Shows
The Accidental EntrepreneursEp 29: What were some of your most successful customer engagement ideas? (Season Finale)In our season finale, we dig into some game-changing customer engagement strategies that fueled our startups. Ever thought about how an app or a clever email campaign could transform your business? Or imagine hosting a Willy Wonka-inspired event in Las Vegas complete with golden ticket candy bars and a lovable mascot named Mr. Meowgy. We share behind-the-scenes insights that can inspire your next big idea. It's all about building a community that is both engaged and excited.As we toast to the end of an amazing season of "The Accidental Entrepreneur," we express our heartfelt gratitude for...2024-07-3028 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 28: Have you ever fired a customer?In this episode, we reflect on Jerry Seinfeld's memorable commencement speech at Duke University. We delve into his three keys to life—bust your ass, pay attention, and fall in love—and discuss how these principles are essential for entrepreneurial success. We will also share a few stories about overcoming imposter syndrome, handling the pressures of starting a business, and even making the tough call to fire a customer to maintain the integrity of your venture.We tackle the difficult subject of toxic clients and the strategies we’ve developed for handling unreasonable demands while prioritizing employee well-b...2024-07-2233 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 27: How did you decide on product pricing?As we approach the end of our season, we break down how we landed on the pricing strategy for our products. We also discuss the pros and cons of pricing against a competitor.We've got a TikTok to share by Luis Fernandes who shares some of his most loved and least favorite tequilas.Lastly, for our tip of the week, we both decided to share some valuable lessons we learned from our parents.2024-07-1530 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 26: How did you start marketing your company?Have you ever wondered how to market effectively to a niche audience? In our conversation, we uncover grassroots marketing strategies tailored specifically for the veterinary medicine field. We offer practical tips for enhancing engagement through traditional marketing tactics and providing educational support to make your product indispensable.Is trade show marketing still relevant in the digital age? We tackle this question by exploring creative ways to make a splash at trade shows and build lasting connections with potential customers. 2024-07-0826 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 25: How did you decide on employee titles?This week, we dive into the labyrinth of startup organizational structures. Discover the sometimes arbitrary nature of assigning titles and roles within a small team, where everyone is juggling multiple hats. Learn about a friend's innovative approach to structuring roles based on compensation, and weigh its pros and cons with us. Finally, we explore how rigid titles can limit contributions and why a more flexible approach might just be the key to a thriving startup. Ira's tip of the week: Lucid ChartStacee's tip of the week: Send thank you notes to your employees2024-07-0121 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 24: How did you get feedback from your customers?Ever wondered how to what the best way is to get feedback from your customers? Gathering useful user feedback for products in development is a critical step to building the right stuff. In this episode, we share creative strategies, such as involving children and parents for initial testing and how to set up an active engaged user group on social media. At the end of the day, the trick is to create a safe environment that triggers real, honest feedback from your audience.Special mentions:Dr. Ellen Langer, Harvard’s renowned ‘Mother of MindfulnessMauricio Dujo...2024-06-2426 min
The Accidental EntrepreneursEp 23: Guest spotlight Luke Burnett, Founder of KeraVet Bio: Revolutionizing Pet Wound CareMeet Luke Burnett, the innovative mind behind KeraVet Bio, who stumbled upon a brilliant idea that’s transforming pet wound care. In our latest episode, Luke shares the story of KeraVet Gel, a reformulated human medical product now eliminating the need for those pesky Elizabethan collars. Discover how this breakthrough is not only improving compliance but also strengthening the bond between humans and their furry friends. Luke’s journey is a testament to embracing unexpected opportunities and finding joy in the unplanned paths life offers.Luke also imparts valuable lessons on effective communication and prioritization in entrepreneurship, empha...2024-06-1225 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 22: Guest cohost Cindy Trice, What was your least favorite part about being a founder?Being an entrepreneur isn't all rainbows and unicorns. Guest cohost Cindy Trice and Ira discuss some of the downsides to being the head honcho of a startup ranging from bearing the ultimate burden of all decisions to feelings of loneliness.Tips of the week:Cindy: "Humor Seriously: Why Humor Is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life " by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi BagdonasIra: Dr. Cheryl London: You really want to know what you're talking about at such a detailed level that like you could go up without...2024-06-0324 min
The Accidental EntrepreneursEp 21: Guest spotlight Dr. Cindy Trice, Founder of Relief Rover and Kick It PajamasImagine being inspired to change your career path because of a chance encounter. That’s exactly what happened to Dr. Cindy Trice, a veterinarian who transformed her passion for relief work into a thriving business. In our latest episode, Cindy recounts her unconventional journey from a freelance production worker to founding Relief Rover, a platform designed to connect relief veterinarians and technicians with job opportunities and resources. She shares how her early experiences and an inspirational figure led her to embrace the dynamic and flexible nature of relief veterinary work, which eventually sparked her entrepreneurial spirit. Cindy’s story is a...2024-05-2823 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 20: What was the leadership style like at your company?Ever thought about how leaders adapt as their startups morph into the real business world? Stacee and Ira pull back the curtain on their evolution from the early days of winging it with their teams, to mastering the art of delegation and trust in a growing company. We get real about the gnarly bits of meshing with larger corporate beasts post-acquisition and why having your ducks in a row with processes can save you from a world of hurt down the line. Special shout outs:Mike FisherFish Food for Thought newsletterDani McVety2024-05-2026 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 19: Who was your biggest competitor?In our latest discussion, we unpack the tango of competition and innovation in the business world. Ira and Stacee share their stories of discomfort of encountering their rivals and the subsequent appreciation for the diversity and drive it brings to the market.Ira's tip of the week: Disciplined Entrepreneurship: 24 Steps to a Successful Startup by Bill AuletStacee's tip of the week: Radical Candor podcast2024-05-1322 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 18: What was your most challenging firing?The episode takes a turn as we confront the reality of firing an employee—a challenge that tests the alignment of personal compassion with a company's core values. We discuss the broader impact these decisions have on the team and the delicate nature of delivering difficult news.2024-05-0632 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 17: When did you "know"?There comes a time in every successful entrepreneur's life when they just "know" (hopefully). It might be a key event, your inner voice or a gut feeling but some where along the journey, something happened that clued you in that you were really on to something. This week, Stacee and Ira share their special moment.Special mentions this week:Adam LittleElizabeth GreenEd CatmullAmy Wallace2024-04-2226 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 16: Guest cohost Adam Little, What key advice do you have for startups?Have you ever faced the daunting challenge of building a startup from the ground up? This episode is a goldmine of guidance, as Dr. Adam Little shares insights around foundational steps for budding entrepreneurs to thrive.Adam and Ira spend some time talking about de-risking the company, the problem with hiring too many people too early and why strategic partnerships are a huge waste of time for early stage companies in the veterinary space.The biggest lessons don't come from success, they come from trying something that fails. If you are an entrepreneur, don't learn...2024-04-1430 min
The Accidental EntrepreneursEp 15: Guest spotlight Dr. Adam Little, Founder of GoFetchGlance behind the curtain with Dr. Adam Little as he chats with Ira about his startup journey including the highs of innovation and the lows of layoffs. Adam shares the hard knock lessons he learned with brutal honesty showing that integrity and compassion always win. You won't want to miss this episode with one of the most brilliant innovators in veterinary medicine.Learn more about Adam on LinkedIn2024-04-0849 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 14: Guest cohost Beth Green, How did you find your business partners?Stacee and our special guest cohost, Beth Green, spin the wheel today and talk about their business partners and the way they found them.Special mentions:Toni PassarettiJohn O'BrienDr. Pat TomlinsonKaryn GavzerMartin Traub-Werner2024-04-0119 min
The Accidental EntrepreneursEp 13: Guest spotlight Beth Green, CEO VetmeduxDiscover the inspiring journey of Beth Green, CEO of Vetmedux. She takes us through her remarkable transition from veterinary publishing into a leader of tech innovation in this field. As the brains behind Clinicians Brief, Beth's tale is one of pioneering spirit and ingenuity, turning a stack of unread journals into an essential resource for vets everywhere. Her company's strategic acquisition of Plumb's Veterinary Drugs is just one highlight of how Vetmedux has become a staple in every veterinarian's toolkit.Special mentions:Caleb FrankelIndu Mani2024-03-2325 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 12: What have you learned about working with engineers?Stacee and Ira talk about their initial misconceptions about software development and the often overlooked immense value of an ongoing partnership with engineers beyond the launch phase. Lessons include learning the ropes of product development timelines and understanding the investment costs are critical for any entrepreneur aiming for success.2024-03-1820 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 11: Who was your first hire and where did you find them?This week, Stacee and Ira talk about where they found their first employee and discuss what type of person can you attract when you can't pay well and don't offer any benefits....yet!Tip of the week: Ira: You can find employees that actually care more about the business than yourselfStacee: The importance of holding in-person team meetings early on (and some great locations to do this).2024-03-1122 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 10: What was it like when you got your big payout?This week, Ira and Stacee share what it actually feels like to see millions of dollars drop in your bank account one day when you sell your company. So, technically you're rich now....what's the first thing two nerds purchase?!And, we have our eye on some future millionaires (entrepreneurs we love):Dani RabwinNicole ClausenAlex ContrerasFavorite tip, trick, quote of the week:Ira: The book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan CainStacee: How to handle your overwhelming inbox...2024-03-0424 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 9: Have you ever been sued?This week, Ira and Stacee talk about being sued or having to sue someone. Unfortunately, if you have a company, you are going to need a lawyer somewhere, somehow for something. Tip of the week:Stacee: The podcast "How to be awesome at your job"Ira: The book "Finding confidence in conflict- How to negotiate anything and live your best life" by Christian Kwame2024-02-2623 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 8: What were some marketing ideas that failed?Have you ever launched a marketing campaign that failed miserably? Trust us, we've been there. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, cringing at our biggest mistakes in marketing. Here is a link to Stacee's embarrassing explainer video that is inappropriate on so many levels.Our favorite things:Ira: The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Pat LencioniStacee: Loom software2024-02-0924 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursEp 7: What was your first office like?The question today is "What was your first office like?"In talking about this we delve into the importance of enjoying the climb when you are an entrepreneur. Take it from us, the money is good but the journey there is better.Our favorite tip, trick, or quote this week:Ira: SlackStacee: JotformTo hear the whole Jim Carrey speech, go here: https://youtu.be/YAzTIOy0ID0P.S. It's amazing!2024-02-0523 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursE6: Who were some of the most critical people in your journey?This week, Ira tells us the story of his son being "scientist of the week" for his school and his quest to analyze the absorbency of paper towels —tackling variables, crunching numbers, and learning that the smallest details can make the biggest impact.The question today is "Who were some of the most critical people in your journey?"Ira and Stacee will share the stories of Dan and Mihailo, and their undeniable influence on technology and leadership in sculpting a business's destiny. Dan's flair for customer experience and design that brought a new lif...2024-01-2923 minThe Accidental EntrepreneursE5: What is some of the worst advice you hear people telling founders?On this episode of Accidental Entrepreneur, we talk about some of the worst advice we have heard people giving to founders, like avoid having a cofounder/partner if at all possible and never telling anyone your big idea.Along the way, we share a short list of core qualities to think about when choosing your cofounders and the importance of shouting your idea from the rooftops.Favorite tips, tools or quotes:Ira: Having a CRM like Hubspot or SalesforceStacee: Using Keynote to sketch ideasAwesome folks mentioned in today's episode:2024-01-2216 min