Rising Tide Startups

Rising Tide Startups

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Rising Tide Startups episodes

  • 8.13 – Alex Chompff – Evolution Ventures
    Alex Chompff's career trajectory spans from military service to the epicenter of Silicon Valley's internet boom, culminating in his current role as a venture capital expert. Drawing from his experience as both a seasoned investor and a father of five, he emphasizes the critical nature of business partnerships. Alex asserts that selecting the right business partner is as consequential as choosing a life partner, underscoring the long-term impact of these professional relationships.
    During his tenure as Director of Technology at Kleiner Perkins amid the dot-com era, he witnessed firsthand the industry's volatility and innovation. His experiences offer invaluable insights into the period's groundbreaking initiatives, including the development of incubation centers and investments in pioneering companies that shaped the digital landscape.
    At Evolution Ventures, Alex is redefining the role of a regional accelerator. Under his guidance, the firm has evolved into a comprehensive support system for emerging businesses, providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and crucial financial backing. Notably, Evolution Ventures demonstrates a commitment to diversity through initiatives like the Minerva Fund, which focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs. 
    For Alex, success transcends mere financial gains; it's about creating a positive societal impact.
    Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
    Successful venture capital firms focus on providing more than just funding. Coaching, connections, and capital are key components of their support for startups.
    Prioritizing diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship and investing leads to a broader range of innovative ideas and perspectives, ultimately driving greater economic growth and social progress.
    For a venture to be successful, it must have strong unit economics and scalability.
    Business partnerships should be evaluated with the same care as lifelong personal relationships. Trust and alignment in values and goals are essential for long-term success.
    Historical market events offer valuable lessons on investment volatility and the importance of adaptability and resilience in changing environments.
    Support structures like incubators play a crucial role in nurturing startups, providing essential resources for innovation and growth in the early stages.
    Entrepreneurs should validate their market and product viability through low-cost experiments before seeking substantial funding.
    The path to becoming an investor or successful entrepreneur often involves overcoming mental barriers and recognizing one's unique value within the ecosystem.
    Listen to the full conversation here:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR
    Connect with Alex Chompff:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexchompff/
    Evolution Acceleration: evolutionacceleration.com
    Minters Art: https://minters.art/
    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
    Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: 
    Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!
    Have you ever considered starting your own podcast for your company or brand?  Podbrandmedia.com can help.  Affordable and effective in content creation and lead generation!
    40 min
  • 8.12 – Lizzy Brooks – VirtuallyBrooks
    Lizzy Brooks is the visionary behind Virtually Brooks, a thriving virtual assistant agency that creates flexible job opportunities for American women. After transitioning from a corporate logistics career to entrepreneurship in 2018, Lizzy has grown her team to over 50 assistants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her agency is known for its professionalism, seamless communication, and commitment to working within the same time zones as clients, ensuring efficiency and personalized service.
     
    Lizzy's heartfelt passion for creating flexible work opportunities shines through in her strategic insights and intuitive business approach. She emphasizes the importance of time-tracking systems to maximize client value and maintain accountability. By focusing on the art of delegation, Lizzy has built a supportive environment that allows her clients to concentrate on their core business tasks.
     
    Tune in to Rising Tide Startups to hear Lizzy's inspiring journey. She shares how her blend of intuition, strategic planning, and dedication to uplifting women has made her a beloved and respected figure in the VA industry.
     
    Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
     
    By leveraging previous work experience, transitioning from a corporate job to running a virtual assistant (VA) agency can be a viable path. This shift is often driven by personal needs, such as the desire for a better work-life balance.
    Operating a VA agency within the same country and time zones as clients enhances communication, streamlines operations, and supports local employment.
    Growing a VA business from a solo operation to managing over 50 team members requires strategic planning, balancing client acquisition with team expansion, and relying on intuition and flexibility.
    The value of niching down: Niching down allows agencies to tailor pricing to industry standards. This approach enhances expertise, competitiveness, and client trust.
    Managing the balance between client acquisition and team capacity requires intuition and strategic planning.
    High service standards and stringent training procedures are essential for scaling a VA agency.
    Maintaining high standards and professionalism in the VA industry involves rigorous hiring processes, effective training programs, and adherence to industry standards.
    Sound financial management, including hiring a skilled CPA and a virtual CFO, and setting appropriate pricing models, is crucial for a profitable VA agency.
    Practical Advice for Solo VAs: Save for taxes, avoid unnecessary debt, and niche down in specific industries to scale effectively.
     
    Listen to the full conversation here:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR
     
    Connect with Lizzy Brooks:
     
    Virtual Brooks: www.virtuallybrooks.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtuallybrooks/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzy-brooks/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtuallybrooks
     
     
    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
    Shoutout to our Great Sponsors: 
    Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!
    Podbrand Media - How about having your own podcast for your brand or company.  We do it all for you at a very affordable rate - https://podbrandmedia.com
    39 min
  • 8.11 – Jennifer Scholz – Virtual Assistant Expert
    What if you could enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere in the world with just a laptop and Wi-Fi? Jennifer Scholz's journey from a conventional office job to becoming an accomplished virtual assistant exemplifies this possibility. In this episode of the Rising Tide Start-Up Podcast, we explore how Jennifer turned her side project into a successful full-time business. Her experience highlights the growing popularity of remote work. It offers guidance for anyone wishing to break away from the 9-to-5 grind, sharing how she overcame concerns about the golden handcuffs, and health insurance and embraced her newfound freedom.
     
    Jennifer Scholz is an experienced virtual assistant with over two decades in administrative and executive assistant roles. Her journey into virtual assistance began as a side gig doing transcription work to supplement her income. Over time, Jennifer's services expanded to include social media, blogging, infographics, Executive-Level administrative duties, research, event planning, and Copywriting.  The COVID-19 pandemic made remote work desirable and possible, and with the encouragement of her supportive boyfriend, Jennifer leaped full-time virtual assistance. She values autonomy, flexibility, and a healthy work-life balance, offering tailored services to diverse clients. Jennifer's story shows that a shift from traditional office roles to successful remote careers is possible.
     
    Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
     
    Remote work offers autonomy, better work-life balance, control over your environment, client choice, and flexible schedules for a more satisfying career and life.
    Diversifying services helps maintain interest and profitability. However, ensuring consistent high-quality service across all offerings is crucial.
    Work with clients who share your values and work style. Sometimes, you might need to let go of difficult clients to maintain well-being and integrity.
    Pay fair wages to virtual assistants, reflecting the cost of living and professional value, to prevent underpricing.
    Overcome self-doubt by focusing on your unique value and charging fairly for your services.
    Consider the flexibility of freelancing versus the scale of an agency when planning growth.
    Listen to the full conversation here:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR
     
    Connect with Jennifer Scholz:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferscholz/
    Wixsite: https://jstranscriptions.wixsite.com/jscholztranscription
     
    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
    Shoutout to our Great Sponsor: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!
    28 min
  • 8.10 – Michael Tidwell – Business Broker
    Can you build your dream home with virtual assistance? In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, Michael Tidwell joins us to share his journey.
     
    Join host Kevin Prewett as he explores how Michael Tidwell built his dream home, grew his family, and expanded his business empire—all with the help of virtual assistants. Michael's story and his decade-long partnership with a VA show how trust and clear communication can turn remote relationships into pillars of success. 
     
    Michael Tidwell is a business owner who comes from a family of entrepreneurs. In 2012, he started his business with less than $500 in a competitive market, offering only one high-end product. He still owns that business today, utilizing VAs to help him create a lifestyle business. He is also a business broker with Nashville Business Brokers, where he helps business owners sell their businesses by using the same timeless principles he used to build his business. He was able to differentiate himself from his many competitors by offering stellar support and providing his clients with the expertise to make an informed purchase. He applies those same timeless principles and his marketing, research, and problem-solving skills when partnering with a business owner to sell their business.
     
    Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
     
    Entrepreneurs should be clear about their motivation or 'why' to stay driven through challenges. A personal 'why' can provide the determination needed during the tough initial stages of business development.
    Trusting and delegating tasks to virtual assistants are key for business growth. This can also enhance the long-term success and scalability of businesses with remote teams.
    Using specialized firms for hiring virtual assistants can save time and resources. This approach allows for a targeted selection of virtual assistants who can meet specific business needs more efficiently.
    Avoiding 'shiny object syndrome' for serial entrepreneurs refers to staying focused on current projects and resisting the temptation to pursue new opportunities that can distract from established goals and lead to a lack of follow-through on existing ventures
    Setting clear expectations and closely monitoring work are crucial lessons. More involvement and clearer goal-setting for virtual assistants can lead to better results.
    Hiring a virtual assistant with the right skill set can significantly boost a business. The right virtual assistant can not only execute tasks but also offer valuable insights and improvements to the business.
    Beginners in using virtual assistants should start by outsourcing a single process and setting a clear budget. This method prevents overwhelm and allows for a gradual and effective integration of virtual assistants into the business.
     
    Listen to the full conversation here:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR
     
    Connect with Michael Tidwell:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tidwell-953615162/
    Nashville Business Broker: https://nashbb.com/
    Pinson Group Business Advisors: https://pinsongroupintl.com/
     
    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
    Shoutout to our Great Sponsor: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!
    26 min
  • 8.09 – Scott Cox – STX Consulting
    Imagine the freedom of detaching from the day-to-day grind of your business. Many small business owners fantasize about the freedom to explore the world while their business flourishes—Scott Cox has made this dream his reality.
     
    In this episode, Scott shares his journey from being hands-on in his business to become a global digital nomad. He reveals how small changes in routine and environment can spark creativity and make lifestyle freedom possible. Scott’s story is a testament to how entrepreneurship can harmoniously blend with nomadic life, bringing joy and success.
     
    Scott Cox, an entrepreneur and consultant, helps small business owners craft fulfilling lives by drawing on his successful shift from hands-on management to remote entrepreneurship. Through his consultancy, STX Consulting, he specializes in developing strong systems and processes that enhance remote work efficiency. Scott’s expertise extends to hiring and managing remote teams and optimizing business operations and marketing strategies.  Scott also shared the transformations accompanying such a lifestyle shift, discussing how embracing change can lead to greater personal and professional growth.
     
    Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
     
    Implementing solid systems, processes, and SOPs are essential for managing remote teams, and facilitating smooth operations during the transition from traditional office work to remote environments.
    Combining human talent with AI, including virtual assistants, revolutionizes business efficiency and innovation, empowering small businesses to compete at higher levels.
    Mentorship and guidance are crucial in successfully scaling a business as they provide direction and encouragement to navigate challenges, leverage experiences beyond one's own, and implement effective strategies for growth.
    Virtual assistants and outsourced talent significantly reduce costs and manage tasks, enabling business owners to prioritize core objectives and strategic growth.
    Hiring individuals who surpass your expertise can create exponential business growth by fostering an environment of empowerment, fresh ideas, and innovation.
    Consistent marketing and sales efforts stabilize revenue streams and sustain small businesses through cyclical income patterns.
    Listen to the full conversation here:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR
     
    Connect with Scott:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottacox/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n0madtalk/
    Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/n0madtalk?_rdc=1&_rdr
    STX Consulting: https://www.stxconsulting.co/
     
    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
    Shoutout to our Great Sponsor:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com  now to jumpstart your business for 2024!
    36 min
  • 8.08 – Steve Collins – LEAD International
    Ever wondered what it takes to pivot from the dream of a sports career to making a global impact as an entrepreneur? Let us introduce you to International Business Consultant Steve Collins, who's transcended borders and boundaries to revolutionize startups and leadership training. Explore Steve's journey from corporate newcomer to international leader, along the way emphasizing passion and strategic alignment for success. We discuss the critical role of leadership in team building, offer insights from industry titans like Sam Walton, and share personal anecdotes. Tune in for practical advice on servant leadership, mentorship, and the broader impact of purpose-driven organizations.
     
