Goal Crazy: Start a Business, Launch a Startup, Grow as an Entrepreneur

In this episode of the Goal Crazy Podcast, host Jason VanDevere speaks with Elina Panteleyeva, founder of Dood Woof, an e-commerce brand specializing in a detangler spray for doodle owners. Elina shares her journey into entrepreneurship, sparked by being laid off from her tech job. She discusses the importance of identifying pain points in her target audience, building a community, and leveraging social media for marketing. Elina also delves into her launch strategy, the role of influencer marketing, and the challenges of managing an e-commerce business. She emphasizes the significance of AI tools in her operations and shares insights on team building and balancing sales between Amazon and her website. The conversation concludes with reflections on the entrepreneurial journey and future product development.

Enjoy The Show!

Guest Links:

Follow Elina on instagram at: @EcomWithElina

https://www.instagram.com/ecomwithelina/

Dood Woof Site: https://doodwoof.com/

In this captivating episode of the Goal Crazy Podcast, host Jason VanDevere sits down with Alexander Harmsen, the visionary founder of Portfolio Pilot. Alexander shares his remarkable journey from aspiring astronaut to tech entrepreneur, highlighting his relentless pursuit of innovation and success. Dive deep into Alexander's experiences as he recounts the challenges and triumphs of pitching to over 100 investors, ultimately raising millions of dollars in venture capital. Discover the strategies and insights that helped him navigate the complex world of fundraising, and learn how his tenacity and unique vision led to the creation of groundbreaking technologies. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode offers invaluable lessons on perseverance, innovation, and the art of the pitch. Tune in to be inspired by Alexander's story and gain a fresh perspective on the entrepreneurial journey.

Enjoy The Show! 

Use promo code “PODCAST” at PorfolioPilot.com to get 30 days free!

Guest Links: 

https://portfoliopilot.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=goal+crazy

Twiter: @AlexHarm

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Background

02:59 The Journey from NASA to Startup Founder

05:57 Building Iris Automation: Challenges and Innovations

10:05 Navigating Regulatory Hurdles in Drone Technology

12:56 The Importance of Customer Discovery and Feedback

18:03 Lessons Learned from Fundraising and Investor Relations

23:58 Securing the First Investor and Building Credibility

25:53 Navigating Investor Feedback and Rejections

29:02 Shifting Strategies: From Vancouver to San Francisco

32:24 Finding the Right Investor Fit

36:24 The Importance of Regulatory Understanding

37:35 Leveraging Past Success for New Ventures

40:19 Identifying Market Gaps in Financial Advisory

45:45 Building a Personalized Financial Advisory Platform

52:13 The Future of AI in Financial Management

In this episode of the Goal Crazy Podcast, host Jason VanDevere interviews Tazh Wilding, a multifaceted entrepreneur and worship leader. Tazh shares her journey from the health and fitness industry to founding the Strong Souls Podcast and her ministry. She discusses the importance of connecting with people, finding joy in work, and the challenges of transitioning to a ministry-focused life. Tazh emphasizes the significance of community, accountability, and using one's gifts to serve others, providing valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking their calling.

Enjoy The Show!

Guest Links: 

Instagram:@tazhwilding and @strongsoulspodcast

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strong-souls-podcast/id1744035805

In this episode of the Goal Crazy Podcast, host Jason VanDevere interviews Blake Serrano, an entrepreneur who has taken a unique path through business acquisition. Blake shares his journey from being a tech consultant to acquiring and running a fabric business. He discusses the challenges he faced, the lessons learned from previous ventures, and how he leveraged his tech background to innovate in the fabric industry. The conversation also touches on the importance of audience building, marketing strategies, and future aspirations in the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.

Website: https://sewsnip.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sew_snip

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sew_snip

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Entrepreneurship

03:05 Discovering the Fabric Industry

05:53 Initial Ventures and Lessons Learned

08:58 Acquiring the Fabric Business

11:53 Building an Online Presence

14:45 Challenges and Solutions in Operations

17:49 Scaling the Business

20:38 Finding Stability and Growth

23:31 The Power of Audience and Marketing

26:32 Future Aspirations and Industry Insights

In this episode of the Goal Crazy Podcast, host Jason VanDevere interviews venture capitalist Ben Wiener, who shares his journey from entrepreneur to investor. Ben discusses the challenges of securing investment capital, the importance of effective pitching, and the strategies for finding and building relationships with investors. He introduces the HEART framework for crafting compelling pitches and emphasizes the significance of mentorship in the startup ecosystem. The conversation provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of fundraising and investment.

Links: 

Fever Pitch Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Fever-Pitch-Selling-Raising-Launching/dp/B0F6QZ3B1D/

Website

https://feverpitchbook.com/

https://www.benwiener.net/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwiener/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital

03:01 The Journey from Entrepreneur to Investor

05:53 The Art of Pitching: Lessons Learned

08:46 Finding Investors: Strategies and Insights

11:56 Building Relationships with Investors

15:03 The HEART Framework for Effective Pitching

17:56 Understanding Investor Psychology

20:47 Navigating the Startup Landscape

24:10 The Role of Mentorship in Investment

26:55 Conclusion and Resources for Entrepreneurs

In this engaging episode of the Goal Crazy Podcast, host Jason VanDevere sits down with Oliver Clingain, the innovative founder of Ascenxion Marketing. Oliver shares his journey from being a student-athlete to becoming a successful entrepreneur, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to establish his own business. With a focus on leveraging AI tools for marketing and growth, Oliver provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of starting a service-based business. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of relationship-driven marketing and the role of AI in modern business strategies.

As the conversation unfolds, Oliver discusses the significance of perseverance and trusting the process, offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on navigating the early stages of business development. He also shares his experiences with various AI tools and project management systems that have been instrumental in his success. Whether you're a tech founder looking to scale or simply interested in the entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Connect with Oliver on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about his work and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Enjoy The Show! 

Guest Links: 

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-clingain/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliver_clingain/

X: https://x.com/olivercling/status/983128988586475520

Website: https://ascenxion.io/

In this episode of the Goal Crazy Podcast, host Jason VanDevere interviews Melinda Jackson, a seasoned public relations expert and entrepreneur. They discuss the fundamentals of public relations, the journey of starting a PR agency, and the importance of visibility and credibility for businesses. Melinda shares insights on effective PR strategies, the challenges of media outreach, and the value of building relationships with influencers and journalists. The conversation also covers the role of affiliate marketing, the nuances of paid speaking engagements, and the decision-making process for entrepreneurs considering DIY PR versus hiring a professional.

Listeners will gain valuable advice on how to approach PR, whether they're looking to hire a professional or tackle it themselves. Melinda discusses the significance of starting small, leveraging local media, and the power of influencer marketing. She also touches on the evolving landscape of journalism and the role of affiliate programs in today's media environment. With practical tips and personal anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing their brand's visibility and credibility through effective public relations strategies.

Enjoy The Show! 

In this episode of the Goal Crazy Podcast, host Jason VanDevere sits down with Dusty Holcomb, an executive coach and founder of the Arcus Group. Dusty shares his journey from being an executive leader for over 28 years to becoming a passionate advocate for servant leadership. He delves into the transformative power of serving others, recounting how a retired Colonel instilled in him the belief that leadership is about enabling others to succeed. Dusty emphasizes the importance of focusing on the journey rather than just the destination, a lesson he learned through years of experience and reflection.

Throughout the conversation, Dusty and Jason explore the nuances of leadership, discussing the significance of self-leadership and the role of purpose and vision in guiding teams. Dusty shares insights on how leaders can connect the dots for their teams, helping them understand the impact of their work and fostering a culture of discretionary effort. The episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and create meaningful change within their organizations.

Enjoy The Show! 

Guest Links: 

Website: https://arcqusgroup.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustyholcomb/

In this episode of the Goal Crazy Podcast, host Jason Vandevere engages in a compelling conversation with Jim Bramlett, an accomplished entrepreneur and author. Jim shares his journey from founding multiple businesses to writing books that encapsulate his learnings. The discussion delves into Jim's early experiences with entrepreneurship, highlighting the lessons learned from his initial ventures, including a failed restaurant and a trucking company. These experiences taught him the importance of understanding market needs and focusing on the customer rather than personal ambitions. Jim emphasizes the significance of identifying and fulfilling unmet needs in the market, a principle that has guided his successful ventures, including Five String Solutions, a company that revolutionized the final mile transportation industry by providing a seamless data experience akin to Amazon's.

Throughout the episode, Jim shares valuable insights into the four key criteria that drive consumer behavior: convenience, competitive pricing, user experience, and trust. He illustrates how successful companies like Amazon, Netflix, and Uber have mastered these elements to dominate their respective markets. Jim also offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of researching competitors, understanding customer needs, and continuously improving the user experience. He encourages entrepreneurs to embrace challenges, seek mentorship, and remain passionate about solving customer problems. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and build a customer-centric business.

Enjoy The Show! 

Guest Links: 

Website https://www.jimbramlett.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Hassle-Simplify-Satisfy-Succeed/dp/1965319009/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jimbramlett1

Coaching: https://app.vistage.com/sites/s/chairs/0032E00003JQg7kQAD/jim-bramlett

In this episode of the Goal Crazy Podcast, host Jason Vandevere welcomes Kelly Jansens Mensch, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Black Dog Productions and KJ FITT. Kelly shares her inspiring journey into entrepreneurship, driven by the example set by her hardworking immigrant father. She discusses the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of passion and resilience. Kelly's story is one of determination, as she navigated the ups and downs of building her businesses, including a special events company and a fitness brand, while maintaining a balance in her personal life.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Kelly opens up about a life-altering experience that led her to write her book, "Outside God's Umbrella: A Journey from Darkness to Light." She recounts a traumatic incident that tested her faith and resilience, ultimately leading to personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. Through her story, Kelly highlights the power of forgiveness, the importance of aligning one's work with personal values, and the strength found in overcoming adversity. Her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and community support in the face of life's challenges.

Enjoy The Show! 

Guest Links: 

Event Planning: https://goblackdoggo.com/

Fitness Business: https://kj-fitt.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Outside-Gods-Umbrella-Journey-Darkness/dp/B0DQV7Q6B6