Beyond 8 Figures

As your business grows, what worked before won't always work anymore. This is where business adaptability becomes crucial. Entrepreneurs need to be ready to change and update their strategies and processes, ensuring they can keep pace with their business's growth. Having been through growing and selling his own company, Feras Alhlou knows firsthand the importance of adapting and evolving to meet the changing business environment. Today, he joins us to talk about the power of resilience, the art of delegation, and the strategic use of technology to streamline operations.About Feras AlhlouFeras Alhlou is a seasoned entrepreneur with a golden touch for growing businesses from the ground up. He's taken companies from zero revenue to impressive 7 and 8 figures, showcasing his skills in Silicon Valley and beyond. In 2019 he sold his previous company, e-Nor, his digital marketing consultancy, to dentsu, a leading global media company. Now he uses his passion for sharing his knowledge in his current project, Start Up With Feras, guiding new entrepreneurs to make good, informed decisions about business. Besides his business acumen, Feras has a lifelong commitment to nonprofit organizations. Fun fact, he also holds a 3rd-degree black belt in Aikido!Key Insights:Embrace change. As your business grows, what used to work might not cut it anymore. Learn to stay flexible and change your game plan as you go, which ensures that you're always moving forward, not just treading water. (04:41)Delegate to elevate. Trying to do everything yourself can hold your business back. By handing off tasks to others, you free up your time to focus on big-picture strategies and growth and your business can grow more smoothly and faster. (09:23)Implement goal-oriented frameworks. Frameworks like OKRs help everyone on your team pull in the same direction toward shared goals. This organized approach makes your team more efficient and effective, leading to faster progress and better results. (11:38)Cultivate an open and honest work environment. Building a business where everyone feels free to share their thoughts and ideas creates a strong, united team. This leads to better decision-making, happier employees, and a more adaptable company. (15:47)Stay ahead with technology and trends. Staying updated on what’s happening in your (and other industries) allows you to spot and seize opportunities that others might miss. (22:52)Feras’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Success is also when you're making it big and you're profitable, and you share it with your team, those who have helped you grow the business.” (31:29)Get a free 30-minute session with Feras Connect with Feras Alhlou:LinkedinYouTubeInstagramXStart Up With Feras Resources Mentioned:Good to Great by Jim CollinsMeasure What Matters by John Doerr and Larry PageFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinXWebsiteAffiliate 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.

When it comes to continuous improvement methods, there’s no one better than Justin Breen, founder of BrEpic Network, to talk about the best tools for slow but steady personal and professional growth. In this conversation, he shares his best pracices, from strength assessments to pattern recognition, that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey and also helped numerous businesses thrive in competitive landscapes.About Justin BreenJustin Breen is the dynamic force behind BrEpic Network, a cutting-edge public relations firm that connects and elevates visionary entrepreneurs and brands. Justin's unique approach to business and life has been shaped by his experiences as a top-tier journalist, acclaimed author, and relentless innovator. His books, "Epic Business" and "Epic Life," have inspired countless individuals to pursue greatness through simplicity, focus, and a relentless commitment to improvement.Beyond his professional accolades, Justin is a sought-after international speaker known for his compelling insights into the power of networking, storytelling, and mindset. He has a knack for distilling complex concepts into actionable steps that anyone can follow to achieve their fullest potential.Key Insights:Play to your strengths. Operating in your zone of genius results in higher productivity and a greater quality of work. Once you pinpoint your innate strengths, prioritize tasks that align with them and strategically delegate the rest. This boosts overall team efficiency and allows everyone to work in their areas of expertise. (06:45)Transform weaknesses into opportunities. What you’ve considered your weaknesses can be used as learning moments and give you new ideas for growth, like a new market niche, a unique product feature, or an innovative service model that sets you apart from the competition. (12:02)Win the right game. Take time to reflect on what success truly means to you. Then, create your own success metrics based on your values and goals. For instance, if community impact is vital to you, measure success by the difference you make in other people's lives rather than just your profits. (18:05)Be your own leader first. Before leading others, ensure you are effectively leading your own life. This includes maintaining a healthy work-life balance, nurturing personal relationships, and committing to personal growth and self-improvement. (22:29)Work on your mindset. The right mindset attracts the right network and invites new opportunities. Develop and nurture a growth mindset to set the stage for positive outcomes and the right opportunities that resonate deeply with your aspirations. (41:44)Justin’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“If you have the right mindset, it attracts the right network, and then that network creates the right opportunities for you.” (42:01)Get Justin’s Map of EQ and IQConnect with Justin:XInstagramLinkedInResources Mentioned:Join BrEpic NetworkRead Epic Life by Justin BreenKolbeGallup Clifton StrengthfindersThe EnneagramWorking GeniusGood to Great by Jim CollinsBuilt to Last by Jim CollinsThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinXWebsiteAffiliate 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. 

