Interview

892: Strategies To Explode Your Business Revenues With Mike Pedersen

October 28, 2022

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.

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

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891: Grow Your Business Through Managing and Scaling With Juliana Marulanda

October 10, 2022

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.

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

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890: Becoming a Business of Purpose with Diane Primo

October 7, 2022

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.

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

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889: Creating Content that Increases Your Brand’s Voice with Kathryn Strachan

October 5, 2022

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.

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

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888: Journey to Becoming a Unique Marketers with Clint White

October 3, 2022

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.

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

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887: Share Your Message by Writing a Book with Ben Gioia

September 30, 2022

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.

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

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886: Right Marketing Strategy For You with AJ Rivera

September 28, 2022

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.

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

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885: Market Effectively and Surpass Your Business Competitors with Jonathan Rosenfeld

September 26, 2022

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.

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

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884: The Ten Minute Entrepeneur: Become a Successful Startup with Sean Castrina

September 24, 2022

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.

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

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883: Start Making Money With an Online Drop Shipping Business with Ben Knegendorf

September 21, 2022

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.

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

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