Podcasts about customers

Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/give-mister-ed-his-rightful-spot-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame?source_location=psf_petitions Bobbleheads: https://store.barstoolsports.com/products/mostly-sports-bobblehead-ii?variant=42353493114977 Mark Titus and Brandon Walker talking sports... mostly. Thanks to our sponsors: DraftKings: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (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), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 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 (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 NBA game on 3/3/26. Must select token BEFORE placing bet. Customers who place bet w/ Token and pick one of the day's top 3 PRA stat leaders will receive an equal share of $1,000,000 ($1,000,000 prize pool per leaderboard position; $3,000,000 total), 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. Venmo: Score more with the college-branded Venmo Debit Card and get up to 5% cash back with Venmo Stash. Sign up at https://venmo.com/collegecard The Venmo Mastercard® is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. Select schools available. Venmo Stash bundle terms and exclusions apply at venmo.me/stashterms. Max $100 cash back per month. Slim Jim: Snap into a Slim Jim. Grab one today, everywhere snacks are sold. 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

Daniel Rudyak built a healthcare company the hard way. No venture capital. No safety net. And for a long stretch, not even the freedom to buy “two tacos” without doing the mental math. In this episode, Jerome Myers talks with Daniel, founder of ReadyRx, about what it takes to go from private equity boardrooms to the chaos of building: 120-hour weeks, 18 months pre-revenue, and the constant pressure of carrying a mission that's deeply personal. ReadyRx has grown to 10,000+ monthly customers and a reported $70M valuation, but this conversation isn't about hype. It's about the truth founders rarely say out loud: the climb is hard, the summit is brief, and the “money” doesn't give you what you think it will. If you're chasing an exit, thinking about raising capital, or worried about what happens after the deal closes, press play. In this episode: Why ReadyRx exists (and the healthcare failures that sparked it) The real difference between investing in businesses and building one Why they refused venture money and what control is worth The hidden skill founders need after liquidity: allocation, not adrenaline Why most people don't break on the way up, they break on the way down Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How will customers decide which decisions to hand over to AI? As AI agents move to the front of the customer journey, brands are no longer competing for attention. They're competing for selection. And in many cases, they don't even realize they're being bypassed. This conversation goes beyond tools and technology to examine the psychology of decision-making, trust, empathy, and what happens when AI becomes the primary decision-maker on behalf of customers.

The best sales pitch isn't in a founder's deck. It's what customers repeat when the founder isn't in the room.In this Founder Talk episode, Alex Sheridan sits down with Jude Nosek, VP of Sales and Marketing at Keson LLC, to break down how products really get sold in the field. They talk about word-of-mouth in the trades, why credibility beats polish, and how founders can scale growth by turning users, reps, and partners into the strongest advocates.Jude shares practical lessons on customer-led content, channel strategy, and how operators stay calm and strategic when external shocks (like tariffs and supply constraints) hit.Key Takeaways:00:00:00 Introduction00:09:58 How has B2B selling changed since COVID, and what stuck?A: Jude Nosek explains why video-first selling became normal, and how it changed speed, reach, and the quality of conversations.00:12:35 Why are buyers more educated and more skeptical than ever?A: Alex Sheridan and Jude Nosek unpack how self-education moved buyers 70–80% through the decision before they ever talk to sales, and what that changes in marketing.00:14:40 What's the fastest way to find the real sales pitch customers believe?A: Jude Nosek shares a moment when a customer took the product out of his hands, demonstrated it better, and closed the sale through pure credibility.00:16:42 How do founders let customers sell the product without making it feel scripted?A: Jude Nosek explains why authentic user demos and endorsements beat polished promos, and how to build content around real usage.00:37:42 How do you handle a sudden tariff or cost shock without wrecking cash flow?A: Jude Nosek walks through what changed overnight for Keson, how they ran leaner, and how they approached pricing decisions strategically.00:46:35 Where do customers actually buy, and why does channel strategy matter?A: Jude Nosek explains why “where homeowners shop” isn't where the trades buy, and how specialist supply relationships drive repeat sales.01:03:49 When does a family business start thinking about selling versus staying independent?A: Jude Nosek shares how long-term operators think about ownership, timing, and the consolidation pressure in trades and tools.Watch the full episode to hear the complete conversation, and subscribe for more no-fluff founder interviews.

