Startup Stories - Mixergy

Josh Band is an entrepreneur who is a professional baseball player. He said, “I need to make some money on the side, so you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to create a box of baseball products to send to people but only if they commit to getting it every month and pay me for a subscription to it.” I want to find out why are people subscribing to something like this and why Josh has to curate these things for customers. Josh Band is the founder of Plate Crate, a subscription service that delivers a box of baseball gear monthly. Josh Band is the founder of Plate Crate, a subscription service that delivers a box of baseball gear monthly. Sponsored byToptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

Over 10 years ago, I interviewed Jason Zook about how brands paid him to wear their shirts on social media. Every day of the week, without a break, he’d broadcast himself live, post YouTube videos, take photos, Tweet, etc. He showed followers his life, and promoted brands the paid him. How much money did he make? What happened when he crashed? How did he rediscover himself? Listen. It’s worth it. Jason Zook is the founder of Wandering Aimfully which is a membership community for client-based business owners who want to transition into selling digital products. Sponsored byToptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

Joining me is an entrepreneur who was running a development shop, saw problems that his clients had and said, “I think I’m going to pursue this idea that has nothing to do with that problem.” So he built that other idea, he started to understand what it’s like to build a software as a service. And he said, “You know, let me come back to this problem that I saw before.” And the problem was how hard it was for businesses to build websites. Dusty Davidson is the co-founder of Flywheel Hosting, a premium WordPress hosting company built specifically for design firms. Dusty Davidson is the co-founder of Flywheel Hosting, a premium WordPress hosting company built specifically for design firms. Sponsored byToptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. The James Altucher Show – James Altucher has started and ran more than 20 companies and is currently an investor in and advisor to over 30, but at one point, James lost everything. In a matter of months, his account drained from $15 million to $143. Depressed and on the floor, James realized the only way to be truly successful and fulfilled is to “choose yourself.” Now, James Altucher is a bestselling author, successful entrepreneur, angel investor, chess master, & host of The James Altucher Show podcast. Text ANDREW to 50445 to receive James Altucher’s free Ultimate Guide to Self-Publishing More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

I’m embarrassed to admit that I was surprised to learn that Estonia is one of the most technologically advanced societies in the world. Kids start programming in first grade. There’s more startups here than anywhere else. Joining me here is Teet Praks. Teet is the founder of coModule, a bike and scooter sharing service. I want to find out how he built it up. Teet Praks is the founder of coModule, a bike sharing service. Sponsored byToptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. Bubble – You don’t need to be a coder to build software. Bubble is a code-free programming language that lets you build and host web applications without engineers. Anyone who wants to try it right now is going to get 40% discount for the first three months. Go to Bubble.is/mixergy to sign up and start using it immediately. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

Joining me is a woman who came up with a company that allows businesses to ask questions of their potential customers to understand them better. I want to understand why they would need a company to do that instead of doing it themselves. Nadia Masri is the founder of Perksy, a next-gen consumer insights platform. Nadia Masri is the founder of Perksy, a next-gen consumer insights platform. Sponsored byHostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website. Brain.fm – If you are working and you need to focus, try Brain.fm. You can go study the science behind pink noise and what it does to the brain, or you can just go try it. You’re going to focus; you’re going to be more productive; you’re going to get more results. And if you go to brain.fm/mixergy, they will give you 20% off. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

Today’s guest is a guy who had a company that didn’t actually pan out the way he wanted it to. It was called Site2Mobile and the goal was to take your website and make it mobile-friendly. And it didn’t really scale. It didn’t grow. It didn’t become what he wanted it to. We’ll talk about why not. But as he was building it up, he recognized two needs that led to the creation of a tool that would scale. Robert Kreuzer is the co-founder of Channable, a data feed management tool for webshops and marketing agencies. Robert Kreuzer is the co-founder of Channable, a data feed management tool for webshops and marketing agencies. Sponsored byBrain.fm – If you are working and you need to focus, try Brain.fm. You can go study the science behind pink noise and what it does to the brain, or you can just go try it. You’re going to focus; you’re going to be more productive; you’re going to get more results. And if you go to brain.fm/mixergy, they will give you 20% off. Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

Joining me today is someone whose path to software creation is very similar to many of the other entrepreneurs that I’ve interviewed here. She started out by doing consulting services, helping businesspeople with their presentations. Then she recognized that they had a problem with consistency across presentations. She said, “You know, I can solve it.” And she created a software company to solve that. So AlexAnndra Ontra is the co-founder of Shufflrr, a presentation management software tool. AlexAnndra Ontra is the co-founder of Shufflrr, a presentation management software tool. Sponsored byToptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

When I asked people about who was doing chat well today, the name that kept coming up was Brett Linkletter. Brett is the founder of Misfit Media, which helps restaurants target & acquire local customers. I invited him here to talk about how he built up his agency and where he’s getting his clients. Brett Linkletter is the founder of Misfit Media, which helps restaurants target & acquire local customers on automation with ease. Sponsored byToptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. The Side Hustle Bible – If you’re looking for a side hustle, check out James Altucher’s The Side Hustle Bible. The book is a collection of proven opportunities (177, to be exact) to turn your hobby or existing skills into an entirely new source of income. Each method has the potential to move you closer to your goals. Go to The Side Hustle Bible to see how others have created a profitable side hustle with this FREE book. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

One of the people who is way ahead of the pack when it comes to growing an audience through chat bots is Manuel Suarez. Manuel is the founder of Attention Grabbing Media, a modern digital marketing agency. He’s started managing chat bots for huge online personalities. I invited him here to talk about how he built up his agency. Manuel is the founder of Attention Grabbing Media, a modern digital marketing agency. Sponsored byToptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. The Side Hustle Bible – If you’re looking for a side hustle, check out James Altucher’s The Side Hustle Bible. The book is a collection of proven opportunities (177, to be exact) to turn your hobby or existing skills into an entirely new source of income. Each method has the potential to move you closer to your goals. Go to The Side Hustle Bible to see how others have created a profitable side hustle with this FREE book. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

Today’s guest has a company that basically fights against the idea of explainer videos. The idea that you have to make somebody watch a three-minute video is a quixotic pursuit at best. And even if you get them to watch it, you’ve failed because they are watching something instead of using your software. So today’s guest created in-product tours. Pulkit Agrawal is the founder of Chameleon which offers product tours that blend seamlessly into your product experience. Pulkit Agrawal is the founder of Chameleon which offers product tours that blend seamlessly into your product experience. Sponsored byHostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website. Brain.fm – If you are working and you need to focus, try Brain.fm. You can go study the science behind pink noise and what it does to the brain, or you can just go try it yourself. You’re going to focus; you’re going to be more productive; you’re going to get more results. And if you go to brain.fm/mixergy, they will give you 20% off. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

Joining me is Gabriel Lim. He is an entrepreneur who went to Silicon Valley, who got funded by Y Combinator, and who of his own choice decided to come back to Singapore. Gabriel Lim is the founder of Saleswhale, which uses AI to engage every lead over email, qualify them, and identify leads that are ready to buy. I want to find out how he built up his business and why he decided to do it in Singapore instead of Silicon Valley. Gabriel Lim is the founder of Saleswhale, which uses AI to engage every lead over email, qualify them, and identify leads that are ready to buy. Sponsored byToptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

If we are using chat to communicate with the people we love then why are we only using email to talk to our customers? There are two people who created a chatbot that got a lot of buzz because it generated $3M in revenue in one hour. I invited them hear to talk about how they did it but I don’t want to focus on these outlier results. I want to talk about other successes with chatbots like a loyalty program they created for smaller businesses. Philippe LeCoutre and David Sambor create messenger marketing experiences for their clients. Philippe LeCoutre and David Sambor are the co-founders of Messenger Marketing Experts where they create messenger marketing experiences for their clients. Sponsored byToptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

Toptal’s CEO was accused of not giving options to employees who felt they were entitled to it, even though their legal agreements stated they were conditional. I asked him to do an interview, expecting him to say no way, but instead he said, glad to. My summary of his response. Regarding investors: I’m not going to raise unnecessary funds just so their debt could convert to equity. Be patient. Regarding employees: I keep telling people not to work here if they’re doing it for a stock windfall. Regarding his cofounder: Legally, I can’t say anything. Taso Du Val is the founder of Toptal, which enables start-ups, businesses, and organizations to hire freelancers from a growing network of top talent in the world. Sponsored byHostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website. Brain.fm – If you are working and you need to focus, try Brain.fm. You can go study the science behind pink noise and what it does to the brain, or you can just go try it. You’re going to focus; you’re going to be more productive; you’re going to get more results. And if you go to brain.fm/mixergy, they will give you 20% off. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

A few years ago I noticed there was a handful of companies whose goal was to help founders raise money. This angel crowdfunding idea was growing in popularity and it felt like it was going to be the future, and for some reason, it wasn’t. Joining me today is an entrepreneur who went down that path. He found that wasn’t actually the right approach. I invited him here to find out why. My guest is Brock Blake. He is the founder of Lendio. Lendio is a marketplace for business owners to comparison shop and get loans that they need. So they’re no longer matching entrepreneurs like you with angel investors, they are now helping you get the loan that you need. We’ll find out why he made the change in this interview. Brock Blake is founder of Lendio a marketplace for businesses owners to comparison shop and get the loan they need. Sponsored byToptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now. ActiveCampaign – Improve your marketing & sales processes by upgrading to an automated platform. Start sending follow-up that adapts to your customers’ behavior so you are sending the perfect message at the perfect time. You’ll have happier customers and higher conversions. See why over 150,000 marketers use ActiveCampaign to create intelligent marketing that gets better results. If you’re with one of their confusing competitors and you want something new, you owe it to your business to check out ActiveCampaign. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint

Joining me today is an entrepreneur who, in the early internet days, figured out a simple solution in a world of really difficult online sales. I’ve been wondering what happened to him. Robin Singh is the founder of E-Junkie which offers copy-paste buy-now and cart buttons for selling downloads, codes and tangible products on any website, blog, social media and messenger. Robin Singh is the founder of E-Junkie which offers copy-paste buy-now and cart buttons for selling downloads, codes and tangible products on any website, blog, social media and messenger. Sponsored byHostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website. ActiveCampaign – Improve your marketing & sales processes by upgrading to an automated platform. Start sending follow-up that adapts to your customers’ behavior so you are sending the perfect message at the perfect time. You’ll have happier customers and higher conversions. See why over 150,000 marketers use ActiveCampaign to create intelligent marketing that gets better results. If you’re with one of their confusing competitors and you want something new, you owe it to your business to check out ActiveCampaign. More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint