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The service industry is entering a major correction — and most entrepreneurs have no idea what's coming.Across the country, service prices have skyrocketed while customer satisfaction and perceived value have stayed the same. Haircuts, cleaning services, videography, coaching, design, consulting — almost every service-based business is charging more but delivering the same thing.And now the market is pushing back.Customers are cutting expenses. Jobs are being eliminated. Household budgets are shrinking. Subscriptions are getting canceled. Loyalty no longer exists in this new economy.
Today, we'll talk through how you'll find customers in-person. This is the single most important acquisition tool for early-stage founders, and there's no excuse - any business targeting any customer can do it. We use a few Tacklebox examples and give you a framework to make it happen. Tacklebox CODE "HOLIDAY2025" for 50% off month one)Tacklebox Sunday EmailsTally (online form builder)Timestamps:00:45 Your In-Person Growth Strategy Intro01:30 Cropped04:20 For the People Who Can't Do In-Person05:26 Your In-Person Acquisition Plan: A Date Wingman07:34 Places to Find Hard to Find Customers09:54 The Script11:42 The Media12:32 The End
Lowering prices won't save your customers.Price isn't why they cancel.I'm Dan Martell, CEO of a $100M portfolio, and retention is our secret weapon.Here's the simple 7-step process we use to keep customers paying and increase profit fast.✅ Get your FREE Cancellation Capture System here: https://go.danmartell.com/4iD1ywS ▸▸ Subscribe to The Martell Method Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3XEBXez▸▸ Get My New Book (Buy Back Your Time): https://bit.ly/3pCTG78
In today's episode, Zoë is joined by WIRED's Leah Feiger to discuss five stories you need to know about this week — from how Amazon is trying to catch up in the AI race, to why Facebook Dating is more popular than ever. Then, they dive into how despite recent reports claiming that DOGE is over, its operatives are still working across federal agencies. Articles mentioned in this episode: Amazon Has New Frontier AI Models—and a Way for Customers to Build Their Own | WIRED Poems Can Trick AI Into Helping You Make a Nuclear Weapon | WIRED Who the Hell Is Actually Using Facebook Dating? | WIRED Sex Workers Built an ‘Anti-OnlyFans' to Take Control of Their Profits | WIRED DOGE Isn't Dead. Here's What Its Operatives Are Doing Now | WIRED Join WIRED's best and brightest on Uncanny Valley as they dissect the collision of tech, politics, finance, and business, from Alexis Ohanian's newest tech venture to the effects of inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on social protests. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
I'm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I've spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I dig into what real storytelling looks like and why so many brands get it wrong. Authenticity is not a vibe, it is evidence. Your audience can feel the difference between polished propaganda and the truth. I explain why showing your process builds more trust than any perfect promo ever could and how behind the scenes content can change the way people see your business. If you are trying to reconnect with your audience or rebuild credibility, this is the place to start. TakeawaysShop floor storytelling can rebuild credibility.Authenticity is evidence, not just a vibe.Polished content without process appears as propaganda.Identical restaurant marketing leads to audience distrust.Behind-the-scenes content increases engagement.People crave permission to trust brands.Stripping back promotional content can boost engagement.Engagement can triple with authentic content.Social media feeds are often overly polished.Transparency is key to audience connection.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hospitality Insights00:56 Building Credibility Through Process and ProofIf you've got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.
In this episode of The Bug Bux Podcast, host Allan Draper sits down with Reagan Nickl, Vice President of Customer Success at Ask Nicely, to talk about one of the most overlooked growth levers in the pest control industry: customer experience.While many PCOs are focused on marketing, advertising, and new customer acquisition, Reagan shares why the smartest companies are investing their energy in retention, reviews, and referrals. Drawing from her experience helping home service brands across the country, she explains how to build a repeatable “referral flywheel” that turns happy customers into loyal advocates.Allan and Reagan dive into the systems behind a world-class customer experience, how to collect feedback in real time, close the loop with unhappy customers, and empower technicians to create “wow” moments on every service visit. They also unpack how to use customer data to coach teams, boost morale, and make better business decisions.Reagan introduces Ask Nicely's CARTG framework, breaking down the five pillars of CX success:Collect: Capture feedback consistently and automaticallyAct: Respond quickly and personally to customer inputRecognize: Celebrate your top-performing technicians and teamsTrain: Turn feedback into coaching and development opportunitiesGrow: Use positive feedback to fuel reviews and referralsWhether you're a small operator looking to improve retention or a multi-location company aiming to scale customer experience, this conversation will help you shift your mindset from chasing new leads to building long-term loyalty.
In this weeks episode I sit down with Dylan Dimarchi of Eventual to talk about A product that is super cool
No virality. No connections. No fancy loft. Just an air mattress in a Newark basement, a $150K accelerator bet, and a 17-hour daily schedule split between building and selling. In this episode, Brandon Bornancin takes you inside the unglamorous year that turned zero revenue into the first 100 paying customers—and kicked off a path from $0 to $1M in 12 months.You'll learn the exact system he ran: build in the morning, sell all day, ship at night. One ICP, one painful use case, one time-bound promise with fast proof. Brandon breaks down the pipeline math to 100 customers, the prospecting cadence that actually compounds, and the feedback loops that turned objections into product—fast.
