880: Advertising as an INVESTMENT (and how to do it with a plan!) w/ Rob Thorbjornsen

Explore the world of international business expansion with the keen insights of entrepreneur Gilles Vanpoucke, who takes us through the triumphs and tribulations of growing a Belgian company on American soil. Gilles, with his treasure trove of experience from the banking, architecture, and design industries, unveils the key strategies and adaptations necessary for businesses hoping to thrive in varied markets. From the significance of local consumer needs to the strategic selection of corners of the market, this episode promises to arm you with the know-how to avoid common pitfalls and make your mark globally or regionally.Navigating the American market requires finesse, and Gilles offers up his playbook on how to resonate with U.S. consumers through meticulous research and the harmonious blending of one's unique background with a strong local presence. As we dissect the importance of the 80% rule in product launches and the wisdom of aiming for the high-end sector, Gilles imparts the notion that authenticity and adaptation are not mutually exclusive but rather a powerful combination for successful business ventures.Wrapping up our conversation, Gilles reflects on his growth as a Belgian-American entrepreneur and the supportive networks like Belgian-American chambers of commerce that help bridge transatlantic business.ABOUT GILLESGilles Vanpoucke started his career in the banking industry in Belgium where he was born. He then pursued a career in the industry he likes most: Architecture and Design.In 2010, he became Export Manager within Europe for a Belgian-based manufacturer of high end building material, Renson, and in 2012 he started their North American subsidiary from the ground up. This company grew to become a market leader in North America with a local production facility in Dallas, TX and a showroom in Manhattan, NY.Learning from this experience he started GVP Global Advisor, a company that helps Belgian businesses start up in North America and vice versa.Gilles is also an ambassador for BelCham and a Board Member of BelWest, both are Belgian-American Chambers of Commerce.LINKS & RESOURCESConnect with Gilles on LinkedInVisit Belwest’s WebsiteFollow GVP Global Advisor on LinkedIn

Unlock the secrets of successful marketing with Rob Thorbjornsen, the ingenious force behind Forge Advertising, as he guides us through the transformative power of authentic branding and strategic promotions. His leap from corporate life to the helm of his own agency is an adventure that reveals how passion, coupled with a deep understanding of marketing and business, can catapult any entrepreneur to new heights.Dive into the world of digital marketing with us and learn how to navigate the array of platforms to your brand's advantage. Rob unveils the importance of customer relationships and how a strategic backend can enhance the customer journey, keeping your brand at the forefront of people's minds. He dispels myths about pricing and customer attraction, emphasizing the value of quality and service over cost. Our conversation offers a roadmap to reallocating your marketing budget to maximize returns and craft compelling offers that go beyond just being competitive.For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom. From discussing the necessary evolution from marketer to business owner to the need for CRM systems and operational considerations, Rob shares indispensable advice. He inspires us with the boldness of icons like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, reminding us that calculated risks often pave the way to success. So, join us on this motivational journey and discover how, with dedication and the right mindset, the entrepreneurial dream is not just a possibility but an achievable reality.ABOUT ROBRob Thorbjornsen is the Founder and CEO of Forge Advertising. Known for his creative approach and attention to detail for his clients. With a diverse background in marketing and over 15 years of experience, Rob and his advertising firm has worked on many projects ranging from logo designs, website layouts, billboards, TV, digital, radio production to complex multi strategy million dollar marketing campaigns spread across multiple markets. Rob finds inspiration in music, movies, television and pop culture. His ability to understand and translate client needs into visually unique campaigns really is what sets him apart.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Forge Advertising’s WebsiteFollow Forge Advertising on InstagramFind Forge Advertising on FacebookCheck Out Forge Advertising on XFollow Forge Advertising on LinkedInConnect with Rob on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how a former college football player turned financial advisor can revolutionize lead generation for advisors? Meet Austin McCulloh, the CEO of ReplyAssist, who's transforming LinkedIn outreach into a fine art for client acquisition. Austin's journey, filled with lessons from running businesses from a young age, will inspire you with strategies for initiating and nurturing professional connections. Discover the delicate balance between assertiveness and courtesy in our conversation, and grab a template that could change the way you message forever.Dive deeper with us as we explore the intricate dance of LinkedIn messaging and sales. We discuss how prepared questions and personalized responses, aided by tools like ReplyAssist, can convert online chats into real-life meetings. Uncover the secret sauce combining AI efficiency with the irreplaceable human touch, and learn how to craft messages that resonate. Plus, we tackle the tough stuff: handling rejection with poise and the art of the follow-up. You'll get tips on how to make your second (or third) impression count, and the crucial role consent plays in paving the way for future interactions.In the world of modern outreach, staying organized is non-negotiable. That's where the CRM systems come into play, the unsung heroes of the business world. Follow Austin's transition from old-school methods to embracing platforms like Kajabi and ReplyAssist for managing leads and campaigns. It's not just about keeping tabs on contacts; it's about laying a strong sales foundation for your business. Join us for these insights and more – because growing your business is about leveraging the right tools, at the right time, in the right way.ABOUT AUSTINAustin McCulloh is the Founder & CEO of ReplyAssist, which is a LinkedIn prospecting software for Financial Advisors that is based out of Chicago, IL.Austin's current 7-year journey in entrepreneurship began as a licensed Investment Advisor Representative before shifting focus to lead generation for Financial Advisors. Through his marketing agency, Austin McCulloh Advising, he generated over 53,000 leads for past clients, which helped lead to the agency being successfully acquired in early 2023.Over time, Austin saw many Financial Advisors spending significant time on prospecting & facing constant rejection while seeing minimal results. This prompted him to create ReplyAssist, providing a much-needed solution to the entire financial services industry.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit ReplyAssist’s WebsiteConnect with Austin on LinkedInFind ReplyAssist on LinkedInFollow ReplyAssist on Instagram

Have you ever felt the urgency of time slipping away? Inspired by Brian's mom's wisdom that "time passes anyways," this episode focuses on the halfway mark of the year and the crucial importance of taking action now. This episode underscores the power of quarterly reviews and goal setting, reminding you that no matter how the first half of the year went, the next six months are brimming with potential. Each new day is a fresh opportunity to make strides toward your dreams.

Feeling invisible on social media? What if there was a quick tactic to reignite your online presence and command attention? Join our host Brian Lofrumento on this Action Saturday as we unlock the power of the "Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself" post. Inspired by Jay-Z's legendary lyrics, this episode will teach you how to remind your audience who you are, what you do, and why they should care—all in less than 10 minutes. Whether you're a social media ghost or a regular poster, this strategy can make you unforgettable amidst the ever-changing algorithms.Discover why this type of post is the go-to social media move of so many people and learn to craft a compelling reintroduction that showcases your mission, hustle, and unique story. Hear firsthand how this technique works wonders for both seasoned entrepreneurs and newcomers alike. We’ll explore why this isn't just a one-time trick but a recurring strategy to keep your network—be it friends, peers, or family—engaged and informed. Tune in and get ready to reignite your online game with a fresh, engaging approach that ensures you're always top of mind.

Embark on a journey in today's conversation with Jon Allen, a savvy former music industry maestro who's struck a chord in the entrepreneurial world. From globe-trotting tours to orchestrating business growth strategies, Jon's story is a symphony of transformation, rich with lessons on channeling creative energy into lucrative ventures. Tune in to hear how he's crafting harmonious work environments and empowering visionaries to scale their practices with his innovative company, Visionary Clarity.Today's episode hits all the right notes as we explore 'The Synergist' philosophy, breaking down the vital roles within a business ensemble - visionaries, operators, and processors. We uncover the secret to avoiding burnout and fostering a collaborative workspace that amplifies each member's strengths. Plus, Jon shares his blueprint for creating a seamless customer journey that strikes a chord with simplicity, steering clear of the siren song of unnecessary tech and complex strategies.Rounding off our session, Jon gives us a candid tour of his tech stack, singing praises for tools like Squarespace and Notion for their straightforward charm. We also riff on Daniel Kahneman's behavioral economics theories, adding a new tune to understanding the ebb and flow between intuition and reasoned responses. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned visionary, this episode is a masterclass in tuning your business strategies to find your rhythm in the entrepreneurial landscape.ABOUT JONJon Allen, founder of Visionary Clarity, launched his whirlwind of a career in the music touring industry, taking on roles from audio engineer all the way to executive producer. His firsthand experience with the cycles of creativity and burnout among artists led him to recognize crucial patterns. To avoid his own burnout he shifted to the startup world, founding a software company, a marketing agency, and a consultancy, where he significantly increased the profitability of a large doctor coaching firm and taught over 200 doctors how to scale their businesses.Today, at Visionary Clarity, Jon harnesses his observations from 100s of visionaries to address the challenges that often ensnare successful early-stage businesses. He has developed a unique process that helps visionaries escape these ruts and align their initial momentum with sustainable growth strategies.LINKS & RESOURCESVisit Visionary Clarity’s WebsiteConnect with Jon on LinkedIn

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!