From Risk to Reward - Joe Koufman - Taking Flight: EO Atlanta Podcast - Episode # 030

Taking Flight: The Entrepreneurs Journey Podcast

Today’s guest has over 20 years of marketing, business development, and management experience! While being inspired to help marketers find agencies that are the most proficient in their respective disciplines, he has also received the AMA Atlanta - Jana Ferguson Mentorship Award and AMA Atlanta - Volunteer of the Year! Please welcome to the show Joe Koufman, Co-founder at ChooseATL and Founder & CEO of SetUp! Joe joins host Sarah Tourville to share how he valued his early support and confidence to sustain his company. Learn with Sarah about Setup’s distinctive business model and the importance of customizing marketing solutions!

Takeaways:

• Joe hired someone right away, even though some found it risky without ensuring the business's viability. He understood early on that he needed support and was confident in sustaining both his family and an additional salary. It was the right decision in the end.
• There were a few people who helped Joe spark the start of his own company, including Kelly Deen, Jeff Hilimire, and Genevieve Bos. It is important to recognize and acknowledge the people who have supported and influenced your journey.
• Leaders should be open to providing guidance and support to others in their industry. Building a strong network of mentors and colleagues is one way to gain valuable insight and assistance in professional endeavors. Being actively involved in professional networks like EO can also lead to fruitful connections and collaborations.
• Launching Marketing Ecosystem Consulting has helped Setup to enhance client marketing resources and partnerships, serving both a Fortune 500 company and a global hotel chain. The key is to customize the ideal marketing mix for each client through stakeholder interviews, visioning, and roadmap development, while also identifying agency needs to address any gaps.
• Setup’s business model stands out from the competition. While competitors include search consultants and business development experts, they serve as matchmakers connecting clients and agencies, making the process enjoyable. Helping clients clarify their marketing challenges and forge successful partnerships with agencies is what brings success.
• Public relations has been key to Setup’s success, leading to outstanding press coverage. Their annual marketing survey was featured in Ad Age and Fast Company, boosting inbound interest and website traffic. The same success is expected with their upcoming fifth survey.

Quote of the Show:

• “I am filled with a great deal of joy to be able to connect people together.” - Joe Koufman

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joekoufman/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GumboShowJoe
• Personal Website: https://joekoufman.com/
• Setup Website: https://setup.us/
• AMA Atlanta Website: https://www.ama-atlanta.com/
• ChooseATL Website: https://www.chooseatl.com/
• EO Atlanta Organization: https://www.eoatlanta.com/

Ways To Tune In:

• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1035225
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4e67LgZSZ0Vc2anrFzN8A1
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taking-flight-the-entrepreneurs-journey-podcast/id1652695640?uo=4
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9jNjJkNzk4OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/82088400-c5a3-413c-9692-4719c8f1fd67/taking-flight-eo-atlanta-podcast
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/taking-flight-the-entrepreneurs-journey-podcast/4496468
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/6138535
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3482373
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-flight-the-entrepreneur-4968156
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/kRZQtLqC9rY

Taking Flight is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

Hey! It's Casey Cheshire from EO Boston. It's an honor for my team at Ringmaster to partner with EO Atlanta to produce this great podcast. If you're interested in an experience share around what it takes to launch a podcast, how to be a better host, or a great guest: shoot me an email at [e-mail]