iSearch Malaysia - Business Podcast for Entrepreneurs

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Roger Loh (Forvis Mazars) on how business owners can value their business and prepare for a successful exit in 1-3 years. The areas of discussion include: 0:00 - Introduction 1:28 - Roger’s opinion on whether all businesses are sellable 2:56 - Making your business more sellable if it has key man risk 4:53 - Commonly used...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Dr. Ingky (Ventamin) on his journey with building and scaling a global DTC brand from scratch. The areas of discussion include: 0:58 - The story behind Ventamin 3:31 - Validating the idea before launching 8:53 - The ideal waiting list 10:56 - Get started with building a waiting list 14:18 - The biggest challenges in brin...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Tan Aik Keong (Agmo) on Agmo's journey from a startup to IPO. The areas of discussion include: 0:00 - Introduction 1:03 - The idea of starting Agmo 3:19 - Current programmes like Shark Tank for aspiring entrepreneurs in Malaysia 4:42 - How Agmo got their first few clients 6:38 - Evolving from SMEs stage to bigger compani...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Dr. Selina Chew (Disruptive Doctors) on her journey from being a doctor to establishing a startup, and how they have been impacting healthcare in Malaysia differently. The areas of discussion include: 1:03 - The idea and inspiration behind Disruptive Doctors 9:24 - How doctors can impact healthcare differently and benefi...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Raymond Chou (Owners Circle) on hiring and retaining a team of A-players, and preventing burnout as an entrepreneur. The areas of discussion include: 0:48 - Common challenges faced by entrepreneurs when building a high-performing team 2:30 - How entrepreneurs can overcome these challenges 4:06 - Breaking away from the mi...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Eric Siew (Choobub Creatives) on his journey from being a doctor to establishing a marketing agency, and some effective tips for SMEs to build their online branding. The areas of discussion include: 0:00 - Introduction 1:18 - The story behind Eric's interesting career change 3:19 - Why Eric chose the marketing field 5:55...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Mark Chong (Big Tiny) on how to invest in tiny homes and the couple of ways to earn monthly passive income. The areas of discussion include: 0:00 - Intro 2:24 - Experiences at tiny homes overseas 4:42 - How to invest in a tiny home and what to expect 12:09 - Co-owning a tiny home without buying 16:22 - The negative conno...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Jeff Yeo (Big Tiny) on the brand's story and key strategies and challenges of their rapid expansion from 2 tiny houses to 450 tiny houses in 7 years. The areas of discussion include: 0:00 - Introduction 0:59 - The story of Big Tiny 3:37 - Design of Big Tiny houses 4:54 - Big Tiny team's prior experience 6:22 - Big Tiny's...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Sam Shafie (pitchIN) on what Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) is and how businesses can raise funds via ECF in Malaysia. The areas of discussion include: 0:00 - Introduction 1:14 - The story of pitchIN 4:37 - What is Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) and how it differs from other types of funding 8:28 - Prerequisite for companies to ra...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Wayne Yap on buying a boring business and making it profitable, where Wayne bought a boring business and turned $2,500 to $380,000 a Month! The areas of discussion include: 1:17 - Wayne’s definition of a ‘boring business’ 1:54 - Examples of ‘boring business’ 2:40 - Key considerations before Wayne buys over ‘boring busine...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Richard William (RW William) on the implementation of e-invoicing in Malaysia and how businesses can prepare for it. The areas of discussion include: 1:06 - What is e-invoicing and how it’s different from the current invoicing structure 4:11 - E-invoicing timeline and regulations 7:20 - E-invoicing regulations for B2C bu...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Venon Tian (Zus Coffee) the story behind the brand and how it grew from 0 to 360 outlets in a short span of 4 years. The areas of discussion include: 1:33 - How the idea of Zus Coffee came about 2:52 - Key strategies in Zus Coffee’s rapid expansion 7:19 - Zus Coffee’s goals for 2024 8:19 - How funding was secured to boos...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, we have compiled the top business advice from our 2023 guests. The areas of discussion include: 0:00 - Diversify your investments if you're a busy investor 0:58 - Raise funds to grow, not to survive 2:06 - Providing value is the best TikTok strategy 2:52 - Careful planning is a MUST 3:28 - Rest drives productivity and efficiency 5:06 - The best branding plat...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Jeevan Sahadevan the 8 keys that entrepreneurs can apply for incredible success in their business. The areas of discussion include: 0:46 - Important advice for business owners 2:22 - Setting goals for your business (The 1st key) 5:34 - Generating prospects (The 2nd key) and effective strategies to do so 9:29 - Important...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Kevin Brockland (Indelible Ventures) on the potential of startups and entrepreneurs in Malaysia, and building a startup that can scale globally. The areas of discussion include: 1:23 - Why Kevin left the U.S. to settle in Malaysia 8:08 - Key strengths and weaknesses of Malaysian founders 10:50 - Kevin’s thoughts on Malay...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Eric Lam (Recast Ventures) on how entrepreneurs can start a business, scale, and exit in 36 months. The areas of discussion include: 1:18 - The reason startups fail and how to avoid it 4:13 - Validating a product or service before working on your ideas 7:26 - How to proceed when your product has little traction 10:57 - F...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Sasha Tan (Dear Hustlers) on her unique branding blueprint to help brands stand out against competitors. The areas of discussion include: 1:02 - Definition of a brand 1:47 - How Sasha discovered this unique branding blueprint 2:49 - How the blueprint works and how brands can start implementing it 3:29 - The C.A.C bluepri...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Azran Osman Rani (Naluri) the common signs and symptoms of burnout and how entrepreneurs can strengthen their mental resilience to tackle it. The areas of discussion include: 1:31 - Burnout among entrepreneurs vs. the general population 2:36 - Signs & symptoms of burnout and how normal stress is different from a burn...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Sam Dogen (Financial Samurai) on some personal finance tips for entrepreneurs to achieve financial independence. The areas of discussion include: 1:06 - The definition of financial independence 1:51 - Being financially independent in the 40s 5:27 - Achieving 80k annual passive income 6:54 - Thoughts on entrepreneurs inve...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) discussed with Brandon Lee (Padan Social) on how businesses can build branding and generate leads on TikTok. The areas of discussion include: - Strategies for businesses to grow on TikTok - How brands can leverage on TikTok trends - Finding quality influencers on TikTok - Nano influencers vs. Major influencers - Thoughts on TikTok ads...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, Benjamin Lim (iSearch) spoke with Aaron Sarma (ScaleUp Malaysia) on fundraising tips for Malaysian entrepreneurs and startups. The areas of discussion include: - Key areas investors look into before deciding to invest - Traction needed before raising funds - Bootstrapping vs. raising funds - The fundraising process in Scale Up Malaysia - Equity taken by Scal...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, we have Jazz Tan from Youths Today to share how brands can target Malaysian youth in their marketing. The areas of discussion include: - The current online behaviour of youth and the platform with the highest potential - Best platform for brands to target younger audiences - The difference between Xiaohongshu and TikTok - Key differences between marketing to...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, we have compiled the top business advice from our 2022 guests. The areas of discussion include: - Set a common goal and communicate it clearly - Ensure your tax agent is licensed - Have a plan and find joy in running your business - Know your customer journey - Ensure effective communication in your company - Contribute to your employees' growth - Hire for a...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, we have Ziet Invests to share about investing in the US market. The areas of discussion include: - The current state of the US market - Things to consider before investing in the US market - Strategy to start investing for beginners - Passive investment for busy investors - Returns from S&P vs. Bursa Malaysia - Malaysian economy under the new government...

In this episode of the iSearch podcast, we have Ren Yi from myBurgerLab and Hong from Grub to share things to know before starting an F&B business. The areas of discussion include: - Things Hong & Ren Yi wished they knew before starting their businesses - Hong’s experience in Burgerlab before venturing into his own F&B business - Cost to start an F&B business and how long it takes...