870: THIS one strategy can transform your life, business, and PROFITABILITY w/ Lori Hardtke

Imagine transforming a weekend hobby into a venture that captures the pulse of the IT world and powers professionals across the world. That's the story of Lin Meyer, an IT aficionado turned full-time entrepreneur and tech CEO, who joins us to chart the course from casual computing to pioneering Crucial Exams. Lin's narrative is a blend of nostalgic beginnings, Naval discipline, and the fire of entrepreneurship, promising listeners an inside look at the alchemy of turning passion into profit. His insights on starting small and smart, the bridge between innovation and expectations, and the strategic embrace of automation offer a roadmap for hobbyists looking to make their mark in the business realm.Venture with us into the heart of the IT certification exam landscape where Lin has carved out a niche, redesigning the formula with a customer-centric subscription model that defies the industry standard. His tales of developing unique educational tools like a virtual command prompt and staying agile with ever-evolving exam requirements will captivate anyone looking to innovate within a specialized field. Lin's experience emphasizes the importance of customer feedback in refining a service that is not just a business but a vital educational resource for IT professionals.Wrapping up, we examine the intricate dance of marketing for solo entrepreneurs, where Lin swaps traditional advertising for authentic community engagement, proving the power of content and connections. His strategies unfold a blueprint for leveraging no-code tools and the art of genuine interaction to cultivate a thriving online presence. Whether you're just starting out, you're still waiting on the sidelines, or you already have an audience of paying customers, Lin's perspectives, strategies, and thought processes will illuminate an encouraging path forward when it comes to thinking about growth, service, and building a sustainable business.ABOUT LIN Lin Meyer is an IT industry professional with over a decade of experience in IT, Software Development, Cloud and more! He started his career in 2010 by joining United States Navy working in one of the largest Naval Data Centers in the world providing IT services to the Atlantic Fleet. After leaving the Navy Lin spent 10+ years working for various large companies and startups as an Software and Infrastructure Engineer, living overseas in Germany for a few years and is now working full-time on his solo-entrepreneur business Crucial Exams out of the Chicago area. Outside of work Lin enjoys several hobbies like gardening, brewing beer and working on open-source software.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Crucial Exams’ WebsiteFollow Crucial Exams on LinkedInConnect with Lin on LinkedIn

Have you ever wondered how a simple disposable camera could revolutionize a marketing strategy? Join our host Brian Lofrumento as he sits down with the brilliant and talented William Rossiter, director of Slice, who did just that. His journey from web designer to video director and storyteller showcases the power of focusing on the 'why' in crafting messages that connect with people on a fundamental level. Together, we traverse his inspiring path, highlighting the notion that sometimes the smallest tools can cast the brightest light on ideas that resonate.As we peel back the layers of effective video marketing, we discover its unparalleled ability to foster human connections and tell a story that moves the heart. William helps us explore how even the most humble of businesses, like your neighborhood tire shop, can harness the magic of video to forge lasting relationships with customers. We emphasize the importance of authenticity over budget size, as we share anecdotes that affirm the power of a genuine narrative in leaving a lasting impression on an audience.Navigating the digital landscape, we dissect the strategic nuances necessary for engaging with diverse platforms, from the quick wit required on TikTok to the in-depth explorations on YouTube. Our discussion delves into the collaborative dance between client and creator, ensuring that each video is a tailored masterpiece. And for those entrepreneurs eager to dip their toes into videography, we offer sage advice on crafting content that speaks directly to the viewer's soul. Tune in and get ready to transform your entrepreneurial vision with the art of impactful video storytelling.ABOUT WILLIAMWilliam Rossiter began his journey modestly, as a high school entrepreneur running his own web design company—an early indicator of his hustle and flair for technology. Originating from Tampa, William envisioned a career as a web designer, dreaming of joining a prestigious local agency. Despite facing setbacks in the interview process at this much-desired agency, his resilience shone through. Unwavering in his determination, William offered to intern for free, showcasing his commitment to learning and adapting in the competitive industry. The experiences shaped William into a versatile professional, ever curious and always willing to dive into the unknown for the sake of growth.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Slice’s WebsiteConnect with William on LinkedIn

Feeling stuck despite putting in the effort and the hours? You're not alone. On today's episode of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur podcast, we discuss the grueling efforts and hours we all put into our businesses, only to be frustrated by the lack of progress. We'll unpack the critical shift from just clocking in hours to making your actions truly count. It's time to move away from the old mindset that equates hard work with success and focus on what really drives growth: strategic actions and delivering real value.We tackle the trap of busywork—like spending days on a website nobody visits—and emphasize the importance of targeting your efforts where they'll make an impact. This episode is a wake-up call to reassess and prioritize activities that genuinely contribute to your entrepreneurial journey.

Ever wondered where your time really goes? In this Action Saturday episode, host Brian Lofrumento, shares his personal journey of mastering time tracking, a game-changer for boosting productivity. Discover how Rize.io has not only tracked his daily activities but has given him a crystal-clear picture of his time allocation, helping optimize the workweek and eliminate distractions.Tune in to learn the incredible benefits of time tracking, especially crucial for entrepreneurs juggling multiple tasks. From detailed reports that break down your work hours to identifying hidden time sinks, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you reclaim your time and enhance your efficiency. Get ready to make every minute count with the powerful insights from this episode!

When resilience meets innovation, you get the remarkable story of Sannette Coetzee, a trailblazer in global agility from the heartlands of South Africa to the tech giants Visa and PayPal. Our conversation with Sannette is nothing short of a masterclass in entrepreneurial tenacity and the transformative potential of the Agile framework. As she takes us through her journey and dives into the realm of virtual reality application development, we're reminded of the profound impact that fostering connections and collaboration has on the tech industry and business as a whole.Strap yourself in for a thrilling ride through strategic alignment, where the magic of teamwork comes to life. Picture an online flower shop; it’s not just about the blooms but the flow of value to the customer that matters. With Sannette's expertise, we dissect the intricate dance of aligning product features with customer delight—skirting the pitfall of over-engineering while crafting an intentional roadmap for product and marketing strategies. The art of decision-making takes center stage, as we dissect the tools and the innate human touch required to navigate the rapid pace of business today.To cap off this adventure, we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that dares to jump from the safety of employment into the thrilling unknown of business ownership. From bringing projects to life under the wire to evolving with each piece of feedback, the journey is as exhilarating as it is insightful. Our discussion blossoms into the realms of the Concept to Cash workshops, where AI meets agile and design thinking, providing entrepreneurs with the arsenal to turn visions into reality. So, tune in for a dose of inspiration and pragmatic strategies that will fuel your entrepreneurial aspirations.ABOUT SANNETTEMeet Sannette Coetzee: A transformative leader with over 23 years of experience revolutionizing global agility. From her pivotal role at Visa to her groundbreaking initiatives at PayPal, Sannette's expertise spans agile coaching, product management, and community building. With a track record of designing bespoke frameworks and facilitating over 2500 workshops, she's a master of driving organizational change. Join us as we delve into her journey of inspiring innovation and shaping the future of agile leadership.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Acolar’s WebsiteConnect with Sannette on LinkedIn

Discover the financial strategies that took Lori Hartke from a solo IT managed service provider to a thriving entrepreneur, savoring success from the shores of Maui. Our esteemed guest Lori, not only pilots her Arizona-based business, ByteWize, Inc., remotely but also mentors at ITSP University, guiding others to scale their operations without bloating their staff. Our dynamic exchange dives into how she's harnessed the potent Profit First system, a financial philosophy that has shaped both her business acumen and personal wealth, guiding entrepreneurs towards fiscal stability and impressive profit margins.Transform your business's financial health and learn the secrets to consistent profits and a stress-free tax season. Lori illustrates the practical implementation of Profit First, revealing a method involving separate accounts for income, profits, taxes, owner's pay, and operating expenses. Our dialogue demystifies the complexities of cash flow management, offering you a blueprint to replicate the sense of financial control and peace Lori experiences. As a bonus, our host Brian shares his own transformation story along the way, showcasing the profound impact of this methodology on crisis-proofing your finances.Lori's approach extends beyond the numbers, emphasizing a well-rounded entrepreneurial lifestyle that defies the glorified hustle culture. She shares her journey of 16 years balancing client satisfaction with personal well-being, all while savoring the island life. This episode isn't just about the mechanics of financial systems; it's a masterclass in sculpting a business that enriches your life, ensuring that while you chase profitability, you never lose sight of living fully and preparing for the future. Join us for an episode packed with wisdom for those ready to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.ABOUT LORI Lori Hardtke is the owner and president of ByteWize, Inc. Lori is not your typical entrepreneur; she's a solo MSP who's also a technology educator and author, specializing in highly effective technology & financial strategies for small businesses. One unique aspect of her Arizona based business is that she lives full time on Maui. Lori is passionate about sharing her expertise. She teaches a class called "How To Be A Super Successful Solo MSP" through ITSP University, helping other MSPs scale their business without needing to hire an army of employees.As a Certified Profit First Professional, Lori is passionate about helping business owners minimize their financial stress and maximize their profitability. At the heart of her business and teachings is a commitment to proactively contribute not only to her clients' financial success but also to their emotional & physical well-being of being a entrepreneur—Health, Wealth & Happiness!LINKS & RESOURCESConnect with Lori on LinkedInVisit Profit First For MSPs’ Website

Discover the intersection of heartfelt service and business acumen with Ron Hadley, the entrepreneur who is redefining success by aligning it with social impact. In today's insightful conversation, Ron reveals how the values instilled by his parents propelled him into a life where profit meets purpose, challenging the misconception that financial stability and societal betterment must exist on separate planes. Join us as we trace Ron's journey from his educational roots to becoming a beacon of change in the nonprofit world, demonstrating that leadership can transcend industries and transform lives.This episode is a treasure trove of insights for those eager to learn the secrets of running a business with a heart focused on impact. Our host Brian Lofrumento shares his real life evolution of his soccer blog into a significant media presence, illustrating the critical business elements like strategic planning and accountability that spell the difference between a passion project and a thriving enterprise that impacts the world. Ron, a seasoned guide in this terrain, offers pearls of wisdom on cultivating a culture of intentionality, proving that the right questions can unlock a wealth of potential and growth.As we wrap up our conversation, Ron's strategic methods for business growth take center stage. We dissect the 'FINGERTIPS' acronym, a structured approach to leveraging assets and bridging gaps for sustainable organizational impact. You'll leave equipped with actionable strategies for intentional action and the inspiration to network with thought leaders, ready to build upon the concept of 'building'— our word of the year. Ron exemplifies the essence of innovation and compassion, and this conversation is your guide to integrating those qualities into success stories of your own.ABOUT RONRon Hadley is the founder and CEO of Where Are You Going, the company. Ron’s career spans 25 years, all 50 states, and 6 continents as he has focused on growing the impacts of innovative, forward-looking nonprofits and social impact leaders. He has partnered on growth initiatives with such recognized national & global brands as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Save the Children, Rise Against Hunger, Strive Together, Children's Defense Fund United Way, and many more… all to achieve impactful visions that they've Dreamt Out Loud.Ron grew up and began his career in the shadow of Chicago and now resides in Dallas. He travels frequently as the work, impact, and teams of WRUG & Co. stretch globally.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Where Are You Going’s WebsiteConnect with Ron on LinkedIn

Can embracing failure pave the way to your ultimate success? Drawing inspiration from Roger Federer's profound commencement speech at Dartmouth, we uncover the powerful message that even the greatest champions encounter losses, and it's not the setbacks but our response to them that shapes our journey. Join us as we dive into Federer's career statistic—winning only 54% of the points—and how his mindset of focusing on the next opportunity with relentless intensity and clarity is crucial not just in sports, but in life's broader landscape. Our host Brian Lofrumento shares personal anecdotes and reflections on why accepting losses, playing the game, and continually striving for improvement are essential for entrepreneurs and anyone on the path to success.

Want to understand why your Google search results are your most crucial business card? Discover the transformative power of your "Google resume" in today's Action Saturday episode with your host, Brian Lofrumento. Brian uncovers the surprising impact your online presence has on your entrepreneurial journey and shares practical steps to ensure your Google search results reflect the brand image you desire. By Googling yourself in incognito mode, you strip away the biases of personalized search histories, offering a true picture of what potential clients and partners see when they look you up.Feeling unsatisfied with your current Google resume? No worries—Brian provides actionable tips to enhance your online visibility. From securing features in relevant online spaces to leveraging PR services and guest appearances on podcasts, learn how to take control of your digital narrative. Whether you're pitching to clients or building your network, being aware of your Google search results can make a significant difference. Tune in to shape a more impressive and favorable online presence, and watch as new opportunities unfold.

Unlock the door to business success with the wisdom of franchising expert Dominique Main, as she joins us to reveal how aligning your personal "why" with a franchise can be your golden ticket. Get ready to be inspired by Dominique’s journey from serial entrepreneur to franchising aficionado, as we dissect the strategic choices behind selecting opportunities that resonate with your deepest goals and values. This isn't just about finding a business; it's about discovering a venture that vibrates with passion and purpose, transcending the mere chase for financial rewards.We're tearing down the misconceptions of franchising one myth at a time, emphasizing that success in this field isn't about quick riches but about hard work, resilience, and a dash of humility. Dominique and our host Brian Lofrumento tackle the traits that sculpt a thriving franchise owner and how the established systems of franchising can mitigate common challenges like financing and staffing. With Dominique wearing her experienced entrepreneurial hat throughout this conversation, you'll also gain insights into the indispensable entrepreneurial mindset, stressing the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and having a robust support system. Whether you're looking to accelerate your journey with your first business or you're curious about franchising to scale your winning business, find out how franchise ownership could flourish under your command, even without hands-on expertise, thanks to the extensive backing of franchise brands. ABOUT DOMINIQUE Dominique Main is a business leader who is propelled by a profound belief in discovering the underlying motivations behind business endeavors. An enthusiastic advocate for aligning passion with professional pursuits, Dominique stresses the importance of understanding the 'why' behind every business initiative. Her philosophy centers on the idea that true success stems not merely from the desire to generate profit but from a genuine passion for one’s work. Dominique encourages entrepreneurs and business professionals to delve deep into their personal and professional goals to unearth what truly ignites their excitement and drives their commitment. This blend of passion and profitability, according to Dominique, is the ultimate source of a business's strength and sustainability. LINKS & RESOURCES Visit BrightFran’s Website Connect with Dominique on LinkedIn