The Koerner Office - Live Call-In Business Advice (Dave Ramsey for entrepreneurs, but with hair).

4 amazing callers in 73 minutes! This is the best episode yet!01:39 - Nick makes bank investing in book and music royalties. His best deal came from Craigslist!18:54 - Our first ever caller returned - the street sweeping guy! And his biz is twice as big now! He's now getting MASSIVE $60k parking garage pressure washing jobs that he outsources.40:44 - Thomas has an awesome digital dashboard business for tracking metrics like short-term rental performance. He needed help growing it, so I offered some ideas.57:18 -Clayton is an engineer and aerospace consultant with a unique product idea. He thought it was too dumb to execute on, but I changed his mind. He wanted advice on importing and selling it through platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and Facebook Marketplace.

I've started over 70 businesses, so this is part 1 of me talking about all of them. Hopefully this helps you generate some ideas of your own. Or shoot, copy these yourself! Almost all of them would still work today. Enjoy! I'd love your follow and review, if I've earned it.If you want to either submit a question or ask it live on the show please fill this out: http://form.typeform.com/to/Eb8KaY0pLearn more about me at http://chrisjkoerner.com or http://cofounders.com

Today was a little different! I answered 13 pre-submitted questions in less time than it normally takes me to answer 6-7. This is tightly packed with value. Enjoy!02:42 - How to grow a gutter cleaning business in its early stages?05:19 - Tips for someone new to the gig economy?06:04 - How can I safeguard my business against sudden drops in sales?09:00 - Looking for a technical co-founder skilled in react web stack.10:27 - How to attract and keep top employees in a low-margin business?15:58 - How can I raise money in this tough economy?17:26 - How can I boost predictable cash flow?20:16 - How do I transport my product from China to the USA?22:22 - Do I focus on my successful but exhausting current business, shift to a more enjoyable side business, or manage both?23:59 - How much risk should I take on to start my business while I have a job, considering uncertain job prospects and available savings?27:04 - As a former college coach with extensive leadership experience, what entrepreneurial opportunities do you recommend for someone transitioning out of  collegiate sports?29:46- Thoughts on starting a carpet and floor care business.31:04 - How do you verify the success of leads provided to businesses, considering potential undercounting?

Every Friday I do free consulting calls while hundreds listen live. They're freaking fun! Below we covered:02:14 - Supplement biz dealing with racism.17:17 - A guy starting a trailer rental biz with his sons.25:04 - A dad got laid off and wants to start a content biz for dads who cook.41:01 -  How to sell an AI Chatbot to the shed biz.50:51 - How to buy a home in a very small community of under 40 homes.52:52 - LegalZoom alternatives?53:38 - A Tufa stone quarry being repurposed for cement?55:27 - Is the vending machine biz oversaturated?

This week we covered:01:09 - Destination wedding biz: A guy's father owns a YouTube channel that offers "done for you" destination weddings. However, the business has hit a plateau, and they are seeking advice on how to grow their business in an interesting way)12:47 - Board game biz: A guy in the Northeast has a small board game, and I provided him with some cool ideas on how to grow it.26:09 - RV park vacancy: How can he effectively advertise vacancies in his park with 68 pads, especially considering its history and current market rates?35:05 -  Monument biz: A business specializing in gravestones and headstones. The person wants to know how they should approach the owner to buy it.39:12 - Digital signage biz: How to sell digital signage to schools and how to find schools to sell to.43:40 - Dumpster rental biz: A new dumpster rental business in Salt Lake. The owner just ordered a ton of dumpsters and wants to know how to manage them effectively.

This was a great ep! We covered:01:47 - Newsletter idea - Phoenix entrepreneur: Local events or investment-focused newsletter?08:52 - Fly fishing - Entrepreneur in GA/TN: Fly fishing business or occupancy booster18:44 - Video production - Video production company stagnation: Solutions suggested36:48 -  Raise money for shipping store - Local shipping store funding: Tough advice given47:17 - Video creation software - Video creation software for mom and pop businesses: Viral growth hack suggested51:27 - Alaska car biz - Alaska entrepreneur dilemma: Which business to keep, abandon, or start anew? Advice offered on which biz to choose.

You're going to love this story. That's all I'll say.

I'm changing the name but the content stays the same. Here is why!

01:38 - Home service vertical integration (Question pertained to a landscaping business worth around $3 million, inquiring about potential vertical integration and additional services to incorporate)09:37 - What should he quit his job to start? (The second individual was contemplating quitting their job and seeking advice on what to pursue next, a common query. They appeared to appreciate the guidance provided.)21:59 - Bandit signs (The inquiry came from someone in the Dallas-Fort Worth area seeking advice on using bandit signs to promote their wife's cleaning business. Drawing from personal experience, I provided guidance on the matter.)32:19 - Bookkeeping biz (This came from a financial professional interested in hiring virtual assistants to provide specialized bookkeeping services to a distinct niche.)39:20 - 50/50 partnership (Ryan sought advice on starting a partnership with a friend, aiming for a 50-50 split despite my newsletter's caution against it. After delving into the partnership details, I offered tailored recommendations)

I was recently interviewed by the one of the most popular investing podcasts, Millennial Investing. Patrick dove deep on my backstory and asked me both business and personal questions that I rarely get asked. It was a great time.I thought it was one of the best podcast interviews I'd ever done, so I thought you might enjoy it as well.0:00:22 - What my experience was like being a missionary in Hungary0:06:27 - What some of my early hustles as a teenager were0:08:22 - How I got started writing and honing my craft0:09:59 - How Twitter has affected my career0:12:30 - How I has structured his holding company, Cofounders0:14:01 - How I incubates new entrepreneurial ideas0:15:00 - What are the qualities I looks for in people I partner with0:16:34 - How I created a company selling Buc-ee’s products0:24:46 - What I think about there being an entrepreneurial gene0:25:33 - How I have entrepreneurial competitions with my kids0:28:32 - How I got connected with John McAfee0:35:10 - When I got involved with bitcoin mining0:38:29 - How I developed conviction in bitcoin and what my price predictions are0:41:11 - How I handle the volatility of bitcoin0:42:12 - When and how I first got involved with real estate0:43:54 - Why I loves mobile home park investing0:45:45 - What an average day for me is like0:47:20 - What is Parkinson’s Law0:50:17 - How I comes up with creative business ideas0:54:04 - Why I got into ultramarathons1:03:27 - How me and my wife became living organ donors

04:24 - Wedding venue idea (How saturated is the wedding venue market and what ancillary services can be offered?)14:00 - Vending machine business (Caller interested in purchasing vending machine location business on acquire.com, which I've previously corresponded with the seller about a month ago)22:03 - Chat GPT for law firms idea (Caller interested in pitching AI-based training manuals for law firms)32:30 - Which side hustle to choose? (Caller has multiple side hustles including a community, newsletter, and a full-time job. Wants advice on which one to prioritize)35:29 - Paid ads agency (Guy runs a paid ads agency with one dentist client, seeking advice on acquiring more customers)37:42 - Are twitter spaces worth it? (Caller inquired about Twitter Spaces, asking if it's effective for audience growth, with the conversation ironically occurring on Spaces.)45:13 - VA agency (Caller considered opening a VA agency, seeking advice on which niche and revenue model to pursue)

We made some changes!1. We edited out the caller segments that weren't highly rated.2. We reordered the caller segments  from highest to lowest rated.We also added an intro of all the caller segments at the beginning. Enjoy! Timestamps below:0:00 - Intro to all the segments03:47 - Growing a virtual receptionist for home service biz08:34 - Google street views biz18:38 - Roofs with tarps idea20:15 - Custom souvenirs biz. Build or buy?28:10 - Trash collection biz in Missouri.35:30 - Acai franchise? Yay or nay? If nay, which franchise is better?We'll do it again live on Twitter this Wednesday, March 13 at 2pm CST!

HVAC Saas: How to find commercial property owners on LinkedInHow to price your offer for a cold email leadgen agencyA towing biz for drunk peopleHow to sell 40,000 solar eclipse glassesUsing drones to sell roofing leadsHow to approach waste management company owners to sell softwareHow to position and sell a service to job seekersShould he start an Indian virtual assistant agencyHow to grow a trophy and engraving business. Trophy recycling?How to raise money for a new company when I already have a Salesforce integration agency?Carfax for homeowners idea

Welcome to Episode 2 of Koerner's Corner! Today we had questions from 9 callers that covered:Payment Processor Discussion - Best way to handle payments and invoicing for B2B services.Cold Email Agency Strategy - How to refine the business model for a cold email agency that targets staffing and recruiting companies.Espresso Catering Venture -Viability and strategy for starting a mobile espresso catering service targeting office and school events.Income Tax Services Growth - How to expand a personal income tax service, especially for self-employed and small business owners.Acquiring a SaaS Business - Considerations and strategies for buying an existing SaaS business.Starting a Roofing Company - Key factors to consider when starting a roofing company.B2B Law Enforcement Software - How to create and market software solutions for law enforcement and private security sectors.Seasonal Decorating Service - The potential for a business providing decorating services for holidays like Ramadan, Diwali, and Lunar New Year.Tesla Vehicle Care Services - Opportunities in offering specialized services for Tesla owners, such as wheel repair and mobile washing at supercharging stations.

- How to grow a SoCal street sweeping biz- What biz a sales guy should start in Houston- How to uniquely grow a biz making websites for realtors- How to fix occupancy issues in 2 Alabama RV parks- To quit and grow a moving biz even more, or keep the job and try something else?- What business in Norfolk, VA a guy should start with his 3 kids

Please listen. Startup Gems is pivoting.

Today, we have a particularly fascinating tale to share—the rise of OpenGov and the strategic principles that propelled them to the summit of the tech world. From shrewd acquisitions to powerful backing and a commitment to purpose-driven innovation, OpenGov's journey is a masterclass in effective business strategies.In the next few minutes, we'll dissect the elements that transformed OpenGov from a hidden gem into a powerhouse. First up, we'll delve into their strategic acquisitions, exploring how each move was a calculated step towards building a comprehensive SaaS platform. Then, we'll unravel the web of powerful backing and alliances that played a pivotal role in OpenGov's ascent. Finally, we'll explore the driving force behind it all—purpose-driven innovation—and how it can revolutionize your own business.Introduction:Brief overview of the episode's focus on OpenGov's rise to prominence.Teaser about the three key principles that contributed to OpenGov's success.Section 1: Strategic AcquisitionsInsight into OpenGov's strategic acquisitions, including ProcureNow and Cartegraph.Exploration of how these acquisitions contributed to the development of an end-to-end SaaS platform.Concrete application for listeners: Guidance on how strategic partnerships and acquisitions can enhance their business offerings.Section 2: Powerful Backing and AlliancesExamination of OpenGov's powerful backing from industry giants such as Cox Enterprises, Insight Partners, and Marc Andreessen.Discussion on the significance of strategic partnerships beyond financial support.Practical advice for listeners: Strategies for forging influential alliances in their respective industries.Section 3: Purpose-Driven InnovationDeep dive into OpenGov's mission of powering effective and accountable government.Analysis of how purpose-driven innovation, exemplified by taking government operations to the cloud, played a pivotal role in OpenGov's success.Application for listeners: Encouragement to align their businesses with a purpose beyond profits, with examples and insights on fostering innovation.Conclusion:Recap of the key principles discussed: strategic acquisitions, powerful backing and alliances, and purpose-driven innovation.Encouragement for listeners to apply these principles to their own business strategies.Teaser for upcoming episodes and a call to subscribe for more business insights.

Join us as we unravel the compelling story of DISCO, a legal tech company that soared to great heights, faced tough challenges, and recently found itself at a crossroads. From strategic acquisitions to navigating a competitive market and maintaining an unwavering focus on customer retention, DISCO's journey is a masterclass in business principles that every entrepreneur can learn from. So, buckle up as we explore the rise, fall, and recent twists in the DISCO saga, shedding light on key principles that spell success in the fast-paced landscape of the business world.Introduction:Welcome back to Startup Gems, where we dissect real-world business stories.Teaser about DISCO's rise, challenges, and recent developments.Segment 1: Strategic AcquisitionsDISCO's smart moves with acquisitions: Levity, Nextpoint, Esquify.How these acquisitions expanded DISCO's product offering and market reach.Concrete tip for business owners: Consider strategic acquisitions to complement your offerings and fill product gaps.Segment 2: Adaptability in a Competitive MarketThe fierce competition in the legal tech industry.DISCO's ability to navigate challenges and showcase adaptability.Concrete tip for business owners: Stay vigilant, adapt strategies, and conduct regular competitor analysis.Segment 3: Strong Focus on RetentionDISCO's impressive retention rates: gross logo retention of 95%, net revenue retention rate of 121%.The significance of building and maintaining a strong customer base.Concrete tip for business owners: Prioritize customer retention through loyalty programs and consistent value delivery.Conclusion:Recap of the three key principles: Strategic Acquisitions, Adaptability, and Strong Focus on Retention.Invitation for listeners to stay tuned for more business insights.Subscribe to Startup Gems to catch every episode!

In today's special episode where we delve into the intriguing success story of Sean Audet, a 30-year-old food photographer hailing from the heart of Canada. Sean's journey is a fascinating exploration of the principles that catapulted his freelancing career to unprecedented heights. In today's episode, we'll unravel the three key business principles that not only fueled Sean's success but are applicable to any entrepreneur looking to carve their path in the business world.From skill leveraging to adaptability in niche and strategic investments, Sean's story is a goldmine of insights.Introduction:Brief overview of Sean Audet, a 30-year-old freelance food photographer from Winnipeg, Canada.Teaser for the three key business principles that fueled Sean's success.Principle #1: Skill LeveragingExploration of how Sean leveraged his culinary skills from years as a cook and sous-chef.Application for business owners: Identifying and maximizing existing skills within your team for business diversification.Principle #2: Adaptability in NicheDiscussion on Sean's journey from food photography to expanding into beverages and cosmetics.Application for business owners: The importance of staying adaptable to industry trends and exploring related fields for sustained relevance.Principle #3: Investing StrategicallyInsight into Sean's strategic investments, starting with a modest budget and growing as his business flourished.Application for business owners: Guidance on allocating resources wisely for long-term growth, whether you're a startup or an established enterprise.Preface for Takeaways:Emphasis on the universality of these principles, applicable to businesses of all sizes and industries.Encouragement for entrepreneurs to stay tuned for actionable takeaways that could shape the future of their ventures.Conclusion:Recap of the key principles discussed.Teaser for upcoming episodes and a reminder to entrepreneurs to stay innovative.

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the dynamic journey of Michael Houck, the mastermind behind Houck's Newsletter and Megaphone. Get ready for a rollercoaster of entrepreneurial wisdom as we dissect the principles that propelled Michael's ventures to success. From starting small and validating quickly to leveraging existing networks and diversifying revenue streams, we're about to uncover the strategic moves that paved the way for Houck's triumph. So, whether you're a seasoned business owner or just kickstarting your entrepreneurial adventure, stay tuned for invaluable lessons and practical tips that can elevate your business game.Introduction:Welcome back to Startup Gems, where we dissect success stories for actionable insights.Today, we delve into the journey of Michael Houck, founder of Houck's Newsletter and Megaphone.Segment 1: The Man Behind the VenturesMichael's introduction: Founder of Houck's Newsletter and Megaphone.Highlights of Michael's entrepreneurial track record: $15 million raised for his last startup, co-founder of a venture fund, and investor in over 50 startups.Segment 2: The Genesis of MegaphoneHow a casual text to friends sparked the idea for Megaphone.Starting small, validating quickly, and building the MVP with minimal investment.Practical Tip: Launch a minimum viable product (MVP), gather feedback, and iterate before scaling.Segment 3: The Evolution of Houck's NewsletterOrigin as a side project and its evolution into a standalone business.Identifying a gap in the market and investing $10,000 wisely.Practical Tip: Validate business ideas within your existing networks for early feedback.Segment 4: Customer Acquisition StrategiesMichael's strategic approach to getting the first customers for Megaphone.Leveraging existing networks and concentrically expanding reach.Practical Tip: Utilize your current customer base and personal connections for initial feedback and promotion.Segment 5: Diversifying Revenue StreamsThe multiple revenue streams of Megaphone and Houck's Newsletter.Importance of diversification for stability and resilience.Practical Tip: Explore additional monetization avenues related to your products or services.Conclusion:Recap of the three key principles: Start Small, Validate Quickly; Leverage Existing Networks; Diversify Revenue Streams.Encouragement for business owners to apply these principles for success.