Interview

1001: BizVA: Grow and Build Your Business Using Virtual Assistants with Chris McShanag

November 29, 2023

Business leadership directly influences how well a company performs for its clients. When leaders prioritize innovation, employee engagement, and strategic alignment, it improves client satisfaction and operational efficiency. Connecting leadership goals with operational objectives creates a relationship that boosts both business success and client happiness.

Christopher "Chris" McShanag is the President and CEO of Med VA, Biz VA, and My Ortho VA. He is a transformational leader with extensive experience in delivering successful business solutions through innovative and scalable virtual staffing solutions. Today, Chris discusses his passion for making a difference in the business community by helping doctors, dentists, and small to medium-sized businesses handle their staffing needs through the use of virtual assistants. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“My current focus and passion is making a difference in the business community by helping doctors, dentists, and businesses handle their staffing needs through virtual assistants.” – Chris McShanag

“About 20% of our clients are adding additional services every month, showing the demand and capability we can provide.” – Chris McShanag

“We leverage virtual assistants not just for phone calls, but for a wide range of tasks like email, social media, and bookkeeping to allow business owners to focus on growth.” – Chris McShanag

Takeaways

01:29 Virtual assistants can provide significant cost savings (up to $80,000 per year) and productivity increases (up to 50%) for medical and business clients.

06:12 The main obstacle for clients is overcoming the skepticism of using remote workers, but many clients end up adding additional services every month as they see the benefits.

13:22 Virtual assistants can be leveraged for a wide range of tasks beyond just phone answering, such as email management, social media, bookkeeping, and more, allowing business owners to focus on growth and strategy.

16:11 Proper onboarding and training of virtual assistants is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and high client retention rates.

19:43 Delegating tasks to a virtual assistant team can significantly improve work-life balance and enrich the lives of business owners and executives.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:59 — 34.5MB) | Embed

1000: Read This Or Die: Write Copy That Sells and Persuade Yourself to a Better Life with Ray Edwards

November 28, 2023

Are you going through a problem or a challenge and think there’s nothing you can do? When facing adversity, we have the tendency to lose hope in ourselves, break apart, and slowly fall into the darkness, especially if it’s something that may permanently affect our lives. If you are in this situation, remember that a problem always has a solution and that you can live a better life. Reading the book “Read This Or Die” will encourage and empower you that no matter how big the problems you face, you can survive them.

Ray Edwards is a leading expert on the art and business of copywriting, with nearly 40 years of experience. He is the host of the Ray Edwards Show, a popular podcast on business and marketing, and the author of the book "Read This or Die: Persuading Yourself to a Better Life.". Today, Ray shares his expertise on copywriting and his personal journey with Parkinson's disease. He discusses the importance of understanding customer pain points, the power of storytelling and reframing negative experiences, and how he used copywriting techniques to overcome his own struggles with the degenerative disease. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“My unique selling proposition is I teach people how to write the words that sell something.” – Ray Edwards

“The story of your life is not your life. It's just your story.” – Ray Edwards

“The last freedom man has is his ability to think about the circumstances he's in and change his own thoughts.” – Ray Edwards

Takeaways

06:40 Understand your customer's pain points and address them directly in your marketing, rather than focusing solely on the positive aspects of your product or service.

11:11 Reframing negative experiences through storytelling can help you find hope and meaning, even in the face of a degenerative disease like Parkinson's.

24:30 Using copywriting techniques to write a "sales letter" to yourself can be a powerful tool for personal growth and overcoming challenges.

28:07 Having faith in a higher power or a sense of purpose can provide hope and meaning, even in the darkest of circumstances.

32:10 Leading people to a good decision, rather than trying to change their minds through argumentation, is a more effective approach to persuasion and personal relationships.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:08 — 45.7MB) | Embed

999: Innovate and Futureproof AI Business Strategies with Bob Pellerin

November 27, 2023

AI business strategies involve the utilization of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance various aspects of a company's operations, from customer service and marketing to production and decision-making. By harnessing the power of AI, businesses can gain a competitive edge, making informed decisions, streamlining processes, and ultimately driving growth and innovation.

Bob Pellerin is an accomplished IT specialist renowned for his virtualization and artificial intelligence expertise. With a burgeoning YouTube channel boasting over 1.5 million views, Bob has cemented his status as a prominent figure in the tech world. In addition to his digital presence, he's an author of science fiction novels and a versatile writer, contributing articles across various domains, from IT and finance to the precious metal industry. Tune in as Bob shares his experience, insights, and knowledge about AI and utilizing it to make a successful business.

Quotes

“AI is more of a backend tool; people should not be aware that AI is there assisting them.” - Bob Pellerin

"AI should be integrated into as many things as we can get right now." - Bob Pellerin

“It all comes back to human planning: you need to understand what your product is and who your target audience is. At the end of the day, know what you're doing, and ensure that what you're offering or producing will solve a real problem. Aim for that, and make sure the AI also operates within that context.” - Bob Pellerin

Takeaways

19:33 AI should be integrated into various business processes to enhance efficiency and reduce risks like fake invoices or requests.

22:37 The future may see a need to rely on human workers from other countries to take over tasks if AI systems become too integrated and difficult to maintain.

23:29 The cost and resource requirements of widespread AI adoption need to be carefully considered, as it may not be a free or limitless resource.

28:47 Interpreting the context and intent behind AI interactions is crucial to prevent misunderstandings and unintended consequences.

30:12 AI can be a powerful tool, but it requires human planning, understanding of the target audience, and ensuring the AI stays within the intended context.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:23 — 43.3MB) | Embed

998: Qream: Develop Your Brand’s Identity with Bohdan Paladiichuk

November 26, 2023

Building your brand involves creating a website that looks good and communicates your message effectively. The design and aesthetics of your site play a crucial role in expressing your brand's personality and values, ensuring a strong and memorable connection with your audience. Combining web design, aesthetics, and messaging creates a unified brand identity that leaves a lasting impact.

Bohdan Paladiichuk is the CEO & Creative Director of Qream. Qream specializes in a comprehensive range of creative services, including branding, website design, UI/UX design, and product design. They believe that design is not just about creating beautiful images but, more importantly, about delivering a message in a visually compelling manner. Today, Bohdan will be talking more about what his company does and many other interesting topics so stay tuned!

Quotes

“Design itself is not just about beautiful images, it's about delivering the message in the visual way.” - Bohdan Paladiichuk

"You never learn something from winning. You always learn something from losing and going through the challenge." - Bohdan Paladiichuk

“Be yourself and amplify it. That's the best way to make it in the world.” - Bohdan Paladiichuk

Takeaways

01:02 Putting in the effort and care into design is what makes it impactful, not just creating beautiful visuals.

06:44 Overcoming challenges and failures is crucial for personal and professional growth.

11:10 Hiring passionate, overperforming team members who share your company's purpose is key to success.

16:21 Designing cohesive brand experiences that connect with customers' emotions is more important than just focusing on metrics.

20:23 Authenticity and a commitment to making a positive impact are valuable in choosing clients and partners.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:10 — 29.3MB) | Embed

997: Overcome the Odds with Scott A. McCreight

November 24, 2023

Against overwhelming odds, tenacity becomes the driving force for change. With determination, people can navigate through adversity, forging a path with perseverance. In the crucible of challenges, the human spirit, fueled by hope and courage, triumphs over even the most formidable obstacles, proving that resilience is the key to overcoming adversity.

Scott McCreight is the Senior Program Manager at Gainwell Technologies and Author of the book 'Overcoming Insurmountable Odds: How I Rewired My Brain to Do the Impossible.' Scott takes us on a remarkable journey in this book, detailing his transformation from a shy, underdeveloped kid with cerebral palsy to a confident engineer, extreme athlete, and bodybuilder. Today Scott will delve into his life secrets, exploring topics ranging from achieving one's best self to productivity, happiness, and beyond. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Two principles I live by are to always keep learning and to never stop. If we allow complacency to set in, we get lazy, and unwanted things start to happen.” - Scott A. McCreight

"Our brain is always learning, whether we're asleep or awake. I like to think of dreaming as ‘defragging your hard drive,’ so to speak." - Scott A. McCreight

“Perfect practice makes perfect. Not practice makes perfect.” - Scott A. McCreight

Takeaways

00:53 Overcoming limitations and achieving potential requires a systematic approach, not just random effort.

16:55 Leveraging the brain's neuroplasticity and forming a "brain-muscle alliance" can help unlock one's true potential.

34:30 Surrounding yourself with a supportive community and learning from others is crucial for success.

43:38 Embracing failures and unexpected challenges as opportunities for growth is key to overcoming insurmountable odds.

52:28 Maintaining a positive mindset and not letting complacency set in is essential for continuous improvement.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:33 — 73.7MB) | Embed

996: Leduc Entertainment: Transform Your Business’ Online Presence Through Social Marketing with Armando Leduc

November 22, 2023

Harnessing the power of social media for marketing can significantly boost your business by expanding brand visibility and reaching a broader audience. Engaging content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter not only enhances customer interaction but also cultivates a loyal online community. Utilizing targeted ads and strategic campaigns on social platforms allows businesses to connect with potential customers, build brand authority, and ultimately drive sales growth.

Armando Leduc is the Social Marketing King and host of Spaghetti on the Wall Podcast. Specializing in lead generation, client acquisition, and revenue growth, Armando transforms your online presence. With a focus on social media content, he crafts strategies to make you shine, positioning you as an expert in your field. Today, Armando will discuss how you can elevate your brand across platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Why not treat your life like a symphony, with the different aspects working together in harmony?” - Armando Leduc

"Your personal journey and who you are as a person define who you are as a business. Why you started your business reflects who you are, and your business is an extension of you." - Armando Leduc

“All you have is right now. Start enjoying your life—live in the game, not in the gap.” - Armando Leduc

Takeaways

02:48 Aligning your personal and business brand on social media can help you attract the right clients and build a successful business.

07:33 Focusing on helping and inspiring others, rather than just personal branding, can lead to more authentic and effective content creation.

10:25 Understanding your personality type and working style can help you identify the right team members to support your content creation efforts.

17:53 Consistency and a long-term mindset are key to building a successful podcast that can generate significant business opportunities.

23:28 Being kinder to yourself and living in the present moment can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious life.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:18 — 34.9MB) | Embed

995: Kuware: Thrive as a Local Service Business with Avi Kumar

November 20, 2023

Do you have a local business? Do you want it to grow? Perhaps you are struggling to keep your business floating since customers don’t always come. If you don’t take action, nothing will happen to develop your business. As such, begin to level up your local service business through ads. Put your business out there, let the people find you, and provide service to your customers. Additionally, with the help of Kuware, setting up your digital marketing strategy will now be more suitable for your optimal growth.

Avi Kumar is the CEO of Kuware, a company helping local service businesses and the agencies that serve them create and implement science-based marketing strategies. They specialize in digital marketing unique to your market and budget. In today’s episode, Avi shares his knowledge about utilizing digital marketing to enhance the growth of local service businesses, SEO strategies, business growth through acquisition and synergy, and finding the right mentor.

Quotes

“As you grow, your margins need to grow too. If your margins don’t increase as you scale, you won’t have the funds to support that growth. Competition intensifies, and the pool of opportunities becomes harder to capture since there are only so many searches happening at any given time.” - Avi Kumar

"Websites aren’t ideal for paid ads—you need a dedicated landing page where visitors have a focused experience and can’t easily navigate away." - Avi Kumar

“Instead of seeking an aspirational mentor, try finding more pragmatic mentors who are only a few steps ahead of you, rather than someone who’s 100 steps ahead. You can get so much farther that way.” - Avi Kumar

Takeaways

00:37 Efficient ad spending is crucial for local service businesses, as they require a high margin to spend money on ads.

03:25 Optimizing Google ads for local businesses can deliver leads within a set budget, but the cost per lead will increase as the business grows.

10:06 Focusing on landing pages over websites can significantly improve conversion rates for local service businesses.

15:34 Understanding the margins and ad performance of a local service business is key to making informed marketing decisions.

18:09 Acquiring and integrating synergistic businesses can lead to additional value and growth.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:54 — 37.1MB) | Embed

994: SellCord and Engaging: Sell E-Commerce on Amazon and Walmart with Michael Lebhar

November 17, 2023

E-commerce and optimization strategies go hand in hand in the digital marketplace. To succeed in the highly competitive world of online retail, businesses must continuously refine their approach. A well-executed optimization strategy is crucial for attracting customers, boosting sales, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce.

Michael Lebhar is the CMO, co-founder of Engaging.ai, and the CEO of SellCord. Michael launched his Amazon business at 16 with a $500 investment, eventually achieving seven-figure annual sales. He realized that while Amazon is a game-changing platform for brand discovery, many sellers lack the necessary infrastructure for long-term success. Today, Michael will delve into his insights on optimizing e-commerce strategies for sustainable growth and success in the digital marketplace. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“The only company that could potentially be a real contender to Amazon is Walmart. They have the money to do it, and they're investing in making it happen.” - Michael Lebhar

"Walmart Marketplace could be a good channel for brands. Based on that, there are different ways brands may want to approach selling on the marketplace and deciding how to go about it." - Michael Lebhar

“There's so much to do, and if you really put in the focus, put your head down, and outwork everybody, it's going to pay off. It starts piling up and multiplying.” - Michael Lebhar

Takeaways

01:52 Walmart's marketplace offers significant opportunities for brands, but requires a tailored approach compared to other platforms like Amazon.

02:58 Walmart is investing heavily in its ecommerce platform and has the potential to be a major competitor to Amazon.

11:26 Optimizing listings and leveraging Walmart's provided tools and resources is crucial for success on their platform.

15:40 Building strong relationships and partnerships can be a key driver of growth and scaling for ecommerce businesses.

19:30 Thinking creatively and being willing to put in extensive effort are important entrepreneurial traits for success.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:43 — 28.6MB) | Embed

993: Awarity: Transform the Advertising Game through Awarity with Aditya Varanasi

November 15, 2023

Move beyond the misconception that successful marketing equals immediate results. Effective advertising is a journey, planting seeds of influence and guiding customers from awareness to purchase. The key lies in simplicity, meeting customers where they are, being patient in nurturing relationships, and ensuring that the creative message resonates and leads to long-term growth.

Aditya Varanasi is the CEO and Founder of Awarity, a platform that disrupts the advertising industry by making world-class marketing more affordable and sustainable for up-and-coming companies. Listen as Aditya discusses the innovative strategies and transformative potential of Awarity, as well as the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and the power of cost-effective marketing solutions for emerging businesses. Don't miss this knowledgeable episode!

Quotes

“Advertising is all about human influence. But it's not just about pushing someone to do something; it's about presenting the right people with a proposition that brings them value in some shape or form.” - Aditya Varanasi

"If it was as easy as turning on a switch and then growing your business, everyone would be able to use it to grow. There are a whole host of factors that ultimately lead to a purchase." - Aditya Varanasi

“The greatest thing about capitalism is that you can make one plus one equal three, or one plus one equal eleven. The way we try to embody that is by setting up win-wins.” - Aditya Varanasi

Takeaways

14:38 Patience and persistence are key in marketing and advertising - success is not achieved overnight. Simplifying marketing strategies and focusing on building awareness and relationships with customers is more effective than trying to convey too much information upfront.

16:43 Embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship and seeking support networks can help overcome mental health hurdles.

21:13 Businesses with a proven sales process can benefit from Awarity's marketing services to expand their customer base affordably.

23:51 Adopting a growth abundance mindset and creating win-win situations is crucial for long-term business success.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:30 — 35.2MB) | Embed

992: Sphere Rocket Virtual Assistants: Boost Efficiency and Productivity Using Real Estate VA’s with Justin Nelson

November 13, 2023

As the industry evolves, embracing virtual assistants has proven to be a strategic move that improves productivity and enhances the overall customer experience in the highly competitive world of real estate.

Justin Nelson is the Entrepreneur, Leader, and CEO of Sphere Rocket VA, a platform dedicated to helping all industries learn and harness the power of a virtual assistant from start to finish. Tune in as Justin shares his insights on effectively integrating virtual assistants into your business, maximizing their potential, and achieving newfound levels of productivity and efficiency.

Quotes

“Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. When you increase the amount of communication, it just reveals these problems ahead of time.” - Justin Nelson

"The world has really shortened its gap, where I can invite my virtual assistant to jump on here, and there's no more gap." - Justin Nelson

“There’s no such thing as business problems, only personal problems that affect your business.” - Justin Nelson

Takeaways

03:49 Capitalizing on virtual assistants can help real estate agents overcome the challenges of success and regain their time and organization.

09:07 Consistent communication and customer service, even through simple monthly check-in calls, can significantly improve tenant/client satisfaction and uncover issues early.

14:35 Mapping out the client journey and delegating repetitive tasks to virtual assistants can increase overall productivity and lead generation.

22:04 Hiring virtual assistants can be a low-risk way to experiment with gaining leverage and addressing personal issues that affect the business.

25:16 There are no "business problems," only personal problems that impact the business, which is why addressing one's own mindset and confidence is crucial for success.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:59 — 37.2MB) | Embed

Interview

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Quotes

Takeaways

Resources

Done For You Podcasting

Signup for Free Report

About Robert & The Podcast

Recent Posts

Income Machine

Bestselling Books

Categories

Archives