Archive 4: 2020-2023
896: RedCircle: Grow Your Audience Through Podcasting with Mike Kadin
There are currently millions of podcasts floating around the internet, covering every topic of possible interest to humans. Due to the large number of podcasts already available, it can be challenging to gain attention in this market. For podcasters who don't have a sizable following, the available methods of making money are limited at best. It's a shame, because there is so much great stuff out there, that this discouragement leads to the departure of otherwise brilliant producers from the podcasting medium.
Mike Kadin is the Founder and CEO of RedCircle, a podcast hosting and advertising platform. With his unique experience working with thousands of podcasters and advertisers, Mike has gained valuable insights into the podcasting industry and the challenges faced by independent creators. Today, Mike discusses the importance of creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience.
Quotes
“Don't be too afraid of competition in your area, unless it's from a huge podcast that everybody knows.” - Mike Kadin
“You're not going to be good at it in the beginning. You're going to have to practice, and you'll get better. Get your first one out there, listen to feedback from your fans, iterate, and just continue to get better.” - Mike Kadin
“There's no TikTok algorithm that's going to take you to a million views tomorrow. It's a slower medium, both in terms of how people listen and in how you grow. You have to put in the work over time.” - Mike Kadin
Takeaways
02:56 Utilize cross-promotion strategies to expand your podcast's reach and grow your audience.
04:19 Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience before worrying about monetization.
14:12 Consider offering listener support options, as many fans are willing to contribute a small amount to support creators they value.
16:33 Partner with the right platforms and services to streamline the business side of your podcast, allowing you to focus on content creation.
20:05 The podcast industry is not dominated by traditional media and celebrities, as 65% of podcast listeners are tuning in to the "middle class and long tail of podcasters."
Resources
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:58 — 30.4MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
895: Strategy Sprints: Get Your Time and Energy Back, Enjoy Less Stress, More Revenue, Scaling, and Freedom with Simon Severino
There are so many situations in business and life where a small amount of reconfiguration is the solution. Perhaps there is no need to start over from scratch after discarding everything you've accomplished in your life. A slight reconfiguration may do instead of something more drastic, and that can entail reconfiguring your priorities, schedule, and finances.
Simon Severino is the Founder of Strategy Sprints, a company that helps business owners in SaaS and services run their companies more effectively. He is the author of the book "Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth for an Agile Business," which provides a framework for entrepreneurs to improve their decision-making, increase sales, and achieve their goals. Today, Simon discusses the importance of writing things down, measuring key metrics, and having a clear process for making decisions.
Quotes
“If you don't write down your assumptions, you treat them as if they were reality.” - Simon Severino
“If you don't know your numbers, your decisions are not based on data—they're based on rumors.” - Simon Severino
“When the tide goes out, you see who's swimming naked. Whenever there's a recession-type situation, the mindset that gets me through is that the weak hands are just being weeded out. All these businesses might not even have had any business making money.” - Simon Severino
Takeaways
02:49 Documenting your assumptions and testing them through experiments is crucial for making informed business decisions.
07:51 Tracking a few key metrics regularly can help you quickly identify and adapt to changes in your business or industry.
18:30 Simplifying your business offerings and focusing on one core solution can lead to a more efficient and profitable operation.
22:17 Connecting your daily work to the tangible results and feedback from clients can help overcome the perceived "boredom" of repetitive tasks.
23:49 Reducing the number of "parts" or components in your business can make it easier to maintain and improve over time.
Resources
- Subscribe to Simon Severino on YouTube
- Strategy Sprints: Business Coaching for Agencies, Consultancies, SaaS, Strategy Sprints.
- Follow Strategy Sprints on Facebook
- Connect with Simon Severino on LinkedIn
- Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth for an Agile Business by Simon Severino on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:18 — 46.0MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
894: TyrAds: Grow the Reach of Your Mobile App Through Marketing and Advertising with Zino Rost van Tonningen
With the growth of technology comes a wide variety of mobile applications that provide solutions, entertainment, etc., to their users. Various mobile applications are arising from left to right, and some mobile app companies are struggling in growing their apps. It is clear that there will be a problem when it comes to the app's growth due to the increase in competition in the industry.
Zino Rost van Tonningen is the CEO of TyrAds, a company that helps mobile app developers scale their user base from 100k to 10 million users and beyond. With over 8 years of experience in building and growing 8-figure businesses, Zino is an expert in the field of app marketing and advertising. Today, Zino talks about the challenges app developers face in growing their user base, the importance of finding the right target audience, and how his company utilizes data and privacy-centric methods to help clients achieve their growth goals.
Quotes
“Sometimes you have a very good product that sells itself, but sometimes you have an excellent product that has a very strong viral effect.” - Zino Rost van Tonningen
“If you target the right people who are actually looking for that service, it's going to be much easier.” - Zino Rost van Tonningen
“Make sure you're prepared. As I've always mentioned, proper preparation prevents poor performance, so make sure you're properly prepared.” - Zino Rost van Tonningen
Takeaways
04:41 Successful app growth often requires more than just a great product - targeted marketing and audience identification are crucial.
14:17 Taking advantage of first-party data and privacy-centric targeting methods can help app developers effectively scale their user base, even as industry changes make traditional targeting more challenging.
15:14 Preparing for the future of app marketing, where device IDs and personal data become more restricted, is key to maintaining growth momentum.
20:42 Consumers may be willing to trade personal data for free or valuable services, but transparency and clear choices are important.
24:42 Preparing now for the future of app marketing, where device IDs and personal data become more restricted, can give developers a significant advantage.
Resources
- Tyrads: Boost Your Success With Top App Marketing Companies
- Follow Tyrads Marketing on Facebook
- Connect with Zino Rost van Tonningen on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:19 — 36.4MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
893: The Guide to Amazon: Strategies for Success on the World’s Largest Online Shopping Mall with Stephen Somers
Do you want to start selling online, or are you looking for ways to increase your current online sales? There are a plethora of opportunities to do business online. Used equipment and goods can be sold through a variety of sales channels, some of which will even consign or sell on your behalf. If you want to launch a business, sell innovative products, and reach a large customer base, selling on Amazon is your best bet.
Stephen Somers is the founder of Grow My Reach, a platform that teaches online business owners how to become high-level marketers and disruptors in their industries. He has been an entrepreneur since 2014 and also runs the successful business Marketplace Superheroes, which serves over 10,000 people and teaches various Amazon selling strategies. Today, Stephen shares his journey of building a successful business and the importance of distribution and marketing.
Quotes
“Email is a massive part of what we do. If you're not using it properly, you're not running a real business.” - Stephen Somers
“You've got to keep it fresh, because if you don't, you'll just see a gradual degradation.” - Stephen Somers
“You've got to be regular and consistent, but don't be consistent if the things you're doing are never getting you results.” - Stephen Somers
Takeaways
04:09 Consistent distribution and promotion are critical for business success, with email being a foundational piece.
09:20 Businesses can create a "perpetual launch" system by incorporating different types of promotions, such as value-driven content weeks, two-week launches, and three-week launches, to maintain a consistent flow of marketing and sales.
19:21 Training your audience to expect and engage with your content and offers is as important as training yourself to maintain a consistent promotional strategy.
22:14 Maintaining freshness and uniqueness in content and promotions is crucial to avoid audience boredom and disengagement.
27:49 Providing a free, detailed guide that leads people into a sales funnel can be an effective way to introduce your products and services.
Resources
- Grow My Reach: The Fastest Way For Online Course / Content Creators To Build A Breakthrough Program
- Market Place Super Heroes: Replace your income. Sell on amazon.
- Connect with Somer Stephen on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:02 — 47.0MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
892: Strategies To Explode Your Business Revenues With Mike Pedersen
Various internal and external forces can affect the longevity of your business's products and services. Understanding how your business excels where your competition does not is crucial in dominating your market. Incorporating these strategies into your marketing plan can push your organization to become an industry leader.
Mike Pedersen is a growth-minded business consultant who helps CEOs and business owners grow their revenues and become the best version of themselves. As the author of the book "Dominate Your Markets: No BS Impact Strategies to Explode Your Business Revenues, Have More Energy, and Get the Life You Really Want," Mike shares his expertise in marketing, business development, and personal development. Today, Mike discusses the importance of having a clear organizational structure, defined roles and responsibilities, and holding employees accountable to achieve business success.
Quotes
“All it takes is one wrong move in business where you decide to go a different direction. As an owner or CEO, you might think it's little, but that little thing can compound on itself and become a big thing.” - Mike Pedersen
“If you don't have leadership, then people don't have direction. If you don't have direction, then you've got people who aren't being held accountable for specific things.” - Mike Pedersen
“If your pain is bad enough, you'll do whatever it takes. If your pain isn't bad enough, you'll stay in limbo forever.” - Mike Pedersen
Takeaways
02:42 Innovative business models or strategies may not always translate to success if the underlying operations and management are not properly structured and aligned.
06:59 Clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and accountability are crucial for business success, especially in growing companies.
09:50 Self-awareness and a willingness to make changes in leadership are essential for long-term growth and sustainability.
11:08 Focusing on personal development and understanding one's "why" can help business owners and CEOs achieve more in both their personal and professional lives.
20:13 Addressing the pain points and challenges faced by businesses can be a powerful motivator for taking action and making necessary changes.
Resources
- Dominate Your Market: Do You Feel Stuck In Your Business? Get The First Chapter, Free
- Connect with Mike Pedersen on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to Dominate Your Market on YouTube
- Dominate Your Market: NO B.S. Impact Strategies To Explode Your Business Revenues, Have More Energy, And Get The Life You Really Want by Mike Pedersen on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:26 — 32.4MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
891: Grow Your Business Through Managing and Scaling With Juliana Marulanda
Managing a Business is not an easy task. Owners face countless difficulties before they can scale their businesses. You might think, how can I get out of this situation and continue to grow my business? Thinking about the five pillars would help, for example, through technology, documentation, training, and metrics. Hiring and retaining a great talent might also help, but keep in mind what happens if that person leaves.
Juliana Marulanda is the founder of ScaleTime, a company that has served over 300 digital agencies. Juliana is passionate about providing audiences with invaluable tools they can use instantly to start improving their business. Today, Juliana discusses topics related to managing people, scaling, and agency growth, sharing her insights and expertise on these important aspects of running a successful digital agency.
Quotes
“Doing operations can sometimes feel like something between a catheter and a root canal for a lot of creative individuals. We try our best to make it fun and have done so much to gamify it and make it easy.” - Juliana Marulanda
“We tend to attract a community of people who are super supportive. In such a competitive environment, fostering that level of community is something really special.” - Juliana Marulanda
“Implement dirty drafts because if you get stuck in professional perfectionism, implementation is not going to happen.” - Juliana Marulanda
Takeaways
04:23 Delegating processes and functions within a digital agency requires establishing clear workflows, documentation, communication channels, training, and performance metrics.
15:30 Revisiting and refining agency processes every 6 months is crucial to ensure they remain up-to-date and effective as the business evolves.
18:51 Understanding the unique language and pain points of the digital marketing industry allows consultants to provide more tailored and impactful solutions.
21:20 Strengthening a supportive community among agency owners can provide valuable ideas and help address challenges in a competitive environment.
28:00 Implementing "dirty drafts" and an experimental mindset can help overcome the paralysis of professional perfectionism and drive faster implementation.
Resources
- ScaleTime: #1 Results-Driven Agency Growth Consultant
- Follow ScaleTime on Facebook
- Connect with Juliana Marulanda on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to Scale Time on YouTube
- Check out ScaleTime's Podcast Appearances
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:19 — 40.5MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
890: Becoming a Business of Purpose with Diane Primo
Do you operate your business around your purpose? Have you been paying attention to your customers, employees, or stakeholders? Having a company that focuses on its purposes is often the one that is successful. Your purpose will be your guide, a framework that will help you operate your business. Aside from that, you should also recognize the importance of your customers, employees, and stakeholders. You must take into account their thoughts and opinions when operating your business.
Diane Primo is the CEO of Purpose Brand Agency, an award-winning public relations, branding, and digital marketing firm based in Chicago. As the only African American female CEO of a purpose-driven communications agency, Diane's focus is on impact marketing, which stems from the belief that brands must be relevant, purpose-driven, and committed to consumers to be successful today. In this episode, Diane talks about the importance of having a clear and defined purpose for a business, and how it can serve as a guide during uncertain times.
Quotes
“Chaos and problems will continue; they won't go away. That's the one thing you can be certain about in a world of uncertainty.” - Diane Primo
“If you haven't defined your purpose or don't have one, I suggest you start working on it. Your purpose can be your guide.” - Diane Primo
“The truth is, you're not going to achieve anything unless you have a workforce that buys in, has direction, and understands how to execute and navigate as they do it.” - Diane Primo
Takeaways
01:14 Defining a clear and operational purpose is crucial for businesses, as it can serve as a guide during uncertain times.
04:07 Successful purpose-driven companies measure their impact through financial and non-financial metrics, and communicate their progress transparently.
08:34 Aligning employees and stakeholders around a company's purpose is essential for effective execution.
15:37 Authenticity and consistency in a company's purpose-driven initiatives are critical, as consumers and the public closely scrutinize these efforts.
23:08 Integrating a company's purpose with its core business strategy and capabilities is the key to creating meaningful impact.
Resources
- Purpose Brand: Award-winning Chicago PR Firm. Always putting purpose into practice.
- Connect with Diane Primo on LinkedIn
- Follow Purpose Brand on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to Purpose Brand on YouTube
- Get a copy of Adapt Scaling Purpose Divisive World by Diane Primo on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:27 — 35.2MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
889: Creating Content that Increases Your Brand’s Voice with Kathryn Strachan
Are you sick of content that doesn't fit your brand because it's too rigid and old-fashioned? The way you talk to your customers should also change with the times. Find out how content marketing services are a key part of building a brand's reputation, making the public more aware, and making difficult topics easier to understand.
Kathryn Strachan is the founder and CEO of CopyHouse, a digital marketing agency that specializes in technology brands. With expertise in SEO, customer-centric content, and technology marketing, Kathryn has built a successful business and has been recognized as a thought leader in the industry. Today, Kathryn discusses the growth and expansion of her company, including the challenges and successes they've experienced over the past year.
Quotes
“I've always been a bit of a risk-taker. My dad is an entrepreneur, so I definitely grew up in that sort of household. He always had lots of ideas and was constantly pursuing his dreams.” - Kathryn Strachan
“I'm fortunate to have a really strong team around me. When I get down, they bring me back up and remind me of all the progress we've made.” - Kathryn Strachan
“I love creating content that helps small businesses overcome challenges. This kind of content solves real problems and actually helps people, rather than just trying to sell them something.” - Kathryn Strachan
Takeaways
02:54 Embracing a risk-taking mindset and being willing to seize opportunities can lead to significant business growth.
06:31 Implementing a four-day workweek requires a data-driven approach, including auditing internal processes and meetings to maximize efficiency.
07:46 Building a strong team and fostering a collaborative environment can help overcome challenges and setbacks in the entrepreneurial journey.
10:14 Creating content that solves problems and provides value to the target audience is more effective than content focused solely on selling.
15:48 Specializing in a specific industry, such as technology brands, and having a dedicated point of contact within the client's organization can lead to successful partnerships.
Resources
- CopyHouse: Global Content Marketing Agency for Tech & Complex Industries
- Connect with Kathryn Strachan on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to CopyHouse on YouTube
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:49 — 24.7MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
888: Journey to Becoming a Unique Marketers with Clint White
What if everything you know about branding doesn’t have to apply to you and your business? Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an established small business owner, a marketing leader at a large corporation—or somewhere in-between—the traditional ideas on building a “brand“ are usually considered essential to any solid marketing strategy.
Clint White is the author of the book "Tattoos Not Brands: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Smart Marketing and Business Building." As an experienced marketing professional, Clint shares his unique perspective on branding and how companies can create a unique identity in the market, rather than simply trying to become a "brand." Today, Clint differentiates between being a "brand" and a "tattoo," focusing on the importance of understanding your target audience, finding your niche, and building a marketing strategy based on the fundamentals of the marketing mix.
Quotes
“There's an alternative, other options beyond just wanting to be a brand, building a brand, or growing a brand. These efforts are often singularly motivated by branding.” - Clint White
“You don't need to necessarily embody a concept to understand it. You don't need two years and a quarter million dollars of debt to be a great marketer. What you really need are the right tools and your instincts.” - Clint White
“It's better to go to market with the right set of tools or go to war with the right army, rather than regret not doing so and losing momentum, passion, money, and time.” - Clint White
Takeaways
03:14 Building a marketing strategy based on the fundamentals of the marketing mix (product, price, placement, promotion) can help any business, regardless of size or industry, create a unique identity in the market.
05:15 Aspiring for lofty goals like becoming a "brand" is not inherently wrong, but it's important to have a realistic, step-by-step plan to get there, rather than rushing towards an unrealistic outcome.
11:53 Treating your marketing approach as a "science" rather than an "ethereal magic" can provide the necessary structure and confidence to make informed decisions and course-correct when needed.
16:36 Understanding your target audience, their needs and motivations, and creating "magnets" that draw them in, is more effective than simply trying to mirror what competitors are doing.
24:06 Embracing flexibility and allowing customers to express themselves through your offerings is more important than rigidity or being forced to do things a certain way.
Resources
- Tattoos Not Brands: What if we told you that there are only a couple hundred true brands in the world? The rest are actually tattoos. And that’s a really good thing.
- Wit Media: We are a media experience agency.
- Follow Tattoos Not Brands on Facebook
- Connect with Clint White on LinkedIn
- Get a copy of Tattoos, Not Brands: An Entrepreneur's Guide To Smart Marketing and Business Building by Clint White on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:35 — 35.4MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS
887: Share Your Message by Writing a Book with Ben Gioia
Do you have hang-ups about writing your book? Have you always wanted to write your book but thought it was a dream that was just too far out of your grasp? Writing a book, stepping into your power, taking your stand, and sharing your voice with the world are terrifying. But nobody else is capable of writing the book that you will write. It is because you’re unique and have skills, experience, and expertise that is different from others.
Ben Gioia is the founder of Influence with a Heart, a business that helps experts and entrepreneurs write and publish high-quality books. As the author of the book, “The Influence With A Heart Method,” Ben has a wealth of experience in the publishing industry. Today, Ben discusses the common excuses and challenges people face when writing a book, and shares strategies for overcoming them, such as focusing on building relationships rather than just book sales.
Quotes
“Nobody can write the book that you can write for two great reasons. First, because you're super unique. There's never been anyone like you in the entire progression of the universe, and there never will be again.” - Ben Gioia
“I'm not about the book sales; I'm about the relationships through the book and using the book as an epic tool for your business.” - Ben Gioia
“There are all sorts of ways to publish today, which is great in many ways, but there are also best practices and important things people need to know. This helps them make the right choices for their book and message.” - Ben Gioia
Takeaways
01:00 Writing a book can be a great experience that helps experts and entrepreneurs share their message and offer their transformation to the world.
02:50 Overcoming common excuses and challenges around writing a book, such as lack of time or feeling like you have nothing to say, can be achieved through strategic methodologies and building relationships.
09:51 Embracing a relaxed and mindful approach, rather than pushing through the discomfort, can help navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of the book-writing process.
16:43 Using the book as a way to open doors to new opportunities, such as speaking engagements and consulting work, can be a more effective path to success than solely relying on book sales.
20:44 Focusing on building relationships and using the book as a tool for your business, rather than just book sales, can lead to faster and more impactful results.
Resources
- Chat with Ben Gioia, Book Coach, Business Strategist, and Publishing Advisor
- Influence With A Heart: If you're writing a book, MAKE SURE it will work—and use it to get clients and partners—BEFORE you're published!
- Connect with Ben Gioia on LinkedIn
- Get a copy of The Influence With A Heart Method by Ben Gioia on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:40 — 34.1MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | RSS