In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso interviews Chris Brisson, founder and CEO of Sales Message, discussing his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of bootstrapping versus fundraising, the significance of co-founders, and how businesses can leverage SMS marketing effectively. Chris shares insights on building a team, integrating SMS into customer lifecycles, and best practices for SMS marketing, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to changing communication preferences.

Here's What You'll Learn:
❗Chris Brisson started his first business at 19, selling rims and tires on eBay.
❗He has always bootstrapped his companies, preferring to avoid investor cash.
❗Bootstrapping allows for more control and less pressure to grow quickly.
❗Finding the right co-founder is crucial for business success.
❗SMS can be integrated into every stage of the customer lifecycle.
❗Businesses should focus on generating leads through SMS and other channels.
❗Integrations with platforms like HubSpot enhance the value of SMS marketing.
❗Texting can be a powerful tool for two-way conversations with customers.
❗Every business should consider their phone number as an asset for lead generation.
❗Simple strategies like text-to-join can yield significant leads.

Timestamps:
00:00 Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Journey
03:02 Bootstrapping vs. Fundraising: A Personal Perspective
06:12 Building a Team: The Importance of Co-Founders
09:10 Leveraging SMS in Business: A B2B Perspective
12:07 Integrations and Customer Lifecycle Management
14:56 Best Practices and Use Cases for SMS Marketing

Chris Brisson:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbrisson/

SalesMsg:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/salesmsg/
Website - https://www.salesmessage.com/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso speaks with Steven Sakach about the intersection of Gen Z entrepreneurship and empathetic marketing. Steven shares his journey in the digital marketing space, emphasizing the importance of building love into scalable systems and the need for authenticity in marketing. They discuss the transition from a service-based organization to a software company, the implementation of a pod structure for better employee engagement, and the significance of understanding customer emotions. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating advertising channels, the pros and cons of bootstrapping versus VC funding, and the future of marketing in an AI-driven world.

Here's What You'll Learn:
❗Empathetic marketing is essential for engagement.
❗Building love into business systems can enhance employee satisfaction.
❗A pod structure can foster collaboration and passion among team members.
❗Defining a higher purpose is crucial for business direction.
❗Younger generations prioritize authenticity and meaning in their work.
❗AI is rapidly evolving and impacting marketing strategies.
❗Understanding customer emotions can lead to better marketing outcomes.
❗Bootstrapping allows for greater control over business vision.
❗Authenticity is key to resonating with modern consumers.
❗The future of marketing will rely on emotional connections.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Gen Z Mindset
03:12 Stephen's Entrepreneurial Journey and Conscious Marketing
06:01 Transitioning from Services to Software
08:54 Implementing a Pod Structure in Business
12:03 The Importance of Empathy in Marketing
15:02 Understanding Customer Emotions
17:59 Navigating Advertising Channels and Technologies
20:56 Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding in Business
24:03 Conclusion and Future Directions

Stephen Sakach:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-sakach-3181aa28b/

ZeroCompany:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/zero-company-performance-marketing/
Website - https://www.zerocompany.com/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso speaks with Daniel Borba, CEO of Spark Portal, about the evolution of video marketing, the challenges of transitioning from a service-based model to a core offering, and the importance of authenticity in branding. They discuss the nuances of delegation, hiring the right talent, and how AI is reshaping the video marketing landscape. Daniel shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey and the strategies that have led to success in the B2B marketing space.

Here's What You'll Learn:
❗Transitioning from freelance work and agency services into SaaS.
❗The hardest part of delegation is learning who to hire.
❗Video on LinkedIn is currently a powerful marketing tool.
❗Authenticity in branding is becoming increasingly important.
❗Brand identity should reflect core company values.
❗AI is streamlining video editing processes.
❗Creative work in marketing is subjective and challenging to quantify.
❗Effective hiring requires understanding personality over just skill set.
❗Video marketing strategies must adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
❗The future of video marketing will leverage both high production and authentic content.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Gen Z Mindset
00:30 Daniel Borba's Entrepreneurial Journey
01:17 Transitioning from Services to Core Offerings
04:44 The Art of Delegation
10:02 Hiring for Success
13:32 Overview of Spark Portal
16:54 The Evolution of Video Marketing
21:29 Navigating Brand Identity
26:40 The Impact of AI on Video Marketing

Daniel Borba:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielborba/

SparkPortal:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-portal/
Website - https://sparkportal.com/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, host Brandon Amoroso speaks with Jamie Schwartzman, Chief Creative Strategist of Flux Branding, about the importance of branding in entrepreneurship, the evolution of marketing, and the role of AI in creative processes. Jamie shares insights from his extensive experience in branding, emphasizing the need for authenticity and passion in work. They discuss the challenges of balancing business ownership with personal interests, the shift to remote work, and the future of AI in branding and creativity.

Here's What You'll Learn:
❗Jamie Schwartzman emphasizes the importance of authenticity in branding.
❗Branding is about discovering identity, not just graphic design.
❗The journey of entrepreneurship requires passion and love for the work.
❗AI can serve as a powerful writing assistant in branding.
❗Finding your expertise is crucial for long-term success.
❗10,000 hours is needed to become an expert in any field.
❗Remote work requires conscious team-building efforts.
❗The future of branding will heavily involve AI technologies.
❗Passion projects can lead to greater satisfaction in work.
❗Generosity in business can lead to unexpected rewards.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Branding
01:54 - Lessons from 25 Years in Branding
04:46 - The Importance of Brand in Business
08:21 - Finding Passion in Work
11:18 - Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey
14:54 - Balancing Business Ownership and Passion
18:13 - The Shift to Remote Work
22:31 - Leveraging AI in Branding
26:49 - The Future of AI and Creativity
28:05 - Conclusion and Resources

Jamie Schwartzman:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieschwartzman/

Flux Branding:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/flux-branding/
Website - https://fluxbranding.com/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso speaks with Collin Harrington and Hope Georgiou, co-founders of HG Media, about their entrepreneurial journey and the unique challenges they faced in the digital marketing landscape. They discuss the importance of Snapchat as a marketing platform, the impact of the TikTok ban on brand strategies, and how brands can effectively engage with audiences on Snapchat. The conversation highlights the significance of community building, authenticity, and the evolving nature of social media marketing.

Here's What You'll Learn:
❗Hope and Colin's journey led to the creation of HG Media.
❗Snapchat's unique positioning offers opportunities in a saturated market.
❗Educating brands about Snapchat is crucial for success.
❗Younger entrepreneurs face challenges in building credibility.
❗Communicating a vision is essential in marketing.
❗Brands should not assume their target audience.
❗Snapchat is effective for conversion-focused marketing.
❗Non-consumer brands can leverage Snapchat for engagement.
❗Smaller creators often have more engaged audiences.
❗The future of Snapchat depends on knowledge and accessibility.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to HG Media and Founders' Journey
02:20 Challenges of Starting a Business in Digital Marketing
10:04 The Impact of TikTok Ban on Marketing Strategies
14:09 Identifying Brands That Thrive on Snapchat
18:14 Utilizing Snapchat for Non-Consumer Brands
24:07 Building Community and Authenticity on Snapchat

HG Media:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hg-media-group-llc/
HG Media - https://www.hgmedia.us/about

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso speaks with Mack Garrison, co-founder of Dash Studio, about the importance of a Gen Z mindset in business growth. They discuss Mack's entrepreneurial journey, the significance of company culture, maintaining authenticity in a remote work environment, and the impact of AI on creative industries. The conversation also touches on generational differences in content consumption and the challenges of managing client relationships in creative work.

Here's What You'll Learn:
❗Mack Garrison emphasizes the importance of company culture in creative industries.
❗Authenticity is crucial for building a successful team and brand.
❗Feedback from team members must be acted upon to foster a positive work environment.
❗AI is changing the landscape of creative work, but human storytelling remains essential.
❗Generational differences affect how content is consumed and created.
❗Creating opportunities for team connection is vital in a remote work setting.
❗Proactive measures in HR can prevent burnout and improve team morale.
❗A structured creative process can help manage client expectations effectively.
❗The future of creative storytelling relies on adaptability and understanding diverse audiences.
❗Community and shared experiences are key to successful creative collaborations.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcasting Journey
08:40 Transitioning from Agency to Podcasting
12:44 The Power of Guest-Centric Podcasting
21:35 Identifying the Right Businesses for Podcasting

Mack Garrison:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackgarrison/
Dash Studio - https://www.dashstudio.net/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso interviews Casey Cheshire, founder of Ringmaster Conversational Marketing. They discuss Casey's entrepreneurial journey, the transition from running a B2B agency to focusing on podcasting, and the importance of building genuine relationships with podcast guests. Casey emphasizes that the true value of podcasting lies not in the number of listeners but in the connections made with guests, which can lead to significant business opportunities. They also explore the types of businesses that can benefit from podcasting and the importance of having a clear strategy.

Here's What You'll Learn:
❗The transition to podcasting was driven by the need for thought leadership and content.
❗Building genuine relationships with podcast guests can lead to significant business opportunities.
❗The focus should be on the guest, not the number of listeners.
❗Many businesses can benefit from podcasting, especially if they can create valuable connections.
❗Market timing is crucial for business growth and success.
❗It's important to have guide rails in place to avoid scope creep with clients.
❗Podcasting can be a powerful tool for B2B marketing and customer connection.
❗The authenticity of the conversation is key to engaging listeners.
❗Working with professionals can help businesses avoid common pitfalls in podcasting.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcasting Journey
08:40 Transitioning from Agency to Podcasting
12:44 The Power of Guest-Centric Podcasting
21:35 Identifying the Right Businesses for Podcasting

Casey Cheshire:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseycheshire/
Ringmaster - https://ringmaster.com/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso interviews Austin Harrison, CEO of NorthBeam, discussing the intersection of Gen Z entrepreneurship and data-driven marketing. Austin shares his journey from working in internet analytics to founding NorthBeam, a B2B SaaS company focused on first-party data for marketing profitability. The conversation delves into the challenges of building a SaaS company, the importance of data in marketing, and the complexities of attribution in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Austin emphasizes the need for businesses to differentiate themselves in crowded markets and the significance of understanding customer needs to drive growth.

Here's What You'll Learn:

❗The mental game of entrepreneurship is crucial.

❗Building a SaaS company requires trust in your team.

❗Data quality and integrity are paramount for customer success.

❗Attribution is a complex but essential aspect of marketing.

❗AI and machine learning are exciting but often overhyped.

❗Navigating the crowded market requires differentiation.

❗Understanding customer pain points is key to product development.

❗The future of media buying includes diversification of channels.

❗Small businesses should focus on learning before investing in complex solutions.

❗Continuous improvement is essential for product usability.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Gen Z Mindset in Business

01:26 Austin Harrison's Journey and Insights

03:27 Challenges of Building a B2B SaaS Company

06:15 The Role of Data in Marketing

10:30 Navigating the Complexities of Attribution

12:47 From Idea to Market: The Northbeam Journey

16:08 Future of Media Buying and Attribution

20:02 Identifying the Right Fit for Northbeam

Austin Harrison:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maustinharrison/

Northbeam - https://www.northbeam.io/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, Brandon Amoroso interviews Travis Stephenson, a seasoned entrepreneur who shares his journey from being fired to building successful online businesses. Travis discusses his ideation process, the importance of solving personal problems, and how he leveraged referrals and cognitive biases in marketing. He also reflects on his recent travels and the lessons learned from his previous ventures, emphasizing the ease of starting a business today with modern technology and AI.

Here's What You'll Learn:
❗Travis's journey began after being fired from a job.
❗He learned the ropes of digital marketing by working with affiliate marketers.
❗Identifying personal problems can lead to successful business ideas.
❗Traveling with family can inspire new perspectives on work and life.
❗Cognitive biases play a crucial role in marketing effectiveness.
❗Referrals can significantly boost revenue for digital products.
❗Modern technology has made starting a business easier than ever.
❗AI is set to revolutionize business operations and marketing strategies.
❗Creating experiences for customers is key to driving sales.
❗Building a strong referral program can enhance customer engagement.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Background
02:59 Ideation and Market Research for New Ventures
06:10 The Importance of Problem-Solving in Business
08:50 Embracing Change: Traveling and Business Growth
12:03 Lessons Learned from Previous Ventures
15:02 Marketing Strategies and Cognitive Biases
18:05 Leveraging Referrals for Business Growth
20:59 Technology and Tools for Modern Entrepreneurs
24:00 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Travis Stephenson:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisstephensonofferatti/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, host Brandon Amoroso speaks with Nikki Lindgren, founder of Pennock, about her journey in the digital marketing space, particularly in the beauty industry. They discuss the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of finding a niche, and the effectiveness of TikTok as a sales channel. Nikki shares insights on leveraging AI in marketing, the significance of creating a positive remote work culture, and the ongoing need for sales and business development in agency growth.

What You'll Learn:
❗Nikki's entrepreneurial journey began with a passion for lifestyle branding and e-commerce.
❗The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges but also opened new opportunities in the beauty industry.
❗Finding a niche can be unintentional but beneficial for agency growth.
❗TikTok has proven to be a highly effective sales channel for beauty products.
❗Channel diversification is crucial for mitigating risks in marketing strategies.
❗AI is transforming marketing practices, making processes more efficient.
❗Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential for scaling an agency effectively.
❗Creating a positive remote work culture fosters collaboration and team spirit.
❗Sales and business development remain critical functions for agency leaders.
❗Emerging brands can benefit from co-funding opportunities in paid media.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to D2Z and Guest Background
• 03:06 Nikki's Journey to Entrepreneurship
• 06:11 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
• 08:57 Finding a Niche in the Beauty Industry
• 12:01 Leveraging TikTok for Sales
• 14:49 Exploring New Sales Channels
• 17:59 The Role of AI in Marketing
• 21:07 Scaling the Agency and Delegation Challenges
• 23:58 Creating a Positive Remote Work Culture
• 27:05 Sales and Business Development Insights
• 30:04 Conclusion and Future Opportunities

Nikki Lindgren:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilindgren/
Pennock - https://www.pennock.co/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/