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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Welcome to a New Episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, the hosts dive deep into what it means to live intentionally and avoid the most common regrets people face in life. From financial planning to life planning, they explore powerful questions like "What would you do if you had only 5 years left to live?" They also discuss the idea of balancing work with family, the importance of agency over your life, and how to create a legacy you can be proud of. Tune in to learn how to live with...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! Today, we dive into the intriguing dynamics between being in 'founder mode' and 'manager mode' within a business. Our hosts, Ryan Deiss and Roland Frasier, engage in a rich discussion about the challenges and strategies of balancing hands-on leadership with the necessity of delegation as companies scale. They explore insights inspired by Paul Graham's article on 'founder mode' and share real-world experiences that highlight the importance of a...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, hosts Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the nuances of deal-making. They dissect a real-life business deal they're considering, discussing everything from potential conflicts with partners and how to handle equity distribution to the importance of strategic alignment in business ventures. Join them as they provide valuable insights that can help any business owner or entrepreneur looking to expand through acquisitions or...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the critical role that metrics and scorecards play in managing and growing a business. They explore common pitfalls, such as tracking vanity metrics or setting unclear targets, and share insights on how to build a scorecard system that aligns with your business goals. By keeping it simple and actionable, they reveal how businesses can avoid overwhelm and achieve growth, all while holding...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch with your host, Roland Frasier, featuring guests John and Maria Assaraf. Today, we explore the shift from knowledge-based to wisdom-based roles in the workplace, emphasizing the growing appreciation for experience in a tech-heavy environment. We'll discuss the dynamics of younger bosses leading more experienced employees and share strategies for fostering a culture of mutual learning and mentorship across generations. Highlights: "It is truly amazing...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland and Ryan dive into the world of networking—something that many dread but is crucial for business success. They discuss the difference between transactional and relational networking, the importance of curiosity, and how to build genuine connections without feeling forced or awkward. You'll hear real-life examples of what works, what doesn’t, and how even self-proclaimed introverts can become great networkers by leading with...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch with Roland Frasier! Today, we have an incredible guest—Sam Khorramian, a visionary entrepreneur and real estate mogul. Sam shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to building a multi-million dollar empire in the real estate industry. This episode is packed with actionable insights on scaling businesses, adopting a millionaire mindset, and leveraging massive action to achieve exponential growth. Sam also dives deep into the mindset shifts...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In today’s enlightening discussion, Roland and Ryan delve into the evolving landscape of private equity, particularly highlighting the transition from financial engineering strategies to valuing effective operations within businesses. They discuss the historical context of private equity transformations, the increasing importance of capable operators in business scalability, and the practical implications for entrepreneurs looking to grow or sell...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into leveraging YouTube for business growth, highlighting strategies that avoid the typical creator grind. They discuss the importance of producing a 'pillar content' video that encompasses the essence of their message and using it as a lead generation tool. They also explore the efficient use of discovery ads to increase content reach without overwhelming content production...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! Today, join Roland Frasier and his business partner Ryan Deiss as they unpack the insights and strategies from a recent equity consulting session. In this episode, they delve into their unique approach to consulting for equity, where they not only advise but also implement strategies for significant business growth. They discuss the importance of identifying and solving for the right problems, leveraging their extensive experience to help businesses...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! Today, hosts Ryan Deiss and Roland Frasier delve deep into the practical applications and the realistic expectations of artificial intelligence in business. They discuss the current state of AI, debunking the hype and exploring its genuine impact on productivity and business strategy. From investment insights to AI's role across various business departments, this episode provides a grounded perspective on what AI truly offers to...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch with Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss! Today, we dive deep into the nuances of direct response marketing, the importance of knowing your ideal client, and how this understanding transforms your brand messaging. Whether it's discussing the delicate balance between high-end perception and effective market reach or exploring specific strategies for engaging your audience without compromising brand integrity, this episode is packed with insights tailored...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, hosts Ryan Deiss and Roland Frasier dive into the importance of community, especially for entrepreneurs. They discuss the transformational power of getting together in person and how masterminds and advisory boards can significantly impact your business growth. From discussing large-scale entrepreneurship conferences to exploring the nuances between boards of directors and advisory boards, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier sits down with Jesse Jackson, one of his business partners and a successful entrepreneur who has scaled her automotive business to an eight-figure company in just a few years. Jesse shares her journey, the challenges she faced, and the strategies that helped her succeed, including the power of cold outreach and the importance of finding the right business partner. Whether you're interested in acquisitions, the...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In today's discussion, hosts Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive into the nuances of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. They explore the philosophy behind early retirement, the potential pitfalls of extreme frugality, and the importance of balancing financial planning with enjoying life in the present. The conversation offers valuable insights on how to approach financial independence without sacrificing the joy of...

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss have a discussion about the genius behind Duolingo's marketing strategies. From the brand's bold use of emotional blackmail to keep users engaged to the fine line between effective persuasion and manipulation, this conversation unpacks the lessons that all marketers can learn. Discover how to balance brand personality, customer retention, and ethical marketing, with insights drawn from one of the most...