Inter:views | Cracking The Entrepreneur Bottleneck

The core of entrepreneurship is getting out to solve problems through offering services or manufacturing products.     And as it goes, no one knows the product better than the manufacturer who has the original idea. This implies that an inventor will most likely become a bottleneck to the manufacturing process. Delegation can be difficult, but with the right mindset and skills, you can grow exponentially. Eli Packouz, who joins us in this episode, reveals his secrets.     He advises entrepreneurs to chase only what brings a great impact and delegate what does not to others. He firmly believes that efficiency is based on what you do and what you don’t do.    Eli is a serial inventor and two-time founder. In 2013, he and his brother initiated their first venture, Singular Sound, which has introduced eight highly successful products. Collaborating with Dr. Ralf Raud and Dr. Ana Mascarenhas in 2017, Eli embarked on a new project to develop Instafloss, the world's first device designed to floss all teeth automatically within 10 seconds. Following five years of dedicated research and development, Instafloss is poised to revolutionize dental care, aiming to transform smiles across the globe, one tooth at a time.    Tune in.     Key Highlights from The Show  [02:49] What Eli’s bottleneck index score of 38% reveal to him   [04:25] The manufacturing process - from an idea to a product  [08:01] Heavy manufacturing expenses and ways to seek investments  [09:05] How to get your customers excited by your product and even pre-order  [12:23] How the dental floss product idea came about  [13:52] Why patience is paramount in business  [17:50] Prototypes Eli produced before reaching a final product  [23:39] Eli’s motivation to become an entrepreneur  [24:05] Why do you need to choose only what works and chase after it  [28:34] How Eli can use his manufacturing creativity to create a solution to any want  [32:36] The most important consideration of an entrepreneur  [34:26] Best ways to reach out and connect with Eli  [35:20] Wrap up and calls to action    Notable Quotes  ·        Choose one that has the highest impact and chase after it.     ·        In manufacturing, products are meant to solve problems. If not, the whole thing collapses.  ·        At the core, an entrepreneur goes out to solve a problem. The success lies in actually solving it.  ·        It’s always possible to change your marketing strategies, learn more, or become a smarter entrepreneur, but changing something you offer is not fundamentally possible.    Connect With Eli Packouz  Website: https://instafloss.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-packouz-390701149/       ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now! 

It might feel crazy not to get involved in every operation of your business, but the more you let go, the better it performs. However, many entrepreneurs struggle with this bottleneck of hoarding and not letting go.     Nancy Lyons, who joins us in this episode, has been in business for over 22 years, and her exponential growth happened the moment she stopped being the bottleneck of the business. She shares with us how she managed that setback of letting go, the significant milestones as an effective leader in inspiring her teams to success and shares valuable tips for entrepreneurs.    Nancy Lyons has led employees and clients through thousands of business-teams, and work culture challenges. She is the author of "Interactive Project Management" and "Work Like a Boss," which provides a concise guide for individuals, highlighting actions, attitudes, and attributes crucial for improving the workplace for oneself and those around.     Nancy's remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades and recognitions, including induction into the National Association of Women Business Owners' MN Hall of Fame, recognition among the "100 People to Know" by Twin Cities Business, and acknowledgment as one of the "101 most influential people in the world of work, management, and career" by Ladder magazine. She has been honored as the "Most Admired CEO" by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and received the "Business Owner of the Year" award from the National Association for Women Business Owners.    Tune in.     Key Highlights from The Show  [03:05] Why Nancy Lyon feels crazy for not being involved fully in her business  [05:18] Major bottlenecks she encountered as an entrepreneur and how she managed them  [07:08] Entrepreneurship challenges she has faced  [10:11] Significant milestones in her 22 years of business  [14:52] Nancy's effective communication as the business CEO  [18:43] What's next for Nancy in the business career  [23:36] Reasons why Nancy became an entrepreneur  [29:46] Practical recommendations to other entrepreneurs based on her experience  [33:24] Best ways to reach out and connect with Nancy  [33:58] Wrap up and calls to action    Notable Quotes  ·        Adequate outside funding is critical to getting any product out of the ground.  ·        Success comes from knowing when to say yes or no. The more we narrow down things, the better and more successful we become.  ·        Embrace mistakes and failures. Failure in practice is how you get better.  ·        It might feel crazy to not get involved in every operation of your business, but letting go makes it grow exponentially.      Connect With Nancy Lyons  Personal Website: https://www.nancylyons.com/  Business: https://www.clockwork.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nylons/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancylyons/     ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now! 

