Matt Hunckler

It's not a secret anymore... You can build or join a great startup from anywhere. Hope you'll join me and 1,000+ others at our Unvalley virtual conference on May 11-12 with a crazy lineup of speakers, 3 content tracks, and lots of ways to connect RSVP: powderkeg.com/unvalley

No amount of money or status will buy back missed time with your family. Hope you had some quality time over the holidays. Ready for a big 2025? I will share the best stuff from our fast-growing community of founders and leaders. Give me a follow here, and let me know how I can help!

Who might need your kindness today? A lesson I’ve taken to heart: Kindness costs you nothing but can mean everything to someone else. It costs nothing to take an extra moment to check in — in meetings, emails, or even casual conversations. A simple “How are you really doing?” can open a door for connection and support. It's often small gestures that remind me how powerful compassion can be. Who might need your kindness today?

Nothing is more meaningful to me than helping people win.

Partnering with an Executive Assistant is the single, highest leverage investment I’ve made in my professional life. A (very long) thread 🧵

@galeforceVC I’ve found that the only way to truly clear out the negative is to fully feel and process it. Not always easy, but powerful.

@GhostWriteLife That’s 90% of the battle

@Hunckler Suffered from burnout last year. Pivoting to something I was excited about got me through.

Burnout doesn’t just happen—it builds. And a few years ago, I hit a wall... I was grinding hard but getting nowhere. That's when I realized: high performance isn’t just about the hustle—it’s about recovery. 3 research-backed ways to recharge and recover: ——— 1. Optimize Sleep: ↳ Drink tart cherry juice ↳ Avoid screens before bed ↳ Maintain a consistent sleep schedule ——— 2. Nature and Mindfulness: ↳ Walk in nature ↳ Meditate regularly ↳ Practice yoga and breathwork ——— 3. Advanced Recovery Techniques: ↳ Use float tanks ↳ Get regular exercise ↳ Keep a gratitude practice ——— I think Paul Simon said it best: "Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning last.” Performance isn’t just about working hard. It’s about recovering smart. Save this post.

@TimStodz If only I knew this tips earlier in life...

@Hunckler Great tips for recovery! Balancing hustle with smart recovery is key to avoiding burnout.

Great leaders don’t go it alone. Here’s their secret: They know the power of community. They build teams that amplify their vision. They find people who complement their strengths. The recipe? It’s about creating a support system for growth. It’s about leaning on others to fill the gaps. Success isn’t about doing it all yourself. It's a team effort. Ready to connect with the right people? I just wrapped up the finale of the Get IN podcast with @tophday, @NateSpangle, and @AfterTheDecimal (more to come soon). Hope you'll join us Aug. 27-28 at the RALLY conference: rallyinnovation.com Comment below to get 40% off your ticket. I'll shoot you a DM with info.

Following the crowd is killing your creativity. Want to stand out? Do this instead: Take more creative risks. We've all had those projects where everyone we follows the same old playbooks. And the results are always the same—predictable and uninspiring. But there was a project recently where our team questioned the "best practices" and approached things from a different angle. We got curious. And we took some calculated risks. The outcome? A fresh solution that energized the team and wowed our customers. So next time you're working on a project, ask yourself: "What can I do differently?" Let curiosity lead the way. — ♻️ Repost to spread curiosity to your network

Want to stand out in a crowded market? Surprise & delight your customers. Like this: Sweetwater is the world’s largest online music retailer. And their world-class customer service is illustrated with just one small gift —a small bag of candy in every box. It’s an unexpected delight that keeps customers coming back for more. 7 Customer Lessons from the CEO of Sweetwater: ——— 1. Know Your Audience: ↳ Sweetwater’s staff is made up of musicians. ↳ Hire people who understand your customers. ——— 2. Invest in Training: ↳ Their Sales Engineers go through intensive training. ↳ Equip your team to exceed customer expectations. ——— 3. Host Events: ↳ Sweetwater hosts GearFest, a huge pro audio event. ↳ Create opportunities for customers to connect. ——— 4. Offer Unique Experiences: ↳ They have top-tier recording studios. ↳ Give exclusive access or experiences that add value. ——— 5. Educate and Empower: ↳ Sweetwater runs a music academy. ↳ Offer resources to empower your customers. ——— 6. Add Personal Touches: ↳ Handwritten notes or small gifts make a big impact. ↳ It shows you care. ——— 7. Listen and Adapt: ↳ Engage with your customers. ↳ Get to know their needs and adapt accordingly. ——— In a crowded market, being memorable matters. Small, thoughtful gestures can turn first-time buyers into lifelong fans. Watch my full convo with Sweetwater CEO, Mike Clem: powderkeg.com/innovation-and… — ♻️ Repost to spread the surprise and delight

Make it easy, not hard. The difference between success and stress: In every startup I've worked with, the most valuable players weren’t always the ones with the most skills, but those who could simplify the complex. Be approachable. Communicate clearly. Solve problems proactively. Delegate effectively. Adapt quickly. Being the person who makes things easier rather than harder improves your team. And it makes you indispensable.

@KodyNordquist Thanks! Leaders who understand their own emotions can connect better with their teams. It's all about empathy and understanding.

@Hunckler Solid list brother - you think any one of these has more impact/benefit?

It's time to rethink how we use soft skills. They shouldn't be "soft"—they're smart: As Tom Petty sang, "I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings." That sums up my journey as a leader—growing wings in mid-air. In tough situations, we need real skills. Here are 5 smart skills to develop your leadership wings: 1. Be adaptable: ↳ Embrace the unknown. ↳ New opportunities await when you say yes. 2. Stay ready: ↳ Push your limits and be flexible. ↳ Handle anything with a quick response. 3. Understand your feelings: ↳ It's okay to show your emotions. ↳ Communicate them. 4. Be a good team player: ↳ Work together toward a common goal. 5. Be humble: ↳ Admit when you need help. ↳ We’re stronger together. Leadership isn't for the faint-hearted. Like The Beatles said, "I get by with a little help from my friends." And in Powderkeg's executive peer groups, I see this every day. These skills aren't just soft—they're smart.

@markdmei Consistency and staying updated with tech are key in email marketing. It's all about doing the basics really well. Great advice, Mark!

We added $194,351,68 for this outdoor brand in less than 60 days. Tip: Don't overcomplicate email marketing. THREAD:

@mintzer Getting emails into the inbox is key for any business. Clean lists and good content make a big difference.

🚀 Boost Your Email Delivery! Ensure your emails reach the inbox with these tips by visiting my LinkedIn for the full list: linkedin.com/posts/loumintz… Follow these steps for better email marketing success! #EmailMarketing #DigitalMarketing

@ConnorGillivan Internal linking helps Google understand your site better and keeps readers engaged longer. It's a win-win for SEO and user experience. Thanks for sharing your process!

Advice: Make your own internal linking SOP. Update all current content then do it for new content too. You'll be amazed how this can help your site rank for more keywords. Keep it simple, natural, & be consistent!

Steal my SEO Internal Linking Process (9 simple steps):

@KodyNordquist Focusing on internal culture and growth is the key to keeping great talent. Investing in your team usually pays off in the long run.

Retaining high quality talent is as important as retaining high quality clients. Brands need to focus as much internally as they do on external issues. Why would I willingly lose A-players and waste resources replacing them when I can just keep them satisfied? Here’s what I do to keep my team motivated, engaged, and eager to stick around: Competitive Compensation and Performance-Based Incentives Competitive Salary: I keep our pay scales competitive with industry standards and take time to review and adjust salaries based on market trends to make my team feel valued. Performance Bonuses: We also run performance-based bonuses for individuals, teams and company-wide to create a joint sense of achievement and financial reward. This direct correlation between their performance and compensation motivates employees to push harder and stay longer. Equity Options: We also offer stock options or profit-sharing plans that give employees a stake in the company’s success, making them feel like partners in the business. Professional Development Opportunities Training Programs: We provide access to learning opportunities, including: - Workshops - Seminars - Online courses This keeps our team sharp and engaged. Career Pathing: We develop clear career progression paths and discuss paths with employees to help them understand how they can grow within the company. When employees see a clear path to advancement, they’re more likely to stay. Mentorship Programs: We set up mentorship programs to help employees develop new skills and advance their careers in a supportive learning environment. Positive Company Culture Work-Life Balance: We’ve set flexible working hours, remote work options, and vacation time to help employees better manage their personal and professional lives. Recognition Programs: We also have programs to recognize and reward employees for their hard work and achievements goes a long way. Awards, public acknowledgment, and other forms of appreciation show that we value their contributions. Team Building Activities: We involve everyone in team-building activities to create a sense of community and camaraderie among employees. Empowerment and Autonomy Decision-Making: We involve employees in decision-making processes, and giving them autonomy over their work makes them feel valued and respected. Ownership of Projects: We give employees ownership of big projects to form confidence and push their level of investment in the outcome. Transparent Communication Regular Updates: We hold regular updates and meetings to inform employees about - Company performance - Strategic direction - Major changes When employees are well-informed, they feel included and valued. Open Door Policy: We keep open communication and feedback so employees feel heard, respected, and comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns freely. Creating a Strong Work Environment Purpose-Driven Mission: Our company has a clear mission for employees to align with and feel passionate about. A sense of purpose is a powerful motivator. Impactful Work: We help employees understand how their work contributes to the company’s success and the broader industry so their work is meaningful. Keeping high-quality talent is as important as retaining clients. But that means you have to invest in your team so that they’ll invest in your company’s success.

@CoryBlumenfeld Starting small while working full-time is the smart way to test ideas and learn. Balancing work and a side hustle is an important art and science.

Feeling stuck in the 9-5 grind, but dreaming of starting your own biz? You’re not alone... Many dream of starting their own biz but wait for the perfect moment. I’ve been there. Balancing a full-time job while kick-starting a side hustle ain't easy, but it’s doable. Here are 8 steps to start as an entrepreneur while working full-time: (1) Plan like a boss ↳ Know your market, set goals, and schedule your time. (2) Start small ↳ Don’t quit your day job just yet! Test your ideas on a small scale. (3) Use your job as a lab ↳ Apply skills from your current role to your biz. It's like getting paid to learn! (4) Build a support squad ↳ Surround yourself with cheerleaders who believe in you. Mentors, friends, family... (5) Get tech-savvy ↳ Use tools and apps to automate and streamline... Make tech your bestie. (6) Time management FTW ↳ Every minute counts. Be ruthless with your time... Netflix can wait. (7) Stay sane ↳ Balance is key. Don't burn out... take breaks, have fun, stay healthy. (8) Just start ↳ Perfection is the enemy of progress... YOLO! No more excuses... Many have done it before… and so can you. It’s not about having time... it’s about making time. Start small… dream big. You got this, friends! -- ♻️ Repost if you’re not gonna wait around for the perfect moment. ✚ Follow @CoryBlumenfeld for more entrepreneurial insights and motivation.