Podcasts about customers

Walmart has been one of the few to benefit from the difficult economy the past few years. It's gotten to the point where even high income earners have become regular Walmart shoppers. But here's the thing, this week when forecasting earnings for the year ahead, now even Walmart is a bit concerned over the possible further negative consequences of what it's CFO called a “hiring recession.”Eurodollar University's conversation w/Steve Van Metre--------------------------------------------------------------------------This is the kinds of material we've been covering - at length and in depth - at Eurodollar University in our Deep Dive Analysis and memberships. It's the background, the core concepts, the unique insight that allows us to not just stay on top of everything, but actually understanding what's going on and why to then anticipate roughly where the markets, the economy, the entire world is heading. EDU's Memberships and Subscriptions. Go from getting blindsided by the markets to reading the eurodollar signals weeks before they hit. Try it all risk-free for 14 days.https://web.eurodollar-university.com/eurodollar-vsl-page-a--------------------------------------------------------------------------Walmart Cites Worrying Economic Indicators in Cautious Forecasthttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-19/walmart-cites-worrying-economic-indicators-in-cautious-forecastFood Companies Sink as Executives Warn of Consumer Stresshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-17/general-mills-warns-of-slumping-sales-on-weak-consumer-sentimenthttps://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU

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Unlocking Post-Click Success: How to Convert Clicks into Customers with Shamir Duverseau Are you pouring budget into digital ads, getting plenty of clicks—but not enough conversions? You're not alone. Most marketers focus on getting the click, but the real opportunity comes after. In this episode of the Business of Story, Park Howell sits down with Shamir Duverseau—founder of Smart Panda Labs and former marketing leader at Disney, Marriott, Southwest Airlines, and NBC Universal—to reveal why the post-click experience is the most overlooked (and profitable) part of your marketing funnel. Shamir shares his journey from running campaigns for iconic brands to building a framework that helps businesses turn website visitors into loyal customers. You'll learn: The psychology behind why prospects vanish after the click How to align marketing, IT, and product teams for seamless digital journeys Simple tweaks that can dramatically increase your conversions Proven strategies for building trust and removing friction on your site How to use research and feedback to continually improve your results Whether you're a startup founder or an enterprise marketer, you'll discover actionable steps to transform your website into a conversion engine and get more from the traffic you already have.

#790 What if the easiest way to grow your business was hiding in plain sight — your existing customers? In this episode, host Brien Gearin welcomes back Brian O'Connor, ex-Deloitte consultant, founder of TalentHQ, and three-time MU guest, to dive deep into the power of customer success. Learn how businesses of all sizes — from SaaS companies to local service providers — can drive massive growth by retaining clients, generating referrals, collecting more reviews, and increasing lifetime customer value. Brian also shares how he helps companies hire top-tier talent from Latin America at a fraction of U.S. prices, and why the Customer Success Manager might be the most overlooked (and most profitable) role in your business. Whether you're just starting out or scaling fast, this episode will help you unlock more revenue — without chasing new leads! (Original Air Date - 6/26/25) What we discuss with Brian: + Customer success vs. customer service + Retention, referrals, and renewals + How SaaS pioneered customer success + Reoccurring vs. recurring revenue + Upselling through relationship building + Why reviews drive local business growth + Hiring top talent in Latin America + Small business roles to outsource + Automating follow-up for repeat sales + Customer success for online communities Thank you, Brian! Subscribe to Brian's newsletter at ⁠OutlierGrowth.com⁠. Follow Brian on social media @thebrianfoconnor. Email Brian at brian@talenthq.co. Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠video podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan interviews Allen Boldt. Allen Boldt grew up in St. Louis and retired from a career as a product design specialist. One of his brothers-in-law asked Allen to design a less bulky, comfortable gun holster for conceal carry usage. After many prototypes, his Gun to Wear holsters are custom fit. Gun owners love his improved holsters. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, so you won't miss a single episode. eBay: search GuntoWear  

Viral does not mean profitable — and if your sales aren't matching your engagement, your marketing is missing conversion psychology. In this episode, Savannah Jordan explains how to incorporate sales psychology tactics into your marketing so your audience doesn't just understand your offer — they feel compelled to act. You'll learn why people don't buy because you're popular, and how to build content that shifts belief, creates urgency, and turns followers into paying customers. Whether you sell products or services, Savannah walks you through the tactics that raise your income ceiling: • What sales psychology actually is (and what it is not) • How to create urgency that feels logical — not dramatic • How to make social proof tell a story that sells • Authority positioning that builds trust without bragging • Contrast + comparison: the decision-making shortcut • Selling identity so buying feels natural Apply to work with Savannah HERE: http://bit.ly/applywlfpodcast or DM her on Instagram @itssavannahjordan https://www.instagram.com/itssavannahjordan Follow the podcast here: https://www.instagram.com/runningwithwolvespodcast viral marketing, sales psychology tactics, conversion marketing, marketing that sells, business growth strategy, content strategy, customer decision making

We help B2B brands launch shows that turn their point of view into pipeline. If you're launching a podcast (or have one already) and are not sure how it can hit your bottom line, book a meeting with Jason: https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/jason-bradwell/youtube-meeting-link -- Adam Holmgren turned three years of consistent LinkedIn posting into a $700K ARR SaaS business—without cold outbound, without a sales team, and with 80% of growth coming from organic content amplified by thought leader ads. In this episode of Pipe Dream, Adam Holmgren, co-founder and CEO of Fibbler, breaks down exactly how he built an attribution platform for SMBs by first building an audience of 25,000 marketers. Before launching Fibbler in May 2024, Adam spent years developing his point of view on demand generation, paid advertising, and attribution whilst at GetAccept—publishing consistently, giving value, and never asking for anything in return. When he finally launched his product, his audience was ready. Within two months, he had 50 paying customers purely from his network. But Adam didn't stop there. He shares the pivot that changed everything: shifting from organic-only to investing 50% of revenue into thought leader ads, specifically targeting the US market where LinkedIn ad spend is highest. The result? 400-500 signups per month, with 80% directly attributed to organic content plus paid amplification. Adam also reveals his weekend content system, his four content pillars (paid ads, brand building, founder-led growth, and personal), and why he believes distribution and brand are now the only real moats in a world where AI makes product features commoditised. Key Takeaways How to validate demand before launching: Build an audience first by giving value for years without asking for anything—then when you finally ask, conversion rates skyrocket. Why thought leader ads outperform traditional LinkedIn ads: Organic posts that already resonate are "battle-tested"—amplifying them with paid reach to new audiences dramatically improves ROI compared to brand account ads with CTAs. How to structure a sustainable content system: Plan content on weekends around 3-4 clear content pillars, schedule posts for the week, then stay active in comments during weekdays instead of writing on the fly. Why founder-led brands win in crowded markets: With 250,000-300,000 martech solutions available, distribution and brand are the only defensible moats—features alone won't differentiate you. How to convince sceptical executives to invest in brand: Start small, prove early signals (engagement from ICP, content mentioned in sales calls), then scale once you demonstrate pipeline impact over 3-6 months. The perfect LinkedIn post formula: Strong hook that creates curiosity or promises value + tactical insight or lesson learnt + no product pitch (let people discover you organically). Relevant Links and Resources Connect with Adam Holmgren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-holmgren/Learn more about Fibbler: https://fibbler.co What's Next If you're building a B2B brand and struggling to justify investment in owned media, start by building one person's audience consistently for 90 days—then amplify what works. The compounding effect is real. Useful Links Connect with Jason Bradwell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbradwell/Listen to Pipe Dream on Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/pipe-dreamLearn more about B2B Better: https://www.b2b-better.com

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Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupKareem Raslan (co-founder of BrainGain) breaks down how a “25 dumbbells in a garage” COVID side-hustle turned into a home gym brand with 100,000+ customers across 30 countries. We talk heavy-product logistics, why “just run Meta” isn't the whole story, and what it really takes to expand across Europe without margin leakage.For DTC operators selling high-AOV, physical products who want to expand beyond one market without getting crushed by fulfillment and localization.In this episode, we cover:Why BrainGain skipped dropshipping and went product-in-hand from day oneThe Europe expansion reality: VAT, language, regulations, and market-by-market nuanceWhy Germany can be the “logical” move… and still the hardest operationallyTheir channel strategy today: ~50% Amazon / ~50% Shopify, with Google doing the heavy liftingHow YouTube affiliates drive trust for high-consideration purchasesWho this is for:Founders and marketers selling heavy, high-AOV products (fitness, home goods, equipment) who need a real playbook for scaling across regions.What to steal:Build SKU-by-SKU unit economics so you know your true ceiling CAC (by market + channel)Use YouTube affiliates for “proof” when the purchase isn't impulsiveAudit 3PL invoices line-by-line (surcharges hide everywhere)Timestamps0:00 BrainGain's growth from garage sales to 100,000 customers2:00 How BrainGain started during COVID with Facebook Marketplace sales5:00 Post-lockdown demand, competing in “big and heavy” products7:00 Switching to Shopify and Amazon, building the brand online14:40 Expanding across Europe: VAT, regulations, and localization realities22:00 Channel mix breakdown: Amazon vs Shopify, Google vs Meta24:00 Why BrainGain is saying no to TikTok influencers and leaning into YouTube affiliates27:30 Picking the right 3PL in Europe and avoiding hidden surcharges31:00 Fulfillment cost levers: packaging thresholds, pallet rules, invoice audits34:10 SKU-level unit economics audit and setting a real CAC ceiling37:20 Pricing strategy: Shopify vs Amazon and controlling channel mix39:30 What US expansion could look like for heavy, bulky productsSubscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

The first five minutes of a service visit can make or break everything that follows. In this episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen dives into one of the most overlooked yet powerful moments in fixed ops: the service check-in. This isn't about speed. It's not about numbers. It's not even about selling. It's about trust. Jen calls the check-in one of the two sacred moments in every service visit and if you miss it, nothing else matters. From reviving the dying walkaround to turning rushed transactions into relationship opportunities, she shares real-world principles advisors and managers can immediately apply to boost MPI approvals, retention, and long-term revenue. You'll learn how to: • Turn the walkaround into "walk-in education" • Build trust before the inspection ever begins • Use simple human connection to reduce defensiveness later • Create operational impact by improving the first five minutes • Coach presence, tone, and professionalism — not just process When customers feel educated early, they're less defensive later. And when they trust you? They buy. They return. They ask for you. This episode is a must-listen for Service Advisors, Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and GMs who want to boost service revenue without pushing harder, just caring smarter. Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |

A business owner in central Auckland is hopeful giving the police powers to move anti-social people will bring more customers to the city centre. Nick Bennett from the store Applewood spoke to Corin Dann.

The automotive industry is changing — fast.Traffic is inconsistent.Internet leads feel weaker.Customers are spending 14+ hours researching before ever stepping foot in a dealership.92% of buyers start online.And here's the truth:The order-taker salesperson is dying.In this episode of the Loveall Sales Podcast, Brent Loveall breaks down exactly why average salespeople are getting left behind — and what elite performers are doing to dominate in today's market.If you're still relying on:• showroom traffic• inbound leads• “what's your best price?” conversations• or waiting for the dealership to feed you opportunitiesYou are in danger.This episode covers:

How Gong Built a $7B AI Category: From "Conversation Intelligence" to the Revenue Operating SystemMost sales teams fly blind. They rely on "gut feel" and "art" rather than data and science. Eilon Reshef (Co-founder & CPO of Gong) realized this in 2015 and built a platform that captures the reality of every customer interaction to drive predictable growth.In this episode of Startup Project, Eilon breaks down the evolution of Gong, how they achieved 57% higher win rates for companies like PayPal and DocuSign, and why the "Revenue Graph" is the next frontier of enterprise AI.If you are a founder, a product leader, or a sales professional looking to understand how AI is actually transforming the enterprise, this deep dive is for you.What you'll learn in this episode:The Genesis of Gong: Why Eilon moved from a successful exit at WebCollage to solving the "black box" of sales conversations.The "Science" of Sales: How to move away from subjective CRM updates to hard data captured from video, email, and phone calls.The Revenue Graph: Why Gong's proprietary data model is more valuable than a generic LLM.Scaling to 5,000+ Customers: The tactical steps Gong took to achieve product-market fit in a crowded SaaS landscape.The Future of AI Agents: Why "Vibe Coding" and prosumer AI are just the beginning, and how the enterprise shift is happening now.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro: Meeting Eilon Reshef2:15 - The "Aha!" moment that led to Gong10:45 - Moving from transcription to "Revenue Intelligence"18:30 - How Gong achieves 57% higher win rates for customers25:50 - Building a proprietary AI layer on top of LLMs34:10 - The "Revenue Graph" explained42:15 - Why most enterprise AI implementations fail50:00 - Advice for founders building in the AI era54:14 - Closing thoughtsConnect with Eilon & Gong:Website: https://www.gong.io/Eilon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eilonreshef#Gong #AI #SalesTech #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship #RevenueIntelligence #SaaS #ProductMarketFit #EilonReshef #StartupProject

In this episode, sit down with Anna Scaife, founder of Anna Lou of London Jewelry, to explore her incredible journey of building a jewellery brand from scratch, selling in high-end stores like Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, and ultimately choosing to sell direct to her customers. Anna shares candid insights on the highs and lows of running a business, from managing cash flow and stock, to designing pieces that are personal and purposeful.Whether you're a jewellery designer, maker, or small business owner, there's something here for you. Anna's story reminds us that growing a brand is not just about sales or scaling; it's about maintaining purpose, creativity, and wellbeing as you navigate challenges.Find Anna here:Website: www.annalouoflondon.comInstagram: @annalouoflondon and @annalouwellnessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalouoflondon?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_iosFacebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwGJAWy7L/?mibextid=wwXIfrAnd https://www.facebook.com/share/16UHGTZZdp/?mibextid=wwXIfrChapters:00:00 Introduction02:00 From Portobello Market to Harvey Nichols: How Anna's brand first got noticed06:00 Learning by doing: Starting a jewellery business with no formal training09:30 Standing out in the market: How to attract attention as a small brand12:50 Balancing family, business, and personal values while scaling a jewellery business17:00 Managing cash flow, stock, and the challenges of wholesale26:30 Finding energy, purpose, and joy in your business through tough times31:00 Personalisation and why it differentiates your brand from competitors36:00 Pricing strategy and valuing your craftsmanship and time43:00 Building a remote and flexible business model to suit your lifestyle46:20 Anna's advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed: The power of contemplationLET'S CONNECTFollow me on YouTubeFind me on InstagramWork with me Buy My Book: Bring Your Product Idea To LifeIf you enjoy this podcast, and you'd like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/supportMentioned in this episode:FREE call for Amazon SellersI'm running a free call on 26 Feb for anyone selling on Amazon (or planning to) who'd like some practical support and a chance to talk things through together. It'll be very relaxed - a mix of updates from me on upcoming Amazon policy changes, Q&A and discussion about what's working and what's not right now. It's fine...

If you run a home service business and want to close more jobs without sounding desperate or pushy, this episode is for you. After walking 15,000+ properties over 15 years, Keith breaks down the exact sales behaviors that consistently turn quotes into signed deals — whether it's a $500 job or a $15,000 one. No scripts. No manipulation. Just confidence, clarity, and reps. This episode is packed with real-world stories from landscaping, window cleaning, and service businesses — including close calls, funny moments, and the mindset shifts that separate stressed operators from calm closers.   "Don't talk like you want the job. Talk like the job is already happening." – Keith Kalfas   What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Assumptive Close Stop hoping you get the job. Start assuming it's already happening — from your language, to your body language, to how you move on the property. Keith explains how physically engaging with the work (yes, even grabbing a shovel) changes the customer's certainty instantly.   Sell Outcomes, Not Tasks Customers don't care about mulch depth, blade angles, or plant species. They care about one thing: "Is this going to look good?" Keith explains how certainty transfers — and why confidence sells faster than technical details. The Two-Option Close (and Why You Need a High-Ticket Offer) Give customers two clear paths: The "everything included" option The "still looks amazing" option This simple structure reframes price, increases perceived value, and often nudges clients toward higher-ticket jobs — even if they didn't expect it.   Say the Price… Then Shut Up One of the most uncomfortable — and powerful — sales moves. Keith explains why silence after the price lets the customer sell themselves… and how over-explaining kills deals.   Control the Frame If you're unsure, they feel unsure. If you're calm and certain, they relax. Keith shares how confidence is built through reps, mistakes, and surviving the hard seasons — and why customers always buy certainty.   Key Takeaways: Confidence closes more deals than technique. Sales works best when you stop trying to "perform" and start acting like the work is routine. When you assume the job is already happening, your tone relaxes, your body language settles, and you stop chasing approval. Customers pick up on that calm immediately and interpret it as experience and trustworthiness — because people don't buy perfect wording, they buy certainty. Sell the result, not the process Most customers aren't interested in how deep you dig, what tools you use, or the technical steps involved — they want to know how their place will look and feel when it's done. Speaking clearly and confidently about the outcome answers the real question in their head and reassures them that the decision is safe, which is often all they need to move forward. Your price works when you stop apologizing for it. Once you say the price, continuing to talk usually signals doubt and invites hesitation. Silence gives the customer space to process and decide without pressure, and it prevents you from negotiating against yourself. When you treat your price like a normal, everyday number, customers are far more likely to accept it as such.   Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  Start Getting Leads Now https://www.footbridgemedia.com/keith The Untrapped Alliance: https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance Resources You Need To Build A Successful Business https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources

On this episode of the Travis Makes Money Podcast, Travis Chappell is joined by his producer Eric for a candid, funny, and surprisingly meaningful conversation sparked by a viral incident at Chipotle. What starts as a wild story about a customer throwing a burrito bowl turns into a deeper discussion about empathy, customer service, leadership, and why business owners must protect their teams. Travis shares his perspective on firing bad customers, treating service workers with respect, and how working high-volume people-facing jobs (like door-to-door sales) builds patience, emotional intelligence, and communication skills that translate directly into business success. On this episode we talk about: Why “the customer is always right” is a dangerous mindset When business owners should fire customers to protect their team The viral Chipotle incident and the judge's creative punishment Whether everyone should work in customer service at least once How empathy, communication, and patience directly impact your income Top 3 Takeaways Your employees come first. Refund difficult customers — but don't tolerate abuse toward your team. Empathy is a business skill. Jobs that force you to interact with lots of people teach patience, communication, and emotional control. Kindness shouldn't require experience. You shouldn't have to work in food service to treat people with basic respect. Notable Quotes “The customer is not always right.” “You should never allow your team members to be berated by someone who's clearly never going to be happy.” “You shouldn't have to work in food service to be a kind human being.”  Travis Makes Money is made possible by HighLevel – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Text Me A Question!In this episode, we deep dive into the email psychology behind 2-3x higher open rates than the industry average. We break down how to bypass the "AI-fatigue" in your client's inbox and write conversational copy that converts.If you're a coach looking to master direct response marketing and list engagement in a post-AI world, this is your blueprint.➡️ Text "COACH" to (866) 498-2080 or DM us on Instagram @thebusinesslounge and we'll send you all the details!Join The Business Lounge Academy:https://thebusinesslounge.co/academy/Snag the Content to Customers Playbook:https://kimberlyannjimenez.com/content-to-customers-playbook-adsHit us up on Instagram and tell us your biggest takeaway from the show!✅ Kim: @kimannjimenez✅ Chris: @heycmh✅ The Business Lounge: @thebusinessloungecoContent To Customers Live Workshop Sign Up! Support the showContent To Customers Live Workshop Sign Up! Support the showContent To Customers Live Workshop Sign Up! Support the show➡️ Are you a Coach, Expert, or Service Provider wanting to get more Customers from your Content?

The truth is, in today's world, credibility and expertise are no longer enough to stand out. They've become commodities. What differentiates you is how you build trust and create a unique experience for your prospects. It is important to learn how to shift from a transactional approach to one that builds deep trust and lasting relationships.In this month's Stump The Guru show, I'll be diving into a critical question: Is your selling approach commoditized?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

Do you ever feel like you're constantly trying to convince people to buy? Like you're always explaining, justifying, or pushing a little harder than you'd like?Here's the truth: if selling feels exhausting, you're probably spending too much time talking to the wrong people.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.In this episode, I'm revealing:✓ Why nobody is more likely to buy than someone who already bought from you✓ The party principle: why you're standing outside instead of going in✓ How focusing on cold audiences burns you out (and kills your profit)✓ The 1,000 true fans framework that changes everything ✓ Practical steps to turn one-time buyers into repeat customersStop chasing strangers and start serving the customers who are already inside your door.LinksJoin the Retail Sales Game Plan waitlist (kicking off end of Feb): resilientretailclub.com/retailsalesResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying the show?DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast's useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to the waitlisthttps://www.resilientretailclub.com/retailsales/

Description: In this episode, we dive deep into Tesla's long-promised Cybercab as production reportedly begins and Elon Musk claims a sub-$30,000 price tag could arrive this year. We examine conflicting narratives around Tesla's robotaxi progress, including sharp criticism of the program eight months in and fresh timeline promises. Tesla's software push continues with Grok-enabled navigation in Europe and a renewed FSD launch in China backed by a local data center. Meanwhile, Tesla faces mounting pressure overseas, with UK sales plunging as BYD surges ahead and broader EV market share slipping despite overall auto growth. Legacy automakers aren't sitting still either—Ford is lobbying for access to Chinese EV tech, while BYD and Geely eye major North American production capacity. We also cover Polestar's aggressive expansion plans, Cruise's admission over a false pedestrian report, and the evolving EV policy and infrastructure conversation in Manitoba. Support the Show Support Kilowatt Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website News Links: Manitoba EV Policy & Infrastructure Future of Electric Vehicle Sales Targets and Infrastructure in Manitoba (CBC Audio) Manitobans Welcome EV Rebates, but Fear Infrastructure Still Lacking Manitoba EV Fans Charged Up by Federal Strategy Tesla Cybercab & Robotaxi Developments Elon Musk Says Tesla Will Sell Cybercab to Customers for $30,000 or Less This Year Tesla's $30,000 Cybercab Begins Production With No Steering Wheel Tesla Begins Cybercab Production. Now Comes The Hard Part Elon Musk Doubles Down on Tesla Cybercab Timeline Once Again Tesla ‘Robotaxi' Status Check 8 Months In: A Complete Joke Tesla Software & Global Strategy Tesla to Re-Launch FSD in China With Local Data Center Tesla Launches Grok With Nav Commands in Europe Tesla UK Sales Plunge 57% in January as BYD Races Ahead New Car Market Starts Year With Growth but EV Share Falls – SMMT Competition & Industry Shifts BYD, Geely Bid for 230,000-Unit Nissan-Mercedes Mexico Plant in North American Push Ford Asks Trump Administration to Allow Chinese EV Tech in the US Polestar Goes Offensive With Four New Models in Three Years Autonomous & Policy News Cruise Admits to False Report in 2023 Dragging of San Francisco Pedestrian Show Art Created By Dall-E Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

And Why So Many People Learned to Hate Buying Cars People don't hate buying cars.   They hate how buying cars has made them feel.   In this episode, Andrew Sardone breaks down the real psychology behind why customers walk into dealerships guarded, and how the automotive industry accidentally trained them to brace for impact.   This isn't about blaming salespeople.   It's about understanding behavior.   For decades, dealerships leaned into tactics that increased anxiety instead of reducing it: vague timelines, moving numbers, pressure framing, information overload, and inconsistent experiences across departments.   The result? Customers show up defensive.   In EP76, we unpack: • The three real reasons people buy anything • Why uncertainty triggers threat responses • How “trust leaks” silently sabotage deals • Why predictability lowers fear faster than discounts • The power of calm number delivery • How to build a single voice culture across Sales, F&I, and Service • A practical deployment model to change behavior store-wide   Because reputation isn't a marketing problem.   It's a moment-to-moment behavior problem.   And behavior is trainable.   If you're in automotive sales, dealership management, F&I, or fixed ops. This episode will challenge you and give you tools to rebuild trust without pressure tactics.   Trust is not built in speeches.   It's built in micro-moments.

TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:12 Welcome Back 00:01:26 JWill Celeb Game 00:11:37 Rick Schnall 00:15:35 All Star game 00:23:35 Player Swaps 00:31:27 Jared McCain 00:39:52 KD Burner 00:43:05 Dunk Contest 00:52:31 Tank Culture 00:56:37 Texas Tech 00:59:04 Giannis & Wemby 01:00:07 JWill Beef 01:05:56 Chris Paul 01:10:44 Michael Jordan 01:15:18 JWill's Highlight 01:23:25 JWill's Ankle Story ADS: -- Gametime: Download the Gametime app and use code HOOPIN for $20 off your first purchase. -- DraftKings: GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (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. -- 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/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 3/15/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.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/patbevpod

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Blending AI Efficiency with Human Insight  Shep interviews Vinod Muthukrishnan, Vice President & General Manager of Webex Customer Experience at Cisco. He talks about how AI is moving from a technology tool to a collaborative coworker that helps businesses personalize service, automate routine tasks, and close the customer experience gap.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can AI create a human-centered customer experience?  How is artificial intelligence transforming customer service interactions?  What are the most effective ways to use analytics to improve customer support and reduce unnecessary contact center calls?  How can automation help resolve frequent customer complaints, such as long wait times or repetitive interactions?  Why should companies rethink traditional metrics, such as average handle time, when evaluating customer service performance?  Top Takeaways:    AI has evolved from being just a tool to becoming an actual coworker. It can handle routine tasks and take on responsibilities like note-taking during meetings, freeing up a lot of employees' time. This shift is radically transforming how we engage, connect, collaborate, and communicate with customers.  Brand interactions should aim to feel like engaging with a favorite human. The best experiences remember customers' history, never making them repeat themselves, and understanding their unique preferences. They also minimize wait times and meet customers on their channel of choice.  Customers are understanding when they know you genuinely care about their issues and are actively working to resolve them. But if they have to call three times for the same issue, it becomes another problem.   If you use AI to solve problems the right way, you bring customers to your side of the equation. Instead of asking the generic ‘How can I help you?' when they've already called multiple times, AI can help you acknowledge their frustration by providing customer history and knowledge base in real time, and guide you on the next best step to fixing the issue.  Using AI and analytics to predict, prevent, and preempt issues by proactively giving customers the information they need before they even ask creates a seamless experience where people rarely need to call for help.   Call containment and call deflection with AI do not mean companies stop talking to customers. It means letting AI handle routine tasks like password resets or payment verifications, so that when customers reach a human agent, the conversation can focus on more important tasks, like resolving complex issues or exploring new products.  Plus, Shep and Vinod discuss why brands that go “all-in” on AI for customer support often end up reversing their decisions. Tune in!  Quote:   "We have to start looking at AI not as a tool or a product, but as a teammate."    About:    Vinod Muthukrishnan is the VP & GM of Webex Customer Experience at Cisco. He is an expert in AI and innovative technology to transform how brands engage with customers, ensuring experiences are more human and personalized.  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

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode "The reality of a client advocates daily work is translating fear into clarity." Shop owner and coach Clint White explores a powerful shift at the auto repair front counter, from “Service Advisor” to “Repairathist.” He explains that because vehicles represent freedom and control, many customers arrive feeling anxious and financially defensive. As a result, the Repairathist's role becomes part technician, part therapist, focused on translating fear into clarity and helping people feel understood. Customers aren't buying parts, he says; they're buying relief. The conversation dives into how to put this mindset into practice, starting with a “language shift” that replaces industry jargon like “diag” and “DVI” with clear, value-based explanations. This approach invites customers into the process instead of making them feel excluded. White also stresses the importance of transparency, showing clients the “MRI and X-ray” of their vehicle before prioritizing repairs, and ensuring that front counter promises align with what happens in the shop. Ultimately, the episode defines the Repairathist as a professional with an “others first” mindset who builds trust through empathy, honesty, and consistency—delivering an experience so positive that customers remember how they felt more than what they spent. Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:45 – Introducing the "Repairist" 00:03:15 – Therapy at the Counter: Clint explains that a Client Advocate's role is akin to a therapist, tasked with "translating fear into clarity" for anxious customers. 00:06:45 – The Psychology of the Car: Discussion on how vehicles represent freedom and control, making repairs an emotional issue rather than just a mechanical one. 00:10:15 – Selling Relief, Not Parts: Clint delivers the key insight that customers are not buying repairs; they are buying "relief from their current situation". 00:11:30 – The Experience Economy: The "Steak Dinner" analogy—customers don't remember the price as much as they remember how the experience made them feel. 00:14:00 – The Language Shift: Clint warns against using jargon like "diag" or "DVI," which makes customers feel excluded or stupid. He suggests using "testing and procedures" instead. 00:19:15 – Transparency & The MRI: Clint advocates for showing the customer "everything that is knowable" (the MRI/X-ray) before asking them to make a decision. 00:20:45 – Hiring for Heart: Clint explains that he hires for a "servant's heart" first; technical knowledge is secondary to empathy. 00:22:00 – The ROI of Empathy: Discussion on the business benefits of this mindset, including "sticky" clients, reduced staff turnover, and better reputation. 00:26:45 – Relationship vs. Transaction: Clint defines success not by money, but by building relationships strong enough that clients send Christmas cards years later Clint White, Coaching with Integrity, clint@coachingwithintegrity.llc Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and...

Coles has been taken to court by the ACCC for ‘utterly misleading’ consumers on grocery prices. SEEK is putting its stake in Employment Hero up for sale… ending an eight year startup partnership right after their courtroom drama. Sushi Sushi has been snapped up by Japan’s Genki for $160 million, taking the humble Aussie hand roll global. _ Download the free app (App Store): http://bit.ly/FluxAppStore Download the free app (Google Play): http://bit.ly/FluxappGooglePlay Daily newsletter: https://bit.ly/fluxnewsletter Flux on Instagram: http://bit.ly/fluxinsta Flux on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flux.finance —- The content in this podcast reflects the views and opinions of the hosts, and is intended for personal and not commercial use. We do not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, statement or other information provided or distributed in these episodes.__See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you hear “you're too expensive”, it can feel like the deal already slipped away. In this episode of Masters of Home Service, host Adam Sylvester sits down with Kevin Cook, founder of The Dirty Work Sales System, and Rob Soper, business development manager at Eagleview Technologies. They break down what price objections really mean and how to handle them like a pro. Discover simple mindset shifts, real one-liners, and practical sales moves that help you keep control, build trust fast, and close more jobs at full price. New to Jobber? Masters of Home Service listeners can claim an exclusive discount for Jobber at https://bit.ly/4olKiNR

In this episode, I talk about what to do when your marketing feels busy but not consistent. If you're juggling posts, emails, and updates without steady sales, I share a simpler three-part path to turn scattered tactics into a system you can actually sustain. This is about clarity, visibility, and conversion working together instead of competing for your time.We walk through how to get clear on who you serve and what you offer, how to become findable in the right places, and how to create conversion moments that feel natural instead of forced. I also share why consistency beats volume and how each piece of content should guide someone to their next step. If you're ready to replace random marketing with momentum that compounds, this conversation will help you see the path.Modern Marketing MasteryFree Marketing Strategy PlaybookSend a textSupport the show Show Notes Apply to be featured on My Weekly Marketing! Take the Marketing Clarity Quiz and get instant insights on your marketing strategy.

This episode is brought to you by B2B Better. Stop sending "just checking in" emails. We build owned media systems that give your sales team actual reasons to reach out, turning podcasts into sales enablement assets that move deals forward. If your sales reps send "just checking in" emails to prospects who've gone quiet, this episode explains why those fail and what to do instead. Host Jason Bradwell breaks down how to create milestone moments, legitimate, value-led reasons to reach out through long sales cycles without sounding desperate. Jason's core point is clear: most B2B sales cycles are brutally long, but sales teams don't know how to stay present without being annoying. The traditional approach fails. Discovery call, proposal sent, then "just checking in" emails with no response. Twelve months later, the prospect went with a competitor because "you didn't understand our business." After month two, you had nothing valuable to say. 95% of B2B Better's clients have sales cycles over six months. And 95% of your customers are out of market at any given time. Your job is to stay present so when they flip to being in market, they think of you first. Most owned media falls apart here. Marketing creates beautiful content. Sales sees it but has no idea how to use it in actual sales motion. Marketing measures downloads. Sales measures meetings. Different languages, different outcomes. Milestone moments fix this. Month one: send proposal plus a podcast clip addressing their exact challenge. Month three: benchmark report. Month four: webinar invite. Month five: customer story. Month six: check in with context. Months seven to twelve: new episodes create new reasons to reach out. Month eighteen: deal closes because you felt like a partner. B2B Better's sales enablement kits deliver three clips with email copy, key graphics, follow-up sequences, and tags showing which funnel stage each piece serves. One innovation: sales stitch videos where reps record 30-second reactions to clips. Personal brands beat company brands these generate thousands of views when originals get hundreds. This works with three things: marketing-sales alignment through quarterly planning, infrastructure for sales to contribute to production, and attribution through CRM tracking plus conversations about where content surfaces in deals. Chapter Markers 00:00 - The "just checking in" problem that kills deals 01:00 - Context on long sales cycles and 95% out-of-market buyers 02:00 - Why owned media strategies fall apart at sales activation 03:00 - Traditional approach: proposal to dead deal in 12 months 04:00 - Milestone moments approach: 18-month cycle done right 06:00 - What qualifies as a milestone moment 07:00 - Timing and sequencing content to the buyer journey 08:00 - Sales enablement kit components 09:00 - Tags and metadata for searchable, attributable content 10:00 - Sales stitch videos: personalising content at scale 11:00 - Why personal brands beat company brands in B2B 12:00 - Three requirements: alignment between teams 13:00 - Infrastructure for sales to contribute to production 14:00 - Attribution: quantitative and qualitative tracking 15:00 - The challenge: audit your last five gone-quiet emails Useful Links Connect with Jason Bradwell on LinkedIn Read the Ehrenberg-Bass 95-5 rule research Explore HubSpot CRM for tracking content touches Check out Salesforce CRM Explore B2B Better website and the Pipe Dream podcast 

Time is money. Time is short. Time is a precious commodity to a business. What are you doing to reduce the time and toil customers have to spend doing business with you? Maybe it's time to look for ways to save your customers more of their precious time?Support the show

In this episode of May PERAan, get to know Canberra entrepreneurs Lovelyn Natividad, Chef Mikaela Sarmiento, and Clarice Miranda, who are prioritising workplace respect by using cross-training to minimise service errors and protect their staff from customer bullying. - Sa episode ng May PERAan, kilalanin sina Lovelyn Natividad, Chef Mikaela Sarmiento, and Clarice Miranda, na nagmamay-ari ng dalawang cafe sa Canberra kung saan prayoridad nila ang pagbibigay ng respeto sa trabaho sa pamamagitan ng cross-training sa staff para mabawasan ang pagkakamali sa pagserbisyo sa mga customers, bagay na nagpoprotekta laban sa customer bullying.

By Andrew Bryant is the founder of Self Leadership International and author of POTENTIAL-IZE: Unlock Potential, Maximize Performance, Inspire Excellence (Wiley, 2026). AI can now compose symphonies, pass the bar exam, and generate text that reads like it was written by a human hand. So, when people ask me, "What is left for us to do?" I give them an answer that surprises them. Tell stories. Not because storytelling is a quaint leftover from the pre-digital era, but because it is the one capability that reveals exactly where the boundary between human and artificial intelligence lies. And understanding that boundary is the key to thriving in the age of AI rather than being diminished by it. Humans Tell Stories, AI Can Only Simulate Them The Necessity, Not Just the Ability AI can undoubtedly generate compelling text that mimics stories. Large language models produce narratives with structure, tension, and resolution. On the surface, the output can be impressive. But there is a fundamental difference between simulating a story and telling one. When humans tell stories, we do not simply relate to sequences of events. We weave meaning, emotion, and significance into experience. Our stories emerge from the texture of being embodied in the world: feeling pain, desire, love, loss, and wonder. Our narratives build upon generations of shared wisdom, values, and traditions. Through stories, we make sense of our existence, creating purpose in a universe that does not readily offer obvious meaning. AI has none of this. It has no childhood memories. No experience of triumph or despair. No fear of death or hope for transcendence. It cannot love. These are not limitations that will be solved by the next model upgrade. They are the defining characteristics of what it means to be human. What makes us distinctive is not just the ability to tell stories but the necessity of doing so; our fundamental need to transform experience into narrative as we search for meaning in our finite existence. Why This Matters for Leaders This is not a philosophical abstraction. It has direct implications for how we lead, hire, and build organisations. Neuroscience research (Stephens et al., 2010) demonstrates that storytelling creates "neural coupling." When someone tells a story, the listener's brain activity mirrors that of the storyteller, creating a deep emotional connection. This is how trust is built. This is how cultures are formed. This is how human beings decide to follow someone into the unknown. No algorithm replicates this. When Klarna deployed AI to handle 2.3 million customer service conversations, it worked brilliantly on paper. But the company quietly rehired humans because efficiency is not the same as effectiveness. Customers in distress did not want processing. They wanted presence, and presence lives in stories. In my research for POTENTIAL-IZE (Wiley, 2026), I studied hundreds of leaders who have successfully navigated the AI transition. They all follow, often unconsciously, six interconnected principles I call the IGNITE framework: Inspire, Guide, Nurture, Integrate, Transform, and Evaluate. The first element, Inspire, is where storytelling lives. Leaders who inspire do not recite data points or strategic objectives. They share stories that give people permission to reimagine who they are and what they are capable of. They become, as mythologist Joseph Campbell described, the mentor in someone else's hero's journey, the person who sees potential where others see limitations. But here is what IGNITE reveals that most leadership models miss: storytelling is not just a communication technique. It connects to every other element of the framework. When leaders Guide through questions rather than directives, they are inviting people to author their own stories. When they Nurture belief and belonging, they create the psychological safety for those stories to be told honestly. When they help people Transform through adversity, they are reframing s...

Robbie Baxter is the world's leading expert on subscription and membership models. She wrote two bestselling books The Membership Economy and The Forever Transaction, hosts the podcast Subscription Stories, and has advised organizations like Netflix, Microsoft and the Wall Street Journal. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Success comes from solving a real problem—not always from following your passion. 2. Subscriptions aren't about dumping content—they're about building trust and solving an ongoing need. 3. Subscribers stay for the community—make them feel they belong and they'll never want to leave. Explore Robbie's work and books. Check out her website - Robbie's Website Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Cape - A privacy-first mobile carrier, built from the ground up with security as the priority. If you care about protecting your digital life without giving up your smartphone, Cape makes that possible. Visit Cape.co/fire and use code FIRE for 33% off cape for 6 months today! Framer - A website builder that offers real-time collaboration, a robust CMS with everything you need for great SEO, and advanced analytics that include integrated A/B testing. Get started building for free today at Framer.com/fire. For 30% a Framer Pro annual plan use code FIRE!  

Mark Titus and Co. talking hoops… mostly. Thanks to our sponsors: BlueChew: Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold with code HOOPS https://bluechew.com Fabletics: Head to https://Fabletics.com/MOSTLY, take a quick style quiz, and be sure to select MOSTLY when prompted to unlock your 80% off. Wayfair: Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. DraftKings: GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (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 to Mostly Sports 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 Tate on Twitter: https://x.com/BarstoolTate Follow Dana on Twitter https://x.com/danabeers Follow WBR on Twitter: https://x.com/W_B_Rick Follow Mostly Hoops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostlyhoopsshow/ Follow Mostly Sports on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostlysportsshow/ Follow Mark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marktheshark34/ Follow Tate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barstool_tate/ Follow Dana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danabeers/ Follow Mostly Hoops on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mostlyhoopsshow Follow Mostly Sports on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mostlysportsshow?lang=en

Want to double your ticket average without being pushy? Get access to real-time sales training, scripts, and role-play coaching inside the Blue Collar Closer community — join today before the next live Q&A drops: https://wastenoday.pro/BCC Join the Waste No Day! Facebook group: https://wastenoday.pro/FBgroup Coral Whale is a returning guest on the podcast and specializes in maximizing HVAC maintenance calls. She focuses on turning traditionally low-profit maintenance visits into consistent, profitable opportunities by simplifying communication, building trust with homeowners, and presenting clear solutions. Coral shares real-world experience from the field, emphasizing consistency, respect in customers' homes, and strong communication as the foundation for long-term client relationships and repeat business.   In this episode, we talked about maintenance calls, conversion, discipline, consistency...

The All Local Afternoon Update for Monday, February 16th 2026

An Unexpected Path to Baking Chef Chuck Arnaud didn't follow a traditional route to becoming one of Luray's most beloved bakers. For over two decades, he worked in stagecraft, starting as a junior high school stagehand and eventually country music artists in Nashville. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he traded stage lights for bread ovens, opening Main Street Bakery and Catering in the heart of Page County. During this episode of The Valley Today with host Janet Michael and Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray Page Chamber of Commerce, Chef Chuck revealed what drew him to this picturesque Virginia community. "I've lots of kin in the area," he explains, describing his deep family roots on the other side of the ridge in Shenandoah County. This connection made the transition feel natural rather than terrifying. Moreover, Page County's stunning landscape—featuring Shenandoah National Park, the Shenandoah River, and George Washington National Forest—provided the perfect backdrop for his new venture. The Aroma of Home Walking into Main Street Bakery triggers something profound in visitors. "The number one thing people say is, 'Wow, it smells wonderful in here,'" Chef Chuck shares. This reaction isn't accidental. He believes people have become disconnected from their grandmother's kitchens, where families gathered around tables filled with home-baked bread and the aroma of love filled the air. Furthermore, Chef Chuck sees his bakery as more than a business—it's a bridge to lost traditions. "That magical aroma of family and love has just become lost to us," he reflects. "So people reconnect with that when they come in because that aroma—pow—it's front and center right there when you walk into the bakery." What's on the Menu Currently, Main Street Bakery operates with a skeleton crew of three people, plus dedicated volunteers like Mike Salvino. The team focuses primarily on artisan breads, muffins, scones, and quiche. Chef Chuck personally handles everything that goes into the oven, while Emma has moved into savory work, tackling knife work, soups, and salads. The bakery's soup program has become particularly popular. Two standouts fly off the shelves: the Senegalese peanut soup, which customers request repeatedly because of its unique, original flavor, and the classic potato leek soup, which sells by the quart. Customers can enjoy soup in the bakery or take it home in half-pint, pint, or quart containers, either hot or cold. Meanwhile, the sweet treats maintain their own devoted following. Chocolate chip cookies disappear so quickly that they rarely make it to closing time. Brownies and blondies also prove to be "good problems to have," as Chef Chuck puts it, consistently selling out. The Art of Bread Making Unlike many modern bakeries that focus exclusively on cakes and cupcakes, Main Street Bakery champions the nearly lost art of bread baking. Chef Chuck approaches bread with seasonal creativity rather than rigid schedules. On cold, chilly days, he gravitates toward dark, rustic loaves. Recently, he crafted a buttered honey oat multigrain bread that toasts beautifully, as well as a traditional pumpernickel—chocolatey and coffee-forward with generous amounts of caraway and fennel seeds. Additionally, Chef Chuck emphasizes that customers shouldn't hesitate to make special requests. Want a bread bowl for your soup? Just call ahead. "If you want a bowl, call us," he insists. "We'll make you a bowl and we'll put soup in it and sit you down and make you happy. That's just what we do and who we are right now." Building Community Through Collaboration Chef Chuck's philosophy extends beyond his own storefront. He actively seeks collaborations with other local businesses, understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats. His strongest partnerships include Hawksbill Brewing Company and Wisteria Vineyard, where food naturally pairs with beer and wine. These collaborations take various forms. For Mardi Gras, he brings king cake to Hawksbill Brewing Company, complete with the traditional baby hidden inside—whoever finds it wins a free beer. For St. Patrick's Day, he plans to serve cottage pies with ground beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, and caramelized cheese. At Wisteria Vineyard, he creates seasonal popups that showcase wine pairings with his culinary creations. Nevertheless, Chef Chuck remains open to new partnerships. He specifically mentions The Vintage Barrel and Coal Ridge Brewery as businesses he'd love to work with, encouraging anyone interested to reach out directly. The Power of Food Memories Throughout the conversation, Chef Chuck returns repeatedly to the concept of food memories—those powerful moments when a simple dish transports you to another time and place. "It can be a simple moment where you have a dish in front of you," he explains. "It could be in Tuscany. It could be at the top of a mountainside just having a ham and cheese sandwich, but that moment, that exhilaration of you just climbed up Old Rag Mountain and you have a cheese sandwich, and by God that is the best cheese sandwich because you are sitting on top of the known world at that point." These memories stick with people forever, whether they're teenagers or ninety years old. Consequently, Janet believes parents need to create more of these moments for their children, exposing them to the aromas and experiences that will become their own cherished food memories. Catering with Intention While COVID devastated the bakery's large-scale catering operations, Chef Chuck has found his sweet spot in wedding brunches. His pitch to couples is simple but compelling: at a wedding reception with 175 guests, newlyweds won't get quality time with Aunt Maggie. However, a brunch the next day allows them to sit, have coffee, and actually hear about her whale-watching trip. "Isn't that what weddings are about?" he asks. "It's just a unification of two people who have, against all odds, found love." Brunches also unite two families who may have nothing in common, giving them time to discover shared interests—like realizing they both golf and should play together sometime. For these events, Main Street Bakery arrives with coffee, creamer, quiche, muffins, scones, and seasonal pastries. Importantly, Chef Chuck sources as much as possible from local farmers, which sets his offerings apart from generic catering options. "You can tell a muffin from Costco," he notes. "It might as well have a red light that's flashing on it." The Kindness Economy One of the most touching stories Chef Chuck shares involves Tommy and Hannah Chang, who became regular customers after Main Street Bakery made them feel welcome in the community. When they noticed his outdated website, they brought in a videographer from DC with drones, track cameras, and steady cams. They spent an entire day filming and creating a professional website. When Chef Chuck reached for his checkbook, expecting a bill in the thousands, they refused payment. "You showed us kindness and here's kindness repaid," they told him. This exchange perfectly illustrates the reciprocal nature of community building that Chef Chuck champions. Similarly, regular customer Noel now works at the bakery and has become an exceptional salesperson. "People are like, 'Dude, I just wanted a cookie,'" Chef Chuck laughs, "and they walk out of there with three quiches, four bread puddings, and six breads. And they're feeling good about it." Looking Toward Retirement As Chef Chuck enters his sixties, retirement looms on the horizon. His plans? "I'm gonna smoke stuff and ferment things," he declares with a smile. This includes smoked meats, smoked fish, fermenting ales, wines, and exploring breads from different cultures around the world. More importantly, he hopes to find a venue where he can help people recapture the lost moments of generational knowledge transfer. "It used to be the grandmothers would teach the young ladies sewing and needlepoint and crafting," he reflects. "Guys would show their sons and grandsons how to hunt, how to fish, how to tie a lure on." These traditions are disappearing, and Chef Chuck worries that Page County's agrarian roots are being forgotten in the rush toward progress. Practical Information Main Street Bakery operates Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Located at 127 East Main Street in Luray, the bakery sits right at the top of the hill with flags out front—you can't miss it. While the bakery doesn't post menus online because offerings change frequently based on season and availability, customers can visit mainstreetbakery-catering.com/ for more information. The bakery maintains an active presence on Facebook and Instagram, where Chef Chuck's wife Janet showcases her exceptional food photography skills. Finally, Chef Chuck encourages customers to call ahead, especially near closing time. "If it's 4:45 and we close at five, call ahead and say, 'Hey, do you have three cookies that would really make my day?' I will stay open till you get there," he promises. "What's the worst thing that's gonna happen? I'm gonna say I just don't have that, but maybe tomorrow." The Bigger Picture As the conversation winds down, it becomes clear that Main Street Bakery represents something larger than artisan bread and chocolate chip cookies. It embodies a philosophy of community, collaboration, and connection—values that Chef Chuck believes are essential to preserving what makes small-town life special. In an era when people increasingly feel disconnected from their food sources and family traditions, Chef Chuck offers a simple remedy: walk through his door, breathe in the aroma of fresh-baked bread, and remember what it felt like when someone who loved you baked with care. That memory, that feeling, that moment of connection—that's what Main Street Bakery serves alongside every loaf, every muffin, every bowl of soup. And perhaps that's the most important recipe of all.

It’s been called the “Case of the Century”, and it could change supermarket pricing forever. The ACCC is taking Coles to the Federal Court, alleging it engaged in a planned campaign to mislead customers over price discounts. Coles is denying allegations, saying the prices were a result of global inflation. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha is joined by economist Dr Meg Elkins, who unpacks today’s historic case and its implications for both consumers and companies. Headlines: Accused Bondi Gunman, Naveed Akram, has appeared in court for the first time, South Australian Police have announced a new search for evidence related to the disappearance of 4-year-old Gus Lamont, police are appealing for information after an 85-year-old was kidnapped from his Sydney home, and former US President Barack Obama has admitted he believes in aliens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summary: this episode of On the Brink, Andi Simon speaks with Alastair Frost about what it truly means to be future ready in a fast-changing world. Together, they explore how curiosity—asking "why" and "what if" like a child—opens the door to new possibilities, and how reclaiming our natural creativity helps individuals and organizations move beyond comfort and complacency. Rather than trying to predict the future, Frost encourages leaders to focus on what is inevitable and to build the mindset and habits that keep them adaptable, relevant, and ready for whatever comes next.   On On the Brink with Andi Simon, we often explore one central question: how do you keep from getting stuck or stalled in a world that refuses to stand still? In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Allister Frost, a former Microsoft executive turned global keynote speaker and author of Ready Already. Alastair brings a refreshing and deeply practical perspective on what it means to be "future ready" in a time when change feels constant, overwhelming, and unpredictable. As an anthropologist, I often remind audiences that humans have always been innovators. When our ancestors harnessed fire, they transformed not only how they ate but how their brains evolved. We are, by nature, adaptive and creative. Yet today, many leaders and organizations behave as if stability is the goal and change is the threat. Allister challenges that thinking. Change Is Not the Enemy—Complacency Is One of the most powerful ideas in our conversation is this: we are not resistant to change because we dislike it. In fact, as a species, we thrive on it. The problem is not change itself—it's comfort. Allister contrasts two corporate mindsets from his career. In one company, the mantra was, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." At Microsoft, the philosophy was closer to: "If it works today, it's already becoming obsolete." That shift—from preservation to proactive reinvention—is at the heart of a future-ready mindset. But here's the nuance: Alastair doesn't ask leaders to predict the future. Instead, he invites them to prepare for what is inevitable. The Power of "Inevitable" Rather than speculating about what the world might look like in 20 years, Alastair suggests focusing on what is almost certain to happen in the near term. Budgets will shift. Technologies will evolve. Customers will change their expectations. Systems that feel new today will eventually become outdated. Leadership will turn over. Markets will fluctuate. If these shifts are inevitable, then the question becomes: are you ready already? This approach feels practical and empowering. It pulls futurism out of the abstract and places it squarely in your hands. The Frost Framework: A Practical Process for Growth Allister has developed what many call the "Frost Framework," a simple but powerful growth cycle that individuals and organizations can use to stay adaptable. At its core, the process begins with identifying what is inevitable and choosing one area to explore. But the real magic happens in what he calls three human "superpowers"—abilities that artificial intelligence cannot replicate at the same depth: Open: Approach your work with childlike curiosity. Ask "Why?" as if you are five years old. Why do we hold this meeting? Why do we serve customers this way? Why does this process exist at all? Curiosity cracks open possibility. Surprise: Give yourself permission to imagine bold, even ridiculous ideas. Most innovations begin as ideas that seem impractical. Let your thinking go big before reality trims it down. Tell: Courageously share your ideas in a way that invites collaboration. Replace "No, that won't work" with "Yes, and…" That simple shift can transform defensive conversations into generative ones. What I particularly appreciate is that this process is personal. It's not about waiting for the CEO to hand down the strategy. It's about each individual reconnecting with their own purpose and creativity. Humility: The Leader's First Step For senior leaders, Allister emphasizes humility. The higher you rise, the easier it is to believe you must have all the answers. In reality, the opposite is true. The future is too complex for any one person to control. A future-ready leader shifts from being a "know-it-all" to being a "learn-it-all." That humility not only relieves pressure—it unlocks collective intelligence across the organization. As I often say, humans are copycats. If leaders model curiosity, openness, and experimentation, others will follow. Reclaiming Your Creative Mind One of the most striking moments in our conversation was when Alastair described how people physically shrink when he mentions creativity. "I'm not creative," they say. But if you can daydream, you are creative. Creativity isn't confined to a whiteboard in a dark conference room. It happens on morning walks, in the quiet moments between sleep and waking, in conversations where someone asks "What if?" In fact, one of my favorite stories from our discussion involved a sales leader who realized that every time a client asked "What if?" he had ignored it. Yet that's where the opportunity lived. He returned home and built an entirely new "What If" sales process. That's the shift—from defending the status quo to exploring possibility. Ready Already In a time when so many feel overwhelmed by uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that you do not need to predict the future. You need to prepare your mindset. Be curious. Focus on what is inevitable. Use your uniquely human superpowers. Lead with humility. Ask "What if?" The times are changing. But they always have. The question is not whether change will come. The question is: are you ready already? For more information about Allister Frost: Allister's profile linkedin.com/in/allisterspeaks Website allisterspeaks.com (Personal) Connect with me: Website: www.simonassociates.net Email: info@simonassociates.net Learn more about our books here: Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Watch for our new book, Rethink Retirement: It's Not The End--It's the Beginning of What's Next. Due out Spring 2026. Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let's Talk!

Why Experience Matters as Much (Or More) Than Product With Dan Thumberg, Swan Brewing Tony interviews Dan Thumberg, founder of Swan Brewing in Lakeland, Florida. Dan's background spans the carnival and amusement park industry, beer distribution, and leadership roles at American Express and Apple. He now combines enterprise-level service systems with small-business hospitality to build community-centered experiences. Plus, Dan shares insights from his journey across large customer service organizations and into entrepreneurship - and how those lessons shape the way he leads today. Key Takeaways: Design your service like a system. Customer service skills are more important than any of the hard skills you can teach. Customers have no patience for friction or hassles in today's market. There is a structural shift in hospitality expectations. Guests want an experience designed to be intentional, not accidental. It is crucial to hire people with service spirit, personality, and the ability to empathize because you cannot train for that. Be selective when you hire and continue to nurture them after you bring them onboard. The keys to building a customer-focused team are autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Train and empower your team to solve problems and support decisions that are not detrimental to the business. Book time with me to learn about our speaking, training, and consulting services: https://calendly.com/thetonyjohnson/strategy  Links & Resources:

Elevation Space is a Japanese startup working on downmass – bringing things back from space to Earth – leveraging Japan's strong heritage in reentry and recovery technologies. CEO and co-founder Ryohei Kobayashi in our guest. Enjoy!  

themselves to become better? While the experience economy remains important, Strategic Horizons cofounder B. Joseph Pine II argues that it's not enough to acquire and retain customers in today's competitive environment. He sees the next wave in business as one focused on offering outcomes to customers - and that might even mean only getting paid when customers succeed. He shares how this model might actually reduce risk, what it means in a world of AI and mass personalization, and ways that companies can truly deliver on their promises. Pine is author of the book The Transformation Economy: Guiding Customers to Achieve Their Aspirations.

Happy Valentine's Day Weekend! Need to Outperform Your Competitors in 2026? Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS delivers an insightful masterclass on outperforming your competition through applied and actionable SEO marketing tactics. The discussion covers the critical distinction between direct and indirect competitors, strategic approaches to competitive analysis using tools like SimilarWeb.com and SparkToro.com, and the importance of focusing on long-term performance over short-term rankings.Favour emphasizes the value of understanding customer intent, the difference between pre-purchase and post-purchase behavior, and how to leverage both Google search and social media platforms like Instagram for comprehensive market visibility. The session includes live Q&A with participants discussing real-world challenges in SEO strategy, website validation, and go-to-market approaches for startups in niche markets.Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick LinksDetailed TimestampsIntroduction & Topic Overview00:00 - 02:02 - Opening: Outperform competitors with applied search everywhere optimization (SEO marketing tactics)02:02 - 03:10 - Understanding your competitors: National, international, local, and regional competitionDirect vs. Indirect Competitors03:10 - 04:46 - Defining direct and indirect competitors in your market04:46 - 06:17 - Market share dynamics and competitive positioningPractical Example: Flower Business Case Study06:17 - 09:13 - Using a Valentine's flower business as a practical example09:13 - 11:47 - Time-based pricing strategies and customer behavior patterns11:47 - 14:22 - Applying competitive insights to pricing and positioningSEO Strategy & Competitive Analysis14:22 - 17:35 - Understanding competitor strengths and weaknesses17:35 - 20:48 - Using competitive intelligence for content strategy20:48 - 23:19 - Keyword research and search intent analysisTools & Resources for Competitive Research23:19 - 25:42 - Introduction to SimilarWeb, SocialBlade, and SparkToro25:42 - 27:58 - Cost-effective alternatives for competitive analysis27:58 - 30:16 - Building long-term visibility through strategic toolsLive Q&A Session Begins•30:16 - 31:02 - Mohsen introduces himself: Software engineer starting a startup in the tattoo field31:02 - 32:34 - Question: How to approach SEO when there's no competition in your field?Google vs. Instagram Strategy Discussion32:34 - 35:05 - Why Google is the most unsaturated platform for search-based marketing35:05 - 37:15 - Instagram as a feed-based platform vs. Google as intent-based search37:15 - 40:30 - Pre-purchase vs. post-purchase intent: Amazon vs. YouTube analogyWebsite Validation & Trust Building40:30 - 43:12 - The importance of having a website for business credibility43:12 - 45:38 - Off-page SEO: Connecting Instagram to your website45:38 - 48:05 - Building relationship models across platformsAdvanced SEO Tactics48:05 - 50:21 - Running ads effectively: Brand awareness before advertising spend50:21 - 52:47 - Understanding audience targeting and customer journey mapping52:47 - 54:26 - Closing remarks and how to stay connected on ClubhouseFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)1. What is the difference between direct and indirect competitors?Direct competitors are businesses that offer the same products or services within your niche or market. They target the same customer base and operate in similar ways. For example, if you sell red roses, other florists selling red roses are your direct competitors.Indirect competitors are businesses that offer different products or services but satisfy the same customer need or compete for the same market share. Using the flower example, supermarkets and farmer's markets selling flowers would be indirect competitors to a specialized florist.2. How do I find out who my competitors are?Favour recommends using several competitive analysis tools:SimilarWeb: For website traffic and audience insightsSocialBlade: For social media analytics and competitor trackingSparkToro: For audience intelligence and content discoveryYou can also identify competitors by searching for your target keywords on Google and seeing which businesses rank for those terms. Consider both national, international, local, and regional competitors depending on your market scope.3. Should I focus on Google or Instagram for my business?According to Favour, Google is the most unsaturated platform because it's based on search intent—people actively looking for specific solutions. Instagram is a feed-based platform better suited for brand awareness and showcasing visual results (before/after transformations, product demonstrations).Best approach: Use both strategically. Google captures pre-purchase intent (people researching solutions), while Instagram provides post-purchase validation and builds brand awareness. Having a website connected to your Instagram profile adds credibility and improves your off-page SEO.4. What's more important: ranking or performance?Favour emphasizes that performance is more important than ranking. Rankings fluctuate constantly (like stock prices or gas prices), but performance focuses on long-term outcomes:How quickly can you serve customers?What value do you provide beyond just appearing in search results?Can customers find your information when they need it?Anyone can rank with AI-generated content today, but what makes your business different is the experience, speed, and value you deliver to customers.5. How do I approach SEO if I have no competition in my field?When you're in a niche market with little to no competition, Favour suggests:Reverse engineer your success: If you're getting traction on Instagram, create corresponding website content (10 Instagram posts = 10 website articles)Focus on search volume: Research if there's search demand on Google for your servicesBuild credibility: Having a website validates your business more than social media aloneCreate content ecosystems: Connect your social media to your website through embedding posts and cross-linking6. Why is having a website important if I already have Instagram?A website provides business validation and credibility. As Favour's example illustrated: if three businesses offer the same service but only one has a website, customers will trust the one with a website because it demonstrates investment in human resources, infrastructure, and long-term commitment.Additionally, a website enables off-page SEO—when your Instagram links to your website, you're building relationship models between platforms that improve your overall search visibility.7. What is pre-purchase vs. post-purchase intent?Pre-purchase intent: Customers researching before buying (e.g., reading Amazon reviews, comparing products on Google)Post-purchase intent: Customers who already bought and need guidance (e.g., watching YouTube tutorials on how to use an air fryer they purchased)Understanding this distinction helps you create appropriate content for each stage of the customer journey. Google and review sites capture pre-purchase intent, while platforms like YouTube and Instagram serve post-purchase needs.8. Should I run ads if people can't find my business organically?Favour advises: Don't run ads first if people can't find you organically. If the answer to "Will they find my business without ads?" is no, then focus on building organic visibility first through SEO and content creation.If people can already find you organically, then running ads becomes more cost-effective because you're amplifying existing brand awareness rather than starting from zero.9. What are applied SEO marketing tactics?Applied SEO refers to search everywhere optimization—not just optimizing for Google, but creating a comprehensive presence across all platforms where customers might search:Google searchInstagram searchYouTube searchSocial media platformsReview sitesLocal directoriesIt's about understanding customer behavior across multiple touchpoints and ensuring your business is discoverable wherever customers are looking.Additional Resources MentionedSimilarWeb: Competitive website analyticsSocialBlade: Social media statistics and trackingSparkToro: Audience research and insightsChatGPT: AI content generation tool (mentioned in context of ranking vs. performance)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who would've thought? Last month, PepsiCo cut snack prices. McDonald's has been cutting prices, too, and said it's paying off. Yesterday, the company released better-than-expected results for the tail end of 2025. Also, big revisions to datasets like yesterday's jobs report are becoming more common in an economy undergoing big shifts, and Germany is looking to recruit foreign-born skilled workers as harsher immigration policy and rhetoric make the U.S. less appealing.

Who would've thought? Last month, PepsiCo cut snack prices. McDonald's has been cutting prices, too, and said it's paying off. Yesterday, the company released better-than-expected results for the tail end of 2025. Also, big revisions to datasets like yesterday's jobs report are becoming more common in an economy undergoing big shifts, and Germany is looking to recruit foreign-born skilled workers as harsher immigration policy and rhetoric make the U.S. less appealing.

Today I'm joined by Donald Kemp, General Sales Manager at Stowasser Buick GMC. We dig into why human-first social content is outperforming inventory posts, how moving F&I earlier drives higher penetration, and where dealers are quietly leaking money through junk fees. The conversation is tactical, practical, and immediately applicable for stores feeling margin pressure. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Experian Automotive - Like most Car Dealership Guy Listeners, you're constantly looking for the inside edge on the auto industry. So if you're ready to step up your game to the next level – outpacing the competition and building customer loyalty – there's only one place to go from here: Experian Automotive. They're the only ones with exclusive data across vehicles, consumers, and credit—plus expert data scientists who connect the dots to uncover the insights you need. Get the industry-leading insights from Experian Automotive today! Learn more by visiting @ https://carguymedia.com/4cfcLjZ. 2. Privacy4Cars - Privacy4Cars' app lets your team delete it all in minutes and prove it with a Certificate of Deletion. Customers pay more. Trade-in capture rates soar. And you stand out as the dealership that actually protects people and what matters most to them. Drive more trade-ins, more loyalty, and more revenue. Offer customer vehicle privacy services today– visit @ https://privacy4cars.com/. 3. Nomad Content Studio - Most dealers still fumble social—posting dry inventory pics or handing it off without a plan. Meanwhile, the store down the street is racking up millions of views and selling / buying cars using video. That's where Nomad Content Studio comes in. We train your own videographer, direct what to shoot, and handle strategy, to posting, to feedback. Want in with the team behind George Saliba, EV Auto, and top auto groups? Book a call @ http://www.trynomad.co. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cdgcircles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Industry job board ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jobs.dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dealership recruiting ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgrecruiting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fix your dealership's social media ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.trynomad.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Request to be a podcast guest ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgguest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgpartner.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Industry job board ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jobs.dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Request to be a podcast guest ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgguest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Topics: 00:43 What are the key business insights? 02:42 What is the used car strategy? 05:41 How to improve finance and service? 23:38 How to manage vendor relationships? 26:10 Which lead sources are best? 29:14 How to optimize lending practices? 34:37 How to leverage social media? 24:38 How to reduce credit card fees? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠x.com/GuyDealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@guydealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠threads.net/@cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Gary uses a recent trip to a pizza restaurant (two actually) to teach a lesson about free-market economics. Governments should not be involved in what businesses offer (or don't offer) and how much money they make or charge. Customers will quickly let a business know the value of its decisions.