Skip to main content
Commas

Commas

By Sequoia Blodgett

"Commas," hosted by Sequoia Blodgett, blends business insights with life hacks, entrepreneurship tips, and explorations into love, life, and tech.


Available on
Amazon Music Logo
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
iHeartRadio Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Learn What it Takes to Pitch an Investor

CommasNov 29, 2018

00:00
36:35
Social Media Marketing Secrets from Gary Vaynerchuk's Sasha Group

Social Media Marketing Secrets from Gary Vaynerchuk's Sasha Group

In this episode, we delve into the world of social media marketing with Maribel Lara, a seasoned expert from The Sasha Group, part of VaynerX.


As a key player in Gary Vaynerchuk's renowned consulting firm for small to medium-sized businesses, Maribel shares invaluable strategies for leveraging social media platforms to maximize business growth.


We explore the latest trends, practical tips for audience engagement, and insider knowledge on crafting a social media presence that stands out.


Whether you're a startup or an established company, this podcast offers essential guidance for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media marketing.


Join us for an episode packed with actionable insights to elevate your business's digital footprint.

Dec 05, 202337:44
3 Costly Mistakes that Entrepreneurs Make

3 Costly Mistakes that Entrepreneurs Make

On this episode, I'll break down the three costly mistakes that most entrepreneurs make when building their startups and I'll teach you how to create a roadmap for your business. 

Nov 20, 202315:42
Lauren Maillian: A Trailblazer's Journey from Model to Mogul in Real Estate and Venture Capital

Lauren Maillian: A Trailblazer's Journey from Model to Mogul in Real Estate and Venture Capital

In this captivating episode, Lauren Maillian joins us as we delve into her remarkable journey as a prodigious talent who made her mark in the modeling industry as a teenager.

Discover how she seamlessly transitioned from fashion runways to the boardroom, selling her first company at the young age of 26.

Lauren then ventured into the dynamic world of real estate, where she carved out a name for herself as a savvy investor.

Her entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there, as she took on the challenging yet rewarding role of a venture capitalist.

Throughout this inspiring podcast, Lauren shares the invaluable lessons she learned in the modeling industry and how these experiences became the cornerstone of her diverse and successful career.

Tune in to hear how Lauren's unique insights and strategies propelled her to the forefront of multiple industries, setting a new standard for young entrepreneurs worldwide.

Nov 14, 202332:32
How Grace Used Linkedin to Secured Her Dream Role, Grow a 60K Community, and Land Major Brand Deals

How Grace Used Linkedin to Secured Her Dream Role, Grow a 60K Community, and Land Major Brand Deals

We chat with Grace Ling, a 26-year-old LinkedIn star, who used the platform to secure her dream role at Electronic Arts, grow Design Buddies—a 60k-strong design membership community—and land major brand deals from some of the biggest tech companies in the industry, all through the power of LinkedIn.

Nov 06, 202331:53
Why Startups Should Consider Traditional Crowdfunding

Why Startups Should Consider Traditional Crowdfunding

On this episode, we chat with Renee King, the founder of FundBlackFounders to understand why it's a good idea for Black Founders to consider traditional crowdfunding. We cover entrepreneurship stereotypes, mistakes people make on social media, and the hottest new technology to hit the market.

Oct 26, 202356:37
Mac the VC Explains How He Raised a $10M Fund on Social Media

Mac the VC Explains How He Raised a $10M Fund on Social Media

Mac, venture capitalist at RareBreed Ventures, shares his strategy at TechCrunch Disrupt for using social media to raise a $10 million fund.

Sep 29, 202318:59
How She Landed a Job at Apple, Google and Meta while being an Entrepreneur on the Side

How She Landed a Job at Apple, Google and Meta while being an Entrepreneur on the Side

On this episode we chat with Anndrea Moore who fills us in on how she's been able to land jobs at the largest tech companies in the world, all while getting a business degree from Harvard, starting her own tech organization, and learning how to become an investor.

Sep 01, 202341:55
Dating in 2023 as an Successful Entrepreneur is Frightening

Dating in 2023 as an Successful Entrepreneur is Frightening

On this episode, we chat with Rashad Lambert, Former SEVP at Forbes and Founder of For(bes) The Culture & The Black Excellence Society. He breaks down his dating philosophy and explains why he finds dating in 2023 frightening as a black male entrepreneur.



Jul 17, 202321:22
Embracing Growth: Redefining Divorce as a Life Lesson
Jul 02, 202309:46
Why Ross Mac and his Wife Decided to Work on Separate Businesses to Build Their Empire

Why Ross Mac and his Wife Decided to Work on Separate Businesses to Build Their Empire

Podcast Show Notes: Love Chronicles - Exploring the Intersection of Love and Business


Introduction

  • Sequoia introduces Ross, a guest from the Black Enterprise disruptor conference, and sets the context for the discussion on Ross's journey in love and business.
  • Ross shares his background, growing up on the South Side of Chicago, attending an Ivy League school, and working on Wall Street.
  • He explains his motivation to bring his knowledge and skills back to his community through his production company, Maconomics.
  • Ross reveals that he is married and talks about his relationship, which started in high school and went through ups and downs before reuniting and building a family.
  • Emphasizes the strength of their relationship, mutual support, and the joy of having two children with another on the way.


Balancing Personal and Business Life

  • Sequoia asks Ross about his perspective on balancing personal and business life.
  • Ross highlights the value of diversification and having multiple income sources.
  • He appreciates that his wife is involved in her own family's haircare business while he focuses on his ventures.
  • Ross emphasizes the importance of financial resources to hire help when needed, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
  • Shares examples of how they outsource tasks to reduce burdens and stresses, particularly during his wife's pregnancy.


Advice for Making the Decision to Marry

  • Sequoia asks Ross to provide advice to men considering marriage but haven't taken the leap yet.
  • Ross emphasizes the significance of the decision, describing it as a lifelong commitment.
  • He mentions that having a family and children brings purpose and focus, motivating individuals to work harder for their loved ones.
  • Ross encourages careful evaluation of potential partners, ensuring compatibility for a lifelong commitment.


Ross Mac Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/imrossmac/

Sequoia Blodgett Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/sequoiablodgett/

Commas Podcast Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/commas.club/


What to Find Your Voice on a podcast, stage, or social media? Log into https://www.hollywoodtosiliconvalley.com/ and enroll in the Find Your Voice Program:

https://www.hollywoodtosiliconvalley.com/courses/find-your-voice


Jul 02, 202312:45
Malcolm "MJ" Harris Explains the Financial Benefits of Being Authentically Yourself

Malcolm "MJ" Harris Explains the Financial Benefits of Being Authentically Yourself

Malcolm "MJ" Harris discusses how authenticity awarded him financial abundance, we give you solutions to avoid entrepreneurial burnout and we discuss how recently installed tech security backfired. 

May 07, 202357:55
How to Automate Your Business

How to Automate Your Business

Does your business need automation? We got you! We cover that, the importance of your circle, digital dating vs. IRL, what jobs will no longer exist in 10 years and what the workforce of the future will look like. 

Apr 09, 202354:30
Does your Business Need an Investor?

Does your Business Need an Investor?

We’re jumping into the pros/cons of bringing on an investor, how to manifest what you want, life as a fashion entrepreneur and what was popping’ at CES.

Feb 05, 202355:30
Commas Podcast is Back!

Commas Podcast is Back!

We took a hiatus but, we are back with an all-new co-host! Entrepreneur, Doctor Dapper is bringing his unique perspective to the airwaves. We are talking Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Tech, Fashion and so much more. 2020 is gonna be fire!! Tap in.

Jan 02, 202358:17
I'm Stuck! Help!

I'm Stuck! Help!

We're taking calls and answering all of your tech entrepreneurship questions. If you'd like advice about your startup, hit us up on the gram @Commas.Club

Sep 16, 201921:53
How to Lay Your Financial Foundation as an Entrepreneur

How to Lay Your Financial Foundation as an Entrepreneur

Your finances are the bricks to building your entrepreneurial house and millennial money expert, Dominque Broadway teaches you how to lay your foundation.

Sep 03, 201939:26
The Importance of Obtaining Business Credit

The Importance of Obtaining Business Credit

Credit maven, Christia'n Annice teaches us the importance of business credit and I’ll share with you how I got my personal credit score to jump up 50 points putting me in the 700 Club in less than two weeks. 

Aug 19, 201930:21
The Journey to Becoming a Venture Capital Investor

The Journey to Becoming a Venture Capital Investor

 We’ve heard from investors who are out here killin’ the game but, that’s one side of the coin. On today’s show, we'll hear from an investor-in-training and she’ll give you a glimpse of what it’s like to become a Venture Capitalist. Additionally, I'll teach you how to get your problem(s) solved almost immediately if you ever encounter issues with a major corporation. 

Aug 13, 201938:32
Growing a Seven-Figure Tech Company as a Non-technical Founder

Growing a Seven-Figure Tech Company as a Non-technical Founder

Former NFL player, Chase Minnifield takes us on his journey from the league to growing a seven-figure tech company as a non-technical founder and you guys... why in the world did my Instacart shopper steal my groceries... ooohh technology

Aug 05, 201944:35
How to Grow Your Business Using Instagram

How to Grow Your Business Using Instagram

On this episode, we do a business audit with the founder of Broke and Fab giving her the steps to grow her business using Instagram and I also teach you how to directly confront your entrepreneurial fears. 

Jul 29, 201947:42
How does Your Same Idea Compete with a Billion Dollar Tech Company

How does Your Same Idea Compete with a Billion Dollar Tech Company

On this episode, entrepreneur Esosa Ighodaro explains how she was forced to shift gears when confronted with competition from a major tech company and yours truly will discuss the importance of the entrepreneurial mindset. 

Jul 15, 201942:39
Help! What is the Roadmap to the Money?

Help! What is the Roadmap to the Money?

 We chat with Anthony Price, author and founder of Lootscout and discuss all of the different ways you can fund your company. 

Jul 08, 201940:51
What it Means When You Leave the Company that You Created

What it Means When You Leave the Company that You Created

We catch with Blavity co-founder Jon Jackson and discuss what it meant for him when he left the company that he helped create and what you should do to prepare to exit if you're having similar thoughts. 

Jul 01, 201945:22
A No, Can Also Mean Not Now

A No, Can Also Mean Not Now

On this episode, I take you through my journey as an entrepreneur, how I manifested what I wanted through establishing boundaries and why it's so important to understand the power of no. 

Jun 24, 201953:33
How to Invest in Equity Crowdfunding Deals
Jun 17, 201948:02
Learn When it's Time to Take Your Business in a New Direction

Learn When it's Time to Take Your Business in a New Direction

On this episode, we’ll hear from Vernell Woods, the founder of Moolah Mobile and he'll explain to us how he had over a million users on his platform, a major celeb as an investor and business partner and yet, he knew it was time to take his business in a different direction. 

Jun 10, 201946:28
How to Use Meta Ads to Scale Your Business

How to Use Meta Ads to Scale Your Business

Abu Fofanah, the lieutenant of marketing, teaches individuals how to promote their products and services and turn them into profitable businesses using Facebook Ads and I will tell you what my experience has been like being part of his marketing accelerator. 

Jun 03, 201938:51
Top Entrepreneurship Advice that has Moved Our Business Forward - Pt. 2

Top Entrepreneurship Advice that has Moved Our Business Forward - Pt. 2

The best of Entrepreneurship Advice, Part 2 of the series. I give you tips on how to gamify your life to produce more productivity, how to embrace and deal with failure, and I answer all of your questions from the Gram. 

May 31, 201951:08
Top Entrepreneurship Advice that has Moved Our Business Forward - Pt. 1

Top Entrepreneurship Advice that has Moved Our Business Forward - Pt. 1

This is a collection of Entrepreneurship Advice that our audience has gravitated to the most from past episodes. I give you tips on becoming an influencer marketer, how to approach brands to get them interested in spending money with  you, how to practice patience, and why it's important to have a business accountability partner.  Stay tuned for Part 2 of the series. 

May 21, 201930:27
I Built a Seven-Figure Business Using Government Contracts

I Built a Seven-Figure Business Using Government Contracts

Sevetri Wilson, the founder of Resilia, was the first black woman in New Orleans to raise millions in capital but, not before she built a seven-figure empire by securing government contracts. 

May 13, 201951:13
Why Community is So Important to the Growth of Your Business

Why Community is So Important to the Growth of Your Business

Stanford and Northwestern Kellogg MBA grad, Rahshiene Taha, founder of 7|X, talks about why community is extremely vital to the growth of your business. 

May 06, 201940:30
How to Secure Major Brand Partnerships

How to Secure Major Brand Partnerships

Kurieo founder, Devin Lars talks about how he secured his deals with Nike and Tesla by practicing extreme patience and we discuss why it's absolutely a virtue. 

Apr 29, 201948:00
Why Ownership Could Be Your Ticket to Financial Freedom

Why Ownership Could Be Your Ticket to Financial Freedom

We’re discussing the importance of ownership with Jeremy and Bryyce co-founders of Cover360ixty and I’ll explain to you why ownership is actually your ticket to financial freedom. 

Apr 22, 201949:05
Learn why Your Freedom is Wrapped Up in Financial Literacy

Learn why Your Freedom is Wrapped Up in Financial Literacy

Learn how to obtain financial freedom with financial expert, Jeremiah Brown and I have some crucial tips for all you last minute tax preparers.

Apr 15, 201946:24
Why Playing Games Help You to Be More Productive

Why Playing Games Help You to Be More Productive

I teach you how to gamify your life and we talk about human capital - how and why it’s important to invest in yourself, plus our special guest, "the dating guy" returns. 

Apr 09, 201948:54
Nipsey Hussle's Plan to Buy Back the Block

Nipsey Hussle's Plan to Buy Back the Block

We dedicate this to culture icon, Nipsey Hussle. We remember him as an entrepreneur, an investor, and someone who was focused on being an asset to the community.

Apr 01, 201930:51
T.I.'s Business Partner Explains Their Journey into Tech Investing

T.I.'s Business Partner Explains Their Journey into Tech Investing

We’ve got special guest, Jason Geter, a longtime business partner of Clifford "T.I." Harris, co-founder of Grand Hustle Entertainment, Strivers Row, and now Tech Investor under Tech Cypha and Khady Thiam Gueye who many of you may know as Akon's little sister but, she's got some big things bubbling up on her own. 

Mar 25, 201945:18
Learn from Top Influencers How They Built their Brands

Learn from Top Influencers How They Built their Brands

We chat with Pretty Ricky's, Spectacular Smith about how he built his company Adwizar, and DJ, Investor and Influencer, Mick Batyske teaches us how to connect with brands and the power of relationships. 

Mar 18, 201953:23
How Squire, Co-Founder Dave Salvant Failed His Way to Success

How Squire, Co-Founder Dave Salvant Failed His Way to Success

Co-founder of Squire, Dave Salvant, turns his setback into a pivot which takes him from failing to a fiercely growing startup and we discuss why failure is extremely necessary for success. 

Mar 05, 201951:59
Learn How to Survive as a Creative Entrepreneur

Learn How to Survive as a Creative Entrepreneur

We talk about the business of being a creative with VR Director, Alton Glass and we dive into the difference between social media popularity, influencer marketing and entrepreneurship. 

Feb 26, 201950:35
How He Got Facebook to Invest $1 Million into His Company

How He Got Facebook to Invest $1 Million into His Company

Founder Michael Ellison talks about why he's so passionate about getting students involved with coding through his venture Code Path and how he got Facebook to make a $1 Million investment, plus Sequoia answers more of your Q&As. 

Feb 19, 201954:17
This Financial Advisor Teaches You How to Get Your Finances Together

This Financial Advisor Teaches You How to Get Your Finances Together

Financial advisor, Justin McCurdy helps us get into financial shape.  Additionally, Sequoia answers your entrepreneurship questions from the gram. 

Feb 12, 201951:16
How this Married Couple Raised their First Million Dollars

How this Married Couple Raised their First Million Dollars

The founders of Shearshare, Courtney and Dr. Tye Caldwell walk us through their journey to raising a million dollars in Venture Capital. 

Feb 05, 201947:22
Why Facebook Ads Can Grow Your Business Quickly

Why Facebook Ads Can Grow Your Business Quickly

We teach you where to place your marketing dollars,  according to Brand and Facebook Ads expert, Leisha Langston, we'll hear from founder, Bruce Hamilton, about his platform that allows you how to build apps with no coding experience and we’ll help you understand what NOT to do as a first time entrepreneur. 

Jan 29, 201947:24
How to Not Let Adversity Set Your Back

How to Not Let Adversity Set Your Back

Two formerly incarcerated individuals, Marcus Bullock and Victor "Divine" Lombard, both turn their entrepreneurial skills from a negative into life-changing positives. We'll understand why business accountability partners are a must and we'll catch up with a special guest about his experience dealing with dating apps. 

Jan 22, 201954:49
How to Push Past Your Fear to Get to Your Success

How to Push Past Your Fear to Get to Your Success

Military veteran turned self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Roc Ryder, tells us how he uses combat tactics to teach entrepreneurship, we’ll hear from an ex-NBA publicist who teaches women to switch, pivot and quit their careers to transition to a more fulfilling lives and... do I hear Wedding Bells? We’ll give those special couples who are ready to walk down to aisle tips on the best ways to plan that special day.

Producer: Tawala Sharp

Jan 15, 201948:04
How to Leverage Affiliate Marketing to Get More Income

How to Leverage Affiliate Marketing to Get More Income

We chat with affiliate marketing expert, Priest Willis Sr., who helps us understand how to make money through affiliates and why Kim Kardashian is actually considered an affiliate marketer herself, we’ll jump into how to outsource aspects of your team and tasks in order to scale if you’re a solo entrepreneur and we catch up with former NFL Player, Ryan Mundy and talk about his transition from the league to tech. 

Jan 08, 201948:56
How She Built Her Business Through Influencer Marketing

How She Built Her Business Through Influencer Marketing

Chic Geeks founder, Candice Adams talks leveraging influencers for her marketing strategy and we catch up with Relationship Expert, Kevin Carr to discuss why dating is dead. 

Dec 25, 201851:31
Learn How to Set up the Legal Side of Your Business

Learn How to Set up the Legal Side of Your Business

Attorney, Jaia Thomas helps us get our business legal right, you’ll find out what you need in order to launch your company the correct way, and Dr. Ally is back helping a couple of callers get the most out of their digital dating game.

Dec 11, 201850:53
How to Leverage a Multi-billionaire brand to Build Your Own

How to Leverage a Multi-billionaire brand to Build Your Own

Jason Mayden, the man who made the Nike Monarch the highest-grossing shoe in Nike’s history, shows you how to close the wealth gap, and Dr. Ally delves into the world of mental health and brand identity.

Dec 04, 201850:20