No Followers Podcast: for Inventors, Builders, Entrepreneurs

Inventory: The Silent Truth About What’s Really Running Your BusinessMost founders think inventory is a spreadsheet. It’s actually a reflection of your business systems or lack of it.Inventory exposes your discipline, your cash flow reality and your operational blind spots.If you don’t know what you have, you don’t know what you can grow.With over 200 startups directly launched by this team, 100s of international firms grown and scaled, 400+ products/services commercialized plus mentorship of over 5000 others; you should tune in, follow/subscribe on the In Focus Brands' YouTube Channel.

The Secret FormulaThere is no secret formula.1:45 It's hard work and takes a great team.2:05 T reads conspiracy theories.3:25 In my experience after 15 years, there is no secret formula.3:47 What gets the job done is good strategy, a good team, a clear direction and flexibility.4:11 They've done a great job of marketing the bs.4:47 Positively negative.5:15 There is no one size solution.5:33 It's a journey. How committed are you?5:59 If you learn something it is probably worth it, but it is not a solution for life.6:40 It's all just snake oil.7:09 Owning a business and taking an idea from start to finish is what I live for.7:20 Being realistic is not being negative.8:09 It's not a secret formula; it is just good business.8:34 Unicorns, rainbows and sprinkles.9:01 How badly do you want this?10:05 It's all consuming.10:42 It's the people that make it worthwhile.12:00 If you are doing this because you want to be rich, do something else.12:12 Why are you doing this?13:09 There is a good chance this is not going to work out. What is your plan b?14:00 The whole mentality of just believing in yourself is a bad plan.14:46 If this fails, will I be okay?15:24 What I do is linked to who I am.15:52 If you need to be sold a secret formula, you are on the wrong path.16:55 There is nothing wrong with not starting.17:30 You need clearly defined milestones.19:02 There is nothing wrong with having a lifestyle business where you are happy.19:21 What does success look like to you.19:56 The Secret Formula? Be true to yourself.20:21 Indian Larry.

BUSINESS CLICHÉS & BAD ADVICE from the NO FOLLOWERS PodcastThe Business Advice That’s Killing Your Momentum is All AroundThe internet, "experts', and AI are full of clichés that sound good and ruin companies. We break down the worst offenders and what real operators do instead.3rd week of 8 on learned business truths from the In Focus Brands' Portfolio and First Strike Incubator.

The Idea Stage: Stop Dreaming. Start Proving.Everyone has ideas. Operators have proof.We walk through how to move from “I think” to “I know,” and why momentum only starts when assumptions die.This episode of the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast walks through moving forward from the idea stage. With over 200 startups directly launched by this team and mentorship of over 5000 others; you should tune in, follow and subscribe. 2nd week of 8 on learned business truths from the In Focus Brands' Portfolio and First Strike Incubator.Podcast Video: IDEA STAGE and Moving Forward

Bite-Size Business RetrospectiveWhat 35+ Years of Building Companies Really Teaches You.A rapid‑fire breakdown of the patterns, mistakes and truths we’ve seen across hundreds of companies. Short lessons. Hard truths. Zero fluff.Start of a new themed series from ⁠NO FOLLOWERS Podcast⁠⁠Business Fundamentals⁠ & ⁠Business Realities⁠8 weeks of learned business truths from the ⁠In Focus Brands⁠' Portfolio and ⁠First Strike Incubator⁠.

Everyone loves the story of the overnight success .Everyone wants instant traction. The myth gets louder the bigger you get.“ Just add more leads.” “Just hire more people.” "Use AI." “Just spend more on marketing... ” None of that is traction. That is noise disguised as progress. At scale, traction is not about doing more. It is doing less of the wrong things and more of the things that actually move revenue, retention and reputation. Traction at scale comes from: Systems that remove friction, not add layers.**Teams that are aligned, not just hired. Messaging that converts to inbound, relationships and sales. The truth: Scaling is: MATH, MESSAGE, MANAGEMENT repeated until it compounds. If you’re building for the long run, stop chasing the myth. Start studying the operators who built the reality.This is going to be another instant traction episode.1:26 I do like Sbarro Pizza.2:07 The World's Most Valuable Luxury Brand.2:36 Louis Vuitton.3:50 He left home at 13 and arrived in Paris at age 16.4:32 I'm not a mapmaker. I'm no cartographer.5:09 Why did it take him 3 years?5:39 You are destroying the French language.6:12 Louis didn't have MapQuest on his phone.7:00 He's not making packing boxes. He's making luggage.8:04 He was learning the trade and the industry.8:35 What is it Francie-Pants?9:16 At age 32 he was appointed official box maker to Eugenia, wife of Napoleon III.10:00 In 1854 he opened his own shop in Paris.11:00 His uvp was knowing how to make luggage to pack high fashions and fragile objects.11:27 In 1858 he introduced the rectangular shaped trunk.11:43 Did you say zoot case?12:20 Before this, trunks were dome shaped.13:16 Transportation was changing and there was more of a need for efficient packing.14:05 Locomotives democratized travel.14:19 Louis designed his luggage to be water and stain resistant.14:53 He's looking at trends and listening to the market and using that to design his products.15:38 Everything he is doing is very strategic.16:35 Another example of dedicating your entire life to what you are doing.17:45 I like his understanding of client habits.18:05 The Damier Pattern was created in 1883.18:30 Their success was not overnight. It was not instant.19:11 1892 Louis died. In 1893 the brand was introduced to America.19:40 1896 they created the LV monogram.19:53 Gaston Louis.20:34 Traditionally second or third generation businesses crater.20:55 Their network allowed them to get to the next level. 21:36 1987 they merged with Moet-Hennessey.22:52 We hear frequently that you just need "the one".23:15 Social Media and technology have created a different paradigm.23:55 Know what your uvp and value add is.25:11 He's the perfect example of an entrepreneur.25:56 It's not about Rolex or Louis Vuitton. It's about the fallacy of instant traction.26:55 We are different and live in reality. We are the anti-social media.

Last Episode Drop on Business Relationships from the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast Themed Series: Dyson1:53 If you DM us, please follow us too.2:25 Another instant traction myth.2:42 Invented the Ballbarrow and Boat Launcher in the 1970s.5:20 It takes time to develop a quality product. 6:02 Vacuums lose suction from a layer of dust clogging the bag.6:44 Inspired by the centrifugal separator.7:58 Built a cardboard model and tested it.8:13 You may be working on one thing but be open to recognizing other opportunities.8:17 Listen to the market, find the problem and start small with a proof of concept.8:28 As creators we are also scientists and detectives looking at how things work.8:38 Dyson... Sir James Dyson.8:56 People often say that if the idea is so good someone else would have already done it.9:42 Network, funding, perseverance and having the right support system.10:59 In a shed behind his house he developed 5,127 prototypes. 11:21 It's very common for inventors and founders to get frustrated by a lack of progress.11:55 Know how your network comes into play.12:11 Rotork.13:19 Commercial success in Japan.14:29 "Say goodbye to the bag." A clear message of their unique value prop.14:48 A lot of listening to the market and iteration to find success.16:06 When major companies rejected his product, he opened Dyson Limited to make it himself.16:15 The alpha product, The Dual Cyclone Vacuum.17:03 They are true to their value of making digital electric motors.17:18 What is your strength? What is your uvp? Can you adapt into other products?17:33 It took a long time and that is the point.17:54 In our 3-phase process there can be no guarantees.19:06 "I made 5,127 prototypes of my vacuum before I got it right."19:25 You need emotional intelligence, the ability to withstand failure and to know when to stop.19:45 It's hard as a solo inventor to persevere, you need the power of a team.20:09 My product is my baby.20:54 I love the Dyson story.21:50 If you are an inventor working on an idea just keep going until you shouldn't anymore.22:03 Keep going but get honest feedback.22:34 You need to surround yourself with people that will tell you the honest truth.22:37 Sometimes at some point we do have to stop.22:40 It's not just grit. It's strategy, emotional intelligence and network.

Think you know the story of BUBBLEWRAP??Instant Traction 3 from NO FOLLOWERS PodcastEpisode 31 — “Instant Traction Myth: BUBBLE WRAP” Bubble Wrap is the perfect example of why founders must stop falling in love with their first idea.Traction often comes from the use case you didn’t expect.Share your questions, comments, follow, subscribe & join the conversation plus reach out to the In Focus Brands' Portfolio for your business, product or idea launch, growth, scale, operations, GTM and fundraising needs.

Founders/Inventors fail because they expect traction to show up like a lottery win instead of a compounding system.Traction comes from: Repetition. Relevance. Relentless refinement. And a system that compounds. NO FOLLOWERS Podcast Episode 28 from the First Strike Incubator. Share your questions, comments, follow, subscribe & join the conversation plus reach out to the In Focus Brands' Portfolio for your business, product or idea launch, growth, scale, operations, GTM and fundraising needs.1:06 An instant traction myth episode.2:00 Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis found Wilsdorf & Davis in 1905.3:30 Fashion in 1905 was for pocket watches.4:05 It was called the wristlet watch.4:45 The entrepreneurial journey; wrong...wrong...wrong...right.4:54 Hans knew wristwatches were the future.5:25 They were the first to focus on precision movements in wristwatches.5:42 W&D watches are white labeled through jewelers.6:08 Hans trademarks "Rolex".7:07 What is your favorite watch brand?7:52 What do you think of when you hear the word "Rolex"?8:20 They were the first wristwatch to be awarded a certificate of performance.8:55 In 1914 they were awarded a Class "A" Precision certificate by the Kew Observatory.9:27 In 1919 they relocated to Switzerland.10:02 1926 was a game changer for them.10:20 It took 21 years to get them on the trajectory that would roll them into "Rolex".10:28 In 1926 they released, the Rolex Oyster case, the first waterproof wristwatch.11:39 I'm trying to find things everyone thinks had instant traction but did not.12:01 What if they tried to make the first dustproof/waterproof watch in 1905?12:32 Find the mvp. The best way to raise money is to sell product.12:58 What do you do when you have an idea? What do you do next?13:36 They distributed through jewelers at first.14:10 Packaging and distribution are the two things most people overlook.14:45 In 1931 they had the first self-winding wristwatch.15:33 A lot of their marketing was geared toward outdoor adventure.16:27 They could set their price because of their innovations.16:56 Rolex was rolled into a non-profit trust.17:37 They produce a million watches a year and have a revenue of $13+ billion.17:45 Get to market, understand the distribution channels and market need and get to revenue.17:56 Innovate, iterate and keep moving forward.18:05 Rolex is not an instant traction story.

Everyone loves the story of the overnight success and rarely look at the years of failure, iteration and obscurity that actually built it.That’s why we created the Instant Traction Series:*To kill the myths, hype and fantasy thinking that keep founders broke, distracted and delusional.Every episode is a reminder of one truth:Traction isn’t magic. Traction is math, learning systems, experience and time.If you’re building for the long run, stop chasing the myth.Start studying the operators who built the reality.NO FOLLOWERS Podcast Episode 3 "The Myth of Instant Traction"Share your questions, comments, follow, subscribe & join the conversation at the First Strike Incubator Network and reach out to the In Focus Brands' Portfolio for your business, product or invention idea launch, growth, scale, operations, GTM and fundraising needs.0:23 There is no Instant Traction.1:38 A consultant wants to make a product company.2:26 We built this by taking risks.3:10 If you're not willing to take a risk we don't want you here.4:23 Difference between consulting and actually making the product.5:11 No product goes right from idea stage to out the door.5:57 Test it and see.7:08 They're building a product in a vacuum.8:18 When there's no hurdle everyone jumps in. 9:31 Famous companies that did not have instant traction even though you think they did.10:05 Bubble Wrap.10:30 Co-occurring conditions.10:55 The Wright Brothers.11:30 Validation.11:55 Apple and customer feedback.12:10 You need some amount of resilience.12:26 Where your customers congregate.12:44 Product market fit

Last Episode Drop on Business Relationships from the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast Themed Series: Working with Consultants (Part 2) with Cameron Erickson of Camelot Solutions & The Owners Reality.Share your questions, comments, follow, subscribe & join the conversation at the First Strike Incubator Network and reach out to the In Focus Brands' Portfolio for your business and product invention launch, growth, scale, operations, Go To Market and fundraising needs.0:28 Signs that it is the right consultant for you.1:36 Build your internal dev team first.2:37 A startup going to a consultant first thing off the bat is taking a long road.2:48 Every business owner needs to do research.3:22 A consultant can reveal team inefficiencies. 3:56 You should be the expert about your own business. 4:20 Most entrepreneurs don't build teams right the first time.5:05 Having a consultant on your Board of Advisors is a long-term strategy.5:39 The consultant should not be there to "yes" you.6:08 There are two starting paths: building teams first and starting with consultants.6:55 The key is research, review and doing your homework ahead of time.7:18 Do you have all the resources to execute the plan?7:44 Consultants should give you options to fit your needs.8:22 Understanding your limitations.

Working with Consultants Part 1. Guest Cameron EricksonThe 6th of 7 parts in the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast Themed Series:Business Relationships: ConsultantsEpisode 10: Working with Consultants (Part 1) with Cameron Erickson Real relationships are earned through experience, consistency and honest conversations about what is needed, what fits and what doesn’t. That’s why our teams across the In Focus Brands' portfolio operate the way we do: operator first, proof driven and relationship anchored.Share your questions, comments, follow, subscribe & join the conversation at the First Strike Incubator Network and reach out to the Portfolio for your business and product invention launch, growth, scale, operations, GTM and fundraising needs.Most times consultants are not the answer.1:10 I do think there are some people who consultants are not right for.1:36 I think you are both right and wrong.1:49 I got into consulting because I disliked the consultants we were working with.2:43 I knew there was a better way to do this. 3:32 If you can't put it into practice, it's worthless. 4:11 There's a couple of considerations that come into play.4:40 You glossed over something real fast that is major.5:40 I'll give you a real-life example.6:24 Where you fall short is the execution.6:34 Understanding your customer.7:11 There's not a business on the planet that doesn't have finite resources.7:32 Nike can have a lot more failed products in R and D than I can.8:15 What consultant is going to tell you if they can't help you? 8:47 What questions should you ask before hiring a consultant?9:03 Consultants should be coming in to provide a specific solution.9:35 I take it from the strategic to the tactical and then the operational.10:26 Creating partnerships that work for all.

Conferences and EXPOSSXSW 2025. What is South by SouthWest?2:52 Philly hates Yankees fans.3:33 The Philly Bike Expo.4:32 It's good to get out in front of people and get real time feedback. 4:44 Learn how to read the room and observe people.4:55 We start by figuring out what our booth set up is going to be and make sure we are on brand.5:54 Have best practices for expos and figure out logistics.7:00 I am not sales pitchy, but I am always there to answer questions and engage.7:42 Our goals are to observe and get to know people.8:24 I want to learn from everyone I meet to see what I am missing.8:53 Bring your idea or product to where your target market is and see who responds to it.9:31 Gauge the perceived value of your product from your potential customers.9:50 It's information gathering to see if we are on the right track.10:22 Having a purpose and intention for going to these expos is step 1.10:32 We always set quantitative goals at conferences and expos.10:55 I am always looking to learn the phrases and jargon of each particular market.11:10 Don't try to be everything to everybody.11:38 The one thing I am always trying to figure out is their buying process.11:49 What do the customers go to first? Figuring out their priorities changes our marketing.12:13 Expos are hard work and expensive but can be fun and offer great opportunities.13:03 We should do a live podcast from an expo.13:42 Don't booth at first. Go and take notes and learn from your industry.

This is the 4th of 7 episodes of the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast Business Relationship Themed Episodes. Healthy Conflict & Respectful Disagreeance. Share your questions, comments, follow, subscribe & join the conversation at the First Strike Incubator Network and reach out to the Portfolio for your business and product invention launch, growth, scale, operations, and fundraising needs.0:57 How do you build a good relationship when you constantly disagree?2:12 Organizational Behavior 101, Conflict is Good.2:40 Respectful disagreeance is the cornerstone of democracy.2:55 We base our relationship on honesty and direct talk.3:16 We are aligned mission wise but see things from a different pov. That is a strength. 3:40 Healthy conflict is disagreement but not hostility.4:42 I want you to push back on me to make my point better or destroy it.5:15 Where healthy conflict exists there is growth.6:16 The best compliment is to be called "genuine".6:55 We can find better solutions through healthy conflict.7:14 Genuine means that I am willing to take a stand based on experience and being who I am.7:49 We try to talk about being genuine to people who are told "be something you're not".8:23 If you don't want to prove your statements then you've got nothing for me.8:38 We operate on finding truths and making informed decisions by following the data.8:56 We've taken the time to build real relationships and a real culture. 9:30 You're not going to build a real team overnight. It takes time and a lot of work.10:07 Have processes in place to manage healthy conflict and not shy away from it.10:35 I've worked in the white-collar and blue-collar worlds; they handle conflict differently.11:25 You need a healthy outlet for passive aggressive feelings in business.11:52 Ask hard questions to cut through the bs.12:35 We are a solo voice in a world filled with nonsense and bad advice.13:50 If you can't answer hard questions, you have nothing for me.14:40 I don't want to deal with disingenuous people.15:20 I am genuine. I put all of myself into my customer's projects.15:30 You have to be accountable for all you do, the good and the bad.16:06 It comes from a place of working towards growth.16:35 We are giving our clients an outside perspective on how to make things better.17:05 We have a culture where if we mess up, we try to fix it together17:32 You are never a solo in this endeavor, it is always a team.17:54 I hold myself to the highest standard.18:54 The thing about having a moral compass is that you always have your true north.19:44 It's ok for things to get elevated as long as it is in the best interest of moving forward.20:34 Behavior has to be modeled for people.20:58 It takes time to build trust.21:25 You don't have to agree, you have to understand each other.21:41 You have to know how to disagree in a healthy way and then prove it.

Share your questions, comments, follow, subscribe & join the conversation at the First Strike Incubator Network and reach out to the In Focus Brands' Portfolio for your business and invention launch, growth, scale, operations and fundraising needs.0:23 How do you get through to people who are combative towards coaching?1:10 If you knocked it out of the park on your first design iteration, you are the best there is.1:45 If we don't tell you now, the market will tell you later.2:12 Sometimes you don't go to market.2:50 Our main goal here is finding the right products to take to market. 3:23 It's about the right resources at the right time. 3:50 You are not Nike.4:06 Even Nike at the beginning took calculated risks.4:17 You need one traction point.5:19 The example I always like to use is Apple.5:38 The iPod was the turning point for Apple.5:51 A lot of features were rolled into the iPhone.7:18 We have to take calculated risks.8:00 We are not selling the movie poster.8:12 They have to be open to the risk reward paradigm. 8:18 We are not guaranteeing success. 8:58 You have to be passionate about it. 9:18 True entrepreneurs don't put money first. It's freedom.

Part 2 of the Business Relationship SeriesPARTNERSHIPS & RELATIONSHIPS: THE REAL ADVANTAGEIn our world, partnerships aren’t transactions. They’re the backbone of everything we build. For decades, our community and network have held a 100% retention rate; not because of contracts, but because of trust, clarity and shared work in the trenches.Fostering Business Relationships.0:52 Can I tell you a brief story?2:10 You Big Timed me!2:47 Sometimes you have to take the client because you need the money.3:18 I try to treat everyone like they are family.4:18 Respect is a two-way street. So is business. 4:52 Running and owning a small business is personal. 5:04 I don't view business as a zero-sum game.5:14 True Capitalism means you have to be honest in relationships.5:59 We rely on our relationships and networks.6:10 Big Timing.6:30 People don't hold themselves accountable.7:30 Sometimes people confuse activity with being busy.8:28 We look at everyone as a team member.9:05 Relationship Capital.9:52 What kind of person do you want to be? 10:30 I will always try to show up for somebody. 10:50 If you are running a small business, you can't burn bandwidth. 11:10 Economy of Scale. 12:25 That's my rant for today. 12:50 Honesty. 13:20 To be successful you don't have to be everything to everybody. 13:29 Being honest isn't being rude.

A 7-part Series starts today on the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast. The topic: Business Relationships.In our world, partnerships aren’t transactions. They’re the backbone of everything we build. For decades, our community and network have held a 100% retention rate; not because of contracts, but because of trust, clarity and shared work in the trenches.Deal Breakers: A NO PrepisodeIf you want to understand why this matters and why our partners stay for decades; these episodes from the First Strike Incubator break it down from every angle.0:34 A NO Prepisode. 0:56 What are deal breakers for you? 1:23 I think you are using the term "partner" incorrectly. It is more of a collaboration. 1:43 We have to separate customer from partner as they are different levels of deal break. 2:11 Our joint customer was not appreciative off all the bending over backwards we did.2:30 They should have seen beyond the dollar amount. We created more value for them than that.2:50 Most clients don't care about the work. They only care about results. 3:12 I like my customers to feel like they should have paid more.4:16 For me deal breakers are dishonesty, the lying and the b.s.4:50 First level for me is honesty and doing what you say you will do.4:59 Second level is do you understand the depth of work you are asking for.5:38 A customer had $25,000 to build a motorcycle but wanted an $80,000 build.6:09 Even though they only had $25,000, they see an $80,000 bike in their mind.6:32 At that moment we have a fundamentally different valuation.6:53 Isn't your job to educate the customer about the proper value?7:19 There are things you can pick up on in my experience.7:50 I've heard you say, if I have to convince you of the value then you will never get it.8:25 Most people up front don't understand the value of the work involved.8:56 It's not them saying I don't have the budget, I'm fine with that.9:29 I will work with that person all day because they understand what it takes.9:39 Have honest communications and real relationships.9:54 A deal breaker for me is if my expert opinion on time and budget is ignored.10:35 If someone already makes the exact thing you need, buy it from them.10:42 Listen to me. It is never cheaper to make it custom.11:21 A Ferrari 488 is $300,000. If you want me to custom build you one, it would be $1,200,000.11:37 Ferrari already has all the infrastructure, knowledge and experience to build it.12:21 This is based on the past 10 years of doing this and having conversations with many people.12:30 The customer that had $25K and wanted an $80K bike build was never going to be happy.13:18 Despite things going wrong, we delivered. They didn't understand the process.13:35 They are not buying the process. They are buying the finished good.13:55 Have the right conversations up front to set expectations correctly.14:22 Customers don't know what goes into making an iPhone.14:30 Fox makes the iPhone for Apple.15:07 Every client complains at some point. Fox only exists because of Apple.15:15 A more tangible example would be with problems with our new car.16:03 They paid you for a service, they don't care how you get there. They just want it done.16:52 Is that really a deal breaker or are you going to figure it out and renegotiate?16:56 In my experience if you come in with a fundamental misunderstanding, that's a deal breaker.17:31 I would love comments on this to see where people draw the line.17:41 A perfect / imperfect example.18:22 You didn't listen to those red flags.19:10 No matter how good your idea or product is, this doesn't work if you are not coachable.

The last episode in the marketing theme series from First Strike Incubatoron the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast"The Power of Market Testing". Why, How and a recent product focus group recap from the team.Share your questions, comments, and Point of View with us.Follow, Subscribe, Like and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026 on the In Focus Brands' YouTube Channel.The power of testing ideas.0:58 We have to break it to make it successful.01:13 Viagra. 02:25 Most people aren't one trick ponies.02:40 Hyper focus on one target market to get started.02:55 We live it with our products.03:58 Focus on doing one thing extremely well.04:50 Dyson vacuums.06:23 People will say you are an instant success.06:42 They don't share their failures.08:13 Ten steps to instant success is total bs.08:25 It's a process and not a formula.09:33 The incubator is about the feasible and the marketable. 09:52 No guarantees. True risk capital.

Removing bias, learning to observe customers then creating plans to align to their expectations and uses are some of the topics. THE HOW!Always focused on applicable knowledge for your product and business growth.Our podcasts are built from the lived experiences of the teams and companies that comprise the First Strike Incubator. The goal: cut through the noise and deliver practical guidance you can actually use.Share your questions, comments, and POV with us.Follow, Subscribe, Like and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026 on the In Focus Brands' YouTube Channel.** Networking is not a dirty word.** What is a secret shopper?** T needs coffee.** Secret shoppers in the real world.** Focus on relationship building.** Learn from failures.** I can also learn from failures and not let them roll me over.** Emma.** Experiential learning.** Theory vs. Reality.** Accountability and goal setting.** How is this beneficial for your future career?** The business side of healthcare.** Many businesses did not want to talk about their challenges.** The perfect is the enemy of the good.** It's important to make the time to do surveys and get feedback on a regular basis.** Your messaging, marketing and onboarding all come from getting market intel.** You have to put in the work and make it a part of your process.** Listen to Bob.** Ketchup is not a dip.** Jake.** Be genuine in building your relationships. Networking is a great place to start.** Learning to interact with people at the Expo set me up for more events in the future.** Big Mike.** Working alongside people, you get to see where they are best used to maximize their talent.** Lessons learned for the Expo.** The alignment of talent and job description.** How will you apply this to your career?** I want to work with people who have different viewpoints.** Finding middle ground with a team is the way things get done.

Week 2 of the Market Series from No Followers PodcastPodcast Video Episode 17. Market Research and "FAIL FAST".What does 'fail fast' mean and what to look for from the market to make that decision.Our podcasts are built from the lived experiences of the teams and companies that comprise the First Strike Incubator  - launching, growing, scaling and exiting businesses and creating, testing, developing, fabricating, manufacturing and commercializing productsThe goal: cut through the noise and deliver practical guidance you can actually use.Share your questions, comments, and POV with us.Follow, Subscribe, Like and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026.That's the mindset we want to work with.** Very successful companies are usually not the first mover.** A substitute is still a competitor.** Launching a new product you can run into group think or be overzealous.** In a big company group think is usually a hurdle to innovation. ** Have the mindset of doing research to find your market fit. ** The answer is never what you want, it is what is needed.** We have a vested interest in you.** We don't expect every company to make money with us.** Metrics are what leads us.** What "Fail Fast" really means.** You have to separate the personal from the business.** Are you open to listen to market intel and make changes?** I don't want to work with people that don't want to see the research.** Consultants and focus group findings. ** It's easier to change the name than change physics.

4 weeks of Finding Your Market Intel from the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast Series starts today.Episode 46: Market Intel How to get it, how to analyze it, customer discovery.....Over the next 4 weeks, we will be dropping episodes, insights, and even some ludicrous co-host sidebars; all focused on KNOWING YOUR MARKET.Taking the "I THINK" out of your decision process.Our podcasts are built from lived experience. Decades of launching, growing, scaling and exiting businesses and products. The goal: cut through the noise and deliver practical guidance you can actually use.Share your questions, comments, and POV with us.Follow, Subscribe, Like and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026.In This Episode: ** T-Bob.** Fish.** Get out of here Long John Silver's.** The point of market intel is that it takes you out of the equation.** How do you get market intel?** First you "google".** You go into the market and talk with your potential customers.** Let your customers tell a story. In a story you get a lot of intel, habits, and how they think.** Develop your customer profile.** Where do you go? Engage with your community.** You're trying to find out information about potential customers.** Go online, find meet ups and events. See what your market looks like.** Know the jargon your market uses.** T's experience with entering the bicycle market and getting feedback.** Your observation and soft skills are important. Observe and engage with your market.** T's motorcycle prototype with customer intel and redesigns.** People don't pay attention.** We don't interact, we observe.** Learn to observe, listen, watch body language and facial expressions.** My focus as a builder is craft focused.** We use secret shoppers to gather intel.** We take people through a process. Everything has to be practiced.** Use the language your customers understand and put that in your marketing.** I don't care who you are, the market always knows more.** Don't put your own bias into your product. Listen to the market.** Focus Groups give phenomenal intel if they are done right.** Prioritize your market intel and feedback.** There are your customers/users and your customers/not your users.** People will give opinions even if they are not your potential customers.** Know who is a qualified opinion, customer and user.

The Most Misguided Decision Founders Make: Their Funding Structure -- The First Strike Incubator team breaks it all down on The No Followers Podcast“Weighted Average Cost of Capital” If you’re raising, here’s the real question: WHAT STRUCTURE IS YOUR BEST OPTION? Most founders get this wrong. Not because they’re reckless but because they’re misinformed. In this episode, the co‑hosts unpack: The real fundraising options available.-Why structure matters more than the size of the check.-How to choose HOW and WHAT DEAL to raise with.-The hidden costs founders never calculate. Share your questions, comments, and POV with us.Follow, Subscribe, Like. Stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026 on the In Focus Brands YouTube Channel.NO FOLLOWERS Podcast Video Episode 36. Weighted Average Cost of Capital.The best way to raise money is to sell something.** Debt is cheaper than equity.** It's become common to have a cycle of cap raises.** They never look at organic revenue and only focus on the raise.** I want to explain the concept that debt is cheaper than equity. ** Debt is the first thing that has to be paid back.** Equity stake holders are bottom rung as bond or debt holders are paid first.** Once you are in revenue debt becomes an option.** Let me paint a picture of debt vs. equity.** You are wrong if you look at the equity side as just getting money.** What debt doesn't give you are experts helping build your business.** For most companies, it is a mix of debt and equity.** If you are pre-revenue and have to do multiple raises, each has a different valuation.** You have more options if you can get to an mvp and pre-sell products.** This showcases the conversation we have with some of our members. ** Don't take on personal debt, keep it in the corporation.** Some people feel equity is less risky but that is not my view.** Sometimes you take out more than you need with an equity play.** Some people's whole business model is to raise money.** Investors should bring more to the table than just money.** A lot of people don't vet investors.** Is it truly risk capital?** The investor base is a key stakeholder, and they should be relied on.** They know they need funding but don't specifically know what to do with it.** It's all about having the right conversations.** If the investors aren't asking hard questions, they are not really interested.** T's dinner with a potential investor.** It should be an uncomfortable conversation. Money can wreck relationships.** The chasm between design and revenue is huge.** You must prove to investors that you are an expert about your business.** There is a cost in time and energy in going after grants or dealing with investors.

Raising Capital vs. Revenue. They are not the same and cannot be treated the same way! This is Part 3 of 4 on the theme 'Capital and Investors'.Our podcasts are built from lived experience. Decades of launching, growing, scaling and selling businesses and products. Our goal at First Strike Incubator: cut through the noise and deliver practical guidance you can actually use.Share your questions, comments, and Point of View with us.Follow, Subscribe, Like—and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026.In this episode:** My dog Tig has social anxiety.** Raising Capital vs. Revenue.** Raising Money is a tool to get to Revenue.** We love traction.** People have fallen in love with the raise. ** First check, first client is our goal. ** I thought at first, I should be raising capital.** Deconstruct the idea in practical ways.** The right resources at the right time.** Some valuations are insane.** Communication is always sacrosanct to us.** It's about realism.** Everyone wants the NETFLIX win. ** A solid performing company is a win. ** Know your investors goals and timeline.** You can't just sit there and beg.** Avoid the Greater Fool Theory.** Technologies can take a long time to get commercialized.** Many people are not discerning enough.** Early on the idea of raising money feels like the finish line.** First check, first client is the sexiest. Investment comes later.** Keep your day job.** Is the runway equivalent to the takeoff?

"IF YOUR WHOLE BUSINESS PLAN IS TO GET MONEY; GET A NEW PLAN" is just the start of this discussion on fundraising, alignment and team building including your investors. Our podcasts are built from lived experience. If your whole business plan is to raise money, get a new plan.** I thought it was time to fundraise ** You have no market intelligence to share with an investor ** People don't usually invest in a business. They invest in people and look for a team ** How can I get market validation if I can't make my product? ** Your time is better spent building a team instead of fundraising ** A start up is not a business A start up is an idea looking for a business ** We never raise money until we have a pilot or a customer ** If you fundraise early on, you will probably be giving up equity ** You're better off finding a good partner structure.If you fundraise to build a company, build the company ** I don't know who gives money without milestones ** The Greater Fool Theory of Investing ** Is your goal to be sold or to get your product to market? ** Joule strategy to market ** The quickest way to raise money is to get to revenue ** Do your research ** As a founder, you need to be realistic ** Your extended network is part of your team ** Surrounding yourself with the right people is worth its weight in gold ** Organizational Behavior 101: Conflict is good ** The further in development you get, the more valuable your company is ** I'm shocked at people who raise money and can't explain what their business actually is ** You have to be willing to be disproved ** Owners need to get a backbone ** Analyzing information is a practiced skill you need in business ** What is the best use of the resources around you?Follow, Subscribe, Like—and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026.

As part of our ongoing documentary on the First Strike Incubator's Team taking one product from Idea To Market; we are launching a themed series, straight from the vaults of the NO FOLLOWERS Podcast.Theme 1: Fundraising - Capital & InvestorsOver the next 4 weeks, we will be dropping episodes, insights, and yes… even some ridiculous outtakes, all focused on fundraising. This is a topic that impacts every business, yet is often clouded by noise and misinformation.Our podcasts are built from lived experience. Decades of launching growing, scaling and exiting businesses and products. The goal: cut through the noise and deliver practical guidance you can actually use.Share your questions, comments, and POV with us.Follow, Subscribe, Like—and stay tuned for new media and events coming in 2026.In This Episode: Ask questions. Get answers, even if you don't like the answers.** Taking information in is so important.** Have you ever heard of Sicilian Amnesia?** How to talk to investors.** Investors should be bringing more to the table than money.** Get market intel and ideally sell something. You shouldn't be jumping to investors first.** Investors can bring in other expertise.** As an investor, I'm going to push back on you too.** It's not a one-way interview. Both sides must ask tough questions.** I feel like Tiny Tim** Do all your analysis and get market validation first.** What do you bring to the table besides money?** Why do you want to be involved with me and my product?** What is your ROI and timeline? Do you need the money for bills?** Ask uncomfortable questions.** We lay out all the milestones and ask questions up front.** I always ask, what else have you invested in?** I try to test them. How are they in a crisis? How do they handle "no"?** My fundraising mantra is, "I want alignment".** Early on, it's like a dinner meeting.** Real Estate investing is a completely different risk profile.** What was the largest challenge building your business?** The first step is a conversation. Can I work with this group?** Uncomfortable conversations. ** It will come down to due diligence.** Is it worth investing the time if you are not going to be good partners? **Don't share proprietary information up front. Filter for qualified investors.** It takes time to build relationships and trust.** Have honest early-stage conversations.** Investors want to see that you think strategically.** Ideally what does this investment look like? ** I hate maybes. What else are you looking for?** You need to keep networking. It's a numbers game.** Build warm leads.** Put it in writing even if it is your family and friends.** Know what you are getting and who you are dealing with.** Loans vs. Investments.

Fun Size SHORTS 3 "Bidets and Better Zack".

Fun Size SHORTS 2 "Pizza & Dating Shows"

FUN Size SHORTS 1 - T's Mike Tyson Impression and English Accent

Fast Food Shorts 11 "Dry Steak with Sauces"

Fast Food Shorts 10 "Halloween Candy: Reese's and Almond Joys."

Fast Food Shorts 9 "Charcoal Steak and Myoglobin"

Fast Food Shorts 8 "Fish and Acid Reflux"

Fast Food Shorts 7 "Burgers and Mayo"

Fast Food Shorts 6 "A Ciabatta Ruined My Day."

Fast Food Shorts 5 "Chips, Cookies and Oreos in Cool-Whip.

Fast Food Shorts 4 "Snacks, Jax and Cool Ranch."

No Followers PodcastFast Food Shorts 3 "Is Ketchup A Dip?"

Fast Food Shorts: "Nutter Butters, Oreos and Heaven Dreams." What is your favorite store-bought cookie?

This Episode:Fast Food Shorts: "The Cookie Coffee Dunk Debate."

In this Episode:** Can we curse on this podcast?** The iPod saved Apple.** They got people used to the interface and design. ** The technology wasn't there yet.** Economy of Scale.

In This Episode.. ** The bite-size best. ** If we don't tell you now, the market will tell you. ** The end of the product lifecycle is sometimes you don't go to market. ** Our goal is to find the right products to take to market. ** It's about the right resources at the right time. ** You need one traction point.Reach out to become a sponsor of 'Advice On The Go'.

In This Episode:Business Relationships** You can't burn bandwidth on people who will not reciprocate.** My pet peeve is people who say they are too busy.** We are all busy. ** People are afraid to be honest. You don't have to be everything to everyone.** Being honest isn't being rude. ** I want you to tell me what you don't like so we can fix it.

In This Episode:** People don't know how to hold themselves accountable.** It is about relationship building.** We look at everyone as a team member. We are in it together or we are not.** Part of your capital is relationship capital. Your success is tied to your network.** A reputation for bad business relationships gets around real fast. ** We get along ... sometimes.

In this episode:** T was "Big Timed".** Sometimes you have to take the client because you need the money.** Respect is a 2-way street and so is business.** Running and owning a small business is personal.** I don't view business as a zero-sum game. ** True capitalism means you have to be honest in relationships.** We rely on our relationships and our network.** I've never used the term "Big Time" before.

In This Episode:** For every dollar you take, it should bring in $1.30 to $1.40.** There are tech companies that take a long time to get commercialized.** No model works for every business.** Early on the idea of raising money felt like the finish line.** First check, first client is the sexiest. ** Keep your day job.** Think of it as time blocking and hitting your milestones.** Is the runway equivalent to the take-off?

In This Episode:** I have problems with current valuations. Most companies will never realize those values.** The "Greater Fool" Model ruins future relationships.** You have to think long term.** It's about realism, follow the money.** Everyone wants the Netflix win. ** If you have a company that performs well year after year, that is a win.** Know the timeline and intentions of potential investors.** Your investor should also bring either network or expertise with them.

In this episode:* T's dog Tig has social anxiety.* Raising money is a tool to get to revenue.* We love traction. I don't like raising money until we have customers.* People have fallen in love with the raise.* First check, first client is our goal with a startup. * Build it and test it and go from there.* It is deconstructing the idea into something practical and applicable.

In This Episode.. Dyson Vacuums created 5,271 prototypes ** Focus on building a team that has the skills you do not ** People say instant success because they didn't see the 10-15 years it took to get there ** Sharing your failures ** 10 step programs to instant success are BS ** As much as we have a process, it is not a formula.

In This Episode:** We have to break it to make it successful.** Viagra.** It takes hyper focus to get something started.** We live it with our products every day with the resources we have available.** We start with how I would use it as the inventor and move on to how would the customer use it. ** You have to reiterate and have product and market focus

In This Episode:* Bubble Wrap did not have instant traction.* It's not just "give it time", it's about co-occurring conditions.* The Wright Brothers.* Apple has done a great job at listening to customer feedback and iterating on their products.* Determine feature benefit match and product market fit. * There is no such thing as instant traction.* This is what you think, now go test it.* Test it and get your market validation.* User play can change your design.* As the inventor, you have to find out what features your customers care about.