We Live to Build

Landing Fortune 500 clients seems impossible for a new business, but it's not. The secret isn't hustle; it's strategy, planning, and leveraging your unique story. I sat down with Alexandra Gonzalez, who left an 18-year corporate career at companies like Johnson & Johnson to build her own successful agency, Savvy Marketers. She reveals How I Landed Fortune 500 Clients After Leaving My Corporate Job, breaking down her exact playbook. We cover how to use certifications (woman-owned, minority-owned) to open doors , the power of personalized outreach on LinkedIn , and how to use AI to polish your message without losing your human edge. This is a masterclass for any service-based entrepreneur who wants to win enterprise-level deals. Check out the company: https://savvymarketers.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: Replacing Hustle with Intention01:05 - The Power of "What If" Thinking to Stay Agile03:30 - The #1 Thing Founders Miss: Strategic Planning07:50 - A Simple Business Playbook for Startups11:20 - My Journey from Corporate Marketer to Founder13:30 - The Playbook for Landing Fortune 500 Clients14:40 - Secret Weapon: Using Certifications to Open Doors16:20 - How to Network Effectively on LinkedIn20:00 - The Power of Your Personal Story in a Pitch23:45 - A CEO's Rules for Using AI Safely25:14 - Final Advice: The Power of PatienceLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a massive flaw in the Shopify checkout process that costs merchants millions in customer service hours and lost revenue. I sat down with Hamish McKay, CEO of Order Editing, a startup that's solving the one problem Shopify hasn't: letting customers edit their own orders after purchase. He breaks down The Billion-Dollar Mistake Hiding in Every Shopify Checkout—the 1.5% of customers who make a mistake and why giving them self-service options is a huge opportunity. We also explore the hidden technical complexities of building for Shopify and dive into a deep, philosophical conversation about the future of work and creativity in the age of AI. This is an essential conversation for any e-commerce founder or operator. Check out the company: https://orderediting.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: The Problem with Post-Purchase Mistakes00:50 - The 1.5% Problem: A Massive Hidden Cost for Merchants02:00 - Why Hasn't Shopify Solved This Obvious Flaw?04:15 - The Acquisition Dilemma: Selling to Shopify05:40 - How Self-Service Editing Creates Customer Joy08:45 - The Hidden Technical Hell of Building for Shopify14:40 - How AI is Now Building 70% of Our Software21:20 - The Race to Become the "Master App" in E-Commerce37:45 - The Pleasure of Creation vs. The "Grayness" of AI43:50 - A Dystopian View on The Future of AI and Humanity51:15 - "Why The F*ck Am I Running an E-commerce Company?"Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking about manufacturing overseas? It might not be as cheap as you think. There are hidden "soft costs" that can destroy your margins and your business. I sat down with Samuel Fish, founder of Shield Security Doors, who after a decade of challenges, made the bold decision to move his entire manufacturing operation from Eastern Europe back to the USA. He breaks down The 5 Hidden Costs of Manufacturing Overseas That No One Talks About, from freight volatility and legal disadvantages to the personal toll of time zone differences. This is an essential, real-world guide for any founder wrestling with their supply chain. Check out the company: https://www.shieldsecuritydoors.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: My Father's #1 Rule of Business02:50 - Why I Ignored His Advice for 5 Years07:20 - The "Hair on Fire" Moment That Forced the Change10:50 - My Overseas Supplier Was a Ticking Time Bomb12:15 - The Phone Call That Saved My Business14:15 - The Pride of Being "Made in the USA"24:50 - Hidden Cost #1: Lack of Control & IP Risk25:38 - Hidden Cost #2: Freight Volatility (10x Price Spike)26:45 - Hidden Cost #3: The Personal Toll of Time Zones27:45 - Hidden Cost #4: The Exhaustion & Expense of Travel28:00 - Hidden Cost #5: Disadvantage in Foreign Legal Systems28:55 - The Most Important Lesson: Say The ObviousLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every day, unrecognized assumptions are sabotaging your leadership and preventing your team from making meaningful progress. Change is relational, not technical, and most leaders get it wrong. I sat down with Jeff Wetherhold, a master of Motivational Interviewing, to unpack this. He explains how to uncover The Hidden Assumptions That Are Sabotaging Your Leadership by using a simple technique: asking fewer questions and offering more reflections. We dive into why people are ambivalent about change , the psychological "binary bias" that traps us , and how embracing short-term discomfort leads to long-term growth. This is an essential conversation for any leader who wants to stop fighting resistance and start facilitating real change. Check out the company: https://www.miforhealth.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: Why Is Change So Hard?01:00 - Change is Relational, Not Technical02:20 - The Power of Hearing Yourself Speak04:15 - Uncovering Your Own Blind Spots07:15 - The Problem with Putting People in a Box08:45 - Why Unrecognized Assumptions Are So Damaging11:00 - How to Navigate Uncomfortable Conversations12:45 - The #1 Tool: Use Reflections, Not Questions16:20 - My Personal Story of a Damaging Assumption18:45 - The "Binary Bias" That Traps Our Thinking20:45 - The Most Important Thing I've Learned About ChangeLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Future Factory, a new model for manufacturing where software gives a single human unprecedented leverage. I sat down with Renan Devillieres, founder of the manufacturing venture studio OSS Ventures, to discuss this massive shift. He explains his vision for The Future Factory: Where 1 Engineer Runs 1,000 Robots, arguing that reshoring manufacturing to the US won't look like the factories of the past. We also explore why war is the primary driver of this change, the "incoherent" hypocrisy of Western consumers, and his "Rule of Threes" for hiring technical experts. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of manufacturing, automation, and geopolitics. Check out the company: https://oss.ventures----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: Reshoring is a National Defense Issue01:05 - The Future Factory Will Look Vastly Different02:00 - Why One Engineer Will Have Massive Leverage04:15 - The Problem with Modern Products (And Why Most Suck)06:30 - The "Incoherent World": NIMBYism and Your iPhone09:20 - Why War is the Real Driver of Reshoring12:45 - The Entrepreneurial Energy Europe is Missing15:45 - The Two Biggest Challenges of Building for Manufacturing18:00 - How to Architect a System That Can Scale to Millions20:45 - The "Rule of Threes": How to Hire Experts Who Deliver23:30 - The Power and Pleasure of "Deal Making Done Right"Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world obsessed with AI, my guest Travis Jamison is getting rich on boring businesses. His investment thesis is simple: bet on the things that AI can't change. He explains Why I'm Investing in Plumbers, Not AI Startups, and how blue-collar companies like HVAC and dry cleaners can offer better, more stable returns than venture capital. We also dive into his agency's secret weapon: using a specific SEO strategy to train LLMs like ChatGPT to recommend his clients' products. This is a masterclass in contrarian investing and building real-world wealth in the age of AI. Check out the company: https://capitalpad.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: A Contrarian Investor's Thesis01:10 - Why I'm Investing in "Boring" Blue-Collar Businesses03:10 - Why Picking AI Winners is a Losing Game04:45 - A VC's Plan to Replace Plumbers with Robots (And Why It Will Fail)08:00 - How to Use SEO to Control What AI Says About You11:20 - The Simple "Trick" to Train LLMs17:40 - Why Small Businesses Have the Best Returns20:00 - Why I'm Done with Venture Capital24:45 - The Four "All-In" Moments That Defined My Career27:45 - The #1 Rule: Stay Within Your Circle of CompetenceLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Using 3D visualization in architecture isn't a luxury; it's a necessity that can save you a fortune. Most developers don't realize a small upfront investment can prevent six-figure errors during construction. I sat down with Brian Corcodilos, CEO of the AI-enabled architecture firm DesignBlendz, to discuss this. He breaks down How 3D Visualization Prevents $100,000 Construction Mistakes by using CGI technology to run "clash detections" before a single brick is laid. We also dive into the future of augmented reality, the secret behind IKEA's "perfect" catalogs, and his prediction that AI agents will become your executive assistant within 12 months. This is an essential guide for anyone in real estate, development, or architecture.Check out the company: https://designblendz.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: The Future of Architecture is Virtual01:25 - "Pay Now or Pay 100x More Later"03:00 - Beyond Blueprints: Quantifying a Building in 3D04:30 - Preventing $100k Mistakes with "Clash Detection"06:30 - The Secret Behind IKEA's "Perfect" Catalogs (It's CGI)09:15 - Building a Virtual "Google Street View" for Unbuilt Homes11:00 - The Future: Will We Live in Augmented Reality?15:00 - Why the Metaverse Failed (And Who Will Succeed)22:15 - Why NVIDIA's GPUs Control the Future of Design25:00 - The Reality of Stepping Away from The TrenchesLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to selling a business, most founders assume the highest offer is the best one. That assumption can be a multi-million dollar mistake. I sat down with Brandon Wolfe, Co-founder and partner at Jordan Partners, who sees this happen all the time. He shares a powerful cautionary tale that reveals Why The Highest Offer For Your Business is Often a Trap, and why choosing the right partner is more important than the biggest check. We also dive into what PE investors really look for in a founder, the emotional toll of letting go, and how to spot "empty calorie revenue" that's killing your profit. This is an essential guide for any founder considering an exit or taking on growth capital. Check out the company: https://jordan-partners.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: The New Climate for Private Equity02:25 - What a PE Firm Really Looks For in a Founder04:20 - The Magic Number: Why $10M Revenue Matters06:10 - Majority vs. Minority Stakes: A Founder's Dilemma08:00 - The Cautionary Tale: When The Highest Offer Goes Wrong10:30 - The Agony of "Letting Go" After Selling Your Business13:30 - "Wall Street Talent, Main Street Roots": Our Unique Approach16:50 - Our Investment Playbook (And Why We Don't Have One)19:25 - The "Empty Calorie Revenue" That's Killing Your Profit24:45 - The #1 Trait of a High-Integrity Leader28:10 - The Most Important Lesson: Just Keep GoingLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Pay Yourself First model is non-negotiable for sustainable entrepreneurship, yet most founders put themselves last. Financial strategist Monica Duggal breaks down her BITES method (Budget, Investing, Taxes, Exit Strategy, Systems) to help founders turn financial chaos into clarity. She explains why you need a financial system that prioritizes the founder from day one, rather than following the risky VC model of waiting for a big exit. We also cover why a two-year personal runway is crucial before you start, and how to turn every dollar of revenue into business growth. This is an essential guide for any entrepreneur who wants to build a legacy, not just a business. Check out the company: https://monicaduggal.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: Your Financial Health Check00:50 - The BITES Method: A Founder's Financial Blueprint01:45 - B: Budgeting Like a CFO (Making Every Dollar Count)06:00 - The Critical 2-Year Runway for New Founders09:10 - I: Investing & Building Your Company's Cash Reserves10:30 - The "Profit First" Rule: Why You MUST Pay Yourself19:20 - T: A Simple System for Managing Your Taxes20:45 - E: Why You Need an Exit Strategy from Day One22:00 - S: The Power of Systems and SOPs23:25 - The Most Important Lesson: Just Keep GoingLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This video is a crash course in content licensing and digital rights for the modern creator. Chances are, You're Giving Away Your Content for Free (And You Don't Know It). I sat down with Stewart Cohen, CEO of the media licensing platform SuperStock, to uncover the hidden traps in social media terms of service, the dangers of AI content scraping, and why the Creative Commons license on YouTube could be a huge mistake for your intellectual property. Check out the company: https://superstock.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network-----------------------------------📈 WORK WITH ME-----------------------------------▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship---------------------------------------------👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN---------------------------------------------▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot▶ Inquiries: welivetobuild@gmail.com---------------------------🕒 CHAPTERS---------------------------00:00 - Introduction: Your Content is Your Only Asset01:25 - The Hidden Traps in Social Media's Fine Print02:15 - Standard vs. Creative Commons: The YouTube License Mistake04:15 - Why You MUST Register Your Copyright05:00 - The AI Lawsuits: Are Tech Giants Stealing Your Work?08:45 - Why Your Content is Worth 90% Less Than 15 Years Ago12:50 - The Problem with Royalty-Free Licensing15:45 - Can You Copyright AI-Generated Art?18:50 - The Unfair AI Compensation Model for Creators21:15 - How to Actually Protect Your Work24:50 - Final Lesson: Nothing Stays The SameLeave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/reviewHow I Made $15M: https://welivetobuild.com/networkSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seanweisbrotFollow Sean on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.