The Net Promoter System Podcast – Customer Experience Insights from Loyalty Leaders
Episode 259: How do you prevent first-trip hassles such as a room not being ready at check-in, Wi-Fi outages, or service delays from discouraging first-time customers from returning? Today's guest, Rachel Bicking, EVP of Innovation at Kobie Marketing, says that after a slightly negative first trip, customers are 80% less likely to return. Kobie—a technology platform that builds and runs rewards and loyalty programs—is solving this. They use a "journey atlas" to read social signals, spot subtle first-trip frictions, and then trigger targeted offers or fixes. They model lift and rewards liability so that investment can follow behavior change. Journey maps freeze a tense customer moment. A live atlas shows where small failures block the next purchase and coordinates fixes across channels. Inside the business, spending becomes about precision. Simulators forecast lift, break-even, and profit impact by segment and moment, so finance are able to see trade-offs before money moves. The payoff? Practical programs that grow trips, expand categories, and raise lifetime value. Guest: Rachel Bicking, EVP of Innovation, Kobie Marketing Host: Rob Markey, Partner, Bain & Company Give Us Feedback. Help us improve the podcast here: https://bit.ly/CCPodcastFeedback Time-Stamped Topics: [00:03] First-trip friction that kills repeat purchases, with examples and fixes [00:10] Personalization that simplifies the customer experience [00:12] Emotional Loyalty Scoring, habit, status, and reciprocity [00:21] Coordinating recovery across store, app, and site for the same customer [00:23] Using precision to avoid incentivizing the wrong customer base [00:27] Designing redemptions to expand baskets, categories, and trip frequency [00:31] Accounting for redemption cost and liability without derailing good decisions [00:34] Using simulators to forecast lift and break-even before spending a dollar [00:36] The moment modeling convinces finance to reallocate the budget Time-Stamped Quotes: 00:05 — "What we're trying to do at scale is identify those moments that matter and those micro-moments that then lead to a negative or positive experience. Because we want to amplify the positives and we want to make sure that we intercept the negative ones." 00:07 — "I think there's been a broader inclination to say, 'Hey, if it's below a certain amount, people don't care.' And this is where personalization becomes really important. If I get delayed checking into my hotel room and I have to go to the next meeting and I don't have time to put my stuff down, ten minutes matters." 00:08 — "Data-wise, we're always trying to break down customers' interactions [and] rewards into a series of metadata, into a series of features, so that we can make them more explainable at scale." 00:13 — "If personalization is done well, the experience from a customer perspective should be very simple. It should be guided. It should be deliberate."
This week we cover: MTG being played in prisons, holiday tech prices, foot keyboards, VIP MagicCon badge sales, MTG Box A Box promo ending, and more Saudi/EA news. Support the show by getting $5 credit for free at www.manapool.com/promo/colorofmagic Please remember to rate the show and leave a comment! DeQuan - @powrdragn Brian - @brianpsionic Color of Magic Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ColorofMagic Website: https://www.colorofmtg.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColorofMTG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colorofmtg
Amid budgetary constraints and federal directives to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Dallas officials have developed a plan to help them decide when to take the lead in addressing resident needs and when not to. In other news, DFW International Airport contributes more than $78 billion to the North Texas economy. That's according to a new impact study released Wednesday from the Perryman Group; the Academy of Country Music Awards are leaving Frisco for Las Vegas next year. For three consecutive years, country luminaries and rising acts have descended upon the Ford Center at The Star; and the largest online retailer in the U.S. has brought its drone delivery service to North Texas. Amazon has gone live in Richardson for local customers as it makes its first big push into the region. Customers in the area can use the technology for tens of thousands of items in as little as one hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, we unpack one of the most crucial—yet most commonly mishandled—stages of the Sales Process: quote follow-up. While many salespeople assume the job is done once the quote is sent, top-performing sales pros know the real story:Deals are won in the first meeting.Today, you'll discover the three key skills your team needs to sharpen in order to significantly lift their quote follow-up success. You'll also learn exactly when and how your team should follow up so customers feel genuinely supported—not hounded—and so your deals move forward far more consistently.These principles tie directly into the structure, discipline, and preparation we covered in Wednesday's episode on Tom Hopkins—highlighting, once again, that high-level sales performance isn't about luck. It's about planning, process, and precise execution.Key Takeaways:Deals are won or lost in the first meeting—not during the follow-up.Great follow-up requires clarity about what's important, who decides, and when. Quotes should be presented live (face-to-face, video, or phone).The follow-up plan should be agreed upon before the quote meeting ends.When teams script these questions and follow the structure, consistency and Results improve rapidly.Time Stamps:0:00 Intro0:49 Closing Deals1:45 Understanding What's Important To The Customer3:24 When and How We Follow Up4:49 Wrap-Up5:50 Call To Action6:45 OutroTo learn more about our Coaching Program that is seriously growing our Customers sales: https://strongersalesteams.com/program/To book a time to Meet with Ben directly: https://strongersalesteams.com/strategy/This podcast helps the entrepreneur, founder, CEO, and business owner in the trade, construction and industry segments, regain focus, build confidence, and achieve measurable results through powerful sales training, effective sales strategy, and expert sales coaching—guiding every sales leader, sales manager, and sales team in mastering the sales process, optimizing the sales pipeline, and driving business growth while fostering leadership, balance, and freedom amidst overwhelm, stress, and potential burnout, creating lasting peace of mind and smarter decision making for every California business and Australia business ready to scale up with excellence in sales management.
We might soon have the first big IPO of the AI era, and it doesn't look like it will be OpenAI. Amazon takes another few swings at Nvidia's dominance. Proof positive that self driving cars really are significantly safer. And the disastrous 4k upscaling of Mad Men. Anthropic taps IPO lawyers as it races OpenAI to go public (FT) Amazon's Custom Chips Pose Another Threat to Nvidia (WSJ) Amazon Has New Frontier AI Models—and a Way for Customers to Build Their Own (Wired) AWS puts Kiro and other AI agents to work on truly autonomous software development (SiliconANGLE) The Data on Self-Driving Cars Is Clear. We Have to Change Course. (NYTimes) Microsoft Lowers AI Software Growth Targets as Customers Resist Newer Products (The Information) The ‘Mad Men' 4K Stream on HBO Max Had So Many Problems (Not All of Which Involved a Barf Machine) (THR) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
FDA admits the C19 'VACCINE' killed children, viral door kicking challenge, sex offender walks into a school with nobody aware, Target creeps out customers with new policy, shivering burns fat and a clever idea used in Oklahoma to feed people and reduce court fines! Direct all hate mail to voicesofmiserypodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @voicesofmisery mewe: @voicesofmisery Parler: voices of misery Gmail: voicesofmiserypodcast@gmail.com Instagram: voicesofmiserypodcast Discord server: voices of misery podcast https://tinyurl.com/VoMPodcastTees
Most sales teams think they have a strategy problem — but what they really have is a targeting problem, a culture problem, and a misalignment problem that quietly kills pipeline long before a rep picks up the phone.In this episode, we break down:• Why your ICP is unclear (even if you think it's fine)• How high-performing teams build a 10-year roadmap• Why most above-the-line campaigns fail• What sales transformation actually requires• How to fix internal resistance and create momentum• The biggest mistakes leaders make in GTM execution• And the $100M analogy you'll never forget.This isn't another “tips & tricks” sales conversation.This is the real blueprint behind culture, alignment, and strategic execution in modern revenue teams.
Customers may see AI when they order from their favorite restaurant on an app or in the drive-thru, but the technology's biggest impact may be behind the scenes.This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive continues our examination of the impact AI is having on the restaurant industry. This week's episode looks at the technology's impact in the back of the house. Senior Technology Editor Joe Guszkowski looks at the invisible ways that AI is in use in restaurants, including managing inventory and labor, forecasting sales and predicting kitchen needs. We speak with Dan Anfinson, COO of First Watch franchisee Mac Haik Restaurant Group. We also speak with Matt Wampler, cofounder of AI company ClearCOGs, Bruce Harris of Torchy's Tacos and Khara Mangiduyos of the single-unit Kalei's Kitchenette in San Diego.We're looking at AI in the back of the house so please check it out.
Most technicians think customers push back because of the price. But the truth is simpler: Customers push back because they don't understand the problem. In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and Brandon Cockrell break down the "value gap" — the space between what the technician knows and what the homeowner understands. When techs jump from "Here's what's wrong" straight to "Here's how we fix it," the customer is forced to make a decision without clarity… and that creates objections every single time. You'll learn how to fill the value gap using the FAB model (Features–Advantages–Benefits), how to explain the old part before recommending the new one, and how to translate technical language into real-world meaning the customer can trust. This episode shows you exactly how to build value before the price — so the price finally makes sense. Inside This Episode: Why unspoken questions turn into future objections How mixed signals from homeowners mislead techs The psychology of explaining the old item before the new one How FAB automatically creates understanding and trust Why technical jargon kills confidence How to slow down, explain clearly, and close calmly The real reason skipping steps forces you to backtrack When you fill the value gap early, trust rises, objections fall, and approvals become natural.
Keri McGhee of Attentive, an AI marketing platform, assesses the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales period. She argues that “people did a lot more research” and notes that although they bought less items overall, they spent more in total. “They're waiting for the brand to come to them” with discounts, she adds. Keri also explains how AI is being used in retail and how Attentive uses consumer data to send personalized ads.======== 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
Meet the powerhouse duo behind Century Marine. In this episode of GarageCast, second-generation owner Melanie Bosley Bloomfield and sales leader Stephen Osborne share the family legacy, award-winning customer experience strategies, and the resilience that shaped their success. From boating passion to community-driven service, discover how Century Marine built a loyal, multi-generation customer base—and why their approach keeps winning. A must-listen for anyone in marine or powersports retail.
How Authentic Ratings and Reviews Drive Customer Trust Shep interviews Allyse Slocum, Vice President of Product & Audience Marketing at Trustpilot. She talks about how customer reviews influence trust in businesses, the importance of authentic feedback, and key insights on consumer review habits and behaviors. This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more: Why are online reviews crucial for building trust between companies and customers? How can businesses ensure the authenticity of customer reviews in the age of AI-generated content? What is considered a credible rating on a 1 to 5-star review scale, and how can companies identify trustworthy feedback? Is it realistic for businesses to achieve perfect 5-star ratings from every customer, or does this raise concerns about review authenticity? What are the best practices for companies when responding to customer ratings and reviews, whether positive or negative? Top Takeaways: Trust is the foundation of every successful relationship, whether between a company and a customer, an employer and an employee, or between two businesses. Customers are loyal to brands that keep their promises and deliver what they advertise. Building and protecting trust should be just as important as selling products or services. When a customer's trust is broken, even good customer service can't fix it. Reviews are like the digital version of asking friends for advice. Before making a purchase, 39% of shoppers read product reviews to decide if something is worth buying. Customers often check reviews multiple times and look for feedback from others before spending money. Not every review online is real, and many customers worry about fake reviews, both negative ones from competitors and positive ones meant to make a business look better. Technology is getting better and better at identifying and removing fake reviews. Additionally, content integrity specialists make sure that the technology is working and find patterns to detect fake reviews. Trust can still be earned after a negative review. When a business openly responds to its reviewers, especially those who had a bad experience, it shows they care. A company that replies thoughtfully, tries to fix problems, and says thank you for kind words earns more trust from customers and future shoppers. The number of reviews and how recent they are play a big role in building trust. Fresh reviews mean that a business is active, while old reviews might make customers wonder whether things have changed. Customers are more likely to leave a review after a positive experience (56%) than a negative one (38%). Automating review requests helps collect opinions from all types of customers, not just the ones with extreme feelings. Asking for reviews automatically at key points (such as after a purchase or service) makes it easier to get more feedback. The more feedback you have, the more your ratings reflect the real experience customers have. Quote: "Trust is an incredibly important thing that needs to happen between any two parties, whether that is business to consumer, business to business, or even employers and employees." About: Allyse Slocum is the Vice President of Product & Audience Marketing at Trustpilot, where she specializes in building trust between consumers and businesses through reviews. She is dedicated to using data and technology to ensure the authenticity of reviews, helping businesses improve and maintain customer trust. 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 of the PT Profit Podcast, host Beverley Simpson reveals a step-by-step conversion content strategy that personal trainers, health coaches, and nutritionists can use to attract, connect, and convert ideal clients on Instagram even with fewer than 2,000 followers. Rather than relying on spam DMs, massive launches, or constant posting, I'm sharing a pressure-free, permission-based sales system that builds on a clear offer stack and strategically crafted conversion content. She demonstrates how layering context into educational content transforms it into high-converting material, and explains the importance of combining organic and low-budget paid traffic to navigate platform dynamics and maintain business momentum.✨ In this training you'll discover:The crucial difference between posting "value" and creating content that actually converts.How to build a pressure-free, permission-based sales system that feels good for both you and your future clients.The step-by-step framework to turn your expertise into content that generates DMs and sales.Why layering in low-budget ads ($2-$5/day) is the secret to getting seen in a crowded market.How to finally get your message in front of the right people who need your help.If you're ready to stop guessing and start building a predictable system for getting clients, this is the training for you.RESOURCES MENTIONED & HELPFUL LINKS▶ Watch the video on crafting your Million Dollar Offer Stack: https://youtu.be/rVg-CS2LMNE?si=T3L5ADO3QDJhrJ0v▶ Ready to build your profitable online coaching business the simple way? Register for the next free training: Simple Scaling LIVECONNECT WITH MEInstagram: @bsimpsonfitnessSupport the show
Relationships are the key to B2B sales. But implementing a process to dramatically enhance those relationships is another story. That's where entertaining comes in. Many salespeople never consider it. Yet, it can, and has, provided a competitive advantage if you do it right. In my own experience, I can trace a $2 MM account directly to an entertaining event. And the biggest, richest sale I ever had was set up by an entertaining event. In this post, I explore the Why's and how's of entertaining. Check out The Excellence & Influence Course for Sales Leaders
In this Wiser Loyalty episode we speak with Shivaji Choudhary, Assistant General Manager of Marketing at DLF Malls and one of the key principles in building out and recently launching DLF Mall Rewards. He talks about 'the DLF way' and how his team is combining experience and experimentation to create delight at their destination malls. DLF is a 78 year old real-estate development, management and investment services firm in India. It is the largest publicly listed real estate company in India with residential, commercial and retail properties across 15 states and 24 cities. This conversation is an intriguing look at how human and digital program delivery is coming together to create experiences that elevate the ideology of loyalty and move it beyond the programmatic in some very novel ways.Hosted by Aaron DauphineeShow notes:1) Shivaji Choudhary2) DLF Mall Rewards3) DLF4) Book Recommendation: Barking Up the Wrong Tree
In today's episode, we dive into the work of one of the biggest names in modern sales training—Tom Hopkins, the author of How to Master the Art of Selling. You'll discover why persistence often outperforms raw talent, how a disciplined approach to questioning can completely shift your sales results, and how you can guide your team towards a mindset of ongoing improvement.You'll also leave with a straightforward framework you can start using straight away with your sales crew. Whether you're heading up a large sales team or scaling a mid-sized construction or trade business, the insights in this episode will help you build stronger, more reliable sales performance—day in, day out, deal after deal.Key Takeaways:Sales mastery is a learned skill—talent is a bonus, not a requirement.Persistence beats resistance—consistent effort outperforms natural ability.The best salespeople refine their craft every single day.Leaders should train teams to ask better questions, not memorise scripts.A 1% improvement each day leads to massive long-term Sales Growth.Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro0:35 Tom Hopkins: Mastering the Art of Selling2:07 Importance of Learning and Practising2:56 Persistence Beats Resistance3:46 Wrap Up4:13 OutroTo learn more about our Coaching Program that is seriously growing our Customers sales: https://strongersalesteams.com/program/To book a time to Meet with Ben directly: https://strongersalesteams.com/strategy/This podcast helps the entrepreneur, founder, CEO, and business owner in the trade, construction and industry segments, regain focus, build confidence, and achieve measurable results through powerful sales training, effective sales strategy, and expert sales coaching—guiding every sales leader, sales manager, and sales team in mastering the sales process, optimizing the sales pipeline, and driving business growth while fostering leadership, balance, and freedom amidst overwhelm, stress, and potential burnout, creating lasting peace of mind and smarter decision making for every California business and Australia business ready to scale up with excellence in sales management.
The Pet Shop Girls from Pet Product News with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws)
Are your events starting to feel more like a chore than a celebration? You might be facing event fatigue—and you're not alone. In this episode, we dive into what event fatigue looks like in the pet retail world and how it impacts both customers and your team.We explore:What event fatigue is and why it occursSigns like declining customer engagement, staff burnout, and underperforming promotionsHow overloading your calendar with too many events can lead to marketing fatiguePractical insights into how to refresh your approach and bring the excitement backWhether you run a grooming salon, pet store, or daycare, this episode is your guide to recognizing and overcoming event burnout—for good.
The Tunbridge Wells MP is calling on the boss of South East Water to resign after thousands of people in the town were left without water.Problems started over the weekend following an issue at a treatment plant in Pembury. It's also had an impact on businesses - hear from the landlady of a pub who was forced to cancel a Christmas event.Also in today's podcast, the leader of Maidstone council says he's not surprised more younger voters are turning to the Green Party.It's as there are suggestions support for the Green's from those aged 18 to 25 has doubled.There's been mixed reaction to plans to build almost 300 homes on a golf course in part of the Kent coast.Developers want to put houses and apartments on the land next to the Hythe Imperial hotel as they says it's 'under-utilised'.Donations that could potentially save the life of a homeless person are being collected by a Kent charity in the run-up to Christmas.Emmaus Dover are filling up so called Blessing Bags to hand out to people in need.And in sport, Kent's Zak Crawley's kept his place in the England team for the second Ashes Test.He'll open the batting against Australia - despite failing to score in both innings of the first game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Serve No Master : Escape the 9-5, Fire Your Boss, Achieve Financial Freedom
Welcome to the Artificial Intelligence Podcast with Jonathan Green! In this enlightening episode, we delve into the strategic role AI plays in board decisions with our distinguished guest, Gerard McInnis. Gerard, a seasoned board member, offers a wealth of experience in navigating AI's impact on corporate governance and risk management.Gerard opens up about the challenges and responsibilities boards face as they integrate AI into their strategic planning. He highlights the importance of balancing technological adoption with maintaining core business values and emphasizes the need for AI tools to enhance, not replace, human elements in business operations.Notable Quotes:"AI in the boardroom is not just about technology; it's about redefining our business models while preserving our core values." - [Gerard McInnis]"AI should support your team to do higher-level tasks, not replace them, enhancing customer relationships through efficiency." - [Gerard McInnis]"The board's role is to optimize returns for the shareholder, balancing risk with opportunity." - [Gerard McInnis]"Customers value empathy and sincerity; these can't be compromised by AI-driven automation." - [Jonathan Green]Gerard provides insights into how boards assess risk, the importance of aligning AI strategies with organizational purpose, and why maintaining a human touch is crucial, even in an increasingly automated world.Connect with Gerard McInnis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-mcinnis/Gerard shares his perspectives on leveraging AI for strategic advantages, urging businesses to embrace innovation while being mindful of ethical and risk considerations. Whether you're a board member or a business leader, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to responsibly integrate AI into their operations.If you're intrigued by how AI is reshaping corporate governance and want insights from an industry expert, this episode is essential listening! Connect with Jonathan Green The Bestseller: ChatGPT Profits Free Gift: The Master Prompt for ChatGPT Free Book on Amazon: Fire Your Boss Podcast Website: https://artificialintelligencepod.com/ Subscribe, Rate, and Review: https://artificialintelligencepod.com/itunes Video Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtificialIntelligencePodcast
In this episode of Retention Chronicles, Mariah sits down with Kim Roxie — founder of LAMIK Beauty — for a deeply inspiring conversation on entrepreneurship, identity, and building a beauty brand that truly sees its customers.Kim shares her 21-year journey from launching a tiny makeup + brow studio in a Houston mall to building LAMIK into a national clean beauty brand distributed through JCPenney, Nordstrom, Hy-Vee, and more. She opens up about the bold decision to close her successful brick-and-mortar shop in 2018, betting everything on transitioning LAMIK into a digital-first DTC brand — a risk that positioned her perfectly for March 2020.Kim explains how she used early AI tools, quizzes, and virtual try-on to create a personalized online experience long before it became mainstream. And when the world shut down, she turned to Facebook Live — streaming every Friday night for four years with her daughter — building a fiercely loyal community that ultimately became the foundation of LAMIK's growth and even created their own “Ladies Who LAMIK” group.The episode digs into how Kim thinks about customer acquisition, what makes a product “sticky,” the importance of letting customers co-create your brand, and why sustainable retail expansion requires data, intentionality, and humility. She also shares an honest look at systemic challenges in beauty, the reality of scaling without massive funding, and the deep faith that continues to guide her through volatility in today's retail environment.This conversation is equal parts tactical, emotional, and empowering — a must-listen for any founder, beauty lover, or builder navigating the balance between vision, community, and resilience.
Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, interviews Helmut Minor, Managing Director of envenance GmbH and President of envenance SAS, in this special welcome podcast for ASCDI's newest member. Envenance delivers a next-generation, fully digital ITAD platform designed to support multinational enterprises with consistent, compliant asset disposition across borders. A Digital-First, Asset-Free ITAD Model Envenance operates as a software-driven orchestrator, not a recycler or logistics operator. The company centralizes global ITAD operations through: A single digital portal for orders, tracking, documentation, and ESG reporting Standardized processes that work across all EU countries, the UK, Switzerland, and beyond Pre-vetted logistics and recycling partners managed directly by Envenance One contract, one invoice, and unified compliance for all locations “We drain the complexity out of ITAD,” Minor notes. “Customers see one simple process. We handle everything behind the scenes.” Built for Compliance, Visibility, and Scale Envenance ensures strict adherence to EU waste regulations, country-specific documentation requirements, and verified in-country recycling. The platform provides: Near real-time status updates Full chain-of-custody documentation Recycling and ESG reporting needed for audits and EPR filings A People-Powered Network While Envenance is highly digital, Minor emphasizes that experience and relationships with local partners remain central to their success. “You can't replace people. The platform works because the network behind it works.” Global Capabilities Though Europe is the core focus, Envenance has delivered ITAD projects in the U.S. and other regions—especially where secure inventory capture and compliance documentation are required. Learn More Envenance's new website offers service details, videos, and updates: https://www.envenance-global.com/
Am I the Jerk? is the show where you can confess your deepest darkest secrets and be part of the conversation.
Black Friday has reshaped buying behaviour across both B2B and B2C sectors—customers have been warmed up to spend, influenced by weeks (and sometimes months) of heavy marketing, big discounts, and constant messaging that “now's the time to buy.”In this episode, you'll find out why this creates a prime opportunity for businesses—even those who don't run discounts—and how to make the most of elevated buyer intent to boost revenue quickly.You'll also walk away with three practical steps you and your team can put into action straight away to lift sales in the days and weeks after Black Friday, all without slashing prices, squeezing margins, or getting drawn into a race to the bottom.Key Takeaways:Buyer intent is at its highest immediately after Black Friday.You don't need to discount to benefit—target value-driven buyers.Focus on existing customers, lapsed customers, and new opportunities already in your funnel.Communicate fast and clearly—speed is essential.A simple shift in outreach can produce a significant and immediate Sales Growth lift.Time Stamps:0:00 Intro0:35 Black Friday Sales1:55 Pigging Back Off Black Friday3:10 Piggy Back Off Without Discounting5:12 3 Areas of customer Segments7:30 Wrap Up9:49 OutroTo learn more about our Coaching Program that is seriously growing our Customers sales: https://strongersalesteams.com/program/To book a time to Meet with Ben directly: https://strongersalesteams.com/strategy/This podcast helps the entrepreneur, founder, CEO, and business owner in the trade, construction and industry segments, regain focus, build confidence, and achieve measurable results through powerful sales training, effective sales strategy, and expert sales coaching—guiding every sales leader, sales manager, and sales team in mastering the sales process, optimizing the sales pipeline, and driving business growth while fostering leadership, balance, and freedom amidst overwhelm, stress, and potential burnout, creating lasting peace of mind and smarter decision making for every California business and Australia business ready to scale up with excellence in sales management.
Chris Luxon says banks need to be passing on their OCR cuts to customers - and customers should be switching banks if they don't. Mortgage rates have been falling significantly, following recent OCR cuts. But the Reserve Bank says the banks still have room to move, to be cutting the rates further. The Prime Minister says [told Mike Hosking] banks should be competing for customers, and customers should be trying to get the best deal they can. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to MrMaple Podcasts, your go-to destination for all things horticulture. Our playlist is a collection of podcasts that showcase various plants and interview renowned horticulturists. We aim to educate and inspire our listeners about the beauty of plants and the knowledge needed to cultivate them. Our podcasts cover a wide range of topics, from Japanese Maples, Conifers, Ginkgos, and Azaleas to interviews with experts in the field. Tune in every Sunday at 8PM eastern for a new episode and join us on this journey to discover the wonders of horticulture.
In most emerging markets, “sustainability” has been designed for big exporters, banks and multinationals. Everyone else – the micro, small and medium businesses that actually employ people and move the economy – is basically left out but more and more customers are asking for proofs. In this episode, Luke Hayman, Executive Director of Sustainable Kenya, explains how his team is trying to flip that script with an Africa-first sustainability infrastructure. Instead of 40-page ESG questionnaires in foreign jargon, they use: Short, contextualised assessments in English and Swahili AI to analyse answers, documents and even voice notes Clear scorecards plus realistic next steps, not just a vanity score A growing public directory of businesses that can actually prove what they claim We talk about why sustainability is fast becoming a language of credibility in Kenya: if you can show evidence, you unlock customers, finance and partnerships; if you cannot, you are increasingly invisible. Luke also shares what Kenyan consumers are really saying about “sustainable products”, why price and trust still block action, and how shared data could stop every investor inventing their own ESG scoring system. If you are tired of ESG theatre and want to see what practical, bottom-up sustainability looks like, this conversation is for you.
#693 How did a Wall Street finance pro turn a simple gutter repair problem into New Jersey's only white-glove gutter service? In this episode, host Brien Gearin sits down with Aleks Krylov, founder of Stern Gutters, to break down how to start a profitable gutter installation, repair, and cleaning business. Aleks shares his journey from Wall Street to home services, revealing how one frustrating homeowner experience sparked a premium, communication-driven company now serving 2,000+ customers. He walks through the essentials of launching a service business — from smart lead-gen and hiring experienced technicians to leveraging technology and delivering standout customer experience. If you want a clear roadmap for building a high-demand service company, this episode delivers the blueprint! What we discuss with Aleks: + Wall Street to gutters journey + Identifying a major market gap + Launching with limited capital + Using gutter cleanings as lead-gen + Building trust through communication + Hiring experienced installers + Instilling company values (ICUCOP) + Fast 24/24/24 quote turnaround + Multi-channel lead generation + Expanding into broader exterior services Thank you, Aleks! Check out Stern Gutters at SternGuttersNJ.com. Watch the video podcast of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to MillionaireUniversity.com/training. And follow us on: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok Youtube Twitter To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Rob Levin, who is co-founder of WorkBetterNow and who has just published a new book, the “New Talent Playbook,” talks about what he considers to be a talent crisis for small businesses. As Rob points out, you might think hiring would be easy these days given all of the recent corporate layoffs—but the people leaving big businesses are probably not the right hires for smaller businesses. Instead, Rob offers a step-by-step approach that emphasizes building a healthy culture where people want to work.
Owen Carr expects “over a trillion dollars in sales” over the Black Friday period, a record high. He thinks retailers have “done a good job” of stretching out promotions and sales opportunities. “Customers are trading down,” though, across all categories. “We're seeing a lot of self-improvement-type items,” he adds, while travel is underperforming.======== 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
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Welcome back to the show. I appreciate you being here. As we head into Thanksgiving, I want to talk about something that can transform your motivation, your mindset, and your go to market strategy. That thing is gratitude.Gratitude is more than a feeling. It is energy. It is fuel. It is a tool you can use to execute at a higher level. When you apply gratitude with intention, you unlock clarity, momentum, and positive action.Today, I want to share how gratitude can help you stay motivated, how it can help you get unstuck, and how it can improve the way you serve your customers. Let's get started.⸻Gratitude as FuelGratitude shifts your focus. When you feel grateful, you stop thinking about what you lack. You start noticing everything you already have. That shift builds momentum. It creates internal power that drives your next move.When you feel tired or stuck, pause for a moment and ask yourself a few questions:What am I thankful for right now?Who in my life gives me strength?What opportunities do I have that I might be overlooking?Every time you return to these questions, your mindset resets. You move from limitation to possibility. You stop spiraling and start executing.⸻Gratitude Creates MotivationGratitude protects you from burnout. It keeps your energy focused on progress. When you look for what is working, your brain becomes more solution oriented. You begin to believe again. You remember that the next call matters. The next conversation matters. The next customer matters.When gratitude becomes a habit, your motivation becomes more consistent. You show up stronger. You think more clearly. And your team feels that energy too. People want to work with someone who radiates belief and positivity.⸻Gratitude and Customer ObsessionGratitude makes you care deeply about the people you serve. When you build from gratitude, you do not see your customers as numbers. You see them as partners who trust you.This mindset creates a powerful advantage in your go to market strategy.A grateful business becomes a customer obsessed business.You start asking new questions:What pain are they experiencing?What friction can I remove for them?What outcome can I help them achieve faster?How can I make their day easier right now?Gratitude turns selling into serving. And serving always wins.⸻Using Gratitude to Break Through StagnationEveryone experiences moments where they feel stuck. That is normal. But here is the truth. You cannot feel stuck and grateful at the same time. These two states cannot exist together.So the next time you feel stuck, do something simple. Write down ten things you are grateful for. Include people. Include lessons. Include challenges. Include anything that has shaped you.You will feel your energy shift. You will feel clarity return. Gratitude opens the door. Action takes you through it. And momentum carries you forward.⸻Thanksgiving MessageBefore we close, I want to say thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for your support. Thank you for following along on this journey over the years.I am truly grateful for you. Your time. Your trust. Your belief. Your commitment.None of this happens without you.I hope you and your loved ones have a great Thanksgiving filled with joy, connection, and rest. Remember what you are grateful for. Let that gratitude guide your decisions and your actions in the weeks ahead.Thank you again for being here. Keep going. Keep serving. Keep selling. Keep believing.Happy Thanksgiving.
Are you struggling to raise your prices because you are afraid of losing clients? You are not alone! In this episode, Melissa Kay and Dr. Sabrina Starling explore specific strategies to increase your rates while keeping your best clients satisfied confidently. You'll learn the mindset shifts that make price increases feel natural and justified, how to communicate price charges without losing trust, and proven strategies business owners use to raise rates and grow profits. Stop leaving money on the table and start charging what you're worth—without fear. Profit by Design is a Tap the Potential production. Show Highlights:Mindset shifts around price increases that protect your margins AND your teamSteps to establish a framework for regular price increases:Work with your ideal clients only.Understand the 80/20 rule.Keep clients who realize and appreciate the value of your services.75% of our clients stay with us for 3+ years!Focusing on what your top clients need and what they appreciate about your businessTying your price increase to the value you are delivering to the top 20% of your customersIdentify your top clients before spending your marketing dollars! Outcomes you can expect from implementing the Tap the Potential SolutionAdvice to keep your business from consuming more of your lifeConfidence to charge appropriatelyMaking your business uniqueReady to raise your prices with proven strategies that will make your business sustainably profitable? Help is available! We have a tool, the Better Business Better Life Assessment, that provides step-by-step guidance.Resources:Ready to take your life back from your business? Want more time for what matters most and more money in your bank account than ever? Book a call with us today! Master your time and profit! Give us 20 minutes of your time, take the Better Business Better Life Assessment, and receive a free paperback copy of my book, The 4 Week Vacation®️.Join the Tap the Potential Community on Mighty Networks: www.tapthepotential.com/group. Mentioned in this episode:Jumpstart Your Business!Spending too much time working and not paying yourself enough? In 30 days, you could reclaim 10 hours a week and finally enjoy weekends — while your business runs well without you. Click here to join us for the final Better Business Better Life Jumpstart of the year happening Dec. 3 and 4th. https://www.tapthepotential.com/jumpstart
In this episode, we dive into why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in sales and how you can teach your team to use it effectively.Building on Wednesday's Steve Jobs episode, we revisit the idea that people decide emotionally and justify rationally—a concept that fundamentally reshapes how salespeople should communicate. When your team learns to anchor their conversations in emotion, not just logic, everything changes: connection becomes easier, influence becomes natural, and closing becomes faster.Key Takeaways:Crafting stories that resonate with customers can significantly enhance engagement and sales.Simplifying sales systems can lead to more consistent and successful deal closures.Emotional connections in storytelling are crucial for creating impactful narratives.A structured three-prong storytelling format can help deliver stories effectively. Effective storytelling is a powerful tool for team growth and cohesion.Time Stamps:0:00 Intro1:00 Stories2:05 How To Tell Great Stories4:50 How To Roll Out Stories7:30 Recap8:00 Wrap-Up8:39 OutroTo learn more about our Coaching Program that is seriously growing our Customers sales: https://strongersalesteams.com/program/To book a time to Meet with Ben directly: https://strongersalesteams.com/strategy/This podcast helps the entrepreneur, founder, CEO, and business owner in the trade, construction and industry segments, regain focus, build confidence, and achieve measurable results through powerful sales training, effective sales strategy, and expert sales coaching—guiding every sales leader, sales manager, and sales team in mastering the sales process, optimizing the sales pipeline, and driving business growth while fostering leadership, balance, and freedom amidst overwhelm, stress, and potential burnout, creating lasting peace of mind and smarter decision making for every California business and Australia business ready to scale up with excellence in sales management.
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In this episode The Remarkable Retail Podcast's co-host Michael LeBlanc's guest is with Lauren Price, Senior Vice President, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing for COS North America discussing her impressive career trajectory and work positioning the H&M-owned brand for growth in a competitive, fast-moving fashion retail landscape.Lauren's career began in the early days of luxury e-commerce at Createthe Group, building first-generation online stores for high-end brands . Her path included consulting with Demandware and L2 (Scott Galloway's firm), leading to her first in-house brand role at J.Crew before joining COS—a globally recognized fashion brand known for exceptional quality, timeless style, and meticulous craftsmanship.At COS, Lauren oversees North American marketing and digital commerce, a key growth market. She explains how COS benefits from the resources of a global parent company while operating with the agility of a smaller regional business. This unique position allows for strategic experimentation while maintaining the brand's commitment to premium quality.A highlight from the conversation is COS's viral marketing moment: a $45 T-shirt compared on TikTok to a $15 Uniqlo tee, with the influencer praising COS's superior quality and construction. This sparked organic buzz and significant new customer acquisition, prompting Lauren's team to launch a targeted influencer gifting campaign. The lesson: seize authentic, organic momentum quickly and amplify it with campaigns that focus on authenticity, craftsmanship, and product education—especially to win over savvy Gen Z shoppers.Lauren also tackles the emerging challenge of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), advising brands to prepare product catalogs for AI-driven search while maintaining current SEO performance. She predicts AI search adoption will accelerate faster than previous digital shifts, urging retailers to run both short-term and long-term optimization in parallel.As the discussion turns to holiday planning, Lauren offers several pieces of practical, results-focused advice. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, top retail influencer, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Terms: draftkings.com/sportsbook. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. Opt-in req. 1 Token per customer, valid only for min. $5 pregame NBA player prop bets w/ min. odds of -200 or longer. Tokens are single-use and expire at the start of the final of NBA game each day when offered. Must select token BEFORE placing bet. Customers who place bet w/ Token and pick day's PRA stat leader will receive equal share of $1,000,000, issued as a non-withdrawable Bonus Bet that expires in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Sponsored by DK. Get ALL CAPS. ALL JERSEYS. ALL HOLIDAY. Only at Lids. From exclusive team gear to custom gifts, there's no better place to turn up your holiday style—Lids has you covered. Shop in-store today and make every gift personal.You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/pickscentral
From Transactional Service to Relationship Building with the Help of Technology Shep interviews Pasquale DeMaio, Vice President and General Manager of Amazon Connect. He talks about how Amazon leverages AI and technology to enhance customer service, with a "better together" approach where automation and human agents work hand-in-hand to create efficient, empathetic, and proactive customer experiences. This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more: What is the "better together" approach in customer service technology and human interaction? How can automation and AI improve efficiency in handling repetitive customer service tasks? Why is genuine empathy important in customer service, and can technology replicate it? How does empowering human agents with technology lead to better customer outcomes? How can customer insights from support interactions drive continuous improvement? Top Takeaways: Customer service works best when technology and real people come together. While AI and automation can make things faster and easier, people still want to talk to humans for help with complex or emotional problems. The goal should always be to use AI to support employees, not replace them. Technology should make it easier for humans to do what they do best: listen, empathize, and solve tricky issues. It's important to treat every customer with respect and kindness, as you would a friend. Customers want to feel valued, not manipulated, so the best approach is to be sincere by helping them in a way that matches their needs and preferences. Every interaction is an opportunity to build a relationship and encourage customers to return. Focusing on both solving the issue and making people feel good about the experience creates loyal customers. Modern tools allow companies to analyze every conversation, not just a few. Every conversation with your customers, whether by phone or chat, is a rich source of information that can reveal trends, problems, and opportunities. This real-time insight can help fix issues faster, spot patterns, and make better decisions to improve service for everyone. Taking action before problems start, or even before the customer notices there's a problem, makes for an amazing customer experience. When a customer encounters a problem, contacting them with a new option before they ask for help is an example of proactive service. The best companies work to prevent problems or solve them instantly, making customers feel cared for and stress-free. AI can make agents' jobs better, not obsolete. AI can handle the boring and repetitive parts of the job, like taking notes or finding information, so people can focus on helping customers. This makes work more enjoyable and lets agents do what they're best at, which is solving problems and building relationships. The end goal should be more than just fixing a problem. Create a positive memory. Make every interaction with a customer one that leaves them feeling happy, satisfied, and eager to return. Plus, Shep and Pasquale answer the question, "Can computers fake empathy?" Tune in! Quote: "Humans are core to the experience. The end customer is a human being, and often, the main contact they have with a company is through human customer service. Everything we do with technology should be designed to fade into the background and allow any human being to be more effective." About: Pasquale DeMaio is the Vice President and General Manager of Amazon Connect, the cloud-based contact center solution from Amazon Web Services. Amazon Connect leverages the same underlying technology that Amazon's own global customer service team uses to manage millions of customer interactions every day. 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
Every business remembers the grind of getting the first 100 paying customers. It's the hardest stretch, the messiest chapter, and the moment where most founders quit. But if you get this part right, everything after becomes easier. In this episode, Brandon Bornancin shares the exact playbook he used to go from zero to a hundred paying customers and then scale far beyond. You'll learn how to validate your idea, build demand before the product is even ready, create offers people actually buy, and use simple outreach strategies to close your first wave of customers fast. Brandon breaks down the channels that work, the scripts that convert, and the moves founders must make in the early days to build momentum, revenue, and trust. Whether you're launching a startup, a side hustle, an agency, or a new product, this playbook will give you the blueprint to get your first 100 paying customers without guesswork. If you want the clearest path from idea to income, don't miss this one.
Send us a textLoyalty doesn't happen at the invoice; it happens in the simple, human moments after the job. We break down a practical gratitude playbook for home service brands—HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and beyond—so you can turn happy customers into repeat buyers and vocal fans. The strategy is delightfully simple: make it personal, make it useful, and make it consistent.We start with the smallest levers that deliver outsized returns: handwritten-style notes after big installs, quick follow-up calls that ask for nothing, and fridge-worthy mailers like school calendars, grilling temps, or Wi‑Fi password magnets. Then we layer in low-cost, high-touch ideas your techs can run daily—branded leave-behind treats, neighborhood holiday drop-offs, and surprise ornaments tied to local mascots or counties. Each touchpoint is designed to feel like a favor, not a pitch.From there, we explore scalable digital gestures and community-first moves. Think curated Spotify playlists for seasonal vibes, “Customer of the Month” spotlights that create social proof, and donated service calls for neighbors in need or local nonprofits. We show how to partner with nearby businesses for gift-card thank yous and referral swaps, and how to elevate maintenance memberships with real perks—free filters, early scheduling, and limited-time discounts on IAQ, duct sealing, or dryer vent cleaning. To close the loop, we outline a review program that welcomes honest feedback and fuels user-generated content, giving you a steady stream of stories that beat paid clicks on both trust and ROI.If you're ready to build a gratitude system your CSR team can own and your community can feel, this guide gives you the steps, scripts, and ideas to start today. Subscribe, share with your team, and tell us: which thank you tactic will you try first?If you enjoyed this chat From the Yellow Chair, consider joining our newsletter, "Let's Sip Some Lemonade," where you can receive exclusive interviews, our bank of helpful downloadables, and updates on upcoming content. Please consider following and drop a review below if you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to check out our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. From the Yellow Chair is powered by Lemon Seed, a marketing strategy and branding company for the trades. Lemon Seed specializes in rebrands, creating unique, comprehensive, organized marketing plans, social media, and graphic design. Learn more at www.LemonSeedMarketing.com Interested in being a guest on our show? Fill out this form! We'll see you next time, Lemon Heads!
Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/give-mister-ed-his-rightful-spot-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame?source_location=psf_petitions NEW HATS ARE LIVE: https://store.barstoolsports.com/collections/mostly-sports Mark Titus and Brandon Walker talking sports... mostly. Thanks to our sponsors: Jägermeister: Check Jägermeister out at https://us.jagermeister.com/. Drink Responsibly, Jägermeister Liqueur 35% alcohol by volume. Imported by Mast Jägermeister US, White Plains. NY. Jackpocket: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is a lottery courier and not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. 1 per new customer. May not be combined with any other new customer offer. Opt-in for $5 in non-withdrawable Lottery Credits that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Ends 2/1/26 at 11:59PM ET. Terms: jkpt.co/JP5. Sponsored by Jackpocket. Based on the total dollar amount of lottery prizes won by Jackpocket customers. Based on 2025 iOS download data collected by Sensor Tower. Sport Clips: Sport Clips. It's a Game Changer. https://sportclips.com Experian: Download the Experian® app today. Your wallet will thank you. Mountain Dew: THE MOUNTAIN IS CALLING, EXPERIENCE THE REFRESHING CITRUS KICK OF MOUNTAIN DEW. GRAB ONE TODAY! https://www.mountaindew.com/find-dew DraftKings: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Terms: draftkings.com/sportsbook. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. Opt-in req. 1 Token per customer, valid only for min. $5 pregame NBA player prop bets w/ min. odds of -200 or longer. Tokens are single-use and expire at the start of the final of NBA game each day when offered. Must select token BEFORE placing bet. Customers who place bet w/ Token and pick day's PRA stat leader will receive equal share of $1,000,000, issued as a non-withdrawable Bonus Bet that expires in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Sponsored by DK. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MostlySportsTitusandWalker?sub_confirmation=1. Follow Mostly Sports on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MostlySports Follow Mark on Twitter: https://twitter.com/clubtrillion Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfw Follow Mostly Sports on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostlysportsshow/ Follow Mark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marktheshark34/ Follow Brandon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bwalkersec/ Follow Mostly Sports on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mostlysportsshow?lang=en Follow Brandon on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brandonfwalker?lang=en Follow Mark on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marktituspod?lang=en
On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: Shamin Walsh of BAM Ventures Alexander Niehenke of Scale Venture Partners Aaref Hilaly of Bain Capital Ventures We asked guests to discuss the most visionary founder that they've worked with and what makes them so special. The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. We're proud to partner with Ramp, the modern finance automation platform. Book a demo and get $150—no strings attached. Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter.