Podcasts about businesses

Paying off your mortgage can feel like one of the clearest signs of financial freedom. I understand the appeal. For many families, that monthly payment represents pressure, obligation, and dependence on someone else. That is exactly why Velocity Banking can sound so compelling. Use a home equity line of credit to attack the mortgage balance, run your income through the line, reduce the total interest you pay, and get the house paid off faster. On paper, the math can work. That is not really where Bruce and I disagree. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6N3lnog3PY What I want you to look at is what happens to your control of capital while you are doing it. A HELOC gives you access to credit under a bank's contract and lending rules. Infinite Banking starts from a different premise: build capital first, then use the policy's loan provision to access capital against what you have already built. Both strategies can involve borrowing. Both require disciplined behavior. But they are not the same financial system. And I want to say this up front: we are not anti-HELOC. A HELOC can be a useful financial tool. The purpose of this conversation is not to tell you that using one is automatically wrong. It is to help you see the structural tradeoffs clearly, especially if you are thinking about making a HELOC the center of your banking strategy. When you are thinking beyond one transaction, about the opportunities you want to pursue, the people you want to provide for, and the financial strength you want to build for your family, that distinction matters. Key TakeawaysWhat Velocity Banking Actually DoesPaying Less Interest Is Not the Only Financial ObjectiveA HELOC Gives You Access to Credit. That Is Not the Same as Controlling Capital.Home Equity Is Valuable, but It Is Not Liquid CapitalWhat Infinite Banking ChangesThe Ownership Question MattersA Different Way to Think About Paying Off the MortgageThe HELOC Draw Period Deserves Attention From the BeginningInfinite Banking Has Tradeoffs TooThe Bigger Question Is Who Controls the Capital Key Takeaways Velocity Banking can accelerate mortgage payoff, but the HELOC itself does not create the savings. Your cash flow and additional principal reduction do the work. Home equity is a real asset, but it is not the same as liquid capital. Turning it into spendable cash requires a sale or another financing decision. A HELOC gives you access to bank credit. Your continued access to unused credit remains subject to the lender's contract and applicable rules. Infinite Banking requires capitalization first. Policy loans charge interest and have to be managed responsibly. Our preference for Infinite Banking is about building a capital system around liquidity, contractual guarantees, long-range behavior, and control, not pretending every bank loan is bad. Before you ask how fast you can eliminate your mortgage, ask what position your capital will be in while you are getting there. DimensionHELOC (Velocity Banking)Infinite BankingWhere the capital comes fromA bank's credit line against your home equityCapital you build first inside a participating whole life policyGetting access to itThe bank approves the line; access to unused credit stays subject to the lender's contract and rulesThe policy's loan provision, based on the contract and available loan value — not income, credit score, or home valueWho controls continued accessThe lender, which may freeze or reduce the line in defined circumstances (per the CFPB)You, within the terms of the policy you ownCost of borrowingCommonly a variable rate that can change over timePolicy-loan interest (not free money); an unpaid loan can reduce the death benefitLiquidity of the underlying assetHome equity is real but not spendable until you sell, refinance, or borrow against itA capital base designed to stay liquid, accessible, and deployableUnderwriting each time you use itSet when the line is established; future refinancing depends on conditions at that timeNo bank-style underwriting each time you use the loan provisionYour relationship to the institutionYou are the bank's customerYou participate in a mutual insurer as an eligible policyholder (dividends are non-guaranteed)The main tradeoff to weighAccess can tighten at exactly the moment you need itYou must capitalize the policy first, and give it timeHELOC vs. Infinite Banking at a glance What Velocity Banking Actually Does Velocity Banking uses a revolving line of credit, often a HELOC, as part of a mortgage-payoff strategy. The basic mechanics are straightforward. You open a HELOC against available equity in your home. You use some of that credit to reduce or replace mortgage debt. Then you direct income into the HELOC and use the line again for living expenses. If more cash flows into the line than flows back out, the balance declines. That can reduce the total interest you pay and shorten the payoff timeline. But here is the part I do not want you to miss: your surplus cash flow is paying down principal. The HELOC changes the path the money takes. It does not create the surplus. Bruce said it very simply in our conversation: your behavior is more important than the strategy. If your income is steady, your spending stays disciplined, rates cooperate, and you follow the plan consistently, the model can look very compelling. But life is not an illustration. Income changes. Businesses have slow seasons. Families face expenses they did not plan for. And sometimes an opportunity shows up at exactly the moment you were not expecting it. That is why I want a financial strategy to be evaluated by more than how it performs when everything goes perfectly. I also want to know what options it leaves you when life does not follow the spreadsheet. Paying Less Interest Is Not the Only Financial Objective One of the strongest arguments for Velocity Banking is something we actually agree with in principle: the interest rate by itself does not tell you the total cost. A higher rate on a balance that falls quickly can, in some circumstances, produce less total interest than a lower rate carried for decades. Looking only at the rate can give you an incomplete picture. But looking only at interest saved can do the same thing. I understand why people see the amount of interest on a long mortgage schedule and immediately think, "I need to get rid of this as fast as possible." That reaction makes sense. Nobody is trying to pay a bank more interest than necessary. The question I want you to add is: what else is happening to that dollar while you are paying down the house? Every extra dollar of principal you put into the four walls of your home increases your equity, but that dollar is no longer liquid. To turn home equity back into spendable cash, you have to sell, refinance, or borrow against the property. There is also an opportunity cost. Could that same dollar have strengthened your reserves? Funded your business? Put you in position for an investment opportunity? Built capital somewhere that remained accessible to your family? A paid-off home may absolutely be part of your financial plan and part of your legacy. But so is the financial capacity you preserve along the way. For me, that is the bigger conversation. We are not simply trying to win an interest calculation. We want each decision to strengthen the whole financial system. A HELOC Gives You Access to Credit. That Is Not the Same as Controlling Capital. This is the distinction at the center of the episode. When you have a HELOC, a bank has agreed to extend credit to you against the equity in your home. That credit can be incredibly useful, but it is still a lending relationship. The bank decides whether you qualify when the line is established. Your available credit exists under the agreement, the value of the collateral, and the lending rules that apply to the account. HELOCs also commonly have variable interest rates, so the cost of borrowing can change over time. Some products offer fixed-rate features, but the details depend on the lender and the contract. The other issue is access. An unused credit line is not the same thing as cash you already control. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains that a lender may freeze additional advances or reduce a HELOC in certain circumstances, such as a significant decline in the home's value or a material change in the borrower's financial condition. That does not mean a bank can simply demand repayment of every HELOC whenever it wants. Bruce was careful about that distinction in our conversation, and I want to be just as careful here. It means your continued access to unused credit is not entirely yours to decide. If your financial strategy depends on that line staying open and available, that matters. You are still a customer of someone else's bank. Home Equity Is Valuable, but It Is Not Liquid Capital Owning more of your home is not a bad thing. A paid-off home can be a meaningful goal. But we need to distinguish between having equity and having capital you can deploy. Your home's equity is real. The house is an asset. But if you want to use that equity without selling the property, a lender usually has to become part of the decision again. That is why Bruce and I kept coming back to the image of money being stored inside the four walls of the house. You can put more money in by paying down principal. The harder question is how easily you can get that money back out when you need it, and on whose terms. If your primary financial objective is to pay off the house as fast as possible, you may be directing a large share of your available cash into an asset that is not immediately deployable. At the same time, you may be delaying your ability to build a capital base somewhere else. For me, financial freedom includes having capital that is growing,...

Eric Wiklendt, of Speyside Equity, a private equity firm that acquires and grows mid-market manufacturing and industrial businesses.Through capital investment and hands-on operational support, Eric works with founders, family-owned companies, and management teams to improve performance, strengthen leadership, and create long-term growth.Now, Eric's work across multiple deals and portfolio companies demonstrates what it really takes to balance strategy, pressure, and hands-on problem-solving in complex businesses.And while the world of private equity can be fast-moving and unpredictable, Eric is helping manufacturing companies become stronger, more scalable, and better positioned for the future.Here's where to find more:https://speysideequity.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwiklendt/________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here:https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself

In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast host Troy Trewin interviews Brett Penager, co-founder of Chiro One Wellness Centers, shares his remarkable journey from four failed businesses and being forced out of a top practice management firm to building a chiropractic empire that grew from just two clinics and 12 team members to 164 offices across 13 states with over 1,000 employees. In this candid conversation, he reveals the highs and lows of rapid scaling, including a near-collapse that forced the closure of dozens of locations, the landmark $100M+ private equity deal in 2017, and hard-won lessons on culture, leadership, and accountability. Penager challenges the myth of work-life balance, stresses surrounding yourself with smarter people, and explains why complete personal responsibility is the true lid on any company's growth. He also discusses his book Larger Than Life and his new mission to support 5,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. Packed with practical wisdom for owners scaling past the 5–30 team stage, this episode delivers both inspiration and actionable insights. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Brett Penager shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is learning to set it up so you're no longer the source of everything, especially once you reach around 40–50 employees. He emphasizes putting capable people in place, staying out of their way even if they don't do the job exactly as well as you would, and accepting that acceptable results from others free you to focus on what you do best. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Brett Penager shares that his favorite business books are The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Good to Great, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. If he had to choose just one, he says The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has been the most powerful for him. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Brett Penager shares that he listens to a wide variety of podcasts and online learning resources rather than sticking to just one or two regularly. He values hearing many different voices and perspectives, so he recommends exploring broadly across platforms instead of limiting yourself to a single show or tool. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Brett Penager recommends the Landmark Forum (from Landmark Education) as the most powerful tool for growing a small business. He describes it as transformational learning that accelerates personal growth, helping entrepreneurs become the kind of leaders who can successfully scale their companies by gaining decades of wisdom in a much shorter time. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Brett Penager shares that he would tell himself on day one: "It's all going to work out." He encourages embracing the beauty of the journey itself, because the real magic happens in the process—not just at the mountaintop—and that mindset helps shorten the learning curve when starting over. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:   Balance is a myth — when you're out of balance, it simply means you're doing things that aren't lighting you up – Brett Penager If it's working, it's on me. If it's not, it's on me. At the end of the day, the leader is the lid – Brett Penager Every problem has a solution, and every solution brings with it a new problem you could never have foreseen – Brett Penager      

The government can write a solicitation around a single contractor when that contractor supplies the specific requirement language, from minimum past performance to licensing, that gets copied into the statement of work. Ryan Atencio, a federal contracting strategist, walks through how a small business gives the buyer the exact spec details to include so the posted contract fits one company, plus how SDVOSB and woman-owned set-asides and the acquisition.gov forecast open earlier paths to a win. What you'll learn in this episode: How to feed contractor-specific requirements into a statement of work so the solicitation favors your business Why the DOD 5 percent goal for veteran and service-disabled veteran businesses is set to expand, and how to position for it How to use the acquisition.gov forecast to spot a recompete up to a year before the RFP drops How to reach the COR and the actual customer while an opportunity is still pre-solicitation Why vague construction solicitations can be won on price and corrected later through a legitimate contract modification Chapters: 0:00 - Simplified acquisition threshold under $350K explained 1:05 - DD Form 2345 and using AI to fill federal forms 1:35 - DOD 5 percent goal for veteran-owned businesses 3:00 - Giving the government the spec language to buy you 4:30 - acquisition.gov forecast and finding a recompete early 5:30 - Reaching the COR and customer before the RFP 6:00 - Winning vague construction bids and using mods correctly Mindy gives you the federal opportunities, agency signals, recompete intel, and pursuit briefs that tell you not just what contracts exist, but which ones to chase and how to win them. Sign up for free Daily Alerts and get opportunities delivered to your inbox before the day starts.

Dolly Parton's most valuable asset wasn't her music, it was her theme park. We kickoff the episode with an exploration of Dollywood. Then on our road to Trapital Summit, Shot Tower Capital's Rob Law and Antwyne DeLinde joins us for bold prediction: Why AI could increase the value of human-made music, improve royalty collection, and strengthen catalog cash flows. Musixmatch Co-President Marco Paglia also predicts that, within three years, every AI-generated song will be licensed before it is created, opening the door to personalized music and entirely new revenue streams. The Trapital Summit is happening September 15 in Los Angeles. Get your ticket here:https://www.trapital.com/summit/2026 CHAPTERS 03:33 Dolly Parton's Legacy 05:54 The Artist Wealth Funnel 08:49 AI's Upside for Music 11:49 Predicting Catalog Cash Flow 16:23 AI and Catalog Values 19:21 Licensing Before Release 22:42 Personalized Music 26:41 Musixmatch's AI Framework 28:47 What Needs to Change SPONSORSChartmetric: Listen in for our Stat of the Week. Symphonic: Distribute your music to one of the largest networks in the industry. Symphonic delivers your music to over 200 digital service providers ensuring that you're monetizing every stream and use of your music on Spotify, TikTok, YouTube, and more TRAPITAL Where technology shapes culture. New episodes and memos every week. Sign up here for free.

- Join David's email list, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com In this "best-of" interview, I sit down with lending advisor Marshall Lebovitz to explore financing options for businesses that don't fit traditional bank lending criteria. We discuss why healthy and growing businesses can still be considered "unbankable," asset-based lending, working capital, accounts receivable and inventory financing, alternative lenders, and why the cheapest loan isn't necessarily the best financing solution. Marshall also explains how to evaluate the real cost of borrowing, recognize potentially dangerous loan structures, and understand your business from a lender's perspective before you start looking for capital. Watch the video and discover how to fund a business when traditional banks say no. **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com ----- #BusinessFinancing #SmallBusiness #BusinessLoans #BusinessFunding #WorkingCapital #CashFlow #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero . Terms & Conditions apply.* See the video of my Xero story here: https://youtu.be/LfaGUfwStqo Youtube music licensing code: 5PJWQOE5ZZHTQSRY

You hired the best team, invested in the latest tools, and built what looks like a scalable operation. And nothing changed. Not because your people aren't talented — but because you're still playing the wrong role. You're still doing work that someone else could do better. The future of scaling isn't about building bigger teams or buying the next tool. I''s about knowing yourself — truly knowing where you drive the most value. And what actually matters to scaling — your clarity on role, your willingness to learn constantly, your ability to attract complementary talent — has been invisible to most entrepreneurial playbooks for too long. Jess Dewell talks with Tracy Holland, Founder at InnerFifth and Goodwillbrands, on how entrepreneurs can stop trying to do everything and start building businesses designed around their greatest strengths. Tracy has scaled multiple businesses by knowing exactly what she does best — and what to delegate, buy, or hire for everything else. In this episode, you'll discover: Why talent is your greatest asset above capital — and how to attract and retain it without bloated payrolls. How continuous learning keeps you ahead — and what it actually means to learn something new every week. Why livestreaming and personal brand building matter across every industry — and how this directly impacts your bottom line. How to delegate everything except your core strength — and why this accelerates growth exponentially. Why your best role in the business might not be CEO — and how to recognize it. How structured operating agreements and the right partners prevent years of hardship and misalignment. When buying an existing business is faster than building from scratch. What women entrepreneurs actually need to scale — and why traditional business groups are missing the mark. It is BOLD to acknowledge and claim the clunkiness of learning the skills needed to scale. The entrepreneurs scaling successfully know exactly what only they can do — and they've built everything else around that clarity. They partner strategically based on integrity, not just enthusiasm. They invest in personal brands because they understand it's a business asset. Growth accelerates when you stop trying to be CEO, operator, salesperson, and strategist all at once. If your business feels stuck despite your hard work, if you're wondering whether you're in the right role, or if you're ready to scale by design, this conversation will show you what's possible. —--------- If you're ready to build the kind of business that doesn't just survive uncertainty but leads through it, check out the Driving Solutions Strategic Intensive program, designed to support leadership teams through high-stakes strategic decisions.    --------------------   You can get in touch with Jess Dewell on Twitter,  LinkedIn or Red Direction website.

Liz Peek, columnist for The Hill and Fox News, discusses the surprising resilience of the American economy, noting that small businesses are reporting strong hiring and profitability growth based on broad National Federation of Independent Business and Bank of America data. While consumer spending remains robust, recent data reveals a K-shaped economy, where higher-income homeowners spend extensively on renovations while lower-income consumers trade down at Walmart. Rising interest rates present a critical challenge, slamming the housing market and significantly increasing interest payments on the massive national debt. Lastly, the administration's tariff conflict with Canada is criticized as a major, highly unfortunate, and economically damaging political mistake. (1)

