Episode 6

Episode #6 | From Telecom to Tech Triumph: Darren Mass on Business Operations and Automation

In this episode, Meghan explores the multifaceted world of automation and operations in big business with Darren Mass.

Key Take Aways:

1. Darren's Journey:

- Started in telecommunications.

- Founded Mass Communications and sold it to Windstream Enterprises.

- Shared insights on business strategy and the importance of exit strategies.

2. Meghan's Journey:

- Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age.

- Did not graduate high school. Got her GED

- Achieved success in technology and business fields.


3. CRM and Data Management:

- Discussed Salesforce CRM and its complexities.

- Meghan recommended Go High Level CRM for SMBs.

- Highlighted the crucial role of clean data in business success.

- Emphasized the consequences of dirty data on client relationships and employee performance.


4. Work-Life Balance and Technology:

- Darren emphasized systems and time blocking.

- Meghan highlighted the role of automation in regaining personal time.

- Darren shared personal challenges post-acquisition and finding life-work balance.


5. Networking and Community:

- Meghan and Darren praised their peer-to-peer coaching community, Brand Built.

- Stressed the importance of networking through LinkedIn.

- Discussed transitioning from one-on-one to group coaching.

- Shared the value of storytelling, building trust, and service-oriented selling on LinkedIn.


6. LinkedIn’s Role in Business Growth:

- Darren and Meghan discussed using LinkedIn for B2B and local business growth.

- Meghan shared success stories, including a CEO’s successful client targeting strategy.

- Emphasized personal branding and its importance for company representation.


7. Entrepreneurship vs. Corporate Life:

- Meghan and Darren discussed the flexibility and challenges of entrepreneurship.

- Shared personal experiences of balancing work demands and personal life.


8. Effective CRM Strategies for Startups:

- Recommended starting with affordable CRMs like Airtable.

- Discussed the future need for more robust systems as businesses grow.

- Stressed the importance of planning for future growth and potential exit strategies.


9. Final Metaphor and Advice:

- Darren concluded with a metaphor about knowing one's business direction and goals akin to preparing for a race, whether a sprint or a marathon.

- Highlighted the power of great content and effective LinkedIn engagement strategies over traditional email marketing.


Community Mention:

Brand Built: A peer-to-peer coaching community for thriving in business and personal life, focusing on LinkedIn's growth potential.


Connect With Us:

- For more information or to continue the conversation, contact Darren on LinkedIn.


Takeaway:

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn from Darren and Meghan’s experiences and gain valuable tips on managing business operations, leveraging technology for balance, and maximizing the potential of LinkedIn for growth and networking.

About the Podcast

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The Queen of Automation
Technology is only good when it works.

About your hosts

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Meghan Donnelly

She’s the owner and founder of The Digital Unicorns, a small digital operations agency that helps multi-6-figure businesses streamline and optimize their digital experience with automated systems and tools. She’s also the brains and the chaos behind The Queen of Automation. Meghan has over 15 years in the digital operations industry, with a ton of experience and geeky expertise to share. As a business owner with ADHD, automation changed her life, and she loves sharing techy tips and tricks with other entrepreneurs.
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Kristen Strickler

Kristen is the head of storytelling and a copy ninja who works behind the scenes at The Digital Unicorns and The Queen of Automation. She helps tame the chaos and bring Meghan’s story to life. She loves learning new tech tips and tricks from Meghan and then writing about them so others can learn, too. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing her two toddlers around.
Profile picture for Andrea Salazar

Andrea Salazar

Meet Andrea, our Social & Customer Engagement Ninja. She handles all our social and community management, collaborating with other brands to help boost our brand’s online presence. Her goal is to make our customers happy through smart communication and engagement strategies. When not at work, you’ll find her enjoying life as a mom of two, juggling career wins with family fun.