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Stuart Pollington was born in the United Kingdom and grew up there. After college he began working and along the way he decided he wanted to travel a bit. He worked in Las Vegas for six months and then had the opportunity to work for a year in Australia. He then ended up doing some work in Asia and fell in love with Thailand. For the past 20 years he has lived in Thailand where he helped start several entrepreneurial endeavors and he began two companies which are quite alive and well. My discussion with Stuart gave us the opportunity to explore his ideas of leadership and entrepreneurial progress including what makes a good entrepreneur. He says, for example, that anyone who wishes to grow and be successful should be willing to ask many questions and always be willing to learn. Stuart's insights are quite valuable and worth your time. I believe you will find most useful Stuart's thoughts and ideas. About the Guest: Stuart Pollington is a seasoned entrepreneur and digital strategist who has spent over two decades building businesses across the ASEAN region. Originally from the UK, Stuart relocated to Thailand more than 20 years ago and has since co-founded and led multiple ventures, including Easson Energy and Smart Digital Group. His experience spans digital marketing, AI, and sustainability, but at the heart of it all is his passion for building ideas from the ground up—and helping others do the same. Throughout his career, Stuart has worn many hats: Sales Director, CTO, Founder, Digital Marketer and growth consultant. He thrives in that messy, unpredictable space where innovation meets real-world execution, often working closely with new businesses to help them launch, grow, and adapt in challenging environments. From Bangkok boardrooms to late-night brainstorms, he's seen firsthand how persistence and curiosity can turn setbacks into springboards. Stuart's journey hasn't always been smooth—and that's exactly the point. He's a firm believer that failure is an essential part of the learning process. Whether it's a marketing campaign that flopped or a business idea that never got off the ground, each misstep has helped shape his approach and fueled his drive to keep moving forward. Ways to connect with Stuart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartpollington/ www.smart-digital.co.th www.smart-traffic.com.au www.evodigital.com.au https://easson.energy About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson ** 01:21 Well, hello, everyone. Once again, it is time for an episode of unstoppable mindset. And today we have a guest, Stuart pullington, who is in Thailand, so that is a little bit of a distance away, but be due to the magic of science and technology, we get to have a real, live, immediate conversation without any delay or anything like that, just because science is a beautiful thing. So Stuart is an entrepreneur. He's been very much involved in helping other people. He's formed companies, but he likes to help other entrepreneurs grow and do the same things that he has been doing. So I am really glad that he consented to be on unstoppable mindset. And Stuart, I want to welcome you to unstoppable mindset. And thank you for being here, Stuart Pollington ** 02:14 Ryan, thank you for the invitation, Michael, I'm looking forward to it. Michael Hingson ** 02:18 And Stuart is originally from the United Kingdom, and now for the past, what 20 years you've been in Thailand? Yes, over Stuart Pollington ** 02:27 a bit over 20 years now. So I think I worked out the other day. I'm 47 in a couple of weeks, and I've spent more than half of my life now over in Asia. Michael Hingson ** 02:39 So why do you like Thailand so much as opposed to being in England? Stuart Pollington ** 02:46 It's a good question. I mean, don't get me wrong, I do, I do like the UK. And I really, I really like where I came, where I'm from. I'm from the south coast, southeast, a place called Brighton. So, you know, pretty good, popular place in the UK because of where we're situated, by the, you know, on the on the sea, we get a lot of, you know, foreign tourists and students that come over, etc. I mean, Asia. Why? Why Asia? I mean, I originally went traveling. I did six months in America, actually, first in Las Vegas, which was a good experience, and then I did a bit of traveling in America, from the West Coast over to the East Coast. I did a year in Australia, like a working holiday. And then on my way back to the UK, I had a two week stop over in Thailand, and I went down to the beaches, really enjoyed kind of the culture and the way of life here, if you like. And ended up staying for a year the first time. And then after that year, went back to the UK for a little bit and decided that actually, no, I kind of liked the I liked the lifestyle, I liked the people, I liked the culture in Thailand, and decided that was where I wanted to kind of be, and made my way back Michael Hingson ** 04:13 there you are. Well, I can tell you, Las Vegas isn't anything like it was 20 years ago. It is. It is totally different. It's evolved. It's very expensive today compared to the way it used to be. You can't, for example, go into a hotel and get an inexpensive buffet or anything like that anymore. Drinks at the hum on the on the casino floors are not like they used to be, or any of that. It's it's definitely a much higher profit, higher cost. Kind of a place to go. I've never been that needy to go to Las Vegas and spend a lot of time. I've been there for some meetings, but I've never really spent a lot of time in Las Vegas. It's a fascinating town. Um. One of my favorite barbecue places in New York, opened up a branch in Las Vegas, a place called Virgil's best barbecue in the country. And when they opened the restaurant, the Virgil's restaurant in Las Vegas, my understanding is that the people who opened it for Virgil's had to first spend six months in New York to make sure that they did it exactly the same way. And I'll tell you, the food tastes the same. It's just as good as New York. So that that would draw me to Las Vegas just to go to Virgil's. That's kind of fun. Well, tell us a little about the early Stuart kind of growing up and all that, and what led you to do the kinds of things you do, and so on. But tell us about the early Stuart, if you would. Stuart Pollington ** 05:47 Yeah, no problem. I mean, was quite sporty, very sporty. When I was younger, used to play a lot of what we call football, which would be soccer over, over your way. So, you know, very big, younger into, like the the team sports and things like that, did well at school, absolutely in the lessons, not so great when it came to kind of exams and things like that. So I, you know, I learned a lot from school, but I don't think especially back then, and I think potentially the same in other countries. I don't think that the the education system was set up to cater for everyone, and obviously that's difficult. I do feel that. I do feel that maybe now people are a bit more aware of how individual, different individuals perform under different circumstances and need different kind of ways to motivate, etc. So, yeah, I mean, I that that was kind of me at school. Did a lot of sport that, you know was good in the lessons, but maybe not so good at the PAM studying, if you like, you know the studying that you need to do for exams where you really have to kind of cram and remember all that knowledge. And I also found with school that it was interesting in the lessons, but I never really felt that there was any kind of, well, we're learning this, but, and this is how you kind of utilize it, or this is the practical use of what we're learning for life, if that, if that makes sense. Yeah. So, you know, like when we were learning, and I was always very good at maths, and I love numbers, and you know, when we were learning things in maths and things like that, I just never felt that it was explained clearly what you would actually use that for. So when you're learning different equations, it wasn't really well explained how you would then utilize that later in life, which I think, for me personally, I think that would have made things more interesting, and would have helped to kind of understand which areas you should focus on. And, you know, maybe more time could have been spent understanding what an individual is good at, and then kind of explaining, well, if you're good at this, or passionate with this, then this is what you could do with it. I think I remember sitting down with our I can't they would have been our advisors at the time, where you sit down and talk about what you want to do after school, and the question was always, what do you want to be? Whereas, you know, for me personally, I think it would have been more useful to understand, what are your passion you know? What are you passionate about? What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? And then saying, Well, you know, you could actually do this. This is something you could do, you know. So you could take that and you could become, this could be the sort of career you could do, if that makes sense. So anyway, that that was kind of like, like school and everything like that. And then after school, you know, I didn't, I worked for a couple of years. I didn't really know what I wanted to do. Funnily enough, there was actually a Toys R Us opening in Brighton in one of the summers she went and got, I got a summer job there at Toys R Us. And I really enjoyed that. Actually, that was my first step into actually doing a bit of sales. I worked on the computers. So we were, you know, selling the computers to people coming in. And when we opened the store, it's a brand new store. You know, it was just when the pay as you go. Mobile phones were kind of just coming out. We had Vodafone analog, but it was the non contract where you could just buy top up cards when they first came out, and I remember we were the first store, because we were a new store. We were the first store to have those phones for sale. And I remember just being really determined to just try and be the first person to just sell the first ever mobile phone within Toys R Us. And I remember I started in the morning, and I think my lunch was at, say, 12, but I missed my lunch, and I think I was up till about one, one or 2pm until finally I managed to find someone who, who was, who me, had that need or wanted the phone, and so I made that first sale for toys r us in the UK with the mobile phone, and that that, in itself, taught me a lot about, you know, not giving up and kind of pushing through and persevering a bit. So yeah, that that was kind of my, my early part. I was always interested in other cultures, though. I was always interested at school, you know, I do projects on Australia, Egypt and things like that. And, you know, in the UK, when you get to about, I think similar, similar to America, but, you know, in the UK, where you either before or after uni, it's quite usual to do, like, a gap year or do a bit of traveling. And I just kind of never got round to it. And I had friends that went and did a gap year or years working holiday in Australia, and I remember when they came back, and I was like, Yeah, you know, that's that's actually what I want to do. So when I was about 22 it was at that point, and I'd worked my way up by them from Toys R Us, I'd already moved around the country, helped them open new stores in different locations in the UK. Was working in their busiest story of in Europe, which was in London. But I decided I wanted to kind of I wanted to go and travel. So I remember talking to my area manager at the time and saying, Look, this is what I want to do. I had a friend who was traveling, and he was meeting up with his sister, and his sister happened to be in Las Vegas, which is how we, we kind of ended up there. And I remember talking to my area manager at the time and saying that I want to leave, I want to go and do this. And I remember him sat down just trying to kind of kind of talk me out of it, because they obviously saw something in me. They wanted me to continue on the path I was doing with them, which was going, you know, towards the management, the leadership kind of roles. And I remember the conversation because I was saying to him, Look, I want, I want to, I want to go and travel. I really want to go. I'm going to go to Las Vegas or to travel America. And his response to me was, well, you know, if you stay here for another x years, you can get to this position, then you can go and have a holiday in America, and you could, you can get a helicopter, you can fly over the Grand Canyon, and kind of really trying to sell me into staying in that path that they wanted me to go on. And I thought about that, and I just said, No, I don't want to just go on a holiday. I really just want to immerse myself, and I just want to go there, and I want to live the experience. And so yeah, I I left that position, went to Las Vegas, ended up staying six months. I did three months. Did a bit in Mexico, came back for another three months. And that's where I met a lot of different people from different countries. And I really kind of got that initial early bug of wanting to go out and seeing a bit more of the world. And it was at that point in my life where I was in between, kind of the end of education, beginning of my business career, I guess, and I had that gap where it was the opportunity to do it. So I did, so yeah, I did that time in America, then back to the UK, then a year in Australia, which was great. And then, yeah, like I said, on the way home, is where I did my stop over. And then just obviously fell in love with Thailand and Asia, and that became my mindset after that year going back to the UK. My mindset was, how do I get back to Thailand? You know, how do I get back to Asia? I also spent a bit of time, about five years in the Philippines as well. So, you know, I like, I like, I like the region, I like the people, I like the kind of way of life, if you like. Michael Hingson ** 14:23 So when you were working in the Philippines, and then when you got to Thailand, what did you do? Stuart Pollington ** 14:30 Yeah, so I mean, it all starts with Thailand, really. So I mean, originally, when I first came over, I was, I was teaching and doing, trying to kind of some teaching and voluntary stuff. When I came back, I did a similar thing, and then I got, I get, I wouldn't say lucky, I guess I had an opportunity to work for a company that was, we were, we were basically selling laptop. Laptops in the UK, student laptops, they were refurbished like your IBM or your Dell, and we they would be refurbished and resold normally, to students. And we also, we also used to sell the the laptop batteries. So we would sell like the IBM or Dell laptop batteries, but we sell the OEM, you know, so we would get them direct from, from from China, so like third party batteries, if you like. And back in the day, this is just over 20 years ago, but back then, early days of what we would call digital marketing and online marketing. And you know, our website in the UK, we used to rank, you know, number one for keywords like IBM, refurb, refurbished. IBM, laptop Dell, laptop battery, IBM battery. So we used to rank above the brands, and that was my introduction, if you like, to digital marketing and how it's possible to make money online. And then that kind of just morphed into, well, you know, if we're able to do this for our own business, why can't we do this for other businesses? And that would have been the, you know, the early owners and founders of the of smart digital and smart traffic seeing that opportunity and transitioning from running one business and doing well to helping multiple businesses do well online and that, that was the bit I really enjoy. You know, talking to different business owners in different industries. A lot of what we do is very similar, but then you have slightly different approaches, depending on them, the location and the type of business that people are in. Michael Hingson ** 16:47 Well, you, you have certainly been been around. You formed your own or you formed countries along the way, like Eastern energy and smart digital group. What were they? Right? Stuart Pollington ** 16:59 Yeah. So, so yeah, going back to the computer website. Out of that came a company called smart traffic that was put together by the free original founders, guy called Simon, guy called Ben, and a guy called Andy. And so they originally came together and put and had created, if you like, smart traffic. And smart traffic is a digital marketing agency originally started with SEO, the organic, you know, so when someone's searching for something in Google, we help get websites to the top of that page so that people can then click on them, and hopefully they get a lead or a sale, or whatever they're they're trying to do with that, with that traffic. So, yeah, they originally put that together. I being here and on the ground. I then started working within the business. So I was running the student website, if you like, the laptop website, and then got the opportunity from very early on to work within the Digital Marketing Company. I've got a sales background, but I'm also quite technical, and I would say I'm good with numbers, so a little bit analytical as well. So the opportunity came. We had opened an office in the Philippines, and it had been open for about, I think, 18 months or two years, and it was growing quite big, and they wanted someone else to go over there to support Simon, who was one of the founders who opened the office over there. And that's when I got the opportunity. So I was over in Cebu for what, five, five and a half years. At one point, we had an office there with maybe 120 staff, and we did a lot of the technical SEO, and we were delivering campaigns for the UK. So we had a company in the UK. We had one in Australia, and then also locally, within the kind of Thai market. And that was fantastic. I really enjoyed working over in the Philippines again. Culture enjoyed the culture enjoyed the people. Really enjoyed, you know, just getting stuck in and working on different client campaigns. And then eventually that brought me back to Thailand. There was a restructure of the company we, you know, we moved a lot of the a lot of the deliverables around. So I was then brought back to Thailand, which suited me, because I wanted to come back to Thailand at that point. And then I had the opportunity. So the previous owners, they, they created a couple of other businesses in Thailand. They're one that very big one that went really well, called dot property, so they ended up moving back to the UK. Long story short, about maybe 10 years ago, I got the opportunity to take over smart digital in Thailand and smart traffic in Australia, which are both the. Marketing agencies that I'd been helping to run. So I had the opportunity to take those over and assume ownership of those, which was fantastic. And then I've obviously been successfully running those for the last 10 years, both here and and in Australia, we do a lot of SEO. We do a lot of Google ads and social campaigns and web design, and we do a lot of white label. So we we sit in the background for other agencies around the world. So there'll be agencies in, you know, maybe Australia, the UK, America, some in Thailand as well, who are very strong at maybe social or very strong ads, but maybe not as strong on the SEO so we, we just become their SEO team. We'll run and manage the campaigns for them, and then we'll deliver all the reporting with their branding on so that they can then plug that into what they do for their clients and deliver to their clients. So that's all fantastic. I mean, I love, I love digital marketing. I love, I love looking at the data and, you know, working out how things work. And we've been very successful over the years, which then led on to that opportunity that you mentioned and you asked about with Eastern energy. So that was about three and a half years ago, right right around the COVID time, I had a meeting, if you like, in in Bangkok, with a guy called Robert Eason. He was actually on his way to the UK with his family, and kind of got stuck in Bangkok with all the lockdowns, and he was actually on his way to the UK to start Eastern energy there. And Eastern energy is basically, it's an energy monitoring and energy efficiency company. It's basically a UK design solution where we have a hardware technology that we retrofit, which is connects, like to the MDB, and then we have sensors that we place around the location, and for every piece of equipment that we connect to this solution, we can see in real time, second by second, the energy being used. We can then take that data, and we use machine learning and AI to actually work with our clients to identify where their energy wastage is, and then work with them to try and reduce that energy wastage, and that reduces the amount of energy they're using, which reduces their cost, but also, very importantly, reduces the CO two emissions. And so I had this chance encounter with Robert, and I remember, at the time I was we were talking about how this solution worked, and I was like, oh, that's quite interesting. You know, I've I, you know, the the digital marketing is going quite well. Could be time to maybe look at another kind of opportunity, if you like. So I had a look at how it worked. I looked at the kind of ideal clients and what sort of other projects were being delivered by the group around the world. And there were a couple of big name brands over in there. So because it works quite well with qsrs, like quick service restaurant, so like your fast food chains, where you have multiple locations. And it just so happened that one of the in case studies they'd had, I just through my networking, I do a lot of networking with the chambers in Bangkok. Through my networking, I actually happened to know some of the people in the right positions at some of these companies. I'd never had the opportunity to work with them, with the digital marketing because most of them would have their own in house teams, and I just saw it as an opportunity to maybe do something with this here. So I, you know, I said to Robert, give me a week. And then a week later, I said, right, we've got a meeting with this company. It's international fast food brand. They've got 1700 locations in Thailand. So when ended that meeting, very, very positive. And after that meeting, I think Robert and I just I said to Robert, you know, currently you have a plan to go to the UK. Currently you're stuck in Thailand with lockdown, with COVID. We don't know what's going to happen and where everything's going to go. Why don't we do it here? And that's where it originally came from. We decided, let's, you know, let's, let's give that a shot over here. Since then, we've brought in two other partners. There's now four of us, a guy called Gary and a guy called Patrick. And yeah, I mean, it's a bit slower than I thought it would be, but it's in the last. Six months, it's really kind of picked up, which has been fantastic. And for me, it was, for me, it was just two things that made sense. One, I love I love data, and I love the technology. So I love the fact that we're now helping businesses by giving them data that they don't currently have the access to, you know. So when you get, you know, when you when you get your electricity bill, you get it the month after you've used everything, don't you, and it just tells you how much you've got to pay. And there's not really much choice. So what we're doing is giving them the visibility in real time to see where their energy is going and be able to make changes in real time to reduce that energy wastage. And I just thought, Well, look, this is great. It's very techie. It's using, you know, date big data, which I love, using machine learning and AI, which is great. And then I also, you know, I do care about the environment. I got two young kids, so I do care about what's happening around the world. And for me, that was a win, win. You know, I got to, I got to do something with tech that was new and exciting. It's definitely new to this region, even though it's been new to the same sort of technology has been utilized in Europe and America for a number of years. So it felt new, it felt exciting. And it's also good, you know, because we are helping people on the path to net zero. You know, how can we get to net zero? How can we reduce these emissions? So, yeah, I mean that that, for me, is Stuart Pollington ** 26:40 two different types of, in my opinion, entrepreneurial kind of journeys. One is that the with the digital marketing is, is all it's a story of working my way up to then reach the top, if you like. And whereas Eastern energy is more of a traditional kind of as an entrepreneur, this is, this is an idea. Let's do something with it and get an exciting about it. So two kind of, two different approaches to get to the ownership stage, if you like. Michael Hingson ** 27:14 I have an interesting story. I appreciate what you're saying. The whole entrepreneurial spirit is so important in what we do, and I wish more people had it. But years ago, one of my first jobs out of college was working for a company in Massachusetts, Kurzweil Computer Products. Ray Kurzweil, who developed, originally a reading machine for the blind, and then later a more commercial version of it. And there's somebody that I had met when I was a student at UC Irvine who ended up being back in Massachusetts working for at that time, a think tank consulting company called Bolt Beranek and Newman. I don't know whether you're familiar with them. They changed their name to, I think it was CLOUD NINE or Planet Nine. But Dick was telling me one day that, and this is when mainframe computers were so large and there was a lot needed to keep them cool and so on. Anyway, he was telling me that one day the gas utility came in because the total heating bill for the six story building was like $10 and they wanted to know how BBN bolt, brannic and Newman was stealing energy and and making it so that they didn't pay very much money. And the the president of the company said, let me show you. They went down to the basement, and there they had two PDP 20s, which are like dual PDP 10s. And they put out a lot of heat, needless to say, to run them. And what BBN did was to take all of that heat and pipe it through the building to keep the building warm in the winter. Rather than paying all the gas bills, they were using something that they already had, the entrepreneurial spirit liveth well. And the bottom line is they, they kept the building well heated. And I don't know what they did in the summer, but during the winter it was, it was pretty cool, and they were able to have $10 gas bills for the six story building, which was kind of fun. No, Stuart Pollington ** 29:39 that's brilliant, yeah, and that just goes to show me, that is what a large part of this, you know, energy efficiency and things like that, is, it's, it's, it's not about just completely replacing or stopping something. It's about better utilizing it. Isn't it? So they, you know the example you just gave there, with the heat and the wasted energy of being lost in that heat release they've used and utilized, which is brilliant. Michael Hingson ** 30:12 I a couple of years ago. So my wife passed away in 2022 and we have a furnace and so on here, and we had gas bills that were up in the $200 a month or more up as much as $300 a month in the winter to keep the house at a temperature that we could stand. And two years ago, I thought about, how do we lower that? And I was never a great fan of space heaters, but I decided to try something. We got a couple of space heaters, and we put them out in the living room, and we have ceiling fans. So turned on the space heaters and turned on the ceiling fans, and it did a pretty decent job of keeping the temperature down, such that for most months, I didn't even have to turn the furnace on at all, and our heating bill went down to like $39 a month. Then last year, we got an additional heater that was a little bit larger, and added that to the mix. And again, the bottom line is that if I start all of that early in the morning, our heating bill is like 30 $35 a month. Now I do cheat occasionally, and I'll turn the furnace on for about 45 minutes or 50 minutes in the morning with the ceiling fans to help distribute the warmer air, and I can get the house up to 75 degrees, or almost 30 Celsius, in in a very quick time. And then with the other two space heaters running, I don't have to use furnaces or anything for the rest of the day. So I think this year, the most expensive heating bill we had was like $80 because I did occasionally run the the the heaters or the furnace, and when I was traveling, I would turn the furnace on for the cat a little bit. But the bottom line is, there's so many things that we can do to be creative, if we think about it, to make things run more efficiently and not use as much energy and eliminate a lot of the waste that that we have, and so that that has worked out pretty well, and I have solar on the house. So in the summer, when most people around here are paying four and $500 a month for their electric bills to run the air conditioning. My electric bill year round, is $168 a month, which is Stuart Pollington ** 32:47 cool. Yeah, no, that's great that you've and you've that is a great example there of kind of how you know our approach to energy efficiency. You know what? What are you currently doing? Is there a more efficient way of doing it? Which is exactly what you found, yeah, Michael Hingson ** 33:07 yeah, and it works really well. So I can't complain it's warming up now. So in fact, we're not I haven't turned the furnace or anything on at all this week. This is the first week it's really been warm at night. In fact, it was 75 degrees Fahrenheit last night. I actually had to turn the air conditioner on and lower the house to 70 degrees, and then turned it off because I don't need to keep it on, and made it easier to sleep. But it's it's amazing, if we think about it, what the things that we can do to make our energy lives more efficient, lower the carbon footprint, and all those kinds of things. So I hear what you're saying, and it's and it's important, I think that we all think about as many ways as we can of doing that. I Stuart Pollington ** 33:56 think one of the biggest problems with energy is just invisible. You don't, you know, you don't really see it. No. So just, it's just one of those. You just don't really think about it. And again, you only get, you only get told what you've used once you've used it. Yeah, so it's too late by then. And then you go, Oh, you know, you might get an expensive bill. And go, oh, I need to be careful. And then you're careful for a few days or a week, and then again, you don't see it until you get your next bill. Yeah, it's really hard as with anything. I mean, it's a bit like going to the gym. If you go to the gym or the fitness and you just do it sporadically. You don't really have a routine, or, you know, it's gonna be very hard to achieve anything. But then if you, if you set your mind to it, if you maybe get a trainer, and you get a you go onto a better diet, and you follow your routine, you can you will see the results. And it's very similar to what we do. If you've once you've got the data, and you can actually see what. Happening, you can make proper, informed and educated business decisions, and that's what we're trying to do with that is to help businesses make the right decision on the path to net zero Michael Hingson ** 35:11 well, and you have to develop the mindset as the consumer to bring in a company like yours, or at least think about yourself. What can I do consistently to have a better energy pattern? And I think that's what most people tend not to do a lot, and the result of that is that they pay more than they need to. The power companies like it, the gas companies like it. But still, there are better ways to do it so. So tell me you have been in business and been an entrepreneur for a long time. What is maybe an example of some major crisis or thing that happened to you that you you regard as a failure or a setback that you have had to deal with and that taught you something crucial about business or life. Stuart Pollington ** 36:08 Brilliant question. I mean, I would, I would guess, over 20 years, there's been a lot of different, sorry, a lot of different things that have happened. I think probably, probably an impactful one would have been. And this taught me a lot about my team, and, you know, their approach and how everyone can pull together. So it would have been, I think it was about, it was when I was in the Philippines. So it would have been about maybe 1212, years ago, we're in Cebu, and there was a big earthquake, and when it hit Cebu, I think it was quite early in the morning. It was like 6am and I remember the whole bed was kind of shaking and rocking, and we, you know, had to get out of the condo. And we're, at the time, living in a place called it Park. And in the Philippines, there's a lot of cool centers, so it's very much 24/7 with an office environment. So as we're coming out of the condo, in literally pants, as in, when I say pants, I mean underwear, because you literally jump out of bed and run. And they were like 1000s, 1000s of all the local Filipinos all all in their normal clothes, because they've all doing the call center work. And I remember just, you know, sitting out on the ground as the aftershocks and whole grounds moving and and, and that that was a very, you know, personal experience. But then on top of that, I've then got over 100 staff in in Cebu at the time that I then have to think about. And, you know, is everyone okay? And then, because of the time it happened, Luckily no one was in the office because it was early, yeah, but it all but it also meant that everything we needed Michael Hingson ** 38:08 was in the office. Was in the office. Yeah, yeah. So, Stuart Pollington ** 38:10 so I remember Matt, you know, I remember getting a group of us there, was myself and maybe three or four others from the office, and I remember getting in my car, drove to the office. We were on, I think it's like the eighth or ninth floor, and they didn't want to let us in because of, obviously, the earthquake, and it was a, it was a couple of hours later, and you've got to be obviously, you know, everything needs checking. You still got all the aftershocks, but we managed to let them allow us to run up the fire exit to the office so we could grab, you know, I think we were grabbing, like, 1520, laptops and screens to put in the car so that we could then, and we had to do that of the fire exit, so running up, running down, and that was all into The car so we could then drive to a location where I could get some of my team together remote and to work in this. I think we ended up in some coffee shop we found that was open, and we had the old free G boost kind of the Wi Fi dongles, dongles. And I just remember having to get, like, 1015, of my team, and we're all sat around there in the coffee shop in the morning. You know, there's still the after shops going on the I remember the office building being a mess, and, you know, the tiles had come in and everything, and it was all a bit crazy, but we had to find a way to keep the business running. So we were in the Philippines, we were the support team. We did all of the delivery of the work, but we also worked with the account managers in the UK and Australia as their technical liaisons, if you like. So we. Helped do the strategy. We did everything. And so with us out of action, the whole of Australia and of the whole of the UK team were kind of in a limbo, so we really had to pull together as a team. It taught me a lot about my staff and my team, but it also kind of it taught me about, no matter what does happen, you know, you can find a way through things, you know. So at the time that it happened, it felt like, you know, that's it, what we're going to do, but we had to turn that around and find the way to keep everything going. And yeah, that, that that just taught me a lot of you know, you can't give up. You've got to find a way to kind of push on through. And yeah, we did a fantastic job. Everyone was safe. Sorry. I probably should have said that. You know, no one, none of my team, were affected directly from the from the earthquake, which was great, and we found a way to keep things going so that the business, if you like, didn't fall apart. We, Michael Hingson ** 41:09 you know, I guess, in our own way, had a similar thing, of course, with September 11, having our office on the 78th floor of Tower One, the difference is that that my staff was out that day working. They weren't going to be in the office. One person was going to be because he had an appointment at Cantor Fitzgerald up on the 96th floor of Tower One for 10 o'clock in the morning, and came in on one of the trains. But just as it arrived at the station tower two was hit, and everything shook, and the engineer said, don't even leave. We're going back out. And they left. But we lost everything in the office that day, and there was, of course, no way to get that. And I realized the next day, and my wife helped me start to work through it, that we had a whole team that had no office, had nothing to go to, so we did a variety of things to help them deal with it. Most of them had their computers because we had laptops by that time, and I had taken my laptop home the previous night and backed up all of my data onto my computer at home, so I was able to work from home, and other people had their computers with them. The reason I didn't have my laptop after September 11 is that I took it in that day to do some work. But needless to say, when we evacuated, it was heavy enough that going down 1463 stairs, 78 floors, that would have been a challenge with the laptop, so we left it, but it worked out. But I hear what you're saying, and the reality is that you got to keep the team going. And even if you can't necessarily do the work that you normally would do you still have to keep everyone's spirits up, and you have to do what needs to be done to keep everybody motivated and be able to function. So I think I learned the same lessons as you and value, of course, not that it all happened, but what I learned from it, because it's so important to be able to persevere and move forward, which, which is something that we don't see nearly as much as sometimes we really should. Stuart Pollington ** 43:34 Yeah, no, no, definitely. I mean the other thing, and I think you you just mentioned there actually is it. You know, it was also good to see afterwards how everyone kind of pulls together. And, you know, we had a lot of support, not just in the Philippines, but from the UK and the Australia teams. I mean, we had a, we had a bit of an incident, you know, may have seen on the news two weeks ago, I think now, we had an incident in Bangkok where there was a earthquake in Myanmar, and then the all the buildings are shaking in Bangkok, yeah, 7.9 Yeah, that's it. And just, but just to see everyone come together was, was it's just amazing. You know? It's a shame, sometimes it takes something big to happen for people to come together and support each other. Michael Hingson ** 44:27 We saw so much of that after September 11. For a while, everyone pulled together, everyone was supporting each other. But then over time, people forgot, and we ended up as a as a country, in some ways, being very fractured. Some political decisions were made that shouldn't have been, and that didn't help, but it was unfortunate that after a while, people started to forget, in fact, I went to work for an organization out in California in 2002 in addition to. To taking on a career of public speaking, and in 2008 the president of the organization said, we're changing and eliminating your job because nobody's interested in September 11 anymore, which was just crazy, but those are the kinds of attitudes that some people have, well, yeah, there was so little interest in September 11 anymore that when my first book, thunderdog was published, it became a number one New York Times bestseller. Yeah, there was no interest. It's Stuart Pollington ** 45:31 just, I hope you sent him a signed copy and said, There you go. Michael Hingson ** 45:35 Noah was even more fun than that, because this person had been hired in late 2007 and she did such a great job that after about 18 months, the board told her to go away, because she had so demoralized the organization that some of the departments were investigating forming unions, you know. So I didn't need to do anything. Wow, so, you know, but it, it's crazy, the attitudes that people have. Well, you have it is, it's it's really sad. Well, you have done a couple of things that I think are very interesting. You have moved to other countries, and you've also started businesses in unfamiliar markets. What advice? What advice would you give to someone who you learn about who's doing that today, starting a business in an unfamiliar market, or in a foreign country, or someplace where they've never been? Stuart Pollington ** 46:34 Yeah, again, good questions. I looking back and then so and seeing what I'm doing now, and looking back to when I first came over, I think chambers, I think if I have one, you know, obviously you need to understand the market you want. You need to understand, like the labor laws, the tax laws and, you know, the business laws and things like that. But I think, I think the best thing you could do in any country is to check out the chambers. You know, I'm heavily involved and active with aus Jam, which is the Australian Chamber of Commerce, because of the connection with smart traffic in Australia, in Sydney, the digital marketing. I'm also involved with bcct, the British chamber as British Chamber of Commerce Thailand as well, that there's a very big AmCham American Chamber over here as well. And I just think that the chambers can help a lot. You know, they're good for the networking. Through the networking, you can meet the different types of people you need to know, connections with visas, with, you know, work permits, how to set up the business, recruiting everything. So everything I need, I can actually find within this ecosphere of the chambers. And the chambers in Thailand and Bangkok, specifically, they're very active, lots of regular networking, which brings, you know, introductions, new leads to the business, new connections. And then on top of that, we've had, we've had a lot of support from the British Embassy over in in Thailand, especially with the Eastern energy, because it is tech based, because it is UK Tech, and because it is obviously something that's good for the environment and what everyone's trying to push towards. So I think the two key areas for me, if you are starting a business in an unfamiliar area, is one. Check out the chambers. So obviously the first one you'd look at is your own nationality. But don't stress too much about that. I mean, the chambers over here will welcome anyone from any nationality. So, you know, utilize the chambers because it's through that that you're going to get to speak to people, expats, already running businesses. You'll hear the horror stories. You'll hear the tips. It will save you some time, it will save you some money, and it will save you from making similar mistakes. And then also talk to your embassy and how they can maybe support you. We've had, again, some great support from the British Embassy. They've witnessed demo use. They've helped us with introductions. On the energy efficiency side, Michael Hingson ** 49:26 one of the things that clearly happens though, with you is that you also spend time establishing relationships with people, so you talk about the chamber and so on. But it also has to be that you've established and developed trusting relationships, so that you are able to learn the things that you learned, and that people are willing to help teach you. And I suspect that they also realize that you would be willing to help others as well. Stuart Pollington ** 49:55 Yeah, and I think I mean yes, and I'm talking about. And I mentioned, sorry, networking and the changes. But with networking, you know, you don't, you shouldn't go in there with the mindset of, I'm going into networking. I want to make as many sales as I can. Whatever you go into the networking. Is an opportunity to meet people, to learn from people you then some of those people, or most of those people, may not even be the right fit for you, but it's about making those relationships and then helping each other and making introductions. So you know, a lot of what I do with the chambers, I run a lot of webinars. I do workshops where I do free training on digital marketing, on AI, on SEO, on ads, on social. I use that as my lead gen, if you like. So I spend a lot of time doing this educationally and helping people. And then the offshot of that is that some of those will come and talk to me and ask me to how I can help them, or they will recommend me to someone else. And you know, we all know in business, referrals are some of the best leads you can get. Michael Hingson ** 51:11 Yeah, by any, by any definition, one of, one of the things that I tell every sales person that I've ever hired is you are a student, at least for your first year, don't hesitate to ask questions, because in reality, in general, people are going to be perfectly willing to help you. They're not going to look down on you if you ask questions and legitimately are looking for guidance and information. Again, it's not about you, it's about what you learn, and it's about how you then are able to use that knowledge to help other people, and the people and the individuals who recognize that do really well. Stuart Pollington ** 51:50 No, exactly, and I don't know about you, Michael, but I like, I like helping people. Yeah, I like, it makes me feel good. And, yeah, that's, that's a big part of it as well. You know Michael Hingson ** 52:01 it is and, and that's the way it ought to be. It's, that's the other thing that I tell them. I said, once you have learned a great deal, first of all, don't forget that you're always going to be a student. And second of all, don't hesitate to be a teacher and help other people as well. Speaker 1 ** 52:16 Man, that's really important. Yeah, brilliant. Michael Hingson ** 52:20 Now you have worked across a number of sectors and market, marketing, tech, sales, energy and so on. How did how do you do that? You You've clearly not necessarily been an expert in those right at the beginning. So how do you learn and grow and adapt to be able to to work in those various industries. Stuart Pollington ** 52:41 Yeah, I mean, for the marketing, for the marketing, it helps that I really was interested in it. So there was a good there was a good interest. And if you're interested in something, then you get excited about it, and you have the motivation and the willingness to learn and ask the questions, like you said, and then that is where you can take that kind of passion and interest and turn it into something a bit more constructive. It's a bit like I was saying at the beginning. It's the sort of thing I wish they'd done a bit maybe with me at school, was understand what I was good at and what I liked. But yeah, so with the marketing, I mean, very similar to what you've said, I asked questions. I see it just seems to click in my head on how it worked. And it kind of made sense to me. It was just one of these things that clicked, yeah. And so for the marketing, I just found it personally quite interesting, but interesting, but also found it quite easy. It just made sense to me, you know. And similar, you know, using computers and technology, I think it just makes sense. It doesn't to everyone. And other people have their strengths in other areas, but, you know, for me, it made sense. So, you know that that was the easy part. Same with Eastern energy, it's technology. It makes sense. I love it, but at the end of the day, it's all about it's all about people, really business, and you've got your people and your team, and how you motivate them is going to be similar. It's going to be slightly different depending on culture and where you're based, in the type of industry you're in, but also very similar. You know, people want praise, they want constructive feedback. They want to know where they're gonna be in a year or five years. All of that's very similar. So you people within the business, and then your customers are just people as well, aren't they? Well, customers, partners, clients, you know that they are just people. So it's all, it's all, it's all about people, regardless of what we're doing. And because it's all very similar with tech and that, it just, yeah, I don't know. It just makes sense to me. Michael, I mean, it's different. It's funny, because when I do do network and I talk to people, I say, Well, I've got this digital marketing agency here. Work, and then I've got this energy efficiency business here. And the question is always, wow, they sound really different. How did you how did you get into them? But when, again, when I look at it, it's not it's it's tech, it's tech, it's data, it's people. That's how I look at it, Michael Hingson ** 55:16 right? And a lot of the same rules apply across the board. Yes, there are specific things about each industry that are different, but the basics are the same. Stuart Pollington ** 55:28 That's it. I, in fact, I that isn't almost, there's almost word for word. What I use when I'm explaining our approach to SEO, I just say, Look, you know, there's, there's three core areas with SEO, it's the tech, the on site, it's the content, and it's the off site signals, or the link building. I said they're the three core areas for Google. They've been the same for, you know, 20 years. Within those areas, there's lots of individual things you need to look at, and that changes a lot. And there's 1000s of things that go into the algorithm, but the basics are the same. Sort your tech, sort the text, sort the tech of it out, the speed of the site and the usability. Make sure your content is good and relevant and authoritative, and then get other sites to recommend you and reference you, you know So, but, yeah, that's very similar to how I try and explain SEO. Yeah, you know all this stuff going on, but you still got the core basics of the same. Michael Hingson ** 56:29 It is the same as it has always been, absolutely. So what do you do? Or how do you deal with a situation when plans necessarily don't go like you think they should, and and all that. How do you stay motivated? Stuart Pollington ** 56:45 I mean, it depends, it depends what's gone wrong. But, I mean, I'm, I'm, I'm a big believer in, you know, learning from your mistakes and then learning also learning from what went wrong. Because sometimes you don't make a mistake and something goes wrong, but something still goes wrong. I think it helps. It helps to have a good team around you and have a good support team that you can talk to. It's good to be able to work through issues. But, I mean, for me, I think the main thing is, you know, every like you were saying earlier, about asking questions and being a student for a year. You know everything that happens in business, good or bad, is a lesson that should help you be better in the future. So you know the first thing, when something goes wrong, understand what's gone wrong first. Why did it go wrong? How did it go wrong? How do we resolve this, if we need to resolve something for the client or us, and then how do we try and limit that happening in the future? And then what do we learn from that? And how do we make sure we can improve and be better? And I think, you know, it's not always easy when things go wrong, but I think I'm long enough in the tooth now that I understand that, you know, the bad days don't last. There's always a good day around the corner, and it's about, you know, working out how you get through Michael Hingson ** 58:10 it. And that's the issue, is working it out. And you have to have the tenacity and, well, the interest and the desire to work it out, rather than letting it overwhelm you and beat you down, you learn how to move forward. Stuart Pollington ** 58:25 Yeah, and that's not easy, is it? I mean, let's be honest. I mean, even, even being when we were younger and kids, you know, things happen. It does. We're just human, aren't we? We have emotions. We have certain feelings. But if you can just deal with that and then constructively and critically look at the problem, you can normally find a solution. Michael Hingson ** 58:46 Yeah, exactly. What's one piece of advice you wished you had learned earlier in your entrepreneurial career? Stuart Pollington ** 58:56 Um, I Yeah. I mean, for this one. I think, I think what you said earlier, actually, it got me thinking during wise we've been talking because I was kind of, I would say, don't be afraid to ask questions just based on what we've been talking about. It's changed a little bit because I was going to say, well, you know, one of the things I really wish I'd learned or known earlier was, you know, about the value of mentorship and kind of finding the the right people who can almost show you where you need to be, but you could, you know, but when people hear the word mentor, they think of either or, you know, someone really, yeah, high up who I could I'm too afraid to ask them, or someone who's going to cost you 1000s of dollars a month. So actually, I'm going to change that to don't be afraid to ask questions, because that's basically what you'd expect from a mentor, is to be able to ask. Questions, run ideas. And I think, I think, yeah, I think thinking back now, understanding that the more questions you ask, the more information you have, the better your decisions you can make. And obviously, don't be afraid to learn from other people's experience, because they've been through it, and potentially they could have the right way for you to get through it as well. Michael Hingson ** 1:00:24 And you never know where you're going to find a mentor. Exactly, Stuart Pollington ** 1:00:28 yeah, no, exactly. I think again, you hear the word mentor, and you think people have this diff, a certain perception of it, but it can be anyone. I mean, you know, if I my mom could be my mentor, for, for, for her great, you know, cooking and things that she would do in her roast dinners. You know that that's kind of a mentor, isn't it making a better roast dinner? So I think, yeah, I think, I Michael Hingson ** 1:00:54 think, but it all gets back to being willing to ask questions and to listen, Stuart Pollington ** 1:01:02 and then I would add one more thing. So ask the questions, listen and then take action. And that's where that unstoppable mindset, I think, comes in, because I think people do ask questions, people can listen, but it's the taking action. It's that final step of having the courage to say, I'm going to do this, I'm going to go for Michael Hingson ** 1:01:23 it. And you may find out that what was advised to you may not be the exact thing that works for you, but if you start working at it, and you start trying it, you will figure out what works Stuart Pollington ** 1:01:37 exactly. Yeah, no, exactly. That's it, yeah. Michael Hingson ** 1:01:41 Well, what a great place to actually end this. We've been doing this now over an hour, and I know, can you believe it? And I have a puppy dog who probably says, If you don't feed me dinner soon, you're going to be my dinner. So I should probably go do that. That's Stuart Pollington ** 1:01:57 all good. So for me, I'm going to go and get my breakfast coffee. Now it's 7am now, five past seven in the morning. Michael Hingson ** 1:02:03 There you are. Well, this is my day. This has been a lot of fun. I really appreciate you being here, and I want to say to everyone listening and watching, we really appreciate you being here with us as well. Tell others about unstoppable mindset. We really appreciate that. Love to hear your thoughts and get your thoughts, so feel free to email me with any of your ideas and your your conceptions of all of this. Feel free to email me at Michael H, I m, I C, H, A, E, L, H, I at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, I B, e.com, you can also go to our podcast page. There's a contact form there, and my podcast page is www dot Michael hingson.com/podcast, and Michael hingson is spelled M, I, C, H, A, E, L, H, I N, G, s, O N. Love to hear from you. Would really appreciate it if you'll give us a five star rating wherever you're watching or listening to the podcast today, if you know anyone and steward as well for you, if any one of you listening or participating knows anyone else that you think ought to be a guest on unstoppable mindset, we'd love to hear from you. We'd love introductions, always looking for more people to tell their stories. So that's what this is really all about. So I really appreciate you all taking the time to be here, and Stuart, especially you. Thank you for being here. This has been a lot of fun, and we really appreciate you taking your time. Stuart Pollington ** 1:03:26 Thank you, Michael. Thank you everyone. I really enjoyed that. And you know, in the spirit of everything, you know, if, if anyone does have any questions for me, just feel free to reach out. I'm happy to chat. Michael Hingson ** 1:03:39 How do they do that? What's the best way, I Stuart Pollington ** 1:03:41 think probably the LinkedIn so I think on when you post and share this, you will have the link. I think Michael Hingson ** 1:03:49 we will. But why don't you go ahead and say your LinkedIn info anyway? Okay, yeah. Stuart Pollington ** 1:03:53 I mean, the easiest thing to do would just be the Google search for my name on LinkedIn. So Stuart pollington, it's S, T, U, a, r, t, and then P, O, L, L, I N, G, T, O, N, and if you go to LinkedIn, that is my I think I got lucky. I've got the actual LinkedIn URL, LinkedIn, forward slash, I N, forward slash. Stuart pollington, so it should be nice and easy. Michael Hingson ** 1:04:19 Yeah, I think I got that with Michael hingson. I was very fortunate for that as well. Got lucky with Stuart Pollington ** 1:04:23 that. Yeah, they've got numbers and everything. And I'm like, Yes, yeah. Michael Hingson ** 1:04:30 Well, thank you again. This has been a lot of fun, hasn't Stuart Pollington ** 1:04:33 it? He has. I've really enjoyed it. So thank you for the invitation, Michael. **Michael Hingson ** 1:04:42 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.
Kasim AslamFive 7 & 8 Figure Businesses | Two Exits | Co-Founded Driven Mastermind | Co-Founded Pareto TalentKasim has built five 7 & 8 figure businesses with two successful exits. He's the co-founder of Driven Mastermind, the top marketing mastermind in the world. He's written 3 bestselling books including You vs Google which was ranked #1 internationally for both marketing and advertising. He is the creator of Digital Marketer's Paid Traffic Certification and was named one of the top 50 Digital Marketing Thought Leaders in the United States by UMSL.Want to be a guest on Book 101 Review? Send Daniel Lucas a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17372807971394464fea5bae3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Unicorns Unite: The Freelancer Digital Media Virtual Assistant Community
Is your digital marketing brain buzzing with course ideas, but you're not sure where to start?If you've got skills to share and want a low-maintenance, high-visibility way to monetize them, this episode is for you. We're diving into the world of course marketplaces—specifically how to sell courses on Udemy—with my guest and fellow unicorn Elizabeth Hambleton.Elizabeth is the Founder & CEO of Bonjour Branding, where she helps course creators and coaches turn their expertise into profitable and polished digital products. With over 35,000 students enrolled in her Udemy courses, she's built a thriving education business rooted in smart strategy, storytelling, and connection. (And she's also a proud member of our Digital Marketer's Workgroup!)We're peeling back the curtain on how to sell courses on Udemy even if you're still doing client work and have zero desire to build a full-blown course empire. Whether you want to add a revenue stream, build credibility, or just dip your toes into passive income, this convo will definitely get your wheels turning (it totally did for me!).Listen to learn more about:How to sell courses on Udemy without building a massive tech stack or hiring a teamWhy Udemy can be a perfect visibility tool for freelance marketers and service providersSmart pricing and promotion strategies for a high-volume, low-ticket course modelThe differences between Udemy and Skillshare (and which is better for YOU)How to use Udemy as a launchpad for speaking gigs, client leads, and collab projectsIf you've ever said, “I could teach this,” but didn't know where to start, this is the episode that shows you how. Get ready to rethink your skills, your income streams, and your visibility game.Sponsored by UDMA Self-Starter ProgramLearn the digital marketing skills, business setup, and client-finding strategies you need to launch a flexible, profitable freelance career—fast. The Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School Self-Starter Program gets you up and running with paying clients in no time. Enroll now!Links Mentioned in the Show:Check out Elizabeth's courses on Udemy hereReady to turn your expertise into income? Get on a free call with her to find out if becoming a Udemy instructor is the right next step for you. Book here.Join The Digital Marketer's Workgroup: Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here!Connect with Elizabeth:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethhambleton/ Website:
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE IF YOU ARE WONDERING HOW TO UTILIZE META ADS FOR YOUR PHYSICAL PRODUCT BASED BUSINESSJoining me today is Meta Ads Specialist and former founder of iland co., Jodie Minto. With over 20 years in business and a seven-figure brand exit under her belt, Jodie breaks down how physical product brands can leverage Meta ads without wasting money or time.In this episode, we cover:How to begin using Meta ads with a limited budgetBest practices for optimizing your campaignsUsing Meta ads to grow your audience and your salesMistakes to avoid when scaling ad spendWhether you're airing your first ad or looking to improve your ROI, this episode gives you real tactics to use today and avoid rookie mistakes.Jodie Minto is an award-winning business coach, podcast host, and former founder of the internationally recognised fashion brand, iland co. With over 20 years in business and more than a decade of hands-on experience in fashion and online retail, Jodie built iland co. from a local market stall into a seven-figure global brand, before successfully selling the business in 2023.Based in Sydney, Australia, Jodie now supports ambitious fashion and lifestyle brand founders through her mastermind, online courses, and private coaching, helping them build profitable, sustainable e-commerce businesses that support their lives, not consume them.She's a certified Digital Marketer, Meta Ads Specialist, and Life Coach. Jodie is also the host of Online Store Success, one of Australia's Top 30 Marketing Podcasts, where she shares practical strategies and real-world insights to help product-based business owners.TOPICS WE DISCUSS: Meta Ads Strategy, E-commerce Advertising, Small Budget Ad Tips, Physical Product Marketing, Paid Social Media CampaignsJOIN THE SBG FREE COMMUNITY // CLICK HEREFREE TRAININGS // CLICK HERE TO BROWSEEXPLORE PROGRAMS & SERVICES// CLICK HEREAPPLY TO WORK WITH ME //CLICK HEREFOLLOW MADI ON INSTAGRAM // @thisismadisonpaige
In this enlightening episode, join Roy and his business partner, Kiren Rubah, as they delve into the world of virtual assistance through their company, VA.World. With extensive experience in web design, marketing, and project management, they highlight the importance of understanding and utilizing virtual services tailored to individual business needs. Kiran shares her journey from web design to comprehensive marketing strategies, emphasizing the significance of building effective websites, software, and landing pages over the past decade. Through candid discussions, they provide insights into the common pitfalls of outsourcing platforms and how VA.World's in-house team offers a seamless experience in project management and client relationship retention. The episode also explores various services VA.World provides, including course creation, graphic design, social media management, and even AI-driven customer support. Whether it's setting up secure payment systems or simplifying social media strategies, Lauren and Karen explain how their personalized approach ensures clients receive top-tier service without unnecessary complications. Tune in for a comprehensive understanding of how virtual assistance can revolutionize your business operations with the right expertise, transparency, and dedication to maintaining client satisfaction. Should Hire a Virtual Assistant? This week I had a call with my business partner to discuss this topic. Her name is Kiran Rubab with extensive experience in Course Launch Expert ,Branding Strategist , Digital Marketer, Web Disign and a lot more #podcasting #podmatch #virtualassistants ==================== Join Podmatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/roy Speaking Podcast Social Media / Coaching My Other Podcasts https://bio.link/podcaster ==================== Bio of my Business Partner Kiran Rubab Course Launch Expert | Serial Entrepreneur | Branding Strategist | Digital Marketer | An Empath | A Sister | A Friend | Mentor | Teacher
Should Hire a Virtual Assistant?This week I had a call with my business partner to discuss this topic. Her name is Kiran Rubab with extensive experience in Course Launch Expert ,Branding Strategist , Digital Marketer, Web Disign and a lot more#podcasting #podmatch #virtualassistants====================Join Podmatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/roySpeaking Podcast Social Media / Coaching My Other Podcasts https://bio.link/podcaster ====================Bio of my Business Partner Kiran Rubab Course Launch Expert | Serial Entrepreneur | Branding Strategist | Digital Marketer | An Empath | A Sister | A Friend | Mentor | Teacher
Be Unmessablewith: The Podcast hosted by Josselyne Herman-Saccio
Burnout doesn't knock—it crashes in. And for Bryan Kramer, it changed everything.In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Josselyne sits down with Bryan Kramer—bestselling author, speaker, and the man known as the “Zen Master to Digital Marketers.”Bryan gets real about his journey from being a high-powered digital marketing expert to facing down burnout, addiction, and the unraveling of the life he thought he was supposed to be living.But this isn't a story about breaking down—it's a story about waking up.Bryan shares what it took to reconnect to his true self, rebuild his life from the inside out, and champion a Human-to-Human (H2H) approach in a world obsessed with clicks, funnels, and automation.In this episode, you'll hear:How burnout sneaks up on high achievers—and how to catch it before it crashes youThe secret saboteurs that run your life until you get consciousWhy vulnerability isn't weakness—it's your greatest advantageAnd how to lead, market, and connect with real humanity in a digital worldIf you've ever felt like you had to keep up an image, hide your struggles, or push through the pain—this episode will hit home.Listen now—and share it with the leader, entrepreneur, or friend in your life who needs a reminder: you don't have to be perfect to be powerful.For more resources, CLICK HERE for the podcast episode page.Get Your Free Gift From Burnout to Unmessblewith with Dr. Sundra Ryce HardyFind Bryan at:Threads Facebook InstagramLinkedinConnect With JosselyneWebsite: beunmessablewith.comInstagram: @beunmessablewithLinkedin:Facebook: Email: Book a FREE exploration call with Josselyne
Send Krystal a Text Message.Many business owners experience frustrating plateaus due to a misunderstanding of how their business operates. If you've been creating content without a clear direction or struggling to achieve results despite consistent effort, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are solutions that don't require you to work harder.Two powerful frameworks can shift your business strategy: the Business Model Canvas and the Customer Journey Map. The Business Model Canvas outlines nine essential components that define your business, including customer segments, value proposition, channels, and cost structure. In contrast, the Customer Journey Map tracks the evolution of your customers from the first awareness of your brand to becoming loyal advocates, covering stages like consideration, purchase, retention, and referral.Implementing these frameworks can provide clarity and strategic direction, allowing you to replace guesswork with intentional planning. I've created a free downloadable guide to help you utilize these tools effectively. By mapping your model and outlining your customer journey, you can align your content strategy with your business goals, leading to smarter operation and a sustainable business model that benefits you and your customers.Click the "Send Krystal a Text Message" link above to send us your questions, comments, and feedback on the show! (Pssst...we'll do giveaways in upcoming episodes so make sure you leave your name & podcast title.)
Emily Reagan is a freelance marketing coach and the founder of the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School and the Digital Marketer's Workgroup. She is passionate about helping her students transition from task-based virtual assistants to skilled marketing professionals who can confidently command premium rates and deliver high-value services. Cut your lead gen costs in HALF with my $37 mini-course–NOW only $17!Visit The Art of Online Business website for Facebook Ads help Emily shares how she built her business from scratch, why she chose to focus on training marketing assistants instead of general VAs, and the key signs that it's time to start growing your team.We get into the real challenges that come with hiring, how to decide between overseas or local support, and why it's better to start small now rather than wait until you're completely overwhelmed. Emily also reveals some of the biggest mistakes business owners make when hiring—and what you can do to avoid them.Watch this episode on YouTube! Please click here to give an honest Rating/Review for the show on iTunes! Thanks for your support! Kwadwo [QUĀY.jo] Sampany-Kessie's Links:Get 1:1 Meta Ads Coaching from Kwadwo!Say hi to Kwadwo on InstagramSubscribe to The Art of Online Business's YouTube Channel Emily's Links:Connect with Emily on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedInJoin her Facebook Group “Emily's Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant Lab”Subscribe to her YouTube channelSubmit your virtual assistant or marketing assistant job opening
Interview with Kasim Aslam, who has built five 7 & 8 figure businesses with two successful exits. He's the co-founder of Driven Mastermind, the top marketing mastermind in the world. He's written 3 bestselling books including You vs Google which was ranked #1 internationally for both marketing and advertising. Kasim is the creator of Digital Marketer's Paid Traffic Certification and was named one of the top 50 Digital Marketing Thought Leaders in the United States by UMSL. His web site is https://kasim.me/
Trying to do all the things in your business? It's probably the exact thing keeping you stuck.In this no-fluff convo with digital marketing unicorn Emily Reagan, we pull back the curtain on what actually happens behind the scenes of successful businesses (spoiler: it involves help!). Emily dishes out real talk on the mindset shifts, money moves, and hiring strategies that freed her up to grow her business—and help others do the same.You'll walk away from this episode knowing exactly why clinging to your DIY badge of honor might be holding you back, and how to fix it.Emily Reagan is a mom of four, former military spouse, sheepadoodle owner and jill-of-all-trades when it comes to digital marketing and techie skills. She's worked behind the scenes as a freelance digital marketer with many creatives, copywriters, and coaches to grow, nurture, and monetize their online audiences.She's the founder of the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School and Digital Marketer's Workgroup where she helps women advance their digital marketing skills and services to become booked-out, in-demand unicorn digital marketing assistants (and beyond).TAKEAWAYS:Hiring help isn't just about time. It's a smart business strategy that increases your capacity to grow and scale.Outsourcing can start small (think: house cleaning or bookkeeping) and still make a big impact on your business and peace of mind.Building a supportive team means finding specialists who align with your business goals and can hit the ground running, without you micromanaging every step.Letting go of perfection and control is tough, but it's the secret sauce to sustainable growth.RESOURCES: Visit the blog post that goes along with this episode for more resourcesHire one of Emily's UnicornsDownload Emily's How To Hire A Virtual Assistant GuideSnag a seat in Allison's Sell on Autopilot Masterclass, and learn how to use email marketing to sell while you sleep (or, ‘ya know…live your actual life!)CONNECT WITH ALLISON:Follow Allison on InstagramDID YOU HAVE AN 'AH-HA MOMENT' WHILE LISTENING TO THIS EPISODE?If you found value and are ready to take action from listening to this episode, head to Apple Podcasts and help us reach new audiences by giving the podcast a rating and a review. This helps us to reach more online coaches who are creating a thriving 6-figure business.Music courtesy of www.bensound.com
Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier sits down with Richard Lindner to discuss the evolution of Digital Marketer. Entrepreneurs, marketers, and business owners will gain invaluable insights into adapting business models, overcoming challenges, and leveraging emerging technologies like AI.Highlights:"We don't train humans anymore. We train AI to work for humans.""Define your company by the person you serve, not the product you sell.""AI is changing at the rate at which the internet changed.""If you can't buy it twice, you can't afford it."Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:33 Professionalizing Internet Marketing07:42 Challenges with Certifications11:45 Exploring Software Development16:26 Redefining the Target Audience22:04 Licensing Intellectual Property25:37 Returning to Community and Training27:34 The Impact of AI on Marketing31:12 Key Business Transformation TakeawaysCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier
Unicorns Unite: The Freelancer Digital Media Virtual Assistant Community
Are you stuck in a cycle of playing small—waiting for the perfect time to speak up, launch that offer, or finally raise your rates? Yeah, I've been there. In this solo episode, I'm sharing one of my favorite reads that gave me the push I didn't know I needed: Playing Big by Tara Mohr. And let me tell you, this book was written for freelancers like us. I'm breaking down the biggest takeaways that changed how I lead, pitch, and show up in my business. It's time to get out of your own way and step into that next-level version of you (and your freelancer business).Listen to learn more about:The two voices inside your head: your Inner Mentor & your Inner Critic (and how to quiet the wrong one)Why waiting to feel “ready” is actually holding you back in your freelance businessHow to reframe fear and self-doubt so they don't sabotage your goalsTara Mohr's concepts of self-promotion vs. visibility and the importance of leaning into your purpose as a freelancerHow Playing Big is different—and more realistic—than hustle culture adviceIf you're second-guessing yourself or just want someone to tell you it's okay to take up space and charge what you're worth, this episode will light a fire under you. Playing Big isn't just a book, it's a mindset shift. And trust me, your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.Sponsored by AI Copywriter in a Box Struggling to create client content fast? Stop wasting time starting from scratch. AI Copywriter in a Box helps you craft high-converting, client-ready content in minutes—emails, social posts, sales pages, and more—all in your client's unique voice. I use it myself to skip the endless revisions and get premium content done fast. Use my affiliate link & get $50 off with the code UNICORN. You can use the AI Copywriter for up to 4 different clients. Grab yours now!Links Mentioned in the Show:Grab the book: Playing Big by Tara Mohr We recently read “Playing Big” inside our Digital Marketer's Workgroup as part of our monthly book club, and the conversations that came out of it were next level. It sparked powerful mindset shifts and real action for so many of my members—and now I'm bringing those insights to you. Want to be part of conversations like this and grow alongside other smart, driven freelancers? Apply here!Connect with Emily:Facebook Community: Emily's Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganpr3 ways we can work together: Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can...
What happens when a top-tier MIT-trained engineer makes an unexpected leap into the world of energy healing? Brent Michael Phillips' journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From pioneering advanced Internet technologies in the 1990s to developing the groundbreaking Awakening Dynamics system, Brent has fused science with spirituality in ways few could imagine.In this thought-provoking episode, we explore:How an MIT-trained software engineer became an energy workerThe fascinating science behind Movement Feedback HolographyThe evolution of consciousness technology—three generations that are shaping the futureWhether you're an entrepreneur, a digital marketer, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of success and personal transformation, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.
Today's episode is with a guest who I've known for about 4 years now. We met in a digital marketing mastermind that I was a part of previously. He's someone that I highly respect because of his track record in the digital marketing agency and SEO, and his results and expertise speak for themselves. I now have a pretty good detector as to who is real and who is fake. Today's guest is as real as it gets. My guest is Adam Chronister. He is the CEO of Enleaf. Enleaf has been dedicated to helping emerging businesses strengthen their online presence through cutting-edge website design and innovative digital marketing strategies.Adam's Bio:Adam Chronister is a distinguished leader in digital marketing and entrepreneurship, known for founding Enleaf, a premier digital marketing agency based in Spokane, Washington, in 2009. Under his leadership, Enleaf has risen to prominence, recognized for its innovative strategies that enhance online brand visibility and success. This success has been acknowledged through awards and titles, such as being named among the top 10 West Coast SEO firms by Home Business Magazine and the best SEO agency in Spokane by Expertise.Central to Adam's work is his innovative use of AI in digital marketing, which has established new industry standards and gained attention from top publications like the Wall Street Journal. His contributions to Digital Marketer highlight his influential role in demonstrating AI's transformative potential in marketing.Globally, Adam is acclaimed for his expertise in SEO and AI, sharing his knowledge on renowned platforms worldwide. His talent for making complex topics accessible has earned him recognition as a leading speaker and contributor to the digital marketing community.Adam's involvement extends to podcasts, where he discusses the latest digital marketing trends and strategies, showcasing his commitment to the marketing community's ongoing education. He has also created and shared valuable educational content, including courses and conference recordings on IMG Gold.Beyond digital marketing, Adam is an accomplished author. His book, "The New Era of Travel: Transforming Vacation Rentals into Profitable Ventures," available on Amazon.com, provides critical insights into the vacation rental market, benefiting both novices and seasoned entrepreneurs.Connect with Adam:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamchronisterdotcom TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@enleafdotcom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchronister/ X.com https://x.com/adamchronister Website: www.enleaf.com Builders of Authority:FREE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7685392924809322 BOA Mastermind: https://buildauthority.co/order-form-mastermind GoHighLevel Extended 30-day Free Trial w/TONS of Personal Branding Bonuses: http://gohighlevel.com/adammcchesney
In this episode of the Membership Geeks podcast, I reveal a surprising truth: even the largest and most successful membership sites make mistakes. I dive into some of the most common blunders these membership giants are making, gleaned from our membership insider series, where I explore sites like Masterclass.com, Digital Marketer, and more. Join me as I unpack these mistakes, offering insights on how you can avoid them and improve your own membership experience.In this episode:What are the common mistakes big membership sites make in their new member onboarding process?How do issues with integrating multiple tech systems impact the overall membership experience?Why is attention to detail crucial, and how can neglecting it affect your membership site?How can a well-designed offboarding process benefit a membership, and what are some examples of neglect in this area?Thank You For ListeningWe really appreciate you choosing to listen to us and for supporting the podcast. We would be eternally grateful if you would consider taking a minute or two to leave an honest review and rating for the show. They're extremely helpful when it comes to reaching our audience and we read each and every one personally!Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you never miss an episode.
Unicorns Unite: The Freelancer Digital Media Virtual Assistant Community
I lost $2,000 in a media placement deal that turned out to be a total scam. And I don't want this to happen to you, too. I've been in marketing for years. I know how media buying works. I've done radio ads, TV spots, digital ad campaigns—you name it. But this one got me. As freelancers and service providers, we're constantly looking for new ways to get in front of the right audience. We want to help our clients grow their businesses, and we want to grow our own. But not all opportunities are created equal. Some are too good to be true and I learned that the hard way.Listen to learn more about:The red flags I ignored in this media placement dealHow sketchy media networks manipulate numbers to make their platforms seem more valuableThe tracking funnel I set up to measure results & how it proved I got ZERO return on my investmentHow to protect yourself (and your clients) from scammy media placementsWhy I'm still choosing to see this as a valuable business lessonIf you've ever considered investing in media placements for yourself or your clients, this episode is a must-listen. I'm breaking down exactly what went wrong, where I should have trusted my gut, and how you can make smarter ad-buying decisions.Sponsored by The Digital Marketer's WorkgroupOne big lesson from this media placement fiasco? Not all PR opportunities are legit. A big audience doesn't always mean big results. That's why my Digital Marketer's Workgroup includes hands-on PR training so you can land real interviews and position yourself as the expert you are without wasting money on shady deals.Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here!Connect with Emily:Facebook Community: Emily's Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganpr3 ways we can work together: Get on the waitlist for the Live Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the confidence and teach you HOW to do the work that's in demand and highly marketable. This is the secret weapon to getting booked out. Or get started now with the Self-Study version of UDMA School here.Got the skills but need help getting your digital marketing services business to take off? I've got an advanced tight-knit referral and networking community that can help and I would love for you to
▶️ Book a Coaching Discovery Call with Jaimie Robbins https://calendly.com/rri-coaching/coaching-information-call
Molly Pittman is a bit of a legend in the digital marketing space. Bartender turned marketing intern for Ryan Deiss, turned VP of Marketing for Digital Marketer, turned entrepreneur - Molly's story is an inspiring one. And she flat out knows her stuff!In this episode, we dig into some real gems. We go pretty deep on what's working now on Facebook, but we also talk about the benefits of building an in-house team vs. the benefits of an agency. We discuss entrepreneurial lessons and what life is like in Amsterdam (where Molly currently lives).Here's a look at what we cover:Why being fluid might be the most important entrepreneurial trait...and why it's important for digital marketersWhy curiosity and fascination are crucial in our current marketing landscapeWhat CBO is and how it's impacting Molly's Facebook ad campaigns and what you should do about itWhat the 3 facets of Facebook's new Quality Ranking are and how to optimize your adsHow low quality rankings can dramatically drive up costs or get your ads shut downPlus more
Unicorns Unite: The Freelancer Digital Media Virtual Assistant Community
Freelancing is full of growing pains: juggling client work, raising your rates, and trying to scale without burning out. One minute, you're on top of the world, booking dream clients and feeling like a total boss. The next? You're questioning everything, wondering if you should just go work at JCPenney (not that there's anything wrong with that, but you know what I mean). This past year has been full of lessons—some hard, some exciting, all worth sharing. In this solo episode, I'm getting a little more personal & real about what I've learned, what's shifting in our industry, and what I'm doing differently in my business moving forward.Listen in as I cover:Why clients are more hesitant to hire and how showing up as a reliable expert in this “trust recession” can set you apartWhy raising your rates isn't just about confidence but about proving your value and becoming indispensable How saying no more often has helped me protect my energy and focus on the right opportunitiesWhat services are actually in demand right now after reviewing 3,000 job leads, How AI is changing the way we work—and how you can use it to your advantage instead of fearing itI'm not just a marketing assistant coach sitting on the sidelines. I'm in the trenches with you, testing strategies, juggling clients, and running my own programs. Whether you're scaling, pivoting, or just trying to keep up, tune in for my biggest takeaways on navigating freelancing's ups and downs.Sponsored by The Digital Marketer's WorkgroupAre you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here!Links Mentioned in the Show:2025 State of the Union for Service Providers with Natalie GingrichI'm shaking things up with UDMA School! If you've been thinking about joining, need a reboot, or the timing just wasn't right before, get on my list & be the first to get updates on our new offers here.Connect with Emily:Facebook Community: Emily's Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganpr3 ways we can work together: Get on the waitlist for the Live Unicorn Digital Marketing...
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Terence Tam, founder of Radical Marketing, a leading agency specializing in helping educators and coaches fill webinars through strategic funnels. Terence shares his journey of scaling his business to 10 team members and achieving 10x revenue growth to $700K AUD annually. He highlights the importance of embracing failure, building strong team values, and maintaining work-life balance. Terence also discusses his favorite business books and strategies for success in the competitive marketing space. Tune in for insights into growing a global agency and thriving as an entrepreneur. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Terence Tam, the hardest thing in growing a small business is the feeling of being alone and misunderstood. He explained that even close loved ones and friends often don't fully understand the challenges entrepreneurs face, which can make the journey isolating. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Terence Tam's favorite business book that has helped him the most is Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. He shared that the book emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks to others to free up time and focus on growing the business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Terence Tam recommends several resources to help small business owners grow. Key podcasts include Digital Marketer (for digital marketing insights), Ad Leaks (focused on ad management), and Dan Sullivan's Mastermind Group (for strategic advice and networking). For courses, he suggests Digital Marketer and Dan Sullivan's Mastermind. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Terence Tam highly recommends Go High Level, a powerful all-in-one marketing tool for small businesses. It includes features like landing pages, email and SMS marketing, AI integration, and CRM capabilities—all for an affordable price of around $99/month. He highlights its value for businesses looking to automate and scale their marketing efforts efficiently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Terence Tam's advice to his younger self on day one of starting a business is: "Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and just fail forward fast." He believes the key is to embrace failure as a learning process, take risks, and focus on living a fulfilling life without regrets, rather than settling for comfort. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Don't be afraid to fail—fail forward fast and grow stronger — Terence Tam A great offer and the right message can scale your business to limitless heights — Terence Tam Success isn't about avoiding mistakes, it's about learning from them — Terence Tam
Unicorns Unite: The Freelancer Digital Media Virtual Assistant Community
Funnel Series #19Are you making these funnel-building mistakes? If you've ever built a sales funnel you know how many moving pieces there are…and how many places it can go wrong.That's why I'm bringing in funnel strategist Angela Kiszka, founder of Crystal Clear Funnels, and one of my UDMA School grads. She helps coaches, course creators, and spiritual entrepreneurs build high-converting funnels that drive more leads, sales, and impact. With expertise in tech, implementation, and strategy, Angela makes the funnel-building process seamless for online business owners. She's seen it all—so she's breaking down the five biggest funnel-building mistakes and how you can avoid them.Listen to learn more about:The #1 mistake most clients make with their funnels—and how you can be the expert who fixes itWhy overcomplicating funnels can kill your conversions (and what to do instead)A simple tracking tool Angela gives her clients to measure funnel successHow to confidently step into a strategic role, even if you're new to funnel buildingWhy every business owner needs a funnel builder and how you can position yourself as the one they hireFunnels are the key to unlocking higher project rates so tune in to this episode and let's make sure you're building them the RIGHT way.Sponsored by The Digital Marketer's WorkgroupAre you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here!Links Mentioned in the Show:Grab Angela's Freebie: Inbox to Impact list building funnel toolkit. This is your shortcut to creating a list building funnel that strategically attracts, nurtures, and converts your ideal audience into paying customers.Diary of a CEO Podcast episode with Daniel PriestlyConnect with Angela:Instagram: @angelakiszkaFacebook: Crystal Clear FunnelsWebsite: https://crystalclearfunnels.com/ Connect with Emily:Facebook Community: Emily's Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganpr3 ways we can work...
In this episode, we dive into the shifting landscape of network marketing, exploring whether the industry is still thriving despite major companies closing their doors or switching to affiliate models. Join us as we uncover:✅ The biggest changes in network marketing over the past decade✅ How to stay in the game and build a sustainable business✅ Proven success patterns you can apply to your own journeyOur guest, Genevieve Skory, is a powerhouse executive coach, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur who believes self-doubt is costing you money. With her unique blend of corporate strategy and entrepreneurial hustle, she shares actionable insights to help you scale your business, lead with confidence, and turn your vision into financial security.Don't miss this game-changing episode—hit play now! You can follow Genevieve on Facebook here and on Instagram here.And then, you can join the Digital Marketer's Success Network here.Disclaimer: I make no income claims, and I can not guarantee any income with any program or opportunity I share. Any and all income examples I share are just examples of the potential income you could create with the programs and opportunities that I share. Examples and past results do not guarantee future results.
Ralph and Lauren are getting into the nuances of Meta's audience segmentation and why relying solely on in-app metrics could be costing you big. They break down how Meta categorizes audiences into "new," "engaged," and "existing" and why that distinction is crucial for optimizing ad spend. If you've ever wondered whether your ad dollars are actually bringing in new customers or just retargeting the same warmed-up leads, this is the episode for you. Plus, Lauren shares an eye-opening moment from a recent mastermind, telling us just how many high-revenue brands are still dropping the ball on AI-driven customer engagement. Get ready for some critical insights, a little beachside humor, and the one Meta Ads setting you must double-check today.Chapters:00:00:00 - Enter the Perpetual Traffic Arena00:01:58 - Digital Marketer & The Founder's Board Blueprint00:05:24 - Masterminds: The Hidden Growth Accelerator00:06:06 - AI's Customer Service Takeover00:15:27 - Data: The Make-or-Break Factor00:18:02 - Meta's Audience Segmentation Secrets00:26:44 - The Ad Set Performance Lab00:27:51 - Audience Segmentation vs. Attribution Windows00:29:38 - Ads Manager: Audience Setup Masterclass00:31:33 - Data Integrity & Attribution Warfare00:36:50 - Meta's Attribution Minefield00:39:42 - Tier 11 Data Suite: Your Competitive Edge00:49:53 - The Final Word: What's Next?LINKS AND RESOURCES:Episode 362: META Solution Engineers Tell All: The REAL Truth Behind the iOS 14 UpdateEpisode 363: How META and Facebook Plan to Solve the iOS Crisis: Part 2 with Sean Bedford and Ben Lampert from METAEpisode 673: Why Your Marketing Tracking Sucks (Even If You Think It Doesn't) and How to Fix It Episode 666: The 5 Step Formula to Determine Your nCACEpisode 668: Part 2 – The 5 Step Formula to Determine Your nCACGet Your Marketing Performance IndicatorsTM Checklist Now!Tier on YouTubeGet Your Marketing Performance Indicators™ Checklist Now!Tier 11 JobsPerpetual Traffic on YouTubeTiereleven.comMongoose MediaPerpetual Traffic Survey
In this episode of Network Marketing Success Secrets, we're diving into the world of digital marketing with the incredible Jessica Embree, Creative Director at Tulip Media Group. If you're looking to boost your brand visibility and stand out in a crowded market, this episode is for you!Jessica is the co-author of the Amazon bestseller Double Sales / Zero Salespeople and, with over eight years of experience, Jessica has the knowledge to help you take your marketing strategy to the next level. In the episode, Jessica shares her expert insights and actionable strategies that you can apply today to start seeing real results. Don't miss out on this valuable conversation!Find Jessica on LinkedIn here. And learn more about Tulip Media Group here.And join me in the Digital Marketer's Success Network RIGHT HERE.DISCLAIMER: I make no income claims, and I can not guarantee any income with any program or opportunity I share. Any and all income examples I share are just examples of the potential income you could create with the programs and opportunities that I share. Examples and past results do not guarantee future results.
Mark de Grasse is the former president of DigitalMarketer. He has over 20 years of experience in various marketing positions, ranging from content development and digital marketing to brand management and business strategy. Mark was the host and primary educator for DigitalMarketer's Content Marketing Master Certification and Social Media Mastery Certification. He has created over 3,000 marketing tutorials ranging from content production to website design to marketing strategy.Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Challenges faced by e-commerce business owners, particularly on platforms like Amazon.The importance of branding as a differentiating factor in a competitive marketplace.The shift from product-centric to brand-centric strategies in e-commerce.The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on marketing and branding efforts.Practical applications of AI in enhancing marketing strategies and streamlining processes.The significance of storytelling and clear brand messaging in establishing a strong brand identity.Strategies for creating a cohesive brand narrative that resonates with customers.The role of customer experience in building brand loyalty and trust.Setting ambitious and measurable goals for brand development.The value of producing quality content to reinforce brand identity and engage customers.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley converses with Mark de Grasse, founder of the AI Branding Academy and former president of Digital Marketer. They delve into the critical importance of branding for e-commerce businesses, especially those facing fierce competition and rising costs on platforms like Amazon. Mark shares his framework for enhancing brand performance and emphasizes the shift from product-centric to brand-centric strategies. He also discusses leveraging AI to improve marketing efforts and streamline processes. The episode provides valuable insights for 6-7 figure business owners aiming to scale to 8 figures and beyond.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:1. Shift to Brand-Centric Strategies: Move beyond focusing solely on product quality by developing a clear, quantifiable brand vision and creating a cohesive brand story. This shift helps build an identity that resonates with customers, making your brand more memorable and distinct in a crowded market.2. Leverage AI to Strengthen Your Brand: Use AI tools for content creation and market analysis to streamline processes and ensure consistency. For example, developing a custom GPT for your brand can help maintain a consistent voice across all platforms and assist in onboarding team members with aligned messaging.3. Define Your Unique Value Proposition: Articulate what sets your brand apart, such as expertise in a niche area, and set ambitious yet achievable goals, like becoming a market leader in your segment by a specific date. This approach makes your brand more relatable to customers and positions you as a trusted, knowledgeable resource.Resources & Links SectionJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comAI Branding AcademyCanvaChatGPTCustom GPTMidjourneyMasterclassThe Untethered Soul by Michael SingerPatagoniaPelotonScott CunninghamSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist's Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King's Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started my business in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you've hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then email me at josh@ecommbreakthrough.com and in your subject li...
What if the missing piece in your business isn't strategy - but belief?In this episode of 7-8 Figure Special Series I interviewed Pablo Paul Lemberg. Paul has advised entrepreneurs and worked with thousands of business owners to grow revenues, profits and valuation — since 1996. He's started and sold two software companies, the first before he turned 30 and published three books — one a best seller. He holds the unusual combination of an art degree and an MBA and is a member of Mensa. Paul practices his own brand of chaos magic and combines business coaching with practical spirituality. His clients typically grow profits from 2-10x. One client sold his healthcare chain for over $100 million. He's spoken on stage for Jay Abraham, Tony Robbins, T. Harv Eker, Marshall Sylver, Brian Tracy, CEOSpace, Digital Marketer, Roland Frasier, and many others. He's been featured in the New York Times, the LA Times, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, CNBC, and Good Morning America, as well as hundreds of special interest publications.In this week's episode, we talk about unlocking the “magic” in your business by shifting your mindset.Learn how to unlock the magic in your business. Check this out!Show links:Pablo Paul Lemberg Website: https://www.lemberg.com/Pablo Paul Lemberg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/unreasonable/Pablo Paul Lemberg on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paullembergBook a call with Michelle: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/IcFD4cGJoin our Facebook group for business owners to get help or help other business owners!The Business Ownership Group - Secrets to Scaling: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessownershipsecretstoscalingLooking to scale your business? Get free gifts here to help you on your way: https://www.awarenessstrategies.com/
The Space for Sistas® Podcast is a weekly-ish conversation with Dr. Dominique Pritchett—organizational wellness strategist, international speaker and licensed therapist and guests. We share life changing stories, solutions and strategies to inspire Black women to dream, decide and do what's necessary to evolve into our most authentic selves and live well.This week we're joined by Melissa Gardner. Melissa is a Minister, Life Coach, Digital Marketer, Public Speaker, and Liberation Artist passionate about helping people overcome traumas and limiting beliefs through education and faith. She connects clients with tools and strategies to thrive in life and business. Her mission is to empower self-love, self-trust, and self-worth for transformative results. Where to find our guest?WebsiteFacebookInstagram__________________________________________________________________________Let's stay connected!Interesting in being a guest on our podcast? Submit a guest form here.Is there a topic/question you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit a topic/question form here.Want to connect with Space for Sistas™?WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInWant to connect with and learn more about Dr. Dominique Pritchett? Start here.Subscribe, download share. Be sure to leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode!!!To shout us out on the socials use #spaceforsistas #spaceforsistaspodcast.
20,000 customers worldwide are already using Bright Data's data collection platform with custom scraper APIs, ready-made datasets, and a global proxy network. The question is, why aren't you? Get started at https://bit.ly/3Dd7Ti2 Bright Data City: New York Address: 500 7th Ave, 9th Floor Office 9A1234 Website: https://bit.ly/3dd7ti2
If you're in digital marketing, affiliate marketing, network marketing, or coaching and are eager to establish your online business while uncovering lucrative income possibilities, I invite you to listen to this podcast episode.I will cover everything you need to know about the Digital Marketers Success Network, a dynamic community aimed at empowering you on your path to being a digital marketing pro.Explore how our network offers valuable training, resources, and support specifically designed for both beginners and experienced professionals.And find out about our affiliate program, which allows you to earn commissions by promoting essential digital marketing tools. This episode highlights the advantages of joining our network. Can't wait to welcome you!Learn more and sign up here - https://GloriaMacDonald.com/DMSNDISCLAIMER: I make no income claims, and I can not guarantee any income with any program or opportunity I share. Any and all income examples I share are just examples of the potential income you could create with the programs and opportunities that I share. Examples and past results do not guarantee future results.
Nicole Pitre is a former registered nurse turned digital marketer who wanted to teach her children that they could do anything they put their minds to just like she did. Tune into this episode of Wake Up Legendary to hear how she is using her storytelling skills and relatability to grow her online audience. Subscribe to Legendary Marketer on Youtube Follow Legendary Marketer on Facebook Follow Dave on Instagram
Sarah Thompson is a full time digital marketer who wanted to show her kids and other people that there is more out there than a 9-5 job and that there is reward in taking risks. Tune in live to hear how she is growing her online business though creating relatable and engaging content and building Facebook groups. Subscribe to Legendary Marketer on Youtube Follow Legendary Marketer on Facebook Follow Dave on Instagram Follow Sarah on Tiktok
Jeremiah Williams is a full time digital marketer who wanted more freedom to live his life how he wanted. Tune in live to hear how he grew a following on Instagram by prioritizing serving his followers over selling to them. Subscribe to Legendary Marketer on Youtube Follow Legendary Marketer on Facebook Follow Dave on Instagram
Brandi and Sandra Daniels are two full time digital marketers who wanted to be able to live anywhere around the world and to help others do the same. Tune into this episode of Wake Up Legendary to hear how they created an online business to teach others how to travel while making an income. Subscribe to Legendary Marketer on Youtube Follow Legendary Marketer on Facebook Follow Dave on Instagram Follow Brandi & Sandra on Instagram
Many websites fail to reach their full potential because they don't effectively guide visitors toward becoming clients. Often, the issue lies in unclear messaging, poor design, or a lack of focus on the user experience. A website isn't just a digital business card—it's a powerful tool for building trust, showcasing value, and driving action. When visitors land on a site, they should immediately understand what the business offers and why it matters to them. Without that clarity, it's easy for potential clients to lose interest or move on to a competitor. Jimi Gibson is an accomplished Digital Marketer, author, and TEDx speaker. As the Vice President of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency, he is passionate about helping businesses transform their websites into powerful client-generating machines. In his book “Chasing Carrots," Jimi shares how anyone can find their purpose. He is also the host of The Thumbody Show where he explores the zany world of entrepreneurship and personal branding. Today, Jimi talks about embracing video content and optimizing website performance. He provides tips on creating compelling headlines, using effective calls-to-action, enhancing readability, and using social proof to build trust and drive conversions. Stay tuned! Resources Email Jimi at jimi@thriveagency.com Thrive Agency: Digital Marketing Agency driven by RELATIONSHIPS & RESULTS Watch Jimi Gibson's TEDx Talk on You Have Magic Power: Use It For Good Get a copy of Chasing Carrots: won't help you find your purpose if you were born to love bananas by Jimi Gibson on Amazon Subscribe to The Thumbody Show hosted by Jimi Gibson on Apple Podcasts
This episode brought to you by TheresaCroft.com (Free Confidence Workbook)Contact Monique on Facebook!In this episode of the Stuck No More Podcast, I'm joined by the inspiring Monique Hacket, a Kingdom Advocate and Breakthrough Coach who is passionate about helping women break through barriers and step into their God-given destiny.Monique shares her journey of transformation and how she empowers women to find freedom, purpose, and financial independence. As a Digital Marketer, she equips women with practical tools to create income online while living out their divine calling.Tune in as we uncover truths about breaking barriers, stepping into purpose, and embracing the freedom God has designed for your life. This is an episode packed with inspiration, actionable insights, and faith-filled encouragement you don't want to miss!"Breaking Barriers, Amplifying Voices, Empowering Change." Free Resources with Stuck No More Finances Click hereInstagram https://instagram.com/theresacroftFacebook https://Facebook.com/theresamcroftYouTube https://YouTube.com/c/theresacroftMore Podcast Episodes/Videos Availablehttps://theresacroft.com/podcast
Think hiring a Digital Marketer will solve your content needs? Think again. In this episode, Raegan dives into why businesses should stop searching for surface-level solutions and instead focus on finding a brand champion—someone who doesn't just crafts strategies, but builds brands that resonate and brings your brand story to life.
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Sarah Thompson is a full time digital marketer who wanted to show her kids that there are more options than a 9-5 and the importance of building good habits. Tune into this episode of Wake Up Legendary to hear how she is getting in touch with her audience through building hope and digital courses and coaching. Subscribe to Legendary Marketer on Youtube Follow Legendary Marketer on Facebook Follow Dave on Instagram Follow Sarah on TikTok
Robbie Schneider joins Matt to discuss the challenges and strategies of managing social media in the healthcare sector. Robbie stresses the importance of planning time off, setting expectations within teams, and being intentional with social media content to add meaningful value rather than just frequent posts. We'll hear personal anecdotes about the struggle to detach from work communications, and practical steps to regain control over digital engagement and improve overall mental health. They'll also touch on the critical role of empathy in healthcare communications, navigating legal considerations, and how social media managers can prepare for and respond to real-time events like a newsroom. Most importantly, Robbie shares the impactful lessons and personal growth she experienced while writing her book, "Social Media Sanity and Your Guide to Mental Wellness for the Digital Marketer," exploring the balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. If you're in the industry or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of healthcare social media, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories to help you navigate this demanding field. Find Matt at SiteLogic Get Your Digital Skills Certification Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss share insights on the challenges faced during the acquisition and management of the Traffic and Conversion Summit. They discuss the importance of understanding community dynamics versus content value, the pitfalls of corporate decision-making, and how these factors contributed to the event's struggles.Highlights:"If you're going to do acquisitions, you need to be really clear on exactly what it is that you're buying.""The hardest thing in the world to do is to create a place, but you can lose that way faster than it takes to build.""You cannot let bean counters make business decisions." "The consulting firm that advised them not to buy Digital Marketer gave some of the worst advice they probably ever paid for."Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:54 - Community vs. Content08:18 - Pre-Pandemic Sales Struggles10:00 - Financial Implications of the Pandemic12:35 - Lessons Learned from the Deal15:30 - Importance of Community Involvement17:00 - Consequences of Poor Marketing Decisions20:15 - The Role of Digital Marketers22:40 - Strategic Partnerships and Growth Opportunities25:00 - Reflections on Corporate Culture28:15 - The Future of Events Post-Pandemic30:40 - Closing Thoughts on Acquisitions37:22 - Episode ConclusionCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier
In my recent episode of The Blogger Genius Podcast, I recorded my newest Thanksgiving guided meditation reflecting on our past year, expressing gratitude, and setting our intentions for the year ahead. Here's the transcript of the meditation to read and enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving! Transcript of my 2024 Thanksgiving Meditation: Embracing Gratitude and New Beginnings Jillian Leslie 00:00:04 Hello and welcome back to The Blogger Genius Podcast. I am Jillian Leslie, your host. If you've been listening to my podcast for a while, you know, at Thanksgiving I like to record a short guided meditation. So today I'm calling this meditation "Gratitude and New Beginnings" because these are two concepts I hope to focus on in my own life in the coming year. And I thought you might like to also. So together right now, let's put our busyness aside for these ten minutes and focus on the abundance in our lives and the bright possibilities of the year ahead. So let this be a space for clarity, curiosity, and optimism as we set the stage for new beginnings. So let's take a deep breath. In and out. And again, in and out. And let's settle into the present moment. Allow your body to relax. Your shoulders to soften your mind to quiet and your heart to open. And let's start with gratitude. So right now think about the people experiences and lessons that have shaped you this year. Jillian Leslie 00:01:50 So just take a moment and think about what it is that you're grateful for. Now I'm going to pepper this meditation with just a few of my favorite Mark Twain quotes, because I have been seeing them pop up in things I've been reading, and I've been thinking, Mark Twain just has a way of saying things that penetrate. So let's start with this first quote. The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else. Have powerful, right? So take a moment to reflect on how those small acts of kindness, both given and received, have brightened your life. Is there someone you've said something nice to you and you've watched them smile, and then you smile in response? Or has someone said something nice to you recently and it's touched you, and you know that it's touched them right back. So feel the warmth of those moments and allow yourself to savor them. We all Impact each other. And now consider how gratitude connects us to something larger than ourselves. So let's meditate on the idea that kindness and gratitude transcend all barriers. Jillian Leslie 00:03:28 Picture yourself surrounded by this light of kindness, radiating outward to touch everyone you meet. And as you do. Take a deep breath. In and out. In and out. As we reflect on the year that's passed, it's easy to hold on to worries and regrets. Now, this quote I looked up recently because if there is one that could sum up my life, it would be this quote. I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened. So yes, I am a worrier. I'm a planner. I'm always looking for the other shoe to drop. I'm looking for where danger is lurking. And I ask you, does this sound familiar? Because I never go back and say to myself, That turned out okay because I've moved on to the next worry. So reminding myself that sometimes I can spend a lot of my effort consumed, consumed with fear about things that never come to pass. And if I could even take one tenth of that energy and put it toward faith, my overall time on this planet might be a lot lighter. Jillian Leslie 00:05:02 And if only I could channel that energy into more positive uses. So this is the intention I'm setting for myself in the new year. It's trusting in myself, trusting in my friends and family, and knowing that if something does not work out, I have the inner strength to deal with it and move forward. I do believe it's better to live in a world of faith than fear, and I will be working on that. And if you're a worrier too, I challenge you to do the same. Even if it's just in little ways. So please join me. And I'm also going to ask myself, what worries am I holding on to that no longer serve me? Can I say goodbye to them? Can I see them for what they really are? Things that keep me stuck and paralyzed. So together, let's call up a worry. So think of a worry and visualize it in your hands and place it in a box in front of you. And now conjure up another worry. Hold it in your hands. Jillian Leslie 00:06:33 And place it in the box. And finally, a third worry. Hold it and then place it in the box. Now in your mind. Shut the box and push it away from you. So it's no longer near you. So it's completely out of sight. Our fears don't have to define us. And now feel the space we've just created within ourselves a space of peace and openness and readiness for what's to come. And with that, let's take a deep breath. In and out and in and out. Now let's turn our focus toward the future. Imagine what 2025 could hold for you and your business and your family and your dreams. So Mark Twain said, the secret of getting ahead is getting started. I use this exact quote in a bunch of my presentations just to get people to take that first step. So think about what new beginnings you want to embrace in the year ahead. Where can you take that small step forward even today? Please let go of perfection. Embrace, be minus work and lean into progress. Jillian Leslie 00:08:30 So as we picture ourselves moving forward, let's take a deep breath. In and out and in and out. As we envision 2025. Let's approach it with curiosity. Here's another Mark Twain quote I really like. The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why. Let's start that again. As we envisioned 2025, Let's approach it with curiosity. And here's another Mark Twain quote I really like. The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. Ask yourself, what's my deeper? Why? What fuels me? What lights me up? So let's take a moment to ask yourself that. And now make a note of the first thought that popped into your mind. And make a note of the feeling that idea brought up. Did it light you up? Get you a little excited? So let that purpose guide your vision for the new year. Put on the hat of the helper. Who can you impact? Whose life can you change? This is where you want to go deeper in both your business and your personal life. Jillian Leslie 00:10:26 And I call this having real impact. In fact, picture picture yourself waking up each morning in 2025 with a feeling of hope, creativity and excitement for what lies ahead. So with that vision, take a deep breath. In and out and in and out. Building something new isn't always easy, but it's always worth it when it's aligned with your purpose. 2025 is a year to celebrate your wins, big and small, and let them leave marks of pride and happiness on your heart. You are stronger than you think. With courage, curiosity and resilience, you can create something extraordinary. Take a deep breath in. And out and in and out. One more intention for the year ahead. Think about traveling outside of your comfort zone. Try new things. Meet new people. Take risks. Because this is where the growth happens. What new connections, ideas or opportunities can you open yourself to in 2025? How can you expand your perspective to embrace growth and innovation? Let go of what's not working and instead get curious about what could work. Jillian Leslie 00:12:20 The future is bright. It's full of possibility, and it is waiting for you. So as I close, take one more deep breath. In and out and in and out. Carry with you the gratitude of this moment and the optimism of new beginnings. Remember, 2025 is yours to create one courageous step at a time. Thank you for joining me in this meditation of gratitude and new beginnings. I am so grateful for you, for your vision and your journey. Happy Thanksgiving! I want to hear from you! Now I'd love to hear from you. What are you hoping to create or achieve in 2025 for your business and life? What small, courageous steps are you ready to take? Share your thoughts with me—whether it's an idea for growth, a goal you're setting, or a worry you're ready to let go of. Let's make 2025 the year we embrace curiosity, gratitude, and bold action. I'm here cheering you on every step of the way! Email me at jillian@milotree.com or DM me on Instagram—I can't wait to hear your vision for the future.
Kris Zamborsky is a full time Kindergarten teacher who wanted to retire and be able to move to Florida with her family members. Tune into this episode of Wake Up Legendary to hear how she is balancing her teaching and digital marketing life and transforming her teaching skills to digital skills. Subscribe to Legendary Marketer on Youtube Follow Legendary Marketer on Facebook Follow Dave on Instagram Follow Kris on Tiktok
In the most recent episode of the Blogger Genius Podcast, I sit down with Kimberly Espinel, a renowned food photographer and Instagram expert behind the blog The Little Plantation. Together, we explore the evolving landscape of food blogging, the impact of AI, and actionable strategies for leveraging Instagram to build community and engagement. The Evolution of Food Blogging The Pandemic Boom Kimberly reflects on the surge in food blogging during the pandemic. With more people cooking at home, the demand for recipes and food content skyrocketed. However, as the world returns to normal, maintaining this momentum requires a strategic approach. The Importance of a Blog as a Home Base While social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are essential for showcasing personality and connecting with your audiences, Kimberly emphasizes the importance of having a blog as a home base. A blog provides a stable platform for your content, unaffected by the ever-changing algorithms of social media. Show Notes: MiloTree The 3 AI Prompts You Need to Create a Freebie Cheatsheet Join The Blogger Genius Newsletter The Little Plantation Eat Capture Share Podcast How to Make Your Food Famous Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create? Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes YouTube Spotify The Role of AI in Content Creation AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement Both Kimberly and I discuss the impact of AI on content creation. Tools like ChatGPT can generate recipes and content quickly, but they lack the personal touch that makes your blog unique. Kimberly stresses that while AI can provide information, it cannot replicate the unique voice and personality of a content creator. This personal touch is essential for building a loyal audience. Building Connections Through Personal Branding Injecting Personality into Content Kimberly suggests that bloggers need to inject more of their personality into their content to stand out. This can be achieved through various formats on Instagram, such as reels and stories, where creators can share personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes glimpses of their lives. Overcoming Introversion One common concern among content creators: the discomfort of being on camera, especially for introverts. Kimberly acknowledges that while it can be challenging, showing one's face and personality can significantly enhance engagement. She encourages introverts to start small, perhaps by using voiceovers or sharing behind-the-scenes content, to gradually build their comfort level. The Importance of Authenticity Testing Different Content Formats Kimberly shares her experience of testing different content formats on Instagram. She found that posts featuring her face or personal stories garnered significantly more engagement than text-based posts. This reinforces the idea that audiences crave genuine connections with creators. The Future of Food Photography Kimberly addresses the rise of AI-generated images in food photography. While some may see this as a threat, she believes there will always be a demand for authentic, human-created content. Clients often prefer working with photographers who bring a unique perspective and personal touch to their work. Actionable Strategies for Instagram Success Creating Engaging Reels Kimberly emphasizes the importance of creating reels, as they are currently the most effective way to reach new audiences. Reels allow you to showcase your personality and creativity in a short, engaging format. Sharing Personal Stories Sharing personal stories and experiences fosters a sense of community and connection. Kimberly suggests using Instagram stories to share behind-the-scenes content, personal anecdotes, and day-in-the-life posts. Analyzing Performance Metrics Kimberly emphasizes the importance of reviewing your analytics to understand what content resonates with your audience. For instance, while carousel posts may receive more likes, reels often lead to greater follower growth. By analyzing performance, you can identify trends and replicate successful content strategies. Engagement Strategies To drive engagement and move followers off Instagram to your website or email list, Kimberly recommends using prompts in stories and captions. Instead of direct links, she suggests asking followers to DM for links or use specific keywords, which can increase engagement and visibility. Sustainable Posting Practices Consistency is crucial, but it should not come at the expense of your well-being. Kimberly advises finding a posting rhythm that feels sustainable and enjoyable. Ideally, posting three times a week can be effective, but it's essential to adjust based on your personal circumstances and mental health. Utilizing Different Instagram Features Each part of Instagram serves a different purpose. The grid is for outward-facing content, stories are for building intimacy, and DMs are for deeper connections. Kimberly suggests creating unique content for each feature rather than simply resharing reels, as this can lead to lower engagement. Building Your Email List Offering Freebies and Running Challenges Kimberly shares her strategies for growing her email list, including offering freebies and running challenges. These initiatives not only provide value to her audience but also encourage sign-ups for her newsletter. Adapting to Change Flexibility and Openness The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and Kimberly stresses the importance of being flexible and open to change. Regularly reviewing analytics and being willing to adjust your strategy is key to long-term success. Finding Joy in Content Creation Embracing the Journey While Kimberly acknowledges the challenges of content creation, she encourages embracing the opportunity to express oneself and connect with others. The emotional rollercoaster of blogging is part of the journey, and finding joy in the process is essential. Conclusion Personal branding and authenticity in the evolving landscape of food blogging have become paramount. As AI continues to change the way content is created and consumed, bloggers who embrace their unique voices and connect with their audiences on a personal level will thrive. By following Kimberly's actionable tips and strategies, you can enhance your Instagram presence, build deeper connections with your audience, and achieve greater success in your blogging endeavors. Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You'll Enjoy: Navigating the Instagram Algorithm: Tips for Creators with Sesil Ivanova Steal Her Strategy: Instagram Follower Growth from 2k to 100k in 4 Months with Petranka Atanasova Level Up Your Blog with These Game-Changing AI Tools with Britt Remer MiloTree, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products and Grow Your Audience I also want to introduce you to the MiloTree, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like AI-generated sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. With MiloTree, setting up your products takes less than five minutes, and you can start generating income without any hassle. Plus, MiloTree offers unlimited freebies and lead magnets to grow your email list, and social media pop-ups to increase your followers, all in one place. 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In this episode, we speak with Mark DeGrasse who shares his deep insights on AI's role in building a strong brand identity and ultimately fostering stronger customer connections for sustainable growth. Join us as we engage with digital marketing expert Mark DeGrasse, former CEO of Digital Marketer and the Founder of AI-Branding Academy, to explore the transformative role of branding in e-commerce and the significant impact of AI on marketing strategies. Mark shares his insights on why branding is more crucial than ever for Amazon and e-commerce sellers, as the market shifts focus from merely acquiring new customers to retaining them. Discover how AI tools can refine branding elements such as product development, logos, and messaging, and learn why building a strong brand identity is essential for thriving in today's competitive landscape. Listen in as we uncover the power of branding in securing long-term success and stability for businesses. Drawing parallels to the spread of major concepts throughout history, we discuss the importance of consistent messaging and vision for brand sustainability. Using examples of iconic companies like Apple, Amazon, and Coca-Cola, we highlight how strong branding can serve as a protective shield against changing technologies and increasing competition. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of ensuring that every customer interaction is an opportunity for brand recognition and instilling brand values in all employees. Finally, we navigate the future of branding and marketing strategies in a rapidly changing digital landscape. As reliance on paid media and easy attribution has overshadowed customer relationships and innovation, we examine the challenges posed by AI and potential platform bans. Discover how leveraging AI to create original content and streamline brand management can secure your business's future. Mark discusses how employing AI to guide decision-making based on brand values and company performance can transform traditional marketing methods, fostering stronger customer connections and sustainable growth. In episode 608 of the Serious Sellers Podcast, Carrie, Kevin, and Mark discuss: 00:00 - AI Branding and Customer Retention For Amazon Brands 06:26 - Building Brand Trust With Customers 10:04 - The Power of Branding in E-commerce 16:35 - Consistency Over Perfection in Branding 18:55 - Navigating the Future of Branding 21:22 - Building Brands With AI Content Strategy 27:43 - Evaluating Brand Strength and Improvement 32:02 - Building a Strong Amazon Brand Strategy 32:11 - AI Branding Academy Maximizes Marketing Potential 36:46 - Maximizing Earnings Through Brand Extension 37:04 - Expanding Product Offerings with a Solid Brand ► Instagram: instagram.com/serioussellerspodcast ► Free Amazon Seller Chrome Extension: https://h10.me/extension ► Sign Up For Helium 10: https://h10.me/signup (Use SSP10 To Save 10% For Life) ► Learn How To Sell on Amazon: https://h10.me/ft ► Watch The Podcasts On YouTube: youtube.com/@Helium10/videos
Unicorns Unite: The Freelancer Digital Media Virtual Assistant Community
Funnel Series #2We're diving into the three different types of funnels and how to know when your client is ready for one. I've brought on Jenn Robbins, a conversion copywriter with over 13 years of experience, who's also racked up hundreds of millions of views with her fun GIFs. Jenn has worked with a variety of high-level clients, including NYT bestselling authors, 7-figure digital educators, learning management system companies, and non-profits. She's a funnel and launch expert here to help us simplify the funnel process so you don't feel overwhelmed, and you'll leave with the three key steps to building a successful funnel to think on your feet inside your client's business. Her big theme for funnels is flexibility. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach, and copying what others do won't cut it (Sorry, Russell). This is why your clients need YOU to tailor strategies that work specifically for them and be able to help them build it out.Listen to learn more aboutWhat Jenn wishes marketing assistants knew about funnelsHow to know if a client is ready for funnels & where marketing assistants can help with these different stages of developmentWhether freelance service providers should have funnels for their businessThe biggest mistakes Jenn sees & what's working currently with successful funnelsTune in to sharpen your skills so you can confidently audit, build, refine, and support the funnels that attract the buyers who will ultimately purchase your client's product.Sponsored by The Digital Marketer's Workgroup: Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you'll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply now to be part of The Digital Marketer's Workgroup!Connect with Jenn:Instagram: @thejennrobbins Facebook: http://facebook.com/thejennrobbins Website: http://jennrobbins.com/ Connect with Emily:Facebook Community: Emily's Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganpr3 ways we can work together: Get on the waitlist for the Live Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School. My signature course on digital marketing implementation will give you the...
What if I told you that living an amazing life boils down to just three simple traits? In this episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast, I'm breaking down the concept of PHK, which stands for Positivity, Helpfulness, and Kindness—three attributes that, when embodied, will drastically improve your life in more ways than you can imagine. I first came across this idea from Ryan Deiss, the founder of Digital Marketer. We met at the Traffic and Conversion Summit, and he recently discussed it on the Money Mondays podcast with Dan Fleyshman (shoutout to them!). Ryan shared that PHK is what he teaches his kids to live an amazing life, and let me tell you—it's just as impactful for adults too. First up in PHK is Positivity. And no, this isn't about being unrealistically cheerful 24/7. Positivity is about carrying that light within you, that energy that uplifts everyone around you. It's about gratitude and finding the silver lining, even when things get tough.When you choose positivity, you attract positive opportunities. You inspire those around you. And most importantly, you create a better life for yourself.The second attribute is Helpfulness. If you want to win in life, you have to serve others. Period. Helpfulness is about offering value without expecting anything in return—because good karma always finds its way back. When you help others, you build trust, create connections, and establish strong relationships. Last, but not least, is Kindness. You have the choice to be kind in every interaction. Whether it's a compliment to the grocery store cashier or offering support to a friend in need, kindness is a game-changer. It's more than just making someone's day—it has the power to transform lives.So that's PHK: Positivity, Helpfulness, and Kindness. These three simple yet profound traits are the keys to Happy Hustlin' and living an amazing life. Shoutout to Ryan Deiss for sharing this with me because it's been a game-changer, and I hope it is for you too.If you start embodying these traits today, I guarantee you'll notice the difference. Be positive, be helpful, be kind—and you'll attract more joy, opportunities, and fulfillment.Now get out there and start living your best PHK-filled life!Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured Get a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/bookSign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Coursehttps://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventurehttps://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/“It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”Episode Sponsor: Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers (https://bioptimizers.com/happy)If you've been on a restricted diet lately or maybe even taken some meds to shed those pounds for the summer, I gotta warn ya—be careful! You might have unknowingly created a nutrient deficiency that could not only mess with your health but also jeopardize those weight loss goals.Did you know that over 75% of Americans are already deficient in magnesium? Yeah, it's wild! Magnesium is this powerhouse mineral that's involved in over 600 biological reactions in your body. It helps with everything from sleep to stress management to hormone balance—all key players in keeping your weight on track.And if you're still on those meds, you might be dealing with some side effects like sleepless nights, digestive issues, or irritability, which can totally throw off your commitment to your goals. Whether you're taking meds or not, setting up healthy habits is crucial to maintaining your weight over time. One of the best things you can do? Make sure you're getting all the magnesium your body needs.Don't let a magnesium deficiency derail your progress! Give Magnesium Breakthrough by BIOptimizers a shot. Unlike other supplements, this one's got all 7 forms of magnesium that your body can actually absorb, so you get the full spectrum of benefits.This approach will help you crush your goals and maintain a healthy weight while keeping your overall health in check. For an exclusive offer, head to bioptimizers.com/happy and use the promo code 'happy10' at checkout to save 10%. And if you subscribe, you'll snag amazing discounts, free gifts, and a guaranteed monthly supply.
As a broke college student, Ryan Deiss met the love of his life, and after two weeks of seeing each other, he decided he wanted to marry her. So, he started a business to save up for their wedding ring! Now, he's with the love of his life and has built a multimillion-dollar business. What a story to tell, am I right? How about you—how far would you go to achieve your goals? --- Ryan Deiss is a top digital marketing expert and founder of Digital Marketer. He's known for his easy-to-understand strategies that help businesses succeed online. With his innovative methods, he has become a leading figure in the marketing world, making him a trusted resource for growing your business. --- Like this episode? Watch more like it
Nicholas Slettengren is a Digital Marketer by trade and Crypto Entrepreneur by evolution. His new company Count on Sheep is becoming a leader in Crypto Accounting for both B2C and B2B clients. He is joined by Founding Employee and CPA Justin Zanardi. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Crypto currencies are not private. It is the world's first distributed global ledger and everyone has access to it including IRS. 2. When it comes to reporting Crypto taxes first you have to make sure you have all the data in one place and second is that all the data are reconciled by the right professional who can help you get the accurate results. 3. Market moves up and down and typically we are always focused on the moving up. We have to also focus on the moving down. Know how to take a loss against your future gains. Book a meeting with Nick and Justin for a free consultation - Count On Sheep Sponsors HubSpot Starting a business doesn't have to be so hard. Go to click HubSpot.com/ent to download HubSpot's Entrepreneurship Kit for free right now Thought-Leader Ever thought about giving a TEDx talk. Visit Thought-Leader.com/fire to join a free training and learn how to land a TEDx Talk and spread your message to millions Airbnb Your home might be worth more than you think... Find out how much at Airbnb.com/host