Volker Jaeckel

Key Account Consultant for Germany | B2B | D2C

Unstoppable Automotive Group

Marketing & Sales Leadership:
• Integration of transformative marketing strategies across 8 SoCal dealerships, I was instrumental in positioning Unstoppable Automotive as the fastest-growing Mercedes-Benz dealer in the Western region in 2020.

Digital Performance & ROI:
• We saw an unprecedented surge in key metrics: internet lead submissions increased by 39.2%, inbound calls rose by 89.8%, direct sales grew by 7.5%, paid search traffic expanded by 41%, display ads generated an 85% increase, and our email campaigns achieved an astonishing 2,155% growth.
• This digital prowess translated to tangible returns: a 300% ROI. We added a remarkable $2.16M, culminating in a robust $18M revenue for FY 2020.

Revenue Augmentation & Strategic Alliances:
• My strategic vision amplified service revenue from $302K to a commendable $1.2M. Similarly, parts revenue leaped from $181K to $496K.

Service Marketing & Competitive Edge:
• I architected a disruptive service marketing blueprint, targeting competitors within a 40-mile radius. This strategy was a resounding success, doubling our service hours from 3,172 to a staggering 6,200.

Digital Dominance:
• Under my guidance, the Group’s Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Mercedes-Benz dealerships clinched the #1 spot on major search engines. 
• Our digital campaigns enhanced web traffic across the board: organic search by 81% and referrals by 30%. Social media engagement soared by 119%.

Innovative Tech Solutions:
• I championed the integration of cutting-edge AI tools, offering customers an immersive virtual car tour experience with our Sales Associates.

Industry Recognition & Accolades:
Audi USA lauded our content strategy. Furthermore, our digital initiatives caught the eye of Volvo N.A., cementing our reputation for digital excellence and becoming part of their Digital Advisory Board.

Head of Digital Strategy & Marketing – Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, Jaguar, Land Rover

Impact Riverside County

Appointed as Innovation Consultant at MIC (Murrieta Innovation Center) in collaboration with the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce. Leading "Pitch Ascent," a structured pitch optimization and leadership program designed specifically to help local startups refine investor presentations, master storytelling, and scale effectively.

Key areas of focus include:
✅ Startup Pitch Development
✅ Investor Communication Strategies (DISC-based)
✅ Leadership & Scaling Tactics
✅ Innovation & Startup Coaching
✅ Local Startup Ecosystem Growth

Innovation Consultant

FocalPoint

Currently open to GLOBAL executive roles in automotive retail strategy, digital leadership, and group marketing transformation.

Business Coach for automotive, pharma, chemical, real state, B2B service industry & business owners

McKenna Motors

Digital Transformation:
• Spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of McKenna Motors' digital marketing, business development, advertising, and internet sales strategy across nine prominent Los Angeles dealerships. In a remarkable span of just 70 days, I revitalized the Internet Sales Department and Business Development Center, positioning them as pivotal contributors to the dealership's total unit sales.
• My leadership acumen was further demonstrated as I adeptly managed a formidable team of 23 direct reports, with the fiduciary responsibility of a $12 million annual budget.

Analytical Insights & Financial Prudence:
• With a keen analytical approach, I unearthed suboptimal performance and fiscal inefficiencies. This insight led to the decisive elimination and subsequent replacement of the dealership group’s ad agency.
• I architected a digital roadmap, capturing an impressive $250K+ in marketing expenditures. This strategic move not only conserved resources but also bolstered conversions. My foray into paid advertisements yielded a stellar 172% ROI. Through meticulous optimization, I propelled our market penetration by 46%.

Branding Consistency & Market Expansion:
• I remained unwavering in my commitment to curating a consistent brand voice and tone. Through meticulously crafted messaging, we amplified our presence across all digital channels. While adhering to OEM compliance for new vehicles, I strategically targeted buyers outside the AOI for certified pre-owned cars. This initiative surged our traffic and expanded our outside-AOI inquiries by an impressive 23%.

