Podcasts about customers

Entrepreneur, author, and former telecom executive Roy Osing joins me to talk about what it really means to survive getting the s**t kicked out of you—and why meaningful differentiation is the only durable way back.Most business conversations focus on growth tactics or recovery platitudes. This episode doesn't. Roy and I walk through the reality of being demoted, sidelined, and underestimated—then rebuilding leverage not through ego or exits, but through performance, patience, and strategic clarity.Roy shares how he helped grow an early-stage data and internet company to over a billion dollars in revenue, not by following playbooks, but by rejecting them. We break down why “blue ocean” thinking fails in the real world, how copying successful companies turns you into a commodity, and why differentiation only matters if customers actually care.The conversation moves from corporate power dynamics to entrepreneurship, where Roy dismantles the myth that success comes from speed, scale, or selling quickly. Instead, he argues for building an “only” value proposition—one that satisfies customer cravings, not abstract needs—and for staying in the fight long enough to earn trust, credibility, and leverage.This isn't a story about avoiding failure. It's about what to do after you hit the wall: when titles disappear, leverage evaporates, and the only thing left is how you perform when no one owes you anything.The lesson isn't bravado or revenge.It's humility, focus, and building something that can't be copied.TL;DR* Everyone who builds something meaningful gets knocked down eventually* Differentiation only works if customers actually care about it* Copying winners turns businesses into commodities with shrinking margins* “Blue oceans” are academic fantasies without practical execution* Real leverage comes from performance after setbacks, not ego or exits* Customers buy based on emotional cravings, not rational needs* Being “different” without value is just narcissism* The goal isn't to stand out—it's to be the only one who does what you doMemorable Lines* “Be different or be dead.”* “Copying success is a form of insanity.”* “What you think of yourself doesn't matter—what customers crave does.”* “If you stay after the demotion, you earn leverage through performance.”* “Differentiation without value is just narcissism.”GuestRoy Osing — Entrepreneur, author, and former telecom executiveAuthor of Be Different or Be Dead and six other books on practical business differentiation. Former senior executive who helped scale a data and internet company to over $1B in revenue, now advising leaders on building category-of-one strategies.

Today, we'll help you get your first customers. We'll do it by learning how to use the trust to risk ratio - a way to identify the big risks that are holding your customer back and shoulder those risks early on to build trust. We talk through risk and trust with Find Your Lobster, Soona, and a finicky water pump.  TackleboxSoona

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett welcomes Keith Wilson, Tasha Rinehart, and Joe Vulpone from Arrow Truck Sales to spotlight the successful partnership with Oakley and Arrow. The conversation delves into their 75-year history, the process of sourcing and inspecting quality used trucks, and Arrow's customer-first approach. Key discussions include the impact of technology in truck sales, the unique advantages of Arrow's in-house financing through Transport Funding, and the opening of their new Little Rock location. Listeners will learn about the importance of building lasting relationships, post-sale support for drivers, adapting to industry changes for long-term trucking success, and so much more. Key topics in today's conversation include:Welcome to Today's Episode with Arrow Truck Sales (0:42)Stories About Family and Balance for Trucking Professionals (5:18)The History and Philosophy at Arrow, 75 Years in Business (7:53)Insight Into Used Truck Sourcing, Inspections, and Quality Control (10:37)The Process and Challenges of Buying and Selling Used Trucks (13:42)Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Market Fluctuations (15:33)Technology's Role in Modern Truck Sales and Customer Experience (17:27)Competing in the Digital Age and How Customer Relationships Evolve (19:06)Creating a “Disney World” Customer Experience at Arrow (20:45)Service After the Sale and Standout Examples of Support (23:16)Handling Customer Issues and Going Above and Beyond Post-Sale (26:33)Arrow's In-house Financing and Benefits for Customers (29:27)The Critical Importance of Correct Truck Paperwork (32:04)The New Little Rock Store: Location, Strategy, and Benefits (35:21)Plans for Service Bays and Light Maintenance at Little Rock (38:19)Future Outlook: Sticking With Core Values While Embracing Change (39:42)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (41:06)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Japan has a bar for people thinking of quitting their job and they drink for free. Alabama passing a bill requiring reporting parents of kids that smell like marijuana. French hospital evacuated after patient turns up with WWI artillery shell inside his rectum. // Weird AF News is the only daily weird news podcast in the world. Weird news 5 days/week and on Friday it's only Floridaman. SUPPORT by joining the Weird AF News Patreon http://patreon.com/weirdafnews - OR buy Jonesy a coffee at http://buymeacoffee.com/funnyjones Buy MERCH: https://weirdafnews.merchmake.com/ - Check out the official website https://WeirdAFnews.com and FOLLOW host Jonesy at http://instagram.com/funnyjones - wants Jonesy to come perform standup comedy in your city? Fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvYbm8Wgz3Oc2KSDg0-C6EtSlx369bvi7xdUpx_7UNGA_fIw/viewform

Ever had a client say, “If it's not broken, don't fix it,” while you stare at a rusted filter and a pump on life support? We've been there. This episode breaks down the real-world tactics we use to manage budget-conscious pool owners without sacrificing water quality, service standards, or our sanity. From aging equipment that “still runs” to two-hour runtimes in peak summer, we unpack where to accommodate and where to draw a hard line.We start with the classic dilemmas: old pumps, rebuild-only requests, and short warranties that shift risk onto your shoulders. Then we move into strategy. We explain why automatic cleaners are a cornerstone of our business model, how they slash vacuum time and keep pools clean between visits, and what to offer when clients hate the look of hoses in a designer pool. We also tackle runtime math—why circulation beats chemical band-aids—and show you how to present costs and benefits in clear, simple terms that build trust.We round it out with boundaries that protect both sides. You'll hear our policy for DIY filter cleaning and how to handle missed cleanings without drama, plus the exact offboarding language we use when a client won't align with the basics. The theme is simple: set expectations, document options, and know when to walk away. If 10 percent of your clients create 90 percent of your stress, pruning that 10 percent can make your route faster, cleaner, and far more profitable.If you're ready to streamline your pool service, reduce callbacks, and work with clients who value your expertise, this conversation lays out the playbook. • defining budget-conscious clients and why they strain service• examples of old equipment, rebuilds, and warranty limits• bending where it helps versus where it harms• runtime minimums and why chemicals can't replace circulation• automatic cleaners as a core business rule• aesthetic objections and robotic alternatives• DIY filter cleaning pitfalls and firm maintenance policies• graceful offboarding scripts to avoid conflict• the 10 pSend us a textSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y

Grab Jeff Dudan's book Discernment  Most “everyday” brands don't lose because they're bad… they lose because they're forgettable. In this episode of Unemployable, Jeff Dudan sits down with Brittany Hodak—author of Creating Super Fans and creator of the SUPER framework—to break down how service businesses (home + property services included) can stop competing like commodities and start building real advocacy. You'll hear why “being great at the job” is just the floor, how small experience decisions change referrals, and why the brands that win are the ones people remember—and recommend. What you'll learn: What a “super fan” actually is (and why it's bigger than referrals) Why apathy is the silent killer for service brands The SUPER framework: Story, Understand, Personalize, Exceed, Repeat How experience beats price in crowded categories Why trust + word of mouth matter even more in the age of AI Learn more from Brittany: Masterclass Website: https://brittanyhodak.com About Brittany Brittany is the author of Creating Super Fans and a keynote speaker helping brands build loyalty and advocacy through intentional experience design. Download Discernment here Learn more about Jeff Dudan HOMEFRONT BRANDS #CustomerExperience #BrandLoyalty #SuperFans #WordOfMouthMarketing #ReferralMarketing #HomeServices #FranchiseBusiness #SmallBusinessGrowth #ServiceBusiness #MarketingStrategy #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #BrandStrategy #CustomerRetention #UnemployablePodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Great customer experience doesn't lose customers to competitors—it loses them to apathy. And it creates superfans when ownership of the experience is clear. In this episode of The Modern Customer, customer experience speaker and author Brittany Hodak explains what actually turns customers into superfans—and why tools, automation, and AI alone aren't enough. Drawing on her work with organizations like American Express, Benihana, and Keller Williams, she shows why ownership, accountability, and human judgment drive lasting loyalty.

Ross Correia is the Co-founder and CEO of Reactiv, an AI-powered mobile commerce platform. Under his leadership, Reactiv has raised significant seed funding and forged partnerships with major retail brands. Before Reactiv, Ross held sales and leadership roles at companies, including Shopify. He has also been named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for retail and e-commerce.  In this episode… Most e-commerce brands believe they own their customers — until ad costs spike, algorithms shift, or attribution breaks overnight. When growth depends on rented attention, even healthy revenue can hide fragile foundations. What allows brands to build durable growth and real customer relationships in an increasingly noisy digital world? Mobile app builder Ross Correia maintains that the strongest brands focus on ownership over optimization — prioritizing direct relationships, reducing friction at every touchpoint, and meeting customers where and when they're most receptive. Brands should stop over-optimizing short-term metrics, design experiences that feel native to how people use their phones, personalize outreach thoughtfully, and choose long-term trust over quick wins. The result is sustainable growth rooted in loyalty, not volatility. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris talks with Ross Correia, Co-founder and CEO of Reactiv, about building owned customer channels in e-commerce. Ross explains why paid ads create hidden risk, how mobile-first experiences increase retention, and what it takes to build a company — and culture — by choosing the difficult but durable path.

There are four core aspects of business development in auto repair: in-person, email, phone, and social selling. In-person relationships will always matter most, but they only scale so far. Harris Fanaroff, founder and CEO of Linked Revenue, explains that shops lean on email because it is easy, avoid cold calls because they are uncomfortable, and dismiss LinkedIn because it feels difficult to master. That blind spot is costing shops real opportunities to build trust and grow.In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with Harris Fanaroff to break down what he calls the fourth route to market. Harris explains why LinkedIn works differently from other platforms, why executives and ideal customers already live there, and why most shops completely ignore it. He shares a practical blueprint for using LinkedIn to stay top of mind, attract higher-quality customers, recruit better talent, and build genuine relationships without sending generic messages or relying on automation.The conversation delves into founder-led content, why authenticity matters more than volume, and how consistent thought leadership distinguishes shops that blend in from those that stand out. Harris also explains how to track real ROI from LinkedIn activity, why AI should support your voice instead of replacing it, and how a shop owner can dominate a local market simply by showing up where competitors refuse to spend time.Tune in to episode 136 of Maximum Octane if you are tired of crowded marketing channels and want a smarter way to reach the right customers. Let us help you change how you think about LinkedIn and your role as a shop owner.Episode Takeaways04:50 The four routes to business development and why LinkedIn is the most underused06:30 Why most sales teams over-rely on email and avoid harder but better channels07:20 How consistent LinkedIn content creates long-term separation from competitors08:15 Why your ideal auto repair customers already spend time on LinkedIn10:00 How LinkedIn supports both customer acquisition and technician recruiting11:05 A simple local LinkedIn strategy shop owners can implement immediately12:10 Why connecting with local executives beats mass marketing every time14:30 How LinkedIn replaces old school networking groups at scale17:05 Why founder-led content outperforms generic shop marketing19:10 How Harris creates content without ghostwriting or losing authenticity20:30 The three parts of a LinkedIn system that actually produce ROI22:30 Why tracking real people matters more than vanity metrics25:00 The right way to use AI without sounding fake27:15 Why most shops quit too early and never see results32:15 Why holiday posts do nothing and executive visibility changes everythingConnect with Harris Fanaroff:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramXLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Retain your customers and get repeat bookings by creating a Disney-level experience at your indoor playground business or play cafe business!Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S5mc-itOHukWhat if the reason families don't rebook birthday parties, memberships, or repeat visits isn't your pricing, marketing, or competition—but your customer experience systems?In this episode, I'm joined by Vance Morris, a former Disney leader who spent over a decade designing and operating guest experiences at Disney—and now helps brick-and-mortar businesses create raving fans for life without overspending or burning out.This conversation is especially relevant for indoor playground and play café owners who are:...Facing increased local competition...Frustrated with always chasing new leads...Tired of the social media hamster-wheel and getting new customers in the door each day...Competing against chains or copycat concepts...Relying heavily on birthday parties for revenue...Trying to stand out without discounts or constant promotionsIn this interview, we cover:...Why customer retention beats customer acquisition for play businesses...How Disney delivers consistent, magical experiences using systems—not perfect staff...The biggest mistake small businesses make when training employees...How scripts, SOPs, and onboarding create freedom instead of rigidity...Low-cost ways to create tellable moments that drive referrals...How experience impacts party rebookings and guest-to-customer conversion...What indoor playground owners should focus on after the party endsVance also shares real examples of how small changes—many costing little to nothing—can dramatically increase repeat business and lifetime customer value.If you want families talking about your business, choosing you over competitors, and coming back year after year, this episode will completely shift how you think about experience.Resources & Links:Download: 52 Ways to Wow Your Customer Without Breaking the BankLearn more about Vance: vancemorris.comMore ways to implement Disney magic at your play cafe: https://bit.ly/3M7MVFUOTHER RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele's InstagramMichele's WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

Most small business owners treat marketing like throwing spaghetti at the wall. You try Facebook ads. You update your website. You send out newsletters. Sometimes it works. Mostly it doesn't. And you have no idea why. Joanna Wiebe has a different approach: treat marketing like an engineering system, not a creative guessing game. As the founder of Copy Hackers, Joanna has spent years helping businesses build what she calls a "Copy Selling System". A repeatable assembly line that moves prospects from complete strangers to paying customers. No more random tactics. No more copying what worked for someone else's business. Just a structured, measurable process that works for YOUR customers. The Fatal Flaw in Most Marketing Here's the mistake almost every small business makes: they skip straight to talking about their product features. You've got a great service. You know all the bells and whistles. So naturally, you lead with those details, right? Wrong. Your prospects aren't ready to hear about your features yet. They don't even know they have a problem you can solve. Or if they do know they have a problem, they're still exploring different types of solutions. Joanna breaks down the journey every buyer takes through five distinct stages of awareness – and your message needs to match where they are in that journey. Jump ahead too fast, and you lose them. The Single Question That Changes Everything Want to know the secret to writing copy that actually resonates? Stop making it up and start listening. Joanna's team uses a brilliantly simple system: a one-question survey that appears on confirmation pages right after someone takes action. "What was going on in your life that brought you to [action] today?" That's it. One question. But the responses? Pure gold. People tell you their exact pain points, in their own words, at the exact moment they're most optimistic about solving their problem. This isn't feedback from angry customers on their way out. This is insight from engaged prospects who just voted with their wallet. This voice-of-customer data becomes the foundation for every piece of marketing you create. You're not guessing what matters to your audience. They're telling you directly. Make Your Solution Unforgettable Here's a five-minute exercise that could transform your positioning: Name the specific problem you solve. Not a general category, the exact issue your customers face. Name the specific mechanism in your service that solves it. What's the unique approach, process, or "secret sauce" that makes your solution work? Joanna calls these your "Unique Problem Mechanism" and "Unique Solution Mechanism." When you can articulate both clearly, you create a memorable, defensible position in the market. Think about Lucky Strike's "It's toasted" or TurboTax's "Refund Calculator." These aren't just taglines – they're named mechanisms that explain exactly how the product solves a specific problem. What's yours? Why AI Makes This Even More Critical With ChatGPT and other AI tools flooding the market with generic copy, standing out has never been more important, or more difficult. AI can write copy. But it can't interview your customers. It can't identify the specific pain points that drive your buyers. It can't build a systematic process that fits your business model. That's where you come in. The businesses that win in this new landscape won't be the ones with the fanciest AI prompts. They'll be the ones with the strongest systems, the deepest customer insights, and the clearest positioning.

https://youtu.be/knpxJ7KATsU Joshua McMahon, President of McMahon Custom Homes and a business coach, is driven by a purpose he discovered the hard way: money wasn't his ‘Why.' His real ‘Why' is lifting others—helping people find clarity around their purpose, unlock their potential, and gain traction toward it. We explore Josh's journey from C-suite construction leadership and integrator roles to building his own company as an “evolved visionary.” Josh shares his Satisfaction Pyramid, explaining how customer experience is created upstream through brand awareness, team support, trade partner support, and training, which together produce the outcome every builder (and business) is chasing: customer satisfaction. Along the way, he breaks down why the construction industry struggles with talent, how coaching becomes a competitive advantage, and why McMahon Custom Homes wins through transparency, collaboration, and guiding clients to align budget with what truly matters. — Take 5 Steps to Satisfy Customers with Josh McMahon Good day, dear listeners. Steve Preda here, the Founder of the Summit OS group and the host of Management Blueprint. And my guest today is Joshua McMahon, the president of McMahon Custom Homes and a business coach. Although I don’t know how much time you have for that these days, josh. Welcome to the show.  Yeah, thanks for having me, Steve. We go a long way back, so it’s an honor to be a business owner and now be on your show.  Well, yeah, you are a business owner. In your previous, recent life, you was an integrator, a COO of a business. So you’ve been running construction businesses and have been C-level in other construction businesses, where we also collaborated. So we have been tracking each other’s journey, for sure. So, Josh, let’s start with my favorite question. What is your personal ‘Why’, and how are you manifesting it in your business?  Yeah. I think this is always a great question. And the real truth of this question, Steve, is that I didn’t know what it was for so long. I thought my personal ‘Why’ was just to make more money. And every time I made more money, I was just more miserable. I was never happy. So my ‘Why’ was never money. I really think my ‘Why’ is all about lifting others. And what I mean by that is I have this ability to extract other people's 'Why' and their purpose from them, help them better see that, get clarity around it and then help them get traction to go attack that 'Why'.Share on X And that’s really my ‘Why’, is to help other, lift other people to really achieve their greatness. So I get a lot of energy and joy from boosting others, and watching that untapped potential really take off.  That is fabulous. And I can see that, as a business coach, that's really very appealing to people when you can do that. How does it manifest in your construction business? You have these Custom Homes construction business, how does that help you there?  And this is where it was really born. So in the C-suite and as I grew in my business, the one part that you have to do is you have to know how to recruit. At least, I had to know how to recruit. And in order to recruit, you have to find the right talent at the right price. And what I was really looking for was that potential. I was looking for the right attitude—the right hunger. I was looking for those right pieces that I could make you a construction individual. I could make you a great construction manager, but I couldn’t fix those other things. And so when I could tap into that and take and help somebody see the vision of what I could do and what our company could help you do in your career, that’s where I was able to really take and 10X my recruiting ability, but also to really tap into that untapped talent that’s out there. Because, Steve, we have a hard time finding talent in the construction industry. Well, the talent’s out there. What’s making it hard is that we don’t recognize that talent, and we’re saying, you’ve got to be this perfect candidate. You've got to fit all these marks. You've got to check all the boxes.And I’m saying, no. I just need you to check a few boxes. I'm going to help you see how you can really fit into this organization and how we can help you thrive. So that's where my ability to see that in them, help them see that in themselves, and then help them tie it to our vision as a company. That's where it really gets a lot of fun.Share on X Yeah. It’s so interesting that it’s not just about doing the job, but it’s about being emotionally invested in doing the job. And how do you get your people emotionally invested? You have to find the motivation that they have inherently that you can tap into, and then you have to make your business attractive so that it inspires them, so that they feel excited to work with you there. That’s exactly what you’re trying to do. It’s like you’re not trying to fool anybody on anything, but to think people just get excited to come do work, or just do the job, or just collect the paycheck. If that’s your motivation, that’s the type of candidate you’re going to get. Then what type of culture do you have? So if you flip that and you say, “Hey, we want to help you  transform who you are, transform your career for the better, and it’s going to help us get to our vision. Well, Steve, that sounds like a win-win scenario to me. And that’s a really appealing piece. And that’s a thriving culture.  Yeah, culture eats strategy for breakfast, as Peter Drucker said. And especially in the age of AI, it's probably even more important, isn't it, that you have a great culture, because AI can copy everything, but it won't be able to copy your culture.  No, that's exactly right. I think AI is a great tool. It’s really going to help us magnify and improve our businesses. But if your culture is broken, AI is just going to magnify the brokenness of your culture, and then AI’s going to tell your people how to go find another job. That is probably true. I haven’t thought about that. So you developed this framework, we are a podcast of frameworks. I’m always looking for the framework and and you talked about this Satisfaction Pyramid framework. Yeah. Is this also something that helps create that culture? Tell me a little bit about this pyramid and how did you come up with it and what does it do?  Yeah, it’s an interesting thing, right? So you understand Maslow's hierarchy of needs. These are the things you need for survival and for happiness. And I've said, look, in home building, we've always talked about customer experience and customer satisfaction. We want people to be happy. And I'm saying, well, I don't know what that means. I don't know—if I hit my schedule, if I hit my budget, if I do everything on time, but they're still not happy—so what exactly am I missing? What's the missing link?  And kind of tying the hierarchy of needs to this triangle of customer satisfaction or happiness, I found that there are some really key fundamental pieces that we've got to lock into place to really get to the customer satisfaction and customer experience that we're seeking. For me, I think brand awareness is first. If your brand awareness is out there and it's really strong, people are going to gravitate towards it organically.Share on X That’s going to decrease your SEO spend, you decrease your marketing, decrease your turnover for people, because people want to be part of that. The interesting story on brands — and I don't know how true it is, I meant to look it up before this — but I saw something on social media about Tommy Hilfiger. And before he launched his clothing brand, he didn't have anything, but his brand was so far out in front of himself that people thought this was this great designer, and he hadn't designed anything. And it was all tied to that piece of brand. So if your brand is strong enough, you can do incredible things. So I think brand is super important.  Yeah. Let me just interject here. So probably 20 years ago, I was working with a company, and it was actually in the construction space. It was in the environmental construction space. And this company had an amazing brand. So the founder was a great thought leader, and he was blogging and talking in forums. And I really thought that this company's got to be a $50 million company. I mean, they're so powerful. And then they invited me to their board as a board member. I said, “Wow, this is such an honor.” This big company. And it turned out it was just a $5 million company. But the brand was so powerful that they looked much bigger.  Yeah. And that statement, that’s an appealing thing. So if you think of yourself as a high level achiever, an A-player, and you are gravitating to that brand, that’s what it’s going to do. You're going to bring in the right people, and then if you've got the right culture and the right other pieces, you're going to stick around with that company.Share on X So a $5 million company can look like a $50 million company and be really attractive to people that are interested in that type of world. Yeah. Super important. Love that story. The second thing for me is team support. This is where I really saw in my career as I grew. I can tell you, my first construction job at the construction management level, my VP of construction told me, and this is 20 plus years ago, I haven't forgotten it — he said, “My leadership style is to give you just enough rope to hang yourself.” And to this day, I have no idea what the heck that means. But what he did show me was he wasn’t going to support me. He wasn’t going to encourage me. He wasn’t going to help me grow. He was basically going to let me swim in the deep end. And if I made it, great. And if I didn’t, no problem — there's another guy behind me. And that’s the mentality of the construction industry. And what I said was, we do a great job of spending money for our sales team. Sales team needs training, we’ll spend the money on training. If the executives need training, we’ll spend the money on training.  But who’s training the middle managers? Who’s training the young men and women coming into the industry? Who’s training the people who don’t have the experience? There’s a big myth in that world. So I think from an internal standpoint — and mind you, coaching is a buzzword right now, just as leadership is — not everybody's a coach, and not everybody's a leader, and that's okay. But if you do have somebody who can coach on your team, and you can coach your team up internally, it’s a very big value add. And so for me, my coaching ability has been a real value add for people that I've recruited, for people I've had on my team, and people I've really invested in and helped grow.Share on X And quick story on coaching. I interviewed this young candidate, I mean, really good-looking kid. He had tons of talent, education, everything he needed, but no construction experience. Still, he had all the right soft skills. And it came down between our company and one of the big national builders. And typically, you’d go to the national builders, more money, more upside, more advantages. And he asked me, the last question he asked me, he said, “Why would I come work for you guys versus this other company?” I said, “Because they don't have me.” I said, I’m not saying this is an arrogant thing to say. I’m saying that I’m going to pour everything from me into you and help take you to where you want to go. You won’t get that anywhere else. Because when we’re done after three years, you can go anywhere you want. And that young man is currently making almost as much as I was making as a C-suite employee, and he’s out in the field running projects. And that’s only like a three or five year period. Like that’s incredible growth, but it’s because of the investment we made in him.  Yeah. There's this saying — I think it's Zig Ziglar — that people don't invest in their people, they don't coach their people, because they're afraid that they’re going to go away to the competition. And then Zig Ziglar asks, “Okay, but isn't there a greater risk that you don’t coach them and and they stay?”  Yes. This is always the thing. And I think a lot of people have a scarcity mindset where they’re so afraid of, if I pour into you, you’re going to go and you’re going to take it somewhere else. What I say is, I’m okay with that. Because when you go somewhere else, you're going to say, “Josh McMahon built me up. He gave me the foundation for my career. He put me in the position I’m in today. I have what I have because of my start. You should go there and get the training from him. There’s no sham e in that because, again, we go back to point number one: brand. That’s tight. That’s my brand out in front of our company that adds value to our company.  So I started my career at KPMG, and one of the ideas they had was this pyramid structure — up or out. But the idea was to take care of the people that even when they leave, they become ambassadors for you on the client side. And then they’re going to convince the client to hire KPMG to be their auditor. And I really like this.  It’s so special, right? Because what you, I mean, Steve, you think about this, we worked together two or three years ago. We still stayed in touch. Even though there’s no financial gain, we still help each other where we can because I want the best for you, as you want the best for me. And that’s what you’re really looking for.  Yeah, that’s true. And the thing about coaching is you have the double benefit, because the company benefits because it has motivated employees who are performing at the higher level than when they came in, and at a higher level than where you hired them, frankly. Correct.  And then they are building a career. So they are building a career equity for themselves. And actually that’s why you get a better ROI on these people, because they have more career equity, they have more skill level than what you have to pay them because you are growing them.  That’s exactly right. You’re building into those individuals that generational wealth that most of us are seeking, or think is out of reach. It's there. We just need somebody to believe in us, and that’s really that piece. The third thing for me, especially in construction, it’s the trade partners. And when I think about it, as a general contractor, look—I'm wearing a collared shirt. You're not going to see me on the job site swinging a hammer. I’m out there with the building plans. I’m verifying things. I'm scheduling. I'm doing more management-level work. That means my trade partners are carrying the lion’s share of the work that actually goes into place. And as a construction company, we don’t make money unless work goes in place.  So I have to do the same thing I'm doing with my internal staff with my trade partners. I have to build them up. I have to elevate them. I have to put them in a position to win.Share on X And this is very basic—schedule accurately. Treat them like people. Treat them with respect. When you go on the job, support them. Listen to their feedback. So if they’re sharing something that’s not working, listen to it with an open mind. And maybe we can do something different, or we can explain why we can't do something different, so they have a better understanding of the ‘Why’ behind what we’re doing. Yeah.  So the trade partners is my next big pillar.  And it’s harder to manage trade partners. I mean, I’m not in the construction, but it’s going to be harder because they are part-time with you. They have other commitments that they have to observe. They don’t wear your brand. They are being paid by someone else who may have a different corporate culture than your company has. And you have to bring them in part-time and make them as good as your standard.  Yes. The hard thing is you have to share with them your vision first. This is who we are. This is what we stand for. Share with them your core values. And then build them up and show them that they’re truly a partner in this. Most of us don’t treat them like partners. We treat them like subcontractors. We treat them like they're inferior individuals—less than me. And I think they can work for you part-time and do that. And you’re absolutely right. But if we treat them like people, we build them up, they’ll be there. Because I want to treat them in a way where, hey, you might be a great plumber, but you’re a terrible business person, and I can maybe help you better understand. I say this because I'm working with a young plumber who's bidding things, and he’s just all over the place. And I'm saying, “Hey, how did you come to this number?” “Well, I just know I need to make X dollars.” And I'm like, “Well, how do you know how much money you need to make? What's your break-even number? What's your overhead burden?” Starting to help him better understand how to break down the P&L, how to charge the right margin on the job so that you’re getting work as consistently as you want, but most importantly, so you can grow your business and continue to support my business as it grows too.Share on X Yeah, you want to create stability for them as well. And if you treat subcontractor well, then they’re going to prioritize you, won't they? So they have other customers that may not treat them as well. You’re going to get the most of the energy from them if you treat them well. And that’s also a huge benefit for your business. There’s nothing lost in that, right? Again, you’ve got brand ambassadors out there talking about, one, this guy builds a great house. He treats everybody great. You made the right choice buying with with McMahon Custom Homes. Because, Steve, if you’ve ever been on a job site, the trades will tell people what they feel, whether it’s good or bad. Yeah. So you are getting it no matter what.  Yeah. You go and you look at the construction site and ask around, and then you will get exactly the kind of general contractor you may be dealing with.  Yes. I mean, absolutely. We love to talk, and so you want people talking about good things and talking up your business and what’s happening in the field, and that’s extremely valuable. Okay, so step number one, brand awareness. We talked about that. Then supporting the team. Yes. So that they feel that they are growing and they are recognized as individuals, that you care about them. Yeah. Then the same goes with the trade partners. You support them even though they’re not your employees.  Yes.  What’s step four?  Yeah. Step four is training. Okay. And training, I think of training in terms of systems that you’re putting in place. Constant, never-ending improvement on those systems. Systems are not static, so training is a nonstop thing that we've got to continue investing in and keep helping to grow our team. So constant process improvement. Having KPIs in place, or metrics in place. And the reason for those metrics is simply where do we need to focus our attention? What levers do we need to pull? And then I go back to the training. So then we train up on metrics that maybe aren’t working the way that we want them to, or we’re not getting the result that we want to get out of them. That’s where the training really comes into place. And if we don't have that training in-house, what stuff outside of the company can we get them into? What type of training do they need to level them up? Because as I think about training, Steve, most of us think you’ve got to fit every box, you’ve got to be the perfect candidate. But you and I both know that I’m good at three out of the five things, and you’re good at two out of the five things. So we make a damn good team together. And that’s okay, and we need to better learn how to cross-train each other, level one another up, and then find those right tools.Share on X  Absolutely. Okay, so what’s the final piece of the flywheel?  Yeah. Well, I feel like if you're doing all these things, brand awareness, team support, trade partner support, and the right training, and you're doing this continuous basis, you're going to have customer satisfaction.Share on X That’s exactly what you want. You’re going to create that customer experience because look, at the end of the day, we’re only here because of the customer. If the customer’s not interested in buying my product, I don’t have a business. And so all of these pieces drive that customer experience. That’s what continues driving who I am. One thing I’m really focused on with customer satisfaction and experience is having good specifications written down. I think yes, we’re a custom home builder, but I have minimum standards that I want to achieve.  So I have the minimum standards. Now, if your budget says, “Hey, we can't quite reach that level,” well, we can certainly reduce our standard. And when I say reduce our standard, I don’t mean cut a corner. I mean change from, say, a Kohler faucet down to a Delta faucet. It’s still a great faucet. It’s still a great brand. Maybe just not the same brand that I would use at this level of home. Or we can go the complete opposite direction and elevate that standard. But just having that set in place, so that if I say, “Steve, this home's going to cost you $1.2 million,” and you're like, “Oh, great. Well, the other builder's $1.3 million, so you've got a better price,” okay, great. But what goes into the price? What are you getting for the price? So if I have those minimum standards baked in, I can tell you, This is what you're going to get for $1.2 million. Now we can go in and customize it and make it your home. Having clear expectations. How important are clear expectations even in our coaching business, right? And it’s not just clear expectations from me to you, it’s clear expectations from you to me. I need to understand what your expectations are. I need to know that I can achieve your expectations. And I think that if I believe I can’t, I need to be honest and say, look, I’m not the right builder for you. I’m not the right business for you. But here are..  Or maybe your expectations are not realistic. Sometimes, for the budget you have, you need to make some trade-offs. Maybe you can have this man cave, but you'll have to cut back on the kitchen, and you’ll have to discuss it with your wife. And that’s really key. So the thing that I love about being a custom builder is that my focus is on collaboration.Share on X If you say, “Hey Josh, the budget comes in at $1.2 million, but I really want to be at $1 million,” okay, great Steve. I’m here to collaborate with you and show you ways we can tweak things, pull this down, and future-proof your home. Because I want you to have the home that you want, and in two years you can probably afford that additional $200,000. I don't want to put you in a place where you can easily plug and play that versus oh, now I got to rip out all these walls. I got to redo this. It's not $200,000—it could be $300,000. So that’s where we can collaborate and really find the right pieces to put you in the best position.  That’s very interesting. This whole framework, the culture that you build here. Is this something that connects this whole framework, this idea that you have, how you’re projecting the culture out into the customer service? Is this why you started the McMahon Custom Homes?  It truly is. Well, two parts, Steve. One, I’m an entrepreneur at heart and I have fought this my entire life, and I’ve always thought there was something wrong with me. Why can’t I just get on board? Why can’t I just drink the Kool-Aid? Why can’t I just get in line? And two or three years I go into a company, I do great things, I start rebuilding things, and then I start to get that itch. And then I’m like, okay, I need to go somewhere else. And for a long time I thought it was, well, I’m just moving to a new company to make more money, which was true. I was making more money, but then I wasn’t happy. Again, it was never tied to the money, so it was really just that entrepreneur need. But the second piece was, I've noticed for ten years—a decade—that our industry is in need of a massive transformation. The antiquated way of doing business and how we do things. I think the builder suites and the stuff that we have at our disposal is really good, but it’s not what everybody’s looking for. But I couldn’t tell you, the owner, Hey, we’ve got to scrap this. We need to do this. Because ultimately, even as the integrator, my job is to bring your vision to life. And if this is part of your vision, then I need to bring this to life. And so I started to realize with my entrepreneur spirit and my own ideas, I needed to start developing my own home building business to start bringing some of that to life, to really satisfy who I am and do the things that I wanted.Share on X Yeah, this is so important because, as entrepreneurs, we have this frustration. We are somewhere and things are not going as well as you would like. And we don’t get to tell the boss how to do things because they have their own ideas and their own set ways, and then they just get irritated by all those ideas and they feel like we are just being disgruntled employees, and this frustration eats away at you. And at some point you say, okay, what the heck? I'm just going to rip the Band‑Aid off and try to figure it out, right? It’s very true. I mean, it’s funny now looking back on it because there were so many times where I just didn’t understand. I was like, “What the heck is the matter with me?” But you’re exactly right — you’re going to bang your head against the wall, and not everybody’s cut out to be an entrepreneur, right? I mean, it sounds really great being self-employed, doing your own thing, making your own hours. It sounds great.  But I tell you something, Josh, not everyone is cut out to be an employee either.  No doubt, Steve. So true.  So it’s the other side of the coin. I think many of us become entrepreneurs because we basically eliminate all the viable alternatives.  Yeah. Burn all the boats, right?  Yeah.  I think there’s so much value in this. The second time we really got introduced and got to work together, you introduced me to the book Second in Command by Cameron Herold. I’m a  Cameron Herold fan in the Second in Command book, and I read that book and I said, “Man, this is me. I can do this.” I love being more in the shadows, helping a visionary grow their business, and doing all that stuff. What happened was, I started to really enjoy being out there, networking, putting myself out, and getting in front of people.  And I was like, well, I’m a visionary. I can see what’s going on in the future. And I think I was more of a visionary than the person who said he was a visionary. So it was really like, then we’re clashing heads on which vision are we chasing. And I’m like, I got to get outta here because I’m steering you away from what you want to do, and that’s not fair to you.  I think there are two major types of visionaries. There are the born visionaries, and then there are the evolved visionaries. So you have the born visionary who is a visionary because they are just not able to execute, but they can come up with all the big ideas. And if they find people who can execute for them, they're in luck, and they might build a company. And then you have the evolved visionary who starts out doing the work, grinding, figuring things out, teaching themselves discipline and work ethic. And then they start to manage people because they’re doing it better, so they get more responsibility, and then they become an integrator or operator. And at some point, they want to come out of the cocoon and do it themselves. And maybe you’re that version of it, the evolved visionary.  You summed that up perfectly because that's exactly how this whole thing transpired.  Love it. So tell me about, what makes McMahon Custom Homes unique? Beyond the culture—is it the culture that makes you unique, or is there something else? From the eyes of the customer, what makes you unique?  I don’t know that it’s our culture that makes us unique. I think what really makes us unique is our process—how we do things. We start everything with an initial consultation, just myself meeting with the homebuyers. Typically, it's a virtual meeting where I want to learn more about your project. I’m interested in what you want to build, what your expectations are, what your non-negotiables are, and I just really explore everything under the sun about your project.  Then I'm going to ask the dreaded question: what's your ideal budget? Most—or a lot of—people say, “You know what, I don't want to give the budget. So I'll say, “Okay, what budget number scares you?” Because as a custom home builder, I’m going to help you design the home that you want for the price that you want. But I’m going to also share with you if it’s not possible. If you have a home design that's more than what your budget is, I'm going to share that with you in real time, as soon as I can. So I'm very transparent. And I learned this from working in my past, where we wouldn't share those numbers with clients. We had a client where we were a million dollars over their ideal budget. It was six to eight months of working with them and about $25,000 in actual costs. I don't need to tell you—the homeowner was not pleased, and the homeowner did not pay that bill.  So that was a major lost opportunity in the build, but also the opportunity cost and how much time we spent on it. I learned from that and said, “Hey, I don't want to do that. I don't need every buyer to be a yes. If I'm a good fit for you, and I'm a good builder for you, great—let's go.Share on X I want to build your house. I’m excited about building homes for people. But I don't need to build everybody's house, because for some people, it's just not the right fit. So for me, I'm your guide in this process. And that's what I really pride myself in. You want to build a home, I’m going to guide you through this process, help you with each step of the way. Help you with the county side, the field side. I’m here to guide you through that whole thing. We really work towards your budget, your ideal budget. We build it out. We’re very transparent. A lot of clarity on what we’re doing, where we can collaborate, where we can maybe say, Hey, instead of $80,000 tile package, we can get a $45,000 tile package. Because we’re really looking for what’s your vision for it.  Yeah.  What do you want to see? How do you want to feel? And we can help you pull that together.  Yeah, I think that’s very interesting, because I can see that there is value being created when you have an empathetic CEO who runs the business. You, in that case, who really gets to feel what the lifestyle of the individual is, what their vision is. You help them paint the picture so that you see it as well, and then you measure each element in proportion to their desires. Because maybe they want something like a really flashy countertop in the kitchen, but they really don’t care about what the deck is going to look like. Maybe it’s a stup*d example. And when someone buys, I don’t know, a standard home, then you are going to pay for stuff that you really don’t care about, and you are not going to get the stuff that uniquely is important to you. And with that approach that you’re doing, you are measuring everything to the right degree, and it’s going to be a perfectly balanced meal for the customer. That’s a great way of looking at it. That’s exactly right. And the deck versus man cave or versus this, that’s exactly the right way to look at it. A deck is a great add-on. It can be done anytime in the build. It can be done anytime. It's a minimal barrier to entry. Well, something on the inside of the house, the kitchen, the showstopper kitchen, that’s a different story, right? Because now you're impacting your life. You’re changing things. If we understand that the kitchen is a really prime target, then we want to make sure we commit enough money to that area. We want to make sure we commit enough design hours to that area. And maybe other areas are like, “Hey, minimum standard's great with us.” Perfect. Done.  Yeah. We only sleep in the bedroom, we don’t do anything else.  Exactly. Great point.  Which is a problem in itself. Anyhow, if someone would like to learn more and maybe learn your ideas—maybe they want to be coached by you, or they want to learn about McMahon Custom Homes, what it takes to align with your vision—and particularly if they're in Central Virginia where you work, where should they reach out and where can they find you? Yeah, so several different places. McMahonCustomHomesLLC.com is our website, so you can certainly find us there. We have an active Instagram account, McMahon Custom Homes. I have an active Facebook account, again, McMahon Custom Homes. I do have a LinkedIn account, McMahon Custom Homes, LLC. Also for myself, my wife and I host a bi-monthly podcast. We took a year hiatus, and we just started again in 2026. Our podcast is not on McMahon Custom Homes, but it's really about the construction industry, different things that you experience, and really just giving back and trying to help others learn from maybe stuff that we did or things that we’re experiencing. My wife is a designer. I'm the home builder, so you kind of get a good mixed bag. And that's Feed Me Your Construction Content, if you're ever interested in tuning into that.  Yeah. And if you would like to see what a collaboration between Josh and his wife looks like, then check out his website,  McMahon Custom Homes. You can check out his house, or their house, that they built together. And it’s a beautiful house.  Yeah. Thank you.  It's a good place to start. Josh, loved it. I loved your content. Really interesting how you created the Satisfaction Pyramid in construction. I think that parallel applies to other businesses as well. Obviously, the elements are slightly different, but brand awareness, supporting the team, supporting your partners, training your people, pouring into them, and then creating that customer satisfaction are important in any industry. So thank you. If you enjoyed listening to this show, make sure you follow us on LinkedIn and on YouTube. And stay tuned, because every week I bring an exciting entrepreneur or thought leader on this show. Thank you for coming, Josh, and thanks for listening. Important Links: Josh's LinkedIn McMahon Custom Homes website McMahon Custom Homes LinkedIn

Beth Hendriks talks about Infios: what they do; intelligent supply chain execution; moving AI from hype to outcomes; & what 2026 will bring for the industry.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.33] An overview of Beth's 30-plus year career and how she learned to balance it with motherhood. "I'm a mother of six, and that gave me a lot of skills to be effective in my everyday job… To balance challenges, to learn to prioritize, and how to have peace in the midst of chaos." [06.07] An overview of Infios and what they do, and what their recent mergers and acquisitions mean for their customers. "Being data-driven is crucial because, as we get into things like AI, it's only as good as the data that feeds it." "For our customers, the acquisitions translate into broader functionality with less integration complexity, so they benefit from a more connected platform that allows them to align inventory, fulfilment and transportation decisions." [08.57] The ideal customer for Infios. [11.06] From poor visibility and slow decision-making to an inability to coordinate across channels, the common challenges Infios customers experience, and how Infios help to solve them by delivering tighter control over planning and execution through unification. "Customers come to Infios when their operational complexity has outgrown either their existing systems or processes and is starting to impact from a cost, service level or scalability perspective." "They want to run a more agile, efficient, resilient supply chain while keeping pace with ongoing disruption and growth." [14.00] What 'intelligent supply chain execution' means, the benefits, and the impact it's driving for Infios customers. [18.04] How Infios' modular technology helps tackle historical tech stack issues and support quicker testing, flexibility, and transformation. "It ultimately results in a supply chain execution platform that evolves with the business, rather than constraining it, and it supports continuous improvement instead of periodic disruptive overhauls." [22.23] Beth's perspective on AI in the current market, the gap between hype and reality, and how Infios is driving AI with purpose. "Many organizations talk about AI in conceptual terms: 'AI is going to help transform my supply chain'… But, in practice, common challenges like fragmented data, legacy systems and unclear ROI means most are still in early stages of adoption." "Hype around AI hasn't fully materialized into broad operational impact." [27.00] A case study exploring how Infios helped a customer struggling with slow order-to-ship cycles and low inventory visibility by implementing an integrated stack that resulted in 70% fewer back orders, a 20% increase in customer satisfaction, and improved delivery accuracy as well as lowered inventory costs. [30.42] Why Infios believe that the future can be better if we make supply chains better, and their vision for moving toward it. "Supply chains quietly shape almost every aspect of modern life – people that aren't familiar with it don't even realize the impact it has." [34.13] What 2026 is going to bring for the industry, and for Infios. "2026 is going to be a year of practical AI adoption, tighter integration and smarter execution." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Infios' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Infios and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Beth on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

HOUR 3: Customers say buyer beware at a well known dental care chain. full 2342 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:00:00 +0000 TeAx3FOTWPr4ZzGse9nFDHnekGfIT8oU news The Dana & Parks Podcast news HOUR 3: Customers say buyer beware at a well known dental care chain. You wanted it... Now here it is! Listen to each hour of the Dana & Parks Show whenever and wherever you want! © 2025 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwav

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us!Customers have high expectations in their transaction experiences that do not end with the purchase. Today's empowered and convenience-focused consumers want easy returns, and FedEx is on a mission to make that a reality using AI as a tool to improve the experience.  Join Shelley and Jason Brenner, Senior Vice President Digital Portfolio at FedEx as they delve into the fascinating world of returns logistics and how the process has evolved. Jason says consumer familiarity with ‘no box, no label' returns jumped from 37 percent to 48 percent in just one year. He attributes the increase to consumers' perceived value around the experience. “Nearly half of U.S. customers say they're now familiar with ‘no box, no label' returns and the usage continues to increase year over year; the reason is that once shoppers try it, they understand how convenient and how low stress it can be,” he adds. Their conversation deconstructs shipping logistics and reveals why confidence comes from predictability and visibility that is grounded in a simple UX supported by reliable communications with thoughtful updates throughout the post-purchase journey. As with any customer service, trust, reducing stress and anxiety and managing expectations are crucial. Listen and learn how this iconic logistics organization continues to push the envelope to deliver better customer experiences.Special Guest: Jason Brenner, Senior Vice President Digital Portfolio, FedExFor more strategic insights and compelling content, visit TheRobinReport.com, where you can read, watch, and listen to content from Robin Lewis and other retail industry experts, and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Your company's goldmine? All those meetings and call recordings. It's the fuel that AI needs. But here's the big letdown: those call transcripts only pick up the words. Not what they mean. And the difference? Well…. That can make all the difference. But some new technology might change what's possible. Join us as we talk about it. AI Can Finally Hear What You Actually Mean. What this unlocks — An Everyday AI chat with Jordan Wilson and Modulate's Mike Pappas.Newsletter: Sign up for our free daily newsletterMore on this Episode: Episode PageJoin the discussion on LinkedIn: Thoughts on this? Join the convo on LinkedIn and connect with other AI leaders.Upcoming Episodes: Check out the upcoming Everyday AI Livestream lineupWebsite: YourEverydayAI.comEmail The Show: info@youreverydayai.comConnect with Jordan on LinkedInTopics Covered in This Episode:Modulate Velma Voice Native AI Model OverviewTone, Emotion, and Intent in Voice AIDifferentiating Text vs. True Voice UnderstandingReal-World Voice AI Use Cases in Fraud DetectionSynthetic Voice and Deepfake Detection TechniquesEnsemble Listening Model (ELM) Technology ExplainedVoice AI for Customer Service and SupportTrust, Compliance, and Observability in Voice AI AgentsCost and Scalability Challenges for Voice AIFuture Impact of Voice AI on Customer RelationshipsTimestamps:00:00 "Modulate: AI That Understands Tone"06:15 "AI Use Cases Beyond Gaming"07:13 "Detecting Abuse and Fraud"13:19 Dynamic Model Orchestration Innovation16:22 "Context-Aware AI for Conversations"17:44 "Voice AI Transforming Customer Service"22:49 AI Accountability and Compliance Challenges25:36 AI, Customers, and Brand Trust28:05 "Enhancing Communication Through AI"Keywords: Voice AI, voice native AI, voice understanding, tone detection AI, intent detection, emotional AI, prosody analysis, real-time fraud detection, synthetic voice detection, AI guardrails, deepfake detection, customer support AI, call analysis, Send Everyday AI and Jordan a text message. (We can't reply back unless you leave contact info) Human-Level Voice Intelligence, 100x Faster. Try Velma from Modulate today.  Human-Level Voice Intelligence, 100x Faster. Try Velma from Modulate today. 

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan posits that confused customers don't buy. Alan describes how children ask many questions - but adults tend to ask few questions, especially when they're confused.  This means that your marketing message must be clear, concise, and compelling.  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts, so you won't miss a single episode. Website: www.alanbeckley.com

John Canzano talks about the Bill Belichick Hall of Fame snub, the fate of college basketball, tampering, and more. Subscribe to this podcast. Read JohnCanzano.com

Get The Paid Offer Playbook here:https://the505podcast.courses/paidofferplaybookCollab with Artlist and get 2 extra months for free here:https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970What's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Marcus, founder of Minted New York, a brand that went from side project to full-blown fashion business built entirely in public. Zero investors, no shortcuts. Just documenting the journey and betting on himself before he felt ready. Marcus has built his brand on one core principle: respect for the time and effort people put into earning the money they spend on your product.In this episode, we break down why documenting beats perfection, why entrepreneurship is never easy even when you're winning, how integrity builds a brand people actually care about, and what it takes to build something real without waiting for permission. Let's get into it.Check out Marcus here:https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@marcusmilione1⁩  https://www.instagram.com/marcusmilione/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro1:12 – Paid Offer Playbook1:26 – Getting started before the money makes sense3:13 – Early belief vs external validation5:26 – Running a brand with no safety net7:48 – Cash flow stress and staying in the game10:43 – Bootstrapping realities and investor pressure14:01 – Artlist15:10 – Content as leverage not just creativity16:49 – Talking to camera vs polished production20:30 – Finding formats that don't burn you out23:35 – Consistency beats novelty25:20 – When content finally compounds27:17 – Endurance over overnight success28:21 – Running as a metaphor for business30:53 – Long timelines nobody talks about32:02 – Training patience and discipline34:50 – Reflecting on growth without losing momentum36:41 – Luck vs work and acknowledging both39:51 – Increasing surface area for luck42:13 – Posting volume and probability44:55 – Creating opportunities before they appear46:32 – Saucony Collab49:38 – Brand alignment over quick wins52:32 – Saying no to the wrong partnerships53:22 – Capital isn't evil but terms matter56:55 – Why bad money kills good businesses58:32 – Credit cards cash flow traps1:01:09 – Paying everything off and staying liquid1:04:29 – Negotiating manufacturer terms1:06:22 – Relationships as leverage1:07:38 – Stress nobody sees1:09:10 – Running accounts down to survive1:14:04 – Why most people quit too early1:18:26 – Momentum comes after commitment1:20:17 – Playing the long game on purpose1:21:55 – Building something you can live with1:29:29 – Looking back at what's been built1:33:53 – The After PartyIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/

Likefolio's Andy Swan covers Visa (V) before its earnings report. He notes spending is very different across the K-shaped economy, which continues to divide, and he believes the top tier is doing “all of the heavy lifting.” “Visa ultimately is a play on the consumer,” Andy notes, and it “looks pretty good here.” He thinks the company has executed well in the past and will continue to. Andy also covers Trump's desire to cap credit card rates and how the company could be impacted. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Sandbox flaw exposes n8n instances Fake Moltbot assistant drops malware PeckBirdy takes flight for cross-platform attacks Check out the show notes here: https://cisoseries.com/cybersecurity-news-sandbox-flaw-exposes-n8n-instances-fake-moltbot-assistant-drops-malware-peckbirdy-takes-flight-for-cross-platform-attacks/ Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Conveyor Another security questionnaire hits your desk.   Ever wish it could magically disappear? You already have the answers that customers should self-serve, but they can't find the info in your Trust Center.   That's why Conveyor built the first truly agentic Trust Center.    An AI Agent lives inside it, answering customer questions, sharing documents, and even completing full questionnaires instantly.   Customers get what they need fast. it's magical, touchless, and extremely accurate.   Join teams at Atlassian, Zapier, and more at conveyor.com.  

Coinbase has officially launched its new prediction market platform, built in partnership with regulated operator Kalshi. CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie hosts "CoinDesk Daily." - This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Jennifer Sanasie and edited by Victor Chen.

The world changed, and nobody told you. Value posts on LinkedIn don't work anymore. Generic outreach gets ignored. Your prospects are siloed off and shutting everyone out. But they're still listening and they need your help. The problem isn't you. It's how we're all communicating now. I spent the past nine months figuring this out with my clients, and today I'm sharing what actually works when people have changed how they pay attention. If you're struggling to get customers, students, or even your own kids to listen, this might be the most practical episode you hear all week. Featured Story Sunday I was cruising A1A on my 2024 Harley with my wife on the back. It was 84 degrees in Daytona. Today it's 34. That's Florida for you. But what really matters is what happened after that ride. I've been working with a client who's a coach trying to get prospects. He's posting value content on LinkedIn like everyone says to do. Except it stopped working about 18 months ago and nobody told him. Sound familiar? I wrote him a letter this morning breaking down exactly what's changed and why the old playbook doesn't work anymore. Then I thought, this applies to everyone right now. Important Points People fundamentally changed how they communicate. They're siloed off and shutting down feeds, but they still need help. Get attention fast by finding people already seeking your solution, not by trying to convince unaware prospects. Demonstrate expertise instantly by calling out one specific element and showing exactly how you'll fix their problem. Memorable Quotes "If you're struggling with anything right now in terms of people, you're not the problem. Communication is the problem." "The very second they see you, they need to go 'Ooh, this is for me.' If you don't get them that fast, they're gone." "Most people won't hire you even after you teach them. That's fine. The ones who do matter are the ones who do." Scott's Three-Step Approach Find people already aware they have a problem and actively seeking your specific solution right now, not someday. Prove you can fix it instantly by demonstrating your expertise without going deep, just deep enough to show value. Call out one specific element of their problem and show them the clear framework for exactly how you'll solve it. Chapters 0:02 - Sunday ride to today's reality (and what changed) 3:19 - Why value posts stopped working 18 months ago 6:06 - The three stages that actually get attention now 9:35 - Mike's story: white dad goes six figures 11:05 - The toilet guy framework (solve one thing well) 13:46 - Reading people on sales calls (poker face tells) Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Text Me A Question!Last week, Amy Porterfield announced she's shutting down Digital Course Academy, one of the most successful online course programs of all time. This isn't drama—it's data. And it confirms what we've been seeing quietly happen for the last three years.In this episode, we break down why online courses no longer sell the way they used to, how AI and information overload changed buyer behavior, and what people are actually willing to pay for in 2026.

Customers can sense when a brand lacks internal clarity, even if they can't explain why. This FittBite explores how misalignment in proportions, visuals, product hierarchy, and tone quietly erodes trust before a purchase ever happens.Tune in if you want your brand to feel clear, controlled, and credible at every touchpoint.Book a 1 on 1 with our host, Shadi for personalized advice on how to create and grow your fashion business: https://www.fittdesign.com/services/consultation Design your own collection with our instantly downloadable factory ready tech pack templates: FittDesign Tech Pack Templates Follow our host on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadiadada/ https://www.instagram.com/fittdesign/ Got any other questions, email us for an instant response at: studio@fittdesign.com Subscribe to our weekly fashion design podcast (New episodes every Thursday at 4pm CST): https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-fittdesign-podcast/id1454410683 Visit our website:https://www.fittdesign.com/ Follow us on:https://www.linkedin.com/company/fittdesign/ https://www.facebook.com/fittdesign https://www.pinterest.com/fittdesign/ https://www.behance....

Bonnet wearing McDonald's worker shoots at customers

Chasing unqualified leads is costing you time, money, and momentum. Want better clients—not just more of them?In this episode of The Business Ownership Podcast I interviewed Mark Osborne. Mark is the  Fractional Revenue Leader for Professional Services & B2B SaaS at Modern Revenue Strategies. Recognized by AdAge Magazine as one of the world's Top 25 “Marketing Technology Trailblazers” in 2017 and a #1 Best-Selling Selling Author on B2B Marketing and Sales, Mark Osborne brings decades of experience creating Revenue Growth Systems for B2B SaaS, Tech, and Boutique Professional Services Firms. Mark has delivered tens of millions of dollars in revenue for his clients, often doubling revenues in 90 days through his focus on building Systems that emphasize strategic approaches to growth. He is founder of Modern Revenue Strategies offering a "10X ROI B2B Growth Guarantee" and a Free Diagnostic Tool to identify your fastest path to growth.Stop marketing to everyone. Start winning the right customers. Learn how to find your most profitable customers.Check this out!Show Links:Modern Revenue Startegies: https://modernrevenuestrategies.com/diagnostic/Mark Osborne on LinkedIn:  Mark Osborne, MBA, CEPA® | LinkedInBook a call with Michelle: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/IcFD4cGJoin our Facebook group for business owners to get help or help other business owners!The Business Ownership Group - Secrets to Scaling: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessownershipsecretstoscalingLooking to scale your business? Get free gifts here to help you on your way: https://www.awarenessstrategies.com/

They share the story of launching their business during the pandemic, their adventures as substitute teachers, and their deep roots in the Grayslake community. With humor and authenticity, they discuss adoption, parenting, and the joys of serving neighbors through creative charcuterie boards. The episode captures the spirit of friendship, small-town pride, and the power of giving back, offering listeners a genuine taste of Grayslake's welcoming hometown charm. Friendship, Food, and Community: Lessons from Olive You Charcuterie on Discovering Grayslake In the heart of Grayslake, Illinois, community isn't just a buzzword—it's a way of life. This spirit shines through in the latest episode of the "Discovering Grayslake" podcast, where host David Woll sits down with Kat and Kate, the best-friend duo behind All of You Charcuterie. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, the resilience of small business owners, and the unique flavor that local entrepreneurs bring to their hometowns. Whether you're a Grayslake local, a small business dreamer, or simply someone who loves a good story, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice. Let's break down the main themes and tips from Kat and Kate's journey—so you can bring a little more heart, creativity, and community spirit into your own life and work. Table of Contents The Power of Friendship in Business Turning Passion into a Pandemic-Era Business Building a Business with Heart: Inclusivity, Affordability, and Community Balancing Business, Family, and Community Involvement Actionable Tips for Small Business Owners The Grayslake Difference: Why Community Matters Final Thoughts: Authenticity, Kindness, and Local Pride The Power of Friendship in Business Kat and Kate's story begins long before their first charcuterie board. Their friendship, forged as college dorm neighbors, is the foundation of their business. This deep bond is more than just a feel-good backstory—it's a strategic advantage. Key Takeaways: Trust and Communication:** Years of friendship mean Kat and Kate can communicate openly, resolve conflicts quickly, and play to each other's strengths. Shared Values:** Their mutual commitment to authenticity, humor, and community shapes every aspect of their business. Support System:** Entrepreneurship is tough. Having a partner who understands your personal and professional life makes the journey more sustainable and enjoyable. Actionable Advice: Choose business partners you trust deeply.** Shared history and values can help weather the inevitable storms of small business life. Schedule regular check-ins**—not just about business, but about your friendship and well-being. Turning Passion into a Pandemic-Era Business All of You Charcuterie was born out of necessity and creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic. With their catering gigs on hold and corporate jobs feeling less fulfilling, Kat and Kate leaned into their love of food and entertaining. How They Did It: Start Small, Think Big:** They began by making boards for friends and family. When someone offered to pay, they realized they had a viable business. Leverage Past Experience:** Years of working with high-end chefs gave them the skills to create visually stunning, delicious spreads. Adapt to the Times:** With large gatherings off the table, they focused on small, shareable boards perfect for intimate celebrations. Expert Insights: Test your concept with your inner circle.** Friends and family can be your first customers and best marketers. Be ready to pivot.** The pandemic forced many to rethink their business models—flexibility is key. Building a Business with Heart: Inclusivity, Affordability, and Community Kat and Kate's approach to business is refreshingly inclusive. They're committed to making their charcuterie boards accessible, beautiful, and tailored to the needs of their community. Inclusivity in Every Bite No Upcharge for Dietary Needs:** Gluten-free, nut-free, and allergy-friendly options are available at no extra cost. Variety and Quality:** Their boards feature a mix of meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies, and unique items like lemon pepper green beans and stuffed peppers. Affordability and Transparency Cost-Effective Catering:** Charcuterie boards offer a luxurious feel without the high price tag of traditional catering. Clear Communication:** They're upfront about pricing and delivery, with free local delivery and reasonable fees for farther locations. Community Engagement Giving Back:** Kat and Kate regularly donate boards to local fundraisers and school events. Word-of-Mouth Growth:** Their reputation is built on personal connections and community involvement, not flashy advertising. Actionable Advice: Prioritize inclusivity.** Accommodate dietary restrictions without making customers feel like an inconvenience. Engage with your community.** Sponsor local events, donate to fundraisers, and build relationships beyond transactions. Balancing Business, Family, and Community Involvement Kat and Kate are more than business owners—they're moms, school staff, and active community members. Their ability to juggle these roles is both impressive and instructive. Lessons in Balance Embrace Flexibility:** Both women transitioned from corporate careers to roles in the local school system, finding fulfillment and flexibility. Set Boundaries:** They admit to sometimes undercharging or giving away products, but are learning to value their time and expertise. Find Joy in Service:** Subbing in local schools isn't just a job—it's a way to connect with their kids and neighbors. Expert Insights: Don't be afraid to pivot your career.** Sometimes, the best opportunities come from unexpected places. Value your work.** Generosity is important, but sustainability matters too. Actionable Tips for Small Business Owners Drawing from Kat and Kate's journey, here are nuanced, actionable tips for anyone looking to start or grow a small business—especially in a tight-knit community. 1. Start with What You Love—and Know    Leverage your unique skills and passions. Kat and Kate's background in event catering gave them a head start.    Don't wait for perfect conditions—start small and iterate. 2. Build Your Brand on Authenticity    Be yourself in every interaction. Customers are drawn to genuine people.    Share your story—people want to support businesses with heart. 3. Use Social Media Strategically    Even without a website, Kat and Kate built a loyal following on Facebook and Instagram (@allofyoucharcuterie).    Respond promptly to messages and keep your content fresh and engaging.    Don't be afraid to ask for help with new platforms (like TikTok). 4. Prioritize Customer Experience    Offer convenient delivery and pickup options.    Handle setup and cleanup when possible to make events stress-free.    Consider loyalty programs (like punch cards) to reward repeat customers. 5. Give Back—But Set Limits    Support local causes, but don't undervalue your work.    Set clear policies for donations and discounts to maintain sustainability. 6. Lean Into Community Connections    Partner with local organizations, schools, and businesses.    Attend and sponsor community events to increase visibility. The Grayslake Difference: Why Community Matters Kat and Kate's story is inseparable from the fabric of Grayslake. Their business thrives because of the town's unique blend of small-town warmth and open-mindedness. What Makes Grayslake Special: Supportive Neighbors:** Word-of-mouth and personal recommendations drive business. Respect for Differences:** The community rallies around shared values, even when opinions differ. Traditions and Togetherness:** Events like the Freeze opening, tree lighting, and end-of-school rituals foster a sense of belonging. Actionable Advice: Get involved.** Whether it's volunteering at schools or attending local events, show up for your community. Celebrate local traditions.** They're the heartbeat of small towns. Final Thoughts: Authenticity, Kindness, and Local Pride Kat and Kate's journey is a masterclass in building a business that's as nourishing for the soul as it is for the stomach. Their advice for listeners—and for anyone looking to make a difference—is simple but profound: Be unapologetically yourself.** Authenticity attracts the right people, both in business and in life. Do the hard things first.** Tackle your biggest challenges head-on, every day. Spread kindness.** Small acts—like a smile or a helping hand—can transform your community. As David Wool reminds us at the end of the episode, everyone is fighting a battle you can't see. Let's make Grayslake—and every hometown—a little brighter, one charcuterie board (and one act of kindness) at a time. Connect with All of You Charcuterie Facebook & Instagram:** @allofyoucharcuterie Email:** allofyoucharcuterie@gmail.com Website:** Coming soon! Subscribe to Discovering Grayslake on your favorite platform for more stories of local heroes, hidden gems, and the spirit that makes this town truly special. *If you enjoyed this post, share it with a friend, support your local businesses,

Most businesses work so hard to get the "Yes," they forget what happens the minute the contract is signed. It's that gap between the "Yes" and the actual work where customers decide if they love you or regret you.

R.J. Hottovy previews Starbucks (SBUX) earnings and its attempts to turn around. He looks at its marketing efforts, including Red Cup Day. Bad weather could hit demand short-term, but R.J. sees some positive tailwinds in the back half of the quarter. Product innovations, menu changes, and efforts to connect with customers are beginning to bear fruit, he says. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Harman went from cold-calling hotels 100 times a day to building the category-defining guest management platform for the hospitality industry. Canary built a $600M company by first solving one tiny, annoying problem: paper credit card authorization forms.In this episode, Harman breaks down how a simple digital form became the wedge into thousands of hotels. He reveals why they stuck with outbound sales long after hitting millions in revenue, the terror of collecting physical checks during the first week of COVID, and the exact moment he knew they had hit product-market fit.Why You Should ListenThe "Activated Hair on Fire" framework: How to turn a latent problem into a must-have purchase.Why outbound sales (and cold calling) is often your top early growth channel.How to use a simple, "unscalable" wedge to unlock a massive market.Why you should celebrate the lows: A counterintuitive take on managing founder psychology.The story of signing 200+ customers in a single day (and finding true PMF).Keywordsstartup podcast, startup podcast for founders, product market fit, finding pmf, vertical saas, outbound sales, cold calling strategies, early stage growth, b2b sales, hospitality tech00:00:00 Intro00:02:13 From Management Consulting to Hotel Tech00:11:32 The Paper Form that Launched a Company00:17:35 The Activated Hair on Fire Framework00:24:26 Landing the First Customer via Cold Call00:28:21 Applying to YC 00:32:35 Making 100 Cold Calls a Day00:43:42 The COVID Cash Flow Panic00:48:27 Signing 200 Customers in One DaySend me a message to let me know what you think!

Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized keynote speaker, business consultant, and bestselling author known for his leadership in modern marketing and digital strategy. With over 30 years of experience in sales, PR, and marketing, he leads Schaefer Marketing Solutions and writes the acclaimed blog {grow}, consistently ranked among the world's top marketing blogs. A respected academic and practitioner, Mark holds advanced degrees in marketing and organizational development, teaches in the graduate program at Rutgers University, holds seven patents, and studied under Peter Drucker, the founder of modern management. He is a highly sought-after speaker, presenting at major events worldwide and advising organizations from startups to global brands like Adidas, Pfizer, and the U.S. Air Force. Mark is the bestselling author of ten influential books, including Marketing Rebellion, KNOWN, The Content Code, Belonging to the Brand, and his most recent How AI Changes Your Customers. His work is used as teaching material at universities globally, and he co-hosts The Marketing Companion, a top-ranked marketing podcast with over 1.5 million downloads, while contributing regularly to leading media outlets such as Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. During the show we discuss: The most significant ways AI is reshaping organizations, workflows, and decision-making How AI is expected to impact humanity, work, and society over the next decade Why AI is rapidly changing how people learn, process information, and make decisions The rise of AI as a primary source of emotional support and guidance How businesses can make customers feel valued and human in an AI-driven world Why brands must now optimize for AI—not just end users What truly matters (and what no longer does) when communicating in the age of AI Resources: https://businessesgrow.com/

What if your customer research is missing the emotional truth because you're stuck on surface facts? Kathryn McGarvey joins me to discuss the kid's book, Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse + why sometimes the "lies" customers tell reveal more than cold demographics. We discuss how to dig past the first answer + why one client's sweary customers led to 900% signup increases. Plus, why being kind beats being right + how Chloe's mum delivers a masterclass in strategic empathy. Look for more Classics episodes where we take stories that definitely aren't business books + treat them as full-on business texts. Book discussed in this episode: Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse - Marcy Campbell, illustrations - Karina Lorian Kathryn's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathryn-mcgarvey Kathryn's Website: nosyhq.com ==== If you'd like my help with your Business go to www.lizscully.com/endlessClients ==== And don't forget to get your reading list of the 10 essential reads for every successful biz owner - these are the books Liz recommends almost on the daily to her strategy + Mastermind clients. This isn't your usual list of biz books, these answer the challenges you've actually got coming up right now. Helpful, quick to read and very timely. Click here lizscully.com/reading to get your book list

Velocity Restorations serves a unique space in the restoration world — for enthusiasts who want a classic vehicle that captures the memories of their past without spending years in a garage or navigating endless custom decisions. Rather than operating as a boutique, one-off shop, Velocity takes an a la carte, production-driven approach. Customers choose from a curated range of options that fit within a carefully planned build system, allowing Velocity to deliver consistently high-quality restorations at scale. Their process is engineered for repeatability, efficiency, and continuous improvement, resulting in vehicles that are designed to be driven, not just displayed. Unlike companies producing brand-new replicas, Velocity Restorations starts with authentic, original vehicles, restoring them through a refined production line that preserves history while delivering modern reliability. With a growing inventory of sourced vehicles and demand that continues to rise, Velocity offers everything from classic and Fox-body Mustangs to Broncos, Ford trucks, Chevy Blazers, C10s, K10s, and Scouts. The result is a restoration experience that delivers peace of mind, a rare industry warranty, and a vehicle ready for road trips, memories, and real-world use. You can see Velocity's impressive builds at YouTube.com/@VelocityRestorations and explore build options at VelocityRestorations.com. The post TMCP #637: Tom Maxwell of Velocity Restorations // Classic Cars and Trucks Made on Modern Day “Small-Mass Production Line” first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TSMC's pricing power in the AI era, a brief history of TSMC's culture and CapEx decisions, and ongoing capacity constraints that should be pushing tech companies to build up competitors. Then: Thoughts on Netflix after Ben's interview with co-CEO Greg Peters, including Wall Street's concerns despite enormous success, whether and how the Warner Brothers acquisition could be a counter to YouTube, and the difference between Netflix content and user generated YouTube content. At the end: Questions about the Curt Cignetti of tech, a victory lap on OpenAI, advertising in chatbots, advertising as a force for good, and Andrew's Starbucks habit.

Customers are asking AI tools like ChatGPT where to go before they ever open Google. When ChatGPT recommends a local business, it is not random and it is not based on ads. It pulls from specific, trusted places on the web. If your business is not showing up there, you are invisible to AI-driven search.In this episode, we break down how ChatGPT decides which local businesses to recommend & the five most important places your business needs to appear to be considered. If you want to understand how to position your business so it gets recommended instead of skipped, this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap to start with today.About Adam Duran, Digital Marketing Expert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Local SEO in 10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is helmed by Local SEO expert Adam Duran, director of Magnified Media. With offices in San Francisco, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Los Angeles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Walnut Creek, California, Magnified Media is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠digital marketing agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ focused on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠local SEO for businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠marketing strategy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠national SEO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and qualified customer lead generation for companies of all sizes.Magnified Media helps companies take control of their marketing by:• getting their website seen at the top of Google rankings,• getting them more online reviews, and• creating media content that immediately engages with their audience.Adam enjoys volunteering with CoCoSAR, hiking and BJJ.About Jamie Duran, host of Local SEO in 10Local business owner Jamie Duran is the owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Solar Harmonics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Northern California⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠'s top-rated solar company, which invites its customers to “Own Their Energy” by purchasing a solar panel system for their home, business, or farm.  You can check out the website for the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ top solar energy equipment installer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Solar Harmonics, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Jamie also is the creator and panel expert of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Straight-Talk Solar Cast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, the world's first podcast focused on answering the questions faced by anyone considering going solar.Thanks for joining us this week! Want to subscribe to Local SEO in 10? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have a question about Local SEO? Chances are we've covered it! Go to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website and check out our search feature⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

It's 53 degrees in Florida, and I'm freezing. But that's not what we need to talk about today. We're living in a trust deficit. Attention used to be the game, but we got burned out from all the noise. Now everyone's got blockers up and spam filters running. Jobs are harder to land. Customers are tougher to reach. Relationships take more work. But people are still out there. They're just interested in what interests them. And if you understand how to navigate this new interest era, everything changes. Your career, your business, your connections. All of it. Featured Story This morning at 7 am, I jumped on my weekly Face Your Passion inner circle call. Never thought I'd spend Wednesday mornings on Zoom, but it's become the best call of my week. Mature, professional people genuinely supporting each other and making their lives better. I decided to take them somewhere different today. We dove into something affecting every part of their lives right now, from landing jobs to running businesses to building relationships. Turned into one of those 75-minute sessions where everyone's leaning in because they're finally understanding why nothing's working the way it used to. The trust deficit isn't just some buzzword. It's the reality we're all navigating every single day, whether we realize it or not. Important Points The attention era burned us out with constant noise, so we built walls and turned on spam filters everywhere now. People haven't disappeared, they've just become laser-focused on whatever genuinely interests them most right now. Building real trust takes consistency over time: over 50 interactions for friendship, 7-8 hours for online trust. Memorable Quotes "We're living in an era of a trust deficit. A lack of trust. No kidding. We just are. It's how it is these days." "What gets your attention becomes your focus. It becomes what you're interested in. It changes your life completely." "If you listen consistently to me, you'll understand the context. You'll see I'm in the right direction always." Scott's Three-Step Approach Stop trying to grab attention with all the noise and start focusing on what genuinely interests your target audience. Build trust through remarkable consistency over time, showing up the same way again and again without changing. Understand the external factors shaping your world so you can navigate them rather than fight them. Chapters 0:02 - Cold weather complaints and connection updates 2:26 - The trust deficit era we're living in right now 3:36 - Why the attention era burned everyone out badly 5:22 - Welcome to the interest era (and how to win) 6:43 - Job hunting strategy that actually works today 9:11 - The 50-experience rule for building real trust 10:24 - Making this work for your actual life today Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textOn this week's episode of Grease the Wheels, we close out our anthology on the Video MultiPoint Inspection, DVI, vMPI, etc -- with the most important part of the equation: the customers. Taking a step back, part of the reason why our customers are so unreasonable at times when it comes to our recommendations when it comes to facing or maintaining their cars is the immense amount of anxiety that they have about it. It is a known fact that the less you understand about a situation, the more the lizard parts of your brain are likely to overreact, over correct, and get defensive. When it comes to modern car owners, they really have never understood less! This is why they are so anxious, and why the Video MPI does so much heavy lifting when executed right. Even in short form, you can have a customer understand on even a rudimentary level what is going on with their car, why the recommendations that you made are accurate and factual, and why we do them in the first place. Quite simply put, the better that you can hold the customers hand and make them feel that they are making the right decision, the better your outcomes will be every single time! Also, this is something that folks with our skillsets rarely face, because we purposely go out and look for cars that are messed up when it is time for a new daily! Also Uncle Jimmy writes a modern country classic, goes 2 for two without a single bit of help from the service advisor (on a Saturday) and gets an incredibly well-timed email from someone on the other side of the MPI Equation (hint, it's Kalil's Mom making her second appearance in consecutive weeks!)This Episode of Grease the Wheels is brought to you in partnership with Surfwrench Digital! For more on Video MPI Training Visit https://www.surfwrench.com/video-mpi-training-landing/ to learn more. Video MPI Training built in the shop, by your Uncle Jimmy. Use code “GTW” for 50% off your training access!  

Tiered pricing is becoming the simplest way to sell AI-powered SaaS without turning your pricing page into a technical explanation. In my interview with Dan Balcauski, founder and Chief Pricing Officer at Product Tranquility, we talked about why AI is forcing new pricing decisions earlier than ever—and why "good, better, best" packaging often works because it keeps buying decisions clear while helping companies manage real AI costs.  The AI era is making pricing margin-aware again. Tiered pricing helps you protect margins without forcing buyers to learn your cost structure.  About Dan Balcauski Dan Balcauski is the founder and Chief Pricing Officer at Product Tranquility, where he helps high-volume B2B SaaS CEOs define pricing and packaging for new products. He is a TopTal certified Top 3% Product Management Professional and helps teach Kellogg Executive Education course on Product Strategy. Over the last 15 years, Dan has managed products across the full lifecycle—from concept incubation to launch, platform transitions, maintenance, and end of life—across consumer and B2B companies ranging from startups to publicly traded enterprises. He previously served as Head of Product at LawnStarter and was a Principal Product Strategist at SolarWinds. Why Tiered Pricing Is Winning in the AI Era For years, SaaS companies could price mostly around value because marginal costs were relatively stable. AI changes the math. Dan points out that companies are now cutting meaningful monthly checks to model providers, and leadership teams can't pretend cost-to-serve is irrelevant anymore.  That's a big reason tiered pricing is showing up everywhere right now. It gives teams a way to: Keep the offer simple for buyers Put premium capabilities where they belong Create a natural upgrade path that aligns with value and cost Most importantly, tiered pricing keeps you out of the weeds. The customer conversation stays focused on outcomes, not infrastructure. What Makes Tiered Pricing Actually Work Dan's point isn't "just shove AI into the top tier." Tiered pricing works when plan differences are easy to understand and tied to value drivers customers already recognize.  Here are three practical patterns from the discussion that hold up well in the AI era. 1) Put AI in higher tiers when it boosts a user's output If an AI feature makes a person more effective—faster drafting, better triage, higher quality responses—tiering can be straightforward. The buyer already understands why a "Better" or "Best" plan costs more: it changes the capability of the team.  This is also why seat-based pricing can still make sense for many AI-enhanced tools. If the value driver is still "help my team do better work," then users/seats remain an intuitive anchor.  If AI increases team productivity, tiered pricing can stay aligned to seats—because seats still map to value.  2) Use add-ons when AI changes the value driver Sometimes AI doesn't just "help" the user—it replaces work entirely. When that happens, forcing it into the same tier structure can distort value and create confusion. Dan points to Intercom as a strong example of handling this well: The core support platform stays priced per user (agents), because the value driver is agent effectiveness. Their AI agent ("Fin AI") is priced separately because the agent isn't involved—the value is the number of issues the AI resolves. That's why per-resolution pricing makes sense.  3) Don't make buyers learn token math Dan's strongest warning is about token pricing. Customers don't want to learn what tokens are, and sales teams don't want to explain them—especially when you're selling a business outcome like faster support or better customer experience.  Token-based pricing also shifts the conversation away from value and toward your vendor bill. As Dan puts it, customers don't care about your infrastructure costs, and pushing that complexity into the buying motion adds friction.  If your tiered pricing requires a footnote explaining tokens, you're adding sand in the gears.  A Tiered Pricing Checklist for AI Features Here's a simple way to apply this immediately: Good: Core workflow value, minimal AI (or AI where costs are predictable) Better: AI that boosts team output (speed, quality, throughput) Best: AI that drives outcomes at scale (automation, deflection, resolution) Add-on: Use when AI has a different value driver than the base product (example: per-resolution)  Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Setting Your Development Pricing Fixed or Hourly Project Pricing A Project Management and Pricing Guide for Success Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

After decades of refining Trust-Based Selling, it's become clear that one of the biggest misconceptions is that rapport equals trust — but it doesn't.Positioning as a peer takes away the ability to lead the conversation and uncover the real issues.True trust is built by stepping into the role of a trusted authority, not a friend.In this month's Stump The Guru show, I'll be addressing why trying to build a peer relationship with prospects before the selling process can actually harm your authority.I've made it my life's mission to create the clarity that is missing in the traditional sales process, through decades of working with thousands of business owners all over the world, refining Trust-Based Selling into a true art form:· Stop "chasing" ghosts (leads that never call you back!)· Make the sale in ONE conversation, without pressure· Stop selling, create deep trust insteadI've taken my mission one step further and created a livestream show called “Stump The Guru'” -- where you get the opportunity to jump on live and ask me your toughest sales questions that you'd love an answer for.Get Ari's latest best-selling book "Trust In A Split Second!" for FREE along with a Complimentary Lead & Sales Growth Consultation (Value $995.00) at http://www.UnlockTheGame.com/FreeConsult, and join him as a guest on his podcast "Stump The Guru" and get your chance to ask Ari one-on-one questions, fill in the form to be clickable to this link: https://links.arigalper.com/widget/form/rh5YanDqzZqPHVBCKlKG

Summary:  In this episode, Denise Thompson and John R. DiJulius III discuss the essence of customer loyalty, emphasizing that true loyalty is built through small, intentional actions rather than large gestures. They explore the importance of service aptitude, consistency, and personal connections in creating a loyal customer base. The conversation highlights various strategies for enhancing customer experiences and the significant impact of employee satisfaction on customer loyalty. The episode concludes with actionable insights for organizations to implement a culture of above and beyond service. Takeaways: Loyalty is built in the everyday details. Service aptitude is crucial for understanding customer needs. Consistency in service builds trust and loyalty. Above and beyond moments can create lasting impressions. Personal connections enhance customer relationships. Low-cost strategies can significantly impact loyalty. Employee satisfaction directly affects customer experience. Identifying opportunities for above and beyond service is essential. Celebrating small wins encourages a culture of excellence. Trust is the foundation of customer loyalty. Chapters:   00:00Building Real Customer Loyalty 06:44The Importance of Service Aptitude 09:50Creating Trust Through Consistency 11:47Above and Beyond Moments 14:44The Power of Personal Connections 18:03Low-Cost Strategies for Loyalty 19:54The Return on Investment of Loyalty 21:13Employee Satisfaction and Customer Experience 23:11Implementing Above and Beyond Culture 36:00Identifying Above and Beyond Opportunities   Links: The DiJulius Group Methdology: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/x-commandment-methodology/ Company Service Aptitude Test:  https://thedijuliusgroup.com/c-sat-forms/individual-c-sat/ Schedule a Complimentary Call with one of our advisors:  tdg.click/claudia Ask John!  Submit your questions for John, to be aired on future episode:  tdg.click/ask Customer Experience Executive Academy: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/project/cx-executive-academy/ Experience Revolution Membership:  https://thedijuliusgroup.com/membership/ Books:  https://thedijuliusgroup.com/shop/ Contacts:  Lindsey@thedijuliusgroup.com , Claudia@thedijuliusgroup.com   Subscribe We talk about topics like this each week; be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.

For an industry that promises speed and convenience, booking a charter flight is still painfully slow. Customers pay a premium for flexibility and time, but the booking experience feels stuck in another era.  Manual steps, disconnected systems, PDFs bouncing around, and payment delays that leave too much uncertainty after a decision's already been made.  Demand isn't the issue; the process is. And the tricky part is that the problem doesn't live in one place. It shows up between quoting and booking. Between booking and payment. Between sales and dispatch.  Everyone's doing their part, but they're doing it on tools that don't really talk to each other. As volumes grow, those gaps don't just slow things down. They create blind spots, add risk, and make scaling harder than it needs to be. On paper, the workflow looks fine. In practice, handoffs pile up, confirmation gets fuzzy, and convenience starts to break down. What breaks when charter sales and payments are treated as separate problems, and what does it look like when a platform is built around both? In this episode, I sit down with Greg Johnson, President of Tuvoli. We talk about why the charter industry is lagging behind customer demand, where things start to slip after a deal is supposed to be done, and how Tuvoli is bringing clarity to that moment instead of adding more steps. You'll also learn; Why charter booking still feels slow in a premium, time-sensitive market Where the process starts to break down between the quote, booking, and payment How disconnected systems create blind spots for brokers and operators Why payments became the anchor point for trust and visibility What happens when confirmation isn't clear or timely Why fixing one step in isolation doesn't solve the bigger issue How charter-specific tools differ from generic sales platforms Where automation is already reducing friction How AI is starting to influence quoting and pricing decisions What operators risk by sticking with legacy workflows About the Guest Greg Johnson is the President of Tuvoli, an end-to-end platform built to simplify quoting, booking, and trip management in charter aviation. Greg is an entrepreneurial leader with deep experience at the intersection of aviation, operations, and technology. He's known for identifying where processes break down and using technology to drive real, measurable improvements. Colleagues often describe him as “a business guy who actually understands the technology.” His background spans contract services for major passenger airlines, a business process improvement role at Federal Express, the founding of a technology-driven private jet charter brokerage, leadership of the IT team at the world's largest air charter brokerage, and the creation of an online community serving the charter aviation space. Greg has worked across Fortune 100 companies, private equity-backed organizations, and early-stage startups. His experience covers Part 121 airlines, cargo operations, general aviation, and private jets, with leadership roles spanning operations, executive management, technology, and business development. To learn more, visit https://www.tuvoli.com/ and connect with Greg on LinkedIn.  About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker, and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers, and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    For more aerospace industry news & commentary: https://craigpicken.com/insights/.  To learn more about Craig Picken, visit https://craigpicken.com/. 

On this podcast episode, we have Kaela, a returning guest to discuss common customer requests that make servers cringe. As veteran restaurant servers, we dive into what servers hear when customers say these lines. Learn about the nuances of customer requests and how they're often interpreted in the restaurant industry..#Restaurant, #ServerLife, #ServiceIndustry, #Hospitality, #ServerStories #RestaurantComedy Follow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiterMore Info https://www.themodernwaiter.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Text Me A Question!If you plan your 2026 business goals the same way you planned 2025, you'll get the same results.In this episode, we break down why traditional goal-setting doesn't work for online business owners—and share the exact 5-step planning system we use to help clients hit consistent revenue goals.

→ Visit https://jasminestar.com/consistent to experience my invitation for you! ←↓Want to turn your social media engagement into real sales? In this episode, I'm sharing my 3-part Engagement to Customers Framework—the exact strategy I teach entrepreneurs to go from likes and comments to paying clients.You'll learn how to:✔️ Find your dream customers online✔️ Build trust by being genuinely helpful✔️ Invite engagement without sounding salesyWhether you're just starting out or scaling to your next level, this framework works across all industries—and I'm sharing real student examples to prove it.It's time to stop posting and hoping... and start connecting with intention.Click play to hear all of this and:[00:59] Why most people fail at selling online (and how to fix it)[02:00] The cocktail party analogy: Why your “buy now” post isn't working[04:00] Step 1: Go to them—how to find your dream customers online[05:00] “The Comment Party” strategy: Build visibility through engagement[06:00] “The Group Party” strategy: Why Facebook Groups still work[07:00] “The Hashtag Party” strategy: How to use hashtags with intention[09:15] Step 2: Be helpful—how to position yourself as the go-to expert[11:35] Step 3: Invite to engage—how to make your next step clear and non-salesy[14:00] Real-life example: How to lead a DM convo that convertsListen to Related Episodes:Sell the Impact: A 3-Step Framework To Increase Your SalesHow to Attract & Convert More Leads Without Feeling SalesyInside our 8-Step Sales Framework for Consistent $10K MonthsFor full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode615You know that feeling when you find a platform that just works—and you never have to worry about switching? That's been me and Showit for the past 10+ years.I built my website with Showit because it gives me total design freedom.If you're ready to build a website that works FOR you—and not against you—head to JasmineStar.com/showit for a 14-day free trial + first month free when you subscribe!

Shep Hyken's Latest Research and Insights on Customer Service and Experience  Shep discusses the five most important trends and predictions for 2026, what you should stop doing to create a better customer service experience, and a sneak peek at the findings from his latest customer service and experience research.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What are the top customer service trends that leaders can expect to see in 2026?  Why is it important for businesses to provide both AI-powered self-service options and live customer support?  How can companies build and maintain trust with their customers?  How can frontline employees be a valuable source of insight for customer experience improvements?  Why is ongoing customer service training important for employees, even after onboarding?  Top Takeaways:    Trust is the foundation of customer relationships. When customers don't believe that a business will keep its promises, they will move on to a brand that will. When a brand provides honest communication and consistent follow-through, they build confidence with its customers.   Personalized service is an expectation. Customers expect businesses to know who they are and remember their history, whether it's past purchases or previous conversations. When you use data to improve your customers' experience, like recommending better products or sending relevant messages, they feel treated as individuals rather than just transactions.   AI is becoming a normal part of customer service. Most customers expect self-service options to handle simple requests and get simple answers. But this doesn't mean that human agents are becoming obsolete. Customers still want to speak to live agents, especially when dealing with complicated or emotional issues. This is why companies need to encourage customers to use self-service tools while letting them know that they are welcome to call when they need to.  Companies should map out employee journeys just as they do with customers. Find what's frustrating, and make work smoother and easier. When employees are treated with care and respect and provided with the tools and training they need, they are more likely to create happy customers.  Training should not be limited to onboarding. It should be an ongoing process to keep customer service skills sharp and expand their capabilities. It can take the form of short reminders, weekly huddles, or sharing moments of magic with customers.   Consistency is more important than "wow" moments. Trying to go over the top every time isn't realistic or necessary. Predictable, reliable experiences are what makes customers feel safe and valued.  When customers know what to expect, it builds their confidence and makes them want to come back.  When a customer has a complaint or problem, it's not enough to just fix the issue. The goal is to restore confidence and make the customer want to do business with you again. Meet with your team, and ask why the problem happened. Then, find ways to prevent it in the future. Solve for the customer's feelings, not just the complaint itself.  Plus, Shep shares interesting stats from his latest customer service and experience research. What is more important to customers, service or price? What makes them trust a business more? What makes them come back again and again? Tune in!  Quote:   "Customers continue to be smarter than ever and with higher expectations about the experience that they receive from companies they do business with."    About:    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

In this episode, a former drug trafficker "Fernando" breaks down how crystal meth from Mexico's most violent region flooded small-town America — and how he lived at the center of it. Raised in a multi-generation trafficking family tied to Michoacán, Fernando reveals how meth labs in Mexico, tight-knit immigrant networks, and overlooked U.S. towns created one of the most devastating drug pipelines in modern history. From burying cash in the ground to moving hundreds of pounds before age 20, this is an unfiltered look at the business, culture, and consequences of the meth trade. Fernando discusses: -Why Michoacán became the epicenter of crystal meth -How cartel families expand into small U.S. towns -The economics of meth vs cocaine -Gambling, narco culture, and “front” businesses -How federal cases are quietly built for years -Life inside federal prison and the cost to family -Why leaving the game is harder than entering it This episode is raw, detailed, and brutally honest — a firsthand account of how an entire system operates in plain sight. This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: The Wellness Company! Visit twc.health/connect to get American Made Ivermectin. Order your 6-month supply today and use code CONNECT for $30 Off + FREE shipping. USA Residents only

ICE Chases DoorDasher into Customers House!

Wondering how other companies get customers to actively promote their business? Want to explore a proven framework that turns one-time buyers into lifelong advocates? To learn how to create superfans using a proven five-step framework that transforms customer experience into customer loyalty and referrals, I interview Brittany Hodak.Guest: Brittany Hodak | Show Notes: socialmediaexaminer.com/701Review our show on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.