Seriously Connected

Takeover Host Heidi Knoblauch interviews Techstar and PopPD Founder Alissa McDonald about the importance of pivots in business. She discusses her transition from teaching to founding PopPD, a platform aimed at improving professional development for teachers. Alissa reflects on the challenges faced in the startup ecosystem, the role of Techstars in her journey, and her new venture, Good Hype, a marketing agency. The discussion highlights the need for ongoing support in education and the search for a technical co-founder in the capital region. Terms: MVP: Minimum Value Proposition Links Mentioned: PopPD: https://www.poppd.co/ Good Hype: https://www.goodhype.co/ Techstars: https://www.techstars.com/ EVENT: Startup Tech Valley: https://www.startuptechvalley.org/ Connect with Heidi: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-knoblauch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidi_knoblauch/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jane Chen, CEO and founder of Letterly, joins Heidi to discuss her journey from a finance career to creating an AI-powered writing coach aimed at addressing the literacy crisis. She shares insights on social entrepreneurship, the importance of having a clear business model, and the value of location and community resources in building a startup. Jane emphasizes the significance of relationships and mentorship in her entrepreneurial journey and offers practical advice for aspiring founders. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you second-guessing your pricing strategy? Do you feel like charging what you’re worth might scare clients away? This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to confidently tackle the tricky subject of pricing! Join hosts Heidi Knoblauch and Jeff Buell as they take calls from listeners to discuss the art of price negotiation, understanding opportunity cost, and building meaningful connections that grow your network and your business. Packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and a healthy dose of humor, this episode will equip you to set your prices unapologetically—and explain them with conviction. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, you’ll learn how to turn pricing conversations into opportunities for growth. Tune in, take notes, and start charging what you're worth! Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi and Jeff take calls from SUNY Albany students this week, exploring social entrepreneurship, various themes surrounding personal growth, the importance of understanding experiences, and the journey of self-discovery. The callers share their experiences and insights as young entrepreneurs launching business ventures and what it takes to facilitate a safe environment to take risks and promote social missions through their endeavors. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Jeff, and Kevin delve into the complexities of economic development, particularly focusing on the roles of the IDA and LDC, the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, and the importance of risk-taking and incentives in development projects. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating the entrepreneurial ecosystem, accessing capital, and the significance of partnerships in achieving business success. They also discuss the barriers women face in securing funding and the need for effective storytelling to overcome these challenges. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges women face in accessing capital and the banking system, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and mentorship. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices