Shows
LevershipUnlock Business Growth While Staying Flexible: Here's How Summary In this conversation, Matt Symes and Kyle Racki discuss strategies for appointment-based businesses to better meet customer needs, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, capacity management, and understanding customer demand. They highlight the significance of creating a business model that allows for profitability while being responsive to customer requests. The discussion also covers the need for businesses to prioritize customer experience and retention, as well as the role of leadership in identifying and solving core business problems effectively. Takeaways Understanding customer needs is crucial for appointment-based businesses. Flexibility in scheduling can enhance customer satisfaction. A business model should be resilient a...
2024-10-3119 minLevershipThe Truth About Cashflow for Small Businesses In this episode, Matt Symes and Kyle Racki discuss the critical importance of cash flow management for small businesses, particularly those run by technician founders. Matt emphasizes the common pitfalls of neglecting cash flow, the significance of invoicing and accounts receivable, and strategies to improve cash flow. The discussion also covers the challenges of client payments and the necessity of building financial health for sustainable growth. Takeaways: Many small business owners neglect cash flow management. Understanding the cash equation is crucial for business success. Invoicing processes can significantly impact cash flow. Cash flow strategies must evolve as the business scales. A...
2024-10-1619 minLevershipWhat Working With the Right Client Fit Can Do for Your BusinessMatt Symes and Kyle Racki discuss the importance of attracting the right clients for businesses. They explore a simple exercise to assess your current client base and discuss how to evaluate if clients are paying the right amount for your services. Matt provides insight on how to qualify your potential clients in order to filter out poor fits and leverage referral networks to make mailbox money. Takeaways: It is important for businesses to attract the right clients who pay the right amount off the service. Conducting a customer analysis can help identify the top a...
2024-10-0814 minLevershipThe Strategic Map to Building a Highly-Effective TeamIn this episode, Matt Symes and Kyle Racki discuss the importance a high-performing team can make in driving a business’ success. They highlight the challenges of finding and retaining the right people and emphasize the need for a clear understanding of the skills and competencies required for each role. They also discuss the importance of strategic thinking and prioritizing the most critical issues in order to drive business growth. Takeaways: Building and managing effective teams can do wonders for business success. You need to map out the skills and competencies you need t...
2024-10-0218 minLevershipSpeak a Bold and Powerful Future Into Existence. An Interview with Jeff Dudan of Homefront BrandsIn this episode of Levership, Kyle Racki talks with Jeff Dudan, a published author, Forbes contributor, host of the On the Homefront podcast, and founder of Avanta Clean and Homefront Brands, and the Dudan Group. During this conversation, we will cover topics such as Jeff Dudan’s journey, including his fusion of technology and traditional businesses, how he got started in private equity, and his lessons learned on the TV show, Undercover Boss. Takeaways The first two questions you need to ask yourself when you start a business: Who is the customer and what...
2024-03-0846 minLevershipUnlocking High PerformanceJoin Matt Symes and Kyle Racki as they dive deep into the nuances of leadership, performance, and organizational growth. From the significance of clear direction to the dangers of micromanagement, our guests unravel what it takes to build high-performing teams. With insights into the role of technology like ChatGPT in coaching and the essence of intrinsic motivation, this episode is a treasure trove for leaders and aspiring changemakers. Discover strategies to enhance your leadership style, promote continuous learning, and create an environment where everyone thrives. 1. The Value of Direction and Execution: Need for leaders to instill...
2023-10-2845 minLevershipThe Company Will Reflect The CEO - How Are You Showing Up?Podcast Description: In this enlightening episode of The Racki and Symes Podcast, hosts Matt Symes and Kyle Racki dissect the far-reaching influence of a CEO’s mindset and energy on an organization. From lessons learned from tech moguls to real-life examples, they break down why a CEO’s disposition directly impacts a company's culture, performance, and ethics. Tune in to gain actionable insights into personal development, leadership skills, and continuous reinvention for CEOs and entrepreneurs alike. Show Notes: Episode Highlights: Introduction Kyle Racki and Matt Symes discuss the importance of a CEO's mind...
2023-09-0133 minLevershipAI's Promise & Peril: A Balanced ExplorationKyle and Matt are back after taking July off to enjoy the summer. In this enlightening episode of The Racki & Symes podcast, join our hosts as they dig deep into the complex world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) - a topic that resonates with businesses, governments, and individuals alike. The discussion kicks off with an intriguing look at Marc Andreessen's article on how AI could save the world, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the subject. From the optimistic potential of AI in augmenting human intelligence to the haunting concerns of totalitarian regimes enabled...
2023-08-1141 minLevershipOffice Culture vs. Remote Work: The Great DebateIn this passionate and thought-provoking episode of The Racki & Symes Podcast, co-hosts Kyle Racki and Matt Symes dive headfirst into one of the most relevant and contentious discussions in today's modern work landscape: remote work vs. in-office culture. Listen as Kyle, a firm believer in the flexibility and individual productivity that remote work offers, defends the idea of a decentralized work environment. He emphasizes the potential for increased work-life balance, cost savings, and how remote work can leverage the digital age to bring together a diverse global talent pool. Meanwhile, Matt, an advocate for in-office...
2023-06-2944 minLevershipHow Positioning Informs Your Go-To-MarketIn this enlightening episode of The Racki & Symes Podcast, our dynamic duo, Kyle and Matt, dig into the intricate relationship between positioning and go-to-market strategy. They start with a comprehensive exploration of what positioning actually is, making it easily understandable for listeners of all experience levels. The hosts emphasize that positioning is not just about how a business portrays itself, but also about how the market perceives that business. They explain how positioning can directly impact and shape your business's go-to-market strategy. Kyle and Matt further delve into real-world examples, illustrating how brands, both big and small...
2023-06-2329 minLevershipMaking Time For The Non-Urgent Important ThingsIn this enlightening episode of the Racki and Symes Podcast, co-hosts Matt Racki and Kyle Symes dive deep into an effective method for time management—The Eisenhower Matrix. The duo uses their distinct, engaging approach to dissect this technique that's named after the 34th U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and explain how it can dramatically improve your productivity and success in running a business. Matt and Kyle begin the episode by offering some historical context on the matrix, explaining how Eisenhower used this technique to make some of the most critical decisions during his presidency. They fu...
2023-06-0835 min
LevershipMaking Time For The Non-Urgent Important ThingsIn this enlightening episode of the Racki and Symes Podcast, co-hosts Matt Racki and Kyle Symes dive deep into an effective method for time management—The Eisenhower Matrix. The duo uses their distinct, engaging approach to dissect this technique that's named after the 34th U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and explain how it can dramatically improve your productivity and success in running a business. Matt and Kyle begin the episode by offering some historical context on the matrix, explaining how Eisenhower used this technique to make some of the most critical decisions during his presidency. They fu...
2023-06-0857 minLevershipWhat Makes For A Great Executive Leadership Offsite?Welcome to the Racki & Symes Podcast, where Kyle and Matt, two seasoned business leaders, dive deep into the world of executive leadership offsites. In each episode, they explore the key ingredients that make these gatherings not only effective but truly transformative. Join Kyle and Matt as they share their wealth of experience, anecdotes, and insights, helping executives, managers, and aspiring leaders understand the value and importance of offsite meetings. From planning and preparation to execution and follow-up, they leave no stone unturned in their quest to uncover what goes into creating a great executive leadership offsite.
2023-05-3146 minLevershipHow To Think About Investing In Your BusinessIn this episode, Kyle Racki and Matt Symes, unpack a vital topic that every entrepreneur should tune into - investing in your business and letting go of small-scale thinking. Does the idea of scaling your business or investing in growth make you hesitant? Have you ever felt confined by your own mindset, unable to visualize the broader horizon of potential? This episode is tailored just for you. Don't allow your mindset to cap your business's potential. Tune in and prepare to break through these confines, one strategic investment at a time. Get ready to adopt...
2023-05-2437 minLevershipChannel Partners and Resellers: Are They The Right Acquisition Channel for Your Business?Welcome to another episode of The Racki & Symes Podcast, where Kyle and Matt dive into the world of business strategy and entrepreneurship. In this episode, the duo takes a deep dive into channel partners and resellers as an acquisition channel for businesses. Kyle and Matt discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using channel partners and resellers as a way to expand a company's reach. They explore how channel partners and resellers can help businesses enter new markets, increase brand recognition, and boost revenue. Additionally, they discuss the potential risks involved, such as losing control over the customer...
2023-05-1234 minLevershipWhat is The Crux of Your Business?In the latest episode of their podcast, Kyle Racki and Matt Symes discuss the book "The Crux: How Leaders Excel by Finding the One Thing That Matters" by Richard P. Rumelt. The book explores the importance of identifying the central challenge facing a business or organization and developing a strategy to overcome it. Rumelt argues that many organizations fail to identify their core challenge, instead relying on vague and generic strategies that do not address the unique problems facing the company. By identifying the crux, or central challenge, leaders can develop a clear and focused strategy that...
2023-04-1436 minLevershipHow to Buy a Business Without Putting Up Your Own CashMatt Symes and Kyle Racki discuss the various options available for financing the purchase of a business. They delve into the pros and cons of using traditional bank loans, seller financing, and other alternative financing methods. Along the way, they also touch on the importance of due diligence, the role of valuations, and how to negotiate the best deal possible. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to acquire a business.
2023-04-0641 min