PODCAST · business
Black Belt Startup with Feras
by Feras
Starting as a dishwasher who spoke no English and eventually founding 7 businesses that generated 65M - and one of which sold for 8 figures - serial entrepreneur Feras Alhlou is now on a mission to empower other consulting and service entrepreneurs.Combining this business experience with the mindset and discipline of a 4th-degree Black Belt in Aikido, Feras dives into principles and critical actions for kickstarting your consulting and services business, including:Why passion is optional but skills and sacrifice are notStarting a business after a layoffThree cases when side hustling is OKPricing at the earliest stages of your new companyEarly-stage marketing techniquesHow avoid mistakes and save precious time and resourcesStrategies to break the 7-figure consulting barrierDon’t do it on your own. Listen to Black Belt Startup to start smarter and stronger.
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45
Struggling With Focus & Organization? Let’s Fix It
A lot of capable entrepreneurs struggle with focus—not because they lack skill, but because the way they’ve been taught to focus doesn’t fit how they actually think and work. This is something I’ve seen often, especially with neurodivergent professionals navigating entrepreneurship. In this upcoming live session, I’ll walk through 6 principles that can help you rethink focus—and apply them in a practical way. We’ll also open it up for Q&A so we can connect this to your situation directly. If you’ve been feeling stuck or scattered, this will be a useful conversation.
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44
Why Most Consulting Businesses Stall Before They Grow
Most consulting businesses don’t fail because of competition—they fail because they become too complex, too early. And here’s how it shows up: You add more services, more tools, more “strategy”… and everything starts slowing down instead of speeding up. So instead of things getting easier, everything feels heavier. In this session, I’ll take a concept called the “Founder’s Mentality” (used by high-growth companies) and show you how to apply it to simplify your business and start getting real traction. We’ll go through real examples, practical frameworks, and I’ll answer your questions live. If you feel stuck between “I know I can do this” and “why isn’t this working yet,” this is for you.
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43
The Sales Discipline Every Consultant Needs
Most consultants don’t fail because they’re bad at what they do. They fail because they never built a sales system. In this session, I’ll break down the exact framework that took me from a 1-in-20 proposal win rate to building and selling an 8-figure consulting firm. We’ll cover: - The numbers behind consistent client acquisition - The emotional drivers behind B2B decisions - Why most proposals stall - How to increase real sales conversations without feeling “salesy” If you’re technically strong but inconsistent in landing clients, this workshop will help you build real sales discipline.
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42
48 Questions on Careers, AI, and Entrepreneurship—Answered Without the Fluff
Entry-level roles are shrinking. AI is taking over routine work. And doing what’s assigned is no longer enough to stand out. For students, the rules you’ve been trained to follow—study hard, get good grades, land a job—are no longer enough on their own. In fact, many graduates are preparing for a job market that no longer exists. But this isn’t just a student problem. Across the board, the people who get ahead early are not the ones who wait for direction—they’re the ones who take ownership. So what actually works now? I’ve collected 48 real questions from graduating seniors, recent grads, and early professionals—covering entrepreneurship, careers, AI, and personal growth. In this podcast, I’ll break them down across 6 key areas: - Entrepreneurship & business strategy - Success factors & common mistakes - Personal journey & motivation - Career advice & skill development - Lifestyle & time management - Resilience & pivoting No theory. No fluff. Just what I’ve learned building multiple businesses across several tech waves over the past 30 years—including one that scaled to 8 figures and was acquired. If you graduated recently or are graduating soon—or you're already feeling the impact of AI on your career or business—this will give you clear direction on what to focus on next.
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41
The AI Shifts Every Consultant Needs to Understand
Most consultants are still asking the wrong question about AI. They’re asking: “Will AI replace me?” But the real risk isn’t AI itself. It’s becoming the type of consultant that AI replaces first. Over the past few months, I’ve been studying how firms like McKinsey, Deloitte, PwC, EY, and BCG are actually adapting to AI — and more importantly, what that means for newer and smaller consultants who don’t have their resources. In this upcoming session, I’m going to break down: - What these firms are seeing that most people miss - Where companies are struggling to make AI actually work - How you can apply these insights to position your own consulting business This isn’t theory. It’s based on what I’m seeing across companies adopting AI—and what I’ve learned building and scaling consulting businesses over the past 20+ years. If you’re starting or growing a consulting business, this will help you understand where to focus… and where not to. Most people will figure this out too late.
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40
New to Consulting Sales? 7 Secrets to Successful B2B Sales + Live Q&A
New to consulting sales? Most early-stage consultants don’t struggle because they lack expertise. They struggle because B2B sales isn’t intuitive — especially when you’re navigating both SMB and enterprise clients. In this session, I’ll break down 7 essential principles that separate stalled pipelines from consistent deal flow — and how to apply them whether you’re selling to a small business owner or a corporate buying committee. If you’re serious about building your first real pipeline, this will give you clarity.
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39
The 4 Forces That Make or Break Businesses
Most people don’t fail in business because they lack skills. They fail because they’re fighting the wrong battles. There are four forces quietly shaping whether your business grows—or stalls. In this podcast, I’m going to break these down and show you how to actually apply them to your situation. This is not theory—it’s based on real experience building and scaling multiple businesses, including an 8-figure marketing analytics consulting firm. If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to fix next, this session will give you clarity.
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38
5 Filters That Make or Break Your Consulting Idea
Most consulting ideas don’t fail because they’re bad. They fail because they were never pressure-tested. You might have the skills. You might even have experience. But if your idea isn’t positioned correctly, timed right, or aligned with real demand—you’re going to struggle. In this live session, I’ll walk through 5 advanced filters (6 through 10) I use to evaluate consulting business ideas—covering positioning, timing, leverage, and risk. And we’ll apply them live to real ideas. If you’re thinking about launching—or stuck refining your offer—this will help you avoid months of wasted effort. Bring your idea.
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37
Starting a Consulting Business in Uncertain Times
Storms don’t send calendar invites. - Technological disruption - Economic shocks - Market downturns - Geopolitical tension Instability is part of the environment entrepreneurs operate in. For early-stage consultants, this can feel especially intense. You’re trying to start something new, build momentum, and figure things out — all while the world around you keeps changing. When turbulence hits, you quickly realize something uncomfortable: You have very little control over external events. But you do control your foundation. And just as important — you control how you lead yourself and others through uncertainty. In this podcast, I’ll share practical lessons from navigating difficult moments as a founder and leader. We’ll cover: - Why cash really is oxygen when you’re starting a consulting business - How to strengthen your foundation before the next disruption hits - What early-stage founders should focus on when things feel unstable - Leadership habits that keep teams — and founders — steady under pressure Storms will come. Preparation determines whether your business bends… or breaks.
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36
How to Choose the Right Consulting Idea (From the 26 That I Shared)
Most people don’t fail because their business idea is bad. They fail because the idea doesn’t match their experience, the market, or their ability to execute it. Last week I shared 26 consulting business ideas for 2026. But the real challenge isn’t ideas. It’s choosing the right one. In this podcast, I’ll break down the five filters I use to evaluate a consulting idea: - Founder–idea fit - Difficulty level - Speed to first dollar - Market demand - Access to buyers If you are wondering which business idea you should actually pursue, I’m here to help!
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35
Most People Niche Wrong: 7 Fixes for 2026
Everyone says, “niche down.” But most new founders do it the wrong way. They pick an industry… but stay generic inside that industry. They narrow their audience… but don’t sharpen their positioning. They say: “I help small businesses.” “I work with startups.” “I do AI consulting.” And then they wonder why: - Clients don’t respond - Conversations stall - Revenue doesn’t move Niching isn’t about shrinking your market, it’s about increasing precision. In this podcast, I’ll break down the 7 most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when niching — and how to fix them. I’ll cover: - Why “just pick a niche” is incomplete advice - How to layer vertical expertise - How to define a specific target segment - Why startup vs enterprise is a different game - How applied AI strengthens positioning - The human capabilities that still win - And how to optimize for speed to first dollar If you’re building a consulting or service-based business, this will help you stop guessing and start aiming. Bring your idea. We’ll sharpen it together.
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34
Comfort Is Killing Your Entrepreneurial Drive
You can be confident at your job. Confident executing. Confident delivering. Confident inside a stable system. But still lack the confidence to build something of your own. That’s the Comfort Trap. Comfort doesn’t kill all confidence. It kills the confidence to do something different. I’ve been hearing this more and more: “I don’t feel like I’ve built something meaningful.” “My confidence is declining.” “I have time… and I waste it.” Here’s the hard truth: Confidence doesn’t decline because you lack talent. It declines because you stop exposing yourself to resistance. Comfort feels safe, but it slowly erodes your entrepreneurial drive. In this podcast, I’ll break down: - Why comfort sustains routine — but weakens initiative - The discipline gap that keeps smart professionals stuck - The difference between execution confidence and builder confidence - The practical shifts that rebuild entrepreneurial momentum If you’ve been “almost ready” to start your business for too long… this is your wake-up call. Let’s get uncomfortable — on purpose.
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33
Passion Is Overrated: Why Boring Businesses Win
We’ve been fed this idea: “If you don’t love it, don’t do it.” That mindset is quietly sabotaging a lot of smart professionals. In this live session, I’ll break down: - Why “follow your passion” creates unrealistic expectations - How real businesses are built on needs, not feelings - How to identify profitable “boring” opportunities - Where passion should exist in your work - How this shift reduces fear when leaving corporate If you’re a competent professional considering independence — this conversation matters.
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32
Sales Pitch Roast for Beginners (So Clients Don’t Roast You)
Pitching your first clients can feel intimidating — especially when you’re just getting started. In this podcast, I’ll gently roast real beginner sales pitches and proposals to show you what’s working, what’s hurting you, and how to fix it before you send it to a real client. No judgment. Just clear, practical feedback to help you pitch with more confidence and clarity. If you’re new to consulting and afraid of saying the wrong thing, this session is for you. Let’s make your next pitch or proposal the one that actually gets signed.
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31
Live Proposal Makeovers for 2026
Over the last week, I shared a few proposal breakdowns — and the comments blew up. Clearly, many consultants are struggling with pitches and proposals. So we’re taking it to the next level. I’m hosting a LIVE Pitch & Proposal Roast. If you’ve ever hit “send” on a pitch or proposal and wondered: “Is this actually good… or is this why clients ghost me?” This podcast is for you. How it works: - Send me your pitch email or proposal document - I’ll review and roast it live (constructively, I promise) - You and your client stay fully anonymous - You’ll walk away with practical, specific fixes to help you close more deals in 2026 Why this matters: Roughly 80% of proposals fail — not because the consultant can't deliver, but because the pitch and proposal process is broken. This session will show you exactly how to fix that. Email me your pitch/proposal. Let’s make your next pitch or proposal the one that actually gets signed.
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30
Stop Losing Deals: Proposal Q&A for Consultants
If you’ve ever sent a proposal and heard nothing back… struggled with pricing… or weren’t sure what to include or leave out, bring your toughest questions. I’m dropping my full 1-hour “The Ultimate Guide to Writing Proposals as a Consultant in 2026” in the next couple of days, and this livestream is your chance to get early insights, ask follow-ups, and get direct feedback on your proposal approach. Whether you're brand new or already closing clients, this session will help you tighten your sales process and stop losing deals you should be winning.
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29
Cracking the Ghosting Code: Why Leads Ignore You (and How to Stop It)
You’ve sent emails and proposals. You’ve followed up—politely, strategically, repeatedly. And still… silence. That kind of ghosting hits hard. Even seasoned experts start wondering if they’re cut out for business development. Here’s the truth: your problem isn’t the market. It’s that you’re hiding behind a keyboard, acting like a robot. This podcast is about breaking that cycle—moving from technical spammer to trusted solution provider. We’ll unpack: Why prospects ghost (and how to stop triggering it) The psychology of “follow-up fatigue” How to re-humanize outreach without sounding desperate The mindset shift that turns silence into dialogue Let’s crack the ghosting code together and make sure this year clients actually reply.
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28
From Employee to Entrepreneur in 2026: The 3 Must-Haves for a Successful Leap
You’ve built real expertise over the years — and whether you’re thinking of starting your consulting business or already started but feel stuck — this podcast is for you. Maybe you’re done with corporate. Maybe the last round of layoffs made that decision for you. Either way, the transition to consulting is the ultimate test of discipline. Think of it like this: Corporate life is a cruise ship — the engine runs whether you show up or not, but you have zero control over the destination… or whether you’ll be tossed overboard in the next “restructuring.” Entrepreneurship, though? That’s a rowboat. You have total control — but if you don’t build the muscle to row, that boat won’t move. And it doesn’t matter how much you know about the ocean (your expertise) if you refuse to pick up the oars (sales, marketing, mindset). In this week’s podcast, I’ll share the 3 must-haves every professional needs to go from employee to entrepreneur — or to get back on course if your consulting business is drifting.
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27
How Much to Charge as a Consultant - Hourly-Based Pricing Strategy
New year. Same pricing mistake. Every January, professionals reset their goals — and carry the same broken pricing into a new year. Whether you’re guessing your hourly rate or using one that no longer works, the result is the same: Tight margins Overwork Constant second-guessing We’ll cover: How to calculate a defensible hourly rate Why hourly pricing still matters (when used correctly) How to present it without scaring clients When hourly stops working — and what to do next If pricing feels fuzzy, capped, or stressful going into the new year, this is your reset.
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26
Turning 2025’s Setbacks Into 2026 Momentum
2025 is almost over — and if this year came with rejections, slow growth, or missed opportunities, you’re not alone. I was reminded of something powerful at BizWorld’s RiskMaster Luncheon, watching young entrepreneurs pitch their ideas and negotiate like pros. At one point, I offered a young girl $3 for her $5 bracelet. She looked me dead in the eye — no hesitation, no discount. Respect. That’s entrepreneurship in its purest form: clarity, confidence, and no panic when someone says “no.” In this podcast, I’ll unpack why rejection isn’t the end — it’s direction. We’ll look at how to turn 2025’s tough moments into momentum for 2026, and why sometimes a “no” is exactly what sets you on the right path.
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25
Not Everyone With a Great Idea Builds a Business — Here’s Why
A lot of smart professionals say they want to start consulting — and some even take the leap — but end up stuck, overwhelmed, or second-guessing every move. In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many skilled people never turn their expertise into a sustainable business — and how to avoid the traps that keep new consultants spinning their wheels. I’ll answer the top questions I get from aspiring and early-stage consultants who talk about launching but never gain traction… and I’ll show you the exact 3 steps to start or restart your consulting business this year. If you’ve been sitting on your skills — or you’ve already started but feel stuck — this session is for you.
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24
What Entrepreneurs Should Be Thankful For — Even the Hard Parts
When you’re in the thick of it — chasing leads, sending proposals, and facing rejection after rejection — it can feel like every door is locked. But it’s worth pausing to reflect on how those past and present challenges have shaped you into a better founder and a better person. If you don’t stop to recognize the importance of the hard stuff in your journey, you risk missing the very lessons that can make the next stage easier — and far more meaningful. I’ll share three moments I’m now deeply grateful for — each one tough at the time, but ultimately the reason I became a stronger entrepreneur: 💡 The rejections that redirected me 💡 The clients who challenged me 💡 The mistakes that forced me to grow If you’ve been grinding all year and wondering whether it’s paying off — this session is for you.
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23
26 Entrepreneurship Fears to Conquer Before 2026
Don’t let another year pass you. Every entrepreneur deals with fear, but not all fear looks the same. Some freeze. Some overthink. Some rush in and crash. And with 2026 just around the corner, now’s the time to confront those fears before they follow you into the new year. In this live Confidence Ladder session, I’ll walk through 26 real fears and challenges that keep ambitious professionals stuck, and show you how to climb through each one. No hype. No fluff. Just proven frameworks, stories, and practical steps. These aren’t abstract ideas; they’re the same fear patterns I’ve seen in 150+ founders I’ve advised. We’re going to tackle them head-on…. so you enter 2026 clear, confident, and ready to move. If you’ve been waiting for the “right moment” to launch, pivot, or grow… this is it. Let’s make 2026 the year you stop waiting for confidence and start building it.
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22
How To Start Your Own Business (Before The Year Ends)
Don’t wait for 2026 — start building your business now. In this podcast, I’ll walk you through the essential steps from my “Zero to Revenue: Entrepreneurship Essentials” course — how to go from idea to action, validate your concept, and land your first clients before the year ends. Whether you’re still brainstorming ideas or already testing the waters, this session will help you clarify your next move and start 2026 with real momentum.
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21
Ask Feras Anything: From Stuck to Strategy
I’m going live for two full hours — answering your questions about starting and growing a consulting or service business. If you’re: Thinking of starting but unsure what to do next, Feeling anxious or stuck after trying a few things, Or just want a reality check — real, kind, and unfiltered — this session is for you. Bring your toughest questions. Nothing off limits. Let’s turn confusion into clarity!
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20
White-Labeling & 6 Other Hidden Revenue Streams for New Consultants
Most new consultants only think in terms of billable hours — but that’s a trap. In this podcast, I’ll show you 7 hidden revenue streams (starting with white-labeling) that can help you grow faster, reduce risk, and build a consulting business that lasts. If you’re just starting out or struggling to find traction, this session is for you.
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19
DIY, DWY, DFY: Which Consulting Path is Right For You?
Every consultant is driving in one of three lanes. Most don’t even realize it. 1. DIY (Do It Yourself): You sell people a guide or template, and they do all the work on their own. Cheap, easy to scale, but you make less money per sale. 2. DWY (Done With You): You work with the client. They do the work, but you coach, guide, and support them along the way. Feels personal, pays more, but your time is limited. 3. DFY (Done For You): You do everything for the client. They just pay and relax. Pays the fastest and the most, but it’s heavy unless you have a team. The lane you choose doesn’t just decide your workload. It decides your income, lifestyle, and the type of clients who trust you. But most consultants drift without ever choosing. They burn energy switching lanes, never fully owning one… and wonder why money feels unpredictable. This week’s podcast is about making that choice clear. I’ll show you: The 3 consulting lanes every new consultant must know When to use each one How top consultants evolve from lane to lane to deliver value to their clients and build wealth and freedom Because if you can’t explain what lane you’re in, clients won’t trust you with the keys.
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18
The Financial Runway That Decides If You Survive
You may think your biggest threat is your competition, but no, it’s not. You may think it’s rejection, the ‘no’s you’ll hear when you pitch. But it’s not that either. Your real enemy is much quieter… and much deadlier. It’s your runway. The sand slipping out of your hourglass while you’re still planning, still perfecting, still waiting for the “right” moment. That’s what kills more businesses than competition or rejection ever will. I’ll walk you through a tough but simple system to: Develop your 6-month runway Stretch your runway long enough to actually scale Weigh the pros and cons of self-funding, borrowing, or bringing in partners We’ll cover both mindset and mechanics — so you can stop spinning and start moving. Let’s make sure you don’t run out of time — or money — before your business has a chance to grow.
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17
The Business Hiding in Every Headline
One day, it’s AI. The next day, tariffs. The day after that….some new disruption. Headlines change fast. But here’s what doesn’t: Every disruption hides a business opportunity. I’m no tariff expert, but I do have expertise (and a track record :)) in spotting the business hiding in the chaos. Whether the trigger is tech, regulation, or the environment, these shifts create new pain… and new demand. But let's focus on the real question: How will you respond? Most will read the headlines, grumble, and move on. But entrepreneurs? We look for the gap and step in. Shifts like this create new demand. And where there's demand, there's an opening for you to step in and make an impact. I’ll walk you through how to do just that: How to recognize disruptive shifts How to link your skills to the pain that these shifts create Real-world examples of turning change into paying clients This isn’t theory, it’s a method I’ve used again and again. And I’ll show you how to find that gap and turn this disruption into your advantage.
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16
Why Most Consultants Fail Before They Launch and How to Fix It
In consulting, 10 + 5 might be the most valuable equation you’ll ever learn. Not because it adds up to 15. But because it finally turns “I think I could…” into “Here’s what I do, here’s who I help, and here’s how I make money.” Here’s the truth most people won’t tell you: Consulting doesn’t fall apart because of lack of skills. It falls apart in the space between what you know… and what the market wants. That’s where my 10+5 Map comes in. 10 real conversations with potential clients 5 competitor scans 1 clear, compelling offer with proof behind it It’s the tool I give to every new consultant I mentor, because it’s the fastest way I know to go from fuzzy ideas to real traction. And this livestream is a warmup, a prelude. A live sneak peek into one of the most important frameworks featured in my upcoming free video: “The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Consulting Business in 2025” That full 50-minute video walks you through everything: How to build and price your offer How to define your ideal client How to land your first paying client And how to build a consulting business that actually lasts If you’ve been stuck between “I’m capable” and “I can close,” this might be the shift you’ve been waiting for.
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15
Responsiveness Is the New Sales Superpower
You’d be shocked how many talented consultants I’ve seen ghost a lead at the exact moment things were about to close. Not because they didn’t care, but because they didn’t realize: Responsiveness is your first deliverable. Before they trust your offer… they test your follow-up. And if you fail that test? Doesn’t matter how good your pitch is. You’re done. In this livestream, we’re going deep on: Why responsiveness isn’t just polite, it’s your sales engine How I use the 2-1-2 Rule to build trust before the first invoice The invisible cues that make clients think “this vendor is sharp” or “this vendor is sloppy” Plus: an open Q&A where we’ll workshop your bottlenecks If you’ve ever lost a deal and couldn’t figure out why… This might be the missing piece.
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14
The Lies About Financial Freedom No One Talks About
You can generate 6 or 7 figures in revenue and still feel broke, still anxious, still stuck in a cycle of high income, low control. And if you're just getting started, chasing financial freedom? The chaos often starts early. Because here’s the truth: Financial chaos doesn’t disappear when your revenue grows. It just hides behind a prettier bank balance. The real threat isn’t lack of money, it’s leaks in your systems. Gaps in your judgment and habits you haven’t outgrown. In this livestream, I’ll break down the invisible patterns that quietly sabotage financial independence- whether you’re just getting traction or already earning six or seven figures.. And more importantly, how to escape them. If you’re working harder than ever, or gearing up for your first breakthrough, but somehow still can’t breathe? This is for you.
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13
4 Things That Keep Smart People From Starting a Business
Overnight success is often 5+ years in the making. If you’re waiting for fireworks today… …. you’ll miss the sparks that are already trying to ignite. So many would-be founders get stuck right here: - They’ve seen smart people fail, wondering, “Why should I be any different?” - They want to build something, but fear what their boss (or company) might think. - They’re frozen, not because they don’t want it, but because they don’t know where to start. If that’s you, this livestream is your flashlight. Together, we’ll learn how to: - Launch on the side without burning bridges at your job - Validate an idea without overthinking or overplanning - Get your first customer (without fancy marketing) - Overcome the fear of failure by getting into motion You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start on purpose, and without shame. Come learn how.
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12
How to Fix a Failing Consulting Business
🥋 Kickstart your consulting business today: https://www.blackbeltstartup.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sometimes, you’re doing what looks smart, just at the wrong time. You say no to smaller clients too early. You hold off on raising prices. You niche down too far. You stick to your original idea even when the data says pivot. These decisions sound strategic, but when done too soon or held too tightly, they quietly stall your growth. Not with a crash, but with a slow loss of momentum, your pipeline thins. Progress fades. You feel like you’re working hard but getting nowhere. You’re not lost, just stuck in patterns that no longer fit where you are. This livestream breaks down why it happens and what to do when smart moves start holding you back. 💻 Check out the video on our website: https://www.startupwithferas.com/how-to-fix-failing-consulting-business/
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11
How to Start a Consulting Business Before You’re “Ready”
Most new consultants never get stuck on strategy. They get stuck waiting to feel “ready.” They overthink and overplan. And quietly delay the launch for months. Here’s the truth: Perfection is a trap. And action before clarity is often the only way through. In this livestream, I’ll walk you through: 1. Why launching before you’re ready is the smartest move you can make 2. Why overplanning might be the #1 thing holding your business back 3. What a $7.5K mistake taught one consultant about follow-up 4. How to build trust with clients by leading with empathy If you’ve been stuck in “prep mode,” this is your sign. Show up. Take notes. Let’s move forward — imperfectly. 💻 Check out the video on our website: https://www.startupwithferas.com/how-to-start-consulting-business-before-ready/
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10
How Pro Business Owners Organize Their Time
Smart consultants don’t grow by doing more. They grow by doing less of the wrong things. In this live stream, I’ll show you: 1. How to spot what’s draining your time and energy 2. The simple framework I used to reclaim 10+ hours a week 3. How to delegate, automate, and streamline operations—even on a tight budget 4. Why acting like a CEO (not an employee) is the first step to scaling We’ll walk through my Founder Schedule Optimizer live so you can leave this session with a clear action plan.
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9
Why You Should Start a Service Business Midst a Recession
When the economy dips, big business hits the brakes. They slash budgets, lay off talent, and pause R&D. This retreat creates a massive opening for nimble entrepreneurs. Service businesses, in particular, are perfectly positioned to take advantage, with less risk than product-based businesses. Why? Because service businesses come with: • Lower startup costs • Faster path to cash • Flexible offers that meet shifting demand • The ability to serve recession-proof sectors like healthcare, education, and financial advisory, among others. In this livestream, I’ll share how you can turn this uncertainty into your biggest entrepreneurial opportunity.
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8
Solving Common & Unique Business Challenges
Two weeks ago, I posted on Reddit and it blew up! I got 300+ questions and spent 10 hours answering them! Here are the hottest topics: — Balancing time while scaling — Finding high-ticket clients — Monetization & retention — Increasing conversion rates These are real challenges I’ve faced and solved, so I’ll share the strategies that helped me.
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7
Your Biz Questions, My Live Answers
If you’re stuck, join me this week to get your questions answered. Whether you’re thinking of starting a business or are struggling with one, ask what’s on your mind, and I’ll answer. If you don’t have burning questions, tune in to see what other founders are struggling with. Some questions I’ll address: -How and where to start a business. -1 year into it and barely making it, what to do next? -Should you niche down or go broad? -Struggling to land high-value clients? -Not sure how to stand out in a crowded market? -I own a construction company that specializes in exteriors, and another electrical business. I started this with a goal to sell in 5 years. How would you scale? -Well I work a full time job so I don’t have time to sell as much as I’d like. I do as much as I can outside of work. Thoughts on how to maximize the time I have for lead generation? -My business constraint would definitely be generating leads. I spent 9,000 in my first year on Facebook ads for my business and got back maybe half that in client retainers. -I struggle with finding freelancers to give tasks, marketing and increasing prices, even though the competition charges more For a similar product. 🥋 Kickstart your consulting business today: https://www.blackbeltstartup.com/ Let's connect! 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferasalhlou/
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6
Your Business Looks Amateur—Here’s How to Change That
🥋 Kickstart your consulting business today: https://www.blackbeltstartup.com/ When I started my first business, I thought my skills would speak for themselves. They didn’t… I had no tagline. No strong presence. Just a flimsy, forgettable business card. I realized two things early on: 1- Image matters: branding isn’t just for big companies–there are basic but essential branding any small business needs 2- Branding isn’t about looking good—it’s about being remembered, trusted, and chosen. We don’t buy from businesses. We buy from people and brands we believe in. Let's connect! 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferasalhlou/ 💻 Check out the video on our website: https://www.startupwithferas.com/your-business-looks-amateur/
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Why Your Early-Stage Business Won't Survive Remote Work
🥋 Kickstart your consulting business today: https://www.blackbeltstartup.com/ Dragging people back to the office won’t fix a broken work culture. I learned that back in 2013. When two key team members had to relocate. I faced a decision: lose great people or adapt. I chose to adapt. We went remote before it was cool—way before the world was forced to. Once we had two people working remotely, I thought, Why not hire the best talent, no matter where they are? We made mistakes. We fumbled a lot. But we figured it out. We got intentional about how we built culture, trust, and productivity. And it worked. Since then, I’ve built three companies—all remote. If you’re an early-stage entrepreneur wondering how to make remote work work, this episode is for you. Let me show you how I made remote work not just viable but a massive advantage. Let's connect! 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferasalhlou/
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4
How to Delegate Effectively Without Losing Control
Your business can grow by 1,700% in 3 years. It sounds impossible, but research by Gallup states that "high delegators" achieve an average three-year growth rate of 1,751%. That's 112% higher than those who struggle to delegate. So, how can you become a delegating queen? In this live stream, we’ll talk about how to delegate tasks effectively without losing control. YouTube: @StartUpWithFeras
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3
Busy ≠ Profitable: Fix Your Time Management Today
Your best clients are slipping away while you're 'busy being busy.' If you focus too much on one thing, you risk damaging another. Being a business owner isn’t about running from one thing to the next; it’s about getting what’s critical out of the door with the best quality possible. Let's connect! 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferasalhlou/ YouTube: @StartUpWithFeras
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2
How to Turn Your Layoff Into a Massive Opportunity
In this week’s live stream, we’ll cover how you can: 1. Build a financial safety net. 2. Turn your skills into a consulting business. 3. Land your first paying client. Let’s turn your layoff into a breakthrough. Let's connect! 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferasalhlou/ YouTube: @StartUpWithFeras
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1
How to Prioritize Effectively to Take on More Clients
I once tried to do everything on my to-do list in a single day. But I ended up binge-watching martial arts videos instead. Trying to tackle everything at once is a sure way to get nothing done. Let’s prioritize your tasks so you can take on more clients! Check me out on YouTube: @StartUpWithFeras
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Starting as a dishwasher who spoke no English and eventually founding 7 businesses that generated 65M - and one of which sold for 8 figures - serial entrepreneur Feras Alhlou is now on a mission to empower other consulting and service entrepreneurs.Combining this business experience with the mindset and discipline of a 4th-degree Black Belt in Aikido, Feras dives into principles and critical actions for kickstarting your consulting and services business, including:Why passion is optional but skills and sacrifice are notStarting a business after a layoffThree cases when side hustling is OKPricing at the earliest stages of your new companyEarly-stage marketing techniquesHow avoid mistakes and save precious time and resourcesStrategies to break the 7-figure consulting barrierDon’t do it on your own. Listen to Black Belt Startup to start smarter and stronger.
HOSTED BY
Feras
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