Beyond 8 Figures

Beyond 8 Figures

By A.J. LawrenceBusinessEntrepreneurshipManagement
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Beyond 8 Figures episodes

  • Mastering Remote Team Leadership with Liam Martin, Time Doctor

    35% of the American workforce is now working remotely, and studies have shown that a remote team is often more productive than its in-office counterpart. Through his company, Time Doctor, Liam Martin is on a mission to help the world smoothly transition to remote work. In this episode, he shares the approach he has taken to ensuring operational efficiency and building a business model based on referrals and why the key to managing a remote team is developing the skill of asynchronous management.


    About Liam Martin:

    Liam Martin is the CEO of Time Doctor, a leading time-tracking and productivity tool that helps businesses manage remote teams effectively. With his expertise, he has been featured in Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, Business Insider, and Fortune. He has been invited as a guest speaker at numerous conferences and events, sharing his invaluable insights on remote work and entrepreneurship.

    Furthermore, Liam co-authored the best-selling book “Running Remote,” which provides strategies tailored to business owners. This groundbreaking guide delves into the mindset and strategies of remote work pioneers, empowering readers to build and scale successful organizations with seamless, freeing, and cost-effective remote work approaches.

    Browse our curated collection of Business Books for more enriching reads.

    Episode Highlights:

    • In the early days of your entrepreneurial journey, you need to be the one doing everything. However, the quicker you can stop doing so many things inside of your business and transition into a more executive role, the better. “Owning [a business] is much better than running [one].” (02:35)
    • Ensuring that your operational infrastructure keeps growing at a rate at which it sustains your business requires a force of will, regularly rewriting your software, and dollar investments. At Time Doctor, they invest 7 to 12% of every dollar into improving operations. (04:30)
    • One of the most effective marketing strategies is one that is based on referrals. People trust people more than they trust brands, so build a product that people love so much that they will recommend it to others. (19:47)
    • Studies conducted on remote work have found that it leads to an increase in productivity. The key to a successful remote company is asynchronous management, and there are various tools within the remote working stack that can be used to achieve this. (35:45)
    • When hiring someone, make sure that they are aligned with the mission and vision of your company. To do this, build a Vision Traction Organizer (VTO) (i.e. a core vision document) and ensure that you give it to every potential hire to read and share their thoughts on. (40:40)


      • Liam’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

      “Building out those multiple products in your product line; you cannot do that without operations. Nothing works without operations.” (25:38)


      Connect with Liam:

      • LinkedIn
      • Twitter
      • Website


        • Resources Mentioned:

        • Running Remote Conference
        • Running Remote on YouTube
        • Running Remote


          • Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

          • LinkedIn
          • Twitter
          • Website


            • Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey.


            52 min
          • Strategies for Buying a Business with Elliott Holland, Guardian Due Diligence

            Due diligence is about more than just the numbers! In this episode, Elliott Holland and A.J. discuss some of the key strategies for buying a business using A.J.’s recent deal that fell through as a case study. Elliott explains why the qualitative elements of a business are as important as the quantitative components, the value of having an advisor during the acquisition process, and how to decide whether a particular business is a good fit for YOU.

            About Elliott Holland:

            Elliott Holland, “reformed engineer”, the founder and Managing Director of Guardian Due Diligence, is an expert in small and medium-sized business acquisitions. He has over ten years of experience executing middle-market deals, and his company is filling the void of options that exist for smaller acquisitions. 

            Episode highlights:

            • If you are thinking of buying a business, create a list of (very specific) dealbreakers. These are the factors that will cause you to walk away from the deal. An example might be: “I don't feel I can run the business from day one without the seller.” (02:33)
            • A QoE (Quality of Earnings) is traditionally just a quantitative analysis, but in small-medium business deals, the qualitative components are just as important. In this particular case, the downward trend in the numbers wouldn’t have been a dealbreaker if the foundational core of the business had been strong. (13:41)
            • Don’t underestimate the importance of having an advisor during the acquisition process. The role of an advisor is not to say whether a deal is good or bad but rather to ask you questions that will make you think about whether you feel it is something worth pursuing. (17:56)
            • Don’t believe everything you are told. Oftentimes, people attribute issues incorrectly. That is why it is so important to have good due diligence on your side. (19:17)
            • Make sure that the business you buy is a good fit for YOU. There are so many businesses out there you could buy and play some kind of role in, but you need to make sure that it is the role you really want. (25:00)
            • Just because we are currently in a tougher market doesn’t mean great deals can’t be done; it just means you may need to work a little bit harder, negotiate a bit better, and make sure you are getting updated financials! (37:42)


              • Elliott’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

              “People know that they need a QOE. They don’t always know that they need advisory work in the process.” (28:00)


              Connect with Elliott:

              • LinkedIn
              • Twitter
              • Website


                • Resources Mentioned:

                HLQ Score Card 


                Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

                • LinkedIn
                • Twitter
                • Website
                  • 55 min
                • Embrace Change to Create Positive Impact with Michael Kuech, Your Super

                  Even if things are going well, there’s always room for improvement; that is why Michael Kuech encourages all entrepreneurs to embrace change at every step of their journey (no matter how uncomfortable it may feel). Tune into this episode to hear about Michael’s open-minded, conscious, collaborative approach to business! 

                  About Michael Kuech:

                  Michael Kuech is an industry leader in plant-based living and transparent supply chains. Over the past decade, Michael and his partner Kristel have built their superfood brand Your Super into one of the fastest-growing companies in America. The company was founded after Michael was diagnosed with cancer at age 24 and realized how powerful food is as medicine. “You can not control everything in life, but you can control what you eat and how you fuel your body.”

                  Their book, “Your Super Life“, is a comprehensive guide to harnessing the natural healing potential of superfoods. With over 100 nourishing recipes featuring potent healing ingredients, Michael and Kristel empower readers to optimize their health and well-being through delicious and nutritious meals.

                  Get the Your Super Life book on the website or at your favorite book store!

                  Episode highlights:

                  • Always be open to change. As hard as it is to transition out of your comfort zone, it’s so important not to get stuck in your ways. When you embrace change, you increase your opportunities for success. (10:34)
                  • There are so many people who have had experiences that you can learn from and who would love to share their knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; if you focus too much on your own personal journey, it’s easy to lose perspective. (13:07)
                  • Do the right thing. Running a business doesn’t just have to be about making money; it can be a real force for good. Everybody wins if entrepreneurs adopt a conscious approach to business. (20:05)
                  • Cultivate a mission that is greater than yourself, and don’t lose focus! Your north star should be the guiding principle throughout your entrepreneurial journey (Michael’s is to improve peoples’ health); this is how you will create a truly sustainable business. (27:44)


                    • Michael’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

                    “Learn to have other people give you guidance, give you help, other experiences. Be open to change.” (12:50)


                    Connect with Michael:

                    • Website
                    • Instagram
                    • Your Super


                      • Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

                      • LinkedIn
                      • Twitter
                      • Website

                        • Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that this episode contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through those links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

                        32 min
                      • Engaging Storytelling for Business with Jude Charles, Jude Charles Co.

                        Storytelling for business is the way to go if you really want to connect with your audience! In this episode, Jude Charles explains how crafting stories (rather than making statements) can take your business to the next level, what it takes to become a stand-out leader, why entrepreneurship requires a relentless spirit, and more! 

                        About Jude Charles:

                        Jude Charles is the Founder and CEO of Jude Charles Co, a full-service video production company with a mission to tell your brand’s story through dramatic clarity, leverage, and demonstration. Jude is the youngest of 10 children of a Haitian immigrant family. His passion for film and video production began at a young age, and over the past 15 years, he has honed his skills to become the sought-after storyteller and visual strategist he is today. 

                        Episode highlights:

                        • Being a successful entrepreneur requires the cultivation of a relentless spirit. Let’s be honest, you have to be a little bit crazy to take on the rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship, but if you have the ability to keep moving forward in spite of the challenges that are thrown your way, you’ve got what it takes to build a successful business! (02:57)
                        • To be a successful leader, it is essential to be able to communicate effectively, exercise patience, and bring the best out in others. (05:51)
                        • Take the time to develop your story. People are drawn to stories because they provide a deeper level of connection than statements. So, if you can build a story around your brand, it will allow you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. (21:32)
                        • Create content that you can use over and over again. By doing this, you are extending the value of that content and turning it into an asset. (29:03)


                          • Jude’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

                          “Create [an] asset that makes you money over and over because it gives someone a different connection point on how to understand what you do or understand what makes you valuable.” (35:38) 


                          Connect with Jude:

                          • LinkedIn
                          • Twitter
                          • Website
                          • Story Bank Journal


                            • Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

                            • LinkedIn
                            • Twitter
                            • Website
                              • 53 min
                            • Turning Challenges into Business Opportunities with Ben Leonard, eCom Brokers

                              As Ben Leonard knows from (lots of) experience, all challenges can be turned into business opportunities as long as you are willing to think creatively and put in the work! In this episode, Ben shares some of the challenges he has overcome in his personal and professional life, the value of finding an untapped niche as a business owner, and the importance of taking advantage of the enormous power of e-commerce. 


                              About Ben Leonard:

                              Ben Leonard is the classic millennial entrepreneur. In his spare time, he built a business on a laptop in a cupboard. The difference? Ben grew it into an international 7-figure business and successfully exited after three years; the business holy grail. Now Ben is doing it all over again and helping others to do the same with his e-commerce consultancy and e-commerce brokerage.

                              [Fun fact: before starting his first business, he had zero business, product development, or marketing experience. He learned everything by applying his scientific training to the process (he has a background in marine science!]. 


                              Episode highlights:

                              • If you aren’t taking advantage of e-commerce, you are doing your business a disservice because of the volume of sales you are losing out on. There are so many affordable, accessible tools and resources available to you, so use them! (07:44)
                              • Find your niche so that your business stands out from the crowd! If you can come up with a unique, untapped business idea, you are well on your way to success; and if you think about it creatively, your opportunities are limitless.  (13:37)
                              • Overcoming challenges leads to enormous growth because of the invaluable lessons that you learn through the process. Don’t let hurdles discourage you; jump over them and keep moving forward. No matter how much you may want to give up in the moment, it will be worth it to push through. (27:09)
                              • Long-term, sustainable business growth requires patience. Don’t rush the process; take each phase seriously, and treat your business with the respect it deserves. (31:32)
                              • Making mistakes may not feel good, but it is one of the best ways to learn. If you deal with mistakes as quickly as possible, you’ll be better off for having made them. (39:50)


                                • Ben’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

                                “There’s always going to be new opportunities for those of us who are willing to go the extra mile to take advantage of them.” (31:22)


                                Connect with Ben:

                                • LinkedIn
                                • Twitter
                                • Website


                                  • Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

                                  • LinkedIn
                                  • Twitter
                                  • Website
                                    • 49 min
                                  • Continuous Growth on the Entrepreneurial Journey with Matthijs Welle, Mews

                                    Continuous growth is the foundation of a successful business, which is why Matthijs Welle never misses an opportunity to learn and evolve on his entrepreneurial journey. In this week’s episode, you’ll learn how he and his team are revolutionizing the hotel industry through their remote-friendly, talent-first company Mews! 

                                    About Matthijs Welle:

                                    After completing his studies in hotel management, Matthijs joined Hilton's fast-track management program and has since held numerous roles in operations and commercial departments. In 2013, he left his secure corporate job and joined Mews to revolutionize property management systems, reshaping the future of the hotel industry. Today, he serves as the CEO of Mews Systems, and the company has grown its employee count by nearly 5x under his stewardship.

                                    Episode highlights:

                                    • As an entrepreneur, you are constantly evolving into different versions of yourself. When this evolution stops, it’s probably time to exit because if you’re not growing, you’ll likely be holding your company back. (05:08)
                                    • Coaches provide opportunities for learning and growth. They will open your eyes to things you didn’t know you needed to know and help you become a better leader. So, even if you don’t think you need it, go out there and find a coach! (08:08)
                                    • Don’t underestimate the importance of your board members. They can expand your network, provide financial support, and push you to take your business to the next level. (15:46)
                                    • By being a remote-friendly company, you open up your talent pool exponentially. If you want to compete in a global market, expand your recruiting horizons and put more emphasis on talent than location. (25:18)


                                      • Matthijs’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

                                      “Having a really good board member will really push you as an entrepreneur  to the next level because you have to find answers, and you’ll dig deep to find them.” (16:35) 


                                      Connect with Matthijs:

                                      • LinkedIn
                                      • Twitter
                                      • Website


                                        • Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

                                        • LinkedIn
                                        • Twitter
                                        • Website


                                          • 34 min
                                        • Leadership Strategies for Collaborative Culture with Maxwell Reed, Kingdom of Something

                                          There are a few factors that can help you stand out In the highly competitive working world; exceptional leadership strategies, an attractive company culture that offers both freedom and responsibility, and a leadership style that allows people to tap into their “genius.” Tune in to this episode to hear from Maxwell Reed about the effort that has gone into turning Kingdom of Something into the irreplaceable production partner it is today.

