Interview

981: Winning the Executive Interview: Build Your Career Through Professional Networking with Dr. Marcia Ballinger

October 23, 2023

Networking is not solely about quantity but quality. Having a few strong, trustworthy connections is better than having an extensive network of superficial contacts. Approach networking with authenticity, sincerity, and a genuine desire to build meaningful relationships rather than treating it as a transactional activity. Cultivating these connections over time can lead to enduring, mutually beneficial relationships that support your personal and professional growth.

Dr Marcia Ballinger is the Co-Founder and Principal of Ballinger | Leafblad, a national executive search firm located in St Paul, Minnesota. She specializes in executive job search, career planning, networking, interviewing, and nonprofit sector transitions, making her a sought-after writer and speaker. Her insights have benefited professionals seeking career advancement and transitioning into the nonprofit sector. She is the author of several books, including "The 20 Minute Networking Meeting" and "Winning the Executive Interview."

Marcia has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named an Industry Leader by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, part of the "(Real) Power 50" by Minnesota Business Magazine, and a member of "50 Over 50" by AARP. Today, Marcia will talk about effective networking strategies and the importance of building meaningful professional relationships. Stay tuned!

Quotes

"People roll their careers in many different ways. What I think is most important is having confidence in my own intentions regarding my career and maintaining control of my own narrative." - Dr. Marcia Ballinger

“Making networking and these relationships a way of life is the most advantageous way to think about networking, rather than waiting till I'm in a pickle and then racing around trying to do it.” - Dr. Marcia Ballinger

“Everybody has wisdom and is honored to share it. If I'm on a wisdom-seeking tour and I'm grateful, respectful, organized, approachable, and kind, I leave that person with a lasting impression.” - Dr. Marcia Ballinger

Takeaways

16:13 Networking is a necessary skill for career growth and success, even for those in stable jobs or large organizations.

20:18 Approaching networking meetings as an opportunity to seek wisdom and have meaningful conversations can be more effective than simply trying to sell oneself.

21:15 Building a network and relationships should be an ongoing process, not something to be done only when needed.

22:02 Maintaining a positive, curious, and respectful attitude during networking interactions can leave a lasting impression and lead to unexpected opportunities.

27:32 Taking advantage of personal connections and recommendations can significantly improve one's chances in a job search compared to applying online or through recruiters alone.

Resources

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980: GoAvance: The Amazon E-Commerce Evolution in Mexico and Latin America with Ramiro Velasco

October 22, 2023

Amazon's presence in the Latin American e-commerce landscape has been transformative, bringing both opportunities and challenges to the region. As one of the world's largest online marketplaces, Amazon has had a significant impact on how Latin American consumers shop and how businesses operate. The impact of Amazon in Latin America continues to evolve, shaping the future of e-commerce in the region.

Ramiro Velasco is associated with GoAvance and serves as an AMZ advisor. He specializes in Amazon and Latin American e-commerce, with a track record of achieving substantial growth for more than 50 seven-figure brands on the Amazon platform. His expertise lies in assisting brands in entering the Latin American e-commerce markets and addressing the various challenges that foreign brands typically encounter in these markets. It appears that he is a knowledgeable and experienced professional in the field of e-commerce and Amazon sales. Today, Ramiro will talk about Amazon and its impact on the Latin American e-commerce landscape, sharing insights and strategies for brands looking to expand into this dynamic market. Stay tuned!

Quotes

"In Mexico, you can still play it a lot by feel, which is so fun. It's like going back in time and just getting to do what you're really good at." - Ramiro Velasco

“The more aligned you are with yourself, the easier things become, and the less day-to-day stress you carry.” - Ramiro Velasco

“If you can get to the end of the day and just be like, 'Yes, that was good,' instead of, 'Oh, that sucked,' you're golden. That's the best setup I can think of.” - Ramiro Velasco

Takeaways

04:16 Embracing the challenges of an emerging market can provide unique opportunities for growth and problem-solving.

15:08 Persistence and a positive mindset can help overcome the daily grind of entrepreneurship.

17:53 Aligning your business and personal values can lead to greater satisfaction and success.

22:00 Conducting thorough feasibility studies and maintaining a flexible approach are crucial when expanding into new markets.

22:30 Focusing on providing a better customer experience can differentiate a business in a competitive landscape.

Resources

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979: Good Leadership Through Personal Relationships: Be The Best Leader You Can Be with Certified Leadership Trainer Kevin Wayne Johnson

October 20, 2023

Leaders are the ones who guide people to accomplish a certain task, whether in a family, business, or community setting. However, many leaders struggle to lead because they don’t know how to communicate properly. Others lead through fear, unable to help workers do their high-level tasks. Good leadership, on the other hand, uses their heart as their guide to lead. Building relationships and earning mutual trust will create a positive atmosphere, and people will perform at a high level with joy in doing their tasks.

Kevin Wayne Johnson is the founder and CEO of The Johnson Leadership Group, a certified leadership trainer and speaker, an eight-time best-selling author, and a former chief of staff for the Department of Defense. He is also the author of the book entitled “Leadership With A Servant's Heart: Leading Through Personal Relationships.” In this episode, Kevin will talk about good leadership and how current and aspiring leaders can be the best leaders they can be.

Quotes

"The best leaders, whether at home or in the workplace, lead not just with their minds but also with their hearts, demonstrating care, value, honor, respect, empathy, and compassion for others." - Kevin Wayne Johnson

“When we can align what's in the mind—what we know—with what's in the heart—how we actually go about treating people—then we're truly on our way to being the best type of leader.” - Kevin Wayne Johnson

“Better is based on what you know and what you learn because leaders are learners. Based on what you know, I want you to do better. Ultimately, that makes you a better leader. So, lead better.” - Kevin Wayne Johnson

Takeaways

02:02 Effective leaders go beyond just getting people to perform and instead focus on building genuine relationships and trust with their teams.

02:17 Leaders should demonstrate care, respect, empathy, and compassion for their people, aligning their actions with their knowledge.

03:50 Having open conversations and dialogues to understand people's unique situations and concerns is crucial for building strong relationships and trust.

14:36 Addressing miscommunications and misunderstandings through open dialogue, rather than avoiding them, can help resolve many workplace issues.

20:05 Continuously learning, doing better, and leading better are key principles for aspiring and seasoned leaders.

Resources

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978: Fifteen Minutes of Shame: Fail, Learn, and Use Your Positive Mindset to Evolve with Des Hague

October 18, 2023

Adversity will come into our life no matter what. That’s just how life is. But how we handle our challenges and problems is up to us. We only have two choices: either you stay defeated or stand up, learn, and improve. Don’t let your failures get into your mind. Have the confidence, conviction, and courage to face whatever circumstance you may be, learn, and be a better you.

Des Hague is an author, speaker, and innovator in the international community. With over thirty years of experience, his innovative strategies have helped organizations like Centerplate, Safeway, IHOP, and Maytag expand consistently and remain fiercely competitive. He is also the author of the book entitled “Fifteen Minutes of Shame: How a Twitter Mob Nearly Ruined My Life.” Today, Des Hague will share insights about overcoming adversity, learning from your failure, the power of leading with laughter, and the five key leadership principles.

Quotes

"Do well and do good. That's what I try to do every single day of my life—to make the world a little bit better." - Des Hague

“Lead with laughter. We don't need more serious people in this world right now. We need to find positive people who can move forward and make a difference.” - Des Hague

“Adversity visits us all. Adversity is inevitable; defeat is optional. Choose carefully—if you feel that you can or cannot overcome it, you're right.” - Des Hague

Takeaways

01:06 Leading with laughter and embracing humor can bring a team together, foster innovation, and create a more positive work environment.

07:55 Adversity is inevitable, but how one chooses to respond to it can make all the difference between defeat and success.

15:31 Continuous learning and a never-stop-learning mindset are key to personal and professional growth, allowing one to adapt and solve problems effectively.

20:46 Comparing oneself to others can be detrimental, and it's important to focus on improving oneself rather than measuring up to external standards.

28:39 Owning one's mistakes and not being defined by one's worst moments can help build resilience and move forward with positivity.

Resources

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977: Instantly Relevant: Warm Up and Convert LinkedIn Leads From Authentic Engaging AI Content with Thomas Helfrich

October 16, 2023

The use of AI in business operations and marketing has become not only important but also useful in today's rapidly evolving digital environment. With that being said, there is a common misconception that it will completely replace humans in various jobs, leading to widespread unemployment. However, it is important to realize that rather than replacing humans, AI has the potential to enhance our capabilities, making us more efficient and effective in our work. The key is to adapt and acquire the skills necessary to work alongside it.

Thomas Helfrich is the CEO and Founder of Instantly Relevant, a pioneering company specializing in LinkedIn lead generation, AI-powered marketing services, and social media strategy and coaching. Thomas is also the host of the “Never Been Promoted” podcast. He has pivoted his expertise to focus on marketing, networking, and sales enablement, helping businesses leverage technology to accelerate their growth. Today, Thomas discusses the importance of using AI to enhance, not replace, human capabilities, and shares his thoughts on effectively utilizing LinkedIn to warm up and nurture leads.

Quotes

"Use technology to accelerate you, not replace you. It doesn't mean it can't handle some tasks for you automatically, but you need to ensure that you're leading with the things that matter." - Thomas Helfrich

“There are no shortcuts. If your business is spamming people and trying to make a quick cash grab, you probably won't be in business a few years from now. Your brand is going to bleed out to spam.” - Thomas Helfrich

“Seeking help might be the piece that's missing. If you haven't done this tens of thousands of times, you're probably guessing. So, stop guessing and find some help.” - Thomas Helfrich

Takeaways

02:33 Use AI to accelerate your work, not replace yourself. Focus on the tasks that require human expertise.

12:50 Developing a strategic, methodical approach to LinkedIn, with defined phases and goals, is more effective than guessing or taking shortcuts.

13:24 Regularly updating your LinkedIn profile with relevant content and a clear call-to-action is crucial for maintaining engagement and building credibility.

19:55 Providing a positive, memorable experience for your connections, even if they're not ready to buy or hire, can lead to future opportunities.

20:22 Seeking guidance from experienced professionals can help you avoid common pitfalls and optimize your LinkedIn strategy for better results.

Resources

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976: Zenlytic: AI GPT Powered Business Intelligence with Colin Dougherty

October 15, 2023

Using innovative marketing ideas is very important in the current business landscape. It gives your business a competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace. Creative marketing can engage your target audience better, possibly leading to stronger customer loyalty. What’s more, it helps you adapt to changing consumer trends and technologies, keeping your brand up to date.

Colin Dougherty is the Director of Marketing at Zenlytic, a cutting-edge software company that offers businesses robust data insights that empower them to enhance decision-making and reach their objectives more effectively. His expertise in marketing allows him to craft highly effective campaigns that deliver substantial results. Today, Colin discusses his entrepreneurial career, the challenges of building a data-driven business, and the importance of consistent daily progress in achieving your goals.

Quotes

"Being consistent is the hard part, because you can do it every couple of weeks or every other week. But maintaining that consistency day in and day out is the real challenge." - Colin Dougherty

“Being curious is the biggest thing. It helps to be curious and open to new ideas.” - Colin Dougherty

“You either have to find a way or make one, but turning around and retreating is not an option.” - Colin Dougherty

Takeaways

05:06 Being open to new ideas and having conversations with people outside of your immediate circle can lead to valuable ideas and opportunities.

10:37 Defining clear business terms and creating a semantic layer is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data-driven decision-making.

14:18 Consistent daily progress is the key to tackling problems in your business, rather than relying on quick fixes.

15:12 Taking a pause to reflect on how far you've come is an important part of the entrepreneurial journey, as it can provide much-needed motivation and perspective.

19:58 Successful entrepreneurs often choose the "road less traveled," embracing a mindset of finding or making a way, rather than retreating in the face of challenges.

Resources

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975: The Psychology of Sales and Negotiations: Build A Successful Scalable Business with Dropout Multi-Millionaire Brian Will

October 13, 2023

Building a successful business depends a lot on strategic approaches aimed at enhancing its overall value. Some strategies involve fostering a strong customer base through exceptional service and consistent quality of your products. Efficient operations and good financial management are also vital for stability and growth. Lastly, the ability to adapt in the face of market shifts and a skilled, motivated workforce are fundamental for long-term success.

Brian Will is an industry expert in sales and management consulting, as well as a best-selling author. He has written two books: "The Dropout Multimillionaire" and "No: The Psychology of Sales and Negotiation." Today, Brian talks about his passion for launching an executive CEO coaching business to help entrepreneurs scale and stabilize their companies, as well as the secrets to his success as a serial entrepreneur, including the importance of understanding your strengths and weaknesses, building a strong team, and planning for the worst-case scenario.

Quotes

"The secret to serial entrepreneurship is ADHD. I say that half-jokingly, but I also call ADHD my superpower." - Brian Will

“The first thing you need to do if you're going to start a business, or even if you have one that's not scaling, is to figure out who you are and aren't in the business. Too many people want to be a CEO, but they're not.” - Brian Will

“Every business evolves and yours must evolve too or eventually it will go away.” - Brian Will

Takeaways

03:32 Successful entrepreneurs need to understand their strengths and weaknesses and be willing to bring in others to fill in the gaps.

12:06 Allowing employees to make mistakes and learn from them is an investment in the long-term growth of the business.

17:01 Planning for the worst-case scenario and building up financial reserves is crucial for weathering unexpected challenges.

18:55 Evolving and adapting the business model over time is necessary for long-term success.

20:06 Seeking out mentors and coaches who have been in your shoes can accelerate your growth and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Resources

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974: Modern Maid: From Corporate Grind to Cleaning Empire with Financial Freedom Entrepreneur Khari Harper

October 11, 2023

Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship is a tough move, marked by instability, financial risks, a steep learning curve, and the absence of traditional benefits; however, it can be immensely rewarding as individuals pursue their passions, aim for financial independence, and have the freedom to shape their own destiny.

Khari Harper is the CEO of Modern Maid, a cloud-based platform designed to help cleaning business owners streamline operations, enhance productivity, and foster growth. Whether your focus is residential or commercial cleaning services, their customizable software simplifies management through a user-friendly dashboard, making it the ideal solution for your unique business needs. Today, Khari shares his journey from corporate America to building a successful remote cleaning business, which he documented on social media. He stresses the importance of documenting your progress rather than just creating content, as it holds him accountable and allows him to leave a legacy for his son.

Quotes

"The more you give, the more you get in return." - Khari Harper

“Once you learn the frameworks of a business, you can create any business you want.” - Khari Harper

“The sooner you begin living the life you want, the longer you have to enjoy it.” - Khari Harper

Takeaways

00:42 Giving away knowledge for free is crucial in the current information-saturated landscape, as it builds trust and establishes the giver as an authority in their field.

03:52 Providing tools and frameworks to help others start their own businesses, rather than just teaching a specific business model, can empower them to create their desired lifestyle.

07:23 Documenting one's progress on social media can hold an entrepreneur accountable, provide clarity, and leave a lasting legacy.

11:31 Overcoming mental blocks and self-doubt is essential for entrepreneurial success, and can be achieved by focusing on undeniable proof of past accomplishments.

13:39 Building a low-risk, high-reward business model, such as a remote cleaning service, can provide a stable income and the confidence to explore other business ventures.

Resources

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973: Regal.ai: AI-Driven Success in B2C Sales to Hit Your Sales Growth Goals with Alex Levin

October 9, 2023

With businesses becoming accessible online, it could feel like there is a lack of personalized and human interaction experience being delivered to consumers, holding down business growth. However, technology such as AI-powered platforms transforms and improves the way businesses interact with their customers, giving them more personalized experiences, and leading to better growth sales.

Alex Levin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Regal.ai, a B2C sales platform that helps businesses engage with customers through personalized outbound phone calls. In this episode, Alex discusses how Regal's AI-enabled technology can help companies in industries like healthcare, insurance, and education improve their customer conversion rates by providing a more personalized and human-centric sales experience. Alex further shares his thoughts on the importance of embracing a human touch in digital sales, the common mistakes businesses make with outbound calling, and the value of a data-driven, experimental approach to marketing.

Quotes

"Think about how email marketing works. The challenge is that marketers understand it well, but salespeople often don't have that same experience." - Alex Levin

“The most successful businesses fail very fast, a lot of times. It's not about reducing the amount of failure; it's about increasing how quickly you can fail so you can move forward faster.” - Alex Levin

“The first thing to do in any test is to create the most extreme version to see if there's any signal. If something's moving, you'll quickly see if it's in a good or bad direction. Then, you can intervene, but don't make a small test.” - Alex Levin

Takeaways

01:54 Embracing a human touch in digital sales can lead to better customer engagement and higher conversion rates.

10:31 Businesses need to avoid the common mistakes of treating outbound calls like cold calling or linear B2B sales, and instead adopt a more personalized, data-driven approach.

19:15 Adopting an experimental mindset and being willing to fail fast can help businesses iterate and improve their sales and marketing strategies more quickly.

22:42 Carefully considering the unique characteristics of a business, including its risk tolerance and the speed of its sales cycle, is crucial when designing effective testing and experimentation strategies.

24:38 Midsize and larger businesses in industries like healthcare, insurance, lending, local services, and education can benefit from Regal.io's AI-enabled B2C sales platform.

Resources

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972: Epic Life: The Visionary Blueprint to Abundance, Investment, and Purpose with Justin Breen

October 8, 2023

Have you ever found yourself questioning whether you're destined to be an unstoppable visionary, shaping the world's future, or just another face in the crowd, struggling to find your purpose and direction? In this episode, successful visionaries share how their unique perspectives drive happiness, fulfillment, and success.

Justin Breen is the founder and CEO of the global PR firm BrEpic. He is also the author of the book "Epic Life," which focuses on finding one's "E-key guy" and setting big goals to reach one's full potential. Today, Justin talks about his work connecting visionaries from various industries and shares the knowledge he has gained from these interactions, including the unique mindset and challenges often faced by entrepreneurs and visionaries.

Quotes

"If I'm not the dumbest person in the room, I'm in the wrong room." - Justin Breen

“No failure, you're either winning or learning.” - Justin Breen

“Things were meant to be exactly how they're meant to be. I'm glad for everything I've been through, both the ups and downs. It's the downs where you really learn something, and they make you appreciate the ups much more.” - Justin Breen

Takeaways

06:21 Visionaries are a unique breed, often driven by past trauma and challenges, but possess exceptional coping skills and the ability to create transformative change.

11:33 Entrepreneurs and business owners operate in separate worlds, with little overlap or understanding between the two mindsets, making it crucial for visionaries to find their tribe.

13:21 Failure is not a concept recognized by true visionaries, who view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth on the path to achieving their worthy ideals.

15:01 Maintaining a mindset of abundance, gratitude, and viewing investments rather than costs is essential for visionaries to thrive and make a lasting impact.

16:58 The role of a "sheepdog" or "shepherd" is to guide and support other visionaries, while prioritizing one's own family and personal life as the ultimate investment.

Resources

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