Discover why nearly 70% of businesses fail at implementing their CRM and how to avoid becoming part of that statistic. Jason Kramer, founder of Cultivize and known as the "Yoda of CRM," reveals how a well-organized CRM can boost sales by 29%, generate 50% more sales-ready leads, and reduce marketing costs by 30%.

In this episode of EO Visionary Voices, Jason shares his journey from advertising designer to data expert, breaking down the essential components every business needs in their CRM system. Whether you're using HubSpot, building custom solutions, or still relying on paper files, this conversation will transform how you think about customer data.

Learn why email marketing should live inside your CRM, how to implement lead scoring to identify your hottest prospects, and why that "How did you hear about us?" dropdown could be the most valuable element on your website. Jason also shares actionable strategies for Black Friday preparation and how to leverage holiday traffic data for Q1 success.

If you're frustrated with disconnected marketing and sales efforts, struggling to prove marketing ROI, or just starting your CRM journey, this episode provides the blueprint for turning customer data into your most valuable business asset.

Key Takeaways:

• The three essential components of an effective CRM system
• How to bridge the gap between marketing spend and sales results
• Why your accounting software isn't enough for customer management
• Lead scoring strategies to prioritize high-intent buyers
• How to reconnect with churned customers and increase lifetime value

Visit afterthelead.com for Jason's free fit assessment and download "The Blueprint For Lead Nurturing" ebook.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction to Jason Kramer
1:02 - Passion for Boating on the Hudson River
1:44 - The Free Joke Project
2:51 - Why 70% of CRM Implementations Fail
5:51 - What is a CRM? The Three Essential Components
7:40 - Why Every Business Needs a CRM
9:21 - Integrating CRM with ERP Systems
10:26 - Single Source of Truth Strategy
13:07 - Where to Start: Finding Your Customer Data
15:13 - Lead Scoring and Qualification
17:47 - Reconnecting with Past Customers
19:01 - Black Friday Preparation Strategies
20:44 - The "How Did You Hear About Us?" Secret
21:58 - Shameless Plug and Resources

For more interviews with entrepreneurs and business leaders, follow Talk Commerce: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerce

This has been produced in cooperation with Talk Commerce

Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerce
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.social
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1n
• Twitter: @talkingcommerce
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerce
• Website: https://talk-commerce.com/

Carly Ries, Fractional CMO at LifeStarr and co-author of "Solopreneur Business for Dummies," shares the brutal truth about building a sustainable solo business. After escaping the RV walls of corporate slavery, she discovered the three critical areas where every solopreneur struggles—and how to fix them.

In this conversation, Carly breaks down why most solopreneurs think they need 50 clients when they actually need just 3-5 at the right price point. She reveals the mindset shifts required to transition from busy work to productive growth and explains why relationship-driven marketing beats SEO every time for solo businesses.

Whether you're planning your corporate escape or already flying solo, this episode delivers actionable insights on pricing your services, building your support network, and creating a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & Carly's Role at LifeStarr
01:22 Training for Pike's Peak & Personal Passions
03:28 The Three Core Challenges Every Solopreneur Faces
05:51 Mindset Shifts from Corporate to Solo Business
08:24 The Virtual Assistant Investment & Trading Services
10:44 Balancing Fractional CMO Role with Entrepreneurship
12:57 Designing Your Ideal Work-Life Integration
14:32 Why Solopreneurs Hit Income Ceilings
16:38 Relationship-Driven Marketing Strategy
18:39 Shameless Plug: Solopreneur Business for Dummies

This has been produced in cooperation with Talk Commerce
 Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerce
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.social
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1n
• Twitter: @talkingcommerce
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerce
• Website: https://talk-commerce.com/

In this compelling episode of EO Voices, host Brent Peterson sits down with Nate Amidon, CEO of Form 100 Consulting, to explore the fascinating intersection of military aviation and modern software development. Nate's unique journey from flying C-17 cargo planes in the Air Force to leading an agile consulting firm reveals powerful insights about leadership, communication, and executing under pressure.

Discover how military principles translate seamlessly into software development success. Nate breaks down why plans never survive "first contact with the enemy" and how agile methodologies mirror combat aviation strategies. He shares battle-tested frameworks for alignment, communication, and implementing what he calls the "MVP" – Minimum Viable Process – that prevents both organizational chaos and process paralysis.

This conversation goes deep into the critical importance of documentation, two-way communication, and why your software team needs to answer one fundamental question: "Why do we exist?" Nate reveals how hiring former military officers brings exceptional leadership to enterprise software organizations and shares insights on helping veterans transition successfully into the private sector.

We explore the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS), Nate's experience in the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), and how structured frameworks create business success. The discussion tackles AI's role in software development, distinguishing hype from reality, and how these tools serve as "nail guns versus hammers" – still requiring expertise to build the house.

Whether you're leading a software team, transitioning from military service, or seeking better project management strategies, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who's navigated both high-stakes aviation and enterprise software development.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction & Opening Joke
1:20 - Nate's Background: From Air Force Pilot to Agile Coach
4:28 - Agile vs Waterfall: Why Plans Don't Survive First Contact
7:04 - The Minimum Viable Process Framework
8:16 - Documentation & Communication: Learning from Military Bureaucracy
10:11 - EOS and Entrepreneur Operating System Principles
12:00 - The Value of EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization)
13:28 - How Aviation Checklists Improve Software Development
15:23 - Balancing Coaching with Advice-Giving
17:47 - AI's Role in Software Development: Separating Hype from Reality
21:08 - Shameless Plug & How to Connect with Nate

Connect with Nate Amidon:
Website: https://form100consulting.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Nate Amidon

In this conversation, James Schutrop from Scribe discusses the innovative approach of using robots to create handwritten letters, emphasizing the importance of personal touch in a world overwhelmed by digital communication. He explains how Scribe's technology integrates with CRM systems to automate the process of sending personalized thank-you letters, enhancing customer engagement. The discussion also covers the significance of authenticity in marketing, particularly through the removal of postmarks to maintain the illusion of a personal touch.

Takeaways

Scribe automates handwritten letters to enhance customer appreciation.
People are overwhelmed by digital communication and crave personal interaction.
Handwritten letters can significantly improve customer engagement.
The technology uses real pens to create authentic-looking letters.
Postmark removal is crucial for maintaining authenticity in marketing.
Automation allows businesses to send personalized letters without manual effort.
The handwritten letters are designed to look like they come from a friend or family member.
Scribe's system integrates seamlessly with existing CRM platforms.
The event highlights practical strategies for e-commerce businesses.
Authenticity in marketing is essential to avoid customer skepticism.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scribe and Handwritten Automation
02:57 The Importance of Personal Touch in Marketing
05:42 Postmark Removal and Authenticity in Handwritten Letters

In this episode of EO Visions, Saahil Mehta shares his journey as an entrepreneur and coach, discussing the importance of peer learning within the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). He reflects on his personal definition of success, which led him to create a framework based on the 'seven summits' of life. Saahil emphasizes the need for balance between personal and professional life, sharing insights on how to avoid burnout and empower others in business. He also discusses his coaching philosophy, focusing on asking the right questions to help clients find their own answers. The conversation concludes with practical advice for leaders on seeking feedback and fostering personal growth.

Takeaways

Saahil runs four businesses and enjoys skiing and mountaineering.
Peer-to-peer learning in EO was a key motivator for Saahil.
Success is a personal definition, not a societal standard.
The 'seven summits' framework helps define success in life.
Balancing business responsibilities with personal life is crucial.
Empowering others in business leads to better outcomes.
Coaching should focus on asking questions, not giving advice.
Small steps lead to significant changes over time.
Feedback should focus on future improvements, not past mistakes.
Personal development is essential for long-term success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Saahil Mehta
02:07 Saahil's EO Journey and Peer Learning
05:05 Redefining Success: The Seven Summits
10:02 The Seven Areas of Happiness and Success
12:54 Navigating Business Challenges and Delegation
16:03 Coaching Philosophy: Empowering Through Questions
19:55 Closing Thoughts and Feed Forward Concept

In this episode of EO Visionary Voices , Dr. Randy Pierce, president and CEO of Future Insight, shares his journey of overcoming challenges as a visually impaired runner and how it parallels with business success. He emphasizes the importance of goal setting, teamwork, and accountability in both running and entrepreneurship. Dr. Pierce also discusses the impact of AI on business dynamics and the necessity of maintaining human connections in the workplace. The conversation concludes with insights into the mission of Future Insight and the importance of community in supporting those with vision loss.

