Podcast appearances and mentions of ryan deiss

February 26, 2026Kronos is chronological time.Kronos appears more than 50 times in the original New Testament.Kairos is a pregnant moment in time, an inflection-point of consequence.Does in surprise you that Kairos appears more than 85 times?Each of us vividly remembers those Kairos moments when we decided to turn the steering wheel of Life and begin traveling in a whole new direction.Jim Burns is a counselor. His voice is heard on more than 800 radio stations each day and he has 3 million books in print. But I didn't know any of that prior to him appearing as a guest speaker at our church last week.I tell you this only because Jim Burns said something that I really needed to hear.“I had to learn to say 'no' to good things, to say ‘yes' to the most important things.”That was a Kairos moment for me because it instantly crystallized something in my mind that had previously been only the foggy awareness that I was speaking with so many people each day that I no longer had time to take a deep breath and calm my thoughts.Then Jim said it again, but differently. “Sometimes we just have to say ‘no' to good things, even to say yes to the most important things. That's how we declutter. That's how we run light.”Two days later, I was surprised by a video on Youtube in which my friend Ryan Deiss mentions me by name. He had posted that video a couple of weeks before Jim Burns spoke at our church.Speaking of himself, Ryan says,“I literally had zero recollection whatsoever of what I did, or what any of my companies did those weeks, either. It's just like they were a complete blur. More than likely, I spent all my time responding to whatever emergency someone else decided was important for me on that particular day.”Wow. Ryan Deiss was speaking exactly what I had been feeling for more than a year.There are now 87 Wizard of Ads partners and many hundreds of clients, so I go to bed most nights exhausted by the long days, the countless conversations, and the constant feeling that I am somehow letting everyone down.But Ryan wasn't finished.“Scale creates chaos. So if you want to get bigger, you have to insist on focus and simplicity. It is a bit of a paradox, but the key to scale is actually to do less, not more. Because when you force yourself to do less, you shift the emphasis from quantity to impact. And at scale, output matters a lot more than activity.”We – not just me, but all of us – need to be on guard that we don't allow the “merely urgent” to displace the truly important.Have you ever noticed that the things that are truly important are rarely urgent, and things that are “exclamation-point URGENT” are rarely of lasting importance?Urgent things are momentary, but constant.Important things are forever, but they can always wait.And then one day, they can't wait any longer.And by then, it's often too late.For those of you who are curious, Indy Beagle has posted in the rabbit hole the Ryan Deiss Youtube video that I mentioned, as well as the Youtube video of Jim Burns speaking at our church.Those two messages, just 48 hours apart, created a Kairos moment for me.If you have been feeling what I was feeling and what Ryan was describing, maybe those videos will do the same for you.You can watch the videos or click past them if you don't have time.Believe me, I completely understand.Roy H. WilliamsAmerica's top CEOs pay Doug C. Brown to teach them how to rethink their approach to sales. Doug has consulted Procter & Gamble, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Embassy Suites. Doug C. Brown is not a lightweight. Doug tells roving reporter Rotbart, “most companies can quickly realize a 20-30% improvement in operating profits” when they follow his straightforward recommendations.Doug says that it is more important “to know the right prospects to approach” than to know how to close the sale. If you think you've heard it all, listen to Doug C. Brown. There is a chance that maybe you haven't heard it all. Doug C. Brown will light you up. The right time to listen is up to you. But the place will always be MondayMorningRadio.com

Learn more about Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv/In this episode, I sit down with Allison Yazdian, CEO of Uscreen, to break down how creators can build scalable, recurring revenue with video-first memberships. We cover what makes a compelling offer, how to price and tier it, and the features that drive engagement and retention. Allison shares real examples of creators generating millions through subscriptions, live streams, and community. If you want to own your audience and turn content into predictable monthly revenue, this is a must-watch.Connect with Allison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonyazdian/Timestamps:00:00: Meet Allison Yazdian (CEO of Uscreen)01:20: What Uscreen Does04:00: How Creators Make Money with Memberships06:00: Big Creators Using Uscreen 09:00: Why Memberships Beat Ads & One-Off Products12:00: What Makes a Great Membership Offer16:00: Free Tiers, Trials & Entry Offers18:00: Pricing Strategy & Benchmarks22:00: Structuring Your Membership Tiers24:30: Must-Have Features (Community, Live, Challenges)27:30: How to Market & Sell Your Membership31:30: Onboarding New Members the Right Way33:30: Reducing Churn & Increasing Retention36:00: One Thing That Improves Retention Fast38:00: Who Uscreen Is Best For + How to Get StartedOther Resources:

Learn more about Ezoic: https://www.ezoic.com/I sit down with Gavin Bechtold (Ezoic) to reveal how publishers, creators, and newsletter operators are leaving serious money on the table by ignoring website monetization. We break down programmatic ads, first-party data, and how sending traffic back to your site can dramatically increase subscriber lifetime value. If you run a newsletter or media business, this episode will change how you think about traffic and revenue.Connect with Gavin directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinbechtold/Timestamps:00:00: Intro & why website traffic is overlooked05:47: Website vs. newsletter monetization12:50: What RPMs can you actually expect?16:46: Myth busting: Do ads hurt user experience?29:21: How first-party data increases ad revenue36:56: Who Ezoic is a good fit forMore Resources:

Everywhere he went, Jeremiah warned people that their land would be subjugated, their way of life would be destroyed, and that they would become slaves of a government they did not choose.Jeremiah is remembered today as “the weeping prophet.”He was earnest, sincere, and entirely correct, but no one wants to be told that they have an inescapable appointment with a dentist and a gastroenterologist to receive a simultaneous root canal and colonoscopy in the outdoors during a rainstorm.Jeremiah painted a dark sky without a single ray of sunlight shining through. This is why no one ever gave Jeremiah a microphone, an audience, and a big pile of money to be their guest speaker.Polyanna was 11 years old in 1913, and she still rides around on her adorable little pony radiating sunshine and rainbows everywhere she goes. Pollyanna tells everyone who will listen that a magical genie will give you whatever you want if you just smile and laugh and think happy thoughts.Pollyanna is even less popular than Jeremiah. I promise I'm not making this up.Google tells me that Jeremiah remains a popular name for boys, always ranked in the top 100. Pollyanna is not nearly so popular among girls. It currently ranks somewhere between number 8,284 and number 13,776.Jeremiah and Pollyanna became the topic of conversation while I was comparing notes with Ryan Deiss and Jet Eisenberg and Robert Grebe during lunch last week. We were trying to figure out why we were suddenly seeing a sharp uptick in public speaking requests.We all agreed that a general feeling of unrest is shining out of every television screen and blowing through the ductwork of every home in America.That's when Deiss said,“No one wants Jeremiah. No one wants Pollyanna. People are looking for someone who is aware of current difficulties, but who can also see a clear path forward.”It was one of those moments when everyone at the table instantly knew that Truth had been spoken.No one wants to hear the gloom and doom of Jeremiah right now. And no one wants to ride the pony or drink the sugarwater of Pollyanna.People are just looking for a promising path forward.My partner Todd Liles has been trying to tell me this for several months, but Ryan Deiss was able to condense it into a metaphor of paired opposites, the lightning bolt that is most likely to pierce my hard head and illuminate my mindMarcus Aurelius Antoninus was the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. Eighteen hundred years ago he wrote,“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”Lucius Annaeus Seneca was born in the same year that Jesus was born. Late in his life, Seneca said,“True happiness is to enjoy the present without anxious dependence on the future.”But Jesus had already said the same thing thirty years earlier during his famous Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was teaching us to live in the present when he said,“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”Do not fret about an imaginary future.You will deal with the actual future when it arrives.Roy H. Williams

Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, where I document my journey scaling an e-commerce brand and share the systems, strategies, and lessons learned in real-time. This episode introduces a scalable meeting cadence designed to improve business operations, outlining various types of effective meetings including weekly 1:1s, leadership huddles, and quarterly strategic planning sessions. Each meeting type has specific objectives and agendas to foster leadership and team alignment, ensuring your business is always moving forward.

The most important marketing question isn't "What works?" According to Billy Broas, it's "What are human beings?" Sounds philosophical? It is—and that's exactly the point. On Marketing Speak, Billy (creator of the Five Light Bulbs framework and marketing strategist for Tiago Forte, Ryan Deiss, and major science-focused companies) makes the case for argument-driven marketing over psychology-driven marketing. His manifesto challenges the industry norm: Stop treating people like lab rats to be hacked. Start making defensible arguments to intelligent human beings. The practical impact?  ✓ Teams align around one clear message (no more conflicting arguments across departments)  ✓ Content has purpose (every piece advances the sale as a proof point)  ✓ Marketing creates "re-enchanted transactions" that build loyalty  ✓ You avoid the ethical quicksand of manipulation tactics Billy walks us through his complete framework, plus how to use syllogisms with ChatGPT to audit your marketing logic and identify where your claims don't connect. This is marketing that works better in the long term AND has a stronger ethical foundation. Listen now!

In This Episode of Business Lunch: Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss discuss the evolving landscape of business in the age of AI, emphasizing the shift from task-oriented work to purpose driven services. They explore the implications of AI on job markets, the importance of customer experience, and strategies for business owners to adapt and thrive. The conversation highlights the need for businesses to focus on delivering value beyond mere tasks, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Death of the Task Economy01:51 The Shift from Task to Purpose06:09 Understanding Jevons Paradox in AI12:42 Qualitative vs Quantitative Work20:47 Valuation and Purpose in Business25:10 Transforming Services with Purpose32:27 Customer Experience and the Future of ServicesConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

Traditional online courses are dead. People don't need more information. They need execution. In this video, I break down why live cohort-based programs are the fastest way to turn your expertise into a $100K+ offer and eventually a $1M/year business. You'll learn how to craft your cohort in 8 simple steps, even if you have no audience, testimonials, or teaching experience. Get the full guide and next steps here.Timestamps:01:35 Introduction 3:00 Why courses are dead5:25 The execution problem5:48 Why cohorts win7:22 Step 1: Pick the outcome10:45 Step 2: Structure it14:22 Step 3: Homework plan15:06 Step 4: Build the system16:11 Step 5: Gamify + track19:40 Step 6: Track results20:43 Step 7: Scarcity21:22 Step 8: Social proof26:58 Step 9: Cohort outline30:15 Step 10: Build anticipation31:17 Step 11: Always sell, then build31:55 Step 12: Marketing scheduleWant to learn what's working in media right now? New Media Summit brings together 500+ founders in Austin Feb 26-27 with Codie Sanchez, Ryan Deiss, Matt Paulson, and more. Get tickets here!

Hector sits down with Dustin Reichmann, founder of Seven Figure Leap and host of the Seven Figure Leap podcast, to explore the evolution of podcasting as a business tool. Dustin shares his journey from being "the podcast guesting guy" to launching his own show, revealing why he initially resisted hosting and what finally changed his mind. The conversation dives deep into the practical side of podcasting for business owners—from leveraging relationships with high-profile guests like Ryan Deiss to developing four distinct episode types that serve different business goals. Dustin breaks down his coaching series format, explains why he now prioritizes solo content for repurposing, and discusses how he measures success beyond traditional download metrics. He also opens up about the importance of having professional production support, emphasizing that entrepreneurs should focus on strategy and relationships rather than editing and distribution. Whether you're considering starting a podcast or looking to evolve your existing show, this conversation offers a masterclass in intentional podcasting that serves both your audience and your business.Chapters:(00:00:00) - The Power of Relationships Over Download Metrics(00:01:45) - From Podcast Guesting Advocate to Show Host(00:05:00) - Landing Ryan Deiss: How Having Your Own Platform Opens Doors(00:08:15) - Why It's Easy to Get High-Profile Guests on Your Show(00:11:20) - The Association Effect: Credibility Through Guest Selection(00:13:00) - The Four Types of Episodes That Drive Business Results(00:16:30) - The Coaching Series: Free Value That Converts(00:18:45) - How the Show Evolved Through Four Distinct Phases(00:23:00) - The Strategic Planning Process Behind Each Episode(00:25:15) - Why Professional Production Support Is Non-Negotiable(00:29:00) - The Secret to Podcast Success: Consistency and StrategyLinks And Resources:WebsiteDustin Reichmann on LinkedInHector Santiesteban LinkedInHector Santiesteban TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Marketing Your Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

In this episode, host Josh interviews Ryan Deiss, founder of DigitalMarketer, about the smartest way for entrepreneurs to hire their first employees. Ryan explains why business owners should avoid hiring assistants for minor tasks and instead recruit experienced professionals who can fully own critical business functions. He discusses overcoming fears around big hires, financial considerations, and the importance of mapping out your value creation process. Ryan also shares strategies for systematizing operations and building a team that enables real growth and freedom, rather than creating more management headaches.Chapters:Introduction to Ryan Deiss and Episode Overview (00:00:00)Host introduces Ryan Deiss, his background, and the episode's focus on business operating systems and hiring.Common Mistakes in First Hires (00:02:12)Ryan explains what not to do when hiring your first employee, warning against hiring assistants for minor tasks.The "Genius with a Thousand Helpers" Trap (00:02:56)Discussion on why hiring helpers instead of professionals leads to more management and less freedom.Hiring Professionals to Own Critical Functions (00:03:46)Advice to map value creation, identify weak spots, and hire experienced professionals to own those areas.Overcoming Fear and Financial Concerns in Big Hires (00:04:37)Ryan addresses the fear and financial hesitation of hiring high-level employees and how to mitigate it.Cost Comparison: Professionals vs. Multiple Helpers (00:06:14)Breakdown of the financial and operational impact of hiring one pro versus several lower-level helpers.The Real Cost of Ineffective Hiring (00:07:48)Explains the long-term frustration and wasted resources from hiring multiple helpers instead of a pro.Path to Entrepreneurial Freedom (00:09:18)Ryan outlines the goal: remove yourself from all value creation steps by hiring pros for each function.Debunking the "Learn It Before You Hire It" Myth (00:10:13)Ryan refutes the idea that founders must master a function before hiring an expert for it.Three Actionable Takeaways (00:11:39)Host summarizes key actions: value creation mapping, overcoming imposter syndrome for big hires, and automating processes.Closing and Where to Learn More (00:13:31)Ryan shares where listeners can learn more about his programs and communities.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites  Founders BoardKey Takeaways  Value Creation Mapping: "00:11:58"  Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: 00:12:59  Automating the Value Creation Process: 00:13:28Transcript:Josh 00:00:00  Today I'm super excited to introduce to you Ryan Deiss. Ryan is the founder and the CEO of The Scalable Company Digital Marketer, and a founding partner at Scalable Equity, LLC, a venture equity accelerator that builds and acquires B2B media and software brands. He is a bestselling author, founder of multiple companies, collectively employing hundreds around the globe, and one of the most dynamic speakers on business operating systems in the United States today. So welcome to the podcast, Ryan.Ryan 00:00:32  Thanks for having me. It is not difficult to be among the most dynamic speakers about business operating systems, because most people would consider that to be like watching paint dry. But I think it's I think it's pretty sexy stuff, so I appreciate that.Josh 00:00:47  Hey, and I agree as well. Typically it is, it is one of those topics that most people, I think tend to avoid, right? If you go to a conference and you're like, which one should I go to? I think the shiny object is always like the newest marketing hack, right? Or like social media? and with your experience obviously running Digital Marketer, you're you're well versed in that.Josh 00:01:09  And I think you could argue you're one of the most well-versed in digital marketing itself. But today we're going to be talking all about business operating systems. So how do you know who should be your first hire? Right. is it kind of going along that customer journey, so to speak, or your value journey that we're talking about here? And is it identifying, you know, hey, actually our secret sauce is in product innovation, right? Like that's our secret sauce. That's where it seems like we're bringing a lot of value, especially on Amazon. Right. You talk about, you know, bringing traffic. It's like well Amazon's brought traffic to you. Plus they have the fulfillment engine. So like they've tackled two big levers for a lot of people right. so if you identify like, hey, we're really good at product innovation or something like that, Does that mean, hey, I should first hire out that product innovation? Or do I need to figure out a product? Do I need to hire a project manager? Or is it an executive assistant? Like, how do you go through the process of deciding who to hire first and why?Ryan 00:02:12  So let me answer the question by telling you what not to do.Ryan 00:02:14  And then I'll come back around and give a more explicit answer. So what most people do, and it's not what you should do, is they go around and they look at all the stuff that needs to get done, right. And it's their name in all the boxes. And so what they say is, okay, I need to get somebody to help me with all of the little things so that I have more time to do these quote unquote important things. Right? So I need to hire, you know, a virtual assistant to help, like, answer my email and to deal with my scheduling. And, you know, I need to hire somebody else over here to, you know, respond to this and take care of that. And, you know, in this particular step, if I, if I just had somebody to help me do some of the pieces of this, you know, then, you know, then then I could be more efficient. And what we're doing when we do that is.Ryan 00:02:56  And the reason that's not what you do is you're what is known as the genius with a thousand helpers. Okay. And so you're not actually creating any additional space and freedom for yourself. You're just adding the management of other people and the tasking out of other people to your already cluttered to do list. And that's why it doesn't work. And that's why ultimately these people wind up failing and we're like, oh, they suck. And they were supposed to help me. And they're supposed to take time off. And they're not. They're just asking me all these questions. I don't have time to answer all these questions. Right. It's because we didn't hire someone to own a critical aspect of the value creation process. We hired somebody to help us continue to own that process. So what I would encourage you to do is look at the value creation flow and to say, what are the critical tasks and processes that I don't like. And I'm not particularly good at, but I'm currently being forced to do okay.Ryan 00:03:46  So it's incredibly critical. It's incredibly important. But you don't necessarily like doing it and and you don't necessarily. You're not necessarily the best in the world at it. So let's say again, you know, you're running an e-commerce business and you really love the product side of things. You love the innovation and the sourcing. you love, you know, thinking about the packaging and the positioning, but you're getting the bulk of your traffic, let's say, from, you know, Pinterest and Instagram. And really, you don't geek out that much on Pinterest and Instagram, but you're good enough at it, right? So what people would say is like, I guess I'm gonna get somebody to help with photography and maybe somebody can write some of the descriptions and do a littl...