CONTENTS THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 8-25-2026COVER OF FANTASTIC MAGAZINE OCTOBER 1961Liz Peek, columnist for The Hill and Fox News, discusses the surprising resilience of the American economy, noting that small businesses are reporting strong hiring and profitability growth based on broad National Federation of Independent Business and Bank of America data. While consumer spending remains robust, recent data reveals a K-shaped economy, where higher-income homeowners spend extensively on renovations while lower-income consumers trade down at Walmart. Rising interest rates present a critical challenge, slamming the housing market and significantly increasing interest payments on the massive national debt. Lastly, the administration's tariff conflict with Canada is criticized as a major, highly unfortunate, and economically damaging political mistake. (1)Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, evaluates the Treasury's initial tranches of secondary sanctions targeting entities trading with Iran, including firms in China and the UAE. Although these measures stop short of targeting major Chinese banks, they provide President Trump with leverage ahead of his Washington summit with Xi Jinping. Within the Middle East, Schanzer warns that regional powers are hedging their bets. Saudi Arabia may be negotiating a separate peace with the Houthis and Iran, which could undermine US sanctions. Additionally, the US controversially rescinded Syria's state sponsor of terror status following the rapid rise of former al-Qaeda commander Ahmed al-Shara. (2)Mary Kissel, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State, analyzes Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, asserting that its success relies on penalizing large Chinesefinancial institutions. However, Beijing holds significant economic and military leverage over the US, including export controls on critical minerals. Regarding North America, Kissel describes the escalating trade war with Canada as a "loser's game" driven by domestic politics. She stresses that the 50% tariffs on essential materials like Canadianaluminum and auto parts disrupt deeply integrated supply chains. Consequently, this trade conflict severely harms ordinary consumers and threatens Republican control of key Senate seats in critical border states of Maine and Michigan. (3)Colonel Jeff McCausland, US Army (Retired) and Visiting Professor at Dickinson College, warns that the US foreign policy process has collapsed under President Trump, who relies on personal loyalty over expert advice. This is illustrated by Trump's sudden decision to reduce joint US-South Korea military exercises without notifying allies. McCausland argues this undercuts South Korea while offering concessions to a nuclear-armed dictator, Kim Jong-un, who actively supplies weapons to Russia for the Ukraine war. Furthermore, he criticizes the "economic D-Day" against Iran as highly insincere given key delays in sanctioning China, and strongly condemns the trade war against Canada, a loyal ally with a rich military history. (4)Gregory Copley, editor of Defense & Foreign Affairs, argues that the US sanctions regime against Iran is strategic signaling that makes Washington look weak, as it ignores China's trade dominance and threatens relations with India. He also views the Canadian trade dispute as a strategic failure that weakens the NORAD treaty and forces Canada to act independently in the Arctic. This unpredictability has alienated European allies, who are now bypassing the US to negotiate directly on Ukraine. Additionally, Copley analyzes post-Petro Colombia, detailing how the energetic new president faces massive domestic security issues, narco-trafficking networks, and the grounding of critical disaster relief aircraft under sanctions. (5)Thaddeus McCotter, former US Representative from Michigan and columnist for American Greatness, details the severe political and economic fallout of Trump's trade war with Canada, noting that insulting rhetoric like the "51st state" remark has politically boosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He explains that border states like Michigan and Maine share deep commercial integration, meaning 50% tariffs will directly harm their local economies. This unvetted policy blindsided senior Republican legislators, including Susan Collins, who openly opposed the tariffs and avoided a campaign rally with Vice President Vance. Ultimately, McCotter warns that these tariffs jeopardize critical Senate seats in highly contested swing states, giving rival Democrats a very major campaign advantage. (6)Judy Dempsey, Senior Scholar in Berlin for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, with co-host Thaddeus McCotter: Dempsey describes European Baltic and Nordic leaders flocking to Kyiv, yet warns that "moral outrage" lacks a cohesive strategic plan to negotiate an end to the war. She highlights the rising prominence of the pro-Russian, far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in state elections. Interestingly, an ideological rift has emerged as radical AfD factions in East Germany sour on MAGA due to Trump's policies on Iran. McCotter delivers a severe critique of the MAGA-AfD relationship, arguing MAGA should never have "played footsies" with neo-Nazis, and asserting the AfD is fundamentally aligned with Vladimir Putin rather than the United States—their temporary embrace of MAGA merely a superficial attraction. Although West Germans have abandoned historical sentiments toward Russiadue to the Ukraine invasion, East Germany remains deeply split, harboring lingering sentimental pro-Russian views and separate post-unification cultural dynamics. (7)Note: segment 7 came with a separate co-host block for McCotter, so I've folded his critique into the single paragraph after Dempsey's material — flag me if you'd rather run his commentary as its own standalone file.

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero speak with Daniel Quinonez, Chief Operating Officer of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors -National Association. They discuss contractor communities, member education, apprenticeship programs, and the operational challenges facing small HVAC businesses. Dan explains how contractors can access peer support, business resources, and training opportunities through membership. He also shares his perspective on hiring green apprentices versus experienced technicians and the fragmented approach to trade training across the United States.   Expect To Learn: How contractor communities can provide peer support and business resources. Why business operations can be challenging for technicians who become owners. Ways AI can support administrative work without replacing technicians. The tradeoffs between hiring experienced technicians and training apprentices. How contractor-sponsored apprenticeship programs combine coursework and hands-on experience. Why training requirements and licensing vary across U.S. states. The case for a more coordinated national strategy for trade education. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:27 - PHCC's history, membership, and education programs 05:05 - Benefits of joining a contractor chapter 06:44 - Common needs of small contractors 09:25 - Operational and time-management challenges 11:53 - Hiring apprentices versus experienced technicians 13:24 - Online apprenticeship training and contractor sponsorship 17:30 - Training capacity at large and small companies 18:32 - The lack of a national training strategy 20:04 - China's unified trade-training standards   Follow our Guest Daniel Quinonez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-quinonez-690ba68/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phccnational/  Company Website: https://www.phccweb.org/    Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/    Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/  

This episode of the podcast is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of California. The state's economy is struggling, homelessness is on the rise, and the cost of living is skyrocketing. Amidst all this chaos, the California Energy Commission has just approved new rules that will limit the number of tires sold in the state by 70%. But what's behind this decision, and what does it mean for Californians?The speaker dives into the world of tire regulations, speaking with industry leaders and experts to get to the bottom of the issue. From the potential impact on the economy to the effects on the environment, this episode covers it all. The speaker also shares personal anecdotes and stories from listeners who are feeling the effects of the state's policies firsthand.One of the key takeaways from this episode is the need for accountability and transparency in government decision-making. The speaker highlights the lack of consideration for the working class and small business owners, who are often the ones most affected by these kinds of regulations. The episode also touches on the importance of preserving California's history and culture, particularly in the face of gentrification and urban development.If you're interested in learning more about the tire ban and its implications for California, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's insightful analysis and discussion. With a mix of expert opinions, personal stories, and hard-hitting commentary, this episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of the Golden State.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest mistake a small business can make is trying to operate like a big company? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I'm joined by Sri Kaza, seasoned business leader, former McKinsey advisor, entrepreneur, and author of Unconvention. After studying thousands of small businesses and examining which ones survived major disruptions, Sri discovered something surprising: the companies that endured weren't necessarily following conventional business wisdom. They were doing things differently. Sri explains why small businesses have advantages that large corporations struggle to replicate, including close relationships with customers, a clear sense of purpose, and the ability to make fast, unconventional decisions. We also discuss why chasing growth can actually weaken a business, how knowing which customers not to pursue can make you stronger, and why resilience often comes from staying true to what makes your business unique. In this episode, we discuss: • Why small businesses shouldn't try to operate like big corporations• What Sri learned from studying thousands of businesses during COVID• The three Ps of resilient businesses: positioning, proximity, and purpose• Why knowing your ideal customer is critical to long-term success• The danger of chasing growth at the expense of your identity• Why small businesses have a natural advantage in uncertain environments• How an underdog mindset helps entrepreneurs compete against larger companies• Why purpose and community can make a business more resilient• The customers your business should be willing to lose• Why leaders should role model their values instead of relying on policies Sri Kaza is the author of Unconvention, a book that challenges traditional corporate thinking and shows entrepreneurs how to build stronger, more resilient businesses by embracing what makes them different. Connect with Sri Kaza: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sri-kaza.com/⁠ Book: ⁠https://amzn.to/3Ue2Ypx Subscribe to Deep Leadership: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and share it with someone who wants to become a better leader. Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cadre of Men⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Farrow Skin Care⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Salty Sailor Coffee Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leader Connect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Qualified Leadership Series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connect With ChazClifton Muckenfuss co-founded a residential construction company in 2010 knowing nothing about construction. By the time he exited in 2021, 60 to 62 percent of his business was repeat and referral. He spent less than 1 percent of top-line revenue on direct response marketing. His Google reviews went from 3 in the first six years to over 100. None of that happened because of a marketing agency. It happened because Clifton built a system for expressing gratitude that turned satisfied clients into raving fans.In this conversation with Chaz Wolfe, Clifton breaks down the raving fan framework he now teaches business owners across the country, why a satisfied customer is actually a liability not an asset, the four-letter word that should alarm any contractor, and why the most expensive mistake most business owners make is stopping the relationship the moment the job is done.Clifton also shares the personal story behind why he built this in the first place. Multiple arrests. Aggravated assault charges. Drug sales and consumption. And a wife who looked him in the eye before the company existed and said: I don't know, but I believe in you. That one sentence changed everything.Key Takeaways:A raving fan is not just a happy customer. It is someone so obsessive about your people, your culture, your product, and your experience that they cannot wait to tell anyone who will listen.A satisfied customer is a liability. Fine is the four-letter word that should alarm you. Fine means something is wrong and they do not trust you enough to say what it is.It is not your customer's job to remember you. It is your job to make sure they cannot forget you. Most contractors complete the job and go find the next one. That is the gap.The biggest mistake most entrepreneurs make: they are too focused on the next opportunity and not focused enough on the key relationships that already exist. Your past customers know you, like you, and trust you. They are the easiest sale you will ever make.Clifton called a past client to thank them for a referral and casually asked about the windows. The client said do you do windows? Clifton had replaced their roof, deck, and siding. The client had no idea. That moment became the entire company philosophy.Referrals close at a higher rate. They buy at a higher price. They have fewer objections. And they lower your marketing costs. The gap between what you are currently spending on digital marketing and what you could spend by activating your existing relationships is almost entirely profit.Post-fulfillment follow-up is where most businesses fall apart. Right after a job is completed, when the client is at peak satisfaction, is the exact right moment to ask for a review, a video testimonial, and two or three referrals. Most business owners are too scared to ask because they are afraid something went wrong.If something went wrong, you want to know. A broken process that you cannot see cannot be fixed. The client who says fine and never calls again is more dangerous than the one who tells you exactly what went wrong.Express gratitude consistently and systematically. Relationship marketing is not a tactic. It is a philosophy that has to be built into every touch point before, during, and after the transaction.Internal raving fans matter just as much as external ones. Your employees and team members need to feel the same love and appreciation as your clients. The same gratitude framework applies to both.If you are a contractor business owner doing $1M+ and you feel stuck in the day-to-day, we built GTK for you.Through peer mastermind and 1:1 coaching, we help you:increase profitinstall real systemsbuild a team that runs the businessget your time backVisit www.gatheringthekings.com for information on how to apply.Connect with Chaz Wolfe (Host):WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeProfit Starts with Better Books!Clean books. Clear reports. Monthly bookkeeping built by business owners, for business owners.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLike what you heard? Share this episode with a friend and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Join the conversation by visiting GatheringTheKings.com and apply to connect with other high-performing entrepreneurs and their families.

