Beyond 8 Figures

By: A.J. Lawrence
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  • Summary

  • At Beyond 8 Figures, we believe in DELIBERATE entrepreneurship. It means creating a solid foundational framework for your entrepreneurial journey, building from a place of passion, and intentionally aligning your actions with your goals so that you can create success on your terms. Join A.J. Lawrence, the journeyman entrepreneur with several 7 figure exits, as he shares honest conversations with successful entrepreneurs about their experiences starting and scaling businesses to $10M and beyond, the realities of being a modern-day entrepreneur, advice for practicing deliberate entrepreneurship, and more!
    2023 A.J. Lawrence
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Leadership Management Economics
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Episodes
  • Strategic Moves to Secure a Large Exit with Mac Lackey, ExitDNA

    Strategic Moves to Secure a Large Exit with Mac Lackey, ExitDNA
    Oct 2 2024

    When is the best time to sell your business? According to Mac Lackey, it’s never too early to prepare. Drawing from his six successful exits, Mac believes in the power of a strategic exit—selling based on unique value rather than financials. It’s all about thinking ahead and identifying what makes your company special. Whether you sell in one year or five, being ready allows you to seize opportunities and maximize your business's worth.


    About Mac Lackey

    Mac Lackey has been building and selling businesses for over 25 years. He’s launched six companies across industries like tech, media, and apparel, with each one successfully exiting for seven or eight figures. Mac’s entrepreneurial journey has been defined by smart decision-making, from launching his first web-based company during the early days of the internet to consistently recognizing market opportunities. Known for his knack for spotting early trends and creating strategic value, Mac helps other entrepreneurs prepare for lucrative exits through his program, ExitDNA, where he helps founders prepare for profitable exits.

    Key Insights:

    • Prepare for your exit early. Don’t wait until you’re ready to sell. Begin planning your exit as soon as possible by organizing finances, improving operations, and creating value.
    • Sell when the market is right. Timing is crucial. Monitor market trends and industry shifts so you can sell at a time when your business is most valuable.
    • Focus on product-market fit. Instead of worrying about building a massive company right away, focus on finding the right product-market fit. Once you get that right, you can grow faster.
    • Tell a compelling story. Create a clear narrative that explains why your business is valuable. Tailor this story to appeal to potential buyers, highlighting benefits of your business.
    • Stay curious and adaptable. Mac attributes his success to his intellectual curiosity and willingness to adapt. Ask questions about what’s changing in the world, and be ready to pivot your business model or strategy as necessary.


    Mac's best advice for entrepreneurs:

    “The early exit is the easier exit.”


    Connect with Mac Lackey:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • X


    Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

    • LinkedIn
    • X
    • Website
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    35 mins
  • Building a Sellable Business from Day One with Rachel Murphy, The Grafter

    Building a Sellable Business from Day One with Rachel Murphy, The Grafter
    Sep 25 2024

    When I sold my last business, I struggled because I wasn't prepared from the beginning. Having a clear exit plan, knowing my business's value, and keeping important documents organized would have made a major difference. I wish I met Rachel Murphy back then because she had a solid strategy from day one. She built relationships with potential buyers early, focused on revenue growth, and understood the importance of brand strength.But now you can learn from her and make your future exit as smooth as possible!


    About Rachel Murphy

    Rachel Murphy is a successful entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the digital and health sectors. She has founded and exited two companies, including Difrent, an award-winning digital services company that delivered transformational projects for the NHS and other public sector clients. Her expertise in user-centered design and digital solutions has made a significant impact in these fields.

    Currently, she leads The Grafter, a consultancy helping professional services businesses grow, scale, and exit, maximizing their value. Rachel is also a public speaker and health tech advisor. Her strategic approach focuses on early exit planning, understanding business valuation, and organized documentation.

    Key Insights:

    • Understand your valuation. Understand the factors that contribute to your business's value, such as revenue growth, profitability, intellectual property, and brand strength.
    • Diversify offerings. Explore opportunities to expand into related sectors. For instance, if your business is in healthcare, consider entering private healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences to diversify and increase market presence.
    • Document important processes. Develop detailed documentation of your business processes. This includes creating a playbook that outlines how your business operates, which is essential for scaling and for potential buyers.
    • Develop a strong brand. A recognizable and trusted brand can significantly enhance your business’s valuation and appeal to buyers.
    • Be honest. Be upfront about the strengths and weaknesses of your business. Buyers appreciate transparency and it builds trust, which can lead to smoother negotiations and a more realistic valuation.


    Rachel's best advice for entrepreneurs:

    “I always encourage founders to do is be honest about what's working and what isn't in their business.”


    Connect with Rachel Murphy:

    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • X


    Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

    • LinkedIn
    • X
    • Website
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    38 mins
  • Match Your Strengths with Profitable Business Opportunities with Ray Titus, United Franchise Group

    Match Your Strengths with Profitable Business Opportunities with Ray Titus, United Franchise Group
    Sep 18 2024
    Ever wonder why some businesses thrive while others struggle? The key is strategic alignment. Ray Titus’s experience shows that aligning your company’s mission, goals, and decisions ensures everyone is working towards the same vision. For Ray, this alignment has been crucial in growing his franchise empire over 37 years, proving that when your team is strategically aligned, success follows.About Ray TitusRay Titus is a visionary entrepreneur with a rich legacy in the franchise world. Growing up in a family where entrepreneurship was the norm, Ray absorbed the principles of hard work, innovation, and strategic thinking from a young age. As the CEO and founder of United Franchise Group (UFG), he transformed a single Signarama store into a global network of 10 brands spanning over 80 countries. Ray’s approach is rooted in the power of strategic alignment—ensuring that every business decision supports a clear, unified vision. His leadership has not only expanded UFG’s global footprint but also empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to achieve their own business success. Passionate about education, Ray founded the Titus Franchise Center at Palm Beach Atlantic University, nurturing the next generation of franchise innovators. With nearly four decades of experience, Ray continues to drive growth, inspire others, and leave a lasting impact on the franchise industry.Key Insights:Stand out in the market. Identify what makes your business unique and focus on that to differentiate yourself from competitors. Whether it’s a unique product, exceptional customer service, or a novel business model, make sure your uniqueness is clear to your customers.Simplify your mission statement. A mission statement should be clear, concise, and actionable. Ray advises that it should be one sentence long and known by every employee. This keeps everyone aligned and focused on the primary goal of the business.Delegate your weaknesses. Recognize areas where you are not strong and hire people who can fill those gaps. This helps your business stay well-rounded and capable of addressing all aspects necessary for success.Adapt quickly. When unexpected challenges arise, be ready to pivot your business model. Identify new needs in the market and adjust your products or services to meet them. Quick adaptation can turn a crisis into a growth opportunity.Set and achieve key milestones. Identify the three most important goals for your business at any given time. Focus your energy and resources on achieving these goals before tackling less critical tasks. Ray's best advice for entrepreneurs:“You gotta know the mission statement. You gotta live the mission statement. It's one sentence.”Get Ray’s books: “YOU’RE NOT LISTENING TO ME,” “The Challenge,” “Selling Today,” “Round the Clock,” “Laws of Inevitability,” and “Put a Little JJ In Your Life.” Resources Mentioned:SignaramaFully PromotedTransworld Business AdvisorsAccurate Franchising IncorporatedExit FactorTitus Center for FranchisingProfit FirstStraight-Line LeadershipLincoln on LeadershipThe 6 Types of Working Genius Death by MeetingThe Five Dysfunctions of a TeamBuy then BuildGritThe FounderConnect with Ray Titus:LinkedInWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInXWebsiteAffiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey.
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    58 mins

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