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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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1091: Revitalize Your Life: Embrace Mindfulness, Cultivate Relationship-Centric Marketing, and Uncover the Science Behind Aging Backwards with Health Coach Peggy Sealfon

Do you feel like your vitality and well-being are fading with age? Longing to recapture that youthful vigor and appearance? It's natural to seek ways to prolong our vitality and enjoy life fully. Fortunately, advancements in anti-aging technology offer hope for a rejuvenated you!

Peggy Sealfon, a multifaceted health coach, author, podcast host of "Talk About Healthy Living", and entrepreneur, shares her first-hand experience of how anti-aging technology can turn back the hands of time and revitalize your health. Today, she will talk about the phototherapy and copper peptide-based innovations in anti-aging technology, how you can access these stem cell-activating solutions, strategies for cultivating positive influences, overcoming past limitations, and more!

Quotes

“Ask yourself: are you a plus in someone's life or a minus? That's an important determination to make for yourself. You want to focus on giving more and being a positive influence. Surround yourself with others who also bring positivity, so that together, you can grow and contribute to raising the tide of humanity, lifting everyone up.” – Peggy Sealfon

“If you're going through challenges, great, because the breakthrough is right around the corner. The light is just ahead. I believe adversity leads to breakthroughs.” – Peggy Sealfon

“Keep going. Just keep trying new things. If one direction isn’t right, switch to another. You never fail as long as you keep going.” – Peggy Sealfon

Takeaways

08:29 Maintaining an open, curious mindset and a willingness to try new things, even outside your comfort zone, is essential for continuous personal evolution.

10:20 Embracing a heart-centered, relationship-focused approach to business and personal growth can lead to greater success and fulfillment.

13:13 Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people who encourage your personal development is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving breakthroughs.

24:20 Leveraging emerging technologies, like phototherapy and stem cell activation, can have transformative effects on health, wellness, and the aging process.

29:58 Persistence, resilience, and a belief that "failure is not an option" are key mindsets for navigating life's ups and downs and achieving your goals.

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1090: Punctuation: Plan for Business Exits at Maximum Value, Navigate Valuation Challenges, and Achieve Financial Goals with M&A Advisor Jonathan Baker

Are you stuck running your marketing agency, uncertain about how to level up or when to step away? Are you overwhelmed by figuring out how much your business is worth and whether selling is right? Essential factors to consider when selling include your interest in running the business, its potential for growth, and what buyers are looking for. But before you make any decisions, you must go through several evaluations to ensure you get the best deal. That's where having an advisor comes in handy.

Jonathan Baker is the son of the father-son duo at Punctuation, a small advisory practice that works exclusively with small to mid-sized independent marketing services firms. Jonathan handles the mergers and acquisitions side of the business, which includes valuations, helping buyers find sellers, and then helping sellers find buyers. He also advises marketing firms on how to focus and grow their businesses. Today, Jonathan discusses the process of selling a marketing agency, including determining the right time to sell, the factors that contribute to a business's value, and the emotional and logistical considerations involved in the M&A process.

Quotes

“You never know what might happen. You may have multiple offers, but sometimes things fall apart during due diligence, financing doesn't work out, or unexpected events like a global pandemic occur. It's important to hope for the best but plan for the worst.” – Jonathan Baker

“We will always shoot straight with you. We are known for being brutally honest and will never force you into a deal we don't believe is right for you.” – Jonathan Baker

“Retirement is not an age; it's a number. It's a financial number you need to hit in order to do the things you want with your time. So, don't think of retirement as, ‘Oh, I have to wait until I'm 65.’ Think of it as, ‘What do I want to do with my time, and how much money do I need to get there?’” – Jonathan Baker

Takeaways

03:20 Determining the right time to sell a business involves predicting the future and understanding the owner's personal and financial goals, not just the business's current performance.

06:46 Conducting thorough due diligence on both the buyer and seller is crucial to ensuring a successful deal, as the two parties are effectively tying their financial futures together.

08:10 The process of selling a business can be emotionally and logistically challenging but working with an experienced M&A advisor can help navigate the complexities and provide support throughout the journey.

14:55 Having an outside advisor can provide valuable perspective and help business owners make the best decisions for their company, whether that involves selling, growing, or even shutting down the business.

21:53 Retirement should be viewed as a financial goal, not just an age, and business owners should consider how their business sales can help them achieve the lifestyle they desire in the next chapter of their lives.

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1089: 20 Years of Entrepreneurial Lessons on Marketing & Systems: Pro Tips to Develop and Scale Up Sustainable Business with CEO of Online Marketing Muscle Dean Mercado

Ever daydreamed about leaving your job and starting something of your own? Switching from a stable job to the unsure world of starting a business can feel like jumping into the unknown. You need to be strong, adaptable, and always eager to learn. However, the benefits of this jump are unmatched. Think about running a business that matches your beliefs and fires up your passion every day.

Dean Mercado is the Founder and CEO of Online Marketing Muscle, a well-respected small business coach and the number one best-selling author of "The Mind Stretch: 49 Inspiring Insights for Business Breakthroughs." Today, Dean shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including lessons he learned from his time in corporate America and the challenges he faced when starting his own business. He discusses the importance of finding freedom, overcoming one's ego, and building a business that can run without relying solely on the owner's efforts.

Quotes

“I learned a lot by understanding what not to do. I've become skilled at translating what big businesses do well, and if small businesses adopted some of those strategies, they'd improve significantly.” – Dean Mercado

“If you want to create a business you can retire on, build it as if you're going to sell it.” – Dean Mercado

“Raise your game in a significant way when it comes to marketing, because great marketing paves the way for easier sales. With so much clutter online, it's becoming harder to stand out.” – Dean Mercado

Takeaways

01:00 Entrepreneurship requires a clear understanding of one's goals and a willingness to evolve one's approach to achieve true freedom, whether that's financial or time-based.

09:50 Building a successful business involves leveraging systems, processes, and a team, rather than relying solely on the owner's efforts, in order to create a scalable and sustainable operation.

18:52 Continuously evolving one's mindset and approach is crucial for entrepreneurs to keep up with changing business landscapes, such as the rise of AI.

20:26 Surrounding oneself with the right mentors and advisors, rather than unqualified "experts," is crucial for an entrepreneur's growth and success.

25:04 Focusing on quality over quantity in marketing efforts, such as podcasting and social media, can help entrepreneurs cut through the online clutter and reach their target audience more effectively.

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1088: Decode Financial Mysteries and Prevent Business Fraud with CEO of Workman Forensics Leah Wietholter

Ever thought about what happens when a company finds money missing? No one wants this, but it happens a lot. Solving these money mysteries needs skill, a good eye for patterns, and knowledge of data analysis. Looking at financial records can be tough, especially when there's a risk of fraud. The story of money going where it shouldn't affect everyone, from the smallest new businesses to the biggest corporations.

Leah Wietholter is the CEO and founder of Workman Forensics, a forensic accounting firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Formerly with the FBI, Leah has developed a process called the "data sleuth" approach, which focuses on a data-driven, scalable method for conducting forensic accounting engagements and fraud investigations. Today, Leah discusses her passion for helping clients recover missing funds, determine if cases can be prosecuted criminally or civilly, and the importance of understanding intent when investigating potential fraud.

Quotes

“The difference between a mistake and fraud is intent. Someone might benefit from their actions, and it could have been a mistake.” – Leah Wietholter

“Because of our process, we're focused on the facts, not the stories people tell us. We're looking at the data.” – Leah Wietholter

“It's common to feel intimidated about accessing your financial information. However, you are entitled to it, and you can review it without informing anyone. Knowing what's going on in your company is important, and it never hurts.” – Leah Wietholter

Takeaways

06:45 Forensic accounting investigations require a balanced approach that considers both the logical and emotional aspects of a case, in order to uncover the truth and communicate findings effectively.

10:12 Developing a structured, data-driven process for conducting investigations can help forensic accountants break down complex problems, perform objective analysis, and present their findings in a clear and compelling way.

21:54 Proactive monitoring of financial information and being willing to investigate potential issues, even if they seem minor, can help business owners detect and address fraud or mismanagement before it escalates.

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1087: Leverage Communities, Prioritize Self-Care and Communicate Inclusively to Stay on Top of Constant Tech Changes with Founder of Creative Maven Heather Cook

Are you struggling to keep up with the constantly changing tech and marketing worlds? Are you overwhelmed by the abundance of available information and unsure where to focus your efforts? Worry no more! Many people feel the same, but they overcame this problem by strategically focusing their efforts on one particular area and getting help from the community. Take a step forward–thrive and survive in this fast-paced world!

Heather Cook is a principal product manager at Microsoft, working on building community for the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. With over 23 years of experience in the Microsoft space, Heather has worn many hats, including being a partner, customer, event producer, and marketer. Today, Heather discusses her passion for spreading joy and connecting people, as well as the various resources and platforms available within the Microsoft community to help people find solutions to their problems, such as the Microsoft Tech Community, forums, YouTube videos, and LinkedIn lives.

Quotes

“My why is spreading joy and connecting people. That's what gets me out of bed in the morning.” – Heather Cook

“Be impeccable with your word. Take nothing personally, make no assumptions, and always do your best.” – Heather Cook

“What you put out into the world will affect someone else. Someone else is having the same issues you are; we're all human and share similar challenges.”– Heather Cook

Takeaways

10:58 Focusing on one area of interest and becoming an expert in it is more effective than spreading your energy thinly across many things.

16:55 Prioritizing self-care, setting goals, and being open to learning and growing are crucial to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of information available.

18:30 Curiosity, empathy, and openness are essential in communication, particularly when discussing topics related to inclusivity and diversity.

24:05 Being impeccable with your words, not taking things personally, and always doing your best can help you overcome creative blocks and share your unique perspective.

24:33 Putting your ideas and content out into the world, even if you feel uncertain, can help others who may be struggling with the same issues.

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