Belkins Podcast

Welcome to the Belkins Podcast! In this episode, we've compiled the best moments from Season 4 of the Growth Podcast - part 2, now rebranded to Belkins Podcast and available on our new YouTube channel.Join our host, Michel Maximoff, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Belkins, as he engages with industry leaders and experts. Dive into insightful discussions on sales, marketing, leadership, and personal growth. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable content!👉Speakers in this episode:Jim Cathcart - Mentor and AuthorChris Walker - CEO Passetto, Chairman Refine LabsScott Leese - CEO & Founder Surf and Sales, Founder Milos VenturesDolores Hirschmann - CCO Masters in ClarityAndy Paul - Author, Founder The Sales HouseJared Robin - Founder RevGeniusMita Mallick - Author, Writter, Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact CartaAnthony Iannarino - Sales Leader, Writer, Author, SpeakerJohn Barrows - CEO JB Sales, Advisory Board Member CloudTaskMatthew Pollard - Founder Rapid GrowthDon't forget to subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes and follow us on social media for more insights and updates!👉 Timecodes:0:00 - Intro0:19 - The Teller Who Trained Presidents2:59 - "If you fit into the spectrum of normal, you tend to do normal things"7:31 - The Power of Opportunity Awareness10:03 - Why Sales Reps Matter: Regret and the New Buyer Experience11:33 - From Surface Complaints to Core Concerns13:04 - Unrealistic Expectations in Sales15:10 - Breaking the Script18:31 - Fear vs. Empathy in Leadership20:58 - Beyond KPIs: Focusing on Relationships24:47 - The Downside of Hustling from Fear26:37 - Why Vision is Crucial for Differentiation27:52 - The Purpose of Life: Living Fully and Passionately31:33 - Balancing Priorities in a Changing Market34:21 - Identifying and Honoring Your Organization's Top Five ValuesStay connected with us:👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/

In this riveting episode of the Belkins Podcast, join host Michael Maximoff as he delves into a candid conversation with Anthony Kennada, Founder & CEO of AudiencePlus. Discover the unfiltered realities of being a first-time founder, the highs and lows of building a company from the ground up, and the crucial lessons learned along the way.Anthony shares invaluable insights into the challenges of year one, the strategic vision for 2024, and the transformative power of owning your audience. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.👉 Timecodes:0:00 - Intro2:08 - The Hardships of Year One as a Founder3:10 - Strategic Vision for AudiencePlus in 20245:03 - Implementing EOS for Company Alignment7:09 - The Importance of Product Market Fit9:00 - The Journey from CMO to Founder12:05 - Building a Brand that Owns the Idea15:30 - Competing in the Current Market18:31 - Netflix as a Model for Data-Driven Decisions20:48 - The Loneliness of the CEO Role22:34 - The Challenge of Context Switching24:44 - Balancing Professional and Personal Life27:13 - Finding Meaning and Motivation as a Founder29:05 - The Importance of Product Marketing32:25 - Building and Scaling Teams at Hopin35:20 - Challenges of a CMO in a Hypergrowth Company38:29 - Creating a Sense of Ownership in Teams40:42 - Aligning Sales and Marketing43:45 - The Success of Golden Hour Event47:22 - Toughest Decisions and Learning from Mistakes51:42 - The Future of AudiencePlus and the Evolution of Marketing55:20 - Managing Relationships and Building Networks58:02 - Final Thoughts and ReflectionsDon't miss out on this deep dive into the world of startups, marketing innovation, and the relentless pursuit of success.

Welcome to the Belkins Podcast! In this episode, we've compiled the best moments from Season 4 of the Growth Podcast, now rebranded to Belkins Podcast and available on our new YouTube channel.Join our host, Michael Maximoff, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Belkins, as he engages with industry leaders and experts. Dive into insightful discussions on sales, marketing, leadership, and personal growth. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable content!👉Speakers in this episode:Geoffrey Moore - Author, speaker, advisorCinthia Silva - Top 10 Women Leaders in Customer Success 2024Alina Vandenberghe - Co-founder & Co-CEO at Chili PiperBishoy Tadros - Author, Speaker & Life CoachSam Jacobs - CEO at PavilionAshley Faus - Head of Lifecycle Marketing, Portfolio at AtlassianDennis R. Mortensen - CEO and Founder of LaunchBrightlyKeith Daw - Founder of The Candidate ConciergeWill Allred - Co-founder at LavenderAmir Reiter - CEO at Cloudtask👉 Timecodes:0:00 - Introduction to the new channel and the best of Belkins Podcast0:25 - Debunking myths in sales and marketing with Geoffrey Moore1:31 - Discussing company growth and team satisfaction2:26 - Building a unicorn with Cinthia Silva4:00 - The importance of understanding team dynamics6:05 - Using DISC assessment for better leadership with Alina Vandenberghe8:03 - Entrepreneurship and the power of saying no with Bishoy Tadros10:01 - Personal philosophies for success with Ashley Faus12:04 - Impact of mood and energy in professional life with Sam Jacobs14:17 - Recognizing and addressing negative thought patterns16:06 - The role of a good leader in team success18:14 - Building resilience and emotional stamina19:04 - The importance of transparency and honesty in leadership21:04 - Challenges and benefits of AI in business24:02 - The importance of sacrifice and dedication for success26:02 - Metrics for evaluating career satisfaction28:14 - Navigating corporate America and finding mentors31:34 - The evolving focus on customer experience33:03 - The nurturing process and giving back to the community36:07 - Balancing existential threats and technological advancements38:04 - Adapting to rapid technological changes41:10 - Effective communication and leadership in growing companies43:04 - The impact of a difficult boss vs. a powerful mentor45:10 - The dynamics of power in startup environmentsDon't forget to subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes and follow us on social media for more insights and updates!Stay connected with us:👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/#Belkins #Belkins_Podcast #Growth_Podcast #Michel_Maximoff #Geoffrey_Moore #Cinthia_Silva #Alina_Vandenberghe #Bishoy_Tadros #Sam_Jacobs #Ashley_Faus #Dennis_R_Mortensen #Keith_Daw #Will_Allred #Amir_Reiter

Are you ready to redefine the future of sales and revenue generation?In this episode, we sit down with Jacco van der Kooij, founder of Winning by Design, to explore the seismic shifts happening in the sales landscape. Jacco brings his wealth of knowledge and forward-thinking perspectives on how AI is transforming sales roles, the importance of understanding business models, and the critical shifts needed for sustainable growth.We’re diving into:◾ The impact of AI on the future demand for salespeople◾ Transitioning from traditional sales methods to AI-driven strategies◾ The importance of aligning your go-to-market motion with your product◾ The role of reoccurring revenue in today's market◾ How to balance acquisition and retention for long-term success◾ Personal insights on entrepreneurship and overcoming industry misconceptionsJoin us to uncover how to stay ahead in the evolving sales ecosystem, create meaningful connections, and drive business growth in the AI era.👉 Timecodes:0:00 - Intro and highlights2:04 - Introduction of the guest and their work3:00 - Podcast production quality and team involvement3:25 - Philosophy behind the podcast and its purpose3:36 - Guest's experience in video processing technology4:19 - Technological progress and real-time cloud filming4:36 - Red Bull consumption and health7:02 - Branding and merchandise strategy8:00 - Selling and creating branded merchandise9:13 - Importance of brand building and consistency10:00 - Challenges and principles in maintaining brand integrity12:03 - Dedicated and independent branding efforts15:40 - Customer-centric approach and its impact on branding16:32 - Selling strategies for various markets19:02 - Van lifestyle and work flexibility19:40 - Solitude and work productivity22:28 - Differentiation in sales strategies24:08 - Industry trends and pitfalls in following crowds25:30 - Conscious capitalism and creating broader value28:40 - Misconceptions about tech entrepreneurship32:29 - Resilience and entrepreneurship from challenging backgrounds34:19 - Shifts in labor costs and the impact on sales roles37:04 - Strategies for effective sales processes40:11 - Alignment of go-to-market motions with products45:23 - Personalization and building relationships in sales46:49 - Differentiating high-touch from high-volume business models48:01 - Business model and its critical role in success51:08 - AI's impact on sales roles and market transformation55:22 - Resistance to AI and embracing its potential58:01 - Skills and processes in modern sales1:04:02 - Predicting the future of business and AI's role1:07:14 - Shifts in buyer-seller dynamics and AI integration1:09:04 - Creating a future with AI and maintaining balance1:11:00 - Tailored questions and insightful discussions1:14:23 - Subscription models and customer relationships1:17:55 - The evolution of SaaS business models1:24:01 - CROs and the focus on new acquisition versus retention1:26:03 - Complexity of SaaS business models1:30:01 - Professional services, acquisition, and retention strategies1:32:43 - Key takeaways from the podcastStay connected with us:👉 Jacco van der Kooij - LinkedIn👉 Michael Maximoff - LinkedIn👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” - From Zero To Agency Hero👉 Belkins - LinkedIn

Want to build real connections with your customers?In this episode, we dive into the world of social selling with Laura Erdem, Head of Sales at Dreamdata. Laura shares her experiences and insights on the power of personalized content and how LinkedIn can be a game-changer for salespeople.We’re talking about:◾ Switching from old-school tactics to social selling and what it means for salespeople◾ A creative approach to booking more appointments (including killer videos)◾ Building trust with authenticity (because people buy from people they like)◾ How to find an elusive work-life balance◾ Time management hacks for busy salespeopleLaura’s insights provide a roadmap to building stronger relationships and achieving your sales goals through social selling.Tune in to discover how to stand out in a crowd, foster meaningful connections, and drive sustainable business growth.👉 Timecodes:0:00 — Introduction2:14 — Managing Embarrassing Mistakes in Podcasts3:30 — Intentional Marketing Moves: The Story of the Blue Hat5:03 — Red Hat Company Culture and Its Impact8:35 — Balancing Work and Family Life9:01 — Creative Marketing Campaigns: The Biking Videos9:32 — Booking Meetings in Creative Ways10:01 — Maintaining Energy and Motivation at Work11:57 — Goals and Ambitions in Sales Careers12:27 — What Drives People in Their Careers13:00 — Balancing Multiple Roles and Tasks13:35 — Working with Different Teams and Processes14:41 — Importance of Team Commissions and Collaboration15:46 — Effective Sales Compensation Strategies18:18 — Converting Leads through Effective Social Selling19:27 — The Blurred Line Between Sales and Marketing22:04 — Top Three Rules When Working with People24:57 — Personal and Professional Motivations28:03 — Interesting Business Models and Their Impact29:00 — Making Strategic Marketing and Sales Decisions30:03 — Lessons Learned from Great Managers32:31 — Balancing Process and Creativity in Sales34:02 — Integrating Personal Traits into Professional Success35:15 — Pushing Personal and Professional Boundaries37:55 — Balancing Inbound and Outbound Strategies38:48 — Effective Outbound Marketing Techniques40:01 — Best Sales Compensation Schemes42:11 — 2024 Sales Strategies vs. Previous Years43:35 — Multi-Channel Approaches in Sales46:22 — Leveraging Video in Outbound Marketing49:25 — Financial Freedom as a Personal Goal50:25 — Reflections on Career Choices and Company Impact51:25 — Social Selling: Key Learnings and Tips52:04 — The Role of LinkedIn in Modern Sales Strategies54:03 — Impactful Conferences and Events55:03 — Effective Content Creation and Repurposing59:00 — Favorite Conferences and Future PlansStay connected with us:👉 Laura Erdem - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerdem/👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/

How did Fireflies thrive during the pandemic, and what does the future hold for AI in business?In this episode, Krish Ramineni, the CEO of Fireflies, shares his insights on adapting to remote work, turning it into culture, and the surge of new tools caused by the pandemic. Krish will also discuss why a good business model is key to long-term success. Together with Michael Maximoff, they explore the challenges and opportunities in the AI market, the importance of staying focused and innovative, and the impact of competition on driving advancements.Perfect for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, this episode offers a deep dive into building a sustainable business in the AI era. Tune in to learn about the strategic decisions that helped Fireflies grow and the future trends that could shape the AI and tech industry.Timecodes:0:00 — Introduction1:26 — Initial Thoughts and Pandemic Impact1:49 — Fireflies' Remote Work Philosophy2:20 — Adapting to the Pandemic4:23 — Remote Work Culture at Fireflies4:57 — Growth and Adoption of AI Tools5:50 — Importance of Business Model in Startups7:02 — Innovating and Staying Relevant in Business8:26 — Focus and Innovation as Keys to Success10:15 — Competitive Landscape and Differentiation11:01 — Utility-Based Pricing and the Future of AI13:21 — Challenges and Opportunities in the AI Market16:01 — Role of Competition in Innovation18:13 — Strategies for Maintaining Market Leadership19:03 — Impact of Large Companies Entering the AI Space20:21 — Balancing Innovation and Commoditization21:07 — Personalized AI Solutions for Different Industries23:32 — Building and Scaling Fireflies25:01 — Challenges in Building Innovative Products26:27 — Role of Investors and Funding Strategy27:49 — Exit Strategy and Long-Term Vision30:23 — Role of Investors in Startup Success34:32 — Importance of Customer-Centric Approach36:43 — Managing Competition in the AI Space41:23 — Future Trends in AI and Tech Innovation45:13 — Building a Sustainable Business Model47:50 — Personal Interests and Future Plans52:24 — Advice for Startup Founders55:37 — Final Thoughts and Closing RemarksStay connected with us:👉 Krish Ramineni — https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishramineni/👉 Michael Maximoff — https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero — https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 Belkins — https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/

How can AI redefine the CRM landscape and take a business like HubSpot to new heights?In this episode, Mark Roberge, Co-Founder of Stage 2 Capital and former CRO at HubSpot, shares his insights on the revolutionary impact of AI on CRM technology and sales roles. Together with Michael Maximoff, they unpack the importance of maintaining a strong team culture, the nuances of customer success for retention, and the evolution of HubSpot’s strategy across various departments.Perfect for entrepreneurs and executives, this episode offers a profound look into leveraging technological advancements in sales and marketing. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the future of CRM and sales technology effectively.Timecodes:0:00 — Introduction2:00 — AI's Impact on CRM and Sales Roles3:19 — The Importance of Team and Culture in HubSpot's Success5:30 — Sustaining Culture in Remote Work Settings7:05 — Ensuring Customer Success for Retention8:14 — Benefits of a Strong Cultural Code10:03 — HubSpot’s Evolution: Marketing, Sales, Product, HR12:24 — Individual Contributions vs. Team Synergy15:33 — Reflections on Leadership and Goals Achievement18:29 — Effective Leadership Qualities in Tech21:56 — Reflections on Past Leadership Methods24:01 — Customer Retention Focus from the Start27:05 — Strategic Customer Segmentation30:44 — Customer Success Metrics33:01 — Aligning Sales Incentives with Customer Success37:00 — Optimizing Sales Compensation Strategies41:50 — The Future of CRM and Sales Tech with AI48:03 — High-touch vs. Automated Customer Interactions53:42 — Ethical AI Use in Sales and Customer Relations59:00 — Venture Capital Trends and Entrepreneurial ShiftsStay connected with us:👉 Mark Robergehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/markroberge/👉 Michael MaximoffLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 BelkinsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/

Ever wondered how a small idea can transform into a major industry influence?In this episode, we sit down with Jay Schwedelson, the visionary behind Outcome Media and Guru Conference, to dissect his journey from spearheading early internet ads to leading innovative virtual conferences.Join Michael and Jay as they explore crucial topics like the evolution of demand generation, the significant role of email in business communication, and strategies for scaling in the digital age. Learn how to cultivate a resilient business and vibrant company culture amidst constant digital shifts.0:00 - Intro1:10 - Transition to Internet Advertising in the 90s4:46 - Shifts in Marketing Channels Over Decades6:12 - Discussing Changes in Demand Generation Over the Years7:28 - Impact of Email on Marketing and Communication8:09 - Adapting Business Strategies in the Digital Age9:23 - Insights on Startup Challenges and Competitiveness11:14 - Expanding into Related Business Ventures and Strategies14:29 - Origin and Development of SubjectLine.com17:24 - Diving into Business Operations and Micromanagement21:11 - Discussing Contractor Use and Business Flexibility24:08 - Emphasizing the Importance of Personal Branding for Business28:46 - Building Company Culture and Employee Retention Strategies33:04 - Effective Management and Remote Work Dynamics36:02 - Balancing Employee Growth Expectations with Business Size38:24 - Leveraging Free Tools like SubjectLine.com for Business Growth41:41 - Strategies for Promoting Free Platforms and Building Engagement45:04 - Exploring the Success of Guru Conference and Virtual Events50:02 - Planning and Executing Large Scale Virtual Events55:01 - Tips for Engaging and Managing Speakers at EventsStay connected with us:👉 Jay SchwedelsonLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwedelson/👉 Michael MaximoffLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/Michael’s newsletter From Zero To Agency Hero https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 BelkinsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/Website https://belkins.io/contact-us

In this episode, Michael dives deep into the fiercely competitive world of tech conferences with Alex Theuma, a prominent figure in this scene. Alex shares his journey of founding SaaStock, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of creating a standout event in the crowded tech conference market. He also offers insights on delivering value to attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors alike.Venture with us into the heart of the tech conference ecosystem, the importance of quality over quantity, and strategies for engaging modern audiences in an era of content saturation.0:00 - Intro and Highlights: Discussing the tech conference landscape and key insights1:18 - Difficulty of meaningful networking at large events2:46 - Life of a CEO during their own tech event3:47 - Curating forward-looking, engaging event content7:14 - Leveraging community feedback for event planning10:58 - Behind-the-scenes of running a tech conference16:04 - Integration of personal journey with business vision20:17 - Analyzing the competitive landscape of tech conferences36:00 - Optimal size for tech events for maximum engagement46:44 - Innovations to improve attendee engagement at events49:22 - Marketing and lead generation strategies for events50:00 - Discussion on the return on investment for event sponsors and exhibitors54:20 - Strategies for maintaining attendee engagement in a crowded content landscape57:45 - Insights into successful exhibitor tactics for lead generation1:01:30 - The evolution of tech conferences post-COVID and the impact on networking1:05:00 - The importance of community-driven content in shaping event agendas1:08:25 - Reflecting on the future of tech conferences and the role of virtual components1:11:00 - Closing thoughts: The value of personal connections and community in the tech conference ecosystemStay connected with us:👉 Alex TheumaLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextheuma/👉 Michael MaximoffLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/Michael’s newsletter From Zero To Agency Hero https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/👉 BelkinsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/Website https://belkins.io/contact-us

Imagine this: you're at the helm of several groundbreaking ventures, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship without the conventional roadmap to success. This is the world of David Henzel, a seasoned entrepreneur who's made an indelible mark across various industries. His story is one of profound resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of integrating love and mindfulness into the fabric of business.Dive into this conversation, and let David Henzel's journey inspire you to weave mindfulness and strategic innovation into your path to success.0:00 - Intro Highlights1:00 - Discussing the Impact of Wealth and Conscious Capitalism4:09 - Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth6:35 - The Role of AI in Future Jobs8:17 - Embracing Change and Continuous Learning10:01 - The Journey from Stress to Mindfulness12:01 - Balancing Wealth and Happiness14:00 - The Importance of Growth Mindset in Business and Personal Life16:06 - Integrating Love into Business Practices18:05 - Building a Culture of Engagement and Love in the Workplace20:16 - Adapting Businesses to Remote Work and AI Innovations22:25 - The Challenge of Maintaining a Positive Impact in Rapidly Evolving Industries24:00 - Lessons Learned from Failed Partnerships and the Path to Recovery26:03 - The Essence of Conscious Capitalism and its Future in Business28:17 - Reflecting on Missed Opportunities and Growth Through Failure30:14 - The Continuous Journey of Learning and Adapting32:00 - Navigating the Complexities of Business Partnerships and Equity Sharing34:10 - Strategic Approaches to Business Expansion and Integration36:25 - The Importance of Complementary Skills in Partnership38:40 - Adapting to Changes and Innovations in the Business Landscape40:55 - The Significance of Profit Sharing and Employee Engagement42:45 - Overcoming Challenges in Business Partnerships and Lessons Learned44:52 - The Power of Conscious Capitalism in Modern Business46:00 - Adjusting Business Models in Response to AI and Automation48:15 - Balancing Ethical Considerations with Technological Advancements50:29 - Personal Experiences with Failed Ventures and Missed Opportunities52:43 - The Role of Failure in Personal Growth and Future Success54:55 - Reflections on the Journey of Entrepreneurship and Continuous Learning57:08 - Closing Remarks: Embracing Change and Moving ForwardStay connected with us:👉 David HenzelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhenzel/ 👉 Michael MaximoffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/Michael’s newsletter From Zero To Agency Hero https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/ 👉 BelkinsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/Website https://belkins.io/contact-us