Mountain Trails sits nestled on Winchester's Old Town walking mall at 115 North Loudoun Street, where owner Garry Green has cultivated something rare in retail: a store that feels like a community. After 34 years in business—the last 13 at this location—Garry has discovered what he calls "the Loudoun Street Magic," especially on Saturday evenings when the mall comes alive. He shares his passion during this episode of The Valley Today, with host Janet Michael and cohost Brady Cloven, executive director of Friends of Old Town. Mountain Trails' move from its original Cork Street location transformed the business entirely. "The demographic literally went from climbers, backpackers, and travelers to just everyone," Garry explains. The visibility proved phenomenal, and the store has become an integral part of Winchester's identity, appearing regularly in social media posts and drawing visitors from states away. Education Over Sales: A Revolutionary Approach What sets Mountain Trails apart isn't just their inventory—it's their philosophy. Garry's mission statement centers on creating "a safer, more enjoyable wilderness or travel experience," which means the staff focuses on qualifying customer needs rather than pushing products. "We are not here to sell things to you," Garry emphasizes. "We try to qualify your needs and provide for those needs." This approach resonates deeply in a business where equipment failures can have serious consequences. Whether customers are paddling the Shenandoah River for the first time or heading to Mount Everest base camp, their concerns receive equal validation. Garry recalls outfitting a gentleman for climbing Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at nearly 20,000 feet. When the climber returned, he shared a remarkable moment: "I was at 16,000 feet and I heard you talking to me." The boots and backpack performed exactly as Garry had promised—the ultimate validation for the staff. Curating the Right Gear for Every Adventure Every single item in Mountain Trails serves a purpose. "Everything in Mountain Trails other than, let's just say a t-shirt, needs to function," Garry explains. "It has a job. And it needs to do that when you need it to do it." From rain gear to sock structure—yes, even socks matter—the curation process ensures customers receive appropriate equipment for their specific adventures. The store's tagline captures this breadth: "hiking, climbing, trekking, travel." However, their secondary motto, "Quality Outdoor Outfitters," opens the door wider. International travelers heading to Peru or around the world find the education and experience they need. Summer canoeists discover dry bags and quick-drying clothing. Skiers find bibs and cross-country equipment. Technical rock climbers locate harnesses and safety gear. Meeting Customers Where They Are Understanding the customer's experience level proves crucial to Garry's approach. The outdoor industry's biggest emerging demographic is what he calls "the casual adventurer"—people who want to hike two miles to a waterfall with trail runners, trekking poles, and a day pack, then return to town for lunch. These customers have vastly different needs from long-distance trekkers carrying their "house on their back" for multiple days. "Not everybody needs a $400 three-layer Gore-Tex rain jacket," Garry points out. While climbers heading to Mount Everest might need that level of protection, an $80 waterproof jacket works perfectly for someone's golf bag. This honesty builds trust. Moreover, the relationship continues as customers grow in their outdoor pursuits, returning to upgrade their gear as they tackle more challenging adventures. The Power of Kindness and Experience When hiring staff, Garry's number one criterion isn't outdoor expertise—it's kindness. "You have to put that customer's best interest at heart above anything else," he insists. This philosophy creates what international visitors have called "the feel" of Mountain Trails, something that distinguishes it from sterile big-box retailers. The staff's personal experience matters tremendously. "They've been wet, cold, hungry, tired," Garry notes. "They're here to help you suffer better." Garry himself spent years guiding in Alaska and running outdoor adventure programs for the U.S. Air Force, helping service members decompress after deployment. He recalls a winter camping trip where a participant thought she wouldn't survive the night because her "butt was cold"—she hadn't inflated her sleeping pad. After inflating it and adding hand warmers, she proclaimed he'd saved her life. "You passed through a window," he told her, referring to those challenging moments all outdoor enthusiasts eventually face. Beyond the Hardcore: Everyday Customers Welcome While Mountain Trails caters to serious adventurers, everyday shoppers find unexpected value. Janet shares how the store helps her buy gifts for her mother-in-law who bikes the C&O Canal—despite Janet's self-proclaimed lack of outdoor interests. "I can come in here and just say, she does this and you can help me find the perfect gift for her," she explains. The store even welcomes those who simply want to look the part. "I love this store even though I am not an outdoors person," Janet admits. Garry laughs, acknowledging that sometimes "it's all about the look." This inclusive approach means everyone feels welcome, whether they're heading into the wilderness or just want quality gear for weekend activities. A Global Reputation Built on Local Service The store's reputation extends far beyond Winchester. Visitors from Syracuse, Cleveland, and even international locations make Mountain Trails a regular stop. Garry recalls a family from Israel who declared it their favorite outdoor store globally. "We go into these stores all over the world, and this one is our favorite so far," they told him. What impressed them? The feel of the place—something intangible that staff members hear about regularly. This atmosphere stems from Garry's operating principle: "Everybody's welcome until they're not." The staff genuinely cares, creating an environment that feels more like a community gathering space than a transaction-focused retail outlet. Social media serves not primarily as a sales tool but as "an instrument of familiarity," sharing articles about climbing, skiing, and outdoor adventures that customers want to read over their morning coffee. Connecting with Mountain Trails In mid-March, Mountain Trails will transition from their winter hours into regular hours: Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays noon to 5 PM. Customers can find them on Facebook and Instagram or visit mountain-trails.com for basic information, though the real experience requires stepping through their door on the walking mall. Old Town Winchester: Building Community Through Events Chocolate Escape Perseveres Through Arctic Conditions The second half of the conversation shifts focus to Brady Claven, executive director of Friends of Old Town Winchester, who shares updates on recent events and upcoming attractions. February's Chocolate Escape faced brutal weather—17-degree temperatures with windchill predictions of negative 10 degrees—yet determined participants still filled the walking mall with their maps, hitting every participating location. Approximately 30 merchants participated in the event, which aims not just to distribute chocolate but to drive foot traffic into stores during cold months. The strategy worked. Faire Isles, for instance, welcomed numerous first-time visitors, and overall feedback indicated people discovered stores they'd never visited before. "The point of it is to get people into stores," Brady explains, noting that participants might not linger outside as long in freezing weather, but they spent more time browsing inside. Celebrating Black History Month Through Partnership Friends of Old Town partnered with NAACP Winchester and secured generous sponsorship from Valley Health to present three Black History Month events. Typewriter Studio hosted a spoken word and art gallery night featuring Monica James and representatives from Selah Theater. Bright Box presented "History and Cocktails" with Nick Powers from the MSV delivering an outstanding historical talk about the Valley's Black history, tying into the upcoming VA250 celebration. Finally, Bistro Sojo offered a small plates and jazz night with a $35-per-person special menu and live performance by SU. Spin to Winchester: Pedaling for Progress Friends of Old Town's second annual Spin to Winchester fundraiser brought participants together inside Valley Health for a 45-minute stationary bike class. Each rider crowd-funded their participation, raising a minimum of $250, with prizes awarded for most funds raised, sweatiest rider, and highest mileage. The event exceeded expectations, hitting 120% of its goal and attracting 20 more individual donors than the previous year. "It's very apparent by the end of this 45-minute class, certain people are, myself included, just dripping with sweat," Brady admits, describing the intense workout led by instructor Pam from Valley Health. Despite the physical challenge—including what seemed like endless "last hills"—the fundraiser's success directly supports Old Town programs and events throughout the year. Taylor Pavilion: A Transformation Underway Ground has broken on the Taylor Pavilion renovation, with completion targeted for before WineFest during Apple Blossom season. The transformation will create a social gathering space that addresses a common community need. "We do hear a lot from people that say, well, you know, there's really not a space if I don't wanna drink or if I don't want to eat," Brady notes. The new pavilion will offer a place where people can grab a bagel and sit, play chess, listen to music, or simply enjoy being on the mall. It will serve as a meeting point before art classes at Typewriter Studio or ShenArts—a place for friends to gather with coffee and catch up before heading to other destinations. Notably, the infamous "ping pong table on an incline" from the conceptual rendering will not materialize, though Brady jokes they should install a commemorative statue. Celtic Fest Returns March 14th Looking ahead to March, Celtic Fest promises to be a highlight. Scheduled for Saturday, March 14th from noon to 5 PM, the event will feature approximately 35 vendors lining the mall from the south end near Hideaway northward. Partners include Ravenwood Foundation, which brings expertise in outdoor Highland games. City Pipes and Drums will perform throughout the day. Faire Isles plans Irish dancers in their alcove, while other merchants prepare special attractions. Piper Dan's and Union Jack's—recently reopened after flooding—will participate, with Brady hoping to coordinate a special menu. Additionally, Brady plans to transform the museum lawn into a kids' Highland games zone, where children ages four to ten can throw foam logs, compete in disc throwing, and win prizes. Staying Connected Those interested in Old Town Winchester events can follow Friends of Old Town on Facebook and Instagram (@FriendsOfOldTownWINC) or visit friendsofoldtown.org for a complete calendar. First Friday events return in June with a "Summer of Covers" theme featuring cover bands, including a special August event partnering with River House. A Community That Cares Whether discussing Mountain Trails' dedication to customer safety and satisfaction or Friends of Old Town's commitment to creating community experiences, this conversation reveals Winchester's character: a city where businesses and organizations prioritize people over profit, relationships over transactions, and community over convenience. From outdoor gear to outdoor festivals, the message remains consistent—everyone's welcome, expertise matters, and kindness forms the foundation of everything worthwhile.

Horst Schulze breaks down how Ritz-Carlton built elite teams through hiring standards, empowerment, and culture. From $2,000 employee decision authority to confronting performance with data, he explains the leadership systems that drove world-class service and low turnover.

Feedback is all around us. From the customers, staff, and the business itself, we can only make great decisions for the coffee shop when we practice listening to understand. Trouble is we often avoid listening for fear of what we will hear, or because we falsely think we know what someone thinks or that their opinion cannot be helpful due to who they are or what position they hold. Today on Shift Break we will be talking about what we stand to lose personally and professionally when we do not pursue listening as a serious part of how our business will grow.  Please take time to listen to the episodes below to dive deeper into the subject of listening!   APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!  KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP®  1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related Episodes:    415: The Best Lessons On How to Listen w/ Listening Expert, Oscar Trimboli   165 : The Art of Deep Listening w/ Oscar Trimboli 282 : How to Listen to your Customers 291 : What to do if Your Baristas Wont Listen to You

Impact of Feedback: When employees believe their feedback is actually used to make improvements, they are 37% less likely to look for a new job. Pew Research Center On average, engaged employees see a 20% individual performance improvement and an 87% reduction in the desire to leave.   A  2024 research Survey with The Harris Poll found that managers play a critical role in moving employees from burned out and checked out to thriving. For employees who say they are thriving, the top indicator is a manager who is "invested in their success." Employee thriving is driven by three key drivers:   Stephen Baer is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Engagency, a firm built on his core belief that human engagement is the engine of business performance. He leads a team of behavioral experts who help organizations build meaningful, measurable connections with their workforce and customers. With a 30-year career focused on the science of connection, motivation, and activation, Stephen brings a rare blend of behavioral insight, creativity, and operational discipline. He previously co-founded and led The Game Agency, a learning and engagement company acquired by ELB Learning, and held sales and marketing leadership roles at Atari and General Electric, where he was a Six Sigma Black Belt Certified and a recipient of GE's Global Marketing Excellence Award. Stephen has served on the Board of ELB Learning and the Advisory Board of the Life Sciences Trainers & Educators Network (LTEN), and was a contributing writer for the Forbes Human Resources Council for six years, sharing insights on engagement and organizational growth. The author of the book, "Stickology: How to Build Unbreakable Connections with Employees and Customers for Life," and two children's books (Catastrophe in the City and The Doghouse), Stephen holds a BA from Oberlin College and an MBA from Columbia University.      For more information: https://stephenbaer.com/ Get the book: https://www.amazon.ca/Stickology-Unbreakable-Connections-Employees-Customers/dp/9699592532. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports another company is saying yes to tariff refunds.

Street reaction to Nvidia and software results. Nvidia dragging down the major indices as shares move lower after earnings. Plus, State Farm returning cash to customers. A breakdown of those details. Plus, one economic data point flashing a sign that could signal a change in market leadership. B of A breaks that down. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ashley Grace is the Founding CMO of Igniton, a groundbreaking quantum wellness company merging subatomic particle science with integrative health. With a background spanning finance, marketing ROI modeling, ad tech, and big pharma—and as the former founding CMO of Charlotte's Web—Ashley brings decades of experience at the intersection of innovation and persuasion. On this episode, he breaks down how to market complex, cutting-edge products, why message beats media every time, and what skills will actually make you money in the future of advertising. On this episode we talk about: How Igniton is pioneering “quantum supplementation” and validating it through university studies The challenge of marketing complex or unfamiliar innovations Why your message is 4x more important than your media buying strategy Emotional differentiation vs. feature-based marketing The future of AI in ad creative and what skills marketers should focus on now Top 3 Takeaways What you say matters more than how you say it. The creative message is significantly more impactful than targeting, delivery, or frequency. Emotional resonance wins. Emotional differentiation beats feature differentiation. Customers buy based on emotional outcomes first—then justify with logic. Creative skills will outlast media buying. As AI automates targeting and ad delivery, persuasive messaging and human psychology will become even more valuable. Notable Quotes "What you say is four times more important than how you say it or how often you say it." "Persuasion is real—and there are tools and techniques to use language and visuals to make it more powerful." "Focus on the emotional benefit. The feature just explains why you can deliver it." Connect with Ashley Grace: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleygrace Website: https://igniton.com Podcast: https://ashleyon.com Discount Code: Use code ASHLEY for 15% off your first order  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – 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

Connecting with customers is part of the job. In this episode, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share why staying close to the people who use your product still matters, even as companies scale. They touch on writing customers directly, keeping the door open after the first reply, and why real conversations beat shouting into the social media void.Key Takeaways00:11 – Writing customers from a real inbox05:21 – Building real relationships with the people who use your product11:34 – Keeping the line open after the first exchange14:07 – Why email still feels more personal than sliding into DMs19:29 – Getting to know who your customers actually are21:55 – Why real human connection is still the pointLinks and ResourcesFizzy is a modern spin on kanban. Try it for free at fizzy.doRecord a video question for the podcastSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Many leaders still believe high customer satisfaction scores mean the experience is working. That belief creates a costly blind spot: customers say they're satisfied and then quietly leave, taking revenue, renewals, and referrals with them. In this solo episode of Doing CX Right®, Stacy Sherman explores why Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) became the standard, from the University of Michigan's American Customer Satisfaction Index to today's dashboards, and why it no longer predicts loyalty in a world where switching is easy and comparisons are instant. Stacy shares practical ways to drive real customer loyalty: Identify why "nothing went wrong" isn't enough to create memorable experiences Ask questions that reveal what customers truly value Measure behavior: repurchase, renewal, and referral rates instead of opinion scores Redesign onboarding and service touchpoints so customers feel supported, not lost CSAT isn't useless, but it measures baseline competence, not competitive advantage. Listen now to discover why satisfaction is just the starting point, and how to turn customer experience into lasting loyalty. Learn more at DoingCXRight.com and subscribe to the newsletter for more actionable strategies. Book time with Stacy here.

What Curling Can Teach Us About Agile - Mike CohnWith the Olympics underway, I've been watching a few events I don't normally pay much attention to—like curling.At first glance, curling looks almost comically simple. Someone slides a stone down the ice. A couple of teammates run alongside it frantically sweeping the ice with brooms. The stone glides… and somehow ends up exactly where they want it.But the more you watch, the more you realize curling isn't about making a perfect throw.It's about making adjustments after the throw.And that's what makes it a great analogy for agile.For a long time, traditional software development treated projects as if teams only had one chance to get everything right. The goal was to write the requirements document, create the design, then implement everything exactly according to plan. If you did enough planning up front, the thinking went, you could get it right the first time.The problem is that software development rarely works that way.Even if you have smart people and a solid plan, you're still operating on uncertain “ice.” Customers don't always know what they need until they see it. Stakeholders often describe what they want in ways that are incomplete, or ambiguous, or shaped by assumptions that turn out to be wrong. And developers—no matter how experienced—can misunderstand what they hear.That's not incompetence. That's just reality. Communication has friction. Uncertainty is built in.In curling, the team knows that too. They can't control the ice. They can't assume the stone will behave exactly the same way every time. Conditions vary. The surface isn't perfectly predictable. If the players just stood there and watched the stone slide, hoping it ends up in the bullseye, they'd lose most of their matches.So instead, they sweep.Sweeping doesn't completely change the outcome. It doesn't teleport the stone to the target. But it nudges the stone's speed and direction. It helps the team adjust to what's happening in real time.That's what agile does for software development.The plan is like the initial throw. It matters. You need to aim. Once the stone is moving, you don't get to stop everything and start over—you can only respond. But agile recognizes that aiming once isn't enough.The best teams don't aim once—they keep aiming.They build something small, show it, listen, learn, and adjust. They use feedback to steer the product toward what users truly need—not just what they said they needed, but what they meant. The known needs and the unstated ones.In other words, agile isn't about getting everything right up front.It's about staying close enough to reality to make course corrections while they're still cheap.One of the biggest mindset shifts agile asks of us is to stop treating change as failure. In the old model, change meant the plan was wrong. It meant rework. It meant someone made a mistake.But in agile, change is often a sign that learning is happening.Curling teams don't apologize for sweeping. They don't view it as an admission that the throw was bad. Sweeping is part of the game. It's what turns a decent throw into a great result.Agile teams do the same thing. They don't just launch work and hope it glides perfectly to the finish line. They inspect, adapt, and steer as they go.That's how you succeed with agile.And in the meantime, enjoy the Olympics.How to connect with AgileDad:- [website] ⁠https://www.agiledad.com/⁠- [instagram] ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agile_coach/⁠- [facebook] ⁠https://www.facebook.com/RealAgileDad/⁠- [Linkedin] ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehenson/

Two truths can coexist: headlines can drown out the soul of sport, and honest stories can still cut through the noise. We open with a candid look at how the Olympics should feel—earned pride, shared sacrifice, and a country pulling together—then spotlight the moments that actually delivered. Alysa Liu's gold, shaped by a father who fled repression for freedom. Team USA hockey honoring the Gaudreau brothers and lifting a grieving family onto the medal stage on the Miracle on Ice anniversary. The women's team claiming gold too. That's unity you can feel without a single talking point.From there we zoom into the trenches where most of us live: a small business sprint to Daytona Bike Week through a full-on blizzard. The bus won't roll, so a friend drops a near-new trailer and another brings a new truck for a predawn hookup. Customers snap up a new America 250 design—Stars, Stripes, and Straight Pipes—while a local sponsor covers fuel and partners fund the haul south. Meanwhile, checklists stack up: tires swapped, inventory pressed, flyers designed, codes set. Then the clock turns ruthless. A critical shipment slips from two-day air to five, the bank closes for weather, and the driveway must stay clear for a maybe-delivery. This is what resilience looks like off-camera.We connect the dots: greatness is never free. Athletes and entrepreneurs draw from the same well—discipline, community, and the choice to grow through hard things. Family bears the real cost: a wife juggling work, baby, and farm; a mother flexing her schedule; friends burning vacation days to chase a dream that isn't technically theirs and somehow absolutely is. That's what patriotism looks like when it's not a slogan—people making, carrying, and caring here at home. Ride with us for the goosebumps, the grit, and the reminder that pride means showing up when it's hardest. If this story hits you, follow, share with a friend who needs the push, and leave a review so more people find the tribe.If you found value in today's show please return the favor and leave a positive review and share it with someone important to you! https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/reviews/new/Find all you need to know about the show https://www.sharethestrugglepodcast.com/Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077724159859Join the 2% of Americans that Buy American and support American Together we can bring back American Manufacturing https://www.loudproudamerican.shop/Loud Proud American Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoudproudamericanLoud Proud American Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loud_proud_american/Loud Proud American TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loud_proud_americanLoud Proud American YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYQtOt6KVURuySWYQ2GWtwThank you for Supporting My American Dream!

Robin Zander hosted a Snafu webinar for the Sidebar community on non-sales selling—think self-promotion for career transitions, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and product people. The goal: learn to "sell yourself" without the ick factor.   Participants shared fears: follow-ups feel intimidating, sales feels slimy, and success seems like a numbers game. Robin reframed it: selling is really about enrollment—being a chief evangelist for your work, not begging for attention.   Drawing on stories from his childhood pumpkin patch, his time as a personal trainer (where desperation lost him clients), and opening Robin's Cafe in San Francisco (raising $40k, serving multiple stakeholders, training staff with Danny Meyer's principles), he showed the difference between selling from need vs. service. Long-term success comes from genuine connection, curiosity, optimism, and passion.   Attendees explored their "authentic attitude" and reflected on times self-promotion felt good versus slimy. Exercises included mapping all the people who benefit from your work—employees, customers, managers, mentees, community—and practicing generosity in selling (a "Miracle on 34th Street" mindset: help customers even if it means sending them elsewhere).   In Q&A, Robin tackled: Asking for promotions as modeling for others, especially women and minorities Persistence in follow-ups (yes, emailing Mark Benioff 53 times counts) Relationship-based enterprise selling Avoiding fear-based AI marketing by knowing who you serve and what problem you solve Recommended reading: Setting the Table (Danny Meyer), Unreasonable Hospitality (Will Guidara), The New Strategic Selling.   Robin also shared upcoming Snafu conference details (March 5, Oakland Museum of California) and reminded everyone: Snafu = situation normal; all fucked up. 00:00 Start 01:06 Audience Fears About Selling Robin Zander welcomes 93 participants to the webinar Notes the session is interactive with exercises planned Encourages participants to drop questions in chat or interrupt him Last 15–20 minutes reserved for questions Robin introduces himself briefly Focuses on storytelling as a tool for self-promotion Shares experience as a community builder Runs a conference called Responsive since 2016 (not Snafu) Tools, structures, and company cultures for resilient organizations Two-day event each September on the future of work Focus on building resilience in organizations Observations on rapid change Technology and work-life changes happening at a fast pace Questions about resilience in individuals Traits needed in careers, personal relationships, professional relationships Ability to stay resilient through change Robin frames his expertise Emphasizes his strength in asking questions and fostering honest conversations Labels himself a reluctant salesperson Not the world's leading expert on self-promotion or selling Key lessons from research and interviews Two buckets matter in business and life: Example: Sidebar community forming coalitions for learning and action Operational excellence: being competent and at least as good as others Promotion/enrollment/sales: standing up, saying what you want, building coalitions Started interviewing people about influence and persuasion Started a weekly newsletter called Snafu Written by hand, not AI Shares lessons from his life and others about self-promotion and resilience Focus on courage to take action: raising hand, offering something valuable Core characteristics of self-promotion and selling yourself Connecting with others: art of connection Courage to ask: inspired by Amanda Palmer's TED Talk and book The Art of Asking Opposes traditional "always be closing" sales mentality Advocates for simply asking for what you want Current work mostly involves storytelling for large companies Clients include Supersonic, Airbnb, Zappos, and others 12:25 Service as the Core Principle Robin introduces the concept of storytelling for self-promotion Stories used to: Get promotions Build coalitions Propel career or organizational growth Emphasizes turning personal, career, or company stories into "commercials" Focus of today's talk: self-promotion with impact Core principle: service Showing up from a place of helping others Through helping others, also helping oneself Distinguishes between sleazy salespeople and effective self-promoters Childhood anecdote: Robin's pumpkin patch Tended plants all summer, learned responsibility and care Harvested pumpkins and sold them using a small red tin box labeled "money" Ran "Robin's Pumpkin Patch" for five to seven years At age five, father had him plant pumpkin seeds Engaged neighborhood kids for fun, collaborative promotion Explained product (pumpkins) enthusiastically to potential buyers Used scarecrow costumes and creative gestures to attract attention Lessons learned from pumpkin patch: Authentic enthusiasm creates value Helping people do what they were already inclined to do Early experience of earning and serving simultaneously Self-promotion is most effective when it's service-driven, not manipulative Applying childhood lesson to career and business Asking for a raise Persuading companies to choose one service over another Promoting oneself or others (e.g., Evan, web developer) Key principle: approach self-promotion from delight and service, not need or fear Authentic enthusiasm as foundation for: Interactive exercise for participants Not influenced by sleep deprivation or stress Could be inspired by childhood or adult experiences Opposite of fear; personal and unique for each participant Question posed: what is your authentic attitude when self-promoting? Examples shared from participants: Curiosity Passion Inspiration Service to others Observation Possibility Insight Value Helping others Creativity Belief in serendipity Optimism Key takeaway from exercise and story Promoting from delight, enthusiasm, and service Promoting from need or fear Two versions of self-promotion: Effective self-promotion aligns with authenticity and enthusiasm, creating value for others while advancing oneself 18:36 Gym Job and Needy Selling Robin shares the next story and sets up the next exercise Gym culture is sales-heavy Initial motivation: love of fitness, desire to help people Quickly realizes environment incentivizes personal trainers to sell aggressively Timeframe: ~20 years later, at age 20, moved to San Francisco First post-college job: personal trainer in gyms Early experience at gyms Key lesson from early failure Selling from need feels gross Promoting oneself from fear or desperation leads to poor results Recognizes similarity to unwanted sales calls received personally First authentic success in self-promotion Worked at Petro and World's Gym in San Francisco, Pilates instructor Owner confronted Robin after two weeks: no clients, potential clients being lost to others Threatened termination by Friday if no clients acquired Robin froze under pressure, approached clients but with needy, desperate energy Outcome: fired by Friday, left gym Encounters man in pain on Valencia Street, offers help as personal trainer Approach comes from genuine care, desire to serve Leads to three-year working relationship, consistent sessions, good income Next client: world-famous photographer Michael Light at UCSF swimming pool Client comes from natural connection, not pushy salesmanship Dichotomy observed: Pushy, need-based self-promotion → freeze, poor results Service-oriented self-promotion → natural connections, sustained relationships Exercise for participants Prompt: identify two moments: One time self-promoting felt slimy → what were you doing? One time self-promoting felt good → what were you doing differently? Two-minute reflection / chat participation Participant reflections/examples Slimy examples: Interviewing for a job during layoffs, giving desperate energy Selling P&L at a hyperscaler Selling computers and printers in UK post-college Sales emails getting ghosted Feeling inauthentic or performative, taking advantage of someone Good examples: Offering services out of care and love rather than ROI Showing impact of work to junior child Knowing services add real value and solve a challenge Being clear on what the other person needs Key takeaway Self-promotion feels different depending on intent and knowledge Slimy → desperate, inauthentic, unclear value to recipient Authentic → service-driven, clear value, connection-focused Effective self-promotion combines knowing your value and serving others, not just pushing for personal gain 25:35 Miracle on 34th Street Lesson Feeling good in self-promotion comes from genuinely helping, solving problems, and sharing information Santa Claus hired at Macy's to hold kids and give candy canes, but real goal: persuade parents to buy from Macy's Santa instead sends parents to competitor to truly serve them Macy's manager initially furious Outcome: customers feel genuinely served, return praising Macy's, become loyal fans Robin references Miracle on 34th Street (original version) Key insight: providing real value, even if it benefits someone else, eventually returns value to you "Put enough bread across the water, eventually good things come back" Participant reflections Slimy: knowing audience expects judgment, catering to them for approval Good: giving the gift of knowledge, providing service freely Takeaway: authentic self-promotion is rooted in service, generosity, and sharing expertise, not manipulating for immediate gain 27:45 Starting Robin's Cafe Through Service Robin shares a major professional turning point: opening Robin's Cafe in 2016 No restaurant experience beyond college busing tables Opened in three weeks, eventually grew to 15 employees by 2018 Worked in multiple industries: Pumpkin patch, personal trainer, circus performer Opened a café/restaurant in Mission District, San Francisco Courage and conviction came from clear focus on service to others Employees: create a great workplace, go-giver culture Investors: $40k raised from friends/family, provided value and potential return Landlords (ODC, nonprofit dance center): wanted success of business to support community Customers: diverse—tech workers, kids in dance classes, local community Robin himself: financial sustainability, learning, personal growth Key audiences served by Robin's Cafe Approach to challenges Used Danny Meyer's Setting the Table as a service-focused framework for employees Philosophy: "giving in order to get paid" Examples: spouse, kids, dog, manager, peers, mentees, clients, community, customers, extended family, mentors Served multiple stakeholders during crises: break-ins, flooding, city permitting, neighborhood issues Exercise: identify all the people who benefit from your work or success Key idea: the more stakeholders served, the easier self-promotion becomes, because it comes from service, not need or pressure Show up thinking: does this serve the person I'm talking to? Principle: selling yourself from a place of service Consider multiple stakeholders simultaneously Audience question: elaborate on applying this service mindset specifically to asking for a promotion Tying service to self-promotion in career advancement Result: asking for a raise, applying for jobs, pitching clients—all easier and more authentic 38:11 Promotion As Service Asking for a promotion from a place of service Example: doing the role already, deserving recognition, asking for what you believe you've earned. Personal perspective: advocating for yourself is a form of service to yourself Recognize other stakeholders in the process: Modeling courage and advocacy for the next generation Authority enables ideas to be taken more seriously Stories gained from new responsibilities enhance value to clients or teams People you mentor, especially women or underrepresented groups The organization: your promotion can make it stronger Your family or children: showing them what it looks like to advocate Concrete examples Outcome: trajectory of career positively influenced, demonstrated courage, modeled behavior Asking first time for a manager role Later asking for VP title as a director Courage and small steps Courage = acting despite fear, not absence of fear Practice by taking incremental steps toward what scares you Avoid masking or hesitation; direct action builds confidence and results Persistence and follow-up Busy people require patience and multiple nudges Example: Mark Stubbings emailing Mark Benioff 53 times before a yes Persistence = respectful, consistent follow-ups Role modeling for women and minorities Demonstrates that asking is a normal, expected, and service-oriented act Many don't ask for promotions or raises due to upbringing or cultural norms Modeling advocacy teaches the next generation, including children, to speak up Service mindset in practice Approach self-promotion by asking: is this good for the other person? Keep intention aligned with service, not desperation Books for guidance: Setting the Table – Danny Meyer: service-driven sales and employee culture Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara: lessons from the restaurant world on giving value and delight Key takeaways for promotion and asking Serve yourself, your mentees, your organization, and your broader audience Take small, courageous steps to ask for what you deserve Follow up respectfully and consistently; don't assume silence = no Self-promotion becomes easier and authentic when rooted in service, not fear or need Snafu Newsletter Weekly newsletter written by Robin Covers influence, persuasion, and modern workplace dynamics A resource for ongoing learning and practical insights 56:55 Where to Find Robin Robin's newsletter covers influence, persuasion, and modern work. Snafu Conference Responsive Conference Robin Zander on social medias  

The Reserve Bank's emphasising the importance of cash services being free-of-charge. It's proposed requiring the banking sector to provide accessible full-cash services across the country - at $104 million a year. The plan ensures those in urban areas can walk to get cash, and the drive for those living rurally is reasonable. Money and Cash Director Ian Woolford says people don't expect to pay to deposit or withdraw cash. "Communities need easier access to cash, closer to home...what we've learned, partly, from those cash trials is that this is what communities need." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creating Engaged Employees and Loyal Customers   Shep interviews Stephen Baer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Engagency. He talks about his new book,  Stickology, and how building strong emotional connections and engaging both employees and customers leads to lasting loyalty.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How does internal employee engagement influence external customer experience?  Why is it important for organizations to go beyond surface-level personalization in delivering customer experiences?  How can companies strike the right balance between friendly service and convenience to create lasting loyalty?  How can organizations move from transactional interactions to building relationships with their customers?  Why is it essential to invest in employee experience to drive customer satisfaction?  Top Takeaways:    Internal engagement is the foundation of strong customer loyalty. What happens inside your organization is always felt by your customers on the outside. If your employees are engaged, respected, and motivated, customers feel that in every interaction with your brand.   When organizations invest in their people, the result is better service and stronger customer relationships because empowered employees have the confidence to go above and beyond for customers.   Engagement isn't just good for workplace culture. It's good for business. Companies that focus on both employee and customer engagement see more revenue, higher employee and customer retention, and outpace their competitors.   It's easy to form a connection, but lasting loyalty requires deeper engagement. Connections made quickly can fall apart just as fast if the next interactions are inconsistent. Genuine engagement takes time and is operationalized so it ingrained in the culture and felt in every interaction.  Personalization by itself, even when powered by advanced technology, is not enough to build lasting loyalty. Relying on algorithms alone will expose a brand to being outgrown by its customers or out-innovated by its competitors. Customers stick with brands that make them feel emotionally connected and valued. Human elements, not just algorithms, are what creates long-term fans.   Convenience is no longer a unique advantage. It is an expectation. Today's customers want easy, seamless interactions everywhere they shop. To stand out, businesses need to pair convenience with authentic, memorable service.   Customers are going to talk about their experience with a company. When employees are engaged, they create advocates, customers who often spend more, and are more likely to recommend the business to others.   Plus, Stephen shares more insights from his book, Stickology: How to Build Unbreakable Connections with Employees and Customers for Life. Tune in!  Quote:   "It's not just about connecting. It's about building a relationship. It's about making that person feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered, whether they are a customer or an employee. It takes time, but the bond holds together stronger."  About:    Stephen Baer is the author of Stickology: How to Build Unbreakable Connections with Employees and Customers for Life, and the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Engagency.  He has 30 years of experience in behavioral science and engagement from leadership roles at companies such as The Game Agency, Atari, and GE.  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

It's easy for B2B marketing to sound interchangeable. That's why Steve Jobs and Conrad Hilton are such compelling leaders to learn from. Behind Apple and Hilton is a disciplined approach to customer experience, brand consistency, and raising expectations instead of reacting to them. In this episode, we unpack the B2B marketing lessons behind two of the world's most iconic brands with the help of our special guest Sharon Oddy, VP of Marketing & Communications at TNS. Together, we explore what B2B marketers can learn from anchoring their positioning in customer experience, building trust through consistency, and delivering value buyers didn't even realize they were missing. About our guest, Sharon Oddy Sharon Oddy is the VP of Marketing & Communications at TNS. She's a marketing professional who understands the power of storytelling, the importance of a consistent narrative and the art of using it to inspire action. Sharon is an effective and talented communicator who makes the extraordinarily complex, comprehensible. She's a versatile and decisive leader skilled at building high-performing teams and activating cross-functional collaboration to drive strategic growth, customer retention and acquisition globally. What B2B Companies Can Learn From Steve Jobs + Conrad Hilton: Customer obsession is the only real differentiator. Jobs and Hilton didn't win because they had better marketing. They won because they cared more about the customer experience than anyone else. Sharon nails the mindset: “They listened and they observed in a way that put them in the shoe of the customer.” Jobs makes it the rule: “You've gotta start with the customer experience and work backwards to the technology.” The B2B takeaway is clear: if your marketing starts with what you want to sell instead of what your customer needs to feel, you're already behind. The brands that win build from the buyer backward. Trust is built in the details. Hilton's last words weren't about expansion or revenue. They were: “Leave the shower curtain on the inside of the tub.” Jobs obsessed over design even when customers would never see it. Why? Because as Sharon puts it: “It's always about putting the customer first.” In B2B, this means your credibility lives in execution; consistent messaging, polished touchpoints, and an experience that feels dependable. Don't let the small things create big doubt. The best marketers redefine demand. Customers can't always tell you what they want, but great companies can see what they struggle with. Sharon explains, “Jobs was really good at looking at people and saying, what are they struggling with and how do I make that experience better? Because when I do and they taste it, they're never going back.” That's the B2B lesson: don't just market what exists, create the expectation for something better. The strongest marketing doesn't follow the category. It changes what the category believes is possible. Quote “  If you keep looking backwards and trying to copy instead of lead. That's [an] area of demise. You can't look back and be like, “What does everybody else do? What does everybody else think?” You just have to have confidence that you understand your audience. You understand where the puck is moving, and you're going to keep going forward.” Time Stamps [01:20] Meet Sharon Oddy, VP of Marketing & Communications at TNS [01:27] Why Steve Jobs & Conrad Hilton? [04:00] The Role of VP of Marketing & Communications at TNS [06:25] Deep Dive: Steve Jobs and Conrad Hilton's Obsession with Details [11:19] B2B Marketing Lessons from Jobs and Hilton [47:45] Sharon's Marketing Strategy [51:24] Final Thoughts and Takeaways Links Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn Learn more about TNS About Remarkable! Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com.  In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK.  Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paddy Srinivasan, CEO of DigitalOcean (DOCN), joins to discuss their latest financial report and the company's future with AI. DOCN allows companies to build horizontal and vertical SaaS services, which have been squarely in the AI crosshairs in recent trading. He explains how their value proposition still holds up amid these worries, and how they're attracting AI-native customers, as well as how these customers use open vs closed-source AI. He notes record incremental ARR and accelerating growth for DigitalOcean. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Some Genesis Energy customer's are facing price shocks, at the same time the company's revealed a massive bump in profit. It yesterday announced a half year profit of $95 million compared to $70 million a year ago. Brimming hydro lakes and less use of coal and gas are credited for the strong lift in half year profit. Genesis Energy Chief Revenue Officer, Stephen England-Hall spoke to Lisa Owen.

On this episode, we explore the critical connection between sales and customer experience teams — and why a misalignment might be costing you customers, revenue and brand reputation.When sales sets expectations that CX can't meet, customers may churn faster than you can acquire them, wasting your customer acquisition costs. The problem isn't what either team does in isolation, but rather the handoff between them.Drawing from 20 years of experience, Robin Jakobsen, director of product strategy for CXM at TELUS Digital, reveals what this sales team alignment gap can cost your business and how CX leaders can take a proactive role in fixing it. Shawn Casemore, keynote speaker and author, brings additional sales expertise, explaining where the disconnect happens and how both teams can shift from competing priorities to shared outcomes.Together, they share the orchestration tactics and strategies CX leaders need to prevent customer churn, build loyalty and align with sales around revenue metrics.Visit our website to learn more about TELUS Digital.Show notesDownload TELUS Digital's 90-day customer activation checklist for B2B customer success and onboarding teams.Learn how TELUS Digital's B2B Sales Outsourcing can help you transform your sales ecosystem with exceptional buyer-seller experiences.

Many of you have already cut the cord from your longtime cable television provider.  I wrote about my evaluation of doing this back in 2023. Giving up a security blanket called cable television has been hard to do.  In 2023, I successfully negotiated a cheaper overall rate by agreeing to a multi-year fixed price deal with our cable television and internet service provider. We could have opted to switch to an internet-based television provider at the time.  The price difference came out to less than $10/month to switch.  My wife and I agreed that the hassles probably weren’t worth $10 per month – yet. Three years later, it was time to go to bat with the same large cable television and internet service provider.  This time, the outcome would be different. We have enjoyed a three decade love/hate business relationship You may have seen a number of advertisements for our current cable/internet provider during the Winter Olympic games.  While watching the women’s US Olympic curling team lose the Bronze medal to the evil Canucks the other night, my wife and I saw the company’s promotional ad several times. It proudly proclaimed, “$50/month for 5 years of 1 GB internet service.  No price increases.  No contract required!” That’s funny.  The same company has been charging us $99 per month for the same level of service.  Why are they offering such a deep discount to newbies? Talk about bad timing.  The cable/internet company had just mailed the February bill to us late last week. It contained a big 20% surprise! The company raised our bill by $36.17 per month for our combined cable television/internet package (125 TV channels plus their “Superspeed” internet service). Our former bill was $182.33 per month. The new bill amounted to $218.50 per month.  There were no added services. Hey, that’s almost 20% more?  What is going on here?!!! Our cable television package has zero add-ons for premium movies or sports packages.  Just the 125+ channel tier has been fine for us. The menu of cable television services offered by this national provider has relatively few (five as of today) bundled packages at various price points. Their so-called basic package isn’t cheap and generally provides an assortment of local channels. No, thanks!  That’s why I bought my $29 Phillips plug-in antenna (for use as a back-up to watch local TV stations when needed). The next price level had been our current 125-channel line-up.  My wife was happy with her favorite channels like Food Network, HGTV, and a few movie options such as USA, Freeform, and AMC.  Her sports-nut husband generally watches ESPN, Golf Channel, and a few others from his 10′ x 10′ SwampSwami SportsCave in the back portion of the house. It’s OK to laugh and call me cheap.  I prefer being called “fiscally prudent” with respect to our monthly entertainment expenditures. We played this same game exactly three years ago We took a hard look at our options in 2023 after a similar price hike surprised us by the same folks. Here’s a link to that story. First, we decided to get rid of one of the two cable “boxes” and saved $14/month.  A $49 Roku stick on the TV back in my SportsCave allowed me to watch the same cable television offerings via our wireless internet. We had already purchased our own internet modem ($150) to jettison another of their monthly rental fees. It paid out in less than a year. When I was finally able to bargain to lock-in a multi-year pricing deal in 2023, the net price increase came to less than $10 month. We opted to stick around – and watch. Your cable company will pass along the higher prices of ESPN and others Some television pirates like ESPN have spent billions in the past decade bidding-up the cost of sports to maintain a dominant market position. They are quite aware that the vast majority of us sports-addicted viewers are likely to pay the higher tab. I get it.  You must also step back and evaluate your purchasing habits at times, too. Economics 201 would define this as the Elasticity of Demand.  At some price point, people will reject your product and walk away. Grocery and utility prices have gone up.  They are passing along the incremental costs of doing business.  Customers have to make some hard choices. Watching your wife shiver on the sofa during winter because her cheapskate husband wants to keep the thermostat at 68 degrees is not easy. Are those tears or icicles coming from her eyes? I no longer purchase as much of the now-$9/pound lean hamburger or my favorite hot chocolate mix anymore to save a few bucks. Tonight, it’s red beans and rice Monday at our house. Anyone from New Orleans knows that the dish is a local tradition borne out of economic necessity. We used to add smoked sausage to our Monday mixture years ago.  Alas, not anymore. Perhaps my waistline should send a thank-you note to our local grocer for pricing us out of few items which I loved to consume. Time for the latest big negotiation with the cable TV and internet provider! This weekend, I prepared myself for the upcoming discussion with a “Customer Retention” representative.  You have to be willing to walk away when arriving at this level.  That negotiating tactic had saved us hundreds of dollars in previous years. I updated my 2023 spreadsheet this weekend to affirm the TV channels we most heavily watch. Then, I looked-up the top internet-based television providers to see which one best satisfies our desires at a competitive price. By the way, here is my updated analysis of product offerings and prices for various providers as of February, 2026: My big telephone negotiation with our giant cable television/internet provider was not centered on the rising costs charged by ESPN, the local TV stations, and our overpriced regional sports channel. I wanted the company to defend its Winter Olympic offering a $50/month internet price to new customers while having the gall to charge us $99/month for the same speed and service level. Since the internet arrives at our house via their own lines installed years ago, that leaves only one party responsible for the $50 monthly internet price disparity. How did the call go? The cable television/internet provider’s customer service rep was quite skilled at defending his company’s $36+/month rate increase. I countered by asking how they can justify raising our home prices $36+/month while offering new customers a $50 lower internet monthly rate than this long-time customer is being charged. He said, “We’re probably losing money on that deal, sir.  To grow our customer base, we need to entice new customers to come onboard by offering something of value to them.” I responded, “So, you’re willing to raise the rates of a long-time customer like me who quietly pays his bill on time in order to lure others with a discount.  It seems like it should be the other way around.” He didn’t argue that point. Instead, he quickly deflected to asking about our cell phone provider!  The same cable/internet rep who raised the rates now wanted to discuss our cell phone business?  He was quite sure they could offer a lower price than Ma Bell was likely charging us. I told him that I was quite aware there were cheaper cell phone providers, but this call was about his company’s television and internet rates.  Please stay on topic. The representative mentioned their relatively new “Sports and News” TV package which is $15 per month less than our current service level.  Already aware of the option, I said the service tier also contained significantly fewer channels – including several of my wife’s favorite channels. The old axiom “Prior preparation prevents poor performance” is still valid. Ultimately, the cable TV/internet rep failed to offer a lower price for our current level of service.  He mentioned that we could save $10 month.  That was only if we would allow their company to directly bill us via credit card instead of having them prepare and mail a rather environmentally unfriendly monthly bill to us. I reminded him that their paper bill was how we noticed the significant rate increase like this one. We do utilize e-payments with business partners who do not unilaterally attempt to charge higher prices without a providing a higher level of service to go with it.  No, thanks. It was actually a rather civil conversation with an extremely knowledgeable representative who boldly held the company line. Here’s a good rule to remember about customer service interactions.  An unhappy customer will tell an average of 20-25 people about their bad experience with a company.  A happy customer will only mention their positive experience to, perhaps, four or five others on the average.  Bad news travels fast, too.   Ask Cracker Barrel. Their stock price dropped by 50% in a matter of weeks last year and still hasn’t recovered. And the winner is…??? We signed-up for and started using YouTube TV today.  It was very simple and took about ten minutes.   It comes with a five-day free trial.  Then the rate begins at a discounted $59.99/month level for two months.  The price will convert to the current standard $82.99/month after that. I will now receive the Big Ten Network, ACC Network, and CBS Sports Network in this package.  My wife (who felt uncomfortable about making this big change) seems pleased, too. We’ll both learn more about new internet-based TV product this week.  I will plan to return the cable TV box back to those other guys soon. For now, we are still utilizing the current provider’s internet service. Other fiber-optic providers have sent cards and letters for months wanting our business. That will be a much trickier business decision to make. I’ll be dialing for dollars to learn more soon. There is just one negative.  We will lose MeTV (one of our favorite channels) as part of this switch.  However, I just verified that we can receive MeTV via our local UHF channel in the SwampSwami Sports Cave utilizing my little ol’ $29 Phillips plug-in digital antenna. Our “exciting” Saturday nights watching classic TV favorites (Svengoolie, Batman, Star Trek, and Superman) has been rescued!   Victory is sweet!!! The post Cutting the Cord – for good appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Four different retail businesses. Four completely different niches. One identical complaint. "I feel like it's not working." In this episode, we unpack why so many retail and ecommerce founders misdiagnose marketing problems and how that mistake quietly erodes profit. When sales dip, most retailers assume: Customers are not spending The offer was wrong The discount was not strong enough The marketing agency dropped the ball But feelings are not facts. This episode walks you through why emotional decision-making is one of the most expensive habits in retail and how to shift to data-first diagnosis before changing strategy. And this applies beyond marketing. If you are making inventory decisions based on what you think will sell, instead of validated demand, the same risk applies.  A pre-sales approach allows you to test demand and generate revenue before committing to stock. You can learn more about that at https://salenaknight.com/toolkit If you want stronger retail marketing performance and smarter inventory decisions without sacrificing margin, this episode will show you where to look first.  

If you want a better business — more money, more time off, and more freedom — you're going to have to work on the business, not just in it.That's the shift: more businessperson, less tradie.Jobs still need to go well. Customers still matter.But they need to go well for your business, otherwise you end up busy… and broke.Running a good business means:Getting more of the right jobs (marketing)Winning them at decent margins (sales)Running work with less chaos and more profitKnowing your numbers and pricing with confidenceHiring good people and letting goSaying no when you need toBuilding a business is its own job — and you need to make time to do it.The good news? It's learnable.Business, marketing, sales, numbers — none of it is magic.But you do need to change how you run yourself and where you spend your time.That's what I help with: business coaching that turns the business part into something you actually do — and stick with.If that's what you want, you know where to find me.--------------------------------------If you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW US AT:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

Hi Tradies, memory isn't that great. You can't rely on it.If you want a successful business that gives you more money, time and freedom, you need to act more like a businessperson and less like a tradie.And that means not relying on fallible memory — yours, and everyone else's: customers, staff, suppliers and partners.I see a lot of things done on handshakes and verbal agreements. Instructions, arrangements, agreements. This creates problems, of course - different recollections of what was said or agreed: forgetting to do things or not doing them properly.The answer, as usual, is systems and writing things down.I'll tell you a quick story. I once shared a memory about a friend, Ted, who I thought had done a week in jail over a dispute with a client. His wife later told me it wasn't true. He got in trouble, but he didn't do time. My memory was close — but wrong.That's how memory works. Yours is the same. So is everyone else's.Here's where your memory can cause problems in your business.1 Your Tasks. Many of you don't write things down. You trust yourself to remember. You need a system — a diary, phone notes, Outlook, Gmail, and voice notes to your admin. Pick one and use it.Your Appointments. Too many people don't put everything in their calendar or don't check it properly. All meetings and jobs should be in one synced calendar. Have a system to get “See you Thursday at 2” into your calendar straight away and another to remind you to check it.Agreements with Customers. Quotes, variations, dates, access, rules, changes — if it matters, write it down. Send a confirmation email: “Confirming we agreed…” This is important because if they don't remember it the same way you find out now and if they don't disagree now, that's now the truth. Attach it to the job.Job Instructions to Your Team. Too often it's a quick verbal briefing and everyone's expected to remember it. They won't. We all forget, misunderstand, and mix things up. Every job needs written instructions, job cards, plans, drawings, and site diaries where needed. These belong in your job management system.Agreements with staff. Contracts, pay, reviews, warnings, leave — keep proper records (and send email confirmations). Use HR software if you can.Agreements with suppliers. Same as with clients. Record what you verbally agree - prices, discounts, delivery, terms — confirm in writing and attach to your job management system.The Other S#*t. Phone calls, site conversations, ideas, things that occur to you. If it's written down, it's what happened. Put it in your diary or send it to your admin.This is part of becoming a businessperson instead of just a tradie. It stops you forgetting things, saves you time, and prevents f#*k-ups.It's a game-changer. If you don't have this in place — for you and your team — get onto it.--------------------------------------Get the Written Confirmation Worksheet for Trades and Builders here: https://pages.smallfish.com.au/business-for-trades-written-confirmation-worksheetIf you want more money (profit), more time (off work), and more freedom (from work, stress, responsibility) Book a Money Call: smallfish.com.au/tradies/money-call/FOLLOW US AT:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallfishcoach/Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallfishcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallfishbusinesscoach/YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/smallfishau

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  

Erica interviews professional speaker and sales trainer Jeff Joiner to discuss the intersection of personal wellness, effective communication, and business growth. The conversation explores how maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health creates a foundation for professional success and resilience against burnout. Joiner shares his journey from being a struggling salesman to a top performer by shifting his focus from selling a commodity to providing genuine hospitality and building trust. They emphasize that small business owners, particularly in the service industry, can differentiate themselves by moving beyond simple tasks to create meaningful connections and "raving fan" customers.  Comments and Questions are welcome.   Send to: thescooppodcast22@gmail.com

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

For more, check out The Profit Circle: patreon.com/theprofitcircle

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

WBZ NewsRadio's Madison Rogers reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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?

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

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...