What happens when design is the bottleneck? You came up with a great business idea, maybe even raised some capital for it, and then decided to hire an outside design agency, like ours at The MisFits, to build your brand identity. You had good momentum at first, but you can’t agree on the right design yet. Now what. This is a frustrating challenge f…

When I first took the leap into entrepreneurship full-time, back in 2018, one of the first books I recommended was Allan Dib's, The 1-Page Marketing Plan: Get New Customers, Make More Money, And Stand Out From The Crowd. In the book, Allan gives a step by step process for creating a marketing plan that converts warm prospects into paying customers.…

How do you drive traffic to your website? I know this is a question that I’ve been pondering lately as we continue to grow the MisFits and think of ways to help our clients. One way is through Killer Creative, badass videos, and other forms of content that catch your perfect customers' attention, leading them down a rabbit hole that eventually conv…

The moment you start to get comfortable and complacent, you’re already dead; you just don’t realize it yet. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgBy IRONBOUND Media, IRON Mike Steadman

If you’re afraid to invest in your brand, in the words of Logan Roy from the HBO show Succession, You are not serious people. I’m all about staying lean, driving sales, and maximizing profitability. I’m a bootstrapper and proud of it. Truth be told, you can start a business these days with a Google Doc, a menu of products and services, and a hit li…

Drew and I chop it up with fellow veterans and video storyteller extraordinaire Sean Bell, Founder of Loud Media, which helps brands tell epic stories through video content. On the show, Sean shares how he thinks about storytelling, why he’s so passionate about video, Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.do…

I share what a local bar and barbershop taught me about brand loyalty. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg Checkout our new website: www.IRONBOUNDMedia.comBy IRONBOUND Media, IRON Mike Steadman

I discuss IRONBOUND Media’s rebrand and category expansion to serve ‘Underdogs & Misfits’ (Challenger brands led by Veterans, Black women, and anyone else use to being one of one). Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3…

Do you ever come across a founder with an idea that makes you think to yourself, “damn, I really think they’re onto something here.” That’s how I feel about today’s podcast guest, Shante Frazier, Founder of WellCapped, a data-driven beauty company that provides online wig rentals through a monthly subscription. I’m not a venture capitalist yet, but…

Today on Dog Whistle Branding, my boy Drew O’Brien, from the design company “We Make Cool Shit,” chop it up with Legendary designer and studio owner, Dan Janssen, Owner/Creative Director of Lincoln Design Co., a Portland-based branding and design studio that represents the gold standard for modern designers, whose clients include Nike, Hot Wheels, …

What does it take to build a billion-dollar company? If you’re like most people, you probably assume it requires raising venture capital, building some sort of SAAS product, and scaling it to millions of users. The last thing you’d probably think of us is maxing out your credit cards to start a manufacturing company that produces supplements stocki…

In this episode of Dog Whistle Branding, I discuss the problem with focusing on marketing when you should be focusing on sales. Trust me, this problem is more common than you think. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/…

With another year in the books and another one head, have you thought long and hard about what you’re hoping to accomplish in the next twelve months? Either way, today’s episode is for you. Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg Learn More about Bunker Labs by visiting: www.BunkerLabs.org…

In this episode of DWB, I reflect on my goal for the new year goal of acquiring 10,000 True Fans, as opposed to 1,000 as recommended by Kevin Kelly in his essay, “1000 True Fans. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gm…

In this episode of the Transition, I catch up with Navy Veteran Lee Mills, Founder & CEO of Pixly, a visual documentation & collaboration platform for Construction, Insurance, Facilities and Field Service Professionals. In 2022, Lee won the Veteran Funds 100k Pitch Competition at the Military Influencer Conference. Since then, Lee and I frequently …

In this episode of DWB, I discuss why “painstorming” is the new brand storming. Before we jump into the show, make sure you subscribe to my newsletter at the link in the show notes and also Download the official Dog Whistle Branding playbook at ironboundmedia.com Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhis…

In this episode of the Transition, I sit down with Patrick Mate, Army Veteran and Founder of Patriot Jean Company, An Arizona-based American-made apparel company that produces 100% grown, sewn, and built Jeans. Manufacturing is a hard business, but that’s not stopping him. Although he’s still in the startup phase, Patricks invested over six-figures…

Today on DWB, I share my thought process for creating an authority machine at IRONBOUND Media, a process for sharing thoughts and ideas in a systematic way that positions us as an authority on brand building. I share a framework I came up and hopefully, you can apply it in your own business. Before we jump into the show, make sure you subscribe to …

In this episode of the Transition, I share a simple framework to set you and your team up for success heading into the new year. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgBy Bunker Labs, IRON Mike Steadman

Today on the Transition, I challenge conventional wisdom by challenging you to build a better mouse trap (i.e. build upon an existing product or service already in the marketplace) rather than trying to come up with market a new idea out the gate, especially if you’re a first-time founder or find yourself in a bit of a revenue lull. Apply for the n…

Today on DWB, I’m joined by Navy Veteran and retired Firefighter, Luke Schneider, Founder & CEO of Fire Department Coffee, a veteran-owned and firefighter-run coffee company that is dedicated to roasting high-quality coffee while giving back to first responders and other heroes in need. Inspired by the vital role that coffee plays in helping firefi…

One topic that consistently comes up in my conversations with aspiring entrepreneurs is pursuing entrepreneurship through acquisition, a fancy way of saying buying a business as opposed to building one from scratch. There’s an old saying that, “There are multiple ways to skin a cat,” and as great as it is to start a business, buying one can be just…

Almost a year ago, I had an opportunity to teach a branding workshop to the Founders Institute, The World’s Largest Pre-Seed Accelerator. After the workshop, one of the participants reached me on Linkedin, asking for advice and to keep me updated on his journey. The founder, Blake Berman, was in early stages of launching a San-Diego based premium s…

In this episode of the Transition, I discuss how to survive and thrive during tough times using Jim Collin’s Framework of the Twenty Mile March. Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgBy Bunker Labs, IRON Mike Steadman

Today on DWB, I share what stop drinking alcohol taught me about competitive alternatives and pricing. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgBy IRONBOUND Media, IRON Mike Steadman

In this episode of the Transition, I’m joined by Marine Corps Veteran and Chicago Bunker Labs Ambassador, Patryk Stanczak, Founder & CEO of GeekHeros, a digital marketing agency providing a plethora of services from website and logo design, to SEO support and beyond. I met Patryk a few years ago online and we finally caught up in-person at the Bunk…

Today on DWB, I’m going to teach you how to close your perfect customer, by taking all the risks off the table and giving them a brand guarantee. Visit our website to Download your free copy of the Dog Whistle Branding Playbook here: https://ironboundmedia.com/ Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistl…

In the following episode of the Transition, I’m joined by Army Veteran, Published Author, and Serial Entrepreneur, Mike Erwin, Founder & Executive Director of Team Red, White, and Blue. Founded in 2010, Team RWB is a nonprofit organization with chapters all across the country, that delivers consistent, local opportunities for veterans and the commu…

A few years ago, I met an inspiring young female officer, Haley Marie McClain Hill, who was building an apparel line specifically for female warriors. She was still in the early days of launching her venture, while also preparing to transition out of the military. From the moment I met her, I knew that given her background as an Air Force Officer, …

Today on DWB, I’m joined by Army Veteran Neil Whitney, CEO of Plankk, a tech company helping today's fitness brands turn their following into revenue with custom fitness & wellness apps. Prior to becoming CEO of Plankk, Neil founded and exited, Menud’s, which provided personalized & curated meal plans, allowing users to shop for a week's worth of g…

Today on the Transition, I talk about the importance of getting back to “why.” When you get caught up in the day to day of running your business, and all the blocking and tackling that comes with chasing revenue, managing your team, and dealing with your personal life, it can start to wear on you. It’s all fun and dandy the first few months, when y…

I get hit up by countless veteran entrepreneurs seeking advice on their entrepreneurial journey. Some take my advice and run with it, others not so much. All I try to do is point people in the right direction. Today’s guest, Dominique Wright reached out to me over two years ago, in order to discuss her idea for an app serving collegiate athletes. W…

This is “IRON” Mike Steadman, host of Black Entrepreneurs Survive and Thrive, happy to announce we’re back with another Season of the Show. Our first 12 Episodes allowed to highlight the impact of patient capital, the BEST Fund, and the resilience of black entrepreneurs here in the great state of New Jersey. When we initially launched, we were stil…

I know it’s been a while since I’ve been on the Mic, but make no mistake, I’ve been work hard behind the scenes on all things IRONBOUND and DWB. I launched a new series FRAGO Friday, which I drop each week via our newsletter. I got a fellowship to the Fund For New Leadership, a social impact fellowship supporting change makers across the country, a…

Today on the Transition, I discuss Blue Ocean Strategy, a method of thinking that allows you to identify uncontested market opportunities. Apply for the next cohort of Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship here: https://bunkerlabs.org/breaking-barriers/ Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg…

On today’s episode, we talk about mental health. Mike reflects on recent events in his life, how they impacted him, and what the reality of managing mental health looks like for many of us. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gm…

For first-time founders, it’s easy to fall in love with your idea and build a company that places you as the hero of the story. Jim Collins, renowned business author and famous for his books, Good To Great and Built To Last, believes that in order to build an enduring company, you have to be willing to do the hard work of building a company that do…

Do you ever feel there’s never enough time in the day to get things done? I know I do, but one thing that’s been helpful for me, is carving time to build an ideal workweek. So for this episode of the Transition, I walk through my ideal work week template and how I structure my time, and share guidance on how you can do the same in your own business…

On this episode of the Transition, I’m joined by Army Veteran, Leadership Coach, and Serial Entrepreneur, Sean Patton, Founder of Stronger Leader Stronger Profits, which helps companies increase their profitability by developing stronger leaders. I met Sean last year when the Bunker Labs Crew flew into Nashville, TN for a team fly-in. After hearing…

I tell people that it takes at least three years or so to fully transition, but that's not based on any peer-reviewed data only my personal experience after spending 10 years in the military, five including my time at the Naval Academy Prep School and Annapolis, followed by five in the Marine Corp, for ten years total. Today’s guest, Jessica Van De…

Today on DWB, I discuss why you need to build a damn email list. In case you haven’t noticed, Social Media is rented and if you want to own your audience, you better start building the last. Visit our website to Download your free copy of the Dog Whistle Branding Playbook here: https://ironboundmedia.com/ Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Bra…

In the following episode of the Transition, I break down how to achieve marketing momentum in your business that attracts high-quality leads, by walking you through the following frameworks: The 1-Page Marketing Plan and the Weekly Marketing Cadence. I use my company, IRONBOUND Media, as a case study on how to effectively implement them Order my bo…

When I’m not hitting the heavy bag at the IRONBOUND Boxing Academy in Newark, you can find me under a barbell at my CrossFit gym, doing squats, bench presses, and other strength training exercises, something I’m picked up playing football in high school and carried with me into the Marines. While doing research on how to incorporate running into ba…

When it comes to creating content, implementing a new marketing strategy, or wanting to try something new in general, the biggest hindrance business owners have is perfectionism. Rather than trying to be perfect and hit a home run out of the gate, I want to challenge you to start ugly, which I discuss in today’s show. Be sure to subscribe to the Do…

Who already has a reason to know, like, and trust you? Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgBy IRONBOUND Media, IRON Mike Steadman

Today on the Transition, I revisit quarterly planning, and how to set yourself for success over the next 90 days, using objectives and key results. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg…

This week on the Transition, I’m bringing to you another interview conducted in-person at the CEO Circle Fly-In Powered by JP Morgan & Chase. Joining me this time is Ben Lang, Founder & CEO of Native Chats, a multilingual messaging platform specializing in real-time text translation that enables people to communicate across 100+ languages. Ben’s a …

Today on DWB, I’m joined by fellow Naval Academy grad turned culinary entrepreneur, Jordan Foley, Founder, CEO, and Head Chef at Let’s Chow, a nonprofit Nonprofit providing vocational training in the culinary arts for veterans & military spouses using food trucks. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhi…

In the military we have a saying that the enemy has a choice. Doesn’t matter how great you think your product or service is or you think it’s for, until you go to market, it’s an educated guess at best. From there, it’s your responsibility to identify whether you’re going to stick to the plan, such as selling craft beer via a subscription service m…

In this episode of the Transition, I share my morning routine and why it’s important for you to have one, regardless of how challenging your circumstances may seem. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg…