Podcasts about customers

#730 Is your business leaking customers without you realizing it? In this episode hosted by Brien Gearin, we chat with Samantha Irwin, founder of Kaizen Coaching and Consulting, about why customer experience is everything — and how failing your team means failing your customers. Samantha shares her journey from middle school teacher to boutique hotel owner and explains why even 1% better service can transform your business. We unpack her "customer journey Ferris wheel," practical retention strategies, and real-life examples of exceeding expectations when things go wrong — including a behind-the-scenes story of how she turned a nightmare booking error into a glowing review. Plus, we dive into empowering employees, creating a culture of hospitality, and simple ways any business can boost loyalty and retention without breaking the bank. If you want loyal customers (and happy employees), this conversation is packed with must-hear insights! (Original Air Date - 5/14/25) What we discuss with Samantha: + Why customer experience = business success + The link between staff churn and customer churn + Creating a “customer journey Ferris wheel” + Real-life story of exceeding expectations + Practical retention strategies for small biz + Empowering employees to enhance service + The true cost of high employee turnover + Small actions that build customer loyalty + Communication's role in customer retention + How to train (and hire) for hospitality Thank you, Samantha! Check out Kaizen Coaching and Consulting at ⁠Kaizen.zone⁠. Get the free ⁠Customer Journey Map⁠. Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠video podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode: Florida Power & Light recently won permission to raise electricity rates by at least $7 billion over the next four years. It appears to be the largest electric rate hike in American history. In this episode, we explain why this increase is so big, how FPL pulled it off, and who should be held accountable. Editor's note: A written version of this story first appeared in the Seeking Rents newsletter: Florida just approved the largest electric rate increase in history. Here's how it happened.Show notesCheck out some of Seeking Rents' previous coverage of Florida Power & Light and utility regulation in Florida:Inside the $5 billion deal that Gov. Ron DeSantis' political appointees gave to Florida Power & Light (August 2022)Florida Power & Light pocketed $1 billion in tax cuts for itself. But now it can pass tax increases on to its customers (August 2022)How Ron DeSantis helped Florida Power & Light raise electricity rates by $5 billion (September 2022)A power company wants to take $1 billion from Florida customers. It just gave $3 million to Florida politicians. (November 2022)Customers took Florida's biggest power company to court. Ron DeSantis and lawmakers stepped up to help...the power company. (July 2023)As his campaign runs low on cash, DeSantis turns to big Florida businesses for help (October 2023)Ron DeSantis just re-stacked the deck on the board that sets electricity rates in Florida (October 2025)Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Please take 12 seconds to rate and review the podcast because it helps us find new listeners ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐FREE RESOURCES✅ Get a free digital copy of my bestselling book for a limited time, Choice Hacking: How to use psychology and behavioral science to create an experience that sings. Get it here: https://www.choicehacking.com/free-book/ ✅ Get FREE weekly marketing psychology insights when you join my newsletter, Choice Hacking Ideas: Join the 10k+ people getting daily insights on how to 2x their marketing effectiveness (so sales and profit 2x, too) using buyer psychology. Join here: https://www.choicehacking.com/read/✅ Connect with host Jennifer Clinehens on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok @ChoiceHacking and @BuildwithChoiceHackingWORK WITH ME✅ Corporate Training: Get your team up-skilled marketing psychology and behavioral science with a workshop or training session. Choice Hacking has worked with brands like Microsoft, T-Mobile, and McDonalds to help their teams apply behavioral science and marketing psychology.Learn more here, and get in touch using the contact form at the bottom of the page: https://www.choicehacking.com/training/✅ Get your own Chief Marketing Copilot for your business when you my new program. Get live Skill Sessions, Implementation Sessions, and one-on-one time with me.Learn more here: https://choicehacking.academy/pro/✅ Buy my book in Kindle, paperback, or audiobook form: "Choice Hacking: How to use psychology and behavioral science to create an experience that sings": https://choicehacking.com/PodBook/ ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Best Of Customer Psychology episode, Chris Fresh breaks down how homeowners think, what builds trust, and why customer confidence drives bigger yes decisions. Learn how empathy, professionalism, and clear value language change the entire conversation from the front door to the final option.

Fuel providers NPD and Gull announced a proposed merger of the two entities on Wednesday, December 24. The decision now sits with the Commerce Commission as they decide if the merger will increase or decrease competition in the market. Both companies are already low-cost providers, so, it is hoped the proposed merge could lower prices for consumers. Customers have been awaiting a fuel price drop for a while now, as oil prices have fallen, but the change has not been seen at the till. AA Fuel spokesperson Terry Collins told Andrew Dickens, "it's the largest margin I've seen between landed price and retail price, and these companies, what they need to do is not just offer discounts and specials on particular days, but we need to see across the board drop in our fuel prices currently." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Ready to churn less and win more?

Pool Pros text questions hereIn this episode, Natalie Hood sits down with Ryan Walker to unpack how retail sales in the pool industry have evolved over the last two decades—and what dealers, builders, and retailers need to understand to stay competitive today.From the rise of online shopping and social media influence to changing homeowner expectations and shifting economic realities, this conversation challenges long-held myths about retail, sales strategy, and customer behavior. Ryan draws on 20 years of experience across lifeguarding, distribution, manufacturing representation, and national sales to explain why the future of pool retail isn't about fighting online competition—but learning how to work alongside it.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeRetail Isn't Dead—It's EvolvingRyan explains why online sales are no longer the enemy of brick-and-mortar stores and how retailers can use online visibility as a tool rather than a threat. Homeowners today expect convenience, information, and options—and stores that adapt win loyalty.Why Personal Service Still WinsDespite access to Amazon, TikTok, and Instagram, customers are still willing to pay more for expertise, education, and a trusted relationship. Retailers who focus on solving problems—not just selling products—stand out.The Power of Analytics, Algorithms, and Social MediaFrom phones “listening” to user behavior to influencers shaping purchasing decisions, Natalie and Ryan break down how digital marketing now drives customer expectations before they ever walk into a store.Selling the Solution, Not the ProductRyan emphasizes that customers don't need technical jargon—they need someone who understands their pain points. Whether it's water loss, recurring algae, or sanitizer confusion, great sales start with the right questions.Breaking the ‘We've Always Done It This Way' MindsetLong-standing habits can quietly cap growth. This episode explores how flexibility, testing new ideas, and being open to global trends can increase profitability without sacrificing integrity.Why Dealers Must Show What's PossibleJust like car dealerships show upgraded models, pool professionals should present options—even if the customer thinks they want the “basic” version. Many homeowners don't know what's available until someone shows them.Economic Reality Has ChangedFrom rising costs to dual-income households and post-COVID income shifts, the conversation highlights why price sensitivity isn't what it used to be—and why experience and value matter more than shaving a few dollars off the ticket.Key Takeaways• Online competition is unavoidable—but it can be leveraged • Education and trust justify premium pricing • Customers want guidance, not resistance • Social media shapes expectations before the sale • Retail success depends on adaptability and curiosity • Selling without passion turns stores into warehousesAbout the GuestRyan Walker brings more than 20 years of industry experience, starting as a lifeguard and facility manager before moving into distribution, manufacturing representation, and national sales. His career spans multiple climates, pool types, and retail models, giving him a wide-angle view of what works—and what doesn't—in today's poo Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

Pool Pros text questions hereIn this episode, Natalie Hood sits down with Ryan Walker to unpack how retail sales in the pool industry have evolved over the last two decades—and what dealers, builders, and retailers need to understand to stay competitive today.From the rise of online shopping and social media influence to changing homeowner expectations and shifting economic realities, this conversation challenges long-held myths about retail, sales strategy, and customer behavior. Ryan draws on 20 years of experience across lifeguarding, distribution, manufacturing representation, and national sales to explain why the future of pool retail isn't about fighting online competition—but learning how to work alongside it.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeRetail Isn't Dead—It's Evolving Ryan explains why online sales are no longer the enemy of brick-and-mortar stores and how retailers can use online visibility as a tool rather than a threat. Homeowners today expect convenience, information, and options—and stores that adapt win loyalty.Why Personal Service Still Wins Despite access to Amazon, TikTok, and Instagram, customers are still willing to pay more for expertise, education, and a trusted relationship. Retailers who focus on solving problems—not just selling products—stand out.The Power of Analytics, Algorithms, and Social Media From phones “listening” to user behavior to influencers shaping purchasing decisions, Natalie and Ryan break down how digital marketing now drives customer expectations before they ever walk into a store.Selling the Solution, Not the Product Ryan emphasizes that customers don't need technical jargon—they need someone who understands their pain points. Whether it's water loss, recurring algae, or sanitizer confusion, great sales start with the right questions.Breaking the ‘We've Always Done It This Way' Mindset Long-standing habits can quietly cap growth. This episode explores how flexibility, testing new ideas, and being open to global trends can increase profitability without sacrificing integrity.Why Dealers Must Show What's Possible Just like car dealerships show upgraded models, pool professionals should present options—even if the customer thinks they want the “basic” version. Many homeowners don't know what's available until someone shows them.Economic Reality Has Changed From rising costs to dual-income households and post-COVID income shifts, the conversation highlights why price sensitivity isn't what it used to be—and why experience and value matter more than shaving a few dollars off the ticket.Key Takeaways• Online competition is unavoidable—but it can be leveraged • Education and trust justify premium pricing • Customers want guidance, not resistance • Social media shapes expectations before the sale • Retail success depends on adaptability and curiosity • Selling without passion turns stores into warehousesAbout the GuestRyan Walker brings more than 20 years of industry experience, starting as a lifeguard and facility manager before moving into distribution, manufacturing representation, and national sales. His career spans multiple climates, pool types, and retail models, giving him a wide-angle view of what works—and what doesn't—in today's poo Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

We look back at the biggest tech news of 2025, plus the U.S. halts new DJI drone imports, our ChatGPT “Wrapped” results, and our tech picks of the year!Ad-Free + Bonus EpisodesShow Notes via EmailWatch on YouTube!Join the CommunityEmail Us: podcast@primarytech.fm@stephenrobles on Threads@jasonaten on Threads------------------------------Sponsors:Copilot Money - Limited-time: Get 26% off your first year and a FREE month when you sign up at: try.copilot.money/primaryFramer - Start creating for free at framer.com/design, and use code PRIMARY for a free month of Framer Pro.------------------------------Links from the showJason on Movies on the Side PodcastNelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label PrinterAnker Nano Charging Station, 7-in-1 USB-CThe Task Knife | Grovemade® Elgato Stream Deck +US bans new foreign drone models in a blow to Chinese giant DJI | CNN BusinessChatGPT launches a year-end review like Spotify Wrapped | TechCrunchApple warns employees not to leave the U.S. amid return delays - 9to5MacInstagram long-form videos and full control of your feed may happenApple Intelligence summaries might get warning labels. That's not enough. – Six ColorsTikTok gets reprieve with Trump order but with twist | Reuters How Apple Builds Iconic Stores: SVP Deirdre O'Brien Interview! - YouTubeDeepSeek privacy under investigation in US and Europe; App Store impactApple Invites - YouTubeAfter a bruising year, Sonos readies its next big thing: a streaming box | The VergeScarlett Johansson calls for anti deepfake laws after AI video goes viral | The VergeMy Teen Switched to iPhone 16e – Does He Regret It? - YouTubeIn an Email to Customers, Humane Just Delivered a Brutal Lesson in FailureWith Its AI-Powered Alexa+, Amazon Just Put Apple on NoticeOpenAI expands Deep Research to all paying ChatGPT usersHands on With the M4 MacBook Air: It's DelightfuliOS 19 Redesign Now Widely Rumored - MacRumorsApple adds new disclaimer on its website advertising delayed AI Siri features - 9to5MacDaring Fireball: Something Is Rotten in the State of CupertinoSonos has canceled its streaming video player | The VergeNintendo Switch 2 specs: 1080p 120Hz display, 4K dock, mouse mode, and more | The VergeAmazon Said to Make a Bid to Buy TikTok in the U.S. - The New York TimesLeaked iPhone 17 Pro Cases Show Huge Cutout for New Camera Bump - MacRumorsReport: iPadOS 19 to be 'more like macOS' in major overhaul - 9to5MacOpenAI is building a social network | The VergeiPhone 17 Air's Extreme Thinness Demoed in New Video - MacRumorsA judge just blew up Apple's control of the App Store | The VergeAirbnb Just Radically Changed Travel Again. Here's How.At I/O, Google Just Shipped Apple's AI PromisesA letter from Sam and Jony | OpenAI

SummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Chris L. Brown and Shep Hyken explore the evolution of customer service, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer expectations, building trust, and creating emotional connections. They discuss the need for a customer-centric culture, the adaptability of employees, and the balance between employee and customer focus. The conversation highlights the significance of consistency in service, measuring ROI in customer experience, and the philosophy that customer service is a holistic approach rather than just a department.TakeawaysCustomer service has evolved, but the core principles remain the same.Customers compare service experiences to the best they've ever had.Trust is a critical component in customer relationships.Emotional connections lead to customer loyalty.A strong customer-centric culture is essential for success.Adaptability in employees is key to enhancing customer experience.Both employee and customer focus are important for business success.Engaged employees contribute significantly to positive customer experiences.Consistency in service delivery is crucial for customer satisfaction.Measuring ROI in customer experience can demonstrate its value to the business.Sound bites"You can't out-decorate poor customer service.""Consistency is amazement.""Focus on the culture first."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Customer Service Evolution01:56 The Unchanging Nature of Customer Service04:36 Understanding Customer Expectations08:32 The Disconnect in Customer Trust09:05 The Role of Customer Experience in Business13:26 Customer Service vs. Customer Culture17:30 Engaging Different Personalities in Customer Service21:21 Balancing Customer and Employee Focus22:15 The Employee Golden Rule23:53 Creating a Positive Work Environment24:21 The Power of Gratification in Customer Experience26:11 The Importance of Employee Engagement26:56 Balancing Product Quality and Customer Experience29:05 Measuring Customer Satisfaction and ROI32:20 The Value of Customer Loyalty34:32 The Importance of Consistency in Customer Experience35:17 Convenience vs. Amazing Experiences38:59 Key Takeaways for Improving Customer Experience41:44 My reflections and 5 Key Things to Remember from the conversation

There is a lot that goes into someone making a decision to make a purchase. How do we understand the driving factors that move people toward purchase decision and make sure that we are prepared to meet them with a product when they are ready? We answer these questions and more in this conversation with Shane Barber of Barber industries. We answer these questions by discussing the lessons Shane has learned in selling his Storage Drinker.Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag!Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today!Sponsor:RogueFoodConference.com (Use Code Cows30 $30 off your ticket)Contact Shane:(605)381-2525Relevant Links:Science of Persuasion

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Dog Marketing, NAPA Auto Care, and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at AAPEX 2025, this episode features Dan Vance, CEO of Shop Dog Marketing, sharing how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping marketing, business strategy, and the auto repair industry. The conversation explores how AI is changing consumer behavior—from lightning fast website visits focused on trust signals to customers using AI for vehicle self-diagnosis and shop recommendations, with AI often presenting only a few options, strong branding and clear communication matter more than ever. In the marketing sphere, Vance explains that attention spans are incredibly short. Website visitors typically spend just 20 seconds looking for clear trust indicators such as professionalism, strong reviews, warranties, online scheduling, and financing options. Visual cues communicate faster than text, while warm colors and photos of the team help build familiarity and trust. Online scheduling continues to grow in importance as many consumers prefer it over making a phone call. Vance encourages shop owners to embrace AI as a “digital butler”—a tool that anticipates needs, explains marketing metrics in plain language, and helps owners show up more confident, shifting from reacting to problems to intentionally driving growth. Dan Vance, Shop Dog Marketing.com Thanks to our Partner, Shop Dog Marketing Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings. Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: - Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ - Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters - Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto - Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ - Follow on Twitter:

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

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, operating a global delivery centre out of Ireland, has announced a major AI upgrade to its flagship TCS BaNCS platform with the launch of a new, advanced AI core design to supercharge innovation for banks and security services companies - TCS BaNCS AI Compass. The new tool integrates machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, and a suite of pre-built intelligent agents to help banks and financial institutions to leverage AI to optimise and augment their existing capabilities, providing actionable insights for improved operational excellence and robust risk management. Designed especially for decision-makers overseeing technology, TCS BaNCS AI Compass will help customers drive the adoption of responsible and traceable AI process (Explainable AI), streamline workflows, and unlock new growth opportunities. Using its intuitive no-code, configurable interface, teams can quickly build, train, test, and deploy AI agents. This AI upgrade works seamlessly across banking, securities and wealth management lines of business. In banking, TCS BaNCS' pre-built agents support a wide range of use cases such as onboarding, credit underwriting, and tailored query resolution across multiple channels. Customers in securities services can use the AI engine to prepare enterprises to leverage AI to augment human decision-making. For example, to predict the tax treatment of payouts, distinguish between dividend and interest classification, detect missing data in events and streamline the ingestion and interpretation of complex documents. The solution also delivers contextual assistance, automates responses, and enhances service delivery across digital platforms. Venkateshwaran Srinivasan - Global Head, Financial Solutions, TCS, said, "Today marks an exciting milestone for TCS as we introduce TCS BaNCS AI Compass to our customers. Our vision is to unlock greater value for our customers through AI agents tailor-made for multiple use cases across the transaction life cycle of our solutions. Our primary focus is on making AI integral to TCS BaNCS, enhancing operational efficiency and helping our customers manage risk effectively while prioritising robust governance, transparency and responsible AI practices. We are committed to helping our customers shape the future of intelligent, customer-centric financial services." Firmly resting on strong compliance and governance frameworks, the solution includes built-in guardrails and audit logging to ensure that its AI interactions meet enterprise standards. The tool is designed to allow human users to understand and trust outputs. As a result, stakeholders can follow the AI decision-making logic through a transparent model. Systematic bias testing and traceable workflows ensure accountability and transparency. Data lineage and strict process controls are enforced in all areas. Privacy by design is integrated at every stage. The integration of TCS BaNCS AI Compass into the existing TCS BaNCS product suite reflects the organisation's commitment to lead enterprises into the AI era with a mosaic of solutions that can seamlessly augment human insight with algorithms. This approach aligns with TCS' future of work vision, which prioritises human-centric AI. Human-centric AI enables enterprises to design solutions that are intuitive, adaptable, and aligned with real business needs. The infusion of AI into TCS BaNCS advances TCS' vision to become the world's leading AI-driven services company. By embedding AI into products and solutions, TCS continues to help global enterprises unlock greater business value, make smarter decisions, and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platf...

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 104-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,253 on turnover of $6.4-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed sharply higher Monday, led by the electronics sector, after artificial intelligence-related stocks surged in the United States at the end of last week. Momentum continued yesterday as contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing pushed the broader market ahead, and memory chip suppliers continued moving upwards due to a supply shortage. Buying also spread to non-tech stocks with the electric machinery industry in focus, providing more support to the Taiex. Taiwan cracks down on threats following Taipei attack Authorities are intensifying (強化) actions against online threats, following Friday's deadly knife and smoke bomb attacks in Taipei, which killed 3. Taichung prosecutors say a man was ordered detained and held incommunicado after he posted online referencing plans for large-scale attacks. Investigators searching his home and seized his phone. The Criminal Investigation Bureau said that about 20 online posts involving threats or calls for indiscriminate attacks had been identified nationwide as of Sunday. Hualien man fined after ostrich runs wild In Hualien's Yuli township, a man has been fined after his pet ostrich escaped its enclosure and was spotted running among motorists on Provincial Highway 9. Authorities in the township say that one officer was conducting (進行) an "online patrol" yesterday morning when they came across photos of the loose ostrich on social media. Officers were able to find the owner, surnamed Huang, who said he usually kept the bird in an enclosure. But yesterday morning, the bird was apparently scared by something and took off running down the highway… running a red light and continuing south to a factory near Yuli Senior High School. All in all, it ran about 2.5 kilometers. After questioning Huang, police issued him a citation under the law… which stipulates a fine of 300-600 NT. Denmark summons US ambassador over Greenland appointment Denmark has summoned the US ambassador after Donald Trump's appointment of a special envoy to Greenland. The US president has repeatedly expressed (表達) interest in taking over the island, angering the Danish government, which has controlled Greenland for centuries. Ira Spitzer reports. Nigeria Abducted Children and Teachers Released Nigerians have welcomed back 130 children and teachers who were released after being seized in one of the largest mass abductions (綁架) in the country's history. Some of the children appeared to be malnourished or in shock on Monday as they arrived at a government ceremony. Police said they were freed Sunday, a month after gunmen stormed their Catholic school in Niger state's Papiri community in a predawn attack. Authorities said plans were underway to reunite the children with their families before Christmas. Officials did not say whether a ransom — common in such abductions — had been paid. France Cyberattack Knocks Out Postal Service A suspected cyberattack has knocked France's national postal service and its banking arm offline during the busy Christmas season. La Poste said Monday the attack disrupted package deliveries and online payments, but customer data was not impacted (受影響). At a Paris post office, employees turned away frustrated (惱怒的，不滿意的) customers trying to send or retrieve packages. Customers of the bank were blocked from using the application to approve payments or conduct other banking services. The bank redirected approvals to text messages. It said teams are working to resolve the situation quickly. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 全台南最多分店、最齊全物件，在地團隊懂台南，也懂你的需求。 不管是買屋、賣屋，還是從築夢到圓夢， 房子的大小事，交給台南住商，讓你更安心。 了解更多：https://sofm.pse.is/8ha32s -- 客家委員會《客家影像故事》徵件中！ 手機、相機都能拍。 今年年度主題是「水」，埤塘、水圳、溪流、河壩的客庄故事都可以。 拍水的主題就有機會拿50 萬大獎！ 徵件到115年4月30日，詳細資訊可到客委會官網查詢 連結：https://sofm.pse.is/8ha32e -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Title: "From College Football Controversies to Christmas Camels: Kent Hance Unleashes Texas-Sized Tales!" Episode Description: "Why do we worry so much about yesterday and tomorrow, when today is all we truly have?"

In this special year-end episode, Joe revisits one of the earliest Content Inc. podcasts, originally recorded in December 2014. It's a deeply personal reflection on growing up around his grandfather's funeral home in Sandusky, Ohio, and the unexpected business and storytelling lessons that came from those years. At the heart of the episode is a simple truth. Great storytelling is not about performance or persuasion. It's about service, empathy, and meaning. Through one powerful story from the Great Depression and a set of foundational content marketing principles, Joe reminds us why helping first and communicating well still matter more than ever. This is a no-video episode, shared intentionally as a reminder of how far the podcast has come and what has remained constant. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why helping others is the foundation of meaningful business How a single story can communicate values better than any strategy deck What great storytelling actually does for trust and connection Why usefulness always beats interruption in marketing The core Content Inc. beliefs that still hold true more than a decade later Key Takeaways Helping people is not separate from business. It is the business. Storytelling works best when it is grounded in empathy and service. Content is more important than the offer. Trust is built over time through consistency, usefulness, and direct communication. Brands can be copied. The way you communicate cannot. Content Inc. Principles Mentioned The content is more important than the offer Customer relationships do not end with the transaction Being the content is more important than surrounding the content Focus on what the customer wants, not just what you have to sell Build your content on owned platforms, not rented land Culture comes before strategy Customers want inspiration, not sales messages About This Episode This episode originally aired on December 16, 2014. It is being reshared to mark the anniversary of Joe's grandfather's passing and to close out the year with a reminder of why Content Inc. exists in the first place. There will be no new episode next week. Content Inc. returns with all-new episodes on the first Monday of 2026. If this episode resonates, share it with one creator who is doing too many things out of habit instead of intention. If you want more insights every Friday morning, subscribe to Joe Pulizzi's Tilt newsletter at https://www.thetilt.com/. Get Joe Pulizzi's new book Burn the Playbook: https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Content Inc. here - https://www.contentinc.io/

In this intriguing episode of the HVAC Uncensored Podcast, Gil delves into the topic of customers who search for the cost of parts online. They are curious about the difference between the cost of the part and the labor involved. My friend can offer a cheaper option. While I understand customers' concerns about being overcharged, I wonder where the line should be drawn. Is this an industry-wide issue, given that some companies have exorbitant prices? Let's have a discussion on this matter. I'll share my thoughts, and I'd love to hear your perspectives as well. Come Check out the Live Show!!!             =====Don't Forget To Follow The Podcast On Social Media To Stay Up To Date=======       The easiest way to find all links is to go to https://www.hvacuncensored.com or https://www.poplme.co/hvacuncensored     *****Please Show Some Love To The Amazing Show Sponsors/Partners*******       YELLOW JACKET    https://www.yellowjacket.com    COMPANYCAM   https://www.companycam.com/hvacuncensored    GET A FREE 14-DAY TRIAL, THEN 50% OFF YOUR FIRST 2 MONTHS    HVAC TACTICAL    https://www.hvactactical.com   USE DISCOUNT CODE (HVACUNCENSORED) & SAVE 20% ON YOUR ORDER   HOUSECALL PRO   https://www.housecallpro.com/hvac-uncensored/   VETO PRO PAC   https://www.vetopropac.com/    HOMEPROS   https://www.readhomepros.com   CAMEL CITY MILL    https://www.camelcitymill.com/UNCENSORED10   USE DISCOUNT CODE (UNCENSORED10) & SAVE 10% ON YOUR ORDER   LOKAL   https://www.lokalhq.com                               FIND ALL HVAC UNCENSORED MERCH AT https://www.hvacuncensored.com/

Stupid News 12-22-2025 8am …The Glitch Overcharged Customers by 100 Times More Than They Owed …A 4-hour bathroom break …He was Drunk and Pretending to be a Police Officer

In episode 280 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by co-host Zach “The Pool Boy” Nicholas for Part 5 of the Winter Business Series, where they break down one of the hardest decisions pool service business owners face: how to raise prices with confidence — without losing customers. Raising prices can feel uncomfortable, emotional, and risky — especially when you've worked hard to build your route. Edgar and Zach walk through the real math, the mental hurdles, and the practical strategies pool pros need to protect their margins, improve profitability, and build a sustainable business in today's changing economy. You'll learn: Why waiting to raise prices actually makes it harder later How to communicate price increases clearly and professionally What customers really care about (hint: it's not just price) Why losing a few low-margin accounts can actually grow your business How profitability, consistency, and service quality drive customer retention This episode is packed with real-world examples, mindset shifts, and actionable advice for pool service business owners who want to stop underpricing their work and start running a business that supports their life — not drains it.

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses In this episode, I'm sharing ways you can bring more value to your customers, and in turn, the breakthroughs that come back in the form of new skills, job opportunities, pay raises etc. It starts with investing in professional growth and leveraging a community of fellow refrigeration professionals for support, learning and networking. I also share a couple inspiring stories of technicians who have rapidly advanced their skills through dedication and taking action on training programs.  In this episode, we discuss: -Importance of growth and motivation -Professional development in the trades -Overcoming challenges -Success stories -Soft skills that make a big difference -Communication skills development -Building relationships in the refrigeration industry -How to get more work in refrigeration -Leadership skills Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 216. How to Become a Better Technician By Creating More Value Episode 139. 7 Tips For Building Good Training And Development Habits  

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, talks with Kyle Dixon, Vice President of Sales at IBT Industrial Solutions, about how grain facilities can do more with less—while improving reliability, uptime, and long-term value.Kyle brings a rare perspective, having served as an IBT sales rep, regional manager, and now VP of Sales. He shares practical insights on proactive maintenance, simplifying storerooms, using technology wisely, and supporting a changing workforce. The focus is on real-world solutions grain professionals can apply immediately.Key Takeaways (Condensed)Doing more with less means maximizing capability—not cutting cornersProactive maintenance reduces downtime and riskSimple changes can deliver big operational winsTechnology works best alongside hands-on observationEducation and supplier partnerships strengthen today's workforceSuppliers can act as an extension of customer teamsFeatured PartnerIBT Industrial Solutions is a GEAPS Premier Partner supporting grain operations with engineering expertise and responsive MRO solutions.IBT Industrial Solutions: https://www.ibtinc.com/IBT Grain Industry Solutions: https://www.ibtinc.com/industries/grain/Past Whole Grain Podcast Episodes Featuring IBT GuestsKeeping Grain Moving: Preventative Maintenance and Supplier Tipshttps://www.geaps.com/news-publications/whole-grain-podcast/keeping-grain-moving-preventative-maintenance-and-supplier-tips/Everything from Conveyor Belting to Buckets with a 30-Year Grain Pro https://www.geaps.com/news-publications/whole-grain-podcast/everything-from-conveyor-belting-to-buckets-with-a-30-year-grain-pro/Pillars of the Grain Industryhttps://www.geaps.com/news-publications/whole-grain-podcast/pillars-of-the-grain-industry/GEAPS Education & EventsGEAPS Conveyor Training (Hands-On Programs): https://www.geaps.com/events-meetings/conveyor-training/GEAPS Online Learning: https://www.geaps.com/training-education/online-learning/GEAPS Exchange: https://www.geaps.com/exchange/Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS' website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS' Whole Grain podcast.

SMOGS, DRACULAS, AND THE SHOP'S RESIDENT GHOST Colleague Oliver Darkshire. Oliver categorizes customers, such as "Smogs" seeking treasures and "Draculas" obsessed with specific themes. He discusses book runners, discovering moldy copies of Edwin Drood, and surviving government apprenticeship inspections. Additionally, he recounts shadowing thieves and the shop's ghost, a former owner killed by a tram. NUMBER 3 1890

We're bringing you some of our favorite episodes of 2025 while we get a holiday break -- and prepare for our big America250 series. See you in 2026!It's April 3rd. In 2015, Starbucks announces that it is bringing its "Race Together" initiative to a close, after it was relentlessly mocked and critced online and in stores.Jody, Niki, and Kellie look back at the very-Obama-era effort by the coffee chain to spark conversations about racial inequality by having their baristas write #racetogether on customer's cups. Customers were not feeling it.Sign up for our newsletter! Find out more at thisdaypod.comThis Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, want to buy some merch, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich, Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The holiday season brings many traditions for families across California. One that is tried and true - decorating your home with a Christmas tree. While most families buy artificial trees these days, there are still some places in the state where you can not only get a living tree, but even cut it down yourself. Reporter: Keith Mizuguchi, The California Report Roughly 2,000 people meander through Old Monterey every December to tour California's oldest government building and other Alta California adobes. Monterey State Historic Park interpreter Aaron Gilmartin helped coordinate the immersive event. A panel of federal judges could rule soon on whether California's new congressional maps can stay in place. That's after a three day court hearing in Los Angeles ended Wednesday. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I challenges shop owners to step outside themselves, stop assuming clarity, and start seeing their business the way a customer actually experiences it. When you do that, you don't just reduce confusion- you create an environment that feels intentional, trustworthy, and easy to buy from. https://grow-myetsyshop.com/

In this episode, Mitch and David discuss a listener's question about him being accused of stealing customers from his previous employer. Funny it's a family business too. When is it OK, why it's OK sometimes and the pitfalls associated with it. TW Job Calculator APPS https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradewinsconsulting.jobcalculator https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trade-wins-job-calculator/id6744992264?platform=iphone Trade Wins by Trading Content https://www.facebook.com/groups/1309829410166761 If you have questions you'd like us to answer, please feel free to email them to AskMitch@MitchSmedley.com Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing! Enjoy the show! If you'd like more insight from Mitch and David, you need to check out Trade Wins. Trade Wins can help you start your business or take your newer business and get it to a very healthy level. For more information about Trade Wins, check out https://www.tradewinsconsulting.com/ FieldPulse is the Official Field Service Management Software of The Void Podcast. Their software is ideal for you and your business. For more information about how FieldPulse can benefit you, check them out here: https://www.fieldpulse.com/book-demo?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=TheVoid/TradeWins Need a better credit card processor? These guys are it http://empowerpayments.com/TheVoid Contact us: askmitch@mitchsmedley.com david@tradewinsconsulting.com mitch@tradewinsconsulting.com

Recorded live in Boston, Bart sits down with Milt Herbert, Executive Director of the Boston Convention & Marketing Center, for a masterclass in leadership, discipline, and humanity. Milt shares his unconventional journey — from flunking out of college, to serving in combat, to becoming a professor, technologist, entrepreneur, and ultimately a long-tenured executive leader. With humility and clarity, Milt explains how military discipline reshaped his life, why treating people like people is the foundation of leadership, and how focusing on customers as humans — not transactions — creates lasting success. This conversation is packed with wisdom on work ethic, family, learning, customer experience, and what most leaders still get wrong.Major Takeaways / LearningsDiscipline can change everything. Milt credits military service with reshaping his mindset, work ethic, and focus.Early failure doesn't define your ceiling. Flunking out of college didn't stop him from earning an MBA, teaching, and entering a PhD program.Leadership is about people, not roles. Employees have full lives outside work — great leaders respect and support that reality.Integration beats balance. Milt prioritized family, coaching his kids' teams and staying present while building a demanding career.Be a lifelong learner. From coding to tennis to leadership, curiosity and self‑teaching fueled every chapter of his life.Customers are humans first. The best way to serve customers is to understand their goals, pressures, and definitions of success.Listening is a leadership superpower. Ask questions, stay quiet, and truly hear people — that's how trust is built.Strong teams feel like family. When people feel cared for, respected, and seen, they stay — and they perform.Memorable Quotes“People don't show up for work — work isn't their whole life.”“You keep your mouth shut, you listen, and you ask questions.”“Customers have jobs to do — our job is to help them succeed.”“It's always about the people. It's never just about the business.”“I'm only one person — it's the team that makes everything happen.”“Family first isn't a slogan. It's a responsibility.”Why It Matters / How to Use ItThis episode is a blueprint for leaders who want to build trust, loyalty, and performance without sacrificing humanity. Milt Herbert's story proves that discipline, empathy, and curiosity can coexist — and that the strongest organizations are built by leaders who listen, care, and understand people beyond their titles. Whether you lead a team, serve customers, raise a family, or are still finding your path, this conversation offers timeless lessons on how to show up, how to lead, and why people first is not optional — it's essential.

'Tis the season for corporate gifts. But have you had one from your KiwiSaver provider? It turns out, some people have been treated to a few early Christmas presents - an umbrella in one case and a bottle of wine for another lucky saver. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking at what's on offer and spoke to Lisa Owen.

In this deep, insight-packed conversation with Roger Hurni, we explore behavioural marketing, consumer psychology, and how human decision-making really works—through real-world stories from brands like Nike, DoubleTree, Four Seasons, Apple Pay etc.From the legendary DoubleTree cookie strategy to AI-driven personalization, this episode breaks down:Jagged with Jasravee is facilitated by Jasravee Kaur Chandra. Jasravee has over 25 years experience as a Strategic Brand Builder, Communications Leader and Entrepreneur. Please visit Jasravee at https://jasravee.com/Connect with Jasravee on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasravee/ Email Jasravee at jasravee@gmail.com

In the latest episode of Public Power Now, Jeff Shaver, investment recovery analyst at Arizona public power utility Salt River Project, details how SRP is recycling old power lines and giving new life to previously un-recyclable material. He also details how SRP customers are benefiting from the recycling effort.

In December 1953, Hollywood film stars Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy spent a few weeks at the Bull Inn, Bottesford, Leicestershire, while they performed a show at the nearby Nottingham Empire.Stan's sister, Olga Healey, was the landlady.Customers and staff said the duo spent time serving behind the bar, signing autographs and chatting with regulars.This was produced and presented by Rachel Naylor, in collaboration with BBC Archives.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.(Photo: Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel. Credit: Getty Images)

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1222: Today we break down Cox Automotive's 2026 forecast and why fragmentation is becoming the industry's defining theme. We also cover California regulators taking aim at Tesla's Autopilot language.Show Notes with links:Cox Automotive says the auto industry beat expectations in 2025, but 2026 will be shaped by fragmentation everywhere—from consumers and labor to policy, EVs, and AI. The result is softer volumes, tighter margins, and a market that rewards precision over optimism.The 5 big forces at play: A bifurcated consumer trading down, a stagnant job market, inflation easing but Fed uncertainty lingering, shifting policy and an EV incentive cliff, and AI hitting an operational inflection point—all pulling the market in different directions.New-vehicle volumes reset lower: Cox forecasts 15.8 million SAAR in 2026, down 2.4% YoY, signaling the high-15 million range as the new normal rather than a temporary dip.Retail, fleet, and leasing cool: New retail sales fall about 1.5%, fleet declines more sharply, and lease penetration drops toward 21%, the lowest level in three years as EV tax credits and leasing loopholes disappear.Used remains the pressure valve: Total used sales dip roughly 1%, but tight retail inventory and affordability concerns keep demand steady, pushing more shoppers toward lower-priced vehicles.Wholesale values normalize: Cox expects the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index to rise 2% by the end of 2026, pointing to normal depreciation—with growing EV volume adding pricing complexity.California regulators ruled Tesla misled consumers with its “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” marketing, giving the automaker 90 days to fix its language. The case briefly threatened Tesla's ability to sell cars in the state, but stops short of halting production.The DMV ordered a 30-day suspension of Tesla's dealer license, which would prevent Tesla from selling vehicles directly to consumers in California if it goes into effect.That dealer suspension is stayed for 90 days, meaning Tesla can keep selling cars as long as it updates its advertising and disclosures within that window.A separate manufacturing license suspension—which could have affected Tesla's ability to build vehicles in California—was permanently stayed and will not take effect.Regulators say Tesla's use of “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving Capability” implied autonomy that doesn't exist, creating unsafe assumptions for drivers.Tesla pushed back strongly, saying no consumer complained and stating, “Tesla has never misled consumers.”Thank you to today's sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Homeware retail giant IKEA appears to be a victim of its own success. It's shutting down its customer support centre from tomorrow for the rest of the week so that its team can focus entirely on rebooking customer orders and resolving outstanding cases. But now some customers are dealing with repeated delivery delays and wrangling over payments & tech issues. Long-time IKEA customer Pete Targett is in queue for a delivery and spoke to Lisa Owen.

In this insightful episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains welcomes Jimi Gibson, VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Internet Marketing Agency—and a former professional magician! Together, they unpack the art (and science) of connecting with B2B SaaS customers through authentic storytelling, brand strategy, and personal visibility. Jimi Gibson shares his powerful Five Finger Framework for brand building, why founders should put a face to their company, and actionable strategies to create lasting emotional ties and customer loyalty—even in an AI-driven, content-saturated world.If you're a SaaS founder tired of beige, forgettable marketing and want your brand to stand out for something meaningful, this conversation is a treasure trove of tactical wisdom and inspiration.Key Takeaways00:00 "Feature Ops & AI Strategies"05:07 Magic, Marketing, and Connection08:05 "The Stump Test Mystery"12:13 SaaS Exits, Branding, and AI16:49 "Magic, Frameworks, and Authenticity"19:26 "Commitment Drives Long-Term Success"22:07 "Name Your Villain Strategically"24:52 Thumbs Up: Measuring Impact28:16 Customer-Centric Solutions Matter Most31:34 Building Long-Term Customer Relationships36:44 Identifying Competitor Weaknesses Strategically39:20 "Defining Your Target Market"41:00 Maximizing AB Testing Value46:01 AI Lacks Human Connection47:50 "Building Authority Through Personal Branding"51:47 Essential Brand Stories FrameworkTweetable Quotes"Marketing, like magic, is about capturing attention and delivering the wow—the call to action." — Jimi Gibson"Founders, your audience is not 'everybody.' It's one person. Speak directly to them." — Jimi Gibson"A faceless brand is forgettable. People buy from people, not just companies." — Jeff Mains"Declare your villain. If you don't stand for something—or against something—your brand stands for nothing." — Jimi Gibson"The clearer you can be, the more likely your message will resonate with someone who needs your solution." — Jimi Gibson "You can't out-robot the robots. Your experience, empathy, and story are your ultimate differentiators." — Jimi GibsonSaaS Leadership LessonsConnect Authentically, Not Generically:Strong SaaS leaders craft messaging as if speaking to one person—even in a large market.Show Your Face:Humanizing your brand increases trust and long-term retention. Don't hide behind anonymity.Stand for (and Against) Something:Declaring a clear brand "villain" or enemy sets your tribe apart and ignites loyalty.Long-Term Relationships > Short-Term Transactions:Protect your customer “family,” listen deeply, and own up to mistakes for lasting affinity.Measure the Impact You Leave:Track not just revenue, but employee growth, industry disruption, customer transformation, and your unique “thumbprint.”Be Visible in the AI Era:Customer stories, bylined articles, and video increase your odds of being cited and found as the authority, not just another generic provider.Guest Resourcesjimi@Thriveagency.comhttps://thriveagency.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimi-gibson/Episode Sponsor

Expressing appreciation is a dying principal in modern business. There is no way around this. Saying THANK YOU to customers is all but dead. An expression of appreciation on a paper, or text receipt is not making any customer feel warm and fuzzy. When are you going to pick up the phone, write a handwritten note, or send some chocolates to a customer?Support the show

Are you curious how entrepreneurs manage to sell products before they've even built them? Pre‑selling is the key to validating your idea and getting money in the bank before launch day.In this episode, Omar shares how he pre‑sold his own software to beta customers and the exact steps you can follow too. You'll learn how to craft a no‑brainer offer, build trust, and use risk reversal strategies to land your first paying beta members. He also breaks down four key moves, including how to anchor your price, treat beta users like VIPs, and validate your product before investing years of effort.Hit play at the top of the page and walk away with a clear framework for pre‑selling to your own beta customers and setting your business up for long‑term growth.To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Hysteria 51, we're serving up two stories that prove society is being held together by duct tape and pure audacity.First: GameStop's “Trade Anything Day.” And they meant anything. Customers reportedly rolled in with a goose, a bobcat, and a Wii Netflix disc—which is basically the Rosetta Stone of “please don't ask how long this has been in my trunk.” If you've ever wondered what retail looks like when chaos is the manager on duty, welcome home.Then we head to the high-stakes world of competitive stone skimming, where a cheating scandal has allegedly rocked the World Stone Skimming Championships—because apparently even skipping rocks isn't safe from scandal, suspicion, and somebody's cousin “who definitely knows a guy.” It's sports drama, but with wetter pants and more passive-aggressive shoreline energy.Two stories. Zero dignity. Maximum weird. Hit play and let's skim straight into the absurd.Links & Resources

On today's show we are talking about the street level process for getting a property leased up. Marketing is all about generating interest. Sales is about generating revenue.We have an industrial outdoor storage project that was built in central Florida to meet the needs of contractors who have equipment and materials that need storage. These are businesses that have valuable equipment like excavators that you can't just park in your driveway. The HOA won't allow it. These contractors have trailers full of battery powered tools that need a secure place to charge overnight. Many landscaping companies purchase composite decking materials for each job because they don't have the space to store materials. They have to charge more, and they lose some bids because their prices are not competitive. If they purchased materials by the truckload, they could get a 15-20% discount on those materials. In the landscaping business that kind of discount can make the difference between getting the job or not. It can make the difference between a profitable season and a break-even season. Not every customer will want the colors you chose. But if you have a few standard colors that are widely popular, you can win more bids for the modest cost of renting additional outdoor storage space. This is a relationship-driven outreach, not a passive listing exercise. The contractors who will sign leases are often busy doing project work, not browsing general property sites. To lease to these clients you need to  target where they are, speak their language, and make the transaction clear and simple.---------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

Working in the back-of-house at many restaurants in Minnesota, you'll find a Hispanic or Latino employee. Government labor data shows that the most common occupations for Hispanic or Latino Minnesotans are chefs and cooks. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement have detained hundreds of people in the Twin Cities this month, including many from Latin American countries. ICE agents are now in their third week of an operation in the metro area and their increased activity has put the restaurant industry on edge. For perspective, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Gustavo Romero, co-owner and chef of the restaurant Oro by Nixta in Minneapolis.

Send us a textFundraising doesn't have to be a black box or a waiting game. We sit down with Woodie, co-founder of Crowdfund Capital Advisors and a key architect behind the JOBS Act crowdfunding rules, to map a founder-first path that fuses data, community, and disciplined execution. From Wall Street to Silicon Valley to Washington, Woodie's journey reveals why regulation crowdfunding has unlocked billions for startups in thousands of cities—and how the next wave of “influestors” will power growth far beyond traditional venture hubs.We dig into investor sentiment as a real-time signal of demand: daily check counts, dollars committed, and momentum curves that predict funding velocity and downstream success. Then we get practical about valuations—why sober pricing wins, how to benchmark with a 10,000-offering dataset, and the milestone-driven cadence that earns step-ups. You'll hear the three signals Woody watches before any meeting, the pitfalls of algorithmic overconfidence, and where human diligence—team, moat, market timing—still decides outcomes.The conversation flips the script on marketing too. Customers who become investors don't just write checks; they evangelize, bring sales, and defend your brand in public. We share the playbook for turning a raise into a launch, engaging comment threads as social proof, and structuring cap tables that signal either viral scale (many backers) or strategic conviction (larger checks). Expect candid talk on time costs, legal prep, and the founder mindset required to tune out naysayers while staying responsive and transparent.If you're building outside the usual VC corridors or simply want smarter capital, this is your roadmap: calibrate valuation with data, engineer sentiment with story, prove revenue momentum, and let your community carry the signal. Subscribe, share with a builder who needs this, and leave a review with the biggest funding question you want answered next.Support the show

Customers of the Week All seing eye jewels Current Events Bad Holiday Music

In this episode we talk about product strategy. How do you make sure your product wins in the market? How do you make key product decisions, and how do you manage mistakes?  We are here to help! In this episode we answer questions including:What do you do when big feature releases fail to move the needle?How do you balance different requests from different customers?What's the best way to communicate product roadmaps?All of these questions were submitted by listeners just like you. You can submit questions for us to answer on our website TheStartupHelpdesk.com or on X/Twitter @thestartuphd - we'd love to hear from you!Your hosts:Sean Byrnes: General Partner, Near Horizon www.nearhorizon.vcAsh Rust: Managing Partner, Sterling Road www.sterlingroad.comNic Meliones: CEO, Navi www.heynavi.comReminder: this is not legal advice or investment advice.Q1: What do you do when big feature releases fail to move the needle?Utility drives adoption, not novelty. If a release flops, you likely prioritized "pixie dust" (like bolting on AI simply to be trendy) over solving a "hair on fire" problem.Focus on Pain, Not Trends: New technology is a tool, not a strategy. A feature only matters if it delivers a 10x improvement on a core, high-pain customer job. If it's a "nice-to-have," it will be "rarely-used."The Iteration Mandate: Don't be afraid to ship imperfect work, but be terrified of stagnating. You cannot expect your first implementation to be the winning one. You iterate to find the 10x value; you don't start with it.Q2: How do you balance different requests from different customers?Diverging requests are a warning sign of a "Verticalization Challenge." You cannot build two businesses at once. If you try to serve every request, you multiply complexity and halve your focus. The result is a B+ product, and B+ products do not win categories.To win, you must be the best in the world for a specific customer profile before you can be good for everyone.The 60-Day Focus Framework:Select: Pick the profile with the best blend of pain, willingness to pay, and market size.Sprint: Ignore all other segments and focus on that profile exclusively for 60 days.Validate: If you don't see breakout momentum, pivot to the next profile.Q3: What's the best way to communicate product roadmaps?Trust is the currency of product management. You earn it by balancing two distinct timelines:Sell the Dream (Long-term): Customers treat their purchase as an investment in the future. Share your vision and intent to get them excited about where the ship is going.Deliver the Reality (Short-term): Ruthlessly over-deliver on the next 60-90 days.The Trust Equation: When you provide undeniable proof of execution in the short term, you earn the right to be ambiguous about the long term. If you miss short-term dates, your long-term vision looks like a hallucination. Give them proof so they can believe in the dream.

I love an origin story where the pluck, confidence, and unwavering belief of the founders for each other and their idea is met with the support, enthusiasm, and positive feedback of the community they set out to serve. They say your calling is where your talents intersect with what people need and today we get to talk with people who have been authoring a story just like that. Very happy today to feature the story of Matt and Elise Higgins of Origin Coffee Bar! Elise and Matt Higgins are the husband-and-wife founders of Origin Coffee Bar, with cafés in Savannah and Hilton Head Island. Creative and entrepreneurial at heart, they launched Origin in 2020 with a focus on generosity, community, and excellent coffee. Elise, originally from Michigan, oversees social media, the food program, and guest experience, while Matt, a New England native, leads roasting, coffee quality, brand, and wholesale. In today's episode we will be taking you from the first inkling that coffee was the path they should pursue, -through to today where they now have an 2 established cafes and a roasting operation that are continuing to grow. We discuss: * Life as design students, craft entrepreneurs, and the idea for coffee * The lessons from the Mobile Coffee Bar * Navigating Opportunities + The Power of Intuition * The Importance of Culture and a Great Team * Balancing Work and Relationship * Secrets of Partnership * Establishing Standards * The Role of Systems in Growth * Learning from Customers and Team * Quality Control at Scale * Why Entrepreneurs Need Confidence and Generosity Links:  https://origincoffee.bar/ https://www.instagram.com/origincoffee.bar     Related Episodes: SHIFT BREAK: Reassessing Growth 362: How to Handle Growth in Your Coffee Shop 514: Founder Friday! w/ Raoul Adwan of Thrd Coffee in Chicago, IL! 518: How to Run a Coffee Shop w/ Meaningful Hospitality   KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com  

Collecting and Using Data Ethically to Create Customer Delight  Shep interviews Phyllis Fang, Head of Marketing at Transcend. She talks about the importance of personalization and how companies can ethically collect, unify, and use customer data to create seamless, trust-building interactions.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can companies ethically collect and use customer data without crossing privacy boundaries?  Why is transparency important when asking customers for permission to use their data?  How can brands strike the right balance between personalization and avoiding being perceived as intrusive or "creepy"?  What are the best practices for building trust with customers through data collection and usage?  How does unified customer identity across digital and real-world touchpoints improve the overall customer journey?  Top Takeaways:    Customers are willing to share information, but only if they get something valuable in return. When a company uses customer preferences to recommend something relevant at the right time, customers are more willing to engage. On the other hand, when the connection feels forced or overwhelming, it can make customers stop buying and look for other companies that will respect their trust.  Customers feel better when companies are upfront about what data they're collecting and how it will be used. When a brand is transparent with why they need information and asks for permission, customers feel respected and safe. Giving customers options about how their data is used makes them more likely to share details.  Businesses should focus on getting only getting the information they need to start doing business with a customer. Then, gradually over time, the business can learn more.   Ethical use of data builds trust. Just because a business can use a customer's data does not mean it always should. It's important for companies to explain how they use customer information, and to give customers choices. When customers know what's happening and have control, they are more likely to trust a brand with their information and their business.  Some customers want weekly emails or product updates, while others just want order confirmations or receipts. Give your customers a way to choose the kind of information they receive and how often they want it, and make setting this up easy.  Better business practices lead to loyal customers. When companies focus on giving people what they want, respecting their choices, and treating data carefully, customers become fans who keep coming back.  Personalization isn't just about online shopping. It can happen in real life too. Imagine walking into a store and the salesperson remembers what you like, what you bought before, and even your favorite colors. This shows how connecting customer history, identity, and preferences creates a great experience both digitally and face-to-face.   Plus, Shep and Phyllis discuss the importance of making sure customers understand what they are saying yes to, such as cookie banners and opt-in forms. Tune in!  Quote:   “When customers share information, they often want control over how and where it's used. A company needs to respect those preferences and enforce them consistently.”  About:    Phyllis Fang is the Head of Marketing at Transcend, where she helps brands grow through customer trust, personalization, and digital transformation. Before working at Transcend, she drove key product marketing initiatives at Uber and has a strong background in e-commerce and digital marketing.    Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"We were delivering five-star service to clients who couldn't afford it."  Most businesses don't struggle because they lack talent or work ethic. They struggle because they're solving real problems for customers who can't afford meaningful solutions. When clients are under-resourced, even great work becomes exhausting, unpredictable, and hard to scale. The same effort, applied to better-capitalized customers, creates stability, clarity, and room to think long term instead of constantly chasing the next invoice.  Emad Rizkalla shares how his company worked with world-class brands yet still found itself financially strained. The issue wasn't capability—it was deal size. By moving upstream into government, defense, and large-scale workforce development, everything changed. Larger contracts meant fewer distractions, longer runways, and the ability to plan years ahead instead of months. The work didn't get easier, but the business finally made sense.  Emad is the founder of Bluedrop, a Canadian technology company focused on workforce development, training systems, and simulation for government and aerospace clients. Over more than 30 years, he's built and evolved organizations by pairing strong culture with the discipline to pursue opportunities that actually support long-term growth.  Expert action steps:  Build a strong, non-toxic company culture before trying to scale revenue.  Stop tying your self-worth solely to outcomes you cannot fully control.  Hire for values and character first, and train skills second.  Learn more & connect:  https://bluedrop.com/  Also in this episode:  https://dreambuilder.org/  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

Gas Station Overcharges Customers THOUSANDS of Dollars Each by Lehto's Law

On today's episode, Andy & DJ break down Erika Kirk's sharp response to the wild conspiracy theories circulating online about her jewelry coming just as the alleged killer in Charlie Kirk's case prepares for his first in-person court appearance, the controversial ruling from a federal judge ordering Kilmar Abrego Garcia to be released from ICE custody, and the growing outrage from Cracker Barrel diners who say a new company move has them furious.