The GaelVentures Podcast

Episode 20 - The Back Room: Details You Can't Ignore When Starting A Business

Today our guest is Michael LaPerch, Senior Sourcing Manager for Financial Systems & Strategic Projects at Pitney Bowes. Michael is also an Alum of Iona University and an extremely active Mentor to students and small business owners. In this episode, we explore several areas that new business owners often overlook. Finances, inventory management, customer service, and many other areas all have their pitfalls, and this episode covers things to keep in mind to avoid costly mistakes. We also discuss the importance of mentorship - new business owners are often afraid to ask for help or think that they are bothering mentors, when in fact mentors want to help! Connect with Michael https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellaperch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellaperch/] About GaelVentures GaelVentures is the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation's community incubator at Iona University. The Hynes Institute is an interdisciplinary hub for the development of creativity and leadership skills critical for success in a global economy. Learn how to take your ideas from concept to execution. Take a course on the entrepreneurial mindset, attend a guest lecture, and collaborate with peers and mentors in our coworking space. This podcast is made available through the generosity of Jim and Anne Marie Hynes

Episode 19 - Futuring, SMART Goals, and Micro Goals

Today we welcome back Erica Soto, the founder of Enjoy Erica Art Studio which provides a space where people can explore their creativity and celebrate the joy of life through art. Erica strives to create an environment where everyone feels supported, inspired, and empowered to create. Erica believes that art is a powerful form of expression, and by providing an accessible platform, she is able to bring out the best in each and every person who enters her online and in-person studio experience. In this episode, we explore the idea of Futuring, which “…is the practice of envisioning and planning for potential futures, often through a systematic process that includes analysis, exploration, and forecasting,” according to Really Good Innovation. Erica discusses how she uses futuring and brain dumping to help materialize her vision for the future of her business, and then applies SMART goals and micro goals to help actualize that vision. Connect with Erica: ⁠https://www.enjoyericaartstudio.com/ [⁠https://www.enjoyericaartstudio.com/] ⁠https://www.instagram.com/enjoyericaartstudio/⁠ [⁠https://www.instagram.com/enjoyericaartstudio/⁠] https://www.facebook.com/enjoyericaartstudio/ [https://www.facebook.com/enjoyericaartstudio/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/enjoyericaartstudio/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/enjoyericaartstudio/] About GaelVentures GaelVentures is the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation's community incubator at Iona University. The Hynes Institute is an interdisciplinary hub for the development of creativity and leadership skills critical for success in a global economy. Learn how to take your ideas from concept to execution. Take a course on the entrepreneurial mindset, attend a guest lecture, and collaborate with peers and mentors in our coworking space. This podcast is made available through the generosity of Jim and Anne Marie Hynes

Episode 18 - What's Your Ask and What's Your Offer

Today we are joined by Sandra Nam, a tech entrepreneur, marketplace builder, leader in virtual event design & management, brand & marketing manager, and licensed landscape architect. She is Co-founder & CEO at Qiqo Inc., a B2B SaaS technology company helping associations create dynamic online events, conferences, communities, and marketplaces to connect their sponsors and members. This episode is loaded with great insight - our conversation includes several important topics, including the importance of focusing on client success, especially as a service-based business, and the value of being giving as a business owner and always paying it forward. We also discuss the challenge of analysis paralysis as a business owner and how it is essential to keep taking action, even if the "right" decision isn't clear. Learn more about Qiqo and connect with Sandra https://qiqochat.com/ [https://qiqochat.com/about] https://qiqo.pro/ [https://qiqo.pro/] https://qiqochat.com/about/events [https://qiqochat.com/about/events] https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-nam/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-nam/] About GaelVentures GaelVentures is the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation's community incubator at Iona University. The Hynes Institute is an interdisciplinary hub for the development of creativity and leadership skills critical for success in a global economy. Learn how to take your ideas from concept to execution. Take a course on the entrepreneurial mindset, attend a guest lecture, and collaborate with peers and mentors in our coworking space. This podcast is made available through the generosity of Jim and Anne Marie Hynes

Episode 17 - Killers Don't Close Over Email

Today we are joined by "IRON" Mike Steadman, who is a published author, serial entrepreneur, and business coach based in Newark, NJ, who's committed to enhancing the economic and social outcomes of urban youth and military veterans through boxing, entrepreneurship, and new media. This episode is LOADED with great advice, best practices, and actionable steps to starting or growing your small business. We explore the story of IRONBOUND Boxing, IRONBOUND Media, and Mike's experience developing both. We then dive into several key business topics, including category design, branding, marketing, sales, and the importance of having a business coach. There is so much to take away from this episode, this is not one to miss! Connect with "IRON" Mike Steadman https://ironboundmedia.com/ [https://ironboundmedia.com/] https://ironboundboxing.org/ [https://ironboundboxing.org/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/iron-mike-steadman-%F0%9F%A5%8A%F0%9F%8F%B4%E2%80%8D%E2%98%A0%EF%B8%8F-3387586a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iron-mike-steadman-%F0%9F%A5%8A%F0%9F%8F%B4%E2%80%8D%E2%98%A0%EF%B8%8F-3387586a/] About GaelVentures GaelVentures is the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation's community incubator at Iona University. The Hynes Institute is an interdisciplinary hub for the development of creativity and leadership skills critical for success in a global economy. Learn how to take your ideas from concept to execution. Take a course on the entrepreneurial mindset, attend a guest lecture, and collaborate with peers and mentors in our coworking space. This podcast is made available through the generosity of Jim and Anne Marie Hynes

Episode 16 - From Pro to CEO

Season 2 kicks off with Giuliano Santucci, Alum of Iona, former professional soccer player, and the founder of GSS Media Agency and GSS Sport Goalkeeper Academy. We discuss his transition from pro athlete to full-time business owner, the challenges he's faced in growing GSS Media Agency, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. After Graduating from Iona, was the first American goalkeeper to be signed to first division Columbian Team. After three years, Giuliano stepped back from professional soccer to pursue his businesses. Simon Sinek Clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EPLItTf-QU Connect with Giuliano https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuliano-salvatore-santucci-448532176/ https://www.instagram.com/giuliano_santucci/ https://www.gssmediaagency.com/ https://www.gsssports.com/ About GaelVentures GaelVentures is the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation's community incubator at Iona University. The Hynes Institute is an interdisciplinary hub for the development of creativity and leadership skills critical for success in a global economy. Learn how to take your ideas from concept to execution. Take a course on the entrepreneurial mindset, attend a guest lecture, and collaborate with peers and mentors in our coworking space. This podcast is made available through the generosity of Jim and Anne Marie Hynes