Archive 3: 2018-2020
730: Protect Your Business and Your Income During COVID-19 (and Emerge Stronger When It’s Over) with Copywriter Kevin Donlin

Kevin Donlin is a copywriter, marketing advisor, and author of 3 books. He has been delivering sales gains of over $1 million to entrepreneurs online and offline since 1998. Today, Kevin talks about strategies for businesses to protect themselves and grow during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares five key tips, including retaining clients, being relevant, being available, offering more value, and taking care of oneself.
Quotes
“About every 10 years, something will happen that may put you out of business if you don't handle it correctly.” - Kevin Donlin
“The secret to survival is not being the strongest or the smartest, but being the most adaptable. They are the ones that survive.” - Kevin Donlin
“Never say no for the other guy. Never assume that the other guy is broke. Never assume that your clients or customers don't have money, because there is money out there.” - Kevin Donlin
Takeaways
01:40 Retaining current clients is crucial during challenging times, and can be achieved through consistent communication like monthly newsletters.
03:29 Adapting marketing messages to acknowledge and address the current situation can help businesses remain relevant and connect with customers.
10:47 Being readily available and accessible to clients, even outside of normal business hours, can set a business apart from competitors.
17:19 Offering more value through payment plans, additional resources, or other enhancements can increase sales without resorting to discounting.
24:31 Prioritizing self-care, such as physical activity and proper rest, can help entrepreneurs maintain the energy and focus needed to navigate difficult circumstances.
35:53 Avoiding self-sabotaging assumptions, such as believing no one has money to spend, can help businesses stay positive and proactive during challenging times.
Resources
- Client Cloning Systems: We help Presidents, Founders, and Consultants scale to $5M and beyond. With Direct Mail and Email written in the voice of your buyers
- Previous appearances:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:57 — 36.8MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
729: The Twist Life: Discover the Secrets of Life and Network Your Way to Success with Brian Orr

Brian Orr is the founder of Keaton Capital and "The Twist Life." As a seasoned DJ with over 20 years of experience, Brian has also ventured into real estate investing, focusing primarily on multifamily properties. In his podcast, Brian aims to document his life experiences and share the stories of his diverse guests, ranging from a medically retired police officer to a chef who pivoted her catering business during the pandemic. Today, Brian discusses his journey into podcasting, highlighting how it allows him to share his life with his children in a unique way.
Quotes
“It's easy to get stuck. It pushes you out of one day-to-day routine into a different one. Because if you go through those same old routines, it seems like time speeds up.” - Brian Orr
“I just started thinking about stories that happened in my life, places I've been, and people I've met. I wondered if I could talk to some of these people and let them tell my story to my kids through their voices.” - Brian Orr
“It's in the failures, setbacks, and obstacles that I feel you actually learn, grow, and develop.” - Brian Orr
Takeaways
09:49 Embracing diverse perspectives and being open to learning new things can lead to unique and engaging content.
12:59 Positioning oneself in unexpected places can be an effective marketing strategy to stand out from the crowd.
14:44 Taking advantage of other people's networks and resources can be a mutually beneficial way to gain visibility and success.
27:25 Being adaptable and willing to adjust one's approach is key to improving one's skills, whether in podcasting or other ventures.
33:32 Focusing on passion projects and activities that bring joy can lead to more fulfilling and successful endeavors.
Resources
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:04 — 32.3MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
728: Software-As-a-Service (SaaS) and Agency Growth Secrets with Dave Schneider

Dave Schneider is the founder of Shortlist and co-founder of Ninja Outreach, a digital marketing agency that specializes in services like design, development, SEO, and link building. He has also launched two software products, an SEO tool and a remote work tool for more effective meetings. Today, Dave talks about his entrepreneurial journey, including the pros and cons of running a SaaS business versus an agency.
Quotes
“In the link-building niche, there is quite a lack of quality standards. One reason for this is that many people simply don't know what they're getting.” - Dave Schneider
“Software is expensive to build. There is quite a lot of competition these days, more than ever.” - Dave Schneider
“The key is to stay in the game. Because if you do, whether it's a year or two from now, not everybody will be around. That means you'll be stronger because there will be less competition.” - Dave Schneider
Takeaways
03:16 Maintaining high-quality standards, even in competitive industries like link building, can differentiate a business and lead to long-term success.
10:00 Adapting to economic challenges, like a recession, requires a proactive approach to cost-efficiency and staying resilient.
12:22 Maintaining quality standards, even in competitive industries like link building, can differentiate a business and lead to long-term success.
16:18 Leveraging internal tools and solutions to create new products can be an effective strategy for growth.
17:35 Diversifying projects, such as an agency and SaaS products, can be beneficial, but requires careful management to avoid burnout.
20:03 Building a sustainable business takes time and patience, often requiring 4 years instead of 1.
Resources
- Shortlist: Your Inbound Marketing Team - Ready To Go
- Ninja Outreach: Find Instagram and YouTube influencers with the most powerful social engine on the web
- Connect with Dave Schneider on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:13 — 21.5MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
727: Rock the Recession: Reinvent Yourself, Start That Business or Pursue Gig Economy Side Hustles with Jonathan Slain

Jonathan Slain is a consultant who survived the last major recession by borrowing $250,000 from his mother-in-law. He is the co-author of the book "Rock the Recession" and the founder of the website recession.com. Today, Jonathan discusses strategies for preparing businesses and individuals for the upcoming economic downturn. He emphasizes the importance of benchmarking readiness, building relationships with banks, and seizing opportunities that may arise during a recession, such as acquiring assets or businesses at discounted prices.
Jonathan coaches high growth leadership teams across the United States to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System® also known as "Traction." He focuses on working with entrepreneurial niche/specialty firms and large corporations ($10M+ in annual revenue), spending over 100 days per year working with teams just like yours.
Quotes
“Recessions are massive opportunities. If you know where to look and prepare yourself, you can really rock the recession.” - Jonathan Slain
“If you're entrepreneurial and hungry to own a business, I think it's a great time to start having conversations with business owners to see if they are interested in selling or having you take over their lease.” - Jonathan Slain
“I want you to preserve your best options, because otherwise, you might be choosing your least bad option. And that's just human behavior.” - Jonathan Slain
Takeaways
01:28 Recessions can be viewed as opportunities for growth, not just challenges to overcome.
06:15 Benchmarking your business's recession readiness is crucial to identify areas that need improvement.
09:19 Building relationships with banks and other potential partners can help you secure good deals on assets during a recession.
16:40 Having a personal and business emergency plan in place can provide psychological safety during economic downturns.
18:49 Being proactive in seeking opportunities, rather than waiting for luck, can lead to success in a recession.
Resources
- Recession: Need proven strategies to help you Rock the Recession? Ready to thrive instead of survive?
- Get a copy of the book, Rock the Recession: How Successful Leaders Prepare for, Thrive During, and Create Wealth After Downturns by Jonathan Slain & Paul Belair on Amazon
- Connect with Jonathan Slain on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:04 — 20.4MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
726: Manage Emotional Stress, Break the Cycle of Failure, and Banish Burnout with Janice Litvin

Do you tend to "sweat the small stuff"? Do you overreact to stressful events? Do you get easily overwhelmed when things pile up?
Janice Litvin is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the human resources industry. She started as a technology recruiter and later pursued studies in exercise science and sports psychology, becoming certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Janice is a Zumba Fitness Instructor, a wellness coach with Weight Watchers, and the author of the upcoming book "Banish Burnout: Move from Stress to Success." Today, Janice discusses strategies to help individuals manage their emotional stress and overcome burnout.
Quotes
“Many of us had parents that did the best they could, but they might not have realized that being overly critical wasn't really helpful. It cut us down and made us feel not enough—not smart enough, not pretty enough, not clever enough.” - Janice Litvin
“Unless you unpack that baggage and understand where those patterns of behavior came from, you're going to suffer from those patterns forever.” - Janice Litvin
“When your child observes something in your behavior, you better pay attention.” - Janice Litvin
Takeaways
03:47 Overreactions to stressful events often stem from unresolved childhood patterns and the need to unpack that "baggage."
05:04 Practicing mindfulness techniques like the "stress audit" can help individuals better understand and control their physical, verbal, and emotional reactions to stress.
14:50 Reducing reliance on addictive behaviors, such as overeating or substance abuse, can be achieved by managing stress responses more effectively.
16:22 Maintaining a positive mindset, through practices like gratitude journaling, can help counteract the negative impacts of stress and overwhelming news.
18:36 Letting children thrive as individuals, without projecting one's own expectations, can help break the cycle of generational baggage.
Resources
- Janice Litvin: Bay Area Wellness Speaker
- Connect with Janice Litvin on LinkedIn
- Get a copy of the Banish Burnout Toolkit by Janice Litvin on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:08 — 21.4MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
725: Tell Your Story and Leave a Lasting Literary Legacy Through Memoir Books with Jan Bear

Jan Bear is a writer, editor, and book designer who is passionate about helping people share their stories through memoir books. She has a website called Bear Web Content and a Facebook group called "Book Genie" where she supports aspiring authors. Today, Jan shares the concept of "family legacy books," which are memoirs written by older family members to preserve their life stories and experiences for future generations. She explains the process of creating these books, including recording conversations, refining the content, and designing a professional-looking final product.
Quotes
“We don't really know what our parents and grandparents went through. They're from another country, and the past is so different from what we have now, so it's really hard to imagine what their lives were like.” - Jan Bear
“The most important thing is to build up this library of what happened in the past, why it happened, and why we are who we are now.” - Jan Bear
“I just don't want you to lose the opportunity to know who your elders are. We've lost so many of them through all these generations. Let's take the opportunities we've got now to find out who they really are and what their lives were like before it's too late.” - Jan Bear
Takeaways
01:16 Family legacy books can preserve the stories and experiences of older generations, providing valuable insights for future family members.
09:24 The process of creating a family legacy book involves recording conversations, refining the content, and ensuring professional-quality design.
14:03 Involving multiple family members in the review and editing process can help catch errors and ensure accuracy.
18:00 Self-publishing through platforms like Amazon allows for flexibility in ownership and distribution of the family legacy book.
23:16 Starting the project sooner rather than later is important, as health and energy levels of older individuals can be a consideration.
Resources
- Bear Web Content: Tell your story & attract the right clients
- Connect with Jan Bear on LinkedIn
- Join the Book Genie Facebook Group
- jan@bearwebcontent.com (Email)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:23 — 26.2MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
724: SavvyCard: Use a Business Card Mobile App to Grow Through Referrals with David Etheredge

David Etheredge is the CEO & Co-Founder at SavvyCard, a mobile app designed to help professionals capture contact details and grow their businesses through referrals. He has extensive experience in the real estate industry, with over 180,000 Realtors using the SavvyCard platform. Today, David discusses the limitations of traditional business cards and how SavvyCard offers a more effective solution. He explains the app's cloud-based technology, which allows users to share their contact information without the recipient needing to download an app.
Quotes
“Today, with privacy laws and the way that people are now ignoring phone calls and text messages from unknown numbers, it's even more difficult than ever to follow up with somebody and break through all their different barriers to actually build a relationship with them.” - David Etheredge
“Starting a conversation with a prospect by text message is 100 times more powerful than trying to reach out to somebody by email, where you're going to be fighting with hundreds of other emails in their inbox, or calling them.” - David Etheredge
“Every person that I've met in the last nine years is in a database in my SavvyCard account, which doesn't happen when you hand out business cards.” - David Etheredge
Takeaways
01:19 Traditional business cards often end up crumpled and forgotten, missing key details about the person you met.
03:45 SavvyCard's cloud-based technology allows users to instantly share their contact information and start a conversation with new connections.
09:42 Text messaging is a more effective way to follow up with prospects compared to email or phone calls, as it is less intrusive and more likely to get a response.
18:33 SavvyCard can help users improve their search engine optimization and social media presence by making it easier to share their personal brand.
22:39 SavvyCard offers a cost-effective solution for individuals and teams to streamline their marketing, prospecting, and sales processes.
Resources
- SavvyCard: It's much more than a business card - it's a SavvyCard!
- Connect with David Etheredge on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:41 — 25.5MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
723: Achieve Your Financial Goals, Plan for the Future, and Develop Healthy Money Habits with CPA Larry Pon

Larry Pon is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 34 years of experience in tax and financial planning. He runs a tax and financial planning practice in Redwood Shores, California, where he has helped hundreds of clients reach their financial goals. Today, Larry talks about the importance of developing healthy money habits and taking a proactive approach to financial planning.
Quotes
“If you have good financial habits, I can be very helpful. But if you can't break those financial habits, I will refer you to someone else.” - Larry Pon
“My favorite clients are the ones who call me and we talk before they do something big, like they're about to buy a house or make an investment, and we discuss the choices A, B, and C.” - Larry Pon
“I treat money like a garden. You gotta take care of it. You gotta manage it.” - Larry Pon
Takeaways
01:49 Proactive communication with a CPA throughout the year can help prevent financial issues and reduce stress during tax season.
08:24 Developing good financial habits, such as reviewing tax withholding and maximizing employer benefits, can have a significant impact on one's financial well-being.
14:06 Seeking unbiased advice from a CPA who is not compensated by the sale of financial products can help ensure that the client's best interests are prioritized.
17:44 Carefully researching financial information from reputable sources is crucial, as not all online content is reliable or objective.
26:04 Choosing the right business entity requires a thorough understanding of the legal, tax, and operational considerations specific to the individual's needs.
Resources
- Pon & Associates: Committed to Helping You Achieve Your Financial Goals
- Connect with Larry Pon on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:48 — 28.4MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
722: Unlock Charisma: 5 Secrets from Sandra Dee Robinson

Sandra Dee Robinson is a renowned television actress, having starred in popular soap operas like "Another World," "Sunset Beach," and "General Hospital." In addition to her acting career, she is an author, international speaker, and the founder of Charisma On Camera performance coaching and the Equine Assisted coaching program Charismatic Cowgirl. Today, Sandra discusses the importance of being present and authentic in relationships, both personal and professional.
Quotes
“The quality of your life is directly related to the quality of your relationships, so it's really worth learning how to nurture them well.” - Sandra Dee Robinson
“If you work from the inside out, starting with yourself, your closest people, your employees, and all the way to your marketing, you're going to have that healthy relationship, building the entire way.” - Sandra Dee Robinson
“Everybody has an amazing story. There's something you overcame that really highlights what you are strong in, how resilient, smart, and creative you are. We can't forget that you have that inside of you.” - Sandra Dee Robinson
Takeaways
01:15 Being present and truly listening is crucial for building healthy relationships.
03:32 Removing distractions, such as technology, can help people reconnect with themselves and others.
06:52 Embracing one's unique strengths and authenticity is more effective than trying to be someone else.
12:09 Seeking feedback from close friends and family can provide valuable insights into one's personal qualities.
17:53 Engaging in nature-based activities, like equine-assisted coaching, can help individuals develop self-awareness and communication skills.
28:56 You are not defined by what others say about you, whether it's positive or negative - focus on knowing and being true to yourself.
Resources
- Sandra Dee Robinson: I empower experts and entrepreneurs to impact the world for good by being powerful in their presence from stage, through a camera or leading their team.
- Connect with Sandra Dee Robinson on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:39 — 27.3MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
721: Inspiration, Success, Motivation, Mentorship: Break Destructive Patterns with Prosperity Coach Sheevaun Moran

Sheevaun Moran is a business advisor, mentor, and quantum energetics thought leader. She founded Energetic Solutions® to help entrepreneurs and individuals achieve amazing results using uncommon, ancient principles. Sheevaun is the author of several books and the host of the Energetic Solutions podcast. Today, Sheevaun discusses the importance of addressing energy deficiencies in business leaders. She explains her process of helping clients identify and focus on their greatest problems, rather than trying to solve everything at once.
Quotes
“It's really about focusing on one thing that will solve the biggest problem they are facing at the moment.” - Sheevaun Moran
“If every single human—entrepreneur or otherwise—would address those three items: water, sleep, and breath, their whole world would start to open up and be brighter and lighter.” - Sheevaun Moran
“You have to inhale and exhale, bringing things in and then releasing them. Most people tend not to want to release things.” - Sheevaun Moran
Takeaways
01:00 Addressing energy deficiencies, such as adrenal fatigue and poor sleep, is crucial for entrepreneurs and business leaders to achieve success.
02:01 Focusing on one major problem at a time, rather than trying to solve everything simultaneously, is an effective approach to making progress.
12:30 Utilizing a structured intake process to identify and address the root cause of a client's challenges can lead to significant breakthroughs and business success.
17:56 Incorporating simple habits like proper hydration, quality sleep, and conscious breathing can significantly improve overall well-being and productivity.
20:41 Regularly reviewing and reinventing business products and services based on client needs and market trends can help maintain a competitive edge.
24:40 Seeking guidance from experienced mentors and coaches can provide valuable insights and support for personal and professional growth.
Resources
- Epic Life Toolkit: if you still want to create a life you love, I have great news for you…
- Sheevaun Moran: Get unstuck and Prosper through energetic alignment.
- Connect with Sheevaun Moran on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:49 — 25.7MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS