Jordan Buckner

I was honored to be on #400 of THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast with Jason Greenwood. As Jason said, "This episode is more raw and personal than perhaps any I have recorded before." Ya know, I've taken a step back this year from podcast appearances. Hell, I even put my own podcast on hiatus as I focused on my health (more on that soon.) As I'm emerging from the shadows, getting back on the saddle, and putting myself out there again – I'm looking back on my previous appearances and the topics that both I was excited to talk about and the hosts chose to cover with me. It always comes back to purpose. It doesn't matter how niche or strictly business and tactics-oriented the shows are – almost all of them have veered heavily into the existential. Much like with Jason in this episode, this is often the first and only time they've explored these topics on their shows. It signals a larger sea change occurring in the online business community. In a world where hustle culture and growth-at-all-costs have been the norm – especially in our rapid-paced, remote, and chronically online reality – people are waking up to the fact that it's f*cking unsustainable. We're entrepreneurs. We literally are the architects of our businesses and work incredibly hard to make them successful. We'll grind 100+ hour weeks and prioritize the end goal above all else – but spend almost no time thinking about how to optimize the journey there and actually enjoy the ride without burning out. We're seeing a shift towards authenticity, vulnerability, and a holistic approach to success. It's not just about the bottom line anymore; it's about finding that sweet spot where passion, purpose, and prosperity intersect – without burning yourself out in the process. This episode with Jason dives deep into that intersection. We get raw about the struggles of entrepreneurship, the toll it can take on your mental health, and how to navigate the e-commerce landscape without losing your soul in the process. If you're an entrepreneur, especially in e-commerce, feeling like you're on a hamster wheel of endless hustle – this episode is for you. Give it a listen. It might just be the wake-up call you need to realign your business with your values and find that elusive work-life balance we're all chasing. Link to the episode in the comments. 👇 And hey, if this resonates with you, share it. There's a good chance someone in your network needs to hear this too. Let's start a conversation about what really matters in business and life. #podcast #purpose #passion #ecommerce

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𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: Unlocking Growth with a Grant Writer for Startups As a startup founder, you're constantly on the hunt for funding opportunities to fuel your growth and innovation. While many turn to venture capital or angel investors, there's a treasure trove often left untapped: grants. Here's where a professional grant writer can make a monumental difference. Meet Jasti Smythe, Founder of Celerity Solutions, Grant Writer specializing in tech startups, electric vehicles, climate tech, and clean energy. https://lnkd.in/eauRgUQk - mention my name in your connection note to Jasti as the referral source Why consider a grant writer for your startup? ✳️ 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝: Grant writing is specialized and intricate. A professional knows where to look, what to write, and how to align your startup’s vision with the grant’s objectives. ✳️ 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: Many startups, especially in tech and social innovation, are eligible for numerous grants. A skilled grant writer can unearth these opportunities, ensuring you don't miss out. ✳️ 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Investing in a grant writer frees up your team to focus on what they do best—innovating and growing your business—while the grant writer handles the funding applications. ✳️ 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Grant proposals need to be persuasive and professional. A grant writer crafts compelling narratives that resonate with funders, significantly boosting your chances of success. ✳️ 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: A grant writer doesn’t just find funding; they align these opportunities with your long-term business strategy, ensuring that every dollar supports sustainable growth. #startups #funding #grantwriting #businessgrowth #innovation #entrepreneur #tech

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How I help PE firm's portfolio companies scale growth in 3 simple steps: Before you scale anything, you need to audit, ask, and analyze. Why? Because you need a plan backed by data. Here's how we do it at CraigGroup.io 1) Audit: We audit your marketing and sales funnels. - How much do they pay to acquire CPLs (cost per lead)? - What are your sales closing rates on leads? - How long is your sales cycle? 2) Ask: We interview your executives and customers. - Who are your most profitable customers? - What are your best customer's pains and desires? - How do your best customers make buying decisions? 3) Analyze: - What is your CAC (cost to acquire a customer)? - How long before you get a return on capital from marketing & sales? - How long before you get a return on gross profit from marketing & sales? Once you have this information, you can only then put together a marketing and sales strategy. Without those questions, you will be guessing and have no way to measure success.

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❤️ STOP Hiding Behind “Good Enough” 🚨 Build a brand that’s REAL, RESILIENT, and READY to grow. Here’s the truth: Brand building isn’t just about logos or colors. It’s about clarity, connection, and showing up as YOU—so your Right people know exactly why they need you. 🔥 Here’s what your brand needs to stand out: ✅ Authenticity: Stop pretending. Let’s uncover what makes your business truly unique. ✅ Clarity: Know exactly what you do, who you do it for, and how to say it in a way that hits. ✅ Confidence: Build a brand you’re proud to show up for. Sound like what you need? Let’s make it happen. 👇 ❤️ Rianne 💬 DM me “Audit” and I’ll show you how to transform your business into a brand that attracts, inspires, and grows. ✨ The best part? You’ll walk away with a brand that feels 100% YOU—no fluff, no fake promises, just Real Radiating Results. #BrandingTips #EntrepreneurLife #AuthenticBrand #BusinessGrowth

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Scaling your agency isn’t about doing what you do now…but with more clients. (It’s also not about burning out with the hope of a payout someday) → It’s about intentionally building a business that has room to grow. If you want to scale, you have to change your business… Shifting your role from doer > leader Changing your strategy from reactive > proactive Optimizing your process from haphazard > codified Deciding your income should go from uncertain > deliberate And letting go of what you know and what’s worked so far is hard. It becomes a comfort zone - but growth requires change. If you’re ready to change so you can clear your path to $1m, DM me CHANGE (or bonus points for sending your favorite song lyric with CHANGE in it…).


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1871 Supply Chain & FoodTech Pitch Showcase & Summit day kicked off with - 🥣 Breakfast— don’t underestimate the power of a convenient AND nourishing meal. - Then launched into a lively Investor Pitch Panel with Marlon Ramirez, Managing Partner at Blue Impact Supply Chain Ventures, Darin Cook, CEO of Pathpoint Labs, and JP Keating Managing Partner at proChain Ventures. - It was their time to pitch (and educate) founders on what it looks like to work with a venture capitalist. - 📣SO OF COURSE I HAD TO ASK A QUESTION. - They all unanimously agreed that as a founder you MUST have great communication skills ( or at least your co-founder). - If you can’t communicate your business, ideas, or yourself well— then it’s too much of a gamble to trust that you can SELL… and isn’t that the bottom line of any business???👀 - Marlon Ramirez of Blue Impact Adventures said it best…“It doesn’t matter how great your technology is if you can’t sell it”. - #voice #pitch #communication #venturecapitslist #impact #flexmindbodyvoice

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Just finished a chat with Eric, a dentist turned construction business owner. Within two years, he acquired a $4M revenue construction company. Here’s his story: Meet Eric. Eric started as a dentist in Colorado but wanted a change. Pre-COVID, he eyed the construction industry, seeing its resilience and growth potential. Lockdowns pushed him further into this new path. Eric started working with acquisitions.com searching for the perfect deal. The journey wasn’t easy – banks and sellers hesitated due to his lack of experience. But Eric persisted, learning, deal flow strategies, and evaluating countless businesses. He finally closed a deal on a construction company with $4M in revenue for $1.2M, including real estate. The deal was financed with a $1M SBA loan and a $200K down payment split from an investor. Why this business? The seller was overworked and eager to sell, lowering the price from $1.5M to $1M. Eric’s offer of $900K plus real estate sealed the deal. He knew it was a great value, given the high multiples usually seen in the industry. To manage the business, Eric hired experienced professionals and promoted internal talent. This move was crucial since he lacked construction experience. His partner’s wife also stepped in to handle day-to-day operations. Eric’s plan? Grow the business by accepting more contracts and improving operational efficiency. He’s focused on scaling by setting up systems and getting the right people in place. Eric’s tips: Don’t fear asking for financial help. Investors and banks want to make money too. Offer confidently, even if it seems low. Surround yourself with industry experts if you lack experience. Eric’s journey shows the power of persistence and strategic planning. His success in transitioning from dentistry to construction is inspiring. Want the full story? I just dropped the full interview with Eric in my newsletter. We touch on: How Eric financed his acquisition How he managed the business transition The challenges and rewards of his journey And more. Comment “Eric” and I’ll send you the link.

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Having a Functional Brand means you've gone through the process of demystifying the way your brand is leveraged as an asset for your business. For early-stage founders, brand can often feel like a luxury. When you're (really) light on resources, brand can feel like a shiny, aspirational concept reserved for big budgets and established businesses. But even in the earliest stages, your brand needs to be about utility. Earlier this year, I supported the Center For Entrepreneurial Innovation (CEI) to help convey this in a way that could make Functional Brand actionable by their founder members. The result was this pragmatic guide to blocking and tackling a brand so that brand, in turn, could do some blocking tackling for their early-stage ventures. For any company, brand can't be a “someday” priority—it’s how you show up right now. Start small, but make it intentional. Because a Functional Brand isn’t just nice to have—it’s what turns vision into traction. https://lnkd.in/gsqjvgNn

