Startup Hustle

Startup Hustle

Startup Hustle is a podcast for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.  With the mission of telling the real story of startups and entrepreneurs, topics range from funding to failure and beyond.  If you want to start, own, or build a business then you're in the right place.   

  • 43 minutes 8 seconds
    Getting to Product Market Fit, Harvard MBA vs Startup Experience

    In this episode, Matt Watson interviews Rob Snyder, the founder and CEO of Reframe, about product market fit and the challenges of being an entrepreneur. They discuss the definition of product market fit, the importance of customer case studies, and the need to focus on solving specific problems for a target audience.

    Rob shares insights from his program for founders and emphasizes the value of talking to customers and iterating on the sales pitch. They also touch on the difficulty of scaling and the limitations of traditional business education in teaching early-stage startup strategies.

    The conversation explores the challenges of finding product-market fit and starting a business. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on customer needs and simplifying the process of building a startup. Matt and Rob discuss the common struggles of not knowing how to build the right product or sell it effectively. They highlight the need to listen to customers' problems rather than their proposed solutions and to frame everything in the context of a customer success story. The conversation also touches on the value of a Harvard degree in entrepreneurship and the ongoing desire to start new ventures.

    Tune in to learn that product market fit is not all that complicated.

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io

     

    Visit the Reframe website:

    https://www.robsnyder.org

     

    Learn more about Rob Snyder:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rsnyder1

     

    Highlighted Discussion Points

    • Product market fit, with a focus on repeatable customer success stories. 0:31
    • Helping startups find product-market fit through customer understanding and messaging. 3:47
    • Finding and serving early customers for startups. 9:18
    • Product market fit and scaling a business. 16:21
    • Product development and customer feedback. 22:02
    • Product development and customer success. 28:14
    • Product market fit and pivoting in startups. 31:22
    • Product development and scaling startups. 37:08

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 April 2024, 10:00 am
  • 38 minutes 57 seconds
    Founder Work-Life Balance

    Feeling trapped on a workaholic hamster wheel?

    This episode of Startup Hustle dives deep into the entrepreneur's struggle for work-life balance and that elusive thing called happiness.

    Join serial entrepreneur and travel addict Michael Motamedi as he discusses aligning your company goals with your desire to, you know, not die alone. We'll crack the code on the "happiness threshold" (it's not about that third yacht) and explore why fixing your water heater might be more fulfilling than you think. Plus, Matt finally admits he might have a delegation problem. (Spoiler alert: he does.)

    This episode is for you if:

    • You’ve ever dreamt of quitting your job and living on a beach in the Philippines (turns out happiness might be cheaper than you think)
    • You struggle to define success without a Scrooge McDuck money bin
    • You're tired of feeling guilty about not working 24/7 (hint: Mr. Beast takes breaks, too)
    • You secretly believe AI can plan your next vacation (spoiler alert: Michael tried it with AI travel assistant GuideGeek)

    Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe re-evaluate your life plan. Because, let's face it, chasing happiness on a hamster wheel is exhausting.

    Tune in and buckle up for a thought-provoking ride!

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io

     

    Listen to the ‘No Fixed Address’ podcast: 

    https://matadornetwork.com/podcasts/no-fixed-address

     

    Learn more about Michael Motamedi:

    https://www.michaelmotamedi.com

     

    Try the AI travel assistant Michael uses:

    https://guidegeek.com

    Highlighted Discussion Points:

    • Entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and personal goals. 0:52
    • Finding happiness threshold through aligning personal and professional goals. 6:22
    • Defining happiness threshold and understanding why people work. 10:50
    • Finding purpose and happiness through creative hobbies and entrepreneurship. 15:40
    • Work-life balance, entrepreneurship, and happiness. 20:35
    • Delegating tasks and lowering expectations for entrepreneurs. 28:36
    • Work-life balance, travel with AI, and personal growth. 34:42

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    17 April 2024, 10:00 am
  • 44 minutes 41 seconds
    People Engineering

    This episode of Startup Hustle is a goldmine for aspiring entrepreneurs!  Yaniv Bernstein, host of the StartUp podcast and founder of Funding Fit, joins the show to dish on the exciting and often messy world of startups.

    Ever heard of "entrepreneurial ADHD"?  Yaniv, a former Google employee who freely admits to this condition, dives into the challenges founders face, including the pitfalls to avoid.  Learn from his experience to dodge common mistakes and build a venture that thrives, not dives.

    Is venture capital the holy grail?  Not necessarily.  Matt Watson and Yaniv have a fascinating conversation about the VC game, unpacking the truths behind those astronomical return expectations.  They'll also explore the bootstrapping path and how to decide which route is right for you.

    Hiring a killer dev team is crucial for any startup.  But how do you do it?  Yaniv, with his background in software engineering, offers insights on building the perfect tech squad for your dream venture.

    This episode is packed with valuable takeaways, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a newbie with a million-dollar idea.  Tune in and learn how to navigate the startup world, avoid costly mistakes, and hire the A-team to make your business successful!

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io

     

    Visit The Startup Podcast website: 

    https://www.tsp.show

     

    Learn more about Yaniv Bernstein:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein

     

    Highlighted Discussion Points

    • Entrepreneurship, startups, and hiring dev teams. 0:32
    • Entrepreneurship, startups, and avoidable mistakes. 1:31
    • Parenting and startup analogies. 3:36
    • Venture capital, scaling, and business criteria. 6:52
    • VC fund expectations and founder mindset. 12:01
    • Venture capital, founders' responsibilities, and control. 18:30
    • Venture capital, cost-savings, and VC value add. 22:03
    • Entrepreneurship, VC investment, and personal motivations. 25:34
    • Bootstrapping and high-growth businesses. 31:05
    • VC funding and bootstrapping for business growth. 36:59

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    10 April 2024, 10:00 am
  • 23 minutes 6 seconds
    SaasOpen Review: The Value of In Person Meetups

    Join us as Matt Watson chats with Greg Head about the power of in-person events like the SaaS Open. We're talking about ditching the Zoom fatigue and forging real connections with founders who GET IT.

    They discuss the value of talking to other entrepreneurs and attending events. They highlight the power of community and the benefits of connecting with like-minded individuals. They also touch on the importance of in-person events and their impact on building relationships. The conversation emphasizes the practical aspects of running a SaaS business and the challenges founders face. 

    In this episode, you will learn about:

    • Talking to other entrepreneurs and attending events can provide valuable insights and support.
    • Building a community of like-minded individuals can be energizing and help overcome challenges.
    • In-person events allow for deeper connections and a different level of understanding.
    • Practical founders focus on the nitty-gritty of growing a business without relying on big funding.
    • Networking and learning from others in the entrepreneurial community is essential for success.

    Overall, the episode emphasizes the value of networking and learning from others in the entrepreneurial community.

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io

     

    Visit the Practical Founders website:

    https://practicalfounders.com

     

    Learn more about Greg Head:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregheadaz

     

    Highlighted Discussion Points

    • Entrepreneurship, community, and networking. 0:31
    • Entrepreneurship, networking, and growth at SaaS open conference. 1:28
    • Entrepreneurship, business growth, and SaaS industry insights. 6:00
    • Business growth challenges and strategies. 9:43
    • The importance of networking for SaaS founders. 15:39

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    5 April 2024, 10:00 am
  • 41 minutes 2 seconds
    Making Key Hires

    Do you ever feel like you're the only one getting things done at your startup? This episode is for you! Matt Watson chats with Greg Schmedding, a problem-solver with a proven track record in the staffing industry, about the critical hires every startup needs to flourish.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why delegating and letting go are essential for startup growth (and how to do it without losing control)
    • The biggest hiring mistakes founders make (think: promoting that talented developer to CTO way too soon!)
    • The importance of building a strong foundation before scaling your team
    • How to identify and hire talented individuals who might not have the experience on paper but have the potential to be superstars
    • Why Matt Watson says his best hire wasn't the most experienced, but the one who believed most in their approach
    • How to create a repeatable and scalable sales system (and the challenges of managing an offshore team)
    • The importance of self-awareness in key hires - building a team that complements your strengths and weaknesses

    This episode is packed with practical advice to help you build the dream team your startup deserves. So, tune in and get ready to learn about making key hires for your company!

