Business Lunch

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch with your host Roland Frasier. In today’s episode, we delve into the current state of the luxury market, discussing its decline, consumer behavior changes, and implications for businesses. We examine factors like the pandemic's impact, Gen Z's preferences, and economic realities reshaping luxury consumerism. Join us as we explore what this means for the future of high-end brands and consumer experiences.Highlights:"Luxury is hurting; it's an indication of recession.""Brands like Louis Vuitton made the mistake that Nike made with drop culture.""The luxury brands are living in inflationary times of 2021-2022, not aligning with today's economic reality.""If you are truly luxury, you can charge luxury prices, but the market has to agree that you are luxury."Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Luxury Market Trends01:48 - Decline of Luxury and Economic Indicators03:09 - Gen Z's Impact on Luxury Brands 04:39 - Pandemic Effects on Consumer Choices 06:12 - The Lipstick Effect and Consumer Spending 08:13 - Shift in Spending to Experiences Over Goods 10:45 - Real World Luxury Pricing vs. Value Proposition 13:58 - Business Strategies for Adapting to Market Changes 15:17 - Consumer Behavior Lagging Behind Economic Reality 17:53 - The Future of Sit-Down Restaurants and Service Industry 21:20 - Concluding Thoughts on Luxury Market and Business AdaptationCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the intricacies of search marketing versus paid media, exploring how marketing strategies have evolved with technological advancements. They discuss the unpredictability of Google updates, the shift towards social platforms by younger demographics, and the importance of adopting a multi-channel approach in today's digital landscape. Tune in as they share insights on the most effective channels for reaching an audience and why owned media might be more crucial than ever.Highlights:"If you’re starting from scratch with marketing, it’s not search marketing I’d double down on."  "The new model for organic reach should include connection, authenticity, and a surround sound strategy across multiple platforms.""People are looking for authenticity and consistency in the personalities they follow, not just content." "As marketing evolves, the channels that once dominated are being overtaken by more agile, targeted, and engaging mediums." Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: The Current State of Search Marketing 02:52 - The Inefficacy of Traditional Search for Nationwide Businesses 05:03 - Shifting Priorities: Paid Media vs. Organic Search 08:24 - The Impact of AI and Generational Changes on Search Behavior 11:05 - The Importance of Multi-Channel Marketing Strategies 14:00 - Connection and Authenticity in Content Marketing 17:00 - Discussing Owned Media and Its Advantages Over Organic Search 20:21 - User Experience and the Shift Away from Traditional Search 23:18 - Reddit as an Emerging Search Platform 26:28 - The Role of Specialized Sites and Social Groups in Niche Searches 27:24 - Conclusion: Future Outlook on Search MarketingCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, we sit down with Craig Siegel, a former Wall Street professional turned motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Craig shares his transformative journey from financial trading to finding fulfillment in helping others achieve their potential through personal development and entrepreneurship. Tune in to discover how Craig's experiences and insights can inspire you to reinvent your career and align your professional life with your personal values.Highlights:"Success is more than just making money; it's about finding your purpose and sharing your unique gifts with the world.""I believe once you have the willingness and step into discomfort, that could be your portal to expansion.""If you can look up, then you can get up, even if you're in the darkest valleys.""Playing small is canceled. Consider what else is possible and how."Timestamps:00:51 - Introduction 02:06 - Craig's Transition from Wall Street to Entrepreneurship04:09 - The Initial Draw to Financial Trading05:42 - The Concept of Reinvention Based on Personal Experiences09:45 - Addressing Limiting Beliefs14:57 - Moments of Doubt and Personal Challenges20:00 - Surprising Personal Discoveries During Reinvention22:17 - Common Skepticisms and Misbeliefs26:56 - Upcoming Marathon and Personal Goals29:36 - How to Connect with Craig and Learn More About His WorkCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In today’s episode, we dive into the latest strategic shift at Starbucks, where the company is moving away from discounts and back towards a premium coffee house model. Roland and Ryan discuss the potential challenges of this move, comparing it to similar strategies seen in companies like Domino's and Target. Can Starbucks reclaim its reputation as a high-end coffee brand, or will it fall into the same traps that have plagued many businesses trying to shift positioning?Highlights:"Starbucks went from premium to discount—can they bring back the coffee house vibe?""Discounts attracted the wrong customers—Starbucks is now ready to ditch that approach.""The challenge is, can Starbucks be both premium and everywhere?""Loyalty, not discounts—that's the new Starbucks strategy."Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Starbucks’ Discount Dilemma01:09 - Shift to Online and App Ordering: A Retailer in Disguise04:44 - Problem with Discounts: Attracting the Wrong Crowd05:50 - A Return to Premium: Starbucks’ New Strategy06:26 - Roland's Take: Discounts vs. Loyalty Programs09:23 - Can Starbucks Gain Premium Positioning Again?12:23 - Case Study: How Domino’s Pizza Made Its Comeback15:00 - The Third Place: Rebuilding the Coffee House Vibe16:15 - How Brands Lose Their Way: Insights for Business Owners21:31 - Predictions: Will Starbucks Stick to Its Plan?CONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉 https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok: / rolandfrasier 📸 Instagram: / rolandfrasier 📱 Facebook: / rolandfrasierpage 💼 LinkedIn: / rolandfrasier Subscribe to Roland Frasier 👉 / @rolandfrasierepic Mentioned in this episode:Get Roland's Training on Acquiring Businesses!Discover The EXACT Strategy Roland Has Used To Found, Acquire, Scale And Sell Over Two Dozen Businesses With Sales Ranging From $3 Million To Just Under $4 Billion! EPIC Training

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this session, hosts Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the nuances of building a cohesive leadership team, the importance of clarity days, and the role of personality tests in enhancing team dynamics. They explore strategic exercises that foster better communication and trust among team members. This discussion is packed with actionable advice on handling conflict, aligning team goals, and the significance of understanding individual communication styles within a team.Highlights:"The key is just as a leadership team, you're talking about stuff.""If you haven't done the five dysfunctions, highly recommend it.""Consensus kills because it's everybody basically creating what they call artificial harmony.""Giving people the benefit of the doubt and you will have a happier life and better relationships."Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Clarity Days and Team Building01:26 - Roland's Hectic Schedule and the Importance of Team Facilitation04:16 - Insights on Personality Tests and Team Dynamics06:36 - The Concept of Clarity Day Explained10:11 - When to Initiate Leadership Exercises in a Company13:24 - The Importance of Asking the Right Questions to Co-founders17:32 - The Role of the CEO in Decision Making and Conflict Resolution20:04 - Building Trust and Understanding within Leadership Teams22:57 - The Importance of Regular Team Meetings and Personal Connections27:29 - The Impact of Personal Wins and Team CohesionCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  a...

Welcome to another episode of Business Lunch! In today’s episode, Roland and Ryan discuss the key differences between building a business for cash flow versus building it for a large exit. They dive deep into whether these two approaches are mutually exclusive, especially for bootstrapped businesses versus those with VC funding. If you’re wondering how to maximize cash flow while preparing for an exit or striking the right balance between reinvesting and taking money out of the business, this episode is packed with insights to guide your decisions.Highlights:“If you’re bootstrapped, you have a lot more flexibility than if you’re funded.”“A healthy business kicks out large amounts of distributable cash regularly.”“Cash left in a company can lead to bloat and actually slow down growth.”“Exits aren’t always what you anticipate—there’s a lot more to the story.”Timestamps:00:36 – Introduction 00:55 – Can you build a business for both cash flow and exit?01:57 – Insights into the path you pick when seeking VC funding03:45 – Bootstrapped businesses and the flexibility they offer09:19 – How excess cash in businesses can lead to bloat11:35 – Cash flow management strategies: cash flow waterfall and budgeting12:34 – How VC-backed businesses affect the path to an exit14:06 – Building reserves for refunds and emergencies in cash-flow businesses16:20 – Getting regular distributions VS waiting for a big exit18:54 – ConclusionCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  a...

Welcome to a new episode of the Business Lunch podcast! In this episode, hosts Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the complexities of hiring for executive leadership roles, particularly when you're unfamiliar with the specific function of the role. They discuss practical strategies for identifying and recruiting top talent, leveraging both traditional search firms and AI tools to define roles and refine hiring processes. Whether you're scaling up your business or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights into making strategic hires that align with your company's growth objectives.Highlights:"If you achieve any level of scale, you're going to have to hire people that are truly exceptional at those functional roles that you're not good at." "The very first thing is to determine what is the actual need in the organization and then document what does the person who is going to fill the need look like." "A good search firm is going to help you significantly."  "You need to tap an outside expert if you don't know anything about the role." Timestamps:00:01 - Introduction to Executive Hiring Challenges01:01 - Welcome and Recap of Recent Activities01:17 - Post-Event Fatigue and Personal Anecdotes02:02 - Challenges of Attending a Music Festival Post-Business Event03:59 - Transition from Personal Recap to Business Discussions05:11 - Detailed Discussion on Hiring for Unknown Roles08:09 - Identifying Business Needs and Role Requirements11:18 - The Value of Leveraging Search Firms and AI in Hiring15:00 - Discussing Cultural Fit and Defining the Hiring Process20:00 - Effective Interview Techniques and Utilizing AI for QuestioningCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  a...

