BiggerPockets Podcast : Real Estate Investing and Wealth Building to Help You Get Bigger Pockets

Are you looking for ways to increase your profitability while spending less on marketing and customer acquisition? Are you running a business where differentiating yourself from the competition is downright difficult? Do you feel like the only way to build your brand and business is to spend ridiculous sums of money on marketing and advertising? If so, this episode is for you! Ryan Welch—of Breezy Moving—is not a professional marketer or advertising guru. But he has used his expertise in creating relationships and focusing on his customers' needs (and their customers' needs) to generate more business than he can handle in the ultra-competitive moving industry. And he's done it all without spending a penny on marketing or advertising! Ryan shares his business secrets—including a deep dive into the financials and tips to become more competitive without spending a fortune on marketing. He tells us how he researches competitors and prices his services for maximum profit. He goes on to explain that no matter what your business is, expanding and fostering relationships is going to be one of the best ways to lower your customer acquisition costs, expand your customer reach, and grow your margins and bottom line. And make sure you listen to Ryan’s thoughts on how to hire and manage employees in an industry where there is a lot of turnover, as well as where first impressions matter most. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Have you figured out a good business model that is consistently making money but don’t know how to expand? Itching to take your local business national? Ready to put your business on auto-pilot, generating recurring income while others do the work? If so, this episode is for you! Brennan Tolman and Nik Krohn—founders of Tolman Media—were in that same boat just a couple years ago. They had grown their local wedding photography business in Salt Lake City and were ready to expand. But they quickly decided that owning locations around the country or franchising the business wasn’t for them—too much work, too much red tape. So, they figured out an even better plan, creating an online marketplace and licensing the business to dozens of other entrepreneurs. On this episode, Brennan and Nik walk us through the process they used to scale their business and then license it all around the country—and around the world. The two were able to generate over $4M in revenue in just six months by letting others do the bulk of the work—while they simply collected the royalties. Whether you’ve already explored the idea of licensing your product or business, or you’re looking for a new tool to add to your business toolbag, Brennan and Nik walk you step by step through the process of taking your business to the next level. And making LOTS of money in the process! Make sure you stick around to the end, where Brennan and Nik tell us the single most important metric to the success of your business. Check them out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Are you overwhelmed with all the things you’re falling behind on in your business? Not sure what to do next? Have you been taught to believe that as business owners, we need to tackle all of our business issues at once? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way! Michael Michalowicz—author six books, including the newly released Fix This Next—knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle with too much to do and not enough time to do it. And on this episode, he teaches how we can evaluate and prioritize the issues in our business—and also how to FIX THEM! Mike starts with an overview of why identifying the biggest obstacles in your business is important and why so many entrepreneurs make the mistake of trying to solve too many issues at once. From there, he reveals the business hierarchy of needs—the five parts of our business that we must in order to truly put our business on autopilot and create a legacy that can be handed down. Then, he tells us how to identify the biggest obstacle in our business, and the methodology of how we can solve that problem before moving on to the next. The formula is simple, even if it’s not obvious. But Mike breaks it down step by step so that even the most frantic among us will be able to use it to get our business under control and relieve our daily headaches. He helps us realize that the biggest challenge that most of us face as entrepreneurs is figuring out what our biggest challenge is—and then helps us do that! And make sure you listen for Mike’s explanation of “the double helix” while helping business owner Carol solve the biggest business challenge she’s facing today. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Not happy in your current career? Looking to do something entrepreneurial but don’t know where to start? Well, maybe this is the inspiration you need to build something HUGE! Laura Spaulding is a former police officer who was ready to forge her own future. Using the experience, knowledge, and insight she got working undercover, she decided to start her own business focused on cleaning up crime scenes, meth houses, and a host of other environmental hazards that many of us don’t have the stomach for. Laura walks us through how she decided on her business path, how she financed it, and how she came to realize that the real opportunity was in expanding it through franchising. But it hasn’t all been rainbows and teddy bears—franchising created a whole host of challenges that Laura had to tackle in order to continue to grow and expand her business. And grow her business she's done! Entrepreneur Magazine recently ranked Laura's company as one of the top 10 new franchises, and Spaulding Decon has been at the forefront of the coronavirus cleanup across the U.S. over the past six weeks. If you’ve ever thought about creating your own franchise system from the ground up, this is the episode for you. Laura tells us how it’s done, how NOT to do it, how much to expect to pay, and all the good and bad that come with expanding your business nationwide. If you have a strong stomach, make sure you listen to the end, when Laura tells us some of her favorite crime scene cleanup stories... Check her out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

This show is a wake-up call for young and hungry entrepreneurs. The main message: there is a massive wealth transfer underway in this country. An entire generation of business owners is reaching retirement age, and most don't have a clear succession plan in place. So... who takes over these successful businesses? Why not YOU? That's the topic of today's show with Nigel Guisinger, an Oregon-based real estate investor who's also owned an appliance store, a glass company, and a laundromat among other ventures. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify business owners who are part of this big shift (think "Millionaire Next Door" types). You'll learn how to approach them and open a conversation about succession plans. AND you'll hear Nigel's tips for buying businesses using seller financing—an effective strategy he's personally used to great effect. You'll love how passionate Nigel is when it comes to the opportunities available to hungry investors—and the real-world stories he tells to bring these concepts to life. So listen to this episode, then identify a local business you could see yourself taking over someday soon. Don't forget to subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won't miss the next episode... and we'll see you next Tuesday!

Today: Everything you need to know to get YOUR slice of $349B in emergency small business loans. You'll learn which SBA disaster loans are available now, what the terms are, and -- most importantly -- how to apply ASAP. Yes, there's a lot of money out there for businesses hurt by coronavirus. But the rollout of these programs has been messy and chaotic. Banks aren't used to lending so much money, so fast... with such little due diligence. So it's crucial to know what you're doing when you apply. Our guest Angela Venti is Director of Practice Growth at the accounting firm Alloy Silverstein. Toward the end of the episode we also speak to one of Angela's clients, Mike Regina, the co-owner of a construction management firm that has applied for these loans. NOTE: This show was recorded on Friday, April 3. We're doing our best to make sure it's up-to-date but guidelines are changing in real-time. As always, work with a professional who can give you professional advice for your situation. Let us know if enjoyed this episode of the BiggerPockets Business Podcast, and be sure to check out the rest of the podcasts on the BiggerPockets network. Just search "BiggerPockets" on your favorite podcast app.

During this unprecedented, uncertain time, here's a CHALLENGE for us all to collaborate for social good TOGETHER. What are others doing during this difficult time to help their communities? What can YOU be doing to make a difference today? On this episode, Stephanie Howard—owner of How and Why—joins us today from her industrial design studio. As an international award-winning designer of wearables for companies such as Nike, New Balance, and Reebok, Stephanie started her own firm nearly a decade ago. She previously led the innovation team at Seventh Generation, a company lauded for its focus on sustainability. Her work taps into connecting a large network to design mission-based products—and the current global health crisis is no exception. Stephanie tells us how a family health scare thrust her into the world of caring for a loved one at home. These days, in the midst of COVID-19, her work has been reprioritized to lead a design challenge that each and every one of us can participate in to help others in the unfortunate event that we are faced with a similar circumstance. Huge corporations such as 3M, Nike, Tesla, and many more are making headlines for retooling and repurposing their operations to provide PPEs (personal protective equipment) to hospitals—but each of us individually, as family members, as community leaders, has the power to make an impact. As entrepreneurs and small business owners, we are innovative, resourceful problem solvers. Learn how YOU can put your expertise to use during this time of uncertainty.

On today's episode -- a "bad business decision" that simply had to be made... and a microcosm of what's happening to small businesses across the country right now. Bret Oliverio—owner of Sup Dogs, voted the #1 college bar in the country in a Barstool Sports poll, had a bittersweet start in the restaurant business, committed to carrying on his brother’s legacy. With absolutely no experience in the space, he and his wife worked tirelessly to build a thriving business employing 120 people, encompassing two locations, and generating millions in annual revenue. Leading into the busiest season of the year, Sup Dogs was thriving. And it continued to thrive leading right up into St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Then the coronavirus health crisis hit... and although it was a tough decision from a business standpoint, Bret was proactive in closing his two locations, using his influence in the community to encourage college students to stay put -- all while providing paychecks for his large team. It hasn’t been easy, but he’s doing everything he can to maintain relationships, continue building his brand, and encourage others that with each passing day, we’re one day closer to this crisis ending. Make sure you listen to the end, when Bret shares hope and optimism around the opportunities that these difficult times will inevitably bring. In this very raw, real episode, he shares what we as family members, as business owners, as community leaders, need to be doing right now as we make our way day to day and look toward the future.

COVID-19 has presented challenges for all of us—not the least of whom are those who own a business or are in the process of starting, growing, or scaling a business. In order to provide as much support and insight to our listeners as possible, we recorded this episode yesterday with Andrew Sherman, a prominent Washington, D.C. attorney, business school professor, and author of 26 books on every aspect of business. Andrew shares his thoughts on where the economy goes next (will this economic event be "V-shaped" or "U-shaped"?), what business owners can do TODAY to best navigate the crises, and the crucial importance of risk management and emergency preparedness. Don't own a business quite yet? There's still value here: Andrew outlines questions to think through if you plan to start a new venture this year AND shares what he believes to be the opportunities that are likely to arise over the next several months and years. We hope you enjoy this episode of the BiggerPockets Business Podcast. If you do, we encourage you to share it with a friend or family member. Stay safe, and we'll see you next week.

Do you feel like you’re too young to take on huge business challenges? Are you trying to figure out the best way to break into entrepreneurship but want the support of a big team behind you? Have you considered franchising but are looking for something a little bit bigger—that also won’t break the bank? After this episode, you will find that you have a whole new perspective on what’s possible with scaling up a built-for-you system. Logan Hand—master franchise developer for the new restaurant concept Mahana Fresh—learned at a young age that not only was it possible to break into franchising in a big way, but it could be done without a ton of cash in his bank account. In this episode, he teaches us how he went from real estate wholesaler and house flipper to running a four-county, 30-franchise development for an up-and-coming restaurant brand. And he explains the ins and outs of this little-known franchising concept called master franchising or area franchise development. Logan recounts his days of hustling to generate sales commissions and wholesaling fees. He came to realize, at the young age of 27, that building a business that could generate passive income—and eventually be sold—was the better path. He talks about how he decided to go the franchise route, buying a franchise that he could own and operate himself. Then, he realized that he could do the exact same thing—but on a much bigger scale. If you’ve heard of franchising and want to learn more, or if you’ve considered franchising but want to learn how to do it bigger and better, this is the episode for you. Logan tells us how we should be evaluating franchises, how we can get money to buy one (or 30), and who that one person is who can provide you the support you need to make the right decision when it comes to buying into a franchise. Make sure you listen to the end, when Logan provides some amazing tips for all the young entrepreneurs out there looking to get—and stay—motivated! Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Do you dream of the day you can be your own boss? Wish you could generate full-time income from your side hustle passion project? Or do you have a small business that you want to expand to something BIG, while simultaneously allowing you the time and financial freedom you crave? Becoming a franchise owner can be an effective path to make that happen! Michelle Reed-Spitzer, owner of SIX MaidPro franchises, including the No. 1 MaidPro franchise in existence—runs her team from one central location. Meanwhile she has the freedom to travel, spend time on her boat, and zip around the Gulf Coast of sunny Florida in her shiny red convertible. In this episode, Michelle teaches us what a successful franchise model has done for her in terms of scaling a business to the next level. She tells us the story of her early days working hard cleaning houses, building up a client base, and hiring a few people to help. After "secret shopping" some new competition in town, she ultimately became a franchisee of that company, paying an initial franchise fee of just ONE DOLLAR since she brought an already-successful business to the table. Implementing MaidPro’s training, systems, and processes, she has mastered the formula to grow and expand with the help of an exceptional team. Whether you’ve already explored the concept of franchising or know nothing about it, Michelle shares her expertise with one actionable tip after another. She fills us in on how franchises work, recommends items to think about before making the leap, and discusses the advantages—as well as potential pitfalls to avoid. And perhaps most importantly, Michelle is living proof that with hard work, focus, and determination, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Check her out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Have you considered that there may be a marketing channel for your business that you’ve never taken advantage of? One that could literally provide dozens—or hundreds—of times return on the cost of it? You may not have put much thought into it before, but after this episode, you will! John Ruhlin—author of the bestselling book Giftology—knows firsthand the value of giving gifts as a way to build both your network and your bottom line. And on this episode, John gives us all the ins and outs of giving gifts in a way that will not only surprise and delight the recipients of those gifts but also catapult the success of your business in the process. John tells us his story of how—by strategically spending $10,000—he was able to create and foster a relationship that has made him and his business well into the seven-figures. And how with much lower amounts than that, you can generate the same value for your business, as well. John tells us why giving gifts in the business world is important; who we should be giving gifts to (hint: it’s not who you think!); which types of gifts we should—and SHOULDN’T—be giving to achieve maximum impact; and how often we should be giving gifts to achieve the best results. Most importantly, John explains why most of the gifts we often give to our clients, vendors, colleagues, and potential partners are not just failing to help us foster those relationships but are actually HURTING our relationships! And make sure you listen for John’s tip on how to give the most impactful gifts for the lowest cost: It’s all about picking the right categories. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Do you value freedom and time above all else? Are you craving a lifestyle doing what’s truly most important to you, while financially supporting yourself, your family, your hobbies, and your adventures? Today’s guest has done just that, paving his own way and achieving freedom on many levels: financial, time, and mental. He’s taught thousands of people how to do the same. Today, he shares how you can do it, too! Yaro Starak—an online entrepreneur earning a full-time income from the internet since 2004—walks us through his evolution of multiple businesses, identifying potential opportunities, and taking steps with minimal risk to start additional ventures. He debunks myths about passive income and digs deeply into the “how” of making a “laptop lifestyle” work. Yaro gives actionable tips to identify areas in which you’re an expert, then use that expertise to earn income by sharing that information with others. He tells us the lessons he’s learned along the way: from early goals of simply making money to intentional, conscious decisions to do something you love to working with people you really enjoy. And make sure you listen for Yaro’s recommendation on how to fast-track learning the ins and outs of a business you’re passionate about, closing your gaps in knowledge, and increasing awareness of how everything works before wasting time and energy charging full-speed ahead. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Have you ever wondered how businesses are bought and sold? Or have you considered buying a business but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you've considered selling a business—or are starting a business that you’re hoping to sell at some point in the future. Buying and selling a business seems complicated... but it doesn’t have to be that way! David Barnett, business broker and author of six books including How to Sell My Own Business, knows firsthand how important it is that you build, structure, and manage a business in a way that will allow you to eventually sell it—even if that’s not your plan A. In this episode, he tells us why sometimes we have to sell even if we don’t expect to and how we can be certain to get top dollar if and when that time comes. In addition, David helps us understand how businesses are valued, the most common reasons why business owners sell, the types of terms that can be negotiated when buying or selling a business, and why most businesses sell for less than you’d think. And make sure you listen for David’s advice on how to handle situations where a seller is telling you one thing, but his financial statements are telling you another. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Intrigued by the concept of virtual assistants? Understandably so—the time commitment and expense of office space and in-house employees can be intimidating. Luckily, there are alternatives… Nathan Hirsch—serial entrepreneur and outsourcing expert—knows firsthand how difficult it can be to manage an office with lots of employees. And not only did he figure out a way to avoid it, he’s built several companies to help others do it, as well. As founder of his previous company FreeeUp.com, Nathan created a marketplace of remote workers and virtual assistants to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses without the need for local employees. And as a follow-up, Nathan has created OutsourceSchool.com, an educational platform where business owners can learn how to manage their businesses efficiently and effectively by using remote employees. In this episode, Nathan brings his expertise in outsourcing to our listeners, providing tons of actionable tips and ideas for how we can build our businesses without the overhead of office space and local employees. Nathan tells us how he built his Amazon store to over $25M in gross revenue and how he built and sold FreeeUp without a staff of local employees—only hiring remote help. He shares how we can do the same. Make sure you listen for Nathan’s four-step process for harnessing the power of remote employees. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Have you ever considered buying a business but were terrified of paying more than the business is worth? Have you ever wondered what you can do to help ensure that a business you buy today will generate the numbers promised by the previous owner? Well, today’s guest answers both those questions, helping us to minimize our financial risk when buying a small business! Brit Foshee—real estate investor and small business owner—walks us through the process he used to buy his first five landscaping companies, how he consolidated them into one big company to increase their value, and how he did it all with minimal financial risk. And he tells us how we can do the same thing if we decide we want to go the route of buying a small business. Brit tells us how he finds the businesses he buys, how he evaluates them, how he recruits partners to run them, and most importantly, how he gets the owners to all but guarantee their financial success. And for you real estate investors out there, you’ll be amazed at how similar buying a business is to buying real estate! And make sure you listen for Brit’s recommendations on using “claw backs”—a way to literally guarantee that a business owner doesn’t misrepresent the numbers when selling you a business. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Does the book, “Vivid Vision” sound familiar? Brandon Turner (host of the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast) raved about it when he we interviewed him on the show last year. Brandon credited the book with helping him overcome his vague thinking, providing him the insight to hone his goals and putting him on the path to massive success with real estate syndications. In fact, Brandon raved so much about the book that we knew we had to have the book’s author on the show to provide our listeners a first-hand education on why creating a vision is important and how we should be doing it. And that’s what we’re doing today... Cameron Herold -- best-selling author, founder of The COO Alliance and the operational brain behind several behemoth companies, including 1-800-GOT-JUNK -- is here to help you learn how to clearly define your business and life vision in a way that will put both you and your team on the path to success. Cameron breaks down the steps for defining your vision, documenting your vision (hint: it’s a lot more fun than you think), and then sharing that vision with your partners, employees and prospective employees to ensure that the entire team is aligned with YOUR vision for success. And, for those of you who like to think about things from an analytical perspective, make sure to listen for Cameron’s mathematical formula for success… Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Do you hate marketing? Do you hate sales? Do you wish there was an easy way to grow your customer base and your profits without relying on all the old bread-and-butter sales and marketing techniques that everyone else is using? Today’s guest provides us a path to business growth that doesn’t hinge on being a professional marketer or salesperson. David Meerman Scott—bestselling author of 11 books, including the just released Fanocracy—explains to us why the most powerful marketing force on the planet isn’t social media, television commercials, or any other traditional marketing technique. Instead, it is the ability to convert our customers into loyal fans. And he tells us how we can convert customers in our businesses into super-fans, helping us to scale and grow our business in ways that we’ve never considered. David uses everything from neuroscience research to the band Grateful Dead to show us how we can convert our customers into brand ambassadors for our businesses. Whether your business is a product or a service, whether you have a recurring relationship with your customers or you only engage with them once in a lifetime, David’s techniques will provide you the tools you need to get your customers to grow your business for you. And make sure to listen for David’s suggestion on using selfies to grow your business! It's brilliant. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

J Scott isn’t just the host of this podcast—he’s also a serial entrepreneur, who has a passion for starting businesses. And with 2020 now underway, J is finally ready to announce the launch of his latest endeavor, which he does right here on this episode of the BiggerPockets Business Podcast. In this episode, J talks about his criteria for choosing an industry and a specific business, he details the new business that he’s launching this week, and he dives into the nitty-gritty details of his financial projections and growth strategy. J tells us why “sexy” isn’t always the best choice for picking a business niche and how focusing on your existing strengths and expertise can help you create a “barrier to entry”—something that gives you a tremendous advantage over your competition and over others who might try to compete with you in the future. Best yet, J has promised to come back every few months and update us on this new business journey, so that our listeners can learn from both his successes and his mistakes!

In 2019, the BiggerPockets Business Podcast was launched. In the past eight months, we’ve gotten nearly ONE MILLION downloads, as well as some tremendously positive feedback. Our guests have included entrepreneurs who are just starting out, entrepreneurs who have built eight-figure businesses, and everything in-between. We’ve talked to business owners who have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars on Shark Tank and have even talked the the Sharks themselves. We’ve also talked to bestselling authors of some of our favorite business books and to coaches who help entrepreneurs reach their full potential. Now that we’re entering 2020, we wanted to revisit with some of our favorite and most popular guests from last year, and get their words of wisdom, encouragement, and advice for the new year. In this episode, we’re bringing back a number of our 2019 guests to give us their best actionable tips and suggestions for entrepreneurs and business owners. Whether you’re planning to launch a business in 2020, are looking to scale your business, or are trying to overcome some business obstacles, today’s show is for you.

Have you dreamed of starting a new business but can’t imagine how in the world you’d fit that into your already-packed family schedule? Love the idea of getting your significant other involved in your venture, so you can tackle the world together—power-couple style? It CAN be done… and today’s guest is passionate about sharing how, with the right approach, you can even get the kids on board, too! In this engaging episode, BiggerPockets Business Podcast host J Scott interviews his wife and co-host Carol Scott, as she launches a brand new business. Carol shares her expertise in leveraging the successes you’ve had in your personal and work life to create a company that generates income while prioritizing—and not compromising—your responsibilities at home. Carol also provides actionable tips on creative hiring from the get-go to put together an impactful team that can help drive your vision. She also discusses the power in telling everyone you know, loud and clear, about what you’re doing. Together, Carol and J teach how to instill values of collaborative entrepreneurship in the family and the crucial importance of a dedicated workspace to help shift mindsets, support one another, and make progress toward your goals. And if you’re hung up on the expectation of perfectionism and doing it all, make sure you listen to Carol’s often-controversial take on how to overcome that unattainable, society-driven notion! Enjoy, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast to continue learning throughout 2020 and beyond. Happy Holidays!

Are you concerned that your lack of business experience is going to hinder your ability to start and grow a company? Do you think that being a marketing expert is a prerequisite to getting your first customers? Well, that’s not the case... and our guests today are here to prove it! Jamie and Brian Ratner—co-founders of CertifiKID, a multi-million dollar family-focused deal site—are here to tell you about how they started their company without business degrees, without a big team, and without a big marketing budget. And on this episode, they teach us how you can bootstrap your business and how building a team that buys into your vision can propel you to success. Jamie tells us how she stood on the street corner handing out flyers, trying to find that first customer. And Brian tells us how—10 years later—they were able to put themselves in front of some of the most influential investors on the planet. Brian also tells his story about how he went toe-to-toe with Kevin O’Leary (from Shark Tank), negotiating a deal that would bring them a big six-figure investment and a realization of one of their big business goals. And if you’ve ever dreamed of being on Shark Tank, make sure you listen for Jamie’s tip on how to bypass the cattle-call auditions and get straight to the decision makers! Check them out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Having trouble generating business in your business? Having difficulty converting sales? CEO, mentor, coach, and marketing expert Pat Fenton is here to talk about the principles of attracting—and converting—customers to your business. No matter what you offer, whether it’s a product or a service, the principles for getting business are the same. Pat shares actionable steps on how to generate business, how to influence people to contact you, how to grow by expanding your network, how to create reciprocity, and how to add value above and beyond the competition to get continuous referrals and repeat business. Make sure you listen for Pat’s words of wisdom about how to turn failure into success and how even those who fail the most can ultimately end up being the best. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

"If you wait until you have a perfect plan," says Fetch Rewards co-founder Tyler Kennedy, "you're never going to get started." That line sums up Tyler's journey alongside his partner Wes Schroll. Today, they take us behind the scenes at their fast-growing startup, which employs 100-plus people and helps two million-plus app users earn discounts on everyday consumer products. You'll learn how Fetch started "pivoting" right off the bat, how Tyler and Wes approached giant brands like Kraft and Dove (hint: start small), and how two magic words turn regular old customers into evangelists. No matter what business you're in, you're in the business of looking for "win-win" arrangements. And in this interview, you'll learn how to do that from two creative, tenacious entrepreneurs who credit their success to getting started BEFORE they had it all figured out. Download this episode, and make sure you're subscribed to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won't miss the next one!

Do you have a business idea but are afraid that you don’t know enough about the industry to achieve success? Do you worry that you’ll hit a roadblock that will keep you from growing your business to its full potential? These are scary thoughts that plague many entrepreneurs, but there is a simple solution to overcoming these risks! Gavin Steinberg—real estate developer turned founder of the novel furniture subscription company The Everset—is here to tell you how he overcame these risks to his business. His solution is all about leveraging your network and finding other people who can help you navigate those areas of your business where you may not be the expert. When Gavin decided to enter the world of furniture, he was like a fish out of water. It wasn’t an industry that he knew, but it was an industry that he wanted to be part of. Leveraging his relationships and relying on the help of others who did know the industry, Gavin was able to gain the expertise that he needed and lean on others to help his company grow and thrive. In this episode, he tells us how we should be constantly expanding our network and recruiting others to help us grow in areas where we don’t have the knowledge or experience to do it ourselves. Make sure you listen for Gavin’s words of wisdom about how unlikely it is that your first idea will drive your ultimate success and how you should embrace the changes your business will inevitably go through. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Do you worry that after everyone and everything else in your business is paid, there will be nothing left for you? Have you been taught to believe that the first several years of your business must involve constant financial struggle? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way! Mike Michalowicz—author of five amazing business books, including The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur and Profit First—knows firsthand how important it is to ensure that you get paid each and every day. And in this episode, he teaches how to make sure that you’re profitable in your businesses from day one. Mike tells us his story of entrepreneurship highs and lows. After two early successes, he found himself in dire straights, not bringing in enough money to pay his bills and falling into depression. But it was these struggles that made him realize that there was a better way of running his businesses—a way that would ensure that he could take care of his family while his businesses would continue to grow. The formula is simple, even if it’s not obvious. Mike breaks it down step by step, so that even the most skeptical among us will realize that immediate business profits are just a simple mindset shift away. He helps us realize that profitability in our business is already “baked in” and that by changing our habits, we can start extracting it TODAY! And make sure you listen for Mike’s business-changing idea: start slow, let it grow. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss our next show!

Want to "do well" AND "do good"? Andy Seth's done just that—building several businesses and doing big things in his community. In this episode, he shares how he did it. You'll love hearing about Andy's journey from humble beginnings, like how he hustled at every turn and how he fought with what he calls "a terrible business partner"—his own ego! (Can anyone relate?) Andy shares great tips for finding what you're really passionate about and maintaining your energy while juggling multiple pursuits. You'll learn why it's OK to bounce around as you look to make a real impact beyond success and money. And our conversation on hiring might totally change the way you look at job applicants. Oh—and don't miss Andy's story about writing his book, Bling, in a shockingly short period of time. Andy is a super-thoughtful entrepreneur who's looking at the big picture and making a real difference in people's lives every day. Check him out, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won't miss our next show!

Whoa! Today's episode is a masterclass in building a business that runs without your day-to-day involvement. You might have heard of Ryan Dossey the real estate investor, but today he takes us behind the scenes of Call Porter, his live call answering business, employing 27 people in St. Louis, Mo. You won't find Ryan in the office, though. He lives 1,800 miles away. And because he's put an executive team in place, he can focus on his "superpowers": content marketing and big-picture strategy. You'll love hearing Ryan's tips on how to keep remote employees accountable, why "core values" aren't B.S., and how to screen potential mentors/coaches to make sure they know what they're doing. This is a seriously inspiring episode, and you'll walk away ready to automate and delegate those tasks you've been meaning to get off your plate. Download this one, and subscribe so you won't miss the next BiggerPockets Business Podcast episode!

There are tons of social media “experts.” But how many of them have gone from zero to one million followers in just 30 days? Today's guest Brendan Kane did. And in this episode, he teaches us the straightforward strategy outlined in his book One Million Followers. If you like the idea of attracting leads on social media but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. You’ll love Brendan’s simple recipe for creating content that attracts followers, spreads your message, and turns leads into customers. He's worked with everyone from Taylor Swift to dentists hoping to grow their practices—and his advice boils down to a few lessons you can apply right away. This episode could gain you thousands of followers and help you form valuable connections. So don’t miss it! And subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss the next one!

How would you run your business differently if you started with the end in mind? Today’s show is all about forming your exit strategy up front… and there’s no one more qualified to talk about that than the co-founders of Barefoot Wine. Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan weren’t even “wine people” when they went into business. Yet they found a way to outsell everyone else and eventually had giant companies competing to buy THEM. (They happily sold to Gallo in 2005.) In this episode, you’ll learn the strategies that drove their explosive growth and the way in which you can apply them—no matter your experience level. From the simple question that launched their business, to the pitfalls of “falling in love with your product,” to why every entrepreneur should meet business brokers for lunch once a month, this show is packed with practical, hard-won wisdom you can immediately implement. Download this one, subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast, and share this episode with just one person who you think you would get value out of it!

Today we get a peek inside a company that handles lawn care for 800,000 properties across the U.S. And although few of us will ever build such a behemoth, trust us—you will learn a ton from this episode with TaskEasy CEO Ken Davis. In it, you'll hear how Ken started the company to solve his own biggest headache, why TaskEasy zeroed in on mowing lawns, and the biggest operations challenges the company faces as it services thousands of clients. Also, Ken speaks to the importance of doing right by your very first customers before scaling, why ideas are a dime a dozen (execution—not so much), and how the right mentors can save you a fortune. Ken also reveals his No. 1 tip on how to automate processes in your own business. So if you are looking to get more organized and think strategically about how your business is set up, download this episode and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won't miss the next one!

What if you documented every process that makes your business run? Imagine how much easier it would be to scale and how much less stressful it would be to take a day (or week or month) off to spend with your family? Today’s show is about creating standard operating procedures to make your life easier down the road. Paige Wilcox of Wilcox Wellness & Fitness breaks down how she and her husband built a personal training business that can run on autopilot—which eventually allowed them to open their first franchise. You’ll learn how Paige thinks about systems, how she automated her email marketing, and how businesses can expand. Paige brings a ton of energy in this episode, and it’s clear how much she loves being in business for herself and putting her stamp on her community. Download this episode and subscribe to hear more stories like hers!

Grandpa may have been a great salesman in his day. But if you’re using the same strategies he used (and most of us are), you’re ignoring powerful brain science that flips conventional wisdom on its head. And you’re leaving a lot of money on the table. In today’s episode, we’ll dive into new research with David Hoffeld, a sales trainer who wrote the best-selling book The Science of Selling. After listening to this show, you’ll have a far better understanding of how your prospects think through concepts like fear and risk. You’ll learn how to overcome their objections by “priming,” how to use stories to reassure them, and how to address the 6 “why’s” that explain every buying decision. Plus, when you do lose a sale, you’ll be able to apply David’s framework for analyzing exactly what went wrong… so you know how to close the very next deal. Turns out, potential buyers are often turned off not by the product itself… but by the way it’s presented by the salesperson. So listen to this episode to learn the “buyer-centric, science-based” sales methods David teaches his clients. If you like this show, let us know in the comments below… and be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you won’t miss an episode!

Like a lot of entrepreneurs, Josh Elledge got started trying to solve his own problem. After launching the personal finance tool SavingsAngel.com, he came to realize that by far the best way to generate brand awareness was to provide massive value to news organizations—who would in turn give him a free platform to promote himself! If you’ve been struggling to get press or establish yourself as an expert, this episode might just change the whole way you approach publicity. Josh lays out a realistic path for starting off small (sorry, Oprah’s not going to pluck you out of obscurity), describes the two things you must do to raise your authority, and explains how to convert your newfound visibility into sales (without coming across as too “salesy”). Josh gets into the nitty gritty of how to quickly and easily create a press kit, how to build long-term relationships with journalists, and when appropriate, how to lean into polarizing viewpoints to create true fans. Whether you’re a business owner or a subject matter expert hoping to raise your profile, this episode is a perfect guide for how to “let the media do your selling for you!” Tell us what you think of this episode in the comment section below, and don’t forget to subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast on your favorite smartphone app so you won’t miss the next episode.

What went into building an (almost) seven-figure axe throwing business that earns hundreds of five-star reviews? For James Anderson, it all started well before he left his 9 to 5. As a marketer and tour guide, he learned how to create buzz, split-test, design systems, and craft world-class experiences… skills James later put to use bootstrapping the Whistler, B.C.-based business he co-founded. In this episode, you’ll learn why James believes market research is “the most important work that you never get paid for.” He gives us his tips for measuring the effectiveness of both online AND offline marketing campaigns, reveals his company’s current profit margins, and shares a hilarious story about an exhausting grand opening that forced him to temporarily shutter the business on its very first day. You’ll also learn how James diversified his business by developing scorekeeping software, how he handles insurance, what lessons he learned from a previous Christmas light venture, and the BIG opportunity most entrepreneurs aren’t taking advantage of today. James’ story is a real blueprint for how to transition from a traditional day job into entrepreneurship, so if you’re interested in doing the same, make sure you listen to this episode today. If you get value from the show, please rate and review us on iTunes, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss the next one.

“Finding the right people.” Ask any entrepreneur about their biggest challenge, and you’re likely to get some version of that answer. So, when you’re building a team, how do you REALLY judge the character, motivation, and “fit” of a potential hire? There’s a way. And on today’s episode of the BiggerPockets Business Podcast, David Greene reveals the EXACT questions he’s used to build out his team of real estate agents in the San Francisco Bay Area. You might know David as the author of two books (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat and Long-Distance Real Estate Investing) and as co-host of the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast. But he also runs a thriving business buying and selling houses—and that’s the focus of today’s show. You’ll learn how David learned to delegate tasks that drained his energy or didn’t fit his personality, how hiring his first assistant proved to be a HUGE turning point for his business, and the two things that set him apart from all the other agents out there. Also, David shows us how “frame control” can allow you to help close more deals, how he looks for employees everywhere he goes (even towing garages), how he differentiates “checklist tasks” and “skill tasks,” and how to train for both. Plus, he touches on what toothpaste brands and Chick-fil-A can teach us about our own businesses. If you ever feel overwhelmed by taking on another time commitment, listen for David’s tip about creating synergy between his various ventures and the secret to creating a lead “funnel.” David’s story and work ethic are truly inspirational, and you’ll learn a TON from the way he uses systems and leverage to run his agent business like a well-oiled machine. Listen to this episode—count up the analogies—and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss the next one!

Prepare yourself for an incredible tale of entrepreneurship. It features a hardscrabble upbringing, relentless optimism, negotiations with Amazonian tribesmen, and some bold guerrilla (“gorilla”?) marketing stunts. Barnana has been making organic banana snacks since 2012. The founders call bananas “Mother Nature’s energy bar”—hence, the name. When they started, they didn’t have much money of their own. So, they had to build a business that appealed to investors. Today, co-founder Nik Ingersoll reveals exactly how they did that. You don’t get into 20,000 stores (including heavyweights like Whole Foods and Costco) without money. But as Nik explains, it doesn’t have to be YOUR money. In fact, one of the most valuable parts of this episode is Nik’s story of how he used “lean startup” principles to raise Barnana’s first round of funding. Also, ever wondered how much it actually costs to make that healthy snack you’re munching on? Well, Nik breaks down Barnana’s supply chain and profit margins in detail—from working with distributors/middlemen, to using brokers to get Barnana’s products into stores, to getting certified as “organic.” And he shares some great ways he’s generated free publicity over the years, including the launch of this farcical new product. This is one of our best episodes yet. Tell us what you think, and subscribe to the show so you won’t miss an episode.

Be honest. Have you ever set an ambitious goal, mapped out a plan—and then watched that goal get buried under an avalanche of more urgent (but less important) responsibilities? We bet you’re nodding. Maybe even wincing. Doesn’t feel great, does it? Today’s show is about breaking that cycle. And to help us, we brought in a familiar voice. Brandon Turner, co-host of the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast, thinks a LOT about this. Today, he shares the tools he’s used to achieve financial freedom through real estate investing, move to Hawaii, improve his personal health, AND spend more quality time with his growing family—tools you can use to get clear on your vision and really stick to your next big goal. You’ll hear about Brandon’s failed first business venture, how he got into real estate investing for cash flow, and how he discovered a way to bring BIG value to BiggerPockets as Employee #2, despite not owning a computer the year before! Brandon also reveals the surprising reason he chose to go all-in on mobile home park investing (hint: NOT necessarily because it’s the “best” investment) and the workflow that allowed he and his partners to get hundreds of pads under contract in just a few months—the exact method he outlined in the new-look BiggerPockets Intention Journal. Oh, and you’ll learn the meaning of “M.I.N.S.” and the role they plan in moving your business forward (ESPECIALLY when the going gets tough). Brandon shares why writing out a “vivid vision” of your future might be the best thing you can do to move you closer to your ideal life, why he asks, “What would be awesome?” and then works backwards, and why he and his wife organize a goal-setting retreat together on the same day every year. This is an awesome episode that lays out a battle plan for getting WAY more done while setting aside quality time for friends, family, and fun. Download this one, and subscribe using your favorite podcast app so you won’t miss any future shows.

Today’s episode is proof that fear isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can be a powerful motivator. And more importantly, fear serves as a signal that you’re pushing yourself far beyond your comfort zone and blossoming as an entrepreneur. Overcoming doubt is one of several topics we discuss with Alejandro Velez and Nikhil Arora, co-founders of a startup that produces a growing line of home gardening and food products. You’ll love the story of how they met and hatched their idea in a college classroom, why they strive to practice “conscious capitalism,” and how they got PAID to collect the raw material they used to grow their first products (mushrooms grown out of used coffee grounds!). Alejandro and Nikhil also share their tips for raising capital and the story of how Back to the Roots struck deals with giant organizations like Whole Foods and the New York City Public School System. This is a motivational show featuring two entrepreneurs who are wise beyond their years, and it’s packed with practical tips for scaling any kind of business. Download this one today, and share it with two people you know would get something out of it! Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts so you won’t miss a beat.

Jesse McCue’s property management company had a problem: Try as they might, they just couldn’t find a thorough, reliable cleaning crew. So, what did Jesse do? He threw up his hands and went back to “Dancing with the Stars.” Duh. Kidding! Jesse took matters into his own hands, and what started as a singles-and-doubles operation has grown to a thriving, 100-employee enterprise based in Bangor, Maine. In this episode, Jesse maps out a battle plan YOU can use to start a service business. From starting a website to getting insured, he guides us through exactly how to get started making profit by solving someone else’s #1 problem. Jesse breaks down how he multiplied his client base while barely spending anything on marketing, how he uses high-tech systems to monitor the performance of his night-shift employees, and how he uses checklists to systemize his hiring process so he’s not just relying on his gut. Plus, he shares how he navigated a tough transition around the 30-employee mark. AND he warns us about a danger facing every small business owner -- a cash flow-management trap that’s always lurking... even if business is booming! Listen to this episode today… Be sure to check out our back catalogue, and subscribe using your favorite podcast app so you won’t miss any future shows!

What are you doing that you're not good at and/or don't like doing? Fire yourself—seriously! This episode is about delegating and systemizing, and who better to learn from than a serial entrepreneur who’s been tearing it up in real estate in recent years? Max Maxwell is a wholesaler, meaning he finds deeply discounted deals, ties them up under contract, then assigns them to an end buyer for a fee. Today Max tells us about his journey, from discovering he was dyslexic to joining the Air Force (“getting shot at for $20K/year”) to going broke (twice!). After all that, Max shares how he ultimately enrolled in “YouTube University” to learn the art of wholesaling. You’ll love the story of how Max’s business really took off when he delegated a weakness (data collection) and instead doubled down on his strengths (marketing and sales). Max also walks us through how to hire an overseas virtual assistant and how his first “V.A.” came to hire other team members once he began to scale up. He goes on to break down the structure of his business and reveal which marketing techniques brought in his juiciest deals. Max runs through his dos and don’ts for building a personal brand, as well as describes how he’s been able to build four businesses based on his wholesaling! Plus, if you know anything about Max, you know he’s a smooth negotiator. So, we asked him which skills are most crucial when developing rapport or closing a deal. Whether you’re in the real estate business or not, this episode is full of actionable advice for getting out of your own way and designing a well-oiled machine that works for you. So, don’t miss this one, AND don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite app!

Want a blueprint for breaking into a competitive industry and taking down your bigger, more established competitors? Well, that’s the focus of today’s episode with Nick Huber! As a college student, Nick founded a storage business aimed at helping his classmates. But the story doesn’t stop there. Nick and his partner passed up corporate job offers and have since expanded Storage Squad into 11 states and runs a team of 350 part-time workers. So how did Nick go from transporting items in his Cadillac DeVille and cramming them into his apartment... to signing on as the preferred storage provider for huge state universities? The answer involves “lean startup” principles, oldschool marketing tactics like sidewalk chalk, and a relentless focus on developing a competitive edge over bigger companies with less of a personal touch. You’ll be blown away by Nick’s resourcefulness, his tip about letting customers “see the whites of your eyes,” and how he was able to get executive help without giving away a huge chunk of the business. This show is for anyone who’s ever wanted to start a service business, but been hesitant to take on the big boys. Nick gives a ton of actionable advice to entrepreneurs of all stripes, so tune into this episode and subscribe on your favorite app so you won’t miss the next!

What does “The Queen of New York Real Estate” look for in an entrepreneur? As a “shark” on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” Barbara Corcoran hears a lot of pitches. She’s invested in entrepreneurs who have gone on to thrive... AND those who’ve failed or faded away. So what separates them? In this episode, Barbara shares what she’s learned both from the show AND her own remarkable, roller-coaster career. You’ll hear how she began her business career as an 11-year-old (even making the local paper), how she was inspired by her father’s unhappiness working for someone else, and how a failed relationship sparked her ambition to become New York City’s biggest real estate broker (which she accomplished!). You won’t want to miss the story of how she almost lost the Shark Tank job before it started, and how she fought tooth-and-nail to get the gig. You’ll hear her thoughts on investing in “the person,” rather than “the business,” when it makes sense to bootstrap vs. raising capital, why she distrusts entrepreneurs who use fancy jargon, and the surprising quality she values above all else. If you are interested in what makes some people succeed and others fail, you will love Barbara’s insights. Check out this show, and subscribe using your favorite podcast app so you won’t miss the next one!

How do you go about creating a product line out of thin air? In this episode, Cody Berman breaks down the process from start to finish—and opens up about his exact costs and profit margins. Cody grew up playing disc golf. (Think of it as golf with frisbees.) By the time he was 19 years old, the game was growing FAST. He spotted a big opportunity in the equipment market and decided to do something about it. You’ll learn how Cody and his partner went about their market research (cost per unit, engineering, official regulations, margins, markup, MSRP), how they launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise seed money, and how they called 200(!) prototyping and molding companies to get the best deal possible. He also talks about the moments that almost made them quit—from being told they would need $100,000 to start (they wouldn’t) to surviving a disastrous early production run that led to an all-nighter and a lot of wasted capital. Cody goes on to reveal the way he markets Arsenal Discs in online groups, how he handles packaging and shipping, and his tips for entrepreneurs thinking about selling via Amazon. Don’t miss this action-packed episode, and subscribe so you won’t miss the next one!

Ever dreamt about getting paid to sit back and drink delicious beer all day? Well, keep dreaming. Yes, the beer industry is a lot of fun. But as you may have guessed, it’s hyper-competitive and demands a LOT of hard work! In today’s episode, Dave Thibodeau traces Ska Brewing’s evolution from scrappy underdog to top-100 brewery, competing against international conglomerates (all while keeping its edgy sense of humor). You’ll learn how Dave stumbled upon his passion in a book, how he and his partners bootstrapped the business by buying used equipment and sleeping in a Volkswagen bus, and how they marketed their brand’s “David vs. Goliath” attitude in a comic book. You’ll also hear how Dave and his partners expanded internationally, built a distribution arm to help other brewers (“coopetition,” he calls it), eventually scaled to 70 employees, and embraced the pain of a bad hops contract by releasing a limited-run, very hoppy brew called Bad Hop Contract. Don’t miss Dave’s advice for how to split up responsibilities among partners, and be sure to listen through to the end to hear him explain the big advantage smaller, more locally-minded businesses have when competing with international giants. Dave is a laid-back guy, who has managed to build a massive business while still remaining true to himself—so check him out in this episode, and subscribe so you won’t miss the next one!

How do you launch a profitable business without taking on a ton of employees or dealing with brick-and-mortar retailers? Peter Awad, co-founder of Mission Meats, breaks it all down in this episode. You’ll love hearing about Peter’s upbringing in a family of first-generation immigrant entrepreneurs. He also discusses how he got his start hustling in the early days of e-commerce (remember Mail Boxes Etc.?). You’ll also learn how Peter wound up miserable when he realized his job didn’t match his natural strengths and how interviewing other entrepreneurs shifted his perspective and inspired him to change careers. Peter offers useful insight into what makes a great (and terrible) partnership, how he and his partner came up with the same company name and logo independently(!), how he overcame his inability to focus, and why the person is more important than the idea. He goes on to explain the concept of a “slow hustle”—and how it may just help you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Plus, Peter describes how Mission Meats is able to test products without a big upfront investment, how he gets instant customer feedback, why ego is the enemy of a profitable business, and how philanthropy motivates him to succeed. And be sure to listen until the end to hear a conversation about passing down business knowledge to the next generation. Download this episode today, and subscribe so you won’t miss the next!

You’ve got your idea, and you’re ready to take over the world. Now, where should you start? Should you... write a detailed business plan? Buy the equipment? Take out a loan? Wrong, wrong, and WRONG, according to our guest today. Alan Donegan founded the PopUp Business School to teach a different approach—one that encourages entrepreneurs to measure feedback well before they go into debt or get themselves stuck in a rat race of their own making. In this episode, Alan shows us how to experiment to see if customers will actually pay for your offering (“people will always be nice to you up until the point when you ask them to take money out of their pocket”) and how to organize a trial run to determine whether you even enjoy running the business. You’ll love Alan’s advice to “fail fast and fail cheap,” and to create a “high-trust environment” so you can get paid up front. Plus, you’ll learn how some of the most valuable companies in the world got started using this lean model. Alan shares his thoughts on exactly when to quit your 9 to 5 and go all-in on your business. He also reveals how to keep your energy up when burning the candle at both ends and why understanding the “trinity of management” is vital to the success of your enterprise. This is one of our most actionable, knowledge-packed shows so far. Be sure to download it and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast using your favorite app for more!

What if we told you that mastering this one skill could allow you to replace your W-2 income, boost sales immediately, AND help launch your own thriving online business? Christina Gillick used copywriting to do all three of those things! In this episode, she shares her story and guides us through a crash course on persuasive writing. You’re going to love Christina’s tips for writing like you talk and using stories to grab your audience’s attention. And you’ll learn how to overcome objections without coming across as too salesy. Also, you know that old infomercial trick, “But wait… there’s more!”? Well, it works. And from Christina, you’ll learn how to close deals by making irresistible offers and attractive money-back guarantees. Worried you’re not a great writer? Listen for Christina’s advice on hiring a copywriter. Also, whether it’s a landing page, direct mail piece, or Facebook ad, Christina reveals how split-testing different versions will get you an optimal result. In fact, she used this strategy to drive sales in her own business, comfyearrings.com. Warning: this episode could change the way you think about marketing. Check it out, and subscribe to the show so you won’t miss an episode!

A data-driven approach. Cutting-edge technology. A rethinking of the traditional corporate reporting structure. We’re willing to bet you wouldn’t associate these concepts with surfing. But Ru Hill is not an ordinary surfer. He’s a scientifically-minded entrepreneur who has used these ingredients to build an extraordinary business called Surf Simply in Nosara, Costa Rica. In this episode, Ru reflects on why more than 30% of his guests are repeat visitors (that’s 10X the industry average!) and reveals how he’s been able to improve the customer experience by focusing less on the customer… and more on his 35 team members. You’ll be blown away by Ru’s explanation of the Peter Principle and how he’s avoided this trap by doing away with a hierarchical reporting structure. He also explains why paying someone more doesn’t necessarily improve their performance. And listen up for the one thing entrepreneurs often get wrong about social media marketing. So, with guests on a 12-month waiting list, Ru plans to massively scale—right? Listen all the way through to hear what he plans to do next. And subscribe so you won’t miss a show!

We all share the same 24 hours… so how do peak performers seem to squeeze in so much more? Today, you’ll learn the tools author Jay Papasan uses to lead the publishing arm of Keller Williams Realty, all while growing a thriving family business (and raising two kids and a dog named Taco). For Jay, it’s not just about saying yes or no to opportunities. It’s about setting up systems (a virtual FAQ has saved him countless hours) and putting conditions around his commitments (use the words, “Yes, IF…“). Jay also goes in-depth on hiring and tells us why it’s a scary but worthwhile exercise to do the math on how much a single bad hire would cost a company. Looking for that one person who will take your business to the next level? You’ll want to hear about the “missing persons report” Jay uses to stay on the lookout for his next team member and the counterintuitive question he asks himself before each and every hire he makes. This episode is packed with proven wisdom from one of the sharpest business minds in the game. So make sure you listen through to the end, and subscribe so you won’t miss the next one!