Interview

1031: AI Challenges Solved: Specificity’s Data-Driven Marketing Mastery with Marketing Consultant Jason A. Wood

Have you ever wondered why your online marketing is not meeting your expectations, even after putting in a lot of effort? Imagine being able to target your ideal audience accurately, removing any guesswork and increasing your return on investment. In a world filled with data, finding the right audience is the secret to achieving extraordinary success in your marketing efforts. 

Listen to this episode with Jason Wood, CEO of Specificity Inc., as he talks about the importance of understanding your audience and using targeted marketing strategies. Jason shares his enthusiasm for new tools that go beyond traditional ad tech platforms and explains their limitations. Learn valuable information about reaching audiences in unconventional ways, avoiding common marketing mistakes, and the vital role of reliable data in driving effective AI tools.

Quotes

“The biggest second order to conversion is not creativity. It is accuracy in the data.” – Jason A. Wood

“You can take the very best branded creation or creative in the world to an audience that is not in the market and doesn't care about your product, and you'll make no money.” – Jason A. Wood

“The goal is to marry the two together - the good creative with the right audience.” – Jason A. Wood

Takeaways

01:30 Accuracy of audience data is more important than creative in digital marketing campaigns. The biggest factor in conversion is targeting the right audience, not just having great creative.

07:27 Relying on big tech platforms like Meta for audience targeting often results in wasted ad spend due to inaccurate and polluted data. Building custom audiences outside of these platforms is crucial.

10:32 Sequencing and pacing of ad placements is critical - blindly chasing high CPMs can waste a lot of money that should be allocated to lower-cost awareness campaigns first.

16:51 Adopting new marketing technologies like AI requires "ironclad data" - simply feeding AI algorithms data from big tech sources is a recipe for failure.

19:15 Marketers spending $5,000 - $15,000 per month on digital ads should strongly consider working with a firm to improve audience targeting and save money.

Resources

• Specificity Inc.: Others monetize. We revolutionize.
• Jason A. Wood on LinkedIn

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1030: Stay Ahead in Digital Marketing with AI & SEO Tactics with SEO Specialist Gregory Brooks

Some businesses easily stand out in the crowded digital world by always attracting customers and experiencing growth. The secret to their success often lies in mastering Search Engine Optimization (SEO), a powerful tool that can elevate your business to new heights and secure your business its place at the forefront of your industry. The key is not just to keep up with the times but to lead them.

Gregory Brooks, CMO & Partner at SearchTides, shares insights on how to stay competitive in digital marketing. He discusses their innovative approach using AI and large language models, emphasizing the importance of creating content based on expertise and experience. You'll also learn about link building for third-party endorsements, using AI tools for content creation while staying passionate, and analyzing competitors to gather helpful information.

Quotes

“Consistency over a long period of time is the hard part. And it's the challenging part for us as human beings. It's that simple.” – Gregory Brooks

“The simple part is not the easy part; the simple part is the difficult part. It's easy for our brains to try and create something complex. It's difficult for us to execute something simple, repeatedly and consistently. Consistency is the key to growth.” – Gregory Brooks

“Ultimately, what makes good SEO great is simply knowing the fundamentals. What does your content look like? What does your link-building look like? Are you encountering any technical issues on your website? And then having the ability to execute those tasks repeatedly and consistently.” – Gregory Brooks

Takeaways

02:15 Analyzing your competitors' SEO strategies and understanding where you stand relative to them is crucial for SEO success.

03:30 Writing content from a place of genuine expertise and passion is more effective than generic, keyword-stuffed content.

04:55 Link building is essential for building online authority and reputation, requiring a dedicated team and consistent, manual outreach efforts.

12:30 Consistency and sustained effort over time are the keys to successful SEO, rather than quick fixes or hacks.

27:25 Consistency is the key to growth - executing simple, fundamental SEO tasks repeatedly is more difficult but more impactful than complex strategies.

Resources

• SearchTides: Your hub for all things SEO
• Gregory Brooks on LinkedIn

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1029: Build a Sustainable B2B SaaS Companies from Startup to Scale with Serial Entrepreneur Jonah Midanik

Have you ever dreamed of not only starting a B2B SaaS company but building one that lasts and makes a lasting impact in the market? Imagine the satisfaction of seeing your venture not just survive, but thrive in the ever-changing business world. But first, it's important to understand that it's the core aspects that matter. It goes beyond the usual startup hype, diving into the essence of what makes a B2B SaaS company sustainable.

Listen to this episode with Jonah Midanik, Partner & COO of Forum Ventures, as he talks about how to build successful B2B SaaS companies. Jonah shares his experiences and insights, providing valuable lessons on evaluating startup founders, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving. Learn about the importance of storytelling in pitches, challenges faced by SaaS startups, and the role of networking in finding investors and mentors for company growth.

Quotes

“You don't have to do everything by yourself. No one is good at all the things required to build a business. So, finding help is probably the most important part of your job.” – Jonah Midanik

“Don't just mechanically follow pitch deck templates. Sure, there are great resources available, like pitch decks on our website. But if you simply copy what others have done, that's not your unique story. That's their story.” – Jonah Midanik

“A story always needs a few key elements. And you've already nailed it. What's the emotional core? Why you? Why this? Why now? What's the story that people will truly connect with?” – Jonah Midanik

Takeaways

00:49 Finding incredible founders with a real problem to solve is the top priority for investors when evaluating startups.

04:21 Even with a great story and market opportunity, if the customer experience is not amazing, customers won't stick around.

12:39 Authentic storytelling that connects emotionally is more important than mechanically following pitch deck templates.

15:03 The rise of AI has the potential to dramatically change the business landscape by automating repetitive, mechanical tasks.

19:49 Don't dismiss questions or feedback, even if they seem silly at first - there is often valuable insight to be gained.

Resources

• Forum Ventures: BUILDING SUCCESSFUL B2B SAAS COMPANIES
• Jonah Midanik on LinkedIn

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1028: Navigate Cancer with Laughter with Life Coach Dr. Brad Miller

What if laughter could light the path through the darkest moments of life? Dr. Brad Miller's Cancer and Comedy Podcast dares to ask this question, offering a refreshing perspective on navigating the complexities of cancer. Through heartfelt storytelling and insightful interviews, Dr. Brad Miller invites listeners on a journey of resilience and hope. 

In this episode, Dr. Brad Miller dives into the intersection of humor and healing, showcasing how laughter can be a powerful tool in the face of adversity. As we explore the profound impact of comedy on mental well-being, Cancer and Comedy Podcast becomes not just a source of entertainment but also a lifeline for those touched by cancer. Join us as we embark on a journey of laughter, resilience, and shared understanding with Dr. Brad Miller's transformative podcast.

Quotes

“Cancer will not define me, but it will refine me, bringing changes that enable me to serve others.” – Dr. Brad Miller

“I believe you can find positives despite the noise out there. To cut through the clutter, you need to be distinctive and different, with a message that is, in my opinion, compelling enough to stand out.” – Dr. Brad Miller

“I believe that mental health is hugely important. So, two things: take care of your physical body and also care for your mental and emotional health with something compelling to you.” – Dr. Brad Miller

Takeaways

03:49 Using humor and a positive, empathetic approach can help people cope with the difficult realities of cancer.

10:04 Consistently putting out a compelling, distinctive message is crucial for building an audience and cutting through the noise, especially for a podcast.

14:12 Expanding beyond just the podcast medium, such as through live events, TV appearances, and community partnerships, can help grow awareness and support for your mission.

25:58 Addressing both physical health and mental/emotional well-being are important aspects of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

30:22 Maintaining a "cheerful heart" and positive mindset can serve as "good medicine" when facing challenging health situations.

Resources

• Cancer and Comedy: THE PLACE FOR PEOPLE READY TO KICK CANCER IN THE BUTT
• Cancer and Comedy on Facebook
• Dr. Brad Miller on LinkedIn

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:19 — 43.2MB) | Embed

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1027: Digital Marketing for Lawyers: Insights on SEO and Website Design with SEO Expert Doug Bradley

For law firms, effective online visibility relies on well-crafted SEO strategies and a professionally designed website. Implementing SEO techniques ensures that the firm's online presence is optimized for search engines, enhancing its chances of being discovered by potential clients. A user-friendly and informative website further complements these strategies, offering visitors valuable insights and establishing the law firm as a credible and accessible resource in the digital landscape.

Doug Bradley is the Owner of Everest Legal Marketing, a leading expert in law firm SEO and digital marketing. With years of experience working with large legal directories, Doug understands the unique challenges lawyers face in reaching new clients online. Today, he discusses common mistakes made in law firm SEO, unique marketing strategies, content recommendations, and offers advice on avoiding pitfalls when creating websites for lawyers. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“I had to teach myself how to fix these problems for the clients while I was on the job, trying to sell it to other clients. That hands-on experience really made me a good partner.” – Doug Bradley

“The basic stuff with SEO is often overlooked the most. If you're building a plan and you don't have the basics taken care of, nothing that you do later on down the road is going to win because the basics aren't taken care of.” – Doug Bradley

“Whatever industry you're in, don't be afraid to look at other industries and see how that could impact your industry.” – Doug Bradley

Takeaways

00:35 Understanding the nuances of a local real estate market, down to the street level, is key to making informed investment decisions.

02:30 Specializing in niche or obscure areas of law can be highly profitable, as clients in those fields may have difficulty finding qualified providers through traditional channels.

12:33 Being willing to try new marketing approaches, even if they seem unconventional, can lead to unexpected successes, as demonstrated by the partition referee case study.

15:27 Having deep expertise in a specific industry, like law, provides significant advantages over generalist web designers/SEO providers when it comes to anticipating challenges and avoiding common pitfalls.

21:45 Looking to other industries for innovative SEO and marketing ideas can help small businesses, including law firms, stand out and find new opportunities.

Resources

• Everest Legal Marketing: Full Service Website Design & SEO Agency for Lawyers
• Doug Bradley on LinkedIn

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:01 — 35.9MB) | Embed

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1026: Transform Your Growth: Unpack the Marketing Blueprint with Marketing Expert Solomon Timothy

Why is capturing demand crucial for businesses in the digital age? Every day, business owners struggle with unfulfilled ambitions and turn to advice when their assumptions prove to be inaccurate. It is important for entrepreneurs to understand consumer behavior and align marketing strategies with the current landscape to ensure their business is present where potential customers are actively searching.

Listen to this episode with Solomon Timothy, an expert marketer and Founder of OneIMS, as he discusses the challenges entrepreneurs face in scaling their businesses. Solomon reveals effective methods for attracting new clients and keeping existing ones, emphasizing the importance of meeting demand. Gain valuable insights about how to use SEO to your advantage, transform your advertising campaigns, and stay one step ahead of the competition.

Quotes

“Staying late in the office and working harder will not double the revenue. It just won't.” – Solomon Timothy

“I help struggling entrepreneurs with their lead generation and customer acquisition. The reason I made that the shortest elevator pitch is because if you want to grow, you got to figure out lead generation and customer acquisition.” – Solomon Timothy

“You don't want to do more of the same thing. You want to work smarter. This doesn't look like it's complicated.” – Solomon Timothy

Takeaways

02:02 Persistence and following through are crucial for success in business.

03:13 Promotion and publicity are often more time-consuming and important than the actual product or service itself. Many entrepreneurs underestimate the work required to get customers.

07:43 Capturing demand from existing customers is easier than creating new demand, but both are necessary for growth. Businesses need to focus on both acquisition and retention.

14:15 Systematizing and understanding the key metrics and numbers in a business is essential for growth, rather than just working harder.

23:48 Many businesses fail not because of a bad product, but because they don't know how to effectively acquire customers. Distribution and marketing are often the missing pieces.

Resources

• OneIMS: Attract and Retain Customers at Scale and Reach Your Revenue Goals Consistently with Integrated Marketing Solutions
• ClickX: In The Business of Helping You Grow Your Agency
• Solomon Timothy: GROW 10X BIGGER. Discover the secrets to massive business growth.
• Solomon Timothy on LinkedIn

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1025: Business Growth Focus: Revolutionize Business Growth Strategies with Revenue Strategist Charles Kirkland

What practical steps can entrepreneurs take to maintain focus on business growth and drive sustainable success? Maintaining a consistent focus on growth is a challenge for many entrepreneurs.

Charles Kirkland is the Co-Founder of Parker & Kirkland LLC. With a knack for transforming stagnation into growth, Charles delves into a new world of business dynamics, exploring the collaboration between entrepreneurs and operations. Listen to this episode as Charles talks about innovative strategies, crafting contrarian marketing campaigns, team alignment's importance, cash flow's vital role in business success, and so much more. Never miss out on this episode!

Quotes

“Where your focus is at is where your business is at. And you've got to focus on growing your business. And that means growing your people, growing your assets, and growing operations.” – Charles Kirkland

“Cash will solve most of your problems in business. If you've got the cash, you hire the best people and the best consultants, your business becomes sellable. Without cash, it's all very painful.” – Charles Kirkland

“Document everything you do. Even if I were starting off today, I would document. Because there's nothing worse than having to recreate something every time. If you've got to respond to those types of operations every time from scratch, it's going to drain that creative mental energy.” – Charles Kirkland

Takeaways

01:05 If you have something to work with, if you're on the right track, if you have the raw materials, if you have potential, then there are things that can be reorganized, cleaned up, reduced, expanded, and multiplied to increase revenue.

07:56 Documenting processes and having the right people in the right roles is crucial for preserving creative energy and avoiding burnout in a growing business.

14:52 Taking a contrarian or novel approach to marketing can help a business stand out and engage its audience in a more meaningful way.

21:53 Having a plan for 12 marketing campaigns or special events throughout the year can help a business stay organized and maximize opportunities.

31:06 The focus of a business owner should be on growing the business, its people, assets, and operations, as "what you focus on grows."

Resources

• Parker & Kirkland: Transforming Potential into Predictability
• Charles Kirkland on LinkedIn

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:51 — 45.3MB) | Embed

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1024: The Future of Economic Success with Chief Revenue Scientist Dr. Martin Fleming

The integration of AI technologies can significantly contribute to economic success by enhancing productivity, streamlining processes, and fostering innovation across various industries. Automation and machine learning algorithms in AI have the potential to optimize resource allocation, reduce operational costs, and create new business opportunities, thereby contributing to economic growth.

Dr. Martin Fleming is distinguished fellow at the Productivity Institute and the Chief Revenue Scientist at Varicent. With a rich background that includes working at IBM's Watson Research Lab, Dr. Fleming brings a wealth of ideas about the world, economics, and artificial intelligence. Today, Dr. Fleming is going to have an insightful conversation on economic success, both in the past and the future! Stay tuned!

Quotes

“My passion is really centered around understanding not only the opportunity for the US economy but also for the industrialized world.” – Dr. Martin Fleming

“It's the productivity gains that create additional demand, driving income that is going to allow for the improvement in standards of living.” – Dr. Martin Fleming

“There's an expression that economists quite frequently use: things happen slower than you might think but then appear faster than you might imagine.” – Dr. Martin Fleming

Takeaways

01:47 The past can provide insights and lessons for understanding the economic transformation and challenges facing the US economy over the next 10-20 years.

06:36 Technological progress, like AI, will continue to happen, and it is up to society to learn to use it responsibly and for the greater good, just as we have done with other transformative technologies in the past.

10:57 The ability to narrow down options and separate signal from noise will be an increasingly valuable skill as we are inundated with information and choices, aided by AI-powered recommendations and assistants.

13:53 AI-powered tools like ChatGPT can save time and effort by providing concise, direct answers to simple questions, compared to traditional search engine results.

19:52 All jobs will change as a result of technological transformation, and navigating this change will be crucial for workers, businesses, and society as a whole.

Resources

• Varicent: Optimize revenue. Drive growth. Increase efficiency.
• Dr. Martin Fleming on LinkedIn
• Breakthrough: A Growth Revolution by Dr. Martin Fleming on Amazon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:49 — 41.1MB) | Embed

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1022: Wayfinders: Join Epic Adventures, Build Deeper Connection, And Find Your Alignment in Life with Mike Brcic

Are you lost, stuck, or confused about your life? Numerous people struggle to find the answers that will help them in these dark times of their lives. Their most common response is to isolate themselves and be alone, thinking they can fight it themselves. But no man is an island. Thus, finding companions, a community, or your second family that will help you get out of the dark is critical, and that is what Wayfinders provides.

Mike Brcic is a facilitator, speaker, entrepreneur, explorer, and founder of Wayfinders, a group dedicated to creating a tight-knit community of incredible entrepreneurs bonded by peak experiences and epic adventures in spectacular, remote locations around the world. Mike has a mission to help entrepreneurs build deep connections, find personal alignment, and run more fulfilling businesses. Join us in this wonderful conversation as Mike shares his experiences and knowledge about building deep connections, surrounding yourself with a mastermind group, and how to find your alignment in life.

Quotes

“Instead of just jumping straight to goals, what is the work that has to happen? And before that little bit of self-inquiry and like, who am I, what's important to me, and what are my guiding principles, and then, once you have a clear grounding in that, then you can start to set some really meaningful goals.” Mike Brcic

“If you're going to climb the ladder of success, make sure it's leaning on the right building. And unless we take the time to get quiet and get still and listen to ourselves, it's very easy to lean that ladder on the wrong building.” – Mike Brcic

“In any group that you join, just commit to it, whether it's six months or one year, just commit as hard as you can to it, and then see what comes back. And if after that time, you don't feel like you're getting value from it, then find something that will bring you value, but give it your heart and soul.” – Mike Brcic

Takeaways

01:12 Aligning one's work, behaviors, and thoughts with one's core values and authentic self is crucial for finding fulfillment and meaning.

06:00 Setting arbitrary business goals without understanding their deeper personal significance can lead to a sense of emptiness, even if those goals are achieved.

09:42 Masterminds and peer groups can provide valuable new perspectives and help unlock one's own wisdom through thoughtful questioning, rather than just offering advice.

19:05 Regularly practicing stillness, meditation, and spending time in nature can help maintain alignment, reduce anxiety, and gain clarity on one's true path.

24:41 Committing fully to a mastermind or peer group, and contributing value, is key to getting the most benefit, rather than half-heartedly participating.

Resources

• Wayfinders: Life is full of adventures. Discover yours. 
• Mike Brcic on Facebook 
• Mike Brcic on LinkedIn 

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