     

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io/

     

    Learn more about Gregg Schmedding:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gschmedding/ 

    Highlighted Discussion Points

    • Key hires for startups with guest Greg Schmedding. 0:31
    • Sales experience and problem-solving in the staffing industry. 1:10
    • Key hires for startups and entrepreneurs. 3:25
    • Hiring and trust in leadership positions. 7:52
    • Entrepreneurship, leadership, and team building. 12:00
    • Hiring key personnel and playbooks for success. 19:24
    • Hiring and recognizing greatness in early-stage companies. 22:47
    • Hiring key personnel for a growing company. 27:01
    • Leadership, process, and culture in a sales team. 31:22
    • Key hires, focusing on root growth. 37:06

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    4 April 2024, 10:00 am
  • 40 minutes 43 seconds
    Building a Global SaaS Company

    In this episode of Startup Hustle, Matt Watson chats with Rex Kurzius, founder and CEO of Asset Panda, about the exciting (and sometimes messy!) world of building a global SaaS company.

    Get ready to hear about:

    • The entrepreneurial itch: Rex, a serial entrepreneur, shares his insights on what drives him to build new businesses constantly.
    • From home inventory to global asset tracking: Discover how Asset Panda pivoted from a consumer product to a successful B2B solution for tracking assets worldwide.
    • Localization and the challenges of global markets: We explore the complexities of data privacy, language barriers, and cultural differences when selling software internationally.
    • Unexpected use cases: From weird machines to body parts, Rex reveals the surprising ways companies worldwide use Asset Panda.
    • Global marketing strategies: Matt and Rex discuss the various approaches to marketing a SaaS product internationally, including organic search and partnerships.
    • The importance of customer fit: Learn why identifying the ideal customer profile is crucial for success in the global SaaS market.
    • Compliance in a globalized world: We delve into the challenges of data privacy regulations like GDPR and how to navigate them effectively.
    • The power of partnerships: Discover how Rex's MSP program leverages local partners to provide exceptional customer support worldwide.
    • The rewards of going global: Rex shares the satisfaction of providing value to customers internationally and building strong relationships.

    Join us for an insightful discussion on the exciting world of building a global SaaS company!

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io

     

    Visit the Asset Panda website: 

    https://www.assetpanda.com 

     

    Learn more about Rex Kurzius:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rex-kurzius-%F0%9F%90%BC-517aa9

     

    Highlighted Discussion Points

    • Entrepreneurship, business ideas, and asset tracking. 1:27
    • Tracking assets globally with localization and language support. 6:48
    • Tracking assets and managing inventory globally. 12:02
    • Global marketing strategies and challenges. 17:01
    • Global expansion, customer profiles, and compliance challenges. 22:04
    • Data privacy and compliance challenges for SaaS companies. 27:11
    • International business challenges and partnerships. 31:05
    • Global SaaS company challenges and successes. 37:46

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 April 2024, 10:00 am
  • 43 minutes 28 seconds
    90 Days After My Acquisition

    Ever wonder what happens when you buy out your business partner?

    Join Jeff Munn and Matt Watson, the new CEO of Full Scale, as they go through Matt’s entrepreneurial rollercoaster in the first 90 days!

    In this episode, you'll hear:

    • Matt's origin story: From problem solver to accidental business owner, Matt shares his hilarious and relatable journey.
    • Leadership lessons learned (the hard way): Matt dives into the challenges and triumphs of taking over a company he once co-ran.
    • Going global (and the awkwardness that comes with it): Matt gets real about leading a team of 300+ employees in the Philippines.
    • Building a tech powerhouse: We explore Matt's plans for scaling Full Scale, including his bold marketing strategies.
    • The entrepreneur's struggle is real: Matt and Jeff Munn chat about the stress, excitement, and constant hustle of running a business.
    • Growth without burnout: Matt shares his honest journey towards achieving sustainable growth while maintaining his sanity. ‍

    This episode is packed with insights, hilarious anecdotes, and practical advice for anyone considering the entrepreneurial path or anyone who just wants a glimpse into the crazy world of startups!

    Don't miss out! Tune in today!

     

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io/

     

    Visit the Jeff Munn  website: 

    https://jmunn.com/ 

     

    Learn more about Jeff Munn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmunn/ 

    Highlighted Discussion Points

    • Entrepreneurship and business ownership with Matt Watson. 0:32
    • Entrepreneurship, business growth, and leadership. 2:39
    • Leadership transition and cultural differences. 8:25
    • Leadership and change management in a tech company. 13:14
    • Ideal client for software development services. 18:30
    • Risks and growth strategies for a software development company. 20:33
    • Entrepreneurship, stress, and balance. 25:31
    • Business growth, leadership, and marketing goals. 30:09
    • Business growth and leadership decisions. 35:04

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 March 2024, 10:00 am
  • 53 minutes 46 seconds
    Building Up Women, Building Communities

    Have you ever wondered how entrepreneurship can change communities?

    This episode dives deep into business ownership with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, a leader with an impressive track record in government, education, and philanthropy. Now, she's at the helm of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a powerhouse dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, especially women and people of color.

    Here's what you won't want to miss:

    • Inspiring stories: Dr. Wallace shares her incredible career journey, from diplomacy to higher education to making a real difference in communities.
    • Leadership lessons: Learn how Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace of the Kauffman Foundation fosters a culture of empathy and active listening within the organization.
    • Supporting women-owned businesses: Discover how the Kauffman Foundation prioritizes grants and resources for female founders and businesses owned by minorities.
    • The future of entrepreneurship: Explore the Kauffman Foundation's exciting plans to empower underserved communities and build a thriving ecosystem for innovation.
    • Empowering words for women leaders: Get a boost of inspiration from Dr. Wallace and Lauren Conaway as they share their wisdom for navigating demanding roles and achieving success.

    Tune in and get ready to be motivated by the power of entrepreneurship and the incredible women leading the charge!

     

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io/

     

    Visit the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation website: 

    https://www.kauffman.org/ 

     

    Learn more about Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deangelaburnswallace/ 

    Highlighted Discussion Points

    • Entrepreneurship and women's history with Dr. D. Angela Burns Wallace. 0:33
    • Leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact. 2:13
    • Joining the Kauffman Foundation and its impact. 8:15
    • Community building and leadership approach. 13:57
    • Entrepreneurship, grants, and local suppliers. 19:19
    • Leadership and strategic plans for the Kauffman Foundation. 23:53
    • Entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and community development. 27:53
    • Entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact. 32:48
    • Philanthropy, empathy, and community impact. 3722
    • Leadership, self-care, and superpowers. 42:47
    • Women's leadership and entrepreneurship. 50:34

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 March 2024, 10:00 am
  • 55 minutes 21 seconds
    Scaling WP Engine with Jason Cohen

    Ever felt like your website is about to crash from a sudden surge in traffic?

    Our guest founder knows that feeling all too well. In this episode, we chat with the Chief Innovation Officer of WP Engine, Jason Cohen, about the company's incredible journey and his own path from burnt-out developer to successful entrepreneur.

    You'll learn:

    • How Jason's early struggles with WordPress led to the creation of a billion-dollar business.
    • The surprising secret weapon that helped WP Engine stand out from the crowd (Spoiler alert: probably not the t-shirt).
    • Why "headless" WordPress is the future and how it can boost your website's performance.
    • The potential of AI in writing content and creating a more personalized user experience.
    • How to avoid the "joy and skill trap" and find work that keeps you motivated and energized.
    • Jason's ingenious interview technique to guarantee a perfect fit for your next hire.

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone who:

    • Runs a WordPress website and wants to take it to the next level.
    • Dreams of starting their own business but feels stuck on an idea.
    • Wants to learn how to avoid burnout and find more joy in their work.

    Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

     

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io/

     

    Visit the WP Engine website:

    https://wpengine.com/

     

    Learn more about Jason Cohen:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncohen/

    Highlighted Discussion Points

    • WP Engine and the origin of smart bear with Jason Cohen. 0:32
    • Starting and selling a successful software company. 1:38
    • Entrepreneurship and idea validation. 6:16
    • Growing a WordPress-focused company through marketing strategies. 10:59
    • Growth strategies for a WordPress hosting company. 13:33
    • Business strategies and product development in the WordPress industry. 17:10
    • Decoupling WordPress for better performance and scalability. 22:33
    • Decoupling, AI, and website components. 25:21
    • AI and search capabilities in WordPress. 27:47
    • Company expansion strategies using adjacent markets. 32:58
    • Evaluating business expansion strategies. 36:00
    • Entrepreneurship and career development. 39:20
    • Avoiding burnout and finding joy in work. 46:06
    • Hiring techniques and avoiding bad fits in the workplace. 49:55

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 March 2024, 10:00 am
  • 33 minutes 7 seconds
    From Car Dealer to Automotive SaaS Leader

    Join Matt Watson for a blast-from-the-past reunion with his long-time friend, Danny Zaslavsky! This episode dives deep into Danny's fascinating journey, from growing up in a car dealership to becoming the founder of a tech startup, DealerCue.

    Matt and Danny reminisce about their early days working together, the challenges they faced in the car business, and the power of technology to revolutionize the industry. They'll discuss:

    • The Birth of DealerCue: How Danny's experience managing a car dealership led him to create a revolutionary solution for vehicle lifecycle management.
    • Entrepreneurship 101: Matt and Danny share their unique stories of building successful companies, from opportunistic beginnings to overcoming generational resistance.
    • Marketing Magic: Learn how Danny defied traditional advertising strategies and succeeded through community engagement and innovative campaigns.
    • From Showroom to Startup: Discover how DealerCue leveraged Danny's product expertise to create a game-changing platform.
    • The Power of Partnership: Matt and Danny reveal the secrets to successful collaborations: trust, complementary skills, and a shared vision.

    This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, the ever-evolving car dealership landscape, and the power of partnerships in the tech industry. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

     

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io/

     

    Visit the DealerCue website: 

    https://www.dealercue.com/ 

     

    Learn more about Danny Zaslavsky:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-zaslavsky-a8503121/ 

    Highlighted Discussion Points

    • Entrepreneurship journey from car dealership to tech startup. 0:31
    • Vehicle lifecycle management and DealerCue. 1:21
    • Entrepreneurship, technology adoption, and generational change in the car dealership industry. 7:16
    • Advertising and marketing strategies in the car business. 13:02
    • Marketing and technology in the car dealership industry. 18:20
    • Entrepreneurship, partnerships, and innovation in the tech industry. 24:39

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 March 2024, 10:00 am
  • 40 minutes 29 seconds
    Pivoting from B2C to B2B, Property Management Tech

    Have you ever struggled to find reliable contractors for your home repairs? You're not alone! In this episode, we'll hear from Bo Lais, the CEO and founder of Lula. He started out helping homeowners but discovered a hidden goldmine in the property management industry.

    Bo and his wife faced the same challenge as many homeowners: finding qualified contractors. This led them to create a platform to connect homeowners with reliable professionals. But what they learned along the way was even more valuable.

    Tune in to hear Bo's story of pivoting his business, the challenges of competing in the property management marketplace, and how Lula ultimately found success by focusing on property management. We'll explore the challenges and triumphs of this strategic shift, including:

    • Why saying no to a high volume of customers can be the smartest decision
    • How AI is revolutionizing work order management
    • The importance of deep integrations with property management software
    • Successful go-to-market strategies for a niche industry
    • Building a winning team with core values at the forefront

    This episode is packed with valuable insights if you're a property manager, entrepreneur, or someone who's ever battled unreliable contractors.

     

    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

    https://gigb.co/l/YEh5

     

    This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

    https://fullscale.io

     

    Visit the Lula website: 

    https://lula.life

     

    Learn more about Bo Lais:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolais

     

     

    Highlighted Discussion Points

    • Pivoting from B2C to B2B and the challenges faced. 0:31
    • Competing with lead generation platforms in the home repair industry. 4:35
    • Marketplace challenges and pivoting to focus on property management. 7:46
    • Software development for property management companies. 14:50
    • Go-to-market strategies for a niche industry. 19:32
    • Partnerships and business model evolution in property management. 24:08
    • Focusing on property management services and turning down distracting opportunities. 29:35
    • Hiring, core values, and growth strategy for a successful tech company. 34:37
    • Niche business software and software development. 38:05

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 March 2024, 10:00 am
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