections on the need for inspiration and innovation in navigating digital operations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology, business strategy, and the future of work. Michael and I unpack complex topics with ease, providing actionable insights and thought-provoking perspectives on navigating the digital revolution. --- Stay tuned for our next episode, "Building Business Leverage," where Peter Lohmann (@pslohmann) and I dive deep into discussions on SMB issues, sharing insights from our latest conversation. Keep up with the latest insights by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.

In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Gorham (@shawngorham) to navigate the complexities of using Upwork for the first time, specifically aimed at enriching a probate attorney contact list. Shawn sought advice on leveraging Upwork to access a global talent pool for compiling and enhancing a significant dataset. Our conversation unveils the strategic use of Upwork to connect with skilled freelancers from South Asia, utilizing tools like LinkedIn Navigator and Apollo for lead enrichment. We delve into the nuances of crafting effective job postings, the importance of setting crystal-clear expectations, and the strategy of initially hiring two workers to find the best fit. Our discussion not only highlights the specifics of lead enrichment but also explores the broader implications of engaging with global talent for business needs. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - Kicking off with our journey into lead enrichment using Upwork. 00:08 - The initial quest to compile a comprehensive probate attorney contact list. 00:51 - Considering outsourcing for data compilation to enhance efficiency and accuracy. 01:16 - Unpacking the advantages of Upwork for lead enrichment and the critical role of clear instruction. 02:30 - The essential practice of providing detailed job postings to attract the right talent. 03:33 - Strategies for effective hiring on Upwork, ensuring the selection of capable freelancers. 04:42 - Tips on identifying and securing the most suitable candidates for lead enrichment tasks. 05:42 - Discussing the impact of AI tools in refining job postings for better outreach. 06:39 - The untapped potential of leveraging global talent to drive business initiatives. 08:07 - Investigating additional resources and databases for gathering potential leads. 09:56 - Wrapping up with key takeaways and actionable next steps for utilizing Upwork in lead enrichment efforts. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to understand the power of Upwork in accessing global talent for specific business tasks like lead enrichment. Shawn and I share our experiences and advice on navigating the platform to maximize results for your business projects. -- Stay tuned for our next episode, "Digital Operations," where I engage in a spontaneous and insightful conversation with Michael Greenberg (@gentoftech), discussing the random yet relevant aspects of business that could have a broader appeal to my audience. Our unscripted dialogues are always full of surprises and valuable takeaways. Keep up with the latest insights by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.

In the second installment of our "Staying Organized" series, I continue the conversation with my colleague Binsi (@BinsiDevadasan) on the complex topic of managing the chaos of digital communication. After capturing everything down, the next big question we tackle is: what do we do with all that information? This episode dives into our strategies (and yes, our disagreements!) for processing and organizing the influx of emails, Slack messages, texts, calls, and DMs to maintain efficiency within a global team. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - Diving back into the quest for global team organization, setting the stage for deeper insights. 00:33 - Discussing the critical importance of capturing every piece of information efficiently. 01:08 - Addressing the challenges of unmonitored inboxes and the necessity of regular review. 01:46 - Exploring the nuanced art of inbox processing and organizational strategies that work. 02:44 - Sharing personal shifts from reactive to proactive work and the impact on productivity. 04:33 - Delving into the three distinct types of work and how understanding them can transform your approach to tasks. 05:41 - Offering practical advice on defining work to improve focus and outcomes. 10:48 - Unpacking the power of delegation and strategies for task management. 15:28 - Emphasizing the importance of purging unnecessary items to maintain a clutter-free inbox. 16:04 - Introducing the 'Someday Maybe' list as a repository for deferred tasks and its strategic use. 17:53 - Highlighting the significance of task categorization for better organization. 18:27 - Discussing the concept and utility of a 'Sunday Maybe' list for future planning. 19:14 - Debating the optimal duration tasks should remain on your 'Someday Maybe' list. 20:37 - Evaluating the role of calendars in effective task management and planning. 22:43 - Engaging in a lively debate on the merits of time blocking versus using a next action list. 26:35 - Stressing the importance of maintaining a meticulous reference file for information retrieval. 28:50 - Warning against the pitfalls of working directly from your inbox and the inefficiencies it creates. 30:02 - The essential process of building trust in your task management system for peace of mind. 32:12 - Wrapping up with final reflections on task management and recommendations for further resources. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their organizational game and manage the digital deluge more effectively. Join Binsi and me as we share our experiences, disagreements, and solutions for staying organized in a fast-paced, global work environment. Stay tuned for our next episode, "Upwork for Lead Enrichment: A Beginners Guide," where we dive into @shawngorham's journey of navigating Upwork for the first time for lead enrichment, sharing the advice and insights we've gathered along the way. Keep up with the latest insights by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.

In this episode, I team up with my Chief of Staff, Binsi (@BinsiDevadasan), who has been an integral part of my journey for the past 7 years. As our team expands globally, we've begun to document our "best practices" to onboard and share with new talents. Our first discussion centers on mastering organization through the effective management of inboxes, a crucial skill in today's interconnected work environment. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - Introduction to the art of staying organized, especially when managing a diverse, global team. 00:00 - Discussing the pivotal role organization plays in handling global talent efficiently. 00:35 - Unveiling the four fundamental principles of staying organized in any setting. 00:49 - The critical importance of managing inboxes for optimal organization. 01:17 - Evaluating the role of digital tools like Apple Notes, Clickup, and email in staying organized. 01:47 - Finding the right balance between relying on tools and maintaining an organized workflow. 02:21 - The necessity of establishing a robust system to underpin organizational efforts. 03:05 - Incorporating the 'Getting Things Done' (GTD) method by David Allen into daily routines. 03:31 - Emphasizing the 'capture' aspect of GTD to efficiently clear the mind and track tasks. 04:28 - Exploring how organizational methods have evolved with technology and workplace demands. 05:53 - How tools facilitate the GTD method, particularly in capturing and processing tasks. 06:11 - The significance of promptly capturing tasks and effectively monitoring inboxes. 09:06 - Addressing the challenges posed by platforms like Slack in capturing and organizing tasks. 13:06 - Strategies for 'cleaning your brain' by externalizing tasks and thoughts. 15:25 - The critical practice of regularly processing your inboxes to maintain clarity and focus. 17:28 - Differentiating work and personal inboxes, and managing each to prevent overlap and confusion. 23:29 - Identifying the three types of work and how each impacts our approach to organization. 23:58 - Wrapping up with insights on the overarching importance of being organized about your work. If you're navigating the complexities of managing a global team or simply looking to enhance your organizational skills, this episode is packed with actionable advice and proven strategies. Binsi and I delve into the tools, methods, and mindsets that can transform how you approach work and productivity. Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com. Next Episode Teaser: Tune in for "Staying Organized - Part Two," where we'll continue our exploration into effective organization strategies, tackling the challenge of managing the chaos of emails, Slack messages, texts, calls, and DMs. Discover how to bring order to the chaos and keep your workflow smooth and stress-free.

Dive into an insightful conversation with Kiwi Rene (@thekiwicowboy), whose sales achievements are nothing short of legendary, having converted over 50% of his appointments into sales. In this episode, we explore the art and science behind identifying exceptional sales talent and cultivating a dynamic sales culture that not only aims for targets but consistently surpasses them. From the front lines of sales to the strategic planning behind successful team building, Kiwi Rene shares his comprehensive insights into creating an environment that fosters competition, growth, and success. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - Introduction: Kiwi Rene's Sales Mastery 00:12 - Starting Points: The Professional Journey 00:32 - Overcoming and Embracing Challenges 01:11 - The Unique Job Ad That Made the Difference 04:05 - Cultivating Professional Growth 08:59 - Elements of a High-Performance Sales Culture 13:03 - Leadership's Impact on Talent Attraction 16:23 - Work Joy and Relationship Building 17:02 - Closing Thoughts on Sales Culture Excellence Kiwi Rene's story is a testament to the power of innovative leadership and a strong, supportive sales culture. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their sales team or to cultivate a more dynamic and successful sales environment. Stay Connected & Informed: Don't miss out on future episodes and the latest insights. Follow us on Twitter @MatznerJon for real-time updates and discussions. Plus, for more in-depth analysis and exclusive content, subscribe to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com. Next Episode Teaser: Prepare for "Staying Organized Part One," where we'll explore effective strategies for maintaining organization and enhancing productivity. Whether you're looking to improve your personal efficiency or streamline team operations, this episode will provide practical tips and insights to help you achieve your organizational goals.

Join Brian and me as we explore the impact of leadership, adaptation, and the artful approach to business, drawing from Brian's experiences in the Marine Corps. We discuss the critical role of documentation, the innovative Team Wiki, and how effective communication is key to a thriving business environment. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 Introduction and Reunion with Brian 00:10 Reminiscing Old Times and Lessons from CrossFit 00:44 The Beauty of Wikis and Immersion Systems 01:15 Transition from Marine Corps to Civilian Life 01:29 The Birth of Team Wiki 02:19 The Importance of Process Documentation 02:49 The Struggles of Transitioning to the Private Sector 04:25 The Power of Written Communication 04:27 The Role of St. John's in Shaping Perspectives 06:09 The Impact of Combat and Classics 07:36 The Power of Emergent Systems 07:51 The Importance of Ground Truth in Business 09:10 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Company Culture 11:20 The Importance of Understanding Your Employees 15:02 The Role of Team Wiki in Streamlining Operations 26:54 The High of Problem Solving 27:13 Transitioning from Shooter to Leader 27:21 The Role of a Leader in the Marine Corps 27:51 The Pitfalls of Being a 'Fixer' Leader 28:56 Understanding the Importance of Systems and Processes 31:58 The OODA Loop and Decision-Making 33:17 The Role of a Leader in Resource Management 33:36 The Importance of Open Communication and Feedback 14:55 The Power of Decentralized Command 43:02 The Value of Fiction in Understanding the World Subscribe to our podcast for more insights on leadership and business transformation. Share your thoughts with a review and stay connected for updates and exclusive content by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com. Next Episode Teaser: Don't miss "Building High-Performance Sales Culture: A Talk with KR" for strategies on creating a dynamic sales team that drives success and cultivates a culture of high performance.

