Belkins Podcast

In this riveting episode of the Belkins Podcast, join host Michael Maximoff as he delves into a candid conversation with Anthony Kennada, Founder & CEO of AudiencePlus. Discover the unfiltered realities of being a first-time founder, the highs and lows of building a company from the ground up, and the crucial lessons learned along the way.

Anthony shares invaluable insights into the challenges of year one, the strategic vision for 2024, and the transformative power of owning your audience. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

👉 Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
2:08 - The Hardships of Year One as a Founder
3:10 - Strategic Vision for AudiencePlus in 2024
5:03 - Implementing EOS for Company Alignment
7:09 - The Importance of Product Market Fit
9:00 - The Journey from CMO to Founder
12:05 - Building a Brand that Owns the Idea
15:30 - Competing in the Current Market
18:31 - Netflix as a Model for Data-Driven Decisions
20:48 - The Loneliness of the CEO Role
22:34 - The Challenge of Context Switching
24:44 - Balancing Professional and Personal Life
27:13 - Finding Meaning and Motivation as a Founder
29:05 - The Importance of Product Marketing
32:25 - Building and Scaling Teams at Hopin
35:20 - Challenges of a CMO in a Hypergrowth Company
38:29 - Creating a Sense of Ownership in Teams
40:42 - Aligning Sales and Marketing
43:45 - The Success of Golden Hour Event
47:22 - Toughest Decisions and Learning from Mistakes
51:42 - The Future of AudiencePlus and the Evolution of Marketing
55:20 - Managing Relationships and Building Networks
58:02 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

Don't miss out on this deep dive into the world of startups, marketing innovation, and the relentless pursuit of success.

Welcome to the Belkins Podcast! In this episode, we've compiled the best moments from Season 4 of the Growth Podcast, now rebranded to Belkins Podcast and available on our new YouTube channel.

Join our host, Michael Maximoff, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Belkins, as he engages with industry leaders and experts. Dive into insightful discussions on sales, marketing, leadership, and personal growth. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable content!

👉Speakers in this episode:
Geoffrey Moore - Author, speaker, advisor
Cinthia Silva - Top 10 Women Leaders in Customer Success 2024
Alina Vandenberghe - Co-founder & Co-CEO at Chili Piper
Bishoy Tadros - Author, Speaker & Life Coach
Sam Jacobs - CEO at Pavilion
Ashley Faus - Head of Lifecycle Marketing, Portfolio at Atlassian
Dennis R. Mortensen - CEO and Founder of LaunchBrightly
Keith Daw - Founder of The Candidate Concierge
Will Allred - Co-founder at Lavender
Amir Reiter - CEO at Cloudtask

👉 Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction to the new channel and the best of Belkins Podcast
0:25 - Debunking myths in sales and marketing with Geoffrey Moore
1:31 - Discussing company growth and team satisfaction
2:26 - Building a unicorn with Cinthia Silva
4:00 - The importance of understanding team dynamics
6:05 - Using DISC assessment for better leadership with Alina Vandenberghe
8:03 - Entrepreneurship and the power of saying no with Bishoy Tadros
10:01 - Personal philosophies for success with Ashley Faus
12:04 - Impact of mood and energy in professional life with Sam Jacobs
14:17 - Recognizing and addressing negative thought patterns
16:06 - The role of a good leader in team success
18:14 - Building resilience and emotional stamina
19:04 - The importance of transparency and honesty in leadership
21:04 - Challenges and benefits of AI in business
24:02 - The importance of sacrifice and dedication for success
26:02 - Metrics for evaluating career satisfaction
28:14 - Navigating corporate America and finding mentors
31:34 - The evolving focus on customer experience
33:03 - The nurturing process and giving back to the community
36:07 - Balancing existential threats and technological advancements
38:04 - Adapting to rapid technological changes
41:10 - Effective communication and leadership in growing companies
43:04 - The impact of a difficult boss vs. a powerful mentor
45:10 - The dynamics of power in startup environments

Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes and follow us on social media for more insights and updates!

Stay connected with us:
👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/
👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/
👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/

#Belkins #Belkins_Podcast #Growth_Podcast #Michel_Maximoff #Geoffrey_Moore #Cinthia_Silva #Alina_Vandenberghe #Bishoy_Tadros #Sam_Jacobs #Ashley_Faus #Dennis_R_Mortensen #Keith_Daw #Will_Allred #Amir_Reiter

Are you ready to redefine the future of sales and revenue generation?

In this episode, we sit down with Jacco van der Kooij, founder of Winning by Design, to explore the seismic shifts happening in the sales landscape. Jacco brings his wealth of knowledge and forward-thinking perspectives on how AI is transforming sales roles, the importance of understanding business models, and the critical shifts needed for sustainable growth.

We’re diving into:

◾ The impact of AI on the future demand for salespeople
◾ Transitioning from traditional sales methods to AI-driven strategies
◾ The importance of aligning your go-to-market motion with your product
◾ The role of reoccurring revenue in today's market
◾ How to balance acquisition and retention for long-term success
◾ Personal insights on entrepreneurship and overcoming industry misconceptions

Join us to uncover how to stay ahead in the evolving sales ecosystem, create meaningful connections, and drive business growth in the AI era.

👉 Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro and highlights
2:04 - Introduction of the guest and their work
3:00 - Podcast production quality and team involvement
3:25 - Philosophy behind the podcast and its purpose
3:36 - Guest's experience in video processing technology
4:19 - Technological progress and real-time cloud filming
4:36 - Red Bull consumption and health
7:02 - Branding and merchandise strategy
8:00 - Selling and creating branded merchandise
9:13 - Importance of brand building and consistency
10:00 - Challenges and principles in maintaining brand integrity
12:03 - Dedicated and independent branding efforts
15:40 - Customer-centric approach and its impact on branding
16:32 - Selling strategies for various markets
19:02 - Van lifestyle and work flexibility
19:40 - Solitude and work productivity
22:28 - Differentiation in sales strategies
24:08 - Industry trends and pitfalls in following crowds
25:30 - Conscious capitalism and creating broader value
28:40 - Misconceptions about tech entrepreneurship
32:29 - Resilience and entrepreneurship from challenging backgrounds
34:19 - Shifts in labor costs and the impact on sales roles
37:04 - Strategies for effective sales processes
40:11 - Alignment of go-to-market motions with products
45:23 - Personalization and building relationships in sales
46:49 - Differentiating high-touch from high-volume business models
48:01 - Business model and its critical role in success
51:08 - AI's impact on sales roles and market transformation
55:22 - Resistance to AI and embracing its potential
58:01 - Skills and processes in modern sales
1:04:02 - Predicting the future of business and AI's role
1:07:14 - Shifts in buyer-seller dynamics and AI integration
1:09:04 - Creating a future with AI and maintaining balance
1:11:00 - Tailored questions and insightful discussions
1:14:23 - Subscription models and customer relationships
1:17:55 - The evolution of SaaS business models
1:24:01 - CROs and the focus on new acquisition versus retention
1:26:03 - Complexity of SaaS business models
1:30:01 - Professional services, acquisition, and retention strategies
1:32:43 - Key takeaways from the podcast

Stay connected with us:
👉 Jacco van der Kooij - LinkedIn
👉 Michael Maximoff - LinkedIn
👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” - From Zero To Agency Hero
👉 Belkins - LinkedIn

Want to build real connections with your customers?

In this episode, we dive into the world of social selling with Laura Erdem, Head of Sales at Dreamdata. Laura shares her experiences and insights on the power of personalized content and how LinkedIn can be a game-changer for salespeople.

We’re talking about:

◾ Switching from old-school tactics to social selling and what it means for salespeople
◾ A creative approach to booking more appointments (including killer videos)
◾ Building trust with authenticity (because people buy from people they like)
◾ How to find an elusive work-life balance
◾ Time management hacks for busy salespeople

Laura’s insights provide a roadmap to building stronger relationships and achieving your sales goals through social selling.

Tune in to discover how to stand out in a crowd, foster meaningful connections, and drive sustainable business growth.

👉 Timecodes:
0:00 — Introduction
2:14 — Managing Embarrassing Mistakes in Podcasts
3:30 — Intentional Marketing Moves: The Story of the Blue Hat
5:03 — Red Hat Company Culture and Its Impact
8:35 — Balancing Work and Family Life
9:01 — Creative Marketing Campaigns: The Biking Videos
9:32 — Booking Meetings in Creative Ways
10:01 — Maintaining Energy and Motivation at Work
11:57 — Goals and Ambitions in Sales Careers
12:27 — What Drives People in Their Careers
13:00 — Balancing Multiple Roles and Tasks
13:35 — Working with Different Teams and Processes
14:41 — Importance of Team Commissions and Collaboration
15:46 — Effective Sales Compensation Strategies
18:18 — Converting Leads through Effective Social Selling
19:27 — The Blurred Line Between Sales and Marketing
22:04 — Top Three Rules When Working with People
24:57 — Personal and Professional Motivations
28:03 — Interesting Business Models and Their Impact
29:00 — Making Strategic Marketing and Sales Decisions
30:03 — Lessons Learned from Great Managers
32:31 — Balancing Process and Creativity in Sales
34:02 — Integrating Personal Traits into Professional Success
35:15 — Pushing Personal and Professional Boundaries
37:55 — Balancing Inbound and Outbound Strategies
38:48 — Effective Outbound Marketing Techniques
40:01 — Best Sales Compensation Schemes
42:11 — 2024 Sales Strategies vs. Previous Years
43:35 — Multi-Channel Approaches in Sales
46:22 — Leveraging Video in Outbound Marketing
49:25 — Financial Freedom as a Personal Goal
50:25 — Reflections on Career Choices and Company Impact
51:25 — Social Selling: Key Learnings and Tips
52:04 — The Role of LinkedIn in Modern Sales Strategies
54:03 — Impactful Conferences and Events
55:03 — Effective Content Creation and Repurposing
59:00 — Favorite Conferences and Future Plans

Stay connected with us:
👉 Laura Erdem - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerdem/
👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/
👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/
👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/

How did Fireflies thrive during the pandemic, and what does the future hold for AI in business?

In this episode, Krish Ramineni, the CEO of Fireflies, shares his insights on adapting to remote work, turning it into culture, and the surge of new tools caused by the pandemic. Krish will also discuss why a good business model is key to long-term success. Together with Michael Maximoff, they explore the challenges and opportunities in the AI market, the importance of staying focused and innovative, and the impact of competition on driving advancements.

Perfect for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, this episode offers a deep dive into building a sustainable business in the AI era. Tune in to learn about the strategic decisions that helped Fireflies grow and the future trends that could shape the AI and tech industry.

Timecodes:
0:00 — Introduction
1:26 — Initial Thoughts and Pandemic Impact
1:49 — Fireflies' Remote Work Philosophy
2:20 — Adapting to the Pandemic
4:23 — Remote Work Culture at Fireflies
4:57 — Growth and Adoption of AI Tools
5:50 — Importance of Business Model in Startups
7:02 — Innovating and Staying Relevant in Business
8:26 — Focus and Innovation as Keys to Success
10:15 — Competitive Landscape and Differentiation
11:01 — Utility-Based Pricing and the Future of AI
13:21 — Challenges and Opportunities in the AI Market
16:01 — Role of Competition in Innovation
18:13 — Strategies for Maintaining Market Leadership
19:03 — Impact of Large Companies Entering the AI Space
20:21 — Balancing Innovation and Commoditization
21:07 — Personalized AI Solutions for Different Industries
23:32 — Building and Scaling Fireflies
25:01 — Challenges in Building Innovative Products
26:27 — Role of Investors and Funding Strategy
27:49 — Exit Strategy and Long-Term Vision
30:23 — Role of Investors in Startup Success
34:32 — Importance of Customer-Centric Approach
36:43 — Managing Competition in the AI Space
41:23 — Future Trends in AI and Tech Innovation
45:13 — Building a Sustainable Business Model
47:50 — Personal Interests and Future Plans
52:24 — Advice for Startup Founders
55:37 — Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Stay connected with us:
👉 Krish Ramineni — https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishramineni/
👉 Michael Maximoff — https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/
👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero — https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/
👉 Belkins — https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/

How can AI redefine the CRM landscape and take a business like HubSpot to new heights?

In this episode, Mark Roberge, Co-Founder of Stage 2 Capital and former CRO at HubSpot, shares his insights on the revolutionary impact of AI on CRM technology and sales roles. Together with Michael Maximoff, they unpack the importance of maintaining a strong team culture, the nuances of customer success for retention, and the evolution of HubSpot’s strategy across various departments.

Perfect for entrepreneurs and executives, this episode offers a profound look into leveraging technological advancements in sales and marketing. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the future of CRM and sales technology effectively.

Timecodes:
0:00 — Introduction
2:00 — AI's Impact on CRM and Sales Roles
3:19 — The Importance of Team and Culture in HubSpot's Success
5:30 — Sustaining Culture in Remote Work Settings
7:05 — Ensuring Customer Success for Retention
8:14 — Benefits of a Strong Cultural Code
10:03 — HubSpot’s Evolution: Marketing, Sales, Product, HR
12:24 — Individual Contributions vs. Team Synergy
15:33 — Reflections on Leadership and Goals Achievement
18:29 — Effective Leadership Qualities in Tech
21:56 — Reflections on Past Leadership Methods
24:01 — Customer Retention Focus from the Start
27:05 — Strategic Customer Segmentation
30:44 — Customer Success Metrics
33:01 — Aligning Sales Incentives with Customer Success
37:00 — Optimizing Sales Compensation Strategies
41:50 — The Future of CRM and Sales Tech with AI
48:03 — High-touch vs. Automated Customer Interactions
53:42 — Ethical AI Use in Sales and Customer Relations
59:00 — Venture Capital Trends and Entrepreneurial Shifts

Stay connected with us:
👉 Mark Roberge
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markroberge/

👉 Michael Maximoff
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/
Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/

👉 Belkins
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/

Ever wondered how a small idea can transform into a major industry influence?
In this episode, we sit down with Jay Schwedelson, the visionary behind Outcome Media and Guru Conference, to dissect his journey from spearheading early internet ads to leading innovative virtual conferences.
Join Michael and Jay as they explore crucial topics like the evolution of demand generation, the significant role of email in business communication, and strategies for scaling in the digital age. Learn how to cultivate a resilient business and vibrant company culture amidst constant digital shifts.

0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Transition to Internet Advertising in the 90s
4:46 - Shifts in Marketing Channels Over Decades
6:12 - Discussing Changes in Demand Generation Over the Years
7:28 - Impact of Email on Marketing and Communication
8:09 - Adapting Business Strategies in the Digital Age
9:23 - Insights on Startup Challenges and Competitiveness
11:14 - Expanding into Related Business Ventures and Strategies
14:29 - Origin and Development of SubjectLine.com
17:24 - Diving into Business Operations and Micromanagement
21:11 - Discussing Contractor Use and Business Flexibility
24:08 - Emphasizing the Importance of Personal Branding for Business
28:46 - Building Company Culture and Employee Retention Strategies
33:04 - Effective Management and Remote Work Dynamics
36:02 - Balancing Employee Growth Expectations with Business Size
38:24 - Leveraging Free Tools like SubjectLine.com for Business Growth
41:41 - Strategies for Promoting Free Platforms and Building Engagement
45:04 - Exploring the Success of Guru Conference and Virtual Events
50:02 - Planning and Executing Large Scale Virtual Events
55:01 - Tips for Engaging and Managing Speakers at Events

Stay connected with us:
👉 Jay Schwedelson
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwedelson/

👉 Michael Maximoff
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/
Michael’s newsletter From Zero To Agency Hero https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/

👉 Belkins
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/
Website https://belkins.io/contact-us

In this episode, Michael dives deep into the fiercely competitive world of tech conferences with Alex Theuma, a prominent figure in this scene. Alex shares his journey of founding SaaStock, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of creating a standout event in the crowded tech conference market. He also offers insights on delivering value to attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors alike.
Venture with us into the heart of the tech conference ecosystem, the importance of quality over quantity, and strategies for engaging modern audiences in an era of content saturation.

0:00 - Intro and Highlights: Discussing the tech conference landscape and key insights
1:18 - Difficulty of meaningful networking at large events
2:46 - Life of a CEO during their own tech event
3:47 - Curating forward-looking, engaging event content
7:14 - Leveraging community feedback for event planning
10:58 - Behind-the-scenes of running a tech conference
16:04 - Integration of personal journey with business vision
20:17 - Analyzing the competitive landscape of tech conferences
36:00 - Optimal size for tech events for maximum engagement
46:44 - Innovations to improve attendee engagement at events
49:22 - Marketing and lead generation strategies for events
50:00 - Discussion on the return on investment for event sponsors and exhibitors
54:20 - Strategies for maintaining attendee engagement in a crowded content landscape
57:45 - Insights into successful exhibitor tactics for lead generation
1:01:30 - The evolution of tech conferences post-COVID and the impact on networking
1:05:00 - The importance of community-driven content in shaping event agendas
1:08:25 - Reflecting on the future of tech conferences and the role of virtual components
1:11:00 - Closing thoughts: The value of personal connections and community in the tech conference ecosystem

Stay connected with us:
👉 Alex Theuma
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextheuma/

👉 Michael Maximoff
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/
Michael’s newsletter From Zero To Agency Hero https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/

👉 Belkins
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/
Website https://belkins.io/contact-us

Imagine this: you're at the helm of several groundbreaking ventures, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship without the conventional roadmap to success. This is the world of David Henzel, a seasoned entrepreneur who's made an indelible mark across various industries. His story is one of profound resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of integrating love and mindfulness into the fabric of business.
Dive into this conversation, and let David Henzel's journey inspire you to weave mindfulness and strategic innovation into your path to success.

0:00 - Intro Highlights
1:00 - Discussing the Impact of Wealth and Conscious Capitalism
4:09 - Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth
6:35 - The Role of AI in Future Jobs
8:17 - Embracing Change and Continuous Learning
10:01 - The Journey from Stress to Mindfulness
12:01 - Balancing Wealth and Happiness
14:00 - The Importance of Growth Mindset in Business and Personal Life
16:06 - Integrating Love into Business Practices
18:05 - Building a Culture of Engagement and Love in the Workplace
20:16 - Adapting Businesses to Remote Work and AI Innovations
22:25 - The Challenge of Maintaining a Positive Impact in Rapidly Evolving Industries
24:00 - Lessons Learned from Failed Partnerships and the Path to Recovery
26:03 - The Essence of Conscious Capitalism and its Future in Business
28:17 - Reflecting on Missed Opportunities and Growth Through Failure
30:14 - The Continuous Journey of Learning and Adapting
32:00 - Navigating the Complexities of Business Partnerships and Equity Sharing
34:10 - Strategic Approaches to Business Expansion and Integration
36:25 - The Importance of Complementary Skills in Partnership
38:40 - Adapting to Changes and Innovations in the Business Landscape
40:55 - The Significance of Profit Sharing and Employee Engagement
42:45 - Overcoming Challenges in Business Partnerships and Lessons Learned
44:52 - The Power of Conscious Capitalism in Modern Business
46:00 - Adjusting Business Models in Response to AI and Automation
48:15 - Balancing Ethical Considerations with Technological Advancements
50:29 - Personal Experiences with Failed Ventures and Missed Opportunities
52:43 - The Role of Failure in Personal Growth and Future Success
54:55 - Reflections on the Journey of Entrepreneurship and Continuous Learning
57:08 - Closing Remarks: Embracing Change and Moving Forward

Stay connected with us:

👉 David Henzel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhenzel/

👉 Michael Maximoff
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/
Michael’s newsletter From Zero To Agency Hero https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/

👉 Belkins
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/
Website https://belkins.io/contact-us

Ever pondered the intricacies of the B2B lead generation and sales sector? Dive into this enlightening episode of the Growth Podcast, where Amir Reiter, a seasoned expert in B2B sales, sheds light on navigating the industry's complexities. With an inefficiency gap between buyers and sellers valued at a staggering $2 billion, Amir presents innovative strategies to bridge this divide. Amir's insights span from leadership development and adaptation to business innovations to the profound impact of networking on career and personal life.
This episode is crafted for entrepreneurs, business owners, and individuals keen on decoding the B2B marketplace's subtleties.

Key moments:
0:00 - Introduction to the Growth Podcast
1:48 - Mission to transform sales and the need for change
4:28 - Finding better sales and marketing efficiency
5:18 - The role of marketing and brand in company success
6:02 - Adapting to changes and business development
10:14 - Developing leadership qualities and managing growth
11:04 - The importance of skill development and adaptation to change
11:59 - Balancing work and personal life
13:01 - Future planning and goal setting
14:03 - Adapting to changes and innovations in business
15:04 - The importance of continuous learning
16:00 - The impact of the pandemic on business strategies
17:02 - Personal development through entrepreneurship
18:05 - Defining success and happiness
19:09 - Future ambitions and plans
20:07 - The concept of a "network state" and digital communities
25:04 - Generating networks and building connections for professional growth
26:04 - The power of networking and its impact on career and personal life
27:30 - The influence of professional relationships on career development
28:50 - The difference between working in a global corporation and founding your own company
30:08 - Challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship vs. corporate jobs
31:24 - The impact of personal sacrifices on business success
36:57 - Understanding and embracing the complexities of honesty in leadership
38:02 - The balance between being honest and managing business interests
39:16 - The importance of transparency and honesty in business relationships
40:21 - Leadership skills and the balance between ego and humility
41:12 - The importance of taking ownership and responsibility in leadership
42:42 - Networking and building connections as key to professional growth
44:02 - Defining "top G" and the pursuit of personal freedom and opportunities
45:28 - The significance of competition and striving for personal best
46:07 - The balance between working hard and finding time for reflection and growth
47:36 - The pursuit of happiness through continuous learning and helping others
48:55 - The importance of setting personal and professional goals for the future
50:27 - The concept of happiness and success from a personal perspective
1:06:10 - Plans for the future

Stay connected with us:
👉 Amir Reiter
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirreiter/

👉 Michael Maximoff
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/
Michael’s newsletter From Zero To Agency Hero https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/

👉 Belkins
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/
Website https://belkins.io/contact-us

🔗 Check out all our episodes
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2VmEkaROwZo8a7bGzpQ01uPDHF4PaDGl