Marketer of the Day with Robert Plank: Get Daily Insights from the Top Internet Marketers & Entrepreneurs Around the World

Direct mail automation allows you to produce personalized letters and cards, which also offers full-service printing and mailing services, tracking, tracing, and impact measurement when combined with direct mail and CRM integration. Such technology might be considered to be old-school by many since it has been around forever and has already “peaked” however, email inboxes nowadays have been very difficult to manage due to a blow up in digital and email marketing, causing a massive bloat in marketers’ inboxes and prices getting inflated. Direct mail brings you back to the basics with its more simple and integrated features. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyUExGaXaog Dennis Kelly is the CEO of Postalytics, a company that helps businesses leverage direct mail marketing in a modern, automated way. Postalytics provides tools and services to simplify the process of creating and sending personalized postcards and letters, integrate direct mail with CRM and marketing automation, and track the performance of direct mail campaigns. Today, Dennis discusses the benefits of using direct mail as a marketing channel, especially as digital channels become more crowded. Quotes “What we've done is build a national network of print partners across the country. We've negotiated bulk rates and pricing that individual businesses could never obtain on their own.” - Dennis Kelly “We've integrated with the Postal Service's tracking system behind the scenes. Now, every single piece of mail sent through Postal X is tracked throughout the entire delivery process.” - Dennis Kelly “Don't do it the old-fashioned way. Approach it in a modern, smart manner, so you can focus on how to conduct testing and improve marketing, instead of spending your time as a project manager.” - Dennis Kelly Takeaways 00:45 Direct mail marketing is making a comeback as digital channels become increasingly crowded and less effective. 06:42 Postalytics simplifies the direct mail process by providing a national network of print partners, bulk pricing, and automated tracking and analytics. 10:38 Integrating direct mail with CRM and marketing automation allows businesses to personalize and target their campaigns more effectively. 14:44 Testing and iterating on direct mail campaigns, similar to digital marketing, is crucial for success. 19:02 Businesses should take a long-term, consistent approach to direct mail marketing rather than relying on one-off campaigns. Resources Postalytics: Direct Mail Automation as Easy as Email Message Postalytics on Facebook Connect with Dennis Kelly on LinkedIn

Market domination is an important part of any business. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons why you’re starting your business in the first place — to be the best at what you do and have everyone else know about it. It’s time to separate yourself from the competition. You know you’re the expert and you’re ready to take the reins on your industry, but how are you going to do it? You need a plan of attack, an opportunity to show the world what you’re made of. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naU6YCKUVB0 Gary Geiman is a serial entrepreneur and business owner. He owns and operates DMN8 Partners, a digital marketing and consulting company that helps business owners dominate their competition and market. Today, Gary discusses the importance of making customers and employees the priority, and how to create a business that is a business, not just a job. Quotes “Put value out into the universe. If you consistently provide value, it will come back to you.” - Gary Geiman “Production over perfection. I believe that speed and ease of use in terms of services and products should be top priorities for most businesses.” - Gary Geiman “To make people aware of you and your business, post on social media multiple times daily. If you're not posting continuously and consistently, you're leaving people in the dark about what you do.” - Gary Geiman Takeaways 00:51 Prioritizing customers and employees is key to building a successful business. 10:28 Embracing a "production over perfection" mindset can lead to faster results and better customer experiences. 13:32 Consistently providing value to others, both customers and the community, can lead to unexpected rewards. 21:57 Understanding the nuances of a local real estate market, down to the street level, is key to making informed investment decisions and targeting the right customers. 28:37 Consistent and continuous social media posting, especially using video, is crucial for building awareness and making people aware of your business. Resources DMN8 Partners: Digital Marketing Agency In Cincinnati, OH Follow Gary Geiman on Twitter Connect with Gary Geiman on LinkedIn

What prevents you from podcasting? When preparing for a show, people frequently forget to ask themselves, first and foremost, what is the goal? Some podcasters may already be working toward a goal but unaware of it. There are several factors to consider before you make a podcast. Creating content, identifying your target market, deciding how frequently to post, and many other things. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiKlZrkJkkE Todd Cochrane is the CEO of Blubrry Podcasting. Todd wrote the book on podcasting called Podcasting - The Do It Yourself Guide. He has Blubrry Podcasting and its parent company Raw Voice, a full-service podcast hosting service. They aim to create a platform that will enable anyone who wants to start developing or growing a show to do so in a manner they believe to be correct and start creating a brand on your .com properly. In this episode, he talks about how you can start podcasting, building your show, brand, audience, and tribe, and what you can do as a podcaster to build traffic on your podcast. Quotes “You've never seen someone build a castle on rented land.” - Todd Cochrane “Podcasting is amazing, diverse, and inclusive. You hear all these buzzwords today, like DEI, but podcasting truly embodies them. Everyone is creating content now, and the barriers to entry are very, very low.” - Todd Cochrane “You never know who's listening. It might be one person or 1000, but that one person could completely change your life, depending on the goal of the show and the stage you are at in business or content creation.” - Todd Cochrane Takeaways 02:21 Building your brand on your own domain, rather than "rented land," is crucial for long-term success in podcasting. 07:38 Consistency is key - getting to that first episode is the hardest part, but once you do, it's about "rinse, wash, repeat" to build a sustainable show. 11:04 Setting clear goals for your podcast, whether it's building authority, generating leads, or something else, is essential for guiding your content creation. 15:32 Visualizing your audience, even if it's just 100 people, can help you approach your podcast with more respect and preparation. 20:47 You never know who is listening to your podcast, so it's important to approach each episode with a good mindset. Resources Blubrry: Blubrry’s podcast hosting makes publishing, growing and monetizing your show easy. Follow Todd Cochrane on Facebook Connect with Todd Cochrane on LinkedIn Podcasting: Do-It-Yourself Guide by Todd Cochrane on Amazon

Do you want your business to grow and scale? Are you searching for ways how to increase the sales of your business? Most businesses market just by focusing on themselves rather than solving the problem. This makes the business boring and affects the overall growth of your business. Using the funnels, you will get more attention, which leads to an increase in traffic and sales. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x09ta5rlOoo Alisha Conlin-Hurd is the co-founder of Persuasion Experience, a company that helps businesses create high-converting funnels. With over 450 funnels launched and experience building funnel and conversion teams from scratch, Alisha is an expert in the field of online marketing. Today, Alisha shares the importance of the post-click experience, which is what happens after someone clicks on your marketing Quotes “A funnel isn't optional. You have a funnel, whether you want one or not, because it's effectively every single touchpoint somebody has with your brand.” - Alisha Conlin-Hurd “Marketing is just inputs and outputs—garbage in, garbage out. We need to go back and do a lot of that unsexy, foundational work to understand who's the target market.” - Alisha Conlin-Hurd “Be outrageous, be polarizing, and that's how you'll attract the right people.” - Alisha Conlin-Hurd Takeaways 00:36 Focusing on the "why" behind your marketing, rather than just the "how" or "what", is crucial for creating an irresistible offer that resonates with your target audience. 07:13 Building a competitive moat around your business by developing proprietary language and systems can help you stand out from the competition. 11:49 Maintaining self-awareness and being willing to let go of tasks that are not high-leverage can help you stay focused and productive as an entrepreneur. 15:56 Identifying and amplifying the 20% of your marketing that is already working, rather than just dismissing it, can be a more effective strategy than completely overhauling your approach. 22:18 Being willing to experiment with outrageous and polarizing marketing tactics can help you attract the right people to your business. Resources: Persuasion Experience: We Uncover What Makes People Buy From You, And Craft Sales Machines To Convert More Traffic Follow Alisha Conlin-Hurd on Facebook Follow Alisha Conlin-Hurd on X (Twitter) Follow Alisha Conlin-Hurd on Instagram Connect with Alisha Conlin-Hurd on LinkedIn Subscribe to Alisha Conlin-Hurd on YouTube The Agents of Change: Building a Better Online Sales Funnel

Do you want to enter the world of real estate? Are you hesitant because of the large risk it has? Everyone desires to be a real estate investor because of the huge cash it brings, but little do they know that it only has a 3-5% success rate. The root of people's problems is that they are trying to put different things together, not understanding how they fit. However, this problem could be solved by acquiring everything from just one trustable source, having a coordinated piece and building an assembly line. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTsm-Ix7otc Peter Vekselman is a real estate investing expert who has completed over 3,600 real estate deals. He is the founder of Partner Driven, a company that provides a comprehensive platform for real estate investors, offering lead generation, capital, construction, and sales services. Today, Peter discusses the common pitfalls that hold back many real estate investors, emphasizing the need for a unified approach that combines all the necessary elements of a successful real estate business. Quotes “Whoever spends the most money on marketing and screams the loudest gets the most attention. It's not because they're the smartest—they just make the most noise.” - Peter Vekselman “You've got to be willing to put in the time and effort. You've got to be a long-term player because nothing happens overnight.” - Peter Vekselman “The goal is to get as many deals under contract as possible. Because ultimately, he who controls real estate makes the most money.” - Peter Vekselman Takeaways 01:27 Real estate investing success rates are low, with only 3-5% of investors achieving success, due to the complexity of piecing together all the necessary elements of the business. 06:38 Successful real estate investing requires a long-term mindset, a willingness to put in the effort, and a desire to level up and achieve more than one's current situation. 13:49 Effective lead generation and communication with property owners are the core skills that drive profitability in real estate, while the back-end operations can be handled by a supportive team. 17:13 Aligning with experienced and successful real estate investors is the ultimate shortcut to achieving one's own success in the industry. 21:07 Partnering with a comprehensive real estate investing platform can mitigate risk and liability, allowing investors to focus on the revenue-generating activities. Resources Partner Driven: You find the deal. We fund & flip it. Follow Peter Vekselman on Facebook Connect with Peter Vekselman on LinkedIn Subscribe to Peter Vekselman on YouTube Follow Peter Vekselman on Instagram

Do you want to learn more about leveraging your business online using podcasting? Are you looking for strategies to achieve rapid growth in your business? Do you want to become a better storyteller and build more influence in your business and marketing? You must start with the basics to attract potential customers and generate sales for your products or services. Because you already have a business, you know your ideal customer and who you want to sell to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH9Bj1aWRWk Shaahin Cheyene is an entrepreneur who has started multiple companies, including Podcastcola. He is the author of the book "Billion: How I Became King Of The Thrill Pill Cult" and the host of the podcast "Hack and Grow Rich". Today, Shaahin describes how podcasting can be used to double your revenue and sell products or services. He explains that podcasting allows you to build a relationship with your audience, unlike traditional advertising where the attention span is short. Quotes “Podcasts, unlike traditional advertising, especially long-form podcasts, allow you to get to know the person.” - Shaahin Cheyene “Quantity does matter. Quality is important, quantity is important, and just staying relevant is important.” - Shaahin Cheyene “If you're going to do it, do it right. That means focusing on working on your business, not in your business, and doing what I do—bringing on the best people in whatever fields I need to accelerate my business.” - Shaahin Cheyene Takeaways 00:48 Podcasting allows you to build a deeper relationship with your audience compared to traditional advertising. 05:11 It takes time and practice to become comfortable and effective at podcasting, but working with a professional agency can help overcome the initial learning curve. 11:03 Quantity and consistency are important factors in successful podcasting, not just quality. 18:32 Podcasting is more effective for businesses with a backend (e.g., online courses, coaching) rather than just selling books. 26:14 If you're going to pursue podcasting, do it right by bringing on the best people and experts to help accelerate your business, rather than trying to do it all yourself. Resources Podcastcola: ROI - Driven Podcast Booking Agency. Get Featured on Top Shows. Shaahin Cheyenne: RANKED #1 Amazon Accelerator ⚡💰 Follow Shaahin Cheyene on Facebook Connect with Shaahin Cheyene on LinkedIn Subscribe to Hack And Grow Rich on YouTube Hack and Grow Rich Podcast: Business Story of the Week

Now more than ever, it's hard to get ahead in business. Business owners are very busy trying to get new customers, keep the ones they already have happy, and make sure their product or service is at the level it needs to be to be competitive. When you add in business costs, taxes, and employees who aren't happy, most business owners will admit they're at their wits' end. Email Marketing Automation won't solve all your business problems, but it will make the most important parts of your business much easier and more effective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od3W4ciY-jE Greg Zakowicz is a veteran marketer and the senior ecommerce expert at Omnisend. As an experienced professional in the field of ecommerce, Greg has the knowledge on how businesses can take advantage of email, SMS, and other marketing channels to drive sales and growth. Today, Greg discusses the benefits of using Omnisend, an all-in-one platform that integrates email, SMS, and retargeting capabilities to help ecommerce businesses streamline their marketing efforts and improve their overall performance. Quotes “15 years ago, having a sophisticated platform for marketing purposes was a lot more challenging, complex, and expensive than it is today.” - Greg Zakowicz “Do not rest on your laurels, don't assume, and don't hold yourself back or unknowingly self-sabotage.” - Greg Zakowicz “This stuff does not have to be hard. Don't get overwhelmed. It's super easy—just do one thing at a time.” - Greg Zakowicz Takeaways 01:01 Integrating email, SMS, and retargeting capabilities on a single platform can help ecommerce businesses streamline their marketing efforts and improve overall performance. 05:45 Retargeting customers across multiple channels, such as email, SMS, and social media, can effectively rekindle their intent and drive more sales. 13:36 Embracing new marketing channels, like SMS, even if they may not seem like a natural fit for your audience, can lead to unexpected growth opportunities. 17:51 Constantly experimenting and trying new tactics, even if they seem risky, is crucial for staying ahead in the ever-evolving ecommerce landscape. 23:38 Focusing on one step at a time, rather than getting overwhelmed by the complexity of multi-channel marketing, is the key to successful implementation. Resources Omnisend: Ecommerce Email Marketeing and SMS Platform. Email & SMS marketing so good, it’s boring Follow Omnisend on Facebook Connect with Greg Zakowicz on LinkedIn

There are currently millions of podcasts floating around the internet, covering every topic of possible interest to humans. Due to the large number of podcasts already available, it can be challenging to gain attention in this market. For podcasters who don't have a sizable following, the available methods of making money are limited at best. It's a shame, because there is so much great stuff out there, that this discouragement leads to the departure of otherwise brilliant producers from the podcasting medium. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD_8Y7wkye0 Mike Kadin is the Founder and CEO of RedCircle, a podcast hosting and advertising platform. With his unique experience working with thousands of podcasters and advertisers, Mike has gained valuable insights into the podcasting industry and the challenges faced by independent creators. Today, Mike discusses the importance of creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Quotes “Don't be too afraid of competition in your area, unless it's from a huge podcast that everybody knows.” - Mike Kadin “You're not going to be good at it in the beginning. You're going to have to practice, and you'll get better. Get your first one out there, listen to feedback from your fans, iterate, and just continue to get better.” - Mike Kadin “There's no TikTok algorithm that's going to take you to a million views tomorrow. It's a slower medium, both in terms of how people listen and in how you grow. You have to put in the work over time.” - Mike Kadin Takeaways 02:56 Utilize cross-promotion strategies to expand your podcast's reach and grow your audience. 04:19 Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience before worrying about monetization. 14:12 Consider offering listener support options, as many fans are willing to contribute a small amount to support creators they value. 16:33 Partner with the right platforms and services to streamline the business side of your podcast, allowing you to focus on content creation. 20:05 The podcast industry is not dominated by traditional media and celebrities, as 65% of podcast listeners are tuning in to the "middle class and long tail of podcasters." Resources RedCircle: Host Your Podcast & Grow Your Revenue Connect with Mike Kadin on LinkedIn

There are so many situations in business and life where a small amount of reconfiguration is the solution. Perhaps there is no need to start over from scratch after discarding everything you've accomplished in your life. A slight reconfiguration may do instead of something more drastic, and that can entail reconfiguring your priorities, schedule, and finances. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_48fku-CDuE Simon Severino is the Founder of Strategy Sprints, a company that helps business owners in SaaS and services run their companies more effectively. He is the author of the book "Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth for an Agile Business," which provides a framework for entrepreneurs to improve their decision-making, increase sales, and achieve their goals. Today, Simon discusses the importance of writing things down, measuring key metrics, and having a clear process for making decisions. Quotes “If you don't write down your assumptions, you treat them as if they were reality.” - Simon Severino “If you don't know your numbers, your decisions are not based on data—they're based on rumors.” - Simon Severino “When the tide goes out, you see who's swimming naked. Whenever there's a recession-type situation, the mindset that gets me through is that the weak hands are just being weeded out. All these businesses might not even have had any business making money.” - Simon Severino Takeaways 02:49 Documenting your assumptions and testing them through experiments is crucial for making informed business decisions. 07:51 Tracking a few key metrics regularly can help you quickly identify and adapt to changes in your business or industry. 18:30 Simplifying your business offerings and focusing on one core solution can lead to a more efficient and profitable operation. 22:17 Connecting your daily work to the tangible results and feedback from clients can help overcome the perceived "boredom" of repetitive tasks. 23:49 Reducing the number of "parts" or components in your business can make it easier to maintain and improve over time. Resources Subscribe to Simon Severino on YouTube Strategy Sprints: Business Coaching for Agencies, Consultancies, SaaS, Strategy Sprints. Follow Strategy Sprints on Facebook Connect with Simon Severino on LinkedIn Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth for an Agile Business by Simon Severino on Amazon

With the growth of technology comes a wide variety of mobile applications that provide solutions, entertainment, etc., to their users. Various mobile applications are arising from left to right, and some mobile app companies are struggling in growing their apps. It is clear that there will be a problem when it comes to the app's growth due to the increase in competition in the industry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE1VmaH6KwE Zino Rost van Tonningen is the CEO of TyrAds, a company that helps mobile app developers scale their user base from 100k to 10 million users and beyond. With over 8 years of experience in building and growing 8-figure businesses, Zino is an expert in the field of app marketing and advertising. Today, Zino talks about the challenges app developers face in growing their user base, the importance of finding the right target audience, and how his company utilizes data and privacy-centric methods to help clients achieve their growth goals. Quotes “Sometimes you have a very good product that sells itself, but sometimes you have an excellent product that has a very strong viral effect.” - Zino Rost van Tonningen “If you target the right people who are actually looking for that service, it's going to be much easier.” - Zino Rost van Tonningen “Make sure you're prepared. As I've always mentioned, proper preparation prevents poor performance, so make sure you're properly prepared.” - Zino Rost van Tonningen Takeaways 04:41 Successful app growth often requires more than just a great product - targeted marketing and audience identification are crucial. 14:17 Taking advantage of first-party data and privacy-centric targeting methods can help app developers effectively scale their user base, even as industry changes make traditional targeting more challenging. 15:14 Preparing for the future of app marketing, where device IDs and personal data become more restricted, is key to maintaining growth momentum. 20:42 Consumers may be willing to trade personal data for free or valuable services, but transparency and clear choices are important. 24:42 Preparing now for the future of app marketing, where device IDs and personal data become more restricted, can give developers a significant advantage. Resources Tyrads: Boost Your Success With Top App Marketing Companies Follow Tyrads Marketing on Facebook Connect with Zino Rost van Tonningen on LinkedIn

Do you want to start selling online, or are you looking for ways to increase your current online sales? There are a plethora of opportunities to do business online. Used equipment and goods can be sold through a variety of sales channels, some of which will even consign or sell on your behalf. If you want to launch a business, sell innovative products, and reach a large customer base, selling on Amazon is your best bet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJEXmoWQDGk Stephen Somers is the founder of Grow My Reach, a platform that teaches online business owners how to become high-level marketers and disruptors in their industries. He has been an entrepreneur since 2014 and also runs the successful business Marketplace Superheroes, which serves over 10,000 people and teaches various Amazon selling strategies. Today, Stephen shares his journey of building a successful business and the importance of distribution and marketing. Quotes “Email is a massive part of what we do. If you're not using it properly, you're not running a real business.” - Stephen Somers “You've got to keep it fresh, because if you don't, you'll just see a gradual degradation.” - Stephen Somers “You've got to be regular and consistent, but don't be consistent if the things you're doing are never getting you results.” - Stephen Somers Takeaways 04:09 Consistent distribution and promotion are critical for business success, with email being a foundational piece. 09:20 Businesses can create a "perpetual launch" system by incorporating different types of promotions, such as value-driven content weeks, two-week launches, and three-week launches, to maintain a consistent flow of marketing and sales. 19:21 Training your audience to expect and engage with your content and offers is as important as training yourself to maintain a consistent promotional strategy. 22:14 Maintaining freshness and uniqueness in content and promotions is crucial to avoid audience boredom and disengagement. 27:49 Providing a free, detailed guide that leads people into a sales funnel can be an effective way to introduce your products and services. Resources Grow My Reach: The Fastest Way For Online Course / Content Creators To Build A Breakthrough Program Market Place Super Heroes: Replace your income. Sell on amazon. Connect with Somer Stephen on LinkedIn

Various internal and external forces can affect the longevity of your business's products and services. Understanding how your business excels where your competition does not is crucial in dominating your market. Incorporating these strategies into your marketing plan can push your organization to become an industry leader. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NDEig7wKUY Mike Pedersen is a growth-minded business consultant who helps CEOs and business owners grow their revenues and become the best version of themselves. As the author of the book "Dominate Your Markets: No BS Impact Strategies to Explode Your Business Revenues, Have More Energy, and Get the Life You Really Want," Mike shares his expertise in marketing, business development, and personal development. Today, Mike discusses the importance of having a clear organizational structure, defined roles and responsibilities, and holding employees accountable to achieve business success. Quotes “All it takes is one wrong move in business where you decide to go a different direction. As an owner or CEO, you might think it's little, but that little thing can compound on itself and become a big thing.” - Mike Pedersen “If you don't have leadership, then people don't have direction. If you don't have direction, then you've got people who aren't being held accountable for specific things.” - Mike Pedersen “If your pain is bad enough, you'll do whatever it takes. If your pain isn't bad enough, you'll stay in limbo forever.” - Mike Pedersen Takeaways 02:42 Innovative business models or strategies may not always translate to success if the underlying operations and management are not properly structured and aligned. 06:59 Clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and accountability are crucial for business success, especially in growing companies. 09:50 Self-awareness and a willingness to make changes in leadership are essential for long-term growth and sustainability. 11:08 Focusing on personal development and understanding one's "why" can help business owners and CEOs achieve more in both their personal and professional lives. 20:13 Addressing the pain points and challenges faced by businesses can be a powerful motivator for taking action and making necessary changes. Resources Dominate Your Market: Do You Feel Stuck In Your Business? Get The First Chapter, Free Connect with Mike Pedersen on LinkedIn Subscribe to Dominate Your Market on YouTube Dominate Your Market: NO B.S. Impact Strategies To Explode Your Business Revenues, Have More Energy, And Get The Life You Really Want by Mike Pedersen on Amazon

Managing a Business is not an easy task. Owners face countless difficulties before they can scale their businesses. You might think, how can I get out of this situation and continue to grow my business? Thinking about the five pillars would help, for example, through technology, documentation, training, and metrics. Hiring and retaining a great talent might also help, but keep in mind what happens if that person leaves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlfbg8mmCHw Juliana Marulanda is the founder of ScaleTime, a company that has served over 300 digital agencies. Juliana is passionate about providing audiences with invaluable tools they can use instantly to start improving their business. Today, Juliana discusses topics related to managing people, scaling, and agency growth, sharing her insights and expertise on these important aspects of running a successful digital agency. Quotes “Doing operations can sometimes feel like something between a catheter and a root canal for a lot of creative individuals. We try our best to make it fun and have done so much to gamify it and make it easy.” - Juliana Marulanda “We tend to attract a community of people who are super supportive. In such a competitive environment, fostering that level of community is something really special.” - Juliana Marulanda “Implement dirty drafts because if you get stuck in professional perfectionism, implementation is not going to happen.” - Juliana Marulanda Takeaways 04:23 Delegating processes and functions within a digital agency requires establishing clear workflows, documentation, communication channels, training, and performance metrics. 15:30 Revisiting and refining agency processes every 6 months is crucial to ensure they remain up-to-date and effective as the business evolves. 18:51 Understanding the unique language and pain points of the digital marketing industry allows consultants to provide more tailored and impactful solutions. 21:20 Strengthening a supportive community among agency owners can provide valuable ideas and help address challenges in a competitive environment. 28:00 Implementing "dirty drafts" and an experimental mindset can help overcome the paralysis of professional perfectionism and drive faster implementation. Resources ScaleTime: #1 Results-Driven Agency Growth Consultant Follow ScaleTime on Facebook Connect with Juliana Marulanda on LinkedIn Subscribe to Scale Time on YouTube Check out ScaleTime's Podcast Appearances

Do you operate your business around your purpose? Have you been paying attention to your customers, employees, or stakeholders? Having a company that focuses on its purposes is often the one that is successful. Your purpose will be your guide, a framework that will help you operate your business. Aside from that, you should also recognize the importance of your customers, employees, and stakeholders. You must take into account their thoughts and opinions when operating your business. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SywcE1WTwnE Diane Primo is the CEO of Purpose Brand Agency, an award-winning public relations, branding, and digital marketing firm based in Chicago. As the only African American female CEO of a purpose-driven communications agency, Diane's focus is on impact marketing, which stems from the belief that brands must be relevant, purpose-driven, and committed to consumers to be successful today. In this episode, Diane talks about the importance of having a clear and defined purpose for a business, and how it can serve as a guide during uncertain times. Quotes “Chaos and problems will continue; they won't go away. That's the one thing you can be certain about in a world of uncertainty.” - Diane Primo “If you haven't defined your purpose or don't have one, I suggest you start working on it. Your purpose can be your guide.” - Diane Primo “The truth is, you're not going to achieve anything unless you have a workforce that buys in, has direction, and understands how to execute and navigate as they do it.” - Diane Primo Takeaways 01:14 Defining a clear and operational purpose is crucial for businesses, as it can serve as a guide during uncertain times. 04:07 Successful purpose-driven companies measure their impact through financial and non-financial metrics, and communicate their progress transparently. 08:34 Aligning employees and stakeholders around a company's purpose is essential for effective execution. 15:37 Authenticity and consistency in a company's purpose-driven initiatives are critical, as consumers and the public closely scrutinize these efforts. 23:08 Integrating a company's purpose with its core business strategy and capabilities is the key to creating meaningful impact. Resources Purpose Brand: Award-winning Chicago PR Firm. Always putting purpose into practice. Connect with Diane Primo on LinkedIn Follow Purpose Brand on LinkedIn Subscribe to Purpose Brand on YouTube Get a copy of Adapt Scaling Purpose Divisive World by Diane Primo on Amazon

Are you sick of content that doesn't fit your brand because it's too rigid and old-fashioned? The way you talk to your customers should also change with the times. Find out how content marketing services are a key part of building a brand's reputation, making the public more aware, and making difficult topics easier to understand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdpsExYTcwE Kathryn Strachan is the founder and CEO of CopyHouse, a digital marketing agency that specializes in technology brands. With expertise in SEO, customer-centric content, and technology marketing, Kathryn has built a successful business and has been recognized as a thought leader in the industry. Today, Kathryn discusses the growth and expansion of her company, including the challenges and successes they've experienced over the past year. Quotes “I've always been a bit of a risk-taker. My dad is an entrepreneur, so I definitely grew up in that sort of household. He always had lots of ideas and was constantly pursuing his dreams.” - Kathryn Strachan “I'm fortunate to have a really strong team around me. When I get down, they bring me back up and remind me of all the progress we've made.” - Kathryn Strachan “I love creating content that helps small businesses overcome challenges. This kind of content solves real problems and actually helps people, rather than just trying to sell them something.” - Kathryn Strachan Takeaways 02:54 Embracing a risk-taking mindset and being willing to seize opportunities can lead to significant business growth. 06:31 Implementing a four-day workweek requires a data-driven approach, including auditing internal processes and meetings to maximize efficiency. 07:46 Building a strong team and fostering a collaborative environment can help overcome challenges and setbacks in the entrepreneurial journey. 10:14 Creating content that solves problems and provides value to the target audience is more effective than content focused solely on selling. 15:48 Specializing in a specific industry, such as technology brands, and having a dedicated point of contact within the client's organization can lead to successful partnerships. Resources CopyHouse: Global Content Marketing Agency for Tech & Complex Industries Connect with Kathryn Strachan on LinkedIn Subscribe to CopyHouse on YouTube

What if everything you know about branding doesn’t have to apply to you and your business? Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an established small business owner, a marketing leader at a large corporation—or somewhere in-between—the traditional ideas on building a “brand“ are usually considered essential to any solid marketing strategy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JU0D-3V28E&pp=ygUQcm9iZXJ0IHBsYW5rIDg4OA%3D%3D Clint White is the author of the book "Tattoos Not Brands: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Smart Marketing and Business Building." As an experienced marketing professional, Clint shares his unique perspective on branding and how companies can create a unique identity in the market, rather than simply trying to become a "brand." Today, Clint differentiates between being a "brand" and a "tattoo," focusing on the importance of understanding your target audience, finding your niche, and building a marketing strategy based on the fundamentals of the marketing mix. Quotes “There's an alternative, other options beyond just wanting to be a brand, building a brand, or growing a brand. These efforts are often singularly motivated by branding.” - Clint White “You don't need to necessarily embody a concept to understand it. You don't need two years and a quarter million dollars of debt to be a great marketer. What you really need are the right tools and your instincts.” - Clint White “It's better to go to market with the right set of tools or go to war with the right army, rather than regret not doing so and losing momentum, passion, money, and time.” - Clint White Takeaways 03:14 Building a marketing strategy based on the fundamentals of the marketing mix (product, price, placement, promotion) can help any business, regardless of size or industry, create a unique identity in the market. 05:15 Aspiring for lofty goals like becoming a "brand" is not inherently wrong, but it's important to have a realistic, step-by-step plan to get there, rather than rushing towards an unrealistic outcome. 11:53 Treating your marketing approach as a "science" rather than an "ethereal magic" can provide the necessary structure and confidence to make informed decisions and course-correct when needed. 16:36 Understanding your target audience, their needs and motivations, and creating "magnets" that draw them in, is more effective than simply trying to mirror what competitors are doing. 24:06 Embracing flexibility and allowing customers to express themselves through your offerings is more important than rigidity or being forced to do things a certain way. Resources Tattoos Not Brands: What if we told you that there are only a couple hundred true brands in the world? The rest are actually tattoos. And that’s a really good thing. Wit Media: We are a media experience agency. Follow Tattoos Not Brands on Facebook Connect with Clint White on LinkedIn Get a copy of Tattoos, Not Brands: An Entrepreneur's Guide To Smart Marketing and Business Building by Clint White on Amazon

Do you have hang-ups about writing your book? Have you always wanted to write your book but thought it was a dream that was just too far out of your grasp? Writing a book, stepping into your power, taking your stand, and sharing your voice with the world are terrifying. But nobody else is capable of writing the book that you will write. It is because you’re unique and have skills, experience, and expertise that is different from others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOfZssmna2s Ben Gioia is the founder of Influence with a Heart, a business that helps experts and entrepreneurs write and publish high-quality books. As the author of the book, “The Influence With A Heart Method,” Ben has a wealth of experience in the publishing industry. Today, Ben discusses the common excuses and challenges people face when writing a book, and shares strategies for overcoming them, such as focusing on building relationships rather than just book sales. Quotes “Nobody can write the book that you can write for two great reasons. First, because you're super unique. There's never been anyone like you in the entire progression of the universe, and there never will be again.” - Ben Gioia “I'm not about the book sales; I'm about the relationships through the book and using the book as an epic tool for your business.” - Ben Gioia “There are all sorts of ways to publish today, which is great in many ways, but there are also best practices and important things people need to know. This helps them make the right choices for their book and message.” - Ben Gioia Takeaways 01:00 Writing a book can be a great experience that helps experts and entrepreneurs share their message and offer their transformation to the world. 02:50 Overcoming common excuses and challenges around writing a book, such as lack of time or feeling like you have nothing to say, can be achieved through strategic methodologies and building relationships. 09:51 Embracing a relaxed and mindful approach, rather than pushing through the discomfort, can help navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of the book-writing process. 16:43 Using the book as a way to open doors to new opportunities, such as speaking engagements and consulting work, can be a more effective path to success than solely relying on book sales. 20:44 Focusing on building relationships and using the book as a tool for your business, rather than just book sales, can lead to faster and more impactful results. Resources Chat with Ben Gioia, Book Coach, Business Strategist, and Publishing Advisor Influence With A Heart: If you're writing a book, MAKE SURE it will work—and use it to get clients and partners—BEFORE you're published! Connect with Ben Gioia on LinkedIn Get a copy of The Influence With A Heart Method by Ben Gioia on Amazon

We often hear about how a company's needs have changed. As your business has grown and evolved, so too has the way that you market to your target customers. Today's marketers are no longer just selling products or services—they're selling messages that resonate with their client's needs. This is where a good marketing team comes in: they can help you identify the best approach for your company and its goals to reach your target audience while keeping costs down. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv4lBRx4pqQ&pp=ygUQcm9iZXJ0IHBsYW5rIDg4Ng%3D%3D AJ Rivera is the founder of Blink Media Company, a consulting firm that provides businesses with executive-level guidance and leadership for their marketing teams. With extensive experience in building marketing systems and digital ecosystems for companies ranging from small businesses to large enterprises, AJ is well-versed in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. Today, AJ discusses the importance of having a comprehensive, customized marketing strategy that goes beyond just dabbling in various tactics. Quotes “If your boat is already out in the ocean and has a bunch of holes in it, you should probably patch those holes first. Only then should you think about going faster, instead of just hiring more people to cover up the spots.” - AJ Rivera “Consumers are just not putting up with it anymore. They are demanding value. Leading with value and then offering more value through things like demos, blueprint calls, or strategy calls—where consumers get something tangible to take away—will be the future.” - AJ Rivera “Don't get distracted by the next shiny squirrel or the latest thing that promises to solve everything. Stay focused on your one to three key outcomes, and you'll see significant changes in your business and your life.” - AJ Rivera Takeaways 01:06 Customizing a marketing strategy is crucial for businesses, as a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short. 10:14 Addressing underlying process issues and training teams are essential before implementing new marketing tactics. 12:57 Providing tangible value to customers, rather than just trying to sell, is the key to building trust and long-term relationships. 17:58 Reverse-engineering goals and breaking them down into daily, manageable tasks can help businesses stay focused and achieve their objectives. 25:32 Stay focused on your key business outcomes and don't get distracted by the "next shiny squirrel" or the latest marketing tactic, as there is no "done" in business. Resources Blink Media Co.: Make Doing Business With You Their Idea™ Aj Rivera: Marketing leadership that gets results Connect with Aj Rivera Digital on LinkedIn

The world changes rapidly, and technologies improve yearly, affecting business industries. You might think, how can your business adapt, utilize new technologies, and surpass your business competitors? As a business owner and a marketer, you first need to know your customer. Today's customers are much more sophisticated. They tend to have done much more homework before they pick up the phone, contact you, or whatever. Thus, you must acknowledge that and start creating content that resonates with your consumer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHZVPqsEiE8&pp=ygUQcm9iZXJ0IHBsYW5rIDg4NQ%3D%3D Jonathan Rosenfeld is the owning and managing attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, a full-service personal injury law firm handling cases in Chicago and across the US. He is also the host of the Personal Injury Law Podcast. Today, Jonathan talks about creating content that resonates with the modern, sophisticated consumer. He shares how his firm is revising and expanding their website content to better address the questions and needs of their target audience, moving away from outdated tactics like keyword stuffing in favor of a more user-centric approach. Quotes “Today's customer is much more sophisticated. They tend to have done a lot more homework before they pick up the phone to contact you.” - Jonathan Rosenfeld “The days of manipulating search engines with keyword stuffing and similar tactics have really gone to the wayside. You have to adapt.” - Jonathan Rosenfeld “You can look at all the different software out there, but at the end of the day, it has to be a human putting the thought into dissecting a website.” - Jonathan Rosenfeld Takeaways 01:04 Businesses must adapt to the modern, sophisticated consumer who does extensive research before engaging. 03:43 Creating content that directly addresses user intent and frequently asked questions is crucial for success. 05:00 Regularly reviewing and updating website content is necessary to stay ahead of the competition. 07:55 Taking an integrated, data-driven approach to website optimization is more effective than relying on a single tool or tactic. 14:06 Putting in the hard work of creating high-quality, user-focused content is the foundation for effective online marketing. Resources Jonathan Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers: Award Winning Chicago personal injury lawyer Connect with Jonathan Rosenfeld on LinkedIn Subscribe to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers on YouTube Subscribe to Personal Injury Law Podcast By Jonathan Rosenfeld on Apple Podcasts

Have you thought about starting your own business? Have you always dreamed of becoming a CEO? It sounds tough, right? Starting up your own business is a huge risk, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. There are a lot of things you should learn before you establish a business. It is not an easy journey. Aside from that, keeping your business going is also one of the hardships you need to go through as a business owner. You should know when and how to take advantage of opportunities that come your way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzV86za7D0Y&pp=ygUQcm9iZXJ0IHBsYW5rIDg4NA%3D%3D Sean Castrina is an entrepreneurial expert and startup advisor. He is the founder of The Weekend MBA, the host of the podcast "The 10 Minute Entrepreneur,” and the author of a book of the same name where he shares ideas and advice for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Today, Sean discusses making quick, calculated decisions as a business owner, and how to identify opportunities that may arise unexpectedly in the first few years of starting a company. Quotes “Every decision I've ever made was the right decision at the time based on the information I had in front of me.” - Sean Castrina “Without employees, businesses don't grow. But I think it's important to know your strengths and weaknesses.” - Sean Castrina “There are videos on everything. Information is more available today than at any other time in history. If you're not learning right now, shame on you.” - Sean Castrina Takeaways 01:07 Entrepreneurs must be willing to make quick, calculated decisions and pivot when unexpected opportunities arise, especially in the first few years of starting a business. 03:55 Successful entrepreneurs have the ability to identify and take advantage of small, subtle opportunities that can lead to significant growth. 08:42 Entrepreneurs should focus on a clear, long-term goal, but also be open to adjusting their approach and exploring hybrid solutions to achieve that goal. 12:00 Knowing your strengths and weaknesses as an entrepreneur, and being self-aware of your decision-making process, is crucial for success. 27:41 Continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends and information is essential for entrepreneurs to maintain a competitive edge. Resources Sean Castrina: Equipping Entrepreneurs for Success Follow Sean Castina on Facebook Connect with Sean Castrina on LinkedIn Subscribe to Sean Castrina on YouTube Subscribe to The 10 Minute Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts

It’s everyone’s dream to be their own boss, work flexible hours, and run their own business. How do you get products, where do you find them, how do you know if they’ll sell, and how do you get them to customers? With an eCommerce business, you can do just that. The best part is that you can start making money from home fast. You only need a computer or a smartphone and a reliable internet connection. Try dropshipping if you want to know how to make money from home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B0yI5lkSmM&pp=ygUPcm9iZXJ0cGxhbmsgODgz Ben Knegendorf is the co-founder of Dropship Breakthru, an online business that teaches people how to start their first online business in 30 days. He is also the host of the Dropship Podcast, where he and his co-founder John discuss the ins and outs of the dropshipping business model. Today, Ben shares his career story from working at a Walmart distribution center to finding success in the world of high-ticket dropshipping, and he provides valuable lessons on how to approach this business model effectively. Quotes “Focus on the human behind the screen. What do they buy, and what else do they buy? Don't just single in on one product. Think about how you can speak to that person.” - Ben Knegendorf “At the end of the day, business is hard. Every business has its own complexities. Start thinking about what you love and what you are passionate about.” - Ben Knegendorf “Be consistent. Compounding is a real thing. Go take action and get the ball moving. Good things will happen if you take steps every single day.” - Ben Knegendorf Takeaways 00:33 Dropshipping is a fulfillment method where the seller takes the order and the supplier ships the product directly to the customer, allowing the seller to operate an online business with minimal inventory. 04:45 Focusing on high-ticket items with an average order value of $1,000 or more can lead to higher profits and less overhead compared to low-ticket items. 08:09 Identifying the person behind the product, their pain points, and their buying behavior is more important than just focusing on the product itself. 15:23 Starting a dropshipping business can be done for less than $500 in initial investment, making it an accessible option for those looking to get into e-commerce. 21:25 Consistency and taking action, even if it's just an hour a day, can lead to significant progress in building a successful dropshipping business. Resources Dropship Breakthru: The only program you’ll ever need for building and growing a life changing ecommerce business. Ben Knegendrof: eCommerce Consultant & Podcast Host Connect with Ben Knegendorf on LinkedIn Subscribe to Dropship Breakthru on YouTube

Customers are vital for your business growth. To attract them, you need to promote your company. While traditional methods like flyers and local ads are still around, digital marketing offers endless possibilities. If you're unsure how to market your business or just want to explore your options, you're in the right place – and you're not alone! Effective promotion can make a huge difference in reaching your target audience and achieving success. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlsnbvX2ZXA&pp=ygUPcm9iZXJ0cGxhbmsgODgy Jill Lublin is an international speaker and the author of four best-selling books, one of them being “The Profit of Kindness.” She specializes in topics such as radical influence, publicity, networking, kindness, and referrals. Today, Jill discusses the importance of using publicity to elevate your authority and visibility, emphasizing the power of media appearances to create the "I've heard of you somewhere" effect. She also shares strategies for effectively reaching out to media outlets and taking advantage of personal experiences to attract clients. Quotes “The truth is, when you're featured on podcasts like we are now, or on TV, radio, blogs, magazines, newspapers—you name it—your authority goes up. Your star elevates, and people start recognizing you.” - Jill Lublin “Keep it simple, like five-year-old language—no jargon. Use easy-to-remember sound bites. This helps people understand and leave with something they can say, 'Yeah, I get that.' That's what you want.” - Jill Lublin “Take the baby step, whatever is comfortable for you. Do just one thing. Pick and do it right now and know that your message matters.” - Jill Lublin Takeaways 04:00 Consistent and persistent visibility-building activities, such as networking, blogging, and media appearances, are crucial for elevating your authority and recognition. 11:20 Simplifying your message into concise, relatable soundbites can make it more accessible and impactful, despite the extra work required. 13:11 Knowing and refining your core message is the foundation for effective publicity and confidence-building. 16:25 Using your personal experiences and unique perspectives can help attract clients and expand your sphere of influence. 22:38 Taking small, actionable steps to get one's message out there, even if imperfect, is more important than overthinking or delaying. Resources Jill Lublin: The Publicity Breakthrough Challenge Jumpstart Your Publicity: Get your FREE PUBLICITY ACTION GUIDE Follow Jill Lublin's Publicity Crash Course on Facebook Jill Lublin on LinkedIn Get a copy of The Profit of Kindness: How to Influence Others, Establish Trust, and Build Lasting Business Relationships by Jill Lublin on Amazon

Do you feel like there's never enough time to get everything done? Missing out on important moments with loved ones? Feeling tired, overworked, and unhappy with your job and life? Many struggle with work-life balance, leading to burnout. This affects their health, happiness, and relationships, sometimes resulting in substance abuse, depression, divorce, and even suicide. Recognizing these issues is the first step toward finding better balance and fulfillment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usW4jaXzm5w&pp=ygUPcm9iZXJ0cGxhbmsgODgx Joe Perrone is a business strategist who helps entrepreneurs reclaim their time freedom. He believes that a business should run itself and not run the business owner into the ground. Joe has been assisting his clients in finding full enjoyment in everything they create without burning out. Today, Joe discusses the importance of knowing the desired outcome when making appointments or commitments, as well as the need to slow down, get clear on goals, and address limiting beliefs that may be holding business owners back from achieving the freedom they desire. Quotes “When you treat yourself and your time as the most valuable assets in your life, everything and everyone will conform to that way.” - Joe Perrone “There was a reason why you got into that business. If you got into it for the wrong reasons, just like if you make those appointments for the wrong reasons, you're going to regret it later on.” - Joe Perrone “When we're in business to serve others and truly serve, not just please people, that's when the best outcomes happen. That's where we're able to have those head-on conversations.” - Joe Perrone Takeaways 04:08 Knowing the desired outcome when making appointments or commitments is crucial to avoid feeling hesitant or regretting the decision later. 05:31 Treating your time as the most valuable asset will make others respect it, leading to more meaningful interactions. 12:58 Slowing down, getting clear on goals, and addressing limiting beliefs can help business owners achieve the freedom they desire. 16:30 Serving others, not just people-pleasing, leads to the best outcomes and allows for honest conversations. 17:36 Focusing on serving your ideal clients, rather than trying to be everything to everyone, is the key to a successful and fulfilling business. 22:25 A one-on-one conversation with an experienced business strategist can provide a fresh perspective and uncover transformative solutions, even without any immediate commitment. Resources: Joe Perrone: I help business owners reclaim time lost to unproductivity and busy-ness Follow Joe Perrone on Facebook Connect with Joe Perrone on LinkedIn Subscribe to Joe Perrone on YouTube

Today's marketing analytics are very complex, and the customer journey is more complicated than ever for B2B and B2C businesses. You need to have strong analytics to be more successful in your business. With the help of a great team, you can achieve easy-to-understand model visualizations that help both the marketer and the data analyst uncover the cause-and-effect relationships that drive meaningful business outcomes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j72e87CHBSU&pp=ygUPcm9iZXJ0cGxhbmsgODgw Mark Stouse is the CEO of Proof Analytics, a marketing analytics platform that helps CMOs and CFOs understand the true business impact and financial worth of their marketing efforts. With over 20 years of experience as a marketing executive, Mark has a deep understanding of the challenges businesses face in measuring the ROI of their marketing investments. Today, Mark talks about how Proof Analytics uses advanced analytics and machine learning to provide real-time, cause-and-effect insights that help companies make more informed marketing decisions. Quotes “If you can't understand cause-and-effect analysis and be guided accordingly, you are severely limited in terms of your sustainability as a business.” - Mark Stouse “Intuition is essentially your personal, private machine learning. It's all based on accumulated experience.” - Mark Stouse “This is a huge opportunity to shine. But in order to shine, you're going to have to make choices. If not, you'll have to do more with less.” - Mark Stouse Takeaways 04:33 Businesses need to move beyond just looking at data and focus on understanding the cause-and-effect relationships that drive their marketing performance. 12:26 Relying solely on intuition can lead to poor decisions, especially during times of rapid change and uncertainty. 19:56 Integrating advanced analytics into marketing resource management platforms can provide real-time, data-driven insights to guide decision-making. 30:45 Committing to the implementation and use of analytics tools is crucial for realizing their full benefits. 37:04 Maintaining perspective and drawing inspiration from stories of perseverance and courage can help leaders navigate challenging times. Resources: Proof Analytics: Proof Causal.ai™ is the only GTM Effectiveness Software Certified by MASB Follow Proof Analytics on Facebook Connect with Mark Stouse on LinkedIn

What does it take to lead a successful digital marketing agency in today's ever-changing landscape? The digital world is in a constant state of flux, with new technologies, platforms, and consumer behaviors emerging at a dizzying pace. Agency leaders must not only keep up with these changes, but also foster an environment that allows their teams to thrive amidst the chaos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygVLqEHumZE Don Moore is the President and CEO of Hybrid Theory (now acquired by Azerion) in North America, responsible for the overall strategy, operations, and business direction of the company in the region. Today, Don discusses his experience overseeing different personalities and work styles to drive successful marketing campaigns. He shares insights on the fast-paced nature of the digital marketing industry, the importance of work-life balance, and the need to embrace change and failure as part of the growth process. Quotes “Everything has a lifecycle. You may feel in your heart that Google will be around forever, but it won't.” - Don Moore “We want to make sure that you succeed. If we're not the best choice, we'll let you know.” - Don Moore “There's no textbook for this. There's a textbook for managing X business or X type of business through recession and inflation, and permutations of both. However, there is no textbook written on how to handle existing employees post-COVID.” - Don Moore Takeaways 04:08 Embracing a work-life balance mindset can help maintain perspective and improve performance, even during challenging times. 07:32 Maintaining focus and discipline, even during periods of distraction, is crucial for achieving long-term goals and success. 13:49 Pursuing ambitious, strategic initiatives requires a balance of creativity, calculated risk-taking, and trust in one's team to execute effectively. 18:31 Failure and experimentation are necessary for growth, as long as the costs are managed, and the lessons learned are applied. 25:37 In the absence of established playbooks, thoughtful, case-by-case problem-solving and a willingness to experiment become essential for getting through uncharted territory. Resources: Hybrid Theory (now acquired by Azerion): Digital Entertainment & Media Platform Follow Hybrid Theory Global on Facebook Connect with Don Moore on LinkedIn

Why should you prioritize SEO over other strategies? Everyone in the marketing or business world, whether online or offline, demands traffic. If you want to focus on search engines, you'll need to keep creating content, conducting research and analysis, building backlinks, and other activities for at least a year and a half, if not longer, to generate a steady line of traffic. If you are building up on SEO slowly and steadily, you get results for many years to go. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cohGafQkxc Sujan Sarkar is the founder of OneLittleWeb, an SEO agency that helps businesses grow their organic traffic through a proven SEO strategy. As an SEO enthusiast, Sujan has been in the industry for several years, working with over 500 clients and helping them achieve significant traffic increases for their websites. Today, Sujan shares his insights on the importance of building genuine backlinks for your website and the evolution of backlinking strategies. Quotes “Nowadays, backlinking methods have evolved significantly. Poor backlinks no longer work.” - Sujan Sarkar “Rather than focusing entirely on paid channels, you should concentrate on search engine optimization.” - Sujan Sarkar “If you're just learning, trying to do it all by yourself, maybe do it all on your own, do some learning, watch tutorials, and gain some experience.” - Sujan Sarkar Takeaways 09:24 Genuine, high-quality backlinks are essential for sustainable website growth and search engine rankings. 11:06 Manual outreach and creating valuable, niche-relevant content are effective strategies for building genuine backlinks. 22:12 Managed SEO services can provide a comprehensive, hands-off approach to optimizing a website's content and backlink profile. 24:58 Investing in SEO and backlink building can yield long-term, compounding benefits compared to paid advertising channels. 32:42 Businesses should consider allocating a portion of their marketing budget towards SEO and backlink building, even if they are also investing in paid advertising channels, as it can provide a more sustainable and long-term source of traffic and revenue. Resources: OneLittleWeb: Get Predictable Results With Our SEO Content Marketing Connect with Sujan Sarkar on LinkedIn

You may not have time to exercise, eat, or take care of yourself because of your busy schedule. You don't have enough time to do the things you know you should. Then, some health concern arises abruptly, but it's been years in the making, simply from gently relaxing and slipping back into this poor lifestyle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCV2vUpIDIo Dr. Pat Boulogne is a functional lifestyle medicine expert and coach who helps busy professionals and influencers improve their health, wellness, and decision-making. As the author of the book "Why Are You Sick, Fat and Tired?", Dr. Pat shares her expertise on the five pillars of health: proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, positive mindset, and a properly functioning nervous system. Today, Dr. Boulogne discusses the topic of adopting a sustainable lifestyle to combat common health issues like being "sick, fat, and tired." Quotes “If you don't honor your body as the sanctuary that it is, you know what you'll get out. Like a car that's supposed to run on premium fuel, if you keep putting regular gasoline in, your car will die a lot sooner.” - Dr. Pat Boulogne “You're either vibing on the side of deficiency, or you're vibing at a site of abundance and freedom.” - Dr. Pat Boulogne “If you don't understand what you're eating or can't pronounce it, you shouldn't buy it.” - Dr. Pat Boulogne Takeaways 01:23 Adopting a sustainable lifestyle requires addressing the root causes of health issues, not just quick fixes. 7:41 Addressing the mindset and root causes of health issues, rather than just focusing on physical symptoms, is key to achieving lasting success in improving one's well-being. 18:00 Being aware of the hidden toxins and chemicals in our environment, including in the food we eat and the products we use, is crucial for maintaining good health. 25:31 Developing consistent, sustainable habits and rituals is the key to making lasting changes in one's lifestyle. 27:48 Proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, positive mindset, and a well-functioning nervous system are the five pillars of health. Resources: Health Team Network: Empowering executives and entrepreneurs to achieve their greatest goals in less time with proven science-based programs. Ask Dr. Pat on Facebook Connect with Dr. Pat Boulogne on LinkedIn Get a copy of Why Are You Sick, Fat, and Tired?: Find Out Now by Dr. Pat Boulogne on Amazon

There are differences between online and offline businesses. Although similar, each has its own perks and disadvantages. It’s easy to make changes immediately overnight with online businesses. However, when it comes to financing, online businesses often have a hard time getting funds and loans. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBDPBZA8clw Thomas Smale is the CEO and founder of FE International, an award-winning mergers and acquisitions advisor. He has been helping entrepreneurs buy and sell online businesses since 2010. Today, Thomas discusses his passion for the mergers and acquisitions space, sharing how he and his team work with new businesses every day, learning about their operations and helping owners sell their companies. Thomas also talks about the benefits of buying an online business versus a traditional brick-and-mortar business, highlighting the ability to quickly test and implement changes to drive growth. Quotes “The fun thing about mergers and acquisitions is that every single day, we're working with a new business and a new business owner. We kind of live vicariously through what those businesses we're working with do.” - Thomas Smale “Often, you only have to make really small changes to see big improvements. Sometimes, things you might think will really improve a business won't actually make a difference at all.” - Thomas Smale “Good deals don't really exist. You're not going to be the only person who spotted a business that's being sold, particularly if it's through a good M&A firm. They're going to have a good network of buyers.” - Thomas Smale Takeaways 12:49 Buying the right business is more important than getting a good deal on the price. 14:51 Focusing on improving the business, such as through pricing changes, can lead to significant growth and value increases. 15:54 The online business model allows for more flexibility and experimentation compared to physical real estate. 17:58 Lack of financing options from traditional banks is a barrier to more people getting involved in buying and selling online businesses. 24:25 Browsing and researching different online businesses is a good first step to get started in this space. Resources: FE International: Facilitating Your Exit. Follow FE International on Facebook Connect with Thomas Smale on LinkedIn Follow FE International on Instagram Follow FE International on X (Twitter)

There are various strategies you can use to promote your brand. One of the useful marketing strategies out there is content marketing. Content marketing allows you to bring the discussion to your brand through the content you are creating. The content should be educational, informative, and entertaining for people to notice it. Showcase in your content how you can solve a consumer problem with your product. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VMXwyocf5o Mark Raffan is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of the B2B content marketing agency, Content Callout. As an expert in the field of content marketing, Mark shares his insights on the importance of creating valuable, educational, and entertaining content to engage with customers. Today, Mark talks about the different types of content that fall under the B2B content marketing umbrella, including owned content like blogs and videos, as well as non-owned content on social media platforms. Quotes “No one gives a shit about your bells and whistles. No one gives a shit about the new product features that you have. They care about the problems that you're trying to solve for them.” - Mark Raffan “Content becomes the lifeblood of many of the marketing campaigns that we may be running already. Because we need to be able to produce content to be able to facilitate a discussion.” - Mark Raffan “The current success of your content is dependent on two things. It's dependent on the quality of the content that you produce and the eyeballs on that content. One without the other makes no sense at all.” - Mark Raffan Takeaways 02:26 Content marketing is about facilitating discussions and educating customers, not just promoting product features. 03:50 Focusing on solving customer problems should be the driving force behind your content marketing efforts. 09:29 Leveraging personal social media profiles can be more effective than company pages for building brand awareness and thought leadership. 13:49 Consistency and a strategic approach to content creation and distribution are key to successful B2B content marketing. 16:00 Experimenting with different content formats and analyzing performance can help identify the most effective content for your audience. Resources: Content Callout: Amazing B2B Content Marketing Follow Content Callout on Facebook Connect with Mark Raffan on LinkedIn Follow Content Callout on Instagram Follow Content Callout on Twitter Follow the B2B Content Marketing: The Content Callout Podcast on Spotify Podcasts

How can we reach more people and create a bigger network? How can we get powerful referrals and marketing leverage to extend our reach? The most effective way of getting our name known is by word of mouth, especially when it comes from highly reputable people. The more they share about you, the more you will build your network through their connections with other people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wjYGdecXOQ JP Maroney is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with more than 30+ years of experience starting, building, buying, and selling companies in publishing, media, advertising, software, e-commerce, textiles, training, real estate, and consulting. JP's business group includes a collection of companies and joint ventures involved in publishing, software, media, training, consulting, and internet commerce. He also serves as an advisor and/or board member with several other companies. Today, he shares the power of referrals and the concept of marketing leverage. Quotes “The more you give, the more you get. I believe that we get back in direct proportion to how much we give to the universe and give to other people.” - JP Maroney “I often say ROI or die. You've got to make a return on your investment, and it may not be a front-end return. You need to know the numbers for your business.” - JP Maroney “The ability to leverage one point of contact to reach a lot of people is so powerful.” - JP Maroney Takeaways 02:49 Identifying and using relationships with individuals or businesses that already serve the same target customer base can be a highly effective strategy for rapid customer acquisition and growth. 08:57 Taking advantage of strategic alliances and referral networks can significantly boost customer acquisition and sales for businesses. 22:56 Knowing the key business metrics, such as customer acquisition cost and lifetime value, is crucial for making informed marketing decisions. 30:17 Understanding the nuances of a local real estate market, down to the street level, is key to making informed investment decisions. 34:41 Building relationships and providing value to others, even without expectation of immediate return, can lead to unexpected opportunities down the line. Resources: Serve Alliance: Elevate Your Homeowner Experience With Serve Alliance JP Maroney: My Mission: Make Money. Make Memories. Make A Difference! Follow JP Maroney on Facebook Connect with JP Maroney on LinkedIn True Story Why I Married You JP Maroney The JP Maroney Audio Vault hosted by JP Maroney on Apple Podcasts

Biznik-Seattle Innovators Series with Dan Pink, Author of "Drive" at Hotel 1000 on January 12, 2010. When it comes to innovation, timing is a huge factor. Going in too soon or too late can both cost you lots of money. Innovation isn’t all about creativity and value-creation, it is also about the services that you provide around your new idea and helping people understand how your idea can be of value to their lives. But how can we know if our innovative ideas can really affect people’s lives? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbtYmtIeV2o Braden Kelley is an engaging innovation speaker, workshop facilitator, toolmaker for innovation & change professionals, and a sought-after transformation and organizational agility leader. He is also the best-selling author of Charting Change and Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire. He is also the creator of the Human-Centered Change™ methodology, and has maximized profits for companies while living and working in England, Germany, and the United States. Today, Braden talks with us about the customer-employee experience, loyalty archaeology, design thinking, and innovation. Stay tuned to learn more! Quotes “Innovation transforms the useful seeds of invention into widely adopted solutions valued above every existing alternative.” - Braden Kelley “Innovation is for everyone - it's not whether you're innovative or not, it's not whether you have the innovator's DNA or not. We all have a role to play in innovation.” - Braden Kelley “If you can get yourself out in front of a trend, you can deliver a lot of value for people.” - Braden Kelley Takeaways 01:51 Innovation is a collaborative activity that requires time, value access, and value translation to be successful. 03:53 Timing is crucial in innovation - being too early or too late can both be costly. 05:33 Innovation is not just about creativity and invention, but also about helping people understand how new solutions fit into their lives. 06:53 Putting the customer at the center and understanding the jobs they are trying to get done is key to delivering innovative solutions. 10:20 Paper was a groundbreaking innovation that enabled many other innovations, like the printing press, to become possible. Resources: Braden Kelley: FutureHacking is the art and science of getting to the future first. Follow Braden Kelley on Facebook Connect with Braden Kelley on LinkedIn Charting Change Visual Toolkit Making by Braden Kelley on Amazon

What is the future of partnership marketing? How does nurturing partnership drive exceptional, measurable outcomes? Partnership marketing has evolved into “Affiliate Marketing Meets the Digitization of Business Development.” Software is now utilized to create partnerships at scale, and its evolution from affiliate networks to licensed software has expanded the definition of partnership marketing programs today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGYNcNXj47o Robert Glazer is the founder and chairman of Acceleration Partners, the world's leading partnership marketing agency. He is also the author of the best-selling book "Moving to Outcomes: Why Partnerships are the Future of Marketing." Today, Robert discusses the evolution of partnership marketing, how it differs from traditional affiliate marketing, and the importance of building diverse, outcome-oriented partnership programs to diversify from the "triopoly" of Google, Facebook, and Amazon. Quotes “The evolution from affiliate networks towards software that you can license and bring in-house has expanded the definition of partner marketing programs. This allows us to build and manage relationship-oriented, outcome-oriented programs with software at scale.” - Robert Glazer “If you've met the type of people who have five-year plans and goals for their company and organization, they tend to get there more often than not.” - Robert Glazer “We have employees in seven different countries and have worked with some of the largest global platforms. As companies grow quickly and expand into different markets, we can support them in those markets, on the platforms that they want to work with.” - Robert Glazer Takeaways 00:59 Partnership marketing is an evolved, software-driven version of affiliate marketing, allowing brands to build and manage diverse, outcome-oriented partnership programs at scale. 05:10 The "triopoly" of Google, Facebook, and Amazon has made traditional digital marketing increasingly expensive and inefficient, driving the need for alternative channels like partnership marketing. 09:10 Successful partnership programs require a multi-faceted approach, including specialized skills in recruiting, onboarding, creative development, and analytics. 12:12 Recessions and economic downturns often lead businesses to refocus on proven, performance-based channels like partnership marketing. 16:18 Having a clear, long-term vision and strategy is crucial for building a successful partnership program that can adapt to market changes. Resources: Acceleration Partners: / simply put: We do things differently. Robert Glazer: Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker. Follow Robert Glazer on Facebook Connect with Robert Glazer on LinkedIn Moving to Outcomes: Why Partnerships are the Future of Marketing by Robert Glazer on Amazon

Talking to people and engaging with conversations is something that takes a lot of courage to do. It is quite pressuring, not knowing whether what you're saying is making sense to the other party or not. We can't know whether you are able to convince them with your words. When it comes to business, it is important that you are great with conversations. You must know how to listen and speak carefully. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM8PftByNrk Michael Reddington is the president of Inquasive, a company that integrates key components of effective, non-confrontational interview techniques with current business research for executives. He is also a certified forensic interviewer and the author of “The Disciplined Listening Method.” Today, Michael discusses the importance of listening in business conversations, how to shift the focus from what you want to say to what the other person needs to experience, and strategies for addressing potential objections before they are raised. Quotes “When we're under stress, we revert to what we know. Many business meetings can be stressful, even for people who are confident in themselves and their goals.” - Michael Reddington “If we're not listening, we're not learning. The more we listen, the more we learn, the less we have to say, and the fewer questions we have to ask to get powerful information that leads to the outcomes and relationships we aspire to create.” - Michael Reddington “It's not about what we want to say. It's about what they need to experience.” - Michael Reddington Takeaways 01:03 Focus on understanding your audience's needs, concerns, and perspectives rather than just trying to deliver your own message. 03:06 Anticipate potential objections or roadblocks from your audience and address them proactively. 07:54 Allow your audience to save face and protect their self-image, as this can help build trust and open them up to sharing more. 11:12 Observe your audience's verbal and non-verbal cues to pick up on unspoken thoughts and feelings. 15:02 Be patient and let the conversation unfold naturally, rather than trying to control it, as this can lead to unexpected opportunities. Resources: Inquasive: The Disciplined Listening Method. Activate the truth. Disciplined Listening: The Disciplined Listening Method Michael Reddington: Executive Resource, Certified Forensic Interviewer, Author Connect with Michael Reddington on LinkedIn Get a copy of The Disciplined Listening Method: How A Certified Forensic Interviewer Unlocks Hidden Value in Every Conversation on Amazon

Thinking of starting a podcast? You have concepts, and you've got some ideas. You have themes. You want to talk about something you're passionate about, and launching a podcast is a great method. However, you should not begin your podcast without first considering a few key factors. Even if your show is going to be a pastime at first, chances are you want it to be as successful as possible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok6Z7aT5aSQ Colin Gray is the founder of The Podcast Host, a website dedicated to helping anyone start and grow a successful podcast. With over 11 years of experience in the podcasting industry, Colin has established himself as an expert in the field. In addition to running The Podcast Host, he is also the founder of Alitu, a software tool that simplifies the podcast production process. Today, Colin shares his journey in building The Podcast Host and Alitu, sharing insights on the importance of providing valuable free content to build trust and credibility with his audience. Quotes “I can split myself into two parts. I do a Planning Day at the start of every month to outline my higher-level goals for that month. Then, every Monday morning, I revisit that higher-level plan and create a more detailed manager-level plan for the week.” - Colin Gray “It's not just that everyone is different. Everyone does have different ways of working, but equally, you yourself have many different ways of working inside you as well.” - Colin Gray “If you're switching from one type of task to another, it takes your mind a little while to flip, change mindset, and adapt to the new task.” - Colin Gray Takeaways 00:34 Providing valuable free content is crucial for building trust and credibility with an audience. 10:43 Balancing innovation and reliability is a key challenge in software development. 12:15 Implementing structured time management strategies can help increase productivity and reduce stress. 21:48 Recognizing and embracing different working styles within oneself can lead to more effective task management. 26:51 Segregating tasks and planning ahead can help maintain momentum and ensure consistent progress. Resources: The Podcast Host: Helping you launch, grow & run your show Alitu: The powerfully simple podcast maker that turns your passion into a published podcast in a third of the time. Follow Colin Gray on Facebook Connect with Colin Gray on LinkedIn

Is your brand getting KO'd by the competition? Why is branding important for your business? A strong brand matches colors, words, emotions, beliefs, and attitudes to earn the customers that you want most. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbApMRJItzA Ernie Harker is an experienced entrepreneur, author, illustrator, travel TV host, and Ironman athlete. One of the books he wrote is called, “Your Brand Sucks: How to ignite a brand that doesn't.” With over 30 years of expertise in branding and marketing, Ernie has valuable insights on how businesses can use branding to discover their target audience. Today, Ernie talks about the importance of finding a unique brand spark that sets a business apart from the competition, as well as the need to identify the core customer in order to craft effective marketing messages. Quotes “It's never exactly what you think it's going to be at the start. It's just a general idea. And then, after the illustration is done, you realize, 'That's kind of what I had in mind.' But it might be better, or it might be different.” - Ernie Harker “Everybody in the water business talks about how great their water is. What you need to find is a unique point of differentiation that your target customer really cares about.” - Ernie Harker “It's not about the quantity of eyeballs, but the quality. I can post a message about my widget and how cool it is to a million different people. But if only 100 are interested, it's a waste of time and money.” - Ernie Harker Takeaways 08:22 Embracing a unique personality and not being afraid to let it shine through in branding and marketing can help a business stand out and connect with customers on a more personal level. 14:13 Branding and marketing should focus on finding a unique "brand spark" that sets a business apart from the competition, rather than just highlighting common product features. 20:57 Identifying the core target customer is crucial for crafting effective marketing messages that resonate with the right audience. 29:15 Quality of audience engagement is more important than quantity, as businesses should aim to build a smaller but highly engaged following rather than a large but disinterested one. 32:59 Collaborating with the right industry partners can help expand a brand's reach, but the partnership must align with the target audience to be successful. 38:10 Developing a distinct brand personality that customers can connect with emotionally is key to building a successful and memorable business. Resources: Ernburn: Professional keynote speaker. AI branding specialist. Follow Ernie Harker on Facebook Connect with Ernie Harker on LinkedIn Get a copy of Your Brand Sucks: How to ignite a brand that doesn't. by Ernie Harker on Amazon

What kind of businesses do you want to create? What makes you unique that you can bring to the business world? You have to look at the world differently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEkJ0lZIsJ8 Lewis Schiff is an accomplished entrepreneur and author who has dedicated over 25 years to studying success in America. He wrote the Amazon best seller, “The First Habit.” As the founder of the "Birthing of Giants" program, Lewis has helped numerous business owners transform their companies into thriving, multi-million-dollar enterprises. Today, Lewis shares his insights on the key factors that differentiate the top 10% of successful entrepreneurs from the rest, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's unique strengths and leveraging them to create substantial growth. Quotes “The most successful people I know look at the world differently than almost everybody else, and that's a really hard thing to do.” - Lewis Schiff “You have to learn how you're bad at a lot of things to carve away and discover what you're good at. Most people do not have the stamina, tolerance, or elasticity to fail repeatedly to finally figure it out.” - Lewis Schiff “The thing that you're probably really good at is something that comes so naturally and easily to you that you think, 'What's the big deal?'” - Lewis Schiff Takeaways 02:48 Identifying and focusing on your unique strengths is crucial for achieving exceptional success. 04:40 Embracing failure and using it as a learning opportunity is essential for personal and professional growth. 16:30 Surrounding yourself with a diverse community and being curious about others' perspectives can lead to unexpected insights and breakthroughs. 20:01 Transforming a successful business into an even more valuable enterprise often requires a willingness to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities. 27:27 The physical environment and traditions of certain institutions can create a mindset conducive to innovative thinking and problem-solving. Resources: Birthing of Giants: Discover The Innovations That Will Transform Your Company Birthing of Giants: The Fellowship Program will take your business from successful to stratospheric. Using our 4 pillars curriculum, we will help you transform and scale in 1 year. Follow Lewis Schiff on Facebook Lewis Schiff on LinkedIn Get a copy The First Habit by Lewis Schiff on Amazon

Developing a new idea for the next big thing in the market can be tough. This usually requires a lot of ideas and a lot of people during its process. The first thing you should do is to figure out the problems that need to be solved. In that way, you know what kind of problem you are facing and what kind of solution you should be proposing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctGkf66SCf0 Bryan Mattimore is the co-founder of the 20-year-old growth engine Growth Engine Innovation Agency. He has written three books, including "Idea Stormers" and "21 Days to a Big Idea!" Bryan has facilitated over 1,000 ideation sessions and 200 successful innovation projects, leading to $3 billion in new products and services. He is also an innovation instructor at Caltech. Today, Bryan talks about developing big ideas and shares techniques for overcoming common challenges in the innovation process, such as redefining problems and questioning assumptions. Quotes “If you can create an environment where people are allowed and encouraged to be creative, you'll find that it's more fun, and you're likely to be more profitable and grow more rapidly.” - Bryan Mattimore “You can go down a certain path with a certain problem definition. But you need to be flexible and open to redefining that definition as you come up with ideas and learn more.” - Bryan Mattimore “A big part of successful innovators is the salesmanship of their ideas, which is, frankly, as or more important than the first 'eureka' moment.” - Bryan Mattimore Takeaways 08:38 Successful innovation requires a toolkit of different ideation techniques, such as questioning assumptions, using metaphors, and exploring fantasy ideas, to reframe problems and uncover new solutions. 12:45 Involving key stakeholders early in the innovation process and allowing them to contribute to the ideas is crucial for gaining buy-in and overcoming organizational resistance. 17:40 Failing quickly and learning from those failures is more important than trying to get the perfect solution on the first try, as it allows for iterative improvements. 22:07 Mashing up ideas from different industries or domains can lead to unexpected and innovative solutions. 27:33 Imposing constraints or limitations on a problem can sometimes spark more creative thinking and breakthrough ideas. Resources: The Growth Engine Co.: An Innovation Agency Bryan Mattimore on LinkedIn Get a copy of 21 Days to a Big Idea!: Creating Breakthrough Business Concepts Get a copy of Idea Stormers: How to Lead and Inspire Creative Breakthroughs Watch Bryan on Creative Techniques to Solve Impossible Challenges – TEDx Talk Send Bryan an email at [email protected]

Reaching out to your target audience was challenging for entrepreneurs, when the internet was not around. With so many outlets via which you may communicate your niche these days, all you have to do is get your message through. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYUQzTwFRLE Audrey Bell-Kearney is the CEO of Noise Media Network, a media, marketing, and consulting firm that produces and distributes digital content for clients. She is a podcast host, with her show "Good Morning, Gwinnett" airing four days a week live. Today, Audrey shares her experience in the podcasting industry, including how she has leveraged her show to build relationships with local government officials and small business owners, and how she has structured a partnership with her local Chamber of Commerce to provide podcast services to their members. Quotes “We need transparency. We need you to be transparent and tell us where the money's going.” - Audrey Bell Kearney “I talk to business owners all the time. I sit on the chamber board of two chambers, and often they think it's something that can't help them.” - Audrey Bell Kearney “I help take away the fear of being out there—the fear of not knowing how to work something, what to do, or who to call.” - Audrey Bell Kearney Takeaways 01:37 Podcasting can open doors to valuable connections and opportunities, even with government officials and community leaders. 04:39 Small business owners may be hesitant about podcasting, but it can be an effective way to establish themselves as experts and attract new customers. 13:44 Consistency and passion are key to maintaining a successful podcast, even during difficult personal circumstances. 21:59 Tailoring the podcast format to your own style and preferences, rather than trying to emulate others, can lead to a more authentic and engaging show. 28:09 Taking advantage of partnerships and technology can help expand the reach and impact of a podcast, even for those who may be intimidated by the technical aspects. Resource Noise Media Network: We Shine the Spotlight on Small Businesses Connect with Audrey Bell-Kearney on LinkedIn Follow Audrey Bell-Kearney on Facebook Subscribe to Good Morning, Gwinnett Podcast hosted by Audrey Bell-Kearney on Spotify Podcasts

Starting a business and establishing a presence in the traditional sense might be intimidating. It might be as simple as a few clicks for the tech-savvy. However, it is a different scenario for the technological nomads. It may be difficult for them to navigate through complicated web pages, links, or commands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhGphcaSQk4 Kevin Snow is the President and CEO of Time on Target and the co-host of the top 100 Apple podcast called "Growth Mode." As a sales expert and technology enthusiast, Kevin shares his expertise in integrating digital technology with sales processes in an authentic and professional way. Today, Kevin discusses the importance of starting small with marketing automation and sales process optimization. Quotes “Wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes from bad choices.” - Kevin Snow “It's always about understanding and helping them realize where their limitations are now, and then figuring out a really cool way to fix it.” - Kevin Snow “Your number one job as a CEO or business owner is sales. You need to sell, especially if you're just starting out, because that's what gives you proof of concept for your product.” - Kevin Snow Takeaways 05:48 Embrace the iterative nature of marketing automation and sales process improvements, as the ability to revisit and enhance your systems is key to driving business growth. 13:00 Start small with marketing automation and sales process optimization to get easy wins and build excitement around the technology. 20:00 Document and understand your current sales process before implementing complex automation to ensure it aligns with your clients' needs. 24:35 Use an outside perspective to help identify limitations in your sales process and develop innovative solutions to streamline your operations. 32:37 Prioritize sales as the CEO or business owner, as it provides proof of concept for your product and keeps your company going. Resources Time On Target: Your Sales Technology shouldn't make you Bang your head against your desk. Connect with Kevin Snow on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Growth Mode Podcast hosted by Kevin Snow & Donnie Bovin on Podchaser Follow Kevin Snow on Twitter Contact Kevin: 612-429-4298

Do you want to change the world with your message? In order to do that, you need to be true to your intentions. https://youtu.be/XP0zu3kefM0 Amanda Johnson is the founder of True to Intention (folded into Saved By Story), a company that helps seekers and storytellers write truer and more impactful stories. She is also the co-founder of Saved by Story Publishing. Today, Amanda talks about her recent project "You Can't Make This Story Up," a compilation book featuring 20 of her previous clients and family members, and how the process of writing their stories helped them heal old wounds and become more authentic in sharing their messages with the world. Quotes “There's a lot of hype around telling your story, getting your message out there, and sharing your expertise with the world.” - Amanda Johnson “We can't heal by ourselves. The communal aspect is crucial, especially for those who have been traumatized and want to share their stories. They need to rebuild trust with themselves and others.” - Amanda Johnson “If we can just pay attention and ask ourselves, 'What's the message that I'm supposed to be getting here? How is all this being brought to me so that I can be more whole?' life gets a lot more magical.” - Amanda Johnson Takeaways 00:59 Sharing personal stories and healing old wounds can help people become more authentic and impactful in sharing their messages with the world. 09:00 Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and share the full depth of your story, including the difficult parts, can lead to growth and transformation. 19:06 Creating a supportive community space can be transformative for people who are struggling to write and share their stories. 26:27 Recognizing the reciprocal nature of the coach-client relationship and how each person's journey can contribute to the other's healing is key to avoiding burnout. 33:30 Being open to the messages and lessons that life presents, rather than seeing challenges as obstacles, can make life feel more magical and purposeful. Resources Saved By Story: Your Partner at Every Plot Twist from Inspiration to Impact Follow Amanda Johnson on Facebook Connect with Amanda Johnson on LinkedIn Get a copy of You Can't Make This St*ry Up: What If It's All Happening For Us? by Amanda Johnson on Amazon

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful online platforms for networking and business building. If you are using the power of LinkedIn to build meaningful and long-lasting connections, then your business is missing out. In order to grow your business in the right direction, you must first need to understand your vision and goal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUq4ZhhQ0so&pp=ygUPcm9iZXJ0cGxhbmsgODYz Janice Porter is a LinkedIn expert and trainer who helps business professionals build relationships and attract new clients, strategic partners, and referrals through LinkedIn. She believes that all business owners need a magnetic LinkedIn profile to showcase their expertise and connect with the right people. Today, Janice discusses the importance of having an optimized LinkedIn profile, including key elements like the header, headshot, headline, and "about" section. Quotes “If you're in business today, you need to be on LinkedIn and have a profile that works for you, as it is highly indexed by Google.” - Janice Porter “LinkedIn is really about your profile. It provides insight into you, your personality, and how you serve people.” - Janice Porter “Be consistent and know your purpose for using the platform. It's so powerful and so underutilized.” - Janice Porter Takeaways 04:29 Having a fully optimized LinkedIn profile, with attention to the header, headshot, headline, and "about" section, is crucial for making a strong first impression and showcasing your expertise. 10:59 LinkedIn is a platform for building genuine business relationships, not just pitching products or services, so the approach should be focused on connecting and engaging, not just promoting. 12:45 It's important to be selective and strategic about which LinkedIn connections to pursue, rather than just accepting every request, in order to focus on the most promising opportunities. 15:47 Consistently posting relevant content on LinkedIn can help establish oneself as an authority in their industry and attract the right connections. 19:52 Utilizing new LinkedIn features like video messaging can help one's messages stand out and foster more personal connections. Resources Janice Porter: Stay Connected. Be Remembered. Follow Janice Porter on Facebook Follow Janice Porter on Twitter Connect with Janice Porter on LinkedIn

When it comes to operating your business, one method to avoid internal conflict is to identify and simplify how various teams define success. You must assess how teams collaborate, processes operate, and data flows. Remove any barriers that are preventing you from getting things done. You should examine how you manage your firm and who is operating it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvt54ioPKUc Mike Filsaime is a legendary internet marketing expert with over 20 years of experience, currently the Co-Founder & CEO at Groove Digital, LLC. He has created numerous successful software platforms like WebinarJam, EverWebinar, and Kartra. Today, Mike talks about his journey from the car business to the world of online marketing and software development. He shares insights on common mistakes entrepreneurs make, the importance of focus and prioritization, and the lessons he learned from past business partnerships. Quotes “Fail quickly; you will learn more from your failures than from your education.” - Mike Filsaime “Partnerships are like marriages. You can love someone, but things don't always work out.” - Mike Filsaime “Follow your passion. Entrepreneurs take risks, but don't do anything reckless. Make sure you have your ducks lined up.” - Mike Filsaime Takeaways 08:59 Embracing the imperfections of a new project and taking action is better than overthinking and delaying launch. 12:14 Prioritizing tasks and focusing on one project at a time is crucial for avoiding burnout and achieving success. 13:14 Failing quickly and learning from mistakes is more valuable than extensive education. 16:07 Carefully structuring business partnerships with clear contracts and shared vision is essential to avoid conflicts and ensure long-term success. 22:32 Having a clear contract in place for business partnerships can help resolve conflicts and make difficult decisions easier. 34:05 Pursuing your passion and taking calculated risks can lead to fulfilling entrepreneurial journeys. Resources GrooveDigital: Superpowers For Digital Marketers Mike Filsaime: Known as the "Michael Jordan" of Digital marketing. Follow Mike Filsaime on Facebook Connect with Mike Filsaime on LinkedIn

What goes through people's heads when they go inside your business? - How is your business credibility? Are you trusted? People make a rapid judgment about your credibility before you even start outlining benefits and features. At times like this, business credibility is supposed to work its magic. It's the glue that holds businesses together with their consumers and the communities they do business. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lWQUN9DWHQ&pp=ygUPcm9iZXJ0cGxhbmsgODYx Mitchell Levy is a global credibility expert, two-time TEDx speaker, and international best-selling author of over 60 books. He is the founder of Credibility Nation, a membership community focused on helping thought leaders build their credibility. Today, Mitch shares his insights on the importance of being seen and heard as a thought leader, emphasizing the need to embrace one's uniqueness and avoid striving for perfection in conversations and personal branding. Quotes “Credibility is the quality that makes you trusted, known, and liked.” - Mitchell Levy “If we did nothing more than act credible, we would be more humane to each other.” - Mitchell Levy “If you can clearly articulate your purpose, when people see you physically, they will know exactly who you are and what you do.” - Mitchell Levy Takeaways 02:20 Embracing imperfections and uniqueness in conversations can lead to more authentic connections. 06:51 Clearly articulating one's purpose in 10 words or less is key to capturing attention and building trust. 18:41 Aligning one's online and offline presence around a clear purpose can help attract the right audience. 20:56 Consistently living and sharing one's purpose is essential for building credibility and visibility. 23:39 Overcoming past struggles and finding one's superpower can enable helping others succeed. Resources Mitchell Levy: Delivers Executive Gravitas Through Clarity & Credibility Follow Happy About on Facebook Connect with Mitchell Levy on LinkedIn Join the Credibility Nation: For Humans Who Want to Be Seen as Credible.

Many people avoid publishing a book because of the complexity. It takes a lot of effort to force yourself to sit down, brainstorm, write, edit, rewrite, edit, trim, add, rewrite, workshop, rewrite, and rewrite some more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf3SVXTRREA Kathy Sparrow is a mentor for aspiring writers of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, with over two decades of experience. She is the co-author and project leader of "Ignite Your Leadership: Proven Tools for Leaders to Energize Teams, Fuel Momentum, and Accelerate Results." Today, Kathy talks about creating a business plan for your book, including a literary marketing plan, comparable titles, and a comprehensive marketing strategy to reach your audience effectively. Quotes “Unless we write it down, when it comes time to launch, we'll be so busy doing everything else that we might forget some things.” - Kathy Sparrow “We have to believe in ourselves enough and believe in our writing enough to brag—just do a little shameless bragging about ourselves.” - Kathy Sparrow “We leave something for future generations by sharing our words and our messages.” - Kathy Sparrow Takeaways 01:14 Creating a comprehensive business plan and literary marketing strategy is crucial for the success of a book. 05:19 Researching and understanding the competitive landscape in your genre can help you effectively market and position your book. 07:12 Building a network of influencers and collaborators is essential for promoting your book and reaching a wider audience. 13:07 Consistent, even small, daily efforts towards marketing and promoting your book are more effective than sporadic, larger efforts. 21:10 Hybrid publishing can provide authors with the support and resources they need to successfully bring their book to market. Resources A Writable Life: You have a story to tell… Let me show you how! Follow A Writable Life on Facebook Connect with Kathy Sparrow on LinkedIn Get a copy of Ignite Your Leadership: Proven Tools for Leaders to Energize Teams, Fuel Momentum, and Accelerate Results co-authored by Kathy Sparrow, et. al on Amazon

Consumers are wiser than ever before, and they recognize when they're being sold to. It is for this reason that we’ve seen dramatic transformation in the industry in the last decade. Marketers are now turning to inbound marketing strategies to help them attract new customers. It's no longer enough to have a fantastic product and catchy taglines. Companies must now become industry knowledge epicenters for everything customers need to know. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl7I00FB534 Matthew Stibbe is the CEO of Articulate Marketing, a marketing agency that specializes in the technology sector. As a serial entrepreneur, marketing maven, writer, and wine enthusiast, Matthew brings a wealth of experience to the table. Today, Matthew discusses the importance of correlating the results from the content that Articulate Marketing creates, as well as the challenges of transitioning from a "heroic leadership" model to a "professional management" approach within his own business. Quotes “We're evolving from what I would call heroic leadership—me, on my own, as the entrepreneur saying, 'This is what we're doing, go this way'—towards a model of professional management.” - Matthew Stibbe “We're all sent here to learn on this planet, and I feel like I'm learning something new every day.” - Matthew Stibbe “Sometimes difficult, challenging clients are the very best—they keep you on edge.” - Matthew Stibbe Takeaways 00:54 Tracking the performance of content and identifying high-value pieces is crucial for marketing and sales success. 07:55 Transitioning from a "heroic leadership" model to a "professional management" approach can be challenging for entrepreneurs, but necessary for business growth. 12:29 Combining marketing intuition with data analysis is key to effectively using data in marketing. 15:28 Adopting an iterative, experiment-driven approach to marketing activities can help agencies stay accountable and provide tangible results for clients. 22:57 Making use of free tools like Google Search Console and PageSpeed Insights can provide valuable insights to improve website performance. Resources Articulate Marketing: Build your Difference Engine ® with Brand Strategy Websites Copywriting and HubSpot Follow Articulate Marketing on Facebook Connect with Mathews Stibbe on LinkedIn

It's difficult to generate business leads. With so much competition on the market, the battle for exposure is important. Advertising has come a long way, thanks to today's technology. On the other hand, social media has become so saturated with information that it has shortened their attention span. How can you stand out in this environment? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5Uj1aoE1Cw Sarah Dupree is a seasoned professional in the advertising industry, with over 17 years of experience, and owner of Dream Weaver Media. She has dedicated her expertise to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses create effective marketing plans for social media. Today, Sarah shares her approach to social media strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding your target audience, leveraging your unique abilities, and delivering authentic content that provides value to your followers, rather than just promoting your business. Quotes “You have to really know who you're talking to and what their interests are. You also have to be aware of your unique abilities, talents, and experiences—all of which can speak to and help these people.” - Sarah Dupree “The more you do it, the more comfortable you're going to get. Really prioritizing and asking yourself if creating this content is important to you is key.” - Sarah Dupree “I help people save time by providing expert knowledge behind all the steps. We start with brainstorming, and I'm there holding your hand through the entire process.” - Sarah Dupree Takeaways 01:48 Developing a strategic social media marketing plan that focuses on providing value to your target audience, rather than just promoting your business, is key to building trust and authority. 08:00 Using your unique experiences, talents, and abilities to create authentic, visually-appealing content can help you stand out and engage your followers on social media. 11:31 Overcoming the fear of being "on display" and embracing the potential benefits of creating content in public spaces can lead to unexpected opportunities. 15:21 Prioritizing one primary social media platform and repurposing content across other channels can help streamline your social media efforts. 16:28 Understanding the nuances and audience preferences of different social media platforms, such as the more "judgmental" nature of Instagram versus the more supportive environment of TikTok, can inform your content strategy. Resources Dream Weaver Media: Creating Purpose-Driven Marketing Visuals Follow Sarah Dupree on Facebook Connect with Sarah Dupree on LinkedIn

Is your company presenting itself in a positive light now that information is readily available online? Consumers use the internet for everything from product research to finding out where a business is located and operation hours. Even a simple, well-designed website can provide you a competitive advantage in your business, and if you sell things, your site can help you develop your business quickly and affordably. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sW_rjCUBYE Paul Mackiewicz is the CEO and founder of Hashtag Smart Marketing (now Honorable Marketing), a digital marketing agency based in Los Angeles. As an Army veteran and former golf pro, Paul brings a unique perspective to his work with attorneys and doctors, helping them navigate the ever-changing landscape of online marketing. With a focus on the "zero moment of truth" concept, Paul helps his clients understand the importance of online reviews, social proof, and building memorable relationships with their target audience. Today, Paul discusses the significance of the "zero moment of truth" and how it has transformed the way businesses need to approach their digital marketing strategies. Quotes “The zero moment of truth is an amazing concept. It highlights how we all now have access to technology and information like never before.” - Paul Mackiewicz “If you can use video, or even your social posts or comments, as a way to differentiate yourself and showcase your specialties and expertise, you can quickly create an emotional connection with people.” - Paul Mackiewicz “Cover your bases first, and you'd be amazed at the impact that can have. After that, everything else becomes quite a bit easier, especially when you look great in comparison to others.” - Paul Mackiewicz Takeaways 00:55 Embracing the "zero moment of truth" concept is crucial for businesses to stay competitive in the digital age. 06:34 Differentiating oneself through personalized content and emotional connections can help build trust and loyalty with potential clients. 16:07 Optimizing and maintaining a strong online presence, starting with the basics like Google Business Listings, is essential for businesses to be prepared for comparison. 21:40 Adopting a fearless and proactive mindset can help business owners navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in the current market. 25:17 Taking advantage of technology and automation tools can streamline online marketing efforts and free up time for more strategic initiatives. Resources Honorable Marketing: Small and Solo Law Firm Marketing. Maximize Your Marketing Energy Follow Hashtag Smart Marketing on Facebook Connect with Paul Mackiewicz on LinkedIn

Do you want to be your customers' first choice when it comes to Amazon purchases? With changing purchasing preferences, it's time to invest in building an outstanding Amazon product listing. Product listing optimization based on SEO characteristics assists brands in ranking higher as well as increasing traffic, which enhances visibility and conversion rates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUvX8QFJOtI Mac Schlesinger is the founder of Best Seller Listers, a marketing company that helps Amazon sellers create high-performing product listings. He has also started Seller Centry, a service that monitors Amazon seller accounts to prevent suspensions. In addition, Mac co-founded the Amazon Powwow, a popular in-person event series for Amazon sellers. Today, Mac shares his journey into the world of Amazon selling, discussing the importance of treating your Amazon business as a real company, not just a side hustle. Quotes “If you really want to win, you have to be fully in it to win it.” - Mac Schlesinger “You really have to build it as a real business, focus on it, and be competitive because there are so many competitors out there.” - Mac Schlesinger “It's up to you. It's your money and your decision. But let me tell you, try doing it yourself and see if you're good at it.” - Mac Schlesinger Takeaways 11:52 Treat your Amazon business as a real company, not just a side hustle. Invest the necessary time, money, and effort to build a sustainable business. 13:23 Avoid the "get-rich-quick" mindset when it comes to selling on Amazon. The market is highly competitive, and success requires a long-term, strategic approach. 16:02 Outsource tasks and services that are not your core expertise. Focus on your strengths and let professionals handle the rest to maximize efficiency and growth. 20:31 Be prepared to invest a minimum of $10,000 to start an Amazon business, with the understanding that more may be needed for highly competitive products or extensive marketing. 23:55 Overcoming shyness and building a personal brand can be a powerful asset in the Amazon seller community, as it helps you connect with and serve your target audience. Resources Best Seller Listers: Rank the Best, Outsell the Rest Seller Centry: Amazon Anxiety Keeping You Up at Night? Put Your Worries to Rest. Powwow Events: Leading the Way in Industry Conferences and Expos. Follow Best Seller Listers on Facebook Connect with Mac Schlesinger on LinkedIn

Want to gain more Visibility to connect with more people? Then you need an effective PR and Marketing Strategy. But how do you leverage them to widen your audience? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb4XGxyn2N8 Amanda Berlin is a business consultant, visibility strategist, and podcast host who has worked with clients for over 20 years. She previously worked in the corporate world of public relations, helping large companies like pharmaceutical and financial firms increase their visibility. Now, Amanda uses her expertise to help entrepreneurs and small business owners raise their profile and grow their impact through strategic partnerships, speaking opportunities, and media appearances. Today, Amanda discusses the three key pillars of visibility that she recommends for her clients: collaborations and alliances, speaking events, and media placements. Quotes “PR is based on earned visibility—visibility that you earn by positioning yourself as an expert and having valuable ideas to disseminate.” - Amanda Berlin “The fastest track to visibility that generates leads, new clients, and revenue is through collaborations and alliances.” - Amanda Berlin “All of us have something important to contribute, and it is our responsibility to do the work to make our voices heard.” - Amanda Berlin Takeaways 00:56 PR (public relations) is about building relationships and earning visibility, not just paid advertising. 04:16 Visibility tactics should be tailored to your specific business goals, whether that's client acquisition, validation, or long-term awareness. 11:26 Collaborations and strategic partnerships are one of the fastest ways to build trust and credibility with a new audience. 14:03 Speaking opportunities, both on stages and through hosting your own events, can also quickly generate trust and lead to new clients. 14:43 Media placements are valuable for validating your expertise, but should be part of a broader visibility strategy. 25:48 Raising your voice and making yourself visible, despite the discomfort, is a responsibility to support the people who need your expertise and ideas. Resources Amanda Berlin: Fractional CMO Marketing and Business Development for Service-Based Businesses Follow Amanda Berlin on Facebook Connect with Amanda Berlin on LinkedIn The Empowered Publicity Podcast hosted by Amanda Berlin on Spotify Podcasts

Why should you ensure that your website marketing focuses on the client? How can you optimize your marketing for a million-dollar practice? Need more results from your website? If you want to grow your business faster, you need a revenue growth plan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3-gtsI-B5g Michael Buzinski is the CEO of Buzzworthy, a website marketing company. He is a lifelong entrepreneur, a digital marketing thought leader, and a Best-Selling Author. Michael Buzinski was dubbed a "visionary marketer" by the American Marketing Association. Today, Michael discussed his "Rule of 26" concept, which outlines a simple three-step digital marketing strategy to double a service-based business's revenue from its website. Quotes “The rule of 26 states that if you increase the unique traffic to your website by 26%, then increase the conversion rate of that traffic by 26%, and increase your average value per client by 26%, you'll achieve a compounded output of 100% more revenue from your website.” - Michael Buzinski “Nine times out of ten, I hear, 'If I raise my prices, I'll lose my clients.' And I usually respond with, 'Those aren't the right clients.' If you can't charge what you're actually worth, you do not have good clients.” - Michael Buzinski “If you try to talk to everyone, you will become no one because you can please some of the people some of the time, but you cannot please all the people all the time.” - Michael Buzinski Takeaways 01:09 Increasing the average value per client, conversion rate, and website traffic by just 26% each can lead to a 100% increase in revenue for a service-based business. 05:12 Raising prices may cause some clients to leave, but those are likely not the right clients for the business. Focusing on the right, high-value clients is key. 16:29 Clearly defining the specific problem the business solves and the target audience is crucial for effective marketing and standing out from the competition. 23:25 Regularly reviewing and updating the business website to ensure it reflects the current offerings and messaging is essential for maintaining a strong online presence. 25:21 Providing a clear, compelling customer journey and brand story on the website can significantly improve conversion rates. Resources Buzzworthy: Master Profitable and Buzzworthy Marketing Follow Michael Buzinski on Facebook Connect with Michael Buzinski on LinkedIn