Most entrepreneurs aim to increase productivity. Yet, we often fall for unsustainable practices that promise quick results but falter in the long run. To help you overcome it, the biohacking expert Tanessa Shears, introduces a game-changing approach. As a productivity coach and health consultant, she’s mastered the art of sustainable self-improvement. In this episode, she and A.J. dive deep into the secrets to making small, impactful changes that will help you boost your daily output and significantly enhance your quality of life for the long haul.About Tanessa ShearsTanessa Shears is a visionary in the field of health optimization for increased productivity. With a background in biohacking and health science, she has dedicated her career to helping entrepreneurs and busy professionals fine-tune their health so they can unlock their true potential. Through her “Becoming Limitless” podcast and comprehensive coaching programs, Tanessa demystifies the biohacking process and provides practical, actionable guidance for those looking to elevate their productivity without sacrificing their well-being.Key Insights:Prioritize your health for optimal performance. Your physical and mental health are the foundations of your productivity. Make time for regular exercise, adequate sleep, and nutritional foods to ensure your performance is peak. When you're in good health, you're more focused, energized, and ready to tackle any challenge your business may face. Healthy entrepreneurs foster healthy businesses. (03:51)Create sustainable practices that work for you. Avoid the allure of quick fixes because they’re not sustainable; instead, focus on practices you can maintain over the long term. As an entrepreneur, maintaining sustainable practices means you will be better equipped to manage the constant change and challenges that come with running a business, leading to improved personal resilience and long-term business success. (10:49)Find the root cause of your productivity blocks. Identify underlying issues—whether they’re emotional, environmental, or related to your health—and tackle them head-on. For instance, this might mean decluttering your workspace or addressing time management problems. This is how you can significantly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness, creating a smoother path toward achieving your goals and supporting sustainable growth. (18:35)Be consistent. Consistency breeds habit. Choose your productivity strategies and stick with them. It’s consistency, not intensity, that leads to enduring changes and improvements in your work output and quality. (20:26)Take care of your brain. Invest in activities that sharpen your cognitive abilities because, as an entrepreneur, you rely heavily on your mental acuity for decision-making, problem-solving, and vision-setting. You can do this by taking breaks to avoid burnout or learning new skills to stimulate the brain. (26:54)Learn to recognize your limits. Pushing beyond your limits can lead to burnout because it exhausts your mental and physical stamina, which are critical for maintaining the consistent and high-level performance required in entrepreneurship. Learn to set boundaries for your work and respect your need for rest and recreation. It's crucial to understand that taking a break or saying no can actually increase productivity in the long run. (30:38)Tanessa’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“I want to know that when I look back on this entrepreneurial journey, that I felt great the whole time, and I wasn't putting off my life, my energy, and my health for some arbitrary goal that I kept pushing into the future.” (04:28)Connect with Tanessa:LinkedInInstagramFacebookPersonal WebsiteResources Mentioned:Entrepreneur's Playbook: 12 Ways to Biohack Your EnergyFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinXWebsite

Discover the fascinating journey of Kanessa Muluneh as she navigates the complexities of entering and thriving in African markets with her brand Mulu. Gain insights into her innovative strategies, challenges faced, and the unique opportunities presented by this vibrant market. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on expanding business horizons!Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures

Standing out in business isn’t just about what you sell but how you create customer value. Rylee Meek, the seasoned entrepreneur from King's Council, knows this all too well. Today, he joins A.J. to discuss his strategies for maximizing customer value, making a real difference for your customers, and operating within your intended purpose. About Rylee MeekRylee Meek is an acclaimed entrepreneur and business advisor known for his expertise in sales conversions and innovative business approach. He made a name for himself by changing how marketing is done, especially through dinner seminars and direct mail, a method called the Social Dynamic Selling System. This system uses a personal touch and ensures people find value in the products they buy. He’s also the host of King's Council Coaching, which helps people level up in faith, business, and life.Over the years, Rylee has helped many businesses connect better with their customers and increase sales. Today, he is a popular speaker and consultant, offering valuable advice to businesses on how to grow and be more effective in selling their products.Key Insights:Create value, extract, repeat. Building value for your customers is a two-way street. First, make something valuable that your customers will really like. Then, once they love it, find a way for it to benefit you too. For example, you can implement a subscription model for your service to ensure steady revenue or, if you have a product, encourage happy customers to spread the word. It's important to keep repeating this process, constantly creating and sharing value in this beneficial cycle. (02:47)   Figure out what your customers want. Spend time understanding exactly what makes your customers happy. The better you know what they want, the easier it will be to provide it. Use market research, customer feedback, surveys, and data analysis to uncover your customers' desires and keep those insights front and center of your strategy. (12:20)Get creative. Don't be afraid to think outside the box when making your products or services. Embrace brainstorming sessions, encourage creative thinking in your team, and don't shy away from unconventional ideas. This kind of creativity can help you maximize customer value and can lead to unique, stand-out products that capture their attention. (21:27)Find your purpose. Knowing why you're doing what you're doing is super important for both your business and life. It’s your purpose that will keep you going when things get tough and help guide your decisions. When you align your actions with your purpose, you're more likely to lead a life filled with passion, achievement, and fulfillment. (42:41)Never stop growing. There’s always room to get better. Keep learning, adapting, and growing. The world changes fast, and staying ahead means constantly improving what you do and how you do it. A growth mindset opens you to unlimited potential, leading to a more impactful life and business. (49:21)Rylee’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“It's so fun to just build things for the benefit of others and then get rewarded for it. That's the beauty of this entrepreneurship journey.” (03:08)Get “Food for Thought” by Rylee MeekConnect with Rylee:InstagramLinkedInXPersonal WebsiteResources Mentioned:Social Dynamic SellingKing’s CouncilKing's Council PodcastFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinXWebsiteAffiliate 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 how leveraging AI can revolutionize productivity, streamline tasks, and empower entrepreneurs to scale their businesses effectively. Tune in to explore the transformative potential of AI in simplifying operations and driving sustainable growth.Listen to the full episode here - https://beyond8figures.com/podcast-episodes/Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Beyond8Figures

Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, but it doesn't have to be. You can achieve so much more with business collaboration and support from others. So this week, Tanya Alvarez of OwnersUp sits down with A.J. to chat about the importance of community building for entrepreneurs and how she’s helping owners to team up and scale faster. They go into the details of finding the right network, keeping each other in check, and growing faster together.About Tanya AlvarezTanya Alvarez is the founder of OwnersUp, a platform revolutionizing how service-based founders scale their businesses. She’s a Miami native with Colombian heritage who built a 7-figure ad agency (Blink Ads) from scratch at just 25. But Tanya found her entrepreneurial journey isolating and overwhelming, which motivated her to create OwnersUp. Now, she helps other successful business owners to collaborate, share challenges, and hold each other accountable. Beyond her business successes, Tanya is a proud parent and a seasoned marathoner, having completed the Boston, NYC, and a Half Ironman marathons despite living with a rare bone condition. She’s also an avid traveler who has visited over 42 countries and loves learning about other cultures.Key Insights:Build your support network. Start by actively seeking out communities of fellow entrepreneurs, both online and offline. Don't just network—seek genuine connections where you can both offer and receive support and guidance. That’s how you’ll build a strong support system that will help you thrive personally and grow professionally. (01:57)Not every opportunity is worth pursuing. Create a system to evaluate new opportunities that come your way so that you’re not distracted by shiny new objects and lose focus from the bigger picture. This can be a checklist of criteria or a monthly review with your mentor or even a peer group. This process will help you assess if an idea is worth pursuing and help you stay focused on what truly matters for your business. (14:27)Use business collaboration for accountability. As an entrepreneur, partnering with a like-minded individual or joining a business-focused group can keep you accountable. This involves sharing your goals, tracking your progress, and tackling any setbacks together. Regular check-ins inspire motivation, helping you stay committed to your entrepreneurial vision. (15:42)Establish a routine that works for you. Schedule weekly planning sessions to reflect on your personal and business goals. Use this time to adjust your workload and plan future activities, but also incorporate time for rest and personal interests. This routine will help you ensure you’re headed in a good direction with your business but, at the same time, keep you grounded and balanced in all aspects of your life. (20:34)Decide what success means to you. Take the time to define success for yourself, considering both your personal and business values. Once you are clear on that, let these ideas help you make decisions for your business that align with these values, moving steadily toward your vision of success. (30:49)Tanya’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Entrepreneurs are always looking into, like business growth, profit… But what about yourself? Your own well-being? Who keeps you in check on that?” (05:17)Connect with Tanya:LinkedInInstagramOwnersUp WebsiteResources Mentioned:Benjamin Franklin’s Daily RoutineFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinXWebsite

Successful entrepreneurs, like our guest Jon Matzner, realize the power of stepping outside their local bounds to find and leverage global talent. Today, Jon sits down with A.J. to discuss how venturing beyond local boundaries can give your business a massive advantage at home. They also talk about Jon's experiences living and working abroad, his transition from government to Main Street business, and his approach to creating leverage in his businesses.About Jon MatznerJon Matzner is an accomplished business leader and former national security professional who divides his time between Dubai, UAE, and San Diego, California. With a rich background in government service—specifically in counter-terrorism and non-proliferation strategies—Jon brings a global perspective to his business pursuits. Since transitioning from the public sector, he has launched, acquired, and sold several businesses, demonstrating his passion for entrepreneurship through acquisition. Jon focuses on improving businesses by hiring top talent from abroad. He aims to modernize traditional industries using AI and help from workers from around the world. He also shares his insights and experiences through his free newsletter, 'Lazy Leverage,' and his X profile.Key Insights:Keep reinventing yourself. Whether it's learning a new skill or just finding a different approach to everyday tasks, self-improvement is key for every individual. But this also has a positive impact on your business. When you're learning and growing, you bring new perspectives and solutions to your work. This ultimately leads to innovative products, better services, and more efficient processes.Choose high-return business opportunities. Jon suggests prioritizing high-leverage activities like creating scalable systems or automating processes if you want to multiply your returns over time. This will ultimately give you more time to focus on your other ventures or priorities in life but still keep your business running smoothly.Always start with the problem. Instead of obsessing over groundbreaking ideas, focus on identifying a problem that your customers have. Do this through customer surveys, market research, social media, or competitor analysis to get to the core problems of your audience. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating a product or service without a clear audience or purpose. Build a global team. People from different backgrounds tend to approach problems and challenges uniquely. They can bring diverse and creative solutions to the table, which helps your business stay innovative. This diversity also makes your business more agile and gives you a substantial competitive advantage in your local market.Build your media leverage. Grow your brand by being active on social media, running a value-packed blog, sending out interesting newsletters, and creating other types of content. These tools can help increase your visibility, position you as an industry expert, and ultimately ensure you’re never out of work.Jon’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“I don't think of this as outsourcing. Outsourcing implies that you're throwing it over the fence, and it's no longer a part of your company. [...] No, this isn't outsourcing; this is building a global team.”Connect with Jon:XLinkedInResources Mentioned:Lazy Leverage NewsletterBuy Back Your Time by Dan MartellFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsiteAffiliate 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.

There’s one crucial ingredient that sets successful business owners apart from the rest: their unstoppable entrepreneurial mindset. And our today’s guest is the perfect example of that. Join Paola Telfer of Sens.ai and A.J. as they discuss tips for maintaining focus and mental acuity even in the face of challenges. Drawing from personal experience and her work building a cutting-edge business focused on brain health, Paola talks about the importance of aligning values, embracing continuous learning, and fostering genuine connections with business partners.About Paola TelferPaola Telfer is the CEO and Founder of Sens.ai, a company at the forefront of optimizing brain health and wellness. As an avid explorer of neuroscience, consciousness development, and peak states, Paola is passionate about creating tech-forward and accessible solutions for busy professionals. She aims to bring a holistic approach to wellness by combining technological innovation and meditative principles.Paola's life took a pivotal turn during recovery from an accident, igniting her passion for neurotechnology. Today, she balances her leadership role at Sens.ai with her love for outdoor activities and family life. She epitomizes success through her dedication to enriching lives and embracing life's joys.Key Insights:Communicate openly with your business partners. Honest and open communication builds trust and improves teamwork. This kind of relationship helps you achieve your shared goals but also solve problems when they arise more efficiently, which is a win-win for partnerships. (05:07)Stay humble. Being humble is important for entrepreneurs. It helps you grow by allowing you to see and seize more opportunities for growing your business. Also, everyone prefers working with people who are transparent, so you’ll always get much more out of being humble than pretending you have all the answers. (09:36)Keep your brand messaging authentic. Stay true to your values if you want your customers to trust you. People can tell when a brand is authentic and not just after money or trends. So, this authenticity in your messaging will attract and retain customers who share similar values, ultimately building a loyal community around your brand. (11:22)Recognize the transformative power of mindset. Paola found that by clearing her mind, she could think better at work and be more peaceful at home. This is something you can achieve as well. Start with a regular self-care routine and try simple activities like meditation and deep breathing. They can help you be more present, reduce stress, and sharpen your focus. (21:22)Align your business with your core values. This alignment creates a business culture and brand identity based on what you truly believe in. It helps you connect with customers and employees, build a good brand reputation, and make your company stand out from competitors. (38:38)Paola’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Life just throws things at you. And the best you can hope is that you've built some resilience, you have some wisdom, and you have a support structure around you.” (15:06)Connect with Paola:LinkedInXInstagramResources Mentioned:Sens.ai WebsiteSens.ai BlogSens.ai InstagramFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsiteAffiliate 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. 

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:Implement the right framework for success in joint venture partnerships. This helps avoid chaos and makes collaborations more fruitful. So, begin by mapping out your goals and building a structured process that captures every aspect of the cooperation. This will lead to increased productivity and ensure both sides benefit from the partnership. (04:25)Prioritize long-term relationships over short-term interactions. Investing your time in building trust and working towards mutual benefit with your partners will create a better foundation for growth than short-term initiatives. This will create more value over time for both sides and foster a growth-focused environment for joint venture partnerships. (12:11)Partner with those who serve your ideal clients. This cooperation enables you to present your value proposition to a pre-qualified audience and improves the potential for a successful partnership. (17:51)Align with partners who amplify your message. When both of you push the same message out into the world, it reaches more people, sounds more convincing, and helps your joint venture partnership be a big success. This alignment ultimately leads to stronger brand recognition and a wider customer base, driving substantial growth and profitability for both partners in the joint venture. (21:44)Balance personal life with business ambitions. Prioritize your personal life and aim to build your business around it if you want to be really fulfilled with your life/work balance. This means building systems that support your family life, well-being, and overall life satisfaction, such as remote work options, flexible hours, or delegating tasks, for instance. (29:45)Diversify your leads. This not only mitigates risk but allows you to tap into various pools of potential clients, increasing overall market reach and brand awareness. You can strengthen your current position this way but also futureproof your business. (33:39)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)Connect with Charles:LinkedInFacebookPersonal WebsiteResources Mentioned:Get Special Access to Charles’ MastermindFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

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:Embrace your struggles. The challenges in your life make who you are. They mold your character and shape your journey towards success. Remember, adversity often leads to perseverance and resilience. So, use these as opportunities to become stronger, wiser, and more resilient. (03:03)Balance entrepreneurship with health. As Sam points out, you need to respect and nurture your well-being as much as your work. Otherwise, the unchecked scales can tip and lead you away from your goals. You can strike a balance between your health and work through responsible long-term planning, leading to not just a successful business but a fulfilling life. (09:38)Stay consistent. Consistent efforts, even when they’re small, can yield big results over time. This goes for both your business and personal health goals. Consistency may seem difficult to maintain, but start by committing to it and making it a habit. Try sticking to a routine, even if it's a simple morning ritual, until it becomes an inherent pattern. (16:00)Support your franchisees. If you are a franchisor, your relationship with your franchisees extends beyond business. Acting as a mentor, offering them the tools and support they need, can help them to thrive. Your franchisees' success is inherently linked to your own. (20:34)Practice what you preach. Living by this principle ensures integrity and credibility. Regularly check on the progress towards planned tasks while sticking to the values and standards you expect of others. Your actions speak louder than words, so make sure they align with the commitments and objectives you set out. (24:12)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)Connect with Sam:LinkedInInstagramFacebookPersonal WebsiteResources Mentioned:LiquividaFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

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:Start with an exit in mind. Having a clear exit strategy from the get-go can shape your decision-making process to align with that goal. This is important because it helps prepare your company for sale in advance, identify the best course of action, and ease the transition when the time comes. (10:06)Stay accountable with the help of private equity investors. If you opt for private equity, you can count on investors interested in your company’s growth and profitability to keep you accountable. This can help you remain committed to your plans, exceed your performance indicators, and continuously seek ways to add value or drive growth in your venture. (16:58)Diversify your income. The future is unpredictable, and income diversification is your ultimate safety net. Cultivating various income sources can secure your business’ financial future against market volatility or unexpected events but also even out risks and provide a more stable and consistent earnings flow. (34:50)Always keep growing. No matter what stage your business is at, investing time and effort into expanding your skill set can open doors to new opportunities and innovations. Constant education and self-improvement can give you a competitive edge, help you adapt to changes, and drive personal and professional development. (44:22)Choose the right platform. Using the right marketing channels is key to scaling your business. For example, for B2B enterprises, LinkedIn could be a goldmine of professional connections, while consumer-focused brands may succeed more on visually-driven platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Choose the platform that aligns with your business goals and audience to maximize growth opportunities. (47:44)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)Connect with Adam:LinkedInTwitterResources Mentioned:The Private Equity Playbook by Adam CoffeyPersonal WebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsiteAffiliate 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/videosConnect with Renee: LinkedInTwitter

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.Key Insights:Define your ‘why’. Knowing why you do what you do is crucial for building a purpose-driven business. This understanding inspires and motivates both you and your team and effectively communicates your brand's essence to your audience. (04:25)Align your business with your passions. Doing what you love can lead not only to personal satisfaction but also to business success. When passion drives your projects, it creates a genuine connection with your team and customers. You get the best of both worlds - personal fulfillment and professional growth. (08:32)Play to your strengths. The better you understand yourself, the better equipped you'll be to bring the best out of you in your business. Focus on skills that come naturally to you, and strategically delegate roles and responsibilities in a way that supports your strengths. This will help you maximize efficacy, generate innovative solutions, and advance your business. (15:20)Consistency is crucial. Whether it's the release date of your podcast or the topics you cover, maintaining regularity is key. Consistency builds trust with your audience, resulting in strong relationships and a stronger brand presence. It’s the best way to establish your brand as a reliable thought leader in the industry. (19:47)Stay focused on your core purpose. With so many different marketing hacks and new trends coming up every day, it can be easy to get caught up in them and lose sight of the bigger picture. However, it's essential to remember and stay connected to your core purpose. This will create a stable foundation that will keep your business grounded and consistent, ultimately helping you achieve your goals. (20:27)Chloë’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“The more you can understand about you and how you function and how you can bring out the best in yourself and the people around you, the better the impact you can have.” (15:48)Connect with Chloë:LinkedInTwitterInstagramResources Mentioned:eCommerce MasterPlan PodcastKeep Optimising PodcastEntrepreneur on Fire PodcasteCommerce TechQuiet by Susan CainFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsiteAffiliate 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 InsightsMake the most out of your team’s capabilities. Leverage the unique skills and expertise of your team. When you invest in developing and expanding their skill sets, you boost your business's tactical adaptability. This makes you more equipped to adapt in the face of changes, keeping you at the forefront of your industry's curve. (05:34)Balance autonomy and direction. While giving your team autonomy is key, it's equally important to provide strategic direction. The right balance between the two can improve productivity and bring fresh ideas while moving towards the same business goals. This helps your team be happier, perform better, and feel more motivated. (08:33)Reduce the downs in your business. Every business experiences peaks and downs. However, consistently striving to reduce those downs can strengthen your business and make it more resilient. This involves proactive risk management, where you identify potential problem areas, analyze their impact, and take measures to prevent or reduce their occurrence. (14:56)Build a strong acquisition channel. A strong customer acquisition channel ensures a constant influx of potential customers, allowing businesses to focus on delivering quality products and services without fear of losing current customers. Instead of limiting yourself to one method, use multiple platforms to widen your reach and secure your customer base. (23:23)Find a good balance between life and work. While professional accomplishments are important, they should never override the value of personal well-being. So, aim to find the right balance between work and personal life to avoid burnout and feel more fulfilled. (31:45)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)Connect with Phil:LinkedInTwitterPersonal WebsiteResources Mentioned:DevSquadDevStatsFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsite

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/videosConnect with Philip: LinkedInTwitterInstagram

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 InsightsCreate a community around your product. Your product draws customers in, but the sense of community and connection fosters long-term loyalty and engagement. Aim to build a supportive environment by creating meaningful, value-centered engagements through regular interactions, customer appreciation, or active participation in community initiatives. (06:34)Speak your customers’ language. Use the common language of your customers so that you can cultivate a deeper connection with them and build a supportive community around your brand. This will drive the expansion and sustained growth of your business franchise. (09:49)Lead by example. When leaders live the values they preach, it inspires their employees, reinforcing the company's culture and strengthening the organization as a whole. So, live your values, inspire people through actions, and cultivate a work culture that mirrors your brand's ethos. (13:18) Keep a clear vision. Business growth requires clarity that aligns with your goals and objectives. This creates direction and minimizes potential risks or missteps during the expansion phase. It ensures your business continues on the correct path and helps with decision-making, planning, and strategizing for successful growth. (26:17)Stay focused. Focus on your main operations and avoid distractions that may hamper growth, compromise product or service quality, and lead to unexpected challenges. Stay focused on primary goals, ensuring every step aligns with your overall mission for effective and efficient scaling. (38:35)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)Connect with Devan:LinkedInYouTubeInstagramResources Mentioned:Burn Boot CampEntrepreneurial Operating System by Gino WickmanWhat the Heck Is EOS? by Gino WickmanTraction by Gino WickmanThe 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires by Brian TracyScaling Up by Verne HarnishMeasure What Matters by John Doerr and Larry PageThe E-Myth Revisited by Michael GerberFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedinTwitterWebsiteAffiliate 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