Interview
731: Thrive Under Fire: Turn Difficult Customers into Business Success And Conquer Your Inner Demons with John Faisandier
John Faisandier is an expert in emotional management and the founder of Thrive Under Fire (TUF), a training program that helps people, especially those in high-stress professions like veterinary medicine, learn to navigate difficult emotions and challenging situations. As an author and trainer, John has dedicated his career to teaching thousands of people in various countries the skills to manage their own emotions and those of others. Today, John discusses the contagious nature of emotions and how they can significantly impact our lives, both personally and professionally.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Faisandier explains techniques for thriving under pressure, such as deep breathing, naming emotions, and using perspective to reduce catastrophizing. He illustrates these methods with personal stories, showing how taking a moment to recognize frustration can prevent escalation and improve communication. Faisandier also describes his work with veterinarians, offering training and resources to help them manage both client and staff emotions in high-stress clinics. Listeners can access a special report and further training at tuf.ac for veterinarians or tuf.co.nz for general emotional management resources.
Quotes
“Emotions are contagious. You don’t have to be a victim to them—you can learn to manage them better than you do.”
“Name your feelings without judging them. It activates the rational part of your brain and helps you respond instead of react.”
“Frustration in the moment rarely comes from the person in front of you—it’s often a cumulative response from past experiences. Acknowledge it, and it loses its power.”
“Giving yourself perspective and self-compassion is key. What seems overwhelming now will look small when you see it in the context of your whole life.”
Resources
- Join Thriving Under Fire - Managing Emotions at Work on Facebook Group
- TUF: TUF training provides the skills to handle difficult situations with confidence.
- Connect with John Faisandier on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:14 — 26.0MB) | Embed
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730: Protect Your Business and Your Income During COVID-19 (and Emerge Stronger When It’s Over) with Copywriter Kevin Donlin
Kevin Donlin is a copywriter, marketing advisor, and author of 3 books. He has been delivering sales gains of over $1 million to entrepreneurs online and offline since 1998. Today, Kevin talks about strategies for businesses to protect themselves and grow during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares five key tips, including retaining clients, being relevant, being available, offering more value, and taking care of oneself.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Donlin provides practical strategies for protecting and growing a business during coronavirus and other disruptive events. He shares five core principles: retain clients through personalized touchpoints, stay relevant by addressing current customer concerns, be highly available to respond quickly, offer more value instead of discounting, and prioritize personal well-being to maintain performance. Donlin supplements these principles with examples, including printed newsletters, creative promotions, and clear communication systems. Listeners can access his free playbook with seven actionable strategies at clientcloningsystems.com, and they can apply for a 20-minute problem-solving session to implement these insights personally.
Quotes
“Every 10 years, something happens that may put you out of business if you don’t handle it correctly. The secret is not being the strongest or smartest—it’s being adaptable.”
“Retain the clients you have. Send them something tangible in the mail and show them you care—small actions keep relationships strong.”
“Offer more value instead of cutting prices. Add payment plans, guides, or bonus resources to make your product more useful and desirable.”
“Take care of yourself. Sleep, exercise, and hydration aren’t luxuries—they’re the tools that keep your
Resources
- Client Cloning Systems: We help Presidents, Founders, and Consultants scale to $5M and beyond. With Direct Mail and Email written in the voice of your buyers
- Previous appearances:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:57 — 36.8MB) | Embed
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729: The Twist Life: Discover the Secrets of Life and Network Your Way to Success with Brian Orr
Brian Orr is the founder of Keaton Capital and "The Twist Life." As a seasoned DJ with over 20 years of experience, Brian has also ventured into real estate investing, focusing primarily on multifamily properties. In his podcast, Brian aims to document his life experiences and share the stories of his diverse guests, ranging from a medically retired police officer to a chef who pivoted her catering business during the pandemic. Today, Brian discusses his journey into podcasting, highlighting how it allows him to share his life with his children in a unique way.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Orr discusses his newest project, The Twist Life, an interview podcast designed to document stories and explore the personal journeys of guests across diverse industries. The show emphasizes curiosity, adaptability, and personal growth, with topics ranging from boxing and food allergies to real estate and music. Orr shares lessons on marketing, networking, and positioning, highlighting the importance of leveraging unconventional channels, collaborating with others, and learning through experience. Listeners can access the podcast and related content at thetwistlife.com and follow him on social media at @thetwistlife.
Quotes
“I positioned myself in a place where celebrities hang out. I was never the greatest DJ, but I shined differently than everyone else.”
“Most of my podcast conversations are about being deliberate in your actions, being flexible in your plans, and knowing that shit happens—and then what do you do from there?”
“I’ve found success by looking for unexpected channels to reach people rather than following the obvious path everyone else is taking.”
“I want to talk to the person behind the personality. There’s really nothing off limits as long as there’s a story to tell.”
Resources
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:04 — 32.3MB) | Embed
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728: Software-As-a-Service (SaaS) and Agency Growth Secrets with Dave Schneider
Dave Schneider is the founder of Shortlist and co-founder of Ninja Outreach, a digital marketing agency that specializes in services like design, development, SEO, and link building. He has also launched two software products, an SEO tool and a remote work tool for more effective meetings. Today, Dave talks about his entrepreneurial journey, including the pros and cons of running a SaaS business versus an agency.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Schneider shares strategies for agency and SaaS growth, emphasizing the benefits of building a services business as a foundation before branching into software products. He discusses the pros and cons of agency versus SaaS models, the importance of focusing on quality and transparent pricing, and leveraging internal solutions for commercial products. Key takeaways include creating self-sustaining systems, building strong client relationships, and maintaining flexibility during economic challenges like COVID-19. Resources mentioned include shortlist.io for agency services and SEO tools, and his upcoming remote work software, RemoteRelo. Schneider’s approach demonstrates how combining strategic service operations with product development can drive sustainable growth.
Quotes
“It takes a really long time to build a sustainable business. First-time entrepreneurs shouldn’t expect to hit a home run right away.”
“One thing leads to the next—solve a problem for your clients, and that often inspires the next product or service.”
“Quality matters. Many businesses don’t even know what a good link is, so we make sure everything we deliver is white hat and solid.”
“Build the team first, get the agency running, and then the software products have a platform to thrive.”
Resources
- Shortlist: Your Inbound Marketing Team - Ready To Go
- Ninja Outreach: Find Instagram and YouTube influencers with the most powerful social engine on the web
- Connect with Dave Schneider on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:13 — 21.5MB) | Embed
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727: Rock the Recession: Reinvent Yourself, Start That Business or Pursue Gig Economy Side Hustles with Jonathan Slain
Jonathan Slain is a consultant who survived the last major recession by borrowing $250,000 from his mother-in-law. He is the co-author of the book "Rock the Recession" and the founder of the website recession.com. Today, Jonathan discusses strategies for preparing businesses and individuals for the upcoming economic downturn. He emphasizes the importance of benchmarking readiness, building relationships with banks, and seizing opportunities that may arise during a recession, such as acquiring assets or businesses at discounted prices.
Jonathan coaches high growth leadership teams across the United States to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System® also known as "Traction." He focuses on working with entrepreneurial niche/specialty firms and large corporations ($10M+ in annual revenue), spending over 100 days per year working with teams just like yours.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Slain shares actionable strategies for preparing for economic downturns and turning them into opportunities for growth. He emphasizes the importance of benchmarking business readiness through the Recession Readiness Assessment on recession.com, creating an emergency financial plan, and cultivating proactive relationships with bankers and business owners. Slain’s book, Rock the Recession, along with its companion workbook, offers practical guidance for solopreneurs and small businesses, helping them identify opportunities, manage risk, and position themselves for success. Key takeaways include improving weak areas of business readiness, monitoring cash reserves, and approaching opportunities actively to maximize potential gains during a recession.
Quotes
“Recessions are massive opportunities if you know where to look and prepare yourself.”
“Preserve your best options; otherwise, you might be choosing your least bad option.”
“Have 10 conversations with 10 potential opportunities, and maybe one or two will end up being great deals.”
“Benchmark your readiness, improve weak areas, and position yourself to rock the recovery.”
Resources
- Recession: Need proven strategies to help you Rock the Recession? Ready to thrive instead of survive?
- Get a copy of the book, Rock the Recession: How Successful Leaders Prepare for, Thrive During, and Create Wealth After Downturns by Jonathan Slain & Paul Belair on Amazon
- Connect with Jonathan Slain on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:05 — 21.3MB) | Embed
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726: Manage Emotional Stress, Break the Cycle of Failure, and Banish Burnout with Janice Litvin
Janice Litvin is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the human resources industry. She started as a technology recruiter and later pursued studies in exercise science and sports psychology, becoming certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Janice is a Zumba Fitness Instructor, a wellness coach with Weight Watchers, and the author of the upcoming book "Banish Burnout: Move from Stress to Success." Today, Janice discusses strategies to help individuals manage their emotional stress and overcome burnout.
Litvin highlights the role of mindfulness and gratitude practices in strengthening the prefrontal cortex and reducing amygdala overactivity. She also recommends healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, outdoor activities, and moderation in news consumption to support emotional resilience. She underscores the importance of allowing children to develop naturally without projecting excessive parental pressure. She provides resources for practical application: the Banish Burnout Toolkit (banishburnouttoolkit.com) and her website, janicelitvin.com, with additional strategies and guidance. She is active on LinkedIn, posting daily short videos to help people reduce stress and improve wellness.
Quotes
“Unless you unpack that baggage and understand where those patterns came from, you’re going to suffer from them forever.”
“Observe your reactions and try to grab control of your feelings quicker; even reducing upset from days to minutes is progress.”
“Gratitude, mindfulness, and physical movement can strengthen your brain and calm your emotions.”
“Children should be allowed to thrive by being who they’re meant to be, not by fulfilling our expectations.”
Resources
- Janice Litvin: Bay Area Wellness Speaker
- Connect with Janice Litvin on LinkedIn
- Get a copy of the Banish Burnout Toolkit by Janice Litvin on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:08 — 21.4MB) | Embed
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725: Tell Your Story and Leave a Lasting Literary Legacy Through Memoir Books with Jan Bear
Jan Bear is a writer, editor, and book designer who is passionate about helping people share their stories through memoir books. She has a website called Bear Web Content and a Facebook group called "Book Genie" where she supports aspiring authors. Today, Jan shares the concept of "family legacy books," which are memoirs written by older family members to preserve their life stories and experiences for future generations. She explains the process of creating these books, including recording conversations, refining the content, and designing a professional-looking final product.
Bear encourages starting the process early, particularly while elders still have the energy and clarity to contribute. She also emphasizes that creating a memoir can be a collaborative family activity and a bonding experience. Interested individuals can connect with her via her website bearwebcontent.com or the Facebook group Book Genie to explore starting a legacy book project.
Quotes
“After you're gone, maybe nothing remains—but books can preserve your story for future generations.”
“You don’t have to be a New York Times bestseller. The point is to capture your history and preserve it for those who care.”
“All you have to do is record conversations, transcribe them, and then refine the text so it reads like a book.”
“Creating a memoir lets you know your elders, understand their perspectives, and preserve their legacy before it’s too late.”
Resources
- Bear Web Content: Tell your story & attract the right clients
- Connect with Jan Bear on LinkedIn
- Join the Book Genie Facebook Group
- jan@bearwebcontent.com (Email)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:23 — 27.1MB) | Embed
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724: SavvyCard: Use a Business Card Mobile App to Grow Through Referrals with David Etheredge
David Etheredge is the CEO & Co-Founder at SavvyCard, a mobile app designed to help professionals capture contact details and grow their businesses through referrals. He has extensive experience in the real estate industry, with over 180,000 Realtors using the SavvyCard platform. Today, David discusses the limitations of traditional business cards and how SavvyCard offers a more effective solution. He explains the app's cloud-based technology, which allows users to share their contact information without the recipient needing to download an app.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Etheridge demonstrates how SavvyCard transforms networking by enabling immediate, permission-based follow-up via text message, ensuring contacts are stored and easily accessible. The platform allows users to embed videos, social links, and relevant content to provide context and create ongoing engagement. Etheridge shares success stories, such as closing six-figure contracts through timely follow-ups initiated via SavvyCard. The tool is available for individual users, businesses, and enterprises, with pricing starting at a one-time setup fee plus a small monthly subscription. Listeners can explore SavvyCard and its features at savvycard.com, with specialized offerings for real estate professionals and business teams.
Quotes
“If somebody won’t give you their mobile number, they’re really not interested in building a relationship or buying what you’re offering.”
“Starting a conversation with a prospect by text message is 100 times more powerful than email or phone because it’s permission-based and asynchronous.”
“With SavvyCard, you can embed videos, links, and social media, so your contact becomes an ongoing engagement tool rather than a forgotten business card.”
“The more you use your card, the higher you rank in search results, helping you own your personal brand without paying for SEO services.”
Resources
- SavvyCard: It's much more than a business card - it's a SavvyCard!
- Connect with David Etheredge on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:41 — 25.5MB) | Embed
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723: Achieve Your Financial Goals, Plan for the Future, and Develop Healthy Money Habits with CPA Larry Pon
Larry Pon is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 34 years of experience in tax and financial planning. He runs a tax and financial planning practice in Redwood Shores, California, where he has helped hundreds of clients reach their financial goals. Today, Larry talks about the importance of developing healthy money habits and taking a proactive approach to financial planning.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Pon shares insights on developing healthy financial habits, planning for the future, and navigating complex tax situations. He emphasizes the value of consulting a CPA early in the decision-making process, using research from credible sources, and understanding the broader financial picture rather than focusing solely on taxes. He also discusses strategies such as reviewing W-4s, maximizing employee benefits, and using new tax laws effectively. Pon highlights real-world client success stories, including saving $800,000 in taxes on a real estate transaction and improving cash flow, demonstrating the impact of proactive financial planning. Listeners can connect with Pon and schedule consultations at LarryPonCPA.com, where they can explore personalized tax and financial planning services.
Quotes
“I treat money like a garden—you have to manage it, tend to it, and focus on small habits that create the biggest impact.”
“The best clients are the ones who follow advice, plan ahead, and work proactively on their financial goals.”
“Consulting with a CPA before making big decisions prevents surprises and helps you take advantage of opportunities you might not see on your own.”
“I’m a fee-only advisor, which means my advice is unbiased and not tied to selling any products—what you see is what you get.”
Resources
- Pon & Associates: Committed to Helping You Achieve Your Financial Goals
- Connect with Larry Pon on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:48 — 28.4MB) | Embed
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722: Unlock Charisma: 5 Secrets from Sandra Dee Robinson
Sandra Dee Robinson is a renowned television actress, having starred in popular soap operas like "Another World," "Sunset Beach," and "General Hospital." In addition to her acting career, she is an author, international speaker, and the founder of Charisma On Camera performance coaching and the Equine Assisted coaching program Charismatic Cowgirl. Today, Sandra discusses the importance of being present and authentic in relationships, both personal and professional.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Robinson shares her current work through Charisma On Camera and her Equine Assisted Coaching program, Charismatic Cowgirl. She emphasizes the importance of presence, self-awareness, and authentic communication in building relationships and leadership skills. Her programs help clients, primarily women and corporate leaders, identify their unique strengths and improve interpersonal connections using experiential exercises with horses. Key takeaways include focusing on authenticity rather than acting “as if,” leveraging one’s natural charisma, and removing distractions to enhance communication. Resources and programs can be explored at SandraDRobinson.com, and she offers social media engagement through her Elevate Facebook group, providing opportunities to experience her coaching and expand personal and professional impact.
Quotes
“The quality of your life is directly related to the quality of your relationships, so it’s really worth learning how to do them.”
“Whatever platform you have, you can make the most of it—stand in your truth rather than act as someone else.”
“Everybody has a strength in communication that makes them charismatic to the exact person and the exact audience they should be attracting.”
“You are not who others say you are; you know who you are and stick with that.”
Resources
- Sandra Dee Robinson: I empower experts and entrepreneurs to impact the world for good by being powerful in their presence from stage, through a camera or leading their team.
- Connect with Sandra Dee Robinson on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:58 — 27.6MB) | Embed
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