Interview
1111: Let’s Meet Blockchain: Explore Blockchain Technology, Cryptocurrency, and Reclaiming Your Privacy with Blockchain Expert Sylvain Metz
Have you heard terms such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralization? Do you want to understand more about these emerging new technologies? Most people are intimidated to learn this technology because of its complexity. If you are one of those people, rejoice, as there’s a way to finally understand these powerful ideas in a way that's engaging, accessible, and shows real-world applications.
Sylvain Metz is an award-winning former newspaper journalist and author of the book "Let's Meet Blockchain: Technology Changing How We Work, Create, and Play." As a blockchain enthusiast, Metz shares his deep thoughts and opinions on topics like cryptocurrency, NFTs, and the evolution of blockchain technology. Today, Sylvain discusses the history and development of blockchain, explaining how it has transformed from a simple digital currency concept to a broader movement towards privacy and decentralization, impacting various industries and aspects of our lives.
Quotes
“Blockchain is really a movement—a movement toward privacy, a movement to reclaim the web, to decentralize it, and to make it an equal playing field.” – Sylvain Metz
"Writing is an individual thing. My father could read my work without seeing my name and still knew it was mine. We all have a style, and that's something that takes time. It's a talent to have, and then you have to craft it." – Sylvain Metz
“Follow your passion. Don't let people tell you that you can't. If you believe you can do it, go ahead and do it. If you believe you're a good writer, endure. If you're committed, doors will open for you.” – Sylvain Metz
Takeaways
02:02 Blockchain technology is more than just cryptocurrency, it's a movement towards privacy, decentralization, and creating an equal playing field for internet commerce.
10:47 Blockchain has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from healthcare and supply chain management to voting systems and digital asset management, by providing secure, decentralized platforms.
16:16 The development of blockchain technology is still in its early stages, similar to the evolution of personal computers, and will require further advancements and user-friendly interfaces to gain mainstream adoption.
31:12 Blockchain technology is already being used in practical applications, and it's important for people to educate themselves on the potential benefits and use cases, rather than getting caught up in the hype around cryptocurrency.
36:07 Following one's passion and being persistent in the face of challenges are key to success.
Resources
- Let's Meet Blockchain: Technology Changing for Working, Creating, and Playing by Sylvain Metz on Amazon
- Sylvain Metz on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:00 — 51.0MB) | Embed
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1110: How to Legally Safeguard Your Startup: Key Legal and Strategic Insights with Business Law Attorney Mitch Beinhaker
Starting a business is tough. It's not just about knowing how to run a business but also understanding laws, planning ahead, and knowing the market. Small business owners often have to do many jobs at once - from running the day-to-day to handling the finances - all while trying to build a business that lasts. Often, they don't pay enough attention to getting ready for legal issues and planning for the future of the business, even though these are really important for keeping the business stable and helping it grow over time.
Mitchell Beinhaker is a business attorney with over 32 years of experience. He works with entrepreneurs and startups, helping them with business transactions, corporate governance, and estate planning. Today, Mitchell discusses the importance of small business owners and entrepreneurs being prepared, paying attention to their numbers, and understanding their customers. He shares insights on the common mistakes he sees entrepreneurs make and the habits that successful business owners develop.
Quotes
“If you want to increase your chances of being successful, you have to do the things that successful people do.” – Mitchell Beinhaker
"Sometimes we get so focused on selling more to our current customer base that we overlook the opportunity to grow our customer base." – Mitchell Beinhaker
“Put things in writing, know your numbers and know your clients. The most successful people I work with are constantly asking their clients and customers what they want. They don’t assume they already know, because needs change over time.” – Mitchell Beinhaker
Takeaways
11:52 Developing the right habits, such as creating a business plan and delegating tasks, is crucial for building a sustainable business.
14:46 Successful entrepreneurs pay attention to their numbers, understand their customers, and put things in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
18:37 Becoming a student of one's industry and market is key to replicating success in new business ventures.
25:27 Investing time and resources in one's business, rather than relying on shortcuts or quick fixes, is necessary for long-term success.
28:42 Focusing on business development and building an infrastructure to support growth is essential for scaling a business.
Resources
- Mitch Beinhaker: NJ's Small Business Advisor, Podcast Host & Author
- Mitch Beinhaker on LinkedIn
- Mitch Beinhaker on Facebook
- Books and Publications Authored by Mitch Beinhaker
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:08 — 47.1MB) | Embed
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1109: Eavesdrop with Ella: Marketing & Sales Alignment, Prioritize People Over Products, and Always Keep Going with Sales & Marketing Consultant Ella Parlor
Many companies are tired of feeling lost in the world of marketing. But as it is critical for your business, you must learn powerful marketing strategies beyond social media and fancy websites, such as Identifying distribution gaps, prioritizing people over products, and creating a marketing plan that drives sales. Step up and get ready to take your marketing to the next level!
Ella Parlor is a seasoned sales and marketing consultant with over 15 years of experience driving billion-dollar revenue growth for global brands and startups. She is also the author of “High Tolerance: The Intoxicating World of Alcohol Marketing,” and the host of the “Eavesdrop with Ella” podcast. Today, Ella discusses her unique career journey, including her work with top alcohol brands like Jameson Whiskey and Red Bull, and how she has developed effective sales and marketing strategies that go beyond buzzwords and social media to drive real results for her clients.
Quotes
“Marketing is full of buzzwords, and it can feel a bit elusive, especially for sales leaders and those in leadership roles within the sales space.” – Ella Parlor
"Sometimes we get so focused on selling more to our current customer base that we overlook the opportunity to grow our customer base." – Ella Parlor
“As we grow, our successes are great, and we love to have those accolades in our back pocket. But that's not where it stops—we have to keep going. And yes, when we fail, it can be so painful, even feeling like we want to give up, but failure is not fatal. It's the courage to keep going that matters most.” – Ella Parlor
Takeaways
05:10 Focusing on the consumer journey and activating marketing tactics at the point of purchase is crucial for driving real results, rather than relying solely on above-the-line marketing.
13:17 Aligning sales and marketing teams to work towards the same goal of driving more sales and revenue is essential for business growth.
17:55 Prioritizing personal well-being and legacy, in addition to business success, is key for long-term fulfillment and impact.
19:51 Maintaining a balance between spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical well-being is key to achieving true success, beyond just financial metrics.
24:48 Perseverance and the courage to keep going, even in the face of failure, are essential for achieving lasting success.
Resources
- Ella Parlor: Empower Yourself, Empower Your business
- Ella Parlor on LinkedIn
- Eavesdrop with Ella on Apple Podcasts
- Eavesdrop with Ella on Spotify
- High Tolerance: The Intoxicating World of Alcohol Marketing by Ella Parlor
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:18 — 36.3MB) | Embed
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1108: Nobody’s Sleeping: Strategies For Better Sleep, Live Healthier, and Be More Productive with Sleep Specialist Dr. Bijoy John
Millions of people worldwide suffer from sleep problems, whether difficulty falling asleep, waking up throughout the night, or not feeling fully rested in the morning, but it doesn't have to be this way. Sleep is vital to our health and well-being, and getting enough quality sleep can improve our physical and mental health, productivity, and happiness.
Dr. Bijoy John is a board-certified physician and practicing sleep specialist with over 25 years of experience in pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine. He is the author of the book "Nobody's Sleeping," the host of the Sleep NOW podcast, and an expert on the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being. Today, Dr. John discusses the impact of sleep on various aspects of physical and mental health, including brain function, heart health, diabetes control, and mood. He also shares his personal journey with sleep struggles and the strategies he developed to overcome them, which he now teaches to his patients.
Quotes
“Sleep is so underrated, yet it affects every part of our body, including brain function, heart health, diabetes control, mood, memory, and even healing. It plays a crucial role in our mental health as well.” – Dr. Bijoy John
"If you sleep an extra hour, you'll be more productive the next day. Instead of sacrificing that one hour for something you're not fully focused on, you'll feel more energized and supercharged by getting that additional rest." – Dr. Bijoy John
“Sleep well, be well, and let’s go sleeping!” – Dr. Bijoy John
Takeaways
00:44 Prioritizing sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, as it impacts various aspects of physical and mental functioning, including brain function, heart health, diabetes control, and mood.
03:10 Developing healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a sleep-conducive environment, and practicing relaxation techniques, can lead to significant improvements in productivity, focus, and overall quality of life.
06:43 Addressing sleep-related issues, such as sleep apnea, can have a profound impact on preventing and managing other health problems, highlighting the interconnectedness of sleep and overall wellness.
15:47 Persistence and a willingness to experiment with different strategies are key to overcoming sleep challenges, as the journey to better sleep may involve some trial and error.
19:53 Incorporating sleep-enhancing practices, such as strategic napping and mindfulness-based techniques, can be powerful tools for recharging and optimizing performance.
Resources
- Sleep Fix Academy: Get Better Sleep
- Sleep Fix Academy on Facebook
- Dr. Bijoy John on LinkedIn
- Nobody’s Sleeping: 7 Proven Sleep Strategies for Better Health and Happiness by Dr. Bijoy E. John M.D on Amazon
- Sleep NOW on Apple Podcasts
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:23 — 36.4MB) | Embed
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1107: Industrial Real Estate Investing Strategies to Achieve Higher Returns, Relationship Building, and Avoid Gambling Risks in Business with Principal at Brit Properties Joel Friedland
Industrial real estate is a key part of the property market that encompasses a variety of spaces used for industrial activities, such as manufacturing, production, distribution, and storage. Unlike commercial or residential real estate, industrial properties are often located outside urban centers, typically in designated industrial zones. These properties are highly sought after due to their potential for high returns and lower operational costs, making them a valuable asset in an investor's portfolio.
Joel Friedland is a seasoned industrial real estate professional with over 42 years of experience in the industry and is currently a Principal at Brit Properties. He co-founded Epic Savage Realty Partners in 1991 and has since overseen the leasing and sales of over 2,000 industrial properties, totaling more than $2 billion in brokerage volume and $250 million in acquisitions. Today, Joel shares his insights on the unique aspects of the industrial real estate market, including the benefits of investing in this sector, the strategies he employs to market and acquire properties, and the importance of avoiding impulsive, "gambling" behavior as an entrepreneur.
Quotes
“As an entrepreneur, whether in real estate or any other business, you have to figure out how good your decisions are, how solid your due diligence is, and how much you really know. You must avoid making stupid, impulsive decisions.” – Joel Friedland
"I love talking to people and building relationships with those who are interested in better self-awareness. That’s what I love—it’s my favorite thing to do." – Joel Friedland
“It's all about long-term relationships. I find that loyalty is number one—being loyal to each other, to your friends, and to your business associates. Long-term relationships are key.” – Joel Friedland
Takeaways
00:57 Industrial real estate offers a unique opportunity to invest in a less competitive market with higher returns and lower risk compared to traditional residential or commercial real estate.
10:54 Successful industrial real estate investing requires a proactive marketing approach, including leveraging industry networks, online platforms, and direct outreach to find both properties and tenants.
16:23 Avoiding excessive debt and maintaining an all-cash, no-mortgage investment strategy can help mitigate risk and provide stability during economic downturns.
20:36 Developing self-awareness and avoiding impulsive, "gambling" behavior is crucial for entrepreneurs and investors to make sound, informed decisions.
31:06 Building long-term relationships with investors, tenants, and industry professionals is a key driver of success in the industrial real estate sector.
Resources
- Brit Properties: Risk Averse Industrial Real Estate Investments
- Joel Friedland on LinkedIn
- Brit Properties on Facebook
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:56 — 45.4MB) | Embed
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1106: Mortgage Marketing Insights: Social Media Strategies, Lead Generation, and Influencer Engagement with CMO of loanDepot Alec Hanson
Innovative social media and marketing strategies are transforming the mortgage industry landscape. By leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, mortgage professionals can connect with clients in creative and engaging ways. These strategies not only enhance visibility and brand awareness but also foster meaningful relationships and drive business growth in the competitive mortgage market.
Alec Hanson is the CMO of LoanDepot, a contemporary leader in the mortgage industry. With a passion for impactful work, Alec helps Americans achieve the dream of homeownership through innovative branding, marketing, and social media strategies. He understands today's consumers want self-educated experiences with control over their journey. Today, Alec shares his transformational approach for authentically engaging customers in the modern digital world. Stay tuned!
Quotes
“Homeownership is uniquely tied to the American Dream concept, owning the land you live on, and a mortgage provides that vehicle. It's a really incredible place to be.” – Alec Hanson
"I think the modern consumer of today is just really done with the catch in marketing. They're done with the gotchas, the emails, and the calls. I think they want to be served in unique ways." – Alec Hanson
“Fall back on your purpose. If you really do have a purpose to help people with your product or service, and many mortgage professionals really have that in their soul, they just want to help people with their products and services.” – Alec Hanson
Takeaways
04:55 Providing value and education through content is more effective than just pushing sales pitches on social media.
12:44 Being active on the social media platforms where your target audience is engaged, even if they seem unconventional, can lead to meaningful connections and business opportunities.
23:45 Overcoming personal insecurities and fears about being vulnerable online is crucial to building a successful personal or business brand.
26:58 Aligning your social media strategy with your core purpose and passion for helping others can give you the motivation to keep going.
30:10 Developing a consistent, empathetic, and educational content strategy across multiple social platforms can snowball into significant business growth over time.
Resources
- LoanDepot: What does home mean to our customers? Everything.
- Alec Hanson's Website
- Alec Hanson on Facebook
- Alec Hanson on LinkedIn
- Bypassed: A Modern Guide for Local Mortgage Pros Left Behind by the Digital Customer by Alec Hanson on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:34 — 43.5MB) | Embed
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1105: AI Unmasked: Enhance Content Integrity, Streamline Content Creation, and Navigate SEO with Founder of Originality.ai Jon Gillham
Unchecked AI poses significant risks, from spreading misinformation in factually incorrect articles to compromising the integrity of websites through overreliance on generated text. As AI becomes more prevalent in content creation, there's a growing concern about its potential to manipulate information and deceive audiences. It's crucial for organizations and individuals to exercise caution and implement safeguards to mitigate the dangers of unchecked AI in our digital landscape.
Jon Gillham is the founder of Originality.AI, an AI content-checking tool that detects plagiarism and AI-generated text. With a background in engineering, John understands the challenges of communicating across different domains. He developed Originality.ai to give publishers control over their content by verifying writers are not passing off machine-generated articles. Today, Jon explores the promises and pitfalls of tools like ChatGPT and uncover techniques for customizing models with your own data while avoiding generic AI styles. Stay tuned for more!
Quotes
“AI is a great aid in helping to enrich facts in content that you're reviewing, to ensure that they're sourced correctly and accurately.” – Jon Gillham
"AI's capability starts to plateau around the existing level of human knowledge because that's what it's being trained on." – Jon Gillham
“The truth, like most things, is that we live in a world where it's more complex than that. Detectors can have a high level of accuracy, but they do produce false positives and false negatives.” – Jon Gillham
Takeaways
00:46 AI-powered content checkers can help detect plagiarism and ensure the accuracy of published content.
07:08 Customizing AI language models like GPT with one's own data can produce content that better matches the user's writing style and tone.
13:45 Incorporating AI-generated content into one's workflow can improve productivity and collaboration across an organization.
17:24 Regularly monitoring for updates and changes in AI technology and its impact on SEO is important for content creators and publishers.
22:25 Understanding the limitations and potential pitfalls of AI detection tools is crucial to using them effectively.
Resources
- Originality.ai: Our Accurate AI Checker, Plagiarism Checker and Fact Checker Lets You Publish with Integrity
- Jon Gillham on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:20 — 36.4MB) | Embed
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1104: TomCo Solutions: Industry Leadership and Marketing Strategies to Stand Out in the Construction Industry with President & CEO and Florida Certified Contractor of TomCo Solutions, Inc. Tommy Whitehead
Are you struggling to stand out in a crowded construction industry? Start to market and promote your business effectively. Contrary to what everybody thinks, marketing and networking are necessary in the construction industry. There are proven yet affordable marketing tactics you can start with such as podcasting or public speaking, anything that will expand your profile to others. Though it sounds hard, your success is guaranteed if you are willing to surpass yourself!
Tommy Whitehead is a licensed contractor, the President and CEO of TomCo Solutions, Inc. and the author of “Building Success: A Toolbox for Coming Out on Top.” Today, Tommy discusses the importance of marketing and networking in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for contractors to step outside their comfort zones and adopt a more proactive approach to promoting their businesses. He shares his own journey, from being a "poor kid" to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and highlighted various strategies he has employed, such as leveraging social media, hiring marketing professionals, and hosting events to connect with the community.
Quotes
“If you want to become a very effective contractor, you have to think about becoming a disruptor in your industry.” – Tommy Whitehead
"Marketing is often planting a seed, and you’ve got to cultivate the crop over time. It’s not hunting; sales is hunting." – Tommy Whitehead
“You’ve got to let go, have a little faith, and find someone who’s good at those things. Do what you’re good at, what you have a passion for. Stop slaving at your own job—especially if you're an entrepreneur. You shouldn’t be slaving; it should be something you enjoy.” – Tommy Whitehead
Takeaways
01:56 Contractors need to step outside their comfort zones and adopt a more proactive approach to marketing and networking to stand out in the industry.
05:30 Starting small with affordable marketing efforts, such as a $100 monthly social media budget, can lead to incremental growth and bigger results over time.
18:07 Expanding the scope of a podcast or other content beyond a narrow niche can lead to unexpected connections and opportunities.
23:31 Delegating tasks that are not core competencies and hiring quality people can free up time for entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths and passions.
26:59 Embracing failure as a learning opportunity and believing in oneself are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success as an entrepreneur.
Resources
- Tommy Whitehead: Licensed Contractor, President & Owner of TomCo Solutions, Inc.
- TomCo Solutions, Inc.: Tampa Bay's Premier Remodeling Contractor
- Tommy Whitehead on LinkedIn
- Building Success: A Toolbox for Coming Out on Top by Tommy Whitehead on Amazon
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1103: Scaling to Your First Million: Entrepreneurial Resilience, Sales Optimization, and Adaptive Strategies with Business Coach Paul Lemberg
Are you stuck growing your business? Do you find yourself too busy with the day-to-day tasks to step back and strategize how to accelerate growth? In this situation, it is best to get out of your own way and try new approaches to breaking through to the next level. Doing so will surely overcome these challenges and scale your company to new heights.
Paul Lemberg is an entrepreneur, author, and business coach with over 28 years of experience helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Today, Paul discusses his passion for "changing the world, one entrepreneur at a time." He shares his insights on overcoming self-limiting beliefs, systematizing business processes, and leveraging the CEO's time and skills to drive growth. Paul emphasizes the importance of adapting to new challenges and strategies, rather than relying solely on past successes.
Quotes
“What got you to where you are won’t take you to the next level. If you're attached to that because it worked before, and it made you successful, you might think that’s how you need to keep going. But that’s not true—you need to come up with new and different ways to move forward.” – Paul Lemberg
"If you want to hand your business over to someone else to run it the way you do, you have to cover all the bases. If you don’t, they might reach a critical aspect of running the business and not know how to handle it." – Paul Lemberg
“’No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy.’ I don’t rely on long-term strategic plans.” – Paul Lemberg
Takeaways
01:37 A coach or mentor can provide valuable perspective and guidance to help entrepreneurs overcome their own limitations and unlock new growth opportunities.
03:14 Entrepreneurs often get stuck in their own way, unable to see new strategies that could help their business grow.
06:17 Systematizing a business through comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a "turnkey" approach enables scaling and duplication.
14:12 Prioritizing high-leverage activities like sales, marketing, and product development can significantly impact a business's growth.
23:30 Short-term, adaptable plans are more effective than rigid long-term plans, as the market and business conditions are constantly changing.
Resources
- Paul Lemberg: Transform Your Future with Proven, Personalized, Customized Coaching
- Paul Lemberg on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:25 — 37.8MB) | Embed
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1102: AI in Business: The Promise and Perils of Generative AI with Digital Automation and Robotics Limited CEO Kieran Gilmurray
New technologies are shaping the modern world and by extension, our future. However, as we marvel at their potential to transform industries and improve lives, it's important to also consider the potential downsides. Navigating the complexities with caution and foresight can allow us to harness the benefits of new technologies while reducing their risks for a brighter future.
Kieran Gilmurray is the CEO of Digital Automation and Robotics Limited, the author of “The A-Z of Organizational Digital Transformation,” and a thought leader in AI and digital transformation. With over 30 years of experience implementing AI solutions for businesses, he understands both the incredible potential and real risks of new technologies. Today, he discusses his expertise and experience with AI, mistakes he's made with AI projects, how businesses can ethically leverage AI and automation, and his resources for helping others do the same.
Quotes
“We always overestimate what technology can do in the short term, and we always underestimate just how impactful technology can be in the long term.” – Kieran Gilmurray
"Dynamite was invented to clear roads and mountains to improve transport but guess what happened—it was used for bad things. People didn't think beyond where the nefarious might get involved. We need to be careful, similarly with AI and anything we do as human beings on a daily basis." – Kieran Gilmurray
“If we look at AI, it's an 80-year-old overnight success story. It's full of mistakes. Why? Because we as humans created it, full of our own frailties, spillover, our own biases.” – Kieran Gilmurray
Takeaways
04:34 Embracing new technologies like AI in their infancy, rather than playing catch-up later, is crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve.
06:11 Digital transformation is not just about implementing technology, but rather reorienting the entire business to leverage digital tools and strategies to better serve customers.
10:30 Businesses need to invest in both technology and people to successfully undergo digital transformation, as the two work hand-in-hand to drive innovation and growth.
23:23 Responsible implementation of AI is essential, as it can have unintended consequences if not developed and deployed thoughtfully.
22:37 Admitting and learning from mistakes is a sign of maturity and a key to success when navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and digital technologies.
Resources
- Kieran Gilmurray: AI and Digital Transformation Expert
- Kieran Gilmurray on LinkedIn
- The A-Z of Organizational Digital Transformation by Kieran Gilmurray on Amazon
- Preorder The A to Z of Generative AI: A Guide to Leveraging AI for Business by Kieran Gilmurray on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:47 — 42.5MB) | Embed
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