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How do you refine your business pitch, build partnerships, and scale your business without losing your mission? In this episode, we welcome back Christi Kmecik, founder of Written Hugs Designs, to dive into her entrepreneurial journey—what’s changed, what’s working, and how she’s using storytelling to scale impact.
We discuss navigating pitch competitions, the power of product testing, vendor challenges, and balancing creativity with business strategy. Plus, Christi shares how her one-to-one giveback program is bringing meaningful connections to those who need it most. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights, inspiration, and encouragement.
Tune in to hear:
✅ How Christi refined her pitch through competitions and coaching
✅ The power of product testing before scaling
✅ Why tracking data can transform your business decisions
✅ The realities of working with vendors and big retailers
✅ How Christi’s cards are helping nonprofits and families in need
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Unpacking this episode min by min:
02:59 The Mission Behind Written Hugs Designs
06:05 Growth and Confidence in Entrepreneurship
08:59 Pitch Competitions: Insights and Experiences
11:49 The Importance of Structure in Pitches
14:59 Navigating Challenges in Pitching
17:51 Feedback and Its Impact on Business
20:21 The Power of Connection Through Cards
31:10 The Importance of Customer-Centric Storytelling
33:49 Navigating Pitch Competitions and Effective Communication
35:02 Product Presentation and Messaging Challenges
41:06 Overcoming Roadblocks in Product Distribution
42:02 Building Trustworthy Vendor Relationships
44:59 Testing Products and Market Fit
50:05 Expanding Product Lines and Consumer Insights
56:00 Evaluating Vendor Events and Consumer Behavior
59:48 Building Connections and Email Lists
01:01:07 Diversifying Revenue Streams
01:05:13 The Importance of Focus in Business
01:06:39 Understanding Customer Acquisition
01:12:06 Implementing a One-to-One Give Back Program
01:18:32 Future Partnerships and Community Impact
Related Episodes:
# 33 How to get product into big-box stores: the inspiring journey of Christi Kmecik
#35 Unleash Your Pitching Potential and Presentation Skills: Expert Advice from Kelsey Stupfell and Niki Ferguson
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: [email protected]
In this conversation, Dylan Yeomans shares his journey from radio broadcasting to the insurance industry and the importance of networking in building authentic connections. He discusses the UIA Trusted Partners podcast, which serves as a platform for networking and community engagement, emphasizing the value of genuine interactions over scripted conversations. Dylan also provides insights into creating a successful podcast and the significance of content creation in attracting business. In this conversation, Vivian Kvam and Dylan Yeomans explore the nuances of networking through podcasting, emphasizing the importance of preparation, intentionality in guest selection, and the value of building genuine relationships. They discuss unique networking strategies and delve into insights about the insurance industry, highlighting the shift from transactional interactions to meaningful connections. In this engaging conversation, Dylan Yeomans shares insights into the insurance industry, discussing the importance of profitability for insurance providers and the necessity of open communication with clients regarding claims and pricing. He emphasizes the need for agents to guide clients through the complexities of insurance coverage and pricing, while also addressing common misconceptions about business ownership. The discussion also touches on personal interests, including cooking and gaming, and concludes with a heartfelt reminder of the impact of kindness in everyday interactions.
Related Episodes:
#21 Machaela Clark's Networking Tips: Going Beyond the Business Card with Authentic Connections
Crossover - Hear Vivian on the UIW Trusted Partners Podcast
Book a 1:1 Session with Vivian or Machaela
https://thetandemworks.com/11-mentoring
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Unpacking this episode min by min:
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:07 The Art of Networking
06:04 Transitioning from Radio to Networking
08:53 The Importance of Authentic Connections
12:04 The UIA Trusted Partners Podcast
14:58 Building Community Through Podcasting
18:00 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters
26:39 The Importance of Preparation in Networking Podcasts
30:24 Intentionality in Guest Selection
36:02 Building Relationships Through Podcasting
40:51 Unique Networking Strategies
49:52 Insights on the Insurance Industry
52:40 Navigating the Insurance Landscape
01:04:01 Overcoming Pricing Conversations
01:09:56 Personal Insights and Misconceptions
01:13:03 Making a Positive Impact
Vivian Kvam:
Dylan Yeomans:
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: [email protected]
In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam sits down with John Albert, a third-generation business owner with deep roots in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. From managing a family business that started in 1927 to navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and eventually transitioning ownership through the successful sale of his company, John shares his remarkable journey of adaptation, leadership, and resilience.
John dives into how to build a century-strong business legacy, adapt and lead through business challenges, and make tough decisions with confidence. He also shares how to use mentorship to propel your business forward, balance tradition and innovation, and pivot effectively during times of crisis. Listeners will gain valuable insights on creating a lasting impact as a business owner and navigating the emotional side of entrepreneurship.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories about growth, pivots, and building a meaningful legacy.
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Unpacking this episode min by min:
00:00 Introduction to SCORE and Business Mentorship
06:06 The Evolution of Albert's Cleaners
12:01 Navigating Business Challenges and COVID-19
17:59 Generational Business Transition and Legacy
27:06 The Journey Begins: From Passion to Business
32:32 Acquisitions and Growth: Expanding the Business
38:42 Innovative Marketing: Creative Strategies for Success
47:32 Overcoming Procrastination: Tackling the Tough Tasks
53:13 Community Impact Through Businessf
01:07:59 The Future of Entrepreneurship
Related Episodes:
#62 8 Game-changing mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to make for business success
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Score mentors - https://www.score.org/find-mentor
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: [email protected]
Vivian Kvam and Machaela Clark dive into why it’s so important to have a solid marketing strategy—especially as a new year kicks off. They chat about how businesses can map out clear plans for marketing and communication, share how their consulting services have evolved, and stress the importance of truly understanding client needs.
The episode covers how their strategy sessions are structured, from identifying roadblocks to setting goals and exploring tools that can help bring those plans to life. Vivian and Machaela also discuss the value of leadership being on the same page with organizational goals, surprising takeaways from roadmap sessions, and what defining success really looks like.
They touch on how business coaching fits into marketing strategies, describe the types of clients who get the most out of roadmap sessions, and explain why follow-up support is key. Plus, they break down common mistakes in marketing strategies and share tips for businesses that might not be ready for a full-blown roadmap just yet. It’s all about building connections, fostering collaboration, and setting businesses up for success!
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Unpacking this episode min by min:
05:52 The Evolution of the Tandem Works Marketing & Communications Roadmap
12:02 The Structure of Strategy Sessions
18:10 Tools and Resources for Implementation
24:33 The Importance of Leadership Alignment
30:48 Defining Success and Simplifying Metrics
36:38 The Value of Follow-Up and Ongoing Support
42:30 First Steps for Organizations Not Ready for Roadmaps
Related Episodes:
#62 8 Game-changing mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to make for business success
Vivian Kvam:
Machaela Clark:
Tandem Works Team:
FREE RESOURCES
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: [email protected]
In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam shares actionable insights from a recent workshop she led with SCORE mentors in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing or unsure where to start, this episode is for you. She uncovers a high-level view of eight mindset shifts for marketing every entrepreneur needs to make for successful marketing.
🚀 Plus, Vivian announces an exciting offer: free 30-minute one-on-one brainstorming sessions to help you tackle your marketing roadblocks and clarify your next steps.
Resources Mentioned:
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Unpacking this episode min by min:
00:00 Introduction to SCORE and Marketing Mindset
06:14 Eight Mindset Shifts for Marketing Success
22:30 Understanding Marketing and Sales as a Connection
Related Episodes:
# 55 How to Say No Without Guilt- Tips from Decision Master Kirsten Parker
#10 How to use storytelling to create social media content that engages your audience.
#2 The 3 most important pieces of advice that will directly impact your entrepreneurial experience
Vivian Kvam:
Tandem Works Team:
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: [email protected]
In this episode, Vivian Kvam chats with Becky Edwards, a CFO mindset coach, about something that every business needs but so many avoid talking about—money. Becky takes us through her journey from a corporate career to launching her own business, sharing insights on building confidence with finances and why it’s so crucial for entrepreneurs to take control of their numbers.
Vivian and Becky dive into the challenges of keeping up with bookkeeping, cash flow, and the power of setting clear expectations in business. Becky also highlights the importance of having a supportive community and understanding what financial tasks you can manage in-house. If you’re interested in leveling up your financial game, Becky also shares details on her one-on-one coaching and self-paced courses designed to help business owners get confident with their finances. Tune in for tips on creating a financial plan that aligns with your business goals and empowers you to truly own your business journey!
If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.
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Unpacking this episode min by min:
02:33 The Importance of Community in Business
05:20 Transitioning to CFO Mindset Coaching
14:44 Challenges in Transitioning to Self-Employment
25:26 Understanding the CFO Mindset
39:13 What to Keep in-House: Bookkeeping Insights
49:28 The Role of CPAs in Business
54:49 Communication and Expectations in Business Relationships
59:50 The Importance of Regular Bookkeeping
01:06:52 Understanding Cash Flow and Its Impact
01:12:35 Mindset Shifts for Business Success
01:16:39 Engaging with Becky: Services and Offerings
01:24:39 The Accidental Business Owner's Journey
01:30:48 Personal Growth Through Business Ownership
Related Episodes:
#16- Feel Good Money Mindset - A Chat with Megan Hale on Taking Control of Your Business & Life
#17 This is not sexy, but it's your key to success
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Becky Edwards:
Tandem Works Team:
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: [email protected]
Want to know what it's like running a boutique in a small town? Catch our latest episode with boutique owner, Jayme Busch! She talks about building a business in rural Iowa, overcoming inventory challenges, and staying authentic. In this episode, host Vivian Kvam chats with Jayme Busch, owner of Unique Boutique in Neola, Iowa. Jayme shares her entrepreneurial journey from selling polished rocks as a child to running a thriving boutique business in a small rural town. She opens up about navigating challenges like flood damage, juggling multiple roles as a business owner, mother, and coach, and her experiences in the MLM world. Jayme offers valuable insights on building community, evolving as a business owner, and staying true to oneself through all the ups and downs.
If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.
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Unpacking this episode min by min:
00:00 From Polishing Rocks to Boutique Owner
03:00 The Evolution of Unique Boutique
06:00 Navigating Challenges in Business
08:56 Building Community and Support
11:57 The Journey to a Physical Storefront
15:04 Lessons from MLMs and Retail
18:12 Finding Your Niche in Fashion
21:00 The Importance of Slow Growth
23:57 Market Insights and Inventory Management
27:09 Balancing Life and Business
30:11 Future Aspirations and Goals
46:05 Life on the Farm: Balancing Family and Work
50:16 Navigating a Full Schedule: A Day in the Life
53:22 Building a Community: The Boutique Experience
58:16 Flexibility in Business: Adapting to Customer Needs
01:03:01 Overcoming Challenges: Lessons from Adversity
01:14:43 Misconceptions of Boutique Ownership: The Reality Behind the Glamour
01:20:15 The Importance of Authenticity: Staying True to Yourself
01:27:03 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Growth
Related Episodes:
#9 Taking an idea from paper to reality, making tough decisions and creating a values driven business with Alysia Hess, Founder of The Occasional Collective
#2 The 3 most important pieces of advice that will directly impact your entrepreneurial experience
#13 Uncharted adventures: Neal Eilers' journey to opening a storefront
List and link the title here
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Jayme Busch:
Tandem Works Team:
FREE RESOURCES
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: [email protected]
Paul Pape is a designer and fabricator of custom collectibles who can make things that no one can find. He has a background in theater design and has worked in various mediums such as sculpture, woodworking, leatherworking, 3D design, fabrication, jewelry, and metal craft. Paul's journey started in theater, where he learned to do a lot of different things. He then transitioned into creating custom collectibles and has worked with well-known clients such as Disney, Universal, and The Tonight Show. Paul's approach is to solve creative problems and navigate through challenges, and he values relationships and the ability to make memories tangible. In this conversation, Paul Pape discusses the importance of letting go of ego, working with others, and staying positive. He emphasizes the value of consistency and the fact that people are always watching, even if they don't actively engage. Paul also talks about the balance between knowledge and imagination, encouraging creativity, and the need for a creative outlet. He shares his future goals of continuing his consultancy work and speaking engagements. Paul advises business owners to focus on helping others and making a positive impact.
A few key topics we covered
- Paul's journey from scenic design in theater to custom collectible design
- Lessons learned from working with clients like Disney and Nickelodeon
- The importance of imagination and creativity in problem-solving
- Balancing artistry and business in a freelance career
- The realities of working with big brands and managing relationships
If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.
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Unpacking this episode min by min:
05:00 From Theater Design to Custom Collectibles
13:17 Solving Creative Problems and Making Memories Tangible
23:11 Working with Well-Known Clients
30:51 Navigating Relationships and Checking Ego
33:45 Letting Go of Ego and Staying Positive
42:15 The Balance Between Knowledge and Imagination
44:08 The Value of Consistency and Working with Others
56:26 Helping Others and Making a Positive Impact
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Paul Pape:
Tandem Works Team:
FREE RESOURCES
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How to figure out how much to charge video
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: [email protected]
In this engaging episode of 'Riding Tandem,' host Vivian Kvam sits down with Dillon De Rozairo from Nebraska Innovation Labs. Dillon shares his journey as a non-developer in a tech-driven world, the inspiration behind the nonprofit model at Nebraska Innovation Labs, and how they're revolutionizing software and app development for startups.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The rise and benefits of digital business cards
- Nebraska Innovation Labs' mission to provide affordable tech solutions for startups
- Dillon’s personal journey from a non-technical founder to leading a tech nonprofit
- The importance of market validation and creating mockups before full-scale development
- The reality of entrepreneurship: balancing passion, hard work, and consistency
- How age and background should not be barriers to starting a business
- Insights on work-life balance and managing multiple ventures effectively
SHOW NOTES:
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Unpacking this episode min by min:
00:00 Digital Business Cards
05:26 Overview of Nebraska Innovation Labs
09:34 Finding and Retaining Talent
26:36 Importance of Market Validation and Mocking Up Ideas
31:35 Building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
36:00 The Problem-Solving Mindset
41:37 Misconceptions About Starting a Business
44:46 Consistency and Hard Work
48:19 Teaching Entrepreneurship
51:58 Organization and Time Management
58:10 The Reality of Owning a Business
01:00:32 Embracing Uncertainty and Trying New Things
01:06:17 The Positive Impact of Business Ownership
Related Episodes:
#47- Venture Capital and Startup Burnout - with Kaylee Williams
#3 Nailing an RFP, scope creep and sticky details - a candid chat with client Nicole Lindquist (PT 1)
#4 Taking on big projects when you don't know it all, and how we created the Iowa West Foundation Imagine Hours -with Nicole Lindquist (Pt 2)
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Dillion De Rozairo:
Tandem Works Team:
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: [email protected]
In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam chats with Josh Kropkof, CEO and co-founder of The Email Agency. Josh dives into the importance of email marketing, busting common myths and emphasizing the power of building relationships and adding personality to your emails.
Josh shares his journey of starting an email marketing business, the ups and downs he faced, and why email marketing is a must for any business. He talks about his focus on e-commerce and the blend of copy and design needed for success. Plus, Josh gives practical tips for managing overwhelm and staying focused, like his mental desk exercise for prioritizing tasks.
Tune in for valuable insights on growing your business through email marketing, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of continuous learning and seeking advice.
Unpacking this episode min by min:
05:12 What is Email Marketing?
10:03 The Value of Email Marketing
16:00 Overcoming Hesitations and Starting Email Marketing
25:58 Email Marketing for E-commerce Success
33:19 Building Relationships through Email
36:24 The Unique Combination of Copy and Design in E-commerce Email Marketing
38:35 From Childhood Entrepreneurship to Starting a Business
52:22 The Challenges and Commitment of Building a Business
59:54 Selling: A Key Aspect of Business Success
If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.
Reach out! Send your feedback and comments with this survey.
Vivian Kvam:
Josh Kropkof:
Tandem Works Team:
FREE RESOURCES
https://newsletter.theemailagency.com/email-revolution
https://www.emailprofitscheatsheet.com/email-cheat-sheet
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: [email protected]
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