The Ambition Show Podcast

Remote Entrepreneurship Interview with Jessi Bravo | The Ambition Show Podcast | Episode 37

Technology has forever changed the world of work. As an entrepreneur, you can start your own business, build a team, and work however you want. Today, we speak with an entrepreneur who did just that. She shares her experiences and advice on how to get started and grow. 
Remote Work + Entrepreneurship
Interview with Jessi Bravo
Turn a challenge into an opportunity
How to start as a Virtual Assistant
Advice to be a successful Virtual Assistant
 
Book of the Episode 
Title: “The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth”
Author: John C. Maxwell
How to purchase the book
https://amzn.to/3LxA9MZ
TAKE-A-WAYS - TAKE ACTION
Project Management Tool: Asana is the best and most straightforward tool for managing clients and your life.
https://bit.ly/3Wujct7
AI Tools: Rytr is the best AI writer for SEO copy, creating a brand voice, and help with blogging
https://rytr.me/?via=ehren
Canva: Create everything from eBooks, social media content, and pitch decks
https://bit.ly/ehren4canva
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HOW TO CREATE MULTIPLE STREAMS OF PASSIVE INCOME AS A FREELANCER | The Ambition Show Podcast | Episode 36

The best way to stop trading your time for dollars is to develop multiple streams of revenue that create passive income. Today, that is precisely what we are going to do. By the end of this show, you should have at least one new revenue stream identified.
 
PASSIVE INCOME: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT AIN'T 
What is passive income
Biggest misunderstandings
HOW TO MAKE IT AS AN ENTREPRENEUR
Create. Sale. Earn
Ownership
 
WHAT TO READ
The Guide to Passive Income: How Affluent Investors Build Generational Wealth” by Andrew Lanoie
 
In an unprecedented time, millions realize they can no longer count on just their 9-5 job or one income stream. These pages contain the exact strategies Andrew Lanoie used to retire from the rat race in his 30s. And he will teach you 11 of the best income-generating assets available today. What Andrew is talking about is truly passive income. The kind you can make in your sleep. The type that trickles into your account each month or each quarter, regardless of whether or not you even get out of bed. Only by generating this kind of income can you achieve the type of financial freedom and wealth to enjoy life on your terms. With enough passive income, you can stop living a life of worry and start living one filled with abundance, confidence, and tranquillity.
Three (3) key takeaways from the book and how it helps the listenersThis book was written and published during the pandemic, so the 
This book is perfect for understanding how different assets can generate passive income and how to get started. You do not need to be a seasoned investor or someone that has a working knowledge of investing
Not trendy. As an investor, especially one serious about creating long-term gains and consistent income, trendy topics or investment instruments are the opposite of what you want. Andrew goes in-depth about all the methods of generating passive income, starting from day one.
How to purchase the bookhttps://www.amazon.com/Guide-Passive-Income-Investors-Generational/dp/0578882213/ref=asc_df_0578882213/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=533302342524&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18243791418063818373&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021744&hvtargid=pla-1384106414322&psc=1
 
TAKE-A-WAYS = FREE OFFER(S)
Learn about investing on STASH: https://www.stash.com/learnSubscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theambitionshowpodcast
Create your eBook from start to finish in Canva: https://www.canva.com/templates/?query=ebook
IMAGES USED
Video by Anna Nekrashevich: https://www.pexels.com/video/marketing-businessman-person-laptop-6794223/
Video by Monstera Production: https://www.pexels.com/video/digital-art-showing-profit-maximization-6282186/
Video by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/video/shiny-black-car-6873503/
Video by Luis Quintero: https://www.pexels.com/video/close-up-view-of-a-camera-on-blur-background-1998560/
Video by Anamul Rezwan: https://www.pexels.com/video/construction-site-1197802/
Video by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/video/crane-856350/
 
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TRUTH ABOUT DROPSHIPPING | The Ambition Show Podcast | Episode 35

It is one of the fastest methods of starting a business. Dropshipping is popular for good reasons, and some platforms are better than others for this business model. But nothing is perfect, and today, we go over the good, the bad, and the often-overlooked aspects of dropshipping that you need to know before you start.
 
What is Dropshipping
What No One Tells You About Dropshipping
Best Practice for Dropshipping
The top 10 things most will tell you before you start a dropshipping business.From experience, what to do and not to do to start right
What makes Shopify the best platform for drop shipping?
 
Shopify Pro:
Using professionally designed themes optimized for your dropshipping store is the best way to start your business on the path to success. Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or a veteran, an optimized theme is necessary. It’s easy to use one of the team’s professionally developed SEO-ready Shopify dropshipping themes.
 
CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3xTavPD for the best themes to start your dropshipping passive income business!
 
My favorite themes for dropshipping and the top three categories for dropshipping stores:
Consumer electronicshttps://www.printful.com/blog/best-shopify-themes-for-dropshipping#h-warehouse
Apparel/Fashionhttps://www.printful.com/blog/best-shopify-themes-for-dropshipping#h-dawn
Office supplies/equipmenthttps://www.printful.com/blog/best-shopify-themes-for-dropshipping#h-startup
 
Contact my team to install and optimize your Shopify store theme: https://bit.ly/3KVyWPu.
 
Book of the Episode 
No book suggestions in this episode. Instead, I have 2 of the best YouTube channels for you to follow and learn how to get the most out of your Shopify Dropshipping store.
YouTube channel 1: Learn with Shopify - https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithshopify
YouTube channel 2: Shopify Success - https://www.youtube.com/@Shopify-Success
Blog: 50 of the Best Shopify Stores to Inspire You: https://www.shopify.com/blog/shopify-stores
YouTube channel 3: My Wife Quit Her Job: https://www.youtube.com/@mywifequitherjob
TAKE-A-WAYS - TAKE ACTION
Product Inventory Workbook
Best deals on domains with Ionos
Cover image photo credit
@achira22-images
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SAVE TIME + SANITY ALWAYS MAKE A PROCESS | THE AMBITION SHOW PODCAST | EPISODE 34

A process will save your time and your mind. You are giving yourself a nice safety blanket to test within and help you create your best work. 
What are Processes and Workflow, and the Benefits
How to create a Process and Workflow that work for you
Book of the Episode 
Alston Kleon
“The Steal Like an Artist Journal”How to purchase the bookhttps://austinkleon.com/journal/
Audio Trilogy - https://austinkleon.com/steal-audiobook-trilogy/
Austin’s newsletter https://austinkleon.substack.com/?r=2ers61&utm_campaign=subscribe-page-share-screen&utm_medium=web
TAKE-A-WAYS - TAKE ACTION
Sign up for Miro https://miro.com/signup/
Sign up for Canva https://www.canva.com/free/
Cover image photo credit
Name of the photographer: Julia M Cameron
Pexels link: https://www.pexels.com/photo/top-view-photo-of-boy-drawing-on-white-paper-4144097/
 
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LEAVE THE OLD 9-5 BEHIND interview with Edgar Tejada | Episode 33

This is the podcast for creative entrepreneurs, the best for entrepreneurs of all ages, and the best for urban entrepreneurs, with the advice we all need to achieve our goals. For those who want to build their brands, the Ambition Show Podcast is a platform to help you grow your small business.
 
Taking the first step can be the hardest, and leaving that steady paycheck, aka 9-to-5, can be extremely difficult.
Now, the entrepreneur's lifestyle isn’t easy, and it's not for everyone, especially at the same time. 
 
But once you have that itch and find your passion, it's up to you to invest in yourself and pursue what makes you happy.
 
Today, we discuss what it takes to transition from a day job to turning your passion into your new career. Edgar Tejada, who successfully made that transition and owns Panama Tours Company, joins us.
 
TOPIC POINT 1: Find your passion and pursue it
Find your passion and pursue it
There is a simple 3-step process  
1. Discovering and Defining Your Passion:
Self-Exploration: Identify what truly excites and motivates you. This can be hobbies, interests, or activities you lose track of time doing. Use tools like journaling or taking personality assessments to gain deeper insights.
Research and Validation: Once pinpointed your passion, research potential career paths. Look for examples of people who have successfully turned similar passions into professions and understand the market demand and opportunities.
2. Skill Development and Mastery:
Education and Training: Invest time in learning and mastering the skills required to excel in your chosen field. This can include formal education, online courses, workshops, or self-directed learning.
Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, freelancing, or starting small personal projects. Real-world practice helps you refine your skills and build a portfolio that showcases your abilities.
3. Building a Personal Brand and Network:
Personal Branding: Establish a solid brand that reflects your passion and expertise. Use social media, a personal website, and other platforms to share your journey, showcase your work, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Networking:** Actively build a network within your chosen industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with mentors who can provide guidance and support. Networking opens doors to opportunities and helps you stay inspired and informed.
By focusing on these areas, you can effectively transition from having a passion to building a fulfilling and sustainable career around it.
 
