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Glenn Poulos has started and sold two businesses and recently acquired his third. He's an author who wrote Never Sit in the Lobby: 57 Winning Sales Factors to Grow a Business and Build a Career Selling. Glenn's also a podcaster who hosts the Profit Powerhouse podcast.

Three Key Takeaways from Glenn's Episode

1. Never Sit in the Lobby: Glenn emphasizes the importance of being proactive and engaged when meeting clients. His mantra, "Never Sit in the Lobby," serves as a reminder to always be prepared and present. Instead of zoning out on your phone while waiting, use that time to mentally prepare, recall past interactions, and have something valuable to offer when your client arrives. This approach not only sets a positive tone for the meeting but also demonstrates your commitment and professionalism.
2. The Power of Genuine Connections: One of the biggest misconceptions in sales is that you can rush rapport-building. Glenn highlights the importance of being genuine and taking the time to understand your clients. He warns against "implied familiarity," which can lead to misunderstandings and discomfort. Instead, focus on active listening and building authentic relationships. This not only enhances your credibility but also fosters trust, making it easier to close deals.
3. Sales vs. Marketing: Glenn clearly distinguishes between sales and marketing, which is often misunderstood. He points out that while marketing generates leads and creates awareness, sales is about closing deals and building relationships. Understanding this difference is crucial for anyone in the business world. As Glenn puts it, "The real sales guy wants to be in front of clients closing deals," and that’s where the real magic happens.

LINKS

• Follow Glenn Poulos on LinkedIn
• Glen's Book Never Sit in the Lobby
• Glenn's Profit Powerhouse Podcast on Spotify
• Glenn's Profit Powerhouse Podcast on Apple
• Follow Kyle Ariel Knowles on LinkedIn

This episode is packed with practical advice and insights that can help you elevate your sales game and build lasting relationships in your business endeavors. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned sales professional, there's something valuable for everyone.

Discover the insights from Glenn's book, "Never Sit in the Lobby: 57 Winning Sales Factors to Grow a Business and Build a Career Selling," where he discusses practical sales strategies, the importance of face-to-face interactions, and how to build genuine relationships in sales.

Glenn also discusses the differences between starting a business from scratch and acquiring an existing one, the role of AI in sales, and the significance of making lasting impressions. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned sales professional, this episode is packed with valuable advice to inspire and motivate you.

KEY TOPICS
-Glenn's career journey and new business ventures
-Insights from "Never Sit in the Lobby"
-The importance of face-to-face selling
-Overcoming misconceptions in sales
-The role of AI in modern business practices

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I'm thrilled to announce the latest episode featuring the incredible David J. Greer, an entrepreneurial coach with over 40 years of experience in the business world. David has a wealth of knowledge to share, especially for those navigating the entrepreneurial journey.

Here are three key takeaways from our enlightening conversation:

1. The Importance of Vision: David emphasizes that having a clear vision is crucial for entrepreneurs. He recalls how a simple field trip in his youth sparked his desire to merge computers and business. This vision propelled him for over 25 years! As entrepreneurs, we often get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of why we started our businesses in the first place. David encourages us to reconnect with our original motivations and, if necessary, create new visions for the future.

2. Conscious Choices Over Control: One of David's most profound insights is that there is no such thing as work-life balance—only work-life choices. Many entrepreneurs struggle with the urge to control every aspect of their business, which can lead to burnout. David advocates making conscious choices about where to focus our energy and time. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of workaholism and ensure that we are present for our business and personal lives.

3. Embracing Vulnerability: In our discussion, David highlights the emotional component of entrepreneurship that often goes unaddressed. He believes sharing our fears and vulnerabilities can foster stronger team relationships. While maintaining professionalism is essential, being open about our challenges can create a more supportive and understanding work environment. This vulnerability can ultimately lead to greater collaboration and innovation.

David discusses the importance of setting goals, maintaining a vision, and the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses and how to manage their time and energy to avoid burnout effectively. With insights from his book, "Wind in Your Cells," David provides valuable cultural, strategic planning, and team alignment strategies.

Join us as we explore topics such as:
-The balance between ambition and self-care
-The emotional challenges of entrepreneurship
-The significance of vision and goal-setting
-Insights on addiction and recovery in the entrepreneurial journey
-Practical strategies for business growth and personal development

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

LINKS

David J. Greer's book WIND IN YOUR SAILS: Vital Strategies That Accelerate Your Entrepreneurial Growth

David J. Greer's Website

Follow David on LinkedIn

Follow Kyle on LinkedIn

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Welcome to the Maker Manager Money podcast! In this episode, host Kyle Ariel Knowles sits down with self-made millionaire Sean Ginsberg, who has built an impressive $75 million portfolio. Sean shares his revolutionary PCA Premium Client Attraction System, which focuses on personalized value, targeting high-quality prospects, and mastering the art of follow-up.

Discover how Sean transformed his life after being expelled from high school and learned the importance of believing in himself. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to success, including his journey into real estate and the mentors who shaped his path.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The significance of clarity in your vision and goals
• How to effectively close sales and attract premium clients
• The importance of journaling and self-reflection in personal growth
• Strategies for businesses to improve their sales processes and systems
• Why capping commissions can hinder success in sales

Join us for an inspiring conversation that will elevate your sales game and motivate you to take action in your entrepreneurial journey.

Sean's Website

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Welcome to the Maker-Manager Money Podcast! In this episode, host Kyle Ariel Knowles talks with Greg Shove, CEO of Section and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the tech industry. Greg shares his journey through the ups and downs of building successful businesses, including his insights on the myths of Silicon Valley and the importance of persistence.

Greg discusses his personal goals, including spending time with his grandchildren and riding the AI wave in his ventures. He dives deep into the transformative power of AI, offering actionable advice on how entrepreneurs can leverage tools like ChatGPT and Claude to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

Join us as we explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the grind behind startup success, and the evolving landscape of AI technology. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

Key Topics:

• Greg's entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned
• The impact of AI on business and education
• Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur
• The importance of managing expectations in startup culture
• Practical advice for harnessing AI tools

Links:

• Follow Greg on LinkedIn
• MBA Quality Online Education at Section
• From AI Hype to Working Prototype Machine & Partners
• Personal Math with Greg & Taylor
• Enneagram Insitute (and Test)
• Follow Kyle on LinkedIn

Greg's Book Recommendation
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz

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In this heartfelt special episode on Maker Manager Money, Lyn Christian, Master Certified Coach (ICF MCC), Executive Coach, Business and Life Coach, Speaker, Amazon Best Selling Author, and Owner of SoulSalt Inc. dives deep into the complexities of grief and the importance of acknowledging our emotions after losing a loved one. Join us as Kyle Ariel Knowles shares his journey following the tragic loss of his son, Jake, to suicide.

Lyn explores the concept of "throwing the bullshit flag" on societal norms surrounding grief, discussing how grief is often misunderstood and underappreciated. Kyle reflects on the lessons he learned about love, loss, and the necessity of community during times of sorrow.

Discover the significance of allowing ourselves to grieve, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of finding meaning in our experiences. We also touch on practical strategies for coping with grief, including journaling, support groups, and the healing power of physical activity.

Whether you've experienced loss or want to understand the grieving process better, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. Remember, it's okay not to be OK, and your feelings are valid.

TOPICS COVERED
-The journey of grief after losing a child
-The importance of community and support
-Practical coping strategies for grief
-The role of vulnerability in healing
-Understanding the long-term nature of grief

RESOURCES MENTIONED
It's Okay That You're Not Okay: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture that Doesn't Understand by Megan Devine

Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler

Grief.com Resources and Support Groups

University of Utah's Caring Connections Grief Support

Soul Salt: Your Personal Field Guide to Confidence, Purpose, and Fulfillment by Lyn Christian

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In this Maker Manager Money podcast episode, host Kyle Knowles sits down with Kevin Biebelhausen, an investor and business owner based in North Carolina. Kevin shares his journey into Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), a unique path to business ownership that focuses on acquiring established, profitable companies rather than starting from scratch.

Discover how Kevin's fund, Fruition Capital, targets B2B companies at least 10 years old and generates between $1 to $2 million in EBITDA. He explains why acquiring an existing business can be easier than chasing venture capital. He offers powerful insights on betting on yourself and building sustainable wealth through business ownership.

Throughout the conversation, Kevin discusses his background, including his experience as a professional opera singer and how it has influenced his approach to business. He also shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those transitioning from corporate careers or military service.

Join us for an inspiring discussion highlighting ETA's potential and the importance of finding your own path in entrepreneurship.

Key Topics:

• What is Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)?
• The benefits of acquiring established businesses
• Insights on investing in small to medium-sized businesses
• Kevin's journey from opera singer to business owner
• Advice for transitioning military veterans and corporate professionals

Links:

• Learn more about Kevin Biebelhausen at biebelhausen.com
• Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn

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In this episode of "Maker Manager Money," Kyle Ariel Knowles had the pleasure of speaking with Spencer Howard, a credit card loyalty program and travel rewards expert and founder of Straight to the Points (STTP). Spencer's journey into the world of travel rewards began after a career in politics, where he honed his skills in research and communication. He shared how his background in political science from Notre Dame and his experiences running political campaigns prepared him for the entrepreneurial path he eventually took.

Spencer's passion for travel and deal hunting led him to create STTP in 2017. He aims to help business owners and everyday travelers demystify credit card points and maximize their travel experiences without breaking the bank. His award-alert newsletters curate the best deals on premium cabin flights, making it easier for subscribers to book luxury travel.

During our conversation, we explored Spencer's transition from politics to travel writing, his unique approach to building a newsletter, and the importance of engaging with his audience. He emphasized the value of personalized consulting and how he helps clients optimize their points strategies. We also discussed the various credit card strategies he recommends for small business owners, highlighting the benefits of using business credit cards to earn more points.

Spencer shared insights into the growth of his newsletter, which started as a hobby and has now grown to around 10,000 subscribers. He explained the different subscription options, including a premium tier offering more in-depth travel insights. We also touched on the challenges of navigating the complex world of travel rewards and how Spencer aims to simplify that process for his readers.

As we delved deeper into Spencer's personal life, he opened up about his experiences with mental health, the impact of his parents on his life, and his passion for travel. He shared some of his favorite travel destinations, including Taiwan, and has on his bucket list to attend the Monaco Formula One race.

Spencer's enthusiasm for travel and helping others experience the luxury of flying business class was evident throughout the episode. He also discussed the tools he uses to manage his business, including MailChimp and Simple Texting, and how he balances work with family life, especially as a new father.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in travel rewards, entrepreneurship, and turning a passion into a successful business. Join us as we uncover Spencer's story and learn how to use credit card points to create unforgettable travel experiences.

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In this episode of "Make or Manage Your Money," Kyle Ariel Knowles had the pleasure of speaking with Roger Einstoss, the CEO and co-founder of Braintly. This company connects U.S. businesses with top-tier software engineering talent in Latin America. Roger's entrepreneurial journey is inspiring, from his childhood days of selling burned CDs to leading a successful international business.

Roger shared insights into his educational background, highlighting his decision to pursue a technical school specializing in informatics, ultimately leading him to a software engineering degree. He recounted his early professional experiences, including his first job as a junior developer and his transition into management, where he learned the complexities of leading a team and navigating interpersonal dynamics.

As we delved deeper into his story, Roger explained how he and his co-founders identified a significant opportunity in the nearshore outsourcing market. They founded Braintly in 2012, and within a year, they secured their first client in Silicon Valley. Roger emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration, mainly through his involvement with the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), which has provided him invaluable support and connections throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

We discussed Braintly's services, including staff augmentation and complete project teams, and how they cater to the needs of U.S. companies looking to build engineering teams in Latin America. Roger elaborated on their projects, often working with technology-driven companies that rely on software for their operations.

Much of our conversation focused on artificial intelligence's impact on the software development landscape. Roger shared his thoughts on the future of work for developers, the importance of maintaining foundational knowledge despite the rise of AI tools, and how Braintly is leveraging AI to enhance its recruitment processes.

As we wrapped up the episode, Roger reflected on the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur. He candidly discussed the difficulties of making tough decisions regarding team members and his company's profound impact on the lives of talented individuals in Argentina, providing them with opportunities to work for U.S. companies and improve their quality of life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, software development, or the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI. Roger's story is inspiring and offers practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate their journeys in the business world.

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