The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with Serial Entrepreneur, Kim Hvidkjaer.Kim explains that throughout his time as a serial entrepreneur, he has gone through many successes and failures. The failures have given him the ability to better avoid those mistakes and direct others away from them as well. Kim explains that growing a business too fast could cause a business to fail due to the risks of upping production with the possibility of a future decrease in demand. Covid has caused companies to focus on niche areas that may not be as high demand in a few years. Kim explains that Covid has caused businesses to change their operations in ways such as physical meetings changing to remote meetings. Kim explains that companies are not using proper sales metrics to gauge the results of their processes. Tracking data allows for a business to control their sales as they are measuring the real data for their products. Kim explains that he does consulting in the form of an investor or board member. It allows him to have engagement with multiple companies rather than being stuck on one. Kim explains that networking through word of mouth referrals or social media is where new leads tend to come from.   Key Points from the Episode:The impact Kim has in the worldWhy 90% of companies failOutside market forcesKim’s thoughts on what works and doesn’t with sales Key ideas in Kim’s book How to F*ck up Your StartupWhat Kim is currently focused on NetworkingAbout Kim Hvidkjaer:I am an award-winning serial entrepreneur, WSJ bestselling author, keynote speaker and angel investor, having built companies from startup to exit in several industries.I started my first company at the tender age of 19 years old, and was as a 29-year-old millionaire, aptly named one of Denmark’s “6 Rising Stars.”Two years later, after a cluster of f*ckups, I found myself broke—having lost more money than the average American earns in a lifetime.I since have rebuilt my fortune through several startups, becoming an expert in failure.Interviewing dozens of startup founders and studying thousands of collapsed startups, I developed a comprehensive guide to failure—what it means, what it looks like, and the strategies business owners can employ to avoid it. Want to learn more? Check out Kim Hvidkjaer’s website at https://kimhvidkjaer.com/Check out Kim Hvidkjaer on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimhvidkjaer/?originalSubdomain=dkCheck out Kim Hvidkjaer on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kimhvidkjaerCheck out Kim Hvidkjaer on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kimhvidkjaer/?hl=enCheck out Kim Hvidkjaer on Twitter at https://twitter.com/KimHvidkjaerCheck out Kim Hvidkjaer’s book How to F*ck up Your Startup at https://kimhvidkjaer.com/book/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:️  We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with Expert Sales Copywriter, Alyson Lex. Alyson helps course creators, experts, and coaches sell more of their product. Her impact with this is being able to help her clients sell products that could potentially benefit many other individuals. Good copywriters should be able to adapt to the needs of their clients and understand their clients' audience. Alyson explains that many clients need extra help with understanding strategy within their marketing. The process of hiring a copywriter varies from person to person. Alyson advises to look at samples from the copywriters to see what resonates, look for high recommendations, and use conversation to take the possible relationship further. Alyson explains that manipulative copy can work in some areas but it does not work as much as it used to. Good copywriters should be able to show their client where to enter the conversation with their specific copy. The process with copy is to ease the sales process to make it smoother for the business. Alyson explains that talking about yourself too early and too often in a copy is a telltale sign of an inexperienced copywriter. The business should not be talked about until the solution of the problem is introduced because the setting needs to come first to set the stage for the solution. Alyson explains that overediting and over formality are a downside as they take away the humanistic value of the business. The process of working with Alyson is completely custom based on the clients needs. Alyson explains most of her work starts with an introduction call to gather information. From there she will either write a copy if it's short term, or write a copy as well as provide coaching if it is a longer term deal.   Key Points from the Episode:What Alyson does and her impact on the world What a good copywriter providesAlyson’s advice on hiring a copywriterThe purpose of good copySigns that a professional copywriter has not been utilized The process of working with AlysonAbout Alyson Lex:This direct-response marketing thing... it's what I DO. It's how I've put food on my family's table for years - and it's how I've helped business owners just like you grow bigger and reach higher.I’m the former Marketing Manager for Glazer-Kennedy Insider’s Circle - and my very first sales letter generated nearly $9,000.00 in less than 3 days to a list of barely over 200 people.My copy and marketing strategy contributed to a campaign that generated over $1 MILLION at an international event attended by more than 1,000 people.And now, I’m a hired-gun for all your marketing “stuff.” Want to learn more? Check out Alyson Lex’s website at https://alysonlex.com/.Check out Alyson Lex on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysonlex/.Check out Alyson Lex on Instagram at https://instagram.com/alysonlex.Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:️  We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.

On today's episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, we are so excited to speak with founder and CEO of Virtual A Team, Nicole Bandes! Virtual A Team works specifically with coaches, consultants, and other online based entrepreneurs. Known as the freelance whisperers by bridging the gap and creating a more seamless process with virtual teams. Nicole discusses virtual assistant mistakes that include not knowing exactly what the business need is. She discusses zone of genius and scaling businesses. Don’t forget to listen to our next episode, where we recap all the great insights that Nicole Bandes offered! Key Points from the Episode:Virtual Assistant Budgets Benefits of a strong operations teamEmpowering people to do the things they are most passionate aboutHiring processes and the why behind them About Nicole Bandes:After losing her 17 y/o son, Nicole Bandes discovered her purpose: encourage others to make time for what matters most. In 2017, Nicole founded Virtual A Team, a virtual services agency helping overwhelmed coaches and consultants who want to define success by the wealth of their lives, not the size of their bank accounts. Nicole also shares valuable tips as podcast host of Coach’s Copilot: Your Online Business Manager. YES You CAN Build a Successful Business Around an Amazing Life, Here’s How Nicole shares her story of how she’s been able to successfully work less than 20 hours a week while building and growing a profitable business through outsourcing and delegating. Why a Virtual Assistant May NOT be Your Best First Hire and What to Do Instead When coaches and consultants start thinking about getting help, they default to hiring a Virtual Assistant. I can share 3 convincing reasons for why that might not be the best move and what to do instead. Do it Yourself or Delegate, How to Earn More by Doing Less You can choose to do things you don’t love and aren’t good at or you can make more money in less time by focusing on the things that only you can do. Let’s talk about 5 key strategies coaches can use now to start delegating more and doing less.Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Nicole Bandes’ website at https://virtualateam.com/optins/calculator/ Check out Nicole Bandes on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolebandes/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:️  We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.

On today's episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, we are so excited to speak with podcast host “Screw the Commute,” Tom Antion! Offering support to those who want to escape their 9 to 5 and those who are in business for themselves. Tom shares how he has never had a job and how that has influenced the name of his podcast. Tom discusses how his mission is to help his students get to a point where it’s too expensive for them to go to work anymore. He shares his objective of individuals being so successful in their own business that it basically would cost too much to go into their usual 9-5. He shares the benefits of side businesses utilizing low risk to get started. Don’t forget to listen to our next episode, where we recap all the great insights that Tom Antion offered!  Key Points from the Episode:Corporate culture and working independentlyLow risk side businesses Selling digital products or affiliate products About Tom Antion:I'VE NEVER HAD A JOB.For 44 years I've always had my own small business. Starting with nothing, I owned five apartment buildings and a hotel before graduating college.NICKNAMESSome people have nicknamed me "The OG" for Original Gangsta of online marketing since I've been selling on the commercial Internet since there was a commercial Internet circa 1994. Other people call me the "King of Kaching" because my email goes "Kaching" every time an online order comes in.✔ GRAB A FREE EBOOK ON HOW TO AUTOMATE YOUR BUSINESSScrewTheCommute.com/automatefree MENTOR PROGRAMI'VE HELPED A TON OF PEOPLEFor more than 23 years I've had the longest running, most successful, most unique program for small business owners and professional speakers One of my proteges just sold pluto.tv to Viacom for $340 Million.I'm certainly not claiming you'll do that well, but if you are willing to do the work, you will learn from me the proven techniques to maximize your online presence and sales and minimize your expenses.YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT=> Shopping Cart Systems=> Email marketing=> Online advertising=> Chatbots=> Product Creation=> Publicity=> YouTube Marketing=> Blogging=> Online Courses=> Website Development=> List Building=> Crowdfunding=> Traffic Driving=> Membership Sites=> Digital Marketing=> Social Media=> Professional Speaking, ANDThings that haven't been invented yet hahahaSEMINARI have the longest continuously running Internet Marketing and Digital Marketinng seminar ever. Ask me about it. It's got a funny name, but it's a serious seminar.PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING 🎤I'm a veteran of over 3000 speaking engagements in 12 countries. I claim to have trained more pro speakers in the art of public speaking and presentation skills than anyone living. No one ever challenged me on that statement. I've never been beaten in "non-obnoxious" back-of-the-room sales in over 20 years and I can teach you how to do that too.🎧 ENTREPRENEURSHIP PODCAST"Screw the Commute" is an entrepreneurial podcast based on the fact I've never had a job. I've always worked from home including six years when I had the second biggest nightclub in my state and I lived above it. So, technically I had a nightclub in my basement hahahaDOCUMENTARY 🎥I invite you to watch the trailer of "The American Entrepreneur" Documentary where I'm humbled to have been featured by Hollywood producer Terri Marie. Facebook.com/AmericanEntrepreneurFilmCONTACT ME✉ EMAIL: Tom@ScrewTheCommute.com, tom@imtcva.org, cc tomantion@gmail.com📞 MOBILE: Text and Voicemail: 301-346-7403Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Tom Antion’s website at https://screwthecommute.com/automatefree/ Check out Tom Antion on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/tomantion Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:️  We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the CEO and Founder of Pursuing Results, Matt Johnson. Matt works with producing and launching podcasts for coaching or consulting. Matt explains that podcasting creates a major arena of networking opportunities for businesses. Matt’s company will handle all of the communication for their clients so the clients do not have to worry about much beyond the content creation. Matt explains that there is a struggle to find a way to monetize after there is a high visibility. However, if there is already monetization, visibility is easier to manage to build a business and or clientele for that business. Matt explains that podcast sponsors are difficult to come by for the long term and it is a revolving door of uncertainty. Matt explains that he pushes his clients to speak on niche topics that are specific to their target audience. This allows for better clients to come from the podcasts to create revenue for the clients. Matt explains he thinks attention spans will get shorter over time, youtube will contribute to podcast trends more, and discoverability within the youtube space will expand. It is common for there to be some stage fright around podcasting as the format is more vulnerable than others. Matt explains that becoming good at podcasts is all about practice and it will take some time. An individual should expect to not be happy with their first episodes as they will be learning and growing to become better over time.  Key Points from the Episode:The effects of Covid on business What Matt doesThe difference between focusing on monetization or visibility firstThe problem with podcast sponsorsHow consultants use their podcasts to drive revenue Matt’s thoughts on the future of podcastsHow Matt helps clients overcome stage frightAbout Matt Johnson:Matt Johnson is a marketing agency founder, podcaster, and musician. Matt runs a podcast launch & production agency based in San Diego, an international team that helps business coaches, consultants and thought leaders use done-for-you podcasting to attract an audience, build influence & become MicroFamous. Matt is the author of MicroFamous and currently hosts the MicroFamous podcast. He is a frequent podcast guest and event speaker to audiences around the US, Canada, and Australia. Want to learn more? Check out the Pursuing Results website at https://pursuingresults.com/.Check out Pursuing Results on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuing-results/.Check out Matt Johnson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/microfamous/Check out Matt Johnson on Facebook at https://facebook.com/getmicrofamousCheck out Matt Johnson on Instagram at https://instagram.com/microfamousDon’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:️  We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder of Vhault32,Jeremy Bishop.Vhault32 is a social media marketing company. Vhault32 helps high level business owners grow their social media platforms. It was created because business owners need access to someone of trust to help maintain and grow their platforms. The name Vhault came to mind for Jeremy and his partner because there is a need for security for data business owners share with marketing companies. Vhault32 works with many real estate clients and even musicians. They work to help bring the clients online presence up to speed with their real life successes. Jeremy explains that a high following on social platforms does not equal a successful business. He wants to work with individuals that have a good mission so the right message is getting across as their following grows. Jeremy says that conversations are a crucial part of business. Genuine connections based on similar views or topics can help someone grow as it broadens their business possibilities. Influencer club media is a part of Vhault32 that focuses on celebrity media campaigns. The focus is on doing media campaigns that hit the target that the client is wanting such as gaining 10k followers. Jeremy explains he wants a good relationship with his clients so both parties can get the results they want. Giveaways are a major aspect of the media campaigning in influencer club media. This allows for multiple people to gain traction from one simple post. Jeremy says that his typical engagement with new profile clients is gaining 100k followers and the client needs to scale their business with their following. Growing a following without a stable business could cause trust issues with their audience, which could lead to possible issues in the future. Teamwork is important in business and media because multiple voices are needed to make a successful career. The basis of going viral is something Jeremy does not want for his clients. Becoming viral is a one moment by moment thing, whereas building a successful brand is a lifelong journey. The journey is highly reliant on personal connections with other people and not being fully reliant on the content itself. Jeremy explains that when you start growing a following or brand, not to delete any of the past. The past gives the ability for the client and their followers to see the growth that has been done over time on the client’s part. Jeremy says interested individuals should check around the website and get into contact to start a relationship as connection is crucial to the brand. Want to learn more? Check out the Vhault32website at https://www.vhault32.com/.Check out Vhault32 on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/vhault-32/.Check out Jeremy Bishop on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-bishop-b564921a1/.Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur andthank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:️  We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.  What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. 

On today's episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, we are so excited to speak with the founder of Recruiter Mill, Ugis Balmaks!Recruiter Mills helps online businesses hire ”A” players in six weeks or fewer. Ugis shares how the process of creating an online business in high 7 figures and how that growth created the need to find the need to hire “A” players. Ugis discusses how Recruiter Mill helps close the gap in hiring the best team possible. Ugis talks about online businesses and the impact hiring and retaining quality players has on an organization. Ugis highlights how important a job description is in getting the attention of the best candidates. He expands how at Recruiter Mill, instead of standard responsibilities and requirements, they utilize a candidate-centric approach through job descriptions.…Don’t forget to listen to our next episode, where we recap all the great insights that Ugis Balmaks offered! Key Points from the Episode:Solutions for Online Business Owners Candidate-centric job descriptions “A” Players recruitment processes About Ugis Balmaks:I'm an experienced and creative recruiter, hiring executive and senior management, digital marketing, and technical talent for online businesses.My recruitment experience comes from hiring for my own company - iPhone Photography School. We managed to scale this info business to high 7-figures in revenue.Now that I've sold my shares in the company, I run Recruiter Mill. We help 7- and 8-figure online businesses hire A-players in 6 weeks or less.Recruiter Mill helps 7- and 8-figure online businesses hire A-players.If...- You're not impressed by the quality of job applications you receive- Hiring takes up too much of your time- And you want to hire A-players only... we'll manage your entire recruitment funnel for you.Using targeted head-hunting, we'll fill even the most challenging vacancies in 6 weeks or less.We hire:- Senior managers & directors (CMOs, SEO directors, PPC directors, COOs)- Online marketing specialists (SEO managers, link builders, PPC managers, content writers & editors)- Developers & tech talent (front-end, back-end, full-stack devs, team leads, designers, project managers)Think we could help you? Shoot us a message or book a free hiring strategy call here: https://recruitermill.com/Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Ugis Balmaks’ website at https://recruitermill.com/ Check out Ugis Balmaks on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ugis-balmaks-74067647/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:️  We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.

On today's episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, we are so excited to speak with the author of The Six Habits, Laura DiBenedetto! Laura discusses the philosophy behind her 6 habits: kindness (how we treat ourselves), acceptance (how we feel about ourselves), gratitude (for all of life, good and not), presence (choosing now and living for today), goodness (energy management), and intention (clear, deliberate, relentless action). Don’t forget to listen to our next episode, where we recap all the great insights that Laura DiBenedetto offered! Key Points from the Episode:The productivity of honest and open communication strategies. The impact of growing positive habits to enhance the quality of life. Laura’s TED Talk, The Six habits of the Happiest People.About Laura DiBenedetto:TEDx Speaker, #1 Bestselling author of The Six Habits and Life Mastery Coach, Laura DiBenedetto teaches how to create the life of our dreams without sacrificing what we love. Laura is the founder and CEO of the award-winning marketing company, Vision Advertising, located in the greater Boston area.  Laura created, built and ran the growth-oriented enterprise for 19 years with tremendous success, before retiring from active involvement in 2018 at age 37, passing the reins to her successor. Over the years, Laura personally sold several million dollars in ongoing contracts, was featured on Fox News and other Boston programming several times, was publicly recognized for business accomplishments, and was named a 40 Under Forty winner at only age 23. Having started her first business at 19, Laura began to search for her next big project in 2012, finally finding it right on the cusp of retirement.  While Laura’s career had been speckled with accomplishments and accolades, when she retired, she was simply burnt out and unhappy.  After years of classes, workshops, books, and more, Laura was confused and wondered why the personal development world had let her down and sought to solve the problem.  She went on a radical journey of self-discovery, research, and testing, determined to find energy and lasting, fulfilling happiness in all areas of life. Laura found the answers to the question that plagued her (and so many of us) – six of them, in fact. She is devoted to sharing the universally applicable and deeply liberating truths she discovered, so that others may find their own path out of misery and into lasting, fulfilling happiness and limitless possibility. Laura moved away from Boston in 2019 to the island of Maui, Hawaii and lives in tropical bliss with her husband, cats and dog. Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Laura DiBenedetto’s website at https://lauradibenedetto.com/ Check out Laura DiBenedetto on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lldibenedetto/ Check out the book The Six Habits at https://www.thesixhabits.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:️  We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.

On today's episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, we are so excited to speak with the founder of Unhustle®, Milena Regos!Milena shares how she takes society's idea of hustling to success and flips it on its head. She calls attention to the current culture of overwhelm, burnout, high stress, sleep deprivation, and suffering relationships. She discusses the hustle as a fake version of success and shares how she reframed her process and Unhustled her life. Milena talks about slowing down to speed up. Milena shares her upcoming book to be published this year and her mission to inspire millions to reclaim the Power of Being in a Culture of Doing. Milena talks about entrepreneurship and current mental health statistics in today's industry. She discusses the importance of mindfulness and learning how to nurture your way to success. Milena shares about her upcoming book and the community she’s creating and inspiring through Unhustle®. Don’t forget to listen to our next episode, where we recap all the great insights that Milena Regos offered! Key Points from the Episode:Importance of Flow States and Life, Work, Play Design. The Why behind replacing a Hustle Culture with a Human Culture. Milena's mission to create a festival of entrepreneurs to enhance purpose. About Milena Regos: Milena Regos is the founder of Unhustle®, living at the intersection of work and real living. An ex award-winning marketer she experienced first hand how hustle, and "always-on" mentality can impact overall wellbeing and success. She's on a mission to create a counterculture movement to replace burnout Hustle Culture with Human(e) Culture and inspire leaders to design sustainable LiveWorkPlay. She hosts The Unhustle Podcast and lives between Baja and Lake Tahoe while working on her book.Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Milena Regos’ website at https://unhustle.com/ Check out Milena Regos on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/milenaregos/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!Check out Milena Regos on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/milenaregos Check out Milena Regos on Twitter at https://twitter.com/milenaregos Check out Milena Regos on Instagram at https://instagram.com/unhustle More from UpMyInfluence:️  We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.

1244- Reach your Full Potential with Transformational Life Coach Michelle Boulé