• 15. How to Build Product Marketing
    Oct 23 2024

    Are you tired of watching great products struggle because customers "just don't get it"? It’s not your product—it’s the communication gap between your engineers and your customers.

    In this episode, Product Marketing expert Elana Krasner shares how to bridge that gap and master the art of tech translation.


    Key Takeaways

    • What Product Marketing really is and why it's crucial for tech companies
    • The key differences between Product Marketing and other marketing roles
    • Expert insights on sales enablement and content strategy
    • How to master product launches—from pre-launch to post-launch success
    • Tips for hiring the right product marketer for your team


    Episode Links:

    • ⁠The Marketing hotline: bit.ly/goempirenow⁠
    • ⁠Tool Shack: bit.ly/topshelf14⁠

    Note: Our tool recommendations are always genuine—chosen first, affiliate links second to help support the show.About Elana Krasner


    About Elana Krasner

    Elana, a product marketing leader with 9+ years of experience, pulls back the curtain on the specialized role of Product Marketing and why it's now essential for modern tech companies. Tune in to learn how she has helped translate complex technology into compelling customer-focused narratives that drive results.


    This episode is perfect for tech founders, marketers, and anyone curious about how to turn technical products into customer successes.

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    41 mins
  • 14. How to Build Paid Media
    Jun 4 2024

    Struggling to get your paid ads firing on all cylinders? This episode is a game-changer!

    Marketing pro Deivis Rupslaukis breaks it all down - from capturing demand with paid search ads to generating brand new interest through paid social media.

    • Discover foolproof tactics for crafting ads that reel in your ideal prospects
    • Learn how to make ads that speak directly to your target audience's needs
    • Get priceless tips for startups on maximizing paid ads ROI on a budget
    • Uncover the essential tools for measuring your ads' revenue impact
    • Get the inside scoop on must-have metrics for tracking ad performance

    Whether you're a paid ads novice or a seasoned pro, this information-packed episode will supercharge your advertising game.


    Don't miss out on unlocking the secrets to paid ads mastery!


    This show's links:

    bit.ly/goempirenow

    bit.ly/topshelf14

    For our tool promotions, we always start by handpicking tools we genuinely love, and only after that do we track down the affiliate links to help power the podcast.


    About Deivis Rupslaukis


    I'm originally from Latvia, went to Denmark, Copenhagen looking for a marketing job. Worked for 7 years at 3 different companies doing performance marketing and freelancing on the side for around 5 years.
    Finally, last year decided to start my own B2B marketing agency that is focused on creating a full-funnel customer acquisition strategy with paid search and paid social.
    You can check us out at derudigital.com
    I have a weekly Paid Media & B2B newsletter that I post on Linkedin on Mondays, and also talk about B2B marketing in general.

    You can follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deivisrupslaukis/



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    46 mins
  • 13. How to Build Content Marketing
    May 21 2024

    Are you struggling to create compelling content that resonates with your target audience? In this insightful episode, content marketing mastermind Noga Cohen shares her expert strategies for building an effective content marketing machine.

    Noga dives deep into the art of crafting high-converting content that addresses your audience's pain points and establishes your brand as an authority in your industry. You'll learn:

    • The true essence of content marketing (hint: it's not just about SEO)
    • How to develop a content calendar that aligns with your business objectives
    • Tips for repurposing content across multiple channels and formats
    • The role of AI in streamlining the content creation process
    • Key metrics to track the success of your content efforts
    • Finding the perfect balance between promotion and providing value

    Whether you're a startup founder, marketer, or content creator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your content game and drive real business results.

    For our tool promotions, we always start by handpicking tools we genuinely love, and only after that do we track down the affiliate links to help power the podcast.


    This show's links:

    bit.ly/goempirenow

    bit.ly/topshelf13

    For our tool promotions, we always start by handpicking tools we genuinely love, and only after that do we track down the affiliate links to help power the podcast.


    About Noga Cohen:

    Tech-savvy marketing specialist and content marketing expert. Working with top-notch companies & startups: JFrog, Cato Networks, Perforce, Fiverr, ICL, Broadcom, Aman Group, Perforce, Vdoo (acquired by JFrog), Iguazio (acquired by McKinsey), Applitools (acquired by Thoma Bravo), Cybellum (acquired by LG), Helios (acquired by Snyk) and other leading startups in the cybersecurity, deep tech and dev tool industries. Previous employers were acquired and went public: BlazeMeter (CA Technologies), Otonomo (IPO), monday.com (IPO).

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/noga-cohen-4708a768/


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    35 mins
  • 12. How to Buid a Marketing Plan
    Apr 25 2024

    In this episode, Billy Cina, managing partner at Envy, shares her expert insights on crafting a rock-solid marketing plan for startups.


    Billy covers the key components, from identifying big rocks to budgeting, setting KPIs, and developing a content strategy. She also provides tactical tips on planning versus budgeting, tracking metrics, leveraging AI tools, and avoiding common mistakes. Don't miss Billy's wisdom on this critical element for startup success!


    Billy's budget: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tXr0_-zVTNRcHA8rUn5n1gCxOpRVXytF8PI5pENs0mg/edit#gid=0


    This show's links:

    bit.ly/goempirenow

    bit.ly/topshelf12

    For our tool promotions, we always start by handpicking tools we genuinely love, and only after that do we track down the affiliate links to help power the podcast.



    Billy's bio:


    Billy Cina is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of leading B2B tech marketing and RevOps agency, ENVY.

    Her entire career has revolved around marketing B2B tech brands, globally. From shiny new startups with a BHAG, to more established tech companies fighting for market dominance.

    Areas of forte include working with companies on articulating and testing their messaging, building digital marketing strategies and budgets with an emphasis on producing top notch content as the engine for growth.

    Envy client projects include: messaging, inbound marketing with SEO, content and social media strategy, lead nurturing and marketing implementations and RevOps; multi-channel lead generation campaigns and more. Our years of experience in reaching targeted professionals mean we can humbly and confidently call ourselves the expert team!

    We are proud to be a HubSpot Diamond Partner.


    My profile

    Envy

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    39 mins
  • 11. How to Build a Pipeline
    Apr 18 2024

    Welcome to season 2 of How to Build an Empire!


    Struggling to fill your SaaS startup's sales pipeline? In this jam-packed season 2 premiere of "How to Build an Empire", growth expert Jonathan Bland shares the top strategies for building an inbound and outbound pipeline that drives real, consistent revenue growth.


    You'll learn the difference between inbound lead gen and account-based marketing (ABM), and why you need both. Plus, get Jonathan's proven tactics for nurturing leads from the top to the bottom of the funnel - beyond just gated content. Uncover effective ways to build trust and relationships with your target accounts, and discover tools to make your lead scoring and qualification more efficient.


    Don't miss this essential masterclass on SaaS pipeline growth in 2024!


    About Jonathan:

    Jonathan Bland is the Co-Founder of Omni Lab a Demand Gen Agency that helps SaaS brands build, deploy, and manage paid advertising campaigns across channels like Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Google Ads, and more. They have helped brands like Drata, Creatio, A-Lign, and many more drive millions of dollars in pipline.


    For our tool promotions, we always start by handpicking tools we genuinely love, and only after that do we track down the affiliate links to help power the podcast.


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    40 mins
  • 10. How to Build a Community - Part 2
    Jan 4 2024

    In Episode 10 of "How to Build an Empire," we delve into the practice of online community building with none other than Christopher Detzel, the maestro of engagement and Director of Customer Engagement and Community at Reltio.

    Dive into a conversation that spans the gamut of community building— the secret to starting a community from scratch, fostering activity, engagement strategies and when to avoid overloading your community with members. Chris shares riveting personal anecdotes and hard-earned wisdom that will inspire and instruct both established and budding community leaders. This episode's special offers:

    • https://www.empirenow.io/workshops
    • bit.ly/topshelf10

    For our tool promotions, we always start by handpicking tools we genuinely love, and only after that do we track down the affiliate links to help power the podcast.


    About Christopher Detzel

    As a visionary leader in digital engagement, Chris stands at the forefront of community strategy and management. His expertise extends to spearheading engaging content and nurturing relationships within dynamic online environments.

    Specializing in Customer Engagement programs, Chris exhibits a unique mastery in formulating strategic community plans and actualizing them, resulting in vibrant and active digital communities that he proudly owns.
    In addition to his strategic role, Chris hosts a successful podcast, offering his audience valuable insights drawn from his rich professional journey. His ability to engage listeners complements his talent for facilitating meaningful conversations with executives and customers alike, always prioritizing the needs of the community he serves.
    Known for his track record in designing and driving influential engagement initiatives, Chris consistently delivers captivating, tailored content. A staunch advocate for data-driven decision-making, he relies on empirical evidence to guide his strategies, fostering sustainable, successful community engagement.

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    39 mins
  • 9. How to Build a Community - Part 1
    Oct 26 2023

    In part 1:


    • What are support communities and communities of practice and how are they different from advocacy communities?
      metrics should you track
      and who should lead it?
    • What is the best platform and what does SEO have to do with it?


    This episode's special offers:

    • https://www.empirenow.io/workshops
    • bit.ly/topshelf09

    For our tool promotions, we always start by handpicking tools we genuinely love, and only after that do we track down the affiliate links to help power the podcast.


    About David DeWald

    David DeWald is a well-known online community management pioneer and historian with extensive experience in building, maintaining, and managing online communities. He has been involved in the field since the late 1990s and has worked with various organizations and businesses to establish and grow their online presence. David is also active within the community management industry, sharing his knowledge and insights through various channels such as blogging, public speaking, and participating in online forums dedicated to the topic. Among his peers, he is respected for his expertise in community engagement, moderation, and development.


    Community Manager Live youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cmgrlive

    Websites for series: https://cmgr.live Has links for podcast (audio) version of the series.


    Relevant Episodes:


    • Choosing a Community Platform: https://youtube.com/live/_vi5-aGnu1c
    • Community 101: https://youtube.com/live/n0SOV09l2o8
    • Hiring a Community Manager: https://youtube.com/live/oH8wdovX8mc
      Hiring a Coach/Consultant: https://youtube.com/live/l9p8L5eT280


    David's tool recommendations:

    Taskade

    • 13 Startup Templates List
    • Essential Y-Combinator Advice For Startups Template

    XTiles

    Magical in browser text Expander & Autofill

    appsumo.com/

    Boox ePaper Tablets: https://shop.boox.com/ I have this one specifically: https://shop.boox.com/products/tabultrac

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    50 mins
  • 8. How to Build a Marketing Budget
    Oct 25 2023

    This episode will be about how to get your marketing budget right. How do you stay financially agile? Why is engagement more important than revenue? all the answers are ahead.


    Links to this episode's offers:

    empirenow.io

    bit.ly/topshelf08

    For our tool promotions, we always start by handpicking tools we genuinely love, and only after that do we track down the affiliate links to help power the podcast.


    About David:

    Meet David, a Certified Public Accountant and Registered Attorney. Born in Jerusalem, raised in San Francisco, and currently calling Berlin home, David brings a diverse background to the table. Beyond his love for reading and travel, he is a dedicated volunteer, deeply passionate about the intersection of social good, technology, sports, and the strategic game of chess.

    Currently at the helm of Lumigo, a cutting-edge SaaS company disrupting the software application performance monitoring industry, David spearheads the financial and legal functions. His role involves orchestrating the company's financial landscape, from business strategy and financial planning to budgeting, investor relations, and forecasting.

    David's journey spans a decade, navigating through roles at the Israeli Security Authority and KPMG before transitioning to lead finance for early-growth startups. His expertise covers the entire financial spectrum, from crafting reporting tools for comprehensive analysis to overseeing budget and forecast control and analysis (FP&A), revenue recognition, and navigating the intricacies of debt and equity financing. Corporate finance is not just a job for David – it's a passion.

    Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wolpert/

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    40 mins