Marcus and James – Scaling for Success: How Joshua Monge Helps Business Owners Streamline, Scale, and Succeed
Scaling for Success: Joshua Monge’s Tips for Efficient Business Growth
Welcome to another exciting episode of “Let’s Grow Together” with your hosts, Marcus and James! Today we have a special guest, Joshua Monge, an accomplished fractional COO who is here to share his valuable insights on scaling businesses efficiently. Joshua opens up about the significance of accountability, drawing lessons from personal experiences and his family’s journey. He elaborates on how a strong work ethic, inspired by his father’s perseverance, played a critical role in his success.
In this episode, you’ll hear Joshua advocate for the study of economics to better understand societal and business systems, and you’ll gain practical advice for young entrepreneurs on adding value, building human capital, and strategically managing business growth. We’ll dive deep into the importance of system implementation, process visualization, and leveraging technology to streamline operations.
Joshua also shares his unique professional path, from working at a Chamber of Commerce to founding a successful SEO business and transitioning to his current role. You’ll learn about his approach to overcoming entrepreneurial challenges, the role of an Executive Assistant in boosting productivity, and the value of continuous learning and accountability.
Join us for an enlightening conversation that promises to offer actionable tips and inspiring stories to help you streamline, scale, and succeed in your business endeavors. So, plug in those earbuds and get ready to grow together with us!
Time Stamped Overview
Time Stamped Overview
00:00 Impactful session revealed deeply personal experiences shared.
04:42 Success requires planning, effort, and resourcefulness.
07:38 People call Joshua for organization and guidance.
09:43 Serial entrepreneur inspired to become fractional COO.
13:19 Returned to school, earned degree, found job.
18:57 Value isn’t defined by hourly wage alone.
20:38 Increasing marketplace value is essential for success.
25:43 Ensure clear post-payment instructions for clients.
28:01 Helping professionals optimize time and delegate tasks.
30:32 Hiring an assistant significantly eased my workload.
35:36 Building operations books enhances business assets.
39:04 I’m here to help you succeed collaboratively.
41:20 Overwhelmed CEO lacks direction due to advice.
42:58 Follow instructions and SEO podcast best practices.
48:52 Stay humble, embrace growth, learn from others.
50:23 Who’s holding you accountable for your goals?
53:21 Appreciate Joshua’s insightful, community-focused conversation.
56:35 Self-love and self-trust are essential.
7 Key Themes
Accountability and Choices
Work Ethic Inspired by Family
Value of Studying Economics
Advice for Entrepreneurs
System Implementation in Business
Client Selection and Leadership
Efficiency Through Technology
Introduction and Background
- Guest Introduction:
- Joshua Monhe, a fractional COO.
- Explains his role helping service-based businesses manage growth.
- Career Trajectory:
- Initial work at a Chamber of Commerce.
- Pivot to an SEO business during the pandemic.
- Transition to fractional COO role.
- Educational Background:
- Grown up with a Mexican father who was a hardworking UPS driver.
- Completed a degree in economics in his late 30s.
2. Key Philosophies and Insights
- Accountability and Choices:
- Importance of accountability in decision making.
- Personal family experiences shaping choices.
- Work Ethic:
- Strong work ethic inspired by father’s perseverance.
- Economics Education:
- Advocacy for more people studying economics.
- Importance in understanding societal and economic systems.
3. Entrepreneurial Advice and Challenges
- Advice for Entrepreneurs:
- Focus on value addition rather than self-worth.
- Importance of human capital and experience.
- Increasing Value:
- Emphasis on understanding business complexities.
- System Implementation:
- Importance of handling complexities with proper systems.
4. Fractional COO Role
- Custom Approach in Business:
- Tailored client outreach through custom landing pages.
- Client Selection:
- Preference for clients willing to change and improve leadership.
- Operational Philosophy:
- Owner’s responsibility for business operations.
5. Challenges in Business Growth
- Entrepreneurial Struggles:
- Transition from startup energy to scaled operations.
- Hiring Specialized Roles:
- Importance of hiring help in marketing/HR.
- Process Optimization:
- Tools like LucidChart, Miro for process visualization.
6. Practical Experiences and Learning
- Specific Client Experiences:
- Issues with multiple consultants.
- Importance of limiting advisors for coherent guidance.
- Remote Client Interactions:
- Experience with remote work and organizational changes.
7. SEO Strategy and Business Insights
- SEO Advice:
- Differentiation between strategy and tactics.
- Content strategy focused on ideal client profile (ICP).
- Client and Product Focus:
- Importance of ICP in product offering and retention.
8. Accountability Practices
- Personal Accountability:
- Achieving goals through self-accountability methods.
- Professional Accountability:
- Being held accountable by clients.
9. Quotes and Wisdom
- Key Quotes:
- Peter Drucker’s quote: “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”
- Marcus’s quote: “Inspect what you expect.”
10. Operational Efficiency Strategies
- Process Mapping and Time Audit:
- Importance of documenting and delegating tasks.
- Hiring Executive Assistance:
- Example of reduced workload.
- Technology and Automation:
- Use of tools like LucidChart, make.com.
11. Continuous Improvement and Technology
- Continuous Improvement:
- Emphasis on leveraging technology for efficiency.
- Technology in Operations:
- Balancing technology’s benefits and challenges.
12. Concluding Remarks
- Hosts’ Appreciation:
- Gratitude to Joshua for his insights and contributions.
- Joshua’s Professional Network and Offers:
- Invitation to connect and book consultations.
- Business Focus:
- Think Adapt Build LLC focusing on efficiency.
Introduction to Joshua Monge and His Journey
On this episode of “Podcasts,” hosts Marcus and James engage in a compelling conversation with Joshua Monge, a fractional COO who has dedicated his career to helping business owners streamline their operations and scale their businesses successfully. Joshua’s journey from working at a Chamber of Commerce in Eugene, Oregon, to becoming a pivotal figure in the business scaling landscape sets the stage for an insightful discussion.
2. The Importance of Accountability and Choices in Business
Joshua kicks off the discussion by emphasizing the significance of accountability in both personal and professional realms. He notes that while external factors play a role in decision-making, the ultimate choices lie within individuals. Reflecting on his own family’s journey, he acknowledges the crucial choices that shaped their path. For entrepreneurs, this sense of accountability translates into recognizing their role in every facet of their business and continually striving for improvement.
3. Work Ethic and Its Roots
A strong work ethic, rooted in his father’s example, is something Joshua attributes a lot of his success to. Growing up with a hardworking Mexican father who emigrated from Mexico and managed multiple jobs, including being a property manager and a UPS driver, instilled a deep sense of perseverance and dedication in Joshua. This foundation of diligence and resilience is something he views as essential for any entrepreneur aiming to scale their business.
4. The Case for Studying Economics
Joshua’s path to understanding complex economic systems came later in his life, but he now strongly advocates for more people to study economics. He believes that a comprehensive understanding of how economic systems work can open a multitude of career paths and help entrepreneurs make informed decisions. Economics, as Joshua explains, provides the tools needed to grasp the intricacies of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and financial decision-making, all of which are vital for business success.
5. Key Advice for Entrepreneurs
One of the central themes Joshua addresses is the distinction between bringing value to the market and assessing self-worth. He advises young entrepreneurs to focus on the value they create for others and to invest in building human capital. Whether it means starting with low wages or gaining experience in varied roles, the crux is to enhance one’s skills continually. By prioritizing the value of services or products offered, entrepreneurs can price them accordingly and ensure sustainable growth.
6. Implementing Systems to Handle Business Complexities
Joshua likens noticing business complications to the analogy of a boiling frog – issues often arise gradually and can be overlooked until they become unmanageable. He stresses the importance of implementing systems to manage these complexities efficiently. Tools like LucidChart or Miro for process visualization can be fundamental in optimizing operations. Additionally, a robust client intake process can ensure smooth transitions and bolster client retention, helping businesses handle growth seamlessly.
7. The Role of Fractional COO and Custom Client Approach
As a fractional COO, Joshua works with service-based businesses with revenues ranging between half a million to five million dollars. His role involves providing operational guidance and implementing strategic processes to alleviate growth pains. What sets Joshua apart is his tailored approach for each client, even creating specific landing pages to address their unique needs. This customization ensures that his clients feel seen and understood, fostering better collaboration and results.
8. Joshua’s Philosophy on Continuous Learning and Accountability
Continuous learning and self-improvement are cornerstones of Joshua’s philosophy. He believes in the value of learning from past mistakes and sharing these insights with others, including his children and clients. Joshua’s structured routines and transparent operations serve as personal accountability mechanisms, ensuring he remains on track toward his goals. He highlights that being the smartest person in the room is not always beneficial; instead, one should stay open to growth and learn from diverse perspectives.
9. Conclusion and Closing Remarks from the Hosts
Marcus and James round off the episode by expressing their appreciation for Joshua’s rich insights and entrepreneurial journey. They underscore the value Joshua brings by sharing his lived experiences and practical advice. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Joshua for further guidance, with options for free consultations available through the show notes.
In conclusion, Joshua Monge’s conversation sheds light on essential aspects of scaling a business, underpinned by accountability, a strong work ethic, continuous learning, and strategic system implementation. Entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations and achieve sustainable growth can find invaluable lessons in Joshua’s journey and insights.
Lets Grow Together Podcast with James Turner and Marcus Jenkins
James is a dynamic and forward-thinking individual whose passion for mentorship and education has driven him to innovative heights. Recognizing the challenge of being physically present in multiple places at once, James has harnessed the power of digital technology to bridge the gap. With a tireless commitment to creating opportunities, he has spearheaded the development of a digital curriculum designed to bring their expertise into classrooms everywhere. His efforts are not only expanding access to valuable knowledge but also ensuring that mentorship can reach those who need it most, regardless of geographical limitations.
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A seasoned professional with over 20 + years of professional experience. From Fortune 500 companies to small businesses, from the factory floor to the C-Suite, Joshua has worked with people from all walks of life. His goal is to help business owners get the solutions they need.