Podcasts about Your Business

In this episode, I interview Brittany Roberts, the mastermind behind the Instagram Launch Lab, about her innovative product launch methods that emphasize simplicity and creativity.Brittany helps online coaches and creatives build launches that everyone wants a piece of — by turning Instagram into their hottest launch asset.She's an award-winning Social Media Manager and the creator of Instagram Launch Lab, where she teaches a show-stopping, scroll-stopping strategy that transforms casual followers into paying clients.Brittany has led organic strategy for multiple six- and seven-figure women-led brands, and created standout campaigns for names like My Muscle Chef, Royal Caribbean, and Later.Since starting her own brand in 2020, she has coached hundreds of women internationally and grown an engaged Instagram audience from scratch.Brittany is a creativity-led strategist, and the host of The One Woman Show — which debuted at #3 in the Australian Marketing Charts.Key takeaways from this episode include:Evolving Launch Strategies: Brittany shares her shift from traditional funnels to using Instagram's "Close Friends" for more relaxed audience engagement.Curated Content: Short, engaging videos allow followers to learn without feeling overwhelmed, making content digestible.Simple Launch Processes: A three-day training series can effectively foster engagement without complexity.Boosting Participation: Gamified elements and exclusivity enhance interaction rates with her audience.Soft Selling Techniques: Gradual calls to action lead participants through a nurturing process to a final offer.Feedback for Improvement: Continuous refinement of her approach based on audience reactions drives success.Brittany's success illustrates how simplifying launches can lead to substantial results. Tune in for actionable insights to elevate your launch strategy!Chapters:0:00: Introduction to a New Launch Strategy1:16: The Shift Away from Fancy Funnels5:10: Embracing Instagram Stories for Engagement9:24: Building Exclusivity with Close Friends14:58: Innovative Ways to Opt-In19:59: The Close Friends List Strategy25:59: Adapting to Changing Marketing Strategies27:14: Content Structure for Instagram Stories30:48: Educational Challenges and Takeaways38:48: Call to Action and Conversion Strategies46:55: Planning and Prep for Launch Series52:21: Wrapping Up and Resources AvailableEmail Brittany: brittany@thesocialbritify.comShe can be found on socials @thesocialbritifyThe Instagram Launch Lab: https://thesocialbritify.com/instagram-launch-labCan We Be Honest About Launching? Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/bb/podcast/can-we-be-honest-about-launching-the-campaign/id1857551172Want to grow your business with YouTube? It's a great option! Learn my strategy here: https://creatorfasttrack.com/workshop-registrationFREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodGrab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-inWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.Have you already started your business, but it isn't generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!Work with Gillian Perkins:Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

Amy King hosts your Friday Wake Up Call. The show opens with ABC News investigative reporter Sasha Pezenik opens the show discussing the latest developments regarding the Brown University shooting. The host of ‘Home’ on KFI Dean Sharp joins the show and talks about his 2025 holiday gift guide. We ‘Get in Your Business’ with Bloomberg’s Denise Pellegrini who speaks on what the markets are looking like as the week comes to a close. The show closes with ABC News entertainment reporter Will Ganss delivering the ‘Entertainment Report.’ Today, Will talks about ‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Stranger Things,’ and ‘Emily in… Rome.’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when curiosity, resilience, and storytelling collide over a lifetime of building something meaningful? In this episode, I welcome Nick Francis, founder and CEO of Casual Films, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, presence, and what it takes to keep going when the work gets heavy. Nick's journey began with a stint at BBC News and a bold 9,000-mile rally from London to Mongolia in a Mini Cooper, a spirit of adventure that still fuels how he approaches business and life today. We talk about how that early experience shaped Casual into a global branded storytelling company with studios across five continents, and what it really means to lead a creative organization at scale. Nick shares insights from growing the company internationally, expanding into Southeast Asia, and staying grounded while producing hundreds of projects each year. Along the way, we explore why emotionally resonant storytelling matters, how trust and preparation beat panic, and why presence with family, health, and purpose keeps leaders steady in uncertain times. This conversation is about building an Unstoppable life by focusing on what matters most, using creativity to connect people, and choosing clarity and resilience in a world full of noise. Highlights: 00:01:30 – Learn how early challenges shape resilience and long-term drive. 00:06:20 – Discover why focusing on your role creates calm under pressure. 00:10:50 – Learn how to protect attention in a nonstop world. 00:18:25 – Understand what global growth teaches about leadership. 00:26:00 – Learn why leading with trust changes relationships. 00:45:55 – Discover how movement and presence restore clarity. About the Guest: Nick Francis is the founder and CEO of Casual, a global production group that blends human storytelling, business know-how, and creativity turbo-charged by AI. Named the UK's number one brand video production company for five years, Casual delivers nearly 1,000 projects annually for world-class brands like Adobe, Amazon, BMW, Hilton, HSBC, and P&G. The adventurous spirit behind its first production – a 9,000-mile journey from London to Mongolia in an old Mini – continues to drive Casual's growth across offices in London, New York, LA, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong and Greater China. Nick previously worked for BBC News and is widely recognised for his expertise in video storytelling, brand building, and corporate communications. He is the founding director of the Casual Films Academy, a charity helping young filmmakers develop skills by producing films for charitable organisations. He is also the author of ‘The New Fire: Harness the Power of Video for Your Business' and a passionate advocate for emotionally resonant, behaviorally grounded storytelling. Nick lives in San Francisco, California, with his family. Ways to connect with Nick**:** Website: https://www.casualfilms.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@casual_global  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casualglobal/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CasualFilms/  Nick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickfrancisfilm/  Casual's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/casual-films-international/  Beyond Casual - LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6924458968031395840 About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson  01:21 Well, hello everyone. I am your host, Mike hingson, that's kind of funny. We'll talk about that in a second, but this is unstoppable mindset. And our guest today is Nick Francis, and what we're going to talk about is the fact that people used to always ask me, well, they would call me Mr. Kingston, and it took me, as I just told Nick a master's degree in physics in 10 years to realize that if I said Mike hingson, that's why they said Mr. Kingston. So was either say Mike hingson or Michael hingson. Well, Michael hingson is a lot easier to say than Mike hingson, but I don't really care Mike or Michael, as long as it's not late for dinner. Whatever works. Yeah. Well, Nick, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're Nick Francis  02:04 here. Thanks, Mike. It's great to be here. Michael Hingson  02:08 So Nick is a marketing kind of guy. He's got a company called casual that we'll hear about. Originally from England, I believe, and now lives in San Francisco. We were talking about the weather in San Francisco, as opposed to down here in Victorville. A little bit earlier. We're going to have a heat wave today and and he doesn't have that up there, but you know, well, things, things change over time. But anyway, we're glad you're here. And thanks, Mike. Really looking forward to it. Tell us about the early Nick growing up and all that sort of stuff, just to get us started. Nick Francis  02:43 That's a good question. I grew up in London, in in Richmond, which is southwest London. It's a at the time, it wasn't anything like as kind of, it's become quite kind of shishi, I think back in the day, because it's on the west of London. The pollution from the city used to flow east and so, like all the kind of well to do people, in fact, there used to be a, there used to be a palace in Richmond. It's where Queen Elizabeth died, the first Queen Elizabeth, that is. And, yeah, you know, I grew up it was, you know, there's a lot of rugby played around there. I played rugby for my local rugby club from a very young age, and we went sailing on the south coast. It was, it was great, really. And then, you know, unfortunately, when I was 10 years old, my my dad died. He had had a very powerful job at the BBC, and then he ran the British Council, which is the overseas wing of the Arts Council, so promoting, I guess, British soft power around the world, going and opening art galleries and going to ballet in Moscow and all sorts. So he had an incredible life and worked incredibly hard. And you know, that has brought me all sorts of privileges, I think, when I was a kid. But, you know, unfortunately, age 10 that all ended. And you know, losing a parent at that age is such a sort of fundamental, kind of shaking of your foundations. You know, you when you're a kid, you feel like a, you're going to live forever, and B, the things that are happening around you are going to last forever. And so, you know, you know, my mom was amazing, of course, and, you know, and in time, I got a new stepdad, and all the rest of it. But you know, that kind of shaped a lot of my a lot of my youth, really. And, yeah, I mean, Grief is a funny thing, and it's funny the way it manifests itself as you grow. But yeah. So I grew up there. I went to school in the Midlands, near where my stepdad lived, and then University of Newcastle, which is up in the north of England, where it rains a lot. It's where it's where Newcastle Football Club is based. And you know is that is absolutely at the center of the city. So. So the city really comes alive there. And it was during that time that I discovered photography, and I wanted to be a war photographer, because I believe that was where life was lived at the kind of the real cutting edge. You know, you see the you see humanity in its in its most visceral and vivid color in terrible situations. And I kind of that seemed like an interesting thing to go to go and do. Michael Hingson  05:27 Well, what? So what did you major in in college in Newcastle? So I did Nick Francis  05:31 history and politics, and then I went did a course in television journalism, and ended up working at BBC News as a initially running on the floor. So I used to deliver the papers that you know, when you see people shuffling or not, they do it anymore, actually, because everything, everything's digital now digital, yeah, but when they were worried about the the auto cues going down, they we always had to make sure that they had the up to date script. And so I would be printing in, obviously, the, you know, because it's a three hour news show, the scripts constantly evolving, and so, you know, I was making sure they had the most up to date version in their hands. And it's, I don't know if you have spent any time around live TV Mike, but it's an incredibly humbling experience, like the power of it. You know, there's sort of two or 3 million people watching these two people who are sitting five feet in front of me, and the, you know, the sort of slightly kind of, there was an element of me that just wanted to jump in front of them and kind of go, ah. And, you know, never, ever work in live TV, ever again. But you know, anyway, I did that and ended up working as a producer, writing and developing, developing packets that would go out on the show, producing interviews and things. And, you know, I absolutely loved it. It was, it was a great time. But then I left to go and set up my company. Michael Hingson  06:56 I am amazed, even today, with with watching people on the news, and I've and I've been in a number of studios during live broadcasts and so on. But I'm amazed at how well, mostly, at least, I've been fortunate. Mostly, the people are able to read because they do have to read everything. It isn't like you're doing a lot of bad living in a studio. Obviously, if you are out with a story, out in the field, if you will, there, there may be more where you don't have a printed script to go by, but I'm amazed at the people in the studio, how much they are able to do by by reading it all completely. Nick Francis  07:37 It's, I mean, the whole experience is kind of, it's awe inspiring, really. And you know, when you first go into a Live, a live broadcast studio, and you see the complexity, and you know, they've got feeds coming in from all over the world, and you know, there's upwards of 100 people all working together to make it happen. And I remember talking to one of the directors at the time, and I was like, How on earth does this work? And he said, You know, it's simple. You everyone has a very specific job, and you know that as long as you do your bit of the job when it comes in front of you, then the show will go out. He said, where it falls over is when people start worrying about whether other people are going to are going to deliver on time or, you know, and so if you start worrying about what other people are doing, rather than just focusing on the thing you have to do, that's where it potentially falls over, Michael Hingson  08:29 which is a great object lesson anyway, to worry about and control and don't worry about the rest Nick Francis  08:36 for sure. Yeah, yeah, for sure. You know, it's almost a lesson for life. I mean, sorry, it is a lesson for life, and Michael Hingson  08:43 it's something that I talk a lot about in dealing with the World Trade Center and so on, and because it was a message I received, but I've been really preaching that for a long time. Don't worry about what you can't control, because all you're going to do is create fear and drive yourself Nick Francis  08:58 crazy, completely, completely. You know. You know what is it? Give me the, give me this. Give me the strength to change the things I can. Give me the give me the ability to let the things that I can't change slide but and the wisdom to know the difference. I'm absolutely mangling that, that saying, but, yeah, it's, it's true, you know. And I think, you know, it's so easy for us to in this kind of modern world where everything's so media, and we're constantly served up things that, you know, shock us, sadness, enrage us, you know, just to be able to step back and say, actually, you know what? These are things I can't really change. I'd have to just let them wash over me. Yeah, and just focus on the things that you really can change. Michael Hingson  09:46 It's okay to be aware of things, but you've got to separate the things you can control from the things that you can and we, unfortunately aren't taught that. Our parents don't teach us that because they were never taught it, and it's something. That, just as you say, slides by, and it's so unfortunate, because it helps to create such a level of fear about so many things in our in our psyche and in our world that we really shouldn't have to do Nick Francis  10:13 completely well. I think, you know, obviously, but you know, we've, we've spent hundreds, if not millions of years evolving to become humans, and then, you know, actually being aware of things beyond our own village has only been an evolution of the last, you know what, five, 600 years, yeah. And so we are just absolutely, fundamentally not able to cope with a world of such incredible stimulus that we live in now. Michael Hingson  10:43 Yeah, and it's only getting worse with all the social media, with all the different things that are happening and of course, and we're only working to develop more and more things to inundate us with more and more kinds of inputs. It's really unfortunate we just don't learn to separate ourselves very easily from all of that. Nick Francis  11:04 Yeah, well, you know, it's so interesting when you look at the development of VR headsets, and, you know, are we going to have, like, lenses in our eyes that kind of enable us to see computer screens while we're just walking down the road, you know? And you look at that and you think, well, actually, just a cell phone. I mean, cell phones are going to be gone fairly soon. I would imagine, you know, as a format, it's not something that's going to abide but the idea that we're going to create technology that's going to be more, that's going to take us away from being in the moment more rather than less, is kind of terrifying. Because, I would say already, even with, you know, the most basic technology that we have now, which is, you know, mind bending, compared to where we were even 20 years ago, you know, to think that we're only going to become more immersive is, you know, we really, really as a species, have to work out how we are going to be far better at stepping away from this stuff. And I, you know, I do, I wonder, with AI and technology whether there is, you know, there's a real backlash coming of people who do want to just unplug, yeah, Michael Hingson  12:13 well, it'll be interesting to see, and I hope that people will learn to do it. I know when I started hearing about AI, and one of the first things I heard was how kids would use it to write their papers, and it was a horrible thing, and they were trying to figure out ways so that teachers could tell us something was written by AI, as opposed to a student. And I almost immediately developed this opinion, no, let AI write the papers for students, but when the students turn in their paper, then take a day to in your class where you have every student come up and defend their paper, see who really knows it, you know. And what a great teaching opportunity and teaching moment to to get students also to learn to do public speaking and other things a little bit more than they do, but we haven't. That hasn't caught on, but I continue to preach it. Nick Francis  13:08 I think that's really smart, you know, as like aI exists, and I think to to pretend somehow that, you know, we can work without it is, you know, it's, it's, it's, yeah, I mean, it's like, well, saying, you know, we're just going to go back to Word processors or typewriters, which, you know, in which it weirdly, in their own time, people looked at and said, this is, you know, these, these are going to completely rot our minds. In fact, yeah, I think Plato said that was very against writing, because he believed it would mean no one could remember anything after that, you know. So it's, you know, it's just, it's an endless, endless evolution. But I think, you know, we have to work out how we incorporate into it, into our education system, for sure. Michael Hingson  13:57 Well, I remember being in in college and studying physics and so on. And one of the things that we were constantly told is, on tests, you can't bring calculators in, can't use calculators in class. Well, why not? Well, because you could cheat with that. Well, the reality is that the smart physicists realized that it's all about really learning the concepts more than the numbers. And yeah, that's great to to know how to do the math. But the the real issue is, do you know the physics, not just the math completely? Nick Francis  14:34 Yeah. And then how you know? How are the challenges that are being set such that you know, they really test your ability to use the calculator effectively, right? So how you know? How are you lifting the bar? And in a way, I think that's kind of what we have to do, what we have to do now, Michael Hingson  14:50 agreed, agreed. So you were in the news business and so on, and then, as you said, you left to start your own company. Why did you decide to do that? Nick Francis  14:59 Well, a friend of. Ryan and I from University had always talked about doing this rally from London to Mongolia. So, and you do it in an old car that you sort of look at, and you go, well, that's a bit rubbish. It has to have under a one liter engine. So it's tiny, it's cheap. The idea is it breaks down you have an adventure. And it was something we kind of talked about in passing and decided that would be a good thing to do. And then over time, you know, we started sending off. We you know, we applied, and then we started sending off for visas and things. And then before we knew it, we were like, gosh, so it looks like we're actually going to do this thing. But by then, you know, my job at the BBC was really taking off. And so I said, you know, let's do this, but let's make a documentary of it. So long story short, we ended up making a series of diary films for Expedia, which we uploaded onto their website. It was, you know, we were kind of pitching this around about 2005 we kind of did it in 2006 so it was kind of, you know, nobody had really heard of YouTube. The idea of making videos to go online was kind of unheard of because, you know, broadband was just kind of getting sorry. It wasn't unheard of, but it was, it was very, it was a very nascent industry. And so, yeah, we went and drove 9000 miles over five weeks. We spent a week sitting in various different repair yards and kind of break his yards in everywhere from Turkey to Siberia. And when we came back, it became clear that the internet was opening up as this incredible medium for video, and video is such a powerful way to share emotion with a dispersed audience. You know, not that I would have necessarily talked about it in that in those terms back then, but it really seemed like, you know, every every web page, every piece of corporate content, could have a video aspect to it. And so we came back and had a few fits and starts and did some, I mean, we, you know, we made a series of hotel videos where we were paid 50 quid a day to go and film hotels. And it was hot and it was hard work. And anyway, it was rough. But over time, you know, we started to win some more lucrative work. And, you know, really, the company grew from there. We won some awards, which helped us to kind of make a bit of a name for ourselves. And this was, there's been a real explosion in technology, kind of shortly after when we did this. So digital SLRs, so, you know, old kind of SLR cameras, you know, turned into digital cameras, which could then start to shoot video. And so it, there was a real explosion in high quality video produced by very small teams of people using the latest technology creatively. And that just felt like a good kind of kick off point for our business. But we just kind of because we got in in kind of 2006 we just sort of beat a wave that kind of started with digital SLRs, and then was kind of absolutely exploded when video cell phones came on the market, video smartphones. And yeah, you know, because we had these awards and we had some kind of fairly blue chip clients from a relatively early, early stage, we were able to grow the company. We then expanded to the US in kind of 2011 20 between 2011 2014 and then we were working with a lot of the big tech companies in California, so it felt like we should maybe kind of really invest in that. And so I moved out here with some of our team in 2018 at the beginning of 2018 and I've been here ever since, wow. Michael Hingson  18:44 So what is it? What was it like starting a business here, or bringing the business here, as opposed to what it was in England? Nick Francis  18:53 It's really interesting, because the creatively the UK is so strong, you know, like so many, you know, from the Beatles to Led Zeppelin to the Rolling Stones to, you know, and then on through, like all the kind of, you know, film and TV, you know, Brits are very good at kind of Creating, like, high level creative, but not necessarily always the best at kind of monetizing it, you know. I mean, some of those obviously have been fantastic successes, right? And so I think in the UK, we we take a lot longer over getting, getting to, like, the perfect creative output, whereas the US is far more focused on, you know, okay, we need this to to perform a task, and frankly, if we get it 80% done, then we're good, right? And so I think a lot of creative businesses in the UK look at the US and they go, gosh. Firstly, the streets are paved with gold. Like the commercial opportunity seems incredible, but actually creating. Tracking it is incredibly difficult, and I think it's because we sort of see the outputs in the wrong way. I think they're just the energy and the dynamism of the US economy is just, it's kind of awe inspiring. But you know, so many businesses try to expand here and kind of fall over themselves. And I think the number one thing is just, you have to have a founder who's willing to move to the US. Because I think Churchill said that we're two two countries divided by the same language. And I never fully understood what that meant until I moved here. I think what it what he really means by that is that we're so culturally different in the US versus the UK. And I think lots of Brits look at America and think, Well, you know, it's just the same. It's just a bit kind of bigger and a bit Brasher, you know, and it and actually, I think if people in the US spoke a completely different language, we would approach it as a different culture, which would then help us to understand it better. Yeah. So, yeah. I mean, it's been, it's been the most fabulous adventure to move here and to, you know, it's, it's hard sometimes, and California is a long way from home, but the energy and the optimism and the entrepreneurialism of it, coupled with just the natural beauty is just staggering. So we've made some of our closest friends in California, it's been absolutely fantastic. And across the US, it's been a fantastic adventure for us and our family. Michael Hingson  21:30 Yeah, I've had the opportunity to travel all over the US, and I hear negative comments about one place or another, like West Virginia, people eat nothing but fried food and all that. But the reality is, if you really take an overall look at it, the country has so much to offer, and I have yet to find a place that I didn't enjoy going to, and people I never enjoyed meeting, I really enjoy all of that, and it's great to meet people, and it's great to experience so much of this country. And I've taken that same posture to other places. I finally got to visit England last October, for the first time. You mentioned rugby earlier, the first time I was exposed to rugby was when I traveled to New Zealand in 2003 and found it pretty fascinating. And then also, I was listening to some rugby, rugby, rugby broadcast, and I tuned across the radio and suddenly found a cricket game that was a little bit slow for me. Yeah, cricket to be it's slow. Nick Francis  22:41 Yeah, fair enough. It's funny. Actually, we know what you're saying about travel. Like one of the amazing things about our Well, I kind of learned two sort of quite fundamentally philosophical things, I think, you know, or things about the about humans and the human condition. Firstly, like, you know, traveling across, you know, we left from London. We, like, drove down. We went through Belgium and France and Poland and Slovenia, Slovakia, Slovenia, like, all the way down Bulgaria, across Turkey into Georgia and Azerbaijan and across the Caspian Sea, and through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, into Russia, and then down into Mongolia. When we finished, we were due north of Jakarta, right? So we drove, we drove a third of the way around the world. And the two things that taught me were, firstly that human people are good. You know, everywhere we went, people would invite us in to have meals, or they'd like fix our car for not unit for free. I mean, people were so kind everywhere we went. Yeah. And the other thing was, just, when we get on a plane and you fly from here to or you fly from London, say to we, frankly, you fly from London to Turkey, it feels unbelievably different. You know, you fly from London to China, and it's, you know, complete different culture. But what our journey towards us, because we drove, was that, you know, while we might not like to admit it, we're actually quite, you know, Brits are quite similar to the French, and the French actually are quite similar to the Belgians, and Belgians quite similar to the Germans. And, you know, and all the way through, actually, like we just saw a sort of slowly changing gradient of all the different cultures. And it really, you know, we are just one people, you know. So as much as we might feel that, you know, we're all we're all different, actually, when you see it, when you when you do a drive like that, you really, you really get to see how slowly the cultures shift and change. Another thing that's quite funny, actually, was just like, everywhere we went, we would be like, you know, we're driving to Turkey. They'd be like, Oh, God, you just drove through Bulgaria, you know, how is like, everything on your car not been stolen, you know, they're so dodgy that you Bulgarians are so dodgy. And then, you know, we'd get drive through the country, and they'd be like, you know, oh, you're going into Georgia, you know, gosh, what you go. Make, make sure everything's tied down on your car. They're so dodgy. And then you get into Georgia, and they're like, Oh my God, you've just very driven through Turkey this, like, everyone sort of had these, like, weird, yeah, kind of perceptions of their neighbors. And it was all nonsense, yeah, you know. Michael Hingson  25:15 And the reality is that, as you pointed out, people are good, you know, I think, I think politicians are the ones who so often mess it up for everyone, just because they've got agendas. And unfortunately, they teach everyone else to be suspicious of of each other, because, oh, this person clearly has a hidden agenda when it normally isn't necessarily true at all. Nick Francis  25:42 No, no, no, certainly not in my experience, anyway, not in my experience. But, you know, well, oh, go ahead. No, no. It's just, you know, it's, it is. It's, it is weird the way that happens, you know, well, they say, you know, if, if politicians fought wars rather than, rather than our young men and women, then there'd be a lot less of them. Yeah, so Well, Michael Hingson  26:06 there would be, well as I tell people, you know, I I've learned a lot from working with eight guy dogs and my wife's service dog, who we had for, oh, gosh, 14 years almost, and one of the things that I tell people is I absolutely do believe what people say, that dogs love unconditionally, unless they're just totally traumatized by something, but they don't trust unconditionally. The difference between dogs and people is that dogs are more open to trust because we've taught ourselves and have been taught by others, that everyone has their own hidden agenda. So we don't trust. We're not open to trust, which is so unfortunate because it affects the psyche of so many people in such a negative way. We get too suspicious of people, so it's a lot harder to earn trust. Nick Francis  27:02 Yeah, I mean, I've, I don't know, you know, like I've been, I've been very fortunate in my life, and I kind of always try to be, you know, open and trusting. And frankly, you know, I think if you're open and trusting with people, in my experience, you kind of, it comes back to you, you know, and maybe kind of looking for the best in everyone. You know, there are times where that's not ideal, but you know, I think you know, in the overwhelming majority of cases, you know, actually, you know, you treat people right? And you know what goes what goes around, comes around, absolutely. Michael Hingson  27:35 And I think that's so very true. There are some people who just are going to be different than that, but I think for the most part, if you show that you're open to trust people will want to trust you, as long as you're also willing to trust Nick Francis  27:51 them completely. Yeah, completely. Michael Hingson  27:54 So I think that that's the big thing we have to deal with. And I don't know, I hope that we, we will learn it. But I think that politicians are really the most guilty about teaching us. Why not to trust but that too, hopefully, will be something we deal with. Nick Francis  28:12 I think, you know, I think we have to, you know, it's, it's one of the tragedies of our age, I think, is that the, you know, we spent the 20th century, thinking that sex was the kind of ultimate sales tool. And then it took algorithms to for us to realize that actually anger and resentment are the most powerful sales tools, which is, you know, it's a it's something which, in time, we will work out, right? And I think the problem is that, at the minute, these tech businesses are in such insane ascendancy, and they're so wealthy that it's very hard to regulate them. And I think in time, what will happen is, you know, they'll start to lose some of that luster and some of that insane scale and that power, and then, you know, then regulation will come in. But you know whether or not, we'll see maybe, hopefully our civilization will still be around to see that. Michael Hingson  29:04 No, there is that, or maybe the Vulcans will show up and show us a better way. But you know, Nick Francis  29:11 oh, you know, I'm, I'm kind of endlessly optimistic. I think, you know, we are. We're building towards a very positive future. I think so. Yeah, it's just, you know, get always bumps along the way, yeah. Michael Hingson  29:24 So you named your company casual. Why did you do that? Or how did that come about? Nick Francis  29:30 It's a slightly weird name for something, you know, we work with, kind of, you know, global blue chip businesses. And, you know, casual is kind of the last thing that you would want to associate with, a, with a, with any kind of services business that works in that sphere. I think, you know, we, the completely honest answer is that the journalism course I did was television, current affairs journalism, so it's called TV cadge, and so we, when we made a film for a local charity as part of that course. Course, we were asked to name our company, and we just said, well, cash, cash casual, casual films. So we called it casual films. And then when my friend and I set the company up, kind of formally, to do the Mongol Rally, we, you know, we had this name, you know, the company, the film that we'd made for the charity, had gone down really well. It had been played at BAFTA in London. And so we thought, well, you know, we should just, you know, hang on to that name. And it didn't, you know, at the time, it didn't really seem too much of an issue. It was only funny. It was coming to the US, where I think people are a bit more literal, and they were a bit like, well, casual. Like, why casual, you know. And I remember being on a shoot once. And, you know, obviously, kind of some filmmakers can be a little casual themselves, not necessarily in the work, but in the way they present themselves, right? And I remember sitting down, we were interviewing this CEO, and he said, who, you know, who are you? Oh, we're casual films. He's like, Oh, is that why that guy's got ripped jeans? Is it? And I just thought, Damn, you know, we really left ourselves open to that. There was also, there was a time one of our early competitors was called Agile films. And so, you know, I remember talking to one of our clients who said, you know, it's casual, you know, when I have to put together a little document to say, you know, which, which supplier we should choose, and when I lay it on my boss's desk, and one says casual films, and one says agile films, it's like those guys are landing the first punch. But anyway, we, you know, we, what we say now is like, you know, we take a complex process and make it casual. You know, filmmaking, particularly for like, large, complex organizations where you've got lots of different stakeholders, can be very complicated. And so, yeah, we sort of say, you know, we'll take a lot of that stress off, off our clients. So that's kind of the rationale, you know, that we've arrived with, arrived at having spoken to lots of our clients about the role that we play for them. So, you know, there's a kind of positive spin on it, I guess, but I don't know. I don't know whether I'd necessarily call it casual again. I don't know if I'm supposed to say that or not, but, oh, Michael Hingson  32:00 it's unique, you know? So, yeah, I think there's a lot of merit to it. It's a unique name, and it interests people. I know, for me, one of the things that I do is I have a way of doing this. I put all of my business cards in Braille, so the printed business cards have Braille on them, right? Same thing. It's unique completely. Nick Francis  32:22 And you listen, you know what look your name is an empty box that you fill with your identity. They say, right? And casual is actually, it's something we've grown into. And you know it's we've been going for nearly 20 years. In fact, funny enough for the end of this year is the 20th anniversary of that first film we made for the for the charity. And then next summer will be our 20th anniversary, which is, you know, it's, it's both been incredibly short and incredibly long, you know, I think, like any kind of experience in life, and it's been some of the hardest kind of times of my entire life, and some of the best as well. So, you know, it's, it is what it is, but you know, casual is who we are, right? I would never check, you know? I'd never change it. Michael Hingson  33:09 Now, no, of course not, yeah. So is the actual name casual films, or just casual? Nick Francis  33:13 So it was casual films, but then everyone calls us casual anyway, and I think, like as an organization, we probably need to be a bit more agnostic about the outcome. Michael Hingson  33:22 Well, the reason I asked, in part was, is there really any filming going on anymore? Nick Francis  33:28 Well, that's a very that's a very good question. But have we actually ever made a celluloid film? And I think the answer is probably no. We used to, back in the day, we used to make, like, super eight films, which were films, I think, you know, video, you know, ultimately, if you're going to be really pedantic about it, it's like, well, video is a digital, digital delivery. And so basically, every film we make is, is a video. But there is a certain cachet to the you know, because our films are loved and crafted, you know, for good or ill, you know, I think to call them, you know, they are films because, because of the, you know, the care that's put into them. But it's not, it's, it's not celluloid. No, that's okay, yeah, well, Michael Hingson  34:16 and I know that, like with vinyl records, there is a lot of work being done to preserve and capture what's on cellular film. And so there's a lot of work that I'm sure that's being done to digitize a lot of the old films. And when you do that, then you can also go back and remaster and hopefully in a positive way, and I'm not sure if that always happens, but in a positive way, enhance them Nick Francis  34:44 completely, completely and, you know, it's, you know, it's interesting talking about, like, you know, people wanting to step back. You know, obviously vinyl is having an absolute as having a moment right now. In fact, I just, I just bought a new stylist for my for my record. Play yesterday. It sounded incredible as a joy. This gave me the sound quality of this new style. It's fantastic. You know, beyond that, you know, running a company, you know, we're in nine offices all over the world. We produce nearly 1000 projects a year. So, you know, it's a company. It's an incredibly complicated company. It's a very fun and exciting company. I love the fact that we make these beautifully creative films. But, you know, it's a bit, I wouldn't say it's like, I don't know, you don't get many MBAs coming out of business school saying, hey, I want to set up a video production company. But, you know, it's been, it's been wonderful, but it's also been stressful. And so, you know, I've, I've always been interested in pottery and ceramics and making stuff with my hands. When I was a kid, I used to make jewelry, and I used to go and sell it in nightclubs, which is kind of weird, but, you know, it paid for my beers. And then whatever works, I say kid. I was 18. I was, I was of age, but of age in the UK anyway. But now, you know, over the last few 18 months or so, I've started make, doing my own ceramics. So, you know, I make vases and and pictures and kind of all sorts of stuff out of clay. And it's just, it's just to be to unplug and just to go and, you know, make things with mud with your hands. It's just the most unbelievably kind of grounding experience. Michael Hingson  36:26 Yeah, I hear you, yeah. One of the things that I like to do is, and I don't get to do it as much as I would like, but I am involved with organizations like the radio enthusiasts of Puget Sound, which, every year, does recreations of old radio shows. And so we get the scripts we we we have several blind people who are involved in we actually go off and recreate some of the old shows, which is really a lot of fun, Nick Francis  36:54 I bet, yeah, yeah, sort of you know that connection to the past is, is, yeah, it's great radio. Radio is amazing. Michael Hingson  37:03 Anyway, what we have to do is to train some of the people who have not had exposure to old radio. We need to train them as to how to really use their voices to convey like the people who performed in radio, whatever they're doing, because too many people don't really necessarily know how to do that well. And it is, it is something that we're going to work on trying to find ways to get people really trained. And one of the ways, of course, is you got to listen to the old show. So one of the things we're getting more and more people to do when we do recreations is to go back and listen to the original show. Well, they say, Well, but, but that's just the way they did it. That's not necessarily the way it should be done. And the response is, no, that's not really true. The way they did it sounded natural, and the way you are doing it doesn't and there's reality that you need to really learn how to to use your voice to convey well, and the only way to do it is to listen to the experts who did it. Nick Francis  38:06 Yeah, well, it's, you know, it's amazing. The, you know, when the BBC was founded, all the news readers and anyone who appeared on on the radio to to present or perform, had to wear like black tie, like a tuxedo, because it was, you know, they're broadcasting to the nation, so they had to, you know, they had to be dressed appropriately, right, which is kind of amazing. And, you know, it's interesting how you know, when you, when you change your dress, when you change the way you're sitting, it does completely change the way that you project yourself, yeah, Michael Hingson  38:43 it makes sense, yeah, well, and I always enjoyed some of the old BBC radio shows, like the Goon Show, and completely some of those are so much fun. Nick Francis  38:54 Oh, great, yeah, I don't think they were wearing tuxedo. It's tuxedos. They would Michael Hingson  38:59 have been embarrassed. Yeah, right, right. Can you imagine Peter Sellers in a in a tux? It just isn't going to happen. Nick Francis  39:06 No, right, right. But yeah, no, it's so powerful. You know, they say radio is better than TV because the pictures are better. Michael Hingson  39:15 I agree. Yeah, sure, yeah. Well, you know, I I don't think this is quite the way he said it, but Fred Allen, the old radio comedian, once said they call television the new medium, because that's as good as it's ever going Nick Francis  39:28 to get. Yeah, right, right, yeah. Michael Hingson  39:32 I think there's truth to it. Whether that's exactly the way he said it or not, there's truth to that, yeah, but there's also a lot of good stuff on TV, so it's okay. Nick Francis  39:41 Well, it's so interesting. Because, you know, when you look at the it's never been more easy to create your own content, yeah, and so, you know, and like, in a way, TV, you know, he's not wrong in that, because it suddenly opened up this, this huge medium for people just to just create. Right? And, you know, and I think, like so many people, create without thinking, and, you know, and certainly in our kind of, in the in the world that we're living in now with AI production, making production so much more accessible, actually taking the time as a human being just to really think about, you know, who are the audience, what are the things that are going to what are going to kind of resonate with them? You know? Actually, I think one of the risks with AI, and not just AI, but just like production being so accessible, is that you can kind of shoot first and kind of think about it afterwards, and, you know, and that's never good. That's always going to be medium. It's medium at best, frankly. Yeah, so yeah, to create really great stuff takes time, you know, yeah, to think about it. Yeah, for sure, yeah. Michael Hingson  40:50 Well, you know, our podcast is called unstoppable mindset. What do you think that unstoppable mindset really means to you as a practical thing and not just a buzzword. Because so many people talk about the kinds of buzzwords I hear all the time are amazing. That's unstoppable, but it's really a lot more than a buzzword. It goes back to what you think, I think. But what do you think? Nick Francis  41:15 I think it's something that is is buried deep inside you. You know, I'd say the simple answer is, is just resilience. You know, it's, it's been rough. I write anyone running a small business or a medium sized business at the minute, you know, there's been some tough times over the last, kind of 1824, months or so. And, you know, I was talking to a friend of mine who she sold out of her business. And she's like, you know, how are things? I was like, you know, it's, it's, it's tough, you know, we're getting through it, you know, we're changing a lot of things, you know, we're like, we're definitely making the business better, but it's hard. And she's like, Listen, you know, when three years before I sold my company, I was at rock bottom. It was, I genuinely thought it was so stressful. I was crushed by it, but I just kept going. And she's just like, just keep going. And the only difference between success and failure is that resilience and just getting up every day and you just keep, keep throwing stuff at the wall, keep trying new things, keep working and trying to be better. I think, you know, it's funny when you look at entrepreneurs, I'm a member of a mentoring group, and I hope I'm not talking out of school here, but you know, there's 15 entrepreneurs, you know, varying sizes of business, doing all sorts, you know, across all sorts of different industries. And if you sat on the wall, if you were fly on the wall, and you sit and look at these people on a kind of week, month to month basis, and they all present on how their businesses are going. You go, this is this being an entrepreneur does not look like a uniformly fun thing, you know, the sort of the stress and just, you know, people crying and stuff, and you're like, gosh, you know, it's so it's, it's, it's hard, and yet, you know, it's people just keep coming back to it. And yet, I think it's because of that struggle that you have to kind of have something in built in you, that you're sort of, you're there to prove something. And I, you know, I've thought a lot about this, and I wonder whether, kind of, the death of my father at such a young age kind of gave me this incredible fire to seek His affirmation, you know. And unfortunately, obviously, the tragedy of that is like, you know, the one person who would never give me affirmation is my dad. And yet, you know, I get up every day, you know, to have early morning calls with the UK or with Singapore or wherever. And you know, you just just keep on, keeping on. And I think that's probably what and knowing I will never quit, you know, like, even from the earliest days of casual, when we were just, like a couple of people, and we were just, you know, kids doing our very best, I always knew the company was going to be a success act. Like, just a core belief that I was like, this is going to work. This is going to be a success. I didn't necessarily know what that success would look like. I just but I did know that, like, whatever it took, we would map, we'd map our way towards that figure it out. We'd figure it out. And I think, you know, there's probably something unstoppable. I don't know, I don't want to sound immodest, but I think there's probably something in that that you're just like, I am just gonna keep keep on, keeping on. Michael Hingson  44:22 Do you think that resilience and unstoppability are things that can be taught, or is it just something that's built into you, and either you have it or you don't? Nick Francis  44:31 I think it's something that probably, it's definitely something that can be learned, for sure, you know. And there are obviously ways that it can there's obviously ways it can be taught. You know, I was, I spent some time in the reserve, like the Army Reserve in the UK, and I just, you know, a lot of that is about teaching you just how much further you can go. I think what it taught me was it was so. So hard. I mean, honestly, some of the stuff we did in our training was, like, you know, it's just raining and raining and raining and, like, because all your kits soaking wet is weighs twice what it did before, and you just, you know, sleeping maybe, you know, an hour or two a night, and, you know, and there wasn't even anyone shooting at us, right? So, you know, like the worst bit wasn't even happening. But like, and like, in a sense, I think, you know, that's what they're trying to do, that, you know, they say, you know, train hard and fight easy. But I remember sort of sitting there, and I was just exhausted, and I just genuinely, I was just thought, you know, what if they tell me to go now, I just, I can't. I literally, I can't, I can't do it. Can't do it. And then they're like, right, lads, put your packs on. Let's go and just put your pack on. Off you go, you know, like, this sort of, the idea of not, like, I was never going to quit, just never, never, ever, you know, and like I'd physically, if I physically, like, literally, my physical being couldn't stand up, you know, I then that was be, that would be, you know, if I was kind of, like literally incapacitated. And I think what that taught me actually, was that, you know, you have what you believe you can do, like you have your sort of, you have your sort of physical envelope, but like that is only a third or a quarter of what you can actually achieve, right, you know. And I think what that, what the that kind of training is about, and you know, you can do it in marathon training. You can do it in all sorts of different, you know, even, frankly, meditate. You know, you train your mind to meditate for, you know, an hour, 90 minutes plus. You know, you're still doing the same. You know, there's a, there's an elasticity within your brain where you can teach yourself that your envelope is so much larger. Yeah. So, yeah, you know, like, is casual going to be a success? Like, I'm good, you know, I'm literally, I won't I won't stop until it is Michael Hingson  46:52 right, and then why stop? Exactly, exactly you continue to progress and move forward. Well, you know, when everything feels uncertain, whether it's the markets or whatever, what do you do or what's your process for finding clarity? Nick Francis  47:10 I think a lot of it is in having structured time away. I say structured. You build it into your calendar, but like, but it's unstructured. So, you know, I take a lot of solace in being physically fit. You know, I think if you're, if you feel physically fit, then you feel mentally far more able to deal with things. I certainly when I'm if I'm unfit and if I've been working too much and I haven't been finding the time to exercise. You know, I feel like the problems we have to face just loom so much larger. So, you know, I, I'll book out. I, you know, I work with a fan. I'm lucky enough to have a fantastic assistant who, you know, we book in my my exercise for each week, and it's almost the first thing that goes in the calendar. I do that because I can't be the business my my I can't be the leader my business requires. And it finally happened. It was a few years ago I kind of, like, the whole thing just got really big on me, and it just, you know, and I'm kind of, like, being crushed by it. And I just thought, you know what? Like, I can't, I can't fit other people's face mask, without my face mask being fit, fitted first. Like, in order to be the business my business, I keep saying that to be the lead in my business requires I have to be physically fit. So I have to look after myself first. And so consequently, like, you know, your exercise shouldn't be something just get squeezed in when you find when you have time, because, you know, if you've got family and you know, other things happening, like, you know, just will be squeezed out. So anyway, that goes in. First, I'll go for a bike ride on a Friday afternoon, you know, I'll often listen to a business book and just kind of process things. And it's amazing how often, you know, I'll just go for a run and, like, these things that have been kind of nagging away in the back of my mind, just suddenly I find clarity in them. So I try to exercise, like, five times a week. I mean, that's obviously more than most people can can manage, but you know that that really helps. And then kind of things, like the ceramics is very useful. And then, you know, I'm lucky. I think it's also just so important just to appreciate the things that you already have. You know, I think one of the most important lessons I learned last year was this idea that, you know, here is the only there. You know, everyone's working towards this kind of, like, big, you know, it's like, oh, you know, when I get to there, then everything's going to be okay, you know. And actually, you know, if you think about like, you know, and what did you want to achieve when you left college? Like, what was the salary band that you want? That you wanted to achieve? Right? A lot of people, you know, by the time you hit 4050, you've blown way through that, right? And yet you're still chasing the receding Summit, yeah, you know. And so actually, like, wherever we're trying to head to, we're already there, because once you get there, there's going to be another there that you're trying to. Head to right? So, so, you know, it's just taking a moment to be like, you know, God, I'm so lucky to have what I have. And, you know, I'm living in, we're living in the good old days, like right now, right? Michael Hingson  50:11 And the reality is that we're doing the same things and having the same discussions, to a large degree, that people did 50, 100 200 years ago. As you pointed out earlier, the fact is that we're, we're just having the same discussions about whether this works, or whether that works, or anything else. But it's all the same, Nick Francis  50:33 right, you know. And you kind of think, oh, you know, if I just, just, like, you know, if we just open up these new offices, or if we can just, you know, I think, like, look, if I, if I'd looked at casual when we started it as it is now, I would have just been like, absolute. My mind would have exploded, right? You know, if you look at what we've achieved, and yet, I kind of, you know, it's quite hard sometimes to look at it and just be like, Oh yeah, but we're only just starting. Like, there's so much more to go. I can see so much further work, that we need so many more things, that we need to do, so many more things that we could do. And actually, you know, they say, you know, I'm lucky enough to have two healthy, wonderful little girls. And you know, I think a lot of bread winners Look at, look at love being provision, and the idea that, you know, you have to be there to provide for them. And actually, the the truest form of love is presence, right? And just being there for them, and like, you know, not being distracted and kind of putting putting things aside, you know, not jumping on your emails or your Slack messages or whatever first thing in the morning, you know. And I, you know, I'm not. I'm guilty, like, I'm not, you know, I'm not one of these people who have this kind of crazy kind of morning routine where, like, you know, I'm incredibly disciplined about that because, you know, and I should be more. But like, you know, this stuff, one of the, one of the things about having a 24 hour business with people working all over the world is there's always things that I need to respond to. There's always kind of interesting things happening. And so just like making sure that I catch myself every so often to be like, I'm just going to be here now and I'm going to be with them, and I'm going to listen to what they're saying, and I'm going to respond appropriately, and, you know, I'm going to play a game with them, or whatever. That's true love. You know? Michael Hingson  52:14 Well, there's a lot of merit to the whole concept of unplugging and taking time and living in the moment. One of the things that we talked about in my book live like a guide dog, that we published last year, and it's all about lessons I've learned about leadership and teamwork and preparedness from eight guide dogs and my wife's service dog. One of the things that I learned along the way is the whole concept of living in the moment when I was in the World Trade Center with my fifth guide dog, Roselle. We got home, and I was going to take her outside to go visit the bathroom, but as soon as I took the harness off, she shot off, grabbed her favorite tug bone and started playing tug of war with my retired guide dog. Asked the veterinarians about him the next day, the people at Guide Dogs for the Blind, and they said, Well, did anything threaten her? And I said, No. And they said, there's your answer. The reality is, dogs live in the moment when it was over. It was over. And yeah, right lesson to learn. Nick Francis  53:15 I mean, amazing, absolutely amazing. You must have taken a lot of strength from that. Michael Hingson  53:20 Oh, I think it was, it was great. It, you know, I can look back at my life and look at so many things that have happened, things that I did. I never thought that I would become a public speaker, but I learned in so many ways the art of speaking and being relaxed at speaking in a in a public setting, that when suddenly I was confronted with the opportunity to do it, it just seemed like the natural thing to do. Nick Francis  53:46 Yeah, it's funny, because I think isn't public speaking the number one fear. It is. It's the most fit. It's the most feared thing for the most people. Michael Hingson  53:57 And the reality is going back to something that we talked about before. The reality is, audiences want you to succeed, unless you're a jerk and you project that, audiences want to hear what you have to say. They want you to be successful. There's really nothing to be afraid of but, but you're right. It is the number one fear, and I've never understood that. I mean, I guess I can intellectually understand it, but internally, I don't. The first time I was asked to speak after the World Trade Center attacks, a pastor called me up and he said, we're going to we're going to have a service outside for all the people who we lost in New Jersey and and that we would like you to come and speak. Take a few minutes. And I said, Sure. And then I asked him, How many people many people were going to be at the service? He said, 6000 that was, that was my first speech. Nick Francis  54:49 Yeah, wow. But it didn't bother me, you know, no, I bet Michael Hingson  54:54 you do the best you can, and you try to improve, and so on. But, but it is true that so many people. Are public speaking, and there's no reason to what Nick Francis  55:03 did that whole experience teach you? Michael Hingson  55:06 Well, one of the things that taught me was, don't worry about the things that you can't control. It also taught me that, in reality, any of us can be confronted with unexpected things at any time, and the question is, how well do we prepare to deal with it? So for me, for example, and it took me years after September 11 to recognize this, but one of the things that that happened when the building was hit, and Neither I, nor anyone on my side of the building really knew what happened. People say all the time, well, you didn't know because you couldn't see it. Well, excuse me, it hit 18 floors above us on the other side of the building. And the last time I checked X ray vision was fictitious, so nobody knew. But did the building shake? Oh, it tipped. Because tall buildings like that are flexible. And if you go to any tall building, in reality, they're made to buffet in wind storms and so on, and in fact, they're made to possibly be struck by an airplane, although no one ever expected that somebody would deliberately take a fully loaded jet aircraft and crash it into a tower, because it wasn't the plane hitting the tower as such that destroyed both of them. It was the exploding jet fuel that destroyed so much more infrastructure caused the buildings to collapse. But in reality, for me, I had done a lot of preparation ahead of time, not even thinking that there would be an emergency, but thinking about I need to really know all I can about the building, because I've got to be the leader of my office, and I should know all of that. I should know what to do in an emergency. I should know how to take people to lunch and where to go and all that. And by learning all of that, as I learned many and discovered many years later, it created a mindset that kicked in when the World Trade Center was struck, and in fact, we didn't know until after both towers had collapsed, and I called my wife. We I talked with her just before we evacuated, and the media hadn't even gotten the story yet, but I never got a chance to talk with her until after both buildings had collapsed, and then I was able to get through and she's the first one that told us how the two buildings had been hit by hijacked aircraft. But the mindset had kicked in that said, You know what to do, do it and that. And again, I didn't really think about that until much later, but that's something that is a lesson we all could learn. We shouldn't rely on just watching signs to know what to do, no to go in an emergency. We should really know it, because the knowledge, rather than just having information, the true intellectual knowledge that we internalize, makes such a big difference. Nick Francis  57:46 Do you think it was the fact that you were blind that made you so much more keen to know the way out that kind of that really helped you to understand that at the time? Michael Hingson  57:56 Well, what I think is being blind and growing up in an environment where so many things could be unexpected, for me, it was important to know so, for example, when I would go somewhere to meet a customer, I would spend time, ahead of time, learning how to get around, learning how to get to where they were and and learning what what the process was, because we didn't have Google Maps and we didn't have all the intellectual and and technological things that we have today. Well intellectual we did with the technology we didn't have. So today it's easier, but still, I want to know what to do. I want to really have the answers, and then I can can more easily and more effectively deal with what I need to deal with and react. So I'm sure that blindness played a part in all of that, because if I hadn't learned how to do the things that I did and know the things that I knew, then it would have been a totally different ball game, and so sure, I'm sure, I'm certain that blindness had something to do with it, but I also know that, that the fact is, what I learned is the same kinds of things that everyone should learn, and we shouldn't rely on just the signs, because what if the building were full of smoke, then what would you do? Right? And I've had examples of that since I was at a safety council meeting once where there was somebody from an electric company in Missouri who said, you know, we've wondered for years, what do we do if there's a fire in the generator room, in the basement, In the generator room, how do people get out? And he and I actually worked on it, and they developed a way where people could have a path that they could follow with their feet to get them out. But the but the reality is that what people first need to learn is eyesight is not the only game in town. Yeah, right. Mean, it's so important to really learn that, but people, people don't, and we take too many things for granted, which is, which is really so unfortunate, because we really should do a li

In Episode 449 of the Immigration Lawyers Toolbox® Podcast, John Q. Khosravi, Esq. welcomes back Gianfranco De Girolamo, Esq. to discuss how AI, automation, and human-centered service are reshaping immigration law practice. They cover AI tools for admin and marketing, data centralization, prompt engineering, social media strategy, live video, and why human connection—not machines—will define successful firms in the years ahead. A must-listen for lawyers building future-ready practices. Spotify | iTunes | YouTube Music | YouTube Learn more about Gianfranco's marketing support service: https://nextlevellawyer.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Opening 00:33 – Introduction 02:00 – Will AI Replace Immigration Lawyers? 05:01 – The Right Way to Use AI 06:20 – AI for Managers & Leadership 07:36 – Understanding the Nature of AI 09:00 – Does AI Make You Less Intelligent? 10:44 – AI as a Single Source of Truth (Mistake to Avoid) 12:09 – Implementing AI Agents in Your Business 12:42 – The Master Prompt: How to Guide AI Effectively 13:53 – Mid-Episode Break 14:54 – Using AI for Social Media Scriptwriting 16:10 – How AI Multiplies Creativity 17:11 – How Social Media Algorithms Are Changing 18:34 – Why Going Live Still Matters 21:39 – The Impact & Advantages of Going Live 26:48 – AI's Global Impact: A World Wide Open 28:05 – Outro 28:18 – Final Closing Live Consular Processing training for lawyers Dec 18, 10:00–11:45 a.m. PT - NVC packets & DS-260 - Interview prep & follow-up - Timelines, fees, and real-world workflows Register here! Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Start your Business Immigration Practice! (US LAWYERS ONLY - SCREENING REQUIRED): E-2 Course EB-1A Course Get the Toolbox Magazine!  Join our community (Lawyers Only) Get Started in Immigration Law! The Marriage/Family-Based Green Card course is for you Our Website: ImmigrationLawyersToolbox.com Not legal advice. Consult with an Attorney. Attorney Advertisement. #podcaster #Lawyer #ImmigrationLawyer #Interview #Immigration #ImmigrationAttorney #USImmigration #ImmigrationLaw #ImmigrationLawyersToolbox

Send us a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Aurora Winter—media coach, author, and neuroscience-driven marketing expert—to explore how the brain actually processes messages and why that matters for selling, storytelling, and authority-building. Aurora shares how a neuroscience-focused MBA in Italy shaped her work helping entrepreneurs craft clear, compelling messages that turn words into wealth. We discuss:The Neuroscience Behind MessagingThe brain's 3-part filter: croc brain (hook), midbrain (status/social proof), cerebral cortex (content) Why most marketers skip the midbrain step—and lose trust fast How attention is expensive, so your message needs to re-earn focus every few minutesProgress Over Perfection in MarketingWhy waiting until you're “ready” keeps you stuck How real market feedback beats imagined feedback every time The power of launching messy and refining as you goSkin in the Game MarketingWhy totally free offers often get ignored How even a small payment creates commitment and consistency Aurora's “free book + small shipping cost” test that generated $250K in 90 daysBooks as Business Growth ToolsWhy being an author instantly boosts perceived status The surprising truth: best-selling authors earn most revenue from back-end offers, not book sales How a book opens doors to speaking, consulting, coaching, and trainingStorytelling That Sticks (and Converts)Why humans are wired to learn and survive through stories Aurora's “Hell to Heaven” story blueprint for simple, high-impact marketing How stories help handle objections without pushing or over-explainingAurora's Biggest Marketing LessonWhy a strong YES requires a strong NO The importance of choosing ideal clients you can confidently help get a 10x return Letting go of energy-drainers and misaligned opportunities to protect your businessConnect with Aurora Winter:Gift for Your Audience - Includes your Turn Words-to-Wealth starter library and a video masterclass on how to attract capital, clients, and media coverage.: https://turnwordsintowealth.comAurora Winter Website: https://www.aurorawinter.comSame Page Publishing: https://www.samepagepublishing.comMarketing Fastrack: The Little Book That Launched a New Business by Aurora Winter- on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8xrIglKTurn Words Into Wealth: Blueprint for Your Business, Brand and Book by Aurora Winter - on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7RRkVYbMagic, Mystery, and the Multiverse Book 1 Amazon: https://a.co/d/5cmA6UmLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/AuroraWinterYouTube: https://www.y Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

Amy King hosts your Thursday Wake Up Call. KFI News White House correspondent Jon Decker opens the show talking about President Trump addressing the nation from the Oval Office. ABC News crime and terrorism analyst Brad Garrett talks about kids killing their parents, issues with the Brown University investigation, and the psychological toll non-stop violence takes on the public. We ‘Get in Your Business’ with Bloomberg’s Denise Pellegrini discussing how the markets are looking today. Amy takes us on a Southern California Sleigh Ride where she highlights different fun events and activities you can do with your friends and family this holiday season. This week, Amy takes us to Holiday Road in Calabasas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't miss the boat on massive tax savings when you sell your company—most business owners wait too long and pay millions more than they should. Discover a powerful, decades-old strategy to legally defer nearly all your capital gains taxes and secure a lifelong income stream after your business exit. Learn when to act and exactly which experts to assemble for your winning exit planning team. View the complete show notes for this episode. Want To Learn More?  Allocation of Purchase Price & Taxes When Selling a Business Can you sell your business and pay $0 in federal income tax? Why You Need To Think About Taxes Early When Selling a Business Additional Resources: Selling your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Sign up for an Assessment and Valuation of Your Business. Courses: The Art & Science of Selling a Business Download The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business Download Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue If you have any topic or guest suggestions, please email them to podcast@morganandwestfield.com.

