Too Legitimate to Quit

Is your personal brand still important when you're scaling a business? How can your values and flair create a bedrock for company culture? And what the heck is the right balance between personal and professional content on social media? We'll answer all that and more in this week's jam-packed episode.  This week, Annie P. Ruggles is joined by Caitlin Penny, the powerhouse behind Copper Theory Creative, and they dive deep into authenticity (yep, it's still "the thing"), hiring the right people, and fostering honest-to-goodness real relationships inside your sphere of influence. Plus, this episode is loaded to the gills with Parks and Rec insights and references. What can we learn about outbound marketing from Tom, Leslie, and Ron? You don't have to go to Pawnee to find out. This one's for you, L'il Sebastian. Parentpreneur Advisory: This episode contains some colorful language. Resources: *Connect with Caitlin through her website, Facebook, and LinkedIn. *For a free 30 minute brand assessment by Copper Theory Creative, click here! *Annie P's LinkedIn group, The Legitimati, is about to blow up. Claim your space in an upcoming zany collaboration here. What's Inside: 04:12 - So how can you really, truly know your target market?! 08:44 - Parks and Rec characters have unique brands. 12:26 - Authenticity and personal branding can go awry. 17:11 - Embrace personal brand, expand reach, amplify. 22:25 - The Leslie Knope method of ecosystem growth 25:15 -  Demographics don't define individual wants and needs. 27:26 - Unexpected details in my hidden website bio. 30:49 - Workfam relationships provide critical relationships for solopreneurs and business owners. 37:19 - That could be Oprah! Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 10: On Branding, Reinvention & Cafe Tropical (feat. Chelsie Tamms) - Schittsfest 2 of 2 64: On Brand Stories, Self-Talk & Curb Your Enthusiasm (feat. Dana Magnus) 66: On Authenticity, Brand Identity & Inventing Anna (feat. Ari Krzyzek) 111: On Audio Branding, Improvisation & Dungeons & Dragons (feat. Jodi Krangle)

Are you drowning in "shoulds?" Bogged down in the expectations of yourself, your clients, and even your paid advisors? And, to top it all, is one-size-fits-all marketing or the newest high-priced fad failing to bring in the right people? It's time to shake things up, y'all. This episode will help you do exactly that. This week, Annie P. Ruggles is joined by the creative engine known as Megan Gersch. Megan is a branding and web design expert, specializing in "music industry disruptors who want to build an empire." Megan is the go-to for brands that want to stand out in crowded markets - without falling prey to the trends. Thanks to her savvy analysis, the conversation is a masterclass in differentiation, self-representation, and brand evolution. Then, the two focus on a mutual love for the pioneering, rule-breaking, ever-evolving sensation known as Radiohead. What lessons can be learned from their example of shaking off "shoulds" and doing things their way? Let's find out. Resources: Connect with Megan through her website, Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube Don't forget to listen to her podcast, Your Sparkly Brand. Download her Elevated Web Presence Checklist and other goodies at megangersch.com/resources Annie P's LinkedIn group, The Legitimati, is about to blow up. Claim your space in an upcoming zany collaboration here. What's Inside: 00:00 -  Embracing confidence online takes practice and time. 05:12 - Building a brand is an endurance sport, not a sprint. 10:05 -  Clarity in design attracts ideal clients, and repels others. 16:53 -  Drive, vision, systems, automation, repurpose, content, consistency 19:36  - Shift from perfect to real: Marketing transforms. 24:58  - Tracking content across platforms creates omnipresence online. 30:44  - Key role of style guide in business. 36:17  - Radiohead at Lollapalooza: a perfect experience. 40:31  - Radiohead is brilliant at creating fan experiences. 48:33  - Thank you for 3 years of support! 51:03  - Homework: Evolve your thinking to evolve your brand. 53:36 - Join us on LinkedIn! Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 17: On Boldness, Speaking Up & Lady Gaga (feat. Suz Chadwick) 40: On Kindness, Differentiation & Revenge of the Nerds (feat. Mike Michalowicz) 79: On Self-Promotion, Belonging & Pee-wee's Playhouse (feat. Deanna Seymour) 82: On Healing, Hustle Culture & Kesha (feat. Jessica Butts) 106: On Launches, Social Listening & Iron Man (feat. Jennifer Tamborski)

What the heck is "warrior energy" and how can it be harnessed in our personal and professional lives? How can we best balance head and heart during moments of stress and overwhelm? And how can we break ourselves of toxic self-sacrifice and really, truly practice self-compassion amid societal pressures and inner child tantrums? This week, Annie P. is joined by the soulful and brilliant Jennifer Urezzio, founder of Soul Language. Her specialty is helping movers and shakers honor their own wisdom, connect with Divine support, and co-create with the energy of their businesses. Together, they explore their mutual love for Peanuts, "The Lord of the Rings" and more before focusing on "Star Trek," drawing parallels between the emotional depth of iconic characters and their own experiences. They delve into the concept of purpose (and its myths), share personal anecdotes (AKA fangirl a little), and offer practical advice for self-compassion and self-awareness. It's an uplifting, empowering listen for Trekkies, the woo-woo, and all entrepreneurs, bravely and boldly going where no one has gone before. Engage! Resources: - Connect with Jennifer (JU) through her website and Instagram. - Grab JU's jaw-droppingly good free guide, The Myths of Purpose. - Don't forget to listen to her podcast, Ask & Answered By Soul. What's Inside: 06:09 Acknowledging divine backup 13:57 Accepting change brings unexpected discoveries. 19:48 Head and heart balance 26:15 Warriors, inner children, and the Peanuts gang 29:50 Choice is essential for our well-being. 37:06 Embracing rebranding 40:15 Picard, Troi, and a reminder about Vulcans 45:43 LeVar Burton is a gift to the world.  48:57 Homework: "Embrace self-awareness and compassion for success." Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 42: On Impact, Inclusion & Pitch Perfect (feat. Melissa Marcelissen) 45: On Shame, Magnetism & The Rocky Horror Picture Show (feat. Michelle Clarke) 51: On Courses, New Customers & Star Trek: Voyager (feat. Melody Johnson) 80: On Expertise, Unlearning & The OC (feat. Rachel Kurzyp) 114: On Magnetism, Genius & Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (feat. Mellissa Seaman)

Should tiny businesses be worried about the huge issues of inclusion and diversity? Why does allyship really matter - beyond just wanting to be (and be seen as) a good person? And how can we all go beyond performative acts into real, bottom-line shifting, glass ceiling shattering, stigma-debunking change-making? Welcome back to another episode of "Too Legitimate to Quit" with your host Annie P. Ruggles. This week, Annie is joined by the inspirational force known as Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence. (She says, "Don't forget the "H" in Raymona." Annie says," Don't forget the 'Dr.'") This no-holds-barred, real and relatable, multi-racial discussion on representation, advocacy, "white tears," and more, is equal parts motivational, challenging, and actionable. Then, Annie and Dr. Raymona conclude a two-part discussion on the reality phenomenon "Love is Blind" and its connections to identity, trust, cultural lenses, and deepening understanding! (Don't miss part 1 with the fabulous Emma Tessler!) Resources: - Connect with Dr. Raymona through her website, Instagram, and YouTube What's Inside: 01:44 Helping businesses embrace DEI strategies and training. 08:25 Personal and professional allyship are intertwined. 12:18 Brands show support for specific causes conveniently. 22:44 Marketing and sales use assumptions to understand customers. 24:59 Know your lens to understand your beliefs. 30:55 Allyship can be scary. Do it anyway. 39:19 ROARing into Love Is Blind 45:21 Perspective shapes experiences, even in relationships. 51:16 Homework: Create lasting impressions, show trust, increase success. Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes! 120: On Vision, Authenticity & Love is Blind (feat Emma Tessler) 37: On Connection, Curiosity & Murder She Wrote (feat. Nikki Nash) 42: On Impact, Inclusion & Pitch Perfect (feat. Melissa Marcelissen) 81: On Closers, Compassion & Attack on Titan (feat. Jason Marc Campbell) 106: On Launches, Social Listening & Iron Man (feat. Jennifer Tamborski) 118: Live-ish from FAN EXPO Chicago! On Inclusion, Intentions & The Mandalorian (feat. Iris Goldfeder)

Is "vision" really all that important or is it a distraction? How can we act as if our goals are already happening, rather than just waiting for them to happen? And, how do we balance entertainment and educational content on social media? Welcome back to another episode of "Too Legitimate to Quit" with your host Annie P. Ruggles and very special guest, Emma Tessler, founder and CEO of 95 Media. This episode runs the glorious gamut of topics, from the importance of authenticity in business and personal branding, why video still reigns supreme, and how to commit to your 5-year vision every single day. Then, Annie and Emma kick off a two-part discussion on the reality phenomenon "Love is Blind" and its connections to authenticity, representation, and self-presentation! (Be sure to head back next week for round 2, with the incomparable Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence!) Resources: - Connect with Emma through her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn - Access her free course, Master Your Marketing, to create content that converts in less than 30 minutes each day: masteryourmarketingcourse.co - Don't forget to check out Emma's own podcast, Stop Scrolling, Start Scaling What's Inside: [00:02:42] Authenticity drives successful video content creation. [00:05:21] Creating content doesn't have to be hard. [00:11:30] Balancing fun and growth in business journey [00:16:46] Commitment to evolving vision drives team success [00:18:16] Recognizing exhaustion, workaholism, and business growth [00:32:33] Abundance of role models, authenticity, opportunity [00:39:03] Respond to important issues, not trivial comments [00:47:32] Reality TV thoughts: love it or hate it [00:48:44] Homework: Promote your cause, be authentic, and attract attention. Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes! 1: On Authenticity, Drive & Ren & Stimpy (feat. Diann Wingert) 40: On Kindness, Differentiation & Revenge of the Nerds (feat. Mike Michalowicz) 75: On Relationship Marketing, Visibility & Survivor (feat. Angie Trueblood) 90: On Honesty, Web3 & 90 Day Fiancé (feat. Derek Gorthy) 114: On Magnetism, Genius & Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (feat. Mellissa Seaman)

Are self-care and productivity opposing forces? Must you choose one or the other? Absolutely not! This episode seeks to prove that self-advocacy and self-preservation are among the most efficient, effective choices you can make - if only you allow yourselves the space, and learn to work with your fears. This week, Annie is joined by the incomparable Sacred Walker - therapist, minister, and force for good. Together, they unpack the complex role fear and doubt play in business growth, deep dive into self-awareness, self-validation, and ultimately self-fulfillment and share their personal practices for creating sacred space within. Then, they pull inspiration from one of the greatest divas of all time, Whitney Houston. Resources: - Connect with Sacred through her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn. - Don't forget to listen to her own podcast, Self Love Letters for Everyday Superheroes! - Annie's award-winning sales course, Sales for Empaths, is now available as a Pay What Feels Right! Grab your seat at http://www.anniepruggles.com/NSSA What's Inside: • Self-care IS productive (3:13) • Recovering from negativity (16:23) • The Everyday Epiphany (18:55) • Bobby Brown on Your Shoulder (30:41) • Cultivating Sacred Space Within (37:21) • Reimagining Personal Stories (51:23) Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 5: On Video Marketing, Fear & Green Lantern (feat. Nick Bonitatibus) 45: On Shame, Magnetism & The Rocky Horror Picture Show (feat. Michelle Clarke) 62: On Traction, Patience & Ted Lasso (feat. Sara Dean) 74: On Productivity, Reliability & Moneyball (feat. Kris Ward) 80: On Expertise, Unlearning & The OC (feat. Rachel Kurzyp)

If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed because your current website design is not attracting diverse customers or fostering a sense of connection, then you are not alone! Perhaps you've been relying on generic templates and stock images, failing to capture the unique experiences of your target audience. Instead of cultivating empathy and inclusivity, your website may be leaving potential customers feeling unseen and excluded. What's a heart-centered small business owner to do? Thankfully, Iris Goldfeder is here to break down the essentials of accessibility, inclusion, and empathic design. (And by here, I mean literally on the floor of FAN EXPO Chicago with Annie!) It's a must-listen for nerds, empaths, and technology haters alike. Then, Iris and Annie share lessons learned from The Mandalorian, and go searching FAN EXPO for Grogu (aka Baby Yoda aka The Child). Trust us, this is the way (to fix your website)! Resources: - Connect with Iris through the GasStoveCreative website and her Linkedin. - Don't forget to check out her podcast, GasStoveCreative presents The Cookbook. FAN EXPO Acknowledgement and Gallery: This episode was made possible by the generosity and support of FAN EXPO Chicago's media and PR team. THANK YOU! To see a gallery of Iris and Annie's favorite Mandalorian finds, visit http://www.anniepruggles.com/grogu Special thanks to The Legging Lass, Whirl & Twirl, EWAcats, DisParody, The CroChic Shop, Tristan Young, The Pink Yodette, and Drew Blank (who was also featured in last year's episode!) for allowing me to include and share your art with this episode. Again, the link to the gallery is http://www.anniepruggles.com/grogu ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ: FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively it hosts more than one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada™, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas™, FAN EXPO Boston™, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Vancouver™, Toronto Comicon, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL and Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo. In 2022, FAN EXPO HQ presents six new shows previously organized by Wizard World: FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, FAN EXPO St. Louis, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, and FAN EXPO Cleveland. The latest schedule of events is available here, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong. What's Inside: 00:03:14 - ADA Compliance and Small Business Owners, 00:05:15 - Future Trends in Website Accessibility, 00:08:40 - Empathy and Inclusivity, 00:11:47 - Websites as Virtual Brick and Mortar, 00:18:11 - Tips for Ensuring Inclusivity and Compliance,  00:26:56 - The Power of Inclusive Marketing, 00:29:52 - Rejecting Irresponsible Marketing, 00:32:28 - Importance of Accountability, 00:34:02 - Small Mistakes Reflect on Big Ones, 00:40:45 - Entrepreneurship and Choice, 00:46:30 - Creating a Community, 00:47:40 - The Path of the Jedi, 00:50:31 - Intentionality and Choices, 00:53:07 - Babysitting Grogu, 00:55:40 - Hmk: Audit Your Homepage, Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 42: On Impact, Inclusion & Pitch Perfect (feat. Melissa Marcelissen) 43: On Storytelling, Problem-Solving & Star Wars (feat. Seth Erickson) 57: On Intentionality, Instinct & Rogue Agents (feat. Andrea Freeman) 79: On Self-Promotion, Belonging & Pee-wee's Playhouse (feat. Deanna Seymour) 83: The Business of Fandom: Live from FAN EXPO Chicago 2022

How can businesses build trust, foster human connection, and align with shared values in the age of AI and technology? And why on Earth does Facebook feel the need to change its advertising platform every four seconds? (Ok, we can't answer the second question there. Ask Zuckerberg.) But in this episode, we wholeheartedly tackle the first. Jenn Neal of Formula Done joins Annie P. to candidly share her best tips on leveraging Facebook's functionality amidst recent policy changes, and strategies for overarching marketing success with and without AI. Then, Jenn dives into her lifelong passion for different racing disciplines, including Formula 1. You'll be amazed how much it has to do with social media! Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with thrilling anecdotes, thought-provoking questions, a drag race romance, and plenty of laughs along the way. Resources: - Connect with Jenn through her website, Instagram, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennneal. - Grab her free ultimate guide to content repurposing at https://contentrepurposing.tools/ - Annie's award-winning sales course, Sales for Empaths, is now available as a Pay What Feels Right! Grab your seat at http://www.anniepruggles.com/NSSA What's Inside: [00:01:14] With algorithms, you'd be surprised how much having fun matters [00:05:23] Productivity, Dance Videos, and Visibility [00:12:18] Leveraging the Facebook behemoth [00:15:12] Visibility mini-masterclass [00:19:35] Easy, cheap Facebook boosting for more visibility. [00:21:53] How to liberate your content [00:26:57] A Drag Race romance [00:30:40] Elevating the ordinary to the excellent [00:33:09] Ethics and your best behavior (but in a joyful way) Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 40: On Kindness, Differentiation & Revenge of the Nerds (feat. Mike Michalowicz) 62: On Traction, Patience & Ted Lasso (feat. Sara Dean) 71: On Shiny Objects, Trends & Westworld (feat. Mariana Padilla) 106: On Launches, Social Listening & Iron Man (feat. Jennifer Tamborski) 109: On Webinars, Credibility & Pleasantville (feat. Tom Poland)

If your email marketing was a love story, would the couple get together in the end or would one run away, screaming in disgust? While that second scenario isn't all that likely, entrepreneurs are faced with a very real pain all too often: crickets. We put the best of our brains out there, only to be met with silence and a smattering of lackluster likes. What's a heart-centered service provider to do, to really truly connect? Allea Grummert joins Annie P." in the studio" this week to demystify the email outreach campaigns that just might matter most - the nurture sequence. It's a masterclass in authenticity and conversion copywriting wrapped in a zany, Jane Austen-obsessed bow. Who would be the better marketer - Mr. Bingley or Mr. Collins? How could Darcy have gotten Lizzie to buy in sooner? And what's the perfect balance between pride and passion in your work correspondence?  Resources: - Connect with Allea through her Instagram. - Grab her free guide to welcome sequences and more at duett.co/TLTQ - Hey, are y'all on THREADS yet? If so, be sure to connect with Annie @annieprenenur What's Inside: [00:06:42] Your story matters; let's share it. [00:10:53]  The questions that build rapport [00:13:43] How to ethically engage anxiety, frustration, and confusion [00:16:09] Experiences shape our preferences and create engagement. [00:21:31] Sometimes choices are correct, but maybe smelly. [00:25:15] "Don't let others dictate your content." [00:26:33] Goldilocks and lead magnets [00:31:00] Email strategies: insults, flattery, and constant marketing [00:35:36] Love letters to your customers bring clarity and reflection [00:46:50] Miscommunication and secrets in classic literature analyzed [00:53:21] Homework: Consider the tone and persona of your email marketing. Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 48: On Clients, Connection & Mean Girls (feat. Breanna Gunn) 70: On Resonance, Experimentation & Ferris Bueller's Day Off (feat. Christy Cegelski) 101: On Bro-Marketing, Manipulation & Andor (feat. Josh Elledge) 105: On Emails, Takeaways & Outlander (feat. Danielle Weil) 109: On Webinars, Credibility & Pleasantville (feat. Tom Poland)

Have you ever wondered what Hogwarts House would churn out the very best business strategists? Or wished you could celebrate Dobby's canonical birthday with your work friends? Or desperately sought to take back the Harry Potter fandom from JK Rowling's toxic, hateful grasp? This is the event for you! What does bravery have to do with structure and systems? What does loyalty have to do with websites? What does braininess have to do with branding? And what does ambition mean for non-sleazy selling? Too Legitimate to Quit - your favorite small business/pop culture podcast, is thrilled to host the Hogwarts House Strategy Smackdown - presented initially live on LinkedIn. * Representing Gryffindor, we have Meredyth Mustafa-Julock, CEO of Coach Jennie. (www.coachjennie.com) * Representing Hufflepuff, we have Iris Goldfeder, CEO of GasStoveCreative. (www.isyourwebsiteeffective.com) * Representing Ravenclaw, we have Caitlin Penny, CEO of Copper Theory Creative. (https://calendly.com/hello-ctc/30-minute-brand-assessment?month=2023-06) * And representing Slytherin, we have Annie P. Ruggles, Founder of Quirk Works Consulting and host of Too Legitimate to Quit. Throughout, we'll be raising funds for the amazing Transgender Law Center. It's Pride Month, after all! (It's not too late to donate - every dollar counts! So please consider joining the cause at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/TLC2021/AnniePRuggles1 or by texting TLC202160 to 71777. So - don your House Colors, grab your wallet, and join us! Dumbledore will be so proud of you! Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains brief periods of profanity About Transgender Law Center: Transgender Law Center changes laws, policies, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. Since 2002, they have grown to become the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender-nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation. Learn more and follow their work at TransgenderLawCenter.org

Feeling frustrated and overwhelmed with your current marketing efforts? Exhausted by constantly chasing after the latest trend or tactic without seeing any real results? Or just wondering how and when to let your "freak flag" or "woo badge" fly for maximum effect? You are not alone! If you've invested in expensive advertising campaigns or poured hours into social media posts, but your audience just isn't engaging or converting, this episode is for you! This week, Annie P. is joined by Stanford-educated lawyer turned Earth Wisdom Ceremonialist and quiz funnel builder extraordinaire, Mellissa Seaman! A true bridge between the worlds of business strategy and intuitive development, Mellissa now guides professional women in midlife on how to clarify their deepest purpose, do business with heart and ease, and step into a new level of leadership. It's a jam-packed, hilarious, and heartfelt episode that begs the question "What the heck does it really mean to be holistic in your marketing?" before diving into the musical romp known as Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. Resources: - Connect with Mellissa through her Instagram. - Take Mellissa's fabulous quiz, "What is Your Soul Gift?," at SoulGiftQuiz.com - Don't forget to check out her podcast, Channel Your Genius! What's Inside: [00:05:54] Managing creative cycles means prioritizing rest. [00:12:39] Magnetism must pave the way for success. [00:16:09] Creativity comes from external inspiration sometimes. [00:18:43] "Say yes, don't stop the flow" [00:20:46] Opening to the genius within and embracing uniqueness [00:24:36] Limitations hinder genius, open up and flow! [00:28:30] Different types of genius [00:33:15] The superpower of archetype-based quizzes [00:36:38] Marketing for compassionate and deep connection [00:41:47] Listening with heart; tuning into intuition. [00:44:39] Boundaries, baby! Boundaries. [00:50:15] Ditching fake professionalism for real authenticity [00:54:18] Homework: determine (and protect) your zone of genius. Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 11: On Intuition, Ambition & Frozen 2 (feat. Ciara Rubin) 25: On Selfishness, Boundaries & Malcolm & Marie (feat. Naketa Ren Thigpen) 45: On Shame, Magnetism & The Rocky Horror Picture Show (feat. Michelle Clarke) 53: On Boundaries, Burnout & So I Married an Axe Murderer (feat. Amber Hawley) 70: On Resonance, Experimentation & Ferris Bueller's Day Off (feat. Christy Cegelski) 106: On Launches, Social Listening & Iron Man (feat. Jennifer Tamborski)

Welcome to Too Legitimate to Quit - Summer School 2023! To kick off this season of learning and laughs, we dive straight into financial wellness, shame, and the coming zombie apocalypse. What could be more fun than that!? The incredible Bob Wheeler is here to talk us through the emotions that wrap themselves tightly around our money, how we can apply more intention and attention where it counts, and what we can learn from the not-always-so-smart protagonists on our favorite video-game-turned-TV Show, The Last of Us. Resources: - Connect with Bob through his website and Instagram. - Don't forget to check out his podcast, Money You Should Ask. - Feel weird about how you earn your money (or worried about why you don't earn more)? Grab a free copy of Annie's strategy novella, "The Coach Who Would Not Sell" at www.sellcoachsell.com and use the code LEGIT What's Inside: [00:01:18] Meet Bob Wheeler: financial wizard, comedian, mountain climber [00:05:15] What sacrifices are you willing to make? [00:09:20] Self-sabotage, protection or noble act? [00:11:19] Risk and pushback are necessary for success. [00:16:04] Confidence and benevolence erase narcissism! [00:19:53] "Assess and excavate" to escape limiting stories. [00:22:05] Budgeting and spending: the real scoop. [00:36:52] When characters do stupid things (and when we do) [00:38:28] How to stop being a reactive mess [00:42:12] Problem-solving  = communication + compromise [00:51:59] "Live large, own mistakes, be aware" [00:57:34] Homework: Take a breath, list expenses, analyze patterns. Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 108: On Sales Avoidance, Scrappiness & The Walking Dead (feat. Sarah Walton) 4: On Money, Expectations & Gossip Girl (feat. Kate Grayson) 81: On Closers, Compassion & Attack on Titan (feat. Jason Marc Campbell) 85: On Financial Confidence, Control & Yellowstone (feat. Danielle Hayden) 91: On Moneymakers, Self-Management & Paper Mario (feat. Melissa Guller)

Are you falling into the copy-and-paste culture of online business building? Are you drowning in marketing "shoulds" doled out by gurus and one-size-fits-all peddlers? Are you sick to death of collaborations that take more than they give? And - speaking of death - have you ever taken business inspiration from true crime detectives? In this special episode, Annie P. Ruggles is joined by Crystal Tosh and Amy Hartmann, co-founders of So True Digital and hosts of the unapologetically fabulous and sometimes scathing podcast, Pass The Bullshit. Their insights are not to be missed if you're feeling turned off by the lack of honesty, transparency, and, frankly, decency in the online marketing world, and you wouldn't mind having a laugh or two along the way to freedom. Parentpreneur advisory: This episode contains colorful language throughout. It is not recommended for tiny ears. Resources: - Connect with Amy and Crystal through their website - Befriend them on Facebook: Crystal & Amy - Don't forget to check out their podcast, Pass The Bullsh*t - Annie's free masterclass, "Make Selling Easy Without Getting Sleazy" is available free without opt-in here. - Need to get yourself "unboxed?" Be sure to follow Alison Arnoff on LinkedIn. What's Inside: 00:03:21 - Authenticity over Content, 00:07:19 - Fear of Being Yourself, 00:10:15 - Permission to Do It Your Way, 00:16:25 - Your Brand is You, 00:19:36 - Avoiding DM Spamming, 00:24:04 - Networking Like a Human, 00:29:35 - Greetings and Authenticity, 00:38:26 - Peanut Butter and Jelly Your Zones of Genius, 00:48:49 - Lessons from True Crime 00:53:50 - Embracing Obsessiveness, 00:57:37 - The Company You Keep, 01:05:23 - Scrapping Your Way to Success, 01:06:46 - Partnering for Success, 01:12:43 - Homework for the Week: Let's Get Real Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 59: On Influence, Ethics & Buffy the Vampire Slayer (feat. Johnny Ball) 68: On High-Ticket Selling, Integrity & The Lion King (feat. Isaac Ho) 75: On Relationship Marketing, Visibility & Survivor (feat. Angie Trueblood) 80: On Expertise, Unlearning & The OC (feat. Rachel Kurzyp) 101: On Bro-Marketing, Manipulation & Andor (feat. Josh Elledge)

How can you evoke emotion (ethically) and show your passion for your work? How can you stand out in a sea of similar brands? And what the heck can be learned about partnership, flexibility, and delight from the spellcasting, dice-rolling romp known worldwide as Dungeons and Dragons? This week, Annie P. Ruggles is joined by the incomparable Jodi Krangle. Jodi's been heard in thousands of your favorite commercials and on your favorite brand websites too. In this episode she drops gem after gem about embracing your unique sound and harnessing your fire to create impactful content. Then, Jodi and Annie nerd-out hardcore about the weird joys (and strategic perks!) of role-playing games like D&D. This episode is a Critical Hit! Resources: - Connect with Jodi through her website, LinkedIn, and Clubhouse - Lowry Olafson's SongBrand will sing your brand out loud. - Download Jodi's free guide to implementing an intentional Audio Brand here. - Don't forget to check out her podcast, Audio Branding. What's Inside: [00:04:11]  Music: The Master Manipulator [00:07:02]  Why Sound Is Essential for Brands [00:09:53]  Podcasts: The Multitasking Medium [00:17:54]   Passion Over Perfection [00:23:49]  Tips for Hating Your Voice on Podcasts [00:27:52]  Jealousy and Comedy in the World of D&D [00:29:55]  Essential Improv Skills for Entrepreneurs [00:31:59]   Embrace your Uniqueness Already! [00:39:49]  This Week's Homework: Rekindle Old Loves Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 36: On Goal-Setting, Theme Songs & Ally McBeal (feat. Debra Eckerling) 59: On Influence, Ethics & Buffy the Vampire Slayer (feat. Johnny Ball) 64: On Brand Stories, Self-Talk & Curb Your Enthusiasm (feat. Dana Magnus) 88: On Customer Satisfaction, Loneliness & Jesus Christ Superstar (feat. Ron Ben-Joseph) 104: On Values, Adaptability & The White Lotus (feat. Brian Patacca)

How can introverts (or empaths, or people-pleasers) sell and market their businesses without coming across as pushy and aggressive? How can every small business owner keep their nature and their gifts in mind when it comes to energy management, content creation, and consistent outreach? And what the heck does it have to do with Alfred Hitchcock and all those terrifying birds? This week, Annie P. Ruggles is joined by the powerhouse known as Joy Bufalini. Joy is a scaling and simplicity expert who deeply understands you can't grow until your message is clear and your systems are solid. It's a jam-packed episode spanning content strategies, relationship building, client relations, branding, logo design and more before diving into the work and style of Alfred Hitchcock. What can we learn about addressing client pain points and evoking emotion (with consent) from the master of dark shadows and suspense? Parentpreneur advisory: This episode contains brief moments of colorful language. Resources: - Connect with Joy through her website and Facebook group. - Download Joy's free Daily Needle-Movers Cheat Sheet here. - Grab your free copy of Annie P. Ruggles' bestselling Hitchcock-inspired business fable, The Coach Who Would Not Sell, at sellcoachsell.com. Use the code "Legitimate." What's Inside: [00:05:40] Why Repurposing Content is Essential for Marketing [00:20:13] Honor Decision Making [00:29:47] Introvert's Guide to Consistent Energy Management [00:34:42] Maximizing Leadership Energy [00:41:24] Engagement Hacks from Storytelling [00:45:24] The Power of the Mundane [00:46:26] The Horrors of Entrepreneurship [00:50:23] Your homework is to master "dialogue and detail" Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 20: On Wellbeing, Profit & Grace and Frankie (feat. Sandra Francisco) 43: On Storytelling, Problem-Solving & Star Wars (feat. Seth Erickson) 56: On Aggression, Inspiration & The Real Housewives (feat. Amanda Abella) 67: On Accountability, Energy Management & The Lord of the Rings (feat. Steven Hyatt) 91: On Moneymakers, Self-Management & Paper Mario (feat. Melissa Guller)

Are you suffering from or through "random acts of marketing?" Online visibility is such a noisy endeavor - so many options, so many "shoulds." How do you know what's right for you and which efforts to double down on? And- is the webinar dead? This week, Annie P. is joined by the fabulous "leads guru" known as Tom Poland. As a multiple bestselling author and marketing expert, Tom helps professionals generate high-quality leads in 151 cities across the globe. With 39 years of experience under his belt, Tom has started and sold numerous businesses, led teams of over 100 people, and generated more than $20 million in revenue. Then, Tom and Annie have a frank discussion about delegation, creation, gimmicks, proof, and the power of intention before living into lessons learned through the color-bending classic, "Pleasantville." Resources: - Connect with Tom through his website and LinkedIn. - Don't forget to check out his podcast, Marketing The Invisible. - You can watch Annie's episode on YouTube!- Get your free copy of Tom's book at www.GetTomsFreeBook.com What's Inside: 00:00:00 - Transparency vs. Hype 00:01:33 - This week, Tom suggests we focus on lead-gen. 00:04:59 - Predictability can be so boring, but it just might keep the dream alive. 00:10:54 - Outsourcing the lackluster stuff 00:13:59 - The real and unexpected reason 80% of marketing strategies fail 00:14:47 - Passion is the missing ingredient in most webinars 00:16:56 - "Skin in the game:" not to little, not too much 00:18:27 - WTF is a hybrid webinar? 00:19:49 - To attract the right audience, pick the right problem. 00:25:09 - Running away with Hugh Jackman: A Teachable Moment 00:27:27 - Webinars and Demos 00:29:31 - Sales Ambush! (And how to avoid it, obviously.) 00:38:32 - Welcome to Pleasantville. 00:40:56 - Are your following your "clues?" 00:41:30 - The myth of the "perfect" webinar 00:44:02 - GetTomsFreeBook.com  00:45:21 - This week your homework is to challenge your perceptions. Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 15: On Authority, Delegation & Jeopardy (feat. Terry McDougall) 37: On Connection, Curiosity & Murder She Wrote (feat. Nikki Nash) 40: On Kindness, Differentiation & Revenge of the Nerds (feat. Mike Michalowicz) 75: On Relationship Marketing, Visibility & Survivor (feat. Angie Trueblood) 89: On Likes, Leads & Somebody Feed Phil (feat. Hannah Acosta) Grab your free copy of Annie P. Ruggles' bestselling business fable, The Coach Who Would Not Sell, at sellcoachsell.com. Use the code "Legitimate."

Sales is the art of receiving money in exchange for your goods and services. It's an energetic exchange between two people, and it can be beautiful. Here to prove that point are two highly opinionated, emotional women discussing The Walking Dead. This week, Annie P. is joined by a beloved sister in the ethical/heart-centered sales space, Sarah Walton. Unlike Annie, Sarah grew up loving the rush and competition of selling. (Annie made her grandma buy all her Girls Scout Cookies.) But - both sales strategists stand together in the undeniable truth that if you're running a business you must sell, and sell, and keep selling - but it should never require you to compromise your integrity or self-respect. Then, after swapping sales strategies, trips and tricks, the pair embark on a journey through Atlanta's favorite zombie apocalypse, The Walking Dead, which Sarah argues is "very, very entrepreneurial." *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains small amounts of colorful language. Resources: - Connect with Sarah through her website and Instagram. - Don't forget to check out her podcast, Game On, Girlfriend - Find her free Freedom Calculator at https://sarahwalton.com/freedom/ What's Inside: [00:00:00] You need a gateway drug to you.  [00:02:41] Small business owners need to focus on selling something every day.  [00:03:16] "Launches" are concentrated bursts of high stress. Some people adore them, some suffer through them. [00:07:03] When did you realize that selling could be a pleasurable experience? [00:12:14] Women do "the invisible work" that makes the world work.  [00:17:23] Deep, heart-centered [self-] forgiveness work may be required. [00:23:02] What is the difference between ambition and scrappiness? [00:34:50] The Walking Dead is the ultimate gauntlet and very, very entrepreneurial. [00:39:08] Fast Forwarding Through The Gore of Entrepreneurship [00:47:18] Your homework is to brainstorm sales role models - and not the ones you think.  Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 34: On Selling, Serving & Cher (feat. Katrina Summers) 54: On Persuasion, Sales & What About Bob? (feat. Jason Cutter) 68: On High-Ticket Selling, Integrity & The Lion King (feat. Isaac Ho) 81: On Closers, Compassion & Attack on Titan (feat. Jason Marc Campbell) Grab your free copy of Annie P. Ruggles' bestselling business fable, The Coach Who Would Not Sell, at sellcoachsell.com. Use the code "Legitimate."

Are you truly making profit a priority? There are so many metrics to track, clients to dazzle, prospects to woo, details to manage. It's shockingly easy for our livelihoods to get lost in the shuffle. But, we can't grow what we don't fully understand. How can we cut through the shiny objects vying for our attention, and focus in on the areas that will help us soar? In this week's jam-packed episode, Sam Varner offers reframe after reframe for your goals, struggles, successes, and gifts. "Entrepreneurial struggle" AKA the horrible, soul-sucking parts of self-employment come up an awful lot in this chat, but Sam and Annie keep things humorous and practical while diving headfirst into their own hard-won lessons and vulnerable shares. Then, we're back in Red and Kitty's basement. What lessons can we learn about our best practices from That '90s Show? *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains small amounts of colorful language. Resources: - Connect with Sam through her website and Instagram. - Don't forget to check out her podcast, She Needs Grit. What's Inside: [00:00:00] Are you making profit a priority? [00:02:51] If we work backward, we know the efficacy of things almost before we do them.  [00:08:59] I use my metrics for Dopamine. Spoiler: That's a bad choice.  [00:10:15] Where are you tripping in your sales world? [00:17:14] Grit is being "all in" your business until it works.  [00:29:17] The clearest entrepreneurial success stories were those who pushed through and kept going. [00:36:53] We need to find the balance between nurturing and ass-kicking. [00:40:56] What can we learn from That 90s Show about breathing new life into things that worked before?  [00:45:17] What our audiences want is the familiar.  [00:52:52] Your homework this week is to write one piece of content in a different tone or style than usual.  Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: 20: On Wellbeing, Profit & Grace and Frankie (feat. Sandra Francisco) 84: On Hype, Consistency & Seinfeld (feat. Jason Cercone) 87: On Data, Downturns & Pretty in Pink 100: On Big Leaps, Busywork & Elton John (feat. Bri Seeley)

Does it seem like everyone around you is always "launching?" Big launches! Flashy launches! Multi-day multi-media launches! What the heck is a launch anyhow? And do we really need to talk about ourselves this much in order to succeed? This week, Annie P. is joined by digital marketer extraordinaire, Jennifer Tamborski. It's a jam-packed episode about pipeline maintenance, funnel hacks, vulnerability, and more - before dipping TLTQ's very first toe into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What marketing and biz dev lessons can we learn from Tony Stark, Super Entrepreneur? *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains small amounts of colorful language. Resources: - Connect with Jennifer through her website and YouTube. - Check out her podcast, Marketing Matchmaker on all the major platforms. - Don't forget to grab her free guide to generating consistent leads here: https://www.virtualmarketingexpert.com/turnup What's Inside: [00:00:00] If they haven't done it themselves, they can't take you there.  [00:01:10] In order to create consistent profits in your business, you must have consistent leads.  [00:06:37] Marketing and sales are not the same department. [00:13:14] No one is coming to a baseball field they don't know about except ghosts. [00:14:39] Visibility is vulnerable until you realize that it's not actually about you. [00:21:34] Content creation can be overwhelming. [00:24:21] Creating relationships is how social media survives.  [00:31:02] If you treat your business as a hobby, it will pay you like a hobby.  [00:35:06] Marvel never stops churning out content.  [00:36:21] For Iron Man, it's always about creating something better.  [00:40:22] The ripple effect is so much wider than we think. [00:46:50] Head over to Marketing Matchmaker.  [00:47:58] This week, your homework is to be a hero by practicing social listening.  Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: - 27: On Challenges, Self-Talk & Batman Begins (feat. Paul Ross) - 37: On Connection, Curiosity & Murder She Wrote (feat. Nikki Nash) - 40: On Kindness, Differentiation & Revenge of the Nerds (feat. Mike Michalowicz) - 98: On Enthusiasm, SEO, and The A-Team (feat. Seth Goldstein)

Is your email list really that important? How can we best communicate our deep awareness of the problems our prospects face without pouring salt in the wound? How can we find the perfect balance between personalized storytelling and widely applicable takeaways? Danielle Weil, copy strategist to the stars, is here to set us straight.  She outlines tip after tip for fostering trust and connection with your readers, finding inspiration everywhere, and leaning into structure to free your mind. Then, Danielle and Annie (brilliant women who read trashy, trashy books) dive into what lessons can be learned from the book series turned TV sensation, Outlander. *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains small amounts of colorful language. Resources: Connect with Danielle through her Instagram and LinkedIn. Don't forget to grab her free guide, containing 30+ tips for crafting perfect subject lines for your emails at https://www.dwcopy.com/subjectlines. What's Inside: [00:00:00] - You always have to start with where they are.  [00:00:46]- What do small business owners need to focus on this week? Your nurture sequence. [00:03:25] - You are incubating and raising someone's trust and awareness of you.  [00:04:55] - It isn't just about proving yourself, it's about differentiating yourself. [00:13:07] - If you can give me a takeaway, something that'll shorten my learning curve, I'm all in. [00:13:47] - Small details can be really interesting.  [00:18:01] - When a show manages to get real, we appreciate it. [00:21:26] - What you're actually crafting is a narrative.  [00:24:34] - Structures allow you the freedom to be more creative.  [00:29:59] - Let's differentiate structure from templates! [00:30:59] - What can we learn about writing emails from book series like Outlander? [00:32:44] - Segmentation allows your audience to choose their own adventure.  [00:35:09] - How do you explain germs to somebody who has no idea?  [00:38:09] - It may be easier to blend in.  [00:39:44] - Change is scary. But that also doesn't mean that the solution isn't also scary.  [00:43:31] - Shockingly deep and surprisingly meaningful: the question we asked #PodFest2023 and your homework for the week Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes: - On Bravery, Resilience & Bridgerton (feat. Heather Vickery) - On Creativity, Discipline & The Home Edit (feat. Molly Beran) - On Resonance, Experimentation & Ferris Bueller's Day Off (feat. Christy Cegelski) - On Clients, Connection & Mean Girls (feat. Breanna Gunn)

Should your stances, causes, and beliefs be part of your brand? Should we welcome unsubscribes and bitchy comments - or play it safe when it comes to "hot button" topics? And what the heck should we do when our best-laid plans don't seem so shiny or effective anymore? Welcome back to Too Legitimate to Quit! It's our first episode of 2023 and it's a giddy whirlwind of marketing tips, mindset reframes, and Musical Theatre references. The wildly charming and utterly soothing Brian Patacca brings so much wisdom and joy to this episode, you can tell he's a nondenominational Reverend! How can we stay committed to ourselves and our truth when the going gets tough (or tender) and what the heck does any of it have to do with international sensation, The White Lotus? Let's find out! What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 2:51 - Main Interview with Brian 45:25 - The White Lotus Tie-in 58:43 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Brian through his website and Instagram. Don't forget to check out his podcast, Brian Breaks Character.

Happy World Introvert Day! As you get back into the swing of your work week, take a trip down memory lane to one of the first episodes of TLTQ - featuring marketing maven, Nikki Nash and Annie's lifelong devotion to Angela Lansbury. It's a favorite of introverts worldwide, as it answers the question "do we need to be shouty to stand out?" New episodes return next week! *** Is "Relationship Marketing" a quantity or quality game? What's more important - leaving a lasting 1st impression or keeping in touch? And how can we stand out in crowded markets - even if we're introverts, camera-shy, or behind-the-scenes-types? This week, Annie P. is joined by her dear friend Nikki Nash, author of Market Your Genius, podcast host, and brilliant marketer. Nikki has a knack for uncovering the best and most unique aspects of brains and brands and gives her tips on how to explode a business that is 100% Obviously You. Then, she fulfills Annie P.'s lifelong fantasy by giving her a reason to gush about Dame Angela Lansbury "on a work thing." Download the scripts for this week's homework here. *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Nikki through her website and Instagram. And don't forget to check out her wonderful book, Market Your Genius. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com Extra Credit: Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! New episodes drop every Monday. Reviews and ratings really help our little show grow, so thank you for the boost!

Ho ho ho - it's a TLTQ Holiday extravaganza and we're digging deep into that heartwarming concept known as professional jealousy. Wait, what? Yep! And for extra fun and cheeriness, we discuss the holiday classic where Santa dies in the first 5 minutes. (This episode originally aired in 2021, and was so dang good, we just had to bring it back!) This week, Annie P. is joined by Startup Renegade, serial entrepreneur, military spouse, and super-mom, Shauna Armitage. Together they talk about the importance of monitoring and responding to your customer retention over time, the misconceptions of revenue vs. profit, and dispel some "Millionaire in a Minute" myths. Then, Shauna shares inspiration from Tim Allen's "The Santa Clause" and her kids' holiday habits. Happy Holidays and Happy Listening from Team TLTQ! *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Shauna through her Instagram or Facebook group. And don't forget to check out her podcast, Startup Renegades!

Relationship Marketing is so much easier said than mastered. How can we forge genuine connections with a whole bunch of people at once - and maintain that earned intimacy? How can we prove ourselves amid a sea of greedy sleazeballs clogging up everyone's DMs? It's TLTQ's 2nd birthday episode, and the incomparable Josh Elledge is here. Josh is a media master, super connector extraordinaire, highly sought-after marketing pro, and a studier of cults and mass manipulation. Arguably the only person who can match Annie P.'s natural enthusiasm, the two embark on a conversation spanning ethics, empathy, the importance of video, trust, reciprocity, and ultimately the latest (and some argue finest) new addition to the Star Wars universe, Andor. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 2:12 - Main Interview with Josh 45:32 - Andor Tie-in 1:11:55 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Josh through his website. Don't forget to check out his podcast, The Thoughtful Entrepreneur! You can find Annie's interview (with host Jen Amos) here.

Are you stuck on the "rollercoaster of inconsistent income?" We all know entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, but it can feel extra cumbersome when we're stuck in a marketing rut, drowning in admin tasks, or struggling to close new deals. How can we maintain momentum when times are good, and shake things up when they go stale again? This week, Annie P. is joined by award-winning entrepreneurship coach, TEDx speaker, and all-around powerhouse, Bri Seeley. Bri has a twofold challenge for listeners: 1. go bold already, and 2. focus on revenue. She breaks down why and how to do this (and accidentally brainstorms like 4 books in the process) before diving into a puddle of fangirling with Annie. What can we all learn from the living legend, tenacious talent, and larger-than-life moxie of The Rocket Man himself, Sir Elton Hercules John? What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 2:27 - Main Interview with Bri 33:24 - Elton John Tie-in 51:24 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Bri through her website and Instagram. Don't forget to check out her podcast, Success Becomes Me. This episode joins the fabulous Legitimate Divas playlist, featuring business lessons from Cher, Lady Gaga, and more. Find them all at https://lnns.co/-NvLcgxPZT4. *** LAST CHANCE: In other thrilling news, Annie P. Ruggles has been nominated for Best Business Coach of 2022. If this show brightens your week or lightens your load, please vote for Annie at https://thebestofsmallbusinessawards.com/ between now and 12/9/22. ***

Holy heck! Annie P. Ruggles' strategy novella and companion guide, "The Coach Who Would Not Sell" comes out today! To mark the occasion (and give Annie a bit of a break), we're bringing back our 1st ever LIVE episode - recorded on the floor of Chicago's Comic Con. Enjoy this wonder of an episode - and then redeem your free copy of "The Coach Who Would Not Sell" at SellCoachSell.com. Use the Special Access Code TLTQSentMe. --- It's the very first special episode of TLTQ - and it's a glorious nerdfest. Annie P. Ruggles recently brought her brand of entrepreneurial enthusiasm to the show floor at FAN EXPO Chicago and sat down with 14 phenomenal makers to discuss life at the intersection of art, business, pop culture, and sales. How did they find their own style in a sea of similarity? How has their own fandom inspired their work? How have they built community around shared passions? Let's find out. What's inside: 0:00 Theme Song & Introduction 3:13 Alexandra Brodt Illustration (www.alexandrabrodt.com) 8:35 Andrew Heath Design + Illustration (www.andrew-heath.com) 11:09 Brianne Adelman of FrankenWerks Studios (www.frankenwerksstudios.com) 16:16 Darryl Young Design (www.darrylyoungdesign.com) 19:23 Drew Blank, Arter & Writist (www.drewblank.com) 25:38 Marcelo Biott (www.themarcelo.com) 30:55 Marcus Currie of Soul Bullet Entertainment (soul-bullet-entertainment.square.site) 33:26 Meg Earhart of Sparkle! Designs (www.shopsparkledesigns.com) 38:49 Minerva Fox (www.artbyminervafox.com) 41:50 Red Harkinson of Red Den Studio (www.facebook.com/RedDenStudio) 45:20 Rob Hogan (robhogan.me) 59:31 Tabitha Minnich of Geeky Girl Stitches (www.facebook.com/geekygirlstitches) 1:01:59 Tina Isola (www.tinaisola.com) 1:04:49 Tony Moy (www.tonymoy.art) 1:11:50 Final Thought & Homework *** for a visual companion to this episode, including much of the art mentioned, visit https://www.anniepruggles.com/blog/FANEXPO2022*** This episode contains over 40 pop culture mentions including Lore Olympus, Lord of the Rings, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Kiki's Delivery Service, Godzilla, the Nintendo Gameboy, Ghostbusters, Mad Max: Fury Road, Aliens, Beetlejuice, SNL's Mr. Bill, Jack Kirby, Empire Records, Parks and Recreation, News Radio, tick, tick...BOOM!, The Muppet Show, Heathers, Clue, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Twilight, My Fair Lady, Dear Evan Hanson, Hans Christian Andersen, Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon, Vincent Van Gogh, The Powerpuff Girls, Elden Ring/Dark Souls, The MCU, Doctor Who, Andy Warhol, Moulin Rouge, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pokemon, My Neighbor Totoro, Star Wars' Ahsoka Tano, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Highlander, Spiderman, and The X-Men. Annie conducted most of the interviews while cosplaying as Grandma Yetta from The Nanny. Huge thanks to Jerry Milani and the FAN EXPO PR team for this opportunity. They put on a helluva show all over the US and Canada. For more information, head to FANEXPOHQ.com *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains a few bits of colorful language.

We all know mindset is a critical tool for entrepreneurs - but is your mindset working harmoniously with your marketing, and vice versa? In the struggle to break through the noise and reach potential buyers, how do we ensure our audience feels individually seen, safe, and supported - even in campaigns as impersonal as our SEO? This week, Annie P. is joined by her brother-in-exuberance, SEO expert, and super-connector Seth Goldstein. Seth is a marketing master and has his own recipe for showing up in a memorable, unique, and entirely genuine way. He brings a boatload of information about Imposter Syndrome, Buyer Personas, and the traps we fall into when we play small or get too loud. Then, what marketing, mindset, and project management tips can be gleaned from the 80s sensation, The A-Team? I pity the fool who doesn't listen and find out! What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 2:01 - Main Interview with Seth 46:46 - The A-Team tie-in 59:46 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Seth through his website and LinkedIn. Don't forget to check out his podcast, Entrepreneur's Enigma! This episode joins the fabulous Legitimate 80s playlist, featuring business lessons from Pee-Wee, Ferris Bueller, Coming to American and more. Find them all at https://lnns.co/ofgZcUk-6Ns. *** In other thrilling news, Annie P. Ruggles has been nominated for Best Business Coach of 2022. If this show brightens your week or lightens your load, please vote for Annie at https://thebestofsmallbusinessawards.com/ between now and 12/9/22. ***

What the heck does it actually mean to be a "natural leader?" And, if you're an un-natural leader, are you just out of luck? For being an isolated endeavor, solopreneurship sure demands a lot of people-wrangling. What skills do you actually need to motivate your clients and team members? And how can you stay motivated when your people get on your last nerve? This week, Annie P. is joined by the brilliant Kristen Edwards. As a success coach, HR professional, and Enneagram expert, Kristen knows a thing or two about what makes people tick - and how to best encourage them to get shizz done. Then, Kristen shares some tips from the playbook of problem-solver extraordinaire, Olivia Pope. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 1:38 - Main Interview with Kristen 32:05 - Scandal tie-in 50:50 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Kristen through her website and Instagram. Don't forget to check out her podcast, Amplify Ambition! Unsure what your Enneagram type is? Kristen recommends this assessment. ***  In other thrilling news, Annie P. Ruggles has been nominated for Best Business Coach of 2022. If this show brightens your week or lightens your load, please vote for Annie at https://thebestofsmallbusinessawards.com/ between now and 12/9/22. ***

So - what do we do about the "just not your people" people? The bad fits? The awkward encounters? And - on the flipside - how can we ask for and receive support without feeling clingy, desperate, or amateur? It's time for a dose of entrepreneurial reality - but don't fret. We talk about a kids show at the end. This week, Annie P. is joined by the fabulous, endlessly talented Damion Taylor. Fresh off the debut of his own animated pilot (on top of approximately a zillion other projects), Damion knows a thing or two about boundaries, creative egos, representation, and chasing outcomes. Then, the episode collapses into a surprisingly actionable lovefest for arguably the most profound animated series of all time - Avatar: The Last Airbender. Flame-o, Hotman! What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 1:57 - Main Interview with Damion 36:03 - Avatar tie-in 58:13 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Damion through his website, Instagram and Facebook. And don't forget to check out free his podcasts, Imagination & Fantasy and Prometheus Chats. PLUS - LAST CALL for phenomenal free events and resources this week, Josh Elledge's 3 Day Extravaganza, Fame & Profit (where I'm presenting Handling Objections with Empathy!) and Unleash Your Visibility - a marketing and mindset faire spanning two whole weeks (featuring my Making Selling Easy Without Getting Sleazy interview). Don't miss your chance to learn from me and dozens of other brilliant folks - for free!  For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

Is joy fluffy or essential? A soft skill or a beacon? And on the flipside, is burnout a badge of honor? How can we keep the love alive in our small businesses, in spite of recessions, upheaval, bad news, and bitchy people? Unsure if/how happiness and success will ever coexist in your business? This episode is for you! This week, Dr. Erin M. Baker, Ph.D., is here to clear up some glaring misconceptions about fun, happiness, and getting sh*t done. Their new book, Joy-Full AF: The Essential Business Strategy We're Afraid To Put First, is a masterclass in infusing your essence, identity, and desires back into your business - but what lessons will Erin and Annie glean from 90s sensation and Amazon's brand new remake, A League of Their Own? Batter Up! Hear that call! The time has come for one and all to... listen to this episode. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 2:19 - Main Interview with Dr. Erin 36:50 - A League of Their Own tie-in 56:25 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains a bunch of colorful language. Connect with Erin through their website and Instagram. And don't forget to check out their fabulous book, Joy-Full AF. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com.

Mandy Moore, The Osbournes, Ashton Kutcher, The Millionaire Matchmaker - behind each media sensation, there was a helluva media/brand strategist - Vinnie Potestivo! As a network talent executive at MTV Networks from 1998 to 2007 (AHH!), he pioneered the way talent and artists claimed control of their narrative by making them hosts, stars, and even producers of their own hit series. Nowadays, Vinnie leads VPETalent as a media brand advisor, personal brand strategist, and content coach. He is also the host and creator of "I Have a Podcast" and podcast platform Ihaveapodcast.com. PS. Podcasters, you won't believe where he wants us to put our podcasts! It's a jam-packed, fan-girly but actionable conversation about what it takes to stand out, the importance of mutual respect in collaborations, why Annie would have made a great VJ, and the profound impact MTV had on so much more than just music videos. (This episode is lovingly dedicated to Kurt Loder, voice of a generation. You are the dang ultimate, Kurt.) *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Vinnie through his website VPE.tv and LinkedIn. And don't forget to check out his podcast, I Have a Podcast! Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com.  

Are you fully harnessing the power of live events in your business? Whether in-person, hybrid, or online-only, events are unparalleled when it comes to building community, sharing thought leadership, and proving your value - but they are also all too easy to royally screw up. Which events are right for your business? What processes and team members do you need to have in place to provide a truly impactful experience? This week, Annie P. is joined by events queen, Shay Wheat. Shay jams so much gold into this interview - including how to know when you're ready to host great big events and how to benefit the most from the smaller ones, how to avoid costly mistakes, and what we can learn - and implement - from the elaborate productions, diplomacy, and magic of Downton Abbey. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 2:13 - Main Interview with Shay 38:40 - Downton Abbey tie-in 59:45 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Shay through her website, Instagram and LinkedIn. And don't forget to check out free The Five Phases of Events Guide at fivephases.info/legitimate . Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com.

Are you focused enough on focus itself? Are you diluting your message, power, or passion by being too broad or ambitious? And, do you have to be loud and flashy in order for your purpose to come across crystal clearly? This week, Annie P. is joined by Dr. Michael Gerharz, an expert in combining clarity and communication into lasting impact. How? By looking from the prospects' perspective, finding the courage to focus, and ultimately wrestling with your love for the details. Then, Annie and Dr. Michael pull lessons on dedication, practice, and mentorship from the 8-film sensation, "The Italian Stallion" himself, Rocky. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 1:46 - Main Interview with Dr. Michael 33:20 - Rocky tie-in 47:44 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Dr. Michael through his website and LinkedIn. And don't forget to check out his manifesto and free 5-Day challenge. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com.

How much of your workday gets gobbled up by non-money-making activities? How can you set expectations and goals for yourself that are both ambitious and compassionate? And, how can gamification help you take off "the busy badge?" This week, self-professed workaholic Annie P. is joined by the brilliant and eloquent Melissa Guller. A former Project Manager, current course-creation and client success strategist, and lifetime gamer, Melissa has a joyful and refreshing approach to growth, failure, and earning an income that's worth the work. Then, Melissa brings the science of game creation into the mix, discussing structure, surprises, and the stellar example of Paper Mario. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 1:55 - Main Interview with Melissa 31:27 - Paper Mario tie-in 52:29 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Melissa through her website, Instagram, and TikTok. And don't forget to check out her podcast and free online course toolkit! Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

Do you ever feel like the Internet is leaving you behind? There are so many new trends, new platforms, new tools, new terms... you name it. Although Blockchain has been a beloved topic of conversation in tech circles for almost a decade, it seems like only yesterday everyone you know started peddling NFTs. What the heck even IS an NFT anyhow? This week, Annie receives a crash course in Web3 from Derek Gorthy, Co-Founder of Enshrine. Derek is working overtime to bridge the gap between content creators and the new-fangled, decentralized Internet. What does he deem essential for solopreneurs and SMBs to know in order to survive? And what lessons can be derived from the sometimes romantic but more often disastrous tales of 90 Day Fiancé - just in time for Episode #90? What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 1:44 - Main Interview with Derek 43:20 - 90 Day Fiancé tie-in 1:06:16 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Derek through his LinkedIn and don't forget to check out Enshrine.io on their website, Twitter, or Instagram. This episode joins the Legitimate Reality playlist! Click here for all the episodes based on reality, unscripted, and competition shows. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

So - they're paying attention, now what? How do you turn dopamine-bumping likes into dollar-earning leads? What's the next step for followers who have been hanging out in your DMs and comment threads for weeks or even years? This week, Annie P. is joined by social media maven Hannah Acosta of Ugly Mug Marketing. Harnessing ads, email, and a special offer or two, Hannah takes listeners through setting up a social media funnel that converts. This episode is packed with real-world examples and time-saving hacks. Then, Hannah introduces Annie to the delicious showcase of artistry and flavor known as Somebody Feed Phil! How can you sell as exuberantly as Phil eats? What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 02:23 - Main Interview with Hannah 37:20 - Somebody Feed Phil tie-in 59:16 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Hannah through Ugly Mug Marketing's website and Instagram. Check out their free guide to creating 3 months' worth of content in 1 day! This episode joins the Legitimate Nextflix playlist! Click here for all the episodes based on Netflix Originals. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

Have you bought into your own hype? And - in practice - is that a good thing or a bad thing? Will your success inadvertently harm the folks who have had your back since the beginning? How can we move from 1-to-1 to 1-to-Many without anyone feeling abandoned? This week's episode is what happens when two ex-theatre kids who have found their way (and paychecks) in Communications get to nerd out about rock musicals. Ron Ben-Joseph, performer, comedian, and speaking coach, brings so much energy, wit, and wisdom to this chat and has Annie laughing and singing (ok, scream belting) throughout. It's not to be missed if you have a performance background (or wish you did), you lie awake at night worrying about your customers, and/or you're still figuring out how to command your place in the spotlight. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 02:33 - Main Interview with Ron 33:58 - Jesus Christ Superstar tie-in 59:03 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Ron through his website and LinkedIn! This episode joins the Legitimate Musicals playlist! Click here for all the episodes. Yes, there's a Rent one. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

Does tracking your business growth (or losses) have to be so anxiety-inducing? On the flipside, does analyzing your data have to be so dang dry and boring? HECK NO. Although it's hard to focus on profits, profits, profits all the time, it's essential if you ever want to fully leave the "hobby" phase of business building. Thankfully, Annie is joined this week by Heather Zeitzwolfe, who is not only a CPA, but also a speaker, podcaseter, vegan, activist, goofball, cat lady, and more.  In this jam-packed episode, Heather unveils The D.U.C.K.I.E Method - a guide to entrepreneurial growth in lovely times and lean times alike. You've never had this much fun getting "radical" with your numbers! (And if you know Jon Cryer and/or Annie Potts, please send this interview immediately.) What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 02:48 - Main Interview with Heather 29:10 - Pretty in Pink tie-in 53:15 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Heather through her website, Instagram and LinkedIn! Don't forget to check out her podcast, Get the Balance Right. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

Are you treating yourself like your most prized asset? Do you find it hard to rest, or even slow down? And what's the truth of "hustle culture;" do we really need to push harder to get further? If the cost of your entrepreneurial lifestyle is beginning to outweigh the payoff, this episode is for you. This week, Annie P. is joined by the soothing, brilliant mind of Greg Wieting, a healer who specializes in working with anxious, depressed, overloaded leaders and entrepreneurs. Together, they talk about trauma and stress' effect on our nervous systems and the critical importance of self-regulation before jumping headfirst into the free-wheeling, craze-causing, never-ending jam band that is Phish. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 01:58 - Main Interview with Greg 27:44 - Phish tie-in 42:00 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Greg through his website and Instagram. Don't forget to check out PRISMA at https://www.prismamethod.com/. 10% of all sales are donated to help prevent suicide among LBGTQ youth. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimate.com.

How well do you know your numbers? For many, many small business owners, the answer is "not nearly enough." When you wear 17 different hats on any given day, it's easy enough to ignore the books and bank accounts and wait until closer to Tax Day. But, we can't fix or grow what we don't know. This week, Annie P. is joined by Danielle Hayden, "reformed corporate CFO," author, and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Danielle delivers a guilt-free, judgment-free Q&A session on bookkeeping, taxes, monthly reporting, shame, confidence, and more. Come brush up your definitions of the terms you know (or think you know) and fill in the gaps you always wanted to ask about but, you know... not in front of everybody. Then, Danielle draws wisdom and inspiration from Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly), the calculated, brilliant banker/daughter from Paramount's Yellowstone. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 01:39 - Main Interview with Danielle 33:36 - Yellowstone tie-in 47:35 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Danielle through her website, Instagram and LinkedIn! Don't forget to check out her podcast, Entrepreneur Money Stories. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

On your path to connection and service, what metrics really matter? Should you aim to go viral, or allow yourself to move slowly and deliberately? And what's more important in podcasting and content creation - quality or consistency? This week, Annie P. is joined by the fabulous Jason Cercone, a brand strategist and podcasting expert. After years in the business, Jason knows a thing or two about hype, pattern recognition, content hacks, and when to push and when to rest. He shares all this and more before deep diving into what we can learn from Jerry, Elaine, George, Kramer, Newman, The Soup Nazi, and more! It's a must-listen for folks with Costanza sized-dreams, but who unlike George are actually working to build their Vandelay. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 02:10 - Main Interview with Jason 31:24 - Seinfeld tie-in 56:40 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Jason through his website, Instagram and LinkedIn! Don't forget to check out his podcast, Evolution of Brand. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

Holy heck! It's the very first special episode of TLTQ - and it's a glorious nerdfest. Annie P. Ruggles recently brought her brand of entrepreneurial enthusiasm to the show floor at FAN EXPO Chicago and sat down with 14 phenomenal makers to discuss life at the intersection of art, business, pop culture, and sales. How did they find their own style in a sea of similarity? How has their own fandom inspired their work? How have they built community around shared passions? Let's find out. What's inside: 0:00 Theme Song & Introduction 3:13 Alexandra Brodt Illustration (www.alexandrabrodt.com) 8:35 Andrew Heath Design + Illustration (www.andrew-heath.com) 11:09 Brianne Adelman of FrankenWerks Studios (www.frankenwerksstudios.com) 16:16 Darryl Young Design (www.darrylyoungdesign.com) 19:23 Drew Blank, Arter & Writist (www.drewblank.com) 25:38 Marcelo Biott (www.themarcelo.com) 30:55 Marcus Currie of Soul Bullet Entertainment (soul-bullet-entertainment.square.site) 33:26 Meg Earhart of Sparkle! Designs (www.shopsparkledesigns.com) 38:49 Minerva Fox (www.artbyminervafox.com) 41:50 Red Harkinson of Red Den Studio (www.facebook.com/RedDenStudio) 45:20 Rob Hogan (robhogan.me) 59:31 Tabitha Minnich of Geeky Girl Stitches (www.facebook.com/geekygirlstitches) 1:01:59 Tina Isola (www.tinaisola.com) 1:04:49 Tony Moy (www.tonymoy.art) 1:11:50 Final Thought & Homework *** for a visual companion to this episode, including much of the art mentioned, visit https://www.anniepruggles.com/blog/FANEXPO2022*** This episode contains over 40 pop culture mentions including Lore Olympus, Lord of the Rings, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Kiki's Delivery Service, Godzilla, the Nintendo Gameboy, Ghostbusters, Mad Max: Fury Road, Aliens, Beetlejuice, SNL's Mr. Bill, Jack Kirby, Empire Records, Parks and Recreation, News Radio, tick, tick...BOOM!, The Muppet Show, Heathers, Clue, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Twilight, My Fair Lady, Dear Evan Hanson, Hans Christian Andersen, Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon, Vincent Van Gogh, The Powerpuff Girls, Elden Ring/Dark Souls, The MCU, Doctor Who, Andy Warhol, Moulin Rouge, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pokemon, My Neighbor Totoro, Star Wars' Ahsoka Tano, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Highlander, Spiderman, and The X-Men. Annie conducted most of the interviews while cosplaying as Grandma Yetta from The Nanny. Huge thanks to Jerry Milani and the FAN EXPO PR team for this opportunity. They put on a helluva show all over the US and Canada. For more information, head to FANEXPOHQ.com *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains a few bits of colorful language.

Is your definition of success truly your own or has it been cobbled together from other peoples' mandates and expectations? Are you more likely to succeed if you show up fully and frantically every day or if you slow down and act deliberately? And how can you bounce back after major life changes, both voluntary and unexpected? This week, Annie P. is joined by the brave and bold Jessica Butts. Jessica is an expert in personality types, potential, and self-motivation. She recently relocated to Maui to focus on "healing her hustle," and empowering other burned-out women to do the same. The episode is jam-packed with hard-won truths and belly laughs before discussing what listeners can learn from recently liberated pop princess, Kesha. What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 01:44 - Main Interview with Jessica 33:15 - Kesha tie-in 50:37 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Jessica through her website andfree personality assessment. Don't forget to check out her podcast, Front Seat Life! This episode is part of the Legitimate Divas playlist, also including Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Cher, and Megan Thee Stallion episodes. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

When you define selling, is your answer more synonymous with greed, manipulation, and regret or to love, empathy, and enthusiasm? You've been sold to horribly and unethically countless times - but have you ever had a sales hero? How can you serve your clients beautifully and step into abundance simultaneously? This week, Annie P. Ruggles (founder of The Non-Sleazy Sales Academy) teams up with the soothing and profound Jason Marc Campbell (author of Selling With Love) to poke holes in the stigma of sales. Jason Marc sees selling as "a mission of curiosity" while Annie's definition is "problem-solving for money." Try these reframes on for size before jumping head-first into the anime and manga sensation, Attack on Titan. What can we learn about compassion and love when our competitors are larger than life? What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 01:37 - Main Interview with Jason 27:47 - Attack on Titan tie-in 44:11 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Jason through his website and LinkedIn. Don't forget to check out the Selling with Love book and podcast! Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

Do we expand our skills by learning or by doing? How do you identify what falls inside our expertise and where we have growth options? And - what if we're experts in something that we just don't love anymore? Entrepreneurship is a constant dance of learning and unlearning - all while declaring ourselves worthy of attention and trust. How can we show up ethically and enthusiastically? This week, Annie P. is joined by ethical marketing expert Rachel Kurzyp. Rachel has a profound message for all small business owners - no one can "ethics" for you, and no one can "self-care" for you either. Rachel and Annie discuss validation, haters, leadership, and more before jumping into the opulent, dramatic world of The OC. What can we learn about success from teens who have had everything handed to them? Let's find out! What's Inside: 0:00 - Intro & Theme 01:39 - Main Interview with Rachel 41:41 - The OC Tie-in 57:19 - Final Thought & Homework *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Rachel through her website and Instagram. Don't forget to check out her podcast, The Rachel Kurzyp Show! Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

In order to take ourselves seriously as business owners, do we need to be so dang serious? What are the key differences between savvy self-promotion and sleazy self-serving advertising? Is putting yourself out there emotionally safe? What the heck are the rules? This week, Annie P. is joined by Graphic Design superstar and sassy marketing truth-teller, Deanna Seymour. Deanna is a master of helping people shine online through bold, bright, unapologetically fabulous design. She also shares some no-nonsense feedback for the coaching industry and similar "service-based" entrepreneurial circles. Then, Deanna and Annie dive headfirst into the wonder of Pee-wee's Playhouse. What can we learn about loneliness, inclusion, bravery, anxiety, and good old-fashioned fun from Pee-wee and his motley crew of pals? Let's find out! *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Deanna through her website and Instagram. Don't forget to check out her podcast, Eff That: Breaking The Rules of Online Business! Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

Is LinkedIn just a resume site for job-seekers? Heck no! In fact, your competitors are likely making a whole bunch of money over there! How? By leveraging its business-focus and ever-expanding list of competitive free features! LinkedIn is a thriving social ecosystem and it's hungry for your best and boldest content. How can we rise above the sleaze, SPAM, and stuffiness and really connect? This week, Annie P. is joined by LinkedIn strategist, coach, and power-user, Clarene Mitchell. She delivers an almost 40-minute masterclass on how to show up on the platform for maximum success. Then, Clarene and Annie gush about their mutual she-ro, The Notorious RBG, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This interview was recorded before the overturning of Roe vs. Wade and raises the questions of how should we talk about human rights issues and politics on our platforms? Is staying quiet an act of privilege? How can we best show up as advocates and marketers simultaneously? What's inside: 0:00 - Intro 2:44 - LinkedIn masterclass interview 40:44 - RBG tie-in 57:20 - Final Thought & homework Connect with Clarene through her LinkedIn profile, obviously! Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. Tired of feeling sleazy when you sell - or avoiding "the ask" altogether? Text the word EASY to 411-321 for Annie P's guide to ditching your sales baggage. (Outside the US? No problem! Just text EASY to 1-909-741-1321 on WhatsApp!) For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

Is there anything more vulnerable (some would say terrifying) than asking for feedback, waiting for the responses, and then actually absorbing them? Why do small criticisms tend to outweigh earnest praise? And - what the heck should we be asking anyway? This week, Annie P. is joined by one of the most recognized voices in small business podcasting, Nick Loper! Nick is a side hustle expert - with over 500 episodes of his podcast "The Side Hustle Show" to show for it. Nick shares his thoughts on validation, existing customers, surveys, and discovery before diving into the seemingly never-ending cultural phenomenon known as The Simpsons. "D'oh!" *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Nick through his website and Facebook community. Don't forget to check out his podcast, The Side Hustle Show. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. Tired of feeling sleazy when you sell - or avoiding "the ask" altogether? Text the word EASY to 411-321 for Annie P's guide to ditching your sales baggage. (Outside the US? No problem! Just text EASY to 1-909-741-1321 on WhatsApp!) For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

How are you navigating the weird, wild world of digital marketing? Where does your true essence end and your online persona begin? And - is an ethical reckoning coming for coaches, consultants, and other service providers? This week, Annie P. is joined by comedian, whistleblower, and branding all-star, Rachael Kay Albers. Rachael is known for her keen observations, no-nonsense voice, and resilience AND she's been the go-to branding strategist for many of entrepreneurship's biggest, shiniest names. She brings a heaping helping of hilarious truth to this episode and reminds us to look for the best practices that are older than the Internet. Then, the two theater majors (who actually went to college together) pull lessons out of the bohemian Broadway sensation, Rent. *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains loads of colorful language. Connect with Rachael through her website and Instagram. Don't forget to check out her Awkward Marketing videos and the Marketing Muckracking podcast. Special shoutout to Columbia College Chicago - put this in the alumni newsletter already! It's a twofer. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. Tired of feeling sleazy when you sell - or avoiding "the ask" altogether? Text the word EASY to 411-321 for Annie P's guide to ditching your sales baggage. (Outside the US? No problem! Just text EASY to 1-909-741-1321 on WhatsApp!) For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

If you're here, you listen to podcasts (thanks!) but have you explored the highly strategic, life-affirming, and bond-galvanizing art of podcast guesting? In 2021, Annie P. was on dozens and dozens of podcasts and it dramatically changed her audience size, talking points, and overall marketing in tiny and huge ways. Now, all-star podcast connector, host, and agency owner Angie Trueblood is here to break the processes of pitching and preparation down into digestible, exciting chunks. Then, Angie introduces the concept of "vetting for energy" - the perfect way to make sure each of your interviews amplifies the right kind of message, won't alienate your audience, or require you to poach customers away from your competitors. Then, Angie and Annie transition to talking about reality-tv sensation, Survivor, now wrapping up its 42nd season. What can we learn about partnerships and our own strengths from tribal councils, khaki shorts, and relay races? Whom, if anyone, should we vote off of the island that is our small business? *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Angie through her website, LinkedIn and Instagram. Don't forget to check out her own podcast, Go Pitch Yourself! Special shoutout to Jud "Fabio" Birza, winner of Survivor: Nicaragua, and his whole family, for being incredible neighbors to three generations of Annie's family. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. Tired of feeling sleazy when you sell - or avoiding "the ask" altogether? Text the word EASY to 411-321 for Annie P's guide to ditching your sales baggage. (Outside the US? No problem! Just text EASY to 1-909-741-1321 on WhatsApp!) For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com

Do you equate success with stress? Do you believe you'll find your "Tipping Point" faster if you live on the edge of burnout? Or, would you simply love more time to freaking relax? This episode is for you. This week, Annie P. sits down with acclaimed podcaster, strategist, and speaker Kris Ward. Kris believes your business should feed your lifestyle, not eat your life. She has a boatload of great information to share about prioritization, distractions, and infrastructure (no hacks though!). Then, Kris unpacks the strategic gems tucked inside one of her favorite movies, Moneyball. How can Brad Pitt and baseball inspire us to find the best people for our businesses? *Parentpreneur advisory: this episode contains colorful language. Connect with Kris through her website, LinkedIn and TikTok. Don't forget to check out her free gift and her podcast, Win The Hour, Win The Day. Craving connection, co-working, and a way to enjoy your time on LinkedIn? Join our free community, The Legitimati, and do your weekly homework with us! It's also the perfect way to rub elbows with our fabulous guests. Tired of feeling sleazy when you sell - or avoiding "the ask" altogether? Text the word EASY to 411-321 for Annie P's guide to ditching your sales baggage. (Outside the US? No problem! Just text EASY to 1-909-741-1321 on WhatsApp!) For full show notes and more visit www.toolegitimatetoquit.com