There is a $1.7 trillion blind spot sitting inside your bank or credit union right now. The Census Bureau counts 29.8 million businesses in the United States with no employees at all, taking in $1.7 trillion in annual receipts, about 6.8% of the economy. Almost all of that money runs through a personal checking account at a bank or credit union that has never asked what the owner is building. The industry treats this as a detection problem, to be solved by moving these owners onto a business account. The research points somewhere else. When a small business owner has a real question about running their business, 48% call another business owner. Jim Marous makes the case that the largest unmet need in this segment is connection to other owners at the same stage and to specialists who understand a business of that shape. The neobanks built for gig workers compete on tax buckets, invoicing and fee-free checking, and none of them competes on this. The capability to deliver it already sits inside every institution's own portfolio, unused, because the data was never structured in a way anyone could act on. That is what makes this an AI problem rather than a product problem. The episode closes on three actions: point the model at the portfolio rather than the credit decision, give the banker a briefing built from internal affinity and external context, and make the introduction personally, with both sides' permission. Home services is the vertical to pilot first. Banking Transformed is hosted by Jim Marous, a top five banking industry influencer and Co-Publisher of The Financial Brand. Banking Insights episodes deliver the most important strategic ideas in under ten minutes, for the executive who wants the takeaway without the deep dive. Subscribe to the Digital Banking Report at digitalbankingreport.com.

This "Flodesk Studio & Email Copywriting: Email Marketing Strategies (Serious Conversations)" episode delivers a masterclass in email marketing strategy, copywriting best practices, and leveraging AI-powered tools like Flodesk Studio for audience growth and engagement.Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS tells listeners to learn critical details such as: Effective subject lines, preview text, and body structureThe impact of timing on open ratesSegmentation, cleaning, and list healthPersonalization and branding through design and font choicesHow to use Flodesk Studio to streamline campaign creation with AISpecial attention is paid to A/B testing, the difference between click and click-through rates, and practical features like polls and analytics for persistent improvement.Who is This For?This episode is for entrepreneurs, marketers, real estate professionals, coaches, consultants, and anyone seeking actionable advice on email marketing, copywriting, AI-powered content creation, and using Flodesk Studio. The content is tailored for those wanting to grow their business, improve engagement, and optimize digital communications.Key Moments & TimestampsIntro & Topic Breakdown — 00:00:03Why Email Marketing Still Matters — 00:02:18Email Copywriting Tips (PS, emojis, numbers, preview text) — 00:04:07Intro to Flodesk Studio & AI Features — 00:07:12Real estate applications & audience segmentation — 00:08:43Email List Cleaning, Segmentation, and Engagement — 00:38:40Choosing the Best Time to Send Emails — 00:51:075 Essential Elements of Email Copy — 01:01:44Email Design, Fonts, and Branding Insights — 01:17:24Testing & Optimization Emphasis — 01:24:13Actionable Takeaways from Guests — 01:22:26FAQs1. Who benefits most from using Flodesk Studio?Anyone who wants a seamless, AI-assisted way to design and send beautiful, brand-consistent emails, especially business owners, marketers, and real estate professionals.2. How do you improve open and click-through rates?Use strong subject lines (with emojis, odd numbers, brackets), compelling preview text, personalization, and clear CTAs. Incorporate A/B testing for continual improvement.3. What is the best time to send email campaigns?It varies. Analyze your own audience data (via tools like Flodesk reporting) to find your optimal window: weekday mornings often outperform, but testing is essential 00:53:19.4. Why is list cleaning important?Regularly removing unengaged contacts preserves deliverability, yields accurate analytics, and improves campaign performance 00:38:40.5. How can you personalize emails effectively?Use segmentation, address recipients by name, and tailor content/offers by user behavior and preferences 01:04:00.6. What are key elements of a high-performing email?Subject line, preview text, concise and well-formatted body, clear call to action, optimized images—each tested before broad send-off 01:01:44.Action Steps for youPromote the episode using engaging snippets and “clips” across LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram for wider reach 00:23:00.Share Flodesk Studio link and personal testimonials; encourage audience to experiment with AI-powered email design 00:07:12.Encourage listeners to A/B test subject lines and preview text for their own audiences.Build and nurture a peer community for ongoing discussions on marketing, copywriting, and tech tools 00:58:37.Offer private consulting or group workshops on best practices in email marketing, segmentation, branding, and testing.Continue to spotlight client and listener wins secured through these tactics for future episodes and social proof.Gather feedback/analytics from podcast listeners on their favorite actionable tip, using surveys or Flodesk polls.Remain updated with new Flodesk and Clubhouse features, suggesting product improvements where valuable (as discussed re: heat maps 00:48:19).For more support, listeners are encouraged to book a call, or subscribe to upcoming training and resources.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

What happens when businesses, apps, and games use music without really paying for it?  This week we're on the third revenue multiplier of our Rising Tide miniseries: new forms of licensing hiding in plain sight.  First, Soundtrack CEO Ola Sars breaks down the 40 billion dollar market for background music in businesses, and why more than 80% of companies playing music today are doing it the wrong way. Only 5% of US businesses are fully compliant on public performance licensing, and that gap is costing the industry billions. Next, we have Lauren Pufpaf of Feed Media Group explain how personalized, intelligent music licensing is opening up categories most of the industry has not even noticed, including a 5 billion dollar opportunity in AI video platforms. Finally, Tomas Jenneborg of Reactional Music reveals that the gaming industry spends 25 to 30 billion dollars a year on user acquisition ads, and music is getting none of it.    The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri's Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.

A man in Oklahoma poops into a plastic bag and smears it on businesses. GTA 6. Deshawn Watson will start this season as QB for the Browns. A high school football coach was fired after he kicked a football into a player's crotch. 

I break down the philosophy behind Sweaty Startup and why execution beats ideas every time. In this conversation, I also share lessons from building multiple companies, learning sales through repetition, scaling with international talent, and creating systems that allow businesses to grow without depending on the owner. Topics include: • Why most people overvalue business ideas • The real skill every entrepreneur needs • How Nick scales with global teams • Delegation and decision making • Building multiple companies without losing focus • The operational systems behind growth A conversation on entrepreneurship, leverage, and building businesses that last. Grow your business:   https://sweatystartup.com/events   Book:   https://www.amazon.com/Sweaty-Startup-Doing-Boring-Things/dp/006338762X     Newsletter:   https://www.nickhuber.com/newsletter     My Companies:   Offshore recruiting – https://somewhere.com   Cost segregation – https://recostseg.com   Self storage – https://boltstorage.com   RE development – http://www.boltbuilders.com   Brokerage – https://nickhuber.com   Paid ads – https://adrhino.com   SEO – https://boldseo.com   Insurance – https://titanrisk.com   Pest control – https://spidexx.com     Sell a business:   http://nickhuber.com/sell     Buy a business:   https://www.nickhuber.com/buy     Invest with me:   http://nickhuber.com/invest     Social Profiles:   X – https://www.x.com/sweatystartup   Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sweatystartup   TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/404?fromUrl=/sweatystartup   LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweatystartup     Podcasts:   The Sweaty Startup & The Nick Huber Show   https://open.spotify.com/show/7L5zQxijU81xq4SbVYNs81     Free PDF – How to analyze a self-storage deal:   https://sweatystartup.ck.page/79046c9b03  

Vivienne Wagner is the Founder and CEO of Houndstooth Media Group, a boutique digital marketing agency helping mid-sized businesses turn their websites into revenue-driving assets through strategic SEO and AI-driven optimization. Known for making complex marketing concepts clear and actionable, Vivienne advises business leaders on how to position their companies to be found by both human audiences and emerging AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity. Her approach increases organic visibility, drives qualified traffic, and reduces reliance on paid ads, enabling businesses to scale more sustainably. Through her SEO & AI Optimization Audit, she helps companies uncover missed opportunities, identify weaknesses, and build a clear roadmap for competing in today's evolving search landscape.

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Send Jackie A Message!Someone once told me, kind of proudly, that he scrolls right past every sponsored listing on Google. Like it was a small act of resistance. I've thought about it ever since, because I don't think he was talking about Google at all. He was telling me what he believed about paying to be seen.A lot of you believe some version of that about your own advertising. You're just not saying it out loud. It shows up as the ad you keep not running.This is the final episode of ads month, and we're going through the four beliefs you have to shift to grow your yoga or Pilates studio with paid advertising: that ads feel gross or "not who I am," that a $20 to $30 lead is too expensive, that your town or niche is too small, and that you couldn't handle the volume if it worked.You'll get real numbers: what a healthy business puts toward marketing, what a normal cost per lead looks like on meta ads, and why $5 a day is working against you. If growth has felt hard, listen before busy season hits.The Studio CEO Ads Agency application takes under two minutes. Link below.TIMESTAMPED OUTLINE[00:00] The Google conversation I've never forgotten[03:41] What the data says your marketing budget should be[06:00] Running the math on a $300,000 studio[09:17] Belief 1: Ads feel gross, icky, or not who I am[11:30] Why an organic listing doesn't mean better teaching[14:58] Belief 2: A $20 to $30 lead is too expensive[20:17] Belief 3: My town is too small, my niche too narrow[22:28] Belief 4: What if I can't handle the volume[24:31] The four flipped beliefs and your next stepKEY TAKEAWAYS✓ Every business pays to get new students. The question is whether you're doing it on purpose or whenever the local magazine calls about their January issue. ✓ Businesses under $5 million in revenue typically put 7 to 8 percent of gross revenue into marketing. Businesses going after growth run 10 to 12 percent. ✓ A healthy cost per lead on meta ads sits between $20 and $30. Dialed-in ads with strong creative can hit $12 to $18. ✓ Being the organic result doesn't mean your teachers are better. It means your website is set up the way the algorithm likes. ✓ Your ad buys visibility. Your landing page builds the trust. ✓ A small town or narrow niche is an advantage. You're not competing with national brands at national spend.PULL QUOTES"You are not buying credibility. You're buying the chance to be seen.""The route is never the point. The trust building, that's the point.""The paid listing at the top is just a business owner who knows what they're doing.""That's a next-level problem. That's a good problem to be solving."FAQsHow much should a yoga or Pilates studio spend on marketing? The Small Business Administration recommends businesses under $5 million in revenue put 7 to 8 percent of gross revenue into marketing. Studios going after growth routinely run 10 to 12 percent.What is a good cost per lead for a yoga or Pilates studio?$20 to $30 is normal and healthy on meta ads. Strong creative and close management can bring it to $12 to $18. Above $30 means something needs work.Do paid ads make my studio look less legitimate than organic? No. How someone finds you doesn't determine what they experience once they're there. The ad buys visibility. Your testimonials and reviews build the trust.Will Facebook and Instagram ads work in a small town? Yes, and a small market is an advantage. You're not competing with national brands at national budgets, so your ad gets seen well by people who can walk in your door.Why aren't my ads working when I only spend $5 or $10 a day?Low budgets keep you in the platform's learning phase much longer. Meta and Google need data to figure out who buys from you, and small spend slows that down.What if I get more new students than I can handle? That's an operational problem, not a reason to wait. You control the spend, so you can dial in how many new students you can serve well each month.Work with Jackie MurphySay Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficialThe Studio CEO Ads Agency: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/agencyJoin The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo

Only 18% of banks have integrated AI workflows. Everyone else is automating the past. Most banks and credit unions are using artificial intelligence to make yesterday's work faster, then measuring the result with yesterday's numbers. Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow, and Dave Wright, Chief Innovation Officer at ServiceNow, call this the iteration trap and argue it is the same failure that has consumed digital transformation. Their new book, Infinite: How Visionary Leaders Transform Today's Businesses into AI-Forward Companies, published by Wiley in 2026, draws a line between an AI-enabled company that uses AI to do what it already did and an AI-forward company that uses AI to do what it could never do before. By their own research, only about 5% of companies have reached the second group. In this conversation with Jim Marous, Solis and Wright explain why an organization chart hides the handoffs where value stalls and why a work chart exposes them, how savings from iterative AI should fund the innovative AI that grows revenue, and what a chief executive should put in front of a board that has never approved an investment without a payback period. Wright describes a government delegation that planned to deflect 90% of its citizen calls and could not answer why. Solis describes 75 chief executives who admitted, privately, that they are expected to know what to do and do not. Marous brings the discussion back to banking throughout, from the quarterly reporting cycle that rewards cost-cutting to the risk avoidance culture that new bankers are trained into on their first day. He closes with his own prediction that the next wave of consolidation among banks and credit unions will be decided by readiness rather than by size, with the sharpest question in any acquisition being how much friction the acquired institution brings. About: Banking Transformed is hosted by Jim Marous, a top five banking industry influencer and Co-Publisher of The Financial Brand. Subscribe to Banking Transformed for new episodes multiple times each week, and subscribe to the Digital Banking Report at digitalbankingreport.com.

Dave McElroy is the bandleader of the Dave McElroy Band, a country music act centered on his songwriting and live performances. Named 2016 Breakout Artist of the Year at CMA Fest, he is also an entrepreneur, television host, and seasoned business operator with expertise in sales, customer service, team building, and controlled growth. Dave hosts Hang Time with Dave McElroy and has developed branded products, including a sunglasses collection. His work spans music, entertainment, business, and charitable initiatives. In this episode… Building a successful business, creating meaningful work, and reinventing your career all require more than ambition. The strongest leaders know how to protect quality, understand people, and recognize when it's time to pursue a new direction. What does it take to keep growing without losing the values that made you successful? Entrepreneur and country music artist Dave McElroy has built his career around reinvention, leadership, customer service, and a relentless focus on quality. His approach to business growth centers on scaling at a sustainable pace, developing employees instead of simply managing them, and creating experiences that keep customers coming back. Dave also explains how songwriting, marketing, and product development all depend on understanding human emotion and refining an idea until it truly connects. Across business and music, his advice is simple: take care of people, keep improving the work, and don't let ego get in the way of long-term success. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Dave McElroy, country music artist and bandleader of the Dave McElroy Band, about business growth, leadership, reinvention, and connecting with customers. Dave shares why controlled growth protects quality, how to build high-performing teams, and what songwriting can teach marketers. He also discusses dyslexia, faith, Nashville, and the lessons he learned from his family.

Most businesses are losing sales in the first few seconds, not because the offer is weak or the product is bad, but because the message feels like work. When people have to stop and decode your language, they don't lean in. They leave. And if confusion is costing you customers before the conversation even starts, how do you fix it fast?     In this week's episode, Donald Miller explains why confusion is the real reason businesses stall and how zero cognitive load messaging helps customers buy. He breaks down the "curse of knowledge," why people say "I'll think about it," and the 3 questions your messaging must answer in seconds. This episode gives you a simple framework to clarify your message so customers engage, trust you, and take action.     ----------------------   If you ever wonder why some marketing instantly grabs your attention while the rest gets ignored, know that it's not about luck. It's not about a bigger budget. The marketing that works follows just a few simple principles that make it easy to understandable, memorable, and impossible to overlook. That's why StoryBrand has a free guide. The Four Rules of Messaging PDF will teach you those principles and in just a few minutes you'll have a simple but powerful framework for improving every message you create from your website and emails to your ads and sales calls. Download your free copy of The Four Rules of Messaging: https://storybrand.com/the-4-rules-of-messaging?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=4rules-lead-gen-2026&utm_term=sbpod&utm_content=sbpodcast   ----------------------   Ready to clarify your message and grow your business?   Attend StoryBrand Your Business LIVE to learn how to explain what you do in a way customers instantly understand: https://storybrand.com/live/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=sbyourbusiness&utm_term=sbpod&utm_content=SB_workshop    Visit StoryBrand.com for business training, messaging tools, and resources to help you grow: https://storybrand.com/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=storybrand&utm_term=sbpod&utm_content=SB_home    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storybrand   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storybrand

Jon Ostenson is an entrepreneur, franchise investor, commercial real estate investor, international speaker, and franchise consultant based in Atlanta. He works with clients across North America to identify franchise opportunities and helps prospective business owners evaluate businesses based on their goals, market, and circumstances. He also authored Non-Food Franchising, a resource focused on franchise opportunities outside the traditional food category.    Here's some of the topics we covered: Why franchising beats starting from scratch The rise of non-food franchises How AI is creating business opportunities Running a franchise as a side hustle Financing a franchise purchase Top franchise industries to consider Finding the right franchise opportunity   To find out more about partnering or investing in a multifamily deal: Text Partner to 72345 or email Partner@RodKhleif.com    For more about Rod and his real estate investing journey go to www.rodkhleif.com   Please Review and Subscribe  

Jeff Homer returns with an update: revenue past $100m, a new dance division, and 50% growth expected this year. Register for the webinars:Licenses & Regulatory Issues When Buying a Business - TOMORROW! - https://bit.ly/4ccatTWNew SBA Rules: What Business Buyers Need to Know - Thu, Aug 27 - https://bit.ly/4c3b6zjArchitecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-Up - Tue, Sep 1 - https://bit.ly/4zdTbj2Topics in Jeff's interview:Building a music school roll-upScaling through monthly acquisitionsExpanding into dance schoolsBack-office value creationTransitioning from operator to CEOBuilding middle managementAvoiding private equity pitfalls100x return for early investorsConstant travel as CEOFuture vision for EnsembleReferences and how to contact Jeff:LinkedInEnsembleJeff's first appearance on Acquiring Minds: How to Buy 40 Businesses in 4 YearsWebinar:Architecture of an Entrepreneurial Roll-UpGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsThe ecosystem for serious acquisition entrepreneurs—education, capital, community, and post-close support to buy and grow a business:The Acquisition LabWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton Rohozov and produced by Pam Cameron

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS discussion explored transactional keywords as the key to converting online searches into business results. Several points were raised, including keyword modifiers, intent-driven content creation, analysis of competition (including CPC and search volume), and the ongoing challenge of understanding actual customer journeys through data analysis and attribution. The conversation stressed the importance of consistent SEO practice and the need for business owners to act on this knowledge to truly benefit from organic search.Who Is This For?The conversation focused on entrepreneurs, business owners, marketers, and content creators seeking to grow their businesses online through effective SEO strategies, particularly around the use of transactional keywords. A key theme that emerged was helping those who want to boost sales, improve website discoverability, and understand user intent by mastering keyword research and practical website tweaks.Key Moments & TimestampsIntroduction to Transactional Keywords: what they are and why they matter 00:00:03The importance of website pages and matching content to keyword searches 00:06:14Examples of transactional keywords and practical modifiers (buy, order, cheap, sign up, hire, near me, company, services) 00:25:03The power of intent and understanding the buyer journey 00:17:12Insights on last-touch attribution and multi-touch user journeys 01:23:25The importance of CPC (cost-per-click) and identifying valuable keywords 01:15:14Actionable advice on keyword research, consistency, and implementation 01:41:15Final takeaways and action steps from experts 01:42:53 and 01:44:02FAQsQ: What are transactional keywords?A: Transactional keywords are search terms used when someone is ready to make a purchase or complete a specific action online—like “buy,” “order,” “subscribe,” “hire,” or “near me” 00:04:09.Q: Why are modifiers important for keywords?A: Modifiers (e.g., “best,” “cheap,” “discount,” “download,” “local”) clarify intent, match your content to customer actions, and help attract high-intent customers 00:25:03.Q: How do I find the best keywords for my business?A: Use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or meetglimpse.com to analyze search volume, competition, and cost per click (CPC). Look for high CPC or low competition keywords for better ROI 01:15:14.Q: What's more important, search volume or keyword competition?A: Both matter, but targeting lower-competition keywords with reasonable search volume often yields quicker, cost-effective wins 01:17:11.Q: How can I track the effectiveness of my keywords?A: Use analytics platforms and Search Console data, not just customer surveys, to understand which keywords drive traffic and conversions to your site 01:23:25.Action Steps for Favour Obasi-ike's AudienceAudit your website: Ensure each page targets a specific, high-intent keyword or keyword phrase.Research modifiers: Add transactional and relevant modifiers to existing content and URLs.Analyze CPC and competition: Use keyword analysis tools (e.g., meetglimpse.com) to identify lucrative opportunities.Update and expand FAQs: Build trust and answer buyer questions directly on your site.Track attribution scientifically: Rely on Search Console and analytics for accurate insights instead of only customer self-report.Stay consistent: SEO is a long game—regularly update content and refine your keyword strategies.Implement, don't just learn: Turn insights into action—schedule regular SEO check-ins or book expert consultations.For more support, listeners are encouraged to book a call, or subscribe to upcoming training and resources.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Global prediction markets are booming. Trading volumes reached a record US$24 billion in April this year, heavily driven by excitement over the FIFA World Cup and sports betting. But with that expansive growth come risks. Recent high-profile cases alleging insider trading related to the markets have alarmed businesses over the fear employees could exploit their nonpublic information for personal gain. Regulators have taken notice, and enforcement is on the rise. How can businesses protect themselves from insiders who might use the prediction markets for ill gain? How significant is the enforcement and regulatory impact on companies? And what's on the horizon as the prediction markets continue to captivate the public? Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm's thought leaders on these issues — Ian McGinley, a partner in Sidley's Securities Enforcement and Regulatory and White Collar Defense and Investigations practices and a former Commodity Futures Trading Commission director of enforcement, and Matthew Podolsky, also a partner in Sidley's Securities Enforcement and Regulatory and White Collar Defense and Investigations practices. Matt is a former acting United States attorney for the Southern District of New York and former chief of their Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Together, they discuss the exponential growth of the prediction markets, what is driving that growth, and the real-world risks of insider trading prosecutions related to engaging with those markets. Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sahra S. Halpern.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sahra S. Halpern.

Europe is taking an increasingly tough line on trade with China, accusing Beijing of subsidising exports and flooding European markets with cheap goods. Businesses and governments warn that Chinese competition is putting European industries and jobs at risk, while China's growing dominance of supply chains is adding to concerns in Brussels. Ed Butler asks whether these accusations are fair, what Europe can do about them, and whether the two sides are heading for a new trade war.Producer/presenter: Ed ButlerYou can email the team: businessdaily@bbc.co.uk(Photo: A staff member prepares for the arrival of Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and EU Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera during China-EU Sixth High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue, Beijing, 14 July 2025, Credit: Reuters)

Andy LaPointe, co-founder of Traverse Bay Farms, an award-winning gourmet food business that helps customers enjoy all-natural products made with high quality ingredients and locally-grown produce whenever possible.Through their gourmet food brand and growing AI consulting business, Andy and his wife help customers and small business owners through real-world business experience, innovative strategies, and a commitment to genuine value.Now, Andy's journey from working in the food industry as a teenager to building a nationally recognised brand distributed across 42 states and five countries demonstrates the power of taking smart risks and staying adaptable in a constantly changing business world.And while balancing business, marriage, innovation, and the challenges of standing out in an AI-driven world, he continues to focus on building authentic relationships, meaningful customer experiences, and a business that grows with purpose.Here's where to find more:Gourmet food business: www.traversebayfarms.com https://www.facebook.com/TraverseBayFarms/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-lapointe/ OnlineAssistant.ai: www.onlineassistant.ai________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here:https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself

Today Britt is joined by a friend of the podcast, Anaita Sarkar. The state of e-commerce in Australia is bleak currently; businesses everywhere are feeling the brunt, and many are choosing to close their doors in defeat. People are referring to it as the "retail apocalypse". But how did we get here? This doesn't just happen overnight. What can founders do to help themselves now, and what does the future look like? Britt and Anaita are breaking it down. SOCIALS: Follow Britt on Instagram & TikTok Check out FAYT The Label HERE. Purchase my book "Just Getting Started" HERE CREDITSHost: Brittney Saunders. Executive Producer: Xander CrossDigital & Socials: Xander CrossManaging Producer: Ricardo BardonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could Making Tax Digital improve the way small businesses manage their finances, or will it become another administrative burden competing for an already crowded evening? In this episode, I speak with Caroline Duong, Head of Business Admin at ANNA Money, about Making Tax Digital, quarterly reporting, AI bookkeeping, and the reality of running a small business when one person is often responsible for almost everything. ANNA Money stands for Absolutely No Nonsense Admin. It is an AI-powered, app-based business account and financial admin service designed for small businesses, startups, freelancers, and sole traders in the UK. Its goal is to reduce the paperwork that regularly follows business owners home after the working day has supposedly ended. Caroline explains that Making Tax Digital quarterly updates are reports to HMRC rather than full tax returns. The intention is to encourage people with self-employment or property income to maintain digital records throughout the year instead of rebuilding their finances from receipts shortly before a deadline. Awareness remains a problem. Caroline says an estimated 864,000 people are expected to submit updates during the first year, while fewer than half had signed up at the time of recording. HMRC's softer first-year approach gives people time to adjust, but Caroline warns against waiting until penalties enter the system before changing established habits. We also discuss what AI can do differently from traditional accounting software. Caroline offers a wonderfully simple example: a tire purchase may represent vehicle maintenance for one business and inventory for a car parts dealer. An AI system with enough business context can recognize that difference and categorize the transaction accordingly. Caroline also explains why responsible automation still needs human confirmation. Software can learn about suppliers, customers, and regular expenses, but it must recognize when information is missing or a decision requires human judgment. The conversation ends with two practical recommendations. Keep business and personal transactions separate, and begin tracking income and expenses early. Both can make quarterly reporting significantly easier and reduce the risk of being caught off guard later. If AI can give business owners a few hours back each month, which administrative task should it take on first? Listen to the conversation and share your thoughts with me.

Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certificationOur students learn the government contracting skills to:1. Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a "solopreneur" advising businesses that sell to the government.2. Land high paying sales executive jobs with companies in the public sector.3. Increase government contracting revenue for companies selling to the US government.Most self-made millionaires didn't get rich chasing a flashy startup idea — they built wealth through boring, repeatable businesses that solve everyday problems. And the single biggest buyer of those "boring" services? The US federal government.In this video I break down two boring businesses — demolition and dental services — that quietly pull in hundreds of millions of dollars a year in federal contracts. We show you where to find these opportunities, how competitive they really are, and what it actually takes — and pays — to build a government contracting business or sales career around them.RESOURCES MENTIONED –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GovClose Program Overview (free 20-minute training): https://www.govclose.com USASpending.gov SAM.govRick Howard is a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel and former DoD acquisitions officer who managed over $82 billion in federal contracts. He is the founder of GovClose and the DoD Contract Academy, with 400+ graduates working as government contract consultants, federal account executives, and business owners winning federal contracts.Disclaimer: This video reflects Rick Howard's personal opinions and independent analysis of publicly available government data. It does not represent an official position, endorsement, or statement of the U.S. Air Force or the Department of Defense.Rick Howard expresses his opinions as a former government contracting officer and presents public data on government contracts that he analyzes. GovClose makes no guarantees whatsoever about federal spending data or government contracts.Government contracting data changes constantly, and we make no claims of perfection when presenting data. All data can be looked at from different angles, and it is up to the viewer to do their own research, their own data analysis, and decide if government contracting is for them.

Phil wants to buy a business and he's got a great network built up over the years who can help him grow a B2B services company, but being in a smaller city means he's got limited options and the best businesses are taken right away? What are his options? Should he do his own search? Start something? How could he grow his search to other cities in a manageable way? What about a manufacturing business that is actually a carveout? Are there things to be careful of in that situation? Watch now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4xsqf-ehvvk **** - Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com - Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com - Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com - Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com -Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

30+ unsexy business ideas: https://clickhubspot.com/dwtb Episode 854: Sam Parr ( https://x.com/theSamParr ) and Shaan Puri ( https://x.com/ShaanVP ) ask 3 founders to tell them the juiciest number behind their businesses and get advice live.  — Show Notes: (0:00) Rishi Talati, Hot Plate (20:10) Ajay Mehta, Tolan (39:53) Jonathan Baer, Overlap — Links: • Hot Plate - https://www.hotplate.com/  • Tolan - https://www.tolans.com/  • Overlap - https://overlap.ai/  — Check Out Sam's Stuff: • Hampton (joinhampton.com): My community for founders. Average member does $25m/year. Many of the guests are members. Get after it...apply: http://joinhampton.com/mfm — Check Out Shaan's Stuff: • Shaan's weekly email - https://www.shaanpuri.com  • Visit https://www.somewhere.com/mfm to hire worldwide talent like Shaan and get $500 off for being an MFM listener. Hire developers, assistants, marketing pros, sales teams and more for 80% less than US equivalents. • Mercury - Shaan uses Mercury across all of his companies. you can too: http://mercury.com/  Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column, N.A., Members FDIC • I run all my newsletters on Beehiiv and you should too + we're giving away $10k to our favorite newsletter, check it out: beehiiv.com/mfm-challenge My First Million is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by HubSpot Media // Production by Arie Desormeaux // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano /

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS discussion explored the evolving relationship between SEO and artificial intelligence, stressing that while AI revolutionizes content generation and search, SEO's foundational importance endures. One concept discussed was the need for website structure (schema, sitemaps, quality content) to ensure both human users and AI agents can discover, trust, and transact with a site.Who Is This For?The conversation focused on entrepreneurs, website owners, business leaders (including C-suite/Fortune 500), marketers, and anyone seeking to improve their business's online presence and growth using SEO and commercial keyword strategies. A key theme that emerged was bridging the knowledge gap for those new to digital marketing, whether launching a site from scratch, rescuing one, or scaling brand visibility.Key Moments & TimestampsIntroduction, Part 2 Justification & Audience Engagement: Highlights the need for deeper commercial keyword discussion; encourages live participation 00:00:13.AI vs. SEO: Relationship & Current Landscape: Explores whether AI will replace SEO; demonstrates synergy and need for structure 00:02:42–00:12:24.Website Structure & Longevity: Analogies for domain authority and building strong foundations 00:13:11.Ads vs. SEO Investment: Explains why investing in SEO creates lasting value versus short-term ad spend 00:17:11.WordPress vs. Vibe Coding: Evaluates traditional site-building vs. new AI/code-heavy approaches 00:22:56.Learning & Mastering SEO: Recommendations for ongoing strategies, resources, and communities 00:28:47.User Search Patterns & Keyword Strategy: Examines how users shop online, with a focus on long-tail and local keywords 00:32:22.Sitemaps & Robust Web Presence: How site architecture and multiple pages boost authority 00:40:10.Live Tools & Practical Auditing: Use of isitagentready.com for real-time AI/SEO readiness checks 00:43:28.Commerce, Payments, & Security: Significance of payment protocols and HTTPS for trust 00:44:29.Color, Calls to Action & Conversion Psychology: How interface details impact buying behaviors 00:54:03.Types of Commercial Intent Keywords: Differentiates high vs. low commercial intent; relevance for product, service, and pricing pages 00:59:19.Action-Oriented Keyword Construction: Guidance for structuring keyword phrases to increase conversions 01:04:23.Takeaways & Final Thoughts: Recap and encouragement to test, research, and take control of digital outcomes 01:07:42.Several points were raised, including:Investing in SEO produces compounding, evergreen visibility, unlike fleeting paid ads.Commercial keywords (e.g., “buy now,” “pricing,” “best [product],” “alternatives to”) are essential for conversion-focused pages.Local and long-tail strategies help users “find you” for specific contexts and regions.Security (HTTPS), trust signals, and payment protocols are non-negotiable for commercial viability.Testing and optimizing details—color, CTAs, copy—directly impact sales.FAQsQ: Will AI make SEO obsolete?A: No. AI depends on well-structured SEO content to deliver relevant results. They're complementary, not mutually exclusive 00:04:31.Q: What are commercial keywords?A: Specific search phrases indicating purchase intent (e.g., “buy,” “pricing,” “deal,” “best,” “compare”). Essential for pages targeting buyers 00:52:04.Q: Should I invest in SEO or ads?A: SEO offers sustainable, long-term visibility; ads work immediately but disappear when you stop paying 00:17:11.Q: Are modern coding approaches like vibe coding a good idea?A: New site builders offer fast results, but lack the proven, authority-strengthening foundation of established platforms like WordPress 00:22:56.Q: How do I start learning SEO?A: Combine online courses (Google, podcasts, masterminds) with community interaction and direct experimentation 00:28:47.Action StepsAudit your website with tools like isitagentready.com to gauge AI/SEO readiness 00:43:28.Review your site's structure—ensure schema markup, sitemaps, and multiple relevant pages exist 00:36:01.Identify and implement high-intent commercial keywords on key pages: homepage, product/service, pricing, and demo 00:52:04.Ensure your site is HTTPS-secured and supports modern payment integrations 00:46:07.Test calls-to-action and site colors to optimize conversion rates 00:54:03.Regularly engage in industry communities, podcasts, and training to stay current.Track and measure progress; iterate based on results and user feedback.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Why are companies preparing for agent-to-agent customer service when many customers still cannot get a chatbot to answer a straightforward question? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Latané Conant, Chief Marketing Officer at Parloa, about the state of customer experience and what businesses must repair before agentic AI becomes another barrier between customers and support. Parloa's State of Agentic CX report assessed 10,000 enterprise websites, 4,000 chat interactions, and 100 phone trees. According to the company's findings, fewer than 10% of the tested chat conversations achieved the customer's goal. Only 1% of enterprises demonstrated readiness for automated agent-to-agent interactions. Those results raise a difficult question about years of customer experience investment. Businesses now have websites, chatbots, mobile applications, email, messaging, and phone systems, but customers frequently struggle to find help or complete the task that brought them there. Latané argues that part of the problem comes from treating customer service primarily as a cost center. When the objective is reducing contact volume, organizations can unintentionally make themselves harder to reach. This overlooks the commercial and operational information contained within customer conversations. Calls can reveal onboarding problems, unexpected product uses, recurring faults, and potential sales opportunities. Latané explains how analyzing service conversations can give marketing, product, operations, and executive teams a clearer picture of what customers are experiencing. We also examine why so many chatbots reproduce the frustration of traditional phone trees. Although the interface looks conversational, the system underneath may still rely on rigid categories and predefined routes. Customers then find themselves trying different words or repeatedly requesting a human agent. Latané describes a better agentic customer experience as being closer to talking with someone who already knows you. A personal AI agent could remember previous interactions, understand preferences, work across voice and text, and complete a request without making the customer repeat information. That possibility also introduces questions about trust, permissions, personal information, and oversight. Latané discusses the need to monitor what AI agents are doing, identify when conversations move away from approved subjects, and use supporting agents to detect potentially harmful behavior. Human involvement remains particularly important when a conversation involves distress, vulnerability, or emotional care. In Latané's roadside assistance example, AI can arrange a tow truck for a flat tire. If it detects signs that the caller is in distress, the conversation should move quickly to a person. We finish by considering what this means for customer service employees. Latané believes experienced representatives and operations teams can become builders and managers of AI agents, applying their customer knowledge across a much larger digital workforce. If the existing customer service front door is confusing and unwelcoming, should businesses repair that experience before inviting AI agents through it? Listen to the episode and share your thoughts with me.

Welcome to Season 14 with Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS!The discussion explored the importance of understanding the four main keyword types: informational, commercial, navigational, and transactional, highlighting that commercial keywords account for a crucial 22% of search demand. Emphasis was placed on commercial keywords being the bridge between window shopping and purchase intent.A key theme that emerged was the necessity of data-driven keyword selection using tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, and Ubersuggest. The discussion highlighted that even highly niche or seemingly unconventional businesses can yield significant results when leveraging strategic keyword research.Several points were raised, including the technical significance of URL slugs, content quality over quantity, proper keyword placement, and the increasing value of integrating social media channels for SEO purposes (e.g., linking Instagram/LinkedIn pages for higher authority).Personal success stories from participants illustrated rapid ranking improvements and revenue growth, underscoring the long-term value of SEO over paid ads for sustainable traffic and leads.Who Is This For?The conversation focused on business owners, entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone interested in leveraging SEO and commercial keywords to drive meaningful growth—especially those with websites or digital services looking to increase traffic and conversions through organic search.Key Moments With TimestampsIntroduction to Keyword Types and SEO Fundamentals 00:00:04Explanation of Informational, Commercial, Navigational, and Transactional Keywords 00:01:21Real-World Case Studies on SEO Transformations 00:10:00Deep Dive Into Commercial Intent and Keyword Research Tools 00:14:14Strategic Use of URL Slugs and Their Impact 00:32:43Using Social Media Integrations in SEO 00:19:03Success Stories: Ranking Improvements and Data-Driven Tactics 00:49:56The Importance of Niche and Low-Competition Keywords 00:46:33How to Turn SEO Traffic Into Leads 00:58:04FAQsQ: What's the difference between informational and commercial keywords?A key concept discussed was that informational keywords answer questions, while commercial keywords indicate buying intent, such as “best software for…” or “top alternatives to…”.Q: How do I choose the right commercial keywords?The discussion explored using data from keyword research tools rather than guessing, emphasizing specificity, intent, and competition metrics.Q: Why are URL slugs important for SEO?One concept discussed was that your URL slug directly impacts your site's discoverability—matching it to target keywords can boost rankings.Q: Can small businesses compete for high-value keywords?A key theme was targeting long-tail, niche, or region-specific variants to outmaneuver larger competitors—sometimes ranking quickly.Q: How often should I update SEO content?The conversation focused on improving and refining content over time, especially as ranking and analytics reveal what's working.Action Steps for Favour Obasi-ikeEducate Your Audience: Continue breaking down SEO concepts such as keyword types, intent, and technical fundamentals in digestible formats, using case studies and real-world examples.Promote Data-Driven Decisions: Encourage the use of keyword research tools, and stress the importance of not guessing terms but validating them with competition and search data.Advise on Technical SEO: Remind clients to optimize URL slugs, interlink content, and leverage Google Search Console and social integrations for enhanced visibility.Showcase Success Stories: Regularly share tangible case studies demonstrating before/after results from commercial keyword deployments.Foster Community Engagement: Invite listeners to submit their own results, questions, or niche discoveries for review in future episodes or on social media.Create Step-by-Step Resources: Develop checklists or templates for commercial keyword research, URL optimization, and data tracking.Offer Consultations: Direct listeners to book a strategy call for personalized SEO roadmaps and deeper dives into their analytics and keyword gaps.Plan for Follow-Ups: Organize part 2 sessions to address advanced or transactional keyword strategies and continue the learning journey.Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

