Rising Tide Startups Rising Tide

Ever wondered what it takes to pivot from the dream of a sports career to making a global impact as an entrepreneur? Let us introduce you to International Business Consultant Steve Collins, who's transcended borders and boundaries to revolutionize startups and leadership training. Explore Steve's journey from corporate newcomer to international leader, along the way emphasizing passion and strategic alignment for success. We discuss the critical role of leadership in team building, offer insights from industry titans like Sam Walton, and share personal anecdotes. Tune in for practical advice on servant leadership, mentorship, and the broader impact of purpose-driven organizations.

 

Steve Collins, a seasoned global leader and business developer, brings diverse expertise to his current role as Global Training Director for LEAD International. With an MBA from Wake Forest University, he honed his skills during eight years in China and a fifteen-year tenure in the Middle East, holding pivotal roles in organizations like International Business Associates (IBA) and as President and COO of LEAD International. Steve's journey underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, emphasizing collaboration and strategic team composition rooted in servant leadership principles. His teachings, influenced by his cross-cultural experiences and basketball background, resonate in entrepreneurial circles, emphasizing the significance of shared vision and effective team selection for business success.

 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

 

Leadership is key to entrepreneurial success and essential for guiding teams through the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship and making a lasting impact.
Resilience, teamwork, and purpose-driven ventures form the foundation of successful entrepreneurship, guiding leaders and businesses through challenges, fostering unity, and driving meaningful impact.
Effective leadership requires both character and skill, essential for gaining respect and achieving results. The character embodies moral values like integrity and honesty, while skill encompasses competencies such as decision-making and communication.
Selecting the right team is vital for entrepreneurial success. It involves more than just skills; it requires alignment with the company's vision, complementary abilities, ownership, resilience, cultural fit, and contributions to long-term growth and stability.
Entrepreneurs should perceive failures not as defeats, but as pivots or valuable learning experiences. Recognizing setbacks as integral to the journey fosters resilience, focus, and perseverance, guiding them toward growth and success.
Servant leadership prioritizes team growth and trust, supported by mentorship for personal and professional development. This fosters a culture of service and growth, enhancing engagement, morale, and productivity in teams and organizations.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Steve Collins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-collins-6a313629/
LEAD International: https://lead-international.com/

 

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Reclaim your time with Jaime Jay, the pioneering mind behind Bottleneck Virtual Assistants, as he shares his journey from U.S. Army paratrooper to entrepreneur extraordinaire, navigating the transition from the rigid structures of corporate America to the creative realm of virtual assistance. We're excited to welcome Jaime Jay back for his third appearance on Rising Tide Startups, and is labelled by our host as the internet's embodiment of kindness. His story is a testament to the transformative power of passion for processes, culminating in the creation of the world's first dedicated Distant Assistant company, reshaping our understanding of work-life balance.

 

Jaime Jay – a man who wears many hats, and wears them all admirably. He's the founder of the renowned Bottleneck Distant Assistant Services firm, and his book "Quit Repeating Yourself" has become a must-read for founders in this space. When he's not busy building his empire, you can find him on his beloved Harley Davidson, cruising through the countryside and taking in the invigorating effects of Uitwaaien – a Dutch practice that involves facing the wind to boost health and relieve stress.

 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

 

Offering a subscription-based service model diverges from traditional contracts while fostering trust and satisfaction with flexible terms that allow clients to leave at any time and potentially receive refunds for unused services.
The meticulous vetting process guarantees top-tier service from highly skilled distant assistants, fostering high retention rates by hiring only the top 5% of applicants.
Structured workflow management and proper delegation techniques contribute to a 100% client retention rate, showcasing the effectiveness of delegation roadmaps in the virtual assistant industry.
Integrating artificial intelligence to enhance its services places significant importance on maintaining a positive and respectful workplace culture.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Jaime:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimejay/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjaimejay/
Bottleneck Distant Assistants: https://bottleneck.online/

 

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

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In this episode of The Rising Tide Startups, we chat with Taylor Black, a dynamic entrepreneur whose roots trace back to high school ventures and now extend into the innovative ecosystem of Microsoft's venture studio. Taylor's narrative is woven from his formative years launching a B2B SaaS enterprise during his legal studies, to his strategic role in shepherding early-stage companies towards market success such as Conduit Venture Labs and Fizzy Ventures. Whether he's sharing the nuts and bolts of product development or recounting the strategic pivot of Altis.io, an AI platform, Taylor's story is a masterclass in business acumen and adaptability.

 

Taylor Black is a Seattle-based entrepreneur and intrapreneur with an impressive tech industry track record. He currently works in Microsoft's internal Venture Studio. He  also mentors startups through Fizzy Ventures, and founded Altis.io, an AI platform designed to support user researchers.

 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

 

The Intrapreneurial Edge is the use of entrepreneurial skills to promote change, new initiatives, and innovation within a corporation.
Venture Capital and Angel Investing Insights are essential for entrepreneurs and startups to understand the workings of financing startups and fast-growing businesses by providing knowledge on investment mechanics, capital accessibility, networking prospects, market validation, and risk mitigation strategies.
Angel investing is no longer just for the wealthy. Sweat equity and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) allow smaller investors to participate. Online platforms and crowdfunding democratize venture capital and broaden access to investment opportunities. This fosters a more inclusive investment landscape.


Three things serve as critical factors in assessing a startup's potential:

The Team: Passionate and committed individuals who strongly desire to put energy into their venture.
The Problem: A deep understanding of a significant, meaty problem that the team is in love with, rather than being fascinated with their solution.
The Solution: The team must have the capability to build a viable solution to the problem they've identified. They should have a conceptual understanding and practical know-how or a clear path to developing a solution that addresses the problem effectively.



Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Taylor:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blacktaylor/
Altis.io: https://www.altis.io/
Conduit Venture Labs: https://www.conduitventurelabs.com/
Fizzy Ventures: https://fizzy.ventures/

 

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

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Ever feel caught in a race against time as work consumes every precious moment? Mike Abramowitz, a seasoned expert in time management for high-earners, joins our host, Kevin Prewett in this episode of The Rising Tide Startups to address this struggle, unveiling strategies honed through personal experiences. From humble beginnings at Cutco to enduring financial setbacks post-college, Mike's narrative is one of resilience and transformation. 

Mike Abramowitz is a #1 Amazon bestselling author,  impactful philanthropist achieving six figures in earnings, and a partner with "Better Than Rich." Mike's passion lies in uplifting others, guiding entrepreneurs to maximize efficiency, and embracing purpose-driven business through programs like 'Operator to Owner.' Co-host of "The Better Than Rich Show" podcast, he imparts valuable business insights, encouraging listeners to make a positive impact.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

The "Time Rich Six" strategy helps leaders prioritize high-impact tasks through practical advice on boundaries, communication, systems, playbooks, team management, and technology for ultimate time freedom.

Establishing Boundaries: This involves setting specific limitations on time and availability, enabling individuals to prioritize their work and minimize disruptions
Communication Guidelines: Implementing rules or systems for communication can streamline interactions, ensuring concise messages are exchanged at appropriate times.
Creating Systems: setting defined processes to help automate or make business operations more efficient, reducing the need for constant hands-on management.
Developing Playbooks: Playbooks are standardized procedures that provide a reference for tasks
Team Management: This involves strategies for effectively leading and organizing a team for independent work, contributing to overall time efficiency
Utilizing Technology: Emphasizing technology, including AI, to automate tasks, manage schedules, and facilitate operations, helping to free up time that can be invested in more valuable activities.


The four pillars of business are as follows:

Attraction involves attracting potential customers to a business by increasing awareness of its offerings and highlighting its superiority. 
Conversion involves transforming potential customers into actual customers by persuading them to take a desired action.
Onboarding involves introducing new customers to a business's offerings and ensuring they feel valued.
Retention involves fostering long-term customer relationships by providing value, great service, and meeting expectations. Strategies include loyalty programs, communication, personalized offers, and product/service improvements.


Time management is a skill that can be mastered, and with the right guidance, anyone can craft a life of intention and efficiency.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Mike:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeabramowitz1/ 
Better than Rich: https://www.betterthanrich.com/ 

 

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsor:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com  now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

Join us on Rising Tide Startups as we welcome Brittany Brewer, Senior Account Executive at FreeUp Marketplace, for a candid discussion about her transition from a freelancer to a pivotal role in a freelancer hiring platform. Brittany shares her unique perspective on navigating the complexities of matching clients with top-tier freelancers to ensure businesses overcome their challenges through strategic hiring. 

She also shares FreeUp's unique approach to building a global community of virtual service providers. They explore the balance between integrity and autonomy, where freelancers set fair rates and clients find scalable solutions.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:



FreeUp Marketplace is a curated community that simplifies the process of hiring freelancers. It connects clients with freelancers and agencies from diverse industries.
Quality Over Quantity: FreeUp is a platform that accepts only the top 1% of freelancers through a rigorous vetting process. Unlike larger platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, FreeUp emphasizes quality over quantity. They foster a higher caliber of talent and a community-focused approach that values freelancers, aiming to create a more personalized, concierge-like service for clients. 
Pricing Practices and Scalability: A Balanced Approach: the approach is centered on transparency, fairness, and flexibility for both freelancers and clients. 




How to handle the Pricing aspects:






Freelancer Autonomy: FreeUp freelancers set their own rates based on their skills, experience, and market demand.
Pricing Guidance: FreeUp provides estimated pricing for different skill sets on their pricing page, helping freelancers align their rates with the platform's expectations and clients' budgets.
Client Budget Preferences: Clients can set their budgets for job requests. FreeUp matches them with freelancers at that rate.
Entry-Level to Expert-Level Services: The platform offers entry-level and expert-level services for freelancers, allowing clients to choose based on task complexity and budget constraints
Flat Fee Structure: FreeUp maintains a straightforward fee structure, charging a flat 20% fee with a $2 minimum per payment to freelancers. This means if a job is priced at $10 an hour, $2 goes to FreeUp, and $8 goes to the freelancer.






How to handle the Scaling aspects:




Process Organization: Organizing and documenting processes helps scale with freelancers, as it ensures they understand tasks and work efficiently.
Emphasizing Human Relationships: FreeUp assists clients in scaling by nurturing human connections and forming strong partnerships. Long-term freelancer relationships lead to growth opportunities.
Use of International Talent: FreeUp enables businesses to scale using international talent, providing access to a wide range of skills and efficient cost management.
Community-Focused Approach: FreeUp fosters a community that respects freelancers, attracting high-caliber talent that supports scalable client services.



Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Brittany:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-brewer-256a89229/ 
FreeUp: https://freeup.net/
 

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.

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When you meet someone like Chris McShanag, you can't help but feel energized by the passion they bring to their work. In this latest episode of the Rising Tide Startups, our host, Kevin Prewett, had the pleasure of chatting with this virtual assistant industry trailblazer, whose story of transitioning from the asset-intensive sector to launching MedVA, BizVA, and OrthoVA is as inspiring as it is informative. These services are not just addressing staffing issues and refocusing professionals on their core activities but truly revolutionizing how healthcare providers and entrepreneurs tackle their workload.

Chris McShanag is a transformational leader who brings extensive experience in delivering successful business solutions through innovative and scalable solutions. As a natural entrepreneur, Chris has led numerous organizations, ranging from startups to established enterprises, across diverse industries such as healthcare, mining, utilities, and consulting, consistently steering them toward success.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

The keys to business growth are client retention and value creation. 
High client retention indicates satisfied and loyal customers, which are crucial for stable revenue streams and forecasting growth.
The agency offers high-quality services that bring tangible benefits, such as saving businesses up to $80,000 annually in staffing costs and increasing productivity by 40% with virtual assistants. 
The "most important number and decision" concept helps businesses to identify a crucial metric that guides decision-making and aligns the efforts of different departments towards the company's goals.
Virtual assistance is not just a trend; it's a strategic tool that is shaping the future of business efficiency and operations across industries
The operational framework of virtual assistant agencies includes the following elements:

Billing Practices: Agencies typically charge their services on a retainer or hourly basis. The exact billing method can vary depending on the agency's structure and the client's needs.
Earnings Distribution: Agencies manage how earnings are distributed, which includes paying virtual assistants (VAs) and covering operational costs.
Recruitment and Training: Agencies are responsible for recruiting, training, and providing ongoing support to VAs. This ensures a high retention rate and consistent service quality for clients.
Managed Services: Agencies maintain relationships with clients through managed services, which may include flat-rate billing, onboarding processes, and productivity reporting to ensure clients are receiving the value they expect.
Client and VA Relationship: Agencies take steps to protect their interests, preventing clients from directly hiring VAs away from the agency. This can involve offering benefits to VAs and providing seamless service replacements to maintain a reliable service to clients.



Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 Connect with Chris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-d-mcshanag-10aa362/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.mcshanag 
BizVA: https://www.bizva.ph 
MedVA: https://www.medva.com
 

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