Recent Updates
1129: Pitch Perfect: Turn Technical Topics into Memorable Stories with Renowned Pitch Alchemist Donna Griffit
Do you struggle to come up with appealing tales and messaging for your startup? Discover the power of storytelling! Frequently, entrepreneurs prioritize technicalities over the emotional connection required to create significant outcomes. But with a simple structure, you could transform your dull risk assessments or sales figures into captivating storytelling that kept investors on the edge of their seats.
Donna Griffit is a renowned corporate storyteller and pitch alchemist with over 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 organizations, startups, and investors in 30 countries, and author of the book, Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups. Donna specializes in helping entrepreneurs and businesses create effective presentations, pitches, and marketing materials that foster meaningful conversations and accomplish desired objectives. Donna will talk on the value of storytelling in business, including its ability to connect people and explain complicated ideas. She will also discuss taking cautious risks and controlling controllable elements. Stay tuned!
Quotes
“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to use it in a fruit salad. And I think that, at this point, if AI were making a fruit salad, it might include a tomato.” – Donna Griffit
"I'm a huge believer in frameworks, and my method for creating stories and pitch decks is very much a modular framework. It takes the guesswork out—it eliminates the "Where do I start?" and "What do I compile?" questions. I believe people work well with systems, whether they want to admit it or not." – Donna Griffit
“That's the power of optimism—it's about powering through and seeing the opportunity. To me, optimism is one of the biggest driving forces in the world.” – Donna Griffit
Takeaways
01:29 Storytelling is a powerful tool for making complex, technical information more relatable and engaging for audiences.
06:09 Using AI tools like ChatGPT can help streamline content creation, but maintaining human creativity and empathy is crucial.
08:41 Crafting a clear, structured framework for presentations, such as Donna's four-act approach, can help organize information and captivate the audience.
12:16 Investors are looking for founders who can explain their ideas clearly, show openness to feedback, and avoid argumentative behavior.
31:01 Embracing optimism and adaptability can help entrepreneurs navigate challenging times and find new opportunities.
Resources
- Donna Griffit: Get your Investor Pitch Deck Ready in Just 2 Hours!
- Donna Griffit on Facebook
- Donna Griffit on LinkedIn
- Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups by Donna Griffit on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:33 — 44.9MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1128: Tree of Life Legacies: Explore Core Values and Personal Life Stories with Storytelling Expert April Bell
Podcasting is magic because it takes personal interest and makes it interesting to other people. Enthusiastic hosts make content that connects with their listeners, which helps them become loyal fans. But to keep the excitement going, they have to really care about their topic and stay true to the purpose and goals of their podcast.
April Bell is a storytelling expert and founder of Tree of Life Legacies, a project based in the San Francisco Bay Area that focuses on storytelling and wisdom keeping. She has also developed an iOS app called StoryCatcher, which helps individuals tell and preserve their personal stories, and author of the book, "My Life in Paragraphs: Find and Tell Your Stories." April is passionate about values-based storytelling and helps people explore their core values through their origin stories. Today, April shares insights on the importance of personal storytelling, the elements of a good story, and how to effectively share stories in both personal and professional settings. Listen to learn more!
Quotes
“Digital distractions can take us in many directions, but not all of them are productive.” – April Bell
"The secret sauce, in my opinion, of telling a good story is being vulnerable." – April Bell
“This whole thing with storytelling and sharing your wisdom—the things that seem obvious to you—are going to be amazing to others. You don't have to overthink it, and you don't have to reinvent the wheel. You already have all you need inside of you. It's just about getting the help and support to let that come out, shine a light on it in a way that makes you proud and comfortable in having done that.” – April Bell
Takeaways
01:12 Sharing personal experiences and core values through stories can inspire and engage others in both professional and personal settings.
05:22 Storytelling with authenticity and vulnerability can be a powerful marketing and branding tool to connect with audiences.
07:54 The process of finding and crafting meaningful stories takes practice but can lead to profound connections and impact.
20:14 Overcoming the fear of vulnerability and simply starting to share your stories can lead to unexpected benefits for both the storyteller and the audience.
22:18 Using tools can make the storytelling process more accessible and visually engaging.
Resources
- April Bell: Your Wisdom Lives Inside Your Stories
- Tree of Life Legacies: Storytelling with Heart
- April Bell on LinkedIn
- Your Story Unleashed: A course that puts your true value into words
- My Life in Paragraphs: Find and Tell Your Stories by April Bell on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:55 — 41.3MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1127: Metranomic: Account-Based Marketing, Maximizing ROI, and Organizational Growth with Founder James Sandberg
Are you having trouble getting good leads using traditional digital marketing methods? Many people are frustrated because they feel like they are wasting their marketing budget with little to show for it. By focusing on broad, untargeted campaigns, companies are missing out on building strong relationships with their ideal customers. So instead, by concentrating on the right accounts that are ready to make a purchase, you can change your marketing strategy completely. Find out how to improve your sales and marketing performance.
James Sandberg is the founder of Metranomic, a specialist B2B marketing consultancy that helps clients engage, convert, and retain target accounts through intent-driven Account Based Marketing strategies. Today, James discusses the importance of creating consistent, cyclical marketing systems rather than chasing the latest "bright, shiny object." He also shared his approach to personalizing outbound email campaigns and the key principles of Account Based Marketing, including the need for leadership buy-in and a phased implementation approach.
Quotes
“Digital distractions can take us in many directions, but not all of them are productive.” – James Sandberg
"Good B2B marketing—good targeting—that's the baseline. Marketing teams should really be looking at who they engage with more in the way that sales teams do. Have they got a qualified person that they're marketing to?" – James Sandberg
“What we often ask is that we have leadership sponsoring this. Because if it's not sponsored by leadership, and they're not driving the change through the team, it's very difficult to get it to stick.” – James Sandberg
Takeaways
01:56 Consistency and creating cyclical marketing systems are crucial for avoiding distractions and improving operational efficiency.
04:35 Personalized, value-driven outreach is more effective than generic, aggressive cold emails or LinkedIn messages.
17:58 Successful Account-Based Marketing requires deep research and personalization at the individual decision-maker level, not just the organizational level.
19:14 Measuring account engagement and identifying the most interested target accounts is key to optimizing an Account-Based Marketing strategy.
29:11 Account-Based Marketing is a targeted approach that can be highly effective for large-ticket B2B sales but requires buy-in from leadership and a phased implementation.
Resources
- Metranomic: Transform Marketing Effectiveness with Full Funnel ABM
- Metranomic on Facebook
- James Sandberg on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:09 — 44.3MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1126: Master Controlling Your Emotions, Be Responsible For Your Happiness, And Love Yourself with Transformative Coach Matt Traverso
Ever feel like life's throwing punches, and your emotions are just along for the ride? You might be tired, stressed, anxious – the whole package. And on top of that, maybe you feel you're falling short of your potential. But here's the surprising truth: the source of that stress, frustration, and unhappiness often lies not in what's happening around us but in how we think about it. The good news? We have the power to change the narrative. By taking control of our thoughts and perspectives, we can shape our emotional experiences. Take responsibility for your happiness, and be true to yourself. This is where the real transformation begins.
Matt Traverso is a transformative coach with over 25 years of experience. He works with CEOs, athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday people, helping them unlock their potential, own their power, master their emotions, and live their best lives. Today, Matt discusses his book "Unlock Your Potential," which focuses on developing a robust psychology to navigate life's challenges and turn them into beneficial experiences.
Quotes
“If we remind ourselves that it's just an illusion we're caught in, making us believe that the situation, environment, people, or circumstances are causing our stress, we'll see it's not true. It cannot be true because we don't even experience the world directly. It's always through the middleman, the intermediary, the filter—our thinking—that separates us from everything else.” – Matt Traverso
"Success is how well you enjoy the minutes. Once you become a master and an expert at enjoying the minutes, you know who you are, and you understand all emotions." – Matt Traverso
“We don't need to control what we are not afraid of.” – Matt Traverso
Takeaways
02:06 Emotional mastery, not control, is the key to navigating life's challenges and achieving happiness.
05:46 Taking personal responsibility for one's emotions and embracing one's true self are essential for personal growth and fulfillment.
14:23 Developing self-love and self-awareness can help eliminate inner conflict and unlock one's full potential.
34:10 Connecting with one's inner wisdom, intuition, and values can provide a compass for navigating life's journey.
35:08 Simplifying personal development techniques and finding a trusted guide can make them more actionable and impactful.
Resources
- Matt Traverso: Helping you unlock your full potential and live a fulfilling life.
- Matt Traverso on Facebook
- Matt Traverso on LinkedIn
- UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL: Own Your Power, Master Your Emotions, and Live Your Best Life Today by Matt Traverso on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:02 — 55.2MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1125: Speaking Truth to Power: One Woman’s Battle Against a Broken System with Olive From S.H.O.R.E.: The Ultimate Descent
Taking a stance against injustice and corruption in a corporate environment involves courageously speaking out against unethical conduct, even when it means confronting potential risks. Advocating for fairness and equality in the workplace is a vital step toward fostering a culture of integrity and accountability. Despite the challenges, individuals who stand up for ethical principles contribute to creating a more just and equitable work environment for everyone.
Olive is the protagonist of Asma Jan Muhammad’s novel, S.H.O.R.E.: The Ultimate Descent. Today, she shares her story of facing discrimination, skepticism and hostility as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Yet through resilience and integrity, she chose to speak up against the corruption and greed eating away at her company. How far must one go to stand up for what's right, even when the odds are stacked against you? With the support of allies across gender lines, could one person truly make a difference in such a system? Stay tuned to find out!
Quotes
“I think the human mind is capable of great things, and honestly, anything is possible once we set our mind to it.” – Olive
"We shouldn't be afraid to speak up where we can. It's essential and should be followed." – Olive
“Do not give up and make sure you continue striving for what you want and not just what people bring your way.” – Olive
Takeaways
01:10 Integrity, resilience, and the support of allies are key to standing up against injustice and corruption in the workplace.
04:30 Fairness and hard work should be rewarded, regardless of gender, as one's work should speak for itself.
08:24 The power of one person to create positive change should never be underestimated, as each individual can make a difference.
12:23 Positivity, self-awareness, and finding comfort in one's personal life can help overcome the challenges of a demanding career.
14:07 Acknowledging and expressing gratitude towards mentors and friends who have supported one's journey is important.
Resources
S.H.O.R.E.: The Ultimate Descent by Asma Jan Muhammad on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:16 — 22.5MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1124: Foster a Culture of Innovation, Accountability, and Excellence in Organization with CEO of Innovation Junkie Dr. Jeff Standridge
Leadership, strategic growth, and innovation - these are the keys to success for any organization. Effective leadership isn't just about telling people what to do, it's about guiding your team towards their goals and creating an environment where innovation and growth are encouraged. As for growth, we're not just talking about getting bigger, but strategic growth that's planned and sustainable with the innovation of products that can boost efficiency, effectiveness, and overall value.
Dr. Jeff Standridge is a recognized business leader, educator, author, and Founder of Innovation Junkie, a consultancy focused on strategic growth and innovation. With experience in corporate, academic, and entrepreneurial settings, he has authored best-selling books like "The Innovator's Field Guide" and "Creating Startup Junkies." Today, Jeff talks about the importance of creating a culture of excellence within organizations, the critical elements of effective leadership and accountability, and the role of innovation in driving strategic growth. Stay tuned!
Quotes
“Leadership is the willingness to be held accountable for results and then to deliver on that responsibility no matter what the situation.” – Dr. Jeff Standridge
"The biggest place organizations get off track is they fall in love with their idea rather than the problem they're trying to solve." – Dr. Jeff Standridge
“Creating a culture of excellence involves strong leadership, clarity, engaged teammates, empowering communication, accountability, and agility.” – Dr. Jeff Standridge
Takeaways
00:42 Successful businesses require creating a scalable system, not just a job for the founder.
10:06 Effective leadership involves balancing results and relationships and being willing to hold oneself accountable.
17:18 Innovation and leadership are inseparable - leaders must constantly innovate to stay ahead.
18:25 Focusing on solving real problems, not just ideas, is key to successful innovation.
21:01 Building a "culture of excellence" with strong leadership, clarity, accountability, and agility is crucial for organizational success.
Resources
- Dr. Jeff Standridge: Innovation and Leadership are Inseparable
- Innovation Junkie: Generating Sustained Results Through Innovation, Leadership, Strategy, & Profit Growth
- Dr. Jeff Standridge on LinkedIn
- Dr. Jeff Standridge on Facebook
- Dr. Jeff Standridge's Published Books on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:36 — 36.7MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1123: Ultimate Sales Guide: Overcome Anxiety, Increase Closing Rates, and Leverage Referrals with Sales Expert Eric Lofholm
What is the ultimate sales guide? Sales is all about connecting with people and solving their problems. It’s a journey of understanding customer needs and offering solutions that create value. It’s not just about transactions, but building relationships and trust. In essence, sales is the bridge that connects a product’s potential with the customer’s needs.
Eric Lofholm, a master sales trainer and expert, has been teaching sales since 1999 and has shared his sales systems with thousands of professionals in the U.S. and worldwide for over 20 years. He is the author of 15 books on sales and success, reflecting his passion for simplifying the sales process to help people increase their sales. Today, Eric shares insights on demystifying the sales process, using content to attract prospects, the importance of self-control, and prospecting strategies using social media. He also shares how he got into sales training, how someone can become more confident, and how to overcome call reluctance. Stay tuned to learn more from this leading authority in sales and sales strategies!
Quotes
“Use technology to create the sales conversation and learn how to embrace sales, as opposed to resisting it, and watch your sales results skyrocket.” – Eric Lofholm
"Look to leverage their network. Build a relationship with them and get them to refer or endorse you to their entire network." – Eric Lofholm
“Optimism is a learned skill. Optimism is a muscle. You can learn how to be positive, you can learn how to be optimistic.” – Eric Lofholm
Takeaways
02:03 Embracing sales and leveraging existing networks can significantly boost lead generation and sales results.
08:29 Creating valuable content and building familiarity with potential customers is an effective way to nurture relationships and drive sales.
20:41 Developing self-control and consistency through daily, small actions is crucial for achieving sales and business goals.
24:18 Prospecting regularly, even through simple outreach on social media, can fill a sales pipeline with opportunities.
33:39 Maintaining a positive, optimistic mindset and treating sales as a learnable skill can lead to long-term success.
Resources
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:54 — 48.1MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1122: Manifest Success and Reach Full Potential through Quality Work, Consistent Marketing, and Mindset Shifts with Certified Manifestation Coach Jason Taylor
It's frustrating to feel stuck and see little progress despite trying new strategies for business growth. This could be a sign that it's time to reassess your approach and perhaps seek outside expertise. Sometimes, focusing on refining a few proven strategies and staying consistent can be more effective than constantly shifting gears.
Jason Taylor is a certified manifestation coach and expert in rearranging your mindset to attract abundance. Through his coaching, Jason helps entrepreneurs break through plateaus by shifting their internal frequency to receive higher-level ideas. With over 10 years of personal development experience and thousands of clients coached, he has a proven track record of helping people exponentially grow their businesses. Today, Jason talks about manifestation, overcoming mental barriers to attracting abundance, and how manifestation coaching can help people achieve bold financial goals through mindset shifts and consistent action steps. Stay tuned!
Quotes
“You can do it on your own, just like I did for the first 10 years, going through programs and reading 2,500 books, but it took me a long time.” – Jason Taylor
"If you're satisfied making $2,000 a month, there's probably not enough desire for change for you to manifest up here anyway." – Jason Taylor
“If you shift that mindset and thinking to, ‘Hey, if I'm making $25,000 a month, it's not a selfish thing. It's me being able to serve more. It's me giving more of myself.” – Jason Taylor
Takeaways
00:57 Manifestation is not about magic or shortcuts, but rather a process of rearranging one's mindset to a new frequency to attract desired outcomes.
04:16 Improving the quality and quantity of one's work and marketing efforts is crucial for increasing income and becoming harder to replace.
12:55 Overcoming mental barriers, such as doubts and limiting beliefs, and aligning one's intuition with a higher frequency are key to achieving success.
22:23 Setting clear, specific goals and creating a compelling vision board can provide the necessary pulling power to manifest one's dreams.
25:36 Hiring a manifestation coach can help individuals speed up their personal growth and success by providing accountability and guidance.
Resources
- Jason Taylor: A Certified Manifestation Coach Helping you manifest the life of YOUR dreams!
- Jason Taylor on Facebook
- Jason Taylor on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:15 — 43.1MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1121: Boost Your Dental Practice: Strategies to Convert Leads into Loyal Patients with New Patients Flow Founder Benjamin Suggs
Are you struggling to attract new patients to your dental practice? Despite your marketing efforts, do you find your patient base stagnant? These are common challenges that many dental practices face. The key to overcoming these obstacles lies in a comprehensive plan that prioritizes patient satisfaction. By implementing robust call tracking, training an excellent front desk staff, and establishing a consistent follow-up system, you can turn missed opportunities into loyal, satisfied patients who advocate for your services.
Benjamin Suggs is the founder of Flow New Patient Marketing, an Atlanta-based marketing company that provides breakthrough marketing strategies for dental and medical practices, and the host of The Dental Flow Podcast. He has helped hundreds of doctors start, purchase, or grow their practices, acquiring over 1,000 new patients and producing $100 million in new patient production. Today, Benjamin discusses the importance of improving the patient experience in dental practices, highlighting how competition has led to more welcoming and comfortable environments.
Quotes
“Everything we can do externally, like digitally marketing your practice, is secondary to simply delivering an amazing experience for development.” – Benjamin Suggs
"The reality is, in every aspect of a dental practice, you have to not only be selling but be selling the right way." – Benjamin Suggs
“Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.” – Benjamin Suggs
Takeaways
01:01 Improving the patient experience in dental practices, such as creating a welcoming environment and offering amenities, can lead to increased patient satisfaction and loyalty.
09:34 Google Ads is a highly effective marketing channel for dental practices, providing a reliable and controllable way to acquire new patients with a strong return on investment.
19:07 Effective dental practice marketing requires a focus on the entire patient journey, from the initial phone call to follow-up communication, to ensure a positive experience and maximize conversions.
25:50 Staying up to date on industry trends and best practices, through resources like podcasts, can help dental practices improve their marketing and operations.
28:45 Simplifying marketing messaging and value proposition is key to making it easy for potential patients to understand and engage with a dental practice.
Resources
- Flow New Patient Marketing: Dental Marketing Trusted by Dentists
- Benjamin Suggs on LinkedIn
- The Dental Flow Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:19 — 43.2MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
1120: Online Business Strategies for Professional Services and Course Creators with Business Coach and Marketing Strategist Suzanne Reilley
Ever thought about how knowing your audience's feelings could change your marketing? It's like seeing the world from your customers' viewpoint and making messages that really connect with them. This not only builds trust and loyalty but also leads to stronger engagement over time. By showing that you value and understand their feelings, your customers are more likely to become advocates for your brand, further boosting your reputation and reach.
Suzanne Reilley is a business coach, marketing strategist, and copy advisor who works with professional service businesses and online course creators. In this conversation, Suzanne discusses the importance of understanding your ideal customer, using their language in your marketing, and crafting a clear value proposition. Suzanne shares examples of how she has helped clients refine their messaging to better connect with their target audience.
Quotes
“It's important to not only speak to your audience but also to be clear about what you're offering. Have a well-refined value proposition as best as you can.” – Suzanne Reilley
"Business is such a game of outer growth and inner growth. I think that's the part people don't always appreciate when they're starting." – Suzanne Reilley
“It's really important to understand what is happening in your ideal client's life, why they might have come to you for a solution, and to really craft your website, your emails, and everything else in their language.” – Suzanne Reilley
Takeaways
03:15 Focusing on understanding your ideal customer's language, needs, and pain points is crucial for crafting effective marketing messages.
06:14 Clearly defining your value proposition and being specific about what you offer is essential for connecting with your target audience.
10:33 Leveraging customer research to inform your product and content development can lead to more impactful offerings.
17:40 Seeking objective feedback and being willing to evolve your business and personal mindset are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
23:34 Maintaining a balance between the practical and emotional aspects of running a business is important for sustainable growth.
Resources
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:45 — 34.2MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