Industry Recognition & Excellence:
• My endeavors did not go unnoticed. I was honored with group accolades for exceptional performance, notably the “Best-Selling Porsche Taycan EV-Dealership, SoCal Region,” based on our targeted email campaigns. 
• The “OEM Sales Regional Office” recognized our Internet Department's prowess, applauding our impressive close rate of 16.7% to 18% across diverse franchises.

Fractional CMO 

Kent Automotive

Strategic Advisory at Kent Automotive:
• In my pivotal role as an advisor at Kent Automotive, I was entrusted with the responsibility of meticulously defining and operationalizing the company's go-to-market blueprint and sales strategy. My strategic vision was laser-focused on driving new business avenues in the competitive German market. I successfully orchestrated the closure of annual service contracts with some of Germany's most prestigious automotive dealership conglomerates, cementing Kent Automotive's reputation as a trusted partner.

Sales Training & Team Empowerment:
• Recognizing the importance of a skilled and informed sales force, I undertook the initiative to provide hands-on training to a new brigade of 16 Regional Sales Managers. My training regimen was comprehensive, encompassing the nuances of consultative sales techniques. I was deeply involved in imparting knowledge and real-time sales scenarios, assisting these managers in navigating complex negotiations and closing pivotal contract opportunities. Under my mentorship, the team honed their sales acumen and imbibed the ethos of customer-centric selling.

Major Contract Acquisition:
• One of my most notable achievements during this tenure was securing an exclusive service contract for oils and lubricants. This was not just any contract; it was with the largest Mercedes-Benz dealer group located in the Southwest of Germany. Through a combination of strategic negotiations, understanding the client's core needs, and positioning Kent Automotive's unparalleled product quality, I was able to clinch this coveted contract. This partnership bolstered our revenue streams and positioned Kent Automotive as a preferred partner for premium automotive dealerships in the region.

National Key Account Manager | Chemical Industry | Contract | B2B

Universal Auto Group, Inc.

Internet Sales Process Transformation:
• At the forefront of innovation, I architected and seamlessly integrated a novel Internet Sales Process, revolutionizing the dealership group's sales paradigm. My vision was clear: a marketing plan heavily skewed towards digital at 80%, with traditional methods accounting for the remaining 20%.
• I introduced robust processes to quantify results precisely, ensuring every strategy's efficacy was measurable. My omnichannel campaigns were not just about reach but also about efficiency driving revenue with precision.
• Recognizing the importance of customer retention, I established a dedicated team comprising 14 direct reports. Our collective efforts bore fruit, generating an impressive $1M+ in additional sales in the inaugural year.

Sales Acceleration & Cost Efficiency:
• My strategic prowess was further demonstrated as I rolled out an innovative blueprint that not only turbocharged sales but also curtailed our annual marketing expenditure by a staggering $744K.
• I harnessed specialized software to amplify our service business. By astutely leveraging a database of over 20,000 existing customers, we witnessed a surge in repeat sales, cementing our position as a trusted automotive partner.

Training, Coaching & Lead Management:
• I believe in empowering teams. I imparted best practices training to a 27-strong Internet Marketing Department. I was a mentor, offering one-on-one coaching to Internet Managers, ensuring we attracted customers and sealed the deal.
• I introduced a stringent 180-second response limit for new leads, ensuring agility in our approach. This strategy and our efforts to bolster brand visibility expanded our purchase pipeline by an impressive 85%.

Branding & Digital Marketing:
• My segmented email campaigns were aggressive yet strategic, carving a distinct brand identity. Additionally, my Google AdWords campaign was a game-changer, doubling our site traffic in a mere 11 months.

Digital Marketing Director | B2C

TUNAP GROUP

U.S. Expansion Leadership for TUNAP
• Entrusted with spearheading TUNAP's ambitious U.S. expansion, a renowned German producer of automotive lubricants, aerosols, and cleaners. Armed with a robust $10M budget, I meticulously identified strategic U.S. operational locations. I forged pivotal distribution alliances and diligently navigated the regulatory landscape, ensuring timely submissions to all pertinent state and local government bodies.

Managing Director USA | Chemical Industry | Start-Up | B2B

CDK Global

Digital Marketing Ambassador | SaaS | B2B

Sons Automotive Group

eCommerce Marketing Director 

Jackson Acura

Internet Sales Director 

AUTOMOTIVE DIGITAL MARKETING LEADER | 24 YEARS U.S. MARKET EXPERTISE

I've spent over two decades transforming how luxury automotive brands connect with customers in the world's most competitive market. My greatest achievement? Leading Mercedes-Benz of Temecula to 30% market share growth during the 2020/2021 pandemic, recognized by MBUSA as the ONLY dealership worldwide that grew while others stagnated.

PANDEMIC SUCCESS STORY
- Generated $2.16M additional revenue during COVID-19
- Achieved 300% marketing ROI through AI-driven strategies  
- Increased service revenue by 297% and parts revenue by 174%
- Grew internet leads 39%, inbound calls 89%

HOLISTIC BUSINESS APPROACH & EXECUTIVE COACHING
I don't see dealerships as separate profit centers – I see them as symphonic business systems. As a Certified DISC Business Executive & Marketing Coach, I help C-level executives understand the correlation between R&D, Marketing, Sales, Service, and Customer Experience, using data analytics to optimize total organizational health.

BUSINESS COACHING & ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
- Affiliate Business Coach: Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, CA 
- Executive in Residence Coach: California State University, San Marcos
- Founder & President: FocalPoint Business Coaching & Training Temecula Valley
- Featured Speaker: "Communication Breakthrough" & "DNA of an Entrepreneur" programs
- International coaching for automotive companies in Germany, Italy, and the U.S.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & SPEAKING
- Author: "The Digital Dealership" (2014) 
- Co-Author: "How to Survive and Thrive" (2024) with Reebok founder Joe Foster
- International Keynote Speaker: Autohaus eMarketing Days & DEKRA Gebrauchtwagentage (Germany), Internet Motors Milano, Digital Dealer Conferences
- Monthly workshops: Entrepreneurial Resource Center, Chamber of Commerce events

MULTI-BRAND EXPERTISE
Latest: Successfully managed 8+ luxury brands simultaneously - Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Sprinter, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, Jaguar, Land Rover with $4.8M budget responsibility.

CERTIFICATIONS
- Professional Certified Marketer® (American Marketing Association)
- Certified Digital Marketing Professional (Digital Marketing Institute, Dublin, IRL)  
- International Business Executive Coach (Brian Tracy International)
- Certified DISC Behavioral Analyst (FocalPoint International)

Currently seeking strategic leadership and digital marketing opportunities with progressive European automotive groups ready for digital transformation and executive development.

German Citizen | EU Work Authorized | Fluent German & English

Member of the Digital Sales & Marketing Advisory Board | B2B

➤ Serving an advisory role thru strategic reviews, suggestions, and program support to continuously enhance the quality of Volvo's national online exposure and programs.
➤ Consult Volvo's national manager suite through monthly meetings to enhance dealer network offerings.

Start Up With Feras

• Advise founders on growth strategies, including exit events, in a rapidly evolving, AI-enabled world.
• Share what I learned in 20+ years of startups: to draw lessons from setbacks and to pivot towards more promising opportunities.
• Serve as a mentor, providing guidance backed by extensive experience in business strategy, consulting, and all aspects of startups, including marketing, sales, accounting, legal, back office, and people ops.
• Guide founders to foster lasting organizational cultures of engagement, achievement, client satisfaction, and stakeholder value.
• Give back to the startup community (with no strings attached) by responding to founders' questions on YouTube.com/@StatrUpWithFeras & StartUpWithFeras.com.

Co-founder | Teach Entrepreneurs How To Start & Scale to 7 & 8-Figures

Various speaking engagements

Feras has traveled the globe educating and inspiring a wide array of audiences on business and entrepreneurship, sharing his expertise throughout the US and internationally in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Ireland, France, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Qatar, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Speaker

e-CENS

• Lead the strategic direction and growth in North America, Europe, & MENA.
• Support team in scaling the business, and foster a culture of learning, achievement, and increasing stakeholder value. 
• Build alliances and industry partnerships across the martech stack to enable client success in digital transformation initiatives.
• Attract top industry talent to deliver measurable results to e-CENS clients and continuously improve company culture and bottom line.

Co-founder | Chairman of the Board 

American Red Cross

• A life-long donor, surpassing 100 blood units donated.
• Committed to generating  awareness about the dire need for blood to save lives and alleviate suffering. 
• Using advocacy and proven leadership to leverage corporate connections for securing blood drive sponsors, donors, and volunteers.  
• Partner with Red Cross leadership and staff to expand the community network and support the mission of the Red Cross to ensure an adequate year-round blood supply.
• Advocate for policy priorities with government officials.

Board Vice Chair | Biomed Committee Chair (Silicon Valley Chapter)

Aikido Silicon Valley (Volunteer)

• Dedicated to training young students, fostering their physical and mental development and instilling a strong sense of discipline and respect in students, both on and off the mat.
• Work with adult Aikido learners as an assistant instructor, supporting their advancement through belt levels
• Continue to learn and adapt to meet students’ needs by embracing their curiosity, energy, and unique strengths.

Youth Instructor  & Assistant Instructor (Fukushidoin)

DC-based coalition and member organizations

• Established a robust DC-based advocacy infrastructure (including 501c3, 501c4, 527 organizations).
• Developed annual goals, operational plans, and budgets to ensure organizational efficiency.
• Successfully drove over 300% year-over-year growth for two nonprofits.
• Laid the foundation for lasting organizational cultures that benefited all stakeholders.

Advisor & Interim Executive Director for Nonprofits (pro bono)

Cardinal Path (Merkle/Dentsu)

• Successfully integrated the acquired company (E-Nor) into Cardinal Path/Merkle/Dentsu in the US, Canada, and MENA.
• Bolstered company’s position as the #1 global reseller of Google Analytics Enterprise and led the organization to achieve the highly coveted full-stack Google Marketing Platform reseller designation.
• Delivered strategic thought leadership for the organization and Fortune 500 clients by navigating the seismic industry shifts in consumer insight, digital transformation, and privacy.
• As part of the executive team, led the organization to exceed profitability targets during 2020 (through Covid-19) by implementing effective operational strategies while prioritizing client retention and employee well-being.

Chief Technology Officer | Head of Delivery 

• Led the successful spin-off from E-Nor of the Dubai-based MENA digital analytics agency following the Dentsu acquisition.
• Provided strategic planning for growth during Covid-19. (Company grew at more than 20%)
• Managed a successful exit.

Chairman of the Board

E-Nor, Inc.

• Led the successful sale of the company to Dentsu's Cardinal Path subsidiary.
• Pivoted the company in 2012 to specialize in enterprise digital analytics and became a top Google partner/reseller to Fortune 500 and government, and led a 35%+ YoY growth in consulting and license revenue.
• Pioneered remote workplace environment across 11 U.S. States and 5 countries while expanding sales and operations in MENA.
• Established an unparalleled commitment to the well-being of team members, including a sizable employment award program.
• Committed to and delivered an annual charitable contribution totaling 1-2% of company revenue.

Co-founder | Chief Executive Officer

WSI Internet Consulting

• Consistently ranked among WSI's top earners (out of 1500 global consultants).
• Earned membership in global franchise advisory council.
• Became WSI’s global ambassador to train and mentor marketing consultants throughout North America, Latin America, EMEA, and APAC.

 Principal Consultant | Top Earner Franchisee 

I have built and sold companies in Silicon Valley and abroad, driving $65M in sales and achieving an 8-figure exit.

I have served as a mentor, providing guidance backed by extensive experience in business strategy, sales & marketing, operations, and M&A.

My mission now is to help other entrepreneurs make good, informed decisions at every stage.

Thinking: I can help you decide if entrepreneurship is the right path for you

Early-stage: I help you avoid the pitfalls that derail many new businesses

Started and struggling: I work with you to push through the barriers that are holding your business back

Seasoned entrepreneurs: I provide tried-and-true but individualized guidance to help you reach your destination, whether that's your next level of growth, or an exit

Don't do it on your own. Wherever you are in your entrepreneurial  journey, I can help you take the next right steps.

I'm equally committed to supporting nonprofits, bridging the income inequality gap, and mentoring youth and young professionals. 

My dedication and training in the Japanese martial art of Aikido continues to strengthen my conviction in finding harmonious resolutions to conflict.

Motto: Work hard. Play hard. Give Back.

Feras Alhlou

Two friends and I had gotten into a sticky situation with the neighborhood toughs—enough to scare us into learning how to defend ourselves. So naturally, we joined a karate dojo, started lifting weights, and chasing anything we thought would make us stronger.

One day, we noticed a new face in the neighborhood: a Japanese man coming in and out of a nearby building. He was a consultant, renting a studio short-term from our neighbor.

In our brilliant teenage logic (with a lack of cultural awareness the ’80s gave us) we figured:
Japanese = must know martial arts. Obviously.

It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from someone straight from the source. But we were too nervous to approach him.

So we plotted “accidental” encounters. But we’d see him, freeze, retreat. 

Until one evening, we mustered enough courage to walk up to his studio door—arguing over who’d do the talking.

One problem: we didn’t share a language.
Still, we knocked.

He opened the door—friendly smile, puzzled look.

I pointed at him, then at us. “Karate.”

He looked confused. 
We made fists. He made fists.
We bowed. He smiled.

And somehow, it worked.
He was actually an accomplished martial artist! He pointed to his clock, gave us a time, and the next day we were there—training in the building foyer.

Knuckle pushups. Tile floors. Hard-core drills.

He even brought a friend, and when they sparred—fast, fluid, controlled—we were in awe.

He refused a single cent. Trained us for months.

Forty years later, I’m still grateful. 

I learned some karate, sure—but what stuck with me most was this:

If you let fear stop you from asking, knocking, or trying—even when you’re clueless or unaware—you’ll miss the moments that could change your life.

Many people out there are glad to help you, and many opportunities are there to be discovered if you have the courage to pursue them.

I’ve been thinking about that karate story lately—especially as I talk to founders and professionals stuck in the same fear loop.

Fear of asking. Fear of starting. Fear of failing.

It shows up differently for each of us.

I just released a new video about that exact idea—how different personalities experience fear when starting a business, and how to move through it.

Check it out: https://lnkd.in/eCrYrssG

#ConquerYourFears #Fears #Entrepreneurship #Karate

li_at

JSESSIONID

8-Figure Exit | $65 Million Combined Revenue | Helping Founders Build 7 & 8-Figure Businesses | Author | Speaker

51 minutes.

That’s all you need to learn the essentials of entrepreneurship.

No fluff. No hype.

This won’t turn you into an overnight entrepreneur or help you hit $10K/month in a week :) — but it will give you a rock-solid foundation and a map to follow toward a 6- or even 7-figure consulting or services business.

I created a free course with 11 short modules you can finish in under an hour — built from real experience across 7 companies and a 20+ year journey (including an 8-figure exit).

In this free course, I cover:
1- Start smarter. Grow stronger.

2- The mindset every entrepreneur needs

3- Consulting 101: expertise, authority, and empathy explained

4- 6 ways to vet your business idea before you risk it all

5- How to write a business plan that actually works

6- Your financial runway: how to transition to full-time business

7- How to generate leads from your network

8- Why attending business events is still a game-changer

9- How to close your first 3 clients (faster)

10- How to start a consulting project (the right way)

11- Next steps you can take to build your business

It’s called Zero to Revenue: Entrepreneurship Essentials — and it’s designed to help you take action without the overwhelm.

If you’re serious about turning your skills into a real business — start here:
🎥 https://lnkd.in/e9K8Vg76

#entrepreneurship #consulting #startups #servicesbusiness #zerotorevenue

You keep tweaking the plan, rewriting your offer, and taking “one more” course — but you’re still not launching.

In this video that I just released, I break down the 3 invisible mindset traps that stall most founders before they ever make their first pitch — and show you how to break them for good.

You’ll also get my free Fear-to-Focus Playbook to map your blocks, spot your patterns, and finally start building the business you keep talking about.

If you’re serious about leaving the 9-to-5 and starting your consulting business with clarity, confidence, and discipline — don’t wait.

🎥 Watch it now: https://lnkd.in/eEEyg8E6

#entrepreneurship #consulting #fears #mindset

When you’re in the thick of it — chasing leads, sending proposals, and facing rejection after rejection — it can feel like every door is locked.

But it’s worth pausing to reflect on how those past and present challenges have shaped you into a better founder and a better person.

If you don’t stop to recognize the importance of the hard stuff in your journey, you risk missing the very lessons that can make the next stage easier — and far more meaningful.

In this livestream, I’ll share three moments I’m now deeply grateful for — each one tough at the time, but ultimately the reason I became a stronger entrepreneur:

💡 The rejections that redirected me
💡 The clients who challenged me
💡 The mistakes that forced me to grow

If you’ve been grinding all year and wondering whether it’s paying off — this session is for you.

🗓️ Join me live
🎯 What Entrepreneurs Should Be Thankful For — Even the Hard Parts

💬 Bring your story — what “hard thing” from this year are you thankful for now?

If you can’t make it live, drop your answer or question below (or DM me). I’ll address them during the stream.

#Entrepreneurship #Gratitude #Founders

What Entrepreneurs Should Be Thankful For — Even the Hard Parts

The "first Thanksgiving" documented for European colonists in what is now the United States took place in Virginia in 1619. The event that most people in the 50 states will be commemorating on Thursday celebrated the first successful harvest in the Plymouth Colony, now part of Massachusetts, in autumn 1621.

Despite the lesser known Virginia precedent, and unlike much of the oversimplified, incomplete, and sometimes distorted history that comes down to us, the first Plymouth Thanksgiving - as a feast and an observance of gratitude - apparently happened pretty much just like American children learn in school.

Turkey and cranberries were probably on the menu. Attending with the English colonists were their Wampanoag allies, to whom the English largely owed their survival as individuals and a colony through a year facing deprivation, disease, and the death of so many among them.

Wherever we are in the world, and whatever our leanings and convictions may be, we can be grateful for the multitude of sacrifices that all previous generations endured for us to be where we are today.

The opposite of complacency, this gratitude can motivate and inspire us to persist and achieve, appreciate the rewards, learn from the failures, and advocate for those who, for a variety of reasons, don’t have the same comforts, freedoms, and opportunities as we do.

With this, I wish everyone a very happy and meaningful #Thanksgiving. 

I’d be grateful to hear what you’re grateful for or any additional thoughts.

What’s the first rung you need to climb?

Your personality type shapes how you experience uncertainty.

If you understand your temperament, you stop fighting the wrong battle.

When you’re starting a business, that clarity matters.

You can finally see the first rung on your Confidence Ladder..... the one that lifts you to your next level.

#entrepreneurship #fears #confidence

Entrepreneurs talk about confidence like it’s a switch. Something you turn on once you “feel ready.” But: Confidence is built differently depending on

How Your Personality Type Shapes Your Fear in Entrepreneurship — And What To Do About It

🚀 New Resource: Founder’s Fear-to-Focus Playbook

Every founder faces fear, but not everyone recognizes how it hides. Sometimes it sounds like “I just need more planning.” Other times, “I’ll start once things settle down.”

These aren’t excuses... they’re your brain’s way of keeping you safe (but remember: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”)

This free playbook helps you name those fears, understand their patterns, and redirect that energy into action. Each section includes:
✅ Definition
🧠 Self-Talk
💬 Example
💸 Cost
🥋 Reframe
⚙️ Action Steps
❓ Ask Yourself
🪞 Reflection Notes

If you’ve been stuck in research mode, avoiding risk, or over-planning your launch, this will help you get unstuck and moving again.

👉 If you also like to have an editable version, comment below.

📘 Save this post for when fear tries to take over your focus, and share it with someone who’s facing any of these fears. 

#entrepreneurship #consulting #mindset #founders #businessgrowth

The Founder’s Fear-to-Focus Playbook

🚨 New video just dropped! 

If you’ve been trying to start your business but keep getting stuck… it’s probably not your idea that’s the problem — it’s confidence.

In this video, I walk through the Confidence Ladder — a field-tested framework I’ve used with 150+ entrepreneurs to help them break through fear and finally launch.

✅ How fear shows up differently based on your personality type
✅ How to climb from hesitation to momentum… one rung at a time
✅ And the 8th (most universal) fear every founder faces… and how to turn it into fuel

This isn’t theory. It’s what works.

For founders who are serious about starting.

▶️ Watch here: https://lnkd.in/eSuXZauy

youtube.com

Give Me 17 Minutes… I’ll Build Your Confidence to Launch

Every entrepreneur hits fear.
But not all fear looks the same.

Before I started my first business, I kept asking, “What’s my offer?” when really, the problem was confidence.

Here’s what I’ve learned after advising 150+ founders:
- 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 freeze in research.
- 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 hide their dreams from family/closed ones.
- 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 get lost in planning.
- 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐬 jump too fast and burn out.

Each one is the same story with a different costume — fear dressed as logic, loyalty, perfection, or freedom.

The trick isn’t to “beat” fear. It’s to spot how yours moves.

Once you see your pattern, you stop fighting it… and start climbing.

So, which type do you turn into when fear shows up?

(Source for the four temperament graphic: Keirsey website)

We’ve already crossed 946,000 job cuts in the U.S. this year—and 2025 hiring plans are the lowest since 2009. If you're feeling uneasy, you're not alo

The Hard Truth About Layoffs—and What to Do if You're Next

Founders, a quick Friday PSA: 

If you're going to cold email… at least make it somewhat believable. 😅

Got this gem in my inbox today:
"What if your company could get access to capital between $100K–$1.8M by this time tomorrow — all at a flat 1% per month? FICO starting at 550 OK, no owner responsibility, approvals based mainly on revenue. Want to take a quick look together?"

Sure, let’s raise seven figures overnight… no credit, no personal liability, just vibes. 

Cold outreach can work, but not this way! 

Lesson: Personalize. Be real. Respect the reader’s intelligence.

Happy Friday. 😊

#entrepreneurship #founders #coldemail #consulting

I caught the volunteer bug back in college—and I’m grateful it never left.

The idea of being of service has always resonated deeply with me. Life gets busy, startups launch, careers take over… but there’s always a way to give:

1️⃣ Physical effort – join a cleanup, build homes, volunteer at a local shelter.
2️⃣ Your skills – marketers, accountants, technologists… your expertise can change the trajectory of a small nonprofit.
3️⃣ Financially – support causes doing work that aligns with your values.
4️⃣ Network & influence – connect people, open doors, help others find opportunities.
5️⃣ Mentorship & encouragement – invest time in someone earlier on their journey. Sometimes that’s the most valuable gift of all.

And the beauty of giving is that it changes you as much as it helps others.
It reminds us what actually brings meaning.

When I didn’t have much money, I was able to give my time and labor. Later on, as I became more skilled professionally and my businesses started making money, I began mentoring, serving on boards (Red Cross Silicon Valley and others), and donating money. When I sold my last business, I was able to dedicate two years to nonprofits (education and pro-democracy advocacy).

Everyone’s chasing happiness—but often in the wrong places: buying more stuff or chasing validation that never lasts. Real happiness comes from contentment—and from service.

As philosopher Daniel Dennett said, “The secret of happiness is to find something more important than yourself and dedicate your life to it.”

Whatever that cause is for you, give from what you have—your hands, your mind, your wallet, your voice.

And to my fellow entrepreneurs—keep building, keep hustling, but remember: the same drive that builds a business can also build a better world. Find the time to give.

PS. And if all else fails… give blood. ❤️

#GivingTuesday

My first day selling as an entrepreneur, I got rejected five times… in a row.

Today, I’m genuinely thankful for those five rejections! :)

When you’re chasing leads, hearing “no” on repeat, and watching your bank balance shrink, the last word that comes to mind is “thankful.” But if you s

Open article: Being Thankful for Entrepreneurship Even When It Hurts by Feras Alhlou • 4 min read

Being Thankful for Entrepreneurship Even When It Hurts

Don’t let another year pass you.

Every entrepreneur deals with fear, but not all fear looks the same. 

Some freeze. Some overthink. Some rush in and crash. And with 2026 just around the corner, now’s the time to confront those fears before they follow you into the new year.

In this live Confidence Ladder session, I’ll walk through 26 real fears and challenges that keep ambitious professionals stuck, and show you how to climb through each one. 

No hype. No fluff. Just proven frameworks, stories, and practical steps.

These aren’t abstract ideas; they’re the same fear patterns I’ve seen in 150+ founders I’ve advised. We’re going to tackle them head-on…. so you enter 2026 clear, confident, and ready to move.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right moment” to launch, pivot, or grow… this is it.

Let’s make 2026 the year you stop waiting for confidence and start building it.

🔔 Bring your biggest challenge (or DM me or drop it in the comments), and I’ll coach you through it live.

#entrepreneurship #consulting #fears

Most new entrepreneurs think they’re “not ready.”

But the real blocker usually isn’t readiness.

Some freeze until everything is perfect.
Some avoid conflict and quietly bury their dreams.
Some get lost in the details.
Others chase idea after idea until they burn out.

A mix of all of the above? That was me—starting my first business after a painful layoff.

My co-founder and I had zero background in sales.

So we did what many first-time founders do:

We hid in planning and spent weeks in his garage crafting a 12-month growth strategy, a 5-year roadmap, and national marketing campaigns — all to avoid doing the one thing we feared most: getting out and knocking on doors.

Eventually, the severance and savings started running out.

That pressure forced us to face our fear and start asking strangers for money. :)

It took seven weeks of rejection before we got our first client (thank you Athena Grill in Santa Clara!).

First check. First validation. That changed everything.

#entrepreneurship #overcomingfears

The hardest part of starting your own consulting business isn’t the risk—it’s not knowing where or how to begin.

You know you're good at what you do.

But questions start piling up:
- What exactly should I offer?
- How do I price my services?
- Where do I even find clients—let alone sign them?

That’s when fear creeps in.
You hesitate. You overthink. 

I’ve been there, and I’ve helped hundreds of others through it.
That’s why I write a weekly newsletter for entrepreneurs in consulting and professional services.

It’s built on real-world experience, after starting 7 companies, including an 8-figure digital consultancy.

If you’re:
- ready to start but stuck on the how
- or already started but struggling to get traction

…this newsletter is for you.

Join thousands of entrepreneurs getting practical, proven strategies to:
 ✅ land clients
 ✅ escape the 9–5
 ✅ grow a business you’re proud of

👉 Subscribe (free) here: https://lnkd.in/evQ9BeSR

#entrepreneurship #consulting #professionalservices #newsletter

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The Battle

Volker Jaeckel

Feras Alhlou

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taplio

The Battle

Volker Jaeckel

Feras Alhlou

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Feras Alhlou's LinkedIn Performance

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Performance ScoreFeras Alhlou's LinkedIn Performance