The Level 10 Contractor Daily Podcast

On this MEGAPOD, We give you part one of the best L10 Podcast Episodes about SEO!

It's Sunday, and that means it's time for some inspiration. For the month of December, we're replaying the best of the best of our episodes curated over the entire run of over 2000 episodes. Not clips, not bits, but entire show-stopping episodes back to back to back covering a single relevant and compelling marketing topic. We're calling these mega pods… episodes so gigantic and jam-packed, each one is a feast to remember. We thought we'd begin thinking about a principle that's close to Rich's heart. What is it? Agape Love.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run. This week, we talk about what to do after a rejection. You hook a prospect and even pitch them inside their home but despite your salesperson's best effort, the homeowner turns you down. What do you do next? Do you give up? Is that sale gone forever now… another contractor's gain? Hopefully after today's round of clips, you'll understand why and how to follow up and keep fighting. A no today can turn into a yes with the right follow-up.

Friday's topic is one of those things that seems little and unimportant… but can have a major impact on your business depending on how well you execute. I'm talking about how you handle prospects on the phone when the first call in… and specifically how you handle their objections. Rich talks with person-to-person marketing expert Tony Hoty about how to overcome lazy phone habits and set more appointments.

It's Throwback Thursday, and we revisit a strategy call between Rich and the owner of a small kitchen and bathroom company in upstate New York. A few years ago, they paid about a thousand dollars to build a small, 9-page website… and despite the site NOT doing a lot of the things that Rich preaches on this podcast, the site seems to be doing "well enough" at generating enough leads to keep them as busy as they want to be. Does Rich have a bigger vision for them? Of course he does! But since the company is so small… and essentially has no budget… he goes into Bob Villa mode and shows them how to do it themselves.

Short little podcast for you, but you know, it packs a lot of punch. Rich talks about challenging your assumptions and the status quo; just because you've been doing something a certain way for a long, long time–is that still the best way to do it now? He's going to encourage you to dig into your numbers to validate and verify your assumptions, and not to be afraid to change if your status quo methods aren't measuring up.

You might be looking at the title of this podcast and thinking "What the heck is a thin theme website?" Ah… great question, and one that will be answered by the master, Rich himself, on the podcast today. Basically think of it like this: would you rather run a marathon if you weighed 480 pounds… or 180 pounds? Well, your website is probably the internet version of a 480 pound marathon runner, and that's no bueno. For Google, for your website visitors… it's just all around bad.

t's Monday, which means it's time for the latest installment of our 5 ways to Monday series… let me ask you this: are your print ads getting a little stale? Are results lagging? Maybe you need to put some pep in your print ads. Today Rich is going to give you a quick overview of what it takes to INTERRUPT people in advertising, and then he'll show you FIVE ways to make it happen.

It's Sunday, and that means it's time for some inspiration. And this Sunday, I mean literally, we are going to continue to talk about inspiration. How do you get it, where does it come from, and how can we get more of it? Last week on the Sunday podcast, Rich released part 1 of this series on inspiration and revelation… and today we have the second and final part for you.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run. This week, we focus on home shows and how to stand out in the crowd–from integrating your identity in pithy banners and educational flyers, to capturing leads and following up through texts and calls, to choosing the right booth location. Plus we hit on a couple of Rich's favorite tactics: the sweepstakes and big bill.

Every contractor has a powerful story that sets them apart from the rest—most just never tell it. In this episode, Rich shows how to uncover your company's true Identity, transform it into compelling narratives, and use those stories in your marketing to build trust, differentiate from competitors, and attract higher-quality, ready-to-buy leads.

It's Throwback Thursday, and today we hop in the time machine and set the dials for April 11th, 2011… that is right, ages ago! But guess what? In those years, the principles of marketing have not changed one single bit… and as you're about to hear… when it comes to identity, you've got to not JUST have a good case to present to the jury… er, uh… your prospects… you've also got to present it with power, precision, and passion!

Rich is going to swerve a bit out of the marketing lane and talk about FIRING people. Yep, firing people. And he's going to tackle the tough question of "how do you know when it's time to let somebody go." After all, most people who need to be fired still have plenty of GOOD traits… which makes it so hard. So listen up: Rich has a 4-step evaluation to help you decide if and when it's time to give somebody the boot.

Proximity marketing only works with a sustained, multi-touch approach. Rich outlines a five-step system using customer involvement, identity-rich mailers, check mailers, testimonial letters, and micro-canvassing to turn one completed job into multiple neighborhood sales. With effort and repetition, contractors can break through resistance and generate new local leads.

Feel like your advertising has hit a wall? NOt generating as many leads as you used to? Looking for ways to interject "something different" into your marketing plan? That's what today's episode is all about–mixing things up, and doing things a bit different. Not a TON different–just a little bit different.

It's Sunday, and that means it's time for some inspiration. And this Sunday, I mean literally, we are going to talk about inspiration. How do you get it, where does it come from, and how can we get more of it? This is a long episode, so today will be part 1, then i'll meet you here again next Sunday for part 2. As usual, this is interesting stuff.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run. This week, we talk about Facebook. Okay so you've heard Rich talk about Facebook on the podcast… about a million times. And for good reason! It's a really great way to get in front of… well, just about every prospect you could ever hope to sell something to. On today's showcase, we take you step by step through what Facebook is, what it does, and different ways you can use it. Rich calls it the Swiss Army Knife of social media. Let's make sure you use every tool it offers.

We're going to hear some new radio ads that we've produced here at Level 10 for one of our new Roofing clients; Rich is going to walk you through them, and show you how "telling your story" is critical to marketing success.

We join Rich in one of his old "Tuesday Morning Ad Clinic" webinars where a basement finishing company has submitted a postcard for review. They want to invite people to an open house they are holding at the home of one of their customers where they recently finished a basement to show off their work… and the postcard they are proposing to send is, well, not that great. Rich gives them a ton of suggestions how to make it better, more effective.

So… how's the rampant inflation treating your business? If you're like most companies, your prices have gone up–probably by A LOT. Which means that your prospects are experiencing something we like to call "sticker shock," which could have an adverse effect on closing ratios. How can you deal with that? Glad you asked! Rich shares some PRICE CONDITIONING blog posts that he's created for one of our clients over here at Level 10… and show you how sending links to them via text message to your prospects BEFORE the sales meeting might be helpful.

Discover six powerful strategies to dominate your market during the slow winter months. Rich reveals how to turn November-February into your competitive advantage through storytelling, mega-irresistible offers, pre-selling spring jobs, and strategic marketing investments. Learn why winter isn't dead season—it's domination season. Includes proven examples from successful contractors generating millions in off-season revenue.  

What is Google Business? Why is it so important? How can you optimize it? Those are all questions that Rich answers today in a special episode in our "5 Ways to Monday" series. It's special because he brings Level 10 Contractor SEO Guru-extraordinaire, Katie Colihan, on the show with him to discuss the topic and all its nuances. This is truly an important episode… so set aside some time and get ready to learn.

It's Sunday, and you know what that means–Rich gets out of the marketing pool and does a cannonball from the high dive into the personal development and spiritual deep end. This Sunday is no different; Rich is going to talk about self awareness… and something he calls super-human self awareness.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor·s ENTIRE podcast run. This week, we talk about selling yourself BEFORE you ever arrive at the house for your sales meeting. Don

Today's podcast is all about videos… and specifically, getting great video testimonials. Rich is going to discuss how to do them so that the people on the videos--your customers!--say things that speak directly to your identity, so that those who are watching get granular, first-hand witnesses that you actually deliver on all your promises. It takes some planning, and it takes some effort, but the end result is well worth it… as you you'll see… er… hear when Rich plays some samples from his own client archives.  

It's Throwback Thursday, and here we've dug into the vault and pulled out a real gem. This is a webinar that Rich recorded back in 2012 on the topic of creativity in marketing. He's going to give you ideas on THREE different ways to come up with ideas: 1) Inspiration, 2) deduction, and 3) mismatching. If you'd like to come up with new and innovative ideas for your business, this is going to be a great resource for you.

"Websites are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." That's a quote from Elisabeth Kubler-Ross… well, sort of… the  real quote is about people, not websites–but the point is valid! Rich is going to give you kind of a warning about being overly smitten by the way your website LOOKS… and encourage you, well, build a site that looks good AND actually does what a website is supposed to do.

Okay, we're back with another real live media buying case study… but, with a bit of a twist. As the name of this episode would suggest, Rich ended up paying more for radio for this client in this market than he's paid for any radio anywhere, ever… but as you can imagine, there's a good reason… which Rich will explain in detail. But just because he paid a lot, don't assume that he didn't get a good deal. Confused? As you'll hear… media buying is a supply and demand game… when supply is low, prices go high. Then you have to decide what your options are. If there aren't any good options… well… I think you can see where this is going.

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our "5 Ways To Monday" series… How would you like to be a recognized expert in your field… and somebody who is sought out online for your expertise and opinions? Well you're in luck: Today Rich tackles the topic of how to become an online influencer!

It's Sunday, and Rich is putting on his preacher hat as he tends to do sometimes… Today he's going to talk about 5 times Jesus was loved without condition… but there is actually a lot more to this. Rich is going to also talk about WHY it's necessary to love without Condition… and how a big part of what Jesus was here on earth to do… was to model that for us.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run. This week, we cover the topic of innovation. Let's face it: if you are not innovating your business, then you're stagnating. Worse, your competition might be doing the hard work you're avoiding which means they'll outshine you. Innovation has always been a big part of what Rich teaches and preaches about… and he's kind of cracked the code. We will hear a couple of Rich's 20 different innovation formulas–that's right, 20 tricks to stand above the rest. Plus Rich discusses two of the greatest innovators he's encountered. You don't want to miss this.

Okay, I'm just putting it out there right up front that this is kind of a weird episode of the podcast. I'm assuming that since you're listening you probably "get it" when it comes to the Level 10 mindset and principles… and you listen so you can find new and practical ways to improve your business. Good for you! But it turns out, not everyone gets it. Like the operator of this sunroom company that's on today's strategy call with Rich. He is 100% convinced that price competition is unavoidable and devastating. When Rich tries to tease out his identity… and explain how that's the key to overcoming price competition… well, let's just say… he's not having it. So Rich backs up and tries again. Nothing. And again. Nothing. Until Rich sends him on his way. Now that's not to say the advice Rich gives him isn't good--as usual,  it's outstanding. But by the end of this podcast, you'll be shaking your head right along with Rich.

It's Throwback Thursday, and today we're taking the wayback machine to 2012 for a webinar Rich did called "Advance Joint Venture Strategies." What's a joint venture? It's when you work with other companies to leverage either their name or their customer list to generate leads and sales. Rich will cover three kinds of joint ventures today. First, becoming a content provider… second, what he calls "left field endorsements," and third "product placement." The idea here isn't really to say "here, do this exact thing," but rather, "Here are some ideas and concepts to spur ideas for you in your business."

You know that Rich is a master at explaining stuff that's normally not that easy to understand… like SEO, for instance. And websites. On today's podcast, Rich breaks it down and makes it even simpler to understand as he talks to a roofing contractor who has a website that's…. Well… in need of some improvements. Rich breaks it down and makes it sooo easy to understand, that it can be summed up in four short words: Show up, stand out. As in… your website has to show up in Google Rankings… and then it has to stand out so that people fall in love with it and want to do business with you. You're going to love the simplicity of this–and the power.

Rich talks Financing! If you've read his book, Unlocking Unlimited Lead Flow, you know that Rich loves him some financing. He's going to show you how it can help you raise your average ticket, raise your conversion ratios, and just plain raise sales. He'll go through a script for how to utilize it--and how NOT to utilize it… and even show you how to use it in your advertising.

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our "5 Ways To Monday" series… Today Rich is talking about CONTENT, and specifically, how to make it more interesting, engaging, relevant, and AWESOME.

It's another Sunday podcast, and as you know, this is where Rich turns to subjects more in the realm of spirituality and self improvement. What does an 11-year-old kid standing on third base at a critical moment of a big game and a married man being invited to a business dinner by a female colleague have to do with each other? Well, both of them will have conflicting voices running through their heads telling them what to do… and their ability to distinguish and listen to the RIGHT voice could have a major impact on the outcome--positive or negative. And that's what today's podcast is all about--distinguishing between the various voices in your head that are attempting to guide and influence you.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run. Marketing is like building a case in court. Your product or service is on trial… your customers are the jury… and you're the attorney in charge… and it's a life or death sentence on the line. You can't just throw out a bunch of platitudes, you have to build the case. And that's what this week's showcase is all about.

It's Random Friday, that weirdly interesting podcast episode we run every month or so where RIch aggregates a bunch of little nuggets that don't really warrant an entire podcast, but are certainly worth talking about. Today Rich covers diverse topics such as billboards, putting friction in your lead forms, how and when to rotate your TV and radio ads… and a bad experience down at the credit union. And more!

It's another Throwback Thursday, where we dig into the vault and find gold from days gone by. You've heard Rich on the podcast talking about financing before… you know, how you should integrate the discussion into your salesperson's opening, and talk about monthly payments from the git go. Today's podcast starts there… and then takes the discussion of how to implement financing to Ninja levels that will get you thinking.

This one starts off as a strategy call… where you'll hear a contractor talking about a whole lot of unethical things that are happening in his market with his competitors lying to consumers and causing them to have problems with their insurance companies. Then, just as he's getting worked up… the recording goes bad, and Rich has to finish the episode on his studio mic by himself. Do you think that stops Rich from giving great advice about Victory going to the one with superior forces at the point of contact, and telling you exactly how to do that? Of course not. It's going to take more than a messed up recording to keep Rich from improving your marketing!

Today's episode is a bit of a changeup… you are going to listen in on a conversation between Rich and one of his senior copywriters, Nick, as they discuss possible slogans for one of their clients. You'll find this process both fascinating and inspirational. Well, not inspirational like "Now I want to run a marathon or climb Mt Kilamanjaro"... but inspirational like "Hey I could do something like this for my company."

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our “5 Ways To Monday” series… The economy's tightening—so should your business. Scrutinize workers, sales reps, suppliers, expenses, and marketing to boost efficiency, cut waste, and maximize profitability without losing momentum in slower economic times.

It's another Sunday podcast, and as you know, this is where Rich turns to subjects more in the realm of spirituality and self improvement.

Every Saturday, we showcase a topic important to you by rounding up the greatest highlights and clips from Level 10 Contractor's ENTIRE podcast run. This week, we review core concepts of Level 10's marketing strategy. This is a great refresher if you've been listening to the podcast, absolutely necessary if you're new to Level 10, and a perfect bookmark podcast you can return to anytime you need the reminder.

Most contractor marketing is chaos—disconnected PPC, SEO, and ads chasing different goals. The Unified Contractor Marketing Framework aligns every channel under one Identity-based strategy for consistent messaging, unified reporting, and predictable lead growth.

It's another Throwback Thursday, where we dig into the vault and find gold from days gone by. Today, we continue our discussion on Innovation Formulas. What's an innovation formula? It's a specific way to look at your business in terms of innovation. Today's formulas include such things as the “Pulaski No-Punt,” “Free Lunch,” “Guaranteed Greatness,” “Grand Theft Inno,” and “Quality Counts.” It's a smorgasbord of innovation, and you're going to get some great ideas!

Want to know what separates a great website from a mediocre one? One that generates leads vs one that just kind of sits there? Today Rich goes through a list of TEN things that we do over here at Level 10 Contractor that make our sites, well, better than other ones you might get from other companies. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AhamlAIKo2M

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our “5 Ways To Monday” series… Today, it's all about adding extra income streams. Rich is going to talk about adding product lines, selling your leads, engineering joint ventures with other companies… and more.

Another Monday means it's time for another installment of our “5 Ways To Monday” series… Today, it's all about adding extra income streams. Rich is going to talk about adding product lines, selling your leads, engineering joint ventures with other companies… and more. Watch on Youtube: 6 Side Hustles for Contractors [WITHOUT Losing Focus on Your Main Thing]: https://youtu.be/y7puzZ-R9Us

It's another Sunday podcast, and as you know, this is where Rich turns to subjects more in the realm of spirituality and self improvement. Rich's message today just might strike a chord…  because he's basically going to tell you to STOP trying to fix yourself. He's going to give you a new perspective on why you have the struggles you have, and what to do instead of trying to fix them. He starts with a parable called “strengthen what is good about the lawn,” then talks about not resisting evil.