show episodes
 
What would you do if you were starting today? To help, here are half-baked startup ideas, growth marketing tactics, and stories from founders and creators - including my own journey as a bootstrapped business owner. All of the content is centered around helping founders, creators, and investors starting today.
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What if you could step out of the day-to-day and see your business from a whole new perspective? Welcome to Above The Business, where we empower you to rise above the daily grind and embrace a higher way of business ownership. It's time to build your business by design. www.abovethebusiness.co
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Growing an agency is very difficult, and you might feel unclear what to do next in order to grow and scale your agency. The Smart Agency Masterclass is a weekly podcast for agencies that are wanting to grow faster. We interview amazing guests from all over the world that have the experience of running successful businesses, and will provide you the insights you need. Our podcast is just over 3 years old, and have reached more than a half million listeners in 42 countries.
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(Since 8/30/2005) What do tens of thousands of digital photos and hundreds of hours of digital video from Disney and other theme parks across America have to do with an audio-only Podcast? Not much, so here it is. Original audio ride thrus from Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions, and Iowa's Adventureland (Altoona). NEW VOICEMAIL: (515) 999-0227
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show series
 
Growth Isn't a Guessing Game. Jim works with ambitious companies who are ready to lower CAC, increase LTV, and break revenue records. He focuses on increasing profits by improving conversion rates, acquiring new customers by maximizing ad spend, and growing sales with a team. His methods have scaled 150 brands and counting. Jim is the author of the…
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This podcast episode explore the critical role of clear expectations in employee engagement, performance, and retention. Highlighting research from Gallup, Harvard Business Review, and others, it reveals that unclear expectations are a major reason employees leave their jobs. It discusses the importance of setting clear, measurable goals, not just …
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Do you find it hard to remember the name of someone you just met? Do you struggle to recall the details of last week’s meeting? Busy agency owners are constantly juggling countless responsibilities which is overwhelming and leaving you feeling like you're losing your edge. But what if you could sharpen your mind and tackle daily challenges with con…
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On this episode, Jim is joined by Ryan and Sean Kleier, two comedians who have taken their successes in show business and translated them into the world of marketing. They get tactical on how you can incorporate the art and science of comedy to improve your marketing campaigns. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY’S EPISODE Importance of authenticity Creative…
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In this podcast episode, Bradley focuses on the balance between growth and sustainability in business. He discusses the allure of the Inc. 5000 list, which showcases the fastest-growing private companies in America, but cautions against chasing growth at all costs. While rapid expansion is often celebrated, true success lies in building a business …
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This week, Jim is joined by Natalie Ellis of Bossbabe to talk about how to grow an engaged community in 2023. Things get tactical as Natalie discusses the importance of focus and developing content systems. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY’S EPISODE Focusing on one channel: Youtube, Email, or Podcast The value of quality content Community building tactics…
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Have you clearly defined your service offering to the extent that you can productize it? Or do you prefer to customize your approach for each client’s needs? Which strategy aligns better with your agency's objectives and overall success? Today's featured guest transitioned from providing highly customized services, which impacted his team's ability…
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Discover how startups often start within well known companies and spin out in this episode. Dr. André Laplume, co-author of Spinout Ventures, joins Bradley to discuss...you guessed it: spinout ventures. Laplume is a Full Professor in Entrepreneurship and Strategy at the Ted Rogers School of Management, which is part of Toronto Metropolitan Universi…
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In this episode, Bradley reflects on a pivotal experience early in his career, when his manager, Sharma, pushed him to unlock his full potential despite his recent success. After winning a prestigious "Rep of the Year" award, Bradley expected praise, but Sharma instead challenged him during a grueling ride-along, critiquing his every move. She expl…
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How much automation should be integrated into your agency's processes? When is automation a good idea, and when isn’t it? Are your agency services diverse enough to withstand a shifting market? In this interview, learn from one agency owner who has grown her agency making very conscious decisions about what she’ll need to build a business that stan…
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Jim talks with Dominic Rubino who has bootstrapped multiple businesses to successful exits including a 9 figure exit. Dominic talks about the scalability of trades businesses and gets tactical on his sales and hiring. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY’S EPISODE Bootstrapping stories Team building, hiring strategies Niching down Growth, Sale, or Cashflow Ma…
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Today on the podcast, Kelli Rae Thompson joins Bradley to discuss confidence in business. Faced with real workplace demands, it can be tough to put delegation into practice. Many business owners say things like “I’m the only one who can do the job” or “If this project doesn’t go smoothly, the whole team will suffer.” Kelli wrote an article for Harv…
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The desert is also a phase where many businesses get stuck. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the challenges of managing a growing team and to settle into a comfortable but stagnant routine. However, for those who are willing to push through, the rewards on the other side are immense. Thanks to our sponsors... Club Capital provides monthly account…
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Are you thinking about an eventual exit from your agency? Curious about how to prepare for selling your agency down the road? Preparing for a potential sale well in advance can be beneficial, even if you ultimately decide to retain your business. Our guest had a clear vision of his goal: to grow his agency while waiting for an opportune moment to s…
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Jim shares a fantastic LinkedIn Live conversation with Growth Hit's head of growth, Jordan Summers. They dive into a very tactical discussion about How to succeed (not get fired) as a newly hired Head of growth for a business, brand, or startup. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY’S EPISODE The first 90 days Starting Strong Quick wins vs long term goals Mist…
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Today on the podcast, Peter Kingma joins Bradley to talk cash. "Cash is king," says business expert Peter Kingma. Without it, your business won’t survive. You need cash to pay your bills, develop new products, hire additional employees, and so on. With cash, you can take advantage of growth opportunities. If you have too much debt and too little ca…
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Recently Bradley was thinking about scavenger hunts from his childhood, college days, and even those he's organized for his kids. Remember those exhilarating moments of following clues to the next exciting discovery? While scavenger hunts are fun in certain contexts, they can become a frustrating metaphor for disorganization in business settings. I…
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Do you price your agency services based on time spent or based on value delivered? Your fees should reflect the expertise you bring to solving your client's challenges, not how long it takes. If you still consider time your most valuable metric, it may be time to reassess the true value you offer. Our featured guest started her career in PR and ven…
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This week, Jim shares his insights from his experience being a Dad and teaching his kids important life lessons. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY’S EPISODE Parenting resilience Resilience in business Growth vs fixed mindset 10x thinking Asking the right questions Leveraging coaches and mentors Resources: Growth Marketing OS (Operating System) GrowthHit Ji…
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Today on the podcast, Chris Thyberg joins Bradley to discuss The Serving Way. Chris is on a mission to cultivate joy at work, one growing leader at a time. His coaching declaration serves as a compass, ensuring that leaders can harness their capacity, power, and wholeness to pursue great purposes. Chris's unique approach, known as The Serving Way, …
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Do you know the power of intertwining your personal narrative with your business journey? Do you know how to find the thread that unites that story with your agency’s mission and values? Today’s guest is a narrative strategist who built his agency around helping entrepreneurs shape their stories to attract the right clients by communicating their g…
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In the fast-paced world of business, the pressure to fill vacancies quickly can lead to costly mistakes. If pressure to fill a gap, a promotion-induced vacancy, or desperation hiring is influencing your decisions, it's time to slow down! Listen to this episode for clear steps on creating a successful hiring system. Join us at The 2 Day MBA, August …
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Are you planning to buy an agency as a growth strategy? Or, do you want to make your agency attractive to potential buyers? Today’s guest started his agency journey by buying an agency as an exit from his previous career in venture capitalism. He purposely sought out agencies, seeing them as cash flow machines. He looks back on that process and off…
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On this episode, Jim is joined by Bradley Hammer to discuss his journey from a corporate burnout to business architect. Jim and Bradley focus on the mindset transformation entrepreneurs need to grow from a rainmaker to architect. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY’S EPISODE From burnout to success Rainmaker vs architect An OS for your business Common mistak…
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Today on the podcast, John Briggs joins Bradley to discuss the keys to success he has discovered as a serial entrepreneur. John is widely recognized for his innovative approach to productivity and work-life harmony, encapsulated in his book, The 3.3 Rule: The New Workday Standard of Creating More by Working Less. His approach has not only led to si…
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Are you seeking the best approach to train your sales team? Have you considered implementing a foot-in-the-door offer? Today’s featured guest reflects on past mistakes made while attempting to step away from sales, and shares a recent success could lead to a complete overhaul of the sales funnel, resulting in a tenfold increase in the closing rate.…
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In this episode, Bradley explores the often isolating journey of entrepreneurship, aptly naming his podcast episode "Owner Island." He shares personal and poignant reflections, inspired by recent life events and interactions with his listeners and clients. The core of his message is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the unique challenges and psychologi…
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Are you making a mark in your specific niche? Have you taken the necessary steps to elevate your brand and attract your ideal customers? Our guest today, a seasoned agency owner with fourteen years of experience working with influencers believes these are areas where agencies could learn from influencers, who by heavily focusing on developing their…
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Today on the podcast, Wes Schaeffer joins Bradley to discuss sales for business owners. He is a Ruthlessly Pragmatic sales trainer, marketing consultant, keynote speaker, copywriter, HubSpot expert, Keap CRM expert, and Doer. Nothing happens until a sale is made. A sale cannot be made until a prospect has been identified. A prospect cannot be ident…
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Are you considering narrowing your focus in the near future, or do you prefer to retain the flexibility to take advantage of growth opportunities in specific sectors? Our featured guest established a PR agency by recognizing the potential to connect forward-thinking companies with journalists. In the current uncertain economic climate, she opts for…
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We believe that many people venture into business and entrepreneurship seeking freedom, flexibility, and the potential for higher income. But often times people or systems fail...and Bradley reflects on how to create new systems to support the freedom you desire while continuing business growth. Thanks to our sponsors... Club Capital provides month…
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This week, Jim is joined by Will Hughes as he shares his unique framework for encouraging creative thinking and solutions for entrepreneurs. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY’S EPISODE Creating liquid mind Harnessing frameworks Breaking thought patterns Using another perspective Exposure to different ways of thinking Copy culture Oxford framework Specific …
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Is your agency prepared for a strategic acquisition to accelerate its growth? What advantages does an acquisition offer compared to organic growth? Do you have the necessary resources to navigate the acquisition process while ensuring the continued growth of your agency? Our featured guest today will discuss his ongoing acquisition process, outlini…
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Today on the podcast, Barbara Richter joins Bradley to discuss writing your book. Barbara Richter is an accomplished author, public speaker, French-to-English translator, and founder of DIYBook (founded in 2023) and In Ink Ghostwriting (founded in 2014). DIYBook simplifies the process of writing and publishing, providing tools and resources for ind…
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