“The big learning for me is leaning on your team, leaning on your network, leaning on your colleagues. Because you don't have the capacity to be thoughtful in all of these different areas.” - Christopher Antonopoulos

What does it take to be an entrepreneur? Christopher Antonopoulos, CEO and Founder of Measured Results Marketing, claims the secret is the genetic propensity and how it combines with environmental factors. Christopher shares anecdotes about his journey from a resourceful childhood selling vegetables to leading a successful marketing firm.

He and Laurie also discuss the future of marketing automation, the role of AI, and practical strategies for handling business uncertainties. Christopher offers insights into building effective teams, the importance of dealing with ambiguity, and leveraging networks for success. The episode is filled with valuable advice for entrepreneurs on embracing innovation and making impactful business decisions.

Takeaways:

• Cultivate confidence in your decisions and actions. Don't let fear of failure prevent you from taking calculated risks.

• Develop the ability to make decisions with incomplete information. Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to navigate uncertain situations is crucial.

• Always be open to learning, whether through formal education, mentorship, or experimenting within your business.

• Strive for a 360-degree view of your customers. Use analytics and insights to tailor your products and services to their needs and preferences.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book

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

“ When it's built with your own hands or with your own will, I felt like it was a little bit more of my own success than somebody else doing it for me.” - Matt Chiaradonna

Have you ever been thrown into running a business? Matt Chiaradonna, a family business entrepreneur leading JC Fence and Founder of Elite Technique sure has. Host Laurie Barkman talks with Matt about his journey from growing up in a family business, the impact of his father's tragic accident, and his path to operating two successful businesses.

He offers advice on developing leaders, balancing legacy, and finding purpose both within and outside the business. This episode delves into the importance of grit, mentorship, and strategic growth in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways:

• For entrepreneurs, establishing clear processes early on in the business can facilitate growth and make it easier to delegate tasks.

• Focus on identifying and nurturing potential leaders within the organization to drive future growth.

• Highlight the importance of traits such as determination, grit, and setting one's own destiny, which are prevalent in successful entrepreneurs.

• Emphasize the value of having a mentor who has successfully navigated similar challenges. This can provide guidance and insights that are pivotal for growth.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Podcast Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-chiaradonna-0b9894339/

Website: https://www.getelitetechnique.com/

“ I followed what's in my heart and I’m moving forward to fill this gap and this need for the workplace of the future.” - Pete Schramm

Host Laurie Barkman interviews Pete Schramm, Founder and CEO of Lattitude. A serial entrepreneur, award-winning speaker, and bestselling author of Pathfinders, Pete is on a mission to foster meaningful, sustainable relationships in the workplace. As the founder of Lattitude, he’s cultivating leadership and engagement through career mapping and mentorship software.

The episode touches on challenges in the workplace, especially with hybrid and remote work environments. Pete also highlights the necessity of marketing, sales, and having a clear game plan in business while sharing his passion for connecting people and giving back through various nonprofits.

Takeaways:

• Focus on having a wonderful team around you to create enterprise value. Communication and intentional belonging are key to keeping the team aligned and motivated.

• Clearly and effectively communicate your game plan, start small with changes, but don't stop. Build trust and transparency with your team while managing change.

• Consider building a personal board of advisors to guide and support your entrepreneurial journey. Seek mentors who can provide diverse perspectives and insights.

• Regularly measure and understand the engagement, connection, and well-being of your team. Use tools like engagement surveys and share the results and planned actions.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook: https://btsherpa.com/book

📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-schramm/