Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

Discover the transformative power of artificial intelligence in business through the engaging journey of Victor Cuevas, the visionary founder of The Knowledge Jar. Join us as Victor recounts his path from a tumultuous time in his life in 2017 to becoming an AI and technology pioneer. His story highlights the pivotal role a mentor played in his pursuit of AI and machine learning certifications, sparking a passion that led to the birth of his own company. Victor's dedication to teaching practical AI applications to startups and small businesses is a testament to his belief in the continuous growth of both individuals and communities.Victor and our host Brian Lofrumento unpack the practicalities of AI tools and the foundational concepts necessary for their effective use. We delve into frameworks for understanding AI terminology and the benefits of tools like perplexity.ai for distilling extensive texts. By exploring various AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and MidJourney, we underscore the importance of entrepreneurs familiarizing themselves with a variety of AI tools to optimize their business processes. This conversation provides invaluable insights into the real-world applications of AI, making it accessible and beneficial for businesses of all sizes.As we look ahead, the episode sheds light on the future of AI and its implications for marketing trends. Victor shares his perspective on the essential skills for the future workforce, emphasizing the importance of human interaction in complementing AI capabilities. We discuss the necessity of robust AI governance, illustrated by examples like the Chevy Tahoe chatbot incident, and the differing adoption rates between enterprises and small businesses. The practical applications of AI in marketing, such as AI-driven advertising and filmmaking, are showcased, demonstrating how these advancements can streamline and enhance creative processes. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion and gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of AI in business.ABOUT VICTORVictor Cuevas is an accomplished entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, known for his unwavering passion for AI and technology. With a keen understanding of the latest advancements, he dedicates himself to helping businesses integrate these technological innovations into their operations. Embodying the concept of a rising tide lifting all boats, Cuevas is committed to supporting and empowering fellow entrepreneurs to embrace and leverage AI, technology, and marketing for business growth. His dedication to knowledge sharing and mentorship has solidified him as a valuable resource in the entrepreneurial community, earning him respect and admiration from those he has helped.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit The Knowledge Jar’s WebsiteFind more AI tools courses on MavenConnect with Victor on LinkedInFollow Prism Immersive on LinkedIn

Ever feel like you're running in place, unable to make progress in your personal or business life? Discover the transformative power of belief and actionable steps in our latest Solo Sunday episode. Drawing from our host Brian Lofrumento's own experiences and the empowering mantra "anything is possible," we dissect three crucial steps to escape the stagnation that's holding you back. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or seeking to elevate your current business, this episode offers a practical roadmap to help you regain momentum. In this episode, we also dive into the profound impact of mindset and self-belief on achieving your goals. Through candid personal stories and examples, we'll explore how shifting your mindset can unlock new opportunities and propel you toward success. Brian shares his Sunday routine that keeps his goals aligned and his motivation high. 

Is your offer as enticing as it could be? Discover how to elevate your offer and make it irresistible to your target market. In this Action Saturday episode, host Brian Lofrumento focuses on the fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of any thriving business: the offer itself. Whether you're selling a product or a service, it's crucial to periodically reassess your offer to ensure it's hitting all the right notes for both you and your customers. Brian shares practical strategies to fine-tune your offer, including looking at your competition for valuable insights and leveraging AI for innovative brainstorming.

Ever thought about radically shifting careers to follow your passion? On this episode, hear the remarkable story of Leila Fatalian, an inspiring entrepreneur who transitioned from a supply chain management expert to a successful interior designer. Leila opens up about how her entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by her parents' business endeavors and how encouragement from friends and family led her to create OneTa Design. Her journey is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to pursue one's dreams and the magic that happens when you step out of your comfort zone.Leila takes us through the nuts and bolts of transforming a passion into a thriving business. Discover the importance of continual learning, the art of balancing client needs with personal creative vision, and how critical discovery calls are in understanding what clients truly desire. Leila also sheds light on how her background in supply chain management prepared her for the logistical challenges of running a design business. With insights on planning, project management, and vendor relations, she provides a blueprint for delivering stress-free design experiences.For those looking to revamp their spaces, Leila shares practical advice on turning an extra bedroom into a functional home office. Learn how technology, like 3D design software and virtual consultations, has revolutionized interior design, offering clients a seamless experience despite geographical barriers. Finally, Leila opens up about the unexpected challenges of entrepreneurship and the story behind her unique business name, OneTa Design. This episode is packed with invaluable insights and heartfelt stories that will resonate with aspiring entrepreneurs and design enthusiasts alike.ABOUT LEILALeila Fatalian spent over a decade in the supply chain industry before making a bold transition into the world of interior design. This new adventure began unexpectedly after moving to a new home, where her natural flair for design not only created a space she loved but also drew admiration from friends and family. Their compliments and requests for design assistance sparked a realization in her: she had a hidden passion waiting to be explored.Leila decided to pause her corporate career to fully embrace this creative path. This leap into the unknown was not just about learning to select the perfect color palettes but also about personal and professional growth. Starting her own business has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey that combines her love for design with the joy of entrepreneurship. Now, Leila spends her days transforming homes into expressions of personality and style, finding immense satisfaction in seeing her clients' faces light up when they see their new spaces.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit OneTa Design’s WebsiteFollow OneTa Design on InstagramConnect with Leila on LinkedIn