Lindsay opens the “Best Of 2025” series with a candid look at the eight most transformative private podcast episodes of the past year. Hear how this year's standouts pushed audio beyond lead magnets, building ecosystems where private feeds drive launches, client onboarding, evergreen content, summits, waitlists, and scalable high-touch support. Get a preview of the creative ways entrepreneurs adapted to shifting markets: from async audio summits, to segmenting a single feed into custom lead magnet journeys, to onboarding every new client with a personalized private podcast.For even more inspiration, Lindsay unveils the newest Hello Audio resource: 101 Ideas for Private Podcasts in Your Business. Whether you're here for list growth, repeat sales, retention, or just want to see how others are breaking the private podcast mold, this intro episode is your roadmap for what's possible in 2025.Topics Covered:How Nicole Culver rebuilt her entire private podcast funnel to convert five-figure sales—even as the online market shifted, adding low-ticket offers and tripling her conversion rate from podcast listenersErin Kelly's “Async Audio Summit” playbook and why hosting summits over Voxer and private feeds brought in nearly 200 new, high-quality leads and strategic partnerships—without live calls or calendar burnoutJulie Ciardi's surround sound launch strategy: using private podcasts before, during, and after open cart to pre-frame, nurture, and onboard $320k in program salesMichelle Pontvert's low-lift audio event that re-engaged 924+ subscribers and delivered massive value to speakers and listeners, all with simple, accessible podcast deliveryColleen Kachmann's $150K/month transformation through a podcast-powered funnel that completely replaced the sales call, doubled client trust, and now supports 95% satisfaction and a literal “cult following”Amanda Karlstad's million-dollar private podcast funnel—unchanged for 3 years, still converting at 15%, and a masterclass in the power of audio exclusivity and evergreen nurtureMichelle Grosser's 3,000-lead win through a quick, five-part private podcast that made launching a new group program easy, filling her waitlist and automating nurture with zero extra DM chasingEllie Kime's “choose your own adventure” podcast lead magnet, letting listeners self-identify, get straight to what matters, and feeding back powerful audience insight for future content. A can't-miss for anyone wanting segmentation inspiration!Links Mentioned:101 Ideas for Private Podcasts in Your BusinessMore from Hello AudioGrab a free trialYoutubeInstagramFacebook Group Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Thank you so much for tuning in to Launch Your Private Podcast.

In this episode, I explore the vital first step in entrepreneurship: identifying a profitable product idea, which is crucial for building a successful online business. I emphasize the iterative nature of product development and the importance of tapping into market needs through personal frustrations and community insights.Listeners will learn how to harness everyday challenges to uncover authentic product ideas with built-in validation. I also share valuable strategies for exploring what's selling in your niche by analyzing popular marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and Kickstarter for sales data, reviews, and trends.I outline a straightforward testing strategy to evaluate profit potential, utilizing tools like Google Trends and market size assessments to ensure demand and consumer willingness to pay. Using a practical example of launching an online course, I guide you through idea conception, validation, and beta launches.Throughout the episode, I encourage embracing uncertainty, experimenting, and taking incremental steps toward your entrepreneurial goals. Join me to discover how to brainstorm, validate, and act on product ideas, all while reshaping your approach to work-life balance.Don't miss this episode if you're ready to embrace innovation and reshape your entrepreneurial narrative!Chapters:0:03; Finding Profitable Product Ideas0:46: The Freedom of Entrepreneurship2:08: Generating Product Ideas3:30: Listening to Online Conversations5:40: Studying What Sells6:37: Testing Your Product Idea12:53: Validating Your Idea18:16: Action Steps to Take20:33: Resources for Your Journey24:22: Engaging with Your AudienceGrab our FREE course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-inMore FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.Have you already started your business, but it isn't generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!Work with Gillian Perkins:Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In this episode of Building Better Foundations, we interview Hunter Jensen, founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions and Barefoot Labs, to explore what it really takes when getting started with AI in your business. As companies rush toward AI adoption, Hunter offers grounded, practical advice on avoiding early mistakes, protecting your data, and choosing the right starting point. About Hunter Jensen Hunter Jensen is the Founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, a digital agency specializing in artificial intelligence, data science, and digital transformation. With over 20 years of experience, Hunter has worked with startups and Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft and Salesforce, to implement innovative technology strategies that drive measurable ROI. A seasoned leader and expert in the AI space, Hunter helps businesses harness cutting-edge technologies to achieve growth and efficiency. Facebook / Twitter (X) / LinkedIn / Website Why "Just Add AI" Is Not a Strategy When Getting Started with AI in Your Business Hunter begins by addressing the biggest misconception leaders face when getting started with AI in their business: the belief that a single, all-knowing model can absorb everything your business does and instantly deliver insights across every department. "Leaders imagine an all-knowing model. We are nowhere near that being safe or realistic." – Hunter Jensen The core issue is access control. Even the best models cannot safely enforce who should or should not see certain data. If an LLM is trained on HR data, how do you stop it from sharing salary information with an employee who shouldn't see it? This is why getting started with AI in your business must begin with clear boundaries and realistic expectations. Safe First Steps When Getting Started with AI in Your Business As Hunter explains, companies don't need to dive straight into custom models. A safer, simpler path exists for getting started with AI in your business, especially for teams on Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Start With Tools Already Built Into Your Environment Hunter recommends two solid, low-risk entry points: Microsoft 365 Copilot Google Gemini for Workspace These platforms provide: Built-in enterprise protections Familiar workflows Safe, contained AI access A gentle learning curve for employees Hunter emphasizes that employees are already using public AI tools, even if policy forbids it. When getting started with AI in your business, providing approved tools is essential to keeping data safe. "If you're not providing safe tools, your team will use unsafe ones." – Hunter Jensen These tools won't solve every AI need, but they are an ideal first step. Choosing the Right Model for Your Needs Another common question when getting started with AI in your business is: Which model is best? ChatGPT? Gemini? Claude? Hunter explains that the landscape changes weekly—sometimes daily. Today's leading model could be irelevent tomorrow. For this reason, businesses should avoid hard commitments to a single model. Experiment Before Committing Hunter suggests opening multiple LLMs side-by-side—such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity—and testing each for quality and speed. This gives teams a feel for what works before deciding how AI fits into their workflow. This experimentation mindset is essential when getting started with AI in your business because: Different models excel at different tasks Some models are faster or cheaper Some handle long context or code better New releases constantly change the landscape Your AI system should remain flexible enough to shift models as needed. Protecting Your Data from Day One One of Hunter's strongest warnings is about data safety. If you're serious about getting started with AI in your business, you must pay attention to licensing. If you are not paying for AI, you have no control over your data. Some industries—like legal, finance, and healthcare—may need even stricter controls or private deployments. This leads naturally to the next stage of AI adoption. The Next Step After Getting Started with AI in Your Business Once companies understand their needs, the next phase is building an internal system that: Connects securely to business software Honors existing user permissions Keeps all data inside the company network Uses models selected for specific tasks Hunter's product Compass is perfect for this phase. Instead of trusting the model to protect data, you rely on your own systems and access controls. This is how AI becomes truly safe and powerful. "The model should only see what the user is allowed to see—nothing more." – Hunter Jensen Final Thoughts on Getting Started with AI in Your Business Part 1 of our interview with Hunter Jensen makes one thing clear: getting started with AI in your business isn't about chasing the latest model. It's about protecting your data, giving your team safe tools, and preparing for a multi-model future. Stay tuned for Part 2 as we dive deeper into internal AI deployment, advanced architectures, and building long-term AI strategy. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Leveraging AI for Business: How Automation and AI Boost Efficiency and Growth Business Automation and Templates: How to Streamline Your Workflow Why Bother With Automated Testing? Building Better Foundations Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content

Profit First is an amazing system, but only when you use it correctly. Too many small business owners hear the concept and immediately open a ridiculous number of bank accounts, creating confusion, stress, and a bookkeeping nightmare. In this video, we break down what Profit First is really about: starting small, building discipline, and using your accounts with intention. We'll also talk about the most important part of Profit First that no one mentions - Knowing Your Numbers! Your Profit & Loss and Profit First must work together if you want real results. Let's clean up the chaos and get you on a path to true profit.

Send us a textBill Caskey breaks down the exact business planning framework from the recent ASP Insider workshop. If you haven't done your 2026 planning yet, this episode walks you through nine critical building blocks that will set you up for sustainable sales success.From defining your vision to finding the right accountability partner, Bill covers everything you need to create a plan that actually works—not just another resolution that fades by February.Bill dives deep into why most sales professionals either skip planning entirely or create plans that are just wish lists with no real structure. This framework gives you that structure—from establishing your vision and identifying targets to building repeatable systems and developing the mindset that drives real growth.Want the complete workshop replay with handouts and exercises? Check out advancedsellingpodcast.com/insider=================================Is it time to make a BOLD move in your business? If so, download our brand new book, "12 Bold Moves - Insider Secrets to Reinventing Yourself and Your Business." http://12boldmoves.comThe Insider program is open for enrollment. To check out our small learning group, go to http://advancedsellingpodcast.com/insiderIf you haven't already, join 14,000+ other sales professionals in our LinkedIn group at advancedsellingpodcast.com/linkedin

Werde kostenlos Mitglied unserer Community "BRIGHT FUTURE LEADERS"! https://www.futuremanagementgroup.com/wissen/bright-future-leaders/ Auf diesem Kanal berate ich dich dabei, dich selbst und dein Unternehmen zukunftssicherer auszurichten. Stelle mir gerne Deine Fragen zu Zukunft, Innovation, Strategie und Führung. Beschreibung: Die DataGroup ist mit rund 4000 Mitarbeitern einer der großen IT Dienstleister in Deutschland. Wir haben mit DataGroup in 2013 die erste umfassende Zukunftsstrategie entwickelt und sich seither regelmäßig erneuert. Das Wachstum und Der Erfolg der DataGroup war und ist seither beeindruckend. Zusammen mit unserer Dr. Bettina Muratovic, die das jüngste Projekt geleitet hat, habe ich den Vorstandsvorsitzenden Andreas B. Zur Zukunftsstrategie der Data Group und ihrer Implementierung interviewt. Website: www.FutureManagementGroup.com Prof. Dr. Pero Mićić ist Gründer (1991) und Vorstand der FutureManagementGroup AG und Professor für Foresight and Strategy (nebenberuflich). Buch zu den 8 Merkmalen eines Bright Future Business: www.brightfuturebusiness.info    BRIGHT FUTURE BUSINESS ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Richten Sie Ihr Unternehmen neu auf die Zukunft aus. Machen Sie Ihr Geschäft zukunftsrobust. Zukunftssichere Unternehmen haben folgende Eigenschaften, die Sie mit uns erreichen können. ✔️ Sie verbessern nachhaltig die Lebensqualität vieler Menschen. ✔️Sie arbeiten an großen realisierbaren Zukunftschancen. ✔️ Viele Kunden kaufen gerne viel und zu profitablen Preisen. ✔️ Exzellente Mitarbeiter kommen, bleiben und engagieren sich gerne. ✔️ Ihre Produktivität ist an der Spitze der Branche. ✔️ Ihre Wettbewerber haben es schwer, Sie zu kopieren. ✔️ Sie sind gegen technisch-strategische Disruptionen abgesichert. ✔️ Ihr Unternehmen ist eine Freude für die Anteilseigner.   Das Zukunftsstrategie-Programm für KMU: https://www.futuremanagement.group/fspo/ ► Kostenfreier Video-Crashkurs DIE ZUKUNFT IHRES GESCHÄFTS: https://www.futuremanagementgroup.com/de/loesungen/crashkurs/ Englisch: https://www.futuremanagementgroup.com/en/solutions/crash-course/ ► NEW BUSINESS finden und bewerten: https://www.futuremanagementgroup.com/de/loesungen/new-business-program-01/ ► BUSINESS WARGAMING for robust business and future opportunities: https://www.futuremanagementgroup.com/de/loesungen/wargames/ ► VORTRÄGE UND KEYNOTES von Pero Mićić für Ihre Mitarbeiter und Kunden: https://www.futuremanagement.group/speaker-micic/   PROFILE UND WEBSITES ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ► Wikipedia Pero Mićić: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pero_Mi%C4%87i%C4%87 ► Website Pero Mićić und FutureManagementGroup AG: https://www.futuremanagementgroup.com ► Linkedin-Profil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peromicic/ ► X: https://x.com/PeroMicic ► Facebook-Profil: https://www.facebook.com/DrPeroMicic ► Xing-Profil: https://www.xing.com/profile/Pero_Micic ► Linkedin FutureManagementGroup AG: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1185372 ► Facebook FutureManagementGroup AG: https://www.facebook.com/FutureManagementGroup/   MEDIEN UND RESSOURCEN ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ► Englischer Youtube-Kanal: Dr. Pero Mićić - The Future of Your Business: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmPZSKhDDq_Jv0qHWGUSww ► Podcast auf iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/leaders-foresight-dr-pero-mi-c4-87i-c4-87-deutsch/id1382532129 ► Podcast auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6pJ1LvcI92rPqFVCtFT376?si=dtFXa28OTHCB0nact3DCJg ► Podcasts auf Google: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL2xlYWRlcnNmb3Jlc2lnaHQubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M%3D&hl=en-DE

Amy King hosts your Friday Wake Up Call. The show opens with ABC News White House correspondent Karen Travers discussing the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, indicating the administration won't telegraph future sanctions or military moves but will enforce existing policies against sanctioned entities like those carrying "black market oil." The host of ‘Home’ on KFI Dean Sharp joins the show and talks about how to de-clutter in 48 hours. We ‘Get in Your Business’ with Bloomberg’s Denise Pellegrini who speaks on what the markets are looking like as the week comes to a close. The show closes with a Wake Up Call ‘taste test,’ an update on Shelby the dog, and hearing from you the listeners through talk backs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

→ Share this episode with somebody you think would benefit from it, and send me a DM. I would be honored to know what resonated most with you from this episode. ←↓This episode wasn't supposed to air.At the Wealthy & Well-Known Summit, I stepped on stage for an unfiltered Q&A about building a brand when nothing seems to be working. No keynote, no polish—just the truth.I shared what the last two years have really looked like behind the scenes: missed expectations, pivots, and hard-won lessons in resilience, integrity, and reinvention.You'll hear:What it means to build in the darkThe real cost of scalingWhy consistency matters more than confidenceHow 25 Zoom calls shaped my next business moveIf you've ever wondered, “Is it supposed to be this hard?”—this one's for you.Let's ride.Click play to hear all of this and:[00:46] An honest behind-the-scenes look at why this recording felt too raw to release.[01:44] Why leaning into polarity and being unapologetically bold matters more than ever.[03:50] An exploration of what it feels like to evolve when your audience can't yet see the full picture.[05:22] The difficult decision to give up control—and the clarity that followed.[06:20] How a personal mantra—“If I don't quit, I can't lose”—became a lifeline during discouraging seasons.[08:07] How real conversations with ideal clients led to a powerful, beta-tested business pivot.Listen to Related Episodes:How to Discover Your Uniqueness and Gain the Recognition You Deserve with Rory VadenHow to Get the Most Profitable Leads for Your Business with Rory VadenIf you'd like to connect further with Rory and his team, visit freebrandcall.com/jasminestar to sign up for a free call. You can also follow Rory on Instagram at @roryvaden and @brandbuildersgroup.Share this episode with somebody you think would benefit from it, and send me a DM. I would be honored to know what resonated most with you from this episode.For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode604You know that feeling when you find a platform that just works—and you never have to worry about switching? That's been me and Showit for the past 10+ years.I built my website with Showit because it gives me total design freedom.If you're ready to build a website that works FOR you—and not against you—head to JasmineStar.com/showit for a 14-day free trial + first month free when you subscribe!

