Interview

1089: 20 Years of Entrepreneurial Lessons on Marketing & Systems: Pro Tips to Develop and Scale Up Sustainable Business with CEO of Online Marketing Muscle Dean Mercado

April 12, 2024

Ever daydreamed about leaving your job and starting something of your own? Switching from a stable job to the unsure world of starting a business can feel like jumping into the unknown. You need to be strong, adaptable, and always eager to learn. However, the benefits of this jump are unmatched. Think about running a business that matches your beliefs and fires up your passion every day.

Dean Mercado is the Founder and CEO of Online Marketing Muscle, a well-respected small business coach and the number one best-selling author of "The Mind Stretch: 49 Inspiring Insights for Business Breakthroughs." Today, Dean shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including lessons he learned from his time in corporate America and the challenges he faced when starting his own business. He discusses the importance of finding freedom, overcoming one's ego, and building a business that can run without relying solely on the owner's efforts.

Quotes

“I learned a lot by understanding what not to do. I've become skilled at translating what big businesses do well, and if small businesses adopted some of those strategies, they'd improve significantly.” – Dean Mercado

“If you want to create a business you can retire on, build it as if you're going to sell it.” – Dean Mercado

“Raise your game in a significant way when it comes to marketing, because great marketing paves the way for easier sales. With so much clutter online, it's becoming harder to stand out.” – Dean Mercado

Takeaways

01:00 Entrepreneurship requires a clear understanding of one's goals and a willingness to evolve one's approach to achieve true freedom, whether that's financial or time-based.

09:50 Building a successful business involves leveraging systems, processes, and a team, rather than relying solely on the owner's efforts, in order to create a scalable and sustainable operation.

18:52 Continuously evolving one's mindset and approach is crucial for entrepreneurs to keep up with changing business landscapes, such as the rise of AI.

20:26 Surrounding oneself with the right mentors and advisors, rather than unqualified "experts," is crucial for an entrepreneur's growth and success.

25:04 Focusing on quality over quantity in marketing efforts, such as podcasting and social media, can help entrepreneurs cut through the online clutter and reach their target audience more effectively.

Resources

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1088: Decode Financial Mysteries and Prevent Business Fraud with CEO of Workman Forensics Leah Wietholter

April 11, 2024

Ever thought about what happens when a company finds money missing? No one wants this, but it happens a lot. Solving these money mysteries needs skill, a good eye for patterns, and knowledge of data analysis. Looking at financial records can be tough, especially when there's a risk of fraud. The story of money going where it shouldn't affect everyone, from the smallest new businesses to the biggest corporations.

Leah Wietholter is the CEO and founder of Workman Forensics, a forensic accounting firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Formerly with the FBI, Leah has developed a process called the "data sleuth" approach, which focuses on a data-driven, scalable method for conducting forensic accounting engagements and fraud investigations. Today, Leah discusses her passion for helping clients recover missing funds, determine if cases can be prosecuted criminally or civilly, and the importance of understanding intent when investigating potential fraud.

Quotes

“The difference between a mistake and fraud is intent. Someone might benefit from their actions, and it could have been a mistake.” – Leah Wietholter

“Because of our process, we're focused on the facts, not the stories people tell us. We're looking at the data.” – Leah Wietholter

“It's common to feel intimidated about accessing your financial information. However, you are entitled to it, and you can review it without informing anyone. Knowing what's going on in your company is important, and it never hurts.” – Leah Wietholter

Takeaways

06:45 Forensic accounting investigations require a balanced approach that considers both the logical and emotional aspects of a case, in order to uncover the truth and communicate findings effectively.

10:12 Developing a structured, data-driven process for conducting investigations can help forensic accountants break down complex problems, perform objective analysis, and present their findings in a clear and compelling way.

21:54 Proactive monitoring of financial information and being willing to investigate potential issues, even if they seem minor, can help business owners detect and address fraud or mismanagement before it escalates.

Resources

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1087: Leverage Communities, Prioritize Self-Care and Communicate Inclusively to Stay on Top of Constant Tech Changes with Founder of Creative Maven Heather Cook

April 10, 2024

Are you struggling to keep up with the constantly changing tech and marketing worlds? Are you overwhelmed by the abundance of available information and unsure where to focus your efforts? Worry no more! Many people feel the same, but they overcame this problem by strategically focusing their efforts on one particular area and getting help from the community. Take a step forward–thrive and survive in this fast-paced world!

Heather Cook is a principal product manager at Microsoft, working on building community for the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. With over 23 years of experience in the Microsoft space, Heather has worn many hats, including being a partner, customer, event producer, and marketer. Today, Heather discusses her passion for spreading joy and connecting people, as well as the various resources and platforms available within the Microsoft community to help people find solutions to their problems, such as the Microsoft Tech Community, forums, YouTube videos, and LinkedIn lives.

Quotes

“My ‘why’ is spreading joy and connecting people. That's what gets me out of bed in the morning.” – Heather Cook

“Be impeccable with your word. Take nothing personally, make no assumptions, and always do your best.” – Heather Cook

“What you put out into the world will affect someone else. Someone else is having the same issues you are; we're all human and share similar challenges.”– Heather Cook

Takeaways

10:58 Focusing on one area of interest and becoming an expert in it is more effective than spreading your energy thinly across many things.

16:55 Prioritizing self-care, setting goals, and being open to learning and growing are crucial to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of information available.

18:30 Curiosity, empathy, and openness are essential in communication, particularly when discussing topics related to inclusivity and diversity.

24:05 Being impeccable with your words, not taking things personally, and always doing your best can help you overcome creative blocks and share your unique perspective.

24:33 Putting your ideas and content out into the world, even if you feel uncertain, can help others who may be struggling with the same issues.

Resources

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1086: Elevate Client-Agency Partnerships, Benchmark Brands and Lessons in Purpose-Driven Marketing from Veteran CEO of Laughlin Constable Anthony Romano

April 9, 2024

Are you struggling to keep up with the constantly changing marketing landscape? Do you feel like your brand is becoming irrelevant as consumer needs evolve more rapidly than ever before? In today's world, where purpose and emotional connection lead people, you must stop, think, and evaluate whether your brand is truly making an impact on a personal level. Only the brands that can connect with their customers will dominate their respective industries.

Anthony Romano is the CEO of the Midwest advertising agency, Laughlin Constable, which partners with clients like Northwestern Medicine, True Value, Masterlock, Vienna Beef, ASPCA, and more. Today, Anthony shares his current focus and passion, which includes discussing personal experience brands (PSBs) and the importance of making marketing personal to connect with consumers on a deep level. He also talks about the "Seven Commandments" for building and leveraging great client-agency relationships, as well as his thoughts on the future of AI in marketing.

Quotes

“If you're not making it personal, you're making yourself obsolete.” – Anthony Romano

“Leaning into innovation and bravery definitely pays off in significant ways.” – Anthony Romano

“Never be afraid to fall down. Consider the people you've worked with over your career. Those who are fearless, or appear fearless, and approach their job fearlessly are the ones who always get the most out of their job and impress me the most. So, fail hard.”– Anthony Romano

Takeaways

02:31 Brands that create deep personal connections with consumers through emotional, intuitive, and anticipatory experiences are more successful and relevant in the long-term.

04:32 Developing a clear brand purpose, being human-centered, culturally connected, and dynamically adapting are critical factors for building a strong "personal experience brand."

19:42 Successful client-agency relationships require versatile marketing teams on the client side, blurred lines between client and agency roles, reciprocal adaptability, transparency, and a shared sense of accountability.

29:46 AI is currently being used by agencies as an enabler to enhance and accelerate their work, rather than replace human roles, though this may change over time.

38:41 Embracing failure and being brave in marketing efforts, even during economic fluctuations, is key advice for achieving success.

Resources

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1085: The $250,000 Blueprint for Insurance Growth: Conquer Fear to Become an Insurance Superstar with Complete Game Consulting Founder Andy Neary

April 8, 2024

What does it take for insurance firms to distinguish themselves amidst fierce competition? Strategically navigating market trends and adapting to evolving consumer needs, companies can help cultivate a distinct brand identity. Through different strategies, insurers can effectively position themselves as leaders in an ever-changing industry landscape.

Andy Neary is the Founder & Marketing Consultant of Complete Game Consulting and an insurance industry expert on a mission to help 25,000 agents reach their full potential. Through his consulting firm, he teaches insurance professionals how to build personal brands, develop effective marketing strategies, and embrace sales skills to grow their businesses. Today, Andy talks about overcoming the challenges of standing out in the insurance industry, including the importance of personal branding, embracing sales strategies, and developing marketing and sales systems to attract and convert ideal prospects.

Quotes

“If you're going to be an entrepreneur, you better work on your sales skills. Because if you are growing your own business, the only way it's going to grow is if you tell a lot of people that you can help them.” – Andy Neary

“What lights me up is helping somebody who knows they're not reaching their full potential right now. They know what they're capable of, all they're missing is clarity.” – Andy Neary

“If you focus on impact over income, you will make more money than you could possibly ever dream of.”– Andy Neary

Takeaways

03:18 Developing a clear understanding of your ideal prospects and strategically reaching them through various marketing channels, rather than relying solely on cold calls, is key to building a thriving business.

05:39 Overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there and embracing personal branding is crucial for success in a noisy industry like insurance.

14:47 Patience, consistency, and a willingness to invest in personal development and accountability are essential traits for successful entrepreneurs.

17:11 Doubling down on your goals and investing in yourself, even during challenging times, can be a transformative strategy for entrepreneurs.

22:15 Creating content with the goal of delivering value and impact, rather than just focusing on income, can lead to greater business success.

Resources

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1084: Drive 7 Figures Through Customer-Centric Copywriting and Master Email Marketing Basics with Conversion Copywriter Expert and Copy Coach Monica Badiu

April 7, 2024

In the digital era, where inboxes are battlegrounds for attention, email marketing is key for companies to connect with their audience. This method of marketing is not just about promoting products or services; it's an art and a science, blending compelling copywriting with an understanding of consumer behavior. Good email marketing is about respecting your audience, giving them useful information, and interacting with them beyond just selling them things.

Monica Badiu is a customer-centric email copywriter & copy coach with over 14 years of experience. She focuses on consumer behavior and ethical marketing strategies, aiming to educate audiences through her copywriting rather than relying on manipulative tactics. Today, Monica discusses the importance of treating your audience as human beings, not just numbers, by understanding their specific pain points and problems. She emphasizes the value of delivering value through email marketing and copywriting, rather than just trying to make a sale, and shares strategies for tackling objections and negative perceptions about a brand to build trust and credibility.

Quotes

“Treat your audience as human beings. That's the simplest way to explain it, as many people treat their audience as just numbers.” – Monica Badiu

“I'm not selling the product; I'm selling their commitment to achieving their goal.” – Monica Badiu

“If you want someone to trust you, demonstrate that you understand their current situation—their problems, opportunities, and obstacles. Discussing these makes your emails so relevant that your audience won't be able to resist them.”– Monica Badiu

Takeaways

04:22 Treat your audience as human beings, not just numbers, by understanding their specific pain points, problems, and context.

12:23 Take the time to truly understand your target audience, their needs, and the problems you are solving for them.

15:13 Focus on delivering value through your email marketing and copywriting, rather than just trying to make a sale.

17:10 Build "trustworthiness capital" over time through consistent, valuable email communication before relying on discounts or sales tactics.

19:46 Tackle objections and negative perceptions about your brand head-on, rather than avoiding them, to build trust and credibility.

Resources

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1083: Earn More, Stress Less: Short-Term Rental Strategies, Overcome Barriers, and Data-Driven Investing with CEO of Vrolio Jeramie Worley

April 6, 2024

The growth of the sharing economy has changed the way we travel, live, and invest, especially in real estate. One key area is the short-term rental market, which has expanded a lot with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. This growing industry has created new paths for real estate investors and agents, providing access to money-making and investment chances that were once hard to get.

Jeramie Worley is a real estate expert and CEO of Vrolio, a data platform for the short and mid-term rental industry. With over 17 years of experience in the short-term rental space, Jeramie has brokered over $1 billion in short-term rental transactions. He is also the author of "Myths, Management and Mastery of Vacation Rentals" and host of the "Cocktails and Dreams Real Estate Podcast". Today, Jeramie shares insights on getting started in short-term rental investing. He discusses how short-term rentals can serve as a lower-risk gateway into real estate investing compared to other options. Jeremy also highlights mistakes people make in their vacation rentals and emphasized the importance of customer service.

Quotes

“The general who makes many calculations before battle will have many victories.” – Jeramie Worley

“Everybody wants to give you their opinion, and sometimes it doesn’t feel good. But I’ve stopped worrying so much about what an individual person says. Instead, I’m focusing on the people I haven’t met yet and how I can serve them at the highest level.” – Jeramie Worley

“I’m focused on people who want to do more with their lives, who feel like they've been underserved or overlooked by the world, but believe they have something special to offer. I’ll help them bring that out and become the salt and light they need to make an impact on the world. We only get one go-round, so you might as well have the resources to make it count.”– Jeramie Worley

Takeaways

01:57 Short-term rentals can serve as a lower-risk gateway into real estate investing compared to other options like flipping or commercial properties.

18:00 Establishing your own brand and booking platform separate from major platforms like Airbnb can help short-term rental owners maintain control and build a loyal customer base. This insulates them from changes in the industry.

18:34 Providing excellent customer service and building a personal relationship with guests is crucial for success in the short-term rental business.

27:03 Data-driven decision-making is becoming increasingly important in the short-term rental space.

33:24 Focusing on serving the next 500 potential customers, rather than worrying about individual opinions, can help short-term rental operators maintain a positive, productive mindset and maximize their impact.

Resources

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1082: Develop Connections, Contacts, Relationships, and Partnerships: Generational Wealth and Social Innovation with CEO of Diamond Lake Minerals Brian J. Esposito

April 6, 2024

Entrepreneurship goes beyond just earning profits. It’s about building real value that benefits customers, supports employees, and uplifts the community. Entrepreneurs lead the way in business, innovation, and making a positive difference in society. They solve problems, improve lives, and work towards a better world.

Brian J. Esposito is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Diamond Lake Minerals Inc. With over 20 years of experience building companies globally across 25 unique industries, Brian has been ranked among the top 10 CEOs in the world. He is also the founder of Esposito Intellectual Enterprises, which consists of over 110 entities. Today, Brian discusses his passion for creating value and win-win opportunities for all parties involved. He talks about democratizing access to capital through technologies like blockchain and security tokens and revolutionizing the future of public companies and stocks with Diamond Lake Minerals' new structure. Brian also shares his views on positive social impact, self-awareness, overcoming challenges, and advice for entrepreneurs.

Quotes

“For me, it’s about being self-aware, staying consistent, and trying my best each day to wake up a little smarter and wiser than the day before. If you keep doing that, I believe you start to evolve and begin to see life much more clearly.” – Brian J. Esposito

“If you have any angst, nervousness, or feel unsettled during your day, and it's not coming from within but being triggered by others, you need to identify that and cut it out like a cancer.” – Brian J. Esposito

“Anybody can be an overnight success if you wake up the next day a little smarter, wiser, and stronger than you were the day before.”– Brian J. Esposito

Takeaways

08:11 Prioritizing positive social impact and creating win-win opportunities is crucial in business, alongside financial success.

12:11 Structuring public companies with a strong balance sheet, loyal shareholder base, and focus on generational wealth creation can revolutionize traditional finance.

16:21 Developing self-awareness, cutting out toxic relationships, and overcoming challenges are essential for personal and professional growth.

24:35 Entrepreneurs should create two distinct inner circles - one for personal relationships and one for professional connections - to manage information sharing effectively.

29:25 Consistency, continuous learning, and a resilient mindset are the keys to achieving "overnight success" as an entrepreneur.

Resources

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1081: Nearbound: Expertise to Influence Through LinkedIn Personal Branding and Social Selling with NearPoint Strategies Founder Natasha Walstra

April 5, 2024

LinkedIn is your new best friend when it comes to professional growth and shaping your image. It's like a vibrant gathering spot where you can flaunt your skills, make meaningful connections with other professionals, and discover exciting new opportunities. Think of it as more than just an online resume - it's a platform for interactions that could be the game-changer in your career; you never know when a potential employer might stumble upon your profile and be impressed by your achievements.

Natasha Walstra is the founder and CEO of NearPoint Strategies. She is an expert in personal branding and social selling strategy and helps entrepreneurs and sales professionals increase revenue through LinkedIn, personal branding, and social selling strategy. Today, Natasha shares her insights on the importance of personal branding in the modern business landscape, emphasizing the need for professionals to establish a strong online presence and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to differentiate themselves, build relationships, and drive business growth.

Quotes

“The future of business is near-bound, actually bringing it back to how it used to be by moving away from some of the automation, the robots, and the chatbots. It’s about human-to-human conversations and focusing on relationships.” – Natasha Walstra

“You want to be asking yourself, ‘Am I being productive, or just active?’ while spending time on LinkedIn. If you're just being active and scrolling, you’re not going to get anything out of it.” – Natasha Walstra

“Content doesn’t get you conversations; conversations get you content.”– Natasha Walstra

Takeaways

00:10 Personal branding is no longer optional - it is essential for business growth and visibility as a leader.

10:58 Leveraging LinkedIn effectively requires intentional, productive activity, not just mindless scrolling.

13:49 Aligning your personal branding efforts with your overall business goals is crucial.

16:50 Building genuine relationships through conversations, not just automated pitches, is the key to successful social selling on LinkedIn.

28:35 Content creation should be informed by real client conversations and pain points, not just produced in a vacuum.

Resources

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1080: Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Strategies for Organizational Wellness with Founder of Sixth Gear Consulting Dr. Anthony Simmons

April 5, 2024

Are you frustrated by the lack of engagement in your workplace? Feeling like leadership is lacking direction and inspiration? Many organizations struggle with disconnected cultures, unclear strategies, and unfulfilled employees. But it doesn't have to be this way. There are frameworks you can follow for building high-trust, high-performing teams. By developing self-awareness, empowering individuals, and unlocking their potential, you can transform your organization toward success.

Dr. Anthony Simmons is the President and Founder of Sixth Gear Consulting and the author of the book, “Championing Organization Wellness.” He is also a retired Navy captain with an impressive 28-year career as a surface warfare officer. Nowadays, Dr. Simmons focuses on connecting people, building trust in the workplace, and sharing his expertise on human resource strategies, emotional intelligence, and his unique approach to inspiring and empowering individuals. Today, Dr. Simmons discusses his passion for helping organizations appreciate and connect their people through his "Champion of Organizational Wellness" model. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, cultural understanding, and continuous learning to overcome challenges and create high-performing teams.

Quotes

“Responsibility, accountability, loyalty, and trust are key. It's just as important for you to trust me as it is for me to trust you.” – Dr. Anthony Simmons

“The art of success is human; the science of success is technology.” – Dr. Anthony Simmons

“No matter how much superficial stuff you add, it won't help if you magnify what you don't like. You have to love yourself.”– Dr. Anthony Simmons

Takeaways

00:57 Developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership and building trust in organizations.

04:28 Continuous learning, coaching, and empowering individuals are essential for sustainable organizational wellness.

06:13 Navigating cultural differences and meeting people halfway is key to connecting and inspiring teams.

17:04 Integrating people skills and technology is vital for achieving success in today's fast-paced, complex business environment.

21:43 Resilience, authenticity, and a focus on the bigger picture can help leaders overcome challenges and setbacks.

Resources

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