What if selling wasn’t about selling at all? 

In this powerful episode of Business Growth University, Alan flips the script on everything you think you know about sales. Instead of focusing on products, he challenges business owners, coaches, and service providers to focus on transformation. Whether you're offering fitness coaching, web design, or even starting a podcast, Alan shares a simple truth: people don’t buy things, they buy results. He breaks down a clear and relatable framework for connecting your services to your audience’s goals, replacing the word "sales" with words like help, lead, and invite. From coaching tips to brand trust and personal stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their business without sounding “salesy.”

Download How Sales Actually Works here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xcA-chrrzSK3DniV6XGNtMP_VTrLEZ2k/view?usp=sharing

How to connect with Alan?
📧 [email protected]
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Why sales is really about transformation
(1:10) Reframing sales as helping and leading
(2:17) Everyone is selling something...even leaders
(3:19) Apple AirPods as a real-life example
(4:05) Difference between clients and customers
(6:13) Branding + marketing = easier sales
(7:48) Real client numbers + business structure at NLU
(10:08) What makes Alan’s coaching work
(11:46) Four rules of his coaching program
(13:10) The real reason people aren’t successful
(17:01) One decision can change your life
(18:52) Selling something you love (like Good Will Hunting)
(19:44) Two reasons people buy: opportunity or pain
(20:25) Trust: the heart of any sale
(21:01) Final encouragement to keep the momentum

Are you working hard but not seeing the business growth you want? In this episode of Business Growth University, Alan breaks down the exact formula he uses to scale his companies, and how you can do the same. It starts with getting clear on how many hours you really have each week and identifying your primary skill, the thing you're best at, the market pays for, and people truly need. From there, it's all about using your earnings to buy back your time and reinvest that time into doing more of what makes the most money. Whether you're a therapist, coach, or creative, this episode is a step-by-step guide to turning your time into income, and that income into lasting freedom. This isn’t about hustle for hustle’s sake. It’s about smart, intentional growth.

Download the Scaling Formula here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1K68JO7AW514cPfbn9PSfnTkGtl8-_DTj&usp=drive_copy

How to connect with Alan?
📧 [email protected]
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Why buying back time is only worth it if you use it right
(1:04) What scale really means (not just more work)
(2:21) Alan’s 4-part scaling formula
(3:37) How to calculate your real available hours each week
(4:51) Identifying your primary skill
(7:18) Case study: A therapist scaling past burnout
(10:11) The key to hiring: buy back time, not just delegate
(12:00) Everyone needs a primary skill...not just CEOs
(14:03) Turning labor into leadership, then ownership
(17:03) The scaling loop that repeats and grows
(19:24) Coaching offer: What to expect if you reach out

What if the difference between feeling overwhelmed and actually getting ahead is just having the right structure to your day? In episode 27 of Business Growth University, Alan pulls back the curtain on how he designs his "optimal day", not with perfection, but with purpose. Whether you're a business owner, a professional, or just someone looking for more focus and energy, this episode shows you how to build a schedule that actually fits your life and goals. Alan breaks down his day into three themes: self, business, and family, and shares how prioritizing the right things at the right time can change everything. He also offers a downloadable PDF to help you map out your own version of a productive and fulfilling day. This is the structure you've been craving.

Download a copy of The Optimal Day here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BuA3KcDTz56uzu3baQBinAxgslI27wj-/view?usp=sharing 

Next Level Dreamliner: https://a.co/d/0WdeWQQ

How to connect with Alan?
📧 [email protected]
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:
(1:53) Why structure matters more than motivation
(5:10) Wake-up and bedtime target, and why consistency is key
(9:35) Breaking the day into 3 themes: Morning, Afternoon, Evening
(11:00) Morning: Self-care, learning, and exercise
(16:09) Afternoon: Coaching, training, and podcasting
(17:35) Evening: Family, food, and rest
(19:03) The priority pyramid: How smaller goals roll into the big ones
(22:06) Why coaching increases accountability and long-term success

What separates real CEOs from those just carrying the title? In this fast-paced episode, Alan Lazaros shares the three essential skills every CEO must master: leading people, designing systems, and tracking metrics. With real stories, honest self-assessment, and practical takeaways, you'll leave knowing exactly where to focus next to grow your business. Whether you're running the show or preparing to, this episode is your blueprint for leading with purpose and results.

Episode assets and mentions:

• Episode visual: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g6miuCOrZ8YPVsukaqeathNllQgY1ost/view?usp=sharing
• Register for the Free Masterclass, How to Set & Achieve Your Goals in 2026: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-ShY-iGKTEKPlsx3oCJUWw
• How to Customize Your Own 21st Century Business Model (EP25): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-customize-your-own-21st-century-business-model-ep25/id1814230739?i=1000742324916
• How to Be a Great Leader: 5 Levels Every Business Owner Must Master (EP20): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-great-leader-5-levels-every-business/id1814230739?i=1000736109874

How to connect with Alan?
📧 [email protected]
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:
(1:32) The Triad: Lead People, Design Systems, Track Metrics
(2:21) Alan’s CEO journey with Kevin
(3:08) The CEO as the “head of the arrow”
(7:11) Self-assess: Green, Yellow, or Red
(13:18) Systems that scale: Impact Score, Peak Tracking, WhatsApp
(15:31) Tracking what matters: Revenue, KPIs, Payroll
(19:05) Action step: Rate and improve your weakest skill
(20:18) Free 2026 Goal Setting Masterclass invite

What does it really take to build a thriving business in today’s digital world, from zero clients to a fully functioning company with 17 departments and 121 paying customers? In this milestone episode of Business Growth University, host Alan Lazaros shares, for the first time, the complete behind-the-scenes look at his own business model. You'll learn the five-level framework that moves people from strangers on social media to becoming team members, clients, or even raving fans. Alan also breaks down how each department, from social media to masterclasses to coaching, adds real value and builds real relationships. If you’re serious about growing your business in 2026 and beyond, this is one episode you can’t miss.

Next Level University Business Model

Next Level Dreamliner: https://a.co/d/0WdeWQQ

How to connect with Alan?
📧 [email protected]
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:
(0:56) Episode intro: Why 2025 was a huge year
(1:23) Full breakdown of the Next Level University business model
(3:02) Understanding your Ideal Client Avatar (ICA)
(4:10) How social media drives the business
(6:13) The five levels of a successful business model
(8:41) Why private Facebook groups matter
(11:06) Masterclasses and the power of live teaching
(13:02) Book club: community learning that sticks
(17:07) Where the money comes in: products and paid services
(20:01) Live events, coaching, and high-value offers
(24:06) Level 5: Hiring from within your community
(27:00) Branding, alignment, and leading with purpose
(29:18) Final call to action: Work with Alan in 2026

What if the biggest boost your business ever gets comes from the books you read? In this powerful episode of Business Growth University, Alan lays out the ultimate reading list for business owners who want to build something that truly lasts. He shares the six Jim Collins books that he keeps on his desk and requires his leadership team to read. 

If you’re serious about building a real business (not just a side hustle), this episode is your roadmap.

Grab a copy of my recommended Jim Collins books

How to connect with Alan?
📧 [email protected]
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:
(0:52) The episode’s focus: Books every business owner must read
(1:07) Meet the leadership team at Next Level University
(1:57) Why Jim Collins books are required reading for top-level execs
(3:01) Alan’s personal 11-year reading journey
(5:07) Out of hundreds of books, these are the ones that matter
(6:27) The 8 Jim Collins books, and which 6 Alan owns
(9:02) Breakdown of each book and what it teaches
(11:00) The world has changed and why these principles still work
(13:04) The importance of turning the flywheel and never losing momentum
(15:00) Why reading = better decision making for CEOs
(17:01) Foundational principles like “Level 5 Leadership” and “The Power of And”
(19:00) Alan’s client roster is almost full. Here's how to reach out
(20:13) Final words: Boring books are often the best ones

What if the biggest reason your team is falling short isn’t their skill, but their mindset? Alan unpacks exactly how to build the most effective, reliable team by focusing on three simple core values: humility, work ethic, and self-improvement. With nearly nine years of experience growing a business from scratch to a 20-person global team, Alan shares real-life hiring lessons, how to spot red flags, and why leading by example is the non-negotiable key to success. Whether you’re a solopreneur hiring your first freelancer or a CEO refining your culture, this episode is packed with clarity, honesty, and tools you can use right now.

How to connect with Alan?
📧 [email protected]
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:

(1:04) What does "team" really mean in business
(2:18) Who counts as a team member (freelancers, contractors, etc.)
(3:03) Choosing aligned clients and businesses
(4:06) The “win-win-win-win-win” business model
(5:01) Hiring and firing decisions in a global market
(6:14) From 2-person startup to a 20-person team
(7:06) How a time audit revealed the need for team growth
(8:03) Expanding and contracting: the natural cycle of business
(9:07) The 3 core values at Next Level University
(11:46) Defining humility, work ethic, and self-improvement
(14:49) The 10-10-10 system to identify your "absolutely" people
(17:04) Red flags: identifying “absolutely not” people
(20:00) Don’t just pick your values...live them daily
(23:36) Invitation to a free December 4th business masterclass
(24:46) Final thoughts and deep gratitude

Have you ever wondered if you're truly cut out to run a business, not just talk about it, but actually build something real, profitable, and meaningful? In this powerful episode of Business Growth University, Alan sits down with Emilia Smith, CEO of Evolve Ventures Technologies, to share what most won’t tell you about building a business, especially as a woman. Emilia opens up about growing up in a high-risk entrepreneurial household, building her company from scratch, and the five character traits she believes every empowered female leader must have in the 21st century. They talk real success, not Instagram illusions, highlighting what separates those who should be in business from those who shouldn’t. If you’re serious about impact, growth, and leaving a legacy, this episode is a must-listen.

Reach out to Emilia:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/evolveventures/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EvolveVenturesTech
Emilia’s IG - https://www.instagram.com/evolvewithemilia/  

How to connect with Alan?
📧 [email protected]
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:
(1:15) Introduction to Emilia and her background
(2:24) Growing up in a high-stakes entrepreneurial family
(5:11) What every female leader needs to know before starting a business
(9:23) Why most people are not cut out for business
(17:51) Top 5 traits of successful 21st-century leaders
(33:01) The power of thinking 200 years ahead
(36:01) The real role of stewardship in business leadership
(40:11) Final thoughts and where to find Emilia

What if one simple framework could change how you think about business money forever? In this episode of Business Growth University, Alan explains the financial snowball, a clear system to help you manage revenue, expenses, debt, and assets with confidence. He shares real numbers from his own company, breaks down how compounding growth works, and gives you clear targets to double your business every few years. Whether you’re just starting out or already scaling, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to grow smarter and stronger.

Listen to The 8 Fundamentals of Business Finance here:

Part 1 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-8-fundamentals-of-business-finance-part-1-ep14/id1814230739?i=1000724588490

Part 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-8-fundamentals-of-business-finance-part-2-ep15/id1814230739?i=1000725013433

How to connect with Alan?
📧 [email protected]
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:
(3:28) What is a financial snowball
(4:16) Why business knowledge builds like math
(7:01) Breaking down the core financial structure
(13:00) How to grow and manage your snowball
(14:36) Green, yellow, red yearly growth goals
(17:00) Alan’s real business revenue by year
(24:00) How much cash you really need to hold
(27:00) Avoiding the trap of rising expenses
(29:00) Free 30 minute snowball coaching offer

Want to lead a successful business? In this episode of Business Growth University, Alan Lazaros breaks down the 5 essential levels of leadership every entrepreneur needs—from crew member to commander. Learn how to lead by example, inspire your team, and think long-term to grow your company. Perfect for business owners, CEOs, and team leaders ready to scale with purpose.

Chess Mastery Level: https://tinyurl.com/BUGEpisode9

What Does It Mean To Be Next Level? (2245) - https://tinyurl.com/Ep2245

How to connect with Alan?
📧 [email protected]
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:
(1:35) Audience poll: Leadership wins over productivity
(2:24) Lessons from the Patriots: Brady, Belichick & Edelman
(4:36) What leadership really means in business
(8:08) The 5 roles of leadership: Crew to Commander
(20:37) How time perspective shapes each leadership level
(23:15) Why human connection will win in the AI era
(26:45) Final breakdown: Leadership is influence, example, and responsibility