Interview

1131: Rainmakers: Relationship Management, CRM, and AI to Transform Legal Business Development with Sales Expert Shavon Jones

For lawyers, entrepreneurs, and business professionals, building meaningful connections is critical for success. Especially in law, where trust and reputation are crucial, good relationship management can differentiate a successful practice from a failing one. So, the question is, how can lawyers, who are known for their analytical thinking and busy schedules, improve in this important skill?

Shavon Jones is an award-winning attorney with extensive experience in business development, and author of the book, 52 Sales Tips & How to Use Them. Shavon specializes in relationship management, CRM, and AI integration. Today, Shavon will talk about forming, nurturing, and deploying business relationships effectively. She will also discuss the importance of leveraging technology and AI to stay ahead in the legal profession.

Quotes

“If you position yourself well on LinkedIn and in legal organizations, people will come to you. The best relationships come from your natural interests and passions.” – Shavon Jones

"Find your personal True North and follow that because that's where your success and joy are going to lie." – Shavon Jones

“Be less combative and more solution-oriented; it's something that will lead to clients having a better view of us.” – Shavon Jones

Takeaways

03:03 Lawyers need to overcome discomfort with self-promotion and embrace business development strategies to grow their practices.

07:08 Centralizing and nurturing relationships through a CRM system is crucial for maintaining consistent business results.

12:53 Leveraging AI and technology can help lawyers stay ahead but requires careful consideration of ethical implications and maintaining a human touch.

23:09 Adopting a more solution-oriented, less combative mindset can improve client relationships and lead to better outcomes for lawyers.

28:57 Finding one's personal passion and purpose is key to achieving success and joy in business development.

Resources

• Sales for Lawyers: Convert Relationships into Revenues
• Shavon Jones on LinkedIn
• 52 Sales Tips & How to Use Them by Shavon Jones on Amazon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:15 — 43.1MB) | Embed

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1130: School of Podcasting: The Secret to Podcast Success with Podcast Consultant Dave Jackson

Growing a podcast and fostering a meaningful connection with listeners can be a challenging journey. It's natural to feel unsure about how to consistently deliver value and keep your audience engaged. Finding your unique voice, understanding what resonates with your listeners, and consistently delivering quality content are key to building a loyal audience. It takes time and experimentation to refine your approach and create content that genuinely connects with your audience.

Dave Jackson is the world's top podcasting educator, helping hundreds of podcasters solve the problem of growing and monetizing their shows, and author of the book, Profit from Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners into a Livelihood. As the founder of School of Podcasting, he has taught thousands how to consistently create engaging content, identify their target audience, and promote their podcast to build a loyal following. Today, Dave discusses how podcasters can build an audience through consistency, providing value to listeners, overcoming obstacles like self-doubt, and promoting their show through guest appearances and newsletters. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“You don't have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.” – Dave Jackson

"Just be yourself, put the information out there. It takes a little bit of time to get comfortable behind the mic." – Dave Jackson

“It's great to have a consistent schedule, because that leads to becoming part of the routine. But you also have to have consistency and value.” – Dave Jackson

Takeaways

03:00 Consistency and providing value are key to building a successful podcast audience.

03:41 Understanding your target audience and aligning your content with their needs is crucial for podcast growth.

17:59 Collecting positive feedback from listeners can help motivate you through challenging times in podcasting.

20:45 Focus on creating high-quality content first, before worrying about production value or technical details.

30:05 Actively promoting your podcast through guest appearances, newsletters, and encouraging listeners to share can significantly grow your audience.

Resources

• School of Podcasting: Plan. Launch. Grow.
• Dave Jackson on Facebook
• Dave Jackson on LinkedIn
• Profit from Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners into a Livelihood by Dave Jackson on Amazon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:42 — 54.7MB) | Embed

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1129: Pitch Perfect: Turn Technical Topics into Memorable Stories with Renowned Pitch Alchemist Donna Griffit

Do you struggle to come up with appealing tales and messaging for your startup? Discover the power of storytelling! Frequently, entrepreneurs prioritize technicalities over the emotional connection required to create significant outcomes. But with a simple structure, you could transform your dull risk assessments or sales figures into captivating storytelling that kept investors on the edge of their seats. 

Donna Griffit is a renowned corporate storyteller and pitch alchemist with over 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 organizations, startups, and investors in 30 countries, and author of the book, Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups. Donna specializes in helping entrepreneurs and businesses create effective presentations, pitches, and marketing materials that foster meaningful conversations and accomplish desired objectives. Donna will talk on the value of storytelling in business, including its ability to connect people and explain complicated ideas. She will also discuss taking cautious risks and controlling controllable elements. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to use it in a fruit salad. And I think that, at this point, if AI were making a fruit salad, it might include a tomato.” – Donna Griffit

"I'm a huge believer in frameworks, and my method for creating stories and pitch decks is very much a modular framework. It takes the guesswork out—it eliminates the "Where do I start?" and "What do I compile?" questions. I believe people work well with systems, whether they want to admit it or not." – Donna Griffit

“That's the power of optimism—it's about powering through and seeing the opportunity. To me, optimism is one of the biggest driving forces in the world.” – Donna Griffit

Takeaways

01:29 Storytelling is a powerful tool for making complex, technical information more relatable and engaging for audiences.

06:09 Using AI tools like ChatGPT can help streamline content creation, but maintaining human creativity and empathy is crucial.

08:41 Crafting a clear, structured framework for presentations, such as Donna's four-act approach, can help organize information and captivate the audience.

12:16 Investors are looking for founders who can explain their ideas clearly, show openness to feedback, and avoid argumentative behavior.

31:01 Embracing optimism and adaptability can help entrepreneurs navigate challenging times and find new opportunities.

Resources

• Donna Griffit: Get your Investor Pitch Deck Ready in Just 2 Hours!
• Donna Griffit on Facebook
• Donna Griffit on LinkedIn
• Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups by Donna Griffit on Amazon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:33 — 44.9MB) | Embed

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1128: Tree of Life Legacies: Explore Core Values and Personal Life Stories with Storytelling Expert April Bell

Podcasting is magic because it takes personal interest and makes it interesting to other people. Enthusiastic hosts make content that connects with their listeners, which helps them become loyal fans. But to keep the excitement going, they have to really care about their topic and stay true to the purpose and goals of their podcast.

April Bell is a storytelling expert and founder of Tree of Life Legacies, a project based in the San Francisco Bay Area that focuses on storytelling and wisdom keeping. She has also developed an iOS app called StoryCatcher, which helps individuals tell and preserve their personal stories, and author of the book, "My Life in Paragraphs: Find and Tell Your Stories." April is passionate about values-based storytelling and helps people explore their core values through their origin stories. Today, April shares insights on the importance of personal storytelling, the elements of a good story, and how to effectively share stories in both personal and professional settings. Listen to learn more!

Quotes

“Digital distractions can take us in many directions, but not all of them are productive.” – April Bell

"The secret sauce, in my opinion, of telling a good story is being vulnerable." – April Bell

“This whole thing with storytelling and sharing your wisdom—the things that seem obvious to you—are going to be amazing to others. You don't have to overthink it, and you don't have to reinvent the wheel. You already have all you need inside of you. It's just about getting the help and support to let that come out, shine a light on it in a way that makes you proud and comfortable in having done that.” – April Bell

Takeaways

01:12 Sharing personal experiences and core values through stories can inspire and engage others in both professional and personal settings.

05:22 Storytelling with authenticity and vulnerability can be a powerful marketing and branding tool to connect with audiences.

07:54 The process of finding and crafting meaningful stories takes practice but can lead to profound connections and impact.

20:14 Overcoming the fear of vulnerability and simply starting to share your stories can lead to unexpected benefits for both the storyteller and the audience.

22:18 Using tools can make the storytelling process more accessible and visually engaging.

Resources

• April Bell: Your Wisdom Lives Inside Your Stories
• Tree of Life Legacies: Storytelling with Heart
• April Bell on LinkedIn
• Your Story Unleashed: A course that puts your true value into words
• My Life in Paragraphs: Find and Tell Your Stories by April Bell on Amazon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:55 — 41.3MB) | Embed

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1127: Metranomic: Account-Based Marketing, Maximizing ROI, and Organizational Growth with Founder James Sandberg

Are you having trouble getting good leads using traditional digital marketing methods? Many people are frustrated because they feel like they are wasting their marketing budget with little to show for it. By focusing on broad, untargeted campaigns, companies are missing out on building strong relationships with their ideal customers. So instead, by concentrating on the right accounts that are ready to make a purchase, you can change your marketing strategy completely. Find out how to improve your sales and marketing performance. 

James Sandberg is the founder of Metranomic, a specialist B2B marketing consultancy that helps clients engage, convert, and retain target accounts through intent-driven Account Based Marketing strategies. Today, James discusses the importance of creating consistent, cyclical marketing systems rather than chasing the latest "bright, shiny object." He also shared his approach to personalizing outbound email campaigns and the key principles of Account Based Marketing, including the need for leadership buy-in and a phased implementation approach.

Quotes

“Digital distractions can take us in many directions, but not all of them are productive.” – James Sandberg

"Good B2B marketing—good targeting—that's the baseline. Marketing teams should really be looking at who they engage with more in the way that sales teams do. Have they got a qualified person that they're marketing to?" – James Sandberg

“What we often ask is that we have leadership sponsoring this. Because if it's not sponsored by leadership, and they're not driving the change through the team, it's very difficult to get it to stick.” – James Sandberg

Takeaways

01:56 Consistency and creating cyclical marketing systems are crucial for avoiding distractions and improving operational efficiency.

04:35 Personalized, value-driven outreach is more effective than generic, aggressive cold emails or LinkedIn messages.

17:58 Successful Account-Based Marketing requires deep research and personalization at the individual decision-maker level, not just the organizational level.

19:14 Measuring account engagement and identifying the most interested target accounts is key to optimizing an Account-Based Marketing strategy.

29:11 Account-Based Marketing is a targeted approach that can be highly effective for large-ticket B2B sales but requires buy-in from leadership and a phased implementation.

Resources

• Metranomic: Transform Marketing Effectiveness with Full Funnel ABM
• Metranomic on Facebook
• James Sandberg on LinkedIn

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:09 — 44.3MB) | Embed

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1126: Master Controlling Your Emotions, Be Responsible For Your Happiness, And Love Yourself with Transformative Coach Matt Traverso

Ever feel like life's throwing punches, and your emotions are just along for the ride? You might be tired, stressed, anxious – the whole package. And on top of that, maybe you feel you're falling short of your potential. But here's the surprising truth: the source of that stress, frustration, and unhappiness often lies not in what's happening around us but in how we think about it. The good news? We have the power to change the narrative. By taking control of our thoughts and perspectives, we can shape our emotional experiences. Take responsibility for your happiness, and be true to yourself. This is where the real transformation begins.

Matt Traverso is a transformative coach with over 25 years of experience. He works with CEOs, athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday people, helping them unlock their potential, own their power, master their emotions, and live their best lives. Today, Matt discusses his book "Unlock Your Potential," which focuses on developing a robust psychology to navigate life's challenges and turn them into beneficial experiences.

Quotes

“If we remind ourselves that it's just an illusion we're caught in, making us believe that the situation, environment, people, or circumstances are causing our stress, we'll see it's not true. It cannot be true because we don't even experience the world directly. It's always through the middleman, the intermediary, the filter—our thinking—that separates us from everything else.” – Matt Traverso

"Success is how well you enjoy the minutes. Once you become a master and an expert at enjoying the minutes, you know who you are, and you understand all emotions." – Matt Traverso

“We don't need to control what we are not afraid of.” – Matt Traverso

Takeaways

02:06 Emotional mastery, not control, is the key to navigating life's challenges and achieving happiness.

05:46 Taking personal responsibility for one's emotions and embracing one's true self are essential for personal growth and fulfillment.

14:23 Developing self-love and self-awareness can help eliminate inner conflict and unlock one's full potential.

34:10 Connecting with one's inner wisdom, intuition, and values can provide a compass for navigating life's journey.

35:08 Simplifying personal development techniques and finding a trusted guide can make them more actionable and impactful.

Resources

• Matt Traverso: Helping you unlock your full potential and live a fulfilling life.
• Matt Traverso on Facebook
• Matt Traverso on LinkedIn
• UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL: Own Your Power, Master Your Emotions, and Live Your Best Life Today by Matt Traverso on Amazon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:02 — 55.2MB) | Embed

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1125: Speaking Truth to Power: One Woman’s Battle Against a Broken System with Olive From S.H.O.R.E.: The Ultimate Descent

Taking a stance against injustice and corruption in a corporate environment involves courageously speaking out against unethical conduct, even when it means confronting potential risks. Advocating for fairness and equality in the workplace is a vital step toward fostering a culture of integrity and accountability. Despite the challenges, individuals who stand up for ethical principles contribute to creating a more just and equitable work environment for everyone.

Olive is the protagonist of Asma Jan Muhammad’s novel, S.H.O.R.E.: The Ultimate Descent. Today, she shares her story of facing discrimination, skepticism and hostility as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Yet through resilience and integrity, she chose to speak up against the corruption and greed eating away at her company. How far must one go to stand up for what's right, even when the odds are stacked against you? With the support of allies across gender lines, could one person truly make a difference in such a system? Stay tuned to find out!

Quotes

“I think the human mind is capable of great things, and honestly, anything is possible once we set our mind to it.” – Olive

"We shouldn't be afraid to speak up where we can. It's essential and should be followed." – Olive

“Do not give up and make sure you continue striving for what you want and not just what people bring your way.” – Olive

Takeaways

01:10 Integrity, resilience, and the support of allies are key to standing up against injustice and corruption in the workplace.

04:30 Fairness and hard work should be rewarded, regardless of gender, as one's work should speak for itself.

08:24 The power of one person to create positive change should never be underestimated, as each individual can make a difference.

12:23 Positivity, self-awareness, and finding comfort in one's personal life can help overcome the challenges of a demanding career.

14:07 Acknowledging and expressing gratitude towards mentors and friends who have supported one's journey is important.

Resources

S.H.O.R.E.: The Ultimate Descent by Asma Jan Muhammad on Amazon

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1124: Foster a Culture of Innovation, Accountability, and Excellence in Organization with CEO of Innovation Junkie Dr. Jeff Standridge

Leadership, strategic growth, and innovation - these are the keys to success for any organization. Effective leadership isn't just about telling people what to do, it's about guiding your team towards their goals and creating an environment where innovation and growth are encouraged. As for growth, we're not just talking about getting bigger, but strategic growth that's planned and sustainable with the innovation of products that can boost efficiency, effectiveness, and overall value.

Dr. Jeff Standridge is a recognized business leader, educator, author, and Founder of Innovation Junkie, a consultancy focused on strategic growth and innovation. With experience in corporate, academic, and entrepreneurial settings, he has authored best-selling books like "The Innovator's Field Guide" and "Creating Startup Junkies." Today, Jeff talks about the importance of creating a culture of excellence within organizations, the critical elements of effective leadership and accountability, and the role of innovation in driving strategic growth. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Leadership is the willingness to be held accountable for results and then to deliver on that responsibility no matter what the situation.” – Dr. Jeff Standridge

"The biggest place organizations get off track is they fall in love with their idea rather than the problem they're trying to solve." – Dr. Jeff Standridge

“Creating a culture of excellence involves strong leadership, clarity, engaged teammates, empowering communication, accountability, and agility.” – Dr. Jeff Standridge

Takeaways

00:42 Successful businesses require creating a scalable system, not just a job for the founder.

10:06 Effective leadership involves balancing results and relationships and being willing to hold oneself accountable.

17:18 Innovation and leadership are inseparable - leaders must constantly innovate to stay ahead.

18:25 Focusing on solving real problems, not just ideas, is key to successful innovation.

21:01 Building a "culture of excellence" with strong leadership, clarity, accountability, and agility is crucial for organizational success.

Resources

• Dr. Jeff Standridge: Innovation and Leadership are Inseparable
• Innovation Junkie: Generating Sustained Results Through Innovation, Leadership, Strategy, & Profit Growth
• Dr. Jeff Standridge on LinkedIn
• Dr. Jeff Standridge on Facebook
• Dr. Jeff Standridge's Published Books on Amazon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:36 — 36.7MB) | Embed

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1122: Manifest Success and Reach Full Potential through Quality Work, Consistent Marketing, and Mindset Shifts with Certified Manifestation Coach Jason Taylor

It's frustrating to feel stuck and see little progress despite trying new strategies for business growth. This could be a sign that it's time to reassess your approach and perhaps seek outside expertise. Sometimes, focusing on refining a few proven strategies and staying consistent can be more effective than constantly shifting gears.

Jason Taylor is a certified manifestation coach and expert in rearranging your mindset to attract abundance. Through his coaching, Jason helps entrepreneurs break through plateaus by shifting their internal frequency to receive higher-level ideas. With over 10 years of personal development experience and thousands of clients coached, he has a proven track record of helping people exponentially grow their businesses. Today, Jason talks about manifestation, overcoming mental barriers to attracting abundance, and how manifestation coaching can help people achieve bold financial goals through mindset shifts and consistent action steps. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“You can do it on your own, just like I did for the first 10 years, going through programs and reading 2,500 books, but it took me a long time.” – Jason Taylor

"If you're satisfied making $2,000 a month, there's probably not enough desire for change for you to manifest up here anyway." – Jason Taylor

“If you shift that mindset and thinking to, ‘Hey, if I'm making $25,000 a month, it's not a selfish thing. It's me being able to serve more. It's me giving more of myself.” – Jason Taylor

Takeaways

00:57 Manifestation is not about magic or shortcuts, but rather a process of rearranging one's mindset to a new frequency to attract desired outcomes.

04:16 Improving the quality and quantity of one's work and marketing efforts is crucial for increasing income and becoming harder to replace.

12:55 Overcoming mental barriers, such as doubts and limiting beliefs, and aligning one's intuition with a higher frequency are key to achieving success.

22:23 Setting clear, specific goals and creating a compelling vision board can provide the necessary pulling power to manifest one's dreams.

25:36 Hiring a manifestation coach can help individuals speed up their personal growth and success by providing accountability and guidance.

Resources

• Jason Taylor: A Certified Manifestation Coach Helping you manifest the life of YOUR dreams!
• Jason Taylor on Facebook
• Jason Taylor on LinkedIn

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:15 — 43.1MB) | Embed

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