New clients, new strategic partners, new jobs – that’s what should happen when you go to a networking event. But too often, says Valerie McSorley, typical networking involves nothing more than time-wasting chit-chat and awkward conversations. Valerie, a veteran event producer (she founded Avant Garde Events, among several other companies) has a system to help attendees speak with only the right people – and watches fruitful relationships form as a result.

In this age of digital marketing, you can’t forget the value of making a personal connection, says Bobbie Carlton, founder of a trifecta of important organizations in the Boston startup scene, including Carlton PR and Marketing, Mass Innovation Nights, and Innovation Women. Bobbie says social networks must go beyond the online world. And with Mass Innovation Nights, which has brought together startups and established tech companies for 10 years, she has helped foster a real community.

Nesterly co-founder and CEO Noelle Marcus looked to the past to find a novel solution for the affordable housing crisis facing Boston and cities around the world. The site connects people who need a place to live with those who have extra room in the house. With rents sky high – and going higher – in urban areas, it’s a service made for these times.

As the head of a unique entrepreneurship training program at MIT’s Sloan School, Travis Hunter is directly involved in supporting innovative startups across the globe.

But whether he’s in Asia, Latin America, or beyond he’s found that there are more similarities than differences in the businesses that “make it.” And that realization led to a set of guiding principles for startup success.

Data mining… machine learning… AI… quantum computing. Technology that was on the horizon just a few years ago is now fully part of the marketing and business landscape, says digital marketing expert and BrainTrust Insights Co-Founder Chris Penn. It can be effective for every industry – not just tech. And for companies large and small. Embrace these methods, says Chris, or you’ll struggle to remain relevant.

Ben Raffi had a problem. He was building a business in an industry with slim margins. The solution: outsource, be efficient… no wasted marketing dollars. He turned what he learned into a successful operation… that was soon acquired by a major corporation in his niche. Now, as the co-founder and CEO of Growlabs, he helps other businesses use super-targeted automated marketing to land the clients they need to create their own transformation story.

You’ll no doubt recognize the voice of my guest, Candy O’Terry. She was on air at Magic 106.7 for 25 years and has performed with the Boston Pops. She’s a community leader, mentor, and executive coach working to bring up the next generation of media and business professionals in Boston. She’s also deeply involved in fundraising and volunteer efforts for several worthy causes. It’s all part of her philosophy of giving back.

When it comes to technology, most small business owners and professional service providers know they need it to grow… but they struggle with how to implement it. That’s something Max Faingezicht deals with every day. He’s CTO (and a founder) of ThriveHive, which specializes in helping small businesses build an online presence that markets their products and services effectively. Software and data are an important part of that process.

A recent article in Crunchbase said that Boston is set to overtake New York as the second-largest hub for startup funding in the country. With all the local talent, high profile educational institutions, and ingrained entrepreneurial mindset… it’s no surprise. Business is booming in Boston, especially among tech companies. And the Hub of Success Podcast is dedicated to exploring this phenomenon. Who are the people behind this boom… and what makes them tick?