Send me a message Stop Depending on Someone Else for Your Business!If you're an agent and are relying on your broker, your team leader, Zillow, Homes(dot)com, PPC, or any outside platform for your lead flow, this episode is your wake up call.Because here is the harsh truth....Whoever controls your lead flow controls your income.And most agents don't control either one!In this episode, I break down why depending on someone else for your business is the fastest way to stay stuck, stressed, and one price increase away from disaster. Then I show you how to break that dependency and put yourself in full control of your client pipeline.This episode is THE blueprint for becoming self reliant as a Realtor in 2026 and beyond.⸻

Amy King hosts your Thursday Wake Up Call. ABC News correspondent Jordana Miller joins the show live from Jerusalem to discuss Israel not letting journalists into Gaza and has yet to offer a reason. Amy takes us on a Southern California Sleigh Ride where she highlights different fun events and activities you can do with your friends and family this holiday season. This week, Amy takes us to ‘Enchant’ at the Santa Anita racetrack. We ‘Get in Your Business’ with Bloomberg’s Denise Pellegrini discussing how the markets are looking today. The show closes with Amy talking with ABC News national correspondent Steven Portnoy talking about head-to-head healthcare proposals, both doomed to fail the Senate vote.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Beauty is Your Business, Host Mimi Banks is joined by Margie and Greg Kimball, co-founders of Naked and Thriving. They share their journey from corporate beauty to creating a clean skincare brand. They discuss the importance of transparency, sustainability, and community in the beauty industry, as well as their personal motivations behind starting the brand. The conversation also touches on the challenges of defining 'clean' beauty, the role of social media in building a community, and their commitment to philanthropy and environmental responsibility. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybizshow/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Keep having conversations that drive people to more and better." – Bridget HomToday's featured bestselling author is a wife, mompreneur, motivational speaker, award-winning business life coach, philanthropist, and the Operating Partner of Bridge To Freedom Coaching, Bridget Hom. Bridget and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “Stuck On Ready: Master the Entrepreneur Mindset, Break Free from Self-Sabotage, and Access Your Limitless Potential”, how aligning your thoughts can lead to inevitable success, the importance of memorable brand language, and more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:What it means to be “Stuck on Ready”The difference between desire and deserve-abilityWhat Bridget learned from writing her book and the process that helped her get it doneHer three criteria for investing time and energyWhat setback helped her create more successBridget's Site: https://bridgetofreedomcoaching.com/Bridget's Book: https://stuckonready.com/Bridget's Audiobook: stuckonreadyaudiobook.comThe opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 583 – How to Be the Face of Your Business with Tonya Eberhart (@brandfacestar): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-583-how-to-be-the-face-of-your-business-with-tonya-eberhart-brandfacestar/983 – How Neuroscience Can Fuel Your Book & Life Success with Sara Connell (@saracconnell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/saracconnell/1002 – Why Living With Intention Is The Key to Mastering Life with Bianca D'Alessio: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1002-why-living-with-intention-is-the-key-to-mastering-life-with-bianca-dalessio/835 – Turn Words Into Wealth with Aurora Winter, MBA (@AuroraWinterMBA): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-835-turn-words-into-wealth-with-aurora-winter-mba-aurorawintermba/306 – Be The SPARK with Simon T. Bailey (@SimonTBailey): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-306-be-the-spark-with-simon-t-bailey-simontbailey/147 - The Connector's Advantage with Michelle Tillis Lederman (@mtlederman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/147-the-connectors-advantage-with-michelle-tillis-lederman-mtlederman/113 - Business, Faith & Empowering Women Over 40 with Jen Du Plessis (@JenDuPlessis): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/113-business-faith-empowering-women-over-40-with-jen-du-plessis-jenduplessis/1015 – How One Woman's Harrowing Beginning Led Her to God, Grace, and Growth with Dr. Shanea Clancy: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1015-how-one-womans-harrowing-beginning-led-her-to-god-grace-and-growth-with-dr-shanea-cla/810 – You Are Worthy with Katherine Norland (@katnorland): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-810-you-are-worthy-with-katherine-norland-katnorland/1025 – How To Become a Vessel Leader and Produce Genuine Impact with Alison C. Jones: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1025-how-to-become-a-vessel-leader-and-produce-genuine-impact-with-alison-c-jones/309 – Home Worthy with Sandra Rinomato (@SandraRinomato): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-309-home-worthy-with-sandra-rinomato-sandrarinomato/477 – P.S. You're a Genius with Kelly Trach (@kellytrach): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-477-ps-youre-a-genius-with-kelly-trach-kellytrach/670 – The Bestselling Book Formula with Honorée Corder (@Honoree): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-670-the-bestselling-book-formula-with-honoree-corder-honoree/

What did AI actually do for the pet industry in 2025 and what's the real risk if you don't adapt going into 2026? This episode is a passionate, real-talk reflection on how AI revolutionized the pet industry in 2025 and why pet business owners can't afford to ignore it in 2026. I share real examples from inside the mastermind, my personal experiences, and exactly how AI helped us become faster, smarter, and more aligned across every area of our businesses and lives. From hiring to headshots, route planning to recruiting, I break down how AI isn't just a tool, it's a way of thinking. If you're still treating it like a copy machine, you're already behind. In This Episode, You'll Discover: The mindset shift from “Is AI safe?” to “How do I use AI authentically?” Why AI is not just about automating tasks, it's about creating freedom How I used AI to write training, create SOPs, and plan goals for my mastermind members The difference between using AI as a thought partner vs. outsourcing your brain Why even your pet sitters and dog walkers need to know AI basics What “wrapped” reports and Elf on the Shelf have to do with your next level of growth My warnings (and tough love) for those still stuck in 2023 thinking Timestamps: 00:00 — Why ignoring AI in 2026 will cost you everything02:21 — Using AI to analyze dating data (and why it matters for your business)05:00 — 30+ ways we used AI in the mastermind this year07:12 — Rewiring your brain with AI-powered goal setting13:00 — Thought partner vs. outsourced brain: which one are you?23:30 — Why even your dog walkers need to understand AI28:15 — The AI tech stack I swear by (and how to access it all for $20) Notable Quotes: “If you refuse to use AI in 2026, you're going to look like the sitter still using pen and paper.” “Most of you aren't using AI wrong—you're just not using it deep enough.” “Stop acting like ChatGPT is the entire universe. That's like insisting skinny jeans are still in when the world's moved to wide leg.” “The winners in 2026 are the ones who use AI as a co-strategist—not just a copy machine.” Resources & Links: Try Magai AI Hub: Get access to ALL the major AI models in one place (and 30% off your first 3 months) Book a 20-minute strategy call with me. Need website copy help? Get in before the rates go up. Follow me on Facebook for real-time AI examples Transcript: Welcome to another episode of Bella in Your Business. My name is Bella Vasta, and this may be one of the last episodes of 2025. As such, we're going to talk a lot today about just how far we've come and what is actually possible. I hope that this episode excites you, delights you, and lets your brain start thinking about all the things that are possible this year because of AI. I'm not exaggerating. There has never been a better time to own a business than right now. The things that we have access to and the things that we are able to do without having to go out and try to hire somebody are impeccable. If you ignore AI in 2026, and this is my warning as we look forward, you're going to look like the sitter who's using pen and paper, not online scheduling. At the start of this year, back in January 2025, I was trying to convince people that AI was not a fad and that it was actually here to stay. By the end of the year, now, most of you are no longer asking if it's safe to use. You're asking how to use it and still be authentic. That's what I've been here for every step of the way, pacing alongside you. At the same time, I have a lot happening behind the scenes where we are far ahead. I want to keep being your filter. I want to show you exactly what you need to know for your specific pet business so you don't get overwhelmed or distracted by shiny objects. AI is a spectrum. You can show up at a mediocre surface level, or you can go deep. The breadth of what you can do with it is enormous.

In this episode, I tackle the critical need to simplify marketing strategies for online business success. Amidst an overwhelming array of marketing options, complexity can sabotage your efforts. I'm here to show you how to take a streamlined approach instead.I begin by addressing the most common pitfalls that lead entrepreneurs to over-complicate their marketing in pursuit of better results. I share six key insights on common areas of unnecessary complexity, starting with the number of platforms used. By narrowing your focus to fewer platforms, you can achieve deeper engagement and better results.I next discuss content frequency and promote a balanced approach, advocating for quality over quantity. I get into the strategic benefits and potential pitfalls of content repurposing, emphasizing the importance of leveraging successful materials without diluting their impact.I also address the common misconception that more products bring broader appeal. I advocate selecting a few high-quality offerings to enhance effectiveness and sales potential. By identifying a singular target market, entrepreneurs can tailor their marketing messages for optimal conversions.I wrap up by highlighting the importance of automation, discussing how to create systems that recycle effective marketing assets, thus saving time and effort.This episode is packed with practical strategies for entrepreneurs looking to reduce complexity in their marketing efforts. Tune in to learn how to simplify your approach and enhance your business success while avoiding burnout!Chapters:0:00: Simplifying Marketing Strategies2:34: The Pursuit of Entrepreneurial Freedom3:15: Reducing Platform Complexity13:31: Streamlining Content Output20:05: The Art of Content Repurposing25:22: Managing Product Offers33:19: Targeting the Right Customers37:32: Automating Successful Marketing41:02: Conclusion and Next StepsWould you like to build a strategic, yet SIMPLE sales system to scale your digital product to $100K/year? Sign up now for a free discovery call to find out how we can work with you to reach this goal: https://gillianperkins.com/100KFREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodGrab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-inWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.Have you already started your business, but it isn't generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!Work with Gillian Perkins:Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

Send us a textMost business planning workshops start with vision statements and call quotas. But Bill argues there's a critical block missing from that equation: personal development. In this solo episode, he breaks down Block 8 from his 2026 Business Planning Strategy—the piece that asks not just what you need to do, but who you need to become to achieve your goals sustainably.Bill covers four essential areas: AI literacy and staying current, personal branding and findability, digital marketing fundamentals, and systems thinking. But the real question driving this episode is deeper: Who do you need to become in 2026 to execute your plan without grinding yourself into the ground?If you're planning for 2026, this episode challenges you to think beyond behaviors and quotas to the spiritual and personal dimension of sustainable success.=================================Is it time to make a BOLD move in your business? If so, download our brand new book, "12 Bold Moves - Insider Secrets to Reinventing Yourself and Your Business." http://12boldmoves.comThe Insider program is open for enrollment. To check out our small learning group, go to http://advancedsellingpodcast.com/insiderIf you haven't already, join 14,000+ other sales professionals in our LinkedIn group at advancedsellingpodcast.com/linkedin

Breaking out your sales on your Profit & Loss statement might be the single biggest game changer in your business. When you separate your sales into categories, you finally see what's working… and what's wasting your time. You can spot trends, identify low-profit areas, understand where you're spending too many hours, and see exactly which parts of your business drive real profit. In this episode, we talk about why breaking out your sales matters, how it helps you make smarter decisions, and touch on how to do it in QuickBooks. If you want to grow your profits, start by understanding where your sales actually come from. -----------------------------   CONTACT ME:

This episode is your essential guide to surviving financial due diligence, the number one hurdle in selling your business. Learn how to prepare your company's books before you go to market, ensuring buyers see a clean, consistent EBITDA that justifies your asking price. Stop leaving millions on the table and discover the expert moves that speed up the process and guarantee a successful M&A exit. View the complete show notes for this episode. Want To Learn More?  Most Common Deal Killers When Selling Your Business Preparing Financial Statements When Selling a Business M&A Due Diligence Preparation Additional Resources: Selling your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Sign up for an Assessment and Valuation of Your Business. Courses: The Art & Science of Selling a Business Download The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business Download Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue   If you have any topic or guest suggestions, please email them to podcast@morganandwestfield.com.

Amy King hosts your Friday Wake Up Call. The show opens with ABC News national correspondent Steven Portnoy discussing a Grand Jury rejecting DOJ’s attempt to revive fraud case against NY AG James & SCOTUS allowing Texas to use a congressional map favorable to GOP in 2026. ABC News journalist Mason Leath talks about this week in viral news from drunk racoons to stolen chickens. We ‘Get in Your Business’ with Bloomberg’s Erica Herskowitz who speaks on what the markets are looking like as the week comes to a close. The show closes with ABC News entertainment correspondent Will Ganns with the ‘Entertainment Report.’ Today, Will talks ‘Knives Out,’ ‘Missing Kids,’ and Melissa McCarthy returning to SNL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Episode 157 of Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing Welcome to Episode #157 of “Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing” In this episode,the topic is “From 2025 into 2026: What will you change in your life and business, and what will remain the same?” It’s important to take a close look at what you’ve been doing this year, and if your results were what you expected. I believe that we can improve exponentially year over year, and that it’s up to us to decide what to change and what results we will expect. I am sharing a live session of my “Really Simple Authority Blogging” ongoing training course with you and know you will benefit from the marketing strategies I am sharing and teaching here. Be sure to connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com or on X at https://x.com/ConnieGreen so I may serve you in the areas where my help could make a huge difference in your results. I’m going to share with you how much fun I’m having with creating simple courses using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in about 30 minutes. I know you can do the same thing. Keep it simple, and add the short course you create to a page on your existing website/blog. In this episode I’m discussing how to use keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) to grow your business. Your prospects and future clients, customers, and colleagues are waiting to connect with you, but if they can’t find you online it will never happen. Make it simple for your target audience to find you by using the keywords and phrases they are most likely to be searching for on Google, Bing, and the other search engines. The Power and Gift of Change”- We are all changing throughout each day, and I think we must embrace this change in order to grow and move forward. Changing can take many forms, and if you look back through your life you will come to understand that you are not the same person you were even a year ago. Here is a quote about this you may resonate with… “Growth lives outside the comfort zone. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right.” ~ Marie Forleo I believe that our businesses are based on the concept of serving others. When you start on online (or even a brick and mortar) business, your goal is to serve others with what you know and to benefit in multiple ways, including by earning an excellent income. I’m sharing several examples in this podcast about my own and experiences with clients over the years. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This morning I was reading the message written by outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In it, he stated that his “parting prescription” for the American people is to cultivate a strong sense of community to help themselves and others. He added, “Relationships, service, and purpose are the time-tested triad of fulfillment that stands in contrast to wealth, fame, and power which define the modern-day triad of success.” Here are some other questions I want you to ask yourself: What is your commitment to yourself and to others close to you? Why are you focused on the things that are taking up your time? When will you begin to focus on goals that will allow you to create and leave a legacy? Whom do you trust to get you there? Perhaps my “Monthly Mentoring Program” is right for you. Motivation and Inspiration: What It Takes to Get Your Spark Back” During 2024 I went through a period where I wasn’t as motivated as I had been accustomed to being for many years. This gave me time to explore why I was feeling this way and to hopefully learn something that would help others. My inspiration to do all of the things I love in my business, including writing, creating, marketing, and mentoring was waning and I wasn’t sure why. Within a couple of months I was back on track and this is what I learned… Life isn’t easy, but then it isn’t supposed to be. Being challenged in so many ways on a regular basis makes us stronger and perhaps more appreciative and grateful for what we already have and what we know we can achieve if we believe in ourselves and have even one other person who knows we are special and tells us that as often as possible. Marie Forleo wrote a book titled “Everything Is Figureoutable” – https://ConnieLoves.me/FigureOutAble – Her precept is that if you’re having trouble solving a problem or reaching a dream, the problem isn’t you. It’s that you haven’t yet installed the one belief that changes everything. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com and want to hear from you on this topic, or on anything else. “Merging Your Life with Your Business” as a strategy. We aren’t creating a business we need a vacation from. Instead, we’re creating a “lifestyle by design” where we have the time and financial freedom to live in a way that few people are able to, and with choices around everything we do. If you’ve met me in person, heard me on my podcast, or read any of my books, you know that I am a very positive person. No matter what situation or circumstances arises, I truly believe there will always be a positive outcome on the horizon, and sooner rather than later. But I wasn’t always this way. This is a journey that continues… My first year online was 2006, and very quickly I connected with people I’m still part of a Mastermind with in Austin, Texas. I was invited to speak at an event there a couple of years later. It was hosted by Joe Vitale and Mendhi Audlin was also there. She shared a concept she had come up with that she calls “What If… UP!” The premise is that there is truly a silver lining in everything negative that occurs. I liken this to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. My precept and general rule for life is that we can achieve anything we want and feel that we deserve. Others want to help us to achieve our goals, but many times we get in their way by telling ourselves stories that aren’t true. Mendhi’s precept aligns with mine, and a year or so after I first met her she published a book on this… “What If It All Goes Right?: Creating a New World of Peace, Prosperity & Possibility” by Mendhi Audlin reveals the secret to turning possibilities into a tangible reality. It works! https://ConnieLoves.me/WhatIfUp I’m discussing the importance of being willing to “Better Your Best” during this new year, as well as recommending that this be the year you finally embrace AI – Artificial Intelligence – for your business. I have been a student of and someone who uses AI almost daily since February of 2022, and I’m learning from experts Andy O”Bryan and Denise Wakeman in their ongoing AI Success Club. Asking “How Are You Defining Success?” Creating a business as an entrepreneur allows you to live a lifestyle by design, with both time freedom and financial freedom. Think about how you want to live each day and then take action to make it happen. Over the years I’ve changed many things, while others have remained the same. Instead of making changes just for the sake of change, think about what you could change up and what makes sense to remain at least mostly the same. Years ago, I used to put together my blog posts on a single topic, like copywriting or list building or creation digital products into a simple document that I referred to as a ‘Focus Guide’ and gave them away to my list and to my prospects. Each of these documents contained resources and an ‘About the Author’ page that helped me to build my credibility, visibility, and profitability. For the first time ever, I am recommending that you write a book about yourself, your niche topic, and how you serve others. I first did this in 2009 and now I have written and published twenty-eight full-length, non-fiction books on the topics of entrepreneurship, personal, development, and authorship. Life can be messy. Are their ways you can keep moving forward when your personal life is turning upside down? Yes! Finding joy in helping and serving others, as well as compartmentalizing what is currently going on in your life are just two of the ways to deal with change and situations outside of your control. I recommend that you choose two social media platforms to use for the sole purpose of helping your prospects find and connect with you online. My favorite is X – formerly known as Twitter, and I also use LinkedIn and YouTube as my favorite social media sites to grow my business. Please connect with me on these sites and let me know how I may best serve you as you build and grow your profitable business. Is your list of what you are willing to do longer than your list of what you don’t want to do? I recommend a mile-long “to-do” list and a daily schedule of no more than four things that you will work on each day in your business. Find a mentor who believes in you and get started with creating a lifestyle by design that you want and deserve. I’m recommending James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” – https://ConnieLoves.me/AtomicHabits – as a book to help you alleviate your fears. We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and fears regarding our life experiences. I have found that if we build up our confidence and have faith that everything will turn out in a way that will be beneficial to all, we can continue to move forward without negative effects. Having an online business requires confidence. These are some questions to ask yourself: Who will you serve? What are your prospects pain points? What’s your idea? How will it be created, and then delivered? How will you sell it online? Creating a simple product or online course is the beginning of living a lifestyle by design. Reach out to me any time at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to know more about getting started as an online entrepreneur. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My first online course back in 2006 was a simple one with three audio trainings and a workbook. Then, I began creating more sophisticated, but not more complicated courses. I’ve used the “Really Simple” branding for many courses at least 25 times, as well as using other terms and phrases based on the keywords I am optimizing for with each new course. Having your own online course on a topic you want to become known for will give you leverage to grow your business exponentially over time. It’s interesting to me that we as humans sometimes take things for granted that later on we know we should have appreciated in the moment. What I’m referring to here is having an online business you can run from home, or from anywhere in the world. There’s a window of opportunity that isn’t always open, and right now this window is wide open to everyone. A lot of it depends upon economic factors. I almost went back to graduate school two years ago to study economics, but decided against it because of the film and television writing I’m pursuing, but that’s a story for another time. Someone I work closely with had posted this quote from Richard Branson the other day: “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This does NOT apply to online business, but instead refers to starting a physical, brick and mortar business. I know several people in both of my cities who borrowed against their homes, cashed out retirement savings, and sold family heirlooms to start businesses in the community, only to go bankrupt a couple of years later. What I’m saying here is that this is the time to get your online business off the ground and up and running profitably. It’s so inexpensive in comparison, and the biggest expense I incur is what I pay mentors to guide me in the right direction. Yes, I still have a mentor and recommend you do as well. This isn’t coaching, but instead a personal relationship you’ll build over time that could lead to strategic alliance partnerships and lifelong friendships. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you want to know more about mentoring with me. The four widely accepted learning modalities (or modes) are known by the acronym VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic. They are sometimes inaccurately referred to as “learning styles” which implies that each learner has a “style” of learning that should be maximized in all learning situations. Focusing on consistency, productivity, and creativity makes sense for all online entrepreneurs in 2024. I’m also sharing some effective and time-proven strategies with you here that will make a difference in your business, as well as in your personal life experience. Each day I focus on writing, creating, marketing, and teaching/learning/mentoring. My writing began as short and simple blog posts and blossomed into more than twenty-five full-length books. My writing is my oeuvre, my body of work that is my legacy to family, friends, colleagues, and those who follow me. During 2023 I wrote and published more than 400 thousand words. This breaks down to one full-length book, Self-Directed: Inspire, Motivate, and Empower Yourself to the Greatness That Lies Within; the current book on marketing that is more than halfway written; 8 short reports on topics of interest to the people I work with online; one hundred thirty-eight blog posts on three different blogs I maintain; and 382 email messages to my online community. These are  practical strategies for effective time management, emphasizing the importance of creating a balance between work and personal life. Achieving work-life harmony requires effective time management strategies that allow you to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time more efficiently: 1. Set Clear Priorities: Identify your most important tasks and priorities for both work and personal life. Focus on what truly matters and allocate time accordingly. 2. Use a Time Management System: Choose a time management system that works for you, whether it’s a digital tool like Todoist or Trello, or a physical planner. Organize tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress. Schedules vs To-Do Lists 3. Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Prioritize tasks based on these categories. 4. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them during specific time blocks. This reduces the mental load of switching between different types of activities. 5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different activities. This includes work tasks, personal commitments, and breaks. Stick to the schedule as much as possible. 6. Learn to Say No: Be selective about taking on new commitments. Saying no when necessary helps you avoid over-committing and allows you to focus on your existing priorities. 7. Delegate When Possible: Delegate tasks that others can handle. This applies to both professional and personal responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help. 8. Practice the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. 9. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce efficiency and increase stress. Complete one task before moving on to the next. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ You’re starting a conversation with your emails, and building a relationship with your prospects, customers, and clients over time. I’ve been online as an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer since 2006, and while much has changed, I believe that more has remained the same. Here, I’m discussing how we marketed in those early days, and why email marketing still remains top of mind. Most recently, I’ve co-hosted an Advanced Email Marketing Conference with Ellen Finkelstein. In April of 2023, I hosted my latest live marketing event in Los Angeles, and more recently I’ve hosted my Santa Barbara Retreat for those I mentor and teach. But like everyone else, I began by attending live events, and eventually virtual events in order to find my voice, connect with other like-minded people, and learn more about building and growing my online business. Guerilla marketing is a way to drive publicity and, as a result, brand awareness by promoting using unconventional methods designed to evoke surprise, wonder, or shock. Guerrilla marketing is the creating use of novel or unconventional methods in order to boost sales or attract interest in a brand or business. These methods are often low- or no-cost and involve the widespread use of more personal interactions or through viral social media messaging. This marketing method has increased in popularity with the rise of ubiquitous mobile and connected technologies that can amplify messaging and focus on target groups of consumers. Some consumers may be more attracted by guerrilla marketing campaigns as they may be more interesting and daring, while others may be turned off because of the perceived “disruptive” aspects of this style of marketing. Please subscribe and leave me a review. And connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com. Find out more about me HERE. Becoming an online entrepreneur was the best decision I ever made. I’ve been online since 2006 and now help others all over the world to do the same or something similar. We all have times where we are feeling a little down, lost, or confused. Life isn’t easy, and no one makes it out alive! These are my recommendations for how to get back on track and feeling more happy and optimistic about your future… Write! Whether you’re already a writer or are just beginning to think about sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others, writing makes sense. I write every single day and publish much of my writing as blog posts, short reports, and full-length books. Writing opens your mind to what you want in the future, by allowing you to explore the past through your memories. You can also retell and reframe your stories in a way that will serve you going forward. Start a new project! I usually create products and courses as new projects, but this can also manifest as something you build or create with your hands. I have family members on two continents that love to put together complex jigsaw puzzles. They look forward to these as a new project on a regular basis. Volunteer! Before I started my online business, I promised myself I would volunteer my time and donate money to charitable causes… as soon as I had the time and the money to do so. Once I had my own business, I realized that I had some time and a little money to do this all along. Spend time with new people! As a part of the volunteering I now do regularly, I’ve spent time with very young children, veterans, women starting over after being in a domestic violence situation, and more. This work continues to make a difference in my life. As you can see, there are many ways to get back to your “Why?” and I hope this has been helpful to you. What’s the best niche topic to cover in your blog? I know you don’t what to hear me say “It depends.” so I won’t. Lean in, and I’ll share the very best niche for you, and it’s one that is also the most profitable, will feel more like you’re just having fun, will never go out of style, and will be the one that has absolutely zero competition. Which niche topic and target audience could it possibly be? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I learned when I began online 17 years ago that the best niche for anyone is the one that makes your heart sing and is probably a topic you take for granted. I had been teaching school for twenty years and my students were mostly Spanish and Tagalog native speakers. I told them if they wrote just a few sentences every single day – weekends, holidays, and school breaks included – their writing would improve. Those who followed my advice excelled, while those who didn’t floundered. During all those years, I seldom wrote anything unless it was required for my work as a teacher or for my part-time work in real estate. Fast forward to 2006, and I realized not only that I needed to write in order to succeed online, but also that what I’d done with my students would apply here as well. My niche for the next eighteen months was around helping others to write, publish, market, and sell eBooks. I wrote one on real estate farming – choosing and area close to home to connect with people who may need your services – as an example and sold it on my website. Back then, you had to sell eBooks on your own websites, as Amazon had not yet entered the world of self-publishing. My niche and website became “eBook writing and marketing secrets” and this topic took me to six figures. I was learning right along with the people who were learning and buying from me. I then moved that site over to https://ConnieRagenGreen.com to make a name for myself and to branch out to other topics. The bottom line is that you must begin by sharing what you already know something about and love. Blogging is the direct path to the visibility, credibility, and profitability you wish to have in your business. In my business, every idea begins as a blog post. This is where I think and research and brainstorm what’s on my mind in the very beginning. The blog post is ground zero for what could, and many times does become a product, course or program. Blog posts, while based on your idea, can be created with original content, private label (PLR) rights content, guest content, or curated content. While I immediately share my published posts on social media as “micro content” you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before syndicating your content on Medium. I also teach this syndication strategy in my popular and ongoing Syndication Optimization training program. Next up in your content creation and content marketing strategy is a short report, which you may sell online or give away as a lead magnet. I teach all of this in my Really Simple Short Reports training. This is what we refer to as “cornerstone” content that is extremely valuable. The final step is creating “authority content” by publishing your writing as a Kindle or paperback book to increase your visibility and build your reputation as an expert on your topic. I typically discuss time management and productivity in regards to entrepreneurs, marketers, and authors, and I’ve even co-authored a bestselling book on this topic, entitled “Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Manage Your Time to Increase Your Bottom Line” where we outline in great details the steps you may take to reach a level of optimal productivity and time management as an entrepreneur. But what about everyone else? Doesn’t every person deserve to live the lifestyle they want and deserve, where they enjoy financial freedom and the time to enjoy every moment to the fullest? Of course they do, and that’s what I’m sharing during this podcast. When I began online as a new entrepreneur in 2006, I realized immediately I would need help with technology and graphics, as these were the areas where I had no experience or talent. I bartered for these services for the first year or so, and then began to put together a team of people to support me so my business could grow. When I look back over my lifetime, I see that I have always had a team supporting me, whether it was while I worked as a classroom teacher, or in real estate as a broker and residential appraiser. Even while I was growing up, I was surrounded by people who supported me, from family, friends and neighbors to teachers, clergy, and people in the community. Put together your team and watch your business grow exponentially! When it comes to your visibility as an entrepreneur, where may we find you to see what you’re doing? This expert status comes from your writing, videos and audios, and your social media presence on the most active platforms for your target audience. My three popular and active blogs are at ConnieRagenGreen.com, HugeProfitsTinyList.com, and at MondayMorningMellow.com. Credibility is about what you already know and what you are learning. We all started our online businesses as adults, so we brought our knowledge and experiences with us. It made sense for me to help people write, market, and publish eBooks in the beginning, because I had worked as a classroom teacher for twenty years prior to coming online, and was learning about marketing and self-publishing. Profitability means that you must ask “What’s for sale?” every day in your business. Create your own simple products and courses, recommend others with affiliate marketing, and look into buying the resale rights to sell other people’s products as your own like I continue to do in my own business. The final part of this information on your expert status as an entrepreneur includes productivity, consistency, and attention to detail. Get everything in place as quickly as possible, and your online business is sure to grow exponentially! During my first couple of years online, beginning in 2007 I connected with mentors Alex Mandossian and Raymond Aaron. When I inquired as to what they were doing together as strategic alliance partners, they gave me a brief explanation and told me that I was not yet ready to move up to this level. Over the next two years they helped me to grow and elevate my business and my mindset as an online entrepreneur so that I could connect with others in this way. Seek out the people and groups you wish to be involved with and show them that you have moved past tactics and on to strategies. It will make all the difference and as you uplevel everything you’re doing online in your business, your free time and disposable income will increase exponentially! When I work with people in my Incubator Mastermind Mentoring program, the goal is to move them into position to become a strategic alliance partner with me and others to share their message in a bigger way. WHY did you choose the career you started your working life with? WHY did you get married, have children, and move into your first home? WHY did you make the conscious decision to leave your career at some point and start your business? WHY do you want to be an author or entrepreneur, or coach? WHY do you get up every single day and do the work required to become more successful on an ongoing basis? Everyone must have a WHY and there are no right or wrong answers here. But if you find yourself unmotivated to work or if you find yourself procrastinating on projects, then it's time to re-examine the main reason for your business. Name Your Reason – or Your WHY – for Starting a Business Focusing on your WHY can help motivate you, so write down your reason for starting a business on a regular basis. Did you want to fill your free time? Did you want to earn some play money or contribute to the family finances? Did you want to pay the medical bills of an aging parent or a sick child? Did you want to pay for your child's higher education or private school tuition? In my case, my answer to “what's your why?” was always around having enough income to live life on my terms. Over time, I came to the realization that every choice I was making, and each time I could not do something that had meaning for me, was all related to me needing to earn a paycheck or a commission from the classroom teaching and real estate work I was involved with each day. I missed just about every family event, vacation, and other activities because I was working 60 or more hours a week in order to cover my bills and other expenses. I wasn't angry or resentful because I believed that I didn't deserve to have a better life during those decades. This all changed in 2005 when I began reading books and attending events based on self improvement and personal development principles. Writing these reasons down – no matter what they are because every person's WHY will be different – should help motivate you to work hard. You should feel driven to make your business a success. You should be willing to tackle things outside your comfort zone because you know the end result will help your business. If you're not feeling motivated, then you need to dig deeper. I worked closely with a woman who was struggling to make her online business become profitable, and she continued to tell me that she had no problems or struggles in her life, currently or during her younger years. Then, one day she told me about her granddaughter who had passed away at age twelve and the floodgates opened. We got to the bottom of things, she discovered her why, and her business grew by leaps and bounds, almost overnight! Be Open and Willing to Examine Your Inner Feelings Life is fluid and ever-changing so it stands to reason that your WHY would change over time as well. Even if you started your business because you didn't know what to do once your kids were in full day school, you can change that WHY to something more meaningful now. A mentor once shared with me that she started a service business because she was a single mom and needed to earn money to survive. She was responsible for lodging, food, and clothing for herself and her child. She didn't have anyone to rely on except herself. THIS is enough to make you cry and to hustle for work, knowing that if she wasn't working, she wasn't eating. What are you passionate about that will get you hustling? Are you passionate about a cause or charity that can benefit from your financial assistance? Do you need to pull yourself up out of financial despair? Don't be afraid to own that reason and fight for your business. This is how you will continue to get closer to understanding and recognizing the answer to “what's your why?” Don't be Afraid to Switch Business Gears to Discover Your “Why” One of my mentees admitted to me early on that even though she has been in a service business for over ten years, that she hadn't been motivated to create any classes or products as a source of passive income. She blamed her indecision on a lack of new ideas and a feeling and belief that everything she knew had already been said and done, but I questioned if it was because she didn't feel attached to her particular niche of online marketing. After some more discussion, she agreed and has since modified her services that align better with what she enjoys. I still suggested that she explore a deeper WHY but this is a step in the right direction. Plenty of businesses add or subtract products or services or modify their mission statement. If something about your business doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to make changes. I'm bestselling author and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green, and now I can confidently answer the question “What's your why?” with enthusiasm and conviction. My “why” is around the concept of helping others to achieve their goals and dreams with writing and having a profitable online business so they may follow their dreams and passions without having to do work that doesn't make their heart sing or worry about meeting all of their financial obligations with grace and ease. You can double your productivity and be success with a business, or with anything you choose to accomplish in your life, if you are willing to implement what you learn and take decisive action on a consistent basis. Many people come to me to learn how to successful and profitable as an online entrepreneur. But some of them end up saying “I already know that” and moving on to something else. I know that I am able to do more than I ever thought would be possible in my life because I am willing to learn, implement, course correct, ask questions, take massive action and keep moving forward with consistency. Others may be smarter or more knowledgeable, but if they hesitate to take action they will not achieve the results they are hoping for in their business or with anything else. As long as you are specific and intentional with what you want to achieve, you can do it all as an entrepreneur, just not all at once. And we must throw perfection out the window. I have a new saying… The more perfecter your goal, the less purfeckt your results. “Everything we do in our lives is preparing us for something that will arise in the future, even though we don’t yet know what that will be.” ~ Connie Ragen Green Our stories are the fabric of our life. A story sets you apart from everyone else, makes you unique and memorable, and is all you have when it's all said and done. When I was a young child a neighbor girl, seven or eight years old at the time, interrupted my mother in the middle of a story she was telling to ask, “Why do you have so many stories?” My mother hardly skipped a beat, informing the girl that “You'll have stories too, when you get older.” On that evening a part of me became a storyteller in training. Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was telling stories about everything from what I did in school that day to what happened in the neighborhood. I wore my storyteller's hat with pride and now I see that this one aspect of my life was preparing me for what I now do in my business and derive great joy from every single day. The word “praestabilis” is from the Latin and means outstanding, excellent, and extraordinary and this is the goal for you as you make your way in the online world. It took me until age 50 to step into the light and live an empowered life. I achieved this by leaving a job – classroom teaching – and a career as a real estate broker and appraiser to come online as an entrepreneur. I have no regrets about waiting so long, as everything unfolds once we are open to receiving it. There are three top strategies to help you move closer to an empowered life and they include… Writing – Every day, I want you to write! This includes blog posts, outlines, emails to your prospects, clients, and potential joint venture partners. Also, write short reports and white papers to show others who you are and what you know. Finally, write a book to solidify your expertise in your niche, and follow that up with additional books over time. Writing is crucial to our process of standing out from the crowd by sharing what we know and believe. Reach out to me if you’re interested in coming aboard for my “10 Week Author” program. Recent posts on my three blogs are at: “Broken Compass Stories We Tell Ourselves” – https://mondaymorningmellow.com/broken-compass-story/ “The eBook That Changed My Life” – https://hugeprofitstinylist.com/ebook-that-changed-my-life/ “Marketing Secrets from Creative Sources” – https://connieragengreen.com/marketing-secrets-from-creative-sources/ Speaking – I was the reluctant speaker, but once I got past my fears and insecurities you can’t get the microphone away from me. Speak about yourself and your topic to anyone who will listen. I began by speaking at my Rotary Club and I continue to recommend service organizations as a way to break in to speaking. Now I speak all over the world, in person and virtually on a variety of topics. Masterminding – Connecting with others for the sole purpose of reaching your full potential is crucial to life success. Find a Mastermind group to join, or start your own by inviting thought leaders to connect with you in this way. I have a group called the Incubator Mastermind that may be of interest to you. Hopefully, you can see that what I’m sharing with on each podcast will make a difference for you as you build and grow your business as an entrepreneur, author, and marketer. Make sure to think of marketing as a priority and get into the habit of sharing your best ideas and resources with the people who are on their way to becoming your raving fans! I’m always just an email away at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to connect with me. I promise to help you keep it simple while you grow your online business. Get started with your own eBook empire by learning how to write an eBook from the person who continues to guide me along this lucrative journey. Take a look at How to Write and Publish Your Own eBook…in as Little as 7 Days from expert and author Jim Edwards. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you as I share my beliefs, perceptions, and experiences as an author, online entrepreneur, and marketing strategist with you. Marketing has become the joy of my life as I continue to learn, grow, and share concepts with others. I'm bestselling author, marketing strategist, and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green and I would love to connect further with you to help you to achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning how to optimize the syndication of your content, please take a look at my popular Syndication Optimization training course and consider coming aboard to increase your visibility, credibility, and profitability.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 157 first appeared on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 157 appeared first on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.

Amy King hosts your Thursday Wake Up Call. ABC News correspondent Jordana Miller joins the show live from Jerusalem to talk about Israel launching an airstrike in Southern Gaza after an earlier attack by militants wounded 5 soldiers. Amy takes us on a Southern California Sleigh Ride where she highlights different fun events and activities you can do with your friends and family this holiday season. This week, Amy takes us to Knotts Merry Farm in Buena Park. We ‘Get in Your Business’ with Bloomberg’s Denise Pellegrini discussing how the markets are looking today. The show closes with Amy talking with ABC News national news reporter Jim Ryan speaking on the tension in the ‘Big Easy’ as immigration crackdown begins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Your desire is an acorn with success built into it."  What if the universe wasn't something to command, but something to collaborate with, a living intelligence responding not to your wishes, but to your being? In this SoulTalk episode, I sit down with world-renowned intuitive, bestselling author, and spiritual teacher Colette Baron-Reid once again  to reveal the deeper, often misunderstood art of manifesting, not as a formula, but as a spiritual practice. Together we journey into what Colette calls the sacred partnership,  a dynamic relationship between your inner state and the quantum field. She shares vulnerable, soul-stirring stories from her own life: getting sober with nothing to her name, receiving unexpected miracles when she finally let go, and the painful collapse of her music dreams that revealed a deeper destiny. Colette explains why manifestation fails when we chase outcomes from fear, and why it opens when we align with who we are becoming. Why the universe isn't interested in our ego's timeline. Why forcing pushes blessings away. And why surrender is not passive, it is the most powerful action of all. Colette reveals her signature practice, the Circle Method, a deceptively simple yet profound drawing ritual that rewires the brain, shifts the nervous system, and activates synchronicity. Listen to this episode and learn how to manifest not by gripping tighter, but by partnering with the intelligence that already knows the path to your highest good. Timestamps:  (00:02:33) -  Clarification on Colette's 19 oracle decks & 8 books. (00:03:20) - Manifestation as co-creation vs willpower. (00:04:28) -  Colette's early spiritual roots and Unity Church teachings. (00:05:26) -  Why forcing "what you want" doesn't work. (00:07:27) -  The music dream, surrender, and learning divine timing. (00:11:38) -  Getting specific vs letting go of attachment. (00:14:19) -  Quantum field, the RAS, and why we rehearse reality. (00:17:10) -  How to manifest when you're broke. (00:19:06) -  The miracle of lasagna + tithing story. (00:21:00) -  Surrender as a practice. (00:23:17) -  Effort vs trust: the "Spirit of Your Business" concept. (00:26:12) -  Are there limits? Destiny vs free will. (00:29:37) -  Fame, self-worth & why some manifest stardom. (00:31:26) - The New York Times manifestation story. (00:33:17) - The Toronto condo: letting spirit choose better. (00:37:50) - Why attachment blocks miracles. (00:42:03) - What "quantum field" actually means. (00:46:34) - The Circle Gratitude Method: daily manifestation practice. (00:50:07) - Why you don't need to be hyper-specific. (00:52:53) - Receive bigger blessings by not limiting the universe. Some Questions I Ask: Why do we desire things that aren't ultimately meant for us? Can we manifest anything, or are some things destined? What role does effort play, and when does surrender matter more? How do you manifest money when you have none? Why does attachment create scarcity? What is the quantum field and how does it affect manifestation? In This Episode, You Will Learn:  The real science behind manifestation and how to apply it How to follow synchronicities and stop blocking your blessings. How to manifest without forcing, hustling, or burning out Why letting go magnetizes your desires faster. The Circle Gratitude Method, a daily drawing practice that rewires your brain.  How to align with divine timing instead of ego timing.  How beliefs, trauma, and early conditioning affect abundance. Why do you attract who you ARE, not what you want. LINKS   COLETTE BARON REID'S URL:   https://www.colettebaronreid.com   Get in Touch: Email me at kuteblackson@kuteblackson.com Visit my website: www.kuteblackson.com Resources with Kute Blackson: Kute's Life-changing Path to Abundance & Miracles: https://www.8levelsofgratitude.com Free masterclass: Learn The Manifestation secret to Remove Mental Blocks & Invisible  Barriers to Attract The Life of Abundance You Desire. REGISTER NOW:  https://www.manifestationmasterclassonline.com      

In this episode, I get into the importance of efficiency in entrepreneurship, which is critical for me as a business owner managing multiple ventures while raising five children. With only 20 hours a week dedicated to my four businesses, I have developed practical strategies to enhance productivity without compromising family time and personal fulfillment.I challenge common misconceptions about efficiency and emphasize focusing on impactful output over mere busywork. Listen to learn the power of batching related tasks to maximize time, using my effective video production strategy as a guide.I also share my "building block method" for content planning, offering a streamlined approach that allows entrepreneurs to outline their entire year's content in just 15-25 minutes.Additionally, I discuss the value of flexibility in content strategies, encouraging adaptability while maintaining a cohesive brand narrative.I also highlight the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in enhancing creativity and organization within content generation and share my insights on converting visibility from successful content marketing into tangible leads, a key aspect for business growth.This episode is a must-listen if you are an entrepreneur who is eager to optimize your business practices, innovate your content creation, and cultivate a more rewarding lifestyle.Tune in to gain valuable insights on boosting efficiency and transforming visibility into sales success!Chapters:0:20: Introduction to Efficient Entrepreneurship2:18: Planning Content for the Year3:21: Choosing Your Main Platform5:43: Identifying Content Formats7:45: Defining Content Topics9:31: The Power of YouTube11:20: Generating Specific Content Ideas13:49: Scheduling Content on the Calendar16:49: Creating a Repurposing Strategy19:13: Recap of Content Planning Steps20:34: Turning Visibility into Sales22:33: The $100K MethodWant to use YouTube as your main platform? It's a great option! Learn my strategy here: https://creatorfasttrack.com/workshop-registrationFREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodGrab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-inWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.Have you already started your business, but it isn't generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!Work with Gillian Perkins:Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In this episode, Becky is joined by Carol Morgan—founder and president of Denim Marketing and author of Social Media Marketing for Your Business, Second Edition—to talk about how she has used her books to establish credibility, grow her business, and show up with intention across multiple platforms. Carol shares how her marketing background helped her launch her books with purpose, how she leverages speaking and podcasting to build momentum, and why social media marketing should always start with strategy.During the episode, you'll learn: About Carol and the work of her team at Denim Marketing.About Carol's decision to write books as a means of fueling her thought leadership brand and her business efforts. How focusing on a niche market and providing specific content for that audience has been an impactful strategy for Carol.Some of the changes Carol has seen in social media marketing since she released the first edition of Social Media Marketing for Your Business, as well as the major updates she made to the latest edition.How Carol's background as a marketing professional has shaped the way she promotes and launches her books. What has worked best for driving sales of Carol's books and converting new customers for her company. How Carol measures the success of each book project. The top three things Carol hopes readers will take away when they read Social Media Marketing for Your Business, Second Edition. How Carol decides where to show up with her various brands, and why intentionality plays an important role. Which social media platforms Carol enjoys most.How Carol has used her books to support her business and build credibility, as well as how her company helps spotlight her books. The principles and habits that have made the biggest difference for Carol in growing the brand of her books, her personal brand, and her company's brand. Don't forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

OPEN YOUR GIFTS and the  TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS For this Holiday season I am focusing on our ALIGNABLE ARTISTS: BECAUSE WOULDN'T IT BE FUN TO SHARE THEIR TALENTS WITH THE COMMUNITY;   SECOND DAY of Christmas. ( I skipped the first day..) TWO TURTLE DOVES AND THE PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE ALISE KABAKOFF  https://knitmesewme.com KNIT ME SEW ME ARBA COOPER DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIST https://arbacooper.com/home This Holiday season I want you to realize that YOU have unopened gifts and talents. You only need to unwrap and use them Price Pritchett Ph.D tells us in his famous book you2 ( you squared, that most of us use less than ten percent of our talents, skills, potential. An added bonus of this HOLIDAY PODCAST, is that I am guiding listeners to the ALIGNABLE MEMBERS websites whose talents and gifts are exceptional. You can purchase products and services for Holiday gifts now!   YOGA NUT : corporate Wellness Curated for Your Business, Employees and Functions: Yoga Nut On-Demand (available for individual membership and bulk purchase for work groups) - main difference is that when for a business it is a portal designed just for them with access to recordings, wellness session dates, etc. Lindsay Coward MPH Team Development Specialist, Speaker, Corporate Yoga Instructor Founder of Yoga Nut https://www.knitmesewme.com/ga-nut.com  704.640.2066 WINE - HOLIDAY WINES AS GIFTS     HOLIDAY WINES  Holiday Gifts for wine connoisseurs and collectors: We always seem to over spend at the Holiday.  Knowing that, I chose some very special wines that are easy to find, yet very special for the discerning wine connoisseurs and collectors.  These are wines that I have enjoyed multiple times and been to their vineyards.  These are special wines meant as gifts.  I did not choose everyday wines. Being a Francophile, I lead with the French wines first. Chateuneuf du Pape Domaine de L'Harmas, Everyone knows this appellation in Rhone.  CDP's can vary greatly in their flavor profile due to terroir and production techniques.  What stands out about Domaine L'Harmas is that the wine is immediately accessible- easy to drink because the tannins are very soft. $35 - $60.     RESOURCES ALISE KABAKOFF https://www.knitmesewme.com/ ARBA COOPER    https://arbacooper.com/home YOGA NUT https://www.knitmesewme.com/ contact valerie@allinourminds.com www.allinourminds.com   Merci

Most small business owners don't think about retained earnings until they desperately need them. Retained earnings are your business's safety net, growth fund, and stress reducer all rolled into one. Let's break down why retained earnings matter and how they help you prepare for upcoming purchases, cover payroll, reinvest in your business, avoid late fees, and keep your cash flow steady. When you build retained earnings, you build stability. When you ignore them, every surprise becomes a crisis. Let's talk about how to finally get ahead instead of constantly catching up. -----------------------------   CONTACT ME:

Send us a textLast week, Bill and Bryan covered mental discipline—getting your head right. This week, they shift to operational discipline: the actual behaviors and systems that high performers use to win.This isn't about overhauling your entire life. It's about looking at your current operational system and asking: Is this working? If yes, keep rolling. If not, tweak and modify.Bill and Bryan break down five operational disciplines they see in top performers: committing to writing and idea capture, valuing time appropriately (what's your dollar-per-hour rate?), connecting daily plans to annual goals, feeding and nurturing networks, and continuously learning new technology.This is Part 2 of the Discipline series. Catch Part 1 on Mental Discipline if you missed it.=================================Is it time to make a BOLD move in your business? If so, download our brand new book, "12 Bold Moves - Insider Secrets to Reinventing Yourself and Your Business." http://12boldmoves.comThe Insider program is open for enrollment. To check out our small learning group, go to http://advancedsellingpodcast.com/insiderIf you haven't already, join 14,000+ other sales professionals in our LinkedIn group at advancedsellingpodcast.com/linkedinJoin me December 5th for my Personal Business Planning Workshop where we'll build your complete 2026 blueprint in just two hours. Reserve your spot at advancedsellingpodcast.com/insider

You already know about independent sponsors and search funds, but the entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) trend is transforming the market. These buyers are sophisticated, well-funded entrepreneurs who buy businesses and ensure a quick succession plan and a smoother closing process for owners ready to retire. Listen to learn why these educated buyers are a powerful, focused group actively looking for businesses like yours. View the complete show notes for this episode.   Want To Learn More? M&A Guide | The 4 Types of Buyers of Businesses The Basics of Independent (Fundless) Sponsors in M&A Preparing Financial Statements When Selling a Business Additional Resources: Selling your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Sign up for an Assessment and Valuation of Your Business. Courses: The Art & Science of Selling a Business Download The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business Download Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue   If you have any topic or guest suggestions, please email them to podcast@morganandwestfield.com.

What happens when you leave the prestige of protecting presidents to start your own security firm? Charles Roselle shares his journey from 16 years in the Secret Service—including the Presidential Protective Division—to founding Trinity Risk Solutions in Nashville. His most difficult transition wasn't leaving government service. It was becoming a solo entrepreneur. The loneliness hit immediately. No coworkers. Every role falls to you. "I've been on my knees a lot more in the last five years than probably my previous almost 45 years in life," Charles admits. His advice cuts through the noise: don't sweat the small things like perfect websites. Do find mentors who've walked your path. Remember who's really CEO of your life—especially in the valleys.Charles Roselle is a former United States Secret Service Special Agent turned entrepreneur and founder of Trinity Risk Solutions, a Nashville-based security risk management firm specializing in workplace violence prevention. During his 16-year career with the Secret Service, Charles served on the elite Presidential Protective Division from 2007-2012, protecting Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. After transitioning to the private sector where he built security platforms for a global biotech company, Charles founded Trinity Risk Solutions in 2019. He lives in Nashville where he continues delivering innovative security solutions while maintaining his commitment to faith and family.About The Show: The Life in Transition, hosted by Art Blanchford focuses on making the most of the changes we're given every week. Art has been through hundreds of transitions in his life. Many have been difficult, but all have led to a depth and richness he could never have imagined. On the podcast Art explores how to create more love and joy in life, no matter what transitions we go through. Art is married to his lifelong partner, a proud father of three and a long-time adventurer and global business executive. He is the founder and leader of the Midlife Transition Mastery Community. Learn more about the MLTM Community here: www.lifeintransition.online.In This Episode: (00:00) Most Impactful Transition to Entrepreneurship(03:12) What Is Transition Versus Change(05:14) Taking Ownership of Your Business(06:17) Moving From "We" to "I"(11:45) Lessons From the Secret Service(15:39) MidLife Transition Mastery Ad(16:41) Faith as Foundation for Business(28:23) Transition Mastery Coaching Ad(29:46) Growth Through Entrepreneurship(32:16) The One Tool: Find and Use Mentors(35:46) Connect With Charles RoselleLike, subscribe, and send us your comments and feedback.Resources:Company Website: https://www.thetrinityrisksolutions.comEmail: info@thetrinityrisksolutions.comLinkedIn: Charles RoselleEmail Art BlanchfordLife in Transition WebsiteLife in Transition on IGLife in Transition on FBJoin Our Community: https://www.lifeintransition.online/My new book PURPOSEFUL LIVING is out now. Order it now: https://www.amazon.com/PURPOSEFUL-LIVING-Wisdom-Coming-Complex/dp/1963913922Explore our website https://lifeintransitionpodcast.com/ for more in-depth information and resources, and to download the 8-step guide to mastering mid-life transitions.The views and opinions expressed on the Life In Transition podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Life In Transition Podcast, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2025.

In this episode, I chat with Brittany Roberts of the Social Britify about my journey from running a local music school to becoming a successful YouTuber and marketing strategist.Key highlights include:- Overcoming Challenges: I reflect on my initial YouTube struggles and the turning points that reshaped my approach to content.- Learning from Experience: I discuss the importance of quality content and strategic planning in overcoming early setbacks.- Shifting to Education: Discover how my channel led me to educate others on online marketing strategies.- Power of Video: I emphasize the value of YouTube for all professionals wanting to boost their business.- Content Strategy Tips: Actionable advice on niche identification and planning effective content.- Building Confidence: The significance of authenticity in video creation and developing a personal style.- Monetization Insights: Various revenue streams for creators and the importance of providing value.- Consistency for Growth: Tips on maintaining an engaging posting schedule.This episode offers practical strategies for entrepreneurs looking to harness YouTube for growth. Tune in for insights on using video to enhance your business visibility and success!Chapters:0:20: Introduction to Entrepreneurship0:26: The Power of YouTube Strategy0:59: Gillian's Journey Begins2:52: Struggles with YouTube Growth6:24: Shifting Perspectives on Quality10:00: Transition from Music School14:39: Building Confidence in Content Creation16:34: The Importance of Consistency18:08: Early Success on YouTube19:46: Lessons Learned from Growth22:54: YouTube's Evolution Over Time27:32: The Case for Every Business30:05: The Balance of Content Creation33:23: Going All-In on YouTube36:16: The First Nine Months38:22: Transition to Education and Coaching46:38: Service vs. Information Business51:10: Final Thoughts on YouTube StrategyWant to use YouTube to grow your online business? Listen in to my free masterclass, 3 Secrets to Reach 1,000 Subscribers and Get Monetized in Just 3 Months: https://creatorfasttrack.com/workshop-registrationWant to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.Have you already started your business, but it isn't generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodGrab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-inWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan Work with Gillian Perkins:Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

Finding a buyer for your business is only half the battle, and due diligence can feel like a daunting hurdle. This episode explores three major trends you can expect in your due diligence process. You'll learn how AI is revolutionizing the process, why specialization matters, and how to get ahead of buyers by doing your own sell-side diligence to get a better price and a faster close.   View the complete show notes for this episode.   Want To Learn More?  M&A Due Diligence | Checklist & Overview M&A Due Diligence Preparation M&A Closing Process | A Complete Guide   Additional Resources: Selling your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Sign up for an Assessment and Valuation of Your Business. Courses: The Art & Science of Selling a Business Download The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business Download Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue   If you have any topic or guest suggestions, please email them to podcast@morganandwestfield.com. —

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@mreapodcastSelena Soo joins us to share the roadmap to building a million-dollar network, the same network that turned her into a USA Today bestselling author and helped countless entrepreneurs grow thriving, referral-based businesses.  In this episode, we explore the core of her book, Rich Relationships: Create a Million Dollar Network for Your Business. Selena walks us through her 3-part framework: Build, Nurture, Activate. Each part teaches us how to identify our “rich relationships”: people who want to see us win, create financial abundance, and inspire us to be our best selves.  We unpack her strategies for staying top of mind through “pinging,” creating powerful gatherings, and practicing “breathtaking generosity.” Selena also shares how to set up a “Generosity Fund” to strengthen your network, and why the very best relationships are built on giving without strings attached. It's not about how many people you know, it's about how deeply you know them.  Resources:Give and Take by Adam GrantMAPS CoachingMillionaire Real Estate Agent Podcast NotesOrder the Millionaire Real Estate Agent Playbook | Volume 3Connect with Jason:LinkedinProduced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.WARNING! You must comply with the TCPA and any other federal, state or local laws, including for B2B calls and texts. Never call or text a number on any Do Not Call list, and do not use an autodialer or artificial voice or prerecorded messages without proper consent. Contact your attorney to ensure your compliance.KWRI is not recommending or encouraging you to use any specific conversation framework provided by Selena Soo. If you use them, make sure your usage complies with all applicable law, including the TCPA, Do Not Call rules, and any state and local telemarketing laws.

Sales might look sexy, but profit is what actually wins the game.  Too many small business owners chase high sales thinking it means success, only to end up broke, stressed, and unable to reinvest in their business. Today, we talk about why growing your sales means nothing if those sales aren't profitable. You'll learn how to focus on the right sales, make smarter decisions, and build a business that puts real money in your pocket. Because at the end of the day… sales are fun, but profit is freedom. -----------------------------   CONTACT ME:

Send us a textBill and Bryan tackle mental discipline—but not the way you'd expect. Instead of rigid rules and forced habits, they reframe discipline as the inputs that create freedom, not constraints.In this first part of a two-part series, they explore the mental shifts that separate high performers from the rest: quieting your mind, embracing possibility thinking, getting comfortable with failure, and continuously feeding your growth. You'll discover why discipline isn't about forcing yourself to do things you hate, but about setting up inputs that naturally lead to the results you actually want.If you've been avoiding "discipline" because it sounds like punishment, this episode will change how you think about it—and help you build the mental game that drives real sales success.Part 2 on Operational Discipline drops next week.=================================Is it time to make a BOLD move in your business? If so, download our brand new book, "12 Bold Moves - Insider Secrets to Reinventing Yourself and Your Business." http://12boldmoves.comThe Insider program is open for enrollment. To check out our small learning group, go to http://advancedsellingpodcast.com/insiderIf you haven't already, join 14,000+ other sales professionals in our LinkedIn group at advancedsellingpodcast.com/linkedinJoin me December 5th for my Personal Business Planning Workshop where we'll build your complete 2026 blueprint in just two hours. Reserve your spot at advancedsellingpodcast.com/insider

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode It's time to dig into real-world strategies for managing debt and strengthening the financial foundation of your auto repair business. Shiju Thomas,Hotchkiss Auto RepairDustin Brown,Brown Auto ExpertsHunt Demarest, CPA,Paar Melis and Associates The first big takeaway: Cash is king.Our panel emphasizes the power of maintaining healthy cash reserves—ideally three to six months of operating expenses—to safeguard your shop against unexpected disruptions. If the pandemic taught us anything, it's that cash on hand can be the difference between surviving and scrambling. Another core theme is recognizing the difference between good debt and “bad debt.” Good debt includes real estate and other collateral-backed loans that appreciate, add stability, and support long-term growth. Bad debt includes high-interest burdens like merchant cash advances or short-term credit card loans—products that drain cash flow fast and offer zero assets in return. The panel also addresses a common pain point: “Why doesn't my bank balance match my profit?”The answer lies in understanding the cash flow statement—specifically, that principal payments don't appear on the P&L, even though they hit your bank account hard. Their guidance: pay off high-interest debt first, but don't erase debt so aggressively that you end up “debt-free but cash-poor.” Cash matters just as much as debt reduction. Bottom line: Be intentional with your money. Understand your numbers. And approach debt reduction as a strategy, not a sprint. Additional Resources: - How to Grow Your Shop Without Losing Control [RR 1046]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1046/ - Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI's integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at

Amy King hosts your Friday Wake Up Call. The show opens with ABC News White House correspondent Karen Travers talking about President Trump’s upcoming meeting with NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. The host of ‘Home’ on KFI Dean Sharp joins the show and talks about decorating for the holidays. We ‘Get in Your Business’ with Bloomberg’s Denise Pelegrini who speaks on what the markets are looking like as the week comes to a close. The show closes with ABC News correspondent Will Ganss delivering the ‘Entertainment Report.’ Today Will highlights the release of Wicked: For Good now showing in theatres.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Remodelers on the Rise Kyle talks with husband and wife team Austin and Callie Cornell of MSC Enterprises They share how they run their remodeling business together balance family life improve their financial clarity and build smoother processes that support steady growth ----- Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights! ----- Remodel Your Marriage, Life & Business Retreat – Feb 10-12, 2026 A three-day experience in Franklin TN designed for remodeling-business couples who want to strengthen their marriage, clarify their vision, and build a business that supports a thriving life together. Join Kyle and Sarah Hunt for meaningful conversations, practical sessions, and intentional time to reconnect and refocus for 2026. Sign up here! ----- Takeaways The importance of marriage in business partnerships. Transitioning business ownership requires open communication. Financial clarity is crucial for business growth. Hiring the right team members can alleviate stress. Understanding numbers leads to better decision-making. Having a dedicated office space enhances productivity. Saying no to projects that don't fit your business model is essential. Peer support groups can provide valuable insights. Flexibility in work allows for better family time. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and History of Lee's Summit 04:06 Predictions for the Chiefs' Season 05:22 History and Overview of MSC Enterprises 07:34 Transitioning from Teaching to Working in the Business 11:55 Lessons Learned in Transitioning from One Generation to Another 15:35 Lessons in Understanding Financials and Charging Properly 19:33 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers and Creating a Budget 25:51 The Impact of Leasing an Office Space 28:08 The Role of a Project Coordinator in Reducing Stress and Improving Accuracy 36:36 The Importance of Saying No and Focusing on What Works for Your Business 37:38 The Best Decision We've Ever Made 38:42 Finding Support and Encouragement 39:48 The Importance of Regular Meetings

Unlock your competitive edge by planning earlier than everyone else. Strategic planning is more than an annual box to check; it is a time to reflect, reorient, and reengage your company with its long-term objectives, and to align today's priorities with them.    The true cost of distraction goes beyond just affecting mental focus; it impacts your bottom line. It's not only about lost productivity; on average, it takes about 23 minutes and 15 seconds to switch between business activities. Even though we are working effectively, the time lost hinders our company from maximizing its available resources.   In this episode, you will hear how not to overthink reflection, the importance of taking time to understand your current position before moving forward, and tips for conducting productive deep work sessions.   The panelists in this "It's Your Business" conversation are all business advisors:  Christy Maxfield, President and CEO of Purpose First Advisors; Dean Barta, Founder and CEO of Barta Business Group; and  Jess Dewell, Growth Strategist at Red Direction. They discuss a three-part framework designed to unlock your business's growth potential and explore pathways for strategic re-engagement.   --------------------   If you want to identify business bottlenecks, the necessary skills, the initial actions to take, the expected milestones, and the priorities for achieving growth, try the "Growth Framework Reset" approach. This will help you keep learning and growing while working strategically on your business. -------------------- You can get in touch with Jess Dewell on Twitter,  LinkedIn or Red Direction website.

⚠️ Cloudflare Internet Outage; Adobe x Semrush Deal: Tech Dependency vs Business Website Strategy with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.This is Marketing Club Clubhouse discussion, primarily focusing on the widespread impact of a recent Cloudflare outage that affected numerous popular platforms like ChatGPT, Spotify, Uber, and Zoom. Favour Obasi-ike uses this event to emphasize the importance of business continuity and operational redundancy, urging listeners to research and select robust platforms for their own enterprises to mitigate the risks of future outages. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon the rapidly changing tech industry landscape, including the significant Adobe acquisition of Semrush and the competitive moves of companies like Canva, prompting audience commentary on the potential implications of these corporate shifts on product quality and market strategy. 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It exposed hidden vulnerabilities and surprising dynamics within the tech ecosystem we all depend on. This article distills the three most impactful lessons learned from that single event.1. The Internet Isn't a Cloud, It's a Jenga TowerThe Centralization SurpriseThe core lesson from the Cloudflare outage was the shocking revelation of just how centralized our decentralized-seeming internet truly is. The popular image of the internet is a resilient, distributed network, but the reality is that a small number of foundational companies form the base of a massive Jenga tower. When a key block like Cloudflare was jostled, users quickly discovered that dozens of different services were all pointing "towards one direction," revealing a hidden single point of failure. Seemingly stable pieces higher up—from your design software to your ride-share app—began to wobble.This one incident impacted a staggering list of applications, highlighting the sheer diversity of services reliant on a single piece of infrastructure: Canva, Archive of Our Own, Canvas, Character AI, ChatGPT, Claude AI, Dayforce, Google Store, Grinder, IKEA, Indeed, League of Legends, Letterboxed, OpenAI, Quizlet, Rover, Spotify, Square, Truth Social, Uber, and Zoom. For the average user, this means the digital services that feel distinct and independent are, in fact, far more fragile and codependent than they appear.2. While You Were Offline, Big Tech Made Some Bizarre MovesA Bizarre Acquisition Amidst the ChaosWhile the digital world was grappling with the outage, news broke that Adobe was acquiring SEO tool Semrush for $1.9 billion. This development, happening alongside the infrastructure chaos, sparked widespread confusion and skepticism. As many in the tech community noted, Semrush "has nothing to do with creative" software, which is Adobe's core domain.The concern was palpable, with one community member expressing a common fear:"I really hope this Semrush acquisition doesn't affect quality and support. Big corporation buyouts [rarely succeed]."The analysis behind this seemingly strange move points to the disruptive force of artificial intelligence. The theory is that as AI reshapes search and content creation, traditional SEO tools are finding it harder to maintain their dominance. This acquisition could be Adobe's strategic, if unconventional, response to that industry pressure. This trend of unexpected competition is visible elsewhere, with platforms like Canva making aggressive moves into video editing, putting them in direct competition with Adobe. The outage served as a backdrop to a tech landscape that is shifting in unpredictable ways.3. Your Business is More Vulnerable Than You Think (But Outages Can Make You Stronger)The Resilience ImperativeFor businesses and professionals, the outage was not an abstract problem. The impact was immediate: one professional reported their AI-powered Fathom note-taker for Zoom failed to load, even while the Zoom call itself was active—a perfect example of a hidden dependency crippling a critical workflow. The sudden inability to access essential tools forces a critical business question to the surface:"...if ChatGPT is down and that's what I use and now I can't use it for the first four hours of my day... How can I use 50% of my time to maximize 100% of my opportunity?"The core advice is to reframe these events not as mere problems to be weathered but as invaluable opportunities for strategic review. Business owners should use these moments to ask what platforms they truly rely on, research the stability of those systems, and begin building more resilient workflows.This is the "bow and arrow" principle applied to business strategy. An outage forces you to pull back, assess your tools, and re-aim. This forced pause, while painful, is precisely what allows you to launch forward with a more resilient, deliberate, and ultimately stronger operational foundation, turning a negative event into a catalyst for positive change.Conclusion: A New Lens for a Digital WorldThis single outage taught us more than just who owns the internet's plumbing. It revealed the hidden fragility of our digital infrastructure, highlighted the unpredictable strategies of tech giants under pressure, and underscored the personal and professional imperative for building resilience. It showed that the platforms we use every day are interconnected in ways we rarely see until something breaks.The next time your favorite app goes down, will you just see an inconvenience, or will you see a chance to re-evaluate the digital foundation your work and life are built on?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I introduce the "Fast Track Funnel," an innovative strategy designed to optimize sales outcomes in today's saturated digital marketing environment. We have seen a lot of success since switching our sales funnels over to this system 18 months ago, so I want to share with you my insights on how to adapt your sales funnels amidst the evolving online landscape, especially with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT.While there has never been higher content saturation than now, there are still effective strategies to keep sales funnels profitable and engaging. The Fast Track Funnel focuses on immediacy, allowing prospective clients to sign up for webinars without delay, which is crucial in our fast-paced world. By merging the webinar video with the sales page, we have created smoother transitions from content consumption to purchases.I also break down consumer behavior in this episode, emphasizing the need for transparency and control over viewing experiences to improve retention. I have some pretty compelling data to share with you which demonstrates the positive impact of the Fast Track Funnel on conversion rates, even amidst competitive pressures.This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to boost their sales performance effectively.Tune in to explore:- How shifts in digital marketing affect sales funnels- The benefits of the Fast Track Funnel for instant webinar access- Techniques to improve conversions through strategic funnel design- The significance of consumer control over content viewing- Proven methods to elevate your sales funnelsIf you're ready to refine your business strategies and thrive in the digital marketplace, this episode is filled with the practical insights and actionable advice you need!Chapters:0:00: Introduction to Fast Track Funnel0:43: The Changing Landscape of Digital Marketing4:00: Overview of the Fast Track Funnel6:39: Key Features of the Fast Track Funnel8:25: The 72-Hour Open Cart Strategy10:31: Automated Sales Sequences Explained13:14: Results from the Fast Track Funnel16:06: Webinar to Sale Conversion Rates18:07: Teaching the New Funnel Strategy18:44: Getting Help with Your Sales Funnel19:28: Conclusion and Next StepsNeed some help getting a strategic sales funnel built for YOUR business? Book a free strategy call now to get the process started: https://gillianperkins.com/100KWant to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.Have you already started your business, but it isn't generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-methodGrab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-inWrite a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan Work with Gillian Perkins:Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

Did you know that you can sell your business without giving up your brand, your team, and your legacy? This episode introduces a unique type of buyer, one who invests in your business without taking it over. You'll learn how to get paid, keep running your company with its brand and culture intact, and have multiple opportunities for additional cash in the future.   View the complete show notes for this episode.   Want To Learn More? Business Exit Plan & Strategy Checklist | A Complete Guide M&A Basics: Building a Sellable Business M&A Guide | The 4 Types of Buyers of Businesses Additional Resources: Selling your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Sign up for an Assessment and Valuation of Your Business. Courses: The Art & Science of Selling a Business Download The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business Download Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue If you have any topic or guest suggestions, please email them to podcast@morganandwestfield.com.

Every year small business owners act shocked when they owe money at tax time, but why? If you took money out of your business, the IRS wants its share. Today, we break down why you keep getting surprised and the simple system that will save you from the stress: setting up a high-yield savings account and moving money over every month. Even 10% is better than nothing. Whether you transfer a percentage or a set amount, the goal is the same - build a habit of saving so tax season doesn't break you. Stop being blindsided and start taking control of your numbers. -----------------------------   CONTACT ME:

Send us a textPart two of our macro vs. micro skills series—and this one gets tactical.Bill and Bryan dive into the small, incremental skills that most salespeople overlook but that separate pros from amateurs. These aren't the big-picture capabilities; they're the in-the-moment moves that determine whether your sales calls actually go anywhere.The guys cover the courage to stop and clarify when something's confusing, the power of numeric calendar values (no more "let's connect next week"), putting time parameters around everything, and the art of reviewing before you hang up. Plus: why you should set a five-minute warning alarm on every sales call.The bottom line? You can't assume people know how to conduct themselves in sales conversations. These micro skills matter—a lot.=================================Is it time to make a BOLD move in your business? If so, download our brand new book, "12 Bold Moves - Insider Secrets to Reinventing Yourself and Your Business." http://12boldmoves.comThe Insider program is open for enrollment. To check out our small learning group, go to http://advancedsellingpodcast.com/insiderIf you haven't already, join 14,000+ other sales professionals in our LinkedIn group at advancedsellingpodcast.com/linkedin

Ugh, did Ronna have a journey to get to today's recording session or what? After a quick medical procedure in New York, she had an absolute SAGA getting back to Toronto in time for Steve's Halloween festivities. But she made it, and she's here with (Bryan) for some amazing follow-ups from our one straight male listener from last week as well as the woman who's sister (named 'None of Your Business") wanted nothing to do with a family wedding. Then we give advice to a man who a pillow talk surprise from his hook-up. Sponsors: Wrap the ones you love in luxury with Cozy Earth. Use our code RONNA at cozyearth.com to save up to 40% on some of the best bedding around. We love ours! Take comfort in Born Shoes. Go to bornshoes.com and use code RONNA for 15% off plus free ground shipping on all full price shoes. It's true - we love Quince. And our closets are full of luxurious essentials at bargain prices. Go to quince.com/ronna for free shipping and 365 day returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices