Lazy Leverage
Talking about using leverage in life and business.
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Episodes
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Jon and Peter crack open one of the most perplexing puzzles in modern B2B marketing: why Peter's tiny 15,000-subscriber newsletter drives a significant fraction of what Daring Fireball makes with 2.5 million monthly visitors. And why Shaan Puri, with his top-10 business podcast, converted exactly 6 customers from 550 referrals to Somewhere.
The conversation starts with their origin stories - Jon's 2009 CrossFit philosophy blog that got him flown places at 24, Peter's Twitter journey that Moses Kagan pushed him into -but quickly evolves into something more profound. They're seeing a fundamental shift in how skeptical business owners make purchasing decisions. The old playbook of interrupt marketing, Facebook ads, and growth hacking for maximum eyeballs is dying.
Replacing it are high-trust vertical communities where people actually pay to participate. In fact, Jon says that he’d rather own a vertical community than a vertical SaaS right now. In an era of AI-generated content slop, business owners will increasingly retreat to closed communities for their most important decisions.
Jon and Peter dissect why generic business influencers fail while niche operators thrive. The secret sauce isn't just authenticity - it's having skin in the game and being willing to piss people off. As Jon puts it, channeling Chappelle: "You don't always have to be funny, but you always have to be interesting."
Key Topics:(08:15) The B2B Marketing Crisis: Why Vendors Can't Reach Customers(11:00) Shaan Puri's 1% Conversion Rate Problem(19:29) Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook(22:58) Why Vertical Communities Beat Vertical SaaS(27:57) The Peter Playbook vs. The Media Playbook(32:21) Authenticity and Showing Up Online(35:47) The Michelin Guide Strategy for Customer Acquisition(41:00) Having Skin in the Game: Why Business Influencers Fail(45:46) Final Thoughts: Automatic Blinds and AI Customer Databases
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Jon and Peter dive into one of those ideas that sounds crazy at first but might actually be brilliant: buying luxury vacation properties as a business expense that doubles as a killer member benefit. Jon's been noodling on this concept for months, and it's finally survived his brutal idea-filtering process (which involves annoying everyone from his CFO to random Twitter buddies until the bad ideas die off).
Here's the pitch: Sagan would purchase several properties—think ski chalets, beach houses, maybe something in Mexico—and offer them to members at 50-75% below Airbnb rates. The kicker? Thanks to bonus depreciation and some creative tax structuring, the whole thing could essentially pay for itself while adding a premium benefit that helps with member retention.
Peter initially pushes back hard on the operational nightmare this could become. Nobody wants to field calls about broken ice makers or dirty towels. But as they hash it out, the vision gets clearer: professional property management with multiple layers between Jon and any actual guest issues, properties strategically located for both vacations and corporate retreats, and a focus on serving their high-trust member base rather than random Airbnb guests.
Successful entrepreneurs develop strategy not through formal PowerPoints and weighted decision matrices, but through relentless debate, pattern recognition, and asking "will this actually f***ing work?" over and over until the answer becomes clear.
Key Topics:(01:49) The Art of Business Ideation: Volume Shooting vs. Analysis Paralysis(11:56) Introducing the Vacation Property Concept for Sagan Members(15:29) Bonus Depreciation and Tax Strategy Explained(21:29) Solving the Property Management Problem Before It Starts(27:51) Facilitating Global Team Meetups at Member Properties(31:11) Location Strategy: East Coast, West Coast, International(34:06) Building the Management Structure and Avoiding Operational Headaches
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Jon sits down with Wes Gay, a StoryBrand certified consultant who's been living and breathing the framework for almost a decade. He’s here to break down why most business messaging falls flat (and how to fix it).
The conversation dives deep into the seven-part StoryBrand framework, which treats your customer as the hero of their own story while positioning your business as the guide. Wes walks through each step: hero (your customer), problem (what they're struggling with), guide (you, with empathy and authority), plan (clear steps to success), call to action (what they should do next), and success or failure (the stakes).
What makes this framework so powerful is its simplicity. Instead of talking about how great your company is or listing features, you focus on solving specific problems for specific people. Wes shares real examples, from CarMax's three-step car selling process to how changing one button from "Schedule a Demo" to "Talk to an Expert" increased leads by 40%.
The second half gets tactical about finding your ideal customer. Wes reveals his favorite exercise: asking business owners to identify their favorite customers from the last two years - the ones who paid full price, said yes fastest, and became repeat buyers. Usually, one type emerges as 85% of the business.
They wrap up discussing how StoryBrand thinking can help refine Sagan's messaging, moving beyond "we provide global talent" to something more specific about helping growing companies hire affordably.
People don't buy what's best, they buy what they understand best.
Key Topics:
(01:36) The 7-Part StoryBrand Framework(21:58) Why Sagan's Messaging Could Be Clearer (And How to Fix It)(32:22) The Exercise That Reveals Your Real Target Customer(46:20) How One Button Change Increased Leads by 40%(47:08) Ideas for Using AI to Mine Customer Testimonials for Better Messaging
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Jon sits down with Brian Wilson, a retired Marine Corps Major who now heads Sagan's Knowledge and Automation group, to break down why most business owners are terrible at implementing AI and automation (and it's not for the reasons you might think).
Right off the bat, Brian gives us a reality check: most people creating content about AI and automation have never actually turned wrenches in a real business. They're content experts, not practitioners. He shares stories from live training sessions where it takes 23 minutes just to get someone to admit what their actual problem is, because everyone's been conditioned to think they need complex tech solutions instead of addressing the real issues.
They dive deep into the "duct tape and zip ties first" philosophy: why you should always try the simplest possible solution before building anything fancy. Brian tells the story of talking a nonprofit out of a $20,000 custom CRM when a $1,600/year data entry person could handle everything with a spreadsheet.
The second half gets into the psychology of why business owners get seduced by shiny new tools instead of mastering the fundamentals. Using Marine Corps doctrine and CrossFit analogies, Jon and Brian explain why the most successful people use the simplest tools with virtuoso-level execution.
They wrap up by introducing Sagan's new "skill sprints", 30-day challenges designed to build real automation habits through daily practice with a cohort, starting with company wikis in August.
Key Topics:(03:08) Why Most AI Content Creators Have Never Actually Solved Real Problems(11:18) When SaaS Solutions Actually Make Your Problems Worse(16:08) The "Duct Tape and Zip ties First" Philosophy of Automation(24:36) Why Action Produces Information (And Planning Doesn't)(34:27) The Power of 30-Day Skill Sprints for Building Automation Habits
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Jon and Peter tackle one of the most stressful parts of running a business that nobody talks about: getting sued. Or threatened with lawsuits. Or dealing with angry lawyers sending nasty letters demanding ridiculous amounts of money.
It happens to almost every business owner, but nobody shares war stories because of shame, legal settlements with gag clauses, and the general awkwardness of admitting you're in legal hot water. Jon and Peter break that silence with practical advice from the trenches.
They cover how to tell the difference between someone who's actually dangerous (rich people who can afford to throw $20K at a lawyer just to mess with you) versus someone who's all bark and no bite (anyone who mentions their "brother-in-law the lawyer"). You'll learn why the person who can afford legal fees longest usually wins (regardless of who's actually right).
The conversation gets into the nitty-gritty: when to involve your attorney, how to respond to demand letters without making things worse, and why having an employee handbook might save your ass even if you never look at it. They also discuss the psychology of disputes and how staying calm and professional can defuse situations that could otherwise cost you thousands.
Plus, they touch on going on offense: when it's worth suing someone (spoiler: almost never) and how AI is starting to level the playing field in legal disputes.
Key Topics:(00:47) Sagan Command Center: Building Simple Tools That Actually Work(10:18) Peter’s Game-Changing Browser Extension for Organizing Links(18:23) Dealing with Legal Disputes as a Business Owner(31:51) How to Recognize Serious Legal Threats vs. Empty Bluster(46:51) Demystifying the Economics of Litigation(57:14) Going on Offense: When to Sue and When to Walk Away
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Peter unpacks what he learned from taking a full month off (his fourth annual sabbatical) including what worked, what didn’t, and how stepping back clarified his relationship with work, team leadership, and systems.
Spoiler: nothing broke. The business ran just fine. And that’s the point.
Jon and Peter dive into how structured time off isn’t just a luxury - it’s a leadership test. It exposes whether your team and systems are truly ready to stand without you. But it also creates clarity: Over time, through his yearly retreats, Peter rediscovered the joy of meaningful work.
The second half of the conversation takes a sharp turn into business frameworks with a breakdown of the Danaher Problem Solving Process, a step-by-step method so effective it’s taught to every new employee at billion-dollar manufacturer Danaher. Jon lays out the form they now use at Sagan to rigorously define, diagnose, and permanently fix recurring business issues.
You’ll also learn how to apply a structured framework to define problems clearly, trace them to their root causes, and implement fixes that actually stick. More importantly, Jon and Peter show how to embed those solutions - through SOP updates, team communication, and accountability - so your team isn’t just reacting to surface-level symptoms or solving the same issues over and over again.
Key Topics:(02:05) What Taking 30 Days Off Can Reveal About Your Business(16:28) Danaher’s Problem Solving Process: A Breakdown(23:00) The One-Page Problem-Solving Form Every Team Should Use(31:04) Other Ways the Danaher Process Unearths Issues in Your Company(34:08) Using AI to Coach Yourself Through GTD and EOS Workflows(44:55) Using Claude to Build Dynamic Business Models Without Spreadsheets
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Hiring a VA is easy. Turning them into a leader? That’s where most founders stall out. Jon and Binsi unpack how to stop recycling task-doers and start developing talent, explaining why reframing roles is the first step toward long-term leverage.
Jon breaks down the difference between delegation and development, while Binsi - Sagan’s newly minted managing director - shares firsthand what it looks like to grow from an assistant role into real leadership.
Together, they walk through the cultural, structural, and emotional shifts that separate low-autonomy task-doers from high-impact operators. They explore why title inflation doesn’t equal real promotion, how neglected onboarding is sabotaging retention, and why ambition is the heartbeat of every high-performer - no matter where they’re from.
They also preview Sagan’s new initiative: Global Talent 101, a five-day onboarding bootcamp designed to shortcut the ramp-up time for overseas hires. The goal? Better communication, clearer expectations, and real context for working in American business environments.
This episode isn’t just about semantics - it’s about systems. Because the distance between VA and executive isn't measured in miles or time zones. It’s measured in trust, training, and the belief that leverage is a two-way street.
TIMESTAMPS(01:04) VA vs. Global Talent: What’s the Real Difference?(03:55) Why Title Matters—and When it Doesn’t(06:58) Signs You’re Still Hiring Like a “Level 1” Leader(10:18) The Quiet Ambition of High Performers(18:19) Designing a Better Onboarding with Global Talent 101(24:00) Inbox Zero, Slack Habits, and Building AI Fluency(27:00) The Leadership Ladder: From Order-Taker to Operator(29:03) Common Onboarding Mistakes When Hiring for Potential Leaders
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Jon and Peter explore a deceptively simple but powerful concept: architecting how work gets done. Inspired by Profit Coach and shaped through years of trial and error, it’s more than systems and tools - it’s about intentionally designing workflows that enable scale, accountability, and freedom.
They start by defining what “done” looks like, then dive into tools like swimlane diagrams, task maps, and online forms - essential for hiring, training, delegation, and AI. Leverage doesn’t begin with tech - it starts with basics, like removing your phone number from the website so work flows through systems, not you.
Peter adds “policy courage”: the discipline to enforce structure, like requiring form submissions over ad-hoc emails. It’s inconvenient short-term, but essential for long-term capacity. They share examples - from refund forms to recruiting flows - showing how small workflow improvements compound into major gains.
This isn’t micromanagement - it’s about designing with intention, delegating clearly, and leading boldly.
TIMESTAMPS(01:00) What “Architecting the Work” Really Means(03:05) Defining Done: Why Ambiguity Breaks Everything(13:27) Forms: The Most Underrated Business Tool(27:12) Swimlanes, Task Maps, and Trigger Discipline(37:57) The E-Myth, WhisperFlow, and Tools of Scale
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
While a ton of business owners today are chasing the next AI hack or automation craze, Jon and Peter return to a foundational truth: leverage isn’t a tactic - it’s a philosophy.
Today they’re talking about “Matt’s Hierarchy of Leverage,” a napkin-sketch turned mental model that redefines how small business owners should think about time, talent, and tools. Rather than obsessing over AI for AI’s sake, they explore leverage as a quiet system of compounding returns: replacing complexity with clarity, chaos with delegation, and brute effort with thoughtful structure.
At its core, the hierarchy isn’t about removing yourself from the business - it’s about repositioning your energy where it matters most. From global talent to smart systems, from automation to delegation, each rung down the pyramid creates space to climb higher in impact. AI isn't magic; it's just another train in a well-built transportation system, but that system still needs the roads, trucks, and drivers to lay the path.
They challenge operators: What will you do with the margin you earn? More cash? Better product? A month off? There’s no right answer - only trade-offs.
Jon and Peter aren’t interested in glossy tech dreams or lazy business hacks. They’re here for the long game - where leverage is earned, not bought. Where progress isn’t driven by viral trends, but by disciplined execution. And where the true win isn’t freedom from work, but freedom to choose the right work.
In a noisy age of shiny tools, this is a blueprint for quiet scale.
Key Topics:(02:00) Introducing Matt’s Hierarchy of Leverage(10:30) Systemization, SOPs, and Hiring B-Players(22:00) Saying No: The Key to Moving Work Down the Pyramid(37:12) AI Starts Taking Jobs (For Real This Time)(43:00) What Will You Do With the Increased Margin?
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
In a time where brands everywhere churn out content for clout, Jon and Peter make the case that there is power in focusing on niche over noise.
They talk about the difference between running a media business—one dependent on clicks, views, and CPMs—and running a business powered by media. The latter isn’t chasing virality. It’s using content to build trust at scale, with the right audience. A single engaged viewer—one potential customer who finds real value—can be more powerful than 50 million passive scrolls.
This mindset reframes media from a vanity metric machine into a quiet engine of asymmetric returns. A podcast that lands one high-value client? Worth more than thousands of empty impressions. A newsletter that converts 1.2% of readers into loyal customers? Incredibly high leverage, even if the list is modest in size.
Still, they wrestle with the usual considerations all operators think about: Should we do short-form? Do we really have to play the algorithm game? Peter and Jon push back against performative content, advocating instead for authenticity, audience clarity, and compounding trust.
Show up. Document. Speak with depth. Build a back catalog for the long game.
If you're a business owner in 2025 wondering where to start, forget growth hacks. Instead, record a podcast. Write a blog post. Hit “publish” once a week. In a year, you'll be stunned by the optionality and leverage you’ve created—not from volume, but from intentional signal.
In the end, lazy leverage is just focused effort, multiplied by time.
Key Topics:(02:43) Media-Fueled Businesses vs Media Businesses(10:15) How SMBs Should Create Content for Top-Funnel vs Mid-Funnel(17:16) The Right Way to Do Short-Form Content(28:14) Running Ads Without Becoming a Sellout(35:12) Succeeding as a Niche B2B Brand(39:22) Getting Clear on Your Audience(43:30) Changing Up Your Environment
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
In an age obsessed with scale, speed, and leverage, it’s easy to forget that the best long-term advantage might come from doing the exact opposite.
Call it the "Low Leverage Advantage."
When you're early in your career—or launching something new—there’s a strong case for diving into the work yourself. Not delegating. Not automating. Just doing. Need to onboard a new sales team? Write the first 20 cold DMs yourself. Building a new ops process? Sit next to the team member buried in outdated workflows and fix it together.
Why? Because high leverage comes from judgment. And judgment comes from getting close to the metal. It’s why executives driving Ubers for a week makes more sense than another offsite. Or why a CEO helping troubleshoot a Dropbox error can spark more productivity than another strategy session.
But the magic doesn’t stop at work. Trying to optimize your personal life with AI prompts and workflows? Terrible idea. Your kids don’t need you to delegate bedtime—they need you to show up. Presence is low leverage, but it’s high value.
The trick? Learn to oscillate. Plant with intimacy, harvest with leverage. Create media, but still get your hands dirty. Record podcasts, but stay close to the customer. Don’t chase scale so hard that you forget where insights come from.
Low leverage isn’t a step backward—it’s an intentional investment in depth. And if you document along the way, even the mundane becomes future leverage. Your dusty SOP doc? Might be the foundation of your next seven-figure business.
Leverage and scale will come, but only if you show up, do the work, and remain consistent.
Key Topics:(03:08) Why (and When to) Go Low Leverage?(10:19) How Low Leverage Activities Build Loyalty with Team Members(17:08) Laying the Groundwork Early on in Your Business(23:05) Learning New Skills with Low Leverage Work(31:00) Creating a Body of Work That Makes the Best Use of Your Time(40:25) Nurturing Growth by Encouraging Healthy Debates(48:22) Why Respectful Disagreement Between Team Members is Good for Business(53:27) Jon and Peter’s Latest AI Breakthroughs
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
Most small business owners think leadership is instinctual—something you figure out once you’re “in charge”. But if your managers act like friends, choke on tough conversations, or drown their teams in bureaucracy—you've got a leadership gap that’s preventing you from taking your company to the next level..
Today, Jon and Peter break down why leadership is taught, not caught. Their message is simple: great companies don't just promote top performers and hope for the best. They train leaders the moment they’re knighted into management—and they make the expectations painfully clear.
It’s not enough to hand someone a team and hope they "figure it out." You have to define leadership (get the job done, care for, and retain your people), teach core skills (giving feedback, holding accountability without micromanaging), and most critically, create psychological safety.
Jon’s most important move? Running a weekly emerging leaders meeting—teaching frontliners how to think, fire, hire, and lead before the problems show up. Leadership isn’t about being the smartest guy in the room. It’s about creating the space for others to thrive and grow.
Culture isn’t just vibes—it’s the operating system of your company. Skip investing in leadership development, and you’ll be stuck wondering why no one takes initiative. Train your people to lead with clarity, courage, and care—and you won’t just survive—you’ll scale.
Key Topics:(02:47) Peter’s New Favorite Definition of Leadership(07:24) Jon and Peter’s Leadership/Management Philosophies(11:24) How Great Leaders React When Things Go Wrong(20:00) Setting the Tone with Younger Leaders(27:12) The Importance of Defining Leadership/Management to Team Members Early On(32:04) Developing Your Leaders and Staying Accountable to Your Team(39:45) The Empathy Edge
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Most business owners don’t think they have a “culture problem.” But if your team misses deadlines, seems afraid to speak up, or quits without notice—you’ve got one.
This isn’t a vibes issue. It’s a systemic one. Today Jon sits down with Sagan’s Head of Product, Binsi Das, to break down the hidden culture traps that derail global teams.
Here’s what’s happening: you’ve built a company with an egalitarian mindset—flat structure, open feedback loops, lots of autonomy. But half your team comes from hierarchical, low-context cultures. In many of these countries, employees don’t speak up unless asked directly, bosses don’t typically use Slack, and using AI can get you fired.
The fix? Awareness, structure, and trust. Know that culture isn't just where someone is from—it’s how they communicate, perceive authority, and handle feedback. Build memos, not just Slack rants.
Create explicit permission structures. Watch faces and tone as much as words. Start with small, low-stakes projects and coach confidence into your team, especially if they come from high-control backgrounds like BPOs or strict traditional offices.
Also, stop assuming they’ll just “get it.” People won’t magically unlearn 30 years of cultural conditioning because your company has a no-meeting Monday. Write things down. Give context. Be human.
And memo everything. Memos are the underrated superpower of leadership. They force clarity, reduce Slack flailing, and act as asynchronous coaching tools. They also turn you into a multiplier—not a micromanager.
Culture issues can sneak up on leaders of global teams in the form of rework, delays, confusion, and burnout among team members. But if you build systems that acknowledge the hidden rules people operate under, you won’t just manage your team—you’ll unlock them.
Remember: It’s not about hiring smarter—it’s about leading wiser.
Key Topics:(03:12) The Unspoken Rules of Cross-Cultural Leadership(11:30) Empowering Your Team to Become More Proactive(17:27) Low Context vs High Context Cultures(24:42) Unlocking the Potential of High-Value Talent(36:32) Jon and Binsi’s Thoughts on Memos(42:03) Other Common Leadership Mistakes
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Google quietly dropped an AI tool that could replace half your tech stack.
Its name? NotebookLM.
Think ChatGPT, but with deep integration into your documents and a smarter memory. You can feed it PDFs, YouTube transcripts, Google Docs, or even random web pages. From there, it becomes like a supercharged research assistant that not only remembers what you’ve uploaded but cites it like a pro.
Sure, there are a couple of downsides: as of now, sharing is limited to people on the same Google Workspace, and there’s no API. But the upside is wild. You can create topic-specific notebooks—for example, onboarding, legal docs, or SOPs—and then just ask it natural language questions like “What were our last three hires?” or “What did I say in my journal about work-life balance?”
It's especially powerful for teams or solo entrepreneurs looking to offload some mental load. You can use it to prepare for meetings, craft a vivid vision for your company, or even build a repository of everything you’ve ever written or said. Instead of combing through old files or Slack threads, just ask.
We're on the cusp of turning years of scattered knowledge into a living, searchable, AI-powered archive. And it's free with Google. If Notion and Trello don’t adapt fast, they’re going to be toast.
Moral of the story: dump your docs into Notebook LM, talk to it like your most competent employee, and watch the magic happen.
Key Topics:
(02:12) Initial Thoughts on NotebookLM(08:10) Having a Vivid Vision for Your Business(11:32) The Best Way to Phrase Questions to AI(16:39) Creating a Content Ecosystem with LM(24:50) Consolidating Data from Point Solutions(31:43) The Power of a Two-Day Solo Retreat(41:00) Final Thoughts
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
AI isn’t here to replace your team—it’s here to give them time back. Join Jon and Peter as they explore how the right interfaces and integrations can supercharge productivity across your org!
Jon kicks things off by sharing his vision: every new client should get a completely customized front end tailored to their needs—think “cars, not faster horses.”
He and Peter riff on the challenge of AI adoption at the ground level—how time-starved teams struggle to learn new tools—and the importance of delivering point solutions that are simple, embedded, and immediately useful. There’s an appreciation for systems thinking here–that true leverage comes from building thoughtful infrastructure.
Peter raises a great point about the power of centralized data. He’s excited about tools like Loveable, but acknowledges their real magic happens when all business data lives in one well-organized database. They reflect on past limitations—splitting data between platforms—and how new tools like Supabase and Airtable now make consolidation more accessible, especially with AI riding shotgun.
Finally, Jon and Peter dive deep into emerging AI tools like Lindy and Perplexity, ways to integrate Notion with natural language, and even the wild potential of GPT-4’s AI-generated images for marketing real estate!
Key Topics:(01:40) Cars, Not Just Faster Horses(08:12) Possible Paths to AI Adoption by Teams(12:54) AI for Enterprise-Level Databases(20:43) Property Management Applications(24:31) Using AI to Answer AI-Related Questions(31:46) Finding an AI Model That Helps You Aggregate Industry-Specific News(34:42) How Property Managers Can Take Advantage of GPT-4’s New Image Gen Capabilities(39:20) “The Future Is Here. It’s Just Not Evenly Distributed."
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Imagine having a fully-functional website or landing page created in seconds, simply by transcribing your thoughts, turning it into a prompt, then hitting Enter.
Oh, and you don’t have to spend a cent to make it happen.
Now stop imagining. Enter Lovable, your “superhuman AI full stack engineer”.
Today, Jon gives us a brief, yet life-changing overview of Lovable as he helps Peter build a custom CRM in real time.
Jon walks us through just a few of the outputs that Lovable can make possible, from mortgage calculators to hiking trail apps–in multiple languages. We dive into how this breakthrough in AI is democratizing web development, making it possible for anyone to design and modify applications even without a coding background.
Jon and Peter also demonstrate how to connect your front-end with Airtable’s innovative back-end tools, and how to build upon your Lovable-built website with authentication and data storage architecture.
Whether you're adjusting UI elements, reimagining your website’s aesthetics, or starting a brand from scratch, Lovable’s reshaped the playing field for good. And all we need to start taking advantage of this opportunity is to embrace a little creativity and playfulness!
Timestamps:(03:27) Using Claude to Turn Your Vision Into an Organized Brief(13:00) How to Leverage Lovable with Minimal Coding Expertise(17:44) Examples of Websites Built with Lovable(20:30) Peter’s New Custom CRM(23:01) Connecting the Front-End with Airtable for the Backend(29:51) Building Authentication and Data Storage Architecture(33:00) Adding an Analytics Dashboard(38:18) Configuring the Front End to Build a Native Mobile App(40:14) How APIs Allow Front Ends to Talk to Back Ends(51:58) Jon and Peter’s Closing Thoughts
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Ever wonder what happens when an entrepreneur stops trying to do everything and finds the right vehicle? Brandon Parker was juggling multiple businesses when he met Jon two years ago. Now he's running a team of 40+ and crushing it with Landy Leads. In this conversation, they break down exactly HOW that transformation happened. You'll learn why constraint-based thinking is the key to rapid growth, how to leverage global talent effectively, and the power of systems like Airtable for scaling operations. Plus, discover the "make errors visible" approach to building better processes and why your current tech stack might be secretly sabotaging your growth. If you're ready to stop working harder and start working smarter, this episode is your blueprint.
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:28) Introduction and Guest Welcome
(01:35) Consulting Insights and Business Scaling
(05:05) Global Talent and AI Integration
(07:39) Constraint-Based Thinking and Optimization
(13:00) The Toyota Management System Approach
(15:58) Sagan's Offerings and Continued Education
(25:45) Airtable Benefits
(32:561) Effective Hiring Strategies and AI Integration
(37:42) Optimizing Lead Qualification with AI
(50:31) Final Thoughts and Endorsements
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
From Northern Ireland to navigating a PE buyback, Cathryn Lavery brings her raw, unfiltered take on building businesses in 2025. Join Jon as they geek out over AI tools, debate the death of the traditional EA role, and reveal why 'smart, hungry, coachable' beats experience every time. Plus, learn why your $85k/year US marketer might be in trouble (and what to do about it). Pure value, zero BS.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:39) Introduction and Guest Welcome
(01:20) AI in Personal & Professional Life
(06:50) Voice Technology and Content Creation
(10:35) Buying Back the Business
(13:28) Hiring and Leveraging Global Talent
(20:28) Architecting Workflows with AI
(26:45) Value Proposition and Membership Benefits
(30:59) The "Smart, Hungry, Coachable" Framework
(37:42) Remote Work and Context Building
(40:17) Global Talent Pool Insights
(45:08) Team Development
(49:10) Content Strategy
(51:03) Wrap up and Contact Information
Check out Wisprflow.ai
Connect with Cathryn on X, sign up for her newsletter, or visit her store.
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
What happens when you tell your entire executive team that all their projects are cancelled? Jon Matzner did exactly that, and the results were shocking. In this episode, Jon and Peter Lohmann dive deep into the art of extreme focus, why most businesses are working on the wrong things, and how to identify what actually moves the needle. Plus: fascinating insights on the Toyota Way, why some fires need to burn, and the infamous jazz cup jacket story you didn't know you needed to hear.
Timestamps(00:31) Introduction (01:20) Focusing on Constraints(03:33) The Importance of Prioritizing Tasks(06:56) Understanding and Tackling Churn(18:13) Project Management Simplified(20:17) Maintaining Accountability (25:58) Account Management Strategies(27:26) Exploring the Toyota Way(30:00) Applying Toyota Principles to Knowledge Work(40:14) Questions to Always Be Asking(42:00) Closing Thoughts: The Art of Being Present
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Want to know what's really happening in the world of B2B communities? Jon and Peter pull back the curtain on how they're building multi-million dollar business communities that are making traditional trade associations obsolete. They reveal their strategy for using AI to circumvent legacy software, share insider tips on community building, and discuss how to use capital to accelerate growth. Warning: This episode might make traditional SaaS companies uncomfortable.
Timestamps(00:00) Welcome to Lazy Leverage(02:27) Discussing AI in Business(04:33) Challenges with traditional SaaS(09:36) Innovative Solutions for Data Management(11:26) The Future of Vertical SaaS(21:00) Building a Community and Influencer Impact(35:12) Value Proposition of Modern Trade Associations(38:37) Geographic Dispersion and Competitive Dynamics(40:37) Sponsorship and Revenue Models(46:02) Using Capital to Accelerate Strategy(53:05) Building a Media Property for Niche Communities(58:00) Final Thoughts and Tools
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
In this candid conversation, Patrick (formerly known as Franchise Wolf) opens up about his evolution from anonymous content creator to co-founder of Frandawgs. Learn why he initially hid his identity, how he grew his audience through strategic storytelling, and the unexpected lessons he learned about monetization in the B2B space. A masterclass in pivoting from pure content creation to building a real business.
Follow Patrick on X or FranDawgs.com
TIMESTAMPS(00:25) Introduction and Background (06:22) Launching Frandawgs: The New Vision (10:20) Content Strategy Deep Dive(19:00) The YouTube Opportunity(27:25) The Journey from HVAC Sales to Tech Startups(31:00) The Franchise Industry Reality Check(33:00) Data Challenges(36:05) Monetization Strategies for B2B Content(41:49) Perfect Day Vision(43:56) Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Ever hired someone with 'perfect experience' only to watch them fail? Justin Brown, Director of Operations at Zen Windows, shares how they transformed their hiring process by focusing on three key attributes instead of industry experience. Learn how they turned a guy with zero window knowledge into their Installation Manager superstar in just 7 days, and why their global talent strategy is crushing traditional hiring methods.
Timestamps
(00:26) Introduction to Justin Brown and Zen Windows(01:39) The "Smart, Hungry, Coachable" Hiring Philosophy(06:36) Fast Hiring vs. Slow Hiring Debate(11:06) Success Stories with Global Talent(16:01) Building Elite Teams Through Training(19:31) Future of Learning and Development at Sagan(27:36) Wrap-up and Final Thoughts
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Ever wonder how the President stays on top of everything? Jon and Peter break down how to adapt presidential-style daily briefs for your business, plus share raw insights from their recent entrepreneur retreat. From brand building to managing global teams, they reveal what actually works (and what doesn't) in running a growing company.
Timestamps(00:31) Welcome (02:28) Customizing The Executive Brief(12:49) The One-Number Management Philosophy(17:17) Hiring for Specific Roles(21:03) The "Death Zone" in Business (24:30) The Power of Branding in Business(29:19) Challenges and Reflections of Entrepreneurs(40:30) Chat GPT Integration Tips (46:35) Wrap Up
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
This is a follow-up conversation from episodes #38 and #39.
Stop drowning in your inbox and start taking control of your workflow. Jon and Neel tear down the myths around GTD and show you exactly how they implement it in their multi-million dollar businesses. They reveal their personal systems for managing everything from quick tasks to complex projects, and share why the traditional approach to productivity is killing your success. Whether you're running a global team or just trying to get your shit together, this conversation will completely change how you think about organization.
TIMESTAMPS(00:20) Introduction and Cultural Context (07:00) GTD Fundamentals(21:57) Next Actions: How to Use Them (28:44) Weekly Reviews: The Missing Piece of Your System (34:05) How to Process Your Inbox (51:12) Sagan's Vision for Global Team Development
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Think disrupting real estate is impossible? Amanda Orson, founder of Galleon, explains how being an outsider gives her the edge to challenge a 112-year-old industry. From military school lessons to ancient philosophy, discover how unconventional thinking drives innovation. Jon and Amanda dive deep into operational efficiency, the future of AI, and why most businesses miss obvious opportunities for transformation. Plus, get book recommendations that have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys and learn why sometimes the best qualification is having no industry experience at all.
Timestamps(0:00) Welcome and Introduction (02:38) Military Background and Business Philosophy (07:00) The Galleon Business Model (15:22) Market Dynamics and Disruptive Innovation(24:33) The Future of AI in Real Estate Transactions(26:57) Building Human Connection in a Digital World (33:00) Must-Read Books & Movies for Entrepreneurs (41:30) Innovating in Competitive Spaces(46:22) Creating Impact Beyond Business (48:30) Contact Information
RecommendationsBooksWarfighting: MCDP: U. S. Marine CorpsThe Emperors Handbook: A New Translation of The Meditations- Marcus AureliusThe Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success: William N. Thorndike Jr.MoviesTwelve O'clock high (1949)Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comAmanda: @AmandaOrson on XPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Ever wonder why some businesses seem to run like clockwork while others are constantly putting out fires? Jon and Peter break down the real reason - it's not what you think. From customer avatars to remote team management, they share battle-tested strategies that actually work in the real world. Plus, they reveal a game-changing approach to building context in remote teams that could revolutionize how you run your business.
TIMESTAMPS(00:31) Show intro (02:03) Defining the sweet spot: Between startup and Fortune 50 (03:30) Property management challenges (07:09) Trade-offs in business structures (24:50) Breaking down context building in teams(26:41) Fragility in specialization(38:42) Customer avatars and personalized service (47:22) Building a decision-making culture (01:02:03) Tech tools and future opportunities (01:04:05) App recommendations and wrap-up
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Discover how a Buffalo-based youth soccer program is revolutionizing their operations with global talent. Jon breaks down the journey from local to global teams, sharing practical strategies for elevating your senior staff while maintaining quality. Learn the 'Gordon Ramsay method' of letting your best people focus on high-value work.
Timestamps
(0:22) Introduction to Mark and Soccer Shots background(6:33) Overview of global talent responsibilities(9:00) Discussion of global talent cost savings(11:55) Strategies for recruitment coordination(17:32) The "bang the gong" recruitment strategy(35:40) The journey of business systemization(37:23) Discussion of starting new ventures with global talent(40:32) Lessons from college athletics(45:00) Experience working with Sagan
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
"We can't find enough dentists" is the cry echoing across the industry - but Dr. Dave Ensley's group is crushing it with a revolutionary approach to talent. In this episode, discover how his DSO grew to $70M by reimagining traditional roles, leveraging global talent, and embracing automation. Dave breaks down exactly how they built successful teams in Mexico, Pakistan, and the Philippines, reveals the costly mistakes most practices make with global hiring, and shares his blueprint for creating a sustainable dental business. Plus, learn why paying more could actually be the key to solving your hiring challenges.
Timestamps(0:25) Introduction and Dave's Background (01:55) Understanding DSOs and Their Structure (05:24) Labor Specialization (15:53) Journey into Global Talent (26:41) Building International Teams (43:20) Solving Recruitment Challenges (48:58) The Future of AI and Automation in Dentistry (55:39) Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by followingJon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Think remote teams can't be as effective as in-office ones? Think again. Jon and Peter break down the counterintuitive strategies that have helped them build world-class remote teams, including the game-changing '10/80/10 framework' and why context matters more than control. Plus, they reveal the innovative ways they're using AI and rotational assignments to create unstoppable remote cultures. Whether you're managing one remote employee or fifty, this episode will transform how you think about remote leadership.
Timestamps:
(00:40) Show format and authenticity in podcasting
(03:48) Media leverage and content creation
(10:35) The 10/80/10 framework for content creation
(23:50) Empowerment vs procedures
(33:30) Creating context in remote teams
(50:40) Innovative solutions for remote culture
(55:46) App recommendations and closing thoughts
Apps mentioned:
Fi
Replit
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com
Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
What happens when you strip everything away except your top two priorities? Jon opens up about his year of extreme focus, sharing both the wins and uncomfortable sacrifices. Then, he and Peter geek out about the digital power tools revolutionizing business operations, including their secret weapons for automation and productivity. Whether you're struggling with work-life balance or hunting for tech solutions to scale your business, this raw and practical discussion delivers the insights you won't hear anywhere else.
Timestamps(00:33) New Year kickoff(02:30) Dan Gable's influence on prioritization(04:00) The cost of extreme focus(08:50) The power of weak ties in business(16:48) Introduction to Sagan's Digital Power Tools(29:40) The problem with over-engineering solutions(33:40) Forward deployed engineers concept(38:15) Essential apps for productivity(40:34) Deep dive into Libby and digital reading(42:10) Game-changing iPhone features(47:00) Leveraging ChatGPT mobile effectively(50:13) Wrap-up and final thoughts
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by followingJon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
This is part 2 of a 2 part episode. Check out part 1 first!
Ever wonder how top entrepreneurs manage dozens of projects without losing their minds? In this deep-dive episode, Jon Matzner reveals his secret weapon: the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. Watch as he transforms a chaotic email inbox into a streamlined system that actually works. Whether you're drowning in tasks or just tired of forgetting important details, this conversation will revolutionize how you think about productivity.
Timestamps(0:26) Introduction (0:39) Next Actions (To-Do) vs. Projects (06:21) Creating Actionable Next Steps (08:55) Building Your Master Project List (11:10) Practical GTD Implementation(16:20) Project organization & End States(19:20) Moving from Email to GTD (22:00) Calendar Management(25:36) Weekly reviews and system maintenance(28:00) Next actions & Project demonstration(34:00) Trust in the system(36:39) System implementation and brain space(39:56) Closing thoughts on GTD implementation
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by followingJon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
From email overwhelm to project mastery - this episode is your roadmap to stress-free productivity. Join Jon Matzner as he breaks down the exact system he uses to manage multiple businesses while maintaining his sanity. You'll discover why your mind isn't for storing ideas, how to build a system you can trust, and the shocking truth about why your current to-do list is holding you back. This isn't just another productivity hack - it's a complete paradigm shift in how you manage your work and life.
Timestamps(00:26) Introduction (03:15) GTD Philosophy (04:45) The Importance of Having a System (09:20) Capture: The First Step of GTD(11:30) Quick Capture Methods & Tools (19:44) Processing Your Inboxes (27:27) The "Do It, Defer It, Delete It, Delegate It" System (29:19) Waiting for List Explained (33:00) Managing Email & Ideas with GTD(47:36) Introduction of Part 2: Projects vs Next Actions
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by followingJon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Meet Brandon Beachy, former Atlanta Braves pitcher turned successful business owner, who transformed his Koala Insulation franchise using global talent. Learn how he went from struggling with basic business operations to running a streamlined company by leveraging remote teams in Argentina and Colombia. Brandon shares practical insights on transitioning from professional sports to entrepreneurship, and how finding the right support system allowed him to build a business that serves his life, not the other way around.
Timestamps
(00:26) Introduction and Baseball Background (02:16) The Decision to Leave Professional Sports (09:34) Why Koala Insulation? Choosing the Right Franchise (12:48) First Experience with Global Talent (19:57) Key Benefits of Remote Teams (24:15) Building Systems for Growth (30:37) Franchise Consulting and Supporting Other Athletes (31:55) Marketing and Sales Strategies (41:54) Operations Management (46:27) Understanding Business Leverage(52:57) Closing Thoughts and Baseball Stories
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by followingJon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Sagan's Head of Operations Hugo shares how manufacturing principles can revolutionize remote work, why trust trumps experience in global teams, and how to empower (not just delegate to) your international workforce. Learn how he transitioned from traditional manufacturing to leading a 50-person global team in just 50 days.
Timestamps
(00:22) Introduction and Hugo's background (01:25) Hugo's passion for lean manufacturing (04:36] Operational excellence as differentiation (08:40) Quality control in service vs manufacturing (11:25) Leading team transitions and respecting history(12:58) Building trust in remote teams (15:47) Documentation and communication practices (17:49) Rapid integration of new leadership (29:04) Final thoughts on operational excellence
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by followingJon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
When a key team member leaves, should you take it personally? Jon and Peter explore opposing views on employee loyalty, deadline management, and what it really means to build a sustainable business in today's environment.
Timestamps
(00:34) Welcome and Show Introduction
(01:05) Key Team Member Departure Discussion
(04:06) Small Business Backup Systems
(09:14) Remote Work Possibilities
(13:11) Managing Employee Departures
(21:53) The Deadline Discussion
(27:20) EOS and Priority Management
(31:00) Calendar Management Strategies
(37:34) Business Competition Philosophy
(40:18) YouTube Channel Recommendations
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon and @pslohmann on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
This is the raw, unfiltered conversation about what actually works in property management. Jon and Peter share their biggest revelations about leadership, systems, and why being 'fair' to all clients might be your biggest mistake. Plus: The uncomfortable truth about why your top clients keep leaving (and what to do about it).
Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction and recent wins
(02:00) Debunking the "you need an audience" myth
(06:07) New approach to SOPs and documentation
(11:40) Developing people vs. developing processes
(00:19:22) Management dynamics
(00:28:45) Premium service tiers discussion
(32:00) Customer communication case study
(40:15] Building a signature client program
(45:50) AI and automation opportunities
(50:52) Key takeaways for work and family balance
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com
Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Sick of trading hours for dollars in your consulting business? You're not alone. Join Jon Matzner and Dan Kirner as they rip apart the traditional consulting model and show you exactly how to build real leverage. Through real-world examples and zero-fluff strategies, they reveal how to spot golden opportunities in your market, transform your services into products, and scale without losing your mind. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through your current ceiling, this episode is your blueprint for consulting that actually scales.
Timestamps:(00:00) Welcome and Dan's Background(00:32) From Time-for-Money to Scalable Solutions(02:17) Breaking Down Real Leverage in Consulting(03:43) The Productization Blueprint(07:05) Building Systems That Scale(11:19) How to Find Your Perfect Market Fit(21:34) Solving the Sales Puzzle Without Complex Funnels(25:28) Combining Skills for Maximum Impact(33:55) Key Takeaways and Connect with Dan
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by followingJon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comDan: @DanKirner on X and at remixalot.com
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Ever wonder why your inbox feels like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole? Join Peter Lohmann and Jon Matzner as they expose why email overload is actually a symptom of deeper business issues. Through candid conversation and real-world examples, they demolish common productivity myths and reveal their battle-tested system for taking control of your communication. From the controversial truth about quick response times to the game-changing difference between tasks and projects, this episode delivers actionable insights that will transform how you work. Whether you're drowning in notifications or just tired of email running your life, this is the wake-up call you need.
TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction and The Email Crisis(04:00) Why Email Problems Are Really Leadership Problems (6:21)(10:00) Breaking Free from the "Quick Response" Trap(15:00) The Right Way to Use Tools Like Slack and Email(22:00) Project Management: The Missing Piece(30:00) From Chaos to Control: Building Your System(38:00) The Power of Task Capture and Weekly Reviews(45:00) Creating Action-Based Project Plans(53:00) Future of Work: Bridging Physical and Digital
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by followingJon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.comPeter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Jon Matzner and Peter Lohmann break down the art and science of 'architecting the way work gets done' - a crucial skill for any business owner looking to scale. From handling employee resistance to identifying bottlenecks, learn how to design work systems that unlock growth while keeping your best people happy. Plus: sneaky tips for spotting AI responses in hiring, and game-changing iPhone features you didn't know existed.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro and casual catch-up
(04:15) Understanding "architecting the way work gets done"
(11:40) The Henry Ford approach to work design
(15:45) Why employees resist systems (and how to handle it)
(21:43) Identifying and working with business bottlenecks
(26:50) The Korean spa button: A lesson in smart work design
(27:58) Using accountability charts effectively
(30:10) Tech tips: Gmail link copying and iPhone call recording
(32:30) Clever hiring tip: Catching AI responses in job applications
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com
Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Ever wonder what happens when you mix Moscow State economics, Oklahoma middle school, and global talent acquisition? Meet Anna, Sagan's secret weapon in member success. In this no-BS conversation, she breaks down why some businesses crush it with global talent while others barely scratch the surface. From navigating cultural bridges to building trust-based partnerships, Anna shares the unfiltered truth about what makes global hiring work. Whether you're a startup founder or running a PE firm, this episode is packed with actionable insights that'll transform how you think about global talent integration.
Timestamps
(00:00) Meet Anna: From Moscow to Global Talent Success
(03:05) Inside Look: Modern Russian Economic Theory
(07:41) Global Relations: Russia, Israel, and International Dynamics
(10:49) Cultural Intelligence: Learning English in Oklahoma
(15:53) The Secret Sauce: What Makes Members Successful
(19:54) Broker vs. Advisor: Why the Difference Matters
(22:39) Communication is King: The Feedback Loop
(23:55) Size Doesn't Matter: From Startups to Billion-Dollar PE
(28:05) What's Next: Innovation in Member Success
(31:28) Golden Rules for New Members
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following
Jon: @MatznerJon on X and at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com
Peter: @pslohmann on X and at peterlohmann.com
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Ever wonder how top performers actually work less while achieving more? In this episode, Jon Matzner and Peter Lohmann dive deep into the counterintuitive world of 'lazy leverage,' where working at 80% effort yields better results than grinding at 100%. From project management approaches using Slack to the power of seasonal thinking in business, they share battle-tested strategies for maximizing output while minimizing stress. Plus, discover why your best ideas might come while sitting in a hot tub (seriously). Whether you're a CEO looking to work smarter or a team leader seeking better systems, this episode is your blueprint for strategic laziness.
Timestamps
(00:00) Welcome to Lazy Leverage
(01:33) Understanding Natural Work Rhythms
(02:40) The 80/20 Rule of Effort and Anxiety
(06:20) Strategic Rest and Recovery Periods
(08:00) CEO Time: Making Space for Big Picture Thinking
(15:54) Modern Project Management Challenges
(26:23) Leveraging Slack for Team Organization
(28:42) Task Force vs Permanent Team Structure
(32:02) Building Effective Kanban Systems
(34:45) The Evolution of Company Structure
(37:41) GTD Principles in Project Management
(41:13) Leadership Through Prioritization
(50:41) Takeaways and Reading Recommendations
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon and @pslohmann on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
In this episode of Lazy Leverage, Jon and Binsi tackle the universal challenge of scaling team communication beyond the 30-person mark. They break down their revolutionary "four data types" framework - database, reference, ad-hoc, and project-based communication - while exploring how to effectively leverage tools like Slack, Airtable, and Notion. Through practical demonstrations and real-world examples, they show how to transform chaotic communication into streamlined project management, complete with insights on their preferred GTD-inspired workflow and an innovative approach to KPI-based team organization.
Timestamps(00:00) Introduction and Greetings(01:28) Consolidating Information(02:45) Data Types and Tools(04:26) Project Management Discussion(06:22) Choosing the Right Tools(09:16) Implementing Slack for Project Management(16:50) Practical Slack Demonstration(22:45) Reflecting on Past Project Management(24:45) Command and Control in Projects(28:53) Organizing Teams Around KPIs(31:59) Final Thoughts and Reorganization
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
In this insightful and candid episode, Jon Matzner teams up with Sofia Bravo, Sagan's Head of Recruitment, to dissect and debunk common hiring pitfalls. They explore why traditional job titles and strict budgets might be holding companies back, emphasizing the power of clear role descriptions and the right attitude over rigid experience. Expect real talk about the recruitment process, from the importance of responsive hiring practices to innovative strategies that ensure top candidates don't fall through the cracks. And stay tuned for some fun discussions about potential off-sites in
Mexico!(00:00) Introduction(01:10) Sophia's Background and Role at Sagan(4:08) Common Hiring Mistakes: Job Titles(08:56) Common Hiring Mistakes: Budget Expectations(10:42) Understanding Budget Tradeoffs in Hiring(11:57) Challenges with Unrealistic Expectations(13:40) The Value of Coachable Candidates(17:07) Responsiveness in the Hiring Process(19:08) Final Thoughts and Advice
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Get ready to dive into the real-talk playbook of entrepreneurship and scaling your business with Lazy Leverage! In this episode, we kick it with Jon Matzner and John Kelly to talk about nailing customer acquisition and converting leads in the power washing game. We’ll spill the secrets on remote sales hires, building a killer team from scratch, and sidestepping the common traps in hiring. Learn to streamline your operations, sharpen your sales structures, and deliver pricing presentations like a pro. Plus, get raw wisdom from Mike Costigan on showing up on time, reading body language, and mastering the door-to-door hustle. This episode packs honest insights and practical advice to help you grind, grow, and crush it in the business world.
(00:00) Introduction and Background(01:17) Challenges in Sales and Conversion(01:40) Remote Sales and Hiring Strategies(04:26) Cost Analysis and Break-Even Points(07:17) Labor Specialization and Global Talent(11:15) Developing a Scalable Business Model(20:45) Managing and Measuring Performance(25:18) Sales Techniques and Customer Engagement(29:07) Pricing Presentation Techniques(32:42) Learning from Sales Experts(35:10) Old School Sales Tricks(39:54) The Journey of Entrepreneurship(50:05) Staying in the Game
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Welcome back to Lazy Leverage!
In this episode, Peter and Jon break down how to maximize your personal and professional life with killer strategies and AI tools. They dive into leveraging teams and systems to handle life's hiccups, boost productivity with Whisper Flow and Audio Diary, and even how limited-time offers can skyrocket your sales. Get the lowdown on engaging clients, personalized outreach, and maintaining exclusivity while expanding your community. Learn from real-life scenarios and high-value tactic, that can help you crush your goals and scale up smartly.
Through our Conversation, you'll discover:
(00:00) The Power of Leverage in Business(02:49) Balancing Sales and Member Focus(05:27) The Psychology of Limited Availability(10:39) Personal Outreach and Promotion Strategies(13:08) The Power of Personal Outreach(14:49) Sales Strategies and Experiments(16:22) Aligning Audience and Product(18:41) Membership Success and Future Plans(22:14) Tactical Tips and Tools(24:01) Voice Technology Innovations(26:32) Conclusion and Farewell
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Want to learn about cold calling and prospecting?
Johnny Costigan has been a sales trainer for 20 years, and has worked with sales teams at Google, Amazon, Dropbox, SAP, Dropbox, and many others.
Example - how he describes sales:
- Got a problem?
- Got money?
- Want to solve it?
If you are at all interested in professionalizing sales and filling your funnel (like me) there is so much more within this conversation, and Johnny's experience...
Through our conversation, you'll discover:
00:00 Introduction to Johnny Costigan and His Sales Philosophy
01:09 The Art of Introducing Yourself in Sales
02:52 Johnny's Approach to Sales Training and Its Origins
06:04 The Importance of Authenticity and Adaptability in Sales
19:28 Leveraging Techniques from Various Disciplines in Sales
28:15 The Chess and Checkers of Sales: Knowing When to Simplify
31:19 The Power of Owning Your Mistakes
32:36 The Importance of Refreshing Sales Training
34:04 Mastering Active Listening in Sales
38:43 The Art of Asking the Right Questions
43:13 Navigating Sales Conversations with Empathy
44:27 The Critical Role of Curiosity in Sales
48:53 Transitioning from Problem Identification to Solution Presentation
53:28 Ensuring Commitment Before Proposing Solutions
58:54 Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Prospecting
59:43 The Art of Earning Credibility in Sales
01:00:30 Mastering the Sales Meeting: Strategies and Insights
01:03:17 Navigating Sales Challenges with Humor and Strategy
01:10:21 Exploring the Dynamics of Modern Sales Organizations
01:12:20 The Philosophy of Self-Sufficiency in Sales
01:17:50 Leveraging Inbound Leads: A Strategic Approach
01:24:43 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Wes owns the number 1 and number 3 largest Fast Signs locations in the 750 unit network.
150 local employees.
0 global talent when I met him - now has 17+.
He's become a friend, and we've hired a ton of global talent together.
Smart, crazy person - @wes_kauffman
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Starting with our collaborative efforts in systemizing business processes, we explore Wes's experience in growing Fast Signs franchises across various locations.
From building a team of nearly 17 global members to enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness, we delve into the strategic utilization of global talent in project management and service delivery optimization.
Sharing insights from Wes's success story in the sign manufacturing sector, we underscore the importance of balancing local and global team members for robust business growth.
Through our conversation, you'll discover:
00:00 Catching Up and Reflecting on Past Collaborations
00:57 The Evolution of a FastSigns Franchise Empire
01:38 Expanding Horizons: Global Talent and Business Growth
02:47 Leveraging Global Talent for Competitive Advantage
04:50 The Transformative Power of Global Talent in Business
07:26 Embracing Global Talent: A Strategy for Success
09:53 Global Talent as a Game Changer in Business Operations
13:40 The Future of Business: Integrating Global Talent
20:05 Practical Advice for Leveraging Global Talent
21:40 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Peter and I talk about:
1) How he planned, structured, and implemented his mini "think week"
2) What we are both afraid of when creating more content
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In this episode of Lazy Leverage, Peter and I dive into the enriching practice of the annual solo retreat, a concept inspired by Bill Gates' Think Week. It's a time dedicated to relaxation, reflection, planning, and diving deep into books, all while stepping back from the relentless grip of technology. We explore the powerful strategy of creating a 'do not do' list, drawing inspiration from Warren Buffet to master the art of prioritization and cutting out distractions. Throughout the conversation, we grapple with finding the right equilibrium between generating meaningful content and not getting lost in the quantification of content creation metrics. We also discuss the essential support systems for embarking on such retreats, the profound impact thoughtful content creation can have on audiences, and the personal and professional revelations that emerge from adopting these practices.
Through our conversation, you'll discover:
00:00 Welcome to Lazy Leverage: A Solo Retreat Recap
00:33 The Art of the Solo Retreat: Inspiration and Preparation
01:34 Unplugging and Diving into Books: The Retreat Rituals
02:04 Reflection, Relaxation, and Reading: The Core Goals
02:38 Creating Space for Thought: The Importance of Zero Expectations
03:13 Choosing the Right Reads: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Favorites
10:18 The Dynamics of Solo Thinking vs. Group Discussion
16:07 The Do Not Do List: Focusing on What Truly Matters
20:38 Navigating Professional Boundaries: The Do Not Do List
21:24 Evaluating Affiliate Deals and Referral Partnerships
21:54 The Importance of Audience Trust and Content Integrity
23:35 Personal Productivity: Email Management Strategies
24:08 Balancing Immediate Tasks with Long-Term Goals
28:05 Reflecting on Business Changes and Future Stability
30:28 The Power of Building an Engaged Audience
32:01 Rethinking Media Strategy and Personal Fears
36:29 Exploring the Potential of Content Creation
42:35 Concluding Thoughts on Content Creation and Personal Growth
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Ben has like 700 people working for him across 10+ locations.
He is sharp as .
We talk about the evolving role of leaders, building leverage, and life as an entrepreneur.
Through our conversation, you'll discover:
00:00 Meet Ben: The Multi-Unit Franchisee Juggling Big Brands
01:26 Exploring the Challenges of Scaling and Efficiency in Franchising
03:01 The Delicate Balance of Delegation, Automation, and Personal Involvement
17:12 Navigating the Complexities of Email Overload and Operational Challenges
03:34 Envisioning the Ideal Operational Model and Personal Involvement
32:29 Navigating Maintenance and Construction Challenges in Business
33:20 The Role of a Director of Construction and Handling Repairs
34:39 Strategies for Managing Inspections and Permits
35:55 Leadership and Resource Allocation: A Marine's Model
38:43 Prioritizing Tasks and Establishing Main Efforts
40:19 Effective Communication and Email Management Strategies
43:32 Implementing Email Triage and Delegation for Efficiency
47:13 Leveraging Overseas Assistance for Email Triage
51:18 Reflections on Business Management and Entrepreneurial Loneliness
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Mike has taught me more about REAL entrepreneurship than anyone other than my Dad.
Mike and I have worked together for almost 7 years, and talk pretty much every day.
He's "never had a real job since he was 18", has had multiple exits, has tried to retire twice but got bored, and is a great friend and mentor.
He has created a new retargeting service, that I am customer of, and has been crushing for us.
Full disclosure - If anyone signs up off my twitter, he has to send me a Lou malnati's Pizza - so I am just shilling at this point.
Love Mike.
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Through our conversation, you'll discover:
00:00 Introduction to Mike Costigan: The Entrepreneurship Mentor
01:12 Learning Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurial Scrappiness
02:02 The Philosophy of Customer Acquisition and Building Relationships
04:18 Embracing the Challenges of Entrepreneurship
16:35 Survival and Success in Business: Lessons from Experience
18:07 Exploring the Power of Retargeting in Digital Marketing
21:41 Exploring the Power of Retargeting
22:03 The Mechanics of Retargeting: How It Works
23:03 The Cost-Effectiveness of Retargeting
23:40 Building a Comprehensive Retargeting Platform
24:23 Leveraging Retargeting for Different Business Models
29:01 Success Stories and the Impact of Retargeting
30:37 Technical Insights and Strategies for Effective Retargeting
35:11 The Future of Business with AI and Retargeting
40:26 Concluding Thoughts on Retargeting and Business Strategy
Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following @MatznerJon on Twitter and subscribing to our newsletter at lazyleverage.beehiiv.com.