                                          About Maxwell Reed:

                                          Maxwell is a Swedish-Canadian creative entrepreneur based out of Amsterdam. Having worked for one of the biggest companies in the creative advertisement industry, he quit his job and founded his own motion design company in 2016 with four former classmates (one of whom he now runs the company with). With the amazing talent on the team and clients like Adidas, KFC, Nike, and Panda Express, he often looks forward to returning to the office on Monday morning.

                                          Episode highlights:

                                          • Find your genius because that’s where you will create magic for your business; and then delegate the rest. Your genius is the skill set that comes naturally to you; the things you can do exceptionally well without needing to try too hard. For Maxwell, it’s networking. For you, it might be anything from organizational skills to coding. (09:25)
                                          • A strong, healthy company culture is essential for attracting and retaining great people. Maxwell’s approach has been to create a safe environment that gives people freedom with responsibility (people can take as much time off as they want to, as long as they are delivering high-quality work on time). (14:55)
                                          • As a leader, it’s important to find the right balance between being a boss and being a friend. This will help to cultivate a good atmosphere in the work environment and motivate your team members to give their best selves to the company. (22:20)
                                          • As a leader, don’t think of yourself as being better than your team members. Flatten the hierarchy in your company by not asking your team members to do things you aren’t willing to do yourself (cleaning the coffee machine, for example). (26:40)
                                          • Be a problem-solver, not an order-taker. This approach will get the creative juices flowing, keep you and your team members feeling inspired, and set you apart from your competitors. (28:13)
                                          • You don’t have to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. But if you say no, always try to give clients another solution. This will allow you to avoid burning out and delivering sub-part work while sustaining relationships that may result in more work in the future. (43:20)


                                            • Maxwell’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

                                            “One of our main cornerstones and mantras is freedom with responsibility.” (16:20)


                                            Connect with Maxwell:

                                            • Website
                                            • Instagram
                                            • Creative (K)Nights Podcast


                                              • Resources Mentioned:

                                              • RevThink
                                              • Joel Pilger


                                                • Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

                                                • LinkedIn
                                                • Twitter
                                                • Website
                                                  • 59 min
                                                • Navigating Supply Chain Challenges with Daniel Curtis, Vices

                                                  For Vices founder Daniel Curtis, navigating supply chain challenges as a business owner is all about letting your “why” drive you, doing everything with love, and surrounding yourself with people whose skill sets complement your own. Tune in today to hear about his journey of curating luxury subscription boxes during the current economic climate.

                                                  About Daniel Curtis:

                                                  Over the past sixteen years, Daniel has held several executive-level positions, working with some of the world's most prestigious organizations, such as Goldman Sachs and Robb Report. As the Founder & CEO of Vices, Daniel is responsible for spearheading the company's growth and vision. He strives to create a one-of-a-kind experience that truly brings people together and supports moments of thoughtful pause. He is also an avid traveler and has recently had his third child. 


                                                  Episode highlights:

                                                  • Even though we are living through one of the most challenging supply chain moments in decades, it is still possible to sustain a thriving business. So, do everything you can to keep your passion alive, and don’t give up! (13:28)
                                                  • The “why” behind your business makes all the difference to the end product. Don’t just do the work to get it done; do it all with love! (15:28)
                                                  • To be an effective leader, it is essential that you understand your personal strengths and weaknesses so that you can bring in talented people to fill in the gaps where you are lacking. (17:27)
                                                  • You don’t have to be everything to everyone; this approach is likely to lead to burnout and a less-than-optimal offering. Instead, define your ideal clients, build a strong relationship with them, and ensure you provide them with the products or services that they really want. (22:09)
                                                  • Every stage of the entrepreneurial journey comes with its own set of challenges. So, as your business grows and changes, you may need to rethink how you approach everything from funding strategies to marketing plans to make sure you address the new obstacles and opportunities that arise. (26:16)


                                                    • Daniel’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

                                                    “Bring on people that really can fly on their own and that bring strengths and ideas that you don’t have.” (13:53)


                                                    Connect with Daniel:

                                                    • LinkedIn
                                                    • Twitter
                                                    • Website


                                                      • Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

                                                      • LinkedIn
                                                      • Twitter
                                                      • Website


                                                        • 35 min
                                                      • Culture-Driven Business Growth with Leon Winkes, IWB

                                                        When you and your team love what you do, your clients can feel it, and your business will thrive as a result! Tune into this week’s episode to hear what culture-driven business growth looks like from Leon Winkes, as well as his approach to creating value, building long-term relationships, and finding happiness! 


                                                        About Leon Winkes:
                                                        Leon is the founder and CEO of IWB Agency. He is an entrepreneur, investor, husband, and father of two. After three years of experience working at Google, he started IWB, which currently manages up to €30 million in Adspend for clients in the Netherlands.


                                                        Episode highlights:

                                                        • If your employees are happy and fulfilled, they will be able to provide the most value they possibly can to you and your business. So, focus on building a company culture that prioritizes the well-being of your employees, and you will go far. (09:11)
                                                        • When hiring, look for people who are passionate and enthusiastic about the mission of your business. Teaching someone a skill is much easier than helping someone cultivate a growth mindset. (13:44)
                                                        • If you don’t love what you do, change something! Life is short, and there is no point in wasting your time on a job you hate. (20:26)
                                                        • Clearly define the type of clients you want to work with and the type of relationship that you want to develop with those clients. Don’t be afraid to get very specific about your niche! (25:26)
                                                        • No entrepreneurial venture is going to run perfectly smoothly all the time, and the sooner you can let go of that expectation, the more enjoyable your journey will be. (37:24)
                                                        • One of the main differences between being a leader and a manager is that leaders motivate and challenge their team members to move themselves and the company forward. On the other hand, managers often fixate on the nitty-gritty mistakes without thinking about the bigger picture. So, do you want to be a leader or a manager? (39:03)


                                                          • Leon’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

                                                          “In order to build something, you really need people to do it with you; people with the same kind of purpose.” (08:55)


                                                          Connect with Leon:

                                                          • LinkedIn
                                                          • Facebook
                                                          • Website


                                                            • Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

                                                            • LinkedIn
                                                            • Twitter
                                                            • Website


                                                              • 49 min
                                                            • Maximize Your Profitability with Kevin Bees, ProfitHive

                                                              If you own a business, the chances are that you are leaking profit somewhere. But don’t fret! Our today’s guest, Kevin Bees, is here to show you how to maximize profitability. From knowing your numbers to changing your mindset, Kevin’s approach will help you uncover the pot of gold that is already waiting at your feet! 

                                                              About Kevin Bees:

                                                              Kevin Bees is Australia’s leading Profit Maximisation Expert. Kevin improves business profitability, cash flow, and net worth through his skills in financial strategy, sales, marketing, and operations. His clients benefit from his human behavior and change management expertise, improving their performance as individuals, teams, and organizations.

                                                              Episode highlights:

                                                              • Your experiences as an entrepreneur can benefit others. Share your knowledge and skills so that other entrepreneurs can maximize their results. And you will see the world around you change. (03:30)
                                                              • Know your numbers! It might not be the most exciting part of your business, but it is definitely one of the most important. When you understand your financial performance, you can really maximize profitability. (05:34)
                                                              • There are seven core factors that are responsible for maximizing profitability, including leads, conversions, average dollar sales, and profit margins. The factors you should focus on will vary depending on the stage your business is in. So make sure to check in with your performance regularly to make sure you are focusing on the right ones. (17:38)
                                                              • The “pot of gold” isn’t at the end of the rainbow; it’s at your feet! Most businesses leak money somewhere. You need to take control of your finances as soon as possible to stop wasting your hard-earned profits. (25:27)
                                                              • So much of life is about perspective. Changing your mindset can change your whole life. And there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. You can prioritize your mental well-being by bringing in an external party to help you ask the right questions and determine the right answers. (26:36)


                                                                • Kevin’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

                                                                “If we can get the right perspective and the right mindset, everything changes.” (26:36) 


                                                                Connect with Kevin:

                                                                • LinkedIn
                                                                • Twitter
                                                                • Website
                                                                • Profit Gifts


                                                                  • Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

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                                                                    • 38 min

                                                                  About Beyond 8 Figures

                                                                  From the publisher's feed

                                                                  At Beyond 8 Figures, we believe in DELIBERATE entrepreneurship. It means creating a solid foundational framework for your entrepreneurial journey, building from a place of passion, and intentionally aligning your actions with your goals so that you can create success on your terms.