Takeaways

• Dr. Randy Pierce is the CEO of Future Insight, focusing on vision rehabilitation.
• Running has become a team sport for Dr. Pierce due to his visual impairment.
• Setting goals is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• The journey of training for a marathon mirrors the process of achieving business goals.
• Teamwork is essential; together everyone achieves more.
• Accountability should be viewed as a positive reward, not a punitive measure.
• AI is transforming business landscapes, but human connections remain vital.
• The process of achieving goals should be enjoyable, not just focused on the end result.
• Listening to negative thoughts is passive; one should actively change the narrative in their head.
• Building community is key to supporting individuals with vision loss.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Dr. Randy Pierce and His Role

02:09
The Journey of Running and Overcoming Challenges

04:03
The Importance of Goal Setting and Action

06:07
Connecting Running with Business Goals

08:48
The Role of Teamwork in Achieving Success

11:48
Navigating Accountability in Business

13:54
Comparing Running and Mountain Climbing

16:11
The Impact of AI on Business and Team Dynamics

19:01
Closing Thoughts and Future Insight

19:45
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In this powerful episode of EO Visionary Voices, host Brent Peterson sits down with Dr. Jen Fry, CEO of Coordle and author of "I Said No: How to Have a Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk." As a professional speaker specializing in conflict resolution and culture, and founder of a tech company revolutionizing group travel and sports tourism, Jen brings invaluable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the art of saying no.

Jen shares her journey from being a "kind asshole" (her words!) to becoming a successful entrepreneur who helps others build essential boundary-setting skills. She reveals why conflict is actually a mental health issue and how leaders can create cultures where failure becomes a learning opportunity rather than a career-ending event.

Throughout this engaging conversation, you'll discover practical strategies for setting boundaries without being a jerk, how to handle rejection in business, and why your best entrepreneurial lessons come from your worst failures. Jen also breaks down the critical difference between being nice versus being kind, and shares her unique approach to leadership that encourages innovation while maintaining accountability.

Whether you're struggling with people-pleasing tendencies, looking to improve your leadership skills, or building your own business, this episode provides actionable insights that will transform how you approach difficult conversations and decision-making in professional settings.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jen Fry and Coordle
• 01:30 The Free Joke Project
• 02:49 The Origin of "I Said No"
• 05:29 Applying Boundaries to Business Leadership
• 07:13 Setting Feelings Aside in Business Decisions
• 10:02 When Leaders Should Listen vs. Say No
• 13:59 Learning Entrepreneurship Through Failure
• 15:37 Teaching Teams to Learn from Failure
• 19:59 Shameless Plug: "I Said No" Book

Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerce
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.social
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1n
• Twitter: @talkingcommerce
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerce
• Website: https://talk-commerce.com/

In this powerful episode of EO Visionary Voices, we dive deep into the world of authentic leadership with Jennifer Jensen, founder of Authentic Leader. Discover why traditional leadership approaches are failing in today's multigenerational workplace and learn the revolutionary strategies that are transforming how successful entrepreneurs lead their teams.

Jennifer shares her unique perspective on the critical difference between performance leadership and authentic leadership, revealing why vulnerability isn't weakness—it's your competitive advantage. From navigating generational differences to implementing reverse mentorship programs, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that will transform your leadership approach.

You'll learn why investing in your people delivers the highest ROI of any business strategy, how transparency builds trust that drives innovation, and the surprising truth about what today's workforce really wants from their leaders. Jennifer's approach to unlearning outdated leadership myths while embracing adaptive leadership principles offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs ready to elevate their organizational culture.

Whether you're leading a startup, scaling a business, or managing diverse teams across generations, this episode provides the tools and mindset shifts needed to become the authentic leader your organization needs. Don't miss Jennifer's insights on coaching, advisory services, and the power of developing leaders at every level of your organization.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Authentic Leadership with Jennifer Jensen
03:23 - The Journey of Leadership Development and Entrepreneurial Growth
06:07 - Performance vs. Authentic Leadership: Understanding the Difference
09:10 - Generational Differences in Leadership and Workplace Dynamics
12:23 - The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership Success
15:25 - Closing Thoughts and Leadership Resources

This episode is essential viewing for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone committed to building high-performing teams through authentic leadership principles.

This has been produced in cooperation with Talk Commerce

Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerce
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.social
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1n
• Twitter: @talkingcommerce
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerce
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerce
• Website: https://talk-commerce.com/

In this compelling episode, we explore the remarkable 29-year journey of Michael Shapiro, who founded Ketubah.com in 1996 and has successfully navigated the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce. From his early career setbacks to building a thriving business around the ancient Jewish tradition of the Ketubah (marriage contract), Michael shares invaluable insights about resilience, innovation, and the art of adapting traditional businesses for the digital age.

Guest Bio

Michael Shapiro is the founder and visionary behind Ketubah.com, one of the oldest continuously operating e-commerce sites, launched in 1996. With a background in history, political science, and brand management at Procter & Gamble, Michael left the corporate world to build a business that bridges ancient Jewish traditions with modern technology. He leads a team of nine and has recently authored "Ketubah Renaissance," a coffee table book chronicling the modern revival of Jewish marriage contracts.

Business Evolution & Technology

• Platform Journey: HTML → ColdFusion → WordPress/WooCommerce
• AI Integration:
  • HebrewNamer.com: AI-powered Hebrew name suggestion tool
  • AI Ketubah text writing assistant with multiple styles (traditional to Shakespearean)
  • Behind-the-scenes order processing automation
• Building custom functionality on standardized platforms

Leadership & Team Building

• Transitioning from hands-on founder to visionary leader
• Building a team of 9 that brings their own innovative ideas
• Working with a Director of Operations (EOS-style integrator role)
• The joy of having team members contribute creative solutions

Creative Projects

• "Ketubah Renaissance" Book: Coffee table book documenting 60+ years of modern Ketubah artistry
• 12-year journey from initial idea to publication
• Working with demanding editors and the growth process
• Publishing with Jewish Publication Society, releasing August 1st

Notable Quotes

"It's not just they're implementing my ideas, they're bringing their ideas. And that's something that has been a long-term goal for me."

"I have a very well-developed creative side... connecting the dots in ways that perhaps other people haven't."

"Writing the book was a labor of love and sometimes a labor of hate."

Connect with Michael Shapiro

• Website: Ketubah.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @Ketubah.com
• LinkedIn: Michael Shapiro
• Book Pre-order: "Ketubah Renaissance" on Amazon

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Michael Shapiro and Ketubah

02:24
Michael's Journey to Entrepreneurship

07:43
Understanding Ketubah: The Jewish Marriage Contract

09:33
The Creative Vision Behind Ketubah

13:15
Leveraging AI in Ketubah and Hebrew Namer

14:39
Seasonality and Trends in the Ketubah Business

15:42
Exploring EOS and Business Strategies

16:44
The Ketubah Renaissance Book Project

19:06
E-commerce Evolution and Platform Migration

21:53
Closing Thoughts and Shameless Plug

This has been produced in cooperation with Talk Commerce

Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform: 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerce
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.social
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1n
• Twitter: @talkingcommerce
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerce
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerce
• Website: https://talk-commerce.com/

In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Alfredo Mathew III shares his journey from educator to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of community, teamwork, and shared prosperity in business. He discusses the role of AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human collaboration and highlights the need for diverse teams to foster innovation. Alfredo also explores the concept of shared prosperity, advocating for economic structures that allow small businesses to thrive alongside larger enterprises.

Takeaways

• Alfredo Mathew III is a co-founder of ESO Ventures and SPCC One.
• He transitioned from education to entrepreneurship seeking new challenges.
• Alfredo emphasizes the importance of community in creating value.
• AI is a tool, not a replacement for human interaction.
• Building effective teams requires diverse skill sets and perspectives.
• Feedback from a team is crucial for refining ideas.
• Shared prosperity is essential for economic growth.
• Small businesses need access to capital and contracts to compete.
• Alfredo is focused on creating ecosystems for local businesses.
• He encourages collaboration among entrepreneurs for mutual success.

Chapters

00:00
From Educator to Entrepreneur: Alfredo's Journey

05:10
The Role of Community in Business

10:14
Team Dynamics and the Importance of Diversity

15:02
Shared Prosperity: Building a Better Economic Future

18:56
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