Business Lunch

Hosted by Roland Frasier

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

200

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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About the show

How much more successful would you be if you had lunch once a week with an insanely successful entrepreneur who shared their biggest secrets on how they think and achieve success? Well, now you can! Grab your seat at the table as successful entrepreneurs reveal their step-by-step strategies, fascinating stories, travel hacks and other delicious tidbits each week with serial entrepreneur/business strategist, Roland Frasier.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 20, 202621 min

Can You Build a Business for Both Cash Flow and a Big Exit?

In This Episode Of Business Lunch: We tackle a question every founder faces: do you build your business for cash flow now or for a big exit later, and can one company really do both? They dig into why bootstrapped owners have far more options than funded ones, how cash left sitting in a company quietly turns into bloat, and how to pay yourself regular distributions without hurting a future sale. Chapters: 0:00 Cold open 0:36 Welcome and where this question came from 0:55 Can one business deliver both cash flow and a big exit 1:57 The path VC funding locks you into 3:45 Why bootstrapped owners have more flexibility 9:19 How cash left in the company creates bloat 11:35 The cash flow waterfall and budgeting for distributions 12:34 How VC backing changes the exit itself 14:06 Building reserves for refunds and emergencies 16:20 Regular distributions or waiting for the big exit 18:54 Wrap up Listen to Business Lunch: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-lunch/id1442654104 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iWSA89TaD263zhXETdSvZ Connect with Roland Frasier: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolandfrasier/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandfrasier/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rolandfrasier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RolandFrasierPage/ Everything else: https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/ Connect with Ryan Deiss: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandeiss/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandeiss/ X: https://x.com/ryandeiss Site: https://www.scalable.co

July 30, 202651 min

Why 75% of Founders Regret Selling (and How to Exit Without Losing Yourself)

In This Episode Of Business Lunch: A Hartford Financial study found that 75% of business owners regret selling their company. Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss have both lived it, and they get personal about what the wire does not fix: the identity you give up with the business, the buyer promises that rarely survive the close, and why more than half of sellers wind up swooping back in. Then the way out: fulfillment continuity, the threads you build before the exit so you are not adrift after it. If you have exited a business, share in the comments what surprised you most about life on the other side. Chapters: 0:00 The telescope and why founders exit unhappy 1:57 The Hartford study: 75% of owners regret selling 4:22 Roland's identity shift after leaving law 6:02 Ryan on exiting Traffic and Conversion Summit 9:10 What buyers promise vs the post exit reality 13:52 Why due diligence pulls the two sides apart 19:46 Business partnerships are marriages: extending grace 23:45 The threads that save you from being adrift 27:02 Fulfillment continuity: Roland's framework 32:14 Find the part of the business that fulfills you 40:47 Reallocating your time as seasons change 48:20 The miserable rich person trap 49:04 Fire and rehire yourself every year Listen to Business Lunch: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-lunch/id1442654104 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iWSA89TaD263zhXETdSvZ Roland Frasier: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolandfrasier/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandfrasier/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rolandfrasier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RolandFrasierPage/ More: https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/ Ryan Deiss: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandeiss/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandeiss/ X: https://x.com/ryandeiss Scalable: https://www.scalable.co Mentioned in this episode: Build Your CEO Dashboard Get one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard! CEO Dashboard

July 23, 202635 min

When to Let the Dumpster Fire Burn (and Why AI Is Breaking Hiring)

Not every problem in your business is yours to fix. Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss break down how to tell a seasonal slump from a fire you actually started, why the easy and obvious moves matter most when the numbers dip, and how AI written resumes are quietly breaking hiring for small businesses. Plus the internal recruiter role they think every growing company is about to need. 0:00 Welcome back from a 30 day vacation 1:46 Why rest is actually productive work 3:20 When do you let the dumpster fire burn? 4:52 Internal vs external: what you can and cannot fix 6:00 Control what you control: lead flow and double booking 6:51 Do the easy and obvious things well 10:07 Red vs yellow metrics on the scorecard 15:46 Theory of constraints: which fire to fight first 17:47 Why small businesses aren't hiring: the AI resume problem 20:01 How to interview when AI writes every resume 25:20 The pre interview email that filters out a third of applicants 26:53 The rise of the internal recruiter Listen to Business Lunch: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-lunch/id1442654104 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iWSA89TaD263zhXETdSvZ Roland Frasier: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolandfrasier/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandfrasier/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rolandfrasier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RolandFrasierPage/ More: https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/ Ryan Deiss: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandeiss/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandeiss/ X: https://x.com/ryandeiss Scalable: https://www.scalable.co

July 16, 202643 min

SEO vs AEO: What Every Business Needs to Know

In This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore the evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) versus answer engine optimization (AEO), and how businesses can adapt their strategies to stay ahead in AI-driven search environments. They discuss practical tactics, the importance of evidence and authority, and how to leverage paid and organic channels effectively. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:17 Challenges with Technology and Setup 00:30 Introduction to ChatGPT Ads and Platform Insights 00:58 SEO vs AEO: What's the Difference? 01:26 Understanding Search Engine Optimization and Answer Engine Optimization 02:02 Should You Invest in SEO Now? 02:30 Clarifying SEO, GEO, and Generative Engine Optimization 03:06 How Answer Engines Are Replacing Search Engines 03:42 The Shift from Rankings to Recommendations 04:15 Using Search Engines for Direct Source Verification 04:56 The Changing Role of Search in Customer Awareness Levels 05:36 Branded Search and Its Importance 06:01 The Evolving Nature of Search Optimization 06:19 Optimizing for Recommendations, Not Rankings 07:15 Bidding Strategies on Competitors and Trademark Terms 08:40 Cost-Effective Strategies for Competing in Answer Engines 10:00 Practical Approach for Business Owners 11:00 From Rankings to Recommendations: New Optimization Goals 12:08 The Role of Evidence and Proof in AI Recommendations 13:15 Creating Credibility and Authority for Search Engines 14:06 Content Strategy for AEO Success 15:29 Schema and Technical SEO for AI 16:29 Building the Neural Network: Assets and Relationships 17:32 Practical Steps to Optimize for AI and Answer Engines 18:36 Focusing on Questions, Not Keywords 19:10 Gathering Evidence to Prove Authority 20:39 Distribution, Freshness, and Uniqueness in Content 21:26 The Importance of Original and Contrarian Content 22:29 Using the Skyscraper Strategy for AI Optimization 23:46 Reverse Engineering Top Sources and Cited Content 25:38 Prioritizing Strategies Based on Business Needs 26:09 Shifting Budgets from SEO to AEO 27:05 Content and Embedded Influencers for Organic Growth 28:14 Paid Search and Branded Terms for Immediate Impact 29:41 Balancing Organic and Paid Strategies 33:02 The Role of Authority and Evidence in AI Rankings 36:34 Starting with Paid Search and Organic Content 37:49 The Future of Search and Business Strategy 40:13 Encouragement to Experiment and Share Results 42:22 Final Thoughts and Wrap-up Connect with me on social: TikTok: Check out my TikTok Here Instagram: Check out my Instagram Here Facebook: Check out my Facebook Here LinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn Here Subscribe to my YouTube 👉 Here Resources: • 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREE Mentioned in this episode: Build Your CEO Dashboard Get one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard! CEO Dashboard

July 9, 202620 min

Breaking Free from Founder Identity Debt

In This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore the concept of founder identity and how legacy identity debt can hinder business growth. They discuss practical strategies for recognizing and overcoming identity lag to scale effectively. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to founder identity and role evolution 00:30 The five stages of role evolution in business 00:58 Understanding identity lag and its effects 01:28 The concept of identity debt in business 02:24 Sleep debt analogy and identity debt 02:51 Impact of legacy identity debt on scaling 03:22 Recognizing when you're in the wrong role 04:05 The importance of role clarity and job descriptions 08:06 How to get consciously competent and fix identity debt 09:44 Defining your current role and responsibilities 10:14 Using time studies to identify role mismatches 11:52 Addressing comfort work and role reversion 12:24 Resetting roles and accountability with team members 13:19 The importance of honest communication and ownership 14:38 Handling time constraints and delegation 16:29 Hiring the right roles and using AI tools 17:12 Recognizing and overcoming identity debt in business 17:43 Summary: Overcoming insidious identity debt Connect with me on social: TikTok: Check out my TikTok Here Instagram: Check out my Instagram Here Facebook: Check out my Facebook Here LinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn Here Subscribe to my YouTube 👉 Here Resources: • 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREE Mentioned in this episode: Build Your CEO Dashboard Get one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard! CEO Dashboard

July 2, 202636 min

Micro CEOs: The Future of Agile Business Teams

In This Episode of Business Lunch: This episode explores the myth of hiring A players, the concept of micro CEOs, and how to structure teams for maximum agility and profitability in the AI era. Ryan Deiss and Roland Frasier discuss the pitfalls of traditional hiring and the advantages of outcome-based roles. Chapters: 00:00 The A-Player Debate 02:52 Hiring Owners vs. A-Players 05:57 Understanding Micro CEOs 08:51 The Role of Metrics in Hiring 11:58 Compensation Structures for Micro Owners 14:55 The Future of Leadership in Business Connect with me on social: TikTok: Check out my TikTok Here Instagram: Check out my Instagram Here Facebook: Check out my Facebook Here LinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn Here Subscribe to my YouTube 👉 Here Resources: • 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREE Mentioned in this episode: Build Your CEO Dashboard Get one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard! CEO Dashboard

June 18, 202644 min

Unlocking AI's Potential: Practical Strategies for Entrepreneurs

In This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore the latest in AI tools, how they're using them for content creation, research, and business automation, and share practical tips for integrating AI into your workflow. Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Business Challenges 02:59 Leveraging AI for Content Creation 05:57 Exploring AI Tools and Their Applications 08:51 Choosing the Right AI Tools for Your Needs 11:54 Integrating AI with Personal Knowledge Management 14:53 The Role of Obsidian in AI Workflows 21:30 The Role of AI in Coding and Management 22:52 Understanding Client Needs and AI Utilization 24:41 Navigating AI Tools: Productivity vs. Complexity 26:35 Exploring AI Platforms and Their Unique Features 28:30 Researching with AI: Tools and Preferences 30:53 The Future of AI Content Creation 32:45 Personalizing AI Interactions for Better Outcomes 39:14 The Importance of Human Touch in AI-Driven Content 42:20 AI as an Essential Tool for Business Leaders Connect with me on social: TikTok: Check out my TikTok Here Instagram: Check out my Instagram Here Facebook: Check out my Facebook Here LinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn Here Subscribe to my YouTube 👉 Here Resources: • 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREE Mentioned in this episode: Build Your CEO Dashboard Get one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard! CEO Dashboard

June 9, 202623 min

Snackable: How to Increase Your Business Valuation in the Final 180 Days

In This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore how business owners can maximize their exit multiples by focusing on clarity, positioning, and structure in the final months before a sale. It challenges the instinct to chase new revenue at the last minute and emphasizes the importance of risk management, revenue segmentation, and deal structuring. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Maximizing Exit Multiples 00:28 Common instinct: Grow Sales Before Exit 01:01 The Counterintuitive Reality of Final Months 01:16 Value Creation vs. Value Realization 02:12 Why Bigger Is Not Always Better 02:39 Stage Your Business Like a House Sale 03:07 Revenue Growth Can Hurt Valuation 04:13 Buyers Pay for Risk, Not Just Revenue 05:07 Profitability Over Vanity Metrics 06:03 Segmenting Revenue Streams 07:02 Risk and Multiple Application 08:07 Proving Cash Flow and Profitability 09:28 Bridging EBITDA to Cash Flow 10:37 The Importance of Clean Financials 11:05 The Dangers of Adbacks 12:35 Building Trust and Eliminating Risk 13:09 Working Capital and Its Hidden Dangers 14:39 Defending Against Working Capital Manipulation 15:40 Deal Leverage and Competitive Tension 17:09 Staging Data and Buyer Competition 18:37 Optimizing Deal Structure and Tax Planning 20:20 Key Takeaways: Clarity, Proof, and Structure 21:30 Applying These Principles to Your Career 22:16 Conclusion: Fix the House, Not Just Build It Connect with me on social: TikTok: Check out my TikTok Here Instagram: Check out my Instagram Here Facebook: Check out my Facebook Here LinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn Here Subscribe to my YouTube 👉 Here Resources: • 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREE Mentioned in this episode: Build Your CEO Dashboard Get one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard! CEO Dashboard

June 4, 202627 min

The 5 Shifts to Reach 7 Figures a Month (Part 2)

In This Episode of Business Lunch: This episode features expert insights on transforming business profitability, increasing valuation, and strategic growth through proven systems and mental shifts. Learn how to leverage profit accelerators, build transferable value, and scale your business effectively. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Strategic Lunches and Success Secrets 00:46 Getting to Bankable Profit: The E2P Strategy 01:02 Lessons from Inc 500 Companies and Profit Challenges 02:08 The Impact of Profit on Momentum and Leverage 03:07 Case Study: Native Commerce's Rapid Growth and Profitability 04:01 Growth at the Cost of Profit: Lessons from Big Companies 04:58 Optimizing Customer Acquisition and Unit Economics 05:57 Amazon’s Profit Centers: Fulfillment, Prime, and AWS 07:22 Acquiring Media and Building Owned Channels 08:19 Pivoting Business Models: From Selling Products to Leads 09:10 Case Study: Turning a Golf Business Around 10:09 Math Exercise: Monthly Profit Potential and Growth 11:07 Reverse Engineering Business Valuation and Growth 12:34 Old Way vs New Playbook for Business Growth 13:02 Achieving Transferable Value: Brand and System Independence 15:25 Productizing Services and Acquiring Intellectual Property 17:22 Valuation Multiples and Growth Potential 20:49 From Small Business to Unicorn: Growth Examples 22:09 Breaking the Hamster Wheel: Creating Value Accelerators 23:00 Internal Shifts: Working Above the Business 23:57 The Power of Mentorship and Risk-Taking 26:26 Mindset Shifts and the Importance of Mentors 27:22 Accelerating Business Growth with Mentorship and Models Connect with me on social: TikTok: Check out my TikTok Here Instagram: Check out my Instagram Here Facebook: Check out my Facebook Here LinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn Here Subscribe to my YouTube 👉 Here Resources: • 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREE Mentioned in this episode: Build Your CEO Dashboard Get one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard! CEO Dashboard

June 2, 202622 min

How to Give AI Eyes: Unlocking Visual Data in Videos

In This Episode of Business Lunch: This episode explores the limitations of AI video summarization tools that rely solely on transcripts and introduces a groundbreaking method to give AI 'eyes' to process visual data directly from videos. Discover how combining visual and textual analysis can unlock precise insights from complex content, transforming productivity and data accuracy. Chapters: 00:00 The Illusion of AI Video Summarization 02:08 Why Claude Can't Watch Videos Natively 03:19 Building a Workaround: The Claude Video Skill 06:17 Synchronizing Frames and Text for Context 07:11 Real-World Test: Comparing Transcript-Only vs Visual-Aided AI 09:53 The Power of Visual Data in Financial and Technical Analysis 11:20 Risks of Relying on Sanitized Summaries 13:15 The Hidden Costs: Token Economy and Processing Limits 15:42 Resolution and Sampling Trade-offs in Visual AI 16:20 The User Experience: Terminal-Based Video Analysis 18:01 Limitations and When to Use This Tool 20:12 The Future: AI Perceiving the Entire Visual World Connect with me on social: TikTok: Check out my TikTok Here Instagram: Check out my Instagram Here Facebook: Check out my Facebook Here LinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn Here Subscribe to my YouTube 👉 Here Resources: • 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREE Mentioned in this episode: Build Your CEO Dashboard Get one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard! CEO Dashboard