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In this episode of "Maker Manager Money," Kyle Ariel Knowles had the pleasure of speaking with Spencer Howard, a credit card loyalty program and travel rewards expert and founder of Straight to the Points (STTP). Spencer's journey into the world of travel rewards began after a career in politics, where he honed his skills in research and communication. He shared how his background in political science from Notre Dame and his experiences running political campaigns prepared him for the entrepreneurial path he eventually took.

Spencer's passion for travel and deal hunting led him to create STTP in 2017. He aims to help business owners and everyday travelers demystify credit card points and maximize their travel experiences without breaking the bank. His award-alert newsletters curate the best deals on premium cabin flights, making it easier for subscribers to book luxury travel.

During our conversation, we explored Spencer's transition from politics to travel writing, his unique approach to building a newsletter, and the importance of engaging with his audience. He emphasized the value of personalized consulting and how he helps clients optimize their points strategies. We also discussed the various credit card strategies he recommends for small business owners, highlighting the benefits of using business credit cards to earn more points.

Spencer shared insights into the growth of his newsletter, which started as a hobby and has now grown to around 10,000 subscribers. He explained the different subscription options, including a premium tier offering more in-depth travel insights. We also touched on the challenges of navigating the complex world of travel rewards and how Spencer aims to simplify that process for his readers.

As we delved deeper into Spencer's personal life, he opened up about his experiences with mental health, the impact of his parents on his life, and his passion for travel. He shared some of his favorite travel destinations, including Taiwan, and has on his bucket list to attend the Monaco Formula One race.

Spencer's enthusiasm for travel and helping others experience the luxury of flying business class was evident throughout the episode. He also discussed the tools he uses to manage his business, including MailChimp and Simple Texting, and how he balances work with family life, especially as a new father.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in travel rewards, entrepreneurship, and turning a passion into a successful business. Join us as we uncover Spencer's story and learn how to use credit card points to create unforgettable travel experiences.

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In this episode of "Make or Manage Your Money," Kyle Knowles had the pleasure of speaking with Roger Einstoss, the CEO and co-founder of Braintly. This company connects U.S. businesses with top-tier software engineering talent in Latin America. Roger's entrepreneurial journey is inspiring, from his childhood days of selling burned CDs to leading a successful international business.

Roger shared insights into his educational background, highlighting his decision to pursue a technical school specializing in informatics, ultimately leading him to a software engineering degree. He recounted his early professional experiences, including his first job as a junior developer and his transition into management, where he learned the complexities of leading a team and navigating interpersonal dynamics.

As we delved deeper into his story, Roger explained how he and his co-founders identified a significant opportunity in the nearshore outsourcing market. They founded Braintly in 2012, and within a year, they secured their first client in Silicon Valley. Roger emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration, mainly through his involvement with the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), which has provided him invaluable support and connections throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

We discussed Braintly's services, including staff augmentation and complete project teams, and how they cater to the needs of U.S. companies looking to build engineering teams in Latin America. Roger elaborated on their projects, often working with technology-driven companies that rely on software for their operations.

Much of our conversation focused on artificial intelligence's impact on the software development landscape. Roger shared his thoughts on the future of work for developers, the importance of maintaining foundational knowledge despite the rise of AI tools, and how Braintly is leveraging AI to enhance its recruitment processes.

As we wrapped up the episode, Roger reflected on the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur. He candidly discussed the difficulties of making tough decisions regarding team members and his company's profound impact on the lives of talented individuals in Argentina, providing them with opportunities to work for U.S. companies and improve their quality of life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, software development, or the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI. Roger's story is inspiring and offers practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate their journeys in the business world.

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In this episode of the Maker-Manager Money Podcast with Kyle Knowles, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Jeanette Oku, a marketing pioneer and influencer marketing expert, who joined me from Berlin. Our conversation delved into her journey from journalism to establishing a global agency called BeyondInfluence, as well as her insights into the evolving landscape of the creator economy.

We kicked off the episode by discussing Jeanette's recent experiences at various marketing conferences in Paris and Dresden. She highlighted a particularly impactful influencer marketing conference in Paris, which focused on the intersection of creators and marketers. Jeanette shared her excitement about the event and the valuable connections she made, including a reunion with a friend from California.

As we transitioned into the core of our discussion, I revisited a topic we touched on in our previous conversation: the shift from the term "influencer" to "content creator." Jeanette elaborated on her predictions for influencer marketing in 2025, noting that the market is becoming increasingly saturated, which may lead to a decrease in influencer fees. She emphasized the need for influencer marketing to be recognized as a legitimate discipline within marketing strategies, rather than just an add-on.

Authenticity emerged as a key theme in our conversation. Jeanette argued that genuine content is more important than ever, especially in a world flooded with polished marketing materials. She pointed out that audiences are drawn to real, relatable content, and that brands must allow influencers the freedom to express their authentic voices.

We also explored the potential for older generations, such as Gen X and baby boomers, to thrive as influencers. Jeanette shared a fascinating anecdote about a campaign she worked on featuring retirees on TikTok, demonstrating that there is indeed a market for diverse age groups in the influencer space.

As the conversation progressed, we shifted our focus to the role of artificial intelligence in marketing. Jeanette explained how AI tools can streamline content creation and enhance marketing strategies, but she cautioned against relying on AI without a clear understanding of the problems one aims to solve. We discussed the importance of using AI to complement human creativity rather than replace it.

Towards the end of our chat, we touched on Jeanette's personal life, including her beloved cat and her daughter's transition to university. We also discussed her artistic pursuits, such as knitting, and the balance between work and personal creativity.

Finally, I asked Jeanette for book recommendations, and while she admitted she hadn't read much recently, she suggested the classic "Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov, emphasizing its timeless relevance.

This episode is packed with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and marketers, offering a fresh perspective on the future of influencer marketing, the importance of authenticity, and the transformative potential of AI in the creative space. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that will inspire you to navigate the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship and marketing.

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