Archive 4: 2020-2023

986: Rise Marketing Group: The Triad of Digital Marketing, Web Development, and Entrepreneurship with Ben Lund

November 1, 2023

A strong online presence, which often includes effective web development, is essential for reaching and engaging a target audience in the digital age. Entrepreneurs often rely on digital marketing strategies to promote their ventures and grow their businesses. The key to successful digital marketing lies in understanding the ever-evolving landscape of online platforms and consumer behavior.

Ben Lund is the founder of Rise Marketing Group, a digital marketing agency that creates curated programs to drive growth for their clients. Prior to starting his own business, Ben worked at tech giants like Google, giving him a unique perspective on the benefits of both corporate and entrepreneurial paths. Today, Ben talks about the pros and cons of working for a large company versus starting your own business, as well as the key strategies Ben has used to grow Rise Marketing Group into a successful agency.

Quotes

"The longer you stay in those big companies, the harder it is to remove yourself. These companies are smart—if they see good talent, they’ll keep throwing carrots your way." - Ben Lund

“A good approach is to look at your competitors’ websites. How do their websites look? Do you want to be below their standard? Are you already below their standard? Are you just average? You don’t want to be average or simply keep up—you want to be better than them. Use their websites as a competitive benchmark.” - Ben Lund

“If it's your calling for whatever it is in life, just go for it. It will work out.” - Ben Lund

Takeaways

01:43 Weighing the benefits of working for a large company versus starting your own business can be a strategic decision, with both paths offering unique advantages.

17:23 Continuously improving and investing in your website is crucial, as it serves as the digital storefront and a key asset for attracting and retaining customers.

19:59 Hiring the right team or agency to handle marketing tasks can be beneficial, especially for business owners who lack the time or expertise to execute these strategies themselves.

20:20 Evaluating your competition and ensuring your website and services are on par or exceeding their offerings is important for staying ahead in the market.

22:06 Startups and new businesses need to have a viable product or service, as well as a marketing budget, to be considered for partnership with a digital marketing agency.

Resources

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985: Copyright Law and AI: Safeguard Your Creative Works with Barbara Ingrassia

October 30, 2023

The legal landscape surrounding AI and creative works is dynamic, demanding critical thinking and adaptability from creators and regulators alike. As AI technologies like GPT-3 continue to generate content, questions arise about copyright eligibility and ownership. The interplay between AI and human creativity is complex, with the human component often needing to stand out for copyright protection.

Barbara Ingrassia is the founder of Manage Copyright, a website dedicated to helping creators and businesses navigate the complex world of copyright law. As a returning guest on the podcast, Barbara brings her expertise on the evolving landscape of copyright, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like AI and generative art. Today, Barbara discusses the significant changes in copyright law since her last appearance, including the public domain entering a new era and the opportunities for registering digital content.

Quotes

"It’s the Wild West right now. In the past few months, we’ve seen educators finding ways to use ChatGPT in the classroom. The toothpaste is definitely out of the tube, and there’s no putting it back. We need to develop best practices for how to use it effectively." - Barbara Ingrassia

“We just need to ensure we understand what’s happening and how we’re going to use it, so we aren’t challenged down the road. It’s about making sure things are accurate and putting your voice into it so that it remains a human creation. It’s an exciting time, but also a challenging one.” - Barbara Ingrassia

“Copyright is very fact-based. You can send the exact same information to two attorneys, especially in a use-case scenario, and even with the same facts, they might come back with three different opinions. It all depends—it’s always a matter of interpretation, which makes it an interesting thing to watch.” - Barbara Ingrassia

Takeaways

10:39 Registering copyrights with the US Copyright Office provides additional legal protection for creators, including the ability to claim statutory damages.

15:18 Understanding the evolving landscape of copyright law, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like AI, is crucial for creators and businesses to make informed decisions.

17:30 Disclosing the use of AI-generated content and incorporating it into a human-created work is important to avoid potential copyright infringement issues.

20:24 Establishing best practices for the responsible use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, can help mitigate the risks of copyright infringement and ensure the authenticity of one's work.

29:41 Copyright skills are essential 21st-century communication skills, and seeking expert guidance can help navigate the nuances of copyright law.

Resources

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984: Wilde AI Customer LTV Prediction Platform: Growth Potential in Data Science Tools for B2C E-Commerce with Clint Dunn

October 29, 2023

Data science is no longer the exclusive domain of giant corporations; it has become an equalizing force in the E-commerce industry. Smaller businesses have the opportunity to leverage data-driven insights and compete more effectively in the digital marketplace. As E-commerce continues to evolve, embracing data science can be a transformative step for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to better serve their customers and drive growth.

Clint Dunn is a pioneer in the field of predictive analytics and founder of Wilde.ai. With a rich background at Afterpay and HairStory, Clint shares his expertise on leveraging data science to predict customer behavior, lifetime value (LTV), and churn. This episode dives deep into how ecommerce and retail companies can use predictive analytics to make informed decisions, enhance customer engagement, and ultimately drive profitability. Listen in to discover how companies like yours can benefit from data-driven strategies to not just survive but thrive in the competitive ecommerce landscape.

Key Talking Points

[00:06] Introduction to Clint Dunn and Wilde.ai: Clint Dunn discusses his background and the mission of Wilde.ai, focusing on helping ecommerce and retail companies predict customer behavior to optimize lifetime value and reduce churn.
[00:59] Target Audience and Use Cases for Wilde.ai: Clint elaborates on how Wilde.ai serves retail and ecommerce companies by analyzing customer data to predict future behaviors, emphasizing the tool’s role in various business functions from marketing to customer service.
[04:59] Integration and Data Requirements: Discussion on the technical prerequisites for utilizing Wilde.ai, including the necessity of a data warehouse and the ideal data history required to ensure accurate predictions.
[06:44] Real-world Impact and Case Studies: Clint shares a compelling case study where Wilde.ai identified a significant issue with a company’s subscription model, leading to the recovery of substantial revenue.
[10:31] Customer Purchase Frequencies and Industry Insights: Insights into different buying patterns across industries like fashion and beauty, emphasizing the importance of focusing on high-value customers.
[15:16] Overview of Wilde.ai’s Features and Benefits: Clint provides a concise summary of Wilde.ai’s capabilities, primarily focusing on predicting customer spending and return probabilities.
[18:22] How to Engage with Wilde.ai: Clint invites listeners to explore Wilde.ai and offers a special opportunity for a free audit for podcast listeners, emphasizing the easy accessibility of the service.

Actionable Takeaways:

Audit Your Data: Contact Wilde.ai to take advantage of their free audit offer and gain insights into your customer base’s health.
Focus on High-Value Customers: Use predictive analytics to identify and prioritize engagement with your most valuable customers to maximize ROI.
Leverage Customer Data: Ensure your ecommerce platform integrates seamlessly with a data warehouse to control and utilize your customer data effectively.
Educate Yourself: Explore books and resources by Peter Fader to better understand customer-centric analytics and its implications for your business strategy.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:19 — 28.1MB) | Embed

983: AdOutreach: Grow and Scale Your Business Through YouTube Ads with Aleric Heck

October 27, 2023

Harnessing the potential of YouTube ads is a game-changer for business growth, offering a dynamic platform with billions of users. By creating compelling video content tailored to your target audience, you can showcase products, build brand awareness, and drive conversions effectively. The robust analytics provided by YouTube further empower businesses to refine their marketing strategies, ensuring a tailored approach that resonates with viewers and propels sustained business expansion.

Aleric Heck is a YouTube ads expert and the founder of AdOutreach. For the last seven years, he has taught thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners how to grow and scale their businesses using targeted YouTube ads. In this episode, Aleric discusses his AI ad targeting software, KeywordSearch, which helps businesses quickly and easily build custom audience segments for their YouTube ad campaigns. He also shares his thoughts on creating successful YouTube content by capitalizing on trends and expressing your unique personality.

Quotes

"We have a superpower and a gift, and when we use that gift for good, we often don’t even see the full impact of what our marketing can achieve, especially when working with clients." - Aleric Heck

“What gives me rocket fuel is connecting with the impact we can create for clients and the ripple effect we can have.” - Aleric Heck

“There are finite games and infinite games. People with a finite mindset play to win, but trying to win acknowledges that you can lose, and it also implies there’s an end goal and an end game.” - Aleric Heck

Takeaways

04:33 KeywordSearch can generate a complete set of audience targeting options for YouTube ads in under 2.6 minutes, saving businesses significant time and effort.

12:11 Creating unique, trending content that resonates with your target audience is key to building a successful YouTube channel.

20:02 Shifting to a recurring revenue model can provide more stability and dependability for a growing business, reducing the pressure on the sales team.

22:22 Businesses with at least $500,000 in revenue should consider investing in YouTube ads, allocating at least $5,000 per month to their advertising strategy.

25:20 "The Infinite Game" by Simon Sinek points out the importance of building a business for long-term success, rather than focusing solely on short-term wins.

Resources

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982: Nucleus Research: Create a Winning ROI and Show Your Business Value with Ian Campbell

October 25, 2023

their products and services, which mainly stems from laying more benefits of the product than what the customer needs. As such, by simplifying the process and focusing on the most crucial part, you can generate a much more positive message, which is essential to success.

Ian Campbell is the Founder and CEO of Nucleus Research, a company that has been helping businesses understand and articulate their value for over 20 years. He is the author of the book "The Value Sale," which focuses on helping salespeople and marketers effectively communicate the benefits of their products or services to customers. Today, Ian talks about the importance of simplifying value messages, focusing on the key benefits that drive customer decisions, and avoiding the trap of overwhelming customers with too many features or details.

Quotes

"A good rule of thumb for everyone is that if it goes over five, you’ve probably made a mistake. While your product may do a lot, for the customer, it likely only does two or three things that truly deliver value. Focusing on those and generating a positive value message around them is critical to being successful." - Ian Campbell

“The only thing that matters is a contract. You don’t get points for doing everything else; the only points that count are for closing the deal.” - Ian Campbell

“Value always sells in the long run, and value is what distinguishes the winners from the losers, no matter what you think. So proving and showing value will be your key to long-term success.” - Ian Campbell

Takeaways

00:40 Simplifying value messages to focus on the key benefits that drive customer decisions is crucial for effective marketing and sales.

01:27 Identifying the strongest selling points and crafting concise, compelling value propositions can help close more deals.

01:41 Understanding the customer's perspective and their desired outcomes is essential for aligning the product or service's value with their needs.

03:39 Avoiding the trap of overwhelming customers with too many features or details and instead prioritizing the top 2-3 benefits can lead to better engagement and conversion.

10:01 Maintaining a clear focus on the end goal of closing a deal, rather than getting bogged down in complex analyses, can help streamline the sales process.

Resources

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981: Winning the Executive Interview: Build Your Career Through Professional Networking with Dr. Marcia Ballinger

October 23, 2023

Networking is not solely about quantity but quality. Having a few strong, trustworthy connections is better than having an extensive network of superficial contacts. Approach networking with authenticity, sincerity, and a genuine desire to build meaningful relationships rather than treating it as a transactional activity. Cultivating these connections over time can lead to enduring, mutually beneficial relationships that support your personal and professional growth.

Dr Marcia Ballinger is the Co-Founder and Principal of Ballinger | Leafblad, a national executive search firm located in St Paul, Minnesota. She specializes in executive job search, career planning, networking, interviewing, and nonprofit sector transitions, making her a sought-after writer and speaker. Her insights have benefited professionals seeking career advancement and transitioning into the nonprofit sector. She is the author of several books, including "The 20 Minute Networking Meeting" and "Winning the Executive Interview."

Marcia has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named an Industry Leader by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, part of the "(Real) Power 50" by Minnesota Business Magazine, and a member of "50 Over 50" by AARP. Today, Marcia will talk about effective networking strategies and the importance of building meaningful professional relationships. Stay tuned!

Quotes

"People roll their careers in many different ways. What I think is most important is having confidence in my own intentions regarding my career and maintaining control of my own narrative." - Dr. Marcia Ballinger

“Making networking and these relationships a way of life is the most advantageous way to think about networking, rather than waiting till I'm in a pickle and then racing around trying to do it.” - Dr. Marcia Ballinger

“Everybody has wisdom and is honored to share it. If I'm on a wisdom-seeking tour and I'm grateful, respectful, organized, approachable, and kind, I leave that person with a lasting impression.” - Dr. Marcia Ballinger

Takeaways

16:13 Networking is a necessary skill for career growth and success, even for those in stable jobs or large organizations.

20:18 Approaching networking meetings as an opportunity to seek wisdom and have meaningful conversations can be more effective than simply trying to sell oneself.

21:15 Building a network and relationships should be an ongoing process, not something to be done only when needed.

22:02 Maintaining a positive, curious, and respectful attitude during networking interactions can leave a lasting impression and lead to unexpected opportunities.

27:32 Taking advantage of personal connections and recommendations can significantly improve one's chances in a job search compared to applying online or through recruiters alone.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:59 — 45.3MB) | Embed

980: GoAvance: The Amazon E-Commerce Evolution in Mexico and Latin America with Ramiro Velasco

October 22, 2023

Amazon's presence in the Latin American e-commerce landscape has been transformative, bringing both opportunities and challenges to the region. As one of the world's largest online marketplaces, Amazon has had a significant impact on how Latin American consumers shop and how businesses operate. The impact of Amazon in Latin America continues to evolve, shaping the future of e-commerce in the region.

Ramiro Velasco is associated with GoAvance and serves as an AMZ advisor. He specializes in Amazon and Latin American e-commerce, with a track record of achieving substantial growth for more than 50 seven-figure brands on the Amazon platform. His expertise lies in assisting brands in entering the Latin American e-commerce markets and addressing the various challenges that foreign brands typically encounter in these markets. It appears that he is a knowledgeable and experienced professional in the field of e-commerce and Amazon sales. Today, Ramiro will talk about Amazon and its impact on the Latin American e-commerce landscape, sharing insights and strategies for brands looking to expand into this dynamic market. Stay tuned!

Quotes

"In Mexico, you can still play it a lot by feel, which is so fun. It's like going back in time and just getting to do what you're really good at." - Ramiro Velasco

“The more aligned you are with yourself, the easier things become, and the less day-to-day stress you carry.” - Ramiro Velasco

“If you can get to the end of the day and just be like, 'Yes, that was good,' instead of, 'Oh, that sucked,' you're golden. That's the best setup I can think of.” - Ramiro Velasco

Takeaways

04:16 Embracing the challenges of an emerging market can provide unique opportunities for growth and problem-solving.

15:08 Persistence and a positive mindset can help overcome the daily grind of entrepreneurship.

17:53 Aligning your business and personal values can lead to greater satisfaction and success.

22:00 Conducting thorough feasibility studies and maintaining a flexible approach are crucial when expanding into new markets.

22:30 Focusing on providing a better customer experience can differentiate a business in a competitive landscape.

Resources

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979: Good Leadership Through Personal Relationships: Be The Best Leader You Can Be with Certified Leadership Trainer Kevin Wayne Johnson

October 20, 2023

Leaders are the ones who guide people to accomplish a certain task, whether in a family, business, or community setting. However, many leaders struggle to lead because they don’t know how to communicate properly. Others lead through fear, unable to help workers do their high-level tasks. Good leadership, on the other hand, uses their heart as their guide to lead. Building relationships and earning mutual trust will create a positive atmosphere, and people will perform at a high level with joy in doing their tasks.

Kevin Wayne Johnson is the founder and CEO of The Johnson Leadership Group, a certified leadership trainer and speaker, an eight-time best-selling author, and a former chief of staff for the Department of Defense. He is also the author of the book entitled “Leadership With A Servant's Heart: Leading Through Personal Relationships.” In this episode, Kevin will talk about good leadership and how current and aspiring leaders can be the best leaders they can be.

Quotes

"The best leaders, whether at home or in the workplace, lead not just with their minds but also with their hearts, demonstrating care, value, honor, respect, empathy, and compassion for others." - Kevin Wayne Johnson

“When we can align what's in the mind—what we know—with what's in the heart—how we actually go about treating people—then we're truly on our way to being the best type of leader.” - Kevin Wayne Johnson

“Better is based on what you know and what you learn because leaders are learners. Based on what you know, I want you to do better. Ultimately, that makes you a better leader. So, lead better.” - Kevin Wayne Johnson

Takeaways

02:02 Effective leaders go beyond just getting people to perform and instead focus on building genuine relationships and trust with their teams.

02:17 Leaders should demonstrate care, respect, empathy, and compassion for their people, aligning their actions with their knowledge.

03:50 Having open conversations and dialogues to understand people's unique situations and concerns is crucial for building strong relationships and trust.

14:36 Addressing miscommunications and misunderstandings through open dialogue, rather than avoiding them, can help resolve many workplace issues.

20:05 Continuously learning, doing better, and leading better are key principles for aspiring and seasoned leaders.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:34 — 29.8MB) | Embed

978: Fifteen Minutes of Shame: Fail, Learn, and Use Your Positive Mindset to Evolve with Des Hague

October 18, 2023

Adversity will come into our life no matter what. That’s just how life is. But how we handle our challenges and problems is up to us. We only have two choices: either you stay defeated or stand up, learn, and improve. Don’t let your failures get into your mind. Have the confidence, conviction, and courage to face whatever circumstance you may be, learn, and be a better you.

Des Hague is an author, speaker, and innovator in the international community. With over thirty years of experience, his innovative strategies have helped organizations like Centerplate, Safeway, IHOP, and Maytag expand consistently and remain fiercely competitive. He is also the author of the book entitled “Fifteen Minutes of Shame: How a Twitter Mob Nearly Ruined My Life.” Today, Des Hague will share insights about overcoming adversity, learning from your failure, the power of leading with laughter, and the five key leadership principles.

Quotes

"Do well and do good. That's what I try to do every single day of my life—to make the world a little bit better." - Des Hague

“Lead with laughter. We don't need more serious people in this world right now. We need to find positive people who can move forward and make a difference.” - Des Hague

“Adversity visits us all. Adversity is inevitable; defeat is optional. Choose carefully—if you feel that you can or cannot overcome it, you're right.” - Des Hague

Takeaways

01:06 Leading with laughter and embracing humor can bring a team together, foster innovation, and create a more positive work environment.

07:55 Adversity is inevitable, but how one chooses to respond to it can make all the difference between defeat and success.

15:31 Continuous learning and a never-stop-learning mindset are key to personal and professional growth, allowing one to adapt and solve problems effectively.

20:46 Comparing oneself to others can be detrimental, and it's important to focus on improving oneself rather than measuring up to external standards.

28:39 Owning one's mistakes and not being defined by one's worst moments can help build resilience and move forward with positivity.

Resources

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977: Instantly Relevant: Warm Up and Convert LinkedIn Leads From Authentic Engaging AI Content with Thomas Helfrich

October 16, 2023

The use of AI in business operations and marketing has become not only important but also useful in today's rapidly evolving digital environment. With that being said, there is a common misconception that it will completely replace humans in various jobs, leading to widespread unemployment. However, it is important to realize that rather than replacing humans, AI has the potential to enhance our capabilities, making us more efficient and effective in our work. The key is to adapt and acquire the skills necessary to work alongside it.

Thomas Helfrich is the CEO and Founder of Instantly Relevant, a pioneering company specializing in LinkedIn lead generation, AI-powered marketing services, and social media strategy and coaching. Thomas is also the host of the “Never Been Promoted” podcast. He has pivoted his expertise to focus on marketing, networking, and sales enablement, helping businesses leverage technology to accelerate their growth. Today, Thomas discusses the importance of using AI to enhance, not replace, human capabilities, and shares his thoughts on effectively utilizing LinkedIn to warm up and nurture leads.

Quotes

"Use technology to accelerate you, not replace you. It doesn't mean it can't handle some tasks for you automatically, but you need to ensure that you're leading with the things that matter." - Thomas Helfrich

“There are no shortcuts. If your business is spamming people and trying to make a quick cash grab, you probably won't be in business a few years from now. Your brand is going to bleed out to spam.” - Thomas Helfrich

“Seeking help might be the piece that's missing. If you haven't done this tens of thousands of times, you're probably guessing. So, stop guessing and find some help.” - Thomas Helfrich

Takeaways

02:33 Use AI to accelerate your work, not replace yourself. Focus on the tasks that require human expertise.

12:50 Developing a strategic, methodical approach to LinkedIn, with defined phases and goals, is more effective than guessing or taking shortcuts.

13:24 Regularly updating your LinkedIn profile with relevant content and a clear call-to-action is crucial for maintaining engagement and building credibility.

19:55 Providing a positive, memorable experience for your connections, even if they're not ready to buy or hire, can lead to future opportunities.

20:22 Seeking guidance from experienced professionals can help you avoid common pitfalls and optimize your LinkedIn strategy for better results.

Resources

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Archive 4: 2020-2023

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