Welcome to a New Episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, the hosts dive deep into what it means to live intentionally and avoid the most common regrets people face in life. From financial planning to life planning, they explore powerful questions like "What would you do if you had only 5 years left to live?" They also discuss the idea of balancing work with family, the importance of agency over your life, and how to create a legacy you can be proud of. Tune in to learn how to live with purpose and avoid looking back with regret.Highlights:"Are you living the life you want, or the one others expect?""Money should serve you, not the other way around.""Happiness is a choice, but too many people forget that.""If today was your last day, how would you spend it?"Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and reflections on intentional living.02:39 – Discussing the dangers of low agency and a life spent on autopilot.04:51 – Reflection on life planning and the importance of pursuing passions.09:06 – Question 1: "What would you do if you were set for life financially?"16:55 – Question 2: "How would you live if you had 5-10 years left?"24:08 – Question 3: "What would you do if you had only 24 hours left to live?"28:36 – Exploring financial planning vs. life planning: Living with purpose.31:14 – Reflecting on legacy and how to avoid common life regrets.34:27 – Making financial decisions with the end in mind.37:58 – Closing thoughts on living a balanced life and avoiding regret.CONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! Today, we dive into the intriguing dynamics between being in 'founder mode' and 'manager mode' within a business. Our hosts, Ryan Deiss and Roland Frasier, engage in a rich discussion about the challenges and strategies of balancing hands-on leadership with the necessity of delegation as companies scale. They explore insights inspired by Paul Graham's article on 'founder mode' and share real-world experiences that highlight the importance of a hybrid approach to management and leadership.Highlights:"This is not a problem to be solved, this is a tension that needs to be managed." "Nobody cares as much about the company as the founder that created it." "A good founder is a coach to the people they are mentoring." "If you implement just one or two key insights from any of our sessions into your business, you are bound to see a return on investment much higher than what we could ever charge for admission." Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 04:26 - The scalability and the practicality of a hybrid management mode07:25 - Maintaining company culture and the dangers of founder dependency09:34 - The cyclic needs of a business from founder and manager perspectives12:45 - Shifting from manager to founder mode16:36 - Micromanagement VS empowering employees19:15 - The concept and application of skip-level meetings23:26 - When and how to conduct skip-level meetings effectively27:11 - Avoiding common pitfalls during skip-level meetings29:00 - Final thoughtsCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, hosts Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the nuances of deal-making. They dissect a real-life business deal they're considering, discussing everything from potential conflicts with partners and how to handle equity distribution to the importance of strategic alignment in business ventures. Join them as they provide valuable insights that can help any business owner or entrepreneur looking to expand through acquisitions or partnerships.Highlights:"Opportunities to grow your business come in many forms, whether through acquisition or strategic partnerships." "The potential conflicts and complexities in deals are what make discussing them so beneficial.""Handling equity and understanding everyone's value add is crucial in any business deal.""Every deal has its own challenges and alignment issues, especially when multiple partners are involved."Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:58 - Setting the Stage04:09 - Analyzing Deal Conflicts08:11 - Strategic Alignments12:01 - Discussing Partner Contributions17:06 - Equity and Value Discussions22:30 - Practical Examples28:06 - Full-Time Commitment Challenges34:49 - Closing the Deal40:07 - Reflecting on the Deal's ComplexityCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  / rolandfrasier  📱 Facebook:a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the critical role that metrics and scorecards play in managing and growing a business. They explore common pitfalls, such as tracking vanity metrics or setting unclear targets, and share insights on how to build a scorecard system that aligns with your business goals. By keeping it simple and actionable, they reveal how businesses can avoid overwhelm and achieve growth, all while holding teams accountable and driving performance. Whether you’re managing affiliates or refining sales processes, this episode offers practical, hands-on advice.Highlights:"Tracking vanity metrics is like driving with the wrong map—you’ll never reach your destination.""A great scorecard isn’t just about data; it’s about telling the story of your business.""A scorecard that’s always red is a clear signal: something needs to change.""Keep it simple: The fewer metrics you track, the clearer your business story becomes."Timestamps:00:00 - Tracking the right vs. wrong metrics01:13 - Ryan's water fast experience and its connection to reset habits03:48 - The impact of water fasting on health and mindset07:25 - The importance of downtime for leaders10:10 - The negative effects of tracking the wrong metrics13:30 - The challenges of onboarding affiliates19:11 - Avoiding common scorecard mistakes21:25 - Simplifying the scorecard-building process27:28 - The main purpose of scorecards 31:35 - Resources for building effective CEO scorecards CONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch with your host, Roland Frasier, featuring guests John and Maria Assaraf. Today, we explore the shift from knowledge-based to wisdom-based roles in the workplace, emphasizing the growing appreciation for experience in a tech-heavy environment. We'll discuss the dynamics of younger bosses leading more experienced employees and share strategies for fostering a culture of mutual learning and mentorship across generations.Highlights:"It is truly amazing what can happen when you step out of the day-to-day and spend just a little bit of time surrounded by other powerful business owners.""Physiologically, 60 may be the new 40, but when it comes to power in the modern workplace, 30 is the new 50.""We need actual wisdom around so the pendulum in some organizations is shifting back.""We're equals in learning, and we're equals in getting things done."Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:38 - Wisdom Work vs. Knowledge Work06:50 - Tech and Experience in the Workplace12:52 - Formalizing Mentorship Programs18:52 - Implementing Mentorship Programs25:38 - Hiring and Ageism31:22 - Actionable Steps for the Audience33:53 - ConclusionCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  / rolandfrasier  📱 Facebook:a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland and Ryan dive into the world of networking—something that many dread but is crucial for business success. They discuss the difference between transactional and relational networking, the importance of curiosity, and how to build genuine connections without feeling forced or awkward. You'll hear real-life examples of what works, what doesn’t, and how even self-proclaimed introverts can become great networkers by leading with curiosity and kindness.Highlights:"Good networking isn’t strategic, it’s curious.""The best way to approach networking is from a ‘go first’ mindset.""True networking is about being a good human, not about collecting business cards.""Networking isn’t for sale—don’t cheapen your connections by making them transactional."Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction to Networking02:00 — Why Most People Hate Networking05:10 — Transactional vs. Relational Networking08:20 — Curiosity Over Strategy10:45 — Networking for Introverts14:00 — Creating Opportunities for Others17:15 — The Power of Being Generous20:30 — Building a Trustworthy Network23:45 — Leveraging Super Connectors28:30 — Final Thoughts: Becoming a Great NetworkerCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  / rolandfrasier  📱 Facebook:a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch with Roland Frasier! Today, we have an incredible guest—Sam Khorramian, a visionary entrepreneur and real estate mogul. Sam shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to building a multi-million dollar empire in the real estate industry. This episode is packed with actionable insights on scaling businesses, adopting a millionaire mindset, and leveraging massive action to achieve exponential growth. Sam also dives deep into the mindset shifts that propelled him to success, his biggest lessons in leadership, and how to approach risk and opportunity in business. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the game!Highlights:"Success comes down to taking massive action, not just thinking about it.""You don't need to be the smartest person in the room, just the one willing to work the hardest.""The biggest risk in business is not taking one.""To scale, you must let go of control and trust the process."Timestamps:01:45 - Sam's Early Beginnings05:30 - Taking Massive Action: Sam’s Key to Success08:15 - Millionaire Mindset: How to Think Big12:00 - Overcoming Fear in Business15:45 - Scaling Your Business: Tips from Sam19:20 - Trust and Delegation: Growing a Team23:00 - The Power of Relationships in Business26:45 - Navigating Risk and Opportunity30:10 - Leadership Lessons from Sam34:25 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways from SamCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  / rolandfrasier  📱 Facebook:  / rolandfrasierpage  💼 LinkedIn:a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In today’s enlightening discussion, Roland and Ryan delve into the evolving landscape of private equity, particularly highlighting the transition from financial engineering strategies to valuing effective operations within businesses. They discuss the historical context of private equity transformations, the increasing importance of capable operators in business scalability, and the practical implications for entrepreneurs looking to grow or sell their companies in this competitive environment.Highlights:"Private equity's evolving: It's less about financial maneuvers and more about real growth through effective operations." "In the world of buying and selling businesses, the real stars now are the operators." "If you've got a solid ops team, private equity is going to see that as a huge plus." "We need to focus not just on engineering finances but on actually growing companies." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Private Equity and Business Growth 02:21 - Shifts in Private Equity Focus 04:13 - The Role of Operators in Today's Business Environment 07:24 - Challenges in Finding Valuable Business Deals 11:46 - Validation of New Business Strategies 13:26 - Historical Perspective on Private Equity Strategies 15:34 - Ethical Considerations in Business Acquisitions 18:42 - Competitive Landscape in Private Equity 22:03 - The Need for Effective Business Operations 24:54 - Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Current Market 28:19 - The Importance of Entrepreneurial Skills in Business 32:04 - Hiring Strategies for Growing Businesses CONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier 👉  https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/Connect with me on social:🎵 TikTok:  / rolandfrasier   📸  Instagram:  a...