Lazy Leverage

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.

Ben has like 700 people working for him across 10+ locations. He is sharp as . We talk about the evolving role of leaders, building leverage, and life as an entrepreneur. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 Meet Ben: The Multi-Unit Franchisee Juggling Big Brands 01:26 Exploring the Challenges of Scaling and Efficiency in Franchising 03:01 The Delicate Balance of Delegation, Automation, and Personal Involvement 17:12 Navigating the Complexities of Email Overload and Operational Challenges 03:34 Envisioning the Ideal Operational Model and Personal Involvement 32:29 Navigating Maintenance and Construction Challenges in Business 33:20 The Role of a Director of Construction and Handling Repairs 34:39 Strategies for Managing Inspections and Permits 35:55 Leadership and Resource Allocation: A Marine's Model 38:43 Prioritizing Tasks and Establishing Main Efforts 40:19 Effective Communication and Email Management Strategies 43:32 Implementing Email Triage and Delegation for Efficiency 47:13 Leveraging Overseas Assistance for Email Triage 51:18 Reflections on Business Management and Entrepreneurial Loneliness Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following ⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠.

Mike has taught me more about REAL entrepreneurship than anyone other than my Dad. Mike and I have worked together for almost 7 years, and talk pretty much every day. He's "never had a real job since he was 18", has had multiple exits, has tried to retire twice but got bored, and is a great friend and mentor. He has created a new retargeting service, that I am customer of, and has been crushing for us. Full disclosure - If anyone signs up off my twitter, he has to send me a Lou malnati's Pizza - so I am just shilling at this point. Love Mike. -- Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 Introduction to Mike Costigan: The Entrepreneurship Mentor 01:12 Learning Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurial Scrappiness 02:02 The Philosophy of Customer Acquisition and Building Relationships 04:18 Embracing the Challenges of Entrepreneurship 16:35 Survival and Success in Business: Lessons from Experience 18:07 Exploring the Power of Retargeting in Digital Marketing 21:41 Exploring the Power of Retargeting 22:03 The Mechanics of Retargeting: How It Works 23:03 The Cost-Effectiveness of Retargeting 23:40 Building a Comprehensive Retargeting Platform 24:23 Leveraging Retargeting for Different Business Models 29:01 Success Stories and the Impact of Retargeting 30:37 Technical Insights and Strategies for Effective Retargeting 35:11 The Future of Business with AI and Retargeting 40:26 Concluding Thoughts on Retargeting and Business Strategy Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following ⁠@MatznerJon⁠ on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at ⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠.

In this episode, Christian and I dive into the nuanced world of military-style debriefing and its transformative application in business leadership and operations. Christian truly stands out in the digital landscape for his insights and experience. Our discussion extends beyond the mere act of debriefing, touching upon stress management, the essence of communication in critical situations, and the overarching impact of military discipline on commercial success. We dissect the debrief mindset, a crucial learning tool in the military for enhancing future actions and operational efficiency, advocating for its adoption in business practices to refine processes and avert repeat errors. Our conversation aims to bridge the gap between the rigorous debriefing standards of military operations and the often less structured approach seen in the business environment, highlighting simple yet effective techniques like meeting success ratings as a step towards more disciplined business practices. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - Setting the stage with an introduction to the importance of debriefing in both military and business contexts. 00:00 - Sharing a compelling story of composure and coordination during a helicopter incident. 01:04 - Insights into personal stress management techniques and maintaining calm under pressure. 02:19 - Discussing the critical role of maintaining composure in high-stress situations for effective leadership. 02:59 - The essential aspects of communication and coordination, illustrated through aviation experiences. 03:06 - Reflecting on lessons learned from first mission experiences, emphasizing ownership and control. 05:15 - Exploring the concepts of delegation and intent within leadership frameworks. 06:30 - Delving into strategies for efficient email communication to protect team focus and productivity. 12:49 - The leader's role in safeguarding the team's energy and focus from unnecessary distractions. 18:52 - Analyzing the advantages of membership-based business models over traditional agency structures. 25:55 - Identifying issues within conventional agencies and the evolution towards innovative business models. 26:31 - The challenges and rewards of building a global team and scaling business operations. 36:38 - Emphasizing the significance of debriefing and institutional memory in cultivating high-performance organizations. 39:42 - Advocating for the routine implementation of debriefing practices to enhance team performance and organizational learning. 49:02 - Concluding with a reflection on the pivotal role of debriefing in achieving exceptional business performance. This episode is a deep dive into the discipline of debriefing and its critical role in driving business excellence. Join Christian and me as we unpack the lessons learned from high-stress military environments and their application to the business world, offering listeners a unique perspective on leadership, communication, and organizational efficiency. Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.

Join Peter and me in a thought-provoking conversation where we delve into the intricacies of designing a fulfilling life, building unwavering confidence, and embarking on the entrepreneurial journey. As career entrepreneurs who cherish significant time off, we explore the concept of "micro audiences" and the impact they have on our ventures. We share insights on the essence of setting clear goals, the value of self-reflection, and the critical nature of experiencing an apprenticeship period for hands-on learning. Furthermore, we discuss the strategic approach of starting with low-commitment franchises to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape, all while emphasizing the importance of aligning business endeavors with personal life goals. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - Welcoming insights and setting the stage for our discussion on life and business design. 00:01 - The unexpected value of having haters and being opinionated. 00:25 - The significance of uniqueness and having strong opinions in building an audience. 01:18 - How disagreement fosters a more engaged and diverse following. 02:22 - Evaluating the role and influence of social media influencers. 03:13 - The necessity for original insights and the power of authenticity. 04:15 - Celebrating differences and the importance of articulating opposing viewpoints. 09:52 - Strategies for prioritizing and focusing on what truly matters in life and business. 16:11 - How business activities can shape and reflect your lifestyle choices. 17:58 - Prioritizing family goals and the impact on business decisions. 19:07 - Exploring the EOS Implementer lifestyle as a case study in life design. 20:28 - Personal anecdotes on decision-making and overcoming limiting beliefs. 21:09 - The crucial role of systems in achieving desired life and business outcomes. 24:47 - Leveraging small wins to build confidence and momentum. 27:18 - A deep dive into the entrepreneurial mindset and the journey to starting a business. 28:16 - Discussing the invaluable lessons and experiences gained through apprenticeship in business. 30:54 - Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of franchising as a business model. 33:29 - Concluding thoughts on starting and building a business with the end goal in mind. This episode is an essential listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike, offering a blend of personal experiences, practical advice, and strategic insights for anyone looking to design a life they love, build confidence, and successfully navigate the business world. --- Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com. Next Episode Teaser: Don't miss "Debriefing Mindsets: Applying Military-Style Debrief & Leadership Tactics to Business," where Christian and I tackle the efficiency of communication, the minimization of stress through systems, and the transformative power of military-style debriefing in business leadership. Inspired by a conversation that reaffirms the remarkable influence of disciplined, structured approaches to business, this episode promises to be a game-changer for leaders seeking to enhance their operational and team management strategies.

In this episode, we tackle the complex dynamics of global team management, addressing the pivotal question many leaders face: "Is your global team failing you, or are you failing them?" With extensive experience in hiring, we dive into identifying the top red flags for both American and global talent, aiming to discern the root causes behind a team's underperformance. From responsiveness and proactiveness to the deeper nuances of cultural fit and communication barriers, we explore how to effectively manage and nurture global talent for optimum performance. Through our conversation, you'll discover: 00:00 - An introduction to the challenges and opportunities of managing global teams. 00:19 - Insights into the nuances of communication and the significance of responsiveness and punctuality. 01:15 - Effective strategies for the screening and interviewing process to identify potential red flags early. 04:11 - The importance of understanding a candidate's thought process and their ability to integrate into your work culture. 10:57 - Observations on red flags within the first 30 days and strategies to address them. 16:37 - The art of headhunting and real-life examples that illustrate the dos and don'ts of global recruitment. 17:11 - Discussing the spectrum of responses in recruitment and the insights they provide. 25:01 - The critical role of setting clear expectations and the impact of communication on recruitment success. 29:14 - Highlighting the need to address red flags early to prevent long-term issues. 31:28 - The effectiveness of memos and structured communication in enhancing team dynamics and performance. This dialogue is essential for anyone navigating the complexities of international hiring and team management, offering practical advice and insights to foster a thriving and cohesive global team. --- Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com. Next Episode Teaser: Don't miss our upcoming episode, "Designing Life, Building Confidence, and Starting a Business," where Peter and I share our experiences as career entrepreneurs who value significant personal time off. We'll discuss the influence of "micro audiences" and offer guidance for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. Join us for an honest conversation about lifestyle design, boosting confidence, and the fundamentals of launching a successful business.

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.