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In many ways, the NFT world is still in such an early stage of development that there’s no real playbook that entrepreneurs or creators can follow for building their businesses, especially if they want to scale. Today on the show we get together with Will Weinraub, CEO and Co-Founder at OnChain Studios, to talk about how he originally created Cryptoys as a gift for his daughter, the strategies they’re using to scale their product, and some of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs in the Web3 space today. Tuning in you’ll learn about Cryptoys’ partnership with Mattel, how the world-famous toy company is leaning into innovation by embracing digital toys for kids, and why it’s so important to find the right partner to help you build your vision in the Web3 space. We also unpack why storytelling is an essential skill for entrepreneurs to master and reflect on recent developments in the crypto space, including the news that Solana will launch a new smartphone in 2023 and Doodles’ decision to appoint Pharrell

Welcome back to another episode of Marketing School! Today on the show we get together with Chris Walker, CEO of Refine Labs, a company that helps B2B businesses create demand by leveraging top methods that buyers are using, especially through social communities and word of mouth. While many people are under the impression that Refine Labs functions as an agency, their work over the past two years has primarily been focused on researching key questions on how one can use any service business, like an agency, to collect major customer insights. They’ve done detailed research into the type of technology customers are using, the top problems they’re struggling with, as well as how to solve these problems. Tuning in you’ll hear Chris break down their new product, The Vault, which Refine Lab will be launching during Q2 of 2022, the distinction between capturing demand versus creating it, and how to create demand during an economic slowdown. We also discuss the concept of dark social, how to create a B2B marketing

Avalanche is one of the fastest smart contract platforms in the blockchain industry and recently received a staggering $5.2B valuation. Today on the show we sit down With Phillip Liu Jr., Head of Strategy at Ava Labs, the company behind Avalanche, to discuss the company’s recent fundraising efforts and how their unique marketing strategy was able to build brand awareness and raise capital. Tuning in you’ll hear Phillip break down the Avalanche Rush Incentive Program, as well as some key highlights from their most recent summit in Barcelona. Later, Phillip explains the function of sub-networks, how they function in Avalanche, why they are attracting Triple-A games, and what this means for Avalanche. He also shares Avalanche’s plans to scale and what to expect from the company in the coming months. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on blockchain technology, investment, marketing, and much more! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Before we jump into today’s interview, please rate, review, and subscri

Today on the show we get together with Kat Cole, President, COO, & Board of Directors at Athletic Greens, to talk about her career, including why she chose to become a key player in the company, and her ten years at Focus Brands. In our conversation, we discuss the mission and values that define Athletic Greens, why their rapid growth rate can be attributed to the merits and quality of their flagship product AG1, and how being bootstrapped has influenced their marketing strategy. Kat unpacks the marketing success they’ve achieved through their long-term partnerships with top thought leaders and creators and explains why their performance marketing strategy has been more conservative than some might think. She also shares her advice for anyone who wants to pursue a similar career in business and champions the values of being a curious, hard-working student who is willing to go out there and gain experience. Kat has had an incredible career and it was wonderful having her on the show. Tune in to learn more abou

In this episode, Eric discusses how it's increasingly difficult to sell out these days, and what you can do about it to level up your NFT Project and overcome this challenge! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] - How To 10x Your NFT Sales [01:04] - 1. Allow List Collaborations [02:22] - Types of Collabs You Can Try [03:00] - Be Creative with Your Marketable Moment [03:26] - Stay Engaged with People [04:25] - Join Other NFT Podcasts [05:12] - Create an Email Lists [06:03] - Go to Events and Connect with People [06:25] - Make Sure Your Team is Ready [06:56] - Make Sure Your Message is Clear   Leveling Up Heroes NFT:

In this episode, Eric talks about why relationship building is important and how hosting a simple dinner with other creators can make a big impact on your NFT Project! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] - If You Do This, You Will Connect With Every NFT Influencer & Be Able to Sell Out Your Project [01:23] - Hosting a dinner with like-minded people (CEO, Founders, Creators) [03:40] - Tip: Make sure everyone is on the same level [05:40] - Have a brief introduction, and be a moderator! [07:30] - Tip: Putting an extra mile means better results.  [08:13] - Help people do business with people!    Leveling Up Heroes NFT:

Hiring an engineer for personalization and driving conversion rates is costly and time-consuming. Luckily the new platform, Mutiny, can give you a jump start without the need to hire any new employees! In today’s episode, Eric interviews Jaleh Rezaei, CEO and co-founder of Mutiny about THE marketing product for 2022: how Mutiny decreases ad costs by 60%+. Tuning in you’ll hear how Jaleh’s talent for engineering, love of marketing, and passion for sales, resulted in a no-code platform that gives customers everything they need to drive personalization on their website. In our conversation, we discuss the inner workings of Mutiny, what you can expect when you sign up and how small changes to personalization can result in unexpectedly high conversion rates. To learn more about Mutiny and its ability to turn your website into your number one revenue channel, tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Before we jump into today’s interview, please rate, review, and subscribe to the Leveling Up Podcast! [00:

In this episode, Eric Siu talks about why building the perfect team and hiring the roles you need is imperative to launch an NFT Project that can sustain the community and its purpose for the long-term goal!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] - Build for the long term [00:54] - 1. Project Manager [01:42] - 2. Community Manager for your NFT Community [02:35] - 3. Social Creator for Organic Content [03:10] - 4. Moderator [03:45] - 5. Influencer Relations [04:28] - 6. Web3 Developer [04:57] - 7. NFT Artist Leveling Up Heroes NFT:

In today’s episode, Eric gets together with Alex Taub, co-founder of Upstream, a no-code all-in-one DAO builder. He is also the co-founder of Illuminati, an NFT project that has sold over $11.5M in NFTs, all while running his startup. Tuning in you’ll hear all about Upstream, what first inspired it, and how it helps its users build and manage DAOs by being accessible and easy to use. Get a sneak peek at what Upstream has planned in the coming weeks, their marketing strategy for the company, and what it means to be a leader in the Web3 space. We also delve into the founding of Illuminati, how Alex balances it with his work at Upstream, and what it’s taught him about Web3 and marketing. Hear the story of how they first marketed their Illuminati NFT project using intriguing pins, the concept of a secret society, and an established Twitter handle. Alex also describes what he loves about playing in the NFT space, why he believes play-to-earn is going to explode in 2022, and why Twitter is such a useful networking

In this video, we will discuss 5 NFT marketing strategies that will help you sell out your NFT Project. Find out why it's imperative to go for a long-term NFT strategy instead of doing it for cash grabs! [00:00] - 1. Your NFT Project’s Mission and Vission [01:38] - Is your NFT greed-based or community-based? [06:14] - Finding your own NFT Artist [06:38] - 2. Building relationships and NFT collabs [08:15] - 3. Building your own NFT Team (Hiring People) [10:46] - 4. Think about how you blitz [13:28] - 5. Work begins after your NFT launch Leveling Up Heroes NFT:

In this episode, we are going to talk about 7 deadly mistakes when launching an NFT based on our own journey! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:16] - NFT Messaging “Keep It Simple and Stupid” [01:52] - Having not enough offer [03:33] - Not Launching NFT with PFPs [05:10] - Waiting “Too Long” to Launch [06:09] - Not enough collaboration [07:26] - Working with the wrong person! [08:00] - Not enough content (Youtube, Podcasts, Twitter Spaces)   Leveling Up Heroes NFT:

In this episode, we are going to talk about how you can make money with NFTs and what are the crucial things you need to consider when investing in one! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:32] - My own NFT Wallet (Ft. Space Doodles, WOW, 8sian) [01:34] - Buying and Verifying NFTs [02:30] - Long-term hold  [03:17] - Invest what you can afford to lose! [04:12] - NFT Project checkbox [08:00] - (Veefriends) Do I believe in Gary V? [11:00] - Get involved!   Leveling Up Heroes NFT:

In this episode, I’m going to show you my NFT portfolio that contains cool NFTs like Cryptopunks, Bored Ape Yacht Club, Veefriends, World Of Women, and more!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:05] - My NFT Wallet [02:00] - Cryptopunks’ Historical Relevance [02:27] - Why I like my Bored Ape Yacht Club [05:04] - My VeeFriends NFT by Gary V [06:49] - My World Of Women NFT [07:40] - My Tom Bilyeu NFT [08:36] - Some of my Coolest NFTs (Cameo, Steve Aoki)   Leveling Up Heroes NFT:

In today’s episode, Eric talks with Alejandro Navia about co-founding NFT Now, a media company that is helping put power in the hands of creatives. We discuss the impressive growth that NFT Now has experienced after only one year, their 700,000 followers, and what some of their best methods have been for growing their reach organically. Alejandro shares how he first became interested in the NFT space, and how he and his Co-Founders saw a need for an objective voice on the topic for those who were curious about NFTs as well as those who are well-versed and active in the space. Hear how being omnichannel has worked for them, why it’s dangerous to rely on one platform, and why owning your own domain is so important. Tuning in you’ll learn more about Alejandro’s work as an executive coach. He explains why making the decision to find a coach is a huge step, and how to use the interview process to find a coach who is right for you. We also explore Alejandro’s impromptu move to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and why we all

In today’s episode, we welcome back Bob Glazer, to discuss how marketing is changing, and to explore some of the key methods for layering performance marketing into one’s growth strategy. Bob is a Serial Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author, Keynote Speaker, and is the Founder and Chairman of the Board at Acceleration Partners. He is also the author of the new book Moving to Outcomes, about why partnerships are the future of marketing. Tuning in you’ll hear Bob break down the meaning of affiliate partnerships, why it is often poorly defined, and how they can provide some of the most effective outcomes in marketing. He delves into the topics he covers in his new book, including some of the problems it solves for leaders as well as long-term marketing strategies. Bob discusses how Affiliate Partners has grown since it first started, why he describes them as a partner management recruiting specialist firm, as well as the benefits they’ve experienced from working remotely over the past ten years. He also shares some

In today’s episode of Leveling Up, Eric talks with Brett Malinowski about how he grew his YouTube channel to 122 000 subscribers in 90 days, sold out $1.7M in NFTs in 17 minutes and built a Twitter following of 176 000 subscribers. In our conversation, Brett shares the details of his NFT journey, from first becoming involved with crypto in 2014, to working in film production, to the creation of a hugely successful NFT project. Hear how Brett built the Magic Mushroom Clubhouse Project, the huge profit they made, and why he has reinvested his profits into building NFT projects. Brett explains his passion for NFTs, why he created The NFT Academy, and how his projects are helping businesses leverage the power of NFTs to prepare for Web3. We also discuss why community is much more successful than influencer marketing in the NFT and Web3 space, and the value of platforms like discord for forming valuable networks. To learn more about Web3, NFTs, and how to grow your YouTube channel in a record amount of time, tune

In this video, I will discuss why NFTs have more incentive alignment and why all marketers need to use this in their growth playbook. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:54]  We are all driven by incentives [01:42]  NFT = More incentive alignment [03:45]  Gary Vaynerchuk and Vee Friends [05:32]  Brett Malinowski [06:32]  Web 3 is being able to own [07:20]  Brands using NFT (Nike, Heineken, Gucci)   Leveling Up Heroes NFT:

Any incumbent YouTuber will tell you that getting your content to stand out above the rest has become infinitely more competitive than in the early days of YouTube. As a result, individuals and businesses often become discouraged when they don’t see their audience grow in the way they expected within the first few months, or even years, of their channel. Today on the show we get together with Jake Tran, an up-and-coming YouTuber who creates in-depth business video essays on money, power, and crime, to uncover exactly what it takes to be a successful YouTuber, and some of the business strategies that can help you achieve it. We talk with Jake about how he became a YouTuber, why slow growth is normal, and the one video topic and subsequent share that had a massive impact on his total number of views. Jake unpacks his economic model for us, as well as some of the recent changes he’s made, and explains why he is dedicated to providing more value than subscribers pay for. He also delves into some of the business c

In this episode, we will discuss some NFT marketing mistakes based on our own experience to help you avoid them!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:58]  1. Not blitzing hard enough with Promotions [01:35]  Still, we had an amazing NFT collab with “friends”  [02:51]  2. Not having unique PFPs  [04:55]  3. Launching two tiers at the same time [06:45] 4. Not hiring a full team ready   Leveling Up Heroes NFT:

Today on Leveling Up we are joined by Brian Dean to share updates on Backlinko and Exploding Topics. As many of you know, Brian recently sold Backlinko to SEMrush, and in our discussion we hear about how he started the SEO blog, how he excelled in a red ocean with it, some of the most successful SEO strategies he came up with, why course creators are an attractive acquisition for software companies, and lessons he learned during the acquisition. Exploding Topics is Brian’s newer project, and we get to hear how it evolved from an early personal trend spotting project to an acquihire that he subsequently grew. Brain talks about the work he has put into Exploding Topics, shares some numbers around its current success, and also talks about how he approached acquiring the business from Josh Howarth who is now his CTO. In this conversation, we also talk to Brian about life in Lisbon, hear about all the grunt work he did to get ahead, and also get some behind-the-scenes insights into his longstanding relationship wi