Inter:views | Cracking The Entrepreneur Bottleneck-logo

Inter:views | Cracking The Entrepreneur Bottleneck

Business & Economics Podcasts

100% of Entrepreneurs will eventually be the bottleneck in their business. Not just once, but several times! The hardest bit? Identifying you're being one. The easy bit? Getting out of it. And that's all about awareness. This podcast is dedicated to getting you unstuck as an entrepreneur. In each episode, I invite seasoned entrepreneurs to speak candidly about how they overcame being the bottleneck in their business. I don't just hype up their success. I ask the questions you want the answers to but wouldn't dare ask! By listening to these episodes, you'll discover what it means to be a bottleneck, how it manifests, and most importantly, how to get out of it. This isn't fluff. We dive deep, get under the hood, and learn what it really takes to blast through the bottlenecks and scale a business. Join me every week; subscribe now. How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Take the Bottleneck Index scorecard to find out https://www.laurentnotin.com/the-bottleneck-index

Location:

Finland

Description:

100% of Entrepreneurs will eventually be the bottleneck in their business. Not just once, but several times! The hardest bit? Identifying you're being one. The easy bit? Getting out of it. And that's all about awareness. This podcast is dedicated to getting you unstuck as an entrepreneur. In each episode, I invite seasoned entrepreneurs to speak candidly about how they overcame being the bottleneck in their business. I don't just hype up their success. I ask the questions you want the answers to but wouldn't dare ask! By listening to these episodes, you'll discover what it means to be a bottleneck, how it manifests, and most importantly, how to get out of it. This isn't fluff. We dive deep, get under the hood, and learn what it really takes to blast through the bottlenecks and scale a business. Join me every week; subscribe now. How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Take the Bottleneck Index scorecard to find out https://www.laurentnotin.com/the-bottleneck-index

Language:

English

Contact:

+3586856601


Episodes

Cracking the Bottleneck of Scaling a Business with Riggs Eckelberry | Ep. 163

3/12/2024
Have you ever faced difficulties scaling your business, even with adequate funding and a strong foundation? If so, you might be experiencing a bottleneck. Reaching the next level often requires significant shifts like mindset changes, new working strategies, or adopting different frameworks. It could also involve taking on a new leadership role or seeking specific training or coaching. All these factors, combined with the challenge of integrating them, can lead to stagnation and become a bottleneck for your business growth. In this episode, we are joined by Riggs Eckelberry, an entrepreneur who successfully navigated and overcame such a bottleneck in his own journey. Riggs Eckelberry, CEO and Chairman of the Board of OriginClear is a seasoned disruptor in the tech industry who transitioned into the "green" space by co-founding OriginClear's predecessor in 2008 and taking it public. Leveraging his background in commercializing breakthrough technologies, including notable successes during the dotcom era, he spearheaded OriginClear's mission to address growing water supply issues by providing compact on-site systems and revolutionary offerings for With experience in management, sailing, and skiing, Eckelberry is dedicated to enabling the water industry to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Tune in. Key Highlights from The Show [03:29] Episode intro and why scaling up is Riggs Eckelberry’s current bottleneck [05:37] Great expectations of a CEO [06:49] Things you can do to put your company in a position that is easy to scale [09:21] The 2018 realization of growing with a team [14:37] The most difficult parts of growing the business [18:04] Riggs’ shift from entrepreneurship to corporate and back to entrepreneurship [23:51] Indicators that you need to shift from entrepreneurship to corporate [28:25] Why Riggs is an entrepreneur [30:16] What Riggs foresees beyond his retirement [33:17] Riggs’ recommendation to entrepreneurs from his years of experience [36:12] Best ways to reach out and connect with Riggs Eckelberry [37:52] Wrap up and calls to action Notable Quotes · Tackling a business bottleneck must start with the entrepreneur. · Scaling a business is an operational bottleneck. · Customer service is driven from a company's top leadership to the bottom. Connect With Riggs Eckelberry Website: https://www.originclear.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riggs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/riggseck/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riggseck/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riggseck/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:38:21

Beyond Bottlenecks: When a Business Outgrows You with Josh Nielsen | Ep. 162

3/5/2024
We all start a business with a goal in mind. Sometimes, it may only be to have enough for you and your family, and other times, it may be to grow it into a prosperous company that will last for generations. In the first case, the entrepreneur could be a solopreneur with few or no plans to delegate some tasks. They become the bottlenecks, handling every aspect of the business. But that could be overturned. What if the business outgrows? What if the demand becomes too enormous than what you currently supply? Would you close the business, chase away clients, and remain at your level? How would you navigate that growth, set new goals, and make readjustments to fit the growth? With so much need for outsourcing and delegation of duties, how will you ensure everything runs smoothly? Join this conversation with Josh Nielsen, who has undergone exact growth with his podcasting company. He has seen the growth, gone through the pain of transition, and grown the company in ways he never imagined. This episode is packed with tips, insights, and valuable information to help you go through the unprecedented growth turbulence in a business. Josh Nielsen founded Zencastr, a company that makes it easier to record high-quality audio for podcast interviewees based anywhere in the world. Before working at Zencastr, Nielsen was a software developer at Missouri Star Quilt Co., co-founded Soundkeep, and led frontend engineer at Mahalo. Tune in. Key Highlights from The Show: [02:58] Josh Nielsen’s journey from a digital nomad to the founder of Zencastr [05:48] What was difficult in transitioning when the company outgrew him [07:19] Big goals with the company [10:33] Key milestones of Josh’s company since he started it as a solopreneur [13:47] The most difficult parts of growing the business [15:39] Josh’s current bottleneck as an entrepreneur [23:40] What he has learned about himself as an entrepreneur [29:56] Josh’s recommendation to entrepreneurs from his experience [31:35] Best ways to reach out and connect with Josh [31:50] Wrap up and calls to action Notable Quotes: · As entrepreneurs, we must constantly evolve with our businesses or risk being left behind by our own success. · Transitioning from handling every aspect to delegating tasks is not just about growth. It is about survival in a competitive market. · The most difficult part of growth is not the demand but the internal adjustments required to meet it effectively. Connect With Josh Nielsen: Website: https://zencastr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshnielsen/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:32:20

