Goals Are Critical | 5Crowd | Rachel Zimmer

06/17/20 • 63 min

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In this episode, we talk about building a startup from its earliest stages to the moment when it is acquired. We consider the importance of conducting adequate research on a particular problem before one embarks on their startup journey. Further, we discuss the effectiveness of repeatedly asking oneself, "What problem am I solving?" In conversation, we split the startup life cycle into multiple stages and talk about them individually. Today's guest is Rachel Zimmer, an entrepreneur with experience in marketing and advertising. She co-founded 5Crowd, an on-demand marketing production platform. Using the 5Crowd platform, projects such as banner ads and radio spots are completed using a 100% crowdsourced model. 5Crowd has brought affordable advertising and marketing to everyone, but this has been especially important for small businesses. It has received recognition from Fast Company, Deloitte’s 50 Best, Marketing Magazine, and more. Today, Rachel is the General Manager for Entrepreneur First in Canada. She coaches and mentors multiple tech startups using her knowledge and experience in marketing, sales, leadership and product market fit. She has received a number of awards, including the Desjardins Young Entrepreneur, Top 30 Under 30, and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. She also won first place at Canada's Next Top Ad Exec.

Previous Episode

Life Is Not Guaranteed | Douglas P. Pflug | IronWill 360 | Guelph Police Service | II

In this episode, we continue discussions with Douglas P. Pflug, the retired sergeant who served 28 years with the Guelph Police Service. Douglas is also the founder of Ironwill 360, where he focuses on pushing his clients out of their comfort zones to build mental agility and strengthen the mind and body to overcome the adversities of life. Douglas reflects on the importance of mental readiness in correctly managing a crisis; we discuss this in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we analyze how law enforcement personnel as well as pilots are trained to manage chaotic and high-risk situations, and how the general population can use their strategies in living through the COVID-19 pandemic and in adjusting to a post-COVID-19 world. In law enforcement, there is sometimes a notion that those in high-risk professions are expected to accept, rather indifferently, the possibility of death within their daily routine. In such a professional role which is oftentimes dangerous, the severity of death is sometimes disregarded. Another important topic we discuss are the astigmatisms and generalizations that law enforcement personnel are sometimes viewed with. As a retired police officer, Douglas notes that it is important to recognize that those working in law enforcement are also human beings. Our discussion includes a debate of where those misconceptions come from and what potential solutions may be.

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Headbutt The Fear | Rachel Zimmer | Entrepreneur First

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In this episode, we will be talking about Entrepreneur First, a program that was established in Europe and Asia in 2011 and has recently launched in Canada. Entrepreneur First was founded by Alice Bentinck and Matt Clifford, and is the world’s leading talent investor. They help entrepreneurs find a co-founder, develop an idea, and start a company. To date, Entrepreneur First has worked with over 2000 individuals to initiate more than 300 companies, with a combined net worth of $2 billion.

Today’s guest is Rachel Zimmer. She is the General Manager of Entrepreneur First in Canada. Many know Rachel for co-founding 5Crowd, which was acquired by SGSCO in 2016. Rachel reflects on some of her past struggles, embarrassing moments and experiences that have shaped her as an entrepreneur. As we discuss the early stages of a startup, she emphasizes the importance of conducting sufficient research that may prevent future product market fit issues. Moreover, we talk about women in entrepreneurship. Rachel gives her best advice on being a female leader in the business world and overcoming self-doubt, including imposter syndrome. We talk about the importance of establishing a clear vision for oneself before embarking on the long and demanding startup journey. Entrepreneurship looks sexy but it isn’t. Rachel stresses the importance of being easy on oneself and preparing for necessary sacrifices. The entire startup journey can be challenging and intimidating, but doing what one is truly passionate about can make the process more enjoyable, and potentially more rewarding. Lastly, Rachel mentions Holly Gonzalez and Anna Caravaggio, for their approaches to communication, relationship building and the effective management of tense situations.

Entrepreneur First applications close on August 28th, 2020. If you are interested in applying, click on the link below:
https://jobs.lever.co/joinefnow/0b785d4c-3a6e-4597-829e-fcafb06cae2b?_ga=2.260627913.553409686.1592905466-916163216.1592905466
Good Luck!