What if you could turn a pandemic layoff into a thriving business? Sheena West did just that, and she’s here to share her compelling journey from early entrepreneurial endeavors to becoming a master of paid social media advertising. With over 12 years of expertise in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Sheena's story of resilience and innovation culminated in the creation of Dream Up Content. Sheena’s infectious passion for Facebook Ads and her dedication to client-focused services will ignite your own drive to scale your business through smart, strategic advertising.Get ready to navigate the ever-changing terrain of paid advertising on Facebook and Instagram. In this episode, we dissect how increasing costs and market saturation demand a comprehensive, well-thought-out approach. From pinpointing your target audience to fine-tuning your offer and consumer journey, we cover all the essentials. Technical tips like setting up a Facebook account and installing a pixel on your website are also on the agenda, ensuring you’re fully equipped to launch successful ad campaigns that stand out.Unlock the secrets to effective ad targeting and landing page strategies that truly convert. Learn why trusting Meta's algorithms can optimize your ad delivery and how to create high-functioning landing pages that prioritize clarity and engagement over mere aesthetics. As we explore the role of AI in advertising, Sheena offers insights into how these tools can streamline your creative process and data analysis while still requiring the human touch.ABOUT SHEENA Sheena West has over 12+ years of experience working in the digital marketing space. With a degree in Multi-Media Writing and Technical Communication from Arizona State University she's developed her expertise in paid social media advertising across several different agencies, mastering both the non-profit and for-profit spaces. Whether it's helping increase donor files for non-profit organizations or generating 6-7 figure revenue for online businesses and entrepreneurs, Sheena has a breadth of experience that serves a diverse client roster. After being laid-off amidst the COVID pandemic, Sheena recognized that the next step in her entrepreneurial journey was to create a self-driven, sustainable way of making a living. Out of this adversity Sheena founded Dream Up Content in 2020 with a goal of providing a select client list with a high-touch, personalized advertising experience.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Dream Up Content’s WebsiteFollow Sheena on InstagramConnect with Sheena on LinkedIn

Can AI revolutionize your e-commerce strategy and skyrocket your sales? In this compelling episode, Angelo Ferro, co-founder of ShopLandingAI, joins us to share his remarkable journey from economic litigation consulting to the forefront of personalized e-commerce. Angelo reveals how data, much like targeted ads on social media, can craft bespoke shopping experiences that drive conversions. We delve into practical strategies for smaller businesses to implement these tactics, creating personalized landing pages that engage customers right from the first click.Imagine if your website could offer the same engaging experience as a top-tier video game. We discuss innovative methods to make website interactions more dynamic, drawing lessons from the gaming industry. Angelo shares fascinating examples, including a wine company that uses quizzes to tailor recommendations, transforming user engagement and significantly reducing bounce rates. We emphasize the critical role of a well-designed landing page, where first impressions lead to better conversions, ensuring your users are hooked from the very start.Beyond just conversion rates, what other metrics should e-commerce businesses focus on? We dive into essential engagement indicators like bounce rates and session lengths and how tools like Microsoft’s Clarity can offer invaluable insights through heat mapping. Angelo also touches on the evolving capabilities and limitations of AI, providing a glimpse into its future potential. Wrapping up, we explore the entrepreneurial journey of ShopLandingAI, highlighting the balance between perfectionism and practical results, and Angelo shares actionable advice for business owners eager to leverage AI and data in their ventures.ABOUT ANGELO Angelo Ferro is currently the co-founder of ShopLandingAI, a Y-Combinator and ventured backed startup that leverages generative AI and machine learning to create personalized shopping experiences that increase conversions. Prior to founding ShopLandingAI, Angelo was running the data analytics team at Unity Technologies, where they built tools for game developers to help them understand the behavior of over 1.5B monthly active gamers.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit ShopLandingAI’s WebsiteConnect with Angelo on LinkedIn

Can the simple act of genuine caring revolutionize your business and personal life? This Solo Sunday episode sheds light on that transformative power, sharing heartfelt personal stories and real-world examples. From responding to emails with true empathy to the impactful use of personalized selfie videos, we uncover how authentic care isn't just a nicety—it’s a game-changer in creating deep, meaningful connections that fuel lasting success. 

Sending a selfie video can turbocharge your follow-up game and skyrocket your business interactions! Ever wonder why your emails go unnoticed or your pitches fall flat? This Action Saturday episode has the golden ticket—learn how to stand out in a crowded inbox and make your follow-ups impossible to ignore. Host Brian Lofrumento shares his tried-and-true method that injects personality and energy into your messages, making them more engaging and memorable.Get ready to overcome the initial discomfort and discover step-by-step instructions on creating and sending impactful selfie videos. From what to say to how to deliver it, Brian breaks it all down. Plus, he offers invaluable tips on using platforms like Loom to seamlessly integrate video into your emails. Imagine the transformative power of a follow-up that showcases your face, voice, and enthusiasm—turning cold contacts into warm connections. Tune in and elevate your follow-up strategy today!

Ever wondered how a renowned scientist transitions into a successful entrepreneur, making science thrilling and accessible? Today, we sit down with Jared DeCoste, whose fascinating journey takes us from his days as a PhD materials chemist to his groundbreaking work at the US Army's Chemical Biological Center and his visionary role in founding XpeRience Science in 2022. Jared discusses his passion for teaching and his mission to inspire the next generation of scientists through immersive experiences, blending science, technology, and entrepreneurship. You’ll learn how he’s leveraging his extensive background to make science both accessible and exciting.Imagine facing the challenge of monetizing innovative virtual reality projects within a rigid government framework. Jared shares his transformation story—from navigating the complexities of securing funding to building impactful prototypes that capture imaginations. He sheds light on how participating in the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program helped him master the business side of science. By sharing his resourcefulness and networking strategies, Jared offers invaluable insights into turning scientific rigor into market-ready products, proving that entrepreneurial spirit can thrive even in the most structured environments.Curious about the future of virtual reality training and how to promote such transformative technology? Jared gives us an insider’s look at how showcasing demos at high-profile events like the BioMADE consortium's meeting can turn skeptics into believers. He talks about the importance of building long-term partnerships with industry and educational institutions and highlights the need for strategic planning and passionate advocacy. You’ll also hear about innovative methods to engage younger generations and the essential role of passion in driving entrepreneurial success. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to blend science with business in meaningful ways.ABOUT JARED Jared DeCoste, PhD, is a renowned chemist and innovator. He earned his PhD in Materials Chemistry from Binghamton University in 2009 and served as a Chemistry professor at Ball State University. From 2010 to 2023, he was a chemist at the US Army's Chemical Biological Center, rising to Chief Scientist for the Protection Division. Named the 2018 Maryland Chemist of the Year by the American Chemical Society, he has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles with more than 7,000 citations. In 2022, he founded XpeRience Science, creating immersive scientific experiences.LINKS & RESOURCESConnect with Jared on LinkedInFind XpeRience Science on LinkedIn

What sets successful SaaS companies apart in the crowded tech market? Join us as we celebrate our 900th episode with marketing strategist Sabina Iyengar, who reveals the secrets behind demand generation and the power of genuine interest in your solutions. With over 25 years of experience, Sabina shares her journey from a remarkable career at Intel to founding Integrated Growth Marketing Services following an unexpected layoff in 2023. She introduces her groundbreaking Grow-Tailor-Mature (GTM) Framework, helping you understand the essential differences between lead generation and demand generation while offering strategies to ignite real enthusiasm for your products.Discover the intricacies of Sabina’s GTM framework as she walks us through creating a cohesive marketing strategy. She addresses vital questions—who, what, where, when, why, and how—to ensure alignment among marketing, sales, and customer success teams. By tailoring campaigns to specific solutions and audiences, you’ll learn how to nurture relationships with both new and existing customers. Sabina emphasizes the importance of metrics in tracking pipeline goals, revenue targets, and channel effectiveness, offering a blueprint for achieving strategic alignment and measuring business success in the fast-paced SaaS environment.Marketing is ever-evolving, and Sabina’s insights underscore the need for continual adaptation. Reflecting on the rise of digital marketing and the integration of AI, she sheds light on the enduring principles that remain despite technological shifts. From tweaking strategies to understanding your audience’s changing needs, Sabina’s expertise provides a roadmap for staying relevant and effective. Tune in for this milestone episode and gain invaluable insights into demand generation and growth marketing from a true industry leader.ABOUT SABINASabina Iyengar is a seasoned marketing strategist with over 25 years in the tech industry. She began her career at Intel in the Bay Area, spending 13 years as a marketing specialist. Sabina transitioned into the SaaS industry, focusing on demand generation and strategic marketing. Over the past decade, she has worked with mid-size companies and startups, experiencing the challenges of strategy gaps and failed go-to-market efforts.In the summer of 2023, a layoff led her to create the Grow-Tailor-Mature™ strategy framework and launch Integrated Growth Marketing Services. Sabina now helps clients achieve impactful growth through demand building, pipeline development, and strategic marketing.Outside of work, Sabina enjoys time with her husband, two teenage children, and close-knit family and friends. Her passion for music spans all genres, and she enjoys listening, dancing, and teaching as a BollyX instructor.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Integrated Growth Marketing Services’ WebsiteConnect with Sabina on LinkedIn