Summary

In this episode, Jeroen Corthout, co-founder of SalesFlare, shares his entrepreneurial journey from a corporate background to founding a CRM tailored for small businesses. He discusses the challenges of building a software product in a saturated market, the importance of usability and automation, and the strategies for funding and hiring in a bootstrap environment. Jeroen emphasizes the significance of understanding customer needs and creating a product that genuinely helps sales teams succeed.

Takeaways

• Jeroen's journey began with a passion for building websites.
• He transitioned from engineering to marketing to gain business insights.
• SalesFlare was born out of frustration with existing CRMs.
• The development process involved significant customer feedback.
• Funding strategies included accelerators and government subsidies.
• Hiring should be approached with caution to maintain company culture.
• Usability and automation are key differentiators for SalesFlare.
• Building a network in incubators can accelerate growth.
• Choosing the right tech stack is crucial for development efficiency.
• SalesFlare focuses on small and medium-sized businesses for growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeroen Corthout and SalesFlare

10:48 The Journey from Engineering to Entrepreneurship

22:09 Building SalesFlare: The Development Process

24:57 Bootstrapping a Software Business

26:24 Navigating Startup Funding and Financial Strategies

30:17 The Value of Accelerators and Incubators

34:12 Hiring Strategies for Startups

40:41 Choosing the Right Tech Stack

45:25 Selling the Product: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

Chapters:

Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan RoghaarProduced by Ryan RoghaarTheme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs⁠Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! ⁠https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28⁠

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Showeggscast.com@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic": Shows and info⁠djontic.com⁠@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar: ⁠http://rogha.ar⁠

Summary

In this conversation, Anthony Taylor of SME Strategy discusses the importance of business strategy as a series of choices that organizations must make. He emphasizes the need for clear destinations, alignment among team members, and the significance of setting realistic goals. Taylor shares insights on overcoming fear of failure, the process of strategic planning, and the steps to develop an effective strategy. He highlights the importance of focusing on outcomes and making decisions quickly to adapt to changing circumstances.

Takeaways

• Strategy is fundamentally about making choices.
• Clear destinations are essential for effective strategy.
• Alignment among team members is crucial for success.
• Setting realistic goals helps avoid the fear of failure.
• The benefit of the future must outweigh the pain of change.
• Organizations should celebrate their current state before moving forward.
• The strategic planning process is applicable to all organizations.
• Focus on outcomes rather than just activities.
• Make decisions quickly and iterate as needed.
• Definiteness of purpose helps avoid distractions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anthony Taylor and SME Strategy

01:43 Understanding Business Strategy as Choices

05:56 The Importance of Clear Destinations

09:24 Aligning Goals and Actions for Success

11:53 Insights from the Book 'Alignment'

14:58 The Balance of Goal Setting and Realism

18:24 Definiteness of Purpose in Entrepreneurship

21:19 Making Decisions and Opportunity Cost

27:25 Navigating Ideation and Execution

30:22 Understanding Product-Market Fit

33:07 Strategic Planning Essentials

35:23 The Strategic Planning Process

39:23 Setting Strategic Priorities

43:51 Adapting Plans in a Changing World

51:08 Overcoming Fear of Failure

----
Credits:
Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar
Produced by Ryan Roghaar
Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:
https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs
Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:
bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:
The Show
eggscast.com
@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC
On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher
Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info
djontic.com
@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar
http://rogha.ar

Summary

In this conversation, Kyle McDowell shares his transformative journey from a successful corporate leader to an advocate for a more humane and collaborative approach to leadership. He discusses the principles he developed, centered around the concept of 'we', which emphasize teamwork, accountability, and interpersonal relationships. Kyle explains how these principles can be applied across various industries and the importance of leading by example. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating toxic work environments and the significance of measuring outcomes rather than mere activity. In this conversation, Kyle McDowell discusses the pitfalls of valuing busyness over productivity, the importance of accountability within teams, and the challenges of imposter syndrome. He emphasizes the need for clear expectations and principles in leadership, and how authenticity is crucial for successful organizational transformation. The dialogue also touches on personal growth and the realities of navigating corporate culture.

Takeaways

• Kyle McDowell's journey reflects a shift from traditional leadership to a more collaborative approach.
• The 'we' principles emphasize teamwork and accountability in the workplace.
• Apathy in corporate environments can lead to toxic cultures.
• Building strong interpersonal relationships is crucial for effective leadership.
• Leaders must lead by example to foster a positive work environment.
• The principles are agnostic and applicable across various industries.
• Personal accountability is essential for both leaders and team members.
• Creating an infrastructure of agreed-upon principles helps in accountability.
• Navigating toxic relationships requires discernment and self-awareness.
• Measuring outcomes rather than activity is key to true productivity. Busyness does not equate to productivity.
• Focus on delivering outcomes rather than just being busy.
• Accountability is key in high-performing teams.
• Imposter syndrome is common, even among successful leaders.
• Establishing clear expectations can enhance team performance.
• Authenticity is essential for meaningful organizational change.
• Leadership should prioritize people over results.
• Vulnerability can be a strength in leadership.
• Transformations require commitment, not just initiatives.
• You can achieve your goals with effort and determination.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kyle McDowell

00:27 Kyle's Corporate Journey and Transformation

04:00 The Shift from Command and Control to We Leadership

10:11 Scaling the We Principles in Large Organizations

13:11 The Agnostic Nature of We Principles

15:51 Personal Accountability and Interpersonal Relationships

20:22 Leading by Example and Building Infrastructure

24:48 Navigating Toxic Relationships and Communities

26:58 Measuring Outcomes Over Activity

28:06 The Illusion of Busyness

33:30 Expectations and Accountability in Teams

37:11 Navigating Imposter Syndrome

44:41 Pivots in Leadership and Personal Growth

51:20 Authenticity in Organizational Transformation

----
Credits:
Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar
Produced by Ryan Roghaar
Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:
https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs
Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:
bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:
The Show
eggscast.com
@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC
On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher
Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info
djontic.com
@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar
http://rogha.ar

Summary

In this episode, John Briggs, founder of Insight Tax and Accounting, discusses the importance of choosing the right tax structure for small businesses, particularly gym owners. He emphasizes the significance of cash flow management and how it can prevent burnout among entrepreneurs. John shares insights on tax deductions, the common myths surrounding taxes, and the necessity of paying oneself as a business owner. The conversation highlights practical strategies for achieving financial resilience and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Takeaways

• Choosing the right tax structure can save thousands.
• Cash flow management is crucial for business sustainability.
• Burnout is a common issue for entrepreneurs.
• Profit First methodology helps prioritize owner compensation.
• Understanding tax deductions can significantly impact finances.
• Separate bank accounts can help manage cash flow effectively.
• Rich people do pay taxes, but often through various means.
• Home office deductions can increase audit risks.
• Professional help can clarify complex tax situations.
• Regular profit distributions can enhance business owner satisfaction.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Briggs and His Mission

09:09 Choosing the Right Tax Structure

19:05 Understanding Tax Myths and Realities

29:14 Understanding the Cost of Hiring an Accountant

32:32 Navigating Tax Deductions and Home Office Rules

35:54 Depreciation and Writing Off Business Assets

40:04 Mastering Cash Flow Management

47:15 Addressing Burnout in Entrepreneurship

52:07 Paying Yourself as a Business Owner

----
Credits:
Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar
Produced by Ryan Roghaar
Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:
https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs
Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:
bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:
The Show
eggscast.com
@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC
On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher
Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info
djontic.com
@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar
http://rogha.ar

Summary

In this conversation, Alex Levin, co-founder and CEO of Regal, discusses his journey from working in technology companies to founding Regal, a company focused on transforming contact centers into high-touch customer engagement platforms. He shares insights on the evolution of contact centers, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the challenges faced by small businesses. Alex also delves into the entrepreneurial journey, including the fundraising process, execution versus ideation, and lessons learned from building Regal. He emphasizes the significance of having the right motivations, understanding customer segments, and the need for effective marketing strategies.

Takeaways

• Every company in the future would be a technology company.
• The winning model wasn't self-serve only, it was self-serve plus that personal touch.
• You shouldn't be relegated to sort of the low touch deflection model.
• You have to really believe that this thing has to exist.
• You need to be very honest with yourself about where you're strong, where you're weak.
• Fundraising is specifically raising money for venture capitalists.
• You want to find the people who already believe in your thesis.
• You have to ask yourself, what is the riskiest thing that I'm trying to prove?
• You should really think about if you're gonna be the B, what kind of sale do you want?
• You should stop taking the wrong customer.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alex Levin and Regal

03:23 The Evolution of Contact Centers

06:11 Understanding Customer Engagement

09:08 Building Regal: The Journey Begins

11:42 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur

17:54 The Importance of Belief in Your Business

21:48 Networking and Its Double-Edged Sword

24:52 The Early Days of Regal and MVP Development

25:24 The Journey to Validation

28:54 Understanding Fundraising Dynamics

34:24 Navigating the Post-Fundraising Landscape

37:28 Execution: From Ideation to Reality

45:53 Lessons Learned and Future Directions

----
Credits:
Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar
Produced by Ryan Roghaar
Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:
https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs
Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:
bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:
The Show
eggscast.com
@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC
On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher
Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info
djontic.com
@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar
http://rogha.ar

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Roghaar and Mike interview Devo Tindall, a branding expert and Chief Experience Officer at Brand Storyteller. They explore the importance of establishing a strong brand foundation, the shift from traditional marketing to storytelling, and the role of AI in branding. Devo emphasizes the need for authenticity in business and the significance of understanding one's core values. The discussion also touches on the different paths entrepreneurs take, the balance between adaptability and authenticity, and the unique value of human experience in branding. Devo shares insights on how to effectively communicate one's brand story and the importance of connecting emotionally with customers.

Takeaways

• Branding is more than just visual assets; it's the entire customer experience.
• AI can support branding efforts but cannot replace the human touch.
• Understanding your core values is essential for effective branding.
• Authenticity in branding helps build trust with customers.
• Chasing trends can dilute your brand's message.
• Every entrepreneur has a unique story that can resonate with their audience.
• Feedback from clients can help refine your brand's perception.
• Your brand should reflect who you are and what you value.
• Flexibility in branding can help you adapt to different markets.
• Building a brand is a process that requires introspection and clarity.

• 
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Devo Tindall and His Journey

02:17 The Importance of Brand Foundation

06:17 AI's Role in Branding and Marketing

10:12 Understanding Brand Perception and Value

13:57 Defining Core Values and Brand Strategy

18:18 Different Types of Entrepreneurs and Their Stories

22:02 Authenticity in Branding and Business

30:08 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

33:26 Understanding Audience Perception and Values

39:18 Authenticity vs. Adaptability in Personal Branding

46:58 The Balance of Trends and Authentic Storytelling

53:06 The Unique Human Experience vs. AI

55:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections

----
Credits:
Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar
Produced by Ryan Roghaar
Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:
https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs
Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:
bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:
The Show
eggscast.com
@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC
On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher
Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info
djontic.com
@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar
http://rogha.ar

Summary

In this conversation, Nick Fogle shares his journey from law school to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO of Churnkey. He discusses the challenges he faced while transitioning from a legal career to coding, the lessons learned from his first startup, Wave, and how he identified market needs that led to the creation of Churnkey. Nick also delves into the importance of funding, overcoming adversity, and maintaining a growth mindset as an entrepreneur.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from law to coding can open new opportunities.
• Building a startup requires resilience and adaptability.
• Identifying market needs is crucial for success.
• Funding can be a tool for growth, not just a necessity.
• Overcoming personal and professional challenges builds character.
• Pressure can motivate and drive success in entrepreneurship.
• Incremental progress over time leads to significant achievements.
• Understanding customer feedback is key to reducing churn.
• Building a strong team is essential for scaling a business.
• Embracing change and being open-minded is vital for entrepreneurs.

Chapters

00:00 From Law to Code: A Journey of Discovery

11:06 Building Wave: The Podcasting App Experience

25:37 Transitioning to Churnkey: Lessons Learned

37:58 Navigating Funding: From Bootstrap to Venture

48:50 Overcoming Adversity: The Entrepreneurial Mindset

----
Credits:
Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar
Produced by Ryan Roghaar
Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:
https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs
Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:
bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:
The Show
eggscast.com
@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC
On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher
Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info
djontic.com
@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar
http://rogha.ar

Summary

In this conversation, Andrew Howlett, CEO of Struck, shares his journey from finance to leading a creative agency. He discusses the importance of multidisciplinary skills in leadership, the challenges of RFPs, and the impact of brand transformation on business. The Mighty Five campaign is highlighted as a successful case study in experiential marketing. Andrew emphasizes the significance of collaborative leadership and the future of advertising in the experience economy, where strong branding and human connection remain essential.

Takeaways

• Struck is a leading agency known for its creative work.
• Andrew's background in finance has been beneficial in agency leadership.
• Multidisciplinary skills enhance creativity and problem-solving in agencies.
• Brand transformation is crucial for business success.
• RFPs often lead to wasted resources and limited opportunities.
• The Mighty Five campaign significantly boosted Utah's tourism.
• Collaborative leadership fosters a positive organizational culture.
• The experience economy emphasizes emotional connections with brands.
• AI can be a valuable tool for inspiration in creative work.
• Strong branding reduces the need for extensive marketing efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Struck's Reputation

05:50 The Value of Multidisciplinary Skills in Agency Leadership

10:25 Understanding Brand Transformation and Emotional Experiences

14:31 The Flaws of the Traditional RFP Process

27:32 The Mighty Five Campaign and the Power of Experiential Work

33:33 Creating Unique Brand Experiences

36:00 Success Stories: Utah Tourism and Snowbird Campaigns

39:23 Collaborative Leadership and Empowering the Team

50:33 The Future of Marketing: Experience Economy and Human Element

----
Credits:
Hosted by Michael Smith and Ryan Roghaar
Produced by Ryan Roghaar
Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Carton:
https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs
Feature with Zack Chmeis of Straight Method up now! https://medium.com/the-carton-by-eggs/zack-chmeis-35dae817ac28

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:
bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:
The Show
eggscast.com
@eggshow on twitter and instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pC
On Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher
Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic" shows and info
djontic.com
@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar
http://rogha.ar