Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! Today, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss cover the story of Traffic & Conversion Summit (TNC), detailing its inception, growth, and eventual sale to Clarion Events. They share personal anecdotes from the journey, discuss strategic decisions that led to the event's success, and reveal the complexities of negotiating a sale. This episode provides a unique look at the behind-the-scenes efforts that transformed a simple event into a major business asset.

Highlights:

"Our goal is not going to be to make a lot of money. Our goal is going to be to have everybody leave saying, Wow, that was the best event I've ever been to."

"It felt like it was getting big and scary. I would have these recurring nightmares of something going wrong at this event."

"The reality is, most events suck. They're just a pitch fest."

"We controlled the programming of the event. So who's going to be on stage, which meant we still got the benefit of the platform of the event for our other brands."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Elevating the Event Vision

02:31 - Introduction to Traffic and Conversion Summit

05:23 - Evolution and Growth of the Event

07:52 - Increasing Production Value and Sponsorship Revenue

11:59 - Sale of the Event to Clarion Events

31:51 - Post-Sale Challenges and Pandemic Impact

35:10 - Reasons for the Event's Decline

CONNECT

• Ask Roland a question HERE.

RESOURCES:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

To learn more about Roland Frasier 👉 https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/

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Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch with your host Roland Frasier. In today’s episode, we delve into the current state of the luxury market, discussing its decline, consumer behavior changes, and implications for businesses. We examine factors like the pandemic's impact, Gen Z's preferences, and economic realities reshaping luxury consumerism. Join us as we explore what this means for the future of high-end brands and consumer experiences.

Highlights:

"Luxury is hurting; it's an indication of recession."

"Brands like Louis Vuitton made the mistake that Nike made with drop culture."

"The luxury brands are living in inflationary times of 2021-2022, not aligning with today's economic reality."

"If you are truly luxury, you can charge luxury prices, but the market has to agree that you are luxury."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Luxury Market Trends

01:48 - Decline of Luxury and Economic Indicators

03:09 - Gen Z's Impact on Luxury Brands

04:39 - Pandemic Effects on Consumer Choices

06:12 - The Lipstick Effect and Consumer Spending

08:13 - Shift in Spending to Experiences Over Goods

10:45 - Real World Luxury Pricing vs. Value Proposition

13:58 - Business Strategies for Adapting to Market Changes

15:17 - Consumer Behavior Lagging Behind Economic Reality

17:53 - The Future of Sit-Down Restaurants and Service Industry

21:20 - Concluding Thoughts on Luxury Market and Business Adaptation

CONNECT

• Ask Roland a question HERE.

RESOURCES:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

To learn more about Roland Frasier 👉 https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/

Connect with me on social:

🎵 TikTok:

/ rolandfrasier

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Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the intricacies of search marketing versus paid media, exploring how marketing strategies have evolved with technological advancements. They discuss the unpredictability of Google updates, the shift towards social platforms by younger demographics, and the importance of adopting a multi-channel approach in today's digital landscape. Tune in as they share insights on the most effective channels for reaching an audience and why owned media might be more crucial than ever.

Highlights:

"If you’re starting from scratch with marketing, it’s not search marketing I’d double down on."

"The new model for organic reach should include connection, authenticity, and a surround sound strategy across multiple platforms."

"People are looking for authenticity and consistency in the personalities they follow, not just content."

"As marketing evolves, the channels that once dominated are being overtaken by more agile, targeted, and engaging mediums."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: The Current State of Search Marketing

02:52 - The Inefficacy of Traditional Search for Nationwide Businesses

05:03 - Shifting Priorities: Paid Media vs. Organic Search

08:24 - The Impact of AI and Generational Changes on Search Behavior

11:05 - The Importance of Multi-Channel Marketing Strategies

14:00 - Connection and Authenticity in Content Marketing

17:00 - Discussing Owned Media and Its Advantages Over Organic Search

20:21 - User Experience and the Shift Away from Traditional Search

23:18 - Reddit as an Emerging Search Platform

26:28 - The Role of Specialized Sites and Social Groups in Niche Searches

27:24 - Conclusion: Future Outlook on Search Marketing

CONNECT

• Ask Roland a question HERE.

