SoTellUs Time

Most business owners don't lack skill — they lack confidence. And the truth nobody talks about? Even the most successful entrepreneurs are still figuring it out as they go. In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor Howard breaks down what real confidence looks like in business — and why waiting to "feel ready" is the fastest way to stay stuck. This isn't about fake-it-till-you-make-it confidence. This is about earned confidence — the kind that's built through action, decisions, and leadership under pressure.

Are you constantly "busy" but not seeing the growth, freedom, or revenue you expected? This episode of SoTellUs Time is a must-watch for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who feel overwhelmed, overworked, and stuck in reaction mode. Being busy has become a badge of honor—but what if it's actually a warning sign that something is broken in your business? In this powerful, real-world breakdown, Trevor Howard reframes productivity and shows why impact matters more than activity, and how staying busy often hides deeper issues like poor systems, lack of delegation, and avoidance of strategic leadership.

Welcome back to another episode of SoTellUs Time! Today, Trevor reveals one of the most overlooked growth strategies in business: The December Advantage — your secret weapon for launching the new year with clarity, momentum, and massive profit potential. Most entrepreneurs treat December like a slowdown. Business gets quiet, customers get busy with friends and family, and owners mentally check out. But the truth is this: December is the MOST valuable month of the year for business growth — if you use it intentionally. In this episode, Trevor breaks down a powerful year-end review process that separates thriving businesses from stagnant ones. You'll learn how to analyze what worked, what didn't, and what absolutely needs to go — whether that's a system, a process, or even a person. Using this simple three-column method, you'll discover how to: ✅ Identify your most profitable systems, strategies, and partnerships ✅ Eliminate the hidden "profit killers" draining your business ✅ Spot outdated tools or processes that need to be cut or optimized ✅ Evaluate your team with clarity, compassion, and honesty ✅ Strengthen your foundation with loyal, hardworking people ✅ Implement automation and AI the right way (not by replacing people!) ✅ Start January as a completely transformed business Trevor also shares real consulting experiences where decades-old companies used this December process and walked into January looking like entirely new organizations. Whether your year was strong or challenging, December gives you the advantage:

Your story is your most powerful marketing tool — and in this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard reveal how to use authentic storytelling to build trust, attract customers, and drive massive business growth. If you've ever wondered why some brands instantly connect while others struggle… this episode breaks down the secret. People buy from people they feel connected to. Your story is the bridge. Your authenticity is the magnet. Your journey is the one thing no competitor can duplicate. What You'll Learn ✔ Why storytelling is more persuasive than facts or features ✔ The biggest storytelling mistakes entrepreneurs make ✔ The 4-Part Story Framework that always sells: • Spark – What started it all • Struggle – The challenges that shaped you • Shift – The breakthrough that changed everything • Success – The transformation your customers can experience ✔ How to tell your story without oversharing ✔ How to integrate storytelling into your daily marketing ✔ Real-world examples of stories that converted better than ads Why Storytelling Works in Business Humans make decisions emotionally and justify them with logic. That means your personal journey — your purpose, your struggles, your wins — is what pulls people in. In a noisy digital world, authenticity is your competitive edge. Where to Use Your Story for Maximum Impact • Website About Page • Sales presentations • Email welcome sequences • Social media posts • Podcast appearances • Speaking engagements • Intro videos • Ads and retargeting • Team onboarding (build culture fast) When you use storytelling consistently, people feel like they know you — and trust you before you ever sell them anything. Your Challenge This Week Write your Spark → Struggle → Shift → Success story and share it in a simple post or video. Watch how your audience reacts differently. Connection creates customers. Subscribe & Explore More SoTellUs Time Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/sotellus More episodes on business growth, reviews, automation, and scaling your company every week. Helpful Links • Learn more about SoTellUs: https://www.sotellus.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sotellus

Imagine taking a full week off… and your business runs BETTER without you there. That's the power of a true self-managing team—a team with systems, accountability, and autonomy so strong that you are no longer the bottleneck. In today's SoTellUs Time episode, Trevor Howard breaks down the blueprint for creating a business that grows without constant supervision, endless questions, or micromanagement. Whether you're a small business owner, service provider, salon owner, childcare director, or leading a growing team, this episode gives you the exact systems and leadership framework to get your team operating at a high level—without YOU being involved in every tiny decision. ⭐ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE 1. The Real Reason You're the Bottleneck (and How to Fix It) Most business owners end up doing too much because everything flows through them. You'll discover how to shift from Doer → Manager → Leader, so your business becomes scalable, profitable, and drama-free. 2. Step #1: Build Systems That Remove Guesswork We break down the 3 foundational systems every self-managing team needs: SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures): Clear, step-by-step instructions that eliminate confusion. Decision-Making Guidelines: "If this happens… do this" frameworks that help your team solve problems without you. Defined Roles: Crystal-clear expectations so every team member knows exactly what they own. You'll hear real examples from service businesses, childcare centers, and teams who transformed overnight by implementing simple, documented systems. 3. Step #2: Create a Culture of Accountability Autonomy only works when accountability is built in. Learn the system that turns average employees into high performers: Scorecards & KPIs for each role Weekly check-ins that take less than 20 minutes The "Come With Solutions" Rule that eliminates constant back-and-forth Plus, a story of a business owner who stopped micromanaging and saw productivity skyrocket. 4. Step #3: Empower Real Autonomy People work better when they feel trusted. Learn how to: Give team members authority that matches their responsibility Use the 70% Rule to delegate effectively Create a "safe to fail" culture Open feedback loops that spark innovation You'll hear how one manager reduced chaos by letting team leads schedule independently—using a system—and watch stress disappear. 5. Implementation Roadmap: How to Transition Without Chaos You'll get a clear plan for introducing autonomy gradually and safely: Start with one role or department Build systems BEFORE delegating Train, don't dump Expand autonomy step-by-step Celebrate every win to reinforce the culture Get ready for a team that's confident, proactive, and self-sufficient.

What if the key to explosive growth, happier employees, and loyal clients wasn't another marketing tactic — but something much simpler? In this episode of SoTellUs Time, hosts Trevor and Troy Howard uncover one of the most underrated business superpowers of all time: listening. You'll discover how the world's most successful companies — from Microsoft to Starbucks, LEGO, Toyota, and Zappos — transformed their culture, customer loyalty, and profits by learning to truly hear what people were saying. This episode breaks down exactly how to apply those same listening strategies inside your business — to increase team morale, drive innovation, and attract lifelong customers. Whether you're a small business owner, team leader, or entrepreneur, these lessons will change how you communicate forever. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown: 00:00 - Intro: The most profitable skill you're overlooking 01:00 - Why listening is a business superpower 03:00 - How listening transformed Microsoft's culture 05:00 - The hidden goldmine: listening to your employees 09:00 - How Ritz-Carlton, Toyota & Southwest turned feedback into millions 13:00 - Listening to clients: the key to retention and referrals 17:00 - What Starbucks, Netflix & small businesses do differently 21:00 - Listening to data & reviews like LEGO and Spotify 23:00 - Turning what you hear into powerful action steps 25:00 - The challenge: practice deep listening this week

How many brilliant ideas have you started but never finished? A new website, marketing campaign, or system that got 80% done — then lost steam? You're not alone. In this episode of SoTellUs Time, hosts Trevor and Troy Howard reveal the exact Follow-Through Formula successful entrepreneurs use to finish what they start, turn ideas into action, and get real business results.

Running a business is tough — but burning out doesn't have to be part of the journey. In this powerful episode of SoTellUs Time, hosts Trevor and Troy Howard reveal how to manage stress like a pro — the same way top-performing entrepreneurs, CEOs, and elite leaders handle pressure without losing their sanity.

Most business owners think, “That'll never happen to me.” But when disaster strikes — from data breaches to power outages, or even your top employee quitting overnight — the businesses that survive are the ones that prepared in advance. In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard break down why every business needs an emergency plan and give you the exact steps to build one that protects your people, profits, and peace of mind.

Most business owners are sitting on hidden profits they don't even know exist!

Your competitors are watching you. They see your success, your unique strategies, your creative marketing—and then they copy you. But here's the truth: being copied means you're already in the lead. In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard share how smart business owners can flip copycats into fuel for growth instead of frustration.

Most business owners focus on the big picture—marketing campaigns, sales strategies, customer acquisition… but the real secret to building trust, loyalty, and repeat business lies in the tiny details called micro-moments. In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard break down the silent power of these small, often-overlooked interactions that shape how customers feel about your business. From how the phone is answered to a quick email follow-up, these micro-moments can mean the difference between a lifelong customer and a lost opportunity. ✅ What you'll learn in this episode: What “micro-moments” are and why they matter more than you think. Real-world examples: the barista who remembers your name, an auto-reply that sets expectations, a handwritten thank-you note. How micro-moments silently influence customer psychology—people remember how you made them feel more than what you sold them. Famous case studies: Amazon's “one-click” experience and Apple's unforgettable unboxing. Practical strategies for business owners to leverage micro-moments: mapping the customer journey, training employees, using technology wisely, and building consistency. The 1% improvement challenge—how small actions compound into massive results.

AI is replacing employees faster than anyone expected in 2025. But here's the truth: businesses that learn how to use AI the right way aren't collapsing—they're growing faster, cutting payroll costs, and beating their competition. In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor Howard breaks down exactly how AI is transforming small businesses and how you can use it to grow instead of collapse.

In today's noisy, fast-paced world, complexity is killing businesses. Too many tools, too many channels, and too many over-engineered systems are slowing you down, frustrating your customers, and burning out your team.

Are you running your business on mental fumes?

Ever wondered why some businesses flourish while others fizzle out quickly? It all boils down to playing the long game. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to chase instant gratification. But lasting success—real, sustainable growth—comes from decisions made today that pay off months or even years down the road.

Would your company thrive if you disappeared for six months—or would it crumble? In today's episode of SoTellUs Time, discover the exact frameworks top entrepreneurs use to build self-sustaining, sell-ready businesses that print freedom (and profit) on autopilot.

Quarterly Business Review (QBR) made SIMPLE for solopreneurs & small businesses—audit, align & accelerate growth in 90 days! ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro – why you need a QBR 1:02 What IS a Quarterly Business Review? 2:25 The danger of drifting & the power of a strategic pause 4:05 4-Part QBR Framework: Goals • Systems • Feedback • Finances 8:22 Set 1-3 high-impact priorities for the next quarter 11:05 Break priorities into monthly milestones & checkpoints 12:30 Lock in your next QBR date (non-negotiable!) 13:15 Final tip + YOUR 60-minute challenge

Do you feel trapped in the constant cycle of putting out fires, leaving no time or energy to innovate and grow? You're not alone! Innovation isn't just a buzzword reserved for tech startups—it's the lifeblood of every thriving business. In this game-changing episode of SoTellUs Time, hosts Trevor and Troy Howard reveal practical strategies to break free from daily grind mode and intentionally foster creativity, new ideas, and continuous improvement in your business.

Are free trials, free consultations, or “just a few hours” of free work really helping you grow your business? Or are they actually KILLING your profit, authority, and sanity? In this eye-opening episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor exposes the hidden dangers of giving away too much for free — and how this nice guy strategy is keeping you broke, burned out, and begging for better clients.

Unlock explosive business growth by dedicating just ONE DAY a week to working ON your business instead of IN it!

Turn the “summer slump” into a season of strategic wins! In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor Howard and Troy Howard share two powerhouse strategies—High-ROI Projects with Clear Timelines and Intentional Break Techniques—that will help you maximize productivity, recharge your team, and set the stage for a blockbuster Q4. Whether you're a solopreneur, small business owner, or leading a larger organization, these actionable tactics will keep you ahead of the curve all summer long.

Maximize your profitability, protect your team's morale, and build a sustainable service business by learning to screen out toxic clients early. In this in-depth training session, Trevor & Troy Howard dive into real-world examples, proven processes, and exact scripts you can use today to safeguard your agency, freelance career, or consulting practice. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Intro: Why Every Dollar Matters 2:05 – Section 1: The True Cost of Bad-Fit Clients 2:10 • Financial Impact: scope creep, late payments, wasted hours 4:30 • Emotional Toll: stress, burnout, team morale 6:15 • Opportunity Cost: lost revenue, missed referrals 6:45 – Section 2: Top Red Flags to Watch For 7:00 • Inquiry & Sales: price haggling, vagueness, baggage from past vendors 9:20 • Proposal & Contract: resistance to agreements, process pushback 11:45 • Early Relationship: missed deadlines, micromanagement, boundary violations 15:10 – Section 3: Systems & Scripts to Say No Gracefully 15:30 • Qualify Leads: application forms, discovery calls, scorecards 17:20 • Strong Contracts: clear deliverables, payment terms, revision limits 19:00 • Professional “No”: empathetic language, referrals, leaving the door open 21:00 – Wrap-up, Key Takeaways & Next Steps

Unlock the secrets to keeping your top talent on your team—even in today's cutthroat job market. In this jam-packed episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard dive deep into proven, actionable retention strategies that cost far less than recruiting replacements. Learn how to craft an onboarding journey that wows, build clear paths for career growth, foster a culture of recognition, support employee well-being, and leverage stay interviews to catch issues before they become exits.

In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard break down what smart entrepreneurs do when business gets quiet — and how YOU can turn any slow season into a launchpad for long-term success.

Is your website still telling the story of the business you were three years ago? In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor Howard and Troy Howard dive into the signs that it's time for a brand refresh—and how you can update your image without blowing your budget. Whether you're a solopreneur, small‐business owner, or marketing manager, you'll learn practical tips to make a powerful first impression and keep your brand ahead of the curve.

Are you exhausted from constantly wearing too many hats in your business? Tired of burnout and bottlenecks holding you back? It's time to STOP doing it all and START defining your role clearly as the owner and CEO!

Want to attract more customers, close more sales, and create new business opportunities? It all starts with YOUR personal brand. In this video, we reveal step-by-step how to build a powerful personal brand that creates trust, authority, and consistent growth for your business—without burning yourself out. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, coach, or content creator, this personal branding guide will help you stand out in your industry, connect with your audience on a deeper level, and drive real revenue. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Intro — Why Personal Branding is Key in 2025 2:00 Why Your Personal Brand Matters (Trust, Authority & Opportunities) 7:00 Key Elements of a Strong Personal Brand (Identity, Content, Consistency) 12:00 Building a Personal Brand Without Burning Out (Repurpose, Delegate, Simplify) 18:00 Connecting Your Personal Brand to Business Growth 21:00 Final Tips + Homework for Building Your Brand

Are you a business owner feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks? Do you struggle with the fear of losing control if you delegate? In this episode of SoTellUs Time, we dive deep into the art of mastering delegation without compromising on quality or control. Discover proven strategies that empower you to delegate effectively, boost productivity, and scale your business—while maintaining full oversight. Why Business Owners Struggle to Delegate

Are your employees meeting your expectations? Or do you find yourself frustrated with performance gaps? In today's episode, we're diving deep into how to set clear expectations for employees to ensure business success!

In today's fast-paced business world, maintaining consistent client communication is no longer optional—it's essential. In this episode, we're diving deep into why staying connected with your clients is critical for sales, loyalty, and long-term growth. Did you know that 66% of people switch companies due to poor communication? That statistic from a Project.co study highlights just how important it is to keep communication lines open and effective.

New Year, New Plan - 4 Key Strategies to Skyrocket Your Business in 2025 Are you ready to make 2025 your best year yet? In today's episode of [SoTellUs Time], we're diving into the 4 essential elements you need in your growth plan to double, triple, or even quadruple your business in the New Year!

Year-End Review: Wins, Challenges, and Opportunities | Reflect, Learn, and Prepare for Success in 2025

Podcast Episode: Investing in Your Team | Employee Compensation, Recognition & Retention Strategies

Sometimes, giving 110% isn't enough to succeed in your business—and it may even lead to failure. In this video, we reveal how working smarter, not harder, is the key to growth. Discover how to focus your energy on the areas that matter most while delegating, automating, and optimizing the rest.

Are you feeling the weight of year-end deadlines, holiday chaos, or simply running out of steam as the year comes to a close? Don't worry—you're not alone! In this episode of SoTellUs Time, we're diving into how to recognize and overcome burnout while staying motivated to crush your goals for the rest of the year. Whether you're managing a business, leading a team, or just trying to keep up with your to-do list, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you finish strong.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on the power of gratitude and its impact on personal and professional growth. In this episode, we dive into how practicing gratitude can strengthen your relationships with your family, employees, and clients, ultimately driving success in your business. If you're looking for ways to foster a culture of appreciation and gratitude, this video is for you! Why Gratitude Matters in Business Gratitude is more than just a feel-good practice—it's a proven way to boost morale, build stronger relationships, and inspire loyalty. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or leader, adopting gratitude can set your business apart and create meaningful connections that last. Segment 1: Gratitude for Your Family Why It Matters Your family plays a pivotal role in your entrepreneurial journey. Their unwavering support helps you navigate the ups and downs of business ownership. Showing gratitude to your loved ones is essential for maintaining balance and perspective. Ways to Show Gratitude Express appreciation through heartfelt words or written notes. Prioritize quality time, even during hectic work weeks. Celebrate milestones together to honor their contributions to your success. Segment 2: Gratitude for Your Employees Why It Matters Your employees are the backbone of your business. A culture of gratitude motivates your team, increases productivity, and fosters loyalty. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in building a positive workplace environment. Ways to Show Gratitude Write personalized thank-you notes to acknowledge individual contributions. Publicly recognize achievements in team meetings or newsletters. Offer growth opportunities, bonuses, or other meaningful incentives. Segment 3: Gratitude for Your Clients Why It Matters Your clients are the lifeblood of your business. Showing appreciation strengthens trust and builds long-lasting relationships that drive customer loyalty and advocacy. Ways to Show Gratitude Send personalized thank-you messages or holiday cards. Provide exclusive perks, discounts, or early access to products or services. Host client appreciation events to celebrate your partnership. Your Gratitude Challenge This week, pick one way to express gratitude for your family, employees, and clients—and take action! Whether it's a handwritten note, a heartfelt conversation, or a special gesture, small acts of gratitude can make a big difference. Why Watch This Video? This Thanksgiving-themed episode is packed with actionable tips to help you grow your business while cultivating stronger, more meaningful relationships. If you're an entrepreneur or business leader looking to inspire your team, deepen client connections, and create a harmonious work-life balance, this video is a must-watch. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with fellow business owners! Drop a comment below sharing how you show gratitude in your personal or professional life. Let's build a community that celebrates gratitude every day! #GratitudeInBusiness #ThanksgivingSpecial #BusinessGrowth #EmployeeAppreciation #ClientRelationships #EntrepreneurshipTips #WorkLifeBalance

n this powerful episode, we uncover one of the most effective strategies for building wealth and dominating your market, even during tough economic times. Drawing from historical success stories and real-world examples, we explore how staying active in marketing—rather than retreating—can position your business for long-term success. Why Retreating in Marketing is a Big Mistake Over the past six months, many businesses have faced challenges, leading some to pull back on their marketing efforts. While this may seem like a logical cost-saving measure, it's often a critical error. When competitors retreat, the opportunity to dominate the market and capture more customers becomes wide open. Procter & Gamble: A Case Study in Market Domination During the Great Depression, Procter & Gamble (P&G) faced the same economic hardships as other businesses, but they chose a different path. Instead of cutting back, they doubled down on advertising, particularly in emerging platforms like radio. This led to the creation of branded entertainment, the precursor to modern soap operas, and cemented their position as a household name. Here's what made P&G's strategy so effective: Commitment to Advertising: P&G increased its advertising budget, ensuring its products stayed front and center while competitors faded into the background. Understanding Consumer Needs: By focusing on essential products like soap and offering affordable pricing, they aligned with consumer priorities during tough times. Innovative Marketing Tactics: They introduced coupons and direct marketing, connecting directly with budget-conscious households. Long-Term Vision: P&G didn't just survive the Depression; they emerged stronger, with unmatched brand loyalty and market share. SoTellUs: Winning During COVID Fast forward to the COVID pandemic, where businesses once again faced economic uncertainty. At SoTellUs, when our competitors slashed their marketing budgets, we held steady. Not only did we maintain our spending, but when we saw the market opportunity, we increased our budget. This bold move allowed us to capture market share, become the #1 choice for customers, and drive even more sales. The lesson? When others retreat, there's a chance to claim the top spot. What You Can Do Today To dominate your market, take a close look at your current marketing strategy: Identify ROI: Determine where your marketing dollars are generating the highest returns. Evaluate the Competition: If your competitors are cutting back, seize the opportunity to fill the void. Act Now: If you're not marketing, it's time to start. Don't wait for the economy to recover—position yourself now for future success. This episode will inspire you to take action, think long-term, and see challenges as opportunities to grow. Whether you're running a small business or a global enterprise, the principle is the same: Don't retreat. Double down, adapt to your customers' needs, and claim your place as a market leader.

Welcome back to our channel! In today's episode, we're diving deep into the world of client retention and uncovering powerful strategies for keeping your customers loyal and engaged. If you're a business owner or entrepreneur looking to increase your customer lifetime value, reduce churn rates, and build long-lasting relationships with your clients, you're in the right place. This episode will cover why focusing on client retention is often more valuable than constantly acquiring new customers, and we'll give you actionable steps you can start implementing today. Why Client Retention Matters More Than Just Acquiring New Customers Client retention isn't just a buzzword; it's a critical component of any successful business. Many companies make the mistake of pouring all their resources into attracting new clients without realizing the immense value that existing clients bring to the table. Here's why retention strategies should be a top priority for your business: Lower Cost Than Acquiring New Customers: Did you know it's 5-7 times cheaper to retain an existing client than to acquire a new one? When you focus on keeping your current clients happy, you save money and increase your ROI. Higher ROI on Marketing Efforts: Your initial marketing efforts are only as good as your retention strategy. By focusing on client retention, you maximize the return on each dollar spent on acquiring that customer in the first place. Increased Revenue Through Repeat Business: Loyal clients are more likely to make repeat purchases and engage in upselling and cross-selling opportunities. A satisfied customer is far more likely to explore additional products or services you offer. More Referrals and Positive Word of Mouth: Satisfied clients trust you and are more likely to refer friends and family, bringing in high-quality leads at no additional cost. Enhanced Brand Loyalty: Building a loyal customer base is essential for long-term growth. Client loyalty doesn't just increase revenue but also builds a community around your brand. How to Retain Your Clients: Proven Client Retention Strategies Now that we know why client retention is important, let's get into the actionable steps you can take to keep your customers coming back. Here's a breakdown of the most effective client retention strategies: 1. Understand Your Clients Understanding your clients' needs and expectations is the foundation of customer retention. Regularly seek feedback and stay updated on their experiences with your brand: Client Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews about their experience. This will give you direct insight into areas for improvement. Surveys: Short, targeted surveys can provide valuable feedback on customer satisfaction and service quality. Client Calls: Sometimes, a direct phone call or personalized message is the best way to connect with clients and show them that you value their feedback. 2. Deliver Consistent Quality Consistency in quality keeps clients coming back. Develop systems to measure and maintain high-quality standards: Quality Measurements: Use customer reviews and survey data to monitor your service or product quality. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): SOPs ensure your team delivers consistent, high-quality results every time. Regular Training: Keep your team trained and motivated to maintain service quality. 3. Build Trust and Transparency Trust is essential in building long-term relationships. Be upfront, honest, and proactive in your communication: Clear Communication: Keep clients informed with regular updates and respond promptly to inquiries. Address Issues Quickly: Acknowledge and resolve any issues immediately to show clients you value their satisfaction. Transparent Pricing: Clients appreciate honesty, so be clear and upfront about pricing and any additional fees. 4. Follow Up and Check-Ins Clients need to know they are valued beyond the point of sale. Regular follow-ups show clients that they're more than just numbers: Personalized Follow-Ups: Personalized check-ins help create a bond and keep the lines of communication open. Automation with a Personal Touch: Automated follow-ups can still feel personal. Use the client's name, reference past purchases, or acknowledge their preferences. 5. Incentivize Loyalty Give your clients a reason to stay loyal by introducing rewards programs that keep them engaged with your brand: Loyalty Programs: Implement a rewards program that offers points, discounts, or perks for repeat purchases. Referral Programs: Encourage satisfied clients to refer others with a referral program that benefits both the referrer and the new customer. Homework To help you get started, we have a challenge for you! Pick at least one of these client retention strategies and implement it in your business this week. Whether it's sending a follow-up message, creating a loyalty program, or seeking client feedback, taking action now will help you start building stronger relationships with your customers. Subscribe and Stay Connected If you found this video helpful, make sure to like and subscribe for more insights on client retention, business growth, and marketing strategies. Share this video with your team or fellow business owners who could benefit from a stronger client retention strategy. Let us know in the comments which retention strategy you're excited to try out, and feel free to share your success stories! Keywords: Client retention strategies, customer loyalty, client retention vs new customers, repeat business, upselling, cross-selling, customer feedback, client calls, personalized follow-ups, loyalty programs, business growth, customer satisfaction, customer retention

Welcome to the ultimate guide to mastering the "Season of Spending"! The holiday season is officially here, and with it comes a wave of eager customers looking for the best deals, discounts, and promotions. In this video, we're diving into how you can strategically prepare your business to make this holiday season your most profitable yet. If you're looking to get discovered by customers ready to spend and engage, stay tuned, because we'll cover essential holiday promotional strategies, marketing tips, and timing tactics that'll help you make the most of Halloween, Black Friday, Thanksgiving, and the December holidays!

In today's fast-paced digital world, effective communication is the key to driving business growth, increasing customer engagement, and improving retention. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is text message communication, also known as SMS marketing. In this video, we're going to break down the immense value of text message marketing, why it's one of the most effective channels today, and why you need to get involved now before it's too late! Why Text Message Marketing? So, why should you invest in text message marketing over other communication methods? Here are some compelling stats and reasons: 98% of text messages are opened and read: That's right! A staggering 98% of all SMS messages get opened, compared to only 20% of emails. In a world where email inboxes are cluttered, and people easily scroll past ads, text messaging stands out. Most text messages are read within 3 minutes: Instant engagement is what makes SMS marketing so powerful. Once your message is delivered, it's usually read within 3 minutes of being received. This is crucial for time-sensitive offers or reminders that need immediate attention. Instant Delivery: Unlike emails that may sit in inboxes for hours or even days, text messages land in your audience's hands within seconds. This immediacy allows for quick responses and interactions. Higher Conversion Rates: SMS marketing boasts a 45% conversion rate, compared to a mere 6% for email. This means that nearly half of the people you text are likely to engage with your offer or call to action. That's massive for any business looking to grow. Cost-Effective Marketing Channel: When it comes to the cost of reaching your audience, SMS marketing is far more affordable compared to traditional channels like TV ads, billboards, or even pay-per-click (PPC) online ads. You're getting high engagement without breaking the bank. Why You Need to Get In NOW! While the benefits of text message marketing are clear, timing is crucial. Here's why you need to jump in today rather than waiting: A2P Approvals: A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging is subject to strict regulations by mobile carriers. Carriers now require approval before you can send a single text message to your customers. These approvals ensure compliance with legal and privacy standards, protecting both your business and your customers. The catch? The approval process is becoming more complex. If you delay, you risk being held back by these administrative hurdles, which are only getting more stringent. Stricter Rules Are Coming: Regulations around SMS marketing are evolving rapidly. The rules surrounding consent, privacy, and permissions are becoming tighter by the day. The longer you wait, the harder it could be to start your text messaging campaigns. Get in early while the rules are still manageable, and you'll avoid future headaches. Once you're approved, you won't have to navigate the approval process again, even as new rules are introduced. Changing Privacy Policies: With privacy becoming an ever-increasing concern for consumers, businesses must ensure they're following strict guidelines when it comes to collecting customer data. Here are a few key things to keep in mind: Make sure to include form checkboxes on your website and lead capture forms. These will allow you to gather explicit consent from your customers to receive text messages. A pending rule change may prohibit businesses from requiring a phone number to complete transactions or sign-up forms. This makes it critical to start capturing phone numbers with proper permissions now while you still can. Capture Permissions NOW! Every day you wait is a lost opportunity. The longer you delay in implementing a text message marketing strategy, the more customers slip through your fingers who haven't given you permission to contact them via SMS. Imagine missing out on dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of potential sales because you didn't secure their consent early enough. Your Homework: I want to challenge you to think about how your business could start using text message marketing today. Take some time to evaluate your business and come up with at least three ways that you could integrate SMS communication to boost customer engagement and sales. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Send out promotional offers and discount codes. Use SMS reminders for upcoming appointments or special events. Text your customers a thank-you message after they make a purchase, with an incentive to shop again. If you're not sure how to implement a text message marketing strategy, don't worry! Reach out to us, and we'll guide you through the process of getting A2P approved, creating a compliant marketing strategy, and turning this tool into a powerful revenue driver for your business. Conclusion: Text message marketing is one of the most powerful, direct, and effective ways to engage with your customers today. With its sky-high open rates, quick delivery, and exceptional conversion potential, SMS is a must-have tool in your marketing toolkit. But remember—timing is key. With the ever-changing landscape of regulations, waiting could mean missing out on the opportunity to leverage SMS marketing to its full potential. Get started now, follow the rules, and watch as your business reaches new heights with the power of text message communication!

Welcome to today's video, where we'll dive deep into one of the biggest obstacles that sabotage business owners—distractions! In this video, we're focusing on a mindset shift that can change the way you approach growth, revenue, and time management in your business. Today's topic is “Focus on the River, Not the Stream.” This concept can help you streamline your efforts, reduce time-draining activities, and ultimately increase your profits. Close Every Deal: Why It's a Trap As business owners, we have an instinct to try to close every deal, capture every sale, and serve every single customer. It seems like the more we do, the more we earn, right? Well, not always! While it might feel like you're being productive, focusing on every deal or opportunity can actually kill your time and diminish your profits. Not all opportunities are created equal. If you spend too much time chasing smaller, less profitable deals, or servicing customers that demand excessive attention, you're taking your eye off what truly matters—your rivers of revenue. This is where today's lesson comes in: Focus on the river, not the stream. The Rivers: Your Key Revenue Drivers So, what exactly are the "rivers" in your business? Rivers are your primary sources of income—the services or products that consistently bring in the most revenue, the most profit, and require the least amount of time to fulfill. Focusing on these revenue drivers is the key to scaling your business efficiently. Let's break it down: What Brings in the Most Revenue? – Look at the services or products that are consistently generating the highest volume of income for your business. These are your core offerings and should be prioritized. What Brings in the Most Profit? – Revenue alone isn't enough. You need to focus on the services that deliver the best profit margins. This is where your business's health truly lies. What Takes the Least Amount of Time but Delivers Great Profits? – Time is money! Identify the offerings that require minimal effort but still generate a good profit. These should be top priorities for scalability. What Has the Largest Potential Customer Base? – Focusing on products or services with broad appeal can exponentially grow your business, as these “rivers” can feed a steady stream of income for a long time. The Streams: Time-Draining Distractions On the other hand, “streams” are the distractions—the offerings or deals that take up your valuable time but don't deliver a high return. Here are some examples: Additional Services: These might add value but often take more time and resources to fulfill. If they don't significantly contribute to your profit, they might be worth cutting. High-Ticket Clients: While these customers bring in more money per transaction, they are often more demanding and require more attention. They can drain your time and energy, so consider whether they are worth the effort. Partnerships: While partnerships can bring in large deals, they often take a significant upfront investment of time with minimal immediate payoff. Be mindful of how much time you're spending on these opportunities. Large or Group Deals: Though they can look appealing, these deals often require heavy discounts or extended negotiation periods, which reduce overall profitability. Homework: Identify and Cut the Streams Your action item this week is simple yet powerful: Identify the streams in your business that are draining your time and profits. Which services, clients, or deals are you focusing on that aren't delivering the returns you need? Once you've identified them, make the hard decision to cut them out. Redirect your focus toward the rivers—the areas that are bringing in the majority of your revenue and profit. This mindset shift will free up your time, allowing you to focus on the opportunities that truly drive your business forward. Remember, growth comes not from doing more but from doing the right things. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video! Leave a comment below on what streams you're cutting from your business this week!