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Everyone's favorite married Co-CEO couple, who's growing a unicorn company join us this week to talk about the importance of transparent communication, wearing multiple hats and experimentation. In this episode, co-CEOs of Chili Piper, Alina and Nicolas Vandenberghe discuss their journey as a married couple and business partners. We learn how they met and the start of Chili Piper. Partnerships have been an important lever in growing their business and they highlight the need for persistence and experimentation in partnerships to find what works. The conversation covers the importance of experimentation and iteration in go-to-market strategies, the value of having a dedicated partnership seat, the benefits of transparency and communication in building a strong company culture, the use of nonviolent communication and decision memos, and tips for balancing work and family in a co-CEO relationship.
Takeaways
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Aaron Howerton, a Partner Operations expert, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of partner operations and its role in driving successful partnerships. Aaron explains that partner operations is distinct from channel operations and encompasses all aspects of partnerships beyond resale and distribution. He emphasizes the necessity of partner operations and the value it brings to both external partners and internal teams.
Aaron shares insights on operationalizing partner programs, building internal alignment, and leveraging CRM integration for effective partner management. He also highlights the challenges faced by partner leaders in justifying the need for partner operations and offers strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
Key Takeaways:
Notable Quotes:
Resources:
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: Introducing Aaron Howerton
03:08 Diving into Partner Operations: Definitions and Importance
15:43 Operationalizing Partner Programs: Strategies and Challenges
29:19 The Roadmap to Effective CRM Integration for Partner Programs
32:14 Unlocking the Mystery of Partner Operations
34:18 The Importance of CRM in Partner Management
35:32 Navigating the Challenges of Partner Ops
39:51 Leveraging Workflow Tools for Effective Partner Management
43:20 Measuring Success in Early Partner Programs
50:05 The Power of Personal Connections in Partnerships
01:00:45 Embracing Remote Work and Partner Ops Insights
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Jason and Sam are joined by Tom and Tamsen Webster, a power couple in the marketing and podcasting space. Tom, the "godfather of podcasting," shares his insights on the podcast industry and the key elements of a successful show. Tamsen, a message designer, discusses the importance of crafting a compelling message and building trust with the audience. Together, they explore how to create engaging content, foster meaningful relationships, and cut through the noise in the podcasting world.
Key topics discussed in this episode include the red thread approach to message design, the value of authenticity and vulnerability in podcasting, and the role of trust and buy-in in building successful partnerships. Tom and Tamsen provide valuable insights and practical tips for podcast hosts and marketers looking to create impactful content and connect with their audience on a deeper level.
**About the Guests:**
**Tom Webster** is a renowned expert in the podcasting and audio industry. With over 20 years of experience, he is considered the "godfather of podcasting." Tom has led the development of numerous research reports and has become a leading figure in the podcasting space. He is a partner at Sounds Profitable and has helped build the podcast industry through his extensive knowledge and expertise.
**Tamsen Webster** is a message designer and the founder of Elevated. She is known for her work in helping individuals and businesses craft powerful and impactful messages. Tamsen champions the "red thread" approach, which focuses on finding the core story and message that resonates with the target audience. She has released a book on the topic and is passionate about teaching others how to design their own messages effectively.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Crafting a compelling message is crucial for building trust and buy-in from the audience.
- Successful podcasts leave deeper footprints by understanding and addressing the needs and interests of the listeners.
- Building a dialogue with the audience and creating a safe space for conversations can enhance engagement and foster meaningful relationships.
- Podcast hosts should be willing to be vulnerable and show authenticity to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
- Understanding the values and beliefs of the audience and aligning the content with their interests can help build trust and loyalty.
**Notable Quotes:**
- "No one will ever be more excited about your content than you are." - Tamsen Webster
- "People don't fire their friends." - Tom Webster
- "Communication must also be received." - Tamsen Webster
**Chapters**:
0:00 Intro
04:10 Exploring the Red Thread with Tamsen Webster
08:33 Tom Webster: The Godfather of Podcasting
21:48 The Art of Building Trust and Buy-In
28:56 The Genesis of a Podcasting Duo
29:53 Exploring the Dynamics of Podcast Hosting
30:39 The Art of Relatability and Engagement in Podcasting
31:28 Decoding the Formula for Successful Radio Shows
33:11 The Role of Hosts and Audience Engagement
34:33 Building a Dialogue with Your Audience
40:34 The Importance of Trust and Risk in Communication
41:36 Creating a Safe Space for Conversations
42:35 Fostering Purposeful Relationships
46:10 The Smart, Capable, Good Framework
51:10 Navigating Business and Personal Relationships
53:17 The Power of Core Values in Relationships
59:50 Supporting Your Partner's Aspirations
01:01:23 Wrapping Up: The Essence of Partnership
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Katie Penner, the Head of Sender Relations at Sendoso, joins the Sam and Jason to discuss the power of direct mail in building relationships and creating emotional connections with customers. Katie shares her journey at Sendoso and how she transitioned from an SDR to her current role. She emphasizes the importance of personalized outreach and the impact it has on breaking through the noise in today's buyer-saturated market. Katie also highlights the role of direct mail in creating curated experiences and leveraging the law of reciprocity to build trust and increase customer lifetime value. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of influencer partnerships, the measurement of success in relationship-building efforts, and the significance of authenticity and vulnerability in branding.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Direct mail is a powerful tool for building relationships and showing customers that you care about them as individuals. Personalized and relevant direct mail stands out in a crowded digital landscape and creates a lasting emotional connection.
- Customers who are emotionally connected to a brand have a significantly higher lifetime value and are more likely to recommend the brand to others. Building genuine relationships with customers leads to long-term loyalty and advocacy.
- The right influencers can be valuable partners in building brand awareness and trust. Authenticity and creative freedom are key in influencer partnerships, allowing influencers to share their genuine experiences and opinions about a brand.
- Measuring the success of relationship-building efforts can be challenging, but tools like Gong and tracking "how did you hear about us" can provide insights into the impact of these efforts on conversions and demo requests.
- Imposter syndrome is a common experience, but it can be overcome by recognizing that it is a sign of growth and embracing vulnerability. Sharing failures and struggles can resonate with others and build trust and authenticity.
**Notable Quotes:**
- "Direct mail is a really beautiful way of showing that you care about the human. It breaks through the norm and shows that you've done your research and genuinely care about the recipient." - Katie Penner
- "Customers who are emotionally connected to a brand have a 306 percent higher lifetime value and recommend brands at a much higher rate. Building relationships has a significant impact on business." - Katie Penner
- "The right influencers can be the ultimate friends with benefits. Authenticity and creative freedom are key in influencer partnerships, allowing influencers to share their genuine experiences and opinions about a brand." - Katie Penner
**Chapters:**
0:00 Intro
00:26 Welcoming the Guest
01:15 Getting to Know Katie: Her Journey at Sindoso
04:05 The Power of Direct Mail in Building Relationships
05:20 The Emotional Connection and Lifetime Value of Customers
06:06 Breaking Through the Noise: The Impact of Personalized Outreach
07:45 The Role of Direct Mail in Creating a Curated Experience
08:36 Leveraging the Law of Reciprocity in Business
10:12 The Importance of Genuine Relationships in Business
14:02 The Challenges and Rewards of Influencer Partnerships
20:40 Measuring the Success of Influencer Partnerships
23:04 The Journey of Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
24:36 Sharing Knowledge and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
26:30 The Power of Vulnerability and Authenticity
27:13 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Growth
31:44 The Importance of Authenticity and Community in Branding
33:48 Building Trust and Engagement through Authentic Experiences
35:54 The Power of Community and Delightful Experiences in Branding
43:42 The Importance of Authenticity and Relationship Building in Business
45:06 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward
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In this special Valentine's Day episode, hosts Sam and Jason Yarborough record together in the same room for the first time. They discuss their unique relationship as a married couple who also work together in the same industry. Despite their shared workspace and similar interests, they operate in different ecosystems of partnerships, which allows them to bring new connections and perspectives to each other's networks. Sam and Jason also share their love for the podcasting process and express their gratitude for the support and feedback they have received from their listeners.
Key themes in this unscripted episode include the importance of communication and vulnerability in relationships, the value of shared experiences and memories, and the need to prioritize and invest in meaningful friendships. The hosts also touch on the challenges of balancing work and personal life, particularly as parents.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Working in the same industry but different ecosystems of partnerships allows Sam and Jason Yarborough to bring new connections and perspectives to each other's networks.
- Details and open communication are key in building strong friendships and relationships.
- Cherishing and creating shared experiences and memories is important for personal growth and connection.
- Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, but investing in meaningful friendships and prioritizing quality time with loved ones is essential.
- The hosts express their gratitude for the support and feedback they have received from their listeners.
**Notable Quotes:**
- "Details matter, and being open and having substantial conversations is crucial in building intimate relationships." - Sam Yarborough
- "Reciprocation and vulnerability are the most important aspects of relationships for me." - Jason Yarborough
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
00:25 Setting the Scene
00:32 Recording in the Same Room
01:09 Valentine's Day Special
01:30 Working in the Same Industry
02:00 Unscripted Podcast
03:03 Different Ecosystems of Partnerships
05:34 Valentine's Day Cards
08:38 36 Questions That Lead to Love
13:38 Perfect Day Scenario
16:47 Deep Questions: Regrets and Relationships
17:35 The Importance of Communication in Relationships
19:07 Building Strong Friendships: Honesty and Vulnerability
21:36 Life Changes and Priorities
24:53 The Value of Memories and Experiences
28:27 The Power of Vulnerability in Friendships
31:04 Reflections and Appreciation
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Rasheité Calhoun is an experienced partner leader and revenue expert. She recently joined the team at Axios HQ, where she is building a partnership program from scratch. With a background in managing partner teams and programs, Rasheité brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She is known for her ability to drive revenue and build successful partnerships, making her a valuable asset to any organization.
**Episode Summary:**
In this episode, Sam Yarborough interviews Rasheité Calhoun, a revenue expert and partner leader at Axios HQ. Rasheité shares her experience of building a partnership program from the ground up and provides valuable insights into the art of onboarding and generating revenue through partnerships. She emphasizes the importance of aligning expectations with the executive team, understanding the market, and making the ask. Rasheité also discusses her approach to building partner teams and the power of grassroots efforts in partner management.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Building a partnership program from scratch requires aligning expectations with the executive team and understanding the market.
- The art of onboarding and generating revenue through partnerships involves making the ask and focusing on leading indicators.
- Grassroots efforts, such as picking up the phone and having candid conversations, can lead to successful partnerships and revenue growth.
- Reporting to the CMO can provide access to resources and materials needed to build a strong go-to-market motion within a partner program.
- Hard conversations are essential for building strong relationships and driving growth in partnerships.
**Notable Quotes:**
- "I think the most important conversation that I had... was sitting down with our finance [team] and understanding what is going to make you happy and what's our CAC, what's our win rate, what's our ACV." - Rasheité Calhoun
- "Grassroots is my favorite... It's organized chaos. It's finding the repeatable steps that you know are always going to win." - Rasheité Calhoun
**Chapters:**
0:00 Intro
00:25 Introduction and Guest Arrival
00:31 Getting to Know Rasheité Calhoun
01:51 Rashida's Journey to Axios HQ
02:02 Building a Partnership Program from Scratch
02:44 The Art of Onboarding and Revenue Generation
03:23 Rasheité's Approach to Building Partnerships
05:19 Understanding the Market and Identifying Potential Partners
05:59 The Importance of Making the Ask
07:34 The Discovery Model in Action
08:03 The Art of Candid Conversations
10:08 Setting Realistic Expectations for Revenue Generation
12:50 The Importance of Aligning with the Executive Team
15:44 The Role of a Business Development Associate (BDA) in Partnerships
17:37 The Art of Educating and Influencing the Executive Team
22:16 The Importance of Speaking the Same Language as Your Team
26:22 The Concept of Grassroots in Partner Management
27:45 Revamping the Marketing Strategy
28:13 The Power of Direct Communication
28:42 The Importance of Teamwork and Collaboration
29:05 The Journey to the First Win
29:35 The Power of Storytelling in Business
29:52 Expanding Influence and Building Trust
30:19 The Impact of Strong Relationships on Revenue
30:30 The Role of Partner Managers
31:14 The Power of LinkedIn in Business Development
32:23 The Importance of Trust in Business Relationships
32:42 The Challenges of Building a New Program
37:13 The Importance of Hard Conversations in Business
42:46 The Shift in Reporting Structure
44:05 The Importance of Owning Your Actions
45:19 The Power of Honesty in Business Relationships
46:21 The Role of Marketing in Partnerships
47:50 The Importance of Metrics in Partnerships
50:24 The Power of Music in Building Connections
52:06 Conclusion: The Importance of Connection in Business
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In this episode, Jason and Sam interview Mark Kilens, the co-founder of TACK, about the concept of "people first" go-to-market strategies. Mark explains the importance of focusing on people and relationships in the ever-evolving tech industry. He shares insights on the shift from a search-centric to a social-centric internet, the power of storytelling in business, and the role of community in driving growth. Mark also discusses the significance of building a minimal viable audience before launching a product and the benefits of creating a community ecosystem within a business.
Key Takeaways:
- Businesses should adopt a "people first" go-to-market approach that prioritizes relationships, storytelling, and partnerships.
- Effective storytelling focuses on capturing a specific moment in time that changes the way people think, believe, or act.
- The shift from a search-centric to a social-centric internet requires businesses to rethink their go-to-market strategies and build trust at scale through content, events, and products.
- Building an owned community or membership experience allows businesses to deepen their relationships with customers and create a sense of belonging.
- Businesses should focus on building a minimal viable audience before launching a product to gather feedback, validate ideas, and create a loyal customer base.
Notable Quotes:
- "To tell a good story, you need to focus on the moment, the one to five seconds that changes the way you think, believe, or act." - Mark Kilens
- "The best entrepreneurs study humans and what is going on at the human level, not just the B2C level." - Mark Kilens
- "Focusing on MVA (minimal viable audience) before MVP (minimal viable product) is the right move for most businesses." - Mark Kilens
**About the Guest:**
Mark Kilens is a renowned go-to-market expert and the co-founder of TAK, a company that helps B2B software companies grow efficiently and effectively by putting people first. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, Mark has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by businesses in the tech sector. He is known for his expertise in storytelling, relationship-building, and partnership strategies.
Resources:
- TACK - [Website](https://www.tackgtm.com/)
Chapters:
0:00 Mark Kilens
00:25 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:22 Reminiscing Past Experiences
02:51 Discussing the Journey of TAC
04:33 Exploring the Concept of 'People First'
04:59 Mark's Personal Journey and Career Decisions
09:12 The Shift from Search-Centric to Social-Centric Internet
12:22 The Importance of Storytelling in Business
20:24 Understanding 'People First' Approach in Business
24:50 The Paradox of Choice in a Frictionless Economy
25:10 The Complexity of Go-to-Market Strategies
25:54 The Spotify Campaign: A Case Study
27:23 The Importance of Building a Community
27:45 Understanding the Difference Between Audience and Community
27:54 The Concept of Owned and Rented Communities
31:11 The Power of Membership Experience
31:57 The Importance of Building a Minimal Viable Audience
34:25 The Role of Community Ecosystem in Business Growth
40:27 The Final Thoughts and Wrap Up
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In this episode, Sam and Jason Yarborough sit down with Jessie Shipman to discuss the importance of partner enablement in building successful partnerships. They explore Jessie's journey from being a teacher to entering the tech industry and finding her passion for partner enablement. They delve into the multifaceted nature of partnerships and the various skills and passions required to excel in the field. The conversation highlights the role of empathy in business relationships, and the art of asking important questions. Jessie emphasizes the importance of understanding partner's internal KPIs and the power of incentives in driving behavior change. The episode concludes with a discussion on the long-term impact of enablement in securing and maintaining successful partnerships.
Key Takeaways:
Notable Quotes:
"Nobody learns when they don't feel safe." - Jessie Shipman
"Enablement is the environment in which partners can change their behavior." - Jessie Shipman
"Partner enablement is about creating substantive partnerships where each party fills a mutual gap." - Jessie Shipman
Chapters
0:00 Intro
00:29 Getting to Know Jessie Shipman
00:57 The Importance of Time Zones in Communication
01:54 Jessie's Passion for Partner Enablement
02:25 Transition from Education to Partnerships
03:58 The Journey into Tech and Partnerships
07:08 The Role of Passion in Selling
10:40 The Multifaceted Nature of Partnerships
13:32 The Challenge of Asking for Help
16:27 Finding the Right Relationships
27:00 Understanding Business Partnerships
27:19 The Importance of Empathy in Business Relationships
27:43 The Art of Asking Important Questions
28:23 The Long Term Relationship of Enablement
28:51 The Misconceptions of Enablement
29:20 The Reality of Partner Enablement
30:02 The Role of Enablement in Long Term Partnerships
30:35 The Importance of Substantive Partnerships
31:44 The Power of a Better Together Story
33:19 The Importance of Awareness in Partner Enablement
33:52 The Role of Sales Teams in Partner Enablement
34:48 The Importance of Behavior Change in Enablement
37:11 The Role of Incentives in Enablement
39:48 The Importance of Understanding Partner's Internal KPIs
43:33 The Importance of Understanding Unit Economics
56:18 The Role of Fluency in Uncovering Partner Referral Revenue
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About The Guest: Jay Baer is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and entrepreneur. He has written several books and has built and sold multiple multimillion-dollar businesses. With over 30 years of experience in the digital industry, Jay is an expert in business growth, marketing, and customer experience. He is also a tequila influencer and co-owner of the tequila brand Wild Common.
Summary: Jay Baer discusses the importance of speed and responsiveness in business, emphasizing the need for creativity and innovation in B2B marketing. He highlights the power of partnerships in building trust and amplifying messages, as well as the significance of personal brands in B2B. Jay also emphasizes the value of documenting customer insights and using them to drive business growth. He shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the evolution of his keynote speeches.
Key Takeaways:
Quotes:
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
00:25 Catching Up
02:51 Reminiscing Old Times
03:49 The Axe Throwing Contest
04:25 Introducing the New Book
04:59 The Unconventional Size of the Book
06:10 The Evolution of the Book
07:08 The Journey of Jay Baer
08:51 The Importance of Partnerships
09:17 The Role of Family in Entrepreneurship
12:44 The Evolution of Jay's Keynote Speeches
20:14 The Importance of Testing Ideas
23:43 The Role of Creativity in B2B
28:13 Alpacas, Llamas, and Infographics
28:51 The Power of Word of Mouth and Partnerships
34:11 The Impact of Personal Brands in B2B
35:52 Building Trust and Gaining Audience Permission
38:56 The Importance of Documenting Customer Insights
45:05 The Role of Partnerships in Customer Retention
47:26 Answering Customer Questions Before They Ask
49:11 The Future of B2B Sales and Customer Service
55:39 The Tequila Talk: A Fun Wrap-up
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Morgan J. Ingram is a renowned sales leader, speaker, and podcaster. He is the founder of JBarrows Sales Training and the host of The SDR Chronicles podcast. Morgan is known for his expertise in sales and personal branding, and he is passionate about helping others break through the noise and negativity to live their best lives.
Morgan emphasizes the importance of personal branding in creating a strong presence in the marketplace and differentiating oneself from others. Morgan highlights the power of self-awareness and the need to overcome negative thoughts and beliefs to create the life you want. He also discusses strategies for holding oneself accountable and continuously learning and growing.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Adding a personal touch, such as a middle initial, to your name can help you stand out and overcome SEO challenges.
- Personal branding is essential for creating a strong presence in your marketplace and differentiating yourself from others.
- Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and success. Evaluate your goals, values, and passions to create the life you want.
- Holding yourself accountable requires prioritizing your energy and focusing on tasks that align with your goals and values.
- Continuous learning and growth are essential for personal and professional development. Take the time to learn new skills and expand your knowledge.
**Quotes:**
- "I added the 'J' to my name to overcome SEO challenges and ensure that I could be found online." - Morgan J. Ingram
- "Personal branding is about creating a strong presence in your marketplace and differentiating yourself from others." - Morgan J. Ingram
- "Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and success. Evaluate your goals, values, and passions to create the life you want." - Morgan J. Ingram
- "Holding yourself accountable requires prioritizing your energy and focusing on tasks that align with your goals and values." - Morgan J. Ingram
- "Continuous learning and growth are essential for personal and professional development. Take the time to learn new skills and expand your knowledge." - Morgan J. Ingram
**The Evolution of Personal Goals and Content Creation**
- Morgan's initial goals for personal branding were to avoid writing resumes, be quick and agile in getting opportunities, get speaking engagements, impact the community, and create content for business opportunities.
- His current goals include inspiring the younger version of himself, demonstrating how to do things without being sleazy or gimmicky, and creating content to transition to the next level and attract like-minded individuals.
- Morgan blocks out a day each month to create content, ensuring he has a consistent flow of posts. He prefers to have content pre-programmed rather than deciding what to post each day.
- He is currently in a transition period where he is exploring new content that speaks to his evolving goals and audience. This period has been challenging but necessary for growth.
- Morgan's favorite movie is Avatar, which he admires for its storytelling and visual effects. He appreciates how the movie weaves different elements together to create an immersive experience.
******************Chapters:******************
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:06 The Importance of the 'J' in Morgan J. Ingram
00:18 The Story Behind the 'J'
01:01 Overcoming the SEO Challenge
01:24 The Impact of Adding the 'J'
01:58 The Power of Personal Branding
02:41 The Meaning of 'J' and Personal Connections
03:50 Morgan's Personal Description
04:03 The Importance of Loyalty and Commitment
05:31 Creating the Life You Want
30:14 The Importance of Continuous Learning
30:42 Making Time for Learning
31:14 The Power of Self-Education
32:14 Learning from the Masters: Spielberg and Actors
32:31 The Art of Acting and Storytelling
33:01 Learning from Renowned Actors<
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to Friends with Benefits, the business podcast about revenue-generating partnerships.
Not "business time" with friends.
This podcast is for those looking to build…