Podcasts about Discounting

Discounting feels like a smart way to grow. But there's a cost that many firm owners don't see until it's too late.

Why You Keep Self-Sabotaging (And How to Stop)Have you ever had a goal you wanted to pursue… but something in you kept pulling the brakes?That's self-sabotage—and in this episode of the Catholic Coaching Podcast, Matt and Erin explain what's happening beneath the surface: cognitive distortions (thinking errors… aka lies) that quietly keep your belief system stuck in place.They use a powerful analogy: your mind is like an operating system. If you avoid the “software updates,” the bugs don't disappear—they grow… until your system starts breaking down.In this episode, you'll learn:•Why self-sabotage often feels protective (but blocks growth)•What cognitive distortions are and how they reinforce beliefs•How distortions create shame, perfectionism, overwhelm, and paralysis•A Catholic lens on truth, the intellect, and freedom (Aquinas + CBT)•Real examples of common distortions, including:•All-or-nothing thinking (“If it's not perfect, I'm a failure.”)•Black-and-white moral labeling (“If I'm not a perfect Christian, I'm a hypocrite.”)•Overgeneralization (“This always happens… it'll never change.”)•Mental filtering (obsessing over the 2% you missed)•Discounting the positive (“That doesn't count… it was a fluke.”)And most importantly: you'll get practical coaching tools you can use on yourself (or with clients) to start dismantling these thought patterns and step into a healthier, truth-aligned mindset.This is the first of two episodes where we go deep on cognitive distortions—so make sure you're subscribed for the next one.Send a textSupport the show____________________ ► Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the Metanoia Catholic YouTube Channel!► Find out your temperament: Take the Free Quiz► Get the Conversation Starter Guide (FREE) ► Take the Quiz: WHAT TYPE OF COACH ARE YOU?► GET THE DAILY SEVEN JOURNAL!This interactive journal will help you transform your life from the inside out by teaching you how to grow in gratitude, set healthy goals, and gain mastery over your thoughts.► JOIN THE ACADEMY!Your online resource of classes, tools, and community to ramp up your growth and really change your life. Learn from the Metanoia Catholic coaches in webinars, live coaching calls, Lectio Divina, and more with your monthly membership.____________________ ► SUBSCRIBE TO THE CATHOLIC COACHING PODCASTApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube...

If your sales have slowed down, your first thought might be:“It's the market.”“People aren't spending.”“My offer isn't working anymore.” But what I've seen again and again is that what looks like a sales slump is rarely about demand. It's usually about focus. In this episode, I'm unpacking what's actually happening when revenue dips — and why most business owners respond in ways that make it worse. Panic pivoting. Changing offers. Tweaking prices. Posting more. Discounting. When in reality, the issue is often far simpler — and far more within your control. Download: Consistent $10K Month Method WORK WITH CHRISTINE: Buy my new book: Turn Impostor Syndrome Into Your Superpower Download: Consistent $10K Month Method Connect with Christine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/christinecorcoran_coach/ Book a Discovery Call with Christine here Join the waitlist for the next round of Unstoppable Sales HERE Join the waitlist for the next round of NEXT LEVEL Mastermind HERE Christine's website https://christinecorcoran.com.au/

Slipping deals often trigger reactive discounting, but lowering price usually solves the wrong problem. In this episode, Brandon breaks down the three most common reasons deals stall — uncertainty, lost urgency, and internal misalignment — and how to address each one directly.You'll learn how to reopen stalled conversations without sounding desperate, re-anchor buyers to the original problem, and reset the next decision path. Brandon also explains when price actually is the blocker and how to trade concessions instead of giving them away.If your pipeline keeps slowing late-stage, this episode gives you a clean rescue playbook that protects both momentum and margin.

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel is once again holding down the host chair while Rick continues his mysterious multi week sabbatical (last we heard he was crossing mountains by donkey, so fingers crossed). Joined by Ripley and David, the team digs into Ariel's latest essay on why luxury watch brands should embrace controlled discounting, unpacking how pricing psychology, gray market realities, and unrealistic investment narratives have distorted modern collecting. The conversation then shifts to Ariel's recent trip to Tokyo, now arguably the world's most exciting city for watch enthusiasts, with deep dives into Japan's booming pre owned scene, Grand Seiko sightings, tax free deals, and how local retailers are reshaping displays to match global demand. From there, things jump wildly upmarket with a breakdown of the Louis Vuitton and De Bethune collaboration and its four million euro Sympathique clock fantasy, before crashing back to earth with tiny G-Shock ring watches, blind box buying culture, and whether gamified collecting is the future or just Pokémon with timekeeping. The episode wraps with thoughts on Breguet's latest Type 20 chronograph, vintage inspired design choices, and why watches should probably go back to being worn instead of treated like speculative assets, all delivered with the usual mix of industry insight and playful cynicism, plus one conspicuously empty chair while Rick continues his mysterious travels.To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

When I first started building my retreat business, I made mistakes. Not small ones - real ones that cost time, money, energy, and unnecessary stress. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing: What I personally wish I had done differently in the early days The most common mistakes I see retreat hosts still making today And how to avoid burning out, underpricing, or building a retreat that looks good on paper but feels exhausting in real life If you're hosting retreats (or thinking about it), this episode will help you build something that's clear, sustainable, and aligned - not just pretty and stressful. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why unclear audience messaging makes retreats harder to sell How overbuilding your retreat actually weakens the experience Why marketing needs to start earlier than you think The real cost of underpricing and discounting Why doing everything alone hurts both you and your guests The mistakes I see retreat hosts repeat - and how to course-correct The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide Get your legal docs for retreats Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum  Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show   Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!   Subscribe:  Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ------- TIMESTAMPS Request for Reviews & Episode Overview (00:00:59) Shannon asks listeners to leave reviews and previews the episode's focus on mistakes and lessons learned. Learning from Mistakes in Business (00:02:24) Emphasizes the value of learning from mistakes and introduces the main theme: what she wishes she'd done differently. Mistake #1: Lack of Clarity on Ideal Guest (00:03:27) Discusses the importance of defining your ideal retreat guest and the exhaustion from being too broad. Mistake #2: Overbuilding the Retreat Experience (00:06:32) Warns against overpacking retreat agendas, stressing the need for downtime and integration. Mistake #3: Marketing Too Late (00:10:43) Explains why marketing should start before all details are finalized, using her France retreat as an example. Mistake #4: Ineffective Use of Ads (00:13:58) Advises testing content organically before spending on ads to avoid wasting money. Mistake #5: Pricing for Comfort, Not Sustainability (00:14:54) Urges pricing retreats for sustainability, not just to fill spots, and explains the pitfalls of discounting. Mistake #6: Not Asking for Support Early Enough (00:18:50) Shares the importance of hiring help for logistics, food, and guest relations to avoid burnout. Common Mistake #1: Treating Retreats as One-Off Events (00:22:41) Highlights the value of making retreats part of a larger business ecosystem, not just single events. Common Mistake #2: Discounting to Fill Spots (00:23:41) Reiterates the damage discounting does to brand and guest alignment. Common Mistake #3: Weak Boundaries and Vague Policies (00:24:37) Stresses the need for clear boundaries, cancellation policies, and personal space for leaders. Common Mistake #4: Copying Other Retreats (00:27:28) Encourages originality and authenticity instead of copying others' retreat formats. Common Mistake #5: Waiting for Confidence Before Acting (00:28:36) Explains that confidence is built through action, not as a result of success. Final Reflections and Takeaways (00:30:43) Summarizes key lessons: aim for clarity, sustainability, and alignment, and learn from mistakes. Closing and Call to Action (00:31:47) Thanks listeners, encourages sharing, and provides resources for further support.  

What if there were a news outlet that actually covered the most important environmental stories of our time? Dr. Emily Schoerning and her nonprofit, American Resiliency, translate the latest and most urgent climate science into useful information for communities across the United States. Jason and Emily discuss the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), the merits of mitigation versus adaptation, and how to take meaningful action in your own community. Originally recorded on 12/22/25.Sources/Links/Notes:American ResiliencyMark Rober YouTube ChannelSixth National Climate Assessment, International Panel on Climate ChangeRelated episode(s) of Crazy Town:Episode 8, “Mosquito-Flavored Popcorn, or What Climate Scientists Are Getting Wrong”Episode 34, “Fear of Death and Climate Denial, or… the Story of Wolverine and the Screaming Mole of Doom”Episode 37, “Discounting the Future and Climate Chaos, or… the Story of the Dueling Economists”Episode 45, “Feedback Loops and Climate Catastrophe, or… the Story of the Baseball Bloodbath”Episode 77, “The Elon Musk Episode about Elon Musk Brought to You by Elon Musk”Episode 97, “The House Is Quite Literally on Fire: Peter Kalmus on the Climate Emergency Hitting Home”

Today we're talking about the bravest move a business owner can make: Raising your rates. Discounting is a race to the bottom, and the prize for winning is going out of business.

Two weeks ago on the podcast, we went deep on the damage that constant discounting does to your brand. The profit erosion. The customer conditioning. The way it trains your audience to never pay full price. We talked about the four buyer types and how constant discounting only speaks to one of them — while actively repelling the other three. And I got a lot of messages afterwards, which was brilliant. But here's the thing. Almost every single message asked the same question. "Okay Cath, I get it. Constant discounting is bad. But what if I'm already stuck? What if my customers already expect sales? What if I've been doing this for years and my whole email list has been trained to wait for deals? How do I actually get out of this?" And look, that's a fair question. It's easy to say "stop discounting" when you're starting fresh with a brand new audience. It's a lot harder when you've accidentally created this problem yourself. So today, I want to show you how to detox your brand from discounting. In this episode, I walk you through a real case study from a real brand we work with, with real data and real results. I'll share exactly what we inherited when we started working together, what we changed, and what happened. And I'll give you a framework you can apply to your own brand, whether you're deep in the discount trap or just starting to slide into it.     Links mentioned in this episode: If you'd like help to achieve your goals, I invite you to have a chat to find out how we can make that happen together HERE By booking a Free Growth Strategy https://productpreneurmarketing.com/lets-talk   Other Ways To Enjoy This Episode: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Youtube  

Why Profit Matters More Than Sales in Indie RetailSales growth is often treated as the goal in retail.But without profit, growth just creates more pressure.In this episode of Resilient Retail Game Plan, we look at why profit isn't optional for independent retailers, and how better stock decisions change far more than just the numbers.I'm Catherine Erdly, and this is Resilient Retail Game Plan — practical product business advice with a healthy dose of reality.This isn't about chasing turnover.And it's not about discounting everything to keep cash moving.It's about making deliberate, data led decisions that protect margin, reduce stock pressure, and give you room to breathe.I'm joined by Paola Majuli, Stock Doctor and former senior merchandiser at global retail brands, to unpack what actually happens when retailers stop reacting and start managing stock with intention.Together, we talk through real client results, what the numbers are showing after six months and a year, and why confidence often returns once the chaos settles.In this episode, we cover:Why profit, not cash flow alone, keeps retail businesses sustainableWhat blanket discounting really costs you over timeHow retailers increased sales while holding less stockWhy margin awareness changes decision makingWhat better stock management does for confidence and clarityHow strategic discounting differs from panic discountingWe also talk about Black Friday, overstock, pricing confidence, and why being selective about what you discount can actually drive stronger results than putting everything on sale.If you're running an independent shop and feel stuck in a cycle of buying, discounting, and hoping for the best, this episode will help you think more clearly about how profit, stock, and confidence fit together.Chapters00:00 Why profit isn't optional01:13 The real problem with blanket discounting04:08 What the numbers show after six months and a year06:27 Pricing, margin, and confidence10:09 Why stock decisions matter more than people realise12:36 How better data changes behaviour17:47 Smarter Black Friday strategies23:44 What confidence looks like in profitable businessesLinksStock Doctor: https://stockdoctor.netResilient Retail Club: https://www.resilientretailclub.comListen on your favourite podcast app: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcastEnjoying the show?DM your takeaways or questions to @resilientretailclub on Instagram.And if the podcast's useful, please follow, rate, and review — it helps more product businesses find us.Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Stock DoctorFind out more at stockdoctor.net

This conversation delves into the intricacies of Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) and its significant tax benefits for founders. MICHAEL ARLEIN, Partner at Patterson Belknap, explains the eligibility criteria, the importance of strategic planning, and the potential pitfalls that can arise. The discussion also covers the implications of state taxes and the advantages of gifting strategies. We cover innovative approaches like the “GOAT” trust to maximize tax-free gains. Founders are encouraged to engage with legal experts early in their business journey to fully leverage QSBS opportunities. https://youtu.be/lfBt0j7BlW0?si=LufZ8j2YtgdspLMJ Takeaways from “QSBS For Founders” QSBS is a powerful tax benefit for founders.The maximum exclusion amount has increased to $15 million.Careful planning is essential to avoid QSBS pitfalls.Gifting QSBS stock can multiply tax exemptions.State tax implications vary; California does not recognize QSBS.Discounting shares can aid in estate planning.Converting from an S-Corp to a C-Corp can preserve QSBS benefits.Early engagement with legal counsel is crucial for founders.Innovative strategies like the GOAT trust can maximize benefits.Almost all businesses should consider QSBS eligibility. Chapters 00:00 Understanding QSBS: A Founder’s Guide.02:56 Navigating the QSBS Landscape: Common Pitfalls.06:07 Maximizing QSBS Benefits: Stacking Strategies.08:42 The Importance of Timing: Gifting and Valuation.12:03 State Tax Implications: The QSBS Challenge.14:52 Entity Structures and QSBS: What Founders Need to Know.17:37 Transitioning to C-Corp: Strategies for S-Corps and LLCs.20:29 Who Should Pay Attention to QSBS?23:44 Innovative Business Structures: Technology and QSBS-26:36 Early Stage Strategies: Cloning Yourself on the Cap Table- Transcript of “QSBS for Founders” Frazer Rice (00:01.109)Welcome aboard, Michael. Michael Arlein (00:03.096)Thank you. Good to be here. Frazer Rice (00:04.617)So let’s get started here. QSBS, Qualified Small Business Stock, is something that certainly all founders should be aware of. It’s a tax feature. It’s probably one of the nicest goodies that the federal government gives to people who are starting businesses. Take us through a little bit about what happens there. For founders, you’re going to hear the numbers 1202, which is the section that is quoted here. Take us through a little bit about what happens at QSBS and why it’s a powerful feature. Michael Arlein (00:37.496)Sure, that sounds good. To your point, the New York Times called QSBS a lavish tax dodge that is easily multiplied. And I happen to. I’m not aware of any other provision of the tax code that can save anyone as much money as QSBS. It’s really incredible. I think the policy reasons behind the provisions are that they’re designed to encourage entrepreneurship. Everyone on both sides of the political aisle is in favor of. The basic premise of it is that if you create a company.You own the stock for five years. The company’s in the form of a C corporation, It’s not in one of a series of restricted industries. Mainly service industries, that when you sell the stock, you can exclude from paying tax $10 million, the first $10 million of your gain. That’s the old rule, which I’m still dealing with, that that’s for stock that was issued before July 4th, 2025. And now QSBS has gotten even better. So if you get stock after that date. You hold it for actually now three years, you can exclude ultimately up to $15 million from tax. So we’re now dealing with two different regimes. I’m still stuck in the old regime. Most of the people I’m dealing with got their stock before last July. But I’ll try and point out the differences as we go along. Frazer Rice (02:29.066)Sure, as you said, there are a bunch of things you have to jump through. To make sure that you can sort of apply and then to further comply with the rules associated with it. Things like services. Making sure that maybe you don’t have too much cash and that it’s deployed correctly. Making sure that the original stock issuance persists throughout. What are some of the things that you tell your clients? How do you walk them through the process so that they don’t trip on themselves and lose this nice tax advantage? Michael Arlein (03:09.676)Yeah, there are some landmines, things that you can step on and blow it. There’s some weird rules around redemptions. Like if you have redemptions. Let’s say you create a company and then there’s three co-founders. Then very early on, one of the co-founders wants out or you want to kick them out. And then the mechanism for that is the company kind of buys back their stock. You know, there’s complicated rules that can, you know, blow up QSBS for the entire company. I think some people start their businesses as LLCs or S-Corps or things like that, and then later convert them. And that has to be done very, very carefully with good tax advice. Otherwise that can also blow things up. When I talk to founders, it’s pretty clear their business qualifies. They didn’t screw anything up. Frazer Rice (04:19.626)So the OBBBA in a sense turbocharged a little bit the tax savings. That five year requirement that you talked about. You can now get some of the benefits even as early as three years. And then the dollar amounts got expanded. In addition, and this was not necessarily OBBBA related. The ability to take one exemption and maybe multiply it via stacking continues to be a powerful tool. For those people who are walking into your office now. How do you get them when they sit down situated so that they do that planning upfront? Michael Arlein (05:08.598)Yeah, that’s, you we kind of buried the lead. The benefit of QSBS: it would be incredible if you could just pay no tax on 10 or $15 million. But what’s even more incredible is that you can stack or multiply the number of exemptions. You have using a provision of the code. It says that if you gift QSBS stock to some other person or entity. That that person or entity can take their own up to 10 or 15, their own QSBS exemption. I’m just gonna say it’s 15. We understand that’s for newly stocked. So, classic move for a founder would be to set up trusts for children. There’s a special kind of a trust for a spouse. You can do this with sometimes people make trust for their parents, their siblings. There are certain states where you can actually make a trust for yourself. Usually when people come to my office, the conversation is around creating entities. Typically trusts, and then gifting shares to those trusts. that As a family, you could go from 15 million tax free to 30 or 45 or 60 million tax free. The record I had one guy who had a very large family. He married, he had kids and was very close not only with his parents. With his siblings, his nieces, his nephews, even his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He created 23 trusts, which on paper at least would save up to $230 million. Wow. Yeah. Frazer Rice (07:08.896)There’s a danger with that though, with those 23 trusts had to be different. I imagine the IRS would say, wait a minute, we see what you’re doing. Stacking all of these different things is theoretically nice and all, but is there a way to create differences within those trusts so that the IRS doesn’t view them as one big pot? Michael Arlein (07:39.692)Yeah, great question. So you can’t create multiple identical trusts. Meaning I can’t create five trusts for my child. The IRS has rules that consider those trusts as one trust and would have only one exemptions. So, one of the limiting factors on creating trust is often, who are the people you’re willing to gift to? You know, so this guy with the 23, he actually was willing to create trust for his cousins, his aunts, uncles. Now, those individuals were the beneficiaries of the trusts, which means that they were eligible to receive money from the trust. But those trusts were designed so that when those people passed away, the money would circulate back to his children. So, you we never talked about it, but it’s possible that in his head, his plan was that he would maybe provide some benefit to his cousin. Maybe he’d say to his cousin, hey, if there’s $5 million in this trust and you need a little money, I’ll make some distributions to you, but I’m going to request that the trustee kind of withhold most of the money. And then when you die, it’ll come back and benefit my kids. So there are nuances there. But generally speaking, most people aren’t willing to do that. They’re not close enough with their cousins and their aunts and their uncles. So they end up maybe creating trusts, you know, for their kids, for their parents, sometimes, you know, for their spouse and maybe sometimes they go a little beyond that, but not that far. One thing that’s important is that the U.S. Frazer Rice (09:33.472)One thing that’s important is that the the QSBS is a capital gains tax Concept meaning you’re you’re saving on the tax. From a QSBS for Founders standpoint when the the founder sells the business, and you have to pay capital gains tax on that front. Part of the reason I’m skewing this toward founders is that there’s an gift in a state exemption of 15 million dollars. So it’s important to get these assets into these trusts as early as possible and with as low evaluation as possible. That in many ways is where the real leverage is. Does that square with your thinking? Michael Arlein (10:11.019)Yeah, absolutely. We have a permanent $15 million lifetime gifting limit. $30 million for spouses. And when you gift stock into these trusts, you’re typically gifting at a common stock valuation. People are familiar, founders are familiar with common stock valuations because they do that for purposes of issuing stock options, you know, the so-called 409A valuation. Now, a gift tax appraisal is different than a 409A valuation, but in many ways, they’re very similar. S0 founders know that, you know, they could be raising a preferred round at $10 a share, but their 409A common stock valuation is still $2 a share. So you can get a lot of gifting done. You can give a lot of shares away. You know, using your $15 million exemption, even if the company is very valuable. So we see founders doing this sort of gifting, you know, late in the game, even right before a transaction or an IPO. But if you had a crystal ball, or at least, you know, you were willing to take some risk, obviously, the earlier you do it, the better, because you could gift… I mean, theoretically, if you set up trusts and you gifted shares the day after you created your company, they would be worth essentially nothing. And so you wouldn’t have to use hardly any of your gifting exemption. The problem is most people, A, aren’t thinking about that on the day they create their company. They don’t have anyone whispering in their ear and telling them to do that. And number two, they wouldn’t want to spend the money on legal fees to set up structures because at that point they’re like, don’t know what this is going to be worth. This could be zero. This could go out of business in a year. So there’s a trade off that I see between doing this later in the process where you’re gaining visibility into outcomes, maybe for younger people sometimes, you know, there’s visibility into their family lives. Maybe when they founded the company they were single. Then if they wait five years they marry, they’ll have children, i.e. people who they could create trust for. But the cost of doing that is that you’re gifting at a higher value. Frazer Rice (12:46.591)One of the considerations that people don’t understand is the state tax implication. QSBS is a federal concept that a lot of states join onto and link to. But a state like California isn’t. And so sometimes that can be an untoward surprise to people that there’s a state tax that happens that they may not have expected. Michael Arlein (13:16.299)Yeah, it’s kind of bizarre that California, the home of Silicon Valley, doesn’t recognize QSBS. But most states do. My home state of New Jersey, in fact, very recently joined the QSBS club and now recognizes it at the state level. There are a few other states, I think. Pennsylvania, I don’t think recognizes it, but the vast majority of states do. But unfortunately, if you live in California, you’re probably only in quotes saving the federal tax. But the federal tax on $15 million, 23.8 % of 15 is a pretty big number. Frazer Rice (14:01.086)No question and absolutely worth doing. one of the things that I find happens is that from an income capital gains tax perspective, we’re on top of it with the QSBS. When we get into the estate planning world, we use the concept of discounting, meaning putting QSBS shares or any shares for that matter into other entities so that you get discounting for lack of marketability and the ability to make decisions around it. Are there any tripwires on that front as far as putting things into other LLCs so that you don’t, maybe in a sense that in trying to really maximize the estate planning and the estate tax avoidance that you create issues that might cause problems with your QSBS tax avoidance usefulness there. Michael Arlein (15:02.413)Yes. Again, the rules under Section 1202 of the code for QSBS have some strange traps for the unwary and some gray areas. And one of those gray areas is around transferring interests in partnership type entities, which would mean like an LLC or a partnership. that owns QSBS. So essentially, it’s very clear that if you have QSBS stock and you gift it into one of these entities we’ve been talking about, that that entity would take the QSBS attribute and be able to enjoy the benefits of QSBS. If the QSBS is held in an entity like an LLC, let’s say you set up a, well. Let’s say a realistic example is that you made an investment in a venture capital fund that invested in an early stage company that’s QSBS. And now you’re a limited partner in that fund and you know that that fund is going to have a large exit in this QSBS position and that you’re going to get the benefits of that, but it’s going to exceed $15 million. So you say, what I should do is I should take my interest in this venture capital fund. I should give them to trust for my kids so that when the fund distributes those shares or distributes the proceeds from selling that company, it’ll be split among various entities and I’ll be able to stack QSPS. The transfer of an interest in a fund that owns QSPS, there’s a gray area about whether the recipient of that fund interest would actually have QSPS and it’s generally viewed as something to be avoided. Frazer Rice (17:08.944)In a sense putting it at risk. A question that I think pops up is that there are people who started businesses maybe pre that July 4th date that you were talking about and maybe they chose an entity like an S Corp or an LLC that isn’t sort of a good qualifying C Corp and they’re looking and saying you know what I may be able to sell this business three to five years or beyond and take advantage of this QSBS. Are there avenues to be able to change that tax elections so that you can begin that QSBS and what’s the analysis around? Michael Arlein (17:44.972)Yeah, in fact, a fairly common structure is, and we haven’t really gotten into these details, but it’s a great question. So QSBS is actually the greater of $15 million or 10 times your basis. Now we ignore the basis rule for the most part because the vast majority of founders do not have basis. They create their company and they put nothing into it. With a bank account with $10,000 in it, and they’re not contributing actual dollars into their business. And so the 10 times basis rule doesn’t actually apply. But there’s a way for a founder to take advantage of that, and this strategy is actually called PACKING. And the packing strategy involves starting your business as an LLC and with an LLC and then converting it to a C corporation. with an LLC, when you convert, there’s an attribution of basis to the founder based on the value of the LLC’s assets. Theoretically, if you started off as an LLC, and before the LLC hit $75 million value of its assets, $75 million being sort of the cutoff for qualifying for small business, you have to acquire your stock before your company assets are worth $75 million. Theoretically, let’s say you did that when it was $74 million, then if your basis was $74 million, 10 times your basis would be $740 million, you would have up to $740 million tax free. So people kind of play this game. I think for a lot of companies, it’s not realistic to be an LLC because venture cap, if you’re going to raise venture funds, they want you to be a C Corp. This works for bootstrapped companies, but most companies are forming a C corporations. You know, there is a path to convert from an S-Corp to a C-Corp and preserve QSPS for Founders. I’m no expert in that. All I can tell you is that it has to be done very carefully and very specifically. And I’ve seen a lot of people who didn’t know they needed to do anything specific and they do not qualify for QSPS. Frazer Rice (20:45.085)As we sort of, I’m not going to say wind down here because we may have some other topics that pop up. But when someone walks through their door, I guess maybe the way to think about it is, who does this apply to? You said the services industry. So accounting, finance, that type of thing- NO. For those things that venture tries to invest in, whether it’s software or other processes, who is really should be paying attention to this? Michael Arlein (21:16.491)I mean, I think almost anyone should be paying attention to this because it may be that you don’t qualify, but often people do. And more often than not, you do. This has broad application for most businesses. There are excluded industries, architects and lawyers and accountants. But if you’re doing something in the tech world, you’re probably going to qualify. It’s good to get some advice from the corporate lawyer who’s helping you create your business. I think one of the considerations of whether you form as a C Corp or an LLC is probably the availability of QSBS status. You know, I think stacking strategies, it’s worth having a conversation probably sooner than later with a lawyer to find out what the menu of stacking options is. I talk to people all the time and we decide it’s premature for them to do something. And then they call me back a year or two later and all the time I’m calls from people who say, hey, we spoke a few years ago and now Frazer Rice (22:34.013)Alright. Michael Arlein (22:39.913)the time is right. So it’s good to get educated, learn what the options are. QSBS stacking is not just about giving shares to your kids. There are strategies that are specifically designed for single people where you can create these benefits for yourself and You know, it’s too good to be missed. if you, I do talk to people who say to me, they’re usually on their second venture or third venture and they say to me, I really screwed this up the first time around. I paid no attention to it and I was focused on my business and I just screwed it up. I literally cost myself millions or tens of millions of dollars had I done it correctly. And now that’s why I’m calling you, because I want to do it correctly the second time around. Frazer Rice (23:33.278)Part and parcel with that, I ran into somebody really more of what’s called a media personality. And usually the way I think of it is that the QSBS isn’t necessarily available for people whose value is centered around them as a personality or them as a brand. But I said, you know what, the QSBS component, while it might not apply here, if your business morphs into something where you’re developing other things, slash maybe you turn into a media production company or, youbecome involved in a technology that drives other things, that you shouldn’t dismiss that. The pivot in the business from sort of a personality generated to something a little bit more business process generated might be something to think about, not only from a strategy standpoint, not that you necessarily wanna do things purely for tax reasons, but if that’s a natural consequence, that’s something to think about. Has that ever popped up in your world? Michael Arlein (24:31.915)Yeah, for sure. Every business these days is technology enabled. And I think sometimes businesses that you wouldn’t think of as being technology businesses are doing enough technology things that they can claim that they’re a technology business and not a business providing a particular kind of service. So, you know, with the help of a clever accountant or a tax lawyer, this is not an area that I operate in. I’m more about multiplying QSBS once you have it. But there are tax lawyers and corporate lawyers and accountants who can advise you how to make your business eligible for QSBS by leaning into, as you said, things that you’re doing that may be…you know, eligible versus other parts of your business that would not be. Also, you know, you can, sometimes you see companies that are divided, right? Like, so there’s a company who provides counseling services, like, you know, they’re actually hire psychotherapists that will counsel you, you know, online, like on a Zoom. and their business is split. There’s a medical services company that employs all the counselors and medical services is one of the excluded industries. But then they also have a completely separate business that is their technology platform. And the way they structured it, the value is really in the technology platform. That business is QSBS eligible because it’s a completely separate company. Frazer Rice (26:28.771)That’s a great example. part of the purpose of the question was to elicit that, is that people may say, well, we fall squarely into one classification when maybe some underlying thought might lend itself to structuring from a tax perspective that might be useful later on. OK, now as we wind down, for someone who is, at this point, starting a company when they’re forming these things, not that you, QSBS for Founders should drive the world, but how do they get involved with the discussions so that they do the right things early? Michael Arlein (27:06.401)Yeah, I mean, I do have a very specific strategy that I love for people who are about to form a company. And it really works best in that scenario of an early stage company that’s just about to launch. The way I describe this to founders is that you can and should clone yourself on the cap table. So if you start off a company and you own all of the shares, you’re basically eligible for 15 million tax free. That’s great. But what if you could clone yourself and there were three Frazers on the cap table, then Frazer would have $45 million tax free. So how do you do this? You can do it with trusts. And the beautiful thing is if you have other people create trust for you, then you can be the beneficiary of the trust and control it as well. And I have sort of branded and named this strategy a GOAT trust, which of course has the double meaning, know, greatest of all time. Frazer Rice (28:21.02) QSBS for FoundersRight. Michael Arlein (28:21.165) QSBS for FoundersBut actually stands for gift optimized to alleviate taxes. The essentials of it are is that we would work with your parents, the founders parents, we would work with your grandma, your uncle, and we would spin up some trusts that they create for the benefit of you as the founder. You would have all sorts of control and access to those trusts and they make a gift into those trusts, probably something fairly modest. Then those trusts on the day of formation buy up some of the common stock. And so those are your clones. You know, you’re having your cake and eating it too. You’re getting, you know, QSBS stacking for Founders. You’re getting some other benefits we haven’t even talked about. Those trusts can be exempt from a state tax and state level income tax. And you control those trusts and benefit from them. So we’ve essentially cloned you on the cap table. And that is a beautiful strategy that most people miss out on because they don’t do it. And then they come to me a few years later and they own the stock and it’s valuable and then we have to do the more traditional stacking strategies. Frazer Rice (29:40.432)Really cool stuff. Michael, how do people get in touch with you if they have these problems slash opportunities? Michael Arlein (29:48.525)Sure, well they can Google me. I have a nice web presence. We have our…Founder Focus Practice Group that I lead at the firm, which is very specifically tailored to provide legal services to founders, personal legal services. And I focus on the tax side of that and QSBS stacking for Founders. My email, msarlein at pbwt.com. Phone number 212-336-2588. Frazer Rice (30:23.324) QSBS For FoundersThat will all be in the show notes. Michael, thanks for being on. Michael Arlein (30:26.753) QSBS For FoundersThank you. FAMILY OFFICE MYTHS https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ QSBS for Founders QSBS for Founders

Have you ever worried that if you step away from your business, everything will fall apart? In this solo episode, I share what I've learned after decades in business: most people don't really notice when you step away, but they always notice when you come back. I'm going to break down: Why intentional rest doesn't erase your relevance How fear-based pricing and constant discounting quietly undermine your value The difference between discounting and offering less value for a lower price Why undercharging makes rest feel risky and "no's" feel personal This episode is a no-fluff conversation about rest, pricing, sustainability, and building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.  

Sales objection handling expert Phil Whitebloom shares proven techniques that generated over $1.5 billion in revenue during his 45-year career. Struggling with price pushback or stalled deals? Discover the high-impact questioning framework that transforms objections into closed sales without discounting. You'll learn: how to turn "it's too expensive" into buying signals using trial closes, the critical difference between sales coaching and sales training for immediate results, why taking detailed notes during prospect conversations separates top performers from average salespeople, and the exact questioning sequence that makes prospects convince themselves to buy. This episode is ideal for entrepreneurs building sales teams, solopreneurs handling their own selling, and business owners seeking sustainable sales growth. Phil reveals why asking questions beats talking features, how to identify when prospects lack budget versus commitment, and the relationship-building strategies that win multi-million dollar contracts. Author of "Handling Objections: Clues for Closing the Sale," Phil demonstrates his objection-handling framework live, showing how confidence comes from sales success rather than presentation skills. Perfect for building a business coaching business, developing a sales funnel for your real estate business, or learning how to build a 6-figure online business through effective selling strategies.

Welcome to Part 2 of our 2026 Med Spa Marketing & Growth Series.This episode dives into the marketing math every med spa owner needs to understand in order to make confident, profitable decisions around discounting, ROI, and budget prioritization. If you have ever felt uncertain about whether your marketing investment is actually working, or why certain offers, ads, or services scale better than others, this episode is designed to give you clarity.If you're ready to implement more efficient & effective marketing strategies for your practice, book your FREE strategy session & marketing plan: https://go.medspamagicmarketing.com/scheduleIn this episode, Ricky Shockley, owner of Med Spa Magic Marketing and host of the Med Spa Success Strategies Podcast, breaks down how core data points like offer attractiveness, customer acquisition cost, retention, and service mix are connected, and why optimizing the wrong metric can quietly limit growth.In this episode, we cover:✅ The real trade-offs behind discounting and why most advice is incomplete✅ How offer attractiveness directly impacts cost per patient✅ Why “butts in seats” is a dangerous metric when viewed in isolation✅ How to think about ROI for recurring services versus high-ticket treatments✅ Why retention is the compounding force behind long-term profitability✅ How to prioritize marketing spend based on your current revenue stageThis episode also introduces a practical framework for budget prioritization, outlining where med spas should focus their advertising dollars first and when it actually makes sense to expand into additional channels like Google Ads or SEO.Download our FREE ROI calculator here: https://grow.medspamagicmarketing.com/roi-calculatorIf you want to download the free audit and planning resources, ⁠visit:https://go.medspamagicmarketing.com/2026-freebiesBe sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next episode in the series, where we will continue breaking down the strategies, offers, and systems driving scalable med spa growth in 2026.Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/medspamagicmarketing/https://www.linkedin.com/company/med-spa-magic-marketing/https://www.facebook.com/MedSpaMagicMarketing/https://www.tiktok.com/@medspamagicmarketing

John Baumgartner spotlights food and beverage spending, sharing his firm's recent consumer survey. After a difficult last few years, with consumers cutting back, trading down, and bargain hunting, he sees more families saying the picture has improved. Employment uncertainty, however, is a huge worry among Americans, and they are likelier to save their tax refunds, he says. Cuts to food stamps could also impact food and beverage spending. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

A member wants to cancel. Your instinct? Offer a discount.Stop. That's the most expensive mistake in membership retention.In this episode, I break down why discounting to save members is a losing strategy—and what to do instead. You'll learn:• Why discounts to acquire are smart, but discounts to save are desperate• The three problems you create every time you discount to prevent a cancellation• The Downgrade Save: three paths that keep customers in your ecosystem• Path 1: Downgrading to a lower wash package• Path 2: Wash books for customers who don't want monthly charges• Path 3: Loyalty programs for infrequent washers• The mindset shift from "protecting the price" to "protecting the relationship"• The pause option that cut one car wash's cancellation rate by 20% overnight• Exact scripts your team can use starting MondayA cancellation isn't a goodbye. It's a conversation about fit.Discount to start the habit. Downgrade to save the relationship.---CONNECT:Website: https://optspot.com#CarWashMarketing #MembershipRetention #CarWashBusiness #TextMarketing #OptSpot

The only person who feels good about an unnecessary discount for your sparky work is the client. I walk through two real examples:A power pole install and a client's “30 under 30” discount!  This episode is about confidence in pricing, understanding where your profit actually comes from, and why uncalculated discounts quietly destroy your bottom line. If you've ever knocked money off just to feel better in the moment, this will make you rethink it.

Sometimes nothing about you changes. The only thing that changes is where you are. Show Notes In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor uses a simple travel habit to unpack a powerful lesson about self-worth. Every time he travels internationally, he checks exchange rates. The same dollar that leaves the United States suddenly becomes more valuable the moment he lands somewhere else. Nothing about the dollar changes. The location does. That idea becomes the framework for a deeper conversation about feeling undervalued in life, work, and relationships. If you feel unseen or underappreciated, it may not be because your value is low. It may be because you're in the wrong environment. Baylor challenges listeners to think of themselves as a currency. Not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and relationally. Before asking whether others value you, you have to know your own standard value. Without that, the world will always try to get you at a discount. He explains why allowing discounted versions of yourself is dangerous. Once people get used to paying less for you, they resist ever paying full price. Boundaries become the guardrails that protect your worth. This episode also dives into the difference between increasing your value versus changing your environment. Sometimes growth is about new skills. Other times it's about realizing you've outgrown the room you're in. Baylor closes with a powerful metaphor of the Dead Sea, a body of water that dies because it has no outlet. When value, energy, and purpose stop flowing, stagnation sets in. The same happens to people who stay trapped in places that don't recognize their worth. You don't need to become more. You need to go where what you already are is valued. What You'll Learn in This Episode • Why your value can change without you changing at all • The danger of letting people get used to a discounted version of you • How boundaries help protect self-worth • The difference between increasing value and changing environments • Why outgrowing people and places is sometimes necessary • How stagnation kills potential Featured Quote "The same dollar didn't change. The location did. Sometimes that's true about you too."

DESCRIPTION Dog trainers constantly ask: “How do I get clients fast?” But this isn't the best question to ask. In this episode, Jo &Vicky unpack what “I need more clients fast” really means (“I need more money”), how panic pushes dog trainers into discounting, cold outreach and spammy “I've got 3 spaces left” posts, and why focusing on existing relationships, client retention and simple, repeatable lead generation campaigns is actually the fastest way to get dog training clients in now and build a more sustainable business for the long term. We've got a brand-new business health check for you - it´ll show you exactly where your business is working really fucking well, and where you are haemorrhaging time, money and energy - all in the time it takes to make a cuppa. Just click the link to take our business health check quiz -https://quiz.caninebusinessacademy.com/health-check  KEY TAKEAWAYS Your saying "I need clients fast” usually means that you are feeling scared about money. When you are in that mindset you are going to make bad decisions that are going to mess up your business, over the long term. Panic marketing creates “get energy” that repels clients.  Your spammy “I've only got 3 spaces left” posts and constant stream of random offers will turn people off.  People hate being constantly sold to and manipulated by buy immediately or lose out offers. Client retention is the best business model, especially for force-free trainers. Looking after existing clients and offering them the next right step always beats cold lead sales campaigns. Consistent nurturing through email, socials and community builds a pipeline so you hit panic mode less often. If you find yourself in panic mode - which happens to everyone at some point, slow down, pause and re-assess what you are doing before sending out a deep discount post.  Integrity and money are not opposites. You can be force-free, ethical and client-centred and still charge properly. BEST MOMENTS “We fuck up and still have those moments where we're like, oh shit, need to get more clients in because we need more cash. It's just normal.” “This is when bad decisions can happen when we're in this panic mode.” “If you double down on the thing that has worked really well in the past, that's always going to be a good strategy.” “The best business model you will ever, ever have is a client retention one.” “Put your prospective clients first, be customer centric, and actually the money will follow.” SOCIALS AND IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkdogbusiness https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkDogBusiness Website www.caninebusinessacademy.com Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninebusinessacademycommunity Let´s Talk Dog Business Strategy Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-Dog-Business-Strategy/dp/1068791705 Email: hello@caninebusinessacademy.com ABOUT THE HOSTS We're Jo Moorcroft and Vicky Davies. Force-free dog trainers, business strategists and co-founders of Canine Business Academy. Collectively, we've been dog training for nearly three decades, built a six-figure dog training business, and grown CBA into a multi–six-figure global brand, all while raising kids, a university degree and life life'ing. Featured on BBC, FOX and NBC, and authors of Let's Talk Dog Business Strategy. Giving a shit is the strategy. Getting shit done is the method. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

When deals stall, discounting often feels like the fastest solution. In this episode, Brandon reframes discounting as a value-destruction habit rather than a negotiation tactic. He breaks down the psychological damage discounting causes, how it trains buyers to expect concessions, and why it weakens long-term account economics.You'll learn how elite sellers replace discounts with value stacking, why calm price confidence builds trust, and how to diagnose hesitation correctly before touching price. This episode offers a clear framework for protecting margins while improving deal quality.

Send us a textWhat I've learned is that trauma doesn't just break us—it initiates us.All experiences bear lessons, with a mix of varying complexities. My most harrowing experience was one of breaking open ancestral shell allowing my heart to breathe into intimacy. Wisdom often topples us to gain deeper truths.  My flaw was steeped in naviety. I romanticized the idea of an ideal love, clothed in an ideal specimen of a man. When that illusion broke, I found myself in a decade long pitch black abyss of hopelessness from which I have had to crawl and claw my way back to the light. The dangerous premise of twin flame ideology was the dugout I fell into, it is a passionately alluring trap that almost always lands the foolish into the abyss. The force that took me under was none other than my own feminine ancestral wounds. The dangerous premise of twin flame and one and only soul mate designed just for me held me hostage in a deeply twisted tale. I  opened the most sacred gateway of heart and found myself scouring the depths of the dark as prey to a cunning predator whose physical presence was entirely absent from my life. It took me a while to realize my lost time in the torturous clime that I had single handedly crawled out had changed me. In truth, he had ignited a definite glimmer of recognition, someone I knew in the distant past, beyond the realm of my feline forebears, there was a yearning inside my being that needed closure. Discounting the twin flame odyssey in no way erases the precious advent of synchronicity, the innocence of paths crossing, heartstrings flipping by divine ordinance.  When I finally opened my eyes to blinding light and refreshing zephyr, I found that my innards were recalibrated, ancestral wounds unsealed and healed, humiliation of the heart had split it wide open to be reeved and whittled into grace- forgiving the endless legacy of my feminine ancestral wounds. In truth, I now hold no fear of intimacy, nor do I have a projected need of it. When we're willing to face the most egregious parts of our history it becomes the doorway into the gifts we carry, and those gifts become the balm of healing energy we offer others. Support the showMay Peace Be Your Journey~www.mayatiwari.comwww.facebook.com/mayatiwariahimsa.Buzzsprout.com Mothermaya@gmail.com Get Maya's New Book: I Am Shakti: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/o-books/our-books/I-am-shakti Amazon.com Bookshop.org

Keywords   branding, entrepreneurship, public relations, personal branding, networking, female entrepreneurs, business growth, content creation, pricing strategy, marketing Takeaways   Personal branding is crucial for entrepreneurs. Networking is essential for business growth. Understanding your audience helps tailor your messaging. Content creation should be consistent and engaging. PR should not be gatekept; it should be accessible. Charging what you're worth is important for sustainability. Utilizing platforms like Substack can enhance visibility. Podcasts are a powerful medium for reaching audiences. Discounting services can harm the industry as a whole. Building a strong personal brand can lead to more business opportunities. Summary   In this engaging conversation, Melinda Jackson shares her journey from a small town in North Carolina to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the PR industry. She discusses the importance of personal branding, networking, and understanding one's audience in building a business. Melinda emphasizes the need for consistent content creation and the value of charging what you're worth. She also highlights the role of podcasts and platforms like Substack in enhancing visibility for entrepreneurs. As she navigates the challenges of running her own business, Melinda shares her future plans and her mission to empower female entrepreneurs. Titles   From Small Town to Big Dreams: Melinda's Journey The Power of Personal Branding in Business Sound bites   "Networking is essential for business growth." "Personal branding is crucial for entrepreneurs." "Empowering female entrepreneurs is my mission." Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Background 05:16 Journey to Los Angeles and Early Career 10:28 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 17:16 Building a PR Business 23:07 Focus on Female Entrepreneurs and Personal Branding 26:32 Navigating Client Relationships and Online Presence 32:54 Building a Personal Brand for Small Business Owners 38:56 The Value of Sharing Knowledge and Expertise 44:39 Pricing Strategies and Industry Standards 46:20 Future Goals and Business Development

In this episode, Cindy Esliger confronts self-doubt and explores what it takes to counteract it in our careers. Self-doubt shows up quietly, like a persistent undercurrent, and if we're not careful it will chip away at our confidence while feeling logical. How do we reshape our response to self-doubt? Cindy discusses how a subtle but powerful mindset shift can lead to the kind of career growth we didn't let ourselves believe was possible. Believing in ourselves is choosing to build the version of our career that we really want to experience.    When self-doubt takes hold of us, it appears as a slippery, sneaky voice that whispers we're not ready or not qualified, and left unchecked, that limits our career growth. It convinces us to stay in our lane and keep quiet. There are systemic inequities at play and performance pressure that contributes to this doubt. But we sometimes can't identify that it's happening. So Cindy points out the five most common red flags that self-doubt may be showing up: 1. Waiting to be picked, 2. Discounting praise or deflecting credit, 3. Over-apologizing or hedging our ideas, 4. Passing on opportunities, and 5. Mentally beating ourselves up for not being perfect.Cindy immediately counters these red flags with five effective strategies for combatting self-doubt: 1. Reframe failure as growth, 2. Get out of our head and into motion, 3. Focus on one brave action at a time, 4. Shape our mindset to be more encouraging, and 5. Practice a little positivity. Cynicism often feels safer because it protects us from disappointment, but Cindy urges us to believe in ourselves instead. After all, what do we have to lose? Countering self-doubt is about choosing to take action even when we don't yet feel confident. Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Counteracting Your Self-DoubtAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey opens up a raw coaching call with people who aren't fractional CMOs yet—but want to be. These are agency owners tired of the hamster wheel, strategists stuck doing execution, and full-time employees wondering if this fractional thing is actually real.    Casey coaches through real deals happening this week: Eric transitioning from agency to targeting private equity exits, Roxy discovering clients keep telling her she's a "really strong strategist" but she's drowning in execution, Paul pitching a $30M company, and Ernesto trying to find IVF clinic owners who want marketing leadership instead of just need it. The conversation cuts through the noise—stop pitching, stop discounting, start having curious conversations that make fractional CMO services the obvious solution. Key Topics Covered: -The 3-5 client rule: Three is ideal—more clients means mixing up names like dating multiple people at once  -Financial structure: Client pays your fee directly (~$9,700 of $10K), then separately pays for the team you build  -Luxury pricing: They should say "that makes sense" not "can you discount?"  -Warm outreach: Share your shift, ask "who should I meet?" not "will you hire me?"  -The exit conversation: Surface if they're selling in 2 years—they won't tell their team but they'll tell you  -Never pitch, discover: Ask questions until fractional CMO is obvious, then "what questions do you have?"  -Agency owners can transition without shutting down—fractional work is separate  -Discounting kills relationships: Clients who negotiate once nickel-and-dime forever  -Find people who want to grow: Show them you're the bridge—they don't need to know fractional CMO exists yet

In this episode of Business Coaching Secrets, Karl Bryan and Rode Dog dive into the psychology behind discounting, why most coaches and business owners sabotage their own margins, and the mindset shifts for building a sustainable, high-performing coaching practice. With the holiday season upon us, Karl explores the deeper layers of wealth—time, relationships, health, and purpose—while sharing actionable strategies for tackling the new year, leveraging focus, and reframing "the grind." From implementation hacks to heartfelt moments, this episode strikes the perfect balance of tactical and Zen. Key Topics Covered The Psychology and Strategy of Discounting Karl explains why most business owners resort to discounting, the hidden costs, and the impact on profitability. He unpacks the numbers—offering a 10% discount means you must sell 33% more just to break even. Discussion of segmenting discount offers, using time-limited deals, and alternative approaches like adding value or crafting market-dominating positions (MDP) to escape commoditization. Building a Market-Dominating Position Real-world examples like web-watch in daycares and "no results, no fee" for marketing firms show how to solve the biggest problem for clients without competing on price. Mindset: The 'Bike Trail' Metaphor The struggle and progression of business is compared to riding an uphill bike trail: it feels brutal until "you" change. The fundamentals remain, but your experience and efficiency grow. Fundamentals, incremental improvement, and compounding gains over time are highlighted as keys to ease rather than endless grind. Levels of Wealth and the Holiday Season Karl reframes wealth as not just money but also time, relationships, health, and purpose. Discussion on balancing ambition with presence, focusing on what matters, and prioritizing personal fulfillment during hectic seasons. Zen and The Moment of Presence Drawing inspiration from the philosopher Seneca and sharing personal stories and losses, Karl emphasizes living in the present moment, fueling gratitude, and managing stress. Sales vs. Coaching Skills Most coaches excel at one and struggle at the other. Karl breaks down why consistent small improvements—especially in your weak area—compound massively across the year. Business Models and Scalability Comparison of Siegfried & Roy vs. Blue Man Group in Vegas: choosing a scalable model over one dependent on a key individual. Notable Quotes "The bike trail doesn't change—you do." "If you're discounting by 10%, you better be ready to sell 33% more just to break even." "People get addicted to discounts. They don't get addicted to free." "Depression lives in the past, anxiety is the future—the solution is to stay in the present." "It's not the strategy, tool, or tactic; it's the level of thinking that separates great coaches." Actionable Takeaways Be Relentlessly Focused Laser-like focus is consistently the defining trait of high-level business founders. In 2026, resolve to hone your focus and stay on your chosen path. Add Value First, Discount Last Before offering discounts, create value in the form of market-dominating positions. Stand out by solving bigger problems for your ideal client. Use 'Buy One Get One Free' to Outperform Standard Discounts Test three discount strategies—% off, two-for-one, BOGO—but expect "buy one, get one free" to psychologically and financially outperform. Incremental Improvement Compounds Exponentially Aim for 1% daily improvement in sales or coaching for 365 days—by year's end, you could be 37x better. Live in the Present Practice gratitude, presence, and purposeful moments. Especially during the holiday season, invest your time where love and meaning are highest. Design Scalability into Your Business Model Think beyond yourself: can your offering operate without you present? Avoid "wrestling the tigers"—create systems others can run. Strategic Discounting Only Segment your offers, use time limitations, and always know your profit margins before reducing prices. Resources Mentioned Profit Acceleration Software™ by Karl Bryan The industry-leading platform for demonstrating ROI and boosting conversions with prospects. Focused.com Karl and Rode Dog's home base for emails, events, and business coaching frameworks. AI Coaching Dojo A toolbox for compounding improvements and operational efficiency in coaching practices. The Six-Figure Coach Magazine Free subscription at https://thesixfigurecoach.com/get-it If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, share with a fellow coach, and leave a review. See you next week on Business Coaching Secrets! Ready to elevate your coaching business? Don't wait! Listen to this episode now and make strides towards your goals. Visit Focused.com for more information on our Profit Acceleration Software™ and join our community of thriving coaches. Get a demo at https://go.focused.com/profit-acceleration

In this episode, Shannon gets fired up about one of the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make: discounting their retreats. While a discount might feel like an easy way to fill a few spots, the long-term damage is real - it devalues your experience, trains your audience to wait for price drops, signals desperation, and hurts the entire retreat industry. Shannon breaks down exactly why discounting is harmful, what it communicates to potential guests, and better alternatives like early-bird bonuses, pay-in-full perks, and smart payment options. She also unpacks the real reason retreat leaders discount - fear - and how to address it in a healthier, business-savvy way. If you're ready to protect your profit, elevate your positioning, and stop shrinking your worth, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways Retreats are transformational live experiences - not products to be marked down like retail. Discounting immediately lowers perceived value and conditions your audience to never pay full price again. It signals desperation and damages not just your brand, but the entire retreat industry. Live experiences require emotional labor, planning, expertise, and responsibility - none of which should be discounted. Instead of discounting, offer early-bird bonuses, pay-in-full perks, and extended payment plans. The real reason people discount is fear - not strategy. If enrollment is low, you need better messaging, positioning, urgency, and audience warming… not cheaper prices.   The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide Get your legal docs for retreats Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum  Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show   Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!   Subscribe:  Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify --------- TIMESTAMPS The Problem with Discounting Retreats (00:00:50) Shannon expresses frustration about retreat leaders discounting their retreats and outlines why this is harmful. Why Discounting Retreats is Harmful (00:01:12) Explains how discounting devalues retreats, signals desperation, and attracts difficult guests. Negative Impact on Guest Experience and Industry (00:03:42) Discusses how discounting attracts ungrateful guests and lowers perceived value across the retreat industry. Discounting Hurts Your Margins and Business (00:06:02) Details how discounts cut into profits, making it harder to sustain a retreat business. Retreats as Premium, Transformational Experiences (00:07:16) Emphasizes that retreats are not products but containers for transformation, requiring significant energy and expertise. Alternatives to Discounting: Bonuses and Perks (00:08:14) Suggests offering early bird bonuses, pay-in-full perks, and extended payment plans instead of discounts. Why Retreat Leaders Discount: The Role of Fear (00:10:22) Explores the real reasons behind discounting, such as fear of failure and low signups. Building Confidence and Enrollment Without Discounts (00:11:30) Encourages improving messaging, marketing, and mindset instead of lowering prices. Final Advice and Invitation to Community (00:12:39) Urges listeners to stop discounting, value their work, and join the Retreat Industry Forum for support. Podcast Closing and Resources (00:13:39) Shannon thanks listeners, encourages sharing, and offers free resources for retreat leaders.

In 2015, Corey Lewis expanded to a second gym before he was ready. He ended up with two failing locations instead of one thriving facility.This mistake nearly sunk his business. Now, as a Two-Brain mentor, Corey helps gym owners avoid feels-good-in-the-moment traps that come with severe long-term consequences.In this episode, Corey joins Mike Warkentin to break down some of the most costly mistakes gym owners make:✅ Expanding before systems are in place.✅ Promoting staff too quickly.✅ Abdicating instead of delegating.✅ Discounting rates.✅ Chasing shiny objects instead of caring for "the golden goose."Corey explains how mentorship helps gym owners see past emotion to make decisions based on data. For example, if a gym owner is avoiding a much-needed rate increase, Corey will run the numbers, lay out the plan and provide accountability. He's successfully guided dozens of Two-Brain clients through this process: None lost all their members, and all made more money.Don't make mistakes that will take years to fix. And don't avoid correcting your errors because you don't have a plan. Get help, make smart decisions and reach your Perfect Day sooner.Use the link below to get free tools to help you run a profitable gym!Don't have a gym yet? Start one with help from Two-Brain—just click the link below.LinksFree ToolsStart a GymGym Owners UnitedBook a Call2:33 - Expanding too soon5:44 - No systems and poor retention10:17 - Promoting staff who aren't ready13:09 - How to avoid costly mistakes20:59 - Resources to start a gym

In this episode, Cindy Esliger discusses the pattern of catastrophizing that keeps us stuck in inaction and blocks career opportunities before we even give ourselves a chance to succeed. Catastrophizing - the anxious thought patterns that only allow us to imagine the worst-case outcome of any situation - is an exhausting form of self-sabotage that is keeping us stuck in place. But it can be disrupted, and Cindy breaks down how to identify when we're engaging in catastrophizing, and how we can learn to challenge those thoughts before they drag us down.    What does catastrophizing look like? Cindy identifies the five most common cognitive distortions that feed our spiraling: 1. Catastrophizing, 2. Magnification, 3. All or nothing thinking, 4. Overgeneralization, and 5. Blaming. These distortions keep us locked in a loop of stress and stalled momentum. How do we know if we're falling into these patterns? Cindy offers five red flags to watch for: 1. Avoiding new opportunities, 2. Overpreparing or aiming for perfection, 3. Reacting emotionally to changes, 4. Looping negative thoughts, and 5. Discounting our wins. Catastrophizing is anticipating the worst that could happen without ever considering a neutral or even positive outcome. We need to learn to break the cycle. Cindy suggests practical strategies like a thought audit, reframing the situation, experimenting with action, and tracking our growth. Negative thought patterns don't make us weak; they make us human. But they are survival strategies that have overstayed their welcome. We may not consciously choose to spiral, but we can consciously choose to overcome catastrophizing with Cindy's guidance.Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Dismantling the Disaster MindsetAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#707 Want a business that turns fresh asphalt into a “blank canvas” — and pays well for satisfying, repeatable work? In this episode, host Kirsten Tyrrel talks with Cinco Winston, founder of Trueline Striping in Central Texas, about how he left a stable construction career, skipped the franchise route, and bootstrapped his own parking lot striping company to cash flow within two months. He shares how he trained with an out-of-state pro, bought only the essentials to get started, and strategically targeted customers who actually value curb appeal and recurring maintenance. Cinco breaks down startup costs, pricing, profit margins, seasonality, and why he's still running lean while planning for future growth. If you've ever wondered how “unsexy” service businesses quietly generate great income and freedom, this conversation will open your eyes! What we discuss with Cinco: + Leaving construction to start striping + Choosing independent over franchise + Training with an out-of-state striping company + Bootstrapping equipment and startup costs + Hitting cash flow within two months + Discounting early jobs to gain clients + Targeting customers who value curb appeal + Door knocking and in-person sales + Managing seasonality and recurring clients + Profit margins, salary, and plans to scale Thank you, Cinco! Check out Trueline Striping at TruelineStripingTX.com. Follow Cinco on Instagram and LinkedIn. To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone's inbox is full of "50% off" chaos. But if you run a service business, you can't exactly discount your brain. So what do you do when every brand is shouting "buy now"? I'm Veronica Di Polo, marketing strategist and host of the Branding Momentum Podcast, based in Moraira, Alicante, Spain, helping service-based business owners get leads with words that sell. In this episode, I'll show you how to stay visible when everyone else is running discounts you can't (and shouldn't) match. You'll learn why promotions often backfire for service pros, what to do instead, and how to use this season to build real trust before 2026.

Black Friday has reshaped buying behaviour across both B2B and B2C sectors—customers have been warmed up to spend, influenced by weeks (and sometimes months) of heavy marketing, big discounts, and constant messaging that “now's the time to buy.”In this episode, you'll find out why this creates a prime opportunity for businesses—even those who don't run discounts—and how to make the most of elevated buyer intent to boost revenue quickly.You'll also walk away with three practical steps you and your team can put into action straight away to lift sales in the days and weeks after Black Friday, all without slashing prices, squeezing margins, or getting drawn into a race to the bottom.Key Takeaways:Buyer intent is at its highest immediately after Black Friday.You don't need to discount to benefit—target value-driven buyers.Focus on existing customers, lapsed customers, and new opportunities already in your funnel.Communicate fast and clearly—speed is essential.A simple shift in outreach can produce a significant and immediate Sales Growth lift.Time Stamps:0:00 Intro0:35 Black Friday Sales1:55 Pigging Back Off Black Friday3:10 Piggy Back Off Without Discounting5:12 3 Areas of customer Segments7:30 Wrap Up9:49 OutroTo learn more about our Coaching Program that is seriously growing our Customers sales: https://strongersalesteams.com/program/To book a time to Meet with Ben directly: https://strongersalesteams.com/strategy/This podcast helps the entrepreneur, founder, CEO, and business owner in the trade, construction and industry segments, regain focus, build confidence, and achieve measurable results through powerful sales training, effective sales strategy, and expert sales coaching—guiding every sales leader, sales manager, and sales team in mastering the sales process, optimizing the sales pipeline, and driving business growth while fostering leadership, balance, and freedom amidst overwhelm, stress, and potential burnout, creating lasting peace of mind and smarter decision making for every California business and Australia business ready to scale up with excellence in sales management.

In this archive episode, we dive into the concept of “Profit First” E-commerce and why focusing solely on revenue can lead to big surprises. Karl O'Brien, Co-Founder of Store Hero, an e-commerce analytics tool, shares how their system helps store owners avoid common financial pitfalls by shifting their focus from top-line sales to bottom-line profitability. He explains how to gain a clear view of true profit and what to do with that information to drive business forward.Topics discussed in this episode:  Why many merchants get a profit shock at month's end. Why revenue-based decisions can hurt profits in e-commerce. How contribution margin bridges the gap between marketing and finance. What products are hidden cash cows or are actually unprofitable. How to calculate break-even point ROAS for individual products. Why Q4 strategy should be based on profit, not just sales.What Store Hero is: a profit-first e-commerce analytics tool. Links & Resources Website: https://storehero.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storehero/Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoreHeroApp Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/dsay245p______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, I sit down with Brooks Loughry, who brings over 20 years of experience in the aesthetic medical industry. We talk about how medical spas have evolved, what it takes to stand out in such a competitive market, and why discounting your services can actually hurt your business.   Brooks shares his approach to building sustainable, value-based business models through strong team training, smart marketing, and unforgettable patient experiences. We also dive into the power of referrals, how to boost sales without slashing prices, and what really drives long-term success in this industry.   Tune in for practical, no-fluff advice to elevate your practice and increase profitability without compromising your worth.   What you'll hear in this episode: [02:40] Challenges and Opportunities in Med Spas [05:35] The Business Side of Med Spas [11:40] Discounting and Membership Models [16:25] Long-Term Patient Value and Retention [26:15] The Power of Referrals in Business [27:10] Nuances of Discounting and Value Exchange [28:00] Building Loyalty Through Personalized Experiences [36:15] Reducing No-Shows and Cancellations [39:55] Effective Rebooking Strategies [41:10] Avoiding Common Business Pitfalls   If you like this episode, check out: Keep Your Business Profitable with Strategic Cost Management A Deep Dive into Your Profitability Strategy The $5M Bottleneck   Connect with Brooks Loughry: LinkedIn: Brooks Loughry Instagram: @brooksadvises Email: Brooks@bioenergylabs.com   Learn more about our CFO firm and services: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/   Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Follow along on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/   The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. We love enthusiastic action, but please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

After a frantic morning of plucking and preening, Elis and John are confronted with the beautiful sight of Greg James. Eyelashes are fluttered, beauty tips are garnered, and in a wonderful showing of modern masculinity, four men chat about their hair care routines. And before he can go, Greg's radio credentials are put to the test in a classic Made Up Game from the vault.Swooning fanfares aside, John introduces Elis to the world of slam poetry and a potential new hobby, and the Cymru Connector-in-Chief tries to connect with a caller from Carmarthen.If you have something of value to contribute send it to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp 07974 293 022.

"We have to stop trading time for money. Hourly billing traps you. It gets you in the cycle of undervaluing yourself. Discounting just to get a client to sign up with you and think that you're going to charge more in the future is another trap. Doing free work, answering quick questions, answering an abundance of emails and never getting paid for it is a trap." -Michelle Weinstein Michelle Weinstein, founder of The Abundant Accountant and The Pitch Queen, talks about how bookkeepers can confidently sell their services without feeling pushy or uncomfortable. Drawing on years of experience helping accounting professionals close high-value clients, Michelle shares simple strategies to increase revenue and build trust with prospects. In this interview, you'll learn: How to overcome fear & hesitation around pricing and sales Questions that turn discovery calls into meaningful conversations How to position your value instead of selling your time To learn more about Michelle, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamp 00:00 – Why selling is a skill every bookkeeper needs 03:05 – How Michelle helps bookkeepers sell with confidence 05:40 – Shifting your mindset from "selling" to "helping" 08:12 – The biggest mistakes bookkeepers make in sales calls 10:45 – How to ask powerful questions that uncover client needs 13:10 – Why you should never discount your services 15:22 – The difference between pricing & value 18:03 – Turning consultations into lasting client relationships 20:45 – How to talk about money without fear or guilt 24:00 – Using Dext tools to add more value to clients 27:12 – Building confidence through practice & preparation 30:10 – Michelle's top advice for bookkeepers ready to grow 32:30 – Where to learn more about Michelle & The Abundant Accountant This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

Sales slowing down? Don't panic—and definitely don't reach for the discount lever.In this episode, I'm unpacking one of the most damaging (yet common) knee-jerk reactions in business: cutting prices when sales stall. It's understandable, but almost always the wrong move. Discounting not only trains your buyers to wait for a deal—it erodes your brand and drags you straight into commodity pricing hell.GET MORE MARKETING & SALES TOOLS:Are you interested in becoming the published author of a powerful book to help you attract more ideal clients and set you apart from the competition? Imagine holding your own book in your hands as quickly as 3-6 weeks without you ever having to write a word. We do all the work, you get all the glory! Find out how we Capture Your Genius at our sister publishing house Lunch Break Books - powerful books for entrepreneurs with big growth goals.Are you subscribed to Marketing Gold? Get more marketing tools, tips and strategies delivered to your inbox most Mondays. Sign up here.Is your business doing $2M+ and you're ready to take it to the next level? We'll show you how. Get your free marketing roadmap by taking the Client Stampede Assessment. It's fast, free (Value $197) and your 20+ page report is emailed to you instantly.Enjoying the podcast? You'll love the audio book. Get The Client Stampede audio book on Amazon.

I'm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I've spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I break down why discounting is one of the biggest traps in the restaurant industry and how it can actually hurt your brand long term. I explain how to build real value through storytelling and emotional connection instead of cutting prices. You'll learn how to create scarcity, meaning, and loyalty that drive both profit and trust—without relying on discounts to fill your seats.  TakeawaysDiscounting attracts deal seekers, not true believers.Sell meaning, not math; value is a feeling.Scarcity builds desire, while discounting builds doubt.A full room doesn't equate to a full bank account.Profit is the cure; busy is just a drug.Kill blanket discounts for a week to assess impact.Highlight the story behind high-margin items.Replace discounts with scarcity plays.Track margin instead of traffic for better insights.Rewrite marketing messages to focus on meaning.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Marketing Strategies01:50 The Dangers of Discounting05:39 Building Value Through Meaning and ScarcityIf you've got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.

Monday Sales Kickoff: Great selling isn't about lowering your price—it's about raising your value. Discover the difference between buyer interest and intent, and how this understanding can elevate your sales game. Gain insights into how recognizing and addressing customer pain points is crucial for establishing trust and creating proposals that resonate. Learn why timing is everything when presenting pricing and how the right questions can lead to solutions that match your customer's unique situation.

Strategisches Cross- und Upselling entfaltet Kraft erst dort, wo Beziehungen wachsen – nicht Verträge. Gero Decker beleuchtet, warum echte Umsatzsteigerung in der klugen Entwicklung von Accounts und den individuellen Herausforderungen großer Kunden liegt. Es geht um den Wert gemeinsamer Landkarten, kluge Pricing-Logik und die Kunst, Bedürfnisse früh zu erkennen. Erfolg entsteht nicht aus Taktik, sondern aus wirklicher Nähe zum Kunden. Wer Wachstum führen will, denkt Customer Success als gelebte Verantwortung – nicht nur als Rolle. Du erfährst... In dieser Episode erfährst du… …wie du mit Cross- und Upselling deine Kundenbeziehungen vertiefst. …warum die ersten 30 Tage entscheidend für den Erfolg im SaaS-Bereich sind. …welche Rolle Customer Success bei der langfristigen Kundenbindung spielt. __________________________ ||||| PERSONEN |||||

In this episode, Marc and Vassilis discuss news that caught their attention over the last couple of weeks , including the dangers of discounting, Nike's strategic marketing efforts, the significance of attention in advertising, Meta's new ad-free subscription model, insights on Gen AI, and Anthropic's brand campaign for Claude. They emphasize the importance of relevance and identity in marketing strategies, as well as the evolving landscape of advertising in the digital age.Enjoy the show!Follow Our Updates⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sleeping-barber/https://www.sleepingbarber.caGet in touch with our hosts:Marc Binkley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbinkley/Vassilis Douros: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vassilisdouros/TakeawaysDiscounting can lead to a death spiral for profits.Nike is increasing its marketing budget ahead of major events.High attention media yields better advertising results.Meta's ad-free subscription model tests consumer willingness to pay.The Gen AI race is unfolding slowly, requiring strong branding.Attention is a proxy for advertising effectiveness.Relevance in advertising is crucial for consumer engagement.Brands must focus on identity and values to differentiate.The advertising landscape is shifting towards privacy and consent.Understanding customer needs is essential for effective marketing.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Overview00:58 - The Perils of Discounting in Marketing05:27 - Nike's Strategic Marketing Moves09:58 - The Importance of Attention in Advertising14:37 - Meta's Ad-Free Subscription Model19:10 - Insights on Gen AI Marketing23:48 - Anthropic's Brand Campaign for ClaudeAd of the week:Anthropic just dropped its first major paid brand push for Claude, the AI model it develops. The campaign — titled “Keep Thinking” — positions Claude not as a gimmicky tool but as a thinking partner for serious problem solvers.https://youtu.be/FDNkDBNR7AM

It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 01 October 2025, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show. Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily THE US FEDERAL $7,500 EV TAX CREDIT EXPIRES http://bit.ly/48HI2w6 FORD, GM PRESERVE $7,500 EV LEASE CREDIT https://bit.ly/3IqUPsp TOGG LAUNCHES T10X AND T10F IN GERMANY http://bit.ly/4mI4msU POLESTAR 2 WILL RETURN AS A NEW MODEL http://bit.ly/46K7QoL BYD QIN L LAUNCHES IN MALAYSIA AS SEAL 6 http://bit.ly/4mQH44d ILLINOIS LAUNCHES FOURTH $4,000 EV REBATE ROUND http://bit.ly/4pRTqf7 TESLA LAUNCHES FIRST V4 500 KW SUPERCHARGER http://bit.ly/4gU15FR LOS ANGELES TO DEPLOY 500 ZERO-EMISSIONS BUSES http://cbsn.ws/4gRuz7a FORD CEO CLAIMS CHINESE AUTOMAKERS GET ‘HUGE SUBSIDIES' http://bit.ly/3KtPHEs CIRCLE K OPENS FIRST 1MW TRUCK CHARGER IN SWEDEN http://bit.ly/3Koynkf PATENT IMAGE SHOWS POSSIBLE VOLVO EM90 PLUG-IN HYBRID http://bit.ly/3VHzLAP TESLA ROADSTER RESERVATIONS REFUNDS APPEAR DIFFICULT TO REQUEST http://bit.ly/3VHzFcr LUCID AIR SAPPHIRE ACHIEVES RECORD ACCELERATION http://bit.ly/3VIjuM3     THE US FEDERAL $7,500 EV TAX CREDIT EXPIRES   Despite the expiry of the federal $7,500 EV tax credit, automakers are proactively recalibrating strategies, including enhanced incentives and leasing deals, to cushion the transition for buyers. The industry is staying committed to electric futures, leveraging lessons from history to maintain long-term progress and adapt quickly to emerging market conditions.   FORD, GM PRESERVE $7,500 EV LEASE CREDIT   Ford and GM have devised innovative leasing programs that extend the $7,500 federal incentive to customers beyond the program's expiration, ensuring buyers continue to benefit from substantial savings. These initiatives show the brands' flexibility and customer focus, with Ford confirming incentives available through the end of 2025 while other manufacturers may soon follow suit.   TOGG LAUNCHES T10X AND T10F IN GERMANY   Togg makes a strong debut in Germany, introducing two competitively priced electric models with advanced features, robust battery ranges, and five-star safety ratings. The brand is well-positioned for rapid growth, drawing interest from Germany's large Turkish diaspora and planning expansion to France and Italy.   POLESTAR 2 WILL RETURN AS A NEW MODEL   Polestar is reinventing its core model with a next-generation Polestar 2, building on a successful legacy and keeping loyal customers engaged through fresh updates. This move, alongside the upcoming Polestar 7 SUV, demonstrates Polestar's commitment to mainstream appeal and a sustainable global strategy.   BYD QIN L LAUNCHES IN MALAYSIA AS SEAL 6   BYD's launch of the Seal 6 EV in Malaysia offers advanced technology, generous driving range, and comprehensive driver safety features at an accessible price. With ongoing software improvements and strategic exports, BYD is making high-quality electric mobility more attainable across new markets.   ILLINOIS LAUNCHES FOURTH $4,000 EV REBATE ROUND   Illinois is continuing its successful support of EV adoption by launching a fourth round of rebates, with enhanced incentives for low-income residents and broad eligibility for electric cars and motorcycles. The program's consistent growth demonstrates strong state commitment to green transportation and accessibility for all.   TESLA LAUNCHES FIRST V4 500 KW SUPERCHARGER   Tesla's new V4 Supercharger in California sets a benchmark for fast charging technology, offering up to 500 kW per stall and speeds that benefit the latest high-voltage vehicles. Non-Tesla EVs are expected to gain access soon, expanding premium ultra-fast charging to a broader customer base.   LOS ANGELES TO DEPLOY 500 ZERO-EMISSIONS BUSES   Los Angeles is repurposing 500 zero-emission school buses for the 2028 Olympics, ensuring convenient, sustainable transit to most venues while showcasing innovative fleet logistics and energy resilience. These buses will also support backup power and grid services, underscoring the city's commitment to clean mobility and infrastructure.   FORD CEO CLAIMS CHINESE AUTOMAKERS GET ‘HUGE SUBSIDIES'   Ford's CEO highlights how Chinese manufacturers, backed by substantial state support, drive global innovation and affordability in the EV sector. The influx of new players and technologies is helping accelerate industry progress worldwide and expanding consumer choice.   CIRCLE K OPENS FIRST 1MW TRUCK CHARGER IN SWEDEN   Circle K inaugurates Sweden's first megawatt truck charger, greatly enhancing fast-charging options for heavy vehicles and reinforcing its leadership in Scandinavian ultra-fast charging. The expanding network benefits both heavy and light vehicles, supporting sustainable commercial transport across the region.   PATENT IMAGE SHOWS POSSIBLE VOLVO EM90 PLUG-IN HYBRID   Patent filings for the Volvo EM90 hint at a possible plug-in hybrid variant, suggesting Volvo's ongoing exploration of flexible powertrain options for global markets. Future updates for the U.S. could bring new electrified models as Volvo invests in hybrid technology at its American facility.   TESLA ROADSTER RESERVATIONS REFUNDS APPEAR DIFFICULT TO REQUEST   Tesla refunding Roadster deposits after years showcases the company's policy to honor commitments, with customers remaining hopeful for an upcoming reveal and a vehicle that promises breakthrough performance. The anticipation for future Roadster developments keeps excitement high as Tesla aims for “the most impressive product demo of all time” by the end of 2025.   LUCID AIR SAPPHIRE ACHIEVES RECORD ACCELERATION   The Lucid Air Sapphire set a new benchmark in electric performance, achieving a record 0–60 mph time and quarter-mile acceleration with its powerful three-motor setup and specialized tires. This accomplishment solidifies Lucid's status among the world's fastest production cars, demonstrating the extraordinary capability of modern EVs.

Discounting, Less than ideal clients, Desperation, Poor positioning, Low sales ? These are all very common sales and business problems. They all have something else in common also though… They can all be solved with one simple thing.. Deal or Lead flow Todays episode is all about prospecting in particular a great book called Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount which I give you some of the highlights from. Definitely worth a “commute length” listen

Discounting older puppies is tempting. Discounting is what stores do as the seasons change. They'll have sales for summer clothes as summer comes to an end. Yet, does it work for puppies? The answer? Well, sometimes, but not usually.  In this episode I'll discuss the problems with discounting your older puppies, when it makes sense, when it doesn't, and if you do decide to discount a puppy, how to handle offering a discount in a way that is best for you, your buyers, and your dogs.

In this episode, Bryan is joined by John Barrows to talk about the high-stakes final stage of the sales process, where deals are either won or lost. Together, they explore why so many sales teams stumble here, often resorting to last-minute discounts or high-pressure tactics driven by forecast anxiety.Bryan and John share strategies to keep control of the process, including engaging procurement early, coaching reps through nuanced situations, and avoiding the trap of reactive discounting. They also dive into the balance between the science (process) and art (closing) of sales—why the art has been lost in today's risk-averse market, and how leaders can teach reps to customize their approach for authentic, effective selling.Whether you're a sales leader or an individual contributor, this episode will show you how to play to win, not just avoid losing, when it matters most.-Curious about certification in the Blind Zebra Sales Operating System? Learn more here.Discover how to build the introductory video that works 24/7 for your pipeline on October 3rd, 12PM EST. Join at advancedsellingpodcast.com/insiderDiscover how to build the introductory video that works 24/7 for your pipeline on October 3rd, 12PM EST. Join at advancedsellingpodcast.com/insider

In this Dialogue episode of The Synopsis, we provide an update for RH and talk about the recent OpenAI/ Oracle Deal.  You can find a link to the RH update here.  *Expert Call Transcripts* If you want to get a free trial to access >200k AlphaSense expert call transcripts, use this link here.  ~*~ For full access to all of our updates and in-depth research reports become a Speedwell Member here. Please reach out to info@speedwellresearch.com if you need help getting us to become an approved research vendor in order to expense it. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Show Notes (0:00)  — Intro  (2:00) — RH high-level update: (7:00) — RH Paris (9:03) — Tariffs & Furniture Investigation (13:17) — Discounting, Horizontal and Vertical Inventory, Luxury Diatribe (24:57) — RH Debt Load & Valuation (30:59) — Oracle-OpenAI Deal -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- For full access to all of our updates and in-depth research reports, become a Speedwell Member here. Please reach out to info@speedwellresearch.com if you need help getting us to become an approved research vendor in order to expense it. *-*-*- Follow Us: Twitter: @Speedwell_LLC Threads: @speedwell_research Email us at info@speedwellresearch.com for any questions, comments, or feedback. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Disclaimer Nothing in this podcast is investment advice nor should be construed as such. Contributors to the podcast may own securities discussed. Furthermore, accounts contributors advise on may also have positions in companies discussed. At the time of publication, one or more contributors to this report has a position in RH. Furthermore, accounts one or more contributors advise on may also have a position in RH. This may change without notice. Please see our full disclaimers here:  https://speedwellresearch.com/disclaimer/

Maximize profits, exploit nature, hoard money, and, like Buzz Lightyear, grow the economy to infinity and beyond! That's the modern economic playbook. But for decades, one renegade country has taken a contrarian stance that actually cares about people's wellbeing and environmental health: the Himalayan nation of Bhutan. When Bhutan embraced “Gross National Happiness” and a sane notion of progress, environmentalists and social reformers rejoiced. They spotlighted Bhutan as an example of how we can build a better economy. But now it seems that no one can escape the gravity field of techno-capitalism's black hole of cryptocurrency and bullshit investments. In today's episode, we explore Bhutan's dark turn and go on the hunt for other examples of nations doing things to curb overexploitation of people and the planet.Originally recorded on 7/21/25. Visit Crazy Town on the web.Sources/Links/Notes:To be fair, Bhutan is still working on Gross National Happiness. In fact, there's a Global GNH Forum being staged November 7-12, 2025 in Dungkar Dzong, Paro, Bhutan.Steven Anderson, "Bhutan Uses Bitcoin to Boost Salaries and Curb Brain Drain," The Currency Analytics, April 15, 2025.The creation of NunavutRelated episode(s) of Crazy Town:Episode 37, "Discounting the Future and Climate Chaos"Support the show

In 1960, two brothers scraped together $900 and bought a failing pizzeria in Michigan, launching what would become a cautionary tale about sales incentive programs gone wrong. Within months, one brother traded his half of the business for a beat-up Volkswagen, leaving Tom Monaghan alone with his ambitions. By 1965, with three stores under his belt, Tom faced a naming crisis. He couldn't legally keep using the original name, DomiNick's, so an employee suggested "Domino's." The logo? Three dots, one for each store. Tom figured he'd add a new dot for every location. After opening store number five, he wisely reconsidered that plan. Because what happened next wasn't just growth—it was an explosion that would teach sales leaders everywhere a crucial lesson about the double-edged sword of powerful incentives. How One Sales Incentive Program Nearly Destroyed a Billion-Dollar Company Here's what America looked like in the early 1980s: Microwave ovens were revolutionizing kitchens, Federal Express was making overnight delivery an expectation, and Americans weren't just eating faster—they were living faster. Domino's fit perfectly into this new rhythm, but Tom Monaghan wanted more. In a move that bordered on dangerous, he made a promise so simple it would define the company for decades: "Pizza Delivered in 30 Minutes or It's Free." It wasn't just about pizza. It was about certainty. And America bought it—literally. Within a year, sales exploded. From 200 stores in 1978 to over 2,500 by 1985. Over 5,000 by 1989. Every store became a speed factory with slimmed-down menus, cookie-cutter layouts, and drivers who might as well have been sitting behind the wheel with engines already running. Competitors couldn't keep up. But here's the brutal truth about speed: you don't see the danger until it's too late. The Hidden Dangers of Performance-Based Compensation Here's what every sales leader needs to understand: Powerful sales incentives, pushed too far, create unintended consequences that can destroy company culture. This principle, that when metrics become targets, they cease to be good metrics, would prove devastatingly true for Domino's. At first, the cracks were small. A delivery driver rolling a stop sign here, a speeding ticket there. But this wasn't a system built to reward patience—it was built to reward speed at any cost. Inside Domino's stores, the pressure wasn't subtle. Drivers were expected to race the clock. If they missed the 30-minute mark, some franchises made them pay for the order out of their own pockets. The message was clear: make it fast, or make it up yourself. Rolling stops became running red lights. Neighborhood shortcuts turned into risky maneuvers through heavy traffic. What customers didn't see—and what Domino's executives refused to acknowledge—was that they'd created a ticking time bomb. Speed wasn't just a business model anymore; it had become a way of life that determined every employee's behavior, and smart sales leaders understand this connection between incentives and culture. By the late 1980s, insurance companies raised Domino's premiums by 15-20 percent. Reports surfaced of accidents tied to delivery drivers rushing to meet the 30-minute window. Then came the story that changed everything: A Domino's driver in St. Louis ran a red light, colliding with another vehicle. Inside that car was Jean Kinder, whose life was permanently changed. The jury awarded her $78 million in punitive damages. In 1993, Domino's officially ended the 30-minute guarantee in the United States. Here's what most sales leaders get wrong about incentives: they don't just shape what people do—they shape who people become. Sound familiar? It should. Because this same pattern plays out in sales organizations every single day. 5 Warning Signs Your Sales Incentives Are Backfiring Take Wells Fargo's aggressive cross-selling goals in the mid-2010s. Supervisors told bankers to open more accounts, sell more products, and hit quotas—or else. Employees did exactly what they were told, opening fake accounts and forging signatures. Wells Fargo didn't create fraudsters; they created an incentive system that made fraud feel like survival. There's a name for this phenomenon: the Cobra Effect. When a metric becomes a target, it ceases to be a good metric. Here are the warning signs your sales incentives need fixing—red flags that indicate you're prioritizing activity over results, enabling ethical shortcuts, and creating feast-or-famine revenue patterns: Team focuses on activity over outcomes - More calls and emails don't matter if they're not creating meaningful prospect conversations Short-term wins at expense of customer relationships - Discounting heavily to hit monthly numbers while sacrificing long-term value High turnover among top performers - Your best people leave because the system rewards the wrong behaviors Ethical corners being cut to hit numbers - When quotas become more important than integrity Feast-or-famine revenue patterns - Inconsistent results month to month because the focus is on quick fixes, not sustainable processes How to Design Sales Compensation That Drives Sustainable Growth The best compensation systems reward leading indicators and sustainable behaviors, not just outcomes. Domino's learned this lesson the hard way, but they didn't just bury their story—they changed course entirely. In the late 2000s, they made a stunning move, publicly admitting: "Our pizza isn't very good." They showed real customer complaints, took the hits, then got to work. Their stock climbed from $8 in 2008 to over $300 within a decade. They learned to build better incentives that reward the right behaviors and align with long-term success. Here's how to build incentives that drive sustainable success: Focus on Leading Indicators, Not Just Outcomes. Instead of only rewarding closed deals, reward the activities that create deals: thorough discovery calls, proper qualification, and relationship-building activities that compound over time. Reward Quality Over Quantity. One well-qualified opportunity built through genuine relationship-building is worth more than ten tire-kickers. Incentivize salespeople to walk away from bad fits and invest time in prospects who match your ideal customer profile. Align Short-Term Actions with Long-Term Goals. If customer retention is crucial to your business model, make sure your compensation plan doesn't punish salespeople for taking time to ensure proper onboarding and implementation. Build in Safety Valves. Create mechanisms to catch unintended consequences before they become systemic problems. Regular feedback loops and management oversight can prevent small cracks from becoming major fractures. Make Values Visible in Your Metrics. If integrity, customer success, and teamwork matter, find ways to measure and reward these behaviors alongside revenue production. The Bottom Line Whether you're running a sales team or delivering pizzas, the principle remains the same: if you want better results, build better incentives. Your incentive system is either your greatest asset or your greatest liability. The choice is yours, but the consequences—good or bad—are inevitable. As you design your next compensation plan or set your next team goals, remember the Domino's dilemma. Speed without wisdom is just recklessness with a deadline. The question isn't whether your incentives will shape behavior—it's whether they'll shape it in the direction you actually want to go. Don't just move fast. Learn when to hit the brakes. An important part of developing a high performing sales team and creating a collaborative work environment is hiring the right salespeople. Download our FREE Ultimate Sales Interview Guide and learn how to source, recruit, hire, and retain top sales talent.

It doesn't take long to replace your income through rental property investing. Just ask Miller McSwain, who quit his job two and a half years after buying his first rental property! But it wasn't a standard rental with just one tenant and one income stream that got him there. Instead, a new “mega cash flow” strategy got him to his goal in record time. It's not short-term rentals, mid-term rentals, or house flipping, but something that might work even better. Miller was a nuclear rocket scientist by day (yes, seriously) and a house hacker by night. He bought a property just after graduation, using his job offer as proof of income to the bank. He and his fiancée (now wife) lived in the basement while renting out the rooms on the top floors. He was saving tons on rent and living for almost free. So, why couldn't he do this on a bigger scale? He could, and he did. This “co-living” strategy became Miller's new obsession. Now, he's got six rental properties with over 40 tenants, making thousands of dollars a month from each property in pure cash flow. He's sharing exactly how to do it and does so in-depth in his new book, Co-Living Cash Flow, so you can quit your job, or at least replace some, or all, of your income with the fewest properties possible.  In This Episode We Cover Miller's “mega cash flow” strategy that produces way more passive income than regular rentals Exactly what to look for in the perfect “co-living” property for happy tenants (and neighbors) The “community” events Miller throws at his properties that lead to lower vacancy  Discounting security deposits? The method behind Miller's genius tenant screening tactic  How to remotely manage co-living rentals yourself (no need to pay a manager!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1129 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices