Dive into the essence of entrepreneurship with Mikael Dia, as he uncovers the four pillars crucial for business success. From profit to fulfillment, gain insights to simplify your journey towards sustainable growth.
Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/
Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures
Joint venture partnerships can help your business grow faster and generate greater profit, but it's important to plan and carry them out carefully. Charles Byrd of Pure JV joins A.J. to discuss the strategies for fostering successful partnerships. Unlike the common trial-and-error approach that many entrepreneurs default to, Charles emphasizes the importance of a structured and systematic process for creating and managing joint ventures. He also shares his tips for maintaining a work-life balance, choosing the right partner, and measuring the success of these collaborations.
About Charles Byrd:
Charles Byrd is the Founder of Pure JV, which is an online training, product launch, and internet marketing company that is boosting results for niche markets. He’s a joint venture expert, renowned speaker, and educator in the sphere of joint venture partnerships.
As a Silicon Valley veteran and former director at a billion-dollar software company, Cadence Design Systems, Charles is commonly praised as "The Chaos Killer." After leaving his corporate role, he infused his project management skills into entrepreneurship, creating a successful online productivity course. He quickly mastered joint venture marketing for his course and developed a systematic process to strike 2-6 joint venture deals per week. Today, Charles uses his unique skill set to educate other entrepreneurs and corporations, helping them maximize their potential via strategic joint venture partnerships.
Key Insights:
Charles’ best advice for entrepreneurs:
“You build so much goodwill and rapport from building long-term relationships, you basically have an army of advocates all around. And that feels very good.” (05:40)
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We all strive to live our best lives. But how to make that possible? The answer is long-term planning for optimal health and peak performance, and Sam Tejada of Liquivida showed us how in this episode. Sam believes that gradual, consistent effort has the potential to result in big rewards, be it in terms of health or other areas of life. He emphasizes the importance of bringing your best both physically and mentally as an entrepreneur and shares his regimen for achieving mental clarity and a stronger sense of presence.
About Sam Tejada:
Sam Tejada is the founder of Liquivida—a brand dedicated to promoting holistic health and wellness. Being a health enthusiast himself, Sam passionately advocates for the benefits of proper nutrition and wellness practices to boost productivity, mental clarity, and overall life quality. His personalized approach to optimizing health has helped many individuals find balance and upgrade their overall performance.
Sam is a longtime entrepreneur who started his first business at the early age of 19. As a retired firefighter and paramedic, he launched Rescue-101, an esteemed provider of lifesaving training courses. Given his background as an emergency medical professional, he understands well the value of staying fit, healthy, and productive as an entrepreneur and is on a mission to promote health and wellness. Driven by his vision, Sam is eager to venture into politics and secure a position in local government, with the ultimate goal of bringing about change in the fields of medicine and business.
Key Insights:
Sam’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
“If you don't define your personal definition of success, you're actually working towards absolutely nothing in life.” (34:27)
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Discover practical solutions and firsthand experiences designed to help your SMB thrive and grow sustainably in today's competitive market. Dive into the world of business infrastructure with Eugene Ravitsky from FactoryPure. Join us to learn how incremental improvements pave the way for long-term success in the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.
Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/
Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures
Diving into private equity investment can seem risky and complex, but it can benefit your company with the right knowledge and a strategic approach. Today, Adam Coffey joins A.J. to share his expertise on developing exit strategies, pinpointing the ideal private equity partners, and collaborating with them to unlock more than just financial gains for your business.
About Adam Coffey:
Adam Coffey is a serial CEO, private equity expert, consultant, and bestselling author. An esteemed Army veteran, he is well-versed in executive coaching, mentorship, and keynote speaking. His acclaimed book, "The Private Equity Playbook," showcases his deep understanding of company acquisitions and financing, reflecting on his experience with around a hundred companies over two decades.
His latest literary work, "The Exit Strategy Playbook," offers invaluable advice to owners contemplating selling their businesses, covering buyer types, including strategic and financial, with a keen emphasis on SPACs. His reputation extends beyond writing as he has successfully steered companies into market-leading positions. Respected in academic and professional circles, Adam lectures at universities and provides mentorship, distilling his considerable wisdom into lessons of leadership and growth.
Visit our curated collection of Business Books for more enriching reads.
Key Insights:
Adam’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
“Think about private equity as a tool. [...] They're a tool. You use their capital. They use your knowledge, and it's a marriage made in heaven.” (14:52)
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Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey.
Renee Dua shares her journey of overcoming health care inefficiencies through AI tech in this Biz Bite segment. She discusses the importance of technology in enhancing access to care and the role of strategic leadership in innovating healthcare.
Gain insights into leveraging technology, understanding the importance of strategic leadership in challenging environments, and seeing how balancing personal well-being with professional growth can lead to significant industry impact. This episode is a must-watch for those looking to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare sector.
Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/
Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures/videos
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The secret to a successful business isn't always about going viral or having the flashiest product. Knowing your why is one of the most influential factors. Chloë Thomas of eCommerce MasterPlan joins A.J. to discuss the importance of building a strong foundation, understanding your purpose as you scale your business, how to avoid getting swept up by short-term trends, and staying focused on your long-term goals and vision.
About Chloë Thomas:
Chloë Thomas is an e-commerce expert and the voice behind the award-winning eCommerce MasterPlan Podcast, as well as the newly launched Keep Optimising marketing podcast. With over 400 episodes under her belt, Chloe brings invaluable experience from her entrepreneurial journey, combined with a knack for storytelling that intrigues and inspires.
She believes that becoming an entrepreneur is not always about inventing the next big thing; sometimes, it's about making what you love your next big thing. Chloë's passion lies in helping businesses grow by solving their unique problems and ensuring they make the most of available growth opportunities.
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Chloë’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
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Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey.
Entrepreneurs often view strategy and tactics as essential elements for propelling their startups toward success. Today, Phil Alves of DevSquad and DevStats sits down with A.J. to shed light on the nuances of strategic planning and tactical decision-making and how to balance these two vital aspects. They also explore the significance of tactical focus in business, how to build operational excellence, and why a good work-life balance is vital for every business owner.
About Phil Alves:
Phil Alves is currently the CEO of DevSquad and DevStats. He became a successful business owner very early on at 18 after teaching himself to code and becoming an SEO powerhouse—ranking a post at #1 on Google while still in high school. From there, he grew his first venture to a 10-employee size business, then sold it all before he could legally buy a lottery ticket.
Phil's relentless zeal for entrepreneurship didn't stop there. He moved to the US from his home country, Brazil, seeking further education, and settled in Salt Lake City, fore-fronting a new adventure by founding DevSquad. Over the years, he successfully grew his startup into a 100-person cross-functional team operating in the US and Brazil. Alongside, he’s been instrumental in leading numerous startups to multi-million dollar exits and developing digital products for major establishments like ADP, Box, and the US Ski and Snowboarding team.
Key Insights
Phil’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
“Every business has ups and downs, but what you're trying to do [...] is reduce the downs. And also, you're going to be able to know better how to behave into those downs because you know it's not the end, and things are going to turn around.” (14:56)
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Discover the critical turning point every successful entrepreneur faces: the shift from hands-on problem solver to strategic leader. In this enlightening Biz Bite, hear firsthand accounts of the challenges of scaling a business and the personal toll it can take when you're juggling all the hats.
Gain insights on the importance of consistent evaluation and course correction in your business journey, all while maintaining your well-being and personal relationships. Learn from those who've walked the path before and understand the delicate balance between rolling up your sleeves and stepping back to steer the ship.
Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/
Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures/videos
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Business expansion comes hand in hand with daunting challenges, particularly when venturing into franchising. Devan Kline, the co-founder of Burn Boot Camp, has skillfully navigated this path, transforming a humble fitness venture into a soaring $400 million enterprise. Today, he sits down with A.J. to share the lessons he learned from growing his fitness franchise, the challenges of scaling from 10 to 100 million, and the importance of people operating systems.
About Devan Kline:
Devan Kline is a dynamic entrepreneur, renowned fitness expert, and motivational speaker known for his relentless commitment to health and wellness. As a co-founder and CEO of Burn Boot Camp, a thriving fitness brand valued at $400 million, he has reached outstanding heights in the fitness industry.
Starting his entrepreneurial journey with just $600, Devan and his spouse transformed a simple parking lot boot camp into a fitness empire spanning over 200 locations. His story is a testament to his impassioned dedication, risk-taking, and visionary leadership.
Key Insights
Devan’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
“The business needs to serve something greater than itself. And you can't just wake up every day staring at an issues list and a book of problems and pretend that you thrive in the chaos. Everybody needs a pat on the back every once in a while.” (30:33)
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Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey.
Discover what it takes to excel in copywriting from an industry expert who's made a million dollars a year without relying on the hyped-up promises of quick riches. In this eye-opening Biz Bite, Will debunks the myths of copywriting courses and shares the real secret to making an irresistible offer – it's simpler than you think, but far from easy.
Gain insights into the transformative power of clear, honest copy that delivers on its promises, and learn why tactics like the surprisingly effective Post-it note ad are just fleeting advantages in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. Whether you're crafting your next campaign or refining your brand's message, this episode will arm you with the foundational principles of copywriting that endure beyond the latest trends.
Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/
Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures/videos
The challenges of entrepreneurship are sometimes hidden behind those "instant" success stories, which are actually built on loads of hard work, smart planning, and detailed execution. Today, A.J. welcomes Kim and Lance Burney of Mighty Carver, who know quite well what it takes to overcome these entrepreneurial hurdles. In this episode, they share their journey from starting in 1999 to an overnight boost after their appearance on Shark Tank.
About Kim and Lance Burney:
Kim and Lance Burney are a powerhouse duo famous for their creation, the Mighty Carver, an innovative company born out of a family tradition. Their story is one of perseverance and dynamic adaptation in entrepreneurship. They have been leading innovators in manufacturing since 2000 with their primary venture, Sigalarm. They revolutionized the power-line warning system industry, growing from being the only players to standing out among ten competitors globally.
Branching out, they grabbed an opportunity on a Thanksgiving dinner when a quirky idea sparked - manufacture an electric carving knife that looks like a chainsaw. Leveraging their expertise in manufacturing, Kim came up with the idea out of a playful thought that if the knife were a chainsaw, every member of their family would be excited to cut the turkey. So, the Mighty Carver was born, a testament to their creativity, wit, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Key Insights
Kim and Lance’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
“You can't focus on the failures. [...] Yes, you have to learn from it, but you cannot dwell on it and let it consume you and your drive for whatever it is you're doing.” (31:07)
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In this insightful segment, join Amit Garg, Co-Founder, and Managing Partner at TAU Ventures, an AI-first, seed-first VC fund, as he delves into the entrepreneur's dilemma, weighing the options between Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and startups. Gain strategic insights, investor selection tips, and a nuanced understanding of purpose in business. Navigate the crossroads with Amit Garg, drawing from his wealth of experience in the business landscape.
Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/
Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures/videos
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Entrepreneurs are continually seeking new opportunities to expand their wealth. One standout strategy is to diversify investments, a powerful approach that minimizes risk and maximizes opportunities for growth. Jason Ehrlich of Fruition Capital sits down with A.J. to explore how you can create wealth through acquisition entrepreneurship and real estate but also demonstrate the key advantages of investment diversification.
About Jason Ehrlich:
Jason Ehrlich is an entrepreneur and passionate investor based in Atlanta who's also a pro at juggling family, business, and adventure. He spends his days managing two investment firms that he founded—one in the commercial multifamily space, the other in small business acquisitions.
Jason and his wife, Kelly, were digital nomads for two years, traveling all over the world way before remote work became cool. When he's not running his investment firms or spending quality time with Kelly and their two boys, you’ll find him on a learning journey, always open to the world of new opportunities. With his unique insights and experiences on the connection between entrepreneurship and investment diversification, Jason helps other entrepreneurs level up their financial game to eight figures and beyond.
Key Insights
Jason’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
“Growth comes from dedication, focus on a particular area of expertise. So that's where our fund kind of comes in and adds some value: we are investing with folks that have that singular laser focus on the thing that we're doing.” (17:29)
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Not many investment opportunities are as rewarding and powerful as real estate investing. However, it requires careful planning and an in-depth understanding of the real estate market. Today, Brandon Cobb of HBG Capital joins A.J. to discuss how real estate can help you generate passive income, ensure financial stability, and leave a legacy for generations to enjoy. They dive into the value of investing in middle Tennessee, the benefits of passive real estate investing, and when to consider jumping into this field as an entrepreneur.
About Brandon Cobb:
Brandon Cobb is the CEO of HBG Capital, assisting busy business owners to build a legacy, retire, and make an impact with real estate investments. He’s a strategic legacy consultant dedicated to providing passive investment opportunities for busy professionals who want to invest in real estate without the hassle of being a landlord.
Brandon worked as a medical device sales rep before becoming a fund manager & licensed GC in TN, managing 20 million+ of new development annually in first-time home buyer housing and build-to-rent communities. He was featured on the cover of REI Wealth magazine, Realty 411 Magazine, and has been quoted and published in Forbes magazine.
Key Insights:
Brandon’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
“If you want to grow a giant pumpkin, first identify the strongest pumpkin early on, cut off all those other pumpkins off the vine, so all of the nutrients goes to that pumpkin.’ And that's how you grow.” (05:32)
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Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey.
As we prepare and set goals for the upcoming year, reflecting on how far you’ve come and where you want to go next as an entrepreneur is important. Join our host, A.J. Lawrence, in this special episode as he shares his top 5 business learnings from the brilliant guests in 2023. Let’s set the tone for a successful 2024.
About A.J. Lawrence
A.J. Lawrence is the Founder and CEO of the award-winning JAR Group, a global growth strategy and management agency. You probably also know him as the host of Beyond 8 Figures. A.J. is a dedicated mentor, growth strategist, and angel investor. He calls himself a “journeyman entrepreneur” because he finds great joy in learning from accomplished experts and finding ways to apply these insights to his life and business.
Having led his award-winning digital marketing agency into the INC. 500 twice and having several 7-figure exits, he knows exactly what it takes to get where he is today. Apart from providing consulting services to his clients, he also gives back and shares his expertise with the community by hosting Beyond 8 Figures and welcoming other inspiring entrepreneurs to the show.
Craft your own entrepreneurial journey in 2024
With the new year just around the corner, ask yourself, ‘Where do I want to be this time next year?’ More precisely, ‘What kind of entrepreneur do I want to be?’
Before you write any resolutions and business goals this year, take the time to reflect on lessons, achievements, and failures from 2023. Identify the highs and lows, the opportunities you seized, and the challenges you successfully overcame. Acknowledge the overall progress you’ve made both personally and professionally. This is the perfect time of the year for introspection and past year reflection. Take some rest from hard work and give yourself a pat on the back. And then, it’s time to get to work!
2024 has the potential to be your best year so far, but it’s all up to you. Embrace the learnings from 2023 and stick with us at Beyond 8 Figures – we’re here to share insights, guide, and inspire you with every new episode.
Key Insights
A.J.’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
“A can-do attitude can weather any storm. [...] Just consistently work on the belief that you will succeed. That doesn't make it that you will succeed, but it will help when problems come up.” (02:24)
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‘New Year, new me.’ Why don’t we switch it up in terms of business and instead say, ‘New Year, new heights?’ With this as our main motto for the following year, we’re bringing you our special compilation episode. We’ve had so many incredible guests this year that it’s almost impossible to pick the best moments from 2023. So, we focused on highlighting the best business lessons that can help you set your goals and transform your business in 2024.
About the Guests
Key Insights
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Global expansion offers many business benefits, but it requires careful planning and a deliberate approach. Kanessa Muluneh of Mulu joins A.J. to discuss how she built a multimillion-dollar lifestyle brand and global influence spanning different industries and continents. She dives deep into her immigration journey, the challenges of unfamiliar territories, and overcoming cultural barriers.
About Kanessa Muluneh:
Kanessa Muluneh is the Founder of MULU, a multimillion-dollar plus-size clothing brand. She comes from Ethiopia but was raised in the Netherlands. From reshaping fashion with MULU to launching Europe's first Female American Football League, Kanessa uses her global influence to solve actual problems for her audience and make a true impact beyond business.
She started six businesses by age 32 but also built diverse streams of income and companies. She's not just an entrepreneur; Kanessa prefers to call herself a ‘problem solver.’ Shaped by her cultural background and motivated by impact, Kanessa brings a unique perspective to the table, fostering learning in underserved regions and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs worldwide.
Key Insights:
Kanessa’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
“Sometimes people are quick to just say, ‘Just work hard, work smart, whatever.’ It's not just that. It's really your support system or the people around you that can get you to where you are sometimes.” (19:55)Connect with Kanessa:
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What an exciting time to be alive. Using artificial intelligence for business has ushered us into a truly fascinating era of unprecedented productivity and efficiencies. Today, AI expert Kevin Surace of Appvance.ai joins A.J. to share his game-changing insights into AI capacities. He gives practical lessons about using automation to improve performance, choosing the right AI tools for your needs, and harnessing the power of AI to revolutionize your business.
About Kevin Surace:
Kevin Surace is a Chairman and CTO at Appvance, an AI expert, keynote speaker, and an award-winning CEO, CTO, and Innovator. He has been working in the Artificial Intelligence space since the 1990s and has much to say about AI's state, GPT models, and the impacts on your job and your life. He has been awarded almost 100 worldwide patents, including the core technology that would become Siri and other virtual assistants.
Futurist and Disruptive Innovation Keynote Speaker, Creator of the First Smartphone and Digital Assistant, and Innovator of the Decade. Kevin is a top innovation keynote speaker, CEO, and inventor of one of the world’s first smartphones. Kevin has been named Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year, CNBC’s Innovator of the Decade, and inducted into RIT’s Innovation Hall of Fame. While he has a deep technical background, he has been featured in over 15 TED and TEDx talks and is a high-energy, dynamic speaker and true entertainer who has energized hundreds of audiences to action.
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Kevin’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
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Business efficiency paves the way for sustainable growth and long-term success, so it’s important to prioritize it within the organization. This week, we have a special episode where A.J. reflects on the importance of simplicity in business and walks us through five tried-and-tested ways to improve business efficiency.
Key Insights:
A.J.’s best advice for entrepreneurs:
“Take the time to identify and eliminate unnecessary complexities. You can then create a more efficient, productive, and enjoyable environment for you and your team.” (05:29)
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