In this episode of Business Growth Hacks, Andrew and John help business owners navigate the tricky decision of hiring contractors or employees as they scale. By exploring the pros, cons, and costs of each option, they offer practical advice for building a team that aligns with your long-term goals. Listen in for insights on choosing the right hires to sustain growth, minimize costs, and support your business vision.

Key Points:

[0:28] - The Big Decision: Contractor or Employee?

John and Andrew introduce the episode’s focus—helping business owners determine the best hiring strategy as they scale.

[1:09] - Defining Contractors vs. Employees

They explain the key differences, including control, commitment, and cost implications of each type of worker.

[3:00] - When Contractors Shine

Contractors provide flexibility and cost savings, ideal for short-term projects or fluctuating workloads.

[5:11] - Benefits of Employees

Employees offer stability and are a great fit for roles needing consistency, deep product knowledge, and cultural alignment.

[7:11] - Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Consider factors like budget, business needs, and control to choose the best fit for your roles and goals.

[8:45] - Hybrid Approach: Mixing Contractors and Employees

Using both contractors and employees allows flexibility, with contractors filling specialized short-term roles and employees in core positions.

[10:21] - Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid misclassifying workers, over-relying on contractors for essential roles, and underestimating long-term costs.

Quotable Moments:

[1:31] "Contractors work independently and follow their own processes, which can be freeing, but it’s limiting if you need day-to-day input." - Andrew

[5:00] "Employees bring stability and are committed to your long-term vision, essential when scaling a business." - John

[8:05] "Blending contractors and employees lets you scale flexibly without sacrificing the consistency needed for core roles." - Andrew

Links Mentioned:

• Beefy Marketing: http://www.beefymarketing.com

Choosing between contractors and employees is essential for scaling smartly. By understanding each option’s benefits and limitations, you can build a balanced team that fits your needs. For more tips on scaling, subscribe to Business Growth Hacks, and follow Beefy Marketing for ongoing insights.

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks Podcast, Andrew and John share strategies to boost Black Friday sales without losing your margins or peace of mind. From prepping your website for high traffic to leveraging social proof and crafting post-purchase follow-ups, these actionable insights are tailored to help businesses thrive during the holiday rush. Listen in for expert tips on maximizing revenue and building customer loyalty this season.

Key Points:

[0:00] - Introduction to Black Friday Opportunity

Andrew and John dive into the potential of Black Friday for maximizing sales and how starting early can set you up for success.

[1:12] - Start Promoting Early

Rather than waiting until the last minute, they recommend starting teasers and pre-sales 2–3 weeks in advance to build anticipation among customers.

[3:35] - Ensuring Your Website Is Ready for High Traffic

Tips on website optimization, including compressing images and ensuring your site is mobile-friendly, and advice to help prevent crashes during peak shopping times.

[6:17] - Streamlining the Checkout Process

Make checkout smooth by reducing unnecessary steps and offering various payment options, from guest checkout to options like Apple Pay and Shop Pay.

[8:00] - Customer Loyalty During Black Friday

Encourage loyalty by offering exclusive deals for VIP customers and email subscribers. This keeps customers engaged and increases the chance of repeat business.

[9:40] - Boosting Order Values with Bundles and Upsells

Strategies like product bundles and upsells at checkout can significantly increase the average order value, adding to your bottom line.

[10:36] - Leveraging Social Proof

Customer reviews, user-generated content, and highlighting popular products increase trust and drive conversions during the busy shopping season.

[11:16] - The Importance of Post-Purchase Marketing

Black Friday is just the beginning; follow up with targeted emails, loyalty bonuses, and special offers to turn one-time buyers into long-term customers.

Quotable Moments:

[1:34] "The earlier people know about your Black Friday deals, the better—start priming customers weeks in advance." - Andrew

[4:49] "If your site crashes on Black Friday, you’re not just losing sales—you’re risking losing customers for good." - John

[8:28] "Use Black Friday to strengthen customer loyalty, not just to drive one-time sales." - Andrew

Links Mentioned:

• Beefy Marketing: http://www.beefymarketing.com

With Black Friday just around the corner, applying these strategies can help your business stand out and secure both immediate sales and long-term customer loyalty. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Business Growth Hacks Podcast for more valuable tips and insights to help your business thrive. And good luck with those Black Friday sales!

In this episode of The Business Growth Podcast, Adam Callanan, co-founder of BottleKeeper, shares his journey from humble beginnings to creating a multi-million dollar company that caught the eye of Shark Tank investors and eventually sold to private equity. Adam dives into the math and strategy that drove BottleKeeper’s rapid growth, emphasizing the power of data-driven decisions in scaling a business. He also shares advice on navigating investor relationships and optimizing cash flow to stay self-sustaining, making this episode a goldmine for entrepreneurs who aim to grow without sacrificing control.

Key Points:

[0:00] Introducing Adam Callanan and BottleKeeper

Adam Callanan, a serial entrepreneur, shares how he co-founded BottleKeeper, which skyrocketed to $8 million in sales without outside funding or employees.

[1:09] Making it to Shark Tank

Adam recounts his experience appearing on Shark Tank, including the long process of securing a spot on the show and how BottleKeeper was already a major success before filming.

[2:21] The Real Value of Shark Tank

While the show’s investor angle was appealing, Adam reveals that BottleKeeper’s true motivation for going on Shark Tank was the exposure it could bring to the brand.

[4:38] The Power of Knowing Your Numbers

Adam stresses the importance of understanding business finances to grow sustainably, sharing that clear financial metrics allowed BottleKeeper to scale profitably without external capital.

[7:02] Self-Sustaining Growth Over Venture Capital

Adam explains why building a profitable business model can be more advantageous than seeking investors, giving entrepreneurs control over their company’s future.

[10:57] Why Math Matters in Marketing

He highlights how calculating ad spend and ROI became critical to scaling, noting that most businesses under $20 million make dangerous mistakes by not having a data-driven ad strategy.

Quotable Moments:

[2:06] “We just wanted to get in front of the panel… for us, it (Shark Tank) was really about brand exposure.” – Adam Callanan

[4:47] “The biggest risk is getting an influx of orders and not having the systems in place to handle it—that’s where things can blow up.” – Adam Callanan

[7:10] “If you understand the math, you don’t need investors… you’ll have the control and flexibility that comes from being self-sustaining.” – Adam Callanan

Links Mentioned:

- BottleKeeper on Shark Tank (Season 10, Episode 6): https://abc.com/shows/shark-tank

-Bottle Keeper:

- Pentane - Adam’s latest venture: https://pentane.com

- Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammcallinan/

- Beefy Marketing: https://beefymarketing.com

Tune in to hear Adam Callanan’s practical insights for sustainable growth and the vital role of numbers in decision-making. Subscribe to The Business Growth Podcast and follow Beefy Marketing on social media for more valuable business tips. Visit BeefyMarketing.com to elevate your marketing strategy.

In this episode of Business Growth Hacks, hosts Andrew and John dive into insights from the High Level Summit and share invaluable lessons on why customers buy from brands they like. Featuring advice from marketing expert Billie Jean, the episode explores how small businesses can create genuine connections, showcase authenticity, and win customer loyalty. From getting comfortable on camera to incorporating storytelling, these strategies will help business owners stand out and foster trust, turning brand followers into devoted customers.

Key Points:

- [0:47] - The Likability Factor

Billie Jean shares a powerful insight: "If people don't like you, they won’t buy from you." Andrew and John break down why likability is essential for business success.

- [1:54] - Adding Personality to Content

Generic content often falls flat. Injecting your unique voice and story into your posts can create a stronger bond with customers.

- [3:24] - Building Trust Through Transparency

Show your real side to build trust. Share your brand’s journey, mission, and even its challenges to establish a genuine connection.

- [4:04] - Actionable Tips for Business Owners

Simple actions like showing your face on social media or responding personally to comments can make your brand more relatable and memorable.

- [7:15] - The Power of Value-Driven Content

Not every post should be a sales pitch. Share educational or entertaining content to create a sense of community around your brand.

Quotable Moments:

- [4:04] "People want to see the face behind the brand." — Andrew Brockenbush

- [7:34] "Genuine connection plus valuable content—that’s the secret formula." — John Fritzsching

Links Mentioned:

• Beefy Marketing: http://www.beefymarketing.com
• Beefy Marketing on Social Media: https://www.facebook.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com

Thanks for tuning into Business Growth Hacks! Remember, building a brand that people connect with is about more than just sales. It’s about showing your human side and creating value for your audience. Subscribe and join us again for more actionable tips on growing your business.

In this episode of Business Growth Hacks, Andrew Brockenbush and John Fritzsching tackle the essential skill of pivoting in business. They compare pivoting to shifting gears in a manual car, explaining when to recognize the need for change, how to approach a pivot, and ways to manage the speed and control required for smooth transitions. With tips on avoiding common mistakes and making mid-course adjustments, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a new direction for their business.

Key Points:

[0:31] - Recognizing the Need to Pivot

Andrew and John discuss how to tell when it’s time to pivot, like noticing "engine" signals in a business such as flat sales or market changes.

[2:29] - Making the Shift

Pivoting needs intentionality. Half-hearted attempts can lead to stalling, so the hosts emphasize fully committing when making a significant shift.

[3:28] - Avoiding Over-Acceleration

Going “full throttle” can lead to burnout and confusion. Managing speed is crucial to avoiding mistakes and giving changes time to gain traction.

[4:34] - Mid-Course Adjustments

Pivots often require adjustments. The hosts talk about using data to refine strategies without abandoning the shift entirely.

[5:16] - Committing to the Pivot

Constantly shifting gears without giving time to settle can stall progress. They stress the importance of riding out a pivot to see its full impact.

[5:41] - Balancing Speed and Control

A successful pivot balances speed with control. Rushing into changes without measured steps can lead to errors, while moving too slowly risks missing opportunities.

[6:01] - The Importance of Data

Using metrics as an “RPM meter” allows you to gauge the effectiveness of a pivot and make necessary tweaks without losing momentum.

Quotable Moments:

[0:56] “Just like driving, pivoting in a business takes practice. You won’t always get it right the first time.” – John Fritzsching

[3:09] “A pivot needs to be intentional. Without full commitment, you might stall your business.” – Andrew Brockenbush

[6:01] “Once you’re in the right gear, enjoy the smooth ride and let the pivot do its job.” – John Fritzsching

Links Mentioned:

• Beefy Marketing: https://www.beefymarketing.com

Pivoting is a powerful strategy for growth, but it requires timing, commitment, and control. Recognize the signs for a shift, make intentional changes, and give your pivots the time they need to succeed. Tune in for more business insights, and don’t forget to leave a review if you found this episode helpful!

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks podcast, Andrew Brockenbush and John Fritzsching explore the crucial topic of avoiding burnout—a common challenge for business owners and entrepreneurs. They share insights on recognizing early signs of burnout, setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and leveraging delegation. With practical advice on routines, gratitude, and automation, this episode empowers listeners to protect their energy, maintain motivation, and cultivate a sustainable work-life balance.

Key Points:

[0:27] - Recognizing Burnout Warning Signs

The hosts discuss how burnout can creep up through exhaustion, lack of sleep, and a diminishing passion for work, often stemming from an unbalanced routine.

[2:18] - Setting Boundaries

Establishing work-life boundaries, such as a hard stop time and saying “no” when needed, helps business owners avoid the pressure of 24/7 availability.

[4:16] - Prioritizing Self-Care

Andrew and John emphasize self-care as a necessity, highlighting the importance of sleep, physical well-being, and mental breaks to recharge effectively.

[6:14] - The Power of Delegation

They explore ways to delegate and automate tasks, allowing business owners to focus on high-priority areas without shouldering every responsibility.

[9:24] - Celebrating Small Wins

Practicing gratitude and celebrating progress creates resilience, shifts perspective, and strengthens the motivation to achieve long-term goals.

Quotable Moments:

[0:49] “Burnout doesn’t usually hit all at once; it creeps up on you.” – John Fritzsching

[5:14] “Self-care is not selfish. You need to take care of yourself to perform at your best.” – Andrew Brockenbush

[12:22] “Gratitude isn’t just positivity—it’s building resilience.” – John Fritzsching

Links Mentioned:

• Beefy Marketing: https://www.beefymarketing.com

Avoiding burnout is essential for long-term business success. By setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and prioritizing self-care, you can protect your passion and energy. Tune in for more tips on creating a balanced, sustainable approach to business growth, and don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated!

In this episode, Andrew Brockenbush and John Fritzsching introduce exciting new features for Wingman, the all-in-one marketing and sales platform designed to simplify workflows and enhance business efficiency. From improved CRM contact association to a social media planner with analytics, these updates are aimed at helping businesses stay organized, save time, and increase customer satisfaction. The hosts also discuss Wingman’s new AI-powered assistants that can handle customer inquiries 24/7, making it easier for businesses to manage customer interactions and reduce churn.

Key Points:

[0:31] - Wingman Updates Overview

Andrew and John introduce the new updates for Wingman, designed to simplify business workflows, from CRM to social media management.

[1:24] - Enhanced CRM Features

New CRM features, like contact association and internal notes, allow for better tracking of client relationships and seamless internal communication.

[2:08] - Social Media Planner & Analytics

Wingman now includes a social media planner that lets users share vertical video content across platforms and track engagement metrics, with a mobile tool coming soon.

[3:07] - AI Virtual Assistants

Wingman’s new virtual assistant and voice AI features manage customer interactions, answer calls, and can handle after-hours inquiries, adding a personal touch to automation.

[4:55] - Voice AI for Better Customer Service

With voice AI, Wingman can act as a virtual receptionist, answering questions, collecting contact info, and providing updates to ensure customer calls don’t go unanswered.

Quotable Moments:

[1:04] “These updates are all about simplifying your workflows and boosting your business efficiency.” – Andrew Brockenbush

[3:30] “It’s like having a 24/7 team member handling customer support.” – John Fritzsching

[5:20] “These tools are definite ways to avoid churn and improve customer satisfaction.” – Andrew Brockenbush

Links Mentioned:

• Beefy Marketing: https://beefymarketing.com/
• Wingman: https://www.trustyourwingman.com

Wingman’s new features are designed to make business workflows more efficient, with tools to enhance customer service, streamline social media, and improve CRM management. Check out the demo at TrustYourWingman.com to see how these updates could transform your business operations, and stay tuned for more episodes filled with insights on boosting business success.

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks podcast, Andrew Brockenbush and co-host John dive into essential strategies for reducing customer churn and increasing retention. They break down actionable tips and calculations to identify churn rates, evaluate customer health, and develop timelines that lead to higher lifetime value. With practical advice on customer engagement and real-life examples, this episode is packed with insights for any business leader looking to secure long-term growth.

Key Points:

[0:30] - Understanding Customer Churn

Andrew and John define churn and explain that a 1-2% churn rate is ideal, with rates above 6% signaling a need for intervention.

[1:20] - Calculating Revenue Ceiling

Discover how to calculate your revenue ceiling by factoring in client value and churn rate, helping identify when reducing churn is critical for growth.

[2:30] - The Customer Health Index

They discuss implementing a customer health index with detailed metrics beyond “red, yellow, green” indicators to monitor satisfaction and predict risks.

[4:35] - The Value Extraction Ladder

Learn how to engage clients at different satisfaction levels, from brand ambassadors to those needing extra support.

[5:15] - Importance of Success Timelines

The first 90 days are crucial for setting the tone for retention, with milestones that guide clients from initial engagement to advocacy.

[6:07] - The Impact of Churn Reduction on Revenue

Reducing churn by just 1% can significantly impact recurring revenue, underscoring the financial benefits of customer retention efforts.

Quotable Moments:

[0:54] “A churn rate of 1 to 2% is ideal. Anything 6% or higher signals a real need for change.” – Andrew Brockenbush

[5:37] “Focus on delivering consistent results, maintaining proactive communication, and building a supportive community.” – John

[6:07] “Every point you lower your churn translates into a higher lifetime value and your overall growth potential.” – Andrew Brockenbush

Links Mentioned:

• Beefy Marketing: https://www.beefymarketing.com

Reducing churn is one of the most effective ways to increase long-term customer value and drive sustainable growth. Implementing even a few strategies from this episode can help you enhance retention and achieve your business goals. Tune in next time for more tips on scaling your business and be sure to subscribe to stay updated!