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Send us a textWhat happens when you take a real small business owner, put them in the hot seat, and break down their tax strategy live? That's what we're doing in this episode.Eric runs a successful appraisal business, pays himself through an S-Corp, and last year wrote a $50,000 check to the IRS. Did he really have to? Mike digs into Eric's setup and reveals how simple shifts could slash his tax bill. From adjusting his salary to using the Augusta Rule, hiring kids, and planning for real estate, you'll see how the right strategy can cut thousands off your tax bill.
John is a business and executive coach, trained and certified in the FocalPoint Model. He teaches and coaches on the stunning value of Generous activity as a theme for business and life success. John's clients are Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners and Leaders John is the Author of Checkmate: Winning Tactics for Translating Ideas into Money and the creator of the LifeShine Generosity Coaching and Business Success Blueprint programs. John's Website: www.businesswhitt.com
We're starting something brand new together — a three-part series called SEO Made Simple.Hosted by Kelly Zugay of With Grace and Gold® — The Brand It, Build It Podcast, a chart-topping small business marketing podcast, equips you to build and grow your creative small business with purpose and strategy.Podcast Show Notes: https://withgraceandgold.com/category/podcast/With Grace and Gold on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withgraceandgoldFree Resources from With Grace and Gold: https://www.withgraceandgold.com/freeHonored as Showit Designer of the Year, With Grace and Gold® has proudly served thousands of small businesses and creative founders worldwide through award-winning, elevated, purpose-driven brand and Showit web design since 2014. For custom brand design services, custom Showit web design services, and easy-to-customize Showit website templates for fine art photographers, event planners, wedding professionals, interior designers, and creatives, please visit With Grace and Gold: www.withgraceandgold.com
Small Business Sales & Strategy | How to Grow Sales, Sales Strategy, Christian Entrepreneur
Learn more about She Builds Momentum, my monthly group coaching membership for women in business: https://momentum.lindsayfletcher.co Are you already feeling the weight of Q4—holidays, kids' activities, and running your business—all at once? You're not alone. As small business owners, we're often told that success only comes from hustling harder, working 24/7, and showing up on every single platform. But here's the truth: hustle culture is a lie, and it's costing you your peace, your joy, and sometimes even your profits. In today's episode of How to Grow My Small Business, I'm getting real about hustle culture, margin, and why constantly being “busy” isn't the badge of honor we think it is. Instead of cramming 20 pounds of potatoes in a five-pound sack (yes, I've been guilty of that!), I want to show you how to break free from overcommitment, set boundaries, and create space to breathe in both your life and your business. We'll talk about: The symptoms of hustle culture you might be experiencing right now (think exhaustion, snapping at loved ones, or feeling out of control). The roots of busyness—fear of failure, pride, misplaced identity—and how they might be driving your decisions. Biblical examples of rest and margin that model how we're meant to live and lead, not hustle endlessly. Practical ways to create space in your business, from delegating tasks like bookkeeping or social media to evaluating your calendar and cutting what doesn't serve you. How margin can fuel creativity, problem-solving, and long-term growth in your business. If you've ever woken up already overwhelmed, ended your day still exhausted, or felt like you can't keep up no matter how much you accomplish, this episode will encourage you to step off the hamster wheel and choose a better way. It's time to unsubscribe from hustle culture and start running your business with strategy, clarity, and margin. Let's break up with busy—together. Resources and Links: Learn more about She Builds Momentum, my monthly group coaching membership for women in business: momentum.lindsayfletcher.co Connect with me at hello@lindsayfletcher.co
Technical SEO Study with Favour Obasi-Ike: Website Speed / Content Delivery Network (CDN) / Content Management System (CMS) = Why Is My Website Slow?| Get exclusive SEO newsletters in your inbox.Technical SEO is a major common issue for websites causing them to start loading slowly. We discuss that slow speeds are often caused by poor hosting platforms lacking sufficient bandwidth and uncompressed media, particularly images and videos.Crucially, we emphasize the importance of acquiring and maintaining intellectual property ownership, including the domain and C panel (Control Panel) access, to prevent developers from holding site information hostage.Additionally, the conversation highlights technical aspects like utilizing a Content Delivery Network (CDN), compressing files using tools like compressor.io, and employing proper image file types and alt text for improved search engine optimization.Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Need more information? Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!Answer Key1. What is "Technical SEO"? Technical SEO, or "technical search engine (everywhere) optimization," refers to the technical methods used to ensure a brand or business shows up on web servers and desired websites, typically in the form of a link. It involves optimizing the underlying infrastructure of a website to improve its visibility and performance in search results.2. Identify and explain the two primary factors discussed that cause a website to load slowly. The two primary factors are the hosting platform and the presence of numerous uncompressed images. A poor hosting platform may have insufficient bandwidth or be an overloaded shared server, while large, uncompressed image files significantly increase the amount of data a user must download, slowing the entire loading process.3. What is a "high bounce rate," and how does it relate to a website's performance? A high bounce rate occurs when a visitor comes to a website and leaves quickly without interacting further. This is often caused by slow loading times, as users lack the patience to wait for content; another website might provide the same information three seconds faster, which is enough to make a user leave.4. Define what a Content Delivery Network (CDN) is and name the two types of servers that comprise its network. A CDN, or Content Delivery Network, is a system that stands between a website's hosting (the origin) and the end-user. It caches and compresses website files, like images, across multiple geographic locations to deliver them to users more quickly. The two types of servers within a CDN are the origin server, where the website's original content is stored, and the edge server, which is geographically closer to the end-user and delivers the cached content.5. Why is it crucial for a business owner to have direct ownership of their website's hosting server? Direct ownership of the hosting server ensures control over one's intellectual property and prevents being held "hostage" by a developer. If a business is on someone else's overloaded shared server, performance issues on one site can affect all sites (a "domino effect"). Owning the server provides direct access to the control panel, backups, and the website's blueprint, which is vital for management and troubleshooting.6. Explain the role of "alt text" and how it contributes to a website's visibility and accessibility. Alt text, or alternative text, is a description added to an image's code. It provides context to search engines like Google and AI indexers, making the images searchable and improving the site's overall SEO. Furthermore, alt text is critical for accessibility, as it allows screen reading software to describe the image to visually impaired users.7. What is a "cPanel," and what critical functions can be performed by accessing it? "cPanel" stands for Control Panel. It is the administrative dashboard for a website's hosting server. Accessing the cPanel is critical because it allows a user to get backup data, access the actual blueprint of the website, and see technical details like the file sizes of stored images.8. Describe the significant negative impact that uncompressed images can have on a website, using the specific numerical example from the discussion. Uncompressed images drastically increase a website's loading time because of their large file size. The example given was an online store with 50 products, each with two image variations. If each uncompressed image is 5 megabytes, the total data added to the site's front-loading speed would be 500 megabytes, whereas compressing those same images could reduce the total size to just 50 megabytes (10% of the original) without losing quality.9. What are the two recommended methods for incorporating video content on a website without negatively affecting its load speed? We strongly advises against directly uploading video files (e.g., MP4s). Instead, the two recommended methods are: 1) converting the video into a GIF and uploading the much smaller GIF file, or 2) embedding the video from a third-party platform like YouTube, which ensures the video is streamed from YouTube's servers and not the website's own server.10. Name at least three free tools mentioned that can be used to analyze a website's performance and health. Three of these are GTmetrix, Google Page Speed Insights, and Siteliner. Other mentioned tools include Compressor.io and iLoveIMG.com for image compression and iLovePDF.com for documents.Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastBrands We Love and SupportDiscover Vegan-based Luxury Experiences | Loving Me Beauty Beauty ProductsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Meet Rob Hoffmann, the founder of the AI SEO LLM marketing tool "Mentions." Our conversation focuses on the evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) due to the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, DeepSeek, and Perplexity etc,, which are becoming alternatives to traditional Google search. Rob Hoffmann discusses his journey into entrepreneurship, which started with an SEO agency called Contact, and how the need to track and improve brand visibility on these new AI platforms led to the creation of Mentions, which helps brands appear in LLM recommendations.Throughout our interview, Rob Hoffmann emphasizes the importance of reverse engineering consumer behavior, the need for excellent customer service (even providing his direct phone number to customers), and the affordability of mentions compared to competitors. Our discussion concludes with practical advice for businesses on determining if investing in LLM visibility is worthwhile based on their customer's buying journey.FAQs1. What is Mentions, and why was it founded?Mentions is a tool that assists brands and SEO agencies in navigating the evolving search landscape dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs).Founding Rationale:• Mentions was born out of Rob Hoffmann's SEO agency, Contact.• The shift was necessitated by the recognition that SEO had "changed a lot" recently in response to AI, with search trends moving away from Google and "towards platforms like ChatGPT" (along with Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, etc.).• The founding goal was to be "the SEO agency of the future".• The tool was specifically created to solve two problems: providing a way of measuring brands visibility on LLM platforms, and helping brands get more visibility on platforms like ChatGPT.2. Why are LLMs becoming preferred search alternatives, and how does this affect marketing?People are increasingly turning to LLMs because consumer trust in traditional Google search results (the SERP's top 10 links) has declined, as many users feel these results have been "gamed" by marketers.• Trust in ChatGPT: Conversely, trust in ChatGPT is "through the roof". This is because the chat-based interface makes interaction feel like a conversation with a friend or even a therapist, providing personalized responses from an "all-knowing AI entity".• Customer Acquisition Channel: Because ChatGPT is becoming a frequently used search engine alternative, showing up in its responses when a user searches for a product (e.g., "what is the best organic sulfite free shampoo") is seen as a "great customer acquisition channel".3. How does the mention tool conceptualize LLM visibility (GEO)?Mentions is built on the understanding of how modern LLMs generate answers: LLM + search operator = the result.• The Process: When a user inputs a query (e.g., "what is the best shampoo for dry scalps"): 1. The LLM searches the internet (like Bing or Google). 2. It scrapes the top 10 to 20 results that show up on those search engines. 3. It digests, summarizes, and serves that information to the user.• The Strategy: For a brand to achieve visibility in LLMs (GEO), they must first show up in those underlying search results (traditional SEO). Mentions helps brands reverse engineer the process by figuring out how platforms like ChatGPT get their data and, critically, what sources they are citing to provide responses, thereby guiding the brand to become a cited source.4. What are the key features of the mentions platform?Mentions helps users understand and optimize their content strategy based on LLM data.• Prompts Section (Favorite Feature): This allows users to track specific searches or prompts. When tracking a prompt, mentions shows examples of conversations and, most usefully, lists the pages that are most being cited by ChatGPT. This list provides an "easy road map" for the brand to know whether they should create new content or reach out to those listed publishers to get mentioned.• Analytics Feature: This feature pulls data from Google Analytics 4 (J4) into an easy-to-use dashboard. It helps users see which pages on their website people are visiting most often from LLMs (such as ChatGPT or Perplexity), along with geographical data and device usage (mobile vs. desktop). The founder notes that seeing this traffic is often a "magical experience" for users.• Tracking Cadence (24-Hour Clock): Mentions inputs tracked prompts into all supported LLMs (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Deepseek, etc.) every 24 hours. This is essential because LLM responses are not identical on every search (the overlap is about 70%), so regular, repeated testing ensures the collection of a large data set, which increases the accuracy of the insights provided.5. Who should invest in mentions or GEO (LLM visibility)?The decision to use mentions depends entirely on the company's buyer journey.• Yes, Use Mentions If: If the company's buyer journey involves the ideal customer having a problem and then searching for an answer in Google or Chat GBT to inform their buying decision, then investing in SEO and GEO (LLM visibility) is recommended. If the end customer uses ChatGPT to inform their buying decision, then mentions is advisable.• No, Don't Use Mentions If: If the product is an impulse buy (e.g., a consumer package goods product seen on TikTok or Instagram that prompts an immediate purchase), then search engines like Google or ChatGPT are not part of the buyer journey, and SEO/GEO is likely not the best investment of marketing resources.6. How does mentions handle customer service and support?Customer service is a highly emphasized competitive advantage and value proposition for mentions.• Direct Access: Rob Hoffmann, the CEO and co-founder, gives his personal phone number, WhatsApp, email, and allows customers to contact him on social media (X/Twitter). This is done to avoid the frustration associated with generic AI chatbots, calling hotlines, or being put on hold.• Personalized Onboarding: He finds it helpful to get on calls with users (or a co-founder) to provide a live demo, walk them through the platform, suggest useful features, and look at their specific site.• Commitment to Resolution: Hoffmann promises that if a user has a question, he will answer it; if they encounter a bug, he will fix it (or ping a technical co-founder); and if they request a new feature, "we will ship that for you". Customers can literally pick up the phone and call him directly if they run into an issue.7. How can people start using mentions?To get started, users should go to the website mentions.so and create an account.After creating an account, they will receive an email that allows them to book a call directly with Rob Hoffmann. He also welcomes connections via LinkedIn or X (search for Rob Hoffman), or email rob@contactststudios.com to connect with Rob today!Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Need more information? Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastBrands We Love and SupportDiscover Vegan-based Luxury Experiences | Loving Me Beauty Beauty ProductsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Get a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/Today, on The Portrait System Podcast, we are re-releasing a very special episode where host Nikki Closser interviews Boston-based empowerment photographer Lindsay Hite. Listen in as Lindsay tells us all about how she connects with clients through consultation and how she built her business up to a $5k sales average. Don't miss out on this incredible interview!PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a textMost business owners are driving right past thousands in tax savings without realizing it. In 2025, the IRS raised the standard mileage rate to 70 cents per mile, but that's only the beginning.In this episode, Mike breaks down exactly how to structure your auto deductions, avoid costly mistakes, and choose between the mileage method and actual expenses.
Get a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/Today, on The Portrait System Podcast, host, educator and photographer Nikki Closser interviews Abygail and Juan Padilla. Abygail and Juan have achieved amazing success shooting quinceneaneras with an average sale of $4500. Listen in as they tell us all about how they run, shoot and market their thriving business. Don't miss out on today's interview!PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Get actionable strategies for your business delivered weekly to your inbox. Subscribe to The FoundHer Files. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just what works...because we're better together. SUBSCRIBE HEREFrom Starbucks tables to Taylor Swift's spotlight to Nordstrom shelves, Melinda Maria Spigel has built a jewelry empire on vision, grit, and fearless self-advocacy. Joining Lindsay Pinchuk in this episode, Melinda shares how she turned handmade pieces into a multimillion-dollar brand by trusting her instincts, funding growth in unconventional ways, and pushing past rejection until doors opened. Melinda reflects on the viral moment Taylor Swift wore her “Julian Loves Diamonds” necklace during the Eras Tour, why persistence mattered more than luck when Nordstrom finally took a chance on her, and how a relentless belief in her product carried her through every stage of growth. Her story leaves entrepreneurs with three powerful reminders: keep betting on yourself even when no one else does, treat rejection as a doorway instead of a wall, and understand your numbers as deeply as you understand your craft.Episode Breakdown:00:00 Believing in Yourself and Your Business05:07 Early Passion for Jewelry08:07 Selling Jewelry at Starbucks10:09 Winning Game Shows for Seed Money16:37 Self-Advocating and Building Connections27:08 Persistence Pays Off with Nordstrom39:32 Melinda's Actionable Advice for EntrepreneursConnect with Melinda Maria Spigel:Follow Melinda Maria on InstagramRegister for our FREE Sweep Workshop: The No Fluff Marketing Framework for Small Business Owners. Get on the waitlist for Marketing Made Simple for Small Business. Check out today's female founded brandsJessica's Natural Granola PvolveTaja CollectionEVEREVE Camp Jacket Parke Official Follow Dear FoundHer on InstagramPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Is My Competitor SEO Outranking Me? Marketing Real Talk with Favour Obasi-Ike (Glossary)| Get exclusive SEO newsletters in your inbox.
Too many business owners are grinding for years without truly paying themselves what they're worth. Loyalty doesn't mean self-sacrifice - and underpaying yourself is silently wrecking your finances, your business, and your culture. In this episode, Kerri Roberts pulls back the curtain on what happens when leaders don't prioritize their own paycheck, why it's dangerous, and how to start fixing it - before burnout, resentment, and financial stress take over. This is your wake-up call: if your paycheck doesn't reflect your contribution, it's time to pivot. 5 Reasons to Tune In The Truth Behind Entrepreneur Paychecks - Learn why 26% of small business owners don't pay themselves at all (OnPay, 2023). Ripple Effects You Can't Ignore - How underpaying yourself impacts not just you, but your team and your company culture. Data That Shocks - Federal Reserve findings on financial instability and what they mean for entrepreneurs like you. Real-Life Stories - Kerri shares her own journey of working for less than corporate pay—and how she made the shift. Action Steps That Work - Practical strategies to audit, prioritize, and scale your compensation without tanking your business. Resources & Links Mentioned OnPay Small Business Finance Report (2023): https://onpay.com/reports/2023-small-business-finance-report Federal Reserve Report on Economic Well-Being (37% can't afford a $400 expense): https://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerscommunities/shed.htm Small Business Administration Performance Study: https://www.sba.gov/document/support-small-business-gdp-report HR in a Box – 12-Month Program for Small Business Owners: https://saltandlightadvisors.com Join the Free Weekly Leadership Newsletter: https://www.saltandlightadvisors.com/contact Don't Waste the Chaos Podcast Hub: https://kerrimroberts.com/dontwastethechaos Love this episode? Let's stay connected! Want more HR tips straight to your inbox? Join our email list here: https://saltandlight.myflodesk.com/saltandlightadvisors Subscribe for weekly insights + stories: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrimroberts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nmxuIYEmqpbqZxzoxgiMY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-waste-the-chaos/id1723388520 Support the show
What's the Best Effective SEO Strategy for Beginners? Marketing Essentials with Favour Obasi-Ike (Glossary)| Get exclusive SEO newsletters in your inbox.This discussion offers an in-depth exploration of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies, primarily for beginners and small business owners emphasizing the importance of audience targeting, answering user questions, and consistent content creation (such as blogs and podcasts) to improve online visibility.Key technical SEO aspects are highlighted, including securing a website with HTTPS, creating and submitting a sitemap (XML file) for search engine readability, and focusing on long-tail keywords for better conversion rates. The conversation also touches on the effective use of various platforms like Clubhouse, Google Analytics, and Google Search Console for data intelligence and content distribution, ultimately aiming to protect, earn, and scale a business's online presence.Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Need more information? Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.FAQs1. What is the fundamental principle of effective SEO for beginners?The best SEO strategy for beginners starts with understanding and targeting your audience by asking questions. SEO is fundamentally about providing answers to the questions people are asking. This approach not only helps you create relevant content but also aligns your efforts with how search engines (like Google, ChatGPT, Pinterest, YouTube, and Amazon) operate. By consistently answering these questions, you build authority and credibility, which are crucial for visibility and growth. Tools like Answerthepublic.com, Answerocrates.com, SparkToro.com, and Ubersuggest.com can help you identify these questions and understand audience intent.2. Why is audience understanding crucial for SEO and content creation?Understanding your audience is paramount because it allows you to create content that directly addresses their needs and queries. When you create content with the user's questions in mind, you're not just optimizing for algorithms; you're building a connection with your potential audience. This "three-way connection" between you, your audience, and the algorithm ensures that your content resonates with those actively searching for solutions. It helps bypass the algorithm by matching user intent with your offerings, leading to higher engagement and a stronger brand.3. What are the essential technical SEO elements for a beginner's website?For a beginner, ensuring strong technical SEO involves several fundamental steps:HTTPS Security Connection (SSL): Always secure your website with an HTTPS connection. This creates a privacy area for users, builds trust (indicated by a padlock in the browser), and is a crucial ranking factor for search engines. Websites without this are often flagged as "not secure," leading to immediate user abandonment.Sitemap (XML File): A sitemap is like a brain or a map for your website, allowing algorithms to read and understand its structure and content. While humans read HTML (hypertext markup language), algorithms read XML (expandable markup language). Platforms like WordPress (with plugins like Yoast, RankMath), Squarespace, Shopify, and Wix automatically generate sitemaps, but they must be connected to tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to be fully activated and effective.No Broken or Duplicated Links: Regularly check for and fix broken links and avoid duplicating content, as these issues can confuse search engines and negatively impact your ranking.4. How important are blogs and consistent content creation for SEO?Blogs (or articles, sources) are essential because they tell the world you have something valuable to say. Websites like Wikipedia, Reddit, Shopify, and Canva all leverage blogs to provide information. A consistent blogging strategy feeds your website with good, indexable information that can be submitted to various search engines (Google, Yahoo, Microsoft) and AI platforms (ChatGPT). This consistency helps you earn credibility, which in turn leads to broader distribution across different platforms, strengthening your online presence. For new businesses, publishing content 1-2 times a week can show significant results within 3-6 months.Glossary of Episode Key Terms: SEO for BeginnersAAlgorithm: A set of rules or instructions that a search engine uses to rank websites and determine the relevance of content to a user's query.AnswerThePublic.com / Answerocrates.com/ SparkToro.com / Ubersuggest.com: Website tools used for keyword research and understanding audience questions and interests.Article: A piece of written content on a website, essential for SEO and establishing expertise.Audience Targeting/Marketing: Focusing marketing efforts on a specific group of consumers who are most likely to be interested in a product or service.Access Links: See Backlinks.BBacklinks/Referral Links/Access Links/Image Links: Different types of links pointing back to a website, which are crucial for SEO authority.Binary Code: A computer language that uses only two symbols, typically 0 and 1, to represent information.Blog: A section of a website featuring regularly updated written content.Bootstrapping: Starting a business with little or no outside capital, relying on personal finances or operating revenues.Bottom of Funnel: The stage in the customer journey where users are ready to convert; content here targets these users.Broken Links: Hyperlinks that point to non-existent or moved pages, negatively affecting user experience and SEO.CChatGPT/Perplexity/Pinterest/YouTube/Amazon: Examples of platforms where users search for information, and SEO strategies can be applied to increase visibility.Clubhouse Plus: A paid feature on the Clubhouse app, offering tools to enhance user experience and business growth.Content Distribution: The process of publishing and promoting content across various platforms and channels.Content Reproduction/Publish/Distribute: The process of creating, making available, and spreading content across various channels.Conversion Opportunities/Lifts/Engagement: Metrics indicating how often users take a desired action (e.g., signing up, purchasing), how much those actions increase, and how users interact with content.Credibility: The quality of being trusted and believed in, built through consistent and valuable content.DData Intelligence/Market Intelligence: Gathering and analyzing information to understand market trends, customer behavior, and competitive landscapes.Duplicated Links: Multiple links pointing to the same content, which can confuse search engines and dilute link equity.FFAQs (Frequently Asked Questions): A section of a website that provides answers to common customer questions, useful for both users and algorithms.GGoogle Analytics: A free web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic, providing insights into user behavior.Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business): A free tool from Google that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.Google Developers: A platform for developers to learn about and use Google technologies.Google Search Central (formerly Google Webmasters): A resource provided by Google for website owners to improve their site's visibility in Google Search.Google Search Console: A free web service by Google that helps website owners monitor their site's performance in Google Search results and troubleshoot issues.HHigh Volume Searches: Refers to keywords that are searched for a large number of times by users.HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The standard markup language for documents designed to be displayed in a web browser, forming the readable text and links on a webpage.HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): A secure version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between your browser and the website. Indicated by a padlock icon in the browser.IIndexable Content: Content that search engines can discover, read, and add to their index.International Business: A classification of a business based on its geographic operational scope being global.KKeyword Research: The process of finding and analyzing actual search terms that people use to find information.Keywords (for LinkedIn Newsletter): Important words or phrases in the title that help the newsletter rank in search results.LLLM Refs: A platform mentioned for AI-related search insights, particularly with Search Console and analytics.Local Business: A classification of a business based on its geographic operational scope being a specific town or city.Long-tail Keywords: Specific, longer keyword phrases that typically have lower search volume but higher conversion rates.Low Volume Searches: Refers to keywords that are searched for a small number of times by users.MMeta Tag/Meta Data: Hidden elements in a webpage's HTML that provide search engines with information about the page.Metadata (for video): Information about a video file, such as title, description, tags, and timestamps, that helps search engines understand and rank it.Mindset/Toolset/Skillset: Three crucial "sets" for business success, emphasizing mental approach, available resources, and learned abilities.Mobile-first Design: Designing websites primarily for mobile devices, given that a large percentage of web traffic comes from smartphones and tablets.MP4 File Name Convention: The naming structure of a video file, which can impact its discoverability if not optimized with keywords.NNational Business: A classification of a business based on its geographic operational scope being an entire country.PPixels (Meta, Pinterest, Google, TikTok): Small pieces of code placed on a website to track user behavior, conversions, and build audience lists for advertising.Podcast Distribution: The process of making a podcast available on various platforms (Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Pandora).Post-purchase: Refers to the stage of a customer's journey after they have made a purchase.Pre-purchase: Refers to the stage of a customer's journey before they make a purchase, influencing the type of content they seek.Protect, Earn, Scale (PES): A three-piece business model emphasizing security, credibility, and growth.QQuota on Google: A limit on the number of links (e.g., 10 per 24 hours) that can be submitted to Google for indexing.RRegional Business: A classification of a business based on its geographic operational scope being a specific area or state.Rookie Mistake: A common error made by beginners.RSS (Really Simple Syndication): A web feed format used to publish frequently updated works—such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video—in a standardized format.SSEO (Search Engine Optimization): The process of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results, thereby increasing organic (unpaid) traffic.Sitemap (XML file): A file where you provide information about the pages, videos, and other files on your site. Search engines read this file to crawl your site more efficiently.Source: The origin of information or content.SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): A standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, ensuring data remains private. (Often referred to interchangeably with HTTPS).TTechnical SEO: Optimizing the technical aspects of a website (e.g., speed, mobile-friendliness, crawlability) to improve its search engine rankings.Top of Funnel: The stage in the customer journey where content aims for broad awareness.Topical Pillars/Clusters: A content strategy where a broad "pillar" topic is supported by multiple "cluster" content pieces that delve into specific subtopics.UURL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address of a resource on the internet, such as a webpage.UTM Parameters (Urchin Tracking Module): Tags added to a URL to track the effectiveness of online marketing campaigns.WWeb Page: A single document on the internet, typically in HTML format.Web Link: The address (URL) that points to a specific web page or resource.Website: A collection of interconnected web pages under a single domain name.XXML (eXtensible Markup Language): A markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable, commonly used for sitemaps.YYoast/RankMath/All-in-One SEO: Popular WordPress plugins that assist with SEO tasks, including sitemap generation.Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastBrands We Love and SupportDiscover Vegan-based Luxury Experiences | Loving Me Beauty Beauty ProductsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a textIf you're a small business owner, your retirement planning is nothing like your employees'. Your business isn't just your job - it's your biggest asset and your retirement plan all rolled into one. This creates a perfect storm of challenges that most owners never see coming.In this episode, Van Richards breaks down the critical intersection between Social Security strategy and business succession planning. You'll discover why these two elements must be coordinated from the start, and how failing to plan them together can cost you thousands in retirement benefits.Key Topics Covered:The Social Security trap that catches most business owners (and how to fix it if you have 5-10 years left)Why paying yourself a low salary for tax purposes might be destroying your Social Security benefitsThe dangerous "consultation trap" that can get your benefits stopped entirelyThree strategic approaches that actually work for business ownersHow the 2025 tax law changes affect your business exit strategyThe four-part succession framework that connects to your Social Security timingWhy only 30% of family businesses survive to the second generationThe five biggest mistakes business owners make when coordinating these strategiesReal-World Examples: Meet Sarah, who owns a successful accounting firm but has been paying herself only $40,000/year while her business generates six figures. Learn how this common tax strategy is quietly destroying her Social Security benefits - and what she can do about it.Who This Episode Is For:Small business owners in their 50s and 60s planning retirementAnyone considering claiming Social Security before full retirement ageBusiness owners struggling with succession planningSelf-employed individuals worried about retirement incomeFinancial advisors working with business owner clientsKey Takeaway: Your Social Security claiming strategy and business succession plan are completely interconnected. You cannot plan one without considering the other. The good news? With proper planning and professional guidance, you can optimize both.Important Note: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for your specific situation.About the Host: Van Richards helps business owners navigate the complex intersection of Social Security optimization and business succession planning through the Retirement Learning Lab.Follow Van:YouTube: RetirementLearingLab.comLinkedIn Van Richards, ChFC®, RICP® | LinkedIn
She's Just Getting Started - Building a business you truly love!
You're staring and building a business to make money doing what you love. But how do you actually make money? Learn the ONE BIG KEY that will lead you straight to the revenue you need!
The ROI Power of SEO Blogging: Time, Money, and Energy Explained with Favour Obasi-Ike | Get exclusive SEO newsletters in your inbox.In this episode, we explain the Return on Investment (ROI) of blogging for businesses, emphasizing the long-term benefits in time, money, and energy highlighting that blogging, even using AI for content creation with human refinement, significantly boosts online visibility and authority by answering frequently asked questions. Key strategies include optimizing content with keywords for search engines, updating older posts, and repurposing existing content from platforms like Clubhouse as blog posts or podcast episodes to maximize reach. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating an author profile for credibility and using search operators to understand market positioning, ultimately asserting that consistent, relevant content creation is crucial for organic growth and sustained business presence.Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Need more information? Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.FAQs on Blogging ROI and Digital Authority in the AI Age1. What is the fundamental concept behind the ROI of blogging?The Return on Investment (ROI) of blogging is viewed through three core ingredients: time, money, and energy. While many associate ROI primarily with monetary gain, the discussion emphasizes the long-term benefits and efficiency blogging can bring to a business. The idea is that a focused investment of these three resources into blogging can lead to significant and sustained positive outcomes, even if the initial outlay seems small. The goal is to maximize the impact of content creation by strategically using these ingredients, ultimately leading to increased visibility, authority, and potential for passive income.2. How can I determine if blogging is a worthwhile strategy for my business or industry?A practical method to assess the relevance of blogging for your business is to use Google search operators. By typing "blog / [your topic]" (e.g., "blog / social media tips" or "blog / how to cook chicken") into Google, you can see existing blogs that cover your intended subject matter. This directly shows you what Google recognizes as relevant content in your niche, and whether your competitors are present. If you don't see your own website or content in these results, it indicates a missed opportunity and suggests that blogging could be a beneficial strategy to gain visibility and authority in your industry. Additionally, using "site:yourdomain.com [keyword]" can reveal if your existing content is being indexed for specific keywords.3. How does updating old blog content contribute to its ROI, especially in the context of AI?Updating older blog content is crucial for maintaining and enhancing its ROI. Search engines, particularly with the rise of AI, prioritize "last mod" (last modified) dates. This means that content that has been recently updated and republished is more likely to appear in search results. By updating existing blogs, you signal to search engines that your information is fresh and relevant, increasing its visibility and authority. This practice can double the efficiency of your initial time investment, as you're leveraging existing content to continue attracting traffic and engagement, rather than starting entirely from scratch with new articles.4. Can AI tools like ChatGPT be used to effectively create blog content, and what is the recommended best practice?Yes, AI tools like ChatGPT can be effectively used for blog content creation, but the best practice is to use them as a first draft or a starting point, rather than as the sole author. While AI can generate content, it's crucial for the blogger to "humanize" it, injecting their unique voice, insights, and brand personality. One participant even mentioned using AI to write content specifically for their local business and achieving top search rankings after humanizing it. The recommendation is to use AI to get content ideas, summaries, or even initial drafts, and then to personally refine and optimize it. This ensures that the content is not only informative but also authentic and engaging for the target audience.5. How can I leverage various online platforms (search engines, social media, AI answer engines) to maximize the reach of my blog content?To maximize the reach of your blog content across various platforms, a balanced strategy is recommended:Search Engines (Traditional): Use Google and Bing for traditional search visibility.Answer Engines (Voice Search): Consider how your content would be found via voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, which provide direct answers.AI Search Engines: Utilize platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grok for AI-driven responses.By observing which brands consistently appear across all these platforms for a given topic, you can identify top authorities. Your goal is to become one such authority by consistently providing fresh, recent, and quick information. This involves writing extensive blog posts on your website (80% of your effort) and then leveraging social media (20% of your effort) to promote and build community around that content. People often discover information through search and then seek out the brand on social media, so a cohesive presence across all platforms is vital.6. What is the significance of an "author profile" in blogging for increasing online visibility and authority?An author profile attached to your blog posts significantly boosts your online visibility and authority. Most website platforms (WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, etc.) allow you to create an author profile for your published content. This profile typically includes links to your social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, X, etc.), creating a comprehensive digital footprint. Search engines and AI servers actively look for authors, profiles, and associated links, which helps them understand the context and credibility of your content. By presenting your blogs under a clear author profile (either your personal name or company name), you establish yourself or your brand as a recognized expert, increasing your chances of showing up for topical searches and building trust with your audience.7. How can I transform existing content, like podcast episodes or Clubhouse replays, into effective blog posts to drive traffic?Existing audio content, such as podcast episodes or Clubhouse replays, can be efficiently repurposed into blog posts to drive traffic. The process involves:Transcribing the audio: Use tools like Notebook LM (Google) or Descript to transcribe the audio into text.Extracting key information: From the transcription, identify frequently asked questions (FAQs) and summarize the main points.Humanizing and optimizing: Take the summary and use AI tools (like ChatGPT) to refine it into a comprehensive blog post. Crucially, humanize the AI-generated text to match your brand's voice.SEO Optimization: Incorporate relevant keywords into the blog post's title, body, and URL to improve searchability.Linking: Embed the audio (podcast or replay) within the blog post and link the blog post back to your website, social media, and any other relevant platforms.This strategy maximizes content that you've already invested time and energy into, effectively "killing two birds with one stone" by reaching both audio listeners and text readers, and creating a loop of traffic between different content formats.8. What is the "crawl budget" in relation to publishing multiple blog posts per day, and how does it affect content indexing?The "crawl budget" refers to the limit on how many new or updated links Google Search Console will process from your website each day. While you can publish an unlimited number of blogs on your own website (your "house"), Google has a quota, typically allowing you to submit around 10 links per day for indexing. This means that even if you publish 20 blogs in a day, only the first 10 submitted will likely be immediately logged and processed by Google's system within a 24-hour period. Each published post is logged with a precise date and time stamp (hours, minutes, seconds, milliseconds). Understanding the crawl budget is important for managing expectations regarding how quickly your new content will appear in search results and for strategically planning your publishing schedule if you aim for rapid indexing.Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastBrands We Love and SupportDiscover Vegan-based Luxury Experiences | Loving Me Beauty Beauty ProductsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a textDo you have a home office? The desk you're sitting at could save you up to $1,500 a year in taxes.Many business owners skip this deduction because they think they don't qualify or fear an IRS audit. The truth is, most do qualify. One client of mine saved $1,100 in just 30 minutes by setting it up.In this episode, Mike Jesowshek, CPA, explains who qualifies, the two ways to calculate it, how to document properly, and the mistakes that cause business owners to miss out. You'll also learn how the home office deduction can unlock other tax savings like business mileage.
What happens when you spend a decade building a business from scratch? You learn a LOT—sometimes the hard way. In this milestone episode of The Spitfire Podcast, Lauren LeMunyan, MCC, pulls back the curtain and shares the 10 biggest lessons from 10 years in business. From ignoring the “too bold” naysayers to charging what you're worth, from investing in systems early to surrounding yourself with the right people, Lauren lays out the truth bombs every entrepreneur, coach, and small business owner needs to hear. You'll hear insights on: Why friends and family aren't your customers (and how to find the ones who are) How to price with confidence and stop undercutting your value The importance of contracts, boundaries, and protecting your energy When to invest in help and stay in your zone of genius How to design your business today for the next 10 years of growth ✨ Whether you're dreaming about launching, knee-deep in the hustle, or reflecting on your own decade of entrepreneurship, this episode will inspire you to rethink your strategy, reclaim your energy, and keep spitting fire for years to come.
Business strategist and bestselling author Seth Godin joins Fiona Killackey to explore the power of agency, creativity, and professional consistency in today's AI-driven world. In this compelling conversation, Seth shares why we waste our freedom waiting for instructions and how to embrace the responsibility that comes with choice.Key themes covered: AI as a creative tool - Why creatives should master AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney rather than hide from them Professional boundaries - The difference between being vulnerable with friends versus maintaining professional promises Strategic decision-making - How to identify when you're in a productive "dip" versus a dead-end "cul-de-sac" Building authority - Why consistency and showing up professionally matters more than authenticity at work The future of creativity - How AI will either work for you or you'll work for AIA masterclass in strategic thinking for entrepreneurs and creatives navigating change.A massive thank you to our sponsor and our fave AI tool, Poppy AI. Use FIONA at checkout for a discount Connect with Seth GodinSeth's Blog The Mentor Deck Bundle Connect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: hello@mydailybusiness.comWebsite: mydailybusiness.comResources mentioned:Join our AI Chat Group for small business ownersGroup Coaching My Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses ⭐️ GET MORE TIME BACK with our fave AI tool that has saved us HOURS. Use Poppy AI and code FIONA for a discount ⭐️ Need some inspiration and tips today? Check out our new book, Business to Brand: Moving from transaction to transformation now. Get started on a more successful and sustainable small business with our range of free tools at mydailybusiness.com/freestuff Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA. Ever wanted to write your own book and build your brand authority or start your own podcast to connect with and grow your audience? Check out our How to Start a Podcast Course or How to Get Your Book Published Course at our courses page. Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lisa Mulrain. Role: Finance attorney, senior executive in the federal government, founder of Legacy Building LLCMission: To bridge the financial literacy gap for minority communities, emerging professionals, and small business owners, promoting lasting economic confidence and stability.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lisa Mulrain. Role: Finance attorney, senior executive in the federal government, founder of Legacy Building LLCMission: To bridge the financial literacy gap for minority communities, emerging professionals, and small business owners, promoting lasting economic confidence and stability.
Your team respects you, clients are generally happy, and revenue is steady. But what if the very management habits you're most proud of are secretly strangling your business growth? Most small service business owners never see it coming—the well-intentioned leadership behaviors that actually repel top talent, stifle innovation, and keep you trapped in the same revenue range year after year. Bobby, a battle-tested business leader who's seen these patterns destroy promising companies, recently revealed five counterintuitive strategies that separate thriving service businesses from those stuck in survival mode. What he shared will challenge everything you think you know about effective leadership. 1. Your "Helpful" Management Style is Secretly Killing Your Business Think you're being supportive by staying on top of every detail? Bobby reveals a shocking truth that most small business owners don't realize about their management style. 2. The 3-Letter Framework That Transforms Problem Employees That "difficult" employee who's driving you crazy? Bobby's "ACE" framework reveals they might just need to be heard differently. 3. The 10-Minute Daily Habit That Prevents Small Business Burnout Forget expensive coaches and complicated wellness systems. Bobby shares his personal practice that keeps him mentally sharp and emotionally resilient—even during the most brutal client situations. 4. How to Stop Losing New Hires in Their First 30 Days New employee disappeared after two weeks? Bobby's onboarding blueprint addresses the real reason new hires quit—and it's not what most business owners think. 5. Stop Training the Same Way Twice: The Crowdsourcing Secret Here's a question that will change how you approach training: Why are you recreating systems when your best employees already have the answers? What's Your Biggest Leadership Challenge? Bobby's insights challenge conventional wisdom about small business leadership. Whether you're struggling with micromanagement tendencies, difficult team dynamics, or high turnover, his practical strategies offer a fresh perspective on age-old problems. Ready to transform your leadership approach? Listen to the full podcast episode to get the complete frameworks and implementation strategies Bobby uses to build thriving service businesses. You can get the The guide to integrating AI into your business (and other systems guides) to help you build systems that fit you and your team's values. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
SEO Secrets: Why Do Search Engines Rank Webpages Higher Than Others? with Favour Obasi-Ike) | Get exclusive SEO newsletters in your inbox.This discussion focuses on web page ranking and SEO strategies, particularly in the context of evolving search algorithms and AI. Favour highlighted the importance of domain authority and page authority, emphasizing that content needs to be contextual, comprehensive, and in multimedia formats to rank effectively. They discuss practical tools like Google Search Console and SEOGets for analyzing website data and improving rankings. Additionally, the conversation touches on the accelerated pace of content indexing due to social media and podcasts, suggesting that unique analysis and experience, especially through quotes and diverse content clusters, are crucial differentiators in a world saturated with AI-generated content.Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Need more information? Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.FAQs on Elevating Web Page Ranking in the AI Era1. Why do some web pages rank highly on search engines while others don't?Web pages rank differently due to various factors that influence their visibility to search engine algorithms and users. Key reasons for higher rankings include strong domain authority, relevant and contextual content, the use of multimedia formats, and addressing user queries effectively. Conversely, pages may not rank well if their content is outdated, contains error messages or broken links, lacks credibility, or fails to provide the type of information users are actively seeking. Essentially, a page's ability to rank is a reflection of its usefulness, credibility, and technical optimization in the eyes of search engines.2. What is "domain authority" and why is it important for web page ranking?Domain authority refers to the credibility and trustworthiness of your entire website in the eyes of search engines. It's often represented by a score from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating greater authority. A strong domain authority is crucial because it signals to search algorithms that your website is a reliable source of information. This trust is built through the credibility of your content and its context. A website with high domain authority can help its individual web pages rank more easily, even if a new page is just published, because the overarching trust established with Google (and other search engines) extends to all its content. Tools like Ahrefs can be used to check your website's domain authority.3. How do content pillars and content clusters contribute to a webpage's ranking?Content pillars and content clusters are strategic approaches to organizing your website's content to improve ranking. Content pillars are broad, foundational topics central to your business or niche. Content clusters are groups of related, more specific articles or pages that link back to a central pillar page. This structure creates a "roadmap" for both users and search engines, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of a topic. By providing detailed, interconnected content around specific themes, you establish your website as an authoritative resource, allowing people to find you based on various related search queries, thus boosting your overall search visibility.4. How can multimedia and different content formats improve web page rankings?Incorporating multimedia and diverse content formats significantly enhances a web page's ranking potential. While basic text is important, pages that include elements like embedded YouTube videos, infographics, FAQs, pricing lists, and even quotes, offer a richer user experience. Videos, for example, generate captions (text within text), and podcasts can be transcribed, effectively creating "text to the power of three" (text, audio, video all contributing to textual content). This multi-format approach provides more context and content for algorithms to parse, caters to different learning preferences, and increases user engagement, signaling to search engines that the page is valuable and comprehensive.5. What role do search engines like Google Search Console play in optimizing web pages for ranking?Google Search Console (GSC) is a free and essential tool for website owners to monitor their site's performance in Google Search. It acts as the "internet service provider" for your website within Google's database. GSC provides valuable data on how users find your site, which queries they use, and how your pages are performing. By tracking queries, impressions, and clicks, you can identify what information people are seeking and then strategically create or refine content to address those needs. Submitting your sitemap and regularly checking GSC allows you to ensure your content is indexed, track its performance, and make informed decisions to improve rankings. Other search engines like Bing and Yandex also offer similar tools.6. How can an individual's unique analysis and experience differentiate their content in an AI-driven world?In an era where AI can rapidly generate vast amounts of content, unique analysis and personal experience have become paramount differentiators. While AI can produce factual information, it often lacks the nuanced insights, personal anecdotes, and real-world expertise that a human can provide. For instance, when discussing a topic like cooking eggs, an AI might list recipes, but a human can share their experience with different pan types or specific techniques that yield better results. Injecting your personal perspective, insights, and expert opinions into your content creates a level of authenticity and depth that generic, AI-generated content cannot replicate, making your pages more valuable and trustworthy to both users and search algorithms.7. What are some actionable strategies for improving web page rankings quickly today?The landscape of SEO has evolved, allowing for quicker ranking compared to a decade ago. Here are some actionable strategies:Utilize Google Search Console (GSC): Install GSC, analyze query and page data (potentially with tools like SEO Gets), and use AI to help create prompts for analyzing this data to build better web pages.Leverage Domain Authority: If you have a powerful website, new or revised content can rank faster due to Google's existing trust. Press releases can also help promote important content as news is a strong signal to search engines.Content Context & Clusters: Focus on creating contextual content around specific topics, using content pillars and clusters to cover subjects comprehensively.Multimedia Integration: Embed videos, infographics, and other visual or audio elements. Ensure these elements have accompanying text (captions, transcriptions).Answer User Queries (The 5 W's and 1 H): Create content that directly answers common questions people are asking, using the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" framework in your articles and URLs.Create "Tools" Content: Articles or pages about "tools" (free or paid) often attract significant traffic because users are actively seeking solutions.Consistency and Recurrence: Regularly update and create content, and don't be afraid to revisit and expand on successful topics over time.8. How has AI impacted the way web pages rank, and what does it mean for content creators?AI has significantly altered the ranking landscape. While traditional search engines (Google, Bing) remain crucial, AI search (like ChatGPT or Google Gemini) now plays a role in how information is discovered. For content creators, this means adapting to a system where "ranking" on AI might be more accurately described as "earning impressions" or "citations." AI models scrape data from existing online sources, so content that already ranks well on traditional search engines is more likely to be cited by AI.This emphasizes the importance of:Traditional SEO Foundations: Continue to optimize for Google and other search engines, as they remain the primary data source for many AI models.Clarity and Intent: Create content that directly answers user questions in a clear, structured manner, as AI prioritizes direct answers.Attribution and Sourcing: Ensure your content is authoritative and properly attributed, so AI tools can confidently cite your work.Podcasts as a Ranking Tool: Podcasts, with their associated show notes and transcripts, are becoming a powerful way to rank quickly on both traditional and AI-driven searches, as they offer rich, contextual audio and text.Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today, Eric shares five standout books he read this summer. As a passionate reader of 25–30 books a year, he found these books particularly impactful for both business and life. The Last Lecture — Randy Pausch & Jeffrey Zaslow This moving and timeless book was written by computer science professor Randy Pausch, as his final lecture after getting a terminal diagnosis. It blends philosophy, practical wisdom, and personal stories, offering lessons on living with purpose, nurturing relationships, and leaving a legacy. It is a book to hold onto for life, and to pass on to the next generation. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals — Oliver Burkeman Burkeman reframes time management by reminding us we only have about 4,000 weeks on earth. Instead of chasing endless productivity, he shows how to prioritize what truly matters. The book combines humor, philosophy, and practical tools for blocking, organizing, and auditing time. It is valuable for both business and personal life. Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet — Jesse Itzler In this book, entrepreneur Jesse Itzler recounts a month of intense training with a Navy SEAL. His experience is raw, funny, and motivating, pushing readers to go beyond excuses and embrace discipline, resilience, and grit. It is a high-energy reminder that we are capable of far more than we think. Make Your Own Luck: Success Tactics You Won't Learn in Business School — Peter Kash Written by entrepreneur and venture capitalist Peter Kash, this book explores how to create luck by preparing, persevering, and being open to opportunity. Through vivid personal stories, he shows how readiness and mindset can transform challenges into breakthroughs. It is a guide to moving forward, even in uncertain times. Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry — Kelly Richmond Pope In this book, forensic accounting professor Kelly Richmond Pope reveals the hidden world of fraud, from small-town scandals to billion-dollar schemes. Drawing on her TED Talk and Netflix documentary All the Queen's Horses, she highlights the risks of misplaced trust and the importance of vigilance in business. It is an eye-opening and essential read for entrepreneurs. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Book links: The Last Lecture Four Thousand Weeks Living with a SEAL Make Your Own Luck Fool Me Once
This week I'm joined by my dear friend and stellar entrepreneur, Whitney, the founder of Woven, a women's boutique rooted in community, style, and intention. We sat down in studio for a conversation all about following your intuition, pivoting from a secure corporate career, and building something from the ground up that truly reflects who you are. From starting out in her basement, to creating a one-of-a-kind brick and mortar experience, Whitney shares what it looks like to trust your gut, take big risks, and create a space that uplifts women through fashion, connection, and support.Tune in to hear more about:• Whitney's leap from corporate banking to fashion entrepreneur and betting on herself.• The story behind the name Woven and why building community has always been at the heart of the brand.• What goes into curating a capsule wardrobe and the benefits of simplifying your style• The power of intention when building a business and lessons in growing a team. • A peek behind the scenes of seasonal buying, fashion trends, and staying grounded in vision.Stay tuned for part two! Share this episode with your biz bestire & be sure to leave a review on your favourite listening platform! Website: https://shopwoven.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopwoven.ca/Visit Woven IRL: 2049 Pine St Unit 9U, Burlington, Ontario L7R 1E9 Upcoming Events: GIRLFRIENDS WALKS are back!Next Walk:-Arizona - Sunday August 17th-Oakville - Wednesday August 20thIt's more than a walk—it's an opportunity to build authentic connections, meet like-minded women, and even spark collaborations or new business opportunities. Check www.inspireandmove.ca/store to get tickets & join me for the next one! Let's Connect!• INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS• Instagram• Website• Facebook• TikTok
Mastering these five items are critical for achieving success in your small business.
Low business productivity is a growing trend.
What Are the Best Blogging and Publishing SEO Practices for New or Established Websites? (Digital Marketing Masterclass with Favour Obasi-Ike) | Get exclusive SEO newsletters in your inbox.This marketing discussion from Clubhouse audio centers on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and its role in online business growth, particularly through blog content. It emphasizes that SEO is more than just ranking; it's a consistent strategy for online visibility. Favour Obasi-Ike recommends publishing blog posts regularly, suggesting one to two per week for new businesses and three to four for established ones, while also stressing the importance of updating older content to maintain relevance and a competitive edge. Furthermore, the conversation highlights the significance of structured data, diverse content formats (text, audio, video), and distributing content across various platforms to maximize reach and engagement, ultimately leading to organic traffic and reduced advertising costs.FAQs on SEO Content Strategy for Online GrowthHow often should a new website publish blog posts for SEO?For a new website just starting out and building momentum, it's recommended to publish one to two blog posts per week. This approach allows a new business or solopreneur to establish a consistent online presence without feeling overwhelmed. Publishing once a week translates to 52 new web links annually, which can significantly contribute to a website's visibility on search engines like Google, ChatGPT, and Bing. This frequency is considered a "gear one to gear three" strategy, focusing on foundational content and answering common customer questions.What is the recommended blog post frequency for established businesses aiming for accelerated growth?Established businesses looking to drive fast and significantly boost their SEO should aim to publish anywhere from three to four times a week. This higher frequency, referred to as moving from "gear one to gear five," is for businesses with the resources to create consistent, high-quality content. The more frequently new and updated content is published, the faster search engines like Google understand the website's relevance and authority, leading to improved rankings and increased organic traffic.Beyond initial publication, how important is updating old blog posts for SEO?Updating old blog posts is crucial for maintaining SEO relevance and extending the lifespan of your content. Every time an article is updated (given a "last modified" date), it resets its 24-month relevance cycle with search engines. This combats "content decay," where older, un-updated articles lose visibility to newer, more recent information on the same topic. Best practices suggest updating content monthly or at least quarterly. Updates can include adding FAQs, recent statistics, use cases, quotes, videos, or other rich media. This consistent updating signals to search engines that your content remains current, practical, and authoritative, improving its chances of ranking higher and for longer.What are the "three levels" of showing up online that are critical for SEO?The three critical levels for showing up online in a systematic and structural way are:Website: This is the overall digital presence, providing the "full platter" of your brand and offerings.Web Page: This refers to individual pages within the website that contain specific content. It's the "content of the website."Web Link (Blog Post/Article): These are the individual pieces of content that provide access to the specific information on a web page. They serve as "leading tools" for growth and are the primary way people find content on search engines. These three layers must work together, much like the components of a burger or sandwich, for effective online visibility.How do search engines evaluate content, and what role does "structured data" play?Search engines evaluate content by reading both the visible text (HTML) and the underlying script (XML). To rank effectively, content needs to be presented as "structured data," which goes beyond just getting a raw response from an AI tool. Structured data includes elements like headings, titles, metadata, schema markup, internal and external links, images with alt text, and other organizational components. These elements help search engines understand the context, relevance, and relationships within your content, making it easier for them to index and rank your pages for relevant queries. Search engines, including AI platforms like ChatGPT, scan the top 20 Google results for relevance, recency, and practicality, aligning with Google's E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust) guidelines.How can businesses maximize the reach and impact of their blog content beyond just publishing it on their website?To maximize reach, blog content should be actively distributed across various platforms, treating each blog post as a valuable piece of intellectual property. This includes:Email lists: Sending new blog posts to subscribers.Social Media: Sharing content on platforms like YouTube (as video), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Pinterest, and Threads.Content Repurposing: Transforming blog posts into videos, podcasts, infographics, or other formats to suit different platforms and audience preferences.Connecting with other content: For instance, ensuring every podcast episode has a corresponding blog post to appear on Google.This multi-channel approach leverages both search (people actively looking for information) and social (content being discovered in feeds) to drive traffic and engagement, increasing the chances of content being seen and resonated with.What is the impact of regularly updating website content on search engine understanding and overall business value?Regularly updating website content, particularly blog posts, significantly enhances search engine understanding of your business and its offerings. The more often you update your content, the more thoroughly Google and other search engines comprehend your topics, expertise, and relevance. This consistent engagement builds trust and authority. Furthermore, the content on your website contributes directly to its intellectual property and overall business value. Just as renovating a house adds value, adding and updating content to your domain increases its worth, making it a more attractive asset for potential scaling or sale. A diverse range of well-optimized content allows your website to "tackle different channels" and answer a broader spectrum of user questions, akin to a television offering many channels.What are common pitfalls to avoid when creating content for SEO, especially regarding AI tools?A major pitfall to avoid is simply copying and pasting content generated by AI tools like ChatGPT without further refinement. While AI can be useful for gathering information or suggesting ideas, the output is often "unstructured data." Directly using such content can lead to penalties from search engines because it may regurgitate information already available elsewhere, lacking originality, structure, and the human touch that builds E-E-A-T. Instead, AI tools should be used strategically:Restructuring: Use AI to rewrite content in a specific style (e.g., lifestyle blog, third-person with quotes and attributions).Idea Generation: Obtain content ideas or initial drafts.Enhancement: Incorporate AI-generated elements after thorough review and integration into your structured format.The goal is to transform unstructured AI output into well-structured, original, and valuable content that resonates with both human readers and search engine algorithms.Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastBrands We Love and SupportDiscover Vegan-based Luxury Experiences | Loving Me Beauty Beauty ProductsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SEO Services Edition: Is SEO "Dead" in 2025? Who Knows? (Case Studies, Testimonials, and Ultimate Guide with Favour Obasi-Ike) | Get exclusive SEO newsletters in your inbox.Favour Obasi-Ike presents an engaging and conversational discussion that emphatically argues for the continued relevance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in 2025 and beyond, directly refuting the idea that SEO is "dead."Favour Obasi-Ike, joined by other marketing professionals (with a guest LIVE! audio testimonial), highlights that SEO is foundational for online visibility across various platforms, including traditional search engines and AI-driven systems like ChatGPT. The dialogue stresses the importance of consistent content creation, strategic updates, and a holistic approach to online presence, emphasizing that SEO is not merely about keywords but about understanding user intent and providing valuable, well-structured information.Favour Obasi-Ike illustrates these points with practical examples and case studies, demonstrating how effective SEO can significantly boost website traffic, lead generation, and overall business growth by ensuring content is discoverable and impactful. The discussion ultimately positions SEO as a continuous, essential investment that underpins all successful digital marketing efforts.Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Need more information? Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.FAQs about the Is SEO "Dead" in 2025? Who Knows? Episode:1. Is SEO dead in 2025?No, SEO is not dead in 2025; in fact, it's more vital than ever. The perception that SEO might be obsolete often stems from a misunderstanding of what it truly encompasses. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is fundamentally about being discoverable online. With 8.2 billion people in the world and 1.1 billion websites, and an astounding 8 to 16 billion daily searches on Google alone (with 15% being new searches every day), the act of searching for information is constant and growing.The conversation clarifies that "SEO" isn't limited to traditional search engines like Google. Platforms such as ChatGPT, Google, Reddit, TikTok, LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube all function as "search engines" where content needs to be optimized to be found. Therefore, anything you do to increase your visibility on these platforms is a form of SEO. The speaker emphasizes that fancy new terms like GEO, AEO, AIO, or SXO are just "cosmetics" for the same underlying principle: making your content discoverable. The core idea is that if you're not focusing on SEO, you're missing out on crucial opportunities for people to find your website and business.2. How has AI impacted SEO, and does it replace traditional SEO efforts?AI does not replace traditional SEO; instead, it exposes and adds structure to it. AI tools and platforms like ChatGPT, Alexa, Siri, Grock, Deepseek, Meta AI, Cloud, Perplexity, and Gemini rely on information from existing traditional platforms and servers. This means that to be found by AI search engines, your content first needs to be optimized and present on these traditional sources (like Google, Bing, Yandex, etc.).The speaker highlights that AI search engines respond based on information given from a "source." If you are not optimizing your original content and website (the "source"), you cannot become a "resource" for AI. AI is looking for well-structured, authoritative content with clear brand citations and links. Having duplicate profiles or unverified business claims on platforms like LinkedIn, for example, can negatively impact how AI (and traditional search engines) perceive your online presence, making it harder for your business to be recognized and recommended. Essentially, AI leverages and amplifies the importance of a robust, well-optimized online foundation.3. What are the key elements for a strong online presence in 2025, beyond just keywords?In 2025, a strong online presence moves beyond solely focusing on keywords to prioritizing conversations, user experience, and a holistic, structured approach to content. Key elements include:Content with Purpose: Focus on "who are you talking to? Who are you serving? Why are you showing up?" Your content should address specific questions and needs, aiming for positive, neutral, or negative sentiment analysis from AI.Continuous Optimization: SEO is not a one-time fix. Websites and content need regular updates. Blogs, for instance, have a *24-month cycle*, meaning consistent updates are crucial to maintain visibility. The "last modified" timestamp is vital for algorithms.Structured Content: Turn unstructured content (like a simple blog post) into structured articles with headings, internal/external links, embedded scripts, iframes, tables, infographics, FAQs, quotes, images, alt text, and schema (microdata/rich snippets). This makes it more digestible for both humans and search engines.Platform Integration & Tokenization: Your website should be connected to all relevant online platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, podcasts, etc.). When a page is updated, it gets "tokenized" (duplicated) across various search engines and platforms (Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Brave, Bing, ChatGPT). This ensures wide distribution and recognition.Google Search Console: This is paramount. Connecting your website to Google Search Console is the "internet service provider of Google" and allows you to track impressions, clicks, and positions, providing crucial data on your marketing efforts.E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): Google's guideline emphasizes providing the best user experience. This means creating a well-structured, intentional, and high-quality online presence that builds trust and authority.4. Why is continuous content creation and updating crucial for SEO?Continuous content creation and updating are crucial because SEO is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Websites need "oil changes" and "tire alignments" through new articles, blogs, and updates to remain healthy and high-performing for algorithms.Key reasons include:Content Decay: Blogs have a *24-month active cycle*. If content isn't updated within three years, its chances of sustaining visibility become slim, even with good initial content. The "last modified" timestamp on your content signals freshness and relevance to search engines.Algorithm Recognition: Search engines and AI prioritize active, recent, and updated information. Consistent updates help algorithms recognize your website as a continuously relevant and valuable source, leading to better rankings.Meeting Evolving Search Needs: Search volumes and user needs change with seasons, holidays, and emerging trends. Regularly updated content allows your business to align with these evolving search patterns.Increased Impressions and Authority: Consistently producing and updating 52 pieces of content a year can significantly boost your website's impressions and domain authority. This demonstrates expertise and a sustained commitment to providing value.Audience Retention: A continuous flow of valuable, updated content helps build an "attention map"that fosters a "retention curve," keeping your audience engaged and returning.5. How can businesses leverage diverse online platforms for SEO, and what's the role of podcasting?Businesses should leverage diverse online platforms by connecting their website as a central hub to all their social media, content, and directory listings. This creates a structured pathway for discovery and builds authority. The speaker emphasizes that platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Reddit are all search engines in their own right.Podcasting is highlighted as an exceptionally powerful tool for several reasons:Know, Like, and Trust Factor: Podcasting is described as the fastest way for someone to "know, like, and trust" you, as it allows for a deeper, more personal connection through voice.Authoritative Content: Like blogs and books, podcasts have an author, contributing to your overall "dominant authority online."Wide Distribution and Citation: Podcasts are distributed across *30-40+ stations* (Spotify, Apple, Pandora, iHeart, Podcast Addict, Alexa), each acting as a resource. When AI (like ChatGPT) or other search engines cite a podcast link, it directly mentions your content and business.Content Repurposing: Turning podcast episodes into topical blogs (show notes with hypertext links) auto-indexes your content through servers, further increasing visibility across traditional and AI search engines.Organic Lead Generation: Podcasting can organically attract clients without needing paid ads. As demonstrated by a client who gained clients from Google and ChatGPT after starting a podcast, it builds authority that leads to organic discovery and trust.Niche-Based Search: Podcasting allows for highly niche-based content, meaning if you show up consistently, algorithms will rank and refer you to people specifically looking for your expertise.By integrating podcasts with other platforms (website, social media, email lists) and consistently producing valuable content, businesses can significantly expand their reach and establish strong online authority.6. What is the significance of "tokenization" and the "last modified" date for online content?"Tokenization" refers to the process where, every time you update or "last modify" a page on your website, that page is essentially duplicated or recognized as an individual entity that can be shown on various web platforms and search engines. For example, if your website is updated, that updated content can then appear on Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Brave, Bing, and even AI platforms like ChatGPT.The "last modified" date is a crucial signal to algorithms. Just like your phone updates its software regularly, your website content needs consistent updates. If a blog post, for instance, was published in 2022 and hasn't been updated by September 2025, the algorithm recognizes this lack of recent activity. While it might still appear online if there's no competition, its chances of sustaining visibility are slim. A recent "last modified" date indicates to search engines that the content is fresh, relevant, and actively maintained, increasing its likelihood of being found and ranked. This continuous "tokenization" of updated content across the web amplifies your digital footprint and authority.7. What is the speaker's definition of "future" and how does it relate to SEO?The speaker defines "future" based on its Latin origin, "futurist," meaning "to grow or become," and its dictionary definition as "the time or a period of time following the moment of speaking or writing; time regarded as still to come."This definition directly relates to SEO by emphasizing that every piece of content you create – whether speaking on a podcast or writing a blog post – is an act of "speaking or writing into the future." It's a proactive planning project where your current efforts manifest over time. Just as one plans to build a house with a blueprint, SEO involves strategic planning and consistent execution. Answering questions in the form of web links or podcast episodes serves as a long-term investment. The way you answer one question can lead to several more, creating a continuous flow of engagement and discovery. By actively creating content now, businesses are building an online presence that will continually attract users in the "time still to come," ensuring sustained growth and visibility.8. What essential steps should a business take to start or improve its SEO strategy, especially when seeking professional help?To effectively start or improve an SEO strategy, especially when seeking professional help, a business should take several essential steps:Establish a Foundational Online Presence: The absolute first step is to have a website, or at minimum, a domain name. A website acts as the "anchor" for your business online. Without one, you lack a central hub for discoverability and tracking.Connect to Google Search Console: This is non-negotiable. Google Search Console is the "internet service provider of Google" and allows you to track critical data like impressions, clicks, and positions, which are vital for understanding and proving SEO effectiveness.Define Goals and Strategy: Before engaging with an expert, have a clear understanding of your business goals. If you don't have an SEO strategy, bring your business plan, and a professional can help build one from there. This includes understanding who you are talking to, who you are serving, and why you are showing up.Understand Investment Levels: Be prepared for an investment. While specific figures are mentioned (starting around *$1,500/quarter*), the key is to recognize that SEO is a continuous investment, not a one-time expense, and it offers long-term gains.Prioritize Content Creation for Search Engines (and then humans): As advised, "write everything for search engines, not for you." Focus on creating content that aligns with how algorithms discover and present information. This indirectly means writing for humans as well, as search engines aim to serve relevant and valuable content to users.Embrace Multi-Platform Content: Create diverse content forms (blogs, podcasts, videos, social media posts) that answer common questions people are asking. Distribute this content across relevant platforms, ensuring interconnections (e.g., website links in podcast show notes).Be Intentional and Consistent: SEO requires active, consistent effort. Dedicate time weekly (e.g., 45 minutes a day for 45 days) or invest in professional management to consistently update and optimize your online presence. This consistency builds authority and ensures you're actively engaging with algorithms.Prepare for a Consultation: When booking a call with an SEO expert, be ready to discuss your website, business plan, and specific goals. Professionals will often audit your website, provide insights via Loom videos, and offer structured plans (quarterly, biannually, or annually) with clear communication (e.g., weekly recorded calls).Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Follow us on X: @derrickvanorden @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Congressman Derrick Van Orden who proudly represents the people of Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022. He is the Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. He also serves on the House Agriculture Committee and House Armed Services Committee. The conversation focuses on: * Congressman Van Orden's authored VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, which allows veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgages to receive federal assistance. * The impact of The One Big Beautiful Bill Act | No tax on tips, no tax on social security, and key benefits for the middle class and small business owners. * Congressman Van Orden's Bill to Restore Integrity in Agriculture Immigrant Workforce System, and preventing labor shortages. During his time in office, Derrick has focused on providing for farmers, veterans, and service members, and has been a staunch advocate for fiscal responsibility and accountability in Washington. Derrick's journey of public service started when he joined the Navy at the age of 18. He had the honor to serve our great nation for 26 years. He retired as a Navy SEAL Senior Chief with 5 combat deployments and several others to troubled areas in the world. His first combat deployment was to Bosnia Herzegovina immediately following the signing of the Dayton Accords. During this time, he came to understand how truly unique and wonderful America is, and why She is not only worth emulating but protecting. Derrick continued his service with multiple combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq. Additionally, he served in the Horn of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South and Central America. During his tour in Europe in 2012, he was responsible for planning Special Operations contingency operations for the European Continent. Follow us on X: @derrickvanorden @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 6:00 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm
What are the Biggest SEO Mistakes Killing Your Website Rankings? Learn with Favour Obasi-Ike | Get exclusive SEO newsletters in your inbox.This audio from a Clubhouse audio Marketing Club discussion explores common SEO mistakes that hinder website rankings and offers strategies for improvement. Favour emphasizes the critical importance of a professional website for business legitimacy and online visibility, particularly for search engines and AI models. We discuss the long-term nature of organic SEO versus the immediate, but often less effective, impact of short-term ad campaigns, especially when a strong web presence isn't established. Practical advice includes optimizing website content, titles, and technical elements like Google Search Console integration, along with leveraging platforms like Pinterest for targeted advertising and understanding the interconnectedness of online presence across various digital channels.FAQs1. Why is having a website considered crucial for any business today?Having a website is no longer optional; it's a foundational requirement for any legitimate business. Without one, you're essentially invisible to potential customers and search engines. Someone emphasizes, "if I can't find you, I can't pay you." A website acts as your intellectual property, your online home, and the primary place where people will seek to understand and connect with your business. It establishes credibility, allows for tracking and analysis of customer interactions, and serves as the central hub for all your online presence, from social media to search engine results.2. What are some common SEO mistakes that can severely impact website rankings?Several major SEO mistakes can "kill your rankings." One prevalent issue is a lack of consistent content creation and updates. Simply posting a blog and forgetting about it is a thing of the past; sites need regular fresh content to be reindexed by search engines. Another critical error is improper page titling; many focus on what they want to say rather than what people are actually searching for. Beyond content, neglecting to connect your website to Google Search Console is a significant oversight, as it prevents Google from effectively seeing and indexing your site. Building a visually appealing website that isn't optimized for search engines is like having a beautiful house with no address—it won't be found.3. How does the concept of "patience is a virtue" apply to achieving high search engine rankings?Achieving high organic search rankings is a long-term game that requires significant patience and consistent effort. Unlike paid advertising, organic growth takes time to build momentum. Trying to rank for highly competitive terms like "Black Friday 2025" in just two months with organic strategies is unrealistic, especially when competing against businesses that have invested years. The analogy of waiting for a tree to germinate highlights that genuine growth requires consistent "watering" and care over an extended period. Focusing on building an audience and consistent content creation will lead to surprising and predictable growth over time.4. What are the key components of a "real business" online, beyond just a website?Beyond having a basic website, a "real business" online needs several elements to establish legitimacy and foster trust. This includes having an LLC or being registered with the secretary of state. The website itself should have an address in the footer, ideally hyperlinked to Google Maps, to provide location signals to search engines and potential customers. Furthermore, a business needs to actively manage its online presence across various platforms (LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, social media) and ensure that its website is connected to analytics tools like Google Search Console and Microsoft Clarity for tracking user behavior. Investing in professional branding, including a well-designed logo and a clear customer journey, also signals a serious and committed business.5. How can businesses leverage AI chatbots and other interactive elements to improve website conversions?AI conversational chatbots can significantly boost website conversions, with reported increases between 20% to 33%. These tools act as virtual assistants, guiding visitors and providing immediate support, similar to an in-person store assistant. By engaging users through pop-ups, chatbots, or other calls to action, businesses can prevent visitors from leaving confused or unable to find what they need. The goal is to turn passive viewers into active participants, ensuring they take action and ideally return to the site.6. What role do citations and backlinks play in boosting a website's authority and visibility?Citations and backlinks are crucial for increasing a website's domain authority and visibility. When other reputable platforms like Reddit, Wikipedia, YouTube, or various social media sites link back to your website, it signals to search engines that your content is valuable and credible. The more high-quality referrals your website receives from diverse sources, the higher its perceived authority. This interconnectedness is essential; as one speaker noted, "everything is connected or it's interconnected." This also highlights the importance of connecting your website to platforms like Reddit, as AI mentions can link back to your site from relevant subreddits.7. How does local SEO, particularly through address and zip code targeting, impact search rankings and advertising efforts?Including a physical address in your website's footer, especially when hyperlinked to Google Maps, significantly impacts local SEO. Search algorithms use this information to filter your business within local search results, as users often have their location services enabled. This creates a "signal within your community" and helps your business appear on local maps and in geographically targeted searches. When combined with targeted advertising, such as running Pinterest ads to specific zip codes, businesses can reach highly relevant local audiences. This precision allows for efficient ad spending and higher conversion rates, especially for businesses with defined service areas.8. What is the distinction between SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and newer terms like GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) or AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)?While new terms like GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) are emerging, the core principle remains "search everywhere optimization." These new terms essentially describe the application of SEO principles to different types of search platforms, including generative AI models like ChatGPT or answer engines. The fundamental requirement for showing up on any of these platforms is still a website with well-structured, informative content that you own. Think of SEO as your "boarding pass" to any "plane" (GEO/AEO/AI platform). Without a website that is indexed and providing the right source feedback to these systems, your information cannot be found, regardless of the specific engine or model being used.Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> SEO Optimization Blogs>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastBrands We Love and SupportLoving Me Beauty | Buy Vegan-based Luxury ProductsUnlock your future in real estate—get certified in Ghana today!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Meet Julie Lokun, the founder of The MediaCasters and Cre8tive Con. This discussion centers on the importance of authentic networking, emphasizing in-person connections and genuine follow-up over superficial interactions. Julie Lokun and Favour Obasi-Ike highlight the value of self-awareness in professional settings, distinguishing between introvert and extrovert networking styles, and the significance of building relationships based on trust and mutual support. They also address the practicalities of establishing and safeguarding a business, advising listeners on due diligence and surrounding themselves with a supportive team.FAQ about this episode on event networking?1. What are the key elements of effective personal and professional branding?Effective personal and professional branding is crucial for successful networking and overall career growth. It involves understanding how you present yourself to the world and how others perceive you. This includes your online presence, your demeanor in person, and the consistency of your message. A strong brand is authentic, clearly communicates your vision, and resonates with your audience. The "Cold Play concert" example highlights the potential for public incidents to drastically impact one's brand, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of your actions both publicly and privately.2. Why is follow-up considered the most important and often overlooked aspect of networking?Follow-up is paramount in networking because it transforms initial encounters into meaningful connections. Many people neglect this step, leading to superficial interactions that don't yield results. The hosts emphasize that if a follow-up doesn't happen, it might indicate a lack of genuine connection or interest sparked during the initial conversation. Effective follow-up isn't just about sending an email; it's about actively listening during the initial interaction, identifying how you can offer value, and making a memorable impression that encourages the other person to want to connect further.3. How can individuals move beyond superficial networking and build deeper, more valuable relationships?Building deeper connections goes beyond exchanging business cards. It requires being genuinely interested in others rather than solely focusing on self-promotion. Asking insightful questions, actively listening, and identifying ways to connect people with others in your network are powerful strategies. This approach fosters a sense of "know, like, and trust," which is the foundation of any strong relationship, whether personal or professional. By focusing on creating value for others, individuals can build a robust network that extends beyond fleeting encounters.4. What are the differences between introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts in a networking context, and how can each type succeed?The discussion highlights that introversion, extroversion, and ambiversion relate to how individuals manage their energy, not necessarily their shyness or confidence. Extroverts gain energy from social interaction, while introverts' energy can be depleted by large groups. Ambiverts exhibit a mix of both. For introverts, pacing themselves, choosing events they are passionate about, and potentially having a "sherpa" or partner can make networking more manageable. Extroverts need to be mindful of not overwhelming others and tailoring their approach. Self-awareness is key for all, allowing individuals to navigate networking spaces effectively by understanding and managing their own energy levels.5. What is the vision and purpose behind Creative Con, and what does it offer attendees?Creative Con was born from the desire to create a live event that elevates the voices of powerful entrepreneurs. The founder, Julie Lokun, aimed to provide a stage for individuals who are changing the world through their businesses, books, and media presence. Creative Con is designed to be a transformative experience where attendees can build meaningful connections, be surprised and delighted by the program, and leave as a "different, better version" of themselves. It emphasizes collaboration, learning, and fostering a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs.6. What is the ideal balance between speaking and listening during networking events?The hosts strongly suggest a 70/30 split: listening 70% of the time and speaking 30%. The rationale is that if people are truly interested in what you have to say, they will ask you questions. This approach emphasizes curiosity and humility over self-promotion. By listening more, you gain a deeper understanding of others' needs and can identify opportunities to provide value, leading to more profound connections. The only exception is if you are a paid keynote speaker, in which case speaking 100% of the time is appropriate.7. What is the future of networking, especially in an era of AI and digital communication?Despite the rise of AI and digital platforms, the hosts firmly believe that the most powerful networking will always be done "IRL" (in real life). While online tools like Clubhouse, Roam, and Zoom have their place, nothing replaces the ability to look someone in the eye, feel their energy, and experience their genuine presence. In-person connections foster sincerity, build "know, like, and trust" more effectively, and are crucial for vetting potential partners. The effort required for in-person networking pays off in dividends, as it builds more robust and authentic relationships.8. What essential advice is offered for entrepreneurs and individuals navigating business relationships and personal growth?Several pieces of advice are offered for success in both business and personal growth. Firstly, "be a good human" and act with integrity and strong morals. Secondly, entrepreneurs should surround themselves with a trusted team or "anchors" who can offer diverse perspectives and help them make sound decisions, especially when entering into contracts. Always trust your gut instinct, but also do your due diligence by researching potential partners and ensuring their business practices are legitimate. Don't be afraid to ask for mentorship or assistance, as genuine people will often recognize and respond to sincerity. Lastly, embrace an authentic self, be consistent, work hard, and don't expect easy shortcuts.Access our Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> SEO Optimization Blogs>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastBrands We Love and SupportLoving Me Beauty | Buy Vegan-based Luxury ProductsUnlock your future in real estate—get certified in Ghana today!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Pro bono work supporting businesses and nonprofits remains one of the best ways for transactional lawyers to contribute to their communities. In this episode, Alicia Aiken talks with Bruce Ely, Tiffany Graves, and Ashley Robinson, of Bradley, about their firm's successful implementation of pro bono clinics helping Black small business and nonprofit owners in the Southeast. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI
Get a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/Today, on The Portrait System Podcast, we are re-releasing a very special episode where host Nikki Closser interviews photographer, educator, youtuber and Sony Artisan Miguel Quiles. Miguel quit his corporate job in 2011 and found incredible success making video content on youtube. Miguel takes us through his journey and tells us all about how to navigate each step. Don't miss out on today's interview!PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9/2/2025 PODCAST Episode #3015 GUESTS: Dave Brat, Todd Sheets, Elaine Parker, PI Nils, Jacob Olidort, Sheriff Clarke, Dr. John Eastman+ YOUR CALLS! at 1-888-480-JOHN (5646) and GETTR Live! @jfradioshow #GodzillaOfTruth #TruckingTheTruth
The Shocking Truth About AI in Marketing That Small Business Owners Need to Know - Beyond The Claim with Victoria Shepherd AI is rewriting the rules of marketing and most small business owners have no idea what just happened. In this episode of Beyond The Claim, Vince Perri sits down with Victoria Shepherd (CEO of Welcome Place Marketing) to reveal the shocking truth about AI, Google AI Overviews, and why your old marketing playbook no longer works. If your website traffic dipped or your ads stopped converting, this conversation will show you the new blueprint. Learn how to use AI tools the right way, why LinkedIn personal pages outperform company pages, and how to build trust signals that drive leads and revenue. What you will learn: • How Google AI Overviews are destroying traffic and what to do about it • Why trust signals (reviews, bios, FAQs) are more powerful than keywords • The LinkedIn strategy that actually creates new business • How to repurpose YouTube and blog content into a full funnel • The future of digital marketing and why your website is no longer enough Guest links: Website: https://www.welcomeplacemarketing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorialshepherd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tallchickvic/ X: https://x.com/tallchickvic
What if the very thing holding your business back isn't strategy or followers—but the fear of being seen? In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Stacey Brass-Russell—Broadway performer turned transformational business coach and host of Passionate & Prosperous. With a career spanning show business, yoga, and entrepreneurship, Stacey has mastered the art of showing up unapologetically and teaching others how to do the same.We dig into what it really takes to sell without feeling salesy, why confidence is a muscle you can build, and how to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks. If you've ever hesitated to press “send” on that pitch, this conversation is your permission slip to shine.How Do You Sell Without Feeling “Salesy”?Stacey breaks down the difference between bro-marketer tactics and authentic selling. Instead of cold DMs and pushy tactics, she shares how to build real relationships and show up in service of your audience—so selling feels natural, not cringe.What If You're Afraid of Rejection?Rejection isn't just part of the game—it's proof you're actually playing. Stacey explains why she encourages her clients to collect rejections as a measure of progress and why your job isn't to convince everyone, but to find the right ones.The One Habit That Builds Confidence in BusinessConfidence doesn't just show up. Stacey reveals the daily mindset practices—affirmations, reframing, and radical permission—that fuel resilience and visibility.Personal Outreach: The Most Overlooked Sales StrategyForget obsessing over Instagram. Stacey makes the case for direct, human connection as the #1 activity that moves the needle in your business.Why Nobody's Thinking About You (and That's a Good Thing)One of Stacey's most freeing insights: people aren't scrutinizing your every move. In fact, most of the time, they're not thinking about you at all. That's why volume and consistency in outreach, pitching, and posting matter more than perfection.✅ Final Takeaway: You don't need to master every marketing hack or wait for the perfect pitch. What you need is:A daily practice that builds confidence and resilienceThe courage to connect directly with peopleThe willingness to be visible, imperfectlyWhen you stop worrying about what everyone else thinks and start leading with service, you'll unlock the kind of authentic visibility that grows your business.
Are you driving away your profits, literally?
Tired of LinkedIn Lead Generation tactics that feel spammy ... and don't work anyway?In this live replay of an in-depth LinkedIn Lead Generation training session, I share the proven, 3 step system I've used since 2012 to generate 5-6 figure clients on LinkedIn - without being sleazy, salesy, or annoying!(
If you're in the first few years of running your small business, chances are you've felt buried under all the noise—everyone telling you which tools to use, which platforms to be on, and which strategies are “must-dos.” That overwhelm doesn't just waste your time; it can keep you stuck and prevent you from making real progress.That's why in this episode, I'm cutting through the noise and sharing the four simplified marketing tools that actually matter for small business owners. These are the exact platforms I use to streamline my marketing, keep my overhead low, and show up consistently as a team of one. Whether you're exhausted by daily posting, confused about email marketing, or unsure what website platform to invest in, this episode will help you simplify your decisions and finally feel confident in your marketing system.Resources & Links-Read the blog that goes with this podcast: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/best-marketing-tools-small-business/▸Enji: https://www.enji.co/marketing-for-family-photographers?ref=mjvkymm▸Showit (get ONE month for FREE): https://showit.com/r/40ggld0m▸Flodesk (get 50% OFF with this code): https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸Showit Template Shop Recommendation (Makena Delaney) https://makenadelaney.com/shopConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
SEO Marketing Successful Strategies for Q4 2025: Tracking, Sorting, and Mapping Data Intelligence with Favour Obasi-Ike | Get exclusive SEO newsletters in your inbox.This episode explains a three-step TSM marketing approach—Track, Sort, and Map—designed to create successful marketing strategies, particularly for Q4 2025. The tracking phase emphasizes the importance of a website for gaining organic and paid impressions, highlighting metrics like organic, paid, and earned traffic. Next, the sorting phase focuses on organizing business analytics by purchasing power, location, and pre/post-purchase intent to better understand customer needs.Finally, the mapping phase involves strategically distributing content across various platforms, using tools like pixels and analytics, to ensure the right audience finds the right products or services. The speaker also offers free SEO services and calls to help businesses implement these strategies.FAQs about this SEO Marketing Successful Strategies for Q4 2025: Tracking, Sorting, and Mapping Data Intelligence episode:1. What is the core three-step marketing strategy discussed for Q4 2025?The core strategy for marketing success in Q4 2025, and beyond, is the "TSM approach," which stands for Track, Sort, and Map. This methodology emphasizes understanding how your business is set up, collecting and organizing data, and then strategically guiding your audience from initial interest to conversion.2. Why is "tracking" considered the most important step in this strategy?Tracking is paramount because it provides the foundational metrics needed to understand your marketing efforts. Just like a runner on a track needs clear lines, businesses need to track metrics like impressions, leads, clicks, and website visitors. This involves monitoring organic, paid, and earned traffic. Without a website, which serves as the primary hub for collecting this data (including domain, hosting, and email communication), effective tracking is impossible. The speaker stresses, "When you track, you're able to attract," highlighting that data-driven insights allow you to effectively attract your target audience.3. How does the concept of "attention as a new currency" relate to successful marketing strategies?Favour introduces "attention as a new currency" and "retention as a new balance," emphasizing that in today's crowded digital landscape, consistently capturing and maintaining audience attention is crucial. This is achieved through consistent, valuable content across various platforms like blogs, podcasts, and social media. By tracking engagement and understanding what resonates with your niche audience, you can create a search-based campaign that puts your content at the top of search results, making you "first seen" and "first remembered," which directly translates to gaining valuable attention.4. What are the key considerations for "sorting" marketing data effectively?Sorting involves organizing your traffic and business analytics in a way that provides deeper insights into your audience. Key sorting parameters include purchasing power, location, pre-purchase intent, and post-purchase intent. By understanding where your audience is coming from, what they need, and why they need it, you can tailor your offerings more effectively. An example given is adapting workshop formats (morning/evening, virtual/in-person) and content (lead generation, AI visibility) based on audience feedback, rather than offering generic courses. Email marketing and audience segmentation are highlighted as crucial tools for this in-depth sorting.5. How does the speaker recommend optimizing paid advertising, specifically Google Ads, in conjunction with organic efforts?Favour suggests a cautious approach to Google Ads, advising against running them if you're not already showing up organically on Google search. Organic presence leads to a lower cost per acquisition, result, and click. While Google Ads can be effective with manual structures, exact and phrase matching, and granular control, the ultimate goal should be to shift towards a higher percentage of organic traffic (e.g., 62% organic vs. 38% paid). This is because organic traffic "earns" results and builds long-term authority, saving money over time compared to continuously paying for traffic. Platforms like Pinterest are also highlighted for their detailed targeting capabilities at a potentially lower cost per click compared to Google Ads, especially when leveraging tracked audience interests.6. What role does a website play in the overall TSM marketing strategy?A website is presented as the absolute foundational element. Without a website, none of the tracking, sorting, or mapping can effectively occur. It's the hub for organic impressions, a platform for content creation (blogs, podcasts), and a critical tool for understanding where your audience comes from (e.g., new vs. returning visitors). The website allows for the installation of tracking pixels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok) and integration with tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console, which are essential for gathering the data necessary for the TSM approach.7. What is the purpose of "mapping" in the TSM strategy, and how is it achieved?Mapping is about guiding your audience to the right destination based on their needs and your sorted data. It's about building a clear connection from point A (customer need) to point B (your solution/product). This involves understanding what people are searching for and ensuring your content and offerings directly address those searches. Mapping is achieved by strategically distributing content across various platforms (Google search, AI search results, social media, podcast distribution channels like RSS feeds) and ensuring your website has the necessary tags and pixels to track conversions. The goal is to be found when and where your target audience is looking, ensuring they take the desired action, much like finding the correct aisle in a grocery store.8. How can businesses leverage their intellectual property (IP) and improve their domain authority for long-term marketing success?Businesses should view their content and offerings as intellectual property (IP) and constantly assess its return. Consistent content production (blogs, podcasts) that remains relevant over time contributes significantly to sustained engagement, even without constant new releases. Improving domain authority is a long-term play, likened to building credit, with an average of about seven points per year if actively managed. Higher domain authority, especially with the integration of AI for top search and citation perspectives, leads to greater organic visibility and trust. By focusing on earned traffic through SEO and content that fulfills specific audience needs, businesses can build lasting authority and a stronger market presence.Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> SEO Optimization Blogs>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Subscribe to We Don't PLAY PodcastBrands We Love and SupportLoving Me Beauty | Buy Vegan-based Luxury ProductsUnlock your future in real estate—get certified in Ghana today!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
She's Just Getting Started - Building a business you truly love!
The Cracker Barrel Logo change recently to a plain, minimalistic design caused a massive uproar all over social media and tv. There's 3 big lessons small business owners can learn so you never have to upset your customers this way.
Get a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/Today on The Portrait System Podcast, we are featuring a special re-release where host, photographer and educator Nikki Closser interviews Canada-based fine arts portrait photographer Kayla Butler. Kayla lives in a tiny town in Canada, and yet, managed to reach a 6 figure income. Listen in as Kayla chats with Nikki about her journey, how she runs her business, and what it's like to be the most expensive photographer in her area. Don't miss out on this amazing interview!PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/Show notes: https://theportraitsystem.com/podcast/episode-230-kayla-butler/IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a textMisclassifying workers is one of the biggest mistakes a business owner can make. It might seem cheaper to pay someone as a 1099 contractor, but if the IRS says they should be a W-2 employee, you're looking at back taxes, penalties, and possible audits that could cripple your business.In this episode, Mike breaks down the IRS framework for worker classification, the red flags that trigger audits, and the tax differences between employees and contractors. You'll learn how to protect your business, avoid costly penalties, and even find tax strategies that benefit both employers and contractors.
In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, hosts Gina and Roxanne are joined by Kimberly Tara, a CPA and Certified Tax Coach. The discussion centers on how to effectively manage finances to keep more earnings within the family, focusing on business creation, tax deductions, and strategies to ensure financial stability while spending more quality time with children. Kimberly shares her journey from corporate accounting to running her own successful CPA firm, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing business expenses, setting boundaries, and making financially savvy choices. The conversation provides actionable tips and insights for moms and business owners to optimize their financial landscape.Kimberly Tara is a CPA, Certified Tax Coach and powerhouse entrepreneur who helps other profitable women entrepreneurs legally and ethically lower their tax bill and build long-term wealth. She believes making money is only half the battle—keeping it is where true financial freedom begins. Too many women entrepreneurs work tirelessly, only to hand over massive chunks of their income to the IRS because no one ever taught them a better way. Kimberly is changing that. The Tara CPA Firm goes beyond tax prep - offering a year-round, strategic partnership that empowers women to make smart financial decisions, grow their businesses sustainably, and reclaim both their time and their wealth. Kimberly ensures that tax planning is no longer something that gets ignored until April. Her approach empowers women to understand their numbers, make smarter financial decisions, and turn their business into a wealth-building machine. She believes that when women keep more of what they earn, they don't just grow their business—they change their lives, their families, and their futures. Her mission is simple: Success isn't just about numbers—it's about freedom, impact, and living life on your terms. Kimberly Tara is a wife, mom to four little kids, and lives in Charlotte, NC00:00 Introduction to the MamasteFit Podcast01:18 Meet Our Guest: Kimberly Tara, CPA02:03 Kimberly's Journey to Entrepreneurship04:25 Tax Strategies for Business Owners06:36 Mindset and Money Management10:49 Creative Business Deductions13:23 Involving Kids in Your Business17:48 Teaching Kids Entrepreneurship21:54 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs24:16 The Reality of Passive Income25:33 Sponsor Break: Needed Perinatal Nutrition26:15 Introduction to Needed Cognitive Support26:27 Selling to Consumers vs. Businesses27:21 Transitioning to Business-to-Consumer Model27:59 Ethical Marketing and Business Goals29:14 Balancing Business and Family30:06 Setting Boundaries in Business34:13 Tax Advice for W2 Earners35:55 Turning Hobbies into Businesses38:55 Creative Business Deductions42:58 Final Advice on Managing Finances47:03 Conclusion and Resources
Get a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/Today on The Portrait System Podcast, we are featuring a special re-release where host, photographer and educator Nikki Closser interviews world-renowned photographer ANNE GEDDES. Anne tells us all about the amazing journey that led her to become a dominating force in baby photography and sell millions of books and calendars.PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
More sales don't always mean more money. In fact, chasing sales without checking the profit first can leave you working harder, longer hours… for nothing.
Failure can be fascinating - especially when it teaches you how to actually succeed!In this episode of the LinkedIn Riches Podcast, I share a raw story about a sales call that went completely off the rails.You'll hear how a simple (and avoidable!) mistake cost me the deal, and the surprising way AI became my best sales coach afterward.Whether you're a Small Business Owner, Consultant, or Business Coach, this breakdown will help you understand why some LinkedIn leads close into 6-figure clients while others stall or disappear - and how you can avoid making the same mistake I did!WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:
Get a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/On today's special re-release, we are featuring our interview with Nigerian photographer Jokotade Shonowo! Jokotade runs a whole team and a successful studio in Lagos, Nigeria where she has a $3000 sales average. Listen in as host Nikki Closser digs deep with Jokotade through her story of ups and downs, challenges and successes. If you're looking for a little boost of inspiration this Monday, then this episode is for you!PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.