Interview
1101: Strategies to Keep Engagement, Branding and Grow Your Audience with Las Vegas Entertainers Hall of Fame Member Aaron Phillips
Feeling stuck with your podcast's growth? Need to boost audience engagement and reach? Running a show demands constant effort to captivate and expand your listener base. While it's challenging, your passion, perseverance, and kindness will lead you to a thriving and successful podcast journey.
Aaron Phillips is a successful radio personality, author of the book, “Let My Voice Speak to You,” and public speaker based in Las Vegas. He hosts and produces various broadcast shows with varying topics, including his own show called "Aaron's Hour with Aaron Phillips." Today, Aaron talks about his journey into the broadcasting industry, starting from answering an ad on Craigslist to becoming a member of the Las Vegas Entertainers Hall of Fame. He also speaks on his passion for sharing his personal health journey and using his voice to make a positive impact on people's lives.
Quotes
“Believe in yourself. It’s too easy to make excuses not to do things. The hard part is getting past those excuses and saying, ‘You know what? I’m going to at least give it a try.’” – Aaron Phillips
"If you have a passion for what you're doing, it's not work—it's fun." – Aaron Phillips
“Be kind to everybody. That’s the message I end every show with. I hope people will apply it in their own way to make it meaningful for themselves.” – Aaron Phillips
Takeaways
04:22 Passion and belief in oneself are key to overcoming excuses and achieving success.
09:12 Sharing personal stories and experiences can have a powerful impact on an audience.
11:44 Podcasting and radio hosting require adaptability, continuous learning, and a focus on creating an entertaining, natural conversation.
18:45 Effective branding, promotion, and diversification are essential for building a successful media career.
21:53 Kindness and a positive attitude can make a meaningful difference in one's work and life.
Resources
- Aaron Phillips: Coast to Coast, Aaron's Hour Podcast
- Aaron Phillips on Facebook
- Aaron Phillips on LinkedIn
- Aaron's Hour with Aaron Phillips on YouTube
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:16 — 32.1MB) | Embed
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1100: Transform Leadership and Culture: Empower Teams, Unlock Potential, and Develop Leaders Through Adversity with Leader and Consultant Gilbert Chestnut
Leadership development is key to growth in personal and professional life. Good leadership isn't only about decision-making but also about inspiring others, creating a vision, and handling problems well. This is especially important in today's quick and constantly changing business world, where leaders need to be flexible, understanding, and good at planning.
Gilbert Chestnut is the owner of GC Consultation and a proven leader with over 35 years of experience in various fields, including the US military and federal government. Today, Gilbert discusses his passion for leadership development and culture transformation. He shares insights on the importance of engaging and empowering team members, overcoming adversity, and the transformative power of leadership, drawing from his own experiences and the principles outlined in his book, "The Leadership Stride."
Quotes
“Leadership often involves adapting based on what others say leadership should be. But it's like a house, you find ways to give it a new look, a fresh perspective. A leadership strategy gives us the opportunity to take something we've been doing for a while and add a whole new, refreshed approach. That's what makes it so exciting.” – Gilbert Chestnut
"Adversity brings out true character. I believe that, as a leader, in the midst of adversity, we have the opportunity to reflect on our goals, true aspirations, values, and principles." – Gilbert Chestnut
“As leaders, we must understand and appreciate that our impact goes beyond those we directly lead. It affects and influences those they will eventually lead as well, because much of their leadership style will be based on how we led them. Our reach extends much further than we realize, and we need to make it count.” – Gilbert Chestnut
Takeaways
06:46 Effective leadership is about transforming people's thought processes, not just changing processes.
09:02 Engaging and empowering team members through communication, recognition, and unlocking their potential is crucial for successful leadership.
15:04 Maintaining integrity and a commitment to helping others develop their leadership potential is more important than personal success.
16:55 Adversity presents an opportunity for leaders to reflect on their values and principles, rather than letting the situation define them.
21:48 The impact of a leader's influence extends beyond their direct reports, shaping the leadership of future generations.
Resources
- Gilbert Chestnut: Partnering Together with Your Success in Mind
- Gilbert Chestnut on Facebook
- Gilbert Chestnut on LinkedIn
- The Leadership Stride: Perspective Process Potential by Gilbert Chestnut on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:56 — 31.7MB) | Embed
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1099: Buy Back Your Time and Achieve Scalability by Learning to Work ON Instead of IN Your Business with Strategist and Co-Founder of Better Than Rich Mike Abramowitz
Ever wanted to reclaim your time and achieve greater freedom in your schedule? Some strategies such as discovering what drains your energy and setting certain boundaries can give you back control of your time. As you implement these, you'll not only become more efficient and less stressed but also find yourself with more freedom to pursue your passions and nurture meaningful connections.
Mike Abramowitz is a business strategist and the co-founder of Better Than Rich, a business training and coaching program. He helps others achieve time freedom by identifying energy-draining tasks, setting clear boundaries, and leveraging AI assistants to automate workflows. After spending 8.5 months in the hospital with his newborn son, Mike learned how to systematize his own business to run without him, allowing him to focus on his family. Today, Mike shares his expertise on delegating tasks, creating systems and processes, and leveraging technology and virtual assistants to free up time for entrepreneurs.
Quotes
“My focus is helping entrepreneurs who have a business and a family and are high earners. It's to help them buy back their time so they can reinvest it into what matters most to them.” – Mike Abramowitz
"Know what season you're in and make sure you're navigating with the appropriate strategy depending on the season." – Mike Abramowitz
“If you want an apple tree in the fall, make sure you're planting apple seeds for the type of business you want. If you're in a summer season, grinding and working, keep your head down and don't try to tackle multiple things at once.” – Mike Abramowitz
Takeaways
03:25 Entrepreneurs should define the purpose of their business and prioritize their time and energy accordingly to achieve time freedom.
08:48 Implementing systems, processes, and documentation (playbooks) can create predictability and efficiency in a business, allowing the owner to step away.
16:49 Systematizing a business requires ongoing maintenance and improvement to ensure it remains efficient and effective over time.
21:08 Delegating and offloading administrative tasks to virtual assistants and a dedicated team can free up an entrepreneur's time to focus on high-value activities.
24:54 Knowing the current "season" of one's business and adjusting strategies accordingly is crucial for navigating challenges and opportunities.
Resources
- Better Than Rich: Win Back 13-37 Hours Every Single Week!
- Mike Abramowitz: What Would It Take To Live Your Best Life?
- Mike Abramowitz on LinkedIn
- Mike Abramowitz on Facebook
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1098: Surviving Genocide and Tribal Conflict in Zimbabwe’s Caves: A Teacher’s 4-Year Ordeal and Journey to Overcoming Trauma with Author Julian Bhebhe
How can resilience and spirituality help bridge divisions and foster unity in our communities? Cultivating inner strength and connecting with deeper values are essential for overcoming conflicts and finding common ground. Embracing these principles enables anyone to navigate differences with grace, compassion, and a shared sense of humanity.
Julian Bhebhe is an organization development practitioner, teacher of online business communication in higher education, and an author. Through his harrowing first-hand account in his book "Four Years in a Cave," Julian brings awareness to the brutal military purge he survived and its lasting trauma. His story shines a light on the atrocities faced by ordinary citizens and helps combat indifference to human rights violations. Today, he tells the story of his experiences and teaches lessons of resilience, spirituality, and overcoming divisions, so stay tuned for more!
Quotes
“The lesson right here is to get your system cleaned up and to stop fighting each other.” – Julian Bhebhe
"People must open their eyes and rise above petty differences and learn to work together." – Julian Bhebhe
“There must be order so that people can get together and improve their quality of life.” – Julian Bhebhe
Takeaways
40:45 Tribalism and envy can lead to unjust suffering, but maintaining faith, perseverance, and community support can help one overcome even the most extreme adversity.
08:29 Young people who are misguided can commit horrific acts, highlighting the importance of guidance, education, and accountability to prevent such tragedies.
10:59 Connecting with a higher power and exercising sound judgment can provide the strength and clarity needed to navigate through life's most challenging circumstances.
26:28 Pension and bureaucratic struggles can compound the trauma of survivors, underscoring the need for systemic reform and international intervention to provide justice and closure.
41:20 Sharing personal stories of resilience can inspire others, raise awareness, and potentially lead to positive change in the face of ongoing injustice.
Resources
- Julian Bhebhe: Welcome to the Bestselling Author's Website
- Four Years in a Cave: Surviving Genocide by Julian Bhebhe on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:01 — 63.4MB) | Embed
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1097: Master SEO, Content Creation, and Google Maps to Dominate Your Industry with President of Collaborate Pros David Kaminski
Are you frustrated by your lack of online visibility and struggling to attract new customers through search engines? Do you feel like SEO is overwhelming? Many people say that SEO is hard, Google is confusing, and various reasons hinder them from learning this strategy to be seen online. Little do they know that nowadays, you can learn SEO and Google Maps in a simple, fun, and engaging way and ultimately rise to the top of the industry.
David Kaminski is the President of Collaborate Pros, an SEO and digital marketing agency that helps businesses improve their online visibility and rankings. Today, David discusses the evolution of SEO, highlighting how it has become more focused on strategy and content rather than just technical optimization. He provides practical tips on using geotagged images, creating localized blog content, and leveraging FAQs on the homepage to drive traffic to relevant pages.
Quotes
“When most people hear ‘SEO,’ they want to close their ears, shut their eyes, and run away. But if you're listening, don't do that! We're going to make it fun, like you said, and simple.” – David Kaminski
"The way you create and structure your content is more valued by Google now than ever before. If you can make it engaging, include videos, and educate someone, it will make a big difference." – David Kaminski
“I'd rather go find the person who knows how to do it. You want to surround yourself with powerful people who know what they’re doing, because then you’re not wasting time learning their expertise.” – David Kaminski
Takeaways
01:28 Providing value to website visitors through engaging, informative content that answers common industry questions is crucial for building authority and trust with search engines.
05:58 Optimizing website content for local SEO, such as using geotagged images and creating localized blog posts, can significantly improve a business's online visibility and ranking.
14:31 Building relationships and link exchanges with non-competing businesses in the same industry, even in different locations, can be an effective strategy for boosting website authority.
19:20 Leveraging AI tools can streamline content creation, but it's important to ensure the output is unique and accurate.
21:25 Incorporating frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the homepage, with links to relevant blog posts, can help drive traffic and improve the user experience.
Resources
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:50 — 38.4MB) | Embed
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1096: From Associate to Ambassador: Connect, Build Trust and Lead Others with President and Executive ESG Strategist of Labeling Sustainability Jeff Baldassari
Are your people skills holding you back from career success? Struggling to build strong professional relationships? Whatever we do in life, interactions with other people are necessary. Especially if you want to boost your career in life, developing the right people skills will make you the invaluable leader others will come to for help.
Jeff Baldassari is the Founder and CEO of The Competitive Edge Group and the author of "From Associate to Ambassador: The Distinctive Skills Every Law Firm Associate Must Master to Enjoy an Exceptional Career." He practiced law for five years at the national law firm BakerHostetler and served as president and CEO of two manufacturers for 21 years. Today, Jeff shares his unique insights on the importance of people skills, mentorship, networking, and interpersonal skills in the legal profession and beyond.
Quotes
“Everything in life is easy until people get involved.” – Jeff Baldassari
"You can't be a one-dimensional person; you have to be multifaceted. You need to develop a personality, something outside the practice of law, because that helps you connect with people on a deeper level." – Jeff Baldassari
“Go where the clients are, go where the customers go, and network. They won’t always be in your immediate world, so connect with spaces that are adjacent to what you do.” – Jeff Baldassari
Takeaways
07:09 Developing strong people skills, such as the ability to motivate, manage, inspire, and influence, is crucial for success in both legal and business careers.
08:46 Consistent practice and reflection are necessary to improve interpersonal skills, regardless of one's natural inclination, as these skills are not typically taught in formal education.
15:10 Networking should focus on adding value to others and building genuine relationships, rather than a direct approach of self-promotion.
17:39 Becoming a well-rounded professional, with interests and knowledge beyond one's specific role or expertise, can help differentiate oneself and foster better connections with clients and colleagues.
28:32 Prioritizing the needs and growth of others, rather than solely focusing on one's own success, can lead to greater fulfillment and career advancement.
Resources
- From Associate to Ambassador by Jeff Baldassari: Learn What Law Schools Don't Teach
- The Competitive Edge Group: There is no such thing as a perfect business. There will always be challenges.
- Jeff Baldassari on LinkedIn
- From Associate to Ambassador: The Distinctive Skills Every Law Firm Associate Must Master to Enjoy an Exceptional Career by Jeff Baldassari on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:15 — 43.1MB) | Embed
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1095: AI-Powered Solutions: Optimize Podcast Production and Content Creation with AI and Automation Expert Mark Savant
Many content creators face spending countless hours on podcast production. But smart content creators embrace the power of automation and AI in their content creation process as their new team members, working around the clock to streamline workflows and enhance their creative output.
Mark Savant is the owner of Mark Savant Media, a resource for business owners, coaches, and personal brand builders. He is a podcasting and automation expert who has produced thousands of episodes for himself and his clients. Today, Mark shares his insights on using AI tools like ChatGPT and Zapier to automate various aspects of podcast production, from script generation to post-production follow-up, ultimately creating win-win solutions for podcasters, guests, and clients. Mark emphasizes the importance of experimenting with AI and technology, as he believes that businesses that fail to adapt will not be able to compete in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Quotes
“If you're not automating processes, not using AI in your workflows, and not empowering your team with AI, you're probably going to be bankrupt within the next several years. You just won't be able to compete.” – Mark Savant
"Creating more win-win solutions through automation, AI, and technology is where every business owner should be focused right now. It's highly accessible and can make a significant difference." – Mark Savant
“If you're not experimenting with AI and technology today, your business could be dead in four years. It simply won't survive. You need to start exploring AI and tech now, before it's too late.” – Mark Savant
Takeaways
02:33 Automating content creation workflows using AI tools like ChatGPT and Zapier can save significant time and increase efficiency, allowing businesses to be more competitive.
16:15 Leveraging forms to provide structured input to ChatGPT can lead to high-quality, customized content outputs that require minimal human intervention.
18:56 Automating post-production tasks, such as follow-up with podcast guests, can create win-win solutions that benefit the podcaster, guests, and clients.
19:45 Developing a problem-solving mindset and surrounding oneself with others tackling similar challenges can help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of implementing AI and automation.
24:22 Experimenting with AI and technology is crucial for businesses to stay relevant and avoid being left behind in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Resources
- Mark Savant Media & Podcast Services: We put you on calls with your ideal customer through done-for-you podcasts.
- Mark Savant on Facebook
- Mark Savant on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:22 — 35.0MB) | Embed
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1094: Discover Joy, Community, and Creativity in Appraisal Work through Authentic Content with CEO of Artifactual History Appraisal Sarah Reeder
Is it actually possible to market your business in a way that feels authentic and relatable? Yes it is! Instead of the usual sales pitch, consider sharing your passions and expertise openly. Doing this can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level, fostering genuine relationships and building trust in your brand.
Sarah Reeder is the CEO of Artifactual History, a company that specializes in appraising art and antiques. As a certified member of the Appraisers Association of America and the International Society of Appraisers, Sarah has extensive experience working with high-net-worth individuals, museums, and auction houses. Today, Sarah discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of being an appraiser, including the need to maintain client confidentiality, the process of conducting appraisals, and the importance of educating the public about the art and antiques industry.
Quotes
“It liberates me to just share what I love and find exciting about art, antiques, and what drew me to the field in the first place.” – Sarah Reeder
"The more I've detached from outcomes, the more fun I've had and the more wonderful people I've met." – Sarah Reeder
“We have the creative power to make our own decisions and figure out what will work best for us. I encourage people to experiment—just try out what feels truly enjoyable and authentic to you and see where that takes you.” – Sarah Reeder
Takeaways
01:19 Appraisers must maintain client confidentiality, which can make it challenging to share their expertise publicly, but they can find creative ways to educate and engage the public about the art and antiques industry.
15:45 Entrepreneurs should focus on sharing their authentic passions and philosophies, rather than chasing the latest marketing trends, as this can lead to more meaningful connections and aligned clients.
22:00 Detaching from immediate outcomes and taking a long-term, "garden mentality" approach to content creation and community building can be more fulfilling and impactful in the long run.
30:10 Collaborating with like-minded individuals, whether colleagues or friends, can make the entrepreneurial journey less lonely and more enjoyable.
33:59 Embracing the creative power to make one's own decisions and find what works best, rather than blindly following prescriptive advice, can lead to more fulfilling and successful entrepreneurial endeavors.
Resources
- Worthwhile Magazine: Since knowledge is power, we believe an open dialogue about connoisseurship is worthwhile.
- Artifactual History®: Fine Art and Antique Appraiser
- Sarah Reeder on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:09 — 51.2MB) | Embed
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1093: Tap into the Fastest Growing Demographic: Authentic Content Creation, Daily Video Habits for Lawyers, and Spanish Digital Advertising Strategies with Founder of Abogados Now Hugo E. Gomez
How is it possible to attract new clients using mobile video marketing? Harnessing the visual appeal and accessibility of mobile videos can help businesses effectively connect with potential clients and drive engagement. There is huge potential in leveraging video content to engage audiences on mobile devices so it is important to take advantage of it while you still can to grow your client base.
Hugo E. Gomez is the founder and legal marketing strategist of Abogados Now, a national Spanish marketing agency helping attorneys connect with Hispanic communities. His expertise in Spanish advertising has enabled professionals to tap into the fastest growing demographic that is vastly under-marketed to. Today, Hugo talks about effective digital marketing strategies for attorneys to authentically connect with Spanish-speaking communities. He emphasizes the need for authenticity and personability over production value, as well as the value of consistent content creation and publishing to build trust and reach a wider audience.
Quotes
“The more money you spend on production, the less likely it is that it's going to work.” – Hugo E. Gomez
"It's not the asset; it's the creation and publishing of the assets every day." – Hugo E. Gomez
“Perfection is overrated. It's the enemy of profitability.” – Hugo E. Gomez
Takeaways
02:44 Authenticity and personability are more important than production value when creating content to connect with consumers.
06:11 Consistent content creation and publishing, even in short 30-60 second formats, can lead to significant results through training the algorithm and reaching a wider audience.
12:42 Perfection should not be the enemy of profitability, as taking action and iterating is more important than striving for flawless content.
13:26 Outsourcing content creation and marketing to a specialized agency can alleviate the burden on professionals like attorneys, allowing them to focus on their core business.
18:35 The Hispanic market is an existential threat for businesses not investing in targeted marketing, as it represents a rapidly growing demographic that is currently underserved.
Resources
- Abogados Now: The Nation's Leader in marketing attorneys to Hispanics in the U.S.
- Abogados Now on Facebook
- Hugo E. Gomez on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:34 — 32.6MB) | Embed
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1092: Cutting Through the Clutter: Targeted Market Research, Competitor Analysis, and Insights from 30 Years of Entrepreneurship with Founding Partner of Liger Partners Eric V. Holtzclaw
How can thorough research transform your marketing approach? By diving deep into market trends, understanding consumer behavior, and analyzing competitors, businesses can identify strategic opportunities and craft messages that hit the mark. This way, companies can develop a marketing strategy that not only connects with their audience but also stands out in a constantly evolving market.
Eric V. Holtzclaw is the Founding Partner and Chief Strategist of Liger Partners, a marketing firm helping B2B companies cut through the noise, and the author of “Laddering: Unlocking the Potential of Consumer Behavior.” With over 30 years of experience founding startups and guiding companies to success, Eric has mastered the art of strategic marketing. He understands that with attention spans shrinking and messages proliferating, businesses need to deliver visceral reactions to stand out. Today, Eric shares insights on crafting an effective marketing strategy through research, understanding different skills required, the two types of entrepreneurs, and the importance of consistency.
Quotes
“Marketing is a combination of technology and understanding your user, so it's a good time to focus on those two aspects. If you have a background in both, you're very well-equipped to succeed in that space.” – Eric V. Holtzclaw
"It's always going to be a roller coaster. One minute you're way up, thinking, ‘This is amazing!’ and the next minute, you're wondering, ‘Oh my gosh, why the heck am I doing this?’" – Eric V. Holtzclaw
“The secret to success in life and business is consistency.” – Eric V. Holtzclaw
Takeaways
03:30 Establishing a strong marketing strategy before execution is crucial for creating authentic, effective marketing that stands out from the competition.
07:10 Successful marketing requires a diverse set of skills, including copywriting, storytelling, and SEO, to effectively reach and engage the target audience throughout a complex sales process.
10:43 Consistency in branding, messaging, and marketing channels is key to building a successful and memorable brand, as it helps the target audience recognize and engage with the company.
13:42 The two types of entrepreneurs - rectifiers and amplifiers - have different motivations and approaches, and understanding one's own entrepreneurial nature can help guide the business-building process.
14:32 Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, and those who succeed often have a deep well of grit and determination to overcome the challenges and ups and downs of building a business.
Resources
- Liger Partners: Be Known for all the right reason
- Eric V. Holtzclaw on Facebook
- Eric V. Holtzclaw on LinkedIn
- Laddering: Unlocking the Potential of Consumer Behavior by Eric V. Holtzclaw on Amazon
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