Liz Peek discusses the resilience of the American economy, noting that high-end consumer spending remains strong despite recession fears. Small businesses are reportedly "humming," with hiring and profitability reaching their highest levels since 2026. This economic momentum is increasingly driven by a massive boom in AI development, which has created an exponential demand for long-term capital. However, this appetite for money is pressuring the bond market, leading to higher mortgage rates that hinder the housing industry. Peek highlights a growing divide between red and blue states, where the former are more likely to embrace AI investment while the latter resist it. She also addresses the influence of Hasan Piker, a radical Twitch streamer who mobilizes young men for Democratic candidates like Abdul El-Sayed. Despite concerns about AI-related job losses, Peek argues it is a vital tool for productivity and medical advancement. (1)

Send us Fan MailRetirement? Not this time. This episode goes somewhere much darker—and much more redemptive.In this powerful episode of the Remarkable People Podcast, David Pasqualone sits down with Austin Rampt to discuss addiction, relapse, shame, faith, family, recovery, and redemption.Austin shares an unforgettable story of childhood anxiety, bullying, deep emotional pain, drug addiction, burning down his family home, arrests, sobriety, relapse, running to Mexico, cartel danger, rock bottom, and finally the truth that began changing everything: you do not have to earn love.This episode is for anyone battling: addiction  relapse  shame  hopelessness  emotional wounds  spiritual confusion  family breakdown  or the belief that their life is too far gone to be restored In this conversation, you will hear about: childhood wounds and how they shaped Austin's identity  the first time alcohol made the noise go quiet  addiction, overdoses, and life in Mexico  the lie of “not good enough”  why the opposite of addiction is connection  how faith, surrender, and truth changed his life  the power of family, fatherhood, and recovery  how rock bottom became the beginning of redemption One of Austin's most powerful lines in this episode:“The opposite is not sobriety. It's deep, intimate connections.”If you or someone you love is struggling, please share this episode.Connect with Austin Rampt

In this episode of the Travis Makes Money Podcast, Travis and producer Eric dive into how traditional media is adapting to changing audience behavior, using Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show as a case study. They discuss the rise of microdramas, why audiences increasingly prefer clips and unfiltered long-form content, and what creators and business owners can learn from media companies experimenting with new formats. They also explore the tension between polished production and authenticity—and why there may not be one “right” approach to creating content. On this episode we talk about: Why Jimmy Fallon and traditional media companies are experimenting with microdramas and vertical content How shrinking attention spans and fragmented audiences are changing the entertainment industry Why podcasts and long-form content can succeed despite the rise of short-form media The difference between highly produced content and more spontaneous, authentic content How creators and businesses can experiment with different formats to discover what works Why businesses should consider creating their own recurring “microdramas” or shows instead of relying solely on traditional advertising What creators can learn from The Tonight Show constantly testing new ideas Top 3 Takeaways Find your format by experimenting. There isn't one universally correct approach to content. Some creators succeed with highly scripted, heavily produced videos while others thrive with spontaneous, low-production content. The key is to keep testing until you find what works for your audience. Don't be afraid to try things that might fail. One of the biggest advantages creators and entrepreneurs have today is the ability to experiment quickly and cheaply. You can try a three-hour episode, a two-minute microdrama, a new series, or an entirely different format without needing a massive corporate approval process. Turn your content into an asset for your business. Businesses can create their own recurring content series that entertains or educates without being a traditional advertisement. When the business naturally becomes part of the setting or story, the content can build awareness while still giving the audience something they actually want to watch. Notable Quotes "There's a reason why the audience is going to these other places." "Can you find your format and your footing? Do people like the content? Are they gonna continue to follow?" "Just get in the creator chair and try whatever you can try because you never know what's going to be the thing that actually takes off and works." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: Travis Chappell A Word from Our Sponsors: - Go to Leesa.com for 25% OFF select mattresses (through August 23, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason talks to Travis Tufte, Board Chair, Minnesota State Outdoor Business Alliance (MNSoba) & Stephen Regenold, Outdoors Journalist about this week's convention in Minneapolis bringing together vendors from across the country. Could MN become a hub for outdoors businesses?

For many years, I chased other things on this planet.    Money.    Cars.     Houses.    Fame.    Businesses.   A family.    And the craziest thing is after all of the chasing of tangible things tied to this Earth, I fgured out what I want.    I'm chasing the purpose of taking complex concepts and breaking them down for everyone to use in their lives.     Put them into practice.    I'm here to teach, help people, and do so in a rough and aggressive way to make it happen.    Jesus did it.    To clarify, I'm not compariing myself to Jesus.    He pissed off the Rabbis, Pharisees, the Roman Empire.......there's a long list.    He never chased people, money, power, fame, or anything like that.    No matter what or who you believe in, once you lock into your purpose, you will be unstoppable.    Believe me.......   I know it.      About the ReWire Podcast   The ReWire Podcast with Ryan Stewman – Dive into powerful insights as Ryan Stewman, the HardCore Closer, breaks down mental barriers and shares actionable steps to rewire your thoughts. Each episode is a fast-paced journey designed to reshape your mindset, align your actions, and guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself. Join in for a daily dose of real talk that empowers you to embrace change and unlock your full potential.    Learn how you can become a member of a powerful community consistently rewiring itself for success at https://www.jointheapex.com/   Rise Above

On today's episode, Andy answers your questions on how to use your focus when you are running multiple businesses, how to channel your intensity and passion to develop skills to succeed in life, and how to find meaningful purpose when nothing feels fulfilling.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Alicia Lyttle.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by AI? Like…. There's certain aspects of Artificial intelligence that you barely understand to begin with, yet you're expected to use it AND it's changing every day? I understand where you're coming from. It's literally my only job to use, build with and teach AI every day and that's all I've done now for 3 years, and even I find it hard to keep up. But don't worry. That's where the ‘Start Here Series' comes into play. If one of your focuses is better understanding AI in 2026 or if you're an expert looking to double down, this Start Here Series is for you. In our first volume, we're going back to the basics. Generative AI: How it works and why it matters in 2026 more than ever -- An Everyday AI Chat. with Jordan Wilson.Other Start Here Series EpisodesEp 691: Generative AI: How it works and why it matters in 2026 more than ever (Start Here Series Vol 1)(In the future, we'll update with other 'Start Here Series' episodes)Start Here Series Community Sign up: Follow the Start Here Series with free access to our Inner Circle CommunityMore on this Episode: Episode PageJoin the discussion on LinkedIn: Thoughts on this? Join the convo on LinkedIn and connect with other AI leaders.Upcoming Episodes: Check out the upcoming Everyday AI Livestream lineupWebsite: YourEverydayAI.comEmail The Show: info@youreverydayai.comConnect with Jordan on LinkedInTopics Covered in This Episode:Generative AI Basics and 2026 ImpactExplosive Growth of Large Language ModelsAI Adoption Rates in EnterprisesAI Agents and Operating Systems OverviewHistory and Evolution of Artificial IntelligenceTransformer Architecture and Model BreakthroughsHow Large Language Models WorkModern AI Capabilities: Multimodal ToolsQuantifying ROI for Generative AI InvestmentWorkforce Disruption and Future Job TrendsScaling AI: From Pilot to Enterprise-WideUrgency for AI Upskilling and Competitive AdvantageTimestamps:00:00 "Start Here: AI Guide Series"04:10 "Join Our Free Community"09:17 "AI Operating Systems for Businesses"11:05 "Partner with Everyday AI"13:00 "AI Evolution Over Decades"16:34 "ChatGPT's Transformative Impact"22:17 "Generative AI and Memory Evolution"26:03 "AI Delivers Exponential ROI"29:59 "AI Demand Surges, Hiring Drops"32:15 "AI Transforming CRMs Rapidly"35:01 "AI Fluency Demands Urgency"Keywords:Generative AI, artificial intelligence, large language models, transformer architecture, GPT, ChatGPT, Send Everyday AI and Jordan a text message. (We can't reply back unless you leave contact info)