RESOURCES:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

To learn more about Roland Frasier 👉 https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/

Connect with me on social:

🎵 TikTok:

/ rolandfrasier

📸 Instagram:

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, we sit down with Craig Siegel, a former Wall Street professional turned motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Craig shares his transformative journey from financial trading to finding fulfillment in helping others achieve their potential through personal development and entrepreneurship. Tune in to discover how Craig's experiences and insights can inspire you to reinvent your career and align your professional life with your personal values.

Highlights:

"Success is more than just making money; it's about finding your purpose and sharing your unique gifts with the world."

"I believe once you have the willingness and step into discomfort, that could be your portal to expansion."

"If you can look up, then you can get up, even if you're in the darkest valleys."

"Playing small is canceled. Consider what else is possible and how."

Timestamps:

00:51 - Introduction

02:06 - Craig's Transition from Wall Street to Entrepreneurship

04:09 - The Initial Draw to Financial Trading

05:42 - The Concept of Reinvention Based on Personal Experiences

09:45 - Addressing Limiting Beliefs

14:57 - Moments of Doubt and Personal Challenges

20:00 - Surprising Personal Discoveries During Reinvention

22:17 - Common Skepticisms and Misbeliefs

26:56 - Upcoming Marathon and Personal Goals

29:36 - How to Connect with Craig and Learn More About His Work

CONNECT

• Ask Roland a question HERE.

RESOURCES:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

To learn more about Roland Frasier 👉 https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/

Connect with me on social:

🎵 TikTok:

/ rolandfrasier

📸 Instagram:

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In today’s episode, we dive into the latest strategic shift at Starbucks, where the company is moving away from discounts and back towards a premium coffee house model. Roland and Ryan discuss the potential challenges of this move, comparing it to similar strategies seen in companies like Domino's and Target. Can Starbucks reclaim its reputation as a high-end coffee brand, or will it fall into the same traps that have plagued many businesses trying to shift positioning?

Highlights:

"Starbucks went from premium to discount—can they bring back the coffee house vibe?"

"Discounts attracted the wrong customers—Starbucks is now ready to ditch that approach."

"The challenge is, can Starbucks be both premium and everywhere?"

"Loyalty, not discounts—that's the new Starbucks strategy."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Starbucks’ Discount Dilemma

01:09 - Shift to Online and App Ordering: A Retailer in Disguise

04:44 - Problem with Discounts: Attracting the Wrong Crowd

05:50 - A Return to Premium: Starbucks’ New Strategy

06:26 - Roland's Take: Discounts vs. Loyalty Programs

09:23 - Can Starbucks Gain Premium Positioning Again?

12:23 - Case Study: How Domino’s Pizza Made Its Comeback

15:00 - The Third Place: Rebuilding the Coffee House Vibe

16:15 - How Brands Lose Their Way: Insights for Business Owners

21:31 - Predictions: Will Starbucks Stick to Its Plan?

CONNECT

• Ask Roland a question HERE.

RESOURCES:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

To learn more about Roland Frasier 👉 https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/

Connect with me on social:

🎵 TikTok: / rolandfrasier

📸 Instagram: / rolandfrasier

📱 Facebook: / rolandfrasierpage

💼 LinkedIn: / rolandfrasier

Subscribe to Roland Frasier 👉 / @rolandfrasierepic

Mentioned in this episode:

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Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this session, hosts Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the nuances of building a cohesive leadership team, the importance of clarity days, and the role of personality tests in enhancing team dynamics. They explore strategic exercises that foster better communication and trust among team members. This discussion is packed with actionable advice on handling conflict, aligning team goals, and the significance of understanding individual communication styles within a team.

Highlights:

"The key is just as a leadership team, you're talking about stuff."

"If you haven't done the five dysfunctions, highly recommend it."

"Consensus kills because it's everybody basically creating what they call artificial harmony."