    Steve Collins, a seasoned global leader and business developer, brings diverse expertise to his current role as Global Training Director for LEAD International. With an MBA from Wake Forest University, he honed his skills during eight years in China and a fifteen-year tenure in the Middle East, holding pivotal roles in organizations like International Business Associates (IBA) and as President and COO of LEAD International. Steve's journey underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, emphasizing collaboration and strategic team composition rooted in servant leadership principles. His teachings, influenced by his cross-cultural experiences and basketball background, resonate in entrepreneurial circles, emphasizing the significance of shared vision and effective team selection for business success.
     
    Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
     
    Leadership is key to entrepreneurial success and essential for guiding teams through the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship and making a lasting impact.
    Resilience, teamwork, and purpose-driven ventures form the foundation of successful entrepreneurship, guiding leaders and businesses through challenges, fostering unity, and driving meaningful impact.
    Effective leadership requires both character and skill, essential for gaining respect and achieving results. The character embodies moral values like integrity and honesty, while skill encompasses competencies such as decision-making and communication.
    Selecting the right team is vital for entrepreneurial success. It involves more than just skills; it requires alignment with the company's vision, complementary abilities, ownership, resilience, cultural fit, and contributions to long-term growth and stability.
    Entrepreneurs should perceive failures not as defeats, but as pivots or valuable learning experiences. Recognizing setbacks as integral to the journey fosters resilience, focus, and perseverance, guiding them toward growth and success.
    Servant leadership prioritizes team growth and trust, supported by mentorship for personal and professional development. This fosters a culture of service and growth, enhancing engagement, morale, and productivity in teams and organizations.
    Listen to the full conversation here:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR
     
    Connect with Steve Collins:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-collins-6a313629/
    LEAD International: https://lead-international.com/
     
    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
    Shoutout to our Great Sponsor: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!
    34 min
  • 8.07 – Jaime Jay – Bottleneck Distant Assistants
    Reclaim your time with Jaime Jay, the pioneering mind behind Bottleneck Virtual Assistants, as he shares his journey from U.S. Army paratrooper to entrepreneur extraordinaire, navigating the transition from the rigid structures of corporate America to the creative realm of virtual assistance. We're excited to welcome Jaime Jay back for his third appearance on Rising Tide Startups, and is labelled by our host as the internet's embodiment of kindness. His story is a testament to the transformative power of passion for processes, culminating in the creation of the world's first dedicated Distant Assistant company, reshaping our understanding of work-life balance.
     
    Jaime Jay – a man who wears many hats, and wears them all admirably. He's the founder of the renowned Bottleneck Distant Assistant Services firm, and his book "Quit Repeating Yourself" has become a must-read for founders in this space. When he's not busy building his empire, you can find him on his beloved Harley Davidson, cruising through the countryside and taking in the invigorating effects of Uitwaaien – a Dutch practice that involves facing the wind to boost health and relieve stress.
     
    Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
     
    Offering a subscription-based service model diverges from traditional contracts while fostering trust and satisfaction with flexible terms that allow clients to leave at any time and potentially receive refunds for unused services.
    The meticulous vetting process guarantees top-tier service from highly skilled distant assistants, fostering high retention rates by hiring only the top 5% of applicants.
    Structured workflow management and proper delegation techniques contribute to a 100% client retention rate, showcasing the effectiveness of delegation roadmaps in the virtual assistant industry.
    Integrating artificial intelligence to enhance its services places significant importance on maintaining a positive and respectful workplace culture.
    Listen to the full conversation here:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR
     
    Connect with Jaime:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimejay/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjaimejay/
    Bottleneck Distant Assistants: https://bottleneck.online/
     
    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
    Shoutout to our Great Sponsor: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!
    36 min
  • 8.06 – Taylor Black – Fizzy Ventures
    In this episode of The Rising Tide Startups, we chat with Taylor Black, a dynamic entrepreneur whose roots trace back to high school ventures and now extend into the innovative ecosystem of Microsoft's venture studio. Taylor's narrative is woven from his formative years launching a B2B SaaS enterprise during his legal studies, to his strategic role in shepherding early-stage companies towards market success such as Conduit Venture Labs and Fizzy Ventures. Whether he's sharing the nuts and bolts of product development or recounting the strategic pivot of Altis.io, an AI platform, Taylor's story is a masterclass in business acumen and adaptability.
     
    Taylor Black is a Seattle-based entrepreneur and intrapreneur with an impressive tech industry track record. He currently works in Microsoft's internal Venture Studio. He  also mentors startups through Fizzy Ventures, and founded Altis.io, an AI platform designed to support user researchers.
     
    Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
     
    The Intrapreneurial Edge is the use of entrepreneurial skills to promote change, new initiatives, and innovation within a corporation.
    Venture Capital and Angel Investing Insights are essential for entrepreneurs and startups to understand the workings of financing startups and fast-growing businesses by providing knowledge on investment mechanics, capital accessibility, networking prospects, market validation, and risk mitigation strategies.
    Angel investing is no longer just for the wealthy. Sweat equity and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) allow smaller investors to participate. Online platforms and crowdfunding democratize venture capital and broaden access to investment opportunities. This fosters a more inclusive investment landscape.
    Three things serve as critical factors in assessing a startup's potential:
    The Team: Passionate and committed individuals who strongly desire to put energy into their venture.
    The Problem: A deep understanding of a significant, meaty problem that the team is in love with, rather than being fascinated with their solution.
    The Solution: The team must have the capability to build a viable solution to the problem they've identified. They should have a conceptual understanding and practical know-how or a clear path to developing a solution that addresses the problem effectively.
    Listen to the full conversation here:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR
     
    Connect with Taylor:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blacktaylor/
    Altis.io: https://www.altis.io/
    Conduit Venture Labs: https://www.conduitventurelabs.com/
    Fizzy Ventures: https://fizzy.ventures/
     
    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
    Shoutout to our Great Sponsor:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com  now to jumpstart your business for 2024!
    34 min
  • 8.05 – Mike Abramowitz – Better Than Rich
    Ever feel caught in a race against time as work consumes every precious moment? Mike Abramowitz, a seasoned expert in time management for high-earners, joins our host, Kevin Prewett in this episode of The Rising Tide Startups to address this struggle, unveiling strategies honed through personal experiences. From humble beginnings at Cutco to enduring financial setbacks post-college, Mike's narrative is one of resilience and transformation. 
    Mike Abramowitz is a #1 Amazon bestselling author,  impactful philanthropist achieving six figures in earnings, and a partner with "Better Than Rich." Mike's passion lies in uplifting others, guiding entrepreneurs to maximize efficiency, and embracing purpose-driven business through programs like 'Operator to Owner.' Co-host of "The Better Than Rich Show" podcast, he imparts valuable business insights, encouraging listeners to make a positive impact.
    Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
    The "Time Rich Six" strategy helps leaders prioritize high-impact tasks through practical advice on boundaries, communication, systems, playbooks, team management, and technology for ultimate time freedom.
    Establishing Boundaries: This involves setting specific limitations on time and availability, enabling individuals to prioritize their work and minimize disruptions
    Communication Guidelines: Implementing rules or systems for communication can streamline interactions, ensuring concise messages are exchanged at appropriate times.
    Creating Systems: setting defined processes to help automate or make business operations more efficient, reducing the need for constant hands-on management.
    Developing Playbooks: Playbooks are standardized procedures that provide a reference for tasks
    Team Management: This involves strategies for effectively leading and organizing a team for independent work, contributing to overall time efficiency
    Utilizing Technology: Emphasizing technology, including AI, to automate tasks, manage schedules, and facilitate operations, helping to free up time that can be invested in more valuable activities.
    The four pillars of business are as follows:
    Attraction involves attracting potential customers to a business by increasing awareness of its offerings and highlighting its superiority. 
    Conversion involves transforming potential customers into actual customers by persuading them to take a desired action.
    Onboarding involves introducing new customers to a business's offerings and ensuring they feel valued.
    Retention involves fostering long-term customer relationships by providing value, great service, and meeting expectations. Strategies include loyalty programs, communication, personalized offers, and product/service improvements.
    Time management is a skill that can be mastered, and with the right guidance, anyone can craft a life of intention and efficiency.
    Listen to the full conversation here:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR
     
    Connect with Mike:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeabramowitz1/ 
    Better than Rich: https://www.betterthanrich.com/ 
     
    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
    Shoutout to our Great Sponsor:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com  now to jumpstart your business for 2024!
    42 min
  • 8.04 – Brittany Brewer – FreeUp
    Join us on Rising Tide Startups as we welcome Brittany Brewer, Senior Account Executive at FreeUp Marketplace, for a candid discussion about her transition from a freelancer to a pivotal role in a freelancer hiring platform. Brittany shares her unique perspective on navigating the complexities of matching clients with top-tier freelancers to ensure businesses overcome their challenges through strategic hiring. 
    She also shares FreeUp's unique approach to building a global community of virtual service providers. They explore the balance between integrity and autonomy, where freelancers set fair rates and clients find scalable solutions.
    Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
    FreeUp Marketplace is a curated community that simplifies the process of hiring freelancers. It connects clients with freelancers and agencies from diverse industries.
    Quality Over Quantity: FreeUp is a platform that accepts only the top 1% of freelancers through a rigorous vetting process. Unlike larger platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, FreeUp emphasizes quality over quantity. They foster a higher caliber of talent and a community-focused approach that values freelancers, aiming to create a more personalized, concierge-like service for clients. 
    Pricing Practices and Scalability: A Balanced Approach: the approach is centered on transparency, fairness, and flexibility for both freelancers and clients. 
    How to handle the Pricing aspects:
    Freelancer Autonomy: FreeUp freelancers set their own rates based on their skills, experience, and market demand.
    Pricing Guidance: FreeUp provides estimated pricing for different skill sets on their pricing page, helping freelancers align their rates with the platform's expectations and clients' budgets.
    Client Budget Preferences: Clients can set their budgets for job requests. FreeUp matches them with freelancers at that rate.
    Entry-Level to Expert-Level Services: The platform offers entry-level and expert-level services for freelancers, allowing clients to choose based on task complexity and budget constraints
    Flat Fee Structure: FreeUp maintains a straightforward fee structure, charging a flat 20% fee with a $2 minimum per payment to freelancers. This means if a job is priced at $10 an hour, $2 goes to FreeUp, and $8 goes to the freelancer.
    How to handle the Scaling aspects:
    Process Organization: Organizing and documenting processes helps scale with freelancers, as it ensures they understand tasks and work efficiently.
    Emphasizing Human Relationships: FreeUp assists clients in scaling by nurturing human connections and forming strong partnerships. Long-term freelancer relationships lead to growth opportunities.
    Use of International Talent: FreeUp enables businesses to scale using international talent, providing access to a wide range of skills and efficient cost management.
    Community-Focused Approach: FreeUp fosters a community that respects freelancers, attracting high-caliber talent that supports scalable client services.
    Listen to the full conversation here:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR
     
    Connect with Brittany:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-brewer-256a89229/ 
    FreeUp: https://freeup.net/
     
    Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
    Shoutout to our Great Sponsor:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Email [email protected] now to jumpstart your business for 2024!
    30 min

About Rising Tide Startups

From the publisher's feed

Rising Tide Startups is a unique, bi-weekly Business interview podcast, hosting some of today’s most exciting solopreneurs, startups founders and side hustlers from all over the globe.