Harnessing the True Potential of AI in Business with Garik Tate | Ep. 161

2/27/2024
AI is rapidly changing how we do business, and entrepreneurs stand to benefit immensely from its potential. AI is not something that caught us by surprise. It is an expected trajectory of where we have always been going: a utopic society of more creativity and productivity. Entrepreneurs can apply AI in five key business areas: prospecting, sales, onboarding, HR, and data manipulation. AI can analyze customer data to provide personalized recommendations and targeted advertising, leading to better engagement and conversion rates. It can also provide insights and recommendations, helping you make faster decisions and avoid common pitfalls. In this episode with Garik Tate, we talk about AI and how entrepreneurs can harness its potential for growth, efficiency, and overcoming bottlenecks. Garik makes companies more valuable to institutional buyers and increases profits through AI development/integration, hiring elite talent, and operational automation. With over a decade of experience as a successful entrepreneur, Garik has founded companies spanning Software Development, Outsourcing, and Publishing. Notably, he has led and nurtured organizations and teams of up to 75 employees. Tune in. Key Highlights from The Show [02:21] How entrepreneurs can harness the true essence of AI [04:22] The evolution of AI for over 15 years and Garik’s take on it [05:59] The five key business areas entrepreneurs can apply AI [08:30] Practical examples of how you can use AI for the five areas [13:15] How to personalize AI for your specific business [17:06] Laurent’s reflection on his AI experience [21:56] Why Garik is an entrepreneur [24:12] His most current bottlenecks [30:15] Garik’s recommendation from his experience in AI and entrepreneurship [31:45] Best ways to reach out and connect with Garik [32:25] Wrap up and calls to action Notable Quotes ● AI is a trajectory of where we have always been going—a utopic society of more creativity and productivity. ● Whatever you are looking for, there’s probably an open-source tool out there that you can plug into their API without knowing how to code. ● Prompt engineering is the most current way of training AI to fit your business needs. ● Empowering the teams, letting go, and delegating are the most common bottlenecks among entrepreneurs. ● How we spend our days is how we spend our lives, and life isn’t something that will happen later but something that is happening now. ● Everybody has two lives. The second life starts when you realize that you only have one. Connect With Garik Tate Website: https://www.valhalla.team/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garik-tate/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:33:03

Why Giving Up Makes You the Bottleneck with Ari Tulla | Ep. 160

2/20/2024
Most founders get stuck with bottlenecks when they cannot delegate responsibilities to their team. The satisfaction of labels and not letting the ego go away could be detrimental. You have to let others play the game because, in most cases, the founder is not as skilled as his team of dedicated experts. Entrepreneurs will also always use their networks as a benefit when building something new. However, they never connect their team to these networks, which is still another source of bottleneck. Ari Tulla, who joins us in this episode, shares more of his entrepreneurship journey from age 18 and how he became stronger and never gave up despite the adversities along the journey. He also admits that despite having over 25 years of successful entrepreneurship, he still struggles with finding himself as the bottleneck of his business. Ari Tulla is a San Francisco-based entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Elo, an AI personalisation engine delivering the exact nutrients to live better. After years of family health struggles, Ari has dedicated his life to building companies that help people live better. His companies, BetterDoctor, Quest Analytics, and Elo Health, have helped over a hundred million people gain better access to healthcare. Tune in. Key Highlights from The Show [03:47] A short summary of Ari Tulla’s entrepreneurship journey since 18 years of age [06:02] The US hustle culture of never giving up [08:16] His secret of never giving up on business [13:41] When do you know it’s time to give up on a business [23:03] How his experience working at Nokia was [27:55] Determining the breaking point of a business [31:40] One of Ari’s current entrepreneur bottlenecks [35:45] Why it is not possible to have 100% bottleneck-free business [39:34] Best ways to reach out and connect with Ari [41:32] Wrap up and calls to action Notable Quotes · When you get into adversity and things don’t go your way, the best antidote is just to keep going. · The secret weapon of never giving up in business is your right mindset. · Entrepreneurship is all about mindset. The most successful entrepreneurs are not so because they have better skills. They have a better mindset. · Always use your networks as a benefit when you are building something new. · Leaders are not born; they are made. · Founders become company bottlenecks when they cannot delegate responsibilities to their teams. Connect With Ari Tulla Company’s Website: https://www.elo.health/ Personal Website: https://www.aritulla.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aritulla/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:41:58

Navigating Bottlenecks in Manufacturing with Eli Packouz | Ep. 159

2/12/2024
The core of entrepreneurship is getting out to solve problems through offering services or manufacturing products. And as it goes, no one knows the product better than the manufacturer who has the original idea. This implies that an inventor will most likely become a bottleneck to the manufacturing process. Delegation can be difficult, but with the right mindset and skills, you can grow exponentially. Eli Packouz, who joins us in this episode, reveals his secrets. He advises entrepreneurs to chase only what brings a great impact and delegate what does not to others. He firmly believes that efficiency is based on what you do and what you don’t do. Eli is a serial inventor and two-time founder. In 2013, he and his brother initiated their first venture, Singular Sound, which has introduced eight highly successful products. Collaborating with Dr. Ralf Raud and Dr. Ana Mascarenhas in 2017, Eli embarked on a new project to develop Instafloss, the world's first device designed to floss all teeth automatically within 10 seconds. Following five years of dedicated research and development, Instafloss is poised to revolutionize dental care, aiming to transform smiles across the globe, one tooth at a time. Tune in. Key Highlights from The Show [02:49] What Eli’s bottleneck index score of 38% reveal to him [04:25] The manufacturing process - from an idea to a product [08:01] Heavy manufacturing expenses and ways to seek investments [09:05] How to get your customers excited by your product and even pre-order [12:23] How the dental floss product idea came about [13:52] Why patience is paramount in business [17:50] Prototypes Eli produced before reaching a final product [23:39] Eli’s motivation to become an entrepreneur [24:05] Why do you need to choose only what works and chase after it [28:34] How Eli can use his manufacturing creativity to create a solution to any want [32:36] The most important consideration of an entrepreneur [34:26] Best ways to reach out and connect with Eli [35:20] Wrap up and calls to action Notable Quotes · Choose one that has the highest impact and chase after it. · In manufacturing, products are meant to solve problems. If not, the whole thing collapses. · At the core, an entrepreneur goes out to solve a problem. The success lies in actually solving it. · It’s always possible to change your marketing strategies, learn more, or become a smarter entrepreneur, but changing something you offer is not fundamentally possible. Connect With Eli Packouz Website: https://instafloss.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-packouz-390701149/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:35:49

People-first as a business strategy with Nancy Lyons | Ep. 158

2/6/2024
It might feel crazy not to get involved in every operation of your business, but the more you let go, the better it performs. However, many entrepreneurs struggle with this bottleneck of hoarding and not letting go. Nancy Lyons, who joins us in this episode, has been in business for over 22 years, and her exponential growth happened the moment she stopped being the bottleneck of the business. She shares with us how she managed that setback of letting go, the significant milestones as an effective leader in inspiring her teams to success and shares valuable tips for entrepreneurs. Nancy Lyons has led employees and clients through thousands of business-teams, and work culture challenges. She is the author of "Interactive Project Management" and "Work Like a Boss," which provides a concise guide for individuals, highlighting actions, attitudes, and attributes crucial for improving the workplace for oneself and those around. Nancy's remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades and recognitions, including induction into the National Association of Women Business Owners' MN Hall of Fame, recognition among the "100 People to Know" by Twin Cities Business, and acknowledgment as one of the "101 most influential people in the world of work, management, and career" by Ladder magazine. She has been honored as the "Most Admired CEO" by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and received the "Business Owner of the Year" award from the National Association for Women Business Owners. Tune in. Key Highlights from The Show [03:05] Why Nancy Lyon feels crazy for not being involved fully in her business [05:18] Major bottlenecks she encountered as an entrepreneur and how she managed them [07:08] Entrepreneurship challenges she has faced [10:11] Significant milestones in her 22 years of business [14:52] Nancy's effective communication as the business CEO [18:43] What's next for Nancy in the business career [23:36] Reasons why Nancy became an entrepreneur [29:46] Practical recommendations to other entrepreneurs based on her experience [33:24] Best ways to reach out and connect with Nancy [33:58] Wrap up and calls to action Notable Quotes · Adequate outside funding is critical to getting any product out of the ground. · Success comes from knowing when to say yes or no. The more we narrow down things, the better and more successful we become. · Embrace mistakes and failures. Failure in practice is how you get better. · It might feel crazy to not get involved in every operation of your business, but letting go makes it grow exponentially. Connect With Nancy Lyons Personal Website: https://www.nancylyons.com/ Business: https://www.clockwork.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nylons/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancylyons/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:34:22

The Secrets of Business Growth from 16 Years of Successful Entrepreneurship with Richard Blank | Ep. 157

1/30/2024
A successful business needs consistency and grit from setbacks, letting go of some weights that make you become the bottleneck, embracing change through trials and error while having fun, and not being too hard on yourself. However, most entrepreneurs still need help with this. Studying the data and analyzing the charts to decide which part of the business needs delegation could take much time, or the CEO's ego might be stopping them from letting go of certain weights in the business. In this episode with Richard Blank, he tells us how we can navigate that with his 16+ years of business experience. Richard Blank has been the Chief Executive Officer of Costa Rica’s Call Center since 2008. He holds a bachelor's degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Arizona and a language proficiency certificate from the University of Sevilla, Spain. He is a keynote speaker for Philadelphia's Abington High School 68th National Honors Society induction ceremony. In addition, he was inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame for Business. Giving back to Abington Senior High School is very important to Mr. Blank. As such, he endows a scholarship each year for students who plan on majoring in a world language at the university level. Tune in. Key Highlights from The Show [03:40] Richard Blank & his collection of Pinball machines & antique Rockola Jukeboxes [04:34] Richard’s passion for pinball games [07:04] Bottlenecks in business explained [10:58] Why Richards's Startup sucked [16:35] How he deals with resistance to change in the call center business [19:37] Why letting go was his hardest bottleneck [25:49] Top 3 growth milestones for the growth of his business [33:28] Practical recommendations to other entrepreneurs [39:01] How to reach out and connect with Richard [40:24] Wrap up and calls to action Notable Quotes · Do not be too hard on yourself. · Bottleneck is really about letting go of certain weights in your business. · You are only as good as your options. · When you are vulnerable, you are powerful. Connect With Richard Blank Website: https://costaricascallcenter.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/23284906585 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaricascallcenter/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:41:04

Quit Being the Bottleneck and Experience Massive Growth with Ludwina Dautovic | Ep. 156

1/23/2024
Most startup entrepreneurs are the bottlenecks in their business, handling every task without specialization. Basically, the startup's survival depends on physical and active involvement. But there comes a time when the entrepreneur must pivot beyond the business for it to grow and move to the next level. That could mean going back to the startup phase and setting the foundations right, which could be a tall order but a secret weapon to massive and exponential growth. Ludwina Dautovic, who joins us in this episode, is a practical example of how going back to the basics of entrepreneurship and startup foundations could mean everything. In this episode, she shares how she came to that decision, how she manages the abnormal growth of the business, and some tips and strategies you can apply to your business for your next-level status. She discusses her entrepreneurship journey and the lessons she has learned with over 30 years of experience. Ludwina is the CEO and founder of The Room Xchange, who is passionate about transforming how Australians view housing. Her mission is to utilize the 13.5 million unused bedrooms across Australia, turning dormant spaces into additional income or household help opportunities. This innovative approach has garnered recognition, winning major awards such as Proptech Association Australia and the Wyndham Business Awards. Tune in. Key Highlights from The Show [02:50] Ludwina’s audacious decision to go back to the startup phase [06:03] Ludwina’s main bottleneck today [08:37] Strategies and plans she has in place to manage the super growth [10:15] How Ludwina has coped with working remotely from home for 30 years [12:20] Benefits of working from home [13:35] Rules Ludwina has implemented to work efficiently from home [20:25] Nothing is as urgent as you think it might be [23:38] Insights into why Ludwina became an entrepreneur [26:01] What Ludwina has learned about herself in the business world [35:53] Practical recommendations to other entrepreneurs based on our experience [39:13] How to reach out and connect with Ludwina Dautovic [40:08] Wrap up and calls to action Notable Quotes · In a start-up phase, you are limited in resources and funds depending on what you require to become a revenue-generating business. · There is a time when every startup needs to pivot. Every entrepreneur needs to pivot beyond themselves. · Letting go is one of the most challenging things for entrepreneurs. As painful as it is, it can be the best decision for the business. It is the secret to avoiding being the bottleneck of the business. · The moment you realize your value, you will know why you should not be someone's employee. Connect With Ludwina Dautovic Personal Website: https://ludwinadautovic.com/ Business: https://theroomxchange.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LudwinaDautovicOfficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludwinadautovic/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:40:44

