Building a Business from Scratch: Secrets from a Defense Industry Pro - Michael Driver

Join host JP Garcia in Episode 4 of the Flipform ThinkTank podcast as he reconnects with Michael Driver, President of Iris Strategies, for an insightful conversation about transitioning from corporate life to independent consulting. Michael shares his journey of launching Iris Strategies in July 2023 after leaving L3Harris, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. From navigating ethical challenges and building a client network to providing business development support for small defense and aerospace firms, Michael dives into the realities of going solo. The episode also features a surprise guest, Heather Eley, sparking a lively discussion on corporate inefficiencies, the importance of passion in business, and creative marketing strategies that drive success. Tune in for practical advice, real-world anecdotes, and inspiration for anyone looking to take the entrepreneurial leap!

Key Topics:
Making the leap from W2 to independent consulting
Building a business development network from scratch
Supporting small firms in defense and aerospace
Overcoming corporate bureaucracy and short-term thinking

The power of marketing and passion in entrepreneurship

Connect with Michael Driver:
Iris Strategies: iris-strategies.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-driver-97278016/

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Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to Flipform ThinkTank
1:11 - Michael’s Journey to Independent Consulting
5:19 - Iris Strategies: Services and Specialties
13:28 - Challenges of Small vs. Large Companies
22:53 - Corporate Short-Term Thinking and Budget Cycles
33:57 - Vision-Driven Leadership vs. Cash Cow Mentality
42:28 - The Role of Passion in Entrepreneurship
1:16:20 - Building Networks as an Independent Consultant
1:24:49 - Michael’s Ideal Client and How to Connect

#entrepreneurship #IndependentConsulting #BusinessDevelopment #DefenseAerospace #Podcast

|==== Services I Use A Lot ====|
Here are the resources I use to streamline my business (these are affiliate links, and I earn with qualifying purchases):

👉 Fiverr Marketplace: https://go.fiverr.com/visit/?bta=998056&brand=fiverrmarketplace - Lots of stuff on here - I've mostly used this for outsourced graphics, like corporate logos, podcast logos, video bumps, etc

👉 Fiverr Pro: https://go.fiverr.com/visit/?bta=998056&brand=fp - I've engaged with 1 Pro so far, and I can tell the difference in the level of service! I definitely recommend!

👉 Gusto Payroll Service: https://gusto.com/r/johnpaul225 - use this link to get some cash for signing up - the amount varies

👉 Gusto Payroll Service: https://otter.ai/referrals/L74NMFZM - my virtual assistant

|==== My Video Creation AI ====|
👉 Firecut.ai: https://firecut.ai/ - use promo code Y2ETUQTP for one month 100% off (annual plan) or 50% off (monthly plan) - This saves me HOURS of video editing time - a MUST HAVE as a 1-man creative team... like me!

👉 VidIQ - https://vidiq.com/jpgarcia/ - YouTube-specific service that optimizes titles, description, kewords, etc. I use it every time I publish a video

|====TIMESTAMPS (not available for Shorts)====|

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