A successful business needs consistency and grit from setbacks, letting go of some weights that make you become the bottleneck, embracing change through trials and error while having fun, and not being too hard on yourself.     However, most entrepreneurs still need help with this. Studying the data and analyzing the charts to decide which part of the business needs delegation could take much time, or the CEO's ego might be stopping them from letting go of certain weights in the business. In this episode with Richard Blank, he tells us how we can navigate that with his 16+ years of business experience.     Richard Blank has been the Chief Executive Officer of Costa Rica’s Call Center since 2008. He holds a bachelor's degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a language proficiency certificate from the University of Sevilla, Spain. He is a keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony.     In addition, he was inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students who plan on majoring in a world language at the university level.    Tune in.     Key Highlights from The Show  [03:40] Richard Blank & his collection of Pinball machines & antique Rockola Jukeboxes  [04:34] Richard’s passion for pinball games  [07:04] Bottlenecks in business explained  [10:58] Why Richards's Startup sucked  [16:35] How he deals with resistance to change in the call center business  [19:37] Why letting go was his hardest bottleneck   [25:49] Top 3 growth milestones for the growth of his business  [33:28] Practical recommendations to other entrepreneurs   [39:01] How to reach out and connect with Richard  [40:24] Wrap up and calls to action    Notable Quotes  ·        Do not be too hard on yourself.  ·        Bottleneck is really about letting go of certain weights in your business.  ·        You are only as good as your options.  ·        When you are vulnerable, you are powerful.  Connect With Richard Blank  Website: https://costaricascallcenter.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/23284906585  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaricascallcenter/     ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Most startup entrepreneurs are the bottlenecks in their business, handling every task without specialization. Basically, the startup's survival depends on physical and active involvement. But there comes a time when the entrepreneur must pivot beyond the business for it to grow and move to the next level. That could mean going back to the startup phase and setting the foundations right, which could be a tall order but a secret weapon to massive and exponential growth.    Ludwina Dautovic, who joins us in this episode, is a practical example of how going back to the basics of entrepreneurship and startup foundations could mean everything. In this episode, she shares how she came to that decision, how she manages the abnormal growth of the business, and some tips and strategies you can apply to your business for your next-level status. She discusses her entrepreneurship journey and the lessons she has learned with over 30 years of experience.    Ludwina is the CEO and founder of The Room Xchange, who is passionate about transforming how Australians view housing. Her mission is to utilize the 13.5 million unused bedrooms across Australia, turning dormant spaces into additional income or household help opportunities. This innovative approach has garnered recognition, winning major awards such as Proptech Association Australia and the Wyndham Business Awards.    Tune in.     Key Highlights from The Show  [02:50] Ludwina’s audacious decision to go back to the startup phase  [06:03] Ludwina’s main bottleneck today  [08:37] Strategies and plans she has in place to manage the super growth  [10:15] How Ludwina has coped with working remotely from home for 30 years  [12:20] Benefits of working from home  [13:35] Rules Ludwina has implemented to work efficiently from home  [20:25] Nothing is as urgent as you think it might be  [23:38] Insights into why Ludwina became an entrepreneur  [26:01] What Ludwina has learned about herself in the business world  [35:53] Practical recommendations to other entrepreneurs based on our experience  [39:13] How to reach out and connect with Ludwina Dautovic  [40:08] Wrap up and calls to action    Notable Quotes  ·        In a start-up phase, you are limited in resources and funds depending on what you require to become a revenue-generating business.  ·        There is a time when every startup needs to pivot. Every entrepreneur needs to pivot beyond themselves.  ·        Letting go is one of the most challenging things for entrepreneurs. As painful as it is, it can be the best decision for the business. It is the secret to avoiding being the bottleneck of the business.  ·        The moment you realize your value, you will know why you should not be someone's employee.   Connect With Ludwina Dautovic  Personal Website: https://ludwinadautovic.com/  Business: https://theroomxchange.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LudwinaDautovicOfficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludwinadautovic/         ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now! 

Are you a business owner struggling to market and communicate effectively with your internal team and customers?     As an entrepreneur, achieving success extends beyond just knowing the language of your industry, having a great team, and possessing a grand vision to communicate effectively with your team and target audience.     Learning how to remove the bottlenecks in your communication and tailoring your message to resonate with your audience is not just a skill but a critical strategy for success in the business landscape.     In this episode, Bob Wiltfong and Tim Ito will teach you how to master this art of communication to enhance collaboration and understanding within your team, establish a strong connection with your customers, and create an environment for sustained growth in your business.     Bob Wiltfong and Tim Ito are experts in marketing and communication and the authors of The BS Dictionary: Uncovering the Origins & True Meanings of Business Speak.    Tune in!     Key Highlights from The Show  [02:39] Introduction to the show with Bob Wiltfong and Tim Ito  [03:00] What BS is and how it works in the business world  [08:24] Using BS to remove bottlenecks when speaking to your audience   [10:50] How learning BS can enhance your efficiency as an entrepreneur  [12:40] Using BS with your employees, partners and customers    [15:23] The rule of using BS with your audience  [20:41] The main message Bob and Tim are trying to get across    [26:00] Movie phrases in Bob and Tim's book and what they mean in BS  [31:06] Bob and Tim’s favorite BS words   [34:54] Bob and Tim’s upcoming second edition of the BS dictionary    [36:03] What it means for Bob and Tim to be entrepreneurs   [39:22] What Bob and Tim have learned about themselves as entrepreneurs   [44:30] Common mistakes businesses make in marketing and communication  [46:38] Bob and Tim’s practical recommendations for business owners   [48:00] How to connect with Bob and Tim and get their book  [49:22] Wrap-up and end of the show     Notable Quotes  ·        Understanding who you are speaking to and using the right BS can help remove bottlenecks when speaking to your audience.  ·        The main goal of communication is to communicate ideas and bring people together around ideas, not to look smart.  ·        In order to play in the world of business, you have to learn the language.  ·        If you want to communicate effectively, you have to make sure your audience understands what you are saying.   ·        As an entrepreneur, you should not only have a vision but also rally people around your vision.  ·        Stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about who you are speaking to and who your audience is.  Resources Mentioned:   The BS Dictionary by Bob Wiltfong and Tim Ito    Connect With Bob Wiltfong and Tim Ito  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobwiltfong/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-ito-6b527b/  Website: https://www.thebsdictionary.com/        ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now! 

Navigating the world of marketing, especially the digital space, can be a challenge for business owners looking to boost profits and turn potential customers into loyal customers.     But here's the deal – when done right, it's like unlocking a superpower for your business that can help you build, grow, and scale your business.    Digital marketing is essential for every founder who wants to understand their customer preferences, needs, and pain points. Its power lies in data analytics, which allows you to understand your customer journey, create targeted approaches, and strategize your product to consistently and optimally deliver your promise.    In this episode, we're joined by Mikael Dia, a Growth Advisor passionate about helping businesses convert strangers into loyal customers. As Founder & CEO of Funnelytics, Mikael brings insights into digital marketing and analyzing marketing funnels to help you pinpoint what's working and optimize for greater success.    Tune in and discover how digital marketing can be a game-changer for your business!    Key Highlights from The Show  [02:24] Introduction to the show with Mikael Dia   [02:44] The bottlenecks Michael has helped his clients overcome  [03:54] Why digital marketing seems so complicated  [06:00] Marketing vs. making money online   [06:57] How to tie customer journey with the analytics and data   [10:02] Removing bottlenecks in your product and end-user experience   [11:54] The people who need to understand the customers in the business  [14:58] Removing bottlenecks by creating an operating system  [18:11] Tips on how to prevent customers from shunning away  [22:05] What Mikael is doing to overcome his bottleneck as a founder   [23:56] The formula of business and why it’s different in every business  [27:56] Why letting go is not just about hiring and delegation   [33:14] Mikael’s one practical recommendation to founders on retention  [36:38] How to reach out and connect with Mikael  [37:01] Wrap-up and end of the show       Notable Quotes  ·        Digital marketing is the art and science of converting strangers into customers, and there are fundamentals you must learn across various phases.   ·        Growing and building a business is not a tactic; there are other components to making that happen.  ·        As the founder, not everyone will be as potent as you, and letting go is not just about hiring; you can’t hire more people when the revenue doesn’t add up.  ·        The retention side of things is where your business scales and grows; you have to deliver to retain.  ·        Closing and attracting are by-products of having a solid product that consistently delivers what it promises.   Connect With Mikael Dia  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaeldia/?originalSubdomain=ca    Download the eBook 8 Tactics To Thrive as An Entrepreneur https://www.laurentnotin.com/get-my-ebook         ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now! 