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🌐 Bridging Business and Community: The True Sweet Spot 💙 In the intersection of “Business Objectives” and “Community Needs” lies something extraordinary—a space where impact and purpose meet. Too often, companies see “business goals” and “community support” as separate pursuits. But the real magic happens when we align our strategies with the people we serve. By creating solutions that serve both business growth and community welfare, we forge partnerships that are sustainable, authentic, and impactful. This is how we grow—by building, not just a company, but a movement. At the end of the day, it’s not just about profit margins or quarterly reports. It’s about how we, as organizations and individuals, can create lasting value. Because success isn’t truly success if it doesn’t leave the world a little better than we found it. 🌱💼❤️ How do you balance business goals with community impact in your organization? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #PurposeDrivenBusiness #CommunityEngagement #ImpactfulGrowth #SocialGood

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For the 4th time, we’re thrilled to have Joel Salomon back on TheBuilders podcast! 🎙 In this episode, Joel brings his unique blend of finance expertise and mindset coaching to the table, helping us navigate tough economic times with confidence and clarity. From manifesting money to adapting business strategies, Joel shares powerful insights that can transform how you think about financial success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale or someone ready to take control of your financial future, this episode is packed with value. Tune in and discover why gratitude is more than just a nice-to-have—it might be the missing piece in your financial journey. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dQp67T9p #manifestation #growthmindset #successmindset #financialfreedom #financialsuccess #entrepreneurship #visualization #economictimes #thebuildersfm

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Yes, I got sent pre-launch David protein bars. And yes, I've tried each of the initial four different flavors. But I'm not going to divulge details around what I thought about them...at least right now! Instead, I'm going to be like Zack Morris in "Saved By the Bell" and call TIMEOUT... That's because I'm having a recorded conversation tomorrow with Peter Rahal...and I'll most likely share my thoughts on the finished product then, but more importantly we'll examine a whole bunch of the strategic ins/outs around David! The YouTube episode will go live the same day as the David brand launch on September 16th. Anyone have any questions that I should ask Peter? #strategy #trends #markets #fmcg #cpg #food #protein #snacking #sportsnutrition #supplements #wellness #nutrition #innovation #marketing #branding #productdevelopment #retailing #merchandising #retail #grocery #business #businessintelligence #entrepreneurship

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🚀 **Introducing Rey Capital!** 🚀 I'm excited to announce the launch of Rey Capital, our venture into the world of acquiring and optimizing cash-flowing businesses. We're not just investors; we're business transformers, dedicated to taking solid companies and helping them soar to new heights. Why Rey Capital? Because we believe in the power of established businesses that have proven their market fit but need the right capital and strategic vision to scale. Here's what we're about: - **Investment Focus:** We're here to acquire businesses that are already generating revenue. Our aim? To enhance their operations, expand their market presence, and increase profitability. - **Value Creation:** It's not just about buying; it's about growing. We bring in expertise, capital, and innovation to ensure every business we touch thrives. - **Community Engagement:** We're building a network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. Together, we'll share insights, opportunities, and successes. - **Sustainable Growth:** Our strategy isn't short-term. We're in for the long haul, focusing on sustainable business practices that benefit all stakeholders. If you're a business owner looking for the next step in your company's journey, or an investor interested in where smart money is moving, let's talk. Check out our profile on AngelList to learn more about what we're up to: [Link to Rey Capital on AngelList https://lnkd.in/gCHiNmZN) Join us at Rey Capital, where your business's next chapter could be its most successful one yet. Let's make great businesses even greater, together! #ReyCapital #BusinessAcquisition #InvestSmart #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth --- This post aims to be engaging, informative, and inviting for both potential business sellers and investors, highlighting Rey Capital's mission and approach.

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REFERRALS REQUESTED In the spirit of filling my book of WHO's, I'm kindly requested your referrals to help SMB's pursue growth opportunities. WHO should I chat with for the following? WEBSITE UPDATES - Update brochure style site with basic functionality - Implement Google Analytics MARKETING MATERIAL DESIGN - Logos - Signage - Apparel SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT - Content Calendar - Copywriting - Graphic Design - Reporting MARKETING MATERIAL FULFILLMENT (low volume): - Vehicle Magnets - Fridge Magnets - Countertop Price Signage (easy to change out) - Retractable Banners - A-Frame Outdoor Signage - Retail Bag Inserts - Apparel (t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats) - Branded Loyalty Cards - Branded Note Cards - Branded Gift Certificates (print) What vendors/providers do you use for marketing product fulfillment?

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I know not everyone can afford professional help for your investor-ready materials. This shouldn't be a barrier that stops you from securing investments for your business. Building investor-ready materials requires effort and resources. Leverage online resources, templates, and tools for creating professional pitch decks, financial models, and business plans. Seek feedback from mentors, advisors, or accelerator programs to refine your materials and make them compelling for investors. Hat from Zazahats #investors #startups #business

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A haunted house but it’s just coaches and marketers aggressively yelling bad business advice as you try to grow yours: 👻THE ‘SECRET’ IS POSTING 3x PER DAY AND BEING AUTHENTIC 👹TOTALLY FINE TO USE THE .net VERSION OF YOUR DOMAIN BECAUSE OTHERS ARE TAKEN. JUST GET IT OUT THERE! 🧌PUT MY $30k GROUP COACHING PROGRAM ON YOUR CREDIT CARD, IT NEEDS TO BE A SCARY INVESTMENT FOR IT TO ‘WORK’ 🤡YOU CAN USE THE SAME FONT IN YOUR LOGO FOR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING MATERIALS 🧛‍♂️SEO IS JUST GETTING YOUR LINKS OUT THERE, LIKE POSTING ON LINKEDIN 🚩YOU DON’T NEED TO EVER PAY FOR A WEBSITE, YOU CAN DIY. (Then invest that $5-$10k with me instead) 😱USE PHOTOS FROM PINTEREST, THATS WHERE I GET MY SOCIAL POSTS 💀I’LL TEACH YOU HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BECAUSE I HAD ONE HIGH INCOME YEAR ONE TIME AND NOW I’M A COACH 🤢I’M RUNNING A COMPETITION (TO GET FREE WORK!) SUBMIT YOUR LOGO DESIGNS! Your turn! This trend def needed to be here on LinkedIn too. 🌕

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Ever struggle to say no to a project that doesn’t align with your capacity, worried about the long-term impact? Well, let me tell you—I don’t care. As someone who hires hundreds of contractors, speakers, and vendors every year, I want you to know—it's absolutely okay to say no. Seriously, I won’t hold it against you. I’ll just ask again when the timing is better. The fact that you're busy and protecting your capacity is likely exactly why people want to work with you. So, keep your focus on what matters most. Saying 'no' doesn’t blacklist you—it just means we’ll connect again down the road. Let go of the guilt, pressure, and stress. It’s all part of managing your capacity and succeeding at your goals.

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Let’s kick off this Monday with purpose! Think of your day as a building project. Without a plan, it’s easy to get lost in the work. But with a clear blueprint, you can create something amazing. 🗒 Plan Your Day Like an Architect: Start by writing down the important tasks you need to complete. Just like an architect designs a building, you are designing your day. This helps you stay organized and focused, so nothing gets overlooked. 🔧 Example - Let’s say you are planning a major client presentation: 👉 Morning: Gather all relevant data and create a compelling slide deck to support your key points. 👉 Afternoon: Rehearse the presentation with your team, refining your messaging and addressing any potential questions. 👉 Evening: Review and finalize the presentation, ensuring everything is polished and ready for the next day. 🏗 Build with Purpose: Following your “blueprint” step by step helps you make steady progress. You will get more done, feel less stressed, and achieve your goals more easily. 🔍 Why This Matters - When you take the time to plan your day, you are setting yourself up for success. Every big achievement starts with a clear and simple plan. Be the architect of your day, and watch how much you can accomplish. "The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine." – Mike Murdock, American author and motivational speaker #Productivity #TimeManagement #DailyRoutine

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19 things I learned the HARD way as a creator 🤘 Ever wish you could go back in time and give your past self some business advice? 🤔 As a full-time design entrepreneur, I've learned a thing or two about what it takes to thrive in this industry. Here are 19 nuggets of wisdom I wish I'd known before diving into the world of full-time creation: 1. Repetition is key. Your audience doesn't think about your business as much as you do. Keep hammering your message home. 2. Separate work from leisure on your phone. Trust me, your sanity will thank you. 3. Plan for your worst days. If you can still move the needle when everything's against you, you're golden. 4. Anxiety is not a business strategy. Learn to manage those "what ifs." 5. Know what you WON'T do. It's as crucial as knowing what you will do. 6. Learn to love saying "No." It's a sign you're in control of your strategy. 7. Write for yourself first. It's a powerful tool for clarity. 8. Don't build an audience from scratch. Borrow and engage where they already hang out. 9. Experience is invaluable. Work in your industry before you try to disrupt it. 10. Fear obscurity, not rejection. Being seen is what matters. 11. Avoid assumptions. Ship small, learn fast. 12. You can't change everyone's mind. Focus on those who share your beliefs. 13. Embrace the chaos. Perfection is a myth. 14. A 4-day workweek can boost productivity. It works for me. 15. Consistency is key. Anyone can start something new, but can you sustain it? 16. Simplify your persona. Help your audience understand you quickly. 17. Align your self-perception with how others see you. 18. Experiment to find what works, then focus on quality. 19. Always be marketing. Demand allows for mistakes and growth. What do you wish you knew before starting your business? Drop a comment below and let's learn from each other's journeys! If you found this helpful, feel free to share the love and repost. 💖 #Entrepreneurship #BusinessTips #DesignThinking #bostongraphicdesignstudio #priyaanandboston Boston Graphic Design Studio, Digital Design Agency, Boston Ma

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