Boots to Business Podcast

Where have you been in your business this past year? If you’re like most, myself included, you’ve been through a series of different phases and emotions that have propelled you forward, or perhaps held you back. But no matter where you are today, there’s always tomorrow. Let’s talk about how to thrive during these uncertain times. Sign up for my new free course at www.adamliette.com/tier1business

Have you suddenly found yourself working from home? It's quite a big change for anyone that is used to the office environment, and I just wanted to jump on to share with you some tips that I've learned from 18 months of working remotely. These could save your sanity, make you more productive, or even just happier during this time of disruption.

So much data! In last week’s episode, we started sifting through research and dumping everything into a single document. If you’re anything like me, this resulted in a ton of information! So, now what do you do with it? In this second part of creating a running estimate, I’ll talk about grouping your information in buckets that can be used later in the marketing journey. Strap in and let’s get started.

Have you ever dealt with extreme information overload? It can be easy to find yourself there, especially when doing heavy research. Today I’ll be introducing my method of creating a running estimate to allow you to sift through and synthesize the data that you collect.

One of the truest statements that you’ll hear from many marketing experts is that you have to research your ideal customer. But where exactly do you start? There are so many sources of information that you can use to get a better idea of your customer that it can be overwhelming. Today I’ll be going through the areas that I focus and how you can get started. This is Black Dagger Marketing.

Most Special Operations require non-SOF Assistance. This is the 5th of the Special Operations Truths and one that is especially imperative for anyone working in online business. Today, I’ll be going through this truth and unveiling ways that you can employ it in your life and business.

Welcome to the Black Dagger Marketing Podcast, episode 38. Today, I’ll be addressing a topic that comes up quite often in groups I frequent. It’s all about the webinar and questions about why people didn’t attend. And what they should do next. 

It’s the time of the year when everyone is prepped to make their transition into 2020. To take on new goals and resolutions for how they’ll work in the new year. It’s no different for me here at Black Dagger. Today, I’ll be talking through the deliberate process that I’ve been going through the past several weeks as I came up with a plan for the coming year. And how I’ll keep myself moving when things get hard.

We’re coming up on the end of the year, which brings us the opportunity to look back at where we’ve been these past 12 months. In this two part episode, we’ll be exploring how to plan for the next year of business by taking the time to look back on where you’ve been… and all that you’ve accomplished.

It’s almost that time of the year! Time for Black Friday madness. If you haven’t been planning your Black Friday yet, it’s not too late, especially for an online business. Before diving into your strategy, taking time to consider the psychology of black friday shoppers and WHY they are buying will be highly valuable to you making this a successful event for you.

Sports can teach us a lot about life… We’re just coming to the end of baseball season and there were some moments from the World Series that have me contemplating the lessons we can take from the game. This is going to be a fun episode, whether you like baseball or not!

I recently took some time away from the show to figure out some very important things about myself. In this episode, I take you through my journey to my new place in this world... with a preview of what's to come.

Who are you to be doing this? One thing that many struggle with is imposter syndrome, the idea that you aren’t qualified to be doing whatever it is that you’re doing. That you somehow have to ask permission from someone, or get their approval. For many, this can lead to them seeking out confirmation prior to taking action. I’ll be discussing my own struggles with imposter syndrome today on the podcast.

We often hear about manifesting or envisioning where we are going to be in 1, 2, or even 5 years. And for most of us, we can do that. But, there is a fundamental flaw in this type of planning; the millions of steps in between where we are starting and where we want to end up. Let’s explore what are some of the first steps you can take today.

The customer journey and experience matters. This is one of the first major lessons that I learned when starting my journey into online marketing. It’s so easy to focus on the fun things like running Facebook ads or creating sales videos that we often forget this key part of the sales experience. Recently, this came up in a coaching call with a client, so I thought it was a great way to this week. Stay tuned!

How do you stay focused? When moving from a corporate job to solopreneur, there is an unspoken emptiness that many experience. And it can be hard to get used to. Today I’ll be discussing some strategies that I use to help me stay focused and on task when working alone. And some ways to keep your sanity!

We all reach that point, where we are at the limits of our current abilities. And while that can be a hard pill to swallow, recognizing that you need to continue to develop as a professional is an important component of continuing to grow. Let’s explore the stages of growing in this industry, today on the Boots to Business Podcast.

Are you a solopreneur? Prior to making the jump into my business, I often thought about how great it was going to be to work alone. And have the freedom to do what I wanted… when I wanted. Now that I’m close to a year in, I’m starting to realize that there was something missing. Today I’ll be exploring the value of developing interpersonal relationships with other entrepreneurs, and just how much you can gain with those interactions.

What do you have to be thankful for? It can be all too easy to dwell upon failures or areas of our business where we aren’t doing as well as we would like. The current climate of get-rich-quick gurus only exacerbates this problem. Why do we focus on what we haven’t done yet… instead of reflecting on the journey that we’ve already made? Let’s talk about getting into an aura of gratitude today… on the Boots to Business Podcast.

Is starting a podcast right for you? It remains pretty common knowledge that all online entrepreneurs need some format for reaching their target consumers. And there are a number of different ways that you can get started in creating your ideal platform. I’ll be discussing the origin of my journey into podcasting, some of the benefits of this platforms, and why it may be the right thing for you.

How do you do what you do? Coming from the military, many are highly tuned into the power of SOPs and Checklists to get complex tasks accomplished. In many cases, these are things that we inherit in the roles that we are thrust into. Now that you’re on your own, are you still following step-by-step instructions? Let’s explore having a process for your work on the Boots to Business Podcast.

What tool is right for you? One of the biggest questions that I get asked from many of my former Special Ops compatriots is what tools should they use to get started. With so many different tools available, it can be difficult to know what to buy. And it’s not as easy as just going to supply and pulling a standard issue. Today I’ll be going through my personal kitbag that I’m using to build my online business after trying numerous other tools on the market. Catch it here on the Boots to Business Podcast

In marketing, we often talk about finding your “Tribe”. That group of people that are in sync with your message and ideals. That’s all well and good, but marketing requires mass communication that brings in all sorts of people. Including those that are negative, hostile, and sometimes downright toxic. Today, I’m going to talk about the anti-persona, and why it’s just as important to know who is not your audience.

Few things in this world are more difficult and complex than trying to understand human behavior. Because humans are very complex creatures that have a myriad of influences that are playing on their thoughts at all times. But, it’s also imperative that you work to understand your audience as best as possible. Especially if you are trying to make sales and grow your business. Today, I’m going to introduce the concept of the Overton Window. And how you can use this theory to better connect with your customers. On the Boots to Business Podcast

What’s one of the best ways to discover more about your audience… by conducting interviews of course! But the prospect of interviewing someone caused most of us to become immediately uncomfortable. Like, something that is completely foreign to us. Today, I’m going to walk you through the process that I use before and during interviews that will make the experience fun and enjoyable for you.

How do you get someone to trust you online? Marketing in this industry can be exceedingly difficult, as there are so many fake actors and charlatans that are out there. But, I know that’s not you. No matter what level you are currently at, you will encounter people that doubt your sincerity and want to think the worst of everyone they meet online… even as the plan their next purchase from Amazon. Today, we’ll be talking about ways to build trust and increase the “real-ness” of your online persona, on the Boots to Business Podcast.

What makes an entrepreneur? I’ve been incredibly blessed to live an interesting life that has taken me through many different changes. Each adventure being more incredible than the one before. And it’s helped me to develop the identity that I have. One that is unique and special in this industry. And you have the same type of experiences! Today I’ll be sharing my origin story, and how I came to be an online entrepreneur. Up next, on the Boots to Business Podcast!

You’ve gotten people on your email list… now what? There are a number of different ways that you can converse with your audience to nurture the relationship and increase the likelihood of making the sale. And most of these ways will require more than just one email. This is where we really begin to explore the concept of sequencing your emails to make this biggest impact. Let’s introduce a couple of popular methods to creating sequences, and how you can be deliberate in your approach on the Boots to Business podcast.

Do you ever check all those emails in your SPAM or Promotions folders? I didn’t think so. And this is why so many people dismiss email marketing. Because so many emails go directly there. But what if you do a couple of quick steps to increase your chance of actually ending up in the inbox? Let’s explore getting to the inbox on the Boots to Business podcast!

Getting an email address isn’t as simply as just asking for it. People don’t just subscribe to newsletters anymore and many even have a “throwaway” email account that they use for their online browsing. So how can you make sure that you are able to reliably get new email addresses added into your email CRM? Let’s talk about the subject of Lead Magnets and some basic tips for employing them.

It’s finally here! A new year is upon us and many are tempted to go immediately into resolution mode. Those “soon to be forgotten” promises that we make to ourselves each and every year. But, what if this is going to be a year of massive transformation for you? Get started with your transition and best year ever today. We’ll talk about what I’m doing and how you can make your own goals for this coming year on the Boots to Business Podcast.

The money is in your list is a pretty common saying in digital marketing. The idea that having more subscribers to your list will result in you earning more money and having an engaged audience. Let’s talk about email lists and how growing your list will be important as you continue to grow your online business. It’s time to get to work! On the Boots to Business Podcast

Email marketing software is the backbone of your entire email marketing strategy. But, not all are created equal. And with so many on the market, what are the types of things that you should be looking for when selecting your marketing software? Let’s dive into some of the key features that you are likely to encounter in your search on the Boots to Business Podcast.

Of all the types of marketing, the one that gets me the most excited is direct marketing, specifically with emails. If you’re sitting there asking “what, isn’t that the most boring of all platforms?” No! Email marketing is dynamic, exciting, and one of the most versatile forms of marketing out there. And even after all these years, it remains one of the most important components to any marketing strategy. Over the next 8 episodes of the podcast, I’m going to take you through what you need to know about email marketing, which will have you ready to start emailing your way to profits and success. Coming up on the Boots 2 Business podcast. Let’s do this!

What does it mean to be exceptional? It’s so easy to dismiss your own accomplishments as normal. While what you have done may seem impossible and incredible to another person. Let’s talk about exceptionalism, and finding ways to express the lessons in your life to motivate others.

Consumer Research. This phrase is bandied about throughout marketing literature. And there is a certain amount of value to researching your customer. But where does it begin and end? There are so many ways that we can approach research our customer. Some through automated tools that look at a group of consumers to identify their traits. But some of the most valuable research that you will ever conduct is the hard, qualitative research. And I think that many focus so much on potential consumers, that they forget about those that are already committed to and love their brand. What can you learn from them? Today, I’m going to talk about ways that you can continue to learn more about your customer, even after they have purchased or you have made that initial contact with them.

In business school, one of the things that was stressed when analyzing a company was their core competency. That one thing that the company was able to do better than other companies, and gave them a competitive edge. But what about core competencies for individuals? Each of us has that one thing that we are better at that anyone. The thing that sets us apart and we are specialized in. Focusing on a core competency is not as simple as continuing to develop your skills, but learning that you need to find ways to deflect tasks that take away from your ability to focus on your core competency. And it’s easy to find yourself trying to take on everything. As I would find out during my early days of entrepreneurship.

Words mean things. This was our unofficial motto when I was a Psychological Operations. One of the mystical “secrets” to good marketing is the power of copywriting. Copy is, simply put, the words that you will use to try to influence and sell to your target audience. Getting started in copywriting isn’t difficult. Rather it can be very helpful to take the deliberate steps to beginning to refine your ability to talk about your brand. We cover copywriting consistency, tricks to capture a natural voice, and getting started writing headlines. And I introduce a new segment on the show where I share books, podcasts and other resources that will be valuable in your entrepreneurial journey! This week we are talking about “Dotcom Secrets” by Russell Brunson

Your transition away from the military… Few phrases conjure up as much joy, excitement, fear, and unease. Because it’s a time in your life were you are literally walking away from everything that you have known for the last several years (and for some several decades). While we (service members) are required to go through a transition program, the details that you are given are not applicable to everyone in the room. And can set you about even more confused than when you started. I was thankful that I was able to transition on my own terms thanks to the work that I had done in the months leading up to transition leave. But that didn’t make it easy. My mind was in so many different places at one time that it was hard to just focus on the ONE THING that I needed to do to get my new career started. And that’s what this episode is about. I can’t give you all the particulars on the ONE THING you need to do… but I can help to get those distractions out of the way. The life-moments that can rob you of the energy, motivation, and creativity needed to launch your new life. As I get ready to complete my transition, here are 10 things that I have learned that made (or would have made

Humans are more important than hardware. This simple lesson is the cornerstone of all military special operations. Because we know that the investment that we make into people, into our force, is the most valuable way that we can allocate resources. Building your own personal knowledge base and experience as you build your online business will be imperative! How are you going to become the leader you need to be and build your team?

Of all the resources at your disposal, the most valuable is your time. And while we all know this, and have likely attended some kind of training to become better at managing our time. And yet, we all stink at time management. And now that you are out of the military, there is no one left to manage your schedule and tell you when you are going to work. This is one of the most difficult part of the transition. Let’s take a moment to think about our relationship with time.

Of all the self-destructive attitudes that can enter into the entrepreneur’s mind, the aura of entitlement is one of the worst. The internet is full of people that have picked up a new venture, only to completely abandon it in only a couple weeks or months. Because no one bought, or they didn’t get immediate gratification and riches. Challenge your own entitlement ideas, and accept that this is a new, and difficult adventure that your are on. And while a select few will be lucky enough to get success immediately, most of us will struggle for months and years to nail down our business. Which one are you?

How do you get started in an online career? I’m of the opinion that if you ask 10 different people how they got their start, you’ll get 10 different answers. We all come into this line of work through our own unique way. As I was getting ready to leave active duty, I had a job waiting on me. A job that I could immediately begin working in. My bridge to working entirely online without the need to get a regular “full time” office job. Many of my fellow soldiers and superiors couldn’t believe that I was able to so easily do this. Until I told them about my secret to freelancing. And how freelancing ultimately opened the doors to working entirely online.

Many people get into a line of work with the goal of making money. They are enticed by the tales of those that made millions and millions of dollars working online. And these tales are all around the internet. There are no shortage of experts selling their “secrets” to unlocking this type of wealth. Through their easy programs or methods. Let me ask you something. Is that going to be enough. Is the allure of a potential payday in the future going to be enough to get you to push through the tough times. The trials that we all face in online business? Business needs to be about more than just making money. Having passion for what your are doing, the products that you are selling, or how you are serving your audience will pull you through the hard times. And make business fun and meaningful. This is what I call “The Why” and it will inspire and motivate you throughout your career.