Entrepreneurship is a lifelong journey and not a destination to aim for. While entrepreneurs exist to solve problems in the world, it is not always a walk in the park. It is a cause that demands a different mindset, behavior, and skills.     Jay Bousada, an entrepreneur since 1999, joins us in this entrepreneurship podcast to discuss his journey, the pivots he has made, his mistakes, and the lessons he has learned. Jay has all the information for you if you want your business to be bulletproof in any environment or market.    Jay founded Thrillworks in 1999 to help organizations take full advantage of the potential of digital. He’s a born problem solver, beginning his career as an Engineer before turning his attention to technology. As CEO, he’s now driven by a passion for solving problems others may fail to see. This courage is at the core of who he is and the driving force behind everything Thrillworks creates.    Among the things Jay shares in this episode include the power of having a vision as an entrepreneur. You must have a business vision that should also be well ingrained in the minds of those who work for you. All entrepreneurs also need to understand the importance of boundaries. Let your employees know the values, expectations, ethics, morals, and culture you uphold and ascribe to. Boundaries are the only way to create a healthy environment in your business. Tune in and learn more.    Let’s jump in!    Key Highlights From the Show [00:26] Jay’s journey of entrepreneurship since 1999  [06:04] The different stages of his business’ growth  [12:42] How the covid pandemic demanded a pivot in business  [13:43] The bottleneck concept  [14:44] Why Jay’s early success in business was both a blessing and a curse  [16:40] How losing the original ‘why’ of the business brought failure  [21:25] How automation can be a disadvantage to trust building with customers  [25:15] What Jay has learned about himself as an entrepreneur  [30:00] The future of Jay’s business  [33:17] Jay’s takeaway tips for entrepreneurs   [33:24] Achievements that Jay is proud of  [35:28] Best ways to reach out and connect with Jay Bousada    Notable Quotes   ·        The real power of an organization comes from its people.   ·        Any product or solution you put in place has to include a good deal of quality. That’s not negotiable if you want to stay in business.  ·        If the business vision is not clear in the minds of the people working for you, the secret success formula will require you to be there every day.  ·        Never assume anything in business.  ·        First, seek to understand before you are understood.  ·        As an entrepreneur, boundaries are the only ways to create a healthy environment in your business.    Connect With Jay Bousada Website: https://thrillworks.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbousada/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybousada/    ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!  

A business where you are a bottleneck will not survive. You must plan on ways to exit or fire yourself from it. That is what differentiates successful founders and those who die with their businesses. But when do you know is the right time to fire yourself?     Though there is no definitive time, today’s guest tells us it depends on your business. If you can afford to sustain the skill, go ahead and delegate. However, you should also consider whether your talent is the right fit to take over. You do not want to relinquish some roles only for the business to strain.    Brandon Kleinman, the founder of Birthday App, joins us to discuss his insights into the startup landscape. Birthday App is his third company after two successful ones. He has made all the mistakes and learned all the possible entrepreneurship lessons. But one thing that has been a secret for his success is refusing to become a bottleneck for the business.     So, join him as he shares these tips and insights to take your business to the next level.     Tune in.     Key Highlights from The Show  [03:39] Why it’s important to fire yourself from your business  [05:00] When is the best time to fire yourself?  [06:54] What if you can’t afford to delegate a role?  [12:52] Why Brandon became an entrepreneur  [26:33] What Brandon has learned about himself as an entrepreneur  [30:50] Standout mistakes that Brandon has made as an entrepreneur  [36:11] Brandon’s main lessons to entrepreneurs and start-up founders from his experience   [37:04] How to reach out and connect with Brandon    Notable Quotes  ·        Entrepreneurship is a calling.  ·        Sometimes, do not use money as a determinant factor when making decisions for your business.  ·        Deciding to do nothing is a decision, and it is okay.  Connect With Brandon Kleinman  Website: https://birthday.app/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/bksenior       ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now! 

Implementing the Objectives and Key Results (OKR) framework in your business is a strategic move that requires careful planning and commitment.     One crucial aspect often underestimated is the active involvement of the C-level team in the implementation process. The commitment of top leadership sets the tone for the entire organization and ensures that OKRs align with the overall business strategy.     Effective implementation is a dynamic process involving both top-down and bottom-up approaches. While traditional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) may follow a top-down structure, OKRs encourage a more collaborative approach. Allowing employees to set their personal goals fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment.     Achieving your business objectives, creating innovative products, and winning your target markets requires a thoughtful approach, and OKR can help you enhance your strategy.     In this episode, we’re joined by Viktor Grekov to share his entrepreneurship journey, the secrets to the successful implementation of the OKR framework, and how you can create a successful product as an entrepreneur.     Viktor is the co-founder and CEO of Oboard, an OKR software company. Following a decade in product development, Grekov founded Oboard in 2018 after experiencing the challenges of OKR implementation firsthand. Under his leadership, the company has grown to serve 1,000 clients, including industry leaders such as Volkswagen, Panasonic, Best Buy, Ericsson, and Pfizer.    Tune in!    Key Highlights from The Show  [01:14] Introduction to the show with Viktor Grekov  [02:57] Viktor’s bottleneck index score and his lessons and biggest challenge   [06:45] Working with international teams and how Viktor prepares himself   [07:45] Viktor’s leadership approach to enhancing his team’s engagement and motivation  [10:26] How to build trust and let go as a leader and a business owner  [13:13] How Viktor is handling the pressure in Ukraine to keep his business thriving  [14:30] What is OKR, and how it solves problems with engagement, focus, and alignment  [15:40] How to implement the OKR framework in your company   [21:14] The difference between OKR and KPIs approach and freedom  [24:50] How OKR strategy can help you remove bottlenecks  [27:22] What it means to Viktor to be an entrepreneur   [28:57] What Viktor has learned about himself as an entrepreneur   [30:04] Viktor’s main lessons to entrepreneurs and start-up founders   [32:09] How to reach out and connect with Viktor  [32:26] Ending the show    Notable Quotes  ·        Don’t underestimate the importance of the involvement of the C-level team in the implementation.  ·        Effective implementation of OKR is both top-down and down-up.   ·        When you use KPIs, you will always use a top-down approach, and people will have no chance to set their personal goals.  ·        Creating an innovative product and winning a specific market is about the approach to how you will achieve it.  ·        Entrepreneurship is all about making an impact and changing people's lives.  Connect With Viktor Grekov  Website: https://oboard.io/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktor-grekov-501a74a7/    ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now! 

Letting go of what is not working for your business is an act of courage that goes beyond mere acknowledgment of stagnation.     It involves a fearless confrontation of the areas where your business is stuck and the willingness and commitment to pivot and move to the next level of growth.     Join the conversation with Kute Blackson as he shares his journey as a transformational teacher and his process of helping people become aware of their patterns, break barriers, and unlock their true gifts and greatness.     According to Kute, releasing what no longer serves your business is not just a strategic move:  ·        It's a profound acknowledgment that innovation and progress demand a willingness to embrace the unknown  ·        It's also a readiness to pivot and evolve into the next level of your entrepreneurial journey.    Kute is a transformational teacher, inspirational speaker, and the author of You Are The One and The Magic of Surrender. Kute has spoken at countless events worldwide. He is a member of the Transformational Leadership Council, a select group of one hundred of the world's foremost authorities in the personal development industry.     For over 20 years, Kute Blackson has been inspiring audiences around the world, and his mission is simple: To awaken and inspire people across the planet to access inner freedom, live authentically, and fulfill their true life's purpose.    Tune in!    Key Highlights from The Show  [01:09] Introduction to the show with Kute Blackson  [03:00] The thread that connects Kute's work in the transformational space  [06:57] Who Kute is and his purpose and mission in this world   [09:50] Kute’s processes of helping people become aware of their patterns  [14:51] How we make our lives complex and where to start to make it simple  [21:13] Acknowledging and sitting with pain to course-correct and be alignment.  [23:06] Kute's book, The Magic of Surrender’s message on surrendering and letting go  [26:26] The nature of the ego and the essence of surrender    [31:05] Letting go of control and trying to force and manipulate our business in our limitations   [33:30] Why it’s incredibly important to find your true purpose in life and how to do it   [36:33] Understanding the evolutionary nature of purpose; it evolves as you evolve  [42:20] Why Kute considers himself an entrepreneur   [43:44] Kute’s dream, it’s essence, and why it’s not an end goal   [46:36] How to reach out and connect with Kute and get his book  [47:29] Ending the show    Notable Quotes  ·        It takes more courage to acknowledge where you are stuck and let go of what’s not working.    ·        Surrender is the real secret to manifestation and the real key to the next level.  ·        When we’re attached to the outcome, we’re unable to be flexible and receive the messages that the marketplace gives us.  ·        The game of living your true purpose is learning, growing, and evolving and your work is a vehicle to learn the lessons in the school of life.  ·        Your entire life has been the perfect preparation for you to live your purpose; look at your life and your tangible skills and employ them to solve a problem.  ·        Money and success are the sanction when we add value; we add value when we solve a pain, problem, or challenge.      Connect With Kute Blackson  Website: https://kuteblackson.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kute-blackson-35755519/  Instagram: http://instagram.com/kuteblackson    Books:  The Magic of Surrender: Finding the Courage to Let Go, Kute Blackson You Are The One, Kute Blackson   ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!