Tales From The PROS

In this episode of Tales from the PROS, I chat with James Avery who is the Founder of Adzerk, which is an innovative cloud API platform for building integrated native ads and sponsored listings. 

We discuss a few different topics such as digital advertising, product development, building a tech company, how to compete in a tough space, patience and planning, and much more. 

Some Questions Asked:

James, what really caught my attention before reaching out to you was firstly I saw your company on Techcrunch and how you made it to the next level with the help of Reddit. Also, I saw that you guys made it to INC Magazine's top 500 best companies list. Can you tell me a little about that?

1. James, explain to us non-tech people what is adtech and how it is impacting marketing and sales in today's generation?
2. James, what was the motive behind building AdZerk's API platform?
3. I know it's tough starting a tech company organically, that is how we did it, but i noticed you guys received a few rounds of funding, what was that process like?
4. Do you feel that the funding was needed or could you have grown it organically up until today?
5. How do you guys stay competitive in your space? For example, you got Google essentially as a competitor right? haha
6. Building a tech company and product is extremely difficult, what were some of the hardest obstacles you faced, like was it harder getting the product completed and out of beta or is it harder now competing in the space and trying to drive more revenue?
7. You obviously understand that tech is booming and evolving at a rapid rate, what technology trends do you see emerging and which ones do you see dying in the digital advertising space?
8. How is artificial intelligence effecting the digital advertising space?
9. What tips would you give to current and future tech entrepreneurs and what they need to avoid or be aware of?
10. How did planning and patience play a vital role in your success at AdZerk?
11. Do you feel that entrepreneurship is getting harder in our economy?

CLOSING:

I always ask the THREE HOW'S:

• How do you define failure? 
• How do you define entrepreneurship?
• How do you define success?

Follow James Avery:

Website: https://adzerk.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adzerk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/adzerk

Follow Me:

Podcast Website - https://www.talesfromthepros.com  Company Website - https://www.imaginovation.net  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromthePROS/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MGeorgiou22   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_mgeorgiou/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv9pbImovknEluSLzAPTpg/featured 

In this episode of Tales from the PROS, I chat with Hashem Al-ghaili, who one of the most well known science communicators on social media within science, technology, and nature. Hashem gained global popularity for his educational and engaging videos and just reached 8 billion video views.

We discuss a few different topics such as the future of artificial intelligence and the blockchain/crypto, medicine and health, nature and global warming, and lastly his tips on social media content.

Some Questions Asked:

Hashem, every time I am on Facebook i see your content, and I have to say man your videos and messaging is amazing. I consistently see the video views for all your content being in the tens and hundreds of millions, haha. Pretty amazing stuff.  SO......

1. With that being said, what was drive and motivation behind you starting this journey in science communication?
2. Do you feel that science isn't communicated effectively in today's society? It seems that you are filling in that gap.
3. I see in some of you content communicating AI or artificial intelligence/machine learning. So, I want you to clear things up, everyone I talk to thinks AI is just robotics more or less, but it's a lot more than that. What are your thoughts on that term?
4. Where do you think AI is headed in the next 5-10 years? Any concerns with people losing their jobs due to machines? haha
5. As AI technology is rapidly emerging, how do you feel our society should adapt?
6. Another trending topic I wanted to touch on is crypto and Bitcoin. Do you agree in that being a so called "Bubble" and risk in investing?
7. So we all know that medicine and technology in health is also evolving at a rapid pace, do you feel that stem cell research and therapy for certain diseases will be widely used? It seems some countries have banned it. 
8. Where do you think health and medicine is headed? 
9. You also create awesome content about nature and our environment. I wanted to touch on a subject that is kind of touchy for some people especially here in the US, which is global warming. What are your thoughts on that?
10. This is all great information, your creating all this awesome content being seen around the world. I'm sure you get this question frequently, so on a business perspective behind your following, are there any specific steps or methods that people should know to get their content more widely seen and engaged on?

High Level Questions (Broad):

You being a leader in science communication through content, were there any tough challenges or struggles you had to overcome to get to where you are today?

CLOSING:

1. I always ask the THREE HOW'S:

   How do you define failure? 

   How do you define entrepreneurship?

   How do you define success?

Follow Hashem Al-ghaili:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScienceNaturePage

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hashemalghaili

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hashem.alghaili/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hashem-al-ghaili-1b30679b/

Follow Me:

Podcast Website - https://www.talesfromthepros.com  Company Website - https://www.imaginovation.net  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromthePROS/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MGeorgiou22   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_mgeorgiou/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv9pbImovknEluSLzAPTpg/featured 

In this episode of Tales from the PROS, I chat with Megan Ewoldsen, who is a dedicated mother of three, successful entrepreneur and social celebrity bringing fitness & nutrition plans to the palm of your hand with her app - STRIVE with Megan. 

We talk about Megan's journey going from a very top beach body coach to starting a fitness company and building a successful mobile app known as "STRIVE with Megan". We also discuss building a company while being a mother of three and growing a huge social female following, struggles she overcame, tips for health and wellness, and much more. 

Specific Questions Asked:

1. I am well aware of your inspirational journey, but I want you to tell everyone the story behind your success. I remember you being one of the top Beachbody coaches in the country. 
2. What was it like recently speaking to over 8,000 people? I'm sure you weren't nervous, haha. That's a huge crowd. 
3. Being a mother of three and married as well, i can't imagine how difficult it must be to run this type of business. As we both know, maintaining an app is tough, and it's always evolving. How do you deal with all that goes on? I think a lot of mothers are eager to know, haha. 
4. So you have a huge and dedicated following, is it mostly women who relate to your story and to the app in general?
5. What did it take for you to build your facebook and instagram following to what it is now? 
6. I know a lot of mother's can relate to your story, but many don't have the willingness and drive to pursue their dreams, what have you experienced that help you achieve this level of success?
7. With you being a health and fitness expert, what tips could you give to men and woman about getting in shape the right way? You know it's a cluttered market with a lot of people claiming they know the secrets, haha. What are your thoughts on this?
8. So, you know I'm obviously well aware of your app's awesome features like the fitness challenges, daily workouts, healthy meal plans, and videos. But, what's the future for Strive and the business in general?

High Level Questions (Broad):

What were some of the hardest struggles during your journey?

What would be your best pieces of advice for women and mothers striving to pursue their dreams? (maybe consistency and balance, and perseverance)

CLOSING:

1. I always ask the THREE HOW'S:

   How do you define failure? 

   How do you define entrepreneurship?

   How do you define success?

Follow Megan Ewoldsen: 

Website: https://www.meganewoldsen.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganEwoldsen/ 

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/fitmamaE 

Follow Michael Georgiou:

Podcast Website - https://www.talesfromthepros.com  Company Website - https://www.imaginovation.net  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromthePROS/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MGeorgiou22   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_mgeorgiou/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv9pbImovknEluSLzAPTpg/featured 

In this episode of Tales from the PROS, I chat with Michael Brenner is a globally-recognized keynote speaker, author of the bestselling book "The Content Formula" and the CEO of Marketing Insider Group. He has worked in leadership positions in sales and marketing for global brands like SAP and Nielsen, as well as for thriving startups. 

Michael and I talk about how he best automates social media content and distribution for efficiency and time saving. We also discuss best practices in B2B digital marketing, how to create the best content for targeted reach and engagement, how to get the best ROI from your content as a B2B company, and much more. 

1. 1. I gotta ask you this question Michael, I see that you must be crazy busy being a CEO of your company, speaking at large marketing conferences, coaching people and companies, and I am sure you're planning on writing another book, haha. With that being said, how on earth do you find the time to continuously post such great content all over various social platforms? Do you have an automated approach, is it your team, or you do it manually?
   2. To kick things off, I want to talk about your journey as a content marketing expert and what truly inspired you to do what your doing now. Did you find your purpose when you were back in college?
   3. What is considered good content for B2B companies? What is bad content? 
   4. You will always hear people talk about developing a marketing plan or a marketing strategy. Can you explain the difference between them? 
   5. Is there a specific process that B2B companies have to go through to actually see a large positive impact on their video and written content?
   6. What are your thoughts on paid content vs. organic content? I feel like it's so much harder nowadays to reach and engage an audience through organic content unless your a large public figure or brand.
   7. What are your thoughts on having the right empathy and intent behind your content? In my experience, your audience can definitely sense your motives.
   8. This is something everyone wants to know, in your experience, how do you get an ROI from good content?
   9. Where do you feel content marketing is headed in the future? As we all know that technology is evolving like AI, automation, video. Is there anything people need to be concerned about?
   10. What are some of your top tips that B2B organizations need to know when trying to reach and engage their audience?
   11. Tell me about your book. 
     

1. IF you can explain, what were some of your main struggles that you went through to becoming an expert in the marketing space?
2. What advice would you give to B2B marketers so they don't make the mistakes that you've encountered from others?

1. I always ask the THREE HOW'S:
   1. How do you define failure?
   2. How do you define entrepreneurship?
   3. How do you define success?

Follow Michael Brenner:

Website - https://marketinginsidergroup.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbrenner/   Twitter - https://twitter.com/brennermichael  

Follow Michael Georgiou:

Podcast Website - https://www.talesfromthepros.com  Company Website - https://www.imaginovation.net  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromthePROS/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MGeorgiou22   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_mgeorgiou/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv9pbImovknEluSLzAPTpg/featured 

In this episode of Tales from the PROS, I chat with world renowned House/Trance legend known as Jaytech. As the warmup DJ of choice for Anjunabeats leaders Above & Beyond, he’s also a seasoned DJ who’s played clubs in every corner of the world, and visited nearly every festival you could imagine including Tomorrowland in Belgium and Electric Zoo in NYC. Also, in his Anjunadeep 02 and Anjunadeep 03 compilations, both of which reached #1 on the US iTunes dance albums chart.

Jaytech and I talk about his inspiring journey as a DJ and signing with popular record label Anjunabeats and his experiences in touring with global Trance icon Above & Beyond. We also chat about how Jaytech built a personal brand as a DJ and the struggles associated with it, the process of signing with a huge record label, collaborating with other top artists. In addition, we discuss Jaytech's new entrepreneurial venture called 'Positronic' and much more. 

1. To kick things off, I want to talk about your journey as a DJ and music producer. Essentially you started in the trance scene when you were 14 years old? Tell me about that.
2. What's it like to break through the noise and clutter in the industry and making branding yourself to be known in the scene?
3. You signed with one of the best trance labels out there called Anjunabeats, what does it take for a DJ to be seen and signed by such a popular label? it can't be just luck or being at the right place at the right time.
4. Explain the process you have to take collaborating with other top artists? Does the label kind of choose them or you have the freedom to reach out?
5. We all know you've established pretty much your own name and brand, are there any tips and advice you can give to aspiring DJ's in order to brand themselves properly?
6. I gotta ask you this question, what's it like opening for Above and Beyond and collaborating with them?
7. So, James the next step it seems for you is building your own musical community. Regularly showcasing new artists on your ‘Jaytech Music’ radio show and podcast, which is listened to by tens of thousands every month, and you also established Positronic, which mentors up-and-comers in the studio. Can you explain this venture and what inspired you to start it?

High Level Questions (Broad):

1. IF you can explain, what were some struggles you had to go through during the journey to now, and how did you overcome them?
2. What advice or tips would you give future DJ's and aspiring producers in the electronic music scene?
3. What character traits would you consider the most important in being a successful leader in the music scene? Do you feel that having business knowledge and being entrepreneurial is essential?

CLOSING:

1. I always ask the THREE HOW'S:
   1. How do you define failure?
   2. How do you define entrepreneurship?
   3. How do you define success?

Follow Jaytech:

Personal Website - http://www.jaytechmusic.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jaytechofficial/   Twitter - https://twitter.com/jaytechmusic/   YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/jaytechmusic/  Apple Music - https://itunes.apple.com/artist/jaytech/id141321759  SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/jaytechmusic/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jaytechmusic/ 

Follow Michael Georgiou:

Podcast Website - https://www.talesfromthepros.com  Company Website - https://www.imaginovation.net  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromthePROS/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MGeorgiou22   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_mgeorgiou/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv9pbImovknEluSLzAPTpg/featured 

In this episode of Tales from the PROS, I chat with the amazing Jay Baer. Jay is one of the top digital marketing and customer service strategists, world renowned speaker, New York Times best-selling author of five books, and a technology investor. He founded Convince & Convert, which is his fifth multi-million dollar venture.

Jay and I talk about personal branding vs. company branding, the most effective social marketing strategies of 2018 and what is and isn't trending, building yourself as an authority and influencer in your space, the role of patience and empathy in marketing and business, and much more. 

1. To kick things off, tell us a little about your latest book?
2. What really inspired you to getting into the content marketing and customer experience game? and also, how would you truly define content marketing for those who don't know?
3. Do you feel that simply your experience and skills in content marketing lead you to becoming an influencer in the space or was it something else? For example, being unique, or hard work and consistency.
4. How were you able to identify your audience on specific platforms and target them effectively? I've seen so many others that have wasted time and money on areas where there audience isn't even there.
5. Do you believe that self-branding is more beneficial than using your company as leverage for credibility, and gaining self-influential recognition that way, or maybe both?
6. I know your friends with Gary Vaynerchuk, and I hear your podcast interview with him, and it seems you both dive heavily on having good motives, empathy, and patience. I would think that played a vital role in your success right?
7. I saw on one of your Youtube videos talking about how content is fire and social media is gasoline, can you explain that in a little more detail?
8. Are there any influencer strategies that you feel are dying or ones that you see are growing?
9. In your experience investing in startups, have you noticed a common mistake that they make while trying to market themselves and their companies? Do you see the same mistakes with larger companies as well?
10. You obviously know that tech and marketing is booming and continuously evolving, what specific trends do you see emerging and which ones do you see dying? Maybe specifically SEO is always changing with Google updates.

1. IF you can explain, what struggles did you face while building your past companies, maybe specifically Convince and Convert, and how did you overcome them? I want to hear a story or two, haha.
2. What advice or tips would you give future leaders and influencers on how to succeed?
3. What character traits would you consider the most important in being a successful business leader and entrepreneur? (Passion, drive, work ethic, perseverance, etc.)
4. Do you feel that entrepreneurship is getting harder in our economy?

1. I always ask the THREE HOW'S:
   1. How do you define failure?
   2. How do you define entrepreneurship?
   3. How do you define success?

Personal Website - http://www.jaybaer.com/ Company Website: http://www.convinceandconvert.com/      Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jaybaer   Twitter - https://twitter.com/jaybaer  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybaer/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaybaer/ 

Follow Michael Georgiou:

Podcast Website - https://www.talesfromthepros.com  Company Website - https://www.imaginovation.net  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromthePROS/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MGeorgiou22   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_mgeorgiou/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv9pbImovknEluSLzAPTpg/featured 

In this episode of Tales from the PROS, I chat with Katy Jones, who is the CMO at FoodLogiQ, which was featured on Forbes as top 25 most innovative AgTech startups, and also Katy was awarded the 2017 Triangle Business Journal C-Suite Award. FoodLogiQ helps restaurant operators, food retailers, consumer packages goods companies and other food companies achieve end-to-end traceability, and high quality food products across supply chain.  

Katy and I talk about what it takes to be become a successful Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in a growing company and the struggles that go with it. We also chat about effective marketing strategies, funding, product development, what future marketers need to know, and much more.  

 Some questions asked: 

1. Katy, were you always in the marketing game? How did you find that passion? 
2. Tell me about the steps you took to becoming the CMO of a flourishing company? 
3. I read that you guys also received a few rounds of funding during your journey, do you feel that the funding was needed or you could have grown it organically?
4. Obviously your in a niche space with a niche product, what were the most effective marketing and branding strategies you executed to grow the company?
5. You being a CMO and having so much experience, what struggles do you feel are common for CMO's?
6. What tips would you give to current and future marketers and what they need to avoid or be aware of?
7. You obviously understand the tech is booming, what technology trends do you see emerging and which ones do you see dying?
8. Any exit strategies for the company or are you building a lifetime brand?

High Level Questions:

If you can explain, what struggles did you face while building FoodLogiQ, and how did you overcome them?

What advice or tips would you give future CMO's on how to succeed? 

What character traits would you consider the most important in being a successful business leader and entrepreneur? (Passion, drive, work ethic, perseverance, etc.)

Do you feel that entrepreneurship is getting harder in our economy?

Website - https://www.foodlogiq.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/foodlogiq   Twitter - https://twitter.com/foodlogiq  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodlogiq 

Follow Michael Georgiou:

Podcast Website - https://www.talesfromthepros.com  Company Website - https://www.imaginovation.net  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromthePROS/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MGeorgiou22   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_mgeorgiou/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv9pbImovknEluSLzAPTpg/featured 

In this episode of Tales from the PROS, I chat with David Gardner, who is a very well known tech startup investor, successful serial entrepreneur, and the Founder and Managing Partner of Cofounders Capital. 

David and I talk about David's inspiration behind investing in tech startups that have lots of promise, how to succeed as a startup, what his firm looks for in a pitch, the investment game nationally and locally in North Carolina, and much more. 

Some questions asked:

1. David, tell us how you got into the investment game, specifically just in B2B technology and what lead you to start Cofounders Capital?
2. When you were younger, did you always see yourself starting various companies and selling them or did it happen very randomly?
3. From your experience investing in numerous promising startups such as FilterEasy, can you explain the process of what it takes for a startup to receive a round of funding? Do you think it's all about timing and proof of concept?
4. What are the things investors such as yourself look for when hearing a pitch?
5. Do you think it's smart to always have some sort of exit strategy when building a company or is it smart to grow it into a long-term brand?
6. What tips would you give to current and future entrepreneurs in preparing them to receive funding and what they need to avoid?
7. You obviously understand the tech is booming, what technology trends do you see emerging and which ones do you see dying?
8. Any future plans Cofounders Capital?

High Level Questions (Broad):

1. IF you can explain, what struggles did you face while building your companies, and how did you overcome them?
2. What are the biggest challenges you have had to deal with growth the companies you've started?
3. What advice or tips would you give future entrepreneurs on how to succeed?
4. What character traits would you consider the most important in being a successful business leader and entrepreneur? (Passion, drive, work ethic, perseverance, etc.)
5. Do you feel that entrepreneurship is getting harder in our economy?

Follow David Gardner:

Website: http://cofounderscapital.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cofounders-capital/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/startuphats

Follow Michael Georgiou:

Podcast Website - https://www.talesfromthepros.com  Company Website - https://www.imaginovation.net  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromthePROS/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MGeorgiou22   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_mgeorgiou/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv9pbImovknEluSLzAPTpg/featured 

In this episode of Tales from the PROS, I chat with Jim Anthony, who is the CEO of Corporate Real Estate Powerhouse, Colliers International - Raleigh. 

Jim is a real estate guru and has one of the most diverse and distinguished commercial real estate track records in the Southeastern, US.

Some questions asked during the episode:

1. Jim, as the CEO of Colliers in Raleigh, tell us the story of what you guys do exactly and how you became CEO there? You had a previous company called Anthony & Co. right?
2. Did you always see yourself becoming a CEO and starting and owning different companies in real estate/investing/etc.? 
3. From an expert's perspective, what's the corporate real estate market looking like at the moment in North Carolina and even the US in general?
4. What tips would you give to companies who are trying to buy and own a piece of property such a building for an office? Anything we need to avoid?
5. You obviously understand the tech is booming, do you see any technology trends emerging into real estate in general or is there anything to be aware of? Maybe on a buyers level or company's level?

6. What are the biggest challenges you have had to deal with growth the companies you've started?

7. What advice or tips would you give future entrepreneurs on how to succeed? 

Follow Jim Anthony:

Website: https://www2.colliers.com/en/Experts/jim-anthony

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimanthony

Follow Michael Georgiou:

Podcast Website - https://www.talesfromthepros.com  Company Website - https://www.imaginovation.net  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromthePROS/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MGeorgiou22   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_mgeorgiou/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv9pbImovknEluSLzAPTpg/featured 

In this episode of Tales from the PROS, I chat with Co-founder, Fernando Carrera on how he organically bootstrapped a large web and mobile development agency in Caracas, Venezuela called Turpial Development.

Fernando Carrera founded Turpial Development in Venezuela during the tough internal crisis and political unrest within the country. He has grown the web and mobile development company into over a 30 man team. 

Fernando and I discuss entrepreneurship, startups, Venezuelan economy, South America, international business, outsourced development, outsourcing, scaling a company, technology, struggles and obstacles, and much more.  

Follow Fernando Carrera:

Website: http://turpialdev.com/en/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turpialdev

Twitter: https://twitter.com/turpialdev

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

Follow Michael Georgiou:

Podcast Website - https://www.talesfromthepros.com  Company Website - https://www.imaginovation.net  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TalesfromthePROS/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MGeorgiou22   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_mgeorgiou/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv9pbImovknEluSLzAPTpg/featured