TOPIC POINT 2: The transition from 9-to-5 to a startup interview with Edgar Tejada
We are joined by Edgar Tejada, who successfully made that transition and owns Panama Tours Company. 
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE. INTERVIEW with Edgar Tejada
Welcome Edgar Tejada
With over 15 years of experience and a proven track record of driving growth, identifying opportunities, establishing partnerships, and promoting brand expansion, Edgar is the ideal guest to speak to all of us. 
Holding strategy leadership roles with tech giants such as Dell and Samsung
Edgar has taken his vast leadership experience and passion for innovation to start multiple businesses. 
Edgar took time from his busy schedule to share his journey from tech leadership to starting a boutique touring business
What they are knowledgeable about travel industry startup
Notable accomplishments
1 - At Samsung, he led strategy and planning teams that supported 32+ countries, including all Central American and Caribbean nations. 
3 - He’s Vice President of Dealhappi, a worthy challenger of the crowned leader of deal sites like Groupon
And the man knows Panama like nobody else…this is my conversation with Edgar Tejada.
 
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
What is the Panama Tours Company?
What did you do before Panama Tours?
What inspired you to start Panama Tours Company?
What sets your company apart from other tours in Panama?
How do you promote and market your business?
How do you ensure your tour guides provide travelers with an authentic, immersive experience rather than just reciting scripted information?
With the rise of technology and online booking platforms, how do you maintain a personal touch and connection with your customers throughout their journey with your company?
Do you have any plans for your business that you want to share with our listeners? Remember, these are fellow entrepreneurs who love to travel.
 
WHAT TO READ “Be a Free Range Human” 
About the author: Marianne Cantwell
How it relates to our topic
Work and live the life that you want,  not the life that others want you to live or you are told to.
Positive and realistic stimulant to help you think outside of the box that others have put you and themselves in. 
Three (3) key takeaways from the book and how it helps the listeners
Take away 1
Unleashing your Passion for your career 
Take away 2
Escaping career cage
Take away 3
Embrace your authentic voice
How to purchase the book
https://www.amazon.com/Be-Free-Range-Human-Escape/dp/B0C9MVC3DD/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2QOV4R7L13BQW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P9yDtdndPxsJTelX1wTI_w.tiDGHoBy9hgksqXzAke-M5rF7dYInM8O6_D0JOEjr4Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=Be+a+Free+Range+Human+Marianne&qid=1714934024&s=audible&sprefix=be+a+free+range+human+marianne+%2Caps%2C354&sr=1-1
 
TAKE-A-WAYS = FREE OFFER(S)Business plan - https://www.bplans.com/sample-business-plans/
 
Links to Research:https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/panama/overview
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-biggest-industries-in-panama.html
https://www.statista.com/topics/2847/panama/#topicOverview
 
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Season 2 Trailer | The Ambition Show Podcast| Season 2 Trailer

Welcome to season 2 of the Ambition Show Podcast! The business podcast created for entrepreneurs, providing advice from real-world experience for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. This podcast is all-inclusive. Created with creative entrepreneurs, urban-based entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs of color in mind. Hosted by the Brand Builder himself, Ehren Muhammad. Join us for another exciting season of The Ambition Show Podcast.

The Pillars of Successful Business: Sales. Marketing. Money Management. Culture | The Ambition Show | Episode 32

Understanding the Four Essential Pillars of Business Success
Get ready to unlock the secrets to business success with a breakdown of the Four Essential Pillars that form the foundation for growth and prosperity. By understanding these key elements, you'll be equipped to steer your business towards new heights and confidently navigate challenges.
These core pillars are theoretical concepts and actionable strategies that can drive your business forward. Let's delve into each one to discover how they work together to create a solid framework for sustained growth and success.
 
Cultivating a Strong Company Culture to Foster Innovation and Success, Fostering a Positive Work Environment and Employee Engagement
Cultivating a Strong Company Culture to Foster Innovation and Success, Fostering a Positive Work Environment and Employee Engagement
Creating a strong company culture is the foundation for fostering innovation and achieving success. Organizations can unlock their full potential by nurturing a positive work environment and prioritizing employee engagement.
The importance of corporate culture cannot be overstated. It sets the tone for how employees interact, collaborate, and innovate. When a positive work environment is cultivated, employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best work.
Implementing effective employee engagement strategies is critical to fostering a culture of innovation. By empowering employees to share ideas, collaborate freely, and take ownership of their work, companies can drive creativity and productivity to new heights.
Your leadership style will greatly influence the culture of your brand and business.
The Power of Marketing: Elevating Your Brand and Connecting with Customers
Marketing is not just about selling a product or service; it's about creating a connection with your audience. You can elevate your brand to new heights and forge strong customer relationships by leveraging effective marketing strategies.
To elevate your brand, you must employ innovative marketing techniques that set you apart. By understanding the needs and preferences of your target audience, you can tailor your messaging and branding to resonate with them on a deeper level.
Effective marketing campaigns are crucial to capturing consumers' attention and driving engagement. Through compelling storytelling, eye-catching visuals, and strategic messaging, you can create campaigns that promote your products and foster a sense of community and belonging among your customer base.
By prioritizing customer connection through marketing efforts, you can build trust, loyalty, and long-lasting relationships that will benefit your brand for years. Marketing has the power to not only drive sales but also create meaningful connections that turn customers into brand advocates.
 
How to create a Marketing Plan around Customer Experience
Customer experience marketing is a crucial aspect of growing your customer base. Customers who have a positive experience with your company are likelier to become advocates and promote your brand. This can result in reaching new customers through word-of-mouth advertising. Ultimately, it can increase revenues, retention rates, and brand loyalty.
How to create a customer experience marketing strategy
Create a clear customer experience vision.
Understand your target audience.
Establish an emotional connection.
Monitor and respond to reviews.
Implement changes in response to reviews and testimonials.
Build a brand personality (be authentic, honest, and
Identify your churn rate.
Per Salesforce: The Churn rate is when customers stop doing business with a company over a period. Churn may also apply to the number of subscribers who cancel or don't renew a subscription. The ideal churn rate for mature and established companies is 5% to 7% annually and less than 1% monthly churn.
The Power of Sales Strategies in Driving Revenue and Growth
Sales strategies are the backbone of any successful business, driving revenue and fueling growth. Companies can boost their sales performance and achieve remarkable results by implementing effective sales tactics and revenue generation techniques.
From innovative approaches to time-tested methods, the power of sales strategies lies in their ability to connect with customers, understand their needs, and provide solutions that drive value. By mastering the art of sales tactics for success, businesses can create a sustainable path toward increased revenue and accelerated growth.
Developing a Sales Process then the Team.
Design your sales funnel.
Prospecting
Use your customer avatar to identify who you are looking for and how to find them.
Research at a high, general level of knowing your audience, not fans and customers just yet
This is the quantity stage.
Connect and qualify leads.
Make your presence known to the audience.
Create content they will value and respond to qualify those you will take to the next step.
This is where you will identify those who are interested in your services, products, and the value you bring
Tailor your proposals and pitches.
Quality over quantity at this point
Handle objections.
You will hear NO more than you hear YES. How will you handle that?
Learn from every presentation and meeting
Focus on value less than
Close the deal.
Now the real work begins - don’t wait until the customer signs the deal
Nurture and continue to sell.
Communication is the key - listen more than you speak
Under promise - over deliver - deliver on time, keep the channels open and regular
Leverage the deliverables as materials to promote your work
Hubspot has a great Sales Plan Template to leverage in this article: https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/sales-process-
Sales Platforms and Tools
About Hubspot
HubSpot CRM Platform — Generate leads, close deals, and create remarkable customer experiences. Learn how to grow your business with a demo of HubSpot's software. Works With Any Website. All-on-One Software. Global Support. No-Hassle Integrations.
Hubspot Pros and Cons
About Salesforce
Although Salesforce started as a Software as a Service (SaaS) company, it has grown into a Platform as a Service (PaaS) company.It means that their customers can buy not only a ready-to-use Salesforce CRM system but also build their framework components (Lightning components) and custom apps on top of the Salesforce Lightning platform (Force.com), become Salesforce partners and then market these software products on its app marketplace – AppExchange.Also, Salesforce encourages users and companies to know their platform capabilities and features better and join their online training hub, Trailhead, where they can get educational resources from learning modules like “Salesforce Platform Basics” or expert support from the Trailblazer Community. To date, Salesforce has had over 150,000 customers worldwide. It is behind the scenes of business behemoths such as American Express, Sony, the Coca-Cola Enterprise, the Charles Schwab Corporation, TD Ameritrade, and others.Now, Salesforce dominates the CRM market with over 20% market share, and its share prices will only increase.The company is also famous for its company and product acquisitions. Among the latest and most significant ones are ClickSoftware, Mulesoft, and Tableau. Why do so many businesses, from start-ups to Fortune 500, jump on the Salesforce train?
Salesforce Pros and Cons
About Honeybook
HoneyBook is the centralized clientflow management platform that empowers independent businesses to deliver remarkable client experiences and confidently operate. Use one platform to see what’s happening with all projects. Manage each stage, from inquiry to payment—and everything in between. Keep invoices, contracts, and all other vital files organized in one space. HoneyBook's client flow management software is easily accessible to you and your clients from anywhere. HoneyBook integrates with tools such as QuickBooks, Calendly, Zapier, Gmail, and Google Calendar.
Honeybook Pros and Cons
About Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM is an award-winning CRM trusted by a global network of over 250,000 businesses in 180 countries to convert more leads, engage with customers, and grow their revenue. Zoho CRM is a single repository that combines your sales, marketing, and customer support activities and streamlines your process, policy, and people in one platform.
Zoho CRM Pros and Cons
About Adobe Marketo
Adobe Marketo Engage: an all-in-one marketing solution. Attract, segment, and nurture customers with precision. Track every touchpoint to measure success. Say goodbye to generic campaigns and unqualified leads. Embrace effective engagement!
Pros and Cons
Not a traditional CRM
Test and Refine
Create scripts and templates
Do A/B testing
Test on other sales professionals and mentors
Capture feedback
 
Mastering Money Management: Financial Practices for Sustainable Growth
Mastering money management is critical to achieving sustainable growth in both personal and business finances. By implementing intelligent financial management tips and best practices, individuals and companies can pave the way for long-term success.
From creating effective financial plans to adopting sustainable growth strategies, mastering money management is essential for securing a stable financial future. Individuals and businesses can confidently navigate economic challenges and achieve their long-term goals by focusing on sound financial practices.
Keep your accounts separate.
Create a target financial goal and align goals to the sales process and marketing plan.
Record every transaction in one place - make a schedule to
Go slow, focus on steady growth for long-term success
Take on little to no debt when you start
Work with an experienced professional to start and learn how to monitor your money, do taxes and payroll, and measure success.
Conclusion: Integrating These Pillars to Create a Resilient and Successful Business Model
In conclusion, integrating these pillars is the key to building a resilient and successful business model. By leveraging technology, focusing on customer experience, and fostering innovation, businesses can adapt to changing market conditions and thrive in the long run.
Remember, it's not just about implementing these strategies individually but about weaving them together seamlessly to create a strong foundation for growth and sustainability. Embrace change, stay customer-centric, and never stop innovating - this is the recipe for success in today's dynamic business landscape!
WHAT TO READ “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't ” 
About the author: Jim Collins 
How to purchase the book
https://amzn.to/49N2Q2u
TAKE-A-WAYS = FREE OFFER(S)
Bplans templates: https://bit.ly/3o5ozQU
LivePlan; Bplans for Startup: https://bit.ly/49seiRv
Use Rtyr to help write your ideas and whit research https://rytr.me/?via=ehren
 
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Business Models: Outsourcing | The Ambition Show | Episode 31

What was once a misunderstood and looked down upon business practice has quickly become the standard. Outsourcing could be the operating model you need to start or grow your business. 
 
Outsourcing describes when a business obtains a product or service from an outside provider, rather than handling it in-house. As a small business, outsourcing allows you to get more done and trust important tasks and processes to professionals, without having to actually grow your full-time team in a significant way.
The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing
PROS
Keep Payroll low
Easier Tax process
Reduces operating expenses
Cost effective
SBA article: https://www.sba.gov/blog/10-small-business-functions-can-be-easily-outsourced#:~:text=Outsourcing%20describes%20when%20a%20business,team%20in%20a%20significant%20way.
CONS
Brain Drain
Increase Unemployment Rate
Investopedia article: https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0312/4-ways-outsourcing-damages-industry.aspx
How Outsourcing generates revenue
Free up time for FTEs 
Outsourcing as a businessRecruiting and Subcontracting
ReferralsBring value to your network
Earn income from affiliations
I grew my team into an agencyOutsourced SEO and Graphic Design services
WHAT TO READ “Idea to Execution: How to Optimize, Automate, and Outsource Everything in Your Business” by Ari Meisel and Nick Sonnenberg 
How to purchase the book: https://www.amazon.com/Idea-Execution-Optimize-Outsource-Everything/dp/1619615053/ref=asc_df_1619615053/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=266029226073&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7768083813816042855&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021734&hvtargid=pla-439805368311&psc=1&mcid=1c643f157f1c3a70b5f0169a75d800d9&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xQrHZ_-wGpA7kgVVg5lpuO-i9WC-fRad_LYMjUf7ptaWLJMD1HG6xEaAoAyEALw_wcB
 
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