Kris Hughes 🪓

Social Media Content Creator

Coaching ambitious freelancers to build better businesses.

Developing a strong marketing program isn't easy.
A couple of roadblocks stand in the way.
Some have to do with time, and others, resourcing.

Here's the typical scenario for many companies:
* They're doing some marketing content and storytelling now and then.
* They may occasionally fire off a cold campaign, or run some ads.
* Their marketing is 'good enough,' but they know it could be better.
* Marketing responsibilities are split between several different people.
* Who check the 'task boxes' begrudgingly.
* And the resulting work is disjointed at best, or confusing at worst.

For these companies, marketing is anything but strategic. Or the strategy is made of sticks and string when it should be concrete.

Things can be different, though.

Our work as Fractional Marketers helps these companies:
* Tell a more cohesive and powerful story
* Identify their core audience and create a marketing narrative that resonates
* Find the right channels to develop so effort isn't wasted
* Execute quickly on short-term opportunities and lay the foundation for long-term growth and sustainability 
* Install and execute on repeatable, predictable processes & strategies that continue to move the needle

We offer three options for engagement:

* It all begins with our Marketing Tune-Up. Over 30 days we'll take a 'look under the hood' of your current marketing and find 2-3 opportunities for quick wins that we can work on together. 
* Your investment for the Marketing Tune-Up is directly applied, to one of two monthly retainer options if you choose to keep working with us, the Scale plan and the Soar plan.
* Under the Scale plan we're developing warm and cold email outreach, an organic traffic engine, social media marketing, and thought leadership content to have things firing on all cylinders.
* Under the Soar plan, we become your marketing team, hiring freelancers from our network and going full-speed ahead to help you pour fuel on the fire of your marketing momentum.

You get two of us at Zanate—me and my wife Julie—who bring a combined 30+ years of experience in content, marketing, and storytelling to the table to help your portfolio companies custom-craft and execute a content strategy that's right for their unique situation and niche.

The cost?
Less than half the annualized cost of a typical full time Chief Marketing Officer, on the high end.

Interested to learn more?
It all starts with a free Marketing Strategy Call to set the table.

DM me or book 30 minutes here:
https://savvycal.com/krishughes/marketing-strategy-call

Founder --> Ghostwriter & Content Creator for Growing Coaches & Solopreneurs

Tune-In to who you are at your core, and achieve your wildest dreams from a place of ease & flow | Mentor | Catalyst | Advisor | Fluid Power & Sales Expert

You built a successful business, but now it feels like it owns you.

Sound familiar?

As an engineer turned entrepreneur, I've been there: working longer hours, missing family time, and watching my health suffer while my million-dollar B2B distribution company demanded more of me.

Then I discovered the secret: building systems that let your business run without you.

Today, I help technical founders and B2B companies transform from owner-dependent operations into self-running machines that scale past 7 figures and exit successfully.

My TunedIn Process delivers:

✅ Crystal clear organizational design based on team strengths
✅ Automated systems that run without constant oversight
✅ Key metrics that drive growth while you're away
✅ M&A strategies for exponential expansion
✅ Exit preparation when you're ready

⛔️ Stop letting your business own you. 

Let's build the systems that give you back your freedom while driving growth.

I specialize in:

> Strategic Business Growth Planning
> Distribution Channel Development
> GTM Strategy
> E-commerce Integration
> Technical Business Advisory
> CEO Mindset and Performance

DM or visit my website for more info, or simply call me at:📞(786) 322-3322 (or WhatsApp)

www.ricardosolorzano.com

Ricardo J. Solorzano

A lesson in leadership...from my Tesla's FSD.






Tesla recently released their latest software update for their self-driving computer or FSD (full self driving).

I have to say: it's truly amazing. Is it absolutely perfect? No, but it's getting really close.

Other than the comfort of having your car drive for you, I noticed the following perks:

1. I can make phone calls while driving, and actually engage 100%,
2. Need to grab a bite while driving? No problem,
3. I'm not as tense while driving, hence less tired after long drives.

But here's one that really surprised me:

There's absolutely zero 'road rage'.

No getting upset about someone cutting you off,

Or brake checking you,

Skipping in line...

See: the car's in control, not you.

So it's impossible to take anything personal where you're just along for the ride.

--

It got me thinking about leadership:

Many of the founders I work with struggle with letting go of control.

Which inevitably creates more friction with their team.

Not to mention the hit they take on their valuation.

Owner dependency is almost a cardinal sin, when it comes to exit planning.

What if you:

> Created systems to ensure quality and consistency,
> Hired a true functional team to execute,
> and LET GO of control?

What if you could focus on the stuff you do best?

Imagine where your valuation would be.

--

I will help you create those systems,

Design the ideal, lean organization you truly need.

Balance your supply chain dependency,

And spread out your customer diversification risk.

High multiple? You got it!

DM for details, or simply schedule your discovery call below.

#businessconsultant #businessbroker #mergersandacquisitions #valuation

ABSOLUTE RESOLVE.





Beyond grateful to be a Venezuelan-American today.

America First.

🇺🇸🇻🇪

John told me he WANTED to sell, but he didn't NEED to.






Most owners don’t think about an exit until they’re forced into one.

And that’s usually the worst time to sell.

Here’s the truth:

Your business is often your biggest investment
The nest egg. The retirement plan. The legacy.

Don’t let the “5 D’s” decide your timeline
Divorce. Disability. Disagreements. Distress.

And the big one: Death.

You don’t have to sell today,

But you do want the option to sell anytime.

Because the best exits happen when you have leverage.

--

Here’s the part most people miss:

Getting “exit-ready” also helps you grow the business right now.

You start operating like a buyer would evaluate you:

> Clean financials you actually understand,
> The drivers that move valuation and profitability,
> Small adjustments that add real enterprise value,
> Systems and organization that make diligence painless.

And you also start making smarter money decisions:

> Shift from “tax minimization” to value maximization,
> Structure the business to reduce taxes when you exit,
> Plan your post-exit investments so the money works for you.

--

If you’re serious about building a business that’s easier to run, easier to grow, and easier to sell…

Optimize it like an owner who wants options.

If you want help getting exit-ready the right way, DM me “EXIT” and I’ll send you the first steps.


#businessbroker #businessvaluation #exitplanning #mergersandacquisitions #sellyourbusiness

One of the reasons deals die: misaligned legal strategy.







An experienced M&A attorney doesn’t just “protect you legally.”

They understand deal psychology, timing, leverage, and flow.

--

Here’s a real example from a recent buyer-side transaction:

> We had alignment between buyer and seller.
> Bank pre-approvals completed.
> Face-to-face meetings done.
> Commercial terms agreed.

Momentum was strong!

Then the APA went to the seller’s attorney.

Two weeks later, we received a completely rewritten, nine-page, heavily one-sided agreement.

(Ouch).

The buyer read it and immediately felt the shift.

Not “let’s negotiate.”

But “they’re not really serious.”

The deal lost energy.

Momentum collapsed.

The buyer walked away without even countering.

No one was wrong.

But the approach was misaligned with the objective.

--

If you’re truly considering an exit, your legal counsel matters as much as your valuation.

Great business or litigation attorneys are invaluable.

But exits require specialists who know how to protect you without killing the deal.

That’s the difference between staying safe…

and actually closing.

If you're ready for an exit,

I'm ready to guide you put the right pieces in place.

Schedule your complimentary discovery call (link below).


#businessbroker #mergersandacquisitions #sellmybusiness #exitplanning #businesscoach

The thing standing in the way of your exit? Much more than an offer...







Your identity as the founder.

Answering the deep question:

"Who will you be when you're no longer 'the founder'?"

Managing this transition is key to a successful exit...

Which is a lot more than just money in the bank:

It's about flowing through the process, knowing you'll actually enjoy this next stage of your life.

Which is why an engagement with me as your broker starts with gaining clarity on what your vision is:

> Financial,
> Personal,
> Lifestyle,
> Professional.

--

I want your exit to be a "Hell YES!"

On the day of the deal, and most importantly BEYOND!

If this resonates, book an Exit Strategy + Valuation call below (link in comments).

#businessbroker #vision #businesscoach #exit #onyourterms

Tired of hearing how hard it is to sell your business?






Everywhere I look, it’s the same:

> Only a small percentage of businesses actually sell,
> It’s nearly impossible to reduce owner dependency,
> Founders end up feeling lost after the exit,
> Most deals aren’t what they seem...

Here’s my theory:

Most exits (or exit attempts), happen out of alignment.

With little clarity. And almost no direction.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

What if exit readiness wasn’t a massive, overwhelming project?

What if it was about awareness, and a little momentum every day?

Like committing to a walk, instead of an intense gym routine.

Just a few push-ups.

Simple. Consistent. On your terms.

--

Here’s what I suggest:

> Define what a great exit actually looks like for you.
> Get clear on the leading actions that move you closer.
> Build a simple, repeatable routine that makes progress automatic.

Done right, exit readiness becomes a byproduct of alignment.

You’re not scrambling to sell...you’re fielding offers.

--

Want to build your exit-readiness routine, without burning out?

Spoiler: it’s often about doing less, not more.

Ready when you are.


#businessbroker #businesscoach #exitreadiness #exitplanning #exitstrategy #sellmybusiness

What you think it's secondary on your exit...might surprise you.






The emotional layer of your exit...of that big transition.

Although it's always been relevant to me as a coach,

I didn't think my clients saw it that way...

--

I called a client a week after we finalized the sale of his business.

Giving him time to settle. He's in the middle of the transitional work.

I wanted his feedback on the whole process, beginning to end.

His words:

"I was actually talking to my wife about it yesterday. The thing we valued the most was your coaching throughout the process..."

"...it helped us focus on the step we were working on, and really made this thing flow."

"There were many times we were ready to call it quits."

--

It's not just the technical,
The valuation, working capital, multiples,
Your operations, your assets...the org chart.

It's your mindset throughout the process.

The buyer's mindset when faced with a new hurdle.

But it can all be conquered with some clarity.

--

Are you considering an exit?

Would you like someone on your corner to not just show you the way,

But to coach you through the process?

My DM's are open.

Let's get to work.


#businesscoach #businessbroker #transitions #mindset #emotions

This matters more than funding, fit, or personality when gauging buyers.







Gut feel.

Your intuition.

If something feels off, you don't need to over explain it,

Or justify it with numbers.

Just walk away.

What is truly expensive is not saying no early.

Imagine all the value add:

> Clarification calls,
> In-person meetings,
> LOI negotiations,
> Due diligence,
> Funding.

Only to have a deal fall apart because the discomfort you felt at the beginning finally shows up in the details.

--

A buyer recently reached out on one of my deals.

From the start, something felt off.

Nothing obvious. Nothing I could clearly articulate at the time.

I felt it. My client felt it.

But he decided to move on.

A couple of months later, after multiple meetings and now deep into the purchase agreement stage, they attempted a move that would materially undervalue my client’s business.

That early intuition was right.

The good news is that this is not a setback.

Because that same gut feeling is now telling me something else.

The right buyer is close.

The kind of buyer who understands value, respects the business, and knows how real deals get done.

We just have to create the space for them to come in.

If you are ready for a flowy exit, on your terms, and guided by a conscious approach, schedule your discovery call below.

#businessbroker #businessvaluation #loi #acquisition #manda #businessconsultant

What documenting your processes can do to your valuation:






This client has multilayered processes,

With some involving legal compliance, with significant liabilities,

They spend a fortune on insurance and generally have pending lawsuits.

And he'd never taken the time to document his processes.

All it took?

> Scheduling an hour per week to map them,
> Delegating the documenting part of it to his team,
> Participating on the training sessions - sessions that were recorded.

What he saw?

The flaws.
Opportunities for improvement.
The root causes of so many sleepless nights.

--

I could see his renewed clarity after finishing the sessions.

Confidence in them reaching their desired valuation:

(It will only take a 15% cost reduction without even increasing sales).

And most importantly: COMMITMENT.

--

Most founders underestimate how much value is trapped in their operations.

Documentation is usually where it unlocks first.

#businessbroker #businesscoach #valuation #multiples #sellmybusiness

Thinking you can control everything…will kill your valuation.






And not just your valuation.

It will kill your business growth,

And your personal growth.

--

I attended a Leading Peers networking breakfast this morning.

(Very good, by the way.)

One topic we explored was AI.

The focus was mostly on its opportunities,

But the deeper conversation was about its threats:

Trusting AI with mindset and emotional topics
Confidentiality risks for larger organizations
Fears about it making us "less human"
Even down to parenting and faith.

What I saw underneath all of that?

CONTROL.

Our mind’s belief that we must control everything,

Otherwise, we feel completely out of control.

So we reject anything that shakes that illusion,

Instead of embracing uncertainty.
Trusting the process.
Letting go.

And this is exactly what kills business valuations:

Owner dependency.

Even if you have systems in place…

If the business still depends on you:

You haven’t let go.

So how do you do it?

One. Step. At. A. Time.

--

What’s one thing in your business you just can’t let go of?

It might be the very thing holding you back from selling.

Drop it in the comments, I’d love to hear!


#businessbroker #control #AI #letgo #businessconsultant

Building something sellable.







Takes exactly the same energy or less,

Thank building something to survive.

Let that sink in.


#businessbroker #exitplanning

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Ricardo J. Solorzano

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The Battle

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Ricardo J. Solorzano

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