Eric Berman usually does the interviewing, but this time, he’s in the hot seat as his long-time friend and business partner, Robert Poling, takes over the mic. They talk about how Speakeasy Mastermind came to life, the wild early days of entrepreneurship, and all the lessons they picked up along the way, including a few from surviving the dot-com crash. Robert, who’s built Brandetize into a powerhouse for scaling businesses, brings his sharp questions and insider perspective to the conversation. You’ll get a front-row seat to the stories and insights that shaped our journey together.

We get into the ups and downs of starting something from scratch and the strategies that actually made a difference. You’ll hear why building a supportive community is more than just networking; it’s a game changer for entrepreneurs. We also unpack what makes Speakeasy different, from our collaborative approach to the mindset of abundance we bring to the table.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for a while, there’s something here for everyone. We share the moments that surprised us, the lessons that stuck, and the magic that happens when like-minded entrepreneurs come together. By the end, you’ll see how Speakeasy is a movement for entrepreneurs committed to growth and support, and not just another mastermind.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Welcome to Inside the Speakeasy podcast.

[00:02:08] The journey before the Speakeasy Mastermind.

[00:03:26] Market crash impact on startups.

[00:06:41] Entrepreneurial journey and partnerships.

[00:11:03] Entrepreneurial spirit and connection.

[00:12:30] Community building and networking.

[00:14:52] Entrepreneurial loneliness and support.

[00:19:15] Community and abundance mindset.

[00:20:56] The essence of Speakeasy.

[00:22:28] Misconceptions about masterminds.

[00:25:35] Measuring success in community.

[00:28:32] A global home for entrepreneurs.

Memorable Quotes:

"I learned for the first time the power of just being able to assemble and organize and connect incredible people and building community." [00:14:07] – Eric Berman

"That's when I know we're winning is when you hear more and more impactful stories of success that's happening." [00:26:52] – Eric Berman

Connect with Robert Poling:

Website: https://www.brandetize.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-poling-32068999

Connect with Eric Berman:

Website: https://speakeasymastermind.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/

Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericberman/

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

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