Business Growth Hacks

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks Podcast, Andrew and John discuss a unique approach taken by The New York Times to address disengaged subscribers. The focus of this chat is cleaning up email lists, optimizing metrics, and tailoring content to target audiences. Learn the importance of understanding subscriber behavior and maintaining a targeted approach to stay relevant in email marketing.Key Points: Email List Clean-Up:The hosts share their experience with The New York Times unsubscribing inactive readers and discuss the impact of low open rates on email metrics. Creating Urgency and Engagement:The importance of engaging subscribers who genuinely want to receive content using the Netflix analogy of asking, "Are you still watching?" to maintain relevance. Tailoring Content and Frequency:Suggest the importance of tailoring content based on subscriber preferences and to consolidate emails and consider a balanced frequency to avoid overwhelming subscribers. The Power of Saying No:Encourage businesses to consider the impact of saying no, especially in terms of email frequency and content.Quotable Moments:"It's all about tailoring our approach.” - Andrew @ 04:33"Consider what happens if you say no. Does it put you ahead or put you behind?” - John @ 05:36

Is your business stuck? Tired of leaving money on the table? Are you ready to take it to the next level?Join us as we deep dive into the small business secrets successful entrepreneurs are implementing to see massive results. Each weekday as we share new episodes that give you the tools needed for growth. And since time is precious, we won't waste yours, every episode will is under 10 minutes. This is the Business Growth Hacks podcast, presented by Beefy Marketing and hosted by Andrew Brockenbush.

In the latest episode of the Business Growth Hacks Podcast, hosts Andrew Brockenbush and John Fritzsching dive into the dynamic realm of social media, exploring its profound influence on business growth. The discussion highlights  the evolving landscape of social media platforms, the challenges businesses face and adaptability with creative marketing strategies. Packed with valuable insights, the episode gives practical tools and strategies to navigate and elevate an online presence in the ever-changing social media landscape.Key Points:Social Media Evolution:Social media, once dominated by platforms like Facebook, has evolved with the rise of TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube shorts, and Snapchat.The hosts highlight the constant changes and trends in social media, necessitating businesses to stay updated and adjust their strategies accordingly.Attention Span and Content Consumption:The hosts note the decreasing attention spans of consumers and the need for captivating content in shorter formats.The discussion emphasizes the shift from "tell me" to "tell me why I should listen to you," underlining the importance of compelling storytelling. Social Media Strategy Tools:For agency owners, the hosts recommend "Form Wise," a tool that transforms chat prompts into interactive tools for clients without expert knowledge.The tool enables agencies to create tailored chat prompts, enhancing social media campaigns and content creation. AI-Powered Social Media Planning:Small business owners are introduced to "Wingman," an AI-powered social media planner.Wingman assists businesses in generating consistent social content by providing automated caption suggestions based on the entered ideas. Video Content and ROI:While emphasizing the importance of video content, the hosts acknowledge its high return on investment (ROI) in social media marketing.Videos are considered a powerful tool for conveying information and maintaining audience engagement.Quotable Moments:"Our attention spans have gotten shorter and shorter, and the technology in our pocket has gotten better and better." - Andrew @ 02:14"Social media is not dead. It's still alive. It's the number one topic searched on our Beefy Marketing website." - Andrew @ 05:12

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks podcast, hosts Andrew and John explore the exciting opportunities for growth in 2024. They reflect on the challenges of the past year and mark the importance of a strategic plan for the upcoming year. The hosts also introduce a challenge, focusing on mental toughness and habit-building. Tune in as they discuss the transformative impact of daily reading, their commitment to personal growth, and the exciting changes coming to the podcast format in 2024 – shorter, daily episodes packed with valuable insights for busy listeners.Key Points:Reflection on 2023: Acknowledging the growth and challenges of the previous year, expressing excitement for the opportunities in 2024.Opportunity in 2024: This is a pivotal year for listeners to achieve their goals, overcome distractions, and realize personal and professional aspirations.Importance of Planning: Planning is emphasized as crucial for success in 2024. Set clear goals and create a plan to achieve them.Introduction of Challenge: Andrew discusses a mental toughness challenge focused on building habits over 75 days. The challenge includes daily indoor and outdoor workouts, emphasizing the importance of intentional and purposeful activity.Learning Mindset:The profound change in mindset due to daily reading and unlocking "sponge mode" brain, focused on continuous learning and knowledge absorption.Podcast Format Change: Instead of weekly episodes, they plan to release daily episodes, each guaranteed to be under 10 minutes. The goal is to respect listeners' time and provide concise, value-packed content.Commitment to Growth: Join the hosts in a daily learning challenge. They advocate for consistent benchmarking, progress checks, and a commitment to personal and business growth.Community Engagement: Listeners are invited to share questions and comments on individual episodes on Spotify. The hosts plan to launch a community where listeners can engage, ask questions, share advice, and contribute to the growth journey together.2024 as the Year of Growth: Declaring 2024 as the year for personal and business growth. They express excitement about the new podcast format.Quotable Moments:"2024 is the year that you can accomplish the goals you've set out to accomplish.” - Andrew @ 01:05"If it's not written down, it's not real. If you don't have a plan, it's not going to happen.” - Andrew @ 01:57"Setting a habit today that in 100 days will have me being different. That's practical.” - John @ 06:00Business Growth Hacks is presented by Beefy Marketing, your go-to resource for growing your small business. Looking to boost your business's online presence, streamline your marketing efforts, or simply want expert advice on scaling up? Beefy Marketing has got you covered. Visit BeefyMarketing.com today and discover how they can help take your business to the next level.

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks podcast, your host host Andrew Brooke and co host John Fritzsching explore the secrets of small business success with their guest, Sneha Saigal. Sneha has an MBA focused on entrepreneurship from IESE Business School in Barcelona, shares her journey from consulting to co-founding Geeks and Experts, focusing on marketing and business development. The conversation touches on her diverse experiences, including working with social impact enterprises and prison programs. Key Points: Sneha’s background includes experiences in consulting, and nonprofits before co-founding Geeks and Experts.Discussing commitment to social impact initiatives, such as liberal arts programs and social impact enterprises.The role of businesses, especially small ones, in contributing to positive social changes.The trending topic of fractional talent and its value for businesses.Fractional talent is compared to a timeshare, emphasizing the accessibility of expertise without the full cost of hiring.The distinction between fractional talent and freelancers, emphasizing that fractional talent is not just spare-time freelancers.The importance of maintaining the human component in PR, stating that authenticity is crucial for success.The human touch is deemed irreplaceable, and Sneha warns against relying solely on A.I. for communication efforts.A.I.-generated pitches are noted to lack authenticity, and the human touch remains a key factor in successful PR strategies. A.I. is seen as a powerful tool when used properly, and the quality of output is emphasized, especially when combined with human input.The hosts stress the importance of creating well-crafted prompts for A.I. to generate more effective and personalized results.The hosts discuss the need for business owners to adapt and continuously learn in the ever-evolving business landscape.The growth hack shared by Sneha is the use of "Haro" (Help a Reporter Out), a platform connecting journalists with sources for news stories. Quotable Moments: "Every day is a good day around here.” "People buy from people, not businesses." "Knowing when you need that talent is really valuable.” Links Mentioned: https://geeksandexperts.com/ https://www.instagram.com/saigalsn/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehasaigal/ https://www.helpareporter.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/ Show Sponsor: https://www.trustyourwingman.com

In this episode your hosts are joined by Carolyn Boldt, co-founder of Crossfields, an Atlanta-based design-build firm. The conversation is centered around the impact of physical spaces on business growth, productivity, and client perception. Listen in as they share personal experiences, highlighting the importance of a well-organized and visually appealing environment. Carolyn emphasizes attention to small details, such as cable management and space consolidation, contributing to a positive impression. The discussion explores how common areas, including bookshelves and promotional items, enhance the overall aesthetics of a space. Key Points: Personal experiences highlight how clutter affects focus and productivity. Small details, such as cable management, contribute to a positive impression. Common areas, when organized properly, enhance overall aesthetics. The impact of common areas, particularly lobbies, on creating a positive first impression is discussed. Well-organized bookshelves and promotional items contribute to a positive perception. A personal story illustrates the direct connection between office space, sales growth, and client retention. The psychological impact of a well-designed space on client perception and credibility is emphasized. Investing in and elevating physical space communicates credibility, value, and a commitment to quality. A well-designed space can attract clients seeking a higher level of service. Crossfield targets businesses and individuals ready to elevate their spaces for increased impact. Carolyn provides a free five-point designer checklist to evaluate current office image—available on her website. The hosts encourage listeners to share the episode and leave reviews to help grow the podcast. Acknowledgment of Carolyn's expertise and the quality of her work in the design and build industry. Quotable Moments: "Having a space that elevated our value and what we charged, it validated that, it offered credibility even beyond what we talked about ourselves and what our website said about us.” "Investing in your space is investing in your brand. It's investing in your credibility. It's investing in your client's confidence in you.” "It helps my confidence. I want to sell. I want to bring people into my space.” Links Mentioned: https://crossfieldsdesign.com/5-point-designer-checklist/ https://crossfieldsdesign.com/ https://www.trustyourwingman.com https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this engaging podcast episode, the hosts welcome Susanne Mariga, a distinguished CPA and fractional CFO, specializing in high net worth strategies tailored for seven and eight-figure entrepreneurs through the profit-first system. Susanne sheds light on innovative tax strategies and the importance of shifting one's mindset in the face of economic challenges. You’ll gain a fresh perspective on handling economic challenges, the significance of a positive mindset, and the benefits of innovative tax strategies.This episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs to maximize profits and navigate complex financial landscapes. Key Points: Everyones desire is to save money on taxes Learning the importance of profitability and paying taxes.The impact of having a large tax bill and the shift towards paying projected taxes.Highlighting the tendency to overspend when business is doing well and the importance of financial preparation.Experiences from working harder when the bank account is low and becoming complacent when there's money in the bank.Th challenges of a slow economy, expensive costs, high inflation, and soaring interest rates.They emphasize the need to combat negative mindset and self-talk.Encouraging businesses to engage in self-examination and identify areas for growth and cost reduction.The hosts acknowledge the tendency to focus on losses more than gradual growth.Opportunity Zones conversation that excites the hosts, prompting them to research further.The value of selecting the right accountant or CPA to maximize profits is highlighted.The importance of benchmarking for businesses growth. Quotable Moments: "We tend to focus on losses more than we focus on that gradual growth that we've had for the last decade.” - Andrew Brockenbush "It's always a good time to start. If you want to see improvements next year, then you have to start making improvements this year.”- Susanne Maria Links Mentioned: https://profitmap.co/ https://susannemariga.com/ https://www.instagram.com/susanne.mariga/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannemariga/ https://www.youtube.com/@profitfirstwithsusannemariga https://www.trustyourwingman.com https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks podcast our guest, Nolan Bradbury, unravels the complexities of accounting and personal finances. They demystify accounting's role as a fundamental cornerstone of business, while also delving into the world of personal finance. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding financial data, addressing common misconceptions, and optimizing financial planning, both in business and personal life. Key Points: Accounting is an indispensable aspect of any business, often misunderstood and dreaded.Nolan Bradbury shares an unexpected journey into accounting, initially motivated by a shift from foreign language studies.Accounting is more about problem-solving than mathematics, making it intriguing for those who embrace the challenge.Many business owners admit to having an aversion to accounting, rating it as their least favorite part of running a business.Common accounting challenges include unreliable, untimely, and generic financial data, along with difficulties in interpreting this information.Misaligned expectations between business owners and accountants can lead to dissatisfaction with accounting services.Financial literacy is pivotal for both personal and business success.Nolan Bradbury highlights the significance of categorizing expenses as discretionary and non-discretionary to better manage one's finances.Identifying financial questions and categorizing them is a crucial step in achieving financial clarity and making informed decisions.The episode discusses the cultural taboo around discussing financial goals and expenses with friends, and its impact on self-perception.The hosts stress the importance of having good financial data for making informed decisions in personal and business finances.A practical tip shared is acquiring a line of credit as an insurance policy for financial flexibility and seizing opportunities. Quotable Moments: ”Success is opportunity plus preparedness. You can't always control opportunity, but you can control preparedness.”- Nolan Bradbury ”If you tell yourself you're broke, you are going to be broke. You've labeled yourself as something that isn't what you want to be.”- Nolan Bradbury “The word 'should' is a loaded word and can be damaging to people when it comes to finance and accounting.”- Nolan Bradbury Links Mentioned: https://www.bradfieldaccounting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-bradbury/ https://www.trustyourwingman.com https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

Join us in this inspiring episode as we follow the journey of Michael Levine, a seasoned ghostwriter with over 35 years of experience. Michael's career took an unexpected turn from being a lawyer to leaning into his passion in writing. His unwavering persistence, ability to learn from failures, and commitment to his goals led him to a thriving career as a ghostwriter. This episode provides valuable insights into business, the challenges faced along the way, and the determination required to turn dreams into reality. Key Discussion Points: Unexpected Career Shift: Michael's journey from law school to ghostwriting.Overcoming Challenges: The financial struggles and obstacles he faced along the way.Persistence and Pursuing Dreams: The importance of not quitting, even in the face of failure.Learning from Successful Mentors: Gaining valuable knowledge from working with highly successful individuals.Understanding the Client's Vision: The importance of aligning ghostwriting projects with the client's vision.Simple and Inexpensive Marketing Strategy: The cost-effective approach to marketing your book.Challenges with Book Marketing: Discussing the industry's challenges and misaligned goals.Choosing the Right Book Marketer: The importance of selecting the right book marketer.Bestseller Status vs. Best Earning Author: Exploring the difference and significance.Valuing Your Worth and Raising Fees: Strategies for determining and raising fees.Not About Ego, but Credibility: The true purpose of writing a book and maintaining humility. Quotable Moments: "I like to say that I overcame every advantage on my way to the bottom." - Michael Levine"You can be dead men and dead women walking, or you can just pursue the dreams and be who you were meant to be." - Michael Levine Links Mentioned: Michael Levine's website: http://www.MichaelLevinWrites.comConnect with Michael Levine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebestearningauthor/Trust Your Wingman: https://www.trustyourwingman.comBeefy Marketing: https://beefymarketing.com/Beefy Marketing Blog: https://beefymarketing.com/blog/Small Business Nation by Beefy Marketing: https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/ Tune in to this episode to learn from Michael Levine's extraordinary journey and gain valuable insights into the world of ghostwriting, book marketing, and the path to becoming a best-earning author.

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks podcast, your hosts Andrew Brookenbush and John Fritzsching engage in a lively conversation with their guest, Andy Hite. The episode starts with sharing excitement for the camping equipment and products they encountered at the Overland Expo in Loveland, Colorado. They also discuss the challenges faced by entrepreneurs when starting a new business and delve into the importance of seeking feedback. Andy, an experienced leadership coach, highlights the significance of emotional intelligence and the value of humility in effective leadership. And as always the episode concludes with a valuable business growth hack. Key Points: The "Marketer Feud" game explores common challenges faced by entrepreneurs, such as permitting, leads, capital, and time management.Seeking feedback and its potential to lead to meaningful improvements in business and leadership are emphasized.Emotional intelligence, empathy, curiosity, and humility are key qualities for effective leadership.The importance of seeking feedback and its potential for meaningful improvements is highlighted.Passion for the nomadic lifestyle and the joys of traveling and camping.Educational aspects of traveling, learning about historical markers, and gaining respect for history are mentioned.Andy shares his journey to becoming a leadership coach after a career in the arts.The role of a coach and the importance of self-awareness in personal and professional growth are emphasized.Andy's business growth hack: Ask for feedback from team members, peers, or clients, and act on it for improvement. Quotable Moments: "Ask for feedback from team members, peers, or clients about what you do well and what you can improve. Then, take that feedback seriously and make a commitment to change or enhance your approach based on their input." - [00:44:03] "Humility is a big one, especially for young founders who want to grow. A lot of people don't want to ask questions or ask for help because they're afraid of looking like they're stupid or they don't know what they're doing." - [00:42:51] LINKS MENTIONED: http://www.ScalingMinds.com https://www.trustyourwingman.com https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode of the "Business Growth Hacks" podcast, hosts we are joined by Danielle Meadows-Stinnett from Octane Design Studios. They discuss the essence of branding, emphasizing that it encompasses a brand's core values and principles, going far beyond mere visual elements like logos. They explore the challenges faced in branding projects and share valuable insights into staying true to one's principles and vision in both business and life. Aspiring entrepreneurs are provided with advice that underscores the importance of persistence and embracing one's unique identity. The episode is a dynamic and informative journey through combat sports nostalgia, branding wisdom, and actionable advice for entrepreneurs and creatives. Key Points : Overcoming Resistance: Danielle shares her recent experience of speaking for a 4-hour marketing seminar, initially resistant but ultimately gaining new relationships and customers.Reflection on Challenging Upbringing: Both hosts discuss their challenging childhoods and how it influenced their characters, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones.Lessons from Poverty: They agree that their difficult experiences, while not something they'd wish on others, have shaped them into better individuals.Perspective on Privilege: Andrew reflects on how privileged kids often don't understand the value of what they have, contrasting it with his own upbringing.Being Present in the Moment: Andrew wonders if he could have been more present in the difficult moments of his life and less focused on escaping those circumstances.Challenges in Staying Connected: Andrew acknowledges that he's still motivated by money and success due to his upbringing, making it hard to stay connected with loved ones and appreciate what he has.The Essence of Branding: They delve into the concept of branding and emphasize that it's more than just logo design. Branding is about defining core values, principles, and beliefs that a brand stands for, similar to an individual's identity.Challenges in Branding Projects: They talk about challenges in branding projects, such as clients wanting additional services for a small price, even if it doesn't align with the brand's vision.Staying True to Your Vision: The conversation highlights the importance of staying true to your principles and vision. They discuss the need to avoid distractions and focus on nurturing the core aspects of your business.Overcoming Buyer's Remorse: The guest shares an experience of agreeing to a project but feeling buyer's remorse afterward because it didn't align with their vision and goals.Personal Identity and Brand Identity: They draw a parallel between personal identity and brand identity, emphasizing that a brand's identity goes beyond visual elements and includes values, principles, and who the brand is at its core.Advising Aspiring Entrepreneurs: The guest advises aspiring entrepreneurs to be persistent, find their passion, and take action. They stress the importance of staying true to yourself and embracing your unique identity.Incorporating the Mindset into Creative Endeavors: They discuss actionable steps for incorporating the mindset of being more than just the "what" into creative endeavors, including persistence, staying true to one's vision, and embracing one's identity. Quotable Moments: "You're the water, not the glass." - [00:39:33:23] “We lose sight of what's right here in front of us because we're distracted by what's to the left and right." - [00:40:09:12] "Be persistent. Stay true to yourself. Embrace your unique identity." - [00:45:49:06]...

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Shawn Greenway, the CEO of Form Wise, a pioneering Low-code no code platform. They discuss Shawn's journey from working at UPS to becoming a professional wrestler and his transition into entrepreneurship. The hosts and Shawn also engage in a fun icebreaker game about common calls to action in marketing emails. A great conversation for agency owners to listen in on if they are looking for AI software solutions for their client network. Key Points: Shawn's diverse career journey, from UPS to professional wrestling to entrepreneurship.The birth of Form Wise, a Low-code no code platform.The hosts' initial meeting with Shawn at the Sass Preneur event.Shawn's early entrepreneurial spirit, including selling blow pops in high school.Shawn's decision to pursue professional wrestling and the challenges he faced.The importance of seeking challenges and personal growth.The hosts and Shawn reminisce about their time at the event in Dallas.Shawn's upcoming plans for the grand finale in Tampa, Florida.An increasing number of people are discovering and using Form Wise.High-level affiliates have been instrumental in promoting Form Wise.The community's feedback, especially from the Beta group, has been valuable for Form Wise's development.CRM and marketing automation are essential for businesses to thrive in the future. Use tools that can help recover leads that have gone unresponsive.Shawn highlights the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving success.The mindset of abundance is crucial, and collaborating with others can lead to quicker success.Shawn encourages listeners to check out Form Wise's seven-day free trial and join their Facebook Beta group.The platform offers group demos and support calls, fostering a helpful and supportive community.Shawn emphasizes the transformative power of CRM and marketing automation.Collaboration can help businesses go far and achieve big financial success Quotable Moments: "I knew I had the entrepreneurial hustle because in high school, I used to go buy those boxes of blow pops and then go sell them for, you know, $0.50 apiece.” - Shawn Greenway Links Mentioned: https://www.formwise.ai/ https://brandlyft.io/ https://www.trustyourwingman.com https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode, listeners gain valuable insights into the core principles of marketing, the importance of creating an unfair advantage, and how focusing on ideas can lead to marketing success. Your hosts, Andrew and John, welcome Mike Snyder, a marketing expert and partner with Raptor USA. Mike shares his journey from being a U.S. Marine Corps officer to diving into the world of marketing and helping businesses create unfair competitive advantages. The conversation explores the true essence of marketing as a strategic function that defines what a market will buy profitably for a company. Mike emphasizes the importance of focusing on ideas rather than just tactics in marketing. Key Points: Marketing is not just about communication; it's about defining what a market will buy profitably.Businesses often mistake marketing for marketing communications, leading to frustration and endless expenses.The goal of marketing is to create an unfair advantage over competitors, much like in the military.Mike highlights the four Ps of marketing: product, price, place, and promotion, and how they play a role in creating that unfair advantage.The hosts and Mike discuss a real-life example of how marketing strategy can transform a product's perception in the market.Mike emphasizes the importance of asking fundamental questions about what sets your business apart from the competition. It's not enough to say you offer better customer service; you need to break down how and why it's better.He mentions that these critical questions are included at the end of each chapter in his book, making it a practical resource for businesses looking to refine their marketing strategies.Mike also discusses the significance of a company's website in showcasing its marketing advantages. He believes that if a company truly has an unfair advantage, it should be evident on their website.The conversation highlights that business owners often underestimate their marketing abilities. Mike encourages them to reverse-engineer their own purchase decisions and apply the same logic to their marketing strategies.Mike's one business growth hack is to focus on making things easier for your audience or customers. Simplify processes, products, or services to meet their needs more efficiently. Quotable Moments: "Marketing defines what the heck you're aiming at." - Mike Snyder "Your job [in marketing] is to create an unfair advantage on the battlefield." - Mike Snyder "Taste is in protein is the food category. So they're telling everybody, hey, turkey tastes good. Well, the fact of the matter is we found out the research tricky doesn't really taste good." - Mike Snyder LINKS MENTIONED: www.rsm.marketing www.linkedin.com/in/mikesnyderraptorusa https://www.trustyourwingman.com https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks podcast, we have an exceptional guest, Sharon Park, who founded Sage Digi to revolutionize businesses with transparency and technology. Sharon shares her unique journey from studying history to working at Google and ultimately becoming an expert in managing ad campaigns. The discussion touches on memorable advertisements and the essence of small businesses in the economy. KEY POINTS: Sharon Park, the founder of Sage Digital, joins the podcast. Her mission is to provide technology advisory services for online advertising programs, with a focus on smaller businesses.The episode begins with a discussion about memorable advertisements. Both the host and Sharon share their favorites, highlighting the power of emotional impact in advertising.Sharon's family background is steeped in entrepreneurship, with her mother running an infant daycare and her father owning a consulting company. This environment laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit.Sharon's career at Google started in a rather unconventional way, answering an 866 hotline. Her journey from history studies to a tech giant showcases the diverse paths to success.Working at Google was a unique opportunity to interact with incredibly talented individuals. Despite imposter syndrome, the experience was magical, surrounded by top-tier professionals.Sharon emphasizes the vital role of small businesses in the economy, highlighting their dedication to creating jobs and providing economic value. The episode gives a glimpse into Sharon's transformative journey and her remarkable expertise in managing ad campaigns, including her time at Google. Sharon's passion for assisting entrepreneurs stems from her family's small business background, making her uniquely suited to help small business owners with their advertising strategies. LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.linkedin.com/in/presidentsharon/ https://www.sagedigi.com/ .https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/ https://trustyourwingman.com/

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks podcast, we explore the transformative power of personal development with an exceptional guest, Nida Leardprasopsuk. Nida is a serial entrepreneur, top-tier business consultant, self-identity reinvention coach, and former Fortune 500 executive with more than two decades of experience in business, psychology, and personal development. Nida is the founder of Nida Leard Consulting and Coaching, where she advises world-class experts to become legendary market outliers Discover the importance of self-concept, the six levels of personal development, and the profound impact of quitting and doing the opposite. Get ready to elevate your self-identity and embark on a journey of growth. KEY POINTS: Getting to Know Our Guest (00:00:48 - 00:07:22) Nida’s unique academic journey and surprising twist.The role of consciousness and self-awareness in decision-making. The Essence of "One to Millions" (00:07:22 - 00:15:04) An introduction to the thought-provoking book, "One to Millions."Understanding the core message: It's not just about strategies; it's about your mission.Reflecting on the impact you want to leave on the world. The Power of Quitting (00:15:04 - 00:25:37) The challenge of quitting for high achievers.Making quitting a conscious and strategic choice.Setting an example for the next generation. The Domino Effect: Doing the Opposite (00:25:37 - 00:46:21) An exercise in doing the opposite of what's comfortable.Recognizing the profound impact on various life aspects.The Harvard study's revelation on the importance of quality relationships. Connect with Our Guest (00:46:21 - 00:57:33) An upcoming e-book, "Outlier Offers," to look forward to.Subscribe to receive it directly from NOLA.com.Connect with the guest on social media or via email.A hint at a potential coaching documentary show on Netflix. Links Mentioned: Sponsor: https://trustyourwingman.com https://www.nidaleard.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

Join us in this episode as we explore the secrets of incremental growth and the strategic decisions that lead to incredible success in the world of business. Our guest is CEO of Ramsay Innovations, Jon Morris. He shares valuable insights into his approach to business, focusing on budgeting, financial acumen, and building a superstar team. Discover how an incremental mindset and strategic decision-making led to double and triple-digit growth year after year. Key Points: Starting Small and Incremental Growth: $10,000 in seed money, adopting a marathon-style approach for continuous growth. Long-Term Mindset: Committing to the long haul and reinvesting in the business each year for sustained success. Learning from Others: Humble admission that 99% of knowledge comes from learning and implementing ideas from others. Benchmarking and Financial Acumen: Utilizing benchmarking numbers like 20% year-over-year growth target for financial acumen. Building a Superstar Team: Emphasizing hiring and retaining exceptional talent to achieve extraordinary results. Budget as a Strategic Plan: Viewing the budget as a strategic plan, allocating resources wisely for growth. Improving Gross Margin: Increasing sales and marketing budget through profitable customer servicing. Salesperson Effectiveness: Understanding that new salespeople take time to become effective, typically around six months. Budget Allocation: Allocating budget based on existing and new revenue figures for detailed expense planning. Cash Reserves: Maintaining cash reserves of at least two times monthly overhead for unexpected challenges or opportunities. Budget Frequency: Creating an annual budget and engaging in quarterly re-forecasting for expense management and goal alignment. Communication and Accountability: Regularly communicating budget goals, reasons for changes, and planned actions to keep the team aligned and accountable. Quotable Moments: "Rather than weeks, I'm going to think of it as years. Rather than miles, I'm going to think about it as dollars." (00:07:10) "If you want to create a large company, then you have to determine what are the milestones you need to achieve to help you get there. And then once you understand what those milestones are, you have to budget for them." (00:08:26) "I focused on top-line growth. Eventually, I switched to focusing on EBITDA. But those were big decisions that I needed to make that allowed me to invest more in sales and marketing." (00:08:53) LINKS: http://www.ramsayinnovations.com https://twitter.com/ramsayinno https://www.linkedin.com/company/ramsay-innovations-llc/ https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode, your hosts emphasize the critical role of processes in business success and share insights from their experiences. They highlight the importance of automation and documentation in streamlining operations and achieving productivity. They discuss how a lack of processes and systems can lead to mistakes and inefficiencies, sharing personal experiences and lessons learned from their own journey in business. They emphasize the significance of documenting processes to ensure business continuity and growth. Key Points : Mondays see a massive spike in coffee sales due to people feeling worn out from weekend activities..Processes are crucial for making new team members feel welcome from day one.Processes are the backbone of customer loyalty and satisfaction.Some aspects of automation can be challenging to implement.The hosts discuss a particularly challenging aspect related to processes.Automation is about getting organized and having systems and processes in place to improve job effectiveness.Lack of processes led to missed details and customer dissatisfaction.Building a competent team has been a key factor in their growth.A realization about the need for documentation came when considering the possibility of selling the business.The question: Can the business operate successfully without the owner?Documenting processes is essential for business continuity and scalability.The hosts began documenting processes related to client services.Processes extend beyond client deliverables to encompass onboarding and offboarding.Effective communication within a team is essential, and having systems in place provides a bird's-eye view of project progress.Processes impact various areas of business, with a primary focus on service delivery, followed by customer service and internal processes.The hosts discuss their favorite process management software, Process Street, which stands out due to its ability to automate and document processes comprehensively.Process Street now offers AI-generated processes, making it even easier to document and streamline operations.The hosts encourage business owners and agency owners to start documenting processes even if they begin with basic tools like Word documents.It's crucial to identify and address existing inefficiencies to improve productivity and save time. Quotable Moments: "This podcast is here to help you boost your productivity today, help you get a little bit more out of what you're doing, get you on track.""Processes are the backbone of customer loyalty and satisfaction.""It's all about getting your [stuff] together, bottom line, making sure that you've got systems and processes in place to help you more effectively do your job.""If you were to remove yourself from the business, would your business still be able to operate?""Processes definitely go far beyond just like client deliverables...there's a lot of use cases for documenting processes.” Links Mentioned: https://trustyourwingman.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/ https://www.process.st/

In this engaging episode, our host interviews, David Wachs, the visionary entrepreneur behind Handwrytten, a company revolutionizing the personalized letter-writing experience through innovative robot-based solutions. They explore David's journey, the fusion of AI and the human touch, and how businesses, especially nonprofits, can leverage Handwritten's services for impactful client engagement. The conversation covers objections faced by nonprofits, strategies for effective marketing, and the potential of targeted content creation. Key Points: Handwrytten offers personalized notes at scale, bridging the gap between technology and personal connection.David's background includes founding Sell It and My Saying It Right, and he has deep insights into the agency space.ChatGPT integration enhances personalized letters, showcasing Handwrytten's focus on innovation.David shares Handwrytten's origin, starting from conceptualizing the idea to developing their own robots and software.The conversation explores how Handwrytten maintains authenticity in automated handwritten letters.Personalization and automation are discussed, highlighting the intriguing balance between the two.Use cases for Handwrytten's service include onboarding, offboarding, events, outbound sales, and more.The host raises the challenge of convincing nonprofits to invest in personalized gifting due to perceived wastage of funds.Strategies for impactful marketing and content creation, with David advocating for strategic partnerships and active engagement. Quotable Moments: If we can focus our energy for the next year only writing content for nonprofits, even if we only got one customer, we probably still will have made an impact in that arena." - [00:46:57 - 00:47:16] Those lead magnets will make all the difference on your website." - [00:51:32 - 00:51:50] LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.handwrytten.com/ https://trustyourwingman.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this engaging episode, we have Darren Tessitore, the owner and CEO of Thrive Management, sharing insights on review management strategies and local business success. He emphasizes the importance of aligning business objectives and understanding the true value of online reviews. Darren explains that reviews should be treated as a necessity, not an afterthought, and demonstrates the impact of reviews on attracting local customers. He emphasizes that a clear review management strategy, along with an optimized Google Business Profile, can significantly boost traffic and revenue for businesses. Darren also discusses the need for compensating staff based on business growth and fostering a team environment focused on achieving common goals. Key Points: The importance of aligning business objectives and having a clear review management strategy.Understanding the true value of online reviews and treating them as a necessity, not just a nice-to-have.The impact of reviews on attracting local customers and boosting business revenue.The significance of optimizing Google Business Profiles to attract more local traffic.Implementing a bonus structure for staff based on business growth and success.Fostering a team environment where everyone is aligned and motivated to achieve common goals. Quotable Moments: "You spend so much money on this, and you've monetized your YouTube channel. You could monetize your YouTube channel... but don't think that's what's going to get people in your door." - (00:38:45:09) "The key is just knowing what your goals and objectives are and what is it that you want to achieve. What are you shooting for? If you don't have that clearly defined, then stop spending any money on anything. What are you doing, man?" - (00:39:18:20) "You need to have a strategy within your company where everybody in your team or organization is on board and understands the complete value of getting reviews. It has to be a core component to your business." - (00:46:15:07) Links Mentioned: Show Sponsor: https://trustyourwingman.com https://ThriveReviews.io https://twitter.com/DarrenTessitore https://www.instagram.com/darrentessitore/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-8pkjo2dppyQmgsWASzL1w https://www.facebook.com/darren.tessitore https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode, Harry Spaight, an expert keynote speaker, author, and podcast host, discusses the power of servant selling and its impact on driving sales and creating positive long-term results. He shares his personal journey and mindset shift towards a more consultative approach to sales, focusing on building trust, providing value, and creating lasting relationships with clients. Harry emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and challenges, delivering valuable insights, and gaining credibility as a sales professional. The conversation also touches on the value of authentic podcasting as a means to build relationships with guests and prospects. Key Points: Impulse Buys: Harry and the host share their funniest and coolest impulse buy experiences, leading to a light-hearted conversation.Introduction: The host formally introduces Harry, highlighting his expertise in servant selling, his book "Selling with Dignity," and his successful podcast "Sales Made Easy."Mindset Shift: Harry discusses his transition from traditional sales approaches to servant selling, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and providing value to customers.Strategies for Servant Selling: The conversation delves into strategies for sales professionals to adopt a more consultative approach, including active listening, personalized communication, and being a trusted resource for clients.Authentic Podcasting: The benefits of authentic podcasting as a means to build deep relationships and learn from guests are discussed. Quotable Moments: "You think you're going to be successful selling like that? You have no idea and you don't belong in this industry." - [ 00:17:28] HACK: Schedule a call to go over proposals with potential clients, answering their questions, overcoming objections, and continuing relationship-building efforts. This approach fosters better communication and trust, increasing the likelihood of closing deals. Links Mentioned: Harry's book "Selling with Dignity: Your Formula for Life Changing Sales Result https://a.co/d/9JgDNkV Harry’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/selling-with-dignity-guest-harry-spaight/id1552291579?i=1000551204575 Show Sponsor: https://trustyourwingman.com

In this episode, our guest Lauren Colson shares her journey from working in corporate finance and accounting to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She talks about her passion for helping business owners grow their businesses and the importance of financial support. She emphasizes the value of data-driven decision-making using accurate and timely financials and highlights the role of a CFO in predicting future strategies to achieve business goals. Later in the episode she discusses the importance of understanding and knowing your numbers to make informed decisions. She elaborates on the role of a CFO as not only financial experts but also as business coaches and CEOs, helping businesses in all areas of their operations. KEY POINTS: Accurate financials are crucial for valuing a business, especially when preparing for a sale.Knowing your numbers and the drivers behind your business's revenue and costs allows you to make informed decisions and adapt quickly to changing economic conditions.The importance of having clean and timely financials, especially for businesses preparing for rapid growth or expansion.Taking the time to set up a strong infrastructure in the early stages of a business helps save time and effort in the long run. QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "So making sure you're in a good, solid place before you even entertain the idea is going to make this process and the end result so much better." - Lauren [00:28:35:23] "Knowing what your future numbers look like is going to be able for you to be the most prepared for periods of tight cash flow that you want to get ahead of." - Lauren [00:32:38:22] "The importance of getting the infrastructure set up in your business in order to grow or expand. Taking the time early on to get that set up is such a hack, in that it will give you so much time back down the road." - Lauren [00:36:36:02] Links: https://www.colsonstrategies.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencolson/ Lauren's Software Tool: https://upbeat-artisan-5251.ck.page/c99b0d9997 https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode of Business Growth Hacks, we have Mustafa Moursy, an experienced entrepreneur and the founder of Push Analytics. Mustafa joins the show to discuss growth marketing and the importance of business processes. They explore the benefits of tools like HubSpot and the significance of implementing effective systems. The conversation drifts into the power of documenting processes, automating tasks, and the challenges of overlooking crucial steps. Mustafa shares insights on nurturing leads, automation, and the need for continuous improvement in business processes. Key Points: The debate between having a theme song for life or a constant background soundtrack.The role of processes in preventing mistakes and ensuring crucial steps are not overlooked.The value of nurturing leads and having a well-planned sequence to engage potential customers.The importance of adapting tools to fit the client's needs and avoiding unnecessary complexity.The significance of automation in saving time, increasing efficiency, and improving productivity.The consequences of neglecting processes, such as failing to maintain relationships with acquired customers.Starting with a tool that makes sense for the business and gradually improving processes. QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "If you're going to waste the money to go to a trade show and spend $3,000 for a ten by ten booth, you sure hell better have a process in place to nurture those leads after you get home." (00:46:26 - 00:47:04) "Just use whatever tool makes sense to you. If that's starting in Google Docs, Evernote, Notion, you know, whatever tool makes the most sense for you, go for it." (00:49:40 - 00:50:04) Links Mentioned: https://pushanalytics.com/ http://www.TrustYourWingman.com https://www.hubspot.com/ https://www.process.st/ https://beefymarketing.com/

In this episode, the hosts interview Kate Padilla, a realtor and serial entrepreneur. The discussion is centered around various topics, including the importance of being intentional in lead generation, the future of the real estate industry, balancing work and personal life, and the value of vulnerability in business. Key Points: Being Intentional in Lead Generation: The hosts emphasize the importance of not just gathering leads without follow-up and being intentional in marketing efforts.Supporting Small Businesses: They discuss the need for small businesses to support each other to avoid negative impacts on pricing models.Balancing Work and Parenting: Kate shares her experience as a parent and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between work and family life.The Future of Real Estate: They explore the future of the real estate industry and the role of technology in shaping its trends.Real Estate as an Investment: Kate explains how real estate can be an investment in oneself and the potential of using equity to grow and expand.Time Management and Productivity: The hosts discuss the significance of effective time management and making the most of available time.Seeking Joy and Finding Balance: They highlight the importance of finding joy in work and personal life and maintaining a healthy balance.Vulnerability and Growth: The value of vulnerability is emphasized as a means of personal and professional growth. Quotes: "If you're just gathering leads and gathering leads, it's a complete waste of my time." (00:26:17) "Take time for yourself and your family... don't just build a business all the way up to realize that you have no family or friends left around you." (00:39:54) Links Mentioned: http://instagram.com/katempadilla http://www.katepadilla.com https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode, we dive into the world of experiential marketing with Ray Sheehan, founder of Old City Media. While Andrew is out due to the Texas pollen invasion, we explore the benefits and strategies behind this unique form of marketing. Join us as we tackle the age-old question of phone calls versus text messages and discover the real value of face-to-face interactions in a digital world. KEY POINTS: Understanding Experiential Marketing: Ray Sheehan explains the concept of experiential marketing, emphasizing the importance of real connections in a digitally-focused marketing landscape.The Power of Events: Discover how experiential marketing complements digital efforts and helps brands make a lasting impact on their target audience.Brand Research through Experiences: Ray discusses the value of face-to-face interactions for conducting brand research and gaining valuable insights into customer preferences.Maximizing ROI: Learn about the cost-effective nature of experiential marketing and how it can generate impressive returns on investment.The Synergy of Marketing Channels: Explore the interconnectedness of various marketing channels, including social media, websites, podcasts, and events, and how they work together to enhance brand presence.Experiential marketing bridges the gap between digital efforts and real-world interactions, allowing brands to create meaningful connections.Face-to-face interactions provide valuable opportunities for brand research and gathering insights into customer preferences.Experiential marketing offers a cost-effective approach to reach a target audience and generate significant returns on investment.Combining multiple marketing channels, such as social media, websites, podcasts, and events, amplifies brand presence and drives engagement.The host expresses interest in a program mentioned on the guest's website, praising the cool initiatives they offer.The conversation clarifies that the focus is on special events rather than festivals, where one brand is showcased in a specific location.The host realizes their inclination to get involved might stem from their background in event management.The importance of setting up effective funnel systems is emphasized, highlighting how it can save money and improve sales retention..Considering potential negative outcomes and being honest about limitations before committing to projects.They emphasize the value of honesty and learning from situations that may be beyond one's expertise. QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "Before you do anything marketing wise, you need to get those systems in place. Make sure you got your funnels in place because if you don't have a way to retain sales, you could save yourself money just by making sales that you're not going after, you know." - (00:28:08:17 - 00:28:30:03) "Consider the 'what if' before you sign. Because that is something that I myself have not considered a whole lot. Because, like you, 'Oh, we need to freeze the sun. Sure, we'll just get a big ladder. We'll figure it out. Yeah, we can do anything.'" - (00:30:13:18 - 00:30:46:17) "Sometimes you need to be honest and be like, 'Hey, I can't do that.' And that's going to be much more beneficial from your standpoint, from your client's standpoint, from everyone in the whole situation. If you're just honest, this is outside of my ability or I need to learn this." - (00:32:34:08 - 00:32:48:20) Links Mentioned: https://oldcitymedia.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ <a...

In this episode, we have special guest Crista Grasso, the go-to strategic planning and systems expert for online businesses. Crista shares her unique perspective as a creative systems thinker, bridging the gap between structured thinking and creative problem-solving. We cover the power of systems in propelling business success, advocating for a lean approach rather than burdensome documentation. The key take away is emphasis on sustainability, both in terms of capacity and results. Leaving you with encouragement to leave room for unexpected events by preserving 30% of unscheduled space in your schedule. Tune in to gain insights into unleashing your superpower of creative systems thinking and achieving sustainable business growth. KEY POINTS: Crista talks about discovering a passion for a creative business and wanted to continue focusing on it.Launching a creative business and scaling too quickly, almost going out of business.Introducing the "lean out method" as a means of saving their own business and addressing the complexity and mistakes commonly made during rapid scaling.The challenges faced by the speaker in scaling their jewelry business are universal and applicable to various types of businesses.Scaling a business involves dealing with increased complexity and feeling overwhelmed.The transition from hand-making jewelry to selling and manufacturing thousands of pieces a day, highlighting the shift in focus from selling to delivering products at scale.Maintaining exceptional client experience and quality while scaling is crucial.Many businesses struggle with issues related to insufficient systems, support, and team when scaling.The speaker worked excessively, experiencing health implications and strain on their marriage due to the demands of scaling.Growth in business involves reaching more people and increasing revenue, but it can also lead to increased expenses and lower profit margins if not managed carefully.It is important to be intentional and simplify the growth process to increase profitability.Scaling is about leverage and optimizing resources to sell more with less time and higher profits.Businesses often struggle to say no and eliminate unnecessary tasks, leading to overwork and time mismanagement.Taking the time to assess the business context and vision is crucial for lean out methods.Building a business model that aligns with desired work capacity is important for long-term success.Crista emphasizes the power of systems in business and their approach to systems as a visual and creative activity.The idea of providing 20% systems to team members, allowing room for individual expertise and innovation.They highlight the importance of intentionality and alignment in strategic planning to achieve desired outcomes.Sustainability is emphasized, both in terms of capacity and effort, as well as sustainable results.Capacity-based planning is recommended, taking into account personal and team capacities and leaving space for unexpected tasks.Crista suggests leaving a 30% open unscheduled space for unforeseen events or tasks. Quotable moments: "I bridged both worlds and it took me a long time to realize that's actually my superpower." #CreativeSystems #BusinessSuccess "Leave 30% protected space when committing to things. Unexpected events always arise, and flexibility is key." #LeanPlanning #Sustainability LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.leanoutmethod.com http://instagram.com/cristagrasso <a...

In this episode, we have special guest and a brand tracking expert, Dominic Artzrouni. He shares a beginner's guide to brand tracking for small business owners. The conversation covers topics such as the monetization strategy for brand placements, the impact of social media on brand tracking, challenges in the industry, and the ethics of dynamic insertion in advertising. They also discuss the use of generative fill tools in Photoshop and the importance of leveraging tracking and competitive insights in marketing strategies. Don't miss out on Dominic's valuable insights, a business growth hack, and the sharing of contact information. KEY POINTS: The podcast episode is sponsored by Wingman, an all-in-one marketing and sales automation software.Dominic is going to share a beginner's guide to brand tracking for small business owners.Dominic mentions different genres of music but settles on Eminem's "Lose Yourself."Dominic talks about his background and how he got started in brand tracking.Monetization strategy for tracking brand placements in movies and TV shows.Dominic discusses the importance of brand data and how brands can make money from product placements.The impact of social media on brand tracking and the evolving nature of consumption.They touch upon the challenges faced in the brand tracking industry, such as dynamic insertion of ads.There is a trend in the podcast agency world where ads are replaced after the initial six months with other brands, which reduces authenticity.Personal endorsements in ads may not be completely authentic, but they are approved by the speaker.The use of generative fill tools in Photoshop and how it can easily manipulate images by completing or removing elements.Ethics issues regarding the ability to change virtual elements in photos or videos.Leveraging tracking and competitive insights in marketing and branding strategies is highlighted.How businesses can use data insights to determine the impact of their advertising efforts and justify increasing their investment.The unique conversation about marketing and the role of data analysis.The impact of AI on the speaker's industry is discussed, with an emphasis on the human-centric approach to obtaining comprehensive data. LINKS MENTIONED: http://www.concavebt.com http://twitter.com/concavebt https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKtaOz8e1gMzUxs3WKjcQpw https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this captivating episode of Business Growth Hacks podcast, we are joined by the remarkable Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases. With a passion for assisting small businesses, authors, and startups in enhancing their visibility and credibility through press release marketing, Mickie brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. Together, we explore a multitude of strategies and cutting-edge tools designed to revolutionize PR and foster deeper customer engagement. KEY POINTS: The conversation starts with an icebreaker question about favorite places to be.Mickey shares his favorite place, a park with pine trees, and mentions his kids throwing his ashes there after he dies.The discussion shifts to talking about hammocks and the relaxing feeling of being in one.Mickey expresses his love for being on stage and mentions his plans for future speaking engagements.The conversation transitions into the world of PR and how it has evolved.Mickey talks about the growing interest in using AI to write press releases and mentions the importance of having a good story angle and newsworthiness.The discussion touches on the quality of AI-generated content and its potential impact on search engine rankings.The hosts discuss the benefits of using prompts and formats to guide the writing process for press releases and blog posts.They highlight the importance of crafting well-structured and engaging press releases with a story arc to capture journalists' attention.Mickey emphasizes that journalists are storytellers and advises businesses to provide enough elements for a compelling story in their press releases.The importance of thinking beyond self-promotion and focusing on creating engaging content that journalists would find valuableAutomating the process of sending press releases for website launches.Working with small PR firms, marketing firms, and SEO companies, each with different goals.Cheaper press release distribution services only provide syndication on subdomains that don't receive much attention.Recommendations on tools or software for small business owners to assist with PR, including writing, outreach, and pitching.Chat GPT can be useful for organizing thoughts and brainstorming ideas for various types of content.Chat GPT can generate well-organized lists for blog post topics or help in creating professional messages or press releases.The value of reaching out to existing customers and having conversations with them to uncover additional revenue opportunities.The speaker highlights the importance of celebrating milestones with clients and the positive outcomes of genuine check-in conversations.They express their desire to have the guest back in the future and promote the guest's free masterclass on strategies for PR available at “ereleases.com/plan." LINKS MENTIONED: https://marketing.beefymarketing.com/pr-to-profit https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/ https://www.facebook.com/ereleases.press.release.distribution https://www.instagram.com/ereleasespr/ https://twitter.com/ereleases https://www.ereleases.com https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ <a...

In this episode, Brent Bowers shares his story of being an investor and coach with a focus on buying and selling vacant land. As a former army veteran, Brent knew he needed to make changes to spend more time with his family. Real estate investing was the solution to support his family while having the time to spend with them. Brent's experience in buying and selling land has allowed him to help other investors and learn the ins and outs of the industry. The episode is dedicated to military veteran business owners looking for advice on their transition out of the military. Listen in if you want to take action and learn the steps to become successful in real estate investing, providing support and guidance to help individuals build their real estate investing business, not limited to veterans. KEY POINTS: Brent Bowers is an investor and coach with a focus on buying and selling vacant land.Brent was in the army for over eight years but decided to make changes to be more present with his family.Investing in real estate to support a family while having more time to spend with them.Helping other investors and learns the ins and outs of buying land.Dedicating the episode to military veteran business owners looking for advice on their transition out of the military.Joining the army out of scarcity, not out of a desire to be in the military.Starting as an entrepreneur before joining the army.Brent's entrepreneurial bug never went away.Pulling fire guard shifts and making money even during basic training.Behind on payments and making money by doing odd jobs during his time in the army.Improving the land selling process by going to areas where there is demand and mailing specific offer letters to landowners.They recommend using resources like Zillow and Redfin to determine land values and parcel sizes that are selling in a particular area.A suggestion to visit the Landsharkslist.com to obtain a list of 50 landowners in a specific area.The "land offer letter" is mentioned, which is a specific letter that they use to send offers to landowners.The Sharks program is introduced as a resource for individuals who want to take action and learn the steps to take to become successful in real estate investing.The Sharks program is not limited to veterans, and it provides support and guidance to help individuals build their real estate investing business. HACK: Hire a virtual assistant to help with tasks that can free up time to focus on business growth. LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.thelandsharks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brentlbowers/ https://www.facebook.com/brentlbowers1/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX4sxJwiz7ET7AKTXD9SA8A https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent1/ https://www.tiktok.com/@brentlbowers1 https://twitter.com/abrockenbush https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode, business leader mentor and author William Buist shares his insights on intentional mastery, entrepreneurship, and building resilience. William reflects on his own journey, which started 20 years ago when he left the insurance industry to start his own business. He emphasizes the importance of seeking support from colleagues, mentors, and existing clients, as well as recognizing one's strengths and focusing on them when pivoting or changing businesses. William also discusses the need for intentional mastery and developing skills strategically, with a focus on acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to reach a desired goal. Finally, William offers a growth hack for entrepreneurs: prioritize personal relationships and authenticity when seeking help from others. KEY POINTS: William Buist is a mentor to business leaders and the author of the book "Intentional Mastery".William has a background in the insurance industry and felt that he was setting up a business within another business, which motivated him to start his own business 20 years ago.Asking colleagues, mentors, and existing clients, asking for their support in achieving goals.The importance of recognizing one's strengths and focusing on them when pivoting or changing businesses.The need for intentional mastery and developing skills strategically, with a focus on what knowledge and skills need to be acquired to reach a desired goal.It is important in taking care of one's health as an entrepreneur and building resilience in the face of challenges.The conversation acknowledges that being an entrepreneur involves a wide range of skills and is not a linear pathPeople naturally want to help others, especially when it's obvious that someone needs help.Not everyone should aspire to reach the level of mastery; some people are content with being good at what they do.Those who want to be the best at what they do need to take accountability and responsibility for their journey.Business growth hack: prioritize personal relationships and authenticity when seeking help from others. QUOTABLE MOMENTS: “I think I think there are stages of mastery as well and it is an ongoing journey. It's not a destination. We can keep improving it.” - Willian Buist @ 9:45 “You're just going to have the problem over and over again until you solve the primary problem, which is typically yourself.” - Andrew @ 34:10 “You make it obvious what you're trying to achieve. Those people who who want you to achieve it will be there to support you” - William @ 42:37 LINKS MENTIONED: https://twitter.com/WilliamBuist https://www.instagram.com/wbuist/ https://www.facebook.com/william.buist/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wbuist/ https://vimeo.com/user102367580 https://twitter.com/abrockenbush https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode of the Business Growth Hacks podcast, Andrew discusses a range of valuable insights and experiences with Mark Drager. Mark shares how he learned that perception is truth, and how his black-and-white approach caused arguments with clients. They also discuss ways to be competitive in a tight job market, such as creating recruitment videos and improving onboarding. Mark shares how he recognized the various reasons why businesses needed video services, leading to their success in generating $1 million in revenue through trial and error. The episode also covers expanding the business from video production to marketing and advertising and the importance of operations help. Finally, they discuss tips for conducting a successful workshop, including understanding the audience and structuring the presentation accordingly. KEY POINTS: Andrew has not been in the studio for the last few weeks, but has been busy doing a lot of things.The hardest lesson Mark has had to learn is that perception is truth. They used to have a black and white approach to doing things and would only go all-in or not do it at all, which caused arguments with clients.Discussing a former business partner that had a similar mindset, which caused friction between them and they didn't approach things with caution.Having talent and the company's interests at heart are important but so are people's feelings.Ways to be competitive in a tight job market, including creating recruitment videos, training videos, and improving onboarding to reduce turnover and save money for the business.How to recognize the various reasons why businesses needed video services, leading to their success in generating $1 million in revenue through trial and error.Expanding the business from video production to marketing and advertising, working with big clients like the NBA and the Toronto Raptors and creating multiple video assets for different platforms.Admits that their greatest strengths in the beginning, such as being able to overcome challenges with small budgets, became their weaknesses as they grew, leading to a lack of systems and operations to handle the complexity of the business.Reflecting on the pain and struggle of trying to figure out how to fix their mistakes and wishes they had brought in operations help earlier.A workshop for an association of auctioneers is to be conducted for four hours, and it's about marketing for their own individual businesses.To avoid contradiction with other speakers, one should look at the agenda and who is going to come before you.You need to have a clear understanding of the point you're trying to prove throughout your entire thing, like in a court of law.Before the workshop, one needs to know the audience, what they understand about the topic, and shift the presentation's flow accordingly.A four-hour workshop can feel like forever, but a keynote of 30-45 minutes, followed by 20-30 minutes of workshopping, is ideal. LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.phanta.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mark.drager/ https://www.facebook.com/markdragercom/ https://www.youtube.com/@MarkDrager https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdrager https://www.tiktok.com/@mark.drager https://twitter.com/abrockenbush <a href="https://beefymarketing.com/"...

This episode of Business Growth Hacks features Andy Buyting, a serial entrepreneur, strategic advisor, and two-time international best-selling author who got into content marketing in the early 90s by creating a newsletter for his family's home and garden business. He later turned the newsletter into a full glossy magazine sponsored by suppliers and distributed it to 30,000 clients four times a year. Andy shares valuable insights on building an online presence, the importance of research in B2B industries like insurance, and the benefits of outsourcing content creation. He also emphasizes the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses and hiring experts to fill in the gaps, as well as being confident and bold enough to make significant changes in the pursuit of business success. KEY POINTS: Today's guest is Andy Buyting, a two-time international best-selling author, serial entrepreneur, and strategic advisor.Got into content marketing in the early 90s by starting a quarterly newsletter for his family's home and garden business.Taking the idea of a newsletter and turned it into a full glossy magazine sponsored by suppliers and sent out to 30,000 clients four times a year.Good marketing should support sales and not the other way around.The first step to building an online presence is to identify where your target audience is spending time online.Research is important for B2B industries like insurance where people only think about it when they need it, and then they search for it.As a business owner, you are an expert in your industry, and you should share your knowledge through creating content.One way to create content is through outsourcing to a ghostwriter or a podcast editor.It is important to know your strengths and weaknesses and hire experts to fill in the gaps.The quote "Know what you know and know what you don't know" is a profound statement that emphasizes the importance of teamwork.Sometimes you have to be confident and bold enough to destroy what's good in the pursuit of something great. LINKS MENTIONED: https://tulipmediagroup.com/ https://twitter.com/tulipmediagroup https://www.instagram.com/tulipmediagroup/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5plW7bBQyOOwSQggUwkp5A https://www.linkedin.com/in/andybuyting/ https://www.facebook.com/TulipMediaGroup https://twitter.com/abrockenbush https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

In this episode, we sit down with Darrin Dawson, co-founder and president of Bomb Bomb, a human-centered communication platform that enables users to leverage their best asset - themselves. Darrin is on a mission to re-humanize the planet and is here to share how nonverbal communication and personalized video messages can make a significant impact in the world of marketing and customer success. In a world where communication can often feel robotic and impersonal, through personalized video messages and a focus on nonverbal communication, businesses can create a more authentic and meaningful connection with their customers. Thank you for listening to this episode, and we hope you learned something new today. Key POINTS: Bomb Bomb is a fast-growing Colorado-based software company that focuses on human-centered communication.Humans do not have reciprocity for robots or animals, only for other humans. Nonverbal communication is essential for humans to understand the message being conveyed.Body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions are nonverbal cues that humans are wired to pick up to determine friend or foe.Mass email marketing with no personalization is considered pollution and is not sustainable. A 3% open rate or click rate is not a good result because it disregards the valuable market and can upset them.There are two types of video messages: personal and evergreen. Personal videos are addressed to a specific person, while evergreen videos can be sent to a large group of people but still feel personal.Nonverbal communication is crucial to make a message feel personal even in an evergreen video.BombBomb has a patented solution that can automate triggered responses through marketing automation and different software, creating an evergreen solution.They train on different triggers such as when a new customer buys, they send a video introducing themselves and thanking the customer for choosing BombBomb.BombBomb integrates with many platforms, including Zapier.Customer onboarding, especially the first 90 days, is a crucial turn-by for the audience to see video in action. LINKS MENTIONED: bombbomb.com https://twitter.com/abrockenbush https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

Welcome to this exciting episode of Business Growth Hacks, where our co-host, John Fritzsching, chats with storytelling and video expert, Jude Charles. The conversation starts with a captivating icebreaker question about the book or story that left the biggest impression on them, leading to an insightful discussion about the importance of self-care and structuring work to prevent burnout. Listen in as they explore why entrepreneurs should share personal stories beyond their business and emphasize the significance of human connections in life and business. Together, they reveal why prioritizing relationships over transactions is the ultimate growth hack for businesses. Don't miss out on this engaging and enlightening episode! KEY POINTS: The icebreaker question for the episode is about the book or story that left the biggest impression on the guest's adult life.Jude's answer is the biography of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American baseball player to play professionally, which inspired him to write a book called "The Baseball Life of Jude Charles" at eight years old.John's answer to the icebreaker question is "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein, which left an impact on him by showing the importance of giving and the love of parents.The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself before helping others.It is suggested to structure one's work in a way that prevents burnout, even if it means taking time off during the year.Entrepreneurs should share stories about who they are beyond their business.Jude shares a personal story about a client who showed up for them during a difficult time, highlighting the importance of human connections beyond transactions.The growth hack in business is the individual entrepreneur themselves, and it is important to prioritize relationships over transactions. Links Mentioned: http://JudeCharles.co http://Twitter.com/JudeCharles http://Instagram.com/JudeCharles https://twitter.com/abrockenbush https://beefymarketing.com/ https://beefymarketing.com/blog/ https://beefymarketing.com/small-business-nation/

Welcome to the Business Growth Hacks podcast! In this episode, host Andrew Brockenbush is joined by guest John Briggs, founder of Insight Tax and author of "Profit First for Micro Gyms." John's mission is to help business owners keep more of their hard-earned money to build long-term wealth. Today, John shares his wisdom and expertise on cash flow, budgeting, and workday structure for small business owners. Andrew and John also discuss their favorite types of candy and offer valuable advice on protecting yourself from fraudulent strategies and watching your spending habits. So sit back, grab a snack, and get ready to learn from one of the best in the business! KEY POINTS: Co-host John is absent due to a mishap at his house involving a leakIcebreaker about designing your own $100 dollar bill: John chooses to put the mascot for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups on his bill, while Andrew suggests an entrepreneur like Steve Jobs or Martin Luther King Jr. for his currency.John Briggs is the founder of Insight Tax and the author of "Profit First for Micro Gyms"His mission is to help business owners keep more of their money to build long-term wealthJohn emphasizes the importance of cash as the lifeblood of a business, and how lack of profitability can lead to stress and burnout for entrepreneursAndrew relates to this struggle as a young entrepreneur and shares his experience of trusting the wrong people early on in his businessBusiness owners need to protect themselves and watch their back by saving their documents and being aware of fraudulent strategies.Some professionals have strategies that are fabricated and have no backing of tax rules.Business owners should be aware of who they are working with and if something feels off, it's time to talk to someone else.Business owners are always on the hook as the taxpayer, even if the accountant did something fraudulent that they were not aware of.Parkinson's Law says the demand for something will expand to match the supply, so business owners need to be aware of their spending habits.The conversation involves differing political views on taxing people and letting business owners keep the revenue.John's book, The 3.3 Rule, discusses the most effective workday structure consisting of up to three-hour blocks of work followed by a 30% recovery period.The current workday structure is not based on any scientific evidence, and we need to come up with a new workday structure based on research. LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.incitetax.com https://linkedin.com/company/incitetax https://youtube.com/incitetax https://facebook.com/incitetax https://instagram.com/incitetax https://twitter.com/incitetax Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter Beefy Marketing Beefy Marketing Blog Small Business Nation

In this episode, your hosts discuss the possibility of TikTok being banned and how it could significantly impact businesses of all sizes. They offer advice on how to prepare for the worst-case scenario, including building your own marketing channels and owning your audience. You want to hear as they explore the benefits repurposing content across platforms, and converting social media followers into owned subscribers. While a TikTok ban is still uncertain, it's essential for businesses to start preparing for the worst-case scenario. Building your own audience and marketing channels can provide a safety net and ensure that your business continues to thrive regardless of external factors. Remember, social media followers and fans are borrowed traffic, but by converting them into email or text message subscribers, you can start to take ownership of your content and build a loyal following. Thanks for listening to this episode, and we hope you found our insights helpful! KEY POINTS: Discussing a hot topic in the business world: the possibility of TikTok being banned.TikTok has over 1 billion users worldwide and is growing in popularity as a marketing and advertising platform.A TikTok ban could significantly impact businesses of all sizes.The background of the TikTok ban, how it could affect businesses, and offer advice on how to prepare for the worst-case scenario.The hosts discuss which celebrities would be most appropriate for their businesses and highlight the importance of knowing your audience.The conversation transitions back to the topic of TikTok and how it is an engaging app with short-form videos.It's easy to gain traction on Facebook Reels because there isn't much competition.A social media scheduling tool exists that can help repurpose short-form video content across different platforms.Building marketing channels such as email lists, text message lists, and websites is important because they can be controlled.Businesses that rely heavily on platforms with built-in audiences fail to grow their brands because they do not build their own audiences.Audience-building is essential, regardless of the social channel, and external audience building is important.Social media followers and fans are borrowed traffic and are not owned by businesses.Competing with other creators and not owning followers and fans can cause problems in the future.Converting fans into email subscribers or text message subscribers can help businesses to own their content. LINKS MENTIONED: TIKTOK.com Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter Beefy Marketing Beefy Marketing Blog Small Business Nation

Welcome to this episode of Business Growth Hacks where we'll be exploring the world of entrepreneurship. Today we'll be talking with Lori Highby, a digital marketing agency professional who is also a hobbyist in brewing beer, and enjoying outdoor activities. We'll delve into how Lori balances her hobbies and business and why she believes in keeping the two separate. Additionally, we'll hear from Andrew’s experience working at Apple and how he is now implementing similar strategies in his own business to improve processes and create a team-oriented culture. So sit back, relax, and join us as we learn about unleashing your marketing potential. KEY POINTS: Lori is a digital marketing agency professional who empowers and educates others.She is CEO of Keystone Click/Digital Marketing Expert/B2B Marketing StrategyShe enjoys playing hockey, brewing beer with her husband, and going on long bike rides.She and her husband started making wine and then shifted to making beer.Making beer and wine is a hobby for Lori, not a side hustle.The struggle of having an entrepreneurial mindset and trying to turn hobbies into businesses.Lori is working on a book called "Never Start a Business" to advise new entrepreneurs to steer clear of certain ventures.She enjoys kayaking and outdoor activities but doesn't try to turn them into a business.Andrew used to work at Apple, where hackathons were held for solving major problems.Implementing a similar system in their own business for process improvement.Conducting quarterly meetings with your team, including remote workers, to evaluate the business and set goals.The team building activities are included in the meeting to celebrate the wins and get everyone on the same page.Lori loosely follows the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) for larger organizations, but only uses the nuggets that resonate with her business. LINKS MENTIONED: Keystone click.com Keystone click on Facebook Keystone Click on Youtube Lori Highby on Instagram Lori Highby on Linked In Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter Beefy Marketing Beefy Marketing Blog Small Business Nation

Welcome to this episode of Business Growth Hacks where we bring in successful business owners to discuss their journeys and strategies for growing their businesses. Our guest, Dr. Jean Oursler, is a top-rated speaker, world-class business performance coach, author, and creator of the Caveman Brain Business Growth System. This conversation revolves around the importance of solving problems before pursuing growth, with Dr. Jean emphasizing the value of being better rather than bigger, and preferring a small team that works cohesively. In today's society, entrepreneurs are often encouraged to strive for more growth and bigger numbers, but it's important for business owners to define what they want out of their life and their business. The primary goal of Dr. Jean's company is to leave clients better off than they were before working with her team, which is why they offer a money-back guarantee if clients don't get what they want out of their services. Stay tuned for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion! KEY Points: The icebreaker question is whether the guests would rather be able to turn anything into gold or food at will.Dr. Jean prefers to turn anything into gold because she does not need to eat and gold can be turned into money.The other hosts consider the possibility of turning food into money or using the ability to turn anything into food to be charitable in third world countries.Dr. Jean is introduced as a top-rated speaker, world-class business performance coach, author, and creator of the Caveman Brain Business Growth System.The importance of fixing problems before pursuing growthBeing better over being bigger, and prefers a small team that works well togetherSociety often pushes entrepreneurs to strive for more growth and bigger numbersIt's important for business owners to define what they want out of life and for their business, rather than just pursuing growth for its own sakeThe goal of any company is to leave clients better off than they were.The power of a money-back guarantee if clients don't get what they want LINKS MENTIONED: www.cavemanbrain.com Linkedin.com/in/jeanoursler/ facebook.com/cavemanbrain Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter Beefy Marketing Beefy Marketing Blog Small Business Nation

Welcome to today's episode of Business Growth Hacks, where we're excited to introduce our guest, Pierce Buckley, the CEO and co-founder of Babel Force, a no-code contact center platform that puts control over customer experience into the hands of customer experience professionals. In this episode, Pierce shares his foundational ethos that there are no users, only people, and how this approach can help businesses compete on customer experience. Pierce brings a unique perspective on the importance of prioritizing individual people with problems in the customer service process. During our conversation, we also discuss the challenges of starting a company and the importance of finding the right sales and marketing mix. They share their personal experience of starting a business, including their decision to follow their own approach, and the struggles of figuring out the right sales process. Join us as we delve into the world of customer experience and learn valuable insights on starting a successful business. KEY POINTS: Andrew is contemplating rebranding the podcast and is excited to have a great guest.The icebreaker question asks whether one would prefer invisibility or super speed as a superpower.Super speed is a better choice than invisibility because invisibility can be creepy.Pierce Buckley, the CEO and co-founder of Babel Force, a no-code contact center platform that focuses on putting control over customer experience into the hands of customer experience professionals.Pierce's foundational ethos is that there are no users, only people, and the sooner businesses think in those terms, the sooner they can compete on customer experience.The ethos comes from Pierce's 22 years of experience in the customer experience and contact center industry, where it's easy to forget that individual people with problems are the ones calling in.Creating your own timeline means being willing to live on rice and onions during the process.The decision to follow their approach may not have been the right one.Sometimes the idea and timing do not match.There is no perfect time to start a company.No one figures out the perfect sales process quickly.A single sentence from an investor indicated that anything that costs more than a thousand dollars a month is sales team-driven, not marketing-driven.80% of their leads are sales-driven when the cost is over a thousand dollars a month.You will always wish you had done more research on the right sales and marketing mix. QUOTABLE MOMENTS: “It's such an incredibly hard job trying to make customer service and customer experience high quality” - Pierce @ 8:07 “The longer I'm doing this game, the more I think it's almost all storytelling” - Pierce @ 15:08 LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.babelforce.com/ https://twitter.com/PierceGBuckley?s=20&amp;t=zOZs-bAwxe873lYcSaq-bA https://www.linkedin.com/in/piercebuckley/ Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter: https://twitter.com/abrockenbush Beefy Marketing: https://www.beefymarketing.com Beefy Marketing Blog https://beefymarketing.com/blog/

In this episode our host Andrew Brockenbush talks with Eric Holtzclaw, the Chief Strategist &amp; Dojo Master at Liger. Eric is Liger’s resident expert in guiding businesses to find their identities and core values, craft their visions, and establish their brands. He is a serial entrepreneur and host of The Claw podcast where he interviews business owners and entrepreneurs. Eric has contributed to magazines and online publications, and wrote the book, “Laddering: Unlocking the Potential of Consumer Behavior.” Don’t miss this fun chat that is loaded with the wisdom gained from interviewing 1000 entrepreneurs. KEY POINTS: Eric Holtzclaw is the chief strategist and Dojo master at Liger.My entrepreneur journey has been really funEric’s grandfather was the serial entrepreneur. He owned a bunch of things.When desktop publishing was coming out, Eric put together a business plan for the school about how and why to buy a desktop publishing system.Eric met his first CEO when he was recruited by a startup with ex IBM coworkers.Eric says others say his entrepreneurial spirit makes him unemployable.Andrew gains business acumen from his sales trainer experience at AppleBeing your own boss means having every client as a boss.The future of marketing is going to be just like a law firm moving forward. You have different areas of expertise, and you need to tap into different ones depending upon your goals. You have to support different learning styles or people who read, people who listen, and visual people.The Top Four Reasons Why You Should Never Start a Business.Biggest content creation mistakes are not using the full potential of your content.Squeeze created content like a lemon, get as much juice out of it as you can. QUOTABLE MOMENTS: “As long as you're aware of how you're spending and you're mindful of the strategy and the approach, and you've got kind of all of the facts in front of you before you get started, it should be fruiticious in the long term. Like it should help you grow your business the way you want but you've gotta put those goals down.” - Andrew 23:32 “we always are looking for the shiny new thing. And you don't have to create a, you, you should, you gotta create content, but like reuse it.” - Eric 46:23 LINKS MENTIONED: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-claw/id1201943078 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ https://www.instagram.com/ligerpartners/ https://ligerpartners.com/ Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter: https://twitter.com/abrockenbush Beefy Marketing: https://www.beefymarketing.com Beefy Marketing Blog

Preston Brown is a successful speaker, entrepreneur, and multiple eight-figure business owner who specializes in disruptive innovation and profitably scaling companies. He started his first company in college and became an expert in finance, business, and real estate. Brown has advised hundreds of CEOs and entrepreneurs on growing and scaling their companies. His father's death in 2019 was a turning point that made him realize the meaning of life is love, not money. Brown believes that entrepreneurship is a beautiful journey that involves challenges and fighting every day. Love has three levels, and paradoxes indicate that miracles are present. The paradox of unconditional love requires reciprocation to turn a line into a circle. Businesses can use love in a transactional way by giving something away for free with no expectation of reciprocation. Investing in mindset, coaching, seminars, books, and networking are essential to success. Key Points: Preston Brown is a speaker, entrepreneur, and multiple eight-figure business owner.He specializes in disruptive innovation and profitably scaling companies.He started his first company in college and was making more than his professors soon after.Brown is an expert in finance, business, and real estate and has advised hundreds of CEOs and entrepreneurs on growing and scaling their companies.At the age of seven, he became obsessed with making money.He pursued money relentlesslyHe built companies and put competitors out of business.In 2019, he received a phone call informing him of his father's death, which was a turning point in his life.It made him realize that he had been chasing money his entire life, and he was going to die someday.He realized that love should be the meaning of life and not money.Brown believes that entrepreneurship is a beautiful journey that involves dealing with challenges and fighting every day.Love has three levels, and one loves as much as they are willing to suffer for another person.Paradoxes indicate that a miracle is present, and if someone is not experiencing plenty of miracles, they may be doing something wrong.The paradox of unconditional love is that it requires reciprocation to turn a line with a beginning and ending into a circle with no beginnings or endings.Businesses can use love in a transactional way by giving something away for free with no expectation of reciprocation.Investing in mindset, coaching, seminars, books, and networking are all essential to success. Links Mentioned: https://theprestonbrown.com Preston on Facebook Preston on Youtube Preston on Linkedin Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter: https://twitter.com/abrockenbush Beefy Marketing: https://www.beefymarketing.com Beefy Marketing Blog

In this episode, we speak with Bob Hunter, the founder of Oxford Pierpont, a business development services company. Bob's journey to entrepreneurship was not an easy one, as he lost his vision due to sickle cell disease in 2016 and subsequently lost his job. However, within six months, he started his own business and has been successful ever since. Bob credits his mother's "get over it" mentality for giving him the strength to overcome his adversity and not let his illness hold him back. Bob shares his insights on overcoming adversity and maintaining a positive mindset. He mentions the concept of the "David Goggins mentality" and the importance of comparing oneself to others who have experienced greater challenges and overcome them. Bob offers two practical tips for both business and personal growth - the first being to practice meditation to strengthen one's perspective and maintain a positive mindset, and the second is to focus on fixing personal credit, as it will make it easier to grow a business later on. Overall, this episode is an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation on resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset in the face of adversityBob Hunter was the director of Operations Development at L M I Solutions and had a successful career. KEY POINTS: Bob lost his vision in 2016 due to sickle cell disease and lost his job.Within six months, he started his own business called Oxford Pier Pon, offering business development services.He was almost not born due to sickle cell disease but survived after having his spleen removed as an infant.He spent a lot of time in the children's hospital as a child but appreciates his mother for shaping his perspective on the disease.He believes that anyone with an illness can make a decision each morning to be in charge of their life or let their health control it.His mother had a "get over it" mentality which he credits for giving him strength as an adult.He was raised with the mindset that his illness should not hold him back and his mother still expected him to do well in school.The speaker discusses the concept of the "David Goggins mentality" and how it relates to overcoming adversity.The speaker mentions their experiences interviewing people with inspiring stories of overcoming adversity.The speaker suggests that it's important to compare oneself to others who have experienced more challenges and overcome them.The speaker wants to ask the interviewee, Bob, for both a business and a mindset hack.Bob's first piece of advice is to practice meditation to strengthen one's perspective and maintain a positive mindset.Bob's second piece of advice is to focus on fixing personal credit, as it will make it easier to grow a business later on. QUOTABLE MOMENTS: “ You can do way more with a positive mindset than you can a negative one” - Bob Hunter 47:48 LINKS MENTIONED: Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OxfordPierpont/ Bob on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mybusinesscredit1052 Bob on Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/OxfordPierpont/ Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter: https://twitter.com/abrockenbush Beefy Marketing: https://www.beefymarketing.com

The guest on the podcast is the owner of Monomoy Social Media, Nicole Porter. Monomoy is a social media marketing agency that helps people create consistency and visibility on social platforms. They have 10 years of experience in the industry, having started their own chocolate business and learning about social media for their own business. The guest took courses and practiced on friends' businesses before opening the agency in 2017. They discuss how social media has evolved over the years, with the average engagement rate on Facebook being less than 1%. The guest promotes their "Social Circle" program, which provides people with content, captions, and graphics every month and includes group coaching and a Facebook group. Key Points From This Episode: •Helped people create consistency and visibility on social platforms•Owned small chocolate business for 10 years•Had to figure out social media for own business•Learning email marketing and all aspects of being an entrepreneur•Started chocolate business in high school•Family of high school sweetheart owned chocolate store•Worked in different industries after college but always had entrepreneurial spirit•Opened first chocolate shop, relied on Facebook and Instagram for marketing•Moved chocolate making to home kitchen, heavily relied on internet marketing•Paid for teaching mortgage broker how to use Facebook•Decided to make switch to social media marketing, took courses, practiced on friends' businesses•Had to evolve social media strategy as engagement rate changed over 10 years•Average engagement rate on Facebook is less than 1%•Platforms first started as social and then evolved for business use.•Podcasters joke about getting to interview people that bring value to them as well.•They own an agency for 10 years and are open to improving and changing tactics.•A guest recently challenged their thinking on paid ads vs organic traffic.•They like to learn from guests who bring a lot of value as entrepreneurs and agency owners.•Introducing the "Social Circle" program, which is a newer program•The program provides people with content, captions, and graphics every month, and includes group coaching and a Facebook group.•The program is industry wide, but more service-based and better for small businesses and nonprofits.•The guest also offers full-service social media management and a brand refresh group.•The brand refresh group will be giving away a free logo, website, and social media plan with content to an organization in need in February. Links Mentioned: https://www.blulightconsulting.com/brandfreefresh

Today on Business Growth Hacks we have a great guest! Drew Donaldson, an entrepreneur who has built several small companies, including GroHaus, which helps business owners market their companies in a digital world. Drew discusses the benefits of moving from a fast-paced urban environment like Manhattan to a slower pace of life in Pennsylvania. He highlights how the change in pace has positively impacted his business as an entrepreneur and marketing consultant. He also talks about his background in the media industry and how he transitioned from video production to consulting role. Also hear how he focuses on data and marketing strategy to help businesses improve their marketing strategies. Key Points In This Episode: Getting into hustle mode and determined to accomplish their goals for the new yearWhat store they would pick for a free shopping spree for the rest of their lifeDrew Donaldson, is an entrepreneur who has built several small companies, including GroHaus, which helps business owners market their companies in a digital world and provides guidance to help them grow their businessesDrew leads the strategy and client services team Drew mentions he lives in an old house in rural Pennsylvania, which he moved to accidentally while working as a corporate consultant in Manhattan and wanted to escape the high expenses of living in New YorkYou must understand the potential consequences of not making a difference in your business or making a change in your businessFind it exciting to share new creative ways that people can implement change in their businessesThe growth hack is to share that they believe the top marketing plan for 2023 is using the platform High Level, which they find to be a fantastic tool and they provide it to all of their clients for freeUse cold emails to reach new clients, and they recommend using hyper short emails that cut straight to the point, ask a specific industry insider question, and have gotten up to 40% response rates. Quotable Moments: “And really we start with crafting this, this story, right? Because in order to sell anything, you have to have a good story about why you're in business in the first place. Otherwise you just look like an opportunist.” 17:56 “Hyper short emails that cut straight to the point, and don't talk anything about you, but ask a very specific industry insider question. I've done this with certain clients and they've gotten up to 40% response rates on, on, on this strategy.” 48:50 Links Mentioned: GroHaus.org Drew Donaldson on Linked in Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter Beefy Marketing Beefy Marketing Blog High Level

This episode features Amy Singleton, as a guest on the show. She talks about how transitioning from being a nurse to entrepreneurship helped them heal and find purpose. They express excitement about the freedom and limitless growth opportunities that entrepreneurship provides. Entrepreneurship brings freedom but can also be challenging in terms of work-life balance. Key Points From This Episode: Host Andrew Brockenbush and co-host John Fritzching have known each other for over 13 yearsAmy discusses how a career transition from being a nurse to entrepreneurship helped with their healing and finding purpose after a difficult time in their lifeFinding new ways to serve people and help them grow their businessesExcitement about the freedom and limitless growth opportunities that entrepreneurship providesThey mention the possibility of hiring a CEO to run their agency but ultimately choose to stay because of the freedom and flexibility that entrepreneurship offers.Entrepreneurship brings freedom but can also be challenging in terms of work-life balanceEntrepreneurship is a yin and yang of different parts of life and can be enjoyable and not feel like workRigidity and strict schedules can be a negative aspect of traditional jobsTaking time for things that bring joy and relaxation can lead to more productivity and creativityEntrepreneurs may find themselves in a rut and questioning if they should continue with their businessAdvice for getting out of this rut includes working with a mindset coach, therapy, and focusing on the bigger picture and reasons why the business was started in the first place.They acknowledge the need for more resources and representation for female entrepreneurs in the industryThey offer a business growth hack related to mindset, specifically addressing the tendency to catastrophize and instead visualizing the best possible outcome in difficult situations. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Amy On Linked In Hite Digital Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter Beefy Marketing Beefy Marketing Blog

In this episode of Small Business Nation, our guest is Jody Grunden, the owner of Summit CPA Group. Jody joins the show to discuss the financial side of businesses and how to maximize profits, minimize taxes, and increase cash flow. Summit CPA Group is a division of Anders CPAs and Advisors, which is the first fully distributed accounting firm and leading provider of virtual CFO services in North America. Jody is also an industry speaker and author of the book "Digital Dollars and Cents," which helps digital companies create a financial roadmap to success. KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE: Jody is the guest on Small Business Nation and he helps business owners dive deep into the financial side of their businesses to maximize profits, minimize taxes, increase cash flow.Summit CPA Group Summit merged with Anders CPAs and Advisors in 2022, now a division of Anders is the first fully distributed accounting firm and as the leading provider of virtual CFO services in North America.Summit provides professional virtual CFO services for over a hundred companies across the United States.Jody's company, Summit CPA Group, started as a traditional accounting firm but shifted to a virtual CFO service.The company used SEO and inbound marketing to grow its client base, and also niched its service to focus on the creative agency industry.The company's revenue has grown significantly, currently at $12 million with 60% of clients in the creative agency spaceThe company is 100% remote and 100% inbound marketing, with clients coming to them without the need to reach out to prospects.The virtual CFO helps business owners make decisions by sitting alongside them in weekly or monthly meetings.The virtual CFO helps business owners to be a stronger leader and make sound decisions by sharing worries, issues and all the different things that are affecting the company.A strategy for pipeline adjustment is used to determine short-term capacity and resource needs for a businessSubscription business models are preferable because they provide predictable revenue that can be counted on for payroll and managing growthFour key metrics to focus on for a successful business: cash metrics, production metrics, financial metrics, and pipeline metrics.Reach Reporting is a tool that can be used for reporting and forecasting, and Gaff JIRA V and Plant Guru are also useful for forecasting.Common financial mistakes include not having enough cash in the bank, and taking all of the money out of the business.The rule of thumb for cash in the bank is to keep at least 10% in reserve at all times.Paying taxes is a good thing, as it means the business is doing well. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Summit CPA Group Jody Grunden on Linked In Jody Grunden on Twitter Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter Beefy Marketing Beefy Marketing Blog Small Business Nation

In this episode, Chris Adams, founder of Ellis Adams Group and a disruptor in the hospitality industry, discusses the importance of hospitality in all industries. Chris shares his journey in the hospitality industry, starting as a pool attendant at The Ritz-Carlton and working his way up to transforming Ritz-Carltons and other businesses. He also talks about the challenges the hospitality industry has faced due to the pandemic, including labor shortages, and the importance of culture and hospitality going hand-in-hand. Chris shares his insights on the future of hospitality and the importance of thinking outside the box in the digital age. He also shares a hospitality hack to remember, which is to always be mindful of how you're treating others and make an effort to create a positive experience for them. Hospitality is about how we treat people, and it's important in all industriesChris Adams is a disruptor in the hospitality industry and the founder of Ellis Adams Group, an international consulting firm that focuses on all aspects of businesses including building brands, training, management, and revenue generationChris started in the hospitality industry as a pool attendant at The Ritz-CarltonHospitality is something that we should all practice, both professionally and personallyThe hospitality industry has been impacted by the pandemic and is facing challenges such as labor shortagesCulture and hospitality go hand-in-hand, and it's important to think outside the box in the digital age of marketingEllis Adams Group values lifestyle as a mindset, and it's important to think creatively in order to stand out in the marketplaceA hospitality hack to remember is to always be mindful of how you're treating others and make an effort to create a positive experience for them.Follow Chris Adams and Ellis Adams Group on social media to stay up to date on their work and for more hospitality insights.Remember to check out the Small Business Nation community for additional resources and support.

Your brand is more than just your logo or messaging; your brand is your reputation. Joining us today to talk about rebranding your reputation is branding expert Bobby “G” Gillespie. Bobby G is the Founder and Principal of Propr, the agency built on a green work ethic to help B2B brands scale, and to empower clients to ultimately succeed without them. In this episode, Bobby generously shares his branding philosophies on reputation, brand clarification, pivoting, trendsetting, and more. He breaks down the non-negotiable aspects of a brand, how to bridge the leadership void, and why it’s essential to maintain brand equity. Tune in to discover the best time to consider rebranding, and how a simplicity mindset will serve you and your reputation! Key Points From This Episode: Introducing brand growth consultant, Bobby G.Bobby G’s genesis story in the design and marketing world.What led to him starting his agency, Propr.The direct link between brand and reputation.The importance of clarifying your brand vision and how to do so.When to consider rebranding.The non-negotiable aspects of your brand.How to bridge the leadership void.Who plays the role of “brand police” within an organization.The importance of creating content that matters and the language used to do so.How to maintain brand equity and why it’s essential.Trendsetting versus trend following.Why it’s important to identify fads versus trends.Advice for pivoting.The danger of social media.The purpose behind Bobby G’s book, Build Your Brand Like You Give A Shit, and what readers will glean from it. The power of authenticity.The value of committing to the simplicity mindset. Tweetables: “Brand is more than just a clever logo and a great font.” — @abrockenbush [0:13:34] “Your logo, your website, your messaging, that’s all expression of your brand. What your brand is, is your reputation [and] your reputation defines you.” — @ThatBobbyG [0:14:09] “Your reputation is all the things that contribute to people’s emotional connection with you.” — @ThatBobbyG [0:14:42] “You never stop evaluating and assessing your brand.” — @ThatBobbyG [0:18:23] “There’s only one aspect of your brand that should be non-negotiable and that’s your values and purpose.” — @ThatBobbyG [0:18:49] “Creating content that gives value to your customers shows your point of view and perspective … Do that so you attract the right people and repel the wrong ones.” — @ThatBobbyG [0:29:57] “Being consistent with everything is really how you maintain the right amount of brand equity, so you’re managing your customer’s expectation before they’re even a customer.” — @ThatBobbyG [0:32:36] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Bobby Gillespie on LinkedIn Bobby G on Twitter Propr <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Brand-Like-Give-ebook/dp/B0BHV2ZHYH"...

Did you know Play-Doh, Starbucks, and Netflix have something in common? They have all changed their models at some point and rebranded to become some of the most successful businesses in the world. Welcome to a new episode of the Business Growth Hacks podcast! Today, Andrew Brockenbush and John Fritzsching discuss all things business pivoting. Opening the episode, Andrew and John explain why pivoting is not indicative of wasted or unproductive time, but rather a way to create an anchor point and move towards your goals, all while avoiding obstacles. We begin to understand how to use market research to change (or not to change) your brand, adapt your business model without changing the product, and remain anchored in your goals, plus a whole lot more. From making ‘eeny, meeny, miny, moe' decisions to creating a formal, written plan, Andrew and John discuss it all! We hope you’ll join us. Key Points From This Episode: John’s most used decision-making method: ‘eeny, meeny, miny, moe’ versus making lists.How to understand the definition of a pivot from a business perspective.A look at why pivoting is less about moving away from a goal and more about navigating obstacles to ensure better success.Why pivoting does not reflect wasted or unproductive time.Play-Doh, Starbucks, and Netflix as famous companies with surprising pivots.The importance of branding (and rebranding).How following the profit is a way to anchor your business to pivot your business.Using basketball analogies to understand business pivoting.When and why businesses should consider pivoting.Why your target audience or customers might change and how to pivot towards keeping them.Things to avoid while pivoting.A look at how (and why it might suit you) to niche down. Why you should learn about your employees' competencies and passions to ensure alignment within your business.Why your goals need to be written down, clearly defined, and transparent. Tweetables: “When talking about pivot in your business, we are talking about change.” — @abrockenbush [0:06:02] “Just because you are making a pivot does not mean everything you have done up until this point is a waste, wasted time, or unproductive.” — John [0:07:30] “When you are climbing a ladder, if you don’t let go of the rung that you are on, you won’t be able to grab the next.” — John [0:20:43] “The only thing that is not worth points is off the target—a small bullseye has a large value.” — @abrockenbush [0:27:48] “It is not a plan if it is not written down.” — John [0:40:04] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Play-Doh Starbucks Netflix Spotify Adobe Instagram TikTok Chick-fil-A Andrew Brockenbush on Twitter Beefy Marketing Beefy Marketing on...

Welcome back to the Business Growth Hacks podcast, hosted by Beefy Marketing! We have Mary Ann Pruitt with Mosaic Media in conversation with us today. Join us today to hear all about Mosaic Media’s approach to media buying, strategic planning, and programmatic. Mary Ann also shares her thoughts on how Facebook is evolving into more of a brand recognition platform than a targeting one. You’ll also hear Mary Ann’s insights about the influence of the pandemic on media consumption, why you should constantly be updating your research tools, and whether or not traditional media is dead. We touch on responding to habit-forming behavior and learn why an omnichannel approach is absolutely essential before touching on eCommerce and the importance of diving deep into your customer’s persona to reach them effectively. Finally, we discuss vital questions to ask when choosing a specialist to take the reins in the area of media buying for your company. Join us today to hear all this and more! Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to today’s guest, Mary Ann Pruitt, CEO of Mosaic Media.Ice-breaker question: Mary’s dream vacation in Sicily.Mosaic Media’s focus on media strategies for agencies and in-house brands.Why it has become more expensive to keep strategy in-house for brands.Their goal to be a revenue generator for a company, instead of just a cost.Maximizing strategy according to the target audience.Why she thinks of Facebook as more of a brand recognition platform than a targeting one.Why your targeting should be evolving into a programmatic buying space.How Mary Ann defines media buying and why you have to have a strategic plan behind it.The necessity of finding a specialist who stays on top of the changing landscape.How the pandemic has forced us into an evolution of media consumption we weren’t ready for.Why you should constantly be updating your research tools.Why Mary Ann doesn’t believe that traditional media is dead.How a change in behavior forms a habit that you should respond to.Why you have to have an omnichannel approach in order to catch a customer’s attention.Digging deep into your customer’s persona in order to reach them.Why it is essential to have an eCommerce option.Her favorite form of marketing: the programmatic approach specified to you.Finding a partner that knows how to use all the platforms as well as programmatic.Why you should be aiming for quality impressions over their quantity.The most important thing for agencies to know: know what your strengths are and outsource what you don’t know.Mary Ann’s big goal to help and educate agencies on the omnichannel approach.Where businesses should start when developing an ad strategy.Questions to ask when choosing a partner including whether they are Google partners.What the data will begin to reveal to you when you use the programmatic space.Mary Ann’s Business Growth Hack for the listeners: know that your small budget can do something if you use programmatic.The importance of checking the social sentiment of your brand.Mary Ann’s invitation to contact her with any questions you may have. Tweetables: “At Mosaic Media, we concentrate on media. What are your media strategies? What are your paid tactics? How does your earned media go with your paid tactics? How are you maximizing those paid tactics? In today’s world, it’s so specialized and confusing.” — @mediaMAPs [0:06:46] “If you’re not starting to think about the evolution of your targeting into a programmatic buying space, then that’s where you are behind.” — <a href="https://twitter.com/mediaMAPs"...

What is an effective brand? How does a company’s identity tie into its marketing strategy? These are just some questions we answer in this episode with marketing and brand guru Orsolya Herbein. She believes that if you don’t have a clear message and image, it could lead to a waste of valuable resources, which could be as much as 80% of your marketing budget. She is a partner and creative director at Brand3, which helps businesses reach their brand and marketing potential. The Brand3 approach is to help companies think differently about marketing while ensuring they do not waste valuable time and money on ineffective strategies. They achieve this while also providing actionable approaches to help grow the business. Her success at Brand3 is due to her unique quality as a visual problem-solver and her background in graphic design. In our conversation, we talk about everything branding, identity, and marketing and get the inside scoop on what makes a successful strategy. We find out how Orsolya first got started in the world of marketing and learn about the work that Brand3 does. We also discuss the biggest challenges facing business owners, why identifying your best customers is important, and what the ‘brand-first’ approach means to our guest. Tune in to discover the common mistakes made by businesses, the number one driver of engagement, which priority areas businesses should focus on, and so much more. If you want your company to reach its marketing and brand potential, this episode is for you! Key Points From This Episode: Introduction and background of today’s guest, Orsolya Herbein.Today’s icebreaker for Orsolya: a recipe that always reminds her of home.She tells us about Brand3 and the work that the company does.How she first got started in the world of branding and marketing. The biggest challenges that business owners are facing.Brand3’s approach to overcoming the challenges businesses are experiencing. Why building a brand around your favorite customers is essential to growth.What ‘brand-first’ approach means to Orsolya and why it is important.The priority areas that a business should focus on from the start.The common mistakes that companies make concerning marketing.The number one driver of engagement: trust.The power of identity is and how to harness it.Some examples of mistakes that businesses make regarding identity.A rundown of the problems that a bad company name can cause.We end the show by learning Orsolya’s growth hack and takeaway message. Tweetables: “Every brand essentially makes a promise that appears on your marketing material.” — @OrsolyaHerbein [0:11:27] “Whether you have thought about it or not, you have a brand because every time you push something in front of someone you are going to be perceived somehow.” — @OrsolyaHerbein [0:16:04] “The first step, always, is to define your ideal customer and the next step after that is to define what they value.” — @OrsolyaHerbein [0:21:38] “You are building the brand, not for yourself, you are building it for your customers because they are the ones that have to engage with it.” — @OrsolyaHerbein [0:27:53] “I believe staying literal is sometimes very beneficial for an identity of a small business.” — @OrsolyaHerbein [0:34:44] ...