Riding Tandem

In this solo episode, I’m diving into a topic that comes up all the time with entrepreneurs and creatives: vanity metrics. It’s so easy to get caught up in likes, follows, and views—but those numbers don’t always tell the real story of how your business is doing. I’m breaking down the difference between what looks good and what actually moves the needle. I’ll walk you through how to shift your focus to meaningful metrics—l...

Your logo, colors, and website do NOT make people buy from you.

In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam gets real about one of the biggest myths holding entrepreneurs back with their marketing: the idea that you need perfect branding before you start marketing or making money. Spoiler alert—you don’t.

Vivian Kvam shares personal stories (including how she landed a major client before Tandem Works even had a logo or a b...

Marketing isn’t about your product—it’s about the transformation your customers experience.

In this episode of Riding Tandem, we dive into Marketing Mindset Shift #3, where we debunk the myth that people buy based on features alone. Instead, they’re drawn to stories of transformation and success.

I’ll walk you through:
 ✔️ Why listing features won’t get you sales
 ✔️ How top brands like Apple and Martha Stewart master ...

Starting a business at 10 years old? For Chloe Gollehon, it wasn’t just a dream—it was a reality. Now, at 14, she runs Chloe’s Crafts, creating stunning pebble art that tells a story.

In this episode of Riding Tandem, host Vivian Kvam sits down with Chloe to explore her journey as a young entrepreneur—balancing school, creativity, and business. She shares how a family trip to Lake Michigan sparked her passion for pebble...

In this episode, Vivian welcomes LaPora Lindsey to talk about the power of embracing your value—whether you're an entrepreneur, an employee, or both! LaPora shares her journey of starting and restarting a business while navigating the challenges of military spouse life and frequent moves. She also dives into the ACT Framework (Awareness, Communication, Transparency) and how it can help both individuals and leaders foster a...

In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian dives deep into one of the eight marketing mindset shifts for entrepreneurs—letting go of the “shoulds.” Feeling overwhelmed by endless marketing advice? Vivian’s got you covered. In today’s conversation, she shares how she and Michaela learned that you don’t need to be on every platform. Instead, focus on what’s working for your business, leverage your strengths, and align your mar...

Welcome to the first episode of our Marketing Mindset Shifts for Entrepreneurs series! If you've ever thought, “I’m not a marketer”, think again. In today’s episode, Vivian Kvam is flipping that belief on its head. You’re already a marketing expert—you just don’t know it yet!

Marketing isn’t about complicated strategies, algorithms, or fancy ads. At its core, marketing is storytelling, and you tell stories every day—whe...

How do you refine your business pitch, build partnerships, and scale your business without losing your mission? In this episode, we welcome back Christi Kmecik, founder of Written Hugs Designs, to dive into her entrepreneurial journey—what’s changed, what’s working, and how she’s using storytelling to scale impact.

We discuss navigating pitch competitions, the power of product testing, vendor challenges, and balancing c...

In this conversation, Dylan Yeomans shares his journey from radio broadcasting to the insurance industry and the importance of networking in building authentic connections. He discusses the UIA Trusted Partners podcast, which serves as a platform for networking and community engagement, emphasizing the value of genuine interactions over scripted conversations. Dylan also provides insights into creating a successful podcast...

In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam sits down with John Albert, a third-generation business owner with deep roots in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. From managing a family business that started in 1927 to navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and eventually transitioning ownership through the successful sale of his company, John shares his remarkable journey of adaptation, leadership, and resilience.

John dives into how t...

Vivian Kvam and Machaela Clark dive into why it’s so important to have a solid marketing strategy—especially as a new year kicks off. They chat about how businesses can map out clear plans for marketing and communication, share how their consulting services have evolved, and stress the importance of truly understanding client needs.

The episode covers how their strategy sessions are structured, from identifying roadbloc...

In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam shares actionable insights from a recent workshop she led with SCORE mentors in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing or unsure where to start, this episode is for you. She uncovers a high-level view of eight mindset shifts for marketing every entrepreneur needs to make for successful marketing. 

🚀 Plus, Vivian announces an exciting offer: free 30-min...

In this episode, Vivian Kvam chats with Becky Edwards, a CFO mindset coach, about something that every business needs but so many avoid talking about—money. Becky takes us through her journey from a corporate career to launching her own business, sharing insights on building confidence with finances and why it’s so crucial for entrepreneurs to take control of their numbers. 

Vivian and Becky dive into the challenges of ...

Want to know what it's like running a boutique in a small town? Catch our latest episode with boutique owner, Jayme Busch! She talks about building a business in rural Iowa, overcoming inventory challenges, and staying authentic.  In this episode, host Vivian Kvam chats with Jayme Busch, owner of Unique Boutique in Neola, Iowa. Jayme shares her entrepreneurial journey from selling polished rocks as a child to running a thr...

Paul Pape is a designer and fabricator of custom collectibles who can make things that no one can find. He has a background in theater design and has worked in various mediums such as sculpture, woodworking, leatherworking, 3D design, fabrication, jewelry, and metal craft. Paul's journey started in theater, where he learned to do a lot of different things. He then transitioned into creating custom collectibles and has work...