Interview

1104: TomCo Solutions: Industry Leadership and Marketing Strategies to Stand Out in the Construction Industry with President & CEO and Florida Certified Contractor of TomCo Solutions, Inc. Tommy Whitehead

May 9, 2024

Are you struggling to stand out in a crowded construction industry? Start to market and promote your business effectively. Contrary to what everybody thinks, marketing and networking are necessary in the construction industry. There are proven yet affordable marketing tactics you can start with such as podcasting or public speaking, anything that will expand your profile to others. Though it sounds hard, your success is guaranteed if you are willing to surpass yourself!

Tommy Whitehead is a licensed contractor, the President and CEO of TomCo Solutions, Inc. and the author of “Building Success: A Toolbox for Coming Out on Top.” Today, Tommy discusses the importance of marketing and networking in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for contractors to step outside their comfort zones and adopt a more proactive approach to promoting their businesses. He shares his own journey, from being a "poor kid" to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and highlighted various strategies he has employed, such as leveraging social media, hiring marketing professionals, and hosting events to connect with the community.

Quotes

“If you want to become a very effective contractor, you have to think about becoming a disruptor in your industry.” – Tommy Whitehead

"Marketing is often planting a seed, and you’ve got to cultivate the crop over time. It’s not hunting; sales is hunting." – Tommy Whitehead

“You’ve got to let go, have a little faith, and find someone who’s good at those things. Do what you’re good at, what you have a passion for. Stop slaving at your own job—especially if you're an entrepreneur. You shouldn’t be slaving; it should be something you enjoy.” – Tommy Whitehead

Takeaways

01:56 Contractors need to step outside their comfort zones and adopt a more proactive approach to marketing and networking to stand out in the industry.

05:30 Starting small with affordable marketing efforts, such as a $100 monthly social media budget, can lead to incremental growth and bigger results over time.

18:07 Expanding the scope of a podcast or other content beyond a narrow niche can lead to unexpected connections and opportunities.

23:31 Delegating tasks that are not core competencies and hiring quality people can free up time for entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths and passions.

26:59 Embracing failure as a learning opportunity and believing in oneself are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success as an entrepreneur.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:42 — 38.2MB) | Embed

1103: Scaling to Your First Million: Entrepreneurial Resilience, Sales Optimization, and Adaptive Strategies with Business Coach Paul Lemberg

May 8, 2024

Are you stuck growing your business? Do you find yourself too busy with the day-to-day tasks to step back and strategize how to accelerate growth? In this situation, it is best to get out of your own way and try new approaches to breaking through to the next level. Doing so will surely overcome these challenges and scale your company to new heights.

Paul Lemberg is an entrepreneur, author, and business coach with over 28 years of experience helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Today, Paul discusses his passion for "changing the world, one entrepreneur at a time." He shares his insights on overcoming self-limiting beliefs, systematizing business processes, and leveraging the CEO's time and skills to drive growth. Paul emphasizes the importance of adapting to new challenges and strategies, rather than relying solely on past successes.

Quotes

“What got you to where you are won’t take you to the next level. If you're attached to that because it worked before, and it made you successful, you might think that’s how you need to keep going. But that’s not true—you need to come up with new and different ways to move forward.” – Paul Lemberg

"If you want to hand your business over to someone else to run it the way you do, you have to cover all the bases. If you don’t, they might reach a critical aspect of running the business and not know how to handle it." – Paul Lemberg

“’No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy.’ I don’t rely on long-term strategic plans.” – Paul Lemberg

Takeaways

01:37 A coach or mentor can provide valuable perspective and guidance to help entrepreneurs overcome their own limitations and unlock new growth opportunities.

03:14 Entrepreneurs often get stuck in their own way, unable to see new strategies that could help their business grow.

06:17 Systematizing a business through comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a "turnkey" approach enables scaling and duplication.

14:12 Prioritizing high-leverage activities like sales, marketing, and product development can significantly impact a business's growth.

23:30 Short-term, adaptable plans are more effective than rigid long-term plans, as the market and business conditions are constantly changing.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:25 — 37.8MB) | Embed

1102: AI in Business: The Promise and Perils of Generative AI with Digital Automation and Robotics Limited CEO Kieran Gilmurray

May 7, 2024

New technologies are shaping the modern world and by extension, our future. However, as we marvel at their potential to transform industries and improve lives, it's important to also consider the potential downsides. Navigating the complexities with caution and foresight can allow us to harness the benefits of new technologies while reducing their risks for a brighter future.

Kieran Gilmurray is the CEO of Digital Automation and Robotics Limited, the author of “The A-Z of Organizational Digital Transformation,” and a thought leader in AI and digital transformation. With over 30 years of experience implementing AI solutions for businesses, he understands both the incredible potential and real risks of new technologies. Today, he discusses his expertise and experience with AI, mistakes he's made with AI projects, how businesses can ethically leverage AI and automation, and his resources for helping others do the same.

Quotes

“We always overestimate what technology can do in the short term, and we always underestimate just how impactful technology can be in the long term.” – Kieran Gilmurray

"Dynamite was invented to clear roads and mountains to improve transport but guess what happened—it was used for bad things. People didn't think beyond where the nefarious might get involved. We need to be careful, similarly with AI and anything we do as human beings on a daily basis." – Kieran Gilmurray

“If we look at AI, it's an 80-year-old overnight success story. It's full of mistakes. Why? Because we as humans created it, full of our own frailties, spillover, our own biases.” – Kieran Gilmurray

Takeaways

04:34 Embracing new technologies like AI in their infancy, rather than playing catch-up later, is crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve.

06:11 Digital transformation is not just about implementing technology, but rather reorienting the entire business to leverage digital tools and strategies to better serve customers.

10:30 Businesses need to invest in both technology and people to successfully undergo digital transformation, as the two work hand-in-hand to drive innovation and growth.

23:23 Responsible implementation of AI is essential, as it can have unintended consequences if not developed and deployed thoughtfully.

22:37 Admitting and learning from mistakes is a sign of maturity and a key to success when navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and digital technologies.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:47 — 42.5MB) | Embed

1101: Strategies to Keep Engagement, Branding and Grow Your Audience with Las Vegas Entertainers Hall of Fame Member Aaron Phillips

May 6, 2024

Feeling stuck with your podcast's growth? Need to boost audience engagement and reach? Running a show demands constant effort to captivate and expand your listener base. While it's challenging, your passion, perseverance, and kindness will lead you to a thriving and successful podcast journey.

Aaron Phillips is a successful radio personality, author of the book, “Let My Voice Speak to You,” and public speaker based in Las Vegas. He hosts and produces various broadcast shows with varying topics, including his own show called "Aaron's Hour with Aaron Phillips." Today, Aaron talks about his journey into the broadcasting industry, starting from answering an ad on Craigslist to becoming a member of the Las Vegas Entertainers Hall of Fame. He also speaks on his passion for sharing his personal health journey and using his voice to make a positive impact on people's lives.

Quotes

“Believe in yourself. It’s too easy to make excuses not to do things. The hard part is getting past those excuses and saying, ‘You know what? I’m going to at least give it a try.’” – Aaron Phillips

"If you have a passion for what you're doing, it's not work—it's fun." – Aaron Phillips

“Be kind to everybody. That’s the message I end every show with. I hope people will apply it in their own way to make it meaningful for themselves.” – Aaron Phillips

Takeaways

04:22 Passion and belief in oneself are key to overcoming excuses and achieving success.

09:12 Sharing personal stories and experiences can have a powerful impact on an audience.

11:44 Podcasting and radio hosting require adaptability, continuous learning, and a focus on creating an entertaining, natural conversation.

18:45 Effective branding, promotion, and diversification are essential for building a successful media career.

21:53 Kindness and a positive attitude can make a meaningful difference in one's work and life.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:16 — 32.1MB) | Embed

1100: Transform Leadership and Culture: Empower Teams, Unlock Potential, and Develop Leaders Through Adversity with Leader and Consultant Gilbert Chestnut

May 5, 2024

Leadership development is key to growth in personal and professional life. Good leadership isn't only about decision-making but also about inspiring others, creating a vision, and handling problems well. This is especially important in today's quick and constantly changing business world, where leaders need to be flexible, understanding, and good at planning.

Gilbert Chestnut is the owner of GC Consultation and a proven leader with over 35 years of experience in various fields, including the US military and federal government. Today, Gilbert discusses his passion for leadership development and culture transformation. He shares insights on the importance of engaging and empowering team members, overcoming adversity, and the transformative power of leadership, drawing from his own experiences and the principles outlined in his book, "The Leadership Stride."

Quotes

“Leadership often involves adapting based on what others say leadership should be. But it's like a house, you find ways to give it a new look, a fresh perspective. A leadership strategy gives us the opportunity to take something we've been doing for a while and add a whole new, refreshed approach. That's what makes it so exciting.” – Gilbert Chestnut

"Adversity brings out true character. I believe that, as a leader, in the midst of adversity, we have the opportunity to reflect on our goals, true aspirations, values, and principles." – Gilbert Chestnut

“As leaders, we must understand and appreciate that our impact goes beyond those we directly lead. It affects and influences those they will eventually lead as well, because much of their leadership style will be based on how we led them. Our reach extends much further than we realize, and we need to make it count.” – Gilbert Chestnut

Takeaways

06:46 Effective leadership is about transforming people's thought processes, not just changing processes.

09:02 Engaging and empowering team members through communication, recognition, and unlocking their potential is crucial for successful leadership.

15:04 Maintaining integrity and a commitment to helping others develop their leadership potential is more important than personal success.

16:55 Adversity presents an opportunity for leaders to reflect on their values and principles, rather than letting the situation define them.

21:48 The impact of a leader's influence extends beyond their direct reports, shaping the leadership of future generations.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:56 — 31.7MB) | Embed

1099: Buy Back Your Time and Achieve Scalability by Learning to Work ON Instead of IN Your Business with Strategist and Co-Founder of Better Than Rich Mike Abramowitz

May 4, 2024

Ever wanted to reclaim your time and achieve greater freedom in your schedule? Some strategies such as discovering what drains your energy and setting certain boundaries can give you back control of your time. As you implement these, you'll not only become more efficient and less stressed but also find yourself with more freedom to pursue your passions and nurture meaningful connections.

Mike Abramowitz is a business strategist and the co-founder of Better Than Rich, a business training and coaching program. He helps others achieve time freedom by identifying energy-draining tasks, setting clear boundaries, and leveraging AI assistants to automate workflows. After spending 8.5 months in the hospital with his newborn son, Mike learned how to systematize his own business to run without him, allowing him to focus on his family. Today, Mike shares his expertise on delegating tasks, creating systems and processes, and leveraging technology and virtual assistants to free up time for entrepreneurs.

Quotes

“My focus is helping entrepreneurs who have a business and a family and are high earners. It's to help them buy back their time so they can reinvest it into what matters most to them.” – Mike Abramowitz

"Know what season you're in and make sure you're navigating with the appropriate strategy depending on the season." – Mike Abramowitz

“If you want an apple tree in the fall, make sure you're planting apple seeds for the type of business you want. If you're in a summer season, grinding and working, keep your head down and don't try to tackle multiple things at once.” – Mike Abramowitz

Takeaways

03:25 Entrepreneurs should define the purpose of their business and prioritize their time and energy accordingly to achieve time freedom.

08:48 Implementing systems, processes, and documentation (playbooks) can create predictability and efficiency in a business, allowing the owner to step away.

16:49 Systematizing a business requires ongoing maintenance and improvement to ensure it remains efficient and effective over time.

21:08 Delegating and offloading administrative tasks to virtual assistants and a dedicated team can free up an entrepreneur's time to focus on high-value activities.

24:54 Knowing the current "season" of one's business and adjusting strategies accordingly is crucial for navigating challenges and opportunities.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:41 — 36.8MB) | Embed

1098: Surviving Genocide and Tribal Conflict in Zimbabwe’s Caves: A Teacher’s 4-Year Ordeal and Journey to Overcoming Trauma with Author Julian Bhebhe

May 3, 2024

How can resilience and spirituality help bridge divisions and foster unity in our communities? Cultivating inner strength and connecting with deeper values are essential for overcoming conflicts and finding common ground. Embracing these principles enables anyone to navigate differences with grace, compassion, and a shared sense of humanity.

Julian Bhebhe is an organization development practitioner, teacher of online business communication in higher education, and an author. Through his harrowing first-hand account in his book "Four Years in a Cave," Julian brings awareness to the brutal military purge he survived and its lasting trauma. His story shines a light on the atrocities faced by ordinary citizens and helps combat indifference to human rights violations. Today, he tells the story of his experiences and teaches lessons of resilience, spirituality, and overcoming divisions, so stay tuned for more!

Quotes

“The lesson right here is to get your system cleaned up and to stop fighting each other.” – Julian Bhebhe

"People must open their eyes and rise above petty differences and learn to work together." – Julian Bhebhe

“There must be order so that people can get together and improve their quality of life.” – Julian Bhebhe

Takeaways

40:45 Tribalism and envy can lead to unjust suffering, but maintaining faith, perseverance, and community support can help one overcome even the most extreme adversity.

08:29 Young people who are misguided can commit horrific acts, highlighting the importance of guidance, education, and accountability to prevent such tragedies.

10:59 Connecting with a higher power and exercising sound judgment can provide the strength and clarity needed to navigate through life's most challenging circumstances.

26:28 Pension and bureaucratic struggles can compound the trauma of survivors, underscoring the need for systemic reform and international intervention to provide justice and closure.

41:20 Sharing personal stories of resilience can inspire others, raise awareness, and potentially lead to positive change in the face of ongoing injustice.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:01 — 63.4MB) | Embed

1097: Master SEO, Content Creation, and Google Maps to Dominate Your Industry with President of Collaborate Pros David Kaminski

May 2, 2024

Are you frustrated by your lack of online visibility and struggling to attract new customers through search engines? Do you feel like SEO is overwhelming? Many people say that SEO is hard, Google is confusing, and various reasons hinder them from learning this strategy to be seen online. Little do they know that nowadays, you can learn SEO and Google Maps in a simple, fun, and engaging way and ultimately rise to the top of the industry.

David Kaminski is the President of Collaborate Pros, an SEO and digital marketing agency that helps businesses improve their online visibility and rankings. Today, David discusses the evolution of SEO, highlighting how it has become more focused on strategy and content rather than just technical optimization. He provides practical tips on using geotagged images, creating localized blog content, and leveraging FAQs on the homepage to drive traffic to relevant pages.

Quotes

“When most people hear ‘SEO,’ they want to close their ears, shut their eyes, and run away. But if you're listening, don't do that! We're going to make it fun, like you said, and simple.” – David Kaminski

"The way you create and structure your content is more valued by Google now than ever before. If you can make it engaging, include videos, and educate someone, it will make a big difference." – David Kaminski

“I'd rather go find the person who knows how to do it. You want to surround yourself with powerful people who know what they’re doing, because then you’re not wasting time learning their expertise.” – David Kaminski

Takeaways

01:28 Providing value to website visitors through engaging, informative content that answers common industry questions is crucial for building authority and trust with search engines.

05:58 Optimizing website content for local SEO, such as using geotagged images and creating localized blog posts, can significantly improve a business's online visibility and ranking.

14:31 Building relationships and link exchanges with non-competing businesses in the same industry, even in different locations, can be an effective strategy for boosting website authority.

19:20 Leveraging AI tools can streamline content creation, but it's important to ensure the output is unique and accurate.

21:25 Incorporating frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the homepage, with links to relevant blog posts, can help drive traffic and improve the user experience.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:50 — 38.4MB) | Embed

1096: From Associate to Ambassador: Connect, Build Trust and Lead Others with President and Executive ESG Strategist of Labeling Sustainability Jeff Baldassari

May 1, 2024

Are your people skills holding you back from career success? Struggling to build strong professional relationships? Whatever we do in life, interactions with other people are necessary. Especially if you want to boost your career in life, developing the right people skills will make you the invaluable leader others will come to for help.

Jeff Baldassari is the Founder and CEO of The Competitive Edge Group and the author of "From Associate to Ambassador: The Distinctive Skills Every Law Firm Associate Must Master to Enjoy an Exceptional Career." He practiced law for five years at the national law firm BakerHostetler and served as president and CEO of two manufacturers for 21 years. Today, Jeff shares his unique insights on the importance of people skills, mentorship, networking, and interpersonal skills in the legal profession and beyond.

Quotes

“Everything in life is easy until people get involved.” – Jeff Baldassari

"You can't be a one-dimensional person; you have to be multifaceted. You need to develop a personality, something outside the practice of law, because that helps you connect with people on a deeper level." – Jeff Baldassari

“Go where the clients are, go where the customers go, and network. They won’t always be in your immediate world, so connect with spaces that are adjacent to what you do.” – Jeff Baldassari

Takeaways

07:09 Developing strong people skills, such as the ability to motivate, manage, inspire, and influence, is crucial for success in both legal and business careers.

08:46 Consistent practice and reflection are necessary to improve interpersonal skills, regardless of one's natural inclination, as these skills are not typically taught in formal education.

15:10 Networking should focus on adding value to others and building genuine relationships, rather than a direct approach of self-promotion.

17:39 Becoming a well-rounded professional, with interests and knowledge beyond one's specific role or expertise, can help differentiate oneself and foster better connections with clients and colleagues.

28:32 Prioritizing the needs and growth of others, rather than solely focusing on one's own success, can lead to greater fulfillment and career advancement.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:15 — 43.1MB) | Embed

1095: AI-Powered Solutions: Optimize Podcast Production and Content Creation with AI and Automation Expert Mark Savant

April 18, 2024

Many content creators face spending countless hours on podcast production. But smart content creators embrace the power of automation and AI in their content creation process as their new team members, working around the clock to streamline workflows and enhance their creative output.

Mark Savant is the owner of Mark Savant Media, a resource for business owners, coaches, and personal brand builders. He is a podcasting and automation expert who has produced thousands of episodes for himself and his clients. Today, Mark shares his insights on using AI tools like ChatGPT and Zapier to automate various aspects of podcast production, from script generation to post-production follow-up, ultimately creating win-win solutions for podcasters, guests, and clients. Mark emphasizes the importance of experimenting with AI and technology, as he believes that businesses that fail to adapt will not be able to compete in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Quotes

“If you're not automating processes, not using AI in your workflows, and not empowering your team with AI, you're probably going to be bankrupt within the next several years. You just won't be able to compete.” – Mark Savant

"Creating more win-win solutions through automation, AI, and technology is where every business owner should be focused right now. It's highly accessible and can make a significant difference." – Mark Savant

“If you're not experimenting with AI and technology today, your business could be dead in four years. It simply won't survive. You need to start exploring AI and tech now, before it's too late.” – Mark Savant

Takeaways

02:33 Automating content creation workflows using AI tools like ChatGPT and Zapier can save significant time and increase efficiency, allowing businesses to be more competitive.

16:15 Leveraging forms to provide structured input to ChatGPT can lead to high-quality, customized content outputs that require minimal human intervention.

18:56 Automating post-production tasks, such as follow-up with podcast guests, can create win-win solutions that benefit the podcaster, guests, and clients.

19:45 Developing a problem-solving mindset and surrounding oneself with others tackling similar challenges can help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of implementing AI and automation.

24:22 Experimenting with AI and technology is crucial for businesses to stay relevant and avoid being left behind in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:22 — 35.0MB) | Embed

Interview

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Done For You Podcasting

Signup for Free Report

About Robert & The Podcast

Recent Posts

Income Machine

Bestselling Books

Categories

Archives