Business
**Bootstrapping Your Dreams Show**

Unique business problems call for genius solutions. Go behind the scenes with today’s world-class leaders who dared to bring revolutionary ideas to life. Learn how they met their challenges head-on and how you can translate their lessons into your own real-world business success—whether you’re leading a start-up or Fortune 500 company. Host Manuj Aggarwal is the founder of TetraNoodle Technologies. When not interviewing industry leaders for Bootstrapping Your Dreams, he provides revolutionary strategies for his clients based on data science and human psychology, even in a socially distant economy.

Latest Episodes:

#207 Turbo-Charge Your Business | Paul Higgins | Manuj Aggarwal | Bootstrapping Your Dreams Podcast Oct 23, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to this new episode of “Bootstrapping Your Dream Show” show. I am Manuj Aggarwal, and I will be having an exciting conversation with Paul Higgins.

Paul Higgins is a business mentor, a podcaster, and a published author who helps coaches and consultants build online businesses to fund lifestyles.

Before starting his own business, Paul worked at Coca-Cola for 18 years, where he served in various senior roles such as marketing director and general manager.

Apart from that, he also has experience in leading large sales teams. Paul has had a tremendous amount of experience in account-based selling, creating channel strategies, and integrating acquisitions.

In his previous role, he was a director for a $700 million business unit.

Paul has sat on advisory boards for $10-50 million range companies and has mentored 271 business owners. His customers ranged from microbusinesses to multi billion-dollar companies and come from diverse backgrounds.

Paul is an author of the book called “Build Live Give” and has a podcast that goes by the same name.

When it comes to hobbies, Paul loves playing golf and is an avid follower of the sport.

Here Paul talks about:

(1:36) Paul shares the details of his professional journey from working at Coca-Cola to reaching where he is today.

(3:08) How Coca-Cola works towards becoming even more prominent.

(6:23) How market and technology-related research was done for physical products such as a cold drink in the 1990s.

(8:09) How Coca-Cola balanced between retailers and consumers.

(9:58) Paul talks about how things were different in his new startup from his Coca-Cola days.

(13:52) How one can help new business owners in getting out of their previous work experience’s mindset.

(15:40) Paul talks about the difference in work cultures across the globe.

(17:50) Importance of networking for businesses.

(20:15) Impact of networking on companies.

(22:55) How does one get entrepreneurs and executives to work on social networking.

(25:07) Paul discusses entrepreneurial podcasts by giving information regarding the origin and purpose of his podcast.

(27:20) Paul shares some learnings which he picked up from some podcasts.

(29:30) How to get rid of the chaos in your business.

(32:18) How entrepreneurs can deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses.

(34:10) How business owners can transfer to online networking as meeting offline isn’t an option for now.

Find Paul on:

Website - https://paulhigginsmentoring.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhigginsmentoring/

Reach us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuj.aggarwal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manujagro/?hl=en&nbsp

Support the show

Follow me on Facebook ⬇️
https://www.facebook.com/manuj.aggarwal
❤️ ID - Manuj Aggarwal
■ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal/
■ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmanuj
■ Instagram: ...

#206 Dominate the business world with the right image | Art Lewin | Manuj Aggarwal Oct 22, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the 'Bootstrapping Your Dreams show' Podcast. I'm Manuj Aggarwal, and today I'll be having a fascinating conversation with Art Lewin.

Art is the owner & creative director of Executive Clothiers, one of the nation’s premier Bespoke Clothing Company. He has suited up some of the most successful and influential entrepreneurs and business people globally for over 30 years now.

Some of his loyal clients include royal family members, renowned celebrities like Hugh Hefner, Sylvester Stallone, Robert Wagner, Michael Clarke Duncan, Eric Roberts, Terry Crews, Ernie Johnny Carson and many more including one of the most-watched commercials suiting up William Shatner in Priceline.

He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, CNN, Esquire, GQ, MyFox 11, Wall Street Journal, Hollywood Reporter, and numerous other publications, radio shows, and TV programs.

In this episode, Art Lewin talks about:

(1:55) How he got started.

(2:23) His love for dressing up.

(3:22) Significance of dressing well.

(4:11) Him coming to the USA.

(4:41) Challenges faced in getting assimilated into the new culture.

(5:27) His journey and how he got into sales and marketing.

(6:23) His success story.

(7:29) Delivering a successful sales pitch.

(8:57) The idea behind Bespoke Clothing Company.

(9:28) The status based perspective.

(10:25) How he stays ahead of the competition.

(11:21) Keeping up with the trends and staying at the top of the game.

(13:07) His marketing strategy(TOMA).

(14:16) Impact of COVID-19 on his business.

(15:08) Being flexible in business.

(15:53) How does he stay motivated.

(16:47) How he got started with networking.

(18:36) Creating his own high-end network.

(19:47) Converting ideas into winning execution.

(21:02) Learning from mistakes.

(21:58) Retaining your best employees.

(23:11) His drive, determination, and passion for succeeding in life.

(24:42) Money being a by-product of success.

(25:12) An interesting story of working with a superstar.

(26:33) Ways to help entrepreneurs stay motivated

(27:33) Advice for all young and aspiring entrepreneurs.

(28:20) How you can connect with him.

Find Art Lewin on:

Website: https://www.artlewinbespoke.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtLewinBespoke/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artlewinbespoke/

Reach us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuj.aggarwal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manujagro/

LinkedIn:

Support the show

#205 Create a Masterplan for an Epic Business | Bootstrapping Your Dream Show Interview with Justin Breen Oct 21, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the 'Bootstrapping Your Dreams' Podcast. I'm Manuj Aggarwal and today I'll be having a fascinating conversation with Justin Breen.

Justin is a visionary, PR entrepreneur, life-changing connector, best-selling author, and a strategic coach.

He is hard-wired to seek out and create viral, thought-provoking stories that the media craves. He also loves to network with visionary entrepreneurs and executives who understand the value of investing in themselves and their businesses.

Justin is also the author of No. 1 International Best Selling book, ‘Epic Business’.

His clients have appeared in the New York Times, NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt, CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, On Air With Ryan Seacrest, Fox News, Crain’s New York, Forbes Magazine, Reuters, Billboard, The Associated Press, Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Houston Chronicle and many more.

Here we learn about:

[01:43] How Justin started off on his journey.

[02:28] Story of how Justin reached out to 5000 people

[02:40] Justin's reach out "strategy" that got him to this journey.

[03:42] Learn the value of building a network.

[04:09] Justin's advice on network building.

[05:46] Media experience, relationships with journalists.

[06:58] Building relationships with your target market.

[08:30] Justin's McDonald's story.

[10:35] Connecting with a diverse set of people.

[12:00] Why Justin is successful.

[15:04] Justin shares his lessons and benefits from Networking.

[16:52] Justin shares his 2 cents on why people don’t rise to adopt an abundance mentality.

[19:09] Behind-the-scene scoops on mindsets of journalists and TV show producers.

[22:16] How the TV world is different from the print world.

[24:26] How do businesses of different scales approach PR.

[27:08] Traits which separate visionaries from other people.

[29:10] Justin shares his vision of post-pandemic scope for businesses to grow.

[31:40] Justin’s advice for brick-and-mortar businesses in these unprecedented situations.

Join our community: https://bootstrapping.group

Connect with Manuj:

Support the show

#204 Jumpstart Your Brand with Kenton Low | Manuj Aggarwal | Bootstrapping Your Dreams Show Oct 19, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the 'Bootstrapping Your Dreams show' Podcast. I'm Manuj Aggarwal, and today I'll be having a fascinating conversation with Kenton Low.

Do you need tips to improve customer relations?

How about promoting your brand better?

Kenton Low is the one-stop person for advice. You name the problem; he has the solution.

Kenton is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Vancity. With $27.4 billion-plus in assets under administration, Vancity is Canada's largest community credit union.

Kenton is a hands-on senior executive. He has a success record of driving growth in domestic and global companies, ranging from entrepreneurial ventures to two of FORTUNE 50's most admired companies.

He specializes in Customer Experience, Brand Management, Strategic Planning, New Business/Market Development, Sales/Marketing Alignment, and Digital Marketing.

Outside of Vancity, Kenton dedicates time to community organizations and developing the next generation of business leaders. He has addressed conferences in Europe, Canada, and the United States. He has taught courses in strategic planning, marketing, and customer experience at corporate training programs and universities, including 12 years as an adjunct professor at UBC's Sauder School of Business.

In this episode, Kenton talks about:

(2:14) He tells about his journey and how he got started.

(5:09) How was the transition like that he made from industry to industry?

(8:33) His perspective of life as a "tool-kit."

(10:19) He shares his experience as an Adjunct Professor at UBC.

(11:53) Young generation's outlook on working in different industries.

(14:02) He talks about Vancity and its origin.

(16:15) What difference they're trying to make to ensure happy members.

(17:56) Actions taken by Vancity during the pandemic to help its customers.

(20:47) His advice for all the young entrepreneurs.

(22:21) How to take care of customers to help them navigate

the pandemic.

(23:43) Understanding your customer's needs.

(27:56) The contrast in the marketing approach of a small startup and a large company.

(30:09) His outlook on how things are going to unfold in the coming years.

(31:47) Future of globalization.

(32:32) Universal basic income, is it time?

(34:38) How you can connect with him.

Find Kenton on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentonlow/

Reach us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuj.aggarwal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manujagro/

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal

Manuj’s stories:

Read Manuj’s story here: https://him.innerget.com

And his entrepreneurial journey here:

Support the show

#203 Master your passion with Mike Butler | Manuj Aggarwal | Bootstrapping Your Dreams Show Oct 14, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever been so passionate about something that you completely devoted your life to excel and master that skill? Meet Mike Butler. He's currently the CTO of First Merchants Bank and has been blown away by technology since age 4.

Throughout his career, he has progressed with learning how technology impacts the business side of a company. With perseverance and determination, he has excelled in mastering this skill.

You would find it difficult to find someone with more knowledge and experience in this domain.

His curiosity has led him to research cloud architectures, product design, leadership, psychology, and machine learning extensively.

Mike is specifically interested in using data to augment products and create new services.

Here Mike talks about:

(2:11) How Mike started experimenting with technology at a young age

(3:58) Troubles he caused while using technology at a young age

(5:00) How he turned out to be a people person

(8:06) How should the education policy evolve? How to link technology with humans

(10:39) How can experienced people in the industry evolve with time

(12:30) How Mike got into predictive analytics

(16:44) Qualities of a good leader

(19:30) How people change with change in there titles

(21:23) How he manages his team

(24:17) The future of banking industry

(27:04) Advice for young people willing to start out in the banking industry

(30:32) Manuj's view on the current situation

Find Mike on:

LinkedIn:

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

Reach us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuj.aggarwal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manujagro/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal

Manuj’s stories:

Read Manuj’s story here: https://him.innerget.com

And his entrepreneurial journey here: https://www.InnerGet.com

Thank you for tuning in!

Do you have any feedback or thoughts? Please leave a comment!

Take care and see ya!

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

#202 The future of the housing sector with Todd Su | Manuj Aggarwal | Bootstrapping Your Dreams Show Oct 13, 2020

Show notes

Want to purchase a house but unsure if you should be investing in the housing sector? Wondering how to jumpstart your housing venture?

Don't worry, we've got you covered! Manuj Aggarwal is back with another episode of 'Bootstrapping Your Dreams Show' with Todd Su.

Todd is the President and CEO of Advantage Homes & Realty World Todd Su & Company Inc.- the largest modular home dealer in California.

His leadership, drive, and customer-centric approach has fueled the impressive growth of Advantage Homes, making the company a nationally known brand and a multimillion-dollar business.

He is a self-made, award-winning entrepreneur, founder, thought leader, and philanthropist with over 25 years of success in the modular home, real estate, hotel, and mortgage financing industries.

He was honored twice with the City of San Jose Community Honoree Award by San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and Councilman Tam Nguyen.

Here Todd & Cindy talks about:

(3:04) Todd talks about his journey into the housing sector

(5:42) How Todd and Cindy manges to work together as a couple

(8:55) How Todd accomplished his vision to build a business in a completely new niche - modular housing

(11:26) How Todd changed his mind from becoming a tennis coach to starting a business in the housing sector

(13:37) Becoming 'Power Couple'

(17:03) How being to different countries and experiencing diverse cultures shaped them as a person

(22:01) What role education and reading books played in their life

(24:58) Managing time and maintaining work-life balance

(28:55) Mistakes made in their career

(32:22) Shifts in the housing sector post-pandemic

Find Todd on:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ToddSu76

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-su

Reach us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuj.aggarwal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manujagro/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal

Manuj’s stories:

Read Manuj’s story here: https://him.innerget.com

And his entrepreneurial journey here: https://www.InnerGet.com

Thank you for tuning in!

Do you have any feedback or thoughts? Please leave a comment!

Take care and see ya!

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

#201 Alignment of Self | Rob Angel | Manuj Aggarwal | Bootstrapping Your Dreams Show Oct 12, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the 'Bootstrapping Your Dreams' Podcast. I'm Manuj Aggarwal and today I'll be having a fascinating conversation with Robert Angel .

Rob invented the phenomenally successful and iconic board game Pictionary, which was self-published in his tiny apartment in 1985. Today, more than 50 million games of Pictionary have been sold worldwide.

Rob has documented all his experiences in the book called ‘Game Changer,’ where he explains how he turned the one simple idea into the world’s best-selling board game.

Apart from this, Rob is an entrepreneur, explorer, investor, philanthropist, and sought-after speaker on a mission to help others create their own success and best life by taking their first small step.

Here we learn about:

(1:39) Rob reflects upon how he first got the idea of Pictionary.

(3:32) Rob shares how he overcame the “what ifs” and started his journey as a game inventor.

(6:50) Would Rob make the same gamble now as he did in his youth?

(7:40) Advice to entrepreneurs who wish to give up their careers and start with their entrepreneurial journey.

(9:45) Rob shares if he ever had the “I’ve made it” moment.

(11:40) What is the role of the ego and how to curb it while making crucial business decisions?

(14:06) Rob talks about his process of market research in a non-digital era.

(16:09) Was Rob ever afraid of competition in the game industry?

(17:48) Rob shares his philosophy of O.P.E.N.

(20:08) Advice for overcoming and dealing with fear.

(21:45) Rob shares his inspiration for authoring “Game Changer”.

(25:12) Rob’s experience of waiting for the right moment and selling Picitonary to Mattel.

(29:45) What keeps Rob motivated not to stop and keep reinventing himself?

(31:32) Advice on how to get over failure and keep the right mindset.

Find Robert on:

Website: https://robangel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rob.angel.31

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobangel/

Reach us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuj.aggarwal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manujagro/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal

Manuj’s stories:

Read Manuj’s story here: https://him.innerget.com

And his entrepreneurial journey here: https://www.InnerGet.com

Thank you for tuning in!

Do you have any feedback or thoughts? Please leave a comment!

Take care and see ya!

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

#200 How To Sky-Rocket Your Company To The Top | Michael O’Reilly | Manuj Aggarwal | Bootstrapping Your Dreams Show Oct 09, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the 'Bootstrapping Your Dreams show' Podcast. I'm Manuj Aggarwal, and today I'll be having a fascinating conversation with Michael O’Reilly.

Michael is an ex-Vice President-Global Customer Experience at Eventbrite. He is currently on the board of MacPherson Art Supplies, which happens to be the largest art supplies distributor in North America.

He led the successful integration of Athleta into Gap Inc. Completed integration within budget and with 98% employee retention. Led the evolution of Athleta from catalog-centric to omnichannel business while tripling direct-to-consumer revenues in seven-years. He created and led the B2B industry for Choice Hotels, which exceeded the original business plan each of the first three years.

Michael specializes in General Management, Business Strategy, Social/Digital Marketing, Media Optimization, Data Analytics, Omni-Channel Customer Acquisition and Retention, CRM Strategy Development and Execution, Change Management, People Leadership, and Development.

In this episode, Michael talks about:

(1:51) He tells about his journey and how he got started.

(4:21) Talks about his transition from accounting to digital.

(6:14) Digital transformation & leveraging internet for business.

(9:58) Importance of understanding others and how to deal with people.

(12:01) How humility, empathy, and respect drive success.

(14:57) How companies struggle with understanding their customers.

(17:20) Practical tips to get to know your customer better.

(19:28) Advice your young and aspiring entrepreneurs.

(22:05) The impact of COVID in terms of consumer behavior and their expectations.

(24:43) The long-term outlook for live events and conferences.

(27:00) His time at Eventbrite and the kind of leadership he demonstrated.

(30:13) His future goals.

(31:20) How you can connect with him.

(31:39) Encourages people to be kind to each other.

Find Michael on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-o-reilly-tu/

Reach us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuj.aggarwal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manujagro/

Linkedin :https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal

Manuj’s stories:

Read Manuj’s story here: https://him.innerget.com

And his entrepreneurial journey here: https://www.InnerGet.com

Thank you for tuning in!

Do you have any feedback or thoughts? Please leave a comment!

Take care and see ya!

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

#199 How Do You Become A Product Expert? | Bennet Bayer | Manuj Aggarwal | Bootstrapping Your Dreams Podcast Oct 08, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to this new episode of “Bootstrapping Your Dream Show” show. I am Manuj Aggarwal, and I will be having an exciting conversation with Bennet Bayer.

Bennet is a CMO at CTD Solutions Group. He has been the Global CMO of Huawei. He is an expert in ‘Finding the Money’ and has generated over $77 Billion in new revenue during various tenures.

He is an out of the box visionary product marketer with over fifteen hundred new services, products, and applications developed and launched, usually with minimal resources. He has built teams from very small to huge teams that are spread over the continents. He has conducted marketing programs to three billion people worldwide.

Forbes has also awarded him for innovation.

Bennet has had five global tenures as CMO and three as CEO (mobile operators) along with F50 Division leadership.

Here is what is discussed in the podcast:

(2:28) Bennet shares his journey

(5:49) Moving on to big brands like CASIO and the working experience there

(8:12) Experience of studying at Oxford

(9:48) Do schools teach us the skills which we will require in the real world

(11:12) Difference between working for a big brand and starting fresh with a new idea

(21:16) The difference in business practices and thought processes in various parts of the world

(30:22) How will the market change in these unprecedented times

(32:14) What Bennet is working on during the COVID-19 pandemic

(35:12) Can humans mend their ways and be able to stop the process of self-destruction

Find Bennet on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjbayer/

Reach us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuj.aggarwal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manujagro/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal

Manuj’s stories:

Read Manuj’s story here: https://him.innerget.com

And his entrepreneurial journey here: https://www.InnerGet.com

Thank you for tuning in!

Do you have any feedback or thoughts? Please leave a comment!

Take care and see ya!

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Support the show

#198 Be Mentally Strong | Overcome All Challenges| Anshar Seraphim | Manuj Aggarwal Sep 22, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the 'Bootstrapping Your Dreams' Podcast. I'm Manuj Aggarwal and today I'll be having a candid conversation with Anshar Seraphim.

Anshar has worked in the legal sex work industry, training sex workers on how to apply psychological principles to their negotiations for full-service sex work. His negotiation training was responsible for increasing the gross sales of the top booking legal sex workers in the United States by over 300%, a success so significant he was invited to do training for all three properties and sales training for the girls at the Bunny Ranch, Kit Kat Ranch, and Sagebrush ranch. During his time there, one of the girls did a business of $1.15million dollars after his training and that's how he was made responsible for training everyone at different ranches as well.

The beginning of Anshar’s journey is very intriguing. It started when joining the US Navy, training for their Cryptography program, where he found out that he had undiagnosed autism that should have disqualified him for service after already becoming a sailor. With a heavy heart, he left his military career.

He went into information technology, and worked at his local college, developing his communication skills and working one on one with students. He tutored every subject, from calculus to electrical engineering to astronomy to organic chemistry, and used his systems knowledge to not only help those in academia but also work on his own personal development in his weakest area, dealing with people.

Anshar now does customized negotiation training as a consultant, public speaking events.

In this video, Anshar shares: