In this podcast Dave Erickson and Botond Seres are going to try to figure out how to price things - with Per Sjofors, Founder & CEO of Sjöfors & Partners, Inc.

Per is the best-selling author of "The Price Whisperer - A Holistic Approach to Pricing Power" and a member and thought leader at the Forbes Business Council and the C-Suite Hero Club.

He was recently identified as among the "The 10 Most Visionary Leaders Making a Difference in 2023" by Inc. Magazine and was recently identified as among the "Top 50 Global Thought Leaders in Sales" by Thinkers360.

At his company Sjöfors & Partners, he leverages the proprietary AI software that they developed as well as predictive analytics, and value research - in order to align product features, marketing messages, and customer segments with optimal pricing levels.

With over 700+ client engagements, his proven process has delivered remarkable client results, such as a doubling of growth rate and a 25% - 40% increase in margins.

Summary Timeline:
0:00 Introduction to the podcast topic of pricing strategies for business growth and profitability.
0:53 Dave Erickson introduces the guest, Per Sjöfors, and provides background on his expertise in pricing strategies.
2:31 Per Sjöfors shares his background and early experiences experimenting with pricing in various business roles. He explains the lack of practical pricing education in business school and his motivation to develop a successful pricing process.
4:26 Discussion on the importance of understanding the target customer segment and how that affects pricing strategies. Per Sjöfors provides a case study example of a premium product that failed to meet pricing expectations.
11:31 Exploration of different strategies for pricing in various market contexts, including the concept of price anchoring.
15:14 Examination of how marketing, including brand and product marketing, impacts pricing strategies and customer willingness to pay.
25:01 Discussion on the differences in selling to SMBs versus enterprises and the implications for pricing.
27:26 Advice on approaching individual customers through various marketing channels and the importance of creating an emotional connection.
30:36 Explanation of how sales channels and monetization strategies affect pricing decisions.
34:09 In-depth discussion on the challenges of finding the optimal price point that balances profitability per sale and sales volume.
43:25 Per Sjöfors shares insights on the limitations of dynamic pricing and the future of pricing strategies.
56:19 Conclusion, with Per Sjöfors providing an overview of his company's services and the importance of a holistic approach to pricing.
1:03:00 Outro

If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/

GUEST: Per Sjöfors = https://www.linkedin.com/in/persjofors/

The Price Whisperer - A Holistic Approach to Pricing Power = https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Price-Whisperer/Per-Sjofors/9781637351178

Website = https://sjofors.com/

In this podcast, Botond Seres and Dave Erickson look at how engineering types can make a business out of their product ideas, with podcast guest Vladimir Baranov, Founder of Human Interfaces.

Vladimir is an Executive Coach  - for Founders and Technical Leaders. He has coached and mentored globally at various incubators and accelerators, with a primary focus on launching, developing, and sustaining startups.

He's a serial entrepreneur, having founded three companies with successful exits in fintech and spacetech - demonstrating his proficiency in scaling businesses through various funding stages.

His entrepreneurial journey has encompassed roles such as Founder, and many C-Level positions - and lends him a comprehensive perspective on creating optimal data and technology products and services.

TIMELINE SUMMARY:
0:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
2:01 Vladimir's Entrepreneurial Journey
3:46 Challenges for Technical Founders
5:40 Finding the Right Mentor or Coach
8:58 Market Validation and Overcoming Barriers
10:42 Balancing Coding and Market Validation
18:28 Finding the Right Marketing and Sales Partners
23:18 The Role of Coaching in Business Success
29:31 Scaling Up Startups
32:30 Funding Strategies for Startups
41:28 Lessons from Exit Strategies
43:38 The Future of Coaching
45:08 Vladimir's Coaching Business
46:21 Closing Remarks and Outro 

If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/

GUEST: Vladimir Baranov = https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimirbaranov/

For a complimentary coaching discovery session, check out - https://www.humaninterfaces.co/screamingbox

In this podcast, Dave Erickson and Botond Seres are going to explore new and effective means of teaching and learning how to code with Jen Kramer, Director of Learning Design and Technology at AnnieCannons

For over twenty-five years, Jen has been educating clients, colleagues, friends and graduate students about the meaning of a “quality website.”

An award-winning instructor for over twenty-five years, Jen has taught web design, educational technology, and storytelling principles to students from Harvard University and other academic institutions - and students learning in conferences, workshops, and corporate environments.

AnneCannons is focused on helping survivors of human trafficking learn, grow and become successful and productive members of society.  She currently serves as Director for Learning Design and Technology at AnnieCannons, training, preparing, and connecting individuals who have experienced human trafficking - to sustainable careers in tech.

Jen is a prolific video author, creating over 90 training courses for LinkedIn Learning, Frontend Masters and others, covering HTML, CSS, UX, website planning, and no-code technologies.

Jen’s most recent book is Before You Code: Validate Your Idea, Build a Better Product, and Plan Your Way to Success, co-authored with Heather O’Neill in 2018.

Jen is a returning guest to this Podcast, and we are looking forward to catching up and finding out about her new position and experience.

TIMELINE SUMMARY:
0:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
2:30 Jen Kramer's Current Role at Annie Cannons
4:54 Course Curriculum and Student Needs
8:37 Emotional Regulation and Overcoming Self-Doubt
16:29 Teaching User Experience and Creativity
22:57 Support and Resources for Students
27:17 Advice for Junior Developers and Senior Developers
39:41 Effective Teaching Practices
50:02 Learning Practices for Students
52:43 Future of Annie Cannons
54:18 Conclusion and Call to Action

If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/

GUEST: Jen Kramer = https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen4web/

Website = https://anniecannons.org/

Teaching Website = https://www.jenkramer.org/

In this podcast, Botond Seres and Dave Erickson, are going to delegate our questions - about how Founders need to be able to Delegate in order to scale their business - to Valerie Trapunsky, Founder of ChatterBoss

As the founder and CEO of ChatterBoss, Valerie is deeply passionate about bringing the same level of assistant support that A-listers enjoy - to startups and entrepreneurs–all while shining a light on the crucial role that assistants can play in running and scaling a business.

As the author of Delegation Nation, her mission is to provide an actionable guide for entrepreneurs to building frictionless, hyper-capable teams using an emotionally intelligent, human-centric approach.

TIMELINE SUMMARY:

0:00 Delegation and Scaling Businesses
3:51 The Art of Over Communication
8:16 Importance of Context in Delegation
11:23 Understanding Assistant Roles
14:47 Personality and Delegation
19:46 Remote Work and Communication Challenges
23:54 Balancing Delegation and Control
36:31 Leveraging Assistance for Business Growth
36:48 Barriers to Delegation
37:39 The Role of Assistants in Business Processes
38:52 Chatterboss and Its Business Model
48:33 Writing "Delegation Nation"
50:22 Outro

If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/

GUEST: Valerie Trapunsky = https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerietrapunsky/

Website = https://www.chatterboss.com/

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Valerie Trapunsky is the founder of ChatterBoss and a leading voice in the future of remote assistants, delegation, culture building and team leadership in the new era of remote work.

In her daily work with entrepreneurs and high-performers, she draws on her experience as a former personal assistant to A-list celebrities and high-net-worth entrepreneurs. Her whirlwind career has given her invaluable insights into the unique challenges and demands of working with high-performers.

As the founder and CEO of ChatterBoss, she’s deeply passionate about bringing the same level of assistant support that A-listers enjoy to startups and entrepreneurs–all while shining a light on the crucial role that assistants can play in running and scaling a business.

As the author of Delegation Nation, her mission is to provide an actionable guide for entrepreneurs to building frictionless, hyper-capable teams using an emotionally intelligent, human-centric approach.

As a keynote speaker, she breaks down large-scale concepts into hands-on tactics in high-energy, value-packed training sessions to help leaders leverage their teams to their full potential by demystifying delegation with actionable plans.

In this podcast, Dave Erickson and Botond Seres are going to discuss investment, investors and business planning with our guest and global investor Bernard Chong.

Bernard has a billion-dollar portfolio that cuts across tech startups, real estate, entertainment, and beyond. A serial entrepreneur and savvy investor whose journey started from the humble beginnings of selling family shoe products in grade school to steering the helm of World Balance - a leading footwear brand in the Philippines.

His investment acumen shines through in ventures such as the award-winning Bren Esports and innovative companies across animation, F&B, IT, and more.

As we delve into lessons learned and secrets to success in investing and business growth, join us in welcoming the indomitable force behind BrenNetwork, the Mendo Coffee Company’s expansion, and the BrenSEED Foundation - a testament to his belief in the power of education and giving back. Get ready for an insightful journey into making your business successful with investors and investments.

TIMELINE SUMMARY:

0:00 Introduction to the podcast topic of investment and business planning.
2:24 Business history and building a world championship-winning eSports team.
4:57 What businesses should focus on when approaching investors.
6:14 The importance of building a relationship with investors.
7:51 Is character more important than the product.
8:54 The journey of the investor and the invested.
11:26 The importance of the relationships an investor brings.
15:29 Investing in an idea vs. a formed business.
18:04 Focus on building cash flow businesses rather than flipping.
22:24 Expanding a business.
25:38 What Investors look for in business plans and how founders should use investment.
28:37 An Education Foundation called Bren Seed Foundation.
35:16 Lessons learned from failures and successes.
51:24 The future of investing and platform businesses.
52:43 Outro

If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/

GUEST: Bernard Chong = https://www.linkedin.com/in/iambrenchong/

Website = https://brenseedfoundation.org/

Additional Information:

Bernard Chong is a savvy investor and serial entrepreneur whose billion-dollar portfolio ranges from traditional brick-and-mortar businesses to angel investments in tech startups, retail, real estate, entertainment and food and beverage. Armed with an immense passion for intellectual growth, Chong achieved an Electronics Computer Engineering degree from the prestigious La Salle University in Manila. Chong prides himself as a lifelong student and avid reader. A natural businessman, in grade school he was already selling the products of his family’s shoe business. 

While at University, he ventured into entrepreneurship through several businesses, initially honing his sales and distribution knowledge in the recycling industry. After finishing his studies, he took over the family business and transformed it into the leading footwear brand in the Philippines, World Balance. During this time, he began diversifying his portfolio with several other investments. Chong has stakes in animation – ASI Studios; radio and communications - Energy FM; F&B – Tim Hortons/Kko Kko; entertainment – RKB Productions; IT – Thirty One Digital/Beepbeep.ph; in the Esports Industry, BrenPro Inc. and many more companies.

As an investor in multiple start-ups around the globe, Chong is world-renowned for founding the award-winning Bren Esports (now APBren) organization in 2017 and his investment in the expansion of the Canadian Tim Horton’s coffee brand in the Philippines. Bren's Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team achieved a historic win as the first Philippine team to win the M-series World Championship title. Chong is preparing for the launch of several new ventures such as Mendo Coffee Company’s U.S. expansion, a new platform mobile app, housing developments in Panama, the BrenNetwork investment fund and a global education-focused non-profit, BrenSEED Foundation.

In this podcast, Dave Erickson and his great co-host Botond Seres, are going to strap in for a learning session on Bootstrapping with Zach Oehlman, Founder of Learn And Grow Rich

LearnAndGrowRich.net is a comprehensive platform empowering individuals to achieve holistic wealth and prosperity.

Their mission extends far beyond financial success; they foster personal development, enhance relationships, broaden horizons, and inspire positive contributions to the world.

Prior to LearnAndGrowRich, Zach was Founder and President of No Limit Investing for more than a decade. Using his experience and passion in Business and finance, he used his skills in the investment industry to invest in small businesses and start-ups.

Based on the fact that most small businesses fail because of lack of marketing, proper planning, and process implementation; Zach worked with businesses that had good products or services then incorporated winning processes and marketing strategies into them - to scale up those businesses.

TIMELINE SUMMARY:

0:00 Bootstrapping businesses without funding, challenges and limitations.
4:41 Bootstrapping and cash flow management for business success.
9:17 Accounting, cash flow, and risk management for small businesses.
13:53 Private equity investing and business scaling.
18:25 Bootstrapping a T-shirt business with community engagement.
23:40 Ethics in business and leadership development.
28:45 Personal development and leadership skills.
32:51 AI, business, and critical thinking.
39:16 AI's impact on business, including automation, trust, and sales.
44:24 AI's limitations in creating valuable content and the importance of human interaction.
50:12 Entrepreneurship, business challenges, and human behavior.
55:16 Bootstrapping, AI, and community building in business.
58:14 The future of bootstrapping.
59:48 Outro

If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/

GUEST: Zach Oehlman = https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachoehlman/

Website = https://learnandgrowrich.net/

In this podcast, Botond Seres, and Dave Erickson, are  going to see into the global world of B2B Marketing, with our guest Reggie James, Founder of Digital Clarity.

Getting his start in publishing, and then working for AltaVista & Yahoo as a Business Development leader for search and publishing services; Reggie gained a deep understanding of how to sell and market B2B with some of the biggest global companies.

20 years ago he founded his Digital Marketing agency Digital Clarity, which is focused on  Digital Marketing and customer acquisition strategies, Paid Search and SEO campaigns across various vertical sectors and helping CEO’s grow their businesses in the digital economy.

Summary Timeline:

0:00 Unique challenges faced by B2B tech companies in marketing their products/services.
7:19 B2B sales strategies for tech companies.
17:06 B2B marketing strategies, focusing on authenticity and human connection.
24:02 Branding and authenticity in the tech industry.
31:37 Marketing strategies and the importance of understanding core customers.
36:30 Advertising and branding, focusing on authenticity and consistency.
43:07 The future of B2B marketing, sustainability, and adapting to change.
50:27 B2B marketing strategies and the role of human connection in sales.
54:14 AI in digital marketing
56:15 Outro

If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/

GUEST: Reggie James = https://uk.linkedin.com/in/reggiejames

Website = https://www.digital-clarity.com/

Please like this podcast, and subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to get our latest videos @ScreamingBoxCom

ADDITION NOTES:

Reggie James: Helping CEO’s grow their businesses in the digital economy | Founder Digital Clarity, Trusted Advisor, Experienced Digital Strategist & B2B Growth Specialist

Helping forward thinking companies serious about online growth through search, social media and content marketing. 

Each week I am fortunate enough to speak to several business owners and senior marketers who have a decent digital presence though they can often feel they deserve more. Typically I help directors and companies who: 

• Have a good web presence however a dip in statistics, especially Google and Social Media, means they have missed their targets
• Appreciate the power of digital marketing but just can’t dedicate the time and energy, resulting in a loss of easily earned revenue
• Have a great service though feel they are not conveying this to the right audience and in turn losing out to competition

Through the agency Digital Clarity we offer: 

• Consultancy in Digital Marketing and customer acquisition strategies.
• Running Paid Search and SEO campaign across various vertical sector
• Social Media strategy, planning and execution
• Auditing web assets (websites, apps etc.) fixing and optimising 

Having worked at Search Engines and marketing led organisations over the years, my agency has been critical to the success of numerous companies, having helped them achieve amazing returns that have transformed their organisations. 

Experience:

Founder Digital Clarity / Exec. Dir. DBMM Group, Inc.Founder Digital Clarity / Exec. Dir. DBMM Group, Inc.
Digital ClarityDigital Clarity
Jan 2002 - Present · 22 yrs 3 mos
London, United Kingdom & Los Angeles, USLondon, United Kingdom & Los Angeles, US
Digital Communication, Digital Strategy and +3 skills

Forget B2B or B2C, it’s Human to Human - Digital ClarityForget B2B or B2C, it’s Human to Human - Digital Clarity
The lines between marketing B2B and B2C are blurred. With 95% of people not looking to buy at any given time, the new world looks at experience and emotion. We help you engage with your clients - not sell to them.The lines between marketing B2B and B2C are blurred. With 95% of people not looking to buy at any given time, the new world looks at experience and emotion. We help you engage with your clients - not sell to them.

Yahoo
Business Development, EMEA | AltaVista & Yahoo Inc.Business Development
Jan 1999 - Sep 2001 · 2 yrs 9 mos
London, United KingdomLondon, United Kingdom

Yahoo & Google Together Again In New Search DealYahoo & Google Together Again In New Search Deal
International Sales EMEAInternational Sales EMEA

Yahoo! NewsYahoo! News
1999 - 2001 · 2 yrs
Singapore & LondonSingapore & London

In this 4th episode of our podcast Interview series, we will be interviewing Garik Tate, Co-Founder & CEO of Valhalla.team  - who has a deep background in appling the latest AI tools for running and growing his businesses.

Garik is an authority in leveraging AI tools for business expansion and operational efficiency.

With his unique expertise, Garik has mastered the art of selling businesses while simultaneously nurturing their growth. Through a proven process encompassing AI development/integration, hiring elite talent, and operational automation, Garik enhances the value of companies for institutional buyers while bolstering their profits.

With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience under his belt, Garik has left his mark in various sectors including software development, outsourcing, and publishing.

Today, we'll delve into some compelling use cases and insights from Garik, shedding light on how AI tools can propel businesses forward in today's competitive landscape.

Summary Timeline
0:03 AI tools transforming business operations and growth.
4:46 Automating tasks with AI integration tools like Make.com and GPT-4. 
9:52 AI tools for business growth, including chatbots and voice flow.
15:21 AI's impact on content creation and outreach strategies.
21:13 AI tools for business growth, including misconceptions and future trends.
26:33 AI advancements, supply chain concerns, and potential solutions.
31:51 Supply chain resilience and diversification, with a focus on manufacturing and technical prowess.

If you have questions for our Podcast Host or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

GUEST: Garik Tate = https://www.linkedin.com/in/garik-tate/

Please like this podcast, and subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to get our latest videos @ScreamingBoxCom

In this podcast, Botond Seres and Dave Erickson are looking to go international and talk about investing and doing business internationally with Davit Tsitsko, CEO of Tsitsko Holdings.

Davit is a Serial Entrepreneur and Angel Investor living between the fabulous country of Georgia and sunny Cyprus. Founder & CEO of Tsitsko Holding, where he oversees several successful start-ups and companies involved in diverse industries such as energy, IT, media, Online retail, and others.

Summary Timeline
00:00 Starting and growing a business internationally, with a focus on overcoming challenges and developing diverse industries.
05:32 Failures and challenges in international retail business.
10:13 Business growth and expansion strategies.
14:46 Starting and growing a business in the energy sector, including challenges and opportunities.
21:53 Business challenges in Europe, particularly in Poland and Cyprus.
27:18 Conducting market research for businesses, including using exhibitions, gathering industry key players, and relying on social media and digital world for data
32:58 Gen Z's impact on the workforce and economy, with a focus on their spending habits and technological advancements.
36:45 Investing in startups, sustainability, and creating positive impact.
43:16 Sustainability and business.
45:14 Energy storage solutions for renewable energy.
50:41 Energy storage solutions, including lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries.
53:36 The future of the energy industry.
56:01 Outro

If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/

GUEST: Davit Tsitsko = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dtsitsko/

Website = https://tsitsko.com//

Please like this podcast, and subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to get our latest videos @ScreamingBoxCom

In this podcast, Dave Erickson and his knowledgeable co-host Botond Seres, are going to dissect the various SMB exit options and strategies with Eric Grafstrom, Founder and CEO of ExitGuide.com

In 2020, Eric founded ExitGuide to help ease the process for exiting a business for tens of millions of small, main street business owners.

Exit Guide educates SMB owners on their options and helps them price their business. When ready, they offer online tools and coaching to help prepare your business for sale. And when you and your buyer are ready, they provide expert support to help you close the deal!

Eric got started doing sales for Broadcast.com, and moved from Dallas to London after Yahoo's acquisition of the company. After working across Europe he eventually landed in Silicon Valley working for Yahoo!

Later, he gained frontline experience with dozens of startups; and has been part of IPO's, mergers & acquisitions. He has led turnarounds, managed distressed assets as well as putting out numerous fires for VCs and founders.

Summary Timeline
00:00 Exit strategies for small to medium-sized businesses.
02:09 Exit strategies for small business owners.
05:35 Business exit strategies and motivations for sellers and buyers.
11:28 The value of skilled trades vs. automation in plumbing and electrical work.
13:38 Business valuation methods, including seller's discretionary earnings, market-based valuation, and discounted cash flow.
20:23 Valuing businesses using market-based approach and considering subjective factors like brand value and stability.
23:26 Preparing a business for sale or transfer, including financial organization, exit strategy, pricing, and marketing to potential buyers.
30:29 Challenges in buying and selling businesses, including financial preparation and communication.
33:54 Buying and selling small businesses, with a focus on the importance of domain expertise and matching buyers and sellers.
40:18 Helping business owners sell their companies through valuation and marketing.
43:25 Selling businesses, including timing and preparation.
49:48 Preparing businesses for sale, avoiding scams, and planning for successful sales.
52:02 Exit strategies for small business owners.
56:00 Outro

If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/

GUEST: Eric Grafstrom = https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericgrafstrom/

Website = https://exitguide.com/

Please like this podcast, and subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to get our latest videos @ScreamingBoxCom