The best marketing strategy is the one nobody wants to hear. In this encore episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill sits down with Ryan Deiss, CEO of Digital Marketer and one of the most respected authorities in modern marketing. Ryan shares the brutal lesson he learned sitting at a bar with a quarter million dollars in debt, the napkin that changed everything, and why the principles that saved his business contradict nearly every marketing trend being sold today. This conversation strips away the hacks and shortcuts to reveal what actually determines who wins in any market, why weak businesses fail faster with good marketing, and how the most successful entrepreneurs think about growth, identity, and what success really means. Here's what you'll learn: Why the entrepreneur who can spend the most to acquire a customer always wins, and how to engineer your business to do exactly that How to recognize when chasing marketing tricks is costing you more than it's gaining you, and what to focus on instead What separates entrepreneurs who scale successfully from those who burn out or plateau along the way Marketing without a solid foundation is just expensive noise. ---- Show Notes: 03:44 – The unexpected lesson from selling a $14 ebook and thinking beyond a one-time sale 04:58 – Why entrepreneurs need the dangerous mix of naivete and overconfidence to get started 08:30 – The back-of-a-napkin decision that changed everything 10:40 – How simplifying the business model led to the first $1 million year 15:32 – The real metric that matters in marketing and why most people focus on the wrong one 17:19 – Marketing as an amplifier and why it can't fix a broken business 25:46 – Why great marketing must get people to not just notice, but stare 31:00 – The patterns behind the least successful entrepreneurs 39:40 – How Ryan defines success and the power of optionality ---- Links & Resources: Digital Marketer Viktor Frankl Vincent Van Gogh Pablo Picasso ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 211. Pat Flynn — Superfans: How to Stand Out, Grow Your Tribe, and Build a Successful Business 180. Seth Godin — Putting Your Best Work Out Into the World 29. Billy Gene Shaw — Entertain, Educate, Execute: How to Dominate on Social Media

Before you borrow cash from a friend, decide which one you need most.Never tell a person that their child is ugly. Every child is the trigger on the gun of their parent's rage.If you say, “I am only speaking the truth,” you can be sure that the child's parent will just as truthfully amputate you from their life and throw shade at the memory of your name forever.“The Proper Priorities of Government” is a beautiful child that lives in the brain of every citizen. And that child is uniquely their own.Do you remember what I told you about children?AI is the newest baby in every family.I am a writer. My words are my children. If you tell me that your AI can replace me as a writer, I will know you to be a fool and a tragic waste of oxygen and skin.Can AI write better than you? If your words are not bone of your bone, blood of your blood, and flesh of your flesh, then yes, it probably can.When I began production on the “Great Writers Series,” I sent several of my friends a few of the AI-produced performances of the 8,000 grand passages of literature that I have laboriously transcribed from books over the past 50 years.When I sent those music-enhanced performances, I pulled the triggers on the guns that are carried by all of the musicians in my life.Shortly after being riddled with bullets,I received this text from Ryan Deiss on December 26, 2025, at 7:24AM:Paul Graham on why you shouldn't write with Al:“In preindustrial times most people's jobs made them strong. Now if you want to be strong, you work out. So there are still strong people, but only those who choose to be. It will be the same with writing. There will still be smart people, but only those who choose to be.”This was my reply to Ryan's text:“Everyone loves AI to do the things they hate, but they hate AI when it does the things they love. I am no different. I think AI is dangerous and stupid and evil when it replaces writers. But I use it enthusiastically to make musical productions instantly possible. I would otherwise have had to spend many months and hundreds of thousands of dollars to create with musicians what I can create with Suno.com in a day. Musicians are well within their rights to resent me and be disgusted with me when I use AI to replace them.”The Great Writers Series will continue because it is important to me.If you click the image at the top of this page, you will see another clickable image. Below that clickable image is one of the first Youtube shorts – formatted for your phone – that I will be uploading once a day for as long as I am able to do so.If you click that performance and enjoy it, and would like to receive a new one each day, you can click through to Youtube and subscribe.If you do not like the performance, that's 100% okay as long as you don't tell me about it.All of my children are beautiful, almost as beautiful as yours.Roy H....

In This Episode of Business Lunch, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss reflect on the challenges and lessons learned from 2025, emphasizing the disappearance of confidence in business, the importance of profit over margin, and the transformative role of AI. They discuss the need for simplified processes, the significance of content as an asset, and the importance of building systems for predictability as they look ahead to 2026.Chapters00:00 Year in Review: Reflecting on 202502:58 The Disappearance of Confidence05:53 Economic Indicators and Market Behavior08:56 The Shift from Trust to Proof12:03 Profitability Over Margin Percentage14:53 AI as a Team Member: A Paradigm Shift18:07 Transformative AI Applications in Business23:52 Leveraging AI Protocols for Efficiency30:10 Implementing Systems for Business Success35:03 From Momentum to Inevitability38:44 Rethinking Business Events and Resources42:21 Simplifying Processes for Better PerformanceConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

Is your sales page bleeding money? When you look at your website analytics, do you wonder why you have thousands of visitors and very few conversions? Join Brad Friedman and Trevor Levine as they chat about the mistakes you are making that are killing your conversions. Trevor Levine is a certified Conversion Optimization Specialist, advertising copy wizard, and a protégé of living legends like Ryan Deiss, Jon Benson, and Jeff Walker.  Over the years, he beat dozens of control letters, some of which were penned by famous copywriters. He improved email marketing campaigns and backend revenues for companies like Aweber and MyPoints. He tripled sales of Cigna insurance policies. His magalog for a Re/Max agent generated $250,000 per weekend. And one of his video sales letters generated over $1.2 Million. Today, Trevor boosts conversion rates at every step of a marketing funnel. He develops persuasive offers, collaborates with customers on "WOW" testimonials, and describes in detail the negative ripple effects of not taking action… or worse, choosing the wrong solution. By making the unique advantages of a client's solution more compelling, he multiplies their return on ad spend.   The Digital Slice Podcast is brought to you by Magai. Up your AI game at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/magai And if it's your first purchase, use BRAD30 at checkout to get 30% off your first 3 months. Visit thedigitalslicepodcast.com for complete show notes of every podcast episode.

Steal Ryan's entire operating system: https://clickhubspot.com/gmb Episode 775: Sam Parr ( ⁠https://x.com/theSamParr⁠ ) and Shaan Puri ( ⁠https://x.com/ShaanVP⁠ ) talk to Ryan Deiss ( https://x.com/ryandeiss ) about how to create systems that run your business without you.  — Show Notes: (0:00) “The More Valuable You Are, the Less Valuable the Company Is” (2:39) Before and After (3:38) Step 1: Establish Defaults (4:33) Step 2: Identify Constraints (6:34) Step 3: Business Process Mapping (8:47) Step 4: The High Output Team Canvas (12:15) How you might screw this up (common mistakes) (22:00) Scalable (24:27) Psychology of money — Links: • Digital Marketer - https://www.digitalmarketer.com/  — 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 - Need a bank for your company? Go check out Mercury (mercury.com). Shaan uses it for all of his companies! Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column, N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC — Check Out Sam's Stuff: • Hampton - https://www.joinhampton.com/ • Ideation Bootcamp - https://www.ideationbootcamp.co/ • Copy That - https://copythat.com • Hampton Wealth Survey - https://joinhampton.com/wealth • Sam's List - http://samslist.co/ My First Million is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by HubSpot Media // Production by Arie Desormeaux // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano //

In This Episode of Business Lunch, join Ryan Deiss and I in this enlightening episode of Business Lunch, where they delve into the often overlooked yet crucial topic of accounting and finance. We discuss how entrepreneurial optimism can clash with the harsh realities of financial reporting. Learn how to navigate these challenges and foster a productive relationship with your CFO to ensure your company's financial health.Timestamps:00:00 – Entrepreneurial Optimism vs. Financial Realism01:36 – Why Accounting Reporting Shapes Company Culture02:37 – Switching from Cash to Accrual Accounting03:17 – When Financial Reports Become Depressing05:41 – Fixing the Reporting Process08:29 – Avoiding Obstacles: A Common Entrepreneurial Pitfall09:54 – Support Your Team… or Change It12:19 – Leadership's Role in Financial Clarity17:34 – Preparing for Exit & Upgrading the Finance Team20:17 – Why Accounting Method Changes Can Distort Profit27:03 – Restructuring Contracts to Fix Revenue Recognition31:54 – Challenging Accounting Assumptions37:15 – The Importance of Cash Flow Over Profit40:54 – Don't Let Accounting Wag the Dog43:10 – Final Thoughts & OutroConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

In this episode, Ryan Deiss shares his insights on the impact of AI on business and marketing. He discusses the uncertainty surrounding the future, the shift in consumer behavior towards AI-driven results, and the steps his companies are taking to adapt. Ryan elaborates on the strategic pivot at Digital Marketer, transitioning from traditional training to leveraging AI tools trained on proprietary IP. He also provides practical advice on how businesses can audit and implement AI to improve efficiency and drive growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or business owner, this episode is a must-watch to understand the transformative potential of AI in today's market. 00:00 Uncertainty in the Age of AI 00:38 Exploring Ryan Deiss' Marketing Empire 01:25 Navigating Market Conditions and Deal Strategies 05:19 Reviving Businesses: The Process 12:08 The Role of AI in Business Optimization 19:32 AI's Impact on the Information and Coaching Industry 25:59 AI Integration in Business Operations 32:35 Future of Work: AI and Human Roles 36:40 AI's Influence on Business Valuations 39:21 Implementing AI in Portfolio Companies 41:36 AI Integration in the Workplace 42:26 Challenges and Fears of AI Adoption 43:23 AI as a Competitive Advantage 43:59 AI in Marketing and Acquisitions 44:45 The Future of AI in Business 48:26 Implementing AI for Efficiency 55:55 The Rise of AI Agents 01:03:50 AI's Impact on Employment and Economy 01:08:05 Digital Marketer's AI Pivot 01:17:47 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Whether you're a solopreneur or you've got a large team and millions of dollars in revenue, this simple process can help you plan for 2026 in just a few hours. Get ready for your best year in business yet, with clarity and intention. LINKS FREE Resource: Plan Your 2026 With Clarity and Intention (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gfFSgVgexN8bq1gekgc9oHdRnJsWGA6RMp0876NotcQ/edit?tab=t.0) Ryan Deiss on Scoreboards (https://x.com/ryandeiss/status/1991923587347825150?s=20) Get 2 months of Perspective AI FREE with promo code TMBA (https://getperspective.ai/tmba) Share your thoughts about the podcast (https://getperspective.ai/interview/tmba-feedback) [takes 2 minutes] Connect with 6-, 7- & 8-figure founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dcbkk) Hang out exclusively with 7+ figure founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS (00:00:14) A Reliable Framework for Annual Planning (00:02:13) How to Set the Right Kind of Goal and Plan for the Year (00:08:15) System #1 to Reach Your Goal: Budget (00:13:03) System #2 to Reach Your Goal: Scoreboard (00:18:19) System #3 to Reach Your Goal: Scorecards (00:21:13) System #4 to Reach Your Goal: Cadence (00:24:18) What to Stop Doing & What to Do More Of In 2026 (00:27:59) The Importance of Personal Reflections Before a New Year CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Growth vs. Optimization — 90% of Growth Comes from 10% of Activities? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/growth-vs-optimization) “3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) Health Advice That Goes Against Everything You Know ft. Jay Feldman (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/health-advice-against-everything-you-know)

In this episode of Business Lunch, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss discuss the evolving landscape of the customer journey, emphasizing the importance of trust in modern marketing. They explore how traditional stages of the buying process are being replaced by a more fluid approach, where trust becomes the key driver of transactions. Through case studies and examples, they highlight the significance of identity trust, authenticity, and the role of founders as trust agents in building strong connections with consumers. The conversation also touches on the challenges and strategies for effectively engaging audiences in both B2B and B2C contexts.Chapters00:00 The Death of the Traditional Customer Journey02:51 The Role of Trust in Modern Marketing06:09 Case Studies: Successful and Controversial Campaigns09:05 Identity Trust: Connecting with Consumers11:57 The Power of Authenticity in Advertising14:56 Building Trust in B2B vs B2C17:59 Actionable Strategies for Trust Building20:47 The Importance of Founders as Trust AgentsSpecial AnnouncementAfter 5 years of teaching entrepreneurs how to build, buy, and sell companies, I'm retiring all Epic courses and educational content permanently. This isn't because they didn't work, thousands have built real wealth with these frameworks, but because AI, capital markets, and collaboration have changed the game. I'm shifting from teaching deals to doing deals. Want access to everything before it disappears forever? This is your last chance to grab 5 years of proven frameworks, strategies, and training materials before they're gone for good. See the full story and whats going into the vault here: Go to the vaultConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

In this episode of Business Lunch, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss discuss the recent transition from Epic Network to a more focused approach with the Scalable Company. They explore the challenges of running a business that has taken on a life of its own, the importance of making changes when a business no longer serves its founders, and the evolving landscape of course creation in the age of AI. The conversation emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to take action, embrace change, and focus on what truly brings them joy in their business endeavors.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of Change03:02 The Evolution of Epic Network05:58 The Decision to Pivot: Why Change is Necessary08:53 Understanding Business Ownership and Personal Happiness11:48 The Importance of Knowing What to Exit To14:56 The Future of Course and Information Businesses21:05 Lessons Learned from the Epic Network Experience30:35 The Reality of Course Consumption33:10 Reflections on 2020 and Business Decisions36:07 Navigating Change and Decision-Making40:06 What Would Need to Be True?43:12 Future Plans and New Directions46:24 Final Thoughts and Messages to the CommunitySpecial AnnouncementAfter 5 years of teaching entrepreneurs how to build, buy, and sell companies, I'm retiring all Epic courses and educational content permanently. This isn't because they didn't work, thousands have built real wealth with these frameworks, but because AI, capital markets, and collaboration have changed the game. I'm shifting from teaching deals to doing deals. Want access to everything before it disappears forever? This is your last chance to grab 5 years of proven frameworks, strategies, and training materials before they're gone for good. See the full story and whats going into the vault here: Go to the vaultConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

In this episode of Business Lunch: Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss discuss the evolving landscape of personal branding and the necessity of becoming an embedded influencer in today's marketing environment. They explore the importance of having a unique point of view, the challenges of building a personal brand, and the strategies for creating engaging content across various platforms. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity and connection in branding, as well as actionable steps for listeners to develop their own personal brands effectively.Takeaways:Personal branding is essential in today's marketing landscape.Embedded influencers are more effective than traditional spokespeople.AI has made personal branding more accessible and manageable.Creating content is a necessary part of being a brand ambassador.A unique point of view is crucial for standing out.Character development is key in personal branding.Reluctance to be a public figure can be overcome with practice.Choosing the right content channels is vital for success.Engaging content formats can enhance audience connection.Brands should focus on building a community around their unique perspectives.Chapters:00:00 The Rise of Personal Branding05:56 The Necessity of Embedded Influencers12:02 Building Your Personal Brand18:06 Navigating Reluctance in Personal Branding24:06 The Three Pillars of Personal Branding29:53 Creating Content That Resonates35:56 Final Thoughts on Unique Points of ViewConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss crack open the 2025 Forbes 400 and spot a seismic shift: 71% are now self-made, the cutoff is a record $3.8B, and the newest entrants aren't entertainers or app celebrities—they're infrastructure builders (data labeling, energy export, freight platforms, drive-thru formats). The guys lay out a practical framework—B.O.T. (Bottlenecks, Order Flow, Tools)—to find, buy, and scale the “unsexy” choke points where outsized wealth is created. Expect candid takes on ethics and regulation, tax advantages vs. complexity, and why tech alone isn't a moat in the AI era.Key TakeawaysQuiet wealth > spotlight wealth: New billionaires control choke points (permits, labeled data, logistics, power access) instead of chasing virality.Tech isn't the moat—distribution is: If you're just a feature, the platform will build you tomorrow. Own users, data, or order flow.B.O.T. framework:Bottlenecks — Find scarce inputs (power near substations, HIPAA-grade data, specialized trades), professionalize small operators, exit to strategics.Order Flow — Aggregate fragmented brokers (freight, dirt hauling, niche staffing), add AI matching, monetize spread & float.Tools — Bundle niche AI/DevOps tools (monitoring, RLHF QA, rights mgmt.) into suites; sell shovels for the gold rush.Ethics & risk: Bottlenecks ≠ monopolies; add real value or get routed around. Order-flow plays invite regulatory heat—design accordingly.Luck favors the paranoid: Nvidia's rise = timing + category choice. Choose your competitor carefully; it defines your playing field.Episode Highlights00:00 – Cold open: dentists, numb faces, and a record-breaking Forbes 400.03:10 – The stat no one's talking about: 71% self-made, $6.6T total wealth, $3.8B cutoff.08:20 – Why opportunity has more leverage than ever (AI + democratized tools), but tech alone won't save you.12:45 – B is for Bottlenecks: picks & shovels thinking; mini-moats in permits, medical transcripts, underground tank installers for data centers.22:10 – Ethics check: bottlenecks vs. monopolies; how to add value without getting regulated to death.27:05 – O is for Order Flow: Robinhood's play, freight/dirt broker roll-ups, AI pricing/matching, monetizing spread & float.36:40 – The toll-booth trap: if you don't add value, the sides will route around you.41:30 – T is for Tools: why toolmakers outlive trends; bundling niche AI devtools; the Nvidia, Intel, AMD cautionary tales.53:10 – Choosing competitors = choosing categories; luck + timing still matter.57:45 – Operator wrap: how to map your business to B.O.T. this quarter.Memorable Quotes“If all you are is a feature, you don't have a business—you have a countdown clock.”“Quiet wealth lives in the choke points everyone else ignores.”“Bottlenecks aren't monopolies—create value or the market will route around you.”“Tech isn't a moat. Users, data, and distribution are.”Mentioned in This EpisodeForbes 400 (2025): $6.6T total; $3.8B entry; 71% self-madeCategories: Data labeling (Surge AI), LNG export...

Ian Garlic is the Founder of Garlic Marketing, the brand behind Video Case Story, where they help brands with the strategy and goals for video case stories. Ian is also the Founder of StoryCrews, a company that helps businesses connect with top-rated videographers and market and expand their brand through powerful stories captured on video. He also runs and hosts his podcast, the Garlic Marketing Show, and has featured amazing guests such as Gary Vaynerchuk, Neil Patel, Ryan Deiss, and many more.In this episode…In a world where attention spans are shrinking, some businesses are still converting long-form viewers into loyal, high-ticket clients. How are they doing it? What makes one brand's YouTube presence a 24/7 salesperson while others struggle to stand out in the algorithm?According to Ian Garlic, a top video marketing strategist and creator of the “YouTube Closer” system, success stems from understanding how modern buyers make decisions long before they ever talk to sales. He highlights that people now “binge” research — watching videos, case stories, and testimonials until they feel personally connected to a brand. By combining authentic storytelling with optimized video strategy, businesses can pre-sell prospects, build trust at scale, and close deals faster.In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with Ian Garlic, Founder of Video Case Story, to discuss how to build a YouTube “closer” that turns viewers into high-value clients. They explore the psychology of lurking buyers, the four essential videos that drive conversions, and why storytelling outperforms sales scripts. Ian also shares how AI and authenticity will shape the future of video marketing.

In this week's episode of Business Lunch, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss continue breaking down the “Bottlenecks” framework—the 11 proven playbooks that billionaires use to grow, protect, and multiply wealth.From AI-driven acquisitions to tax-optimized exits, this conversation dives into the strategies that separate ordinary entrepreneurs from long-term empire builders. You'll hear how the world's wealthiest think about capital allocation, scaling “boring” businesses, and structuring companies for massive, tax-efficient exits.Whether you're scaling your first venture or managing a growing portfolio, this episode is a tactical deep dive into how to think—and act—like a billionaire.Key Takeaways • Tech Is Not a Moat: With AI making innovation easy to copy, your real advantage is distribution and users. • The QSBS Advantage: How the Qualified Small Business Stock exemption can eliminate up to $10M (or more) in capital gains per shareholder. • DAFs & Charitable Strategy: Donor Advised Funds can combine tax savings with long-term impact—if structured correctly. • Boring Businesses, Billionaire Results: Logistics, energy, and real estate can quietly create generational wealth when value is added and scaled. • Capital Cycling: Why the world's best investors (like Blackstone and Berkshire) act like banks—recycling capital and compounding returns.Episode Highlights [00:02:00] – Why tech is easy to copy—and why users, not code, create real enterprise value. [00:10:00] – The billionaire tax play: how QSBS and DAFs legally minimize or eliminate capital gains. [00:18:00] – When to start thinking about tax strategy (hint: usually not before $10M net worth). [00:25:00] – Logistics, land, and “boring” businesses that create quiet fortunes. [00:33:00] – The ESG arbitrage: adding sustainability to raise valuations. [00:40:00] – Network effects and marketplace rollups: creating compounding flywheels. [00:55:00] – The rise of “edge retail”: micro-brands, coffee chains, and inversion models that scale fast. [01:05:00] – Capital cycling and other people's money (OPM): how billionaires play the funding game.Memorable Quotes“If all you are is a feature that someone else could build, you don't have a business—you have a countdown clock.”“Boring businesses aren't boring when they compound quietly into billions.”“It's not what you make—it's what you keep.”“Billionaires don't think like operators; they think like capital allocators.”Mentioned in This EpisodeQualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) – U.S. tax exemption strategyDonor Advised Funds (DAFs) – Philanthropic and tax planning vehiclesRoss Perot Jr. – Logistics real estateDutch Bros – Scalable retail model exampleBlackstone & Berkshire Hathaway – Capital cycling and compounding modelsListen If You'reA founder or investor learning to structure smarter deals.A CEO or operator ready to scale beyond execution into capital allocation.A strategic thinker who wants to play the long game in business and wealth creation.ConnectHosts: Roland Frasier & Ryan DeissPodcast: Business Lunch with Roland FrasierMore at: businesslunchpodcast.comMentioned in this episode:Join Roland & Ryan at Get Scalable LiveIf you're a founder, CEO, or operator running a 7- or 8-figure business, Get Scalable Live was built for you. This is not your typical business event. It's 3 days of hands-on strategy, real-world frameworks, and next-level networking with the smartest operators in the game.

In this episode of Business Lunch, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss explain how the classic four-stage buying journey has collapsed into one moment—and why trust is the lid that keeps prospects “popping” in your pot. They unpack three forms of trust—Identity, Competence, and Proximity—with sharp wins and public flops (Nike, Sephora, Peloton, DSW, Starbucks, Apple, United). You'll get simple creative frameworks to turn short-form content into instant, in-channel conversions and a 14-day sprint to prove it on a small budget.Highlights“It's not a funnel anymore—it's a popcorn popper. Your audience are kernels heating at different speeds. Trust is the lid that keeps them popping for you.”“Competence trust means the brand ‘gets me'—often better than I can describe myself.”“Employees outperform celebrities for reach and credibility—because most buyers are employees.”“Frictionless is forgettable. Add desirable friction that helps buyers name their pain and act.”“If you can't pivot your model, bolt trust into your media: mirror-micro-media, why-what-where, people-place-proof.”Mentioned in This EpisodeThree Trust Types (MAP mnemonic):M – Identity trust: Mirror → Micro → MediaA – Competence trust: “Answer” with Why → What → WhereP – Proximity trust: People → Place → ProofCompetence wins & misses: Nike's “Why do it?” repositioning; Sephora tutorials lifting AOV; Peloton's 2019 holiday ad backlash.Proximity plays: DSW AR try-ons; Starbucks barista TikToks; Apple retail specialists; cautionary tale—United Airlines viral incidents.Localization tactics: regional currency/sites, geo-specific visuals (city skylines), and micro-influencers by market.KPI effects: higher AOV/retention/loyalty from competence; higher LTV from proximity; employee posts driving outsized reach.Timestamps00:00 – The collapsed customer journey: from funnel to popcorn popper (trust as the lid)04:00 – Recap: Identity trust (mirror, micro, media)—and why episodes stand alone but compound07:30 – Competence trust: the brand that “gets me” (Nike shift, Sephora demos) + Peloton misread14:20 – Framework for competence: Why → What → Where (myth-bust, demo, direct CTA)17:30 – Example: 30-sec tax advisory myth-buster → LinkedIn/Reels → consult link → track AOV20:10 – Proximity trust: employees, in-place context, show real proof (DSW AR, Starbucks, Apple)24:10 – Employee content > celebrity polish; make it authentic, even shot on phone26:00 – 14-day Trust Sprint and MAP recap; why proximity is overlooked yet most scalableTakeaways for OperatorsStop chasing linear funnels; engineer trust in-channel so action can happen immediately.Use Why → What → Where to collapse steps: name the pain, show the fix, drop the link.Turn staff into a media network: People → Place → Proof with incentives and simple tracking.Localize by currency, domains, visuals, accents, micro-influencers—it quietly multiplies conversion.Run a 14-day sprint: baseline CAC/AOV → recruit 3 customers + 3 insiders → record shorts →...

Barry Kleiman is the Founder, Executive Mentor, and Workshop Leader at Barry C. Kleiman & Associates, a firm he established in 1979 to help executives and teams elevate performance through leadership development and coaching. With over four decades of experience, Barry has guided leaders across industries in improving communication, alignment, and results. He is the author of The Playground Principles™: Why Connection Still Matters, a book that draws on stories from leaders and athletes to explore lessons on trust, consistency, and connection.  Jason Smith is the Owner and CEO of Spotlight Social Advertising, a company that specializes in helping businesses grow and scale with Facebook and Instagram ads. He is also the host of The Truth About Social Ads, where he interviews guests from all corners of the digital marketing landscape. Before founding his company in 2016, Jason spent 14 years in uniform with the LAPD and later started a side gig helping people with their online traffic, advertising, and Facebook ads, which became his core business. He then left the police department permanently to focus on Spotlight Social Advertising. Zach Wilcox is the Founder and CEO of Fide Freight, a representative logistics solution providing a full range of services in long and short-distance freight, specialty haulage, and management of dry freights. Zach and his team pride themselves on complete transparency and communication, from bringing on a client to getting the shipments completed on time. Before founding Fide Freight, Zach held project management, operations, and manufacturing roles across different companies. He has a business degree from Grand Valley State University. Ian Garlic is the Founder of Garlic Marketing, the brand behind Video Case Story, where they help brands with the strategy and goals for video case stories. Ian is also the Founder of StoryCrews, a company that helps businesses connect with top-rated videographers and market and expand their brand through powerful stories captured on video. He hosts the Garlic Marketing Show podcast and has featured amazing guests such as Gary Vaynerchuk, Neil Patel, Ryan Deiss, and many more. In this episode… What do successful leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators all have in common? They're constantly seeking tools and ideas that help them connect better — with others, their teams, and themselves. But in a world of endless options, how do you know which books, podcasts, or habits actually move the needle? For today's guests, the answer starts with curiosity and connection. They share how leadership lessons from sports, creativity, and business mentorship continue to shape their personal and professional growth. From refining time management to building resilience and embracing storytelling, each guest emphasizes the importance of learning from experience and surrounding yourself with inspiration that drives both action and reflection. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz talks with Barry Kleiman, Jason Smith, Zach Wilcox, and Ian Garlic about the books, podcasts, and tools that influence how they lead and live. They discuss how reading fuels creativity, why discipline and mindset are essential to growth, and how digital tools can help organize ideas and inspire innovation.

In this episode of the Business Lunch podcast, Host Roland Frasier and guest Richard Lindner break down the subscription trap and why recurring revenue isn't always the ultimate solution it's made out to be.From the outside, subscription models look like a dream: predictable cash flow, higher valuations, and a business that doesn't start at zero each month. But as Roland and Richard reveal, the reality can be far more complicated.They dive into real stories from their portfolio companies, showing how recurring revenue can backfire through hidden churn, customer support debt, and endless innovation demands. You'll hear how even big players like Netflix constantly battle to keep customers engaged, and why smaller businesses often underestimate the true cost of service.This episode is a must-listen if you're considering shifting to a subscription model—or if you've already launched one and want to make sure it's sustainable.HIGHLIGHTS“Recurring revenue is great… until you're losing more members each month than you know how to gain.”“There's voluntary churn, where people cancel. But the killer is involuntary churn—declined payments, expired cards—that can quietly eat your business alive.”“If you're creating content subscriptions, pair them with community. Access is the real value that keeps people sticking around.”“Don't fall in love with the model. Define your business by who you serve, not just how you charge.”Mentioned in this EpisodeThe difference between breakage vs. consumption models (think Netflix vs. gym memberships)Why AI in customer support is changing the economics of subscription businessesHow to tell if your business should pursue a bolt-on subscription or avoid it altogether

Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss break down the “loyalty illusion”—why points and perks often backfire, how spreadsheet thinking killed customer love, and a practical framework to audit or rebuild a program that actually increases retention, spend, and referrals.What you'll learnWhy “loyalty penalties” drive your best customers awayThe airline/credit-card miles economics—and how devaluation erodes $25B in perceived valueThe 5-Question Loyalty Audit (value, simplicity, frequency of wins, emotion vs. switching cost, financial sanity)What great looks like: status, access, and convenience (not discounts)A 7-step roadmap to design (or reset) your programTimestamps00:00 Cold open: founders' meeting recap, wine cellar banter02:05 The hook: the “loyalty illusion” and why consumers feel trapped05:20 Consumer POV: when complexity makes customers give up08:10 Finance-driven devaluation: how “pencil-whipping” kills goodwill09:45 Airlines > miles > credit cards: the $25B machine and breakage12:40 From distance flown to dollars spent: fallout and backlash15:05 “Loyalty penalty”: new-customer offers vs. existing customers16:50 The 5-Question Loyalty Audit (red flags & benchmarks)19:30 Simplicity wins: JetBlue/Southwest lessons (and where they slipped)22:15 Frequency of wins: Starbucks habit loop vs. margin compression25:20 Luxury model: status & access (Hermès, Four Seasons, 100 Acre)28:40 Access > discounts: Wynn Private Access, line-skip convenience31:10 Choosing your currency: points, status, experiences (Sephora case)34:35 Setting earn ratios: 2–5% cost with outsized perceived value37:10 Tiering for aspiration: Prime renewals, why Amazon is an outlier39:20 7-Step Roadmap: objective → currency → earn ratio → tiers → early wins → daily integration → quarterly audits43:30 Operator action items; consumer playbook (negotiate, switch, diversify)46:10 Ultimate test: does your program create love—or hostages?47:40 Closing thoughts & invitations to share experiencesTakeawaysDiscounts train delay; access creates desire.If

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive into the emerging trend of rolling up traditional businesses and supercharging them with AI. They discuss the opportunities and pitfalls of this strategy, offer advice for old-school business owners, aspiring platform companies, and investors, and share real-world examples of value creation through AI integration. This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, business owners considering acquisitions, and anyone curious about the intersection of AI and business growth.Highlights:"Roll ups fail at the integration level, and the integration is really what systems do we have to do that?""If you don't invest in up-leveling and AI-fying your business now, you'll be acquired on the cheap.""The basic building blocks of why you would do a roll up, applied with AI and tech, make perfect sense to me.""If you're planning on just shutting it down or letting it die a slow and profitable death, then cool. But if it's longer than that, you either have to get on the bus or face being put out of business."Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:15 AI and Roll-Ups: Success and Failure 07:16 Advice for Old-School Businesses 10:30 Investor Strategy and Execution 16:05 Management and Systems for Roll-Ups 17:56 Investor Strategy: Mergers and Acquisitions 20:52 Value Addition through AI CONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive into the real challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses today, cutting through the marketing spin of industry reports. If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, marketer, or anyone interested in practical strategies for growth, customer acquisition, and leveraging AI, this episode is for you. Tune in for candid insights, actionable advice, and a few laughs along the way.Highlights:“I've never once in my entire life heard a small business owner use the word ‘resilience.'”“If your offer is confusing, it's not going to work, simplicity wins right now.”“AI is the single biggest disruptive event any of us have ever experienced.”“Let people buy the way they want to buy.”Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:36 – Salesforce Report: Hype or Help?03:57 – Do Business Owners Really Say ‘Resilience'?05:14 – AI Adoption: Fear of Losing the Human Touch07:38 – What Are the Real Top Challenges?11:07 – How Macroeconomics Impact Sales15:23 – Simplifying Offers for Better Results17:41 – Creating a ‘Happening' to Re-Engage Customers21:05 – AI-ifying Your Business: Pivot or Perish28:04 – Acquisitions: The Private Equity Playbook for SMBsCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch!In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive into "the great flattening"—the radical shift where AI enables entire departments, and even companies, to be run by a single person. They explore real-world examples from tech and traditional industries, discuss the risks and rewards of this new model, and offer practical advice for leaders and entrepreneurs. If you're a business owner, manager, or anyone interested in the future of work, this episode is for you!Highlights:"What if the highest performing marketing team at your company was actually just one person?""AI is compressing entire departments into individual 'departments of one.'""The coordination tax is the overhead of meetings, getting along, and not getting along.""This may be the end of the middle manager and the rise of the player-coach."Timestamps:01:41 – Introducing "The Great Flattening" Concept02:30 – WhatsApp: $345M Value Per Employee03:30 – Midjourney & Cursor: Creative and Dev Pancakes07:21 – The Coordination Tax Explained11:18 – Team Size, Efficiency, and the Two Pizza Rule14:25 – AI Agents Replacing Marketing Teams22:35 – Risks of Single-Person Departments26:53 – The End of Middle Management?37:19 – The Pancake Test: Is Your Department "Pancakeable"?54:20 – Digital Marketer's Department of One Beta ProgramCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the importance of taking real vacations as entrepreneurs and business owners. They share personal stories about extended time off, discuss the dangers of burnout, and offer practical advice on setting boundaries and making rest a non-negotiable part of your business life. The conversation covers how stepping away can reset your habits, boost creativity, and ultimately make you more productive and fulfilled. This episode is a must for entrepreneurs, business owners, solopreneurs, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by their work. If you struggle to take time off, feel burned out, or want to learn how rest can actually help your business thrive, this conversation is for you.Highlights:“You have to not let your work schedule bully you.”“Burnout happens when you run out of options and get super hyper resentful of the business.”“Rest is work. You actually are more productive when you take some time off.”“If you're in a state of extreme burnout, before you do something drastic, take at least one week off.”Timestamps:00:00 - Returning from Vacation: Setting the Stage00:38 - The Value of a 30-Day Break00:54 - Off-Peak Living and Family Scheduling03:55 - Work Expands to Fill Your Time07:18 - There's Never a Perfect Time for Vacation0:09:22 - Burnout and Resentment: The Real Cost0:10:54 - Teams vs. Solopreneurs: The Vacation Impact14:11 - Why Your Business Exists to Serve You19:18 - Staycations and Non-Negotiable Time Off21:58 - Advice for Burnout: Take a Break Before QuittingCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Join Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss on another exciting episode of "The Business Lunch Podcast." In this installment, they follow up on their recent conversation about the book launch of Roland's "Business Wealth Without Risk" with Jay Abraham. Surprisingly, neither "Business Wealth Without Risk" nor Ryan's book, "Get Scalable," were co-authored by both of them, and they discuss why that is. They delve into the unique approach they're taking with their book launches, which is focused on generating deal flow and carving out a distinct space in the business operating system world.Discover how they're intentionally avoiding the typical book launch strategy and aiming to engineer word-of-mouth referability for their books.Don't miss this episode, where Roland and Ryan provide insights into their innovative book launch tactics and strategies.HIGHLIGHTS"The goal of the book is not to write a book that gets bought. It's not to write a book that gets read. It's to write a book that gets referred." "You can eat your cake and have it too because all the things that you said help all of that experience of having an actual business relationship really lets you see a lot more about somebody." "It's not given away for free because free typically is valued at nothing or less by people. The price people pay, right? Who don't pay for it." TIMESTAMPS00:00: Introduction01:49: Writing with a partner07:27: Monetizing content 12:17: Branding16:55: Book Marketing 19:30: Non-traditional launch strategies24:53: Referral TacticsCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES: • 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch. In this episode, Ryan Deiss and I dive deep into the art of creating effective offers and adapting sales strategies for different business models. From navigating the challenges happening because of rising ad costs to understanding the nuances of sales motions, we share valuable insights and practical tips. Whether you're selling high-ticket items or aiming to optimize online conversions, this episode is packed with advice to help you convert successfully .Highlights:"Sales motion impacts offer structure.""You've got to say at what point in this process do we get agreement on the problem? Because there's got to be problem agreement before anything else.""If you can understand levels of awareness, you understand probably 80% of what you need to know to be really good at sales and marketing."Timestamps:00:00 - Problem Agreement04:05 - Shifting Sales Strategies05:07 - Sales Motion and Offer Structure07:30 - Ad Cost Challenges10:00 - Sales Assist and Sales Function11:45 - Levels of Awareness13:20 - Problem Awareness to Solution Awareness14:40 - Crafting Effective Lead Magnets15:50 - Adapting to Market ChangesCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch, Ryan Deiss and I dissect the recent hype surrounding two new AI-powered gadgets - the Humane AI pen and the Rabbit. Both products promised to revolutionize our lives with features like real-time feedback and enhanced productivity. However, reviews have been scathing, exposing the devices as clunky, unhelpful, and ultimately a letdown. We delve into the challenges of launching new hardware products in a crowded market and explore the dangers of overpromising and failing to deliver, highlighting how a great marketing campaign can backfire if the product itself isn't exceptional.Highlights:"The people are not stupid long term, we're all a little stupid short term from time to time.""It's a game of replacement, not enhancement.""The better you are at marketing, the better your product better be.”Timestamps:00:54 - Introduction02:36 - Memorial Day05:26 - AI Devices and Hype07:17 - The Future of AI Gadgets12:24 - Apple Vision Goggles14:21 - Lessons Learned16:30 - Nobody Wants More Stuff17:32 - Rabbit Using Chat GPT23:10 - Marketing Lessons (and Mistakes)CONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss tackle the controversial topic of 'shadow standards' in the workplace. They explore the ethics and implications of employees outsourcing their own jobs to other workers, often in other countries, without their employers' knowledge. The discussion touches on the legal, ethical, and practical ramifications of this growing trend and offers insights into how both employees and employers can navigate this complex landscape.Highlights:"Employees are outsourcing their jobs, effectively becoming mini-agencies themselves.""Is it deceptive if you wouldn't proudly announce what you're doing?""Good employers will always support efficiency and innovative ideas.""Outsourcing your job without transparency is setting yourself up for liability."Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 01:12 - The Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting02:49 - Ethical Dilemma: Outsourcing Personal Jobs05:30 - Employer Perspective on Shadow Standards08:49 - Legal and Security Implications12:19 - Hypocrisy and Exploitation in Shadow Work14:41 - Building a Team Ethically and Transparently18:35 - Crucial Policies and Handbook Updates20:31 - Encouraging Transparent Efficiency23:02 - The Problem with Shadow Work24:37 - The Value of High-Level Employees30:55 - Conclusion and TakeawaysCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

This might be the best business interview I've done all year. It's one every business owner should hear. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Deiss—entrepreneur, investor, and founder of DigitalMarketer—who's launched, scaled, and sold 17+ companies. He's not speaking from theory. He's speaking from experience—and sometimes, scar tissue. This isn't just another systems conversation. It's a full-on playbook for building a business that works without you. For founders who feel trapped in their own company… this one hits hard. Here's what you'll take away: Why growth can trap you—and how scale sets you free The “sticky note” method to exit roles without burning the business down How founders become bottlenecks—and why doing less is a leadership skill The scorecard and constraint system Ryan uses to spot bottlenecks before they break your team Why hiring great people won't fix broken systems—and what to do instead How to integrate AI to elevate your team's performance (without replacing them) Why the role you're in now may not be the role your business actually needs The question every founder should ask before they scale—or sell: What's my next job? Freedom doesn't come from more hustle. It comes from better systems, clearer roles, and honest leadership.

Join me for a lively conversation with Ryan Deiss as we unravel the mysteries of influencer marketing. Explore the world of micro-influencers and mega-stars, and discover which path leads to greater marketing success. From the power of niche audiences to the pitfalls of chasing fame, get ready for practical insights and expert advice to level up your influencer game. Tune in for a discussion filled with tips and real-world experiences to guide you through your journey!Highlights:"There's a point where somebody crosses over from influencer to celebrity. You're paying more for reach and giving up actual influence.""As your brand gets bigger, you've got no choice but to go there. It's why big brands do Super Bowl ads—they need the reach.""An authentic endorsement goes a long way. If the influencer genuinely uses and likes your product, it resonates with their audience."Timestamps:01:00 - AMA's Study on Influencer Marketing ROI02:22 - Targeting Micro-Influencers for Specific Products04:44 - Balancing Reach vs. Relevance in Influencer Selection06:06 - Niche Audiences and Higher ROI07:31 - Calculating (ROAS) for Influencer Campaigns08:58 - Famous Celebrities vs. Influencers10:24 - Maximizing ROI with Newsletter Advertising11:51 - The Trade-off Between Fame and Influence13:12 - Multi-Touch Campaigns and Long-Term Influencer Partnerships14:40 - Direct Outreach vs. Using Influencer AgenciesCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

You can build the house, pay the bills, protect and provide—but if your wife doesn't feel seen, and your kids don't feel known, what are you really building? In this episode, Ryan Deiss opens up about the moment his marriage hit a wall… and the quiet heartbreak of realizing he had drifted from the people he loved most. It wasn't burnout. It wasn't failure. It was success without alignment—and the cost of being emotionally absent, even while physically present.   You'll take away: What his wife said that shattered the illusion he was “doing it for the family” How disconnection with his kids crept in while he was busy being “responsible” The family-first calendar ritual that rebuilt trust and rhythm at home Why saying “yes” to golf with his son—and missing a deadline—was a turning point The question he asked his son before college—and the answer that brought him to tears Why presence—not perfection—is what restores closeness in marriage and fatherhood If you're trying to be more than just the guy who gets stuff done…If you want to be the man your wife trusts and your kids remember—

Welcome to a New Episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the world of mergers, acquisitions, and private equity. They share insider strategies for selling your business, from understanding platform vs. tuck-in acquisitions to negotiating multiples and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're a founder considering an exit, a business owner curious about private equity, or just looking to maximize your company's value, this conversation is packed with actionable insights..Highlights:"People don't buy services, they buy better versions of themselves.""You want to be the platform company, not the tuck-in acquisition.""Private equity is fishing to avoid a process, don't take the first offer.""The more you prove you can acquire and integrate, the higher your multiple."Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene06:05 Facilitators Appreciation and Round Table Rumble07:09 Discussion on Exits and Private Equity08:57 Understanding Private Equity Deals15:57 Negotiation Strategies and Mistakes to Avoid27:06 Preparing for a Successful Exit33:33 Maximizing Company Value for Acquisition37:37 Current Market Trends and Multiples41:27 Strategic Considerations for Selling Your Business46:09 Navigating Acquisition Offers and Due Diligence01:05:25 Connecting with Potential Buyers and Investors01:07:50 Introducing Deanna Rogers and Closing RemarksCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Ryan Deiss and I delve into the intricate dance between pursuing success and nurturing personal life. As entrepreneurs, the quest for a meaningful legacy often leads us down a path of extremes. We talk about some insights on finding equilibrium amidst the chaos of business growth, family commitments, and personal health. Whether you're scaling the heights of your career or seeking satisfaction in the simple things, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on prioritizing what truly counts.Highlights:"Be intentional about your seasons...that's important.""As long as I'm remembered by the kids, I'm good. It's such an ego thing to me." 3. "Being intentional about what you're doing...you're probably going to be okay." Timestamps:00:00 -Weather & Life's Storms02:22 -The Legacy Question05:55 -Wealth vs. Health07:20 -Entrepreneurial Extremes09:05 -Life's Balancing Act10:00 -Yearly Planning for Balance14:00 -Practical Balance Tips16:02 -Wealth's Diminishing Returns18:08 -100 Million: A Turning Point?20:50 -Legacy's Ephemeral NatureCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! On today's episode, Ryan Deiss unpacks the full story behind his viral “retirement” post, a headline that unexpectedly ignited controversy, curiosity, and massive engagement. He shares the real reason behind DigitalMarketer's major pivot, the behind-the-scenes chaos of a misfired email campaign, and the strategic follow-through that turned a happy accident into one of their most successful promotions ever. If you want to learn how to harness viral attention and turn it into real revenue, this episode is a masterclass in doing exactly that.Highlights: “I'm retiring from digital marketing and taking my company down with me.”“It was a forcing function for me to finally stop doing what I always defaulted to.”“We're not training people anymore. We're training AI.”“The post was an accident. What happened after? That was strategy.”Timestamps: 00:00 From 1999 to Now: A Marketing Journey02:42 The Viral “Retirement” Post05:00 The Unexpected Reactions08:19 Why DigitalMarketer Had to Pivot12:41 Email Chaos Behind the Scenes15:00 Handling a Viral Moment in Real Time20:00 Lessons From the Comments Section24:06 What Ryan Would Do Differently Next Time7:32 The 77% Opt-in Rate Town Hall31:53 Retiring With a Final OfferCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a New Episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the world of mergers, acquisitions, and private equity. They share insider strategies for selling your business, from understanding platform vs. tuck-in acquisitions to negotiating multiples and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're a founder considering an exit, a business owner curious about private equity, or just looking to maximize your company's value, this conversation is packed with actionable insights..Highlights:"People don't buy services, they buy better versions of themselves.""You want to be the platform company, not the tuck-in acquisition.""Private equity is fishing to avoid a process, don't take the first offer.""The more you prove you can acquire and integrate, the higher your multiple."Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene06:05 Facilitators Appreciation and Round Table Rumble07:09 Discussion on Exits and Private Equity08:57 Understanding Private Equity Deals15:57 Negotiation Strategies and Mistakes to Avoid27:06 Preparing for a Successful Exit33:33 Maximizing Company Value for Acquisition37:37 Current Market Trends and Multiples41:27 Strategic Considerations for Selling Your Business46:09 Navigating Acquisition Offers and Due Diligence01:05:25 Connecting with Potential Buyers and Investors01:07:50 Introducing Deanna Rogers and Closing RemarksCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this conversation, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss break down one of their favorite business strategies: using partnerships to scale without extra capital or risk. If you're an entrepreneur, founder, or marketer looking to grow your business faster (and smarter), this episode is for you. Roland and Ryan reveal how to create strategic partnerships that can exponentially increase your reach, resources, and revenue without spending a dollar more on ads or infrastructure.Highlights:“If you can't write down the offer in a sentence, it's probably not going to work.”“The best partnerships solve a need for both sides.”“Speed to implementation is everything.”“You get further when you grow together.”Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:54 A Definition of Partnership Marketing04:40 The Difference Between Affiliate and Strategic Partnerships07:30 How to Identify the Right Partners10:45 Crafting a Compelling Partnership Offer15:10 The 9 Core Areas Where Partnerships Can Drive Growth21:03 Example: Scaling a Software Business Without Spending a Dime26:12 The Importance of Speed and Simplicity31:30 Avoiding the Most Common Pitfalls35:58 Final Advice for EntrepreneursCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! Today, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive into a viral social media post about management strategies that sparked unexpected controversy. If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or manager looking to understand how to handle viral content and leverage audience reactions, this episode is for you.Highlights:"Love me, hate me. Both are fine. Just pay attention in some way, shape or form.""The world is lacking people with a truly unique point of view who are willing to defend it.""If you're an entrepreneur, you are your company's best spokesperson.""Attention is what everyone wants."Timestamps:00:00 Introducing the Viral Post01:33 Ryan's Newsletter and Content Strategy03:43 Viral Reach and Initial Reactions06:12 Unpacking the Controversial Management Advice10:29 Strategies for Handling Online Criticism12:56 The Power of Standing by Your Unique Perspective17:42 Personal Reflections on Viral Content22:16 Marketing and Content Recycling Strategies27:16 Leveraging Attention and Audience Feedback35:24 Final Insights on Entrepreneurial CommunicationCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! Join Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss as they discuss tariffs as an opportunity, not a challenge, exploring how businesses can transform potential economic challenges into strategic opportunities. This episode provides a comprehensive guide to navigating trade complexities, offering practical strategies for entrepreneurs to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an uncertain global marketplace.Highlights:"Don't let a good crisis go to waste.""Friction creates opportunities.""This is your competitive moment.""Sometimes better terms are more valuable than better rates."Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:13 Personal Updates and Podcast Setup02:22 Initial Tariff Conversation Begins12:34 Impact on Digital Marketing Agencies15:12 Supply Chain Redundancy Challenges22:56 Tariff Engineering Strategies27:50 Lessons from Pandemic and Economic Changes30:40 Joint Ventures and Local Production33:27 Marketing Bundling Techniques41:12 Final Advice and Entrepreneurial MindsetCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, hosts Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss explore an innovative "micro ownership" concept that allows teams to bid on improving specific business metrics. The strategy aims to inject entrepreneurial spirit into organizations by giving teams the opportunity to take ownership of key performance indicators, with potential financial rewards tied to their success.Highlights:"We wish that our employees acted more like owners.""It's designed to create this result.""Identify three to five key metrics that directly impact profit.""How do we inject some entrepreneurial life into companies?"Timestamps:00:00 Introducing Micro Ownership03:07 Discussing the Founders' Board Member's Idea06:11 Employees Acting Like Owners07:26 Identifying Profit-Impacting Metrics10:15 Initial Thoughts and Potential Challenges12:20 Developing a Bidding Mechanism14:21 Bonus Distribution and Team Incentives17:47 Potential Consequences for Not Meeting Goals19:24 Maintaining Entrepreneurial Spirit in Growing CompaniesCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss dive deep into the concept of "high agency" - exploring what makes certain individuals stand out in business, how to identify and nurture high agency behavior, and why it matters for organizational success. The conversation ranges from personal anecdotes about challenging workplace norms to a strategic discussion about building innovative teams.Highlights:"The only unacceptable thing is, 'That's just the way it's always been done.'" "If you're butting heads with them because the status quo seems wrong to them, that's an opportunity, not a threat." "I want everybody to know the reason that we do something, the why behind it." "Most tests probably won't work better - that's the whole point of having a control." Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:41 Defining "High Agency" Concept09:03 Elon Musk as a High Agency Example13:01 The Importance of Good Judgment18:17 Personal Work Histories and Agency22:23 Creating Environments That Foster Agency28:50 Can High Agency Be Taught?32:48 Balancing Testing and Control in Organizations35:45 ConclusionCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch with Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss! In this episode, Ryan shares his time blocking strategy, which includes dedicated time for strategy, connecting with team members, deep work, and recovery. They discuss the pros and cons of time blocking and explore alternative approaches like "variable time blocking." This episode is a must-watch for all entrepreneurs.Highlights:"Time blocking is telling your time where to go instead of wondering where it went." "If every hour of every day is blocked in, that's usually a sign that you're probably micromanaging, that you're probably doing too much of the work that your team should be doing." "What gets measured, gets managed." Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:48 - Explanation of time blocking05:00 - Ryan's strategic time block08:10 - Ryan's team member connection time block11:18 - Ryan's deep work time block14:32 - Roland's perspective on time blocking20:00 - Ryan's flexibility with time blocks22:13 - Suggestions for additional time blocks 25:00 - Roland's approach to becoming a more interesting person29:44 - Importance of maintaining business relationships32:52 - The need for a system to manage your timeCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier

Welcome to a new episode of Business Lunch! In this episode, Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss discuss strategies for managing overwhelm and maintaining high agency during challenging times, drawing from their personal experiences with issues like a moth infestation, car accidents, and the impact of external factors like tariffs and interest rates on their businesses.Highlights:"Overwhelm is not an acceptable state. I am the agent of change, and I am in control of making this happen." "There are two types of people in this world: those who believe the world happens to them, and those who believe they happen to the world." "Overwhelm is a state of hopelessness, and the solution to it is, hopelessness is not an option." "Don't share this episode with somebody if they're in the midst of this, do go to them. Throw an arm around them and walk within this framework to help them." Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:46 - The importance of maintaining high agency during challenging times11:38 - Ryan's approach to helping people through difficult situations15:45 - The value of creating an inventory of overwhelming tasks22:06 - The importance of prioritizing and sequencing tasks25:28 - The importance of actively seeking to confirm the impossibility of solutions30:00 - The value of having a supportive partner or peer to navigate through challenges34:02 - The choice to be someone who "happens to the world" rather than someone the world "happens to"37:22 - The importance of providing support and not just offering solutionsMentioned in this episode:Get Roland's Training on Acquiring Businesses!Discover The EXACT Strategy Roland Has Used To Found, Acquire, Scale And Sell Over Two Dozen Businesses With Sales Ranging From $3 Million To Just Under $4 Billion! EPIC Training