Too Much BS? Communication Strategies For Sustainable Business Growth with Bob Wiltfong &Tim Ito | Ep. 155

1/16/2024
Are you a business owner struggling to market and communicate effectively with your internal team and customers? As an entrepreneur, achieving success extends beyond just knowing the language of your industry, having a great team, and possessing a grand vision to communicate effectively with your team and target audience. Learning how to remove the bottlenecks in your communication and tailoring your message to resonate with your audience is not just a skill but a critical strategy for success in the business landscape. In this episode, Bob Wiltfong and Tim Ito will teach you how to master this art of communication to enhance collaboration and understanding within your team, establish a strong connection with your customers, and create an environment for sustained growth in your business. Bob Wiltfong and Tim Ito are experts in marketing and communication and the authors of The BS Dictionary: Uncovering the Origins & True Meanings of Business Speak. Tune in! Key Highlights from The Show [02:39] Introduction to the show with Bob Wiltfong and Tim Ito [03:00] What BS is and how it works in the business world [08:24] Using BS to remove bottlenecks when speaking to your audience [10:50] How learning BS can enhance your efficiency as an entrepreneur [12:40] Using BS with your employees, partners and customers [15:23] The rule of using BS with your audience [20:41] The main message Bob and Tim are trying to get across [26:00] Movie phrases in Bob and Tim's book and what they mean in BS [31:06] Bob and Tim’s favorite BS words [34:54] Bob and Tim’s upcoming second edition of the BS dictionary [36:03] What it means for Bob and Tim to be entrepreneurs [39:22] What Bob and Tim have learned about themselves as entrepreneurs [44:30] Common mistakes businesses make in marketing and communication [46:38] Bob and Tim’s practical recommendations for business owners [48:00] How to connect with Bob and Tim and get their book [49:22] Wrap-up and end of the show Notable Quotes · Understanding who you are speaking to and using the right BS can help remove bottlenecks when speaking to your audience. · The main goal of communication is to communicate ideas and bring people together around ideas, not to look smart. · In order to play in the world of business, you have to learn the language. · If you want to communicate effectively, you have to make sure your audience understands what you are saying. · As an entrepreneur, you should not only have a vision but also rally people around your vision. · Stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about who you are speaking to and who your audience is. Resources Mentioned: The BS Dictionary by Bob Wiltfong and Tim Ito Connect With Bob Wiltfong and Tim Ito LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobwiltfong/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-ito-6b527b/ Website: https://www.thebsdictionary.com/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:49:49

Leveraging Digital Marketing To Increase Your Profitability with Mikael Dia | Ep. 154

1/9/2024
Navigating the world of marketing, especially the digital space, can be a challenge for business owners looking to boost profits and turn potential customers into loyal customers. But here's the deal – when done right, it's like unlocking a superpower for your business that can help you build, grow, and scale your business. Digital marketing is essential for every founder who wants to understand their customer preferences, needs, and pain points. Its power lies in data analytics, which allows you to understand your customer journey, create targeted approaches, and strategize your product to consistently and optimally deliver your promise. In this episode, we're joined by Mikael Dia, a Growth Advisor passionate about helping businesses convert strangers into loyal customers. As Founder & CEO of Funnelytics, Mikael brings insights into digital marketing and analyzing marketing funnels to help you pinpoint what's working and optimize for greater success. Tune in and discover how digital marketing can be a game-changer for your business! Key Highlights from The Show [02:24] Introduction to the show with Mikael Dia [02:44] The bottlenecks Michael has helped his clients overcome [03:54] Why digital marketing seems so complicated [06:00] Marketing vs. making money online [06:57] How to tie customer journey with the analytics and data [10:02] Removing bottlenecks in your product and end-user experience [11:54] The people who need to understand the customers in the business [14:58] Removing bottlenecks by creating an operating system [18:11] Tips on how to prevent customers from shunning away [22:05] What Mikael is doing to overcome his bottleneck as a founder [23:56] The formula of business and why it’s different in every business [27:56] Why letting go is not just about hiring and delegation [33:14] Mikael’s one practical recommendation to founders on retention [36:38] How to reach out and connect with Mikael [37:01] Wrap-up and end of the show Notable Quotes · Digital marketing is the art and science of converting strangers into customers, and there are fundamentals you must learn across various phases. · Growing and building a business is not a tactic; there are other components to making that happen. · As the founder, not everyone will be as potent as you, and letting go is not just about hiring; you can’t hire more people when the revenue doesn’t add up. · The retention side of things is where your business scales and grows; you have to deliver to retain. · Closing and attracting are by-products of having a solid product that consistently delivers what it promises. Connect With Mikael Dia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaeldia/?originalSubdomain=ca Download the eBook 8 Tactics To Thrive as An Entrepreneur https://www.laurentnotin.com/get-my-ebook ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:40:01

Lessons Learned From 24 Years of Entrepreneurship – Most downloaded episode of 2023

1/3/2024
Entrepreneurship is a lifelong journey and not a destination to aim for. While entrepreneurs exist to solve problems in the world, it is not always a walk in the park. It is a cause that demands a different mindset, behavior, and skills. Jay Bousada, an entrepreneur since 1999, joins us in this entrepreneurship podcast to discuss his journey, the pivots he has made, his mistakes, and the lessons he has learned. Jay has all the information for you if you want your business to be bulletproof in any environment or market. Jay founded Thrillworks in 1999 to help organizations take full advantage of the potential of digital. He’s a born problem solver, beginning his career as an Engineer before turning his attention to technology. As CEO, he’s now driven by a passion for solving problems others may fail to see. This courage is at the core of who he is and the driving force behind everything Thrillworks creates. Among the things Jay shares in this episode include the power of having a vision as an entrepreneur. You must have a business vision that should also be well ingrained in the minds of those who work for you. All entrepreneurs also need to understand the importance of boundaries. Let your employees know the values, expectations, ethics, morals, and culture you uphold and ascribe to. Boundaries are the only way to create a healthy environment in your business. Tune in and learn more. Let’s jump in! Key Highlights From the Show [00:26] Jay’s journey of entrepreneurship since 1999 [06:04] The different stages of his business’ growth [12:42] How the covid pandemic demanded a pivot in business [13:43] The bottleneck concept [14:44] Why Jay’s early success in business was both a blessing and a curse [16:40] How losing the original ‘why’ of the business brought failure [21:25] How automation can be a disadvantage to trust building with customers [25:15] What Jay has learned about himself as an entrepreneur [30:00] The future of Jay’s business [33:17] Jay’s takeaway tips for entrepreneurs [33:24] Achievements that Jay is proud of [35:28] Best ways to reach out and connect with Jay Bousada Notable Quotes · The real power of an organization comes from its people. · Any product or solution you put in place has to include a good deal of quality. That’s not negotiable if you want to stay in business. · If the business vision is not clear in the minds of the people working for you, the secret success formula will require you to be there every day. · Never assume anything in business. · First, seek to understand before you are understood. · As an entrepreneur, boundaries are the only ways to create a healthy environment in your business. Connect With Jay Bousada Website: https://thrillworks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbousada/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybousada/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:38:28

Fire Yourself From Your Business with Brandon Kleinman | Ep. 152

12/26/2023
A business where you are a bottleneck will not survive. You must plan on ways to exit or fire yourself from it. That is what differentiates successful founders and those who die with their businesses. But when do you know is the right time to fire yourself? Though there is no definitive time, today’s guest tells us it depends on your business. If you can afford to sustain the skill, go ahead and delegate. However, you should also consider whether your talent is the right fit to take over. You do not want to relinquish some roles only for the business to strain. Brandon Kleinman, the founder of Birthday App, joins us to discuss his insights into the startup landscape. Birthday App is his third company after two successful ones. He has made all the mistakes and learned all the possible entrepreneurship lessons. But one thing that has been a secret for his success is refusing to become a bottleneck for the business. So, join him as he shares these tips and insights to take your business to the next level. Tune in. Key Highlights from The Show [03:39] Why it’s important to fire yourself from your business [05:00] When is the best time to fire yourself? [06:54] What if you can’t afford to delegate a role? [12:52] Why Brandon became an entrepreneur [26:33] What Brandon has learned about himself as an entrepreneur [30:50] Standout mistakes that Brandon has made as an entrepreneur [36:11] Brandon’s main lessons to entrepreneurs and start-up founders from his experience [37:04] How to reach out and connect with Brandon Notable Quotes · Entrepreneurship is a calling. · Sometimes, do not use money as a determinant factor when making decisions for your business. · Deciding to do nothing is a decision, and it is okay. Connect With Brandon Kleinman Website: https://birthday.app/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bksenior ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:39:14

Beyond KPIs: How OKRs Redefine Goal Setting for Business Success with Viktor Grekov | Ep. 151

12/19/2023
Implementing the Objectives and Key Results (OKR) framework in your business is a strategic move that requires careful planning and commitment. One crucial aspect often underestimated is the active involvement of the C-level team in the implementation process. The commitment of top leadership sets the tone for the entire organization and ensures that OKRs align with the overall business strategy. Effective implementation is a dynamic process involving both top-down and bottom-up approaches. While traditional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) may follow a top-down structure, OKRs encourage a more collaborative approach. Allowing employees to set their personal goals fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment. Achieving your business objectives, creating innovative products, and winning your target markets requires a thoughtful approach, and OKR can help you enhance your strategy. In this episode, we’re joined by Viktor Grekov to share his entrepreneurship journey, the secrets to the successful implementation of the OKR framework, and how you can create a successful product as an entrepreneur. Viktor is the co-founder and CEO of Oboard, an OKR software company. Following a decade in product development, Grekov founded Oboard in 2018 after experiencing the challenges of OKR implementation firsthand. Under his leadership, the company has grown to serve 1,000 clients, including industry leaders such as Volkswagen, Panasonic, Best Buy, Ericsson, and Pfizer. Tune in! Key Highlights from The Show [01:14] Introduction to the show with Viktor Grekov [02:57] Viktor’s bottleneck index score and his lessons and biggest challenge [06:45] Working with international teams and how Viktor prepares himself [07:45] Viktor’s leadership approach to enhancing his team’s engagement and motivation [10:26] How to build trust and let go as a leader and a business owner [13:13] How Viktor is handling the pressure in Ukraine to keep his business thriving [14:30] What is OKR, and how it solves problems with engagement, focus, and alignment [15:40] How to implement the OKR framework in your company [21:14] The difference between OKR and KPIs approach and freedom [24:50] How OKR strategy can help you remove bottlenecks [27:22] What it means to Viktor to be an entrepreneur [28:57] What Viktor has learned about himself as an entrepreneur [30:04] Viktor’s main lessons to entrepreneurs and start-up founders [32:09] How to reach out and connect with Viktor [32:26] Ending the show Notable Quotes · Don’t underestimate the importance of the involvement of the C-level team in the implementation. · Effective implementation of OKR is both top-down and down-up. · When you use KPIs, you will always use a top-down approach, and people will have no chance to set their personal goals. · Creating an innovative product and winning a specific market is about the approach to how you will achieve it. · Entrepreneurship is all about making an impact and changing people's lives. Connect With Viktor Grekov Website: https://oboard.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktor-grekov-501a74a7/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:32:52

The Evolutionary Edge: Letting Go of What Is Not Working For Your Business with Kute Blackson | Ep. 150

12/12/2023
Letting go of what is not working for your business is an act of courage that goes beyond mere acknowledgment of stagnation. It involves a fearless confrontation of the areas where your business is stuck and the willingness and commitment to pivot and move to the next level of growth. Join the conversation with Kute Blackson as he shares his journey as a transformational teacher and his process of helping people become aware of their patterns, break barriers, and unlock their true gifts and greatness. According to Kute, releasing what no longer serves your business is not just a strategic move: · It's a profound acknowledgment that innovation and progress demand a willingness to embrace the unknown · It's also a readiness to pivot and evolve into the next level of your entrepreneurial journey. Kute is a transformational teacher, inspirational speaker, and the author of You Are The One and The Magic of Surrender. Kute has spoken at countless events worldwide. He is a member of the Transformational Leadership Council, a select group of one hundred of the world's foremost authorities in the personal development industry. For over 20 years, Kute Blackson has been inspiring audiences around the world, and his mission is simple: To awaken and inspire people across the planet to access inner freedom, live authentically, and fulfill their true life's purpose. Tune in! Key Highlights from The Show [01:09] Introduction to the show with Kute Blackson [03:00] The thread that connects Kute's work in the transformational space [06:57] Who Kute is and his purpose and mission in this world [09:50] Kute’s processes of helping people become aware of their patterns [14:51] How we make our lives complex and where to start to make it simple [21:13] Acknowledging and sitting with pain to course-correct and be alignment. [23:06] Kute's book, The Magic of Surrender’s message on surrendering and letting go [26:26] The nature of the ego and the essence of surrender [31:05] Letting go of control and trying to force and manipulate our business in our limitations [33:30] Why it’s incredibly important to find your true purpose in life and how to do it [36:33] Understanding the evolutionary nature of purpose; it evolves as you evolve [42:20] Why Kute considers himself an entrepreneur [43:44] Kute’s dream, it’s essence, and why it’s not an end goal [46:36] How to reach out and connect with Kute and get his book [47:29] Ending the show Notable Quotes · It takes more courage to acknowledge where you are stuck and let go of what’s not working. · Surrender is the real secret to manifestation and the real key to the next level. · When we’re attached to the outcome, we’re unable to be flexible and receive the messages that the marketplace gives us. · The game of living your true purpose is learning, growing, and evolving and your work is a vehicle to learn the lessons in the school of life. · Your entire life has been the perfect preparation for you to live your purpose; look at your life and your tangible skills and employ them to solve a problem. · Money and success are the sanction when we add value; we add value when we solve a pain, problem, or challenge. Connect With Kute Blackson Website: https://kuteblackson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kute-blackson-35755519/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/kuteblackson Books: The Magic of Surrender: Finding the Courage to Let Go, Kute Blackson You Are The One, Kute Blackson ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:47:58

Beyond Competition: Carving Out Success in Your Market with Kristian Hauge Solheim | Ep. 149

12/5/2023
In this episode, Kristian Hauge Solheim shares profound insights he has garnered throughout his entrepreneurial journey. As the Founder and former CEO of Cutters, a flourishing beauty concept in the Nordics, Kristian offers a firsthand account of the strategies that propelled his business's rapid growth and international expansion across multiple countries. According to Kristian, the key to creating a niche within an existing market lies in narrowing your focus to a singular aspect and dedicating efforts towards scaling and expanding within that space without directly competing with others. You don't have to invent a wheel with every new venture. By observing successful businesses, identifying what works, and incorporating those proven strategies, you can navigate the existing market dynamics more efficiently. This approach acknowledges the wisdom of learning from the experiences of others, surrounding yourself with people who are doing what you want to achieve, streamlining your operations, building a team, and capitalizing on unique opportunities. With a background in economics and business administration from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), coupled with experience as a Consultant at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Kristian's expertise shines through. After eight years at the helm of Cutters, he discusses the motivations behind his transition from the CEO position, providing a unique perspective on leadership and succession planning. Tune in! Key Highlights from The Show [01:26] Introduction to the show with Kristian Hauge Solheim [04:12] Why Kristian stepped out of the CEO position in his company after 8 years [05:44] When Kristian realized it was time to step out and the process he leveraged [09:22] Why your role as an entrepreneur has to evolve as your company grows [12:05] How Kristian built a successful hairdressing brand from scratch in a short time [14:40] Blue Ocean Strategy: Creating your own market within an existing market [16:11] Lessons Kristian has learned leading and building his own business [21:30] Business Ideas: how to share, talk, and implement your ideas [22:30] How Kristian managed his business during the COVID-19 period [28:18] How entrepreneurship has transformed Kristian [31:00] Practical tips to help you set limits and take care of yourself [35:00] About Kristan’s bottleneck score on strategic thinking [37:50] Kristian’s practical recommendation for entrepreneurs and start-up founders [39:24] Ending the show Notable Quotes · As the company grows, your role as an entrepreneur should evolve. · It’s not easy to let go, but it’s the only way to grow; you can’t do everything by yourself if you want to grow. · You don’t have to invent a wheel every time you start a new company; look at other businesses, see what is working, and try it out. · Entrepreneurship is not just about ideas; it’s also about how you implement and execute them. · Set goals, do everything possible to achieve those goals, know what you can’t do on your own, and bring team players to help you. · The people you decide to spend time with will affect you in a very big way whether you like it or not. · If you want to succeed in something, it will be so much easier if you surround yourself with people who are doing exactly what you want to achieve. Connect With Kristian Hauge Solheim Website: https://karriere.cutters.no/people/60120-kristian-hauge-solheim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristian-hauge-solheim-b5881881/?originalSubdomain Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/kristian.haugesolheim/?_rdc=1&_rdr ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:39:55

Leveraging Strategic Thinking For Entrepreneurial Success with Ben Camara | Ep. 148

11/28/2023
Unlock the secrets to business success with strategic thinking! Imagine it as the rock-solid foundation for your venture—it's the key to wise decisions, resourceful use of assets, and long-term planning. When strategically building with a vision, you craft a shield that protects and propels growth. It goes beyond gaining customers; it's about creating a tribe of devoted supporters. Understand where your audience is, tailor your offerings to meet their needs, and ensure easy access. Success isn't just about ads—it's about nurturing your audience. Join Ben Camara as he shares his journey from football pro to London entrepreneur. Gain insights into reaching your audience, fortifying your business, and why strategic thinking is a founder's playbook essential. Ben, the founder of The No1 Fitness Group, faced pandemic challenges, strategically selling and then launching KLIQ—an empowering platform for creators. Discover what it takes to succeed, the strategic thinking crucial for entrepreneurs, and how it can elevate your entrepreneurial journey. Tune in now! Key Highlights from The Show [02:26] Introduction to the show with Ben Camara [03:00] Ben’s bottleneck score on strategic thinking and letting go [05:19] Why it’s so difficult for entrepreneurs to let go and delegate [06:01] What Ben is doing to get better as an entrepreneur in strategic thinking [07:10] What is strategic thinking, and why it’s so important [08:20] Ben’s big dream and vision for his business [10:18] Tips on how to create content and speak to the right audience [12:29] How to gauge if you are giving too much on social media [14:16] How Ben transitioned from professional sport to entrepreneurship [16:24] Problem-solving: Key lessons Ben learned at a young age in entrepreneurship [18:40] Ben’s Fitness business and his experience selling it after 11 years due to COVID [21:55] What Ben would have done differently for his previous business [25:34] Lessons Ben took with him to bulletproof his current business [27:40] Bottlenecks that Ben is facing in his business today [29:47] Ben’s practical recommendation for entrepreneurs and start-up founders [34:20] How to reach out and connect with Ben [34:50] Ending the show Notable Quotes · Strategic thinking is the baseline of what you go out and execute as a founder. · The big tech platforms, YouTube, Instagram, etc., are not platforms to build your business on; they are platforms to build your audience on. · Your customer base will grow if they know where to find more of your product. · Putting systems and processes in place can help make everything efficient and avoid bottlenecks. · Focus on your self-awareness, know your strengths, and be open, curious, and ask questions. · Letting go and delegating is about getting people in specific roles, nurturing them on your vision, mission, and what you’ve found out on your way, and letting them grow. · The way to learn is to take action anyway. Connect With Ben Camara Website: https://www.joinkliq.io/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/joinkliq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bencamara/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenCamara ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:35:07

3 Powerful Ways to Propel Your Business to Massive Growth with Orrin Klopper | Ep. 147

11/21/2023
Three key areas essential for any business that wants to reach its full potential include: · Breaking the bottleneck through delegation. · Being purpose-driven & people-centric. · Mergers and acquisitions. Delegation helps a business owner to free time and focus on other essential business tasks. However, it is vital to find and hire the right team. You want to surround yourself with smart, trustworthy people with the skills and experience necessary to do the job well. When you have a clear purpose and put your people first, you create a culture where people are motivated to do their best work. To be purpose-driven, you must clearly understand why you are in business and what impact you want on the world. Lastly, mergers and acquisitions can be a powerful way to grow rapidly. By acquiring a competitor, you can have a larger market share and reach new customers. Join this conversation with Orrin Klopper as he shares more about that through his business which has seen massive growth over the last few years (3 acquisitions in the last year and 2 in preparation). Orrin is the CEO & accelerator of dreams for the doers, who helps turn dreams into reality for team members, customers, shareholders, fellow entrepreneurs & families. He co-founded Netsurit with a vision to build an IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) that truly helped its customers achieve their dreams. Tune in! Key Highlights from The Show [03:01] Introduction to the show with Orrin Klopper [03:44] The key thing Orrin advises from his over 29 years of entrepreneurship experience [06:33] Tips to ensure the person you are hiring is the right person [13:32] How to remove your business bottleneck through effective delegation [22:07] Why breaking bottlenecks is the only way for a business to grow [23:12] What Orrin attributes to the massive success of his business [29:18] Achieving business growth through mergers and acquisitions [33:41] What’s next with Orrin’s business in the coming years [36:59] How to reach out and connect with Orrin [37:32] Ending the show Notable Quotes · A candidate being hired should be more than just fit for the job. The company should also be fit for the candidate. · You should take as much time as you need to hire someone and, in the meantime, deal with the situation as you can. · When you hire the right people, you avoid the bottleneck of having everything tied to you in the business. · The faster your business grows, the harder it becomes to get a balanced team. · Breaking bottlenecks is what enables businesses to grow. One of the ways is by letting go of some business operations to people around you. Resources Mentioned Topgrading, by Brad Smar: https://amzn.to/3MMcOsc The Founder's Mentality, by Chris Zook & James Allen : https://amzn.to/3MMcSYY Start with Why, by Simon Sinek: https://amzn.to/47hSzKY The Private Equity Playbook, by Adam Coffey: https://amzn.to/3R2CdAd Connect With Orrin Klopper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orrinklopper/ Website: https://netsurit.com/ ----- How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:38:02

The Art of Selling, Story Telling, and Public Speaking in Sales with Tom Jackobs | Ep. 146

11/14/2023
Selling and storytelling in sales is a dynamic combination that transforms a mere transaction into a captivating and meaningful experience. Effective salesmanship is not just about pushing a product; it's about understanding the customer's needs and desires, uncovering their pain points, and presenting a solution that resonates with their emotions and aspirations. Storytelling plays a pivotal role in this process, as it weaves a narrative that engages, empathizes, and connects with the customer personally. A well-crafted story humanizes the brand and fosters trust, building a bridge of understanding that paves the way for a genuine, long-lasting relationship between the seller and the buyer. In this episode, Tom Jackobs shares tips and strategies for effective selling, how to craft and use personal stories, the role of public speaking in sales, and how he revitalized his business through effective selling and storytelling but also transitioned to coaching other professionals. Tom is an entrepreneur whose journey began as a 16-year-old mobile DJ, and he unknowingly delved into Direct Response Marketing before the internet era. He dabbled in various businesses, including fitness, where he dramatically increased annual revenue from $100,000 to $500,000 in one year through effective selling techniques. After simplifying his fitness business, he transitioned to coaching other professionals and traveling worldwide, selling approximately $4 million worth of his coaching program. Today, he teaches service providers the art of storytelling to enhance their sales efforts, demonstrating the transformative power of persistence, adaptability, and storytelling in business. Tune in! Key Highlights From The Show [01:06] Introduction to the show [03:23] The place for selling in today's digital era [04:46] “Selling”: Problem finding and problem-solving [05:35] Developing your sales skills and how Tom learned the skills [08:53] Heart-centered selling and how to create your product and pitch effectively [10:15] The importance of using personal stories and how to get started [13:55] How to use the “Heroes Journey” framework to bring prospects into your story [17:40] Selling on stage: The relationship between public speaking and sales [20:33] Tom’s recommendation for sales and public speaking sales self-development [23:10] When and why Tom became an entrepreneur [24:26] The hardest lessons Tom has learned in his entrepreneurship journey [26:08] Tom’s bottleneck score and his struggle with delegation [28:06] Practical actions that Tom has taken to become better at delegation [31:13] Tom’s biggest dream for his business [33:52] Tom’s one practical recommendation for entrepreneurs [34:44] How to reach out and connect with Tom [35:12] Ending the show Notable Quotes · Selling is problem-solving, and to become a problem-solver, you have to be a problem-finder. · The biggest part of the sales conversation is the questioning or the discovery of what the problem is. · Sales is the number one skill every entrepreneur needs · Create your product and pitch so well that the prospect is going to be, “How can I buy this?” · Don’t do it alone, the entrepreneurship journey is so lonely. · Allow employees to fail and make it your company culture; that is how we learn. · Learn how to sell and value it. Resources Mentioned: Personal Story Workbook: https://tomjackobs.com/storybook Connect With Tom Jackobs Website: https://tomjackobs.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainertom/ How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:35:34

Avoiding Bottlenecks: Leveraging The Power of Detachment and Teamwork with Ori Keren | Ep. 145

11/7/2023
Leveraging your knowledge and detaching yourself from your business are essential to building a successful business. It's okay at the beginning to gravitate towards the product or the technology decisions when searching for a product-market fit, but you have to learn when and how to detach yourself to evolve and grow. By detaching, you free yourself from personal biases and emotional attachments that can cloud your judgment. This clarity allows you to make strategic decisions and harness your team's expertise and experience to solve problems and seize opportunities. Your team's unique insights and skills are valuable assets that can set your business apart from the competition. By combining detachment and knowledge, you can avoid being a bottleneck to your business, navigate challenges, adapt to changing market dynamics, and, ultimately, build a resilient and thriving business. Join the conversation with Ori Keren as he shares his entrepreneurship journey and how he brought his product to life, from concept to a successful product and business. His insights into product development and the strategies he employed are invaluable lessons for anyone looking to build a thriving product and business. Ori Keren is a Co-founder & CEO at LinearB. As an ex-VP of Engineering at Cloudlock ($293M exit), Keren discovered there's no better feeling as an engineering leader than enabling your team to be happy with their work and deliver efficiently with the highest quality. That's why he co-founded LinearB and serves as its CEO. His goal is to give organizations the ability to measure the right metrics and improve dev workflow with automation to increase developers' productivity and happiness all the time. Tune in! Key Highlights From The Show [01:27] Introduction to the show [03:40] About Keren’s ETA formula and how he came up with it [06:50] Why it’s an advantage to have a background in development as a founder [08:24] Common mistakes engineers make when launching their own company [10:37] What it took Keren to realize he needed to detach himself from his product [13:03] The moment Keren decided it was time to release his product to consumers [15:02] Talking to customers and where to start to make it happen [16:51] Evolving your role as your company grows [19:48] Keren bottleneck and how he is working to eliminate it and grow [24:10] Lessons Keren has learned about himself in his entrepreneurship journey [27:57] Changes Keren has seen in the product development entrepreneurship space [29:33] Keren’s big dream and vision for his business [31:43] Keren’s one practical recommendation for entrepreneurs from his experience [31:13] How to reach out and connect with Keren [32:37] Ending the show Notable Quotes · Having a background in development as a founder is an advantage only if you know how to capitalize on your knowledge. · Engineering is not a critical condition for success; it’s only the beginning. · It’s okay to gravitate towards the product and the technology decisions at the beginning when searching for a product market fit, but you have to learn to detach yourself to grow. · Start talking to your customers; don’t wait for a perfect time. · Sometimes, as a business owner, the best move you can make is to detach yourself and not be there. · Prepare for a journey, be resilient, hire great people, and listen to them. Connect With Ori Keren Website: https://linearb.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ori-keren-8254965/ How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:33:17

The Path to Becoming a True Innovator: Insights from Barbara Salopek | Ep. 144

10/31/2023
A true innovator seeks to understand the market deeply from a customer's perspective. They are unafraid of failure, recognizing that it is often a stepping stone towards innovation. Innovation is not a solitary endeavor. Collaboration and effective communication are vital, as innovative ideas often emerge from diverse perspectives. Above all, a true innovator puts customers first. When you put the customer at the centre of your technical solutions, you will create a great product that solves problems, creates value, and makes a lasting impact on the world. In this episode, we are joined by Barbara Salopek, the Founder and CEO of VINCO Innovation Consulting, a company dedicated to helping companies become true innovators. Born and raised in Zagreb, Barbara brings a wealth of experience in innovation and commercialization, having served as a team leader, business developer, and board member for various startups. Barbara has led numerous high-value projects, with the top five she was involved in boasting a combined value of approximately 3 million €. As a licensed technology transfer professional, she excels in project management and specializes in business development, mainly designing strategies that integrate innovation into business plans. In the conversation, Barbara shares her fascinating entrepreneurship journey, offering insights into her experiences and the valuable lessons she's learned. Her remarkable achievements in innovation and business development and extensive experience in leading significant projects make her a valuable resource for entrepreneurs aspiring to be true innovators. Tune in! Key Highlights From The Show [03:00] Introduction to the show [03:15] Lesson’s Barbara has learned from the podcast [05:00] What it means to be a “True Innovator.” [06:47] Innovation and why need both incremental and disruptive innovation [08:32] Where to start innovating and adding value to your product [09:30] How to know if you have innovation and have added value [11:18] Getting out of the technical solutions and putting yourself in the customer's shoes [12:59] Putting the customers at the center and providing value to them [14:04] Barbara's passion and why she is an entrepreneur [15:10] Lessons Barbara learned and how she founded her company, VINCO [19:24] What the bottleneck index revealed to Barbara on delegation and letting go [23:15] Barbara's biggest issue and block with a delegation [25:06] Setting your expectations and clearly communicating them to your employees [26:30] Barbara's dream and where she wants to take her business [28:57] The biggest lesson Barbara has learned from her entrepreneurship experience [30:58] Skills Barbara feels she is lacking in growing her business [32:08] Barbara’s one practical recommendation for entrepreneurs [33:51] How to reach out and connect with Barbara [34:40] Ending the show Notable Quotes · We need both incremental and disruptive innovation; incremental helps us to be more effective, and disruptive brings us new technology and markets. · When you put the customer at the center of your technical solutions, you create a great product. · In order to be creative, you have to have a deep knowledge of something. · It’s important to know the people before you let go and let them capitalize on things. · Business can be a complex endeavor; you need to build it and sell it at the same time. Connect With Barbara Salopek Website: https://vinco.no/project/barbara-salopek/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-salopek/ How much of the bottleneck in your business are you? Don’t underestimate the bottleneck’s impact. Take the Bottleneck Index and find out your bottleneck score now!

Duration:00:35:08