Barbara & Andreas Dolleschal, founders of Zotter Chocolate and the e-commerce agency Smargesy, share their journey of scaling their chocolate business from $800K to $2.2M in annual revenue. They discuss how they crafted an "irresistible offer" that revolutionized their sales strategy, grew their email list from 4,000 to 25,000 subscribers, and leveraged influencer collaborations to create high-quality content at minimal cost. The conversation also highlights the importance of a smooth user experience and advanced payment options like Apple Pay to meet modern e-commerce standards.Facing setbacks like Hurricane Ian, which destroyed their warehouse and melted $17,000 worth of chocolate, the guests recount how they rebuilt their business in record time. Despite these challenges, they not only retained growth but also strengthened their resilience. The discussion concludes with insights into TikTok as a future marketing avenue, the vital role of technology in e-commerce success, and the creativity behind their 175 unique chocolate flavors.CHAPTER TITLES02:35 - The Key to Crafting an Irresistible Offer04:54 - Scaling from $800K to $2.2M: The Journey07:21 - Email Marketing Strategies: Growing to 25K Subscribers09:35 - The Power of Influencer Collaborations12:10 - Repurposing Content for Maximum ROI14:23 - The Challenges and Benefits of Building Brand Loyalty16:47 - TikTok and the Future of Social Media Marketing19:34 - E-commerce Tech: The Amazon-Inspired UX Formula22:26 - Overcoming Setbacks: Lessons from Hurricane Ian24:45 - A Flavorful Legacy: Chocolate Innovation and Business ResilienceConnect with Barbara & Andreas:Zotterusa.comSmargasy.comConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Daniel, an accomplished entrepreneur and founder of a leading subscription e-commerce brand, joins the discussion to share his journey of building a successful business from the ground up. With a focus on scaling sustainably and navigating the complexities of direct-to-consumer marketing, Daniel offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities he has faced. He dives deep into the innovative strategies that have allowed his business to thrive, even as it transitions into new markets like food and beverage. His emphasis on customer experience and data-driven decision-making sheds light on how to stand out in competitive industries.In addition to sharing his entrepreneurial playbook, Daniel reflects on the personal side of running a business. He discusses lessons learned from hiring, emphasizing the value of attitude and potential over perfect resumes. His unique perspective on handling setbacks, shaped by overcoming personal health challenges, offers a refreshing take on maintaining balance and perspective. Aspiring entrepreneurs will walk away inspired by his insights into building resilience, adapting to change, and taking strategic risks.CHAPTER TITLES02:35 - Starting the Entrepreneurial Journey04:54 - Disrupting the Subscription Model07:21 - Scaling and Maintaining Customer Experience09:50 - Transitioning into Food and Beverage12:14 - Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Strategies14:38 - The Role of Partnerships in Growth16:27 - Key Business Lessons for Entrepreneurs18:39 - Hiring for Potential vs. Experience21:01 - Learning to Handle Setbacks and Failures23:40 - Advice to a Younger SelfConnect with Daniel Broukhim:Fabfitfun.comConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Happy New Year!In this episode, i delve into probably the most talked about thing right now, Goals! I delve deep into the importance of creating systems in various aspects of life to achieve long-term success. Rather than focusing solely on goals, the host emphasizes the value of building a consistent system that aligns with personal interests and values. Systems, when effectively implemented, provide structure and discipline that help individuals stay on track, even in the face of challenges. The key is to break down large goals into smaller, more manageable tasks that fit into a sustainable routine, allowing progress to happen steadily over time.The episode also touches on the balance between goal-setting and systems-building, suggesting that achieving success isn't just about reaching specific milestones but about creating habits and routines that foster growth. The host advises listeners to be cautious of chasing goals they dislike, as this can lead to burnout and a lack of motivation. Instead, they should focus on creating systems that are both enjoyable and practical. Additionally, the importance of tracking progress and remaining flexible within those systems is highlighted, ensuring that individuals can adapt while staying committed to their long-term vision.CHAPTER TITLES2:00 - The Missing Link: Discipline and Systems4:30 - Goal Setting in Health, Fitness, and Business7:00 - The 50/50 Rule of Success9:30 - Focusing on Systems, Not Just Tasks12:00 - Setting the Right Goals: Realistic and Achievable14:30 - Aligning Goals with What You Enjoy16:30 - Avoiding the Trap of Goals You Hate17:30 - Why You Shouldn't Do It All Yourself18:00 - Building Your System for Consistency18:30 - The Importance of Tracking Progress18:45 - Staying Flexible While Committing to Goals19:00 - Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle Through SystemsConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Nutsa Buzaladze, a talented and rising singer who shares her unique journey in the music industry. Nutsa discusses her early influences and how music became an integral part of her life, navigating the challenges of building a career in a competitive field. She opens up about the passion and dedication required to pursue her dreams, detailing the struggles she faced along the way, including balancing personal and professional life. Nutsa also speaks about the power of resilience and the role of self-belief, explaining how she overcame self-doubt and criticism to create music that is deeply personal to her.The conversation also touches on Nutsa’s growth as an artist, her inspirations, and the evolution of her sound. She shares her experiences working with different collaborators and the importance of maintaining her authenticity in the ever-changing music industry. As she reflects on her journey, Nutsa expresses gratitude for her supporters and the people who have helped her along the way. She also shares how she is continually learning and growing, embracing new challenges as opportunities for artistic development. CHAPTER TITLES2:00 - Navigating the Highs and Lows of Success4:00 - The Pressure of Always Going Bigger6:00 - Staying True to Yourself Amidst Criticism8:00 - The Power of Delusion in Achieving Success10:00 - Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone12:00 - Learning from Success and Failure14:00 - The Role of Family and Friends in Growth16:00 - Moving to Miami: A Fresh Start18:00 - Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear19:00 - The Importance of Gratitude in Achieving More20:12 - Staying Humble While Reaching for SuccessConnect with Nutsa:SOCIALS - NutsabuzaConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Tim Storey, a renowned author, speaker, and life coach, shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Compton to becoming a successful global speaker and entrepreneur. Tim emphasizes the importance of mindset, originality, and persistence in achieving success. He discusses how his background shaped his belief in self-empowerment and resilience, teaching listeners that, despite the struggles they may face, their ability to stay true to themselves and persist through adversity is key. Drawing from his own experiences and the lessons he learned, Tim highlights the significance of having the right attitude, surrounding yourself with the right people, and learning from every setback, ultimately reinforcing the idea that growth comes from pushing through challenges rather than avoiding them.Tim dives deep into the concepts of overcoming resistance and the power of persistence, particularly in business. He recounts stories of his early career, such as the time when he saw Prince perform live and witnessed the resistance Prince faced as an original artist, teaching Tim the value of staying true to one's unique path. Tim shares valuable advice for entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of perseverance—whether it's pushing through setbacks or the trial and error of business decisions, such as the use of Facebook ads. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, forgive those who may have wronged them, and continue moving forward with their vision. Tim’s message is clear: consistency, belief in oneself, and embracing originality are the keys to achieving long-term success.CHAPTER TITLES2:19 - Tim's Backstory: From Compton to Success3:20 - Choosing the Right Path: Prosper Where You're Planted3:33 - Victim vs. Growth Mindset4:37 - Why Some People Succeed and Others Don’t5:39 - Mastering Skills, Tools, and Attitude7:22 - Learning to Get Hit: Business Resilience8:22 - The Importance of Mindset and Attitude9:35 - Overcoming Obstacles and Growing Stronger9:50 - Practical Steps to Make a Comeback12:21 - Decisions vs. Discoveries: The Entrepreneurial Journey15:02 - Patience in the Discovery Zone: Let Ideas Marinate17:23 - Originality and Resilience: Lessons from Prince's Early Career21:29 - Persistence and Overcoming Setbacks in BusinessConnect with Tim Storey :https://www.timstorey.com/Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Beth Fischer, a therapist and expert in betrayal trauma. In todays episode she shifts her focus to the process of expanding from a solopreneur to building a team. She offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are ready to take their business to the next level by hiring and leading a team. Drawing from her experience working with individuals in various stages of business development, Beth discusses the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining personal integrity and alignment with core values.Throughout the conversation, Beth explores the emotional and psychological aspects of growing a business, particularly how it impacts the individual’s sense of self and their ability to trust others. She shares practical advice on finding the right team members, setting clear expectations, and creating a supportive work culture. Beth also emphasizes the importance of building strong, trusting relationships within the team to prevent betrayal or miscommunication, drawing parallels between personal and professional relationships. Ultimately, she helps listeners navigate the complexities of team-building while ensuring their businesses remain true to their mission and vision.CHAPTER TITLES3:00 - The Importance of Building a Team5:00 - Transitioning from Solo Entrepreneur to Team Leader7:00 - Scaling by Trusting Others and Building a Framework9:00 - Finding the Right People to Help Spread Your Message11:00 - Growing Beyond 1-on-1 Coaching to Impact More Lives13:00 - Using Organic Content to Grow Your Brand15:00 - The Power of Controversial Reels and Social Media Engagement17:00 - Hiring the Right Team Members to Diversify Your Services19:00 - Shifting from Organic Growth to Paid Advertising21:00 - The Ripple Effect: Reaching Thousands and Changing LivesConnect with Beth:coachbethfischer.comConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Bill Allen, a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience in event hosting, business strategy, and personal growth. Known for his company, Seven Figure Flipping, and his work in coaching, Bill shares actionable insights from his journey, emphasizing the importance of structured events, effective follow-up strategies, and personal resilience. In a recent discussion, he explored how leveraging data and communication techniques can maximize event attendance and post-event engagement, offering tips for marketers and entrepreneurs alike. Bill's passion for mentoring extends to his latest project, Kids Who Flip, a TV show empowering young entrepreneurs to succeed in the real estate world.In his conversation, Bill highlighted the significance of using urgency and tailored messaging to bring attendees back into the room during events, noting the impact of a simple text that re-engaged nearly 400 participants. He delved into the nuances of post-event marketing, stressing the importance of segmenting audiences based on their interactions to create effective sales funnels. Beyond business strategies, Bill shared personal lessons about balancing professional and family life, recounting a challenging period in his marriage that ultimately strengthened his relationships. Through his story, Bill emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to nurture both their businesses and their personal lives, offering a candid look at the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey.TIMESTAMPS2:30 - The Key to Successful Event Sales: Filling the Room with the Right People4:00 - Why Knowing Your Target Audience is Crucial for Event Success6:00 - Breaking Down Revenue Streams from Events8:00 - Leveraging Emotional Engagement to Drive Sales10:00 - The Power of Storytelling in Event Presentations12:00 - How to Design Offers That Sell Themselves14:30 - Scaling Event Sales: Strategies for Growth16:30 - Avoiding Common Mistakes in Event Marketing18:00 - Wrapping Up: Your Next Steps for Event Sales Mastery19:15 - Using Scarcity and Urgency to Drive Attendance20:16 - Tailoring Post-Event Marketing to Audience Behavior21:21 - Maximizing Engagement at Large-Scale Events22:07 - Analyzing Non-Buyers for Future Opportunities22:29 - Rapid Fire: Bill’s Biggest Success and Challenge24:33 - How to Connect and Learn More from Bill Allen25:08 - Final Thoughts on Hosting and Learning from EventsConnect with Bill Allen:SOCIALS - Billallenrei https://www.7figureflipping.com https://intheroom.live/Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

This episode features Elaine Pofeldt, an acclaimed journalist, author, and expert on solo entrepreneurship. Best known for her book The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business, Elaine has spent years analyzing how individuals can achieve high levels of financial success while maintaining lean operations. She joins the conversation to share insights into the mindset, strategies, and tools that empower entrepreneurs to thrive without large teams or extensive resources.Elaine discusses the importance of valuing time, optimizing productivity, and choosing scalable business models that allow entrepreneurs to focus on growth. Drawing from her extensive research and interviews, she highlights the pitfalls of over-investing in product perfection at the expense of sales and marketing. The conversation also explores the power of overcoming gatekeepers, embracing digital tools, and connecting authentically with audiences to drive success. Elaine’s actionable advice and inspiring examples make this episode a treasure trove for aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs alike.CHAPTER TITLES03:00 - Starting the Journey: Defining Success05:00 - Normalizing Achievements: Building Confidence Through Repetition07:00 - Valuing Your Time: A Key to Scaling Success09:00 - Mastering Delegation: Building Support Systems11:00 - Simplifying Success: Choosing the Right Business Model13:00 - The Marketing Shift: Focusing on Sales Over Perfection15:00 - Amplifying Your Reach: Overcoming Marketing Challenges17:00 - Handling Criticism: Tuning Out the Haters19:00 - Ignoring Gatekeepers: Pioneering Your Own Path20:00 - Closing Reflections: Advice for Future EntrepreneursConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter Connect with Elaine Pofeldt:Senior Contributor to ForbesBook 1 - Million Dollar 1 Person BusinessBook 2 - Tiny Business, Big Moneyhttps://www.elainepofeldt.com/

In this episode, I dive into the concept of the Blue Ocean Strategy and how it can help you stand out in today’s competitive business world. I explore the difference between "blue oceans," which represent untapped, less competitive markets, and "red oceans," the overcrowded spaces where it’s hard to get traction. By looking at examples like Airbnb and Netflix, I show how success often comes from creating something unique rather than competing in saturated markets. Testing ideas and adapting to trends is crucial, and I share how even small pivots can make a big difference in carving out your own space.I also talk about ways to innovate without starting over. Whether it’s rebranding, redesigning how you deliver your product, or even expanding into new markets, there are many ways to stand out. The key is to stay flexible, keep an eye on industry trends, and understand what your audience truly needs. It’s all about finding those fresh opportunities and putting your unique spin on them. If you’re feeling stuck in a crowded space, this episode offers practical ideas to help you move into a blue ocean and set yourself apart.CHAPTER TITLES01:22 - Blue vs. Red Oceans: What They Mean for Business03:03 - Creating Blue Oceans in a Saturated Market04:38 - Pivoting Without Starting Over06:06 - Adapting to Market Trends and Buyer Behavior08:46 - Learning from Big Brand Evolution10:36 - The Power of Strategic Industry Shifts13:04 - Brainstorming Blue Oceans with ChatGPTConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Ryan Moran, an entrepreneur and investor known for his expertise in e-commerce and brand-building, shares the incredible story of how he sold his company for $16 million, only to buy it back later for pennies on the dollar. Moran takes listeners through his journey of building the company from the ground up, scaling it, and eventually making the decision to sell. He reflects on the highs and lows of the sale process and the unexpected challenges that came after the deal was done. Despite the success, Moran reveals how losing control of the business led him to rethink his approach to entrepreneurship and what he values most.The episode then shifts to a fascinating discussion of Moran’s decision to repurchase the company, a move that required not just financial investment, but a new mindset and a willingness to start over. Moran explains the process of buying back his company, the lessons he learned from both the success and failure of the sale, and the strategies he employed to rebuild the business stronger than before. Through his candid storytelling, Moran emphasizes the importance of resilience, the power of learning from mistakes, and how the experience has shaped his perspective on business and life. This episode provides invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial journey, showcasing the significance of persistence and the ability to pivot when faced with unforeseen circumstances.CHAPTER TITLES3:00 - The Journey Begins: Selling for $16M5:30 - Early Days: Growing the Company8:00 - The $16M Sale: What Went Right10:30 - Post-Sale Realities: A Sudden Shift13:00 - Buying It Back: The Big Decision15:00 - Rebuilding the Business from Scratch17:30 - Overcoming New Challenges19:00 - What I Learned from Losing the Company20:30 - The Power of Persistence in Entrepreneurship22:00 - Future Plans: Moving Forward After the ComebackConnect with Ryan Moran:SOCIALS - Ryan Daniel Moranhttps://www.capitalism.com/https://www.capitalism.com/playbookConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter