Beyond Fulfillment Podcast

Here are the episode highlights from my conversation with Dave Molenda: Delegation is Key to Growth: When your business grows, so do your tasks. You can't do everything yourself. Delegate smaller tasks to free up your time to focus on bigger things. Start by delegating things you dislike, then gradually delegate more as you grow. (Timestamp: 3:36 - 4:09) The Power of the Pivot: Don't be afraid to adapt your business strategy when faced with challenges. In a downturn, Dave's building product company shifted focus to offering training for customers, which helped them not only survive but thrive. (Timestamp: 4:46 - 5:12) Always Be Thinking About Your Customer: The best way to ensure your business success is to prioritize your customer's needs. Regularly assess their needs and adapt your offerings accordingly. By focusing on customer experience during a downturn, Dave's company was able to build stronger relationships. (Timestamp: 5:45 - 5:56) The Value of Coaching: Having a coach can be a game-changer for businesses and individuals. A coach can provide an outside perspective, identify blind spots, and offer valuable guidance to help you achieve your goals. (Timestamp: 10:26 - 10:54) Building Diverse Teams with DISC: Understanding personality types with tools like DISC can help you build stronger teams. Teams with diverse personalities bring a wider range of strengths to the table, but communication and motivation strategies need to be adjusted to ensure everyone feels valued. (Timestamp: 18:58 - 20:36) Connect with Dave here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmolenda/ #productivity #coaching #teambuilding #pivot #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #customerfirst

Here are the top 5 takeaways from my conversation with Leanne Kinde: Taking the leap into entrepreneurship can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding (1:50 - 8:38). The speaker, Leanne Kinde, discusses her journey from a corporate job to freelance writing to finally starting her own coaching copywriting business. She talks about the fear and uncertainty she felt but also the determination and drive that helped her succeed. Imposter syndrome is a common problem, even for coaches (17:12 - 18:34). Leanne acknowledges that even coaches who help others often struggle with self-doubt and insecurity. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in marketing and messaging. Social media marketing can be a powerful tool for coaches, but it requires overcoming the fear of rejection (21:31 - 23:52). Leanne talks about the pressure to be liked and accepted on social media, and how this can hold people back from sharing their stories and message. She encourages coaches to be brave and authentic, even if it means facing some negativity. The power of words can be used to heal and empower others (24:19 - 25:40). Leanne talks about how writing has always been a way for her to process her emotions and make sense of the world around her. She believes that the right words can have a profound impact on others. Being an entrepreneur and a mom can be challenging, but it also offers a lot of freedom (26:00 - 28:02). Leanne discusses the challenges of balancing work and family life, but she also highlights the flexibility that entrepreneurship allows. She can be there for her son when he needs her and can also schedule her work around his needs. Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-kinde/ #copywriting #coaching #coachingonline #personalbranding #entrepreneurship #storytelling #businessowner

Here are the episode highlights from my conversation with Kevin Mako: Unconventional Journey (0:56 - 3:49): Kevin Mako shares the inception story of Macco Design, a product development firm catering to hardware startups, highlighting the journey from a high school idea to a full-fledged business, despite facing initial skepticism. You've got to have grit (5:14 - 8:23): Kevin emphasizes the significance of grit and determination, recounting his relentless pursuit of entrepreneurship despite financial challenges and industry doubts, underscoring the importance of perseverance and tenacity in the face of adversity. Niching down is key (12:00 - 14:32): He delves into the challenges of establishing a niche market in hardware startup support, defying conventional wisdom in the industry and pioneering a new category of design for manufacturing for startups. Don't take shortcuts (19:27 - 21:57): Kevin advocates against taking shortcuts in product development, stressing the importance of focusing on quality over quantity and adopting a strategy of smart minimum viable product (MVP) development. The power of simplicity (26:37 - 28:58): Through success stories like Go Fish underwater fishing camera and Moonlight bedtime projector, Kevin illustrates the power of simplicity in product design, emphasizing the efficacy of starting with simpler, focused products before scaling up. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevmako/ #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #startup #businessowner #businessgrowth #podcastguest #productdesign

Here are the top takeaways from my conversation with Sabir Semerkant: Hiring the Right People is Crucial (1:50 - 6:38) Don't focus on finding the cheapest person, but the one with the most relevant expertise (1:50) The right hires can unlock their network and open doors to even better talent (7:42) Take a Holistic Approach to Ecommerce (8:38 - 10:59) Address all aspects of the business, not just siloed departments (8:38) Optimizing one area can negatively impact another if not addressed holistically (10:26) The 8D Method: Ecommerce Optimization Framework (9:33 - 11:59) This framework considers 8 different dimensions of an ecommerce business (9:33) Following this method can lead to significant revenue growth (9:42) Focus on Building Raving Fans, Not Discounting (16:45 - 19:53) Constant discounting trains customers to only buy when there's a sale (18:21) Create a premium brand experience with loyal customers who are willing to pay full price (19:03) Embrace New Technologies and Be an Early Adopter (25:23 - 30:42) The internet and ecommerce were once seen as risky ventures, but early adopters thrived (25:23) Staying on the bleeding edge and experimenting with new technologies can lead to a competitive advantage (28:46) Connect with Sabir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabirsemerkant/ #ecommerceindustry #ecommerce #salestips #salesstrategy #salestraining #podcastguest

Here are the top 5 takeaways from the conversation with Matt McLennan: Diversified Services at Kidder Matthews (0:53 - 2:55): Matt McLennan discusses Kidder Matthews, a full-service brokerage firm covering various aspects of commercial real estate. They specialize in industrial properties in the Seattle Puget Sound region, handling leasing, sales, investments, and development within this niche. Transition into Commercial Real Estate (3:00 - 4:57): Matt describes his transition from selling wine to selling buildings. His success in closing over a hundred transactions within the first three years highlights his adaptability and work ethic, essential qualities in brokerage. Methodical Approach to Business (5:06 - 8:00): Matt emphasizes the importance of a methodical approach to commercial real estate brokerage. He focuses on providing exceptional client service, leveraging organization, and tracking market data meticulously to ensure successful transactions. Impact of Market Dynamics on Office Real Estate (19:23 - 24:06): Matt delves into the challenges facing the office real estate market, particularly in Seattle, where high vacancy rates and looming debt maturity pose significant challenges. He discusses the potential shift in office space utilization and its broader implications on commercial real estate. Power of Positive Communication (26:04 - 28:22): Matt reflects on the impact of positive communication, inspired by a note his wife wrote for their son's lunchbox. He underscores the importance of spreading positivity, especially in a world often filled with negativity, highlighting its relevance in both personal and professional interactions. #commercialrealestate #cre #realestate #realestateagent #realestateinvestment #commercialproperty #podcastguest #podcastshow #logistics

Here are the top takeaways from my conversation with Casey Jenkins, owner and CEO of Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting: Career path: Accidentally fell into supply chain, found a passion for it, and is now a successful consultant. Specialization: Helps small businesses in CPG, retail, manufacturing, and food & beverage improve their supply chain processes. Challenges for clients: Lack of efficient processes, firefighting mentality, and resistance to change. Consulting success: Built her business through networking, leveraging LinkedIn, and following up on failed job applications. Educational background: Holds a master's degree in Supply Chain Management and Project Management, is a black belt in Lean Six Sigma, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Business (Supply Chain & Logistics). Time management: Uses strict scheduling (starts at 3:30 am!), prioritizes tasks, and leverages technology for calendar management. Personal brand: Built her brand ("Casey Jenkins") through consistent content creation and thought leadership (e.g., Two-Minute Topics series). Self-doubt: Deals with self-doubt by focusing on her own value and "speaking truth over those lies." New venture: Adjunct professor role at Columbia College, developing and teaching online supply chain courses. Industry evolution: Biggest changes are the increased use of technology and the faster pace of getting products to customers, with greater awareness of disruption risks. Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-m-jenkins/ #supplychain #supplychainmanagement #logistics #ecommerce #podcast #productivity

Top Takeaways from Chris Boettcher on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast: Broken Healthcare System: Traditional healthcare focuses on profits and reactive care, neglecting preventative measures and holistic approaches to health. Information Overload & Confusion: There's too much conflicting information on nutrition and healthy habits, making it hard for people to know what to do. Brother to Brother You: Chris Boetcher co-founded Brother to Brother U to help men prioritize their health and well-being to be better fathers, husbands, and leaders. Focus on Practical Advice: They offer practical guidance on nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise to create sustainable lifestyle changes. Coaching & Community: Brother to Brother U provides one-on-one coaching, a large newsletter, and a VIP program for personalized support and community. #entrepreneurship #businessowner #businessowner #healthcare #healthcareindustry #productivity #coachingonline

Top Takeaways from Chris Brewer's Interview on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast: Building a Thriving E-commerce Agency: Strategic Partnerships Over Short-Term Sales: OMG Commerce prioritizes finding the right clients for long-term success. They value transparency, discussing financial realities, and ensuring KPIs align with client expectations. Going Beyond Ads: A Holistic Approach: While OMG Commerce excels in Google and Meta advertising, they emphasize the importance of a comprehensive strategy. This includes branding, creative services, and exploring new channels like TikTok Shops. The Power of Expertise and Experience: A strong team with deep industry knowledge is crucial. OMG Commerce highlights the value of stable environments and team members with extensive experience in areas like Google Ads. Challenges and Considerations for E-commerce Brands: Choosing the Right Agency Partner: Avoid falling prey to bad actors or generic agencies. Do your research, ask tough questions, and ensure a good cultural fit for a successful partnership. Understanding the Current E-commerce Landscape: Recognize that the booming e-commerce market is shifting. Brands need to adapt to higher costs, lower returns on ad spend, and increased competition. Looking Beyond Organic Traffic: Organic traffic can be unpredictable, and relying solely on SEO is risky. Consider a diversified marketing strategy that includes paid advertising and other channels. #ecommerce #googleads #marketingdigital #marketingagency #ecommerceindustry #agencylife

From Employee to Entrepreneur: The Hustle Behind Vampire Digital: Zsike Péter, the founder of Vampire Digital, knows the struggles of leaving the comfort of a paycheck behind. In our interview, she dives into the challenges of transitioning from employee to entrepreneur. It's all about learning to delegate, stepping up as a leader, and figuring out which tasks truly move the needle. Content with a Bite: Quality Over Quantity at Vampire Digital: Forget churning out generic content. Vampire Digital focuses on strategy first. They sink their teeth into in-depth market research and competitor analysis before crafting a targeted LinkedIn marketing strategy for each client. It's personalized content with a purpose. Building Relationships, Not Spamming Inboxes: This agency isn't about the dreaded "pitch slap." They prioritize building genuine connections on LinkedIn. Their secret weapon? Warm outreach sequences that establish trust with potential clients, not annoy them. The Rise of Automation and the Human Touch AI Content? More Like Bleh Content: Zsike isn't a fan of AI-generated content. It's generic and impersonal, lacking that human touch clients crave. She warns that people respond better to unique voices and perspectives. AI as a Sidekick, Not a Superhero: Vampire Digital acknowledges AI's research and idea-generating power. But for crafting content that truly connects, the human element is irreplaceable. The Future of Social Media: A Return to Humanity? With the flood of AI-written content, Zsike predicts a resurgence of genuine connection on platforms like LinkedIn. Users will value human interaction and personalized experiences more than ever. Zsike Péter's Gems of Wisdom for Content Marketing Success Find Your Niche, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark: Specialization is your friend, even if it seems narrow. Vampire Digital's success with a whiskey wholesaler proves the power of targeted expertise. Embrace Your Awkwardness: Zsike uses humor to talk about her social anxiety, reminding us that authenticity is key in building relationships. Never Stop Learning: The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving. Zsike emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, attending events, and staying on top of industry trends. Connect with Zsike here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zsike-peter/ #entrepreneurship #contentcreation #contentmarketing #aicontent #businessowner #logistics

Top Takeaways from Alexandra Nunez Podcast Interview on Beyond Fulfillment: Alexandra Nunez is a coach who helps leaders and solopreneurs optimize performance and cultivate work-life balance. He transitioned from a finance career to pursue his passion for personal development and neuroscience. The Importance of Breaks and Overcoming Brain Fog: Alexandra emphasizes the need for taking breaks throughout the day to combat brain fog and boost creativity. These breaks should not involve mindless activities like scrolling social media; instead, focus on activities that activate the default mode network in the brain, such as meditation, walking, or staring at a wall. Prioritization and Focus Techniques: Alexandra suggests creating a prioritized task list and using focus tools to minimize distractions, which are detrimental to peak performance. The Power of Flow State: Achieving Flow State, a period of intense concentration and productivity, is a key concept in Alexandra coaching. Connect with Alexandra here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-nunez-7261a73/ #podcast #entrepreneur #solopreneur #coach #brainfog #flowstate