Mike sits down with Alex Polamero, founder of Ninestone Marketing. With over 20 years of experience, Alex has successfully driven marketing and sales growth initiatives and managed strategic CRM implementations for organizations with revenues between $1 million and $1 billion. In this chat, Mike and Alex explore the nuances of entrepreneurship, especially for those venturing out with existing expertise. Alex shares his journey from a 'lone wolf' beginning to build a business that is not only financially successful but also rooted in strong ethical values and teamwork. He discusses the significance of branding and personal philosophy, which were central to the formation of Ninestone Partners. The conversation sheds light on how collaborating with professionals and other business owners can significantly enhance business success and personal fulfillment.  Alex dives deep into the role of CRM in business growth, emphasizing the need for effective lead management and personalized communication. Through real-world examples, he highlights how businesses can transform with the right CRM strategies and marketing automation. The episode also touches on the importance of networking on LinkedIn and crafting a robust marketing budget to scale business operations effectively. Mike and Alex provide listeners with actionable insights into optimizing processes and creating meaningful connections alongside the critical role of hard work and persistence in entrepreneurial ventures.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Ninestone Partners YouTube   Connect with Alex: LinkedIn   Connect with Mike: Linktree   SPONSORS: Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast  Navigator Bookkeeping | Understand the full financial story of your practice Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside   Want to become a show sponsor? Email [email protected]   Copyright © 2024 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email [email protected]