In part three of my insightful conversation with @BetterCeo, we dive into the final installment of our discussion celebrating the launch of his new book, "Output Thinking." The conversation takes an unexpected turn right from the start, as I find myself disagreeing with Jon within the first 30 seconds. Our focus on the 'buckets'—essential outcomes for any organization—reveals profound insights into aligning business strategies with the owner's ultimate goals. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - We begin with an introduction and a light-hearted disagreement on the concept of 'buckets' in business. 00:00 - Exploring the fundamental 'buckets' that represent the outcomes organizations strive to achieve. 00:58 - Discussing the eighth bucket, highlighting the paramount importance of aligning the business with the owner's visions. 01:55 - The significance of setting clear, actionable goals for both business and personal growth. 02:14 - Delving into the four primary objectives of business owners: flexibility, leisure, financial prosperity, and meaningful work. 08:54 - Examining how emotions play a crucial role in business operations and decision-making processes. 11:29 - An overview of the seven buckets focusing on customer satisfaction and sales effectiveness. 14:00 - Understanding the sustaining buckets related to people management, financial health, and information dissemination. 15:45 - The critical importance of communication and efficient information flow within an organization. 17:30 - Strategies for fostering effective communication in the workplace. 18:30 - The need for discrete communication policies to enhance organizational coherence. 19:09 - Insights into the 'Information Bucket' and the significance of a consistent meeting rhythm. 19:12 - The 'Cafe Bucket' - a look at compliance, administrative support, and facility management essentials. 19:52 - Discuss scaling strategies for sustainable company growth. 20:21 - Strategic insights with Peter on navigating business challenges. 22:17 - The imperative of adopting respectful communication etiquette in business. 24:38 - Cultivating a culture of output thinking and systematic efficiency. 27:58 - The role of Notion and similar tools in establishing a system-focused organizational culture. 32:56 - Concluding thoughts and a final push for the "Output Thinking" book. Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful discussions. If our conversation today sparked new ideas or helped you see your business in a new light, we'd be thrilled to hear your feedback—please leave us a review. Stay connected for the latest episodes and exclusive insights by following ⁠@MatznerJon⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠. Next Episode Teaser: Don't miss our next episode, "Writing Stuff Down: How to Change Your Business," where we'll explore the transformative power of documenting processes, ideas, and strategies. Learn how the simple act of writing can drive clarity, alignment, and significant growth in your business. Stay tuned!

In this episode, John (@BetterCeo) and I continue our enlightening conversation on the transformative power of "thinking in systems" within your business. We delve into the untapped potential lying dormant in many companies, discussing how encouraging employees to adopt an owner's mindset can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and growth. This chat is particularly special as we celebrate the launch of John's new book, "Output Thinking," which is currently available for pre-order. Join us as we explore the practical steps to systemizing your business, drawing examples from a diverse range of sectors, including law firms, veterinary clinics, and tax companies. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - Introduction to our discussion on "Output Thinking" and its importance in business systemization. 00:37 - John provides an overview of output thinking and how it can drive efficiency and growth across various business sectors. 02:29 - We discuss the critical role of systems in fostering business growth and the benefits of systemization. 04:34 - Exploring how systemization streamlines business operations and contributes to overall success. 07:33 - The synergy between systemization and outsourcing, and how it affects business scalability. 07:44 - Discussing the impact of systemization on the process of business acquisition. 10:07 - Addressing the roles of fear and laziness in hindering systemization efforts. 12:03 - The importance of aligning systemization with individual skills for optimal performance. 13:58 - A deep dive into the different types of systems: recipes, dances, and creations, and their applications in business. 16:11 - How systemization enhances business efficiency and facilitates consistent output. 18:08 - The long-term impact of systemization on business growth and innovation. 21:14 - Wrapping up with a look forward to the future of systemization and a teaser for the next episode, "Output Thinking - Part Three: The Eight Buckets." Interested in more insights and tips on systemizing your business for success? Subscribe to our podcast to never miss an episode. If you found value in our discussion, consider leaving a review and sharing it with your network. For the latest updates and exclusive content, follow @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com. Looking forward to our next deep dive in "Output Thinking - Part Three: The Eight Buckets," where we'll explore the nuances of business systemization further.