EGGS! The Podcast

Eggs 451: The Fine Art of Growing a Business with Russ Hawkins

Summary In this conversation, Russ Hawkins, CEO of Agilence, shares his journey from intrapreneurship to leading a successful data analytics company. He discusses the importance of innovation, leadership, and understanding market trends, particularly in the context of AI and technology. Russ emphasizes the need for growth, strategic direction, and the value of customer relationships in business. He also provides practical advice for founders on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and the importance of bootstrapping before seeking external capital. Takeaways * Russ Hawkins has a rich background in both intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship. * He emphasizes the importance of innovation within large companies. * Understanding customer needs is crucial for business success. * AI is a significant trend that can enhance business operations. * Leaders must be willing to pivot and change strategies when necessary. * Building strong relationships with customers is key to growth. * Founders should bootstrap their businesses as long as possible before seeking external funding. * Effective leadership involves knowing when to make tough decisions about personnel. * Russ advocates for a data-driven approach to decision-making. * The ability to adapt to technological changes is essential for long-term success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 11:07 Intrapreneurship and Innovation 19:42 Leadership and Change Management 26:53 Trends in Technology and AI 32:01 Leveraging AI for Contract Management 34:25 AI's Impact on Productivity and Development 36:16 The Evolution of Technology and Bandwidth 38:17 Embracing Change: The Role of AI in Business 40:09 The CEO's Perspective on Hiring and Staffing 42:31 Strategic Direction and Capital Allocation 44:25 The Importance of People in Business 46:27 Customer-Centric Business Strategies 48:32 Knowing When to Pivot or Cut Losses 57:22 Advice for Founders: Bootstrap and Retain Control Connect with Russ: Website: https://www.agilenceinc.com/ [https://www.agilenceinc.com/] Credits: Hosted by Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM    The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes The Plugs: The Show: eggscast.com @eggshow on X and Instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music! Mike "DJ Ontic": Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://www.djontic.com/] @djontic on twitter Ryan Roghaar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rogha.ar [http://rogha.ar/]

Eggs 450: Unlocking Human Potential with A.J. Mizes

Summary In this episode, AJ Mizes, founder of The Human Reach, shares insights on career coaching, the importance of specialization, and the journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges many face in their careers, the significance of building relationships, and how to craft a standout resume and LinkedIn profile. AJ emphasizes the need for authenticity in job applications and offers strategies for reigniting passion in one's current role. Takeaways * AJ Mizes is the founder of The Human Reach, focusing on helping individuals thrive in their careers. * The transition from a stable job at Facebook to entrepreneurship was driven by a fear of regret. * Many people feel stuck in their careers due to societal pressures and expectations. * Specialization is key in today's job market; companies prefer specialists over generalists. * Building relationships is crucial for job hunting; most roles are filled through referrals. * A polished LinkedIn profile is essential for visibility in job searches. * Quantifiable achievements should be highlighted in resumes to attract attention. * The first year of a business often involves trial and error in finding the right services to offer. * It's important to assess both the 'what' and 'where' in your career to find fulfillment. * Using AI tools for job applications should be done cautiously to maintain authenticity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kind Copy and Cath Reohorn 04:31 The Journey from Psychology to Copywriting 07:54 Empathy in Copywriting: Understanding the Audience 10:48 The Shift from Selling to Helping 13:39 Current Trends in Marketing and Fitness Industry 16:38 Effective Copywriting: Key Elements to Consider 19:37 The Importance of Professional Help in Copywriting 22:40 Identifying Problems in Marketing Strategies 25:29 Optimizing Conversion Rates in Copywriting 30:01 Transforming Business Through Clear Problem Definition 30:55 The Power of Specificity in Business Requests 31:51 Simplifying Messaging for Better Engagement 36:28 Building Effective Sales Funnels Without Cold Calls 41:46 The Role of Friction in Marketing Strategies 46:31 Navigating Content Creation in an AI-Driven World 56:55 Finding Your Best Marketing Channel for 2026 Connect with Cath: Website: ⁠https://kindcopy.co.uk/⁠ [https://kindcopy.co.uk/] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kindcopyuk/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/kindcopyuk/] Get some free gems: ⁠https://substack.com/@kindcopy/posts⁠ [https://substack.com/@kindcopy/posts]  Credits: Hosted by Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM    The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes The Plugs: The Show: eggscast.com @eggshow on X and Instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music! Mike "DJ Ontic": Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://www.djontic.com/] @djontic on twitter Ryan Roghaar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rogha.ar [http://rogha.ar/]

Eggs 449: Kind Copywriting (That Sells) with Cath Reohorn

Summary In this episode of EGGS: The Podcast, Ryan engages with Cath Reohorn, founder of Kind Copy (https://www.instagram.com/kindcopyuk), who shares her unique journey from a psychology lecturer to a copywriter. They discuss the importance of empathy in copywriting, the shift from selling to helping, and the current state of marketing, particularly in the fitness industry. Cath emphasizes the significance of clear communication, the role of AI in content creation, and the necessity of human connection in marketing. The conversation wraps up with practical advice for entrepreneurs on where to focus their marketing efforts and how to engage their audience effectively. Takeaways * Cath transitioned from a psychology lecturer to a copywriter after leaving academia. * Empathy is crucial in copywriting to connect with the audience. * The shift from selling to helping is essential in modern marketing. * Clear communication and a single call to action are vital for effective copy. * Hiring a professional copywriter can enhance marketing efforts significantly. * Understanding your audience's needs is key to successful marketing. * AI can assist in content creation but lacks the human touch. * Building a marketing funnel can be done without traditional sales calls. * Consistency in content creation is more important than quantity. * Finding your unique voice is essential in a noisy market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kind Copy and Cath Reohorn 04:31 The Journey from Psychology to Copywriting 07:54 Empathy in Copywriting: Understanding the Audience 10:48 The Shift from Selling to Helping 13:39 Current Trends in Marketing and Fitness Industry 16:38 Effective Copywriting: Key Elements to Consider 19:37 The Importance of Professional Help in Copywriting 22:40 Identifying Problems in Marketing Strategies 25:29 Optimizing Conversion Rates in Copywriting 30:01 Transforming Business Through Clear Problem Definition 30:55 The Power of Specificity in Business Requests 31:51 Simplifying Messaging for Better Engagement 36:28 Building Effective Sales Funnels Without Cold Calls 41:46 The Role of Friction in Marketing Strategies 46:31 Navigating Content Creation in an AI-Driven World 56:55 Finding Your Best Marketing Channel for 2026 Connect with Cath: Website: https://kindcopy.co.uk/ [https://kindcopy.co.uk/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindcopyuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/kindcopyuk/] Get some free gems: https://substack.com/@kindcopy/posts [https://substack.com/@kindcopy/posts]  Credits: Hosted by Ryan Roghaar Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM    The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes The Plugs: The Show: eggscast.com @eggshow on X and Instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music! Mike "DJ Ontic": Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://www.djontic.com/] @djontic on twitter Ryan Roghaar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rogha.ar [http://rogha.ar/]

Eggs 448: Building a Successful Sales Team from Scratch with Kevin Downey

Summary In this episode, Kevin Downey shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the founding of his agency and the principles that guide his work ethic. He emphasizes the importance of lead generation and effective email outreach, while also differentiating between the roles of sales reps in business development. Kevin provides insights into building a successful sales team and the necessity of having a structured approach to prospecting. We also discuss the complexities of building an effective email marketing infrastructure, the importance of understanding what businesses don't know about their marketing strategies, and the role of sales reps in driving business development. He emphasizes the need for a scalable email system, the risks associated with using main domains for cold emailing, and the significance of data preservation in email marketing. Additionally, he highlights the advantages of hiring sales reps and the process of recruiting them, particularly in the context of engaging with diverse markets, including bilingual representatives. Takeaways * Kevin grew up in an entrepreneurial family, which influenced his career path. * Leading by example is crucial in building a strong team. * Pre-planning lead generation is essential for new entrepreneurs. * Email outreach should be targeted and personalized to be effective. * Most companies misuse email marketing strategies. * Business development in B2B will always yield results if done correctly. * Sales reps should focus on their strengths: either hunting or farming. * Building a sales team requires understanding the roles of different sales reps. * A structured lead-generation system is vital to success. * Cold outreach can be effective in any industry with the right approach. Seeing is believing. * Companies often don't know what they don't know. * A prospect list should ideally be 50,000 or larger. * Cold calling is sometimes more effective than cold emailing. * Using the primary domain for cold emails can damage reputation. * Building a scalable email system is crucial for growth. * Data preservation is key in email marketing. * Sales reps can drive leads more effectively than email alone. * Narrowing the target audience can enhance marketing effectiveness. * Bilingual reps can open doors to new markets. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kevin Downey and His Agency 02:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Family Business to Agency Founder 04:58 Developing a Work Ethos: Be Better and Work Harder 06:04 Starting Fresh: Lead Generation Strategies for New Entrepreneurs 08:59 Manual Lead Generation: The Basics of Prospecting 12:09 Email utreach: Best Practices for Effective Communication 14:56 Sales vs. Marketing: Understanding the Difference 19:00 The Role of Sales Reps: Hunters vs. Farmers 24:13 Building a Sales Team: Strategies for Small to Large Companies 31:15 Understanding the Unknowns in Business 32:01 Building Effective Email Infrastructure 34:07 Cold Calling vs. Cold Emailing 36:10 The Risks of Using Main Domains for Cold Emails 38:45 Creating a Scalable Email System 41:13 Brute Force Email Strategies 44:10 The Importance of Data Preservation 46:19 The Role of Sales Reps in Business Development 48:00 When to Engage with Sales Reps 50:42 Recruiting Sales Reps: The Process 52:39 Bilingual Reps and Cultural Insights Credits: Hosted by Ryan Roghaar and Michael Smith Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM    The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes The Plugs: The Show: eggscast.com @eggshow on X and Instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music! Mike "DJ Ontic": Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://www.djontic.com/] @djontic on twitter Ryan Roghaar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rogha.ar [http://rogha.ar/]

Eggs 447: Standing Out in a Crowded Legal Market with Jonathan Rosenfeld

Summary In this conversation, Jonathan Rosenfeld, an attorney and entrepreneur, discusses the evolving landscape of law and marketing, particularly the impact of AI on the legal profession. He emphasizes the importance of standing out in a competitive market, leveraging niche marketing strategies, and utilizing platforms like YouTube for growth. Rosenfeld shares insights on the significance of personal relationships in business, the need for responsiveness, and the necessity of adapting to changing marketing techniques. He concludes with advice for young entrepreneurs on networking and building a brand. Takeaways * AI can generate vast amounts of content, but verification is crucial. * Building personal relationships is key in the legal field. * Responsiveness to client needs differentiates successful firms. * Marketing strategies must evolve with technology and consumer behavior. * Niche marketing can enhance SEO and client engagement. * YouTube is a powerful tool for establishing expertise and trust. * Tracking lead generation is essential for business growth. * Networking remains a vital component of business success. * Adapting to market changes is necessary for survival. * Building a brand should be a daily focus for entrepreneurs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Rosenfeld and His Journey 04:43 The Role of AI in Law and Marketing 07:36 Standing Out in a Competitive Legal Market 10:38 Building Relationships in Legal Practice 13:23 Adapting Marketing Strategies for the Future 16:37 Niche Marketing in Personal Injury Law 19:37 The Importance of Expertise and Client Trust 27:53 Strategic Marketing Adjustments 30:42 Exploring Offline Marketing Tactics 34:05 Tracking Lead Generation Effectively 34:42 Diversifying Income Streams for Growth 37:59 Embracing New Technologies and Platforms 45:58 Networking and Building Relationships 49:39 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Credits: Hosted by Ryan Roghaar and Michael Smith Produced by Ryan Roghaar Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM    The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist: bit.ly/eggstunes The Plugs: The Show: eggscast.com @eggshow on X and Instagram On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher Also available on Google Play Music! Mike "DJ Ontic": Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://www.djontic.com/] @djontic on twitter Ryan Roghaar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rogha.ar [http://rogha.ar/]