Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

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In today's episode, host Brian Lofrumento sits down with the talented Crystina Clauson, an expert in restaurant support and off-premise verticals, and CEO of Make Good Lemonade. Together, they delve into the crucial role of flexibility in the restaurant industry, exploring everything from leveraging digital tools and marketing strategies to the power of genuine conversations in client acquisition. Crystina's wealth of knowledge and experience offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business. Stay tuned as we uncover actionable tips and real-world wisdom to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

ABOUT CRYSTINA

Crystina Clauson is a formidable presence in restaurant support circles, who has spent 7 relentless years driving off-premise verticals and delivering exceptional results. With a remarkable track record of managing nearly $100 million yearly in online sales for a dozen brands, she has played a pivotal role in keeping hundreds of restaurants afloat during the challenging times of COVID-19. Adept at implementing loyalty programs, gift card systems, and online ordering platforms, Crystina's unwavering dedication stems from her deep admiration for restaurant operators and her relentless pursuit of making their lives easier.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Visit Make Good Lemonade’s Website

Connect with Crystina on LinkedIn

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It's the perfect Saturday, the perfect weekend, the perfect occasion, and the perfect time of year to remind ourselves to... UNPLUG.

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Most entrepreneurs at one point or another feel like they're GIVING more than they're GETTING from their business. In today's episode we'll talk about the importance of not only recognizing that, but how to use that recognition to work on the RIGHT things in your business!

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Ever wonder how to develop the SKILLS of a leader? Join us as we sit down with Brian Jones, a seasoned leader who took the leap from practicing law to senior roles at GE Insurance and Swiss Re, before ultimately founding Coaching 4 Executives LLC. Explore the evolving landscape of leadership in today's business environment and discover why structured leadership training is waning within companies. Brian sheds light on the entrepreneurial opportunities that exist for those ready to equip future leaders with the skills needed for success.
Communication is the heart of effective leadership. Learn how aligning your leadership style with your personal values—and mastering the art of active listening—can transform your ability to guide and influence others. Brian shares insightful analogies, likening great leaders to orchestra conductors who set the tempo and foster a collaborative environment. Understand the power of questions like "tell me more" to truly engage and elevate the voices around you.
Executive leadership is more than just management; it's about navigating change and seizing opportunities. Reflect on the role of executive leaders in developing their teams and nurturing growth. Brian discusses the career inflection points that arise, particularly for seasoned leaders in their 40s and 50s, and the quest for long-term fulfillment. Drawing inspiration from impactful leaders like Al Stanley and Nicola Parton, we underscore the importance of clear communication and objective feedback. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for anyone eager to evolve in their leadership journey.
ABOUT BRIAN

Brian Jones is a retired executive with more than 25 years of global leadership experience, including 8 years spent living and working in Zurich, Switzerland. He has held senior leadership roles at GE Insurance Solutions and Swiss Re in the areas of Operations, Claims, Strategy and Casualty Underwriting.

Highly energized by helping people and businesses to develop and grow, upon his retirement Brian started his own leadership coaching and consulting business, Coaching4Executives LLC. Today he works with individuals and teams at varying points of their leadership journeys, from would-be leaders to seasoned CEOs. He also consults with businesses on topics ranging from process improvement and simplification to organizational vitality, executive team development as well as strategic growth.

Brian holds a BA and JD from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a GE trained Black Belt and Master Black Belt, a member of the International Coaching Federation and is certified in the use of the Hogan HPI, HDS and MVPI Assessments and the Hogan 360 Multi-Rater Feedback Tool. He also frequently posts blogs on the Coaching4Executive site and LinkedIn addressing common leadership challenges.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Coaching4Executives’ Website
• Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

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What if memes could be your secret weapon in skyrocketing your brand's engagement? Join us as we sit down with marketing maestro Jennie Wu, who transitioned from generating millions in daily revenues as a product manager in China to founding the innovative HashMatrix agency in the US. Jennie's journey is an inspiring tale of blending product design and marketing prowess to empower AI startups and break into the American market. She candidly discusses the critical role of go-to-market strategies and her unique approach, making this a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their marketing game.
But that's not all. Jenny and your host, Brian Lofrumento, explore the rapidly evolving landscape of memes and influencer marketing, diving into how these tools can create relatable, viral content that resonates with diverse audiences. Discover HashMatrix's game-changing 3xMatrix service and how AI is revolutionizing marketing and business across various industries. Jenny also shares invaluable tech tool recommendations and entrepreneurship insights, including the impactful advice from Columbia University that fueled her success. Tune in to gain a wealth of knowledge and actionable strategies from an expert who knows how to turn challenges into triumphs.
ABOUT JENNIE

Graduated from Columbia University, Jennie Wu was previously a product manager in China, where she developed a smart payment product that achieved daily revenues of $1.2 million, starting from scratch. This product reached users from developed cities to impoverished mountainous regions in China. This inclusive and highly accessible user mindset has deeply influenced her business approach. Applying the logic of user experience to company operations, her current company, after just one year, has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing marketing companies.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit HashMatrix’s Website
• Connect with Jennie on LinkedIn