"Giving people the benefit of the doubt and you will have a happier life and better relationships."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Clarity Days and Team Building

01:26 - Roland's Hectic Schedule and the Importance of Team Facilitation

04:16 - Insights on Personality Tests and Team Dynamics

06:36 - The Concept of Clarity Day Explained

10:11 - When to Initiate Leadership Exercises in a Company

13:24 - The Importance of Asking the Right Questions to Co-founders

17:32 - The Role of the CEO in Decision Making and Conflict Resolution

20:04 - Building Trust and Understanding within Leadership Teams

22:57 - The Importance of Regular Team Meetings and Personal Connections

27:29 - The Impact of Personal Wins and Team Cohesion

CONNECT

• Ask Roland a question HERE.

RESOURCES:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

To learn more about Roland Frasier 👉 https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/

Connect with me on social:

🎵 TikTok:

/ rolandfrasier

📸 Instagram:

Welcome to another episode of Business Lunch! In today’s episode, Roland and Ryan discuss the key differences between building a business for cash flow versus building it for a large exit. They dive deep into whether these two approaches are mutually exclusive, especially for bootstrapped businesses versus those with VC funding. If you’re wondering how to maximize cash flow while preparing for an exit or striking the right balance between reinvesting and taking money out of the business, this episode is packed with insights to guide your decisions.

Highlights:

“If you’re bootstrapped, you have a lot more flexibility than if you’re funded.”

“A healthy business kicks out large amounts of distributable cash regularly.”

“Cash left in a company can lead to bloat and actually slow down growth.”

“Exits aren’t always what you anticipate—there’s a lot more to the story.”

Timestamps:

00:36 – Introduction

00:55 – Can you build a business for both cash flow and exit?

01:57 – Insights into the path you pick when seeking VC funding

03:45 – Bootstrapped businesses and the flexibility they offer

09:19 – How excess cash in businesses can lead to bloat

11:35 – Cash flow management strategies: cash flow waterfall and budgeting

12:34 – How VC-backed businesses affect the path to an exit

14:06 – Building reserves for refunds and emergencies in cash-flow businesses

16:20 – Getting regular distributions VS waiting for a big exit

18:54 – Conclusion

CONNECT

• Ask Roland a question HERE.

RESOURCES:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

To learn more about Roland Frasier 👉 https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/

Connect with me on social:

🎵 TikTok:

/ rolandfrasier

📸 Instagram:

Welcome to a new episode of the Business Lunch podcast! In this episode, hosts Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the complexities of hiring for executive leadership roles, particularly when you're unfamiliar with the specific function of the role. They discuss practical strategies for identifying and recruiting top talent, leveraging both traditional search firms and AI tools to define roles and refine hiring processes. Whether you're scaling up your business or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights into making strategic hires that align with your company's growth objectives.

Highlights:

"If you achieve any level of scale, you're going to have to hire people that are truly exceptional at those functional roles that you're not good at."

"The very first thing is to determine what is the actual need in the organization and then document what does the person who is going to fill the need look like."

"A good search firm is going to help you significantly."

"You need to tap an outside expert if you don't know anything about the role."

Timestamps:

00:01 - Introduction to Executive Hiring Challenges

01:01 - Welcome and Recap of Recent Activities

01:17 - Post-Event Fatigue and Personal Anecdotes

02:02 - Challenges of Attending a Music Festival Post-Business Event

03:59 - Transition from Personal Recap to Business Discussions

05:11 - Detailed Discussion on Hiring for Unknown Roles

08:09 - Identifying Business Needs and Role Requirements

11:18 - The Value of Leveraging Search Firms and AI in Hiring

15:00 - Discussing Cultural Fit and Defining the Hiring Process

20:00 - Effective Interview Techniques and Utilizing AI for Questioning

CONNECT

• Ask Roland a question HERE.

RESOURCES:

• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook

• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE

To learn more about Roland Frasier 👉 https://msha.ke/rolandfrasier/

Connect with me on social:

🎵 TikTok:

/ rolandfrasier

📸 Instagram: