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1086: Elevate Client-Agency Partnerships, Benchmark Brands and Lessons in Purpose-Driven Marketing from Veteran CEO of Laughlin Constable Anthony Romano
Are you struggling to keep up with the constantly changing marketing landscape? Do you feel like your brand is becoming irrelevant as consumer needs evolve more rapidly than ever before? In today's world, where purpose and emotional connection lead people, you must stop, think, and evaluate whether your brand is truly making an impact on a personal level. Only the brands that can connect with their customers will dominate their respective industries.
Anthony Romano is the CEO of the Midwest advertising agency, Laughlin Constable, which partners with clients like Northwestern Medicine, True Value, Masterlock, Vienna Beef, ASPCA, and more. Today, Anthony shares his current focus and passion, which includes discussing personal experience brands (PSBs) and the importance of making marketing personal to connect with consumers on a deep level. He also talks about the "Seven Commandments" for building and leveraging great client-agency relationships, as well as his thoughts on the future of AI in marketing.
Quotes
“If you're not making it personal, you're making yourself obsolete.” – Anthony Romano
“Leaning into innovation and bravery definitely pays off in significant ways.” – Anthony Romano
“Never be afraid to fall down. Consider the people you've worked with over your career. Those who are fearless, or appear fearless, and approach their job fearlessly are the ones who always get the most out of their job and impress me the most. So, fail hard.”– Anthony Romano
Takeaways
02:31 Brands that create deep personal connections with consumers through emotional, intuitive, and anticipatory experiences are more successful and relevant in the long-term.
04:32 Developing a clear brand purpose, being human-centered, culturally connected, and dynamically adapting are critical factors for building a strong "personal experience brand."
19:42 Successful client-agency relationships require versatile marketing teams on the client side, blurred lines between client and agency roles, reciprocal adaptability, transparency, and a shared sense of accountability.
29:46 AI is currently being used by agencies as an enabler to enhance and accelerate their work, rather than replace human roles, though this may change over time.
38:41 Embracing failure and being brave in marketing efforts, even during economic fluctuations, is key advice for achieving success.
Resources
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1085: The $250,000 Blueprint for Insurance Growth: Conquer Fear to Become an Insurance Superstar with Complete Game Consulting Founder Andy Neary
What does it take for insurance firms to distinguish themselves amidst fierce competition? Strategically navigating market trends and adapting to evolving consumer needs, companies can help cultivate a distinct brand identity. Through different strategies, insurers can effectively position themselves as leaders in an ever-changing industry landscape.
Andy Neary is the Founder & Marketing Consultant of Complete Game Consulting and an insurance industry expert on a mission to help 25,000 agents reach their full potential. Through his consulting firm, he teaches insurance professionals how to build personal brands, develop effective marketing strategies, and embrace sales skills to grow their businesses. Today, Andy talks about overcoming the challenges of standing out in the insurance industry, including the importance of personal branding, embracing sales strategies, and developing marketing and sales systems to attract and convert ideal prospects.
Quotes
“If you're going to be an entrepreneur, you better work on your sales skills. Because if you are growing your own business, the only way it's going to grow is if you tell a lot of people that you can help them.” – Andy Neary
“What lights me up is helping somebody who knows they're not reaching their full potential right now. They know what they're capable of, all they're missing is clarity.” – Andy Neary
“If you focus on impact over income, you will make more money than you could possibly ever dream of.”– Andy Neary
Takeaways
03:18 Developing a clear understanding of your ideal prospects and strategically reaching them through various marketing channels, rather than relying solely on cold calls, is key to building a thriving business.
05:39 Overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there and embracing personal branding is crucial for success in a noisy industry like insurance.
14:47 Patience, consistency, and a willingness to invest in personal development and accountability are essential traits for successful entrepreneurs.
17:11 Doubling down on your goals and investing in yourself, even during challenging times, can be a transformative strategy for entrepreneurs.
22:15 Creating content with the goal of delivering value and impact, rather than just focusing on income, can lead to greater business success.
Resources
- Complete Game Consulting: Unlock your potential in your insurance career
- Andy Neary: Master the daily habits, time management skills, and personal brand required to excel in business and life.
- Andy Neary on LinkedIn
- Bullpen Sessions: A Podcast For Insurance Professionals Driven To Reach Their Full Potential with Andy Neary on Apple Podcasts
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1084: Drive 7 Figures Through Customer-Centric Copywriting and Master Email Marketing Basics with Conversion Copywriter Expert and Copy Coach Monica Badiu
In the digital era, where inboxes are battlegrounds for attention, email marketing is key for companies to connect with their audience. This method of marketing is not just about promoting products or services; it's an art and a science, blending compelling copywriting with an understanding of consumer behavior. Good email marketing is about respecting your audience, giving them useful information, and interacting with them beyond just selling them things.
Monica Badiu is a customer-centric email copywriter & copy coach with over 14 years of experience. She focuses on consumer behavior and ethical marketing strategies, aiming to educate audiences through her copywriting rather than relying on manipulative tactics. Today, Monica discusses the importance of treating your audience as human beings, not just numbers, by understanding their specific pain points and problems. She emphasizes the value of delivering value through email marketing and copywriting, rather than just trying to make a sale, and shares strategies for tackling objections and negative perceptions about a brand to build trust and credibility.
Quotes
“Treat your audience as human beings. That's the simplest way to explain it, as many people treat their audience as just numbers.” – Monica Badiu
“I'm not selling the product; I'm selling their commitment to achieving their goal.” – Monica Badiu
“If you want someone to trust you, demonstrate that you understand their current situation—their problems, opportunities, and obstacles. Discussing these makes your emails so relevant that your audience won't be able to resist them.”– Monica Badiu
Takeaways
04:22 Treat your audience as human beings, not just numbers, by understanding their specific pain points, problems, and context.
12:23 Take the time to truly understand your target audience, their needs, and the problems you are solving for them.
15:13 Focus on delivering value through your email marketing and copywriting, rather than just trying to make a sale.
17:10 Build "trustworthiness capital" over time through consistent, valuable email communication before relying on discounts or sales tactics.
19:46 Tackle objections and negative perceptions about your brand head-on, rather than avoiding them, to build trust and credibility.
Resources
- Monica Badiu: I Help Course Creators Enroll Students Through Customer-Centric Email Marketing
- Monica Badiu on LinkedIn
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1083: Earn More, Stress Less: Short-Term Rental Strategies, Overcome Barriers, and Data-Driven Investing with CEO of Vrolio Jeramie Worley
The growth of the sharing economy has changed the way we travel, live, and invest, especially in real estate. One key area is the short-term rental market, which has expanded a lot with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. This growing industry has created new paths for real estate investors and agents, providing access to money-making and investment chances that were once hard to get.
Jeramie Worley is a real estate expert and CEO of Vrolio, a data platform for the short and mid-term rental industry. With over 17 years of experience in the short-term rental space, Jeramie has brokered over $1 billion in short-term rental transactions. He is also the author of "Myths, Management and Mastery of Vacation Rentals" and host of the "Cocktails and Dreams Real Estate Podcast". Today, Jeramie shares insights on getting started in short-term rental investing. He discusses how short-term rentals can serve as a lower-risk gateway into real estate investing compared to other options. Jeremy also highlights mistakes people make in their vacation rentals and emphasized the importance of customer service.
Quotes
“The general who makes many calculations before battle will have many victories.” – Jeramie Worley
“Everybody wants to give you their opinion, and sometimes it doesn’t feel good. But I’ve stopped worrying so much about what an individual person says. Instead, I’m focusing on the people I haven’t met yet and how I can serve them at the highest level.” – Jeramie Worley
“I’m focused on people who want to do more with their lives, who feel like they've been underserved or overlooked by the world, but believe they have something special to offer. I’ll help them bring that out and become the salt and light they need to make an impact on the world. We only get one go-round, so you might as well have the resources to make it count.”– Jeramie Worley
Takeaways
01:57 Short-term rentals can serve as a lower-risk gateway into real estate investing compared to other options like flipping or commercial properties.
18:00 Establishing your own brand and booking platform separate from major platforms like Airbnb can help short-term rental owners maintain control and build a loyal customer base. This insulates them from changes in the industry.
18:34 Providing excellent customer service and building a personal relationship with guests is crucial for success in the short-term rental business.
27:03 Data-driven decision-making is becoming increasingly important in the short-term rental space.
33:24 Focusing on serving the next 500 potential customers, rather than worrying about individual opinions, can help short-term rental operators maintain a positive, productive mindset and maximize their impact.
Resources
- Vrolio: Your Short Term Rental Investing Easy Button
- Vrolio on Facebook
- Jeramie Worley on LinkedIn
- Myths, Management & Mastery of Vacation Rentals by Jeramie Worley on Amazon
- Cocktails & Dreams Real Estate Podcast hosted by Jeramie Worley on Apple Podcasts
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:03 — 48.3MB) | Embed
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1082: Develop Connections, Contacts, Relationships, and Partnerships: Generational Wealth and Social Innovation with CEO of Diamond Lake Minerals Brian J. Esposito
Entrepreneurship goes beyond just earning profits. It’s about building real value that benefits customers, supports employees, and uplifts the community. Entrepreneurs lead the way in business, innovation, and making a positive difference in society. They solve problems, improve lives, and work towards a better world.
Brian J. Esposito is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Diamond Lake Minerals Inc. With over 20 years of experience building companies globally across 25 unique industries, Brian has been ranked among the top 10 CEOs in the world. He is also the founder of Esposito Intellectual Enterprises, which consists of over 110 entities. Today, Brian discusses his passion for creating value and win-win opportunities for all parties involved. He talks about democratizing access to capital through technologies like blockchain and security tokens and revolutionizing the future of public companies and stocks with Diamond Lake Minerals' new structure. Brian also shares his views on positive social impact, self-awareness, overcoming challenges, and advice for entrepreneurs.
Quotes
“For me, it’s about being self-aware, staying consistent, and trying my best each day to wake up a little smarter and wiser than the day before. If you keep doing that, I believe you start to evolve and begin to see life much more clearly.” – Brian J. Esposito
“If you have any angst, nervousness, or feel unsettled during your day, and it's not coming from within but being triggered by others, you need to identify that and cut it out like a cancer.” – Brian J. Esposito
“Anybody can be an overnight success if you wake up the next day a little smarter, wiser, and stronger than you were the day before.”– Brian J. Esposito
Takeaways
08:11 Prioritizing positive social impact and creating win-win opportunities is crucial in business, alongside financial success.
12:11 Structuring public companies with a strong balance sheet, loyal shareholder base, and focus on generational wealth creation can revolutionize traditional finance.
16:21 Developing self-awareness, cutting out toxic relationships, and overcoming challenges are essential for personal and professional growth.
24:35 Entrepreneurs should create two distinct inner circles - one for personal relationships and one for professional connections - to manage information sharing effectively.
29:25 Consistency, continuous learning, and a resilient mindset are the keys to achieving "overnight success" as an entrepreneur.
Resources
- Diamond Lake Minerals: Bridging Traditional Finance and a Digital Tomorrow
- Brian J. Esposito on LinkedIn
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1081: Nearbound: Expertise to Influence Through LinkedIn Personal Branding and Social Selling with NearPoint Strategies Founder Natasha Walstra
LinkedIn is your new best friend when it comes to professional growth and shaping your image. It's like a vibrant gathering spot where you can flaunt your skills, make meaningful connections with other professionals, and discover exciting new opportunities. Think of it as more than just an online resume - it's a platform for interactions that could be the game-changer in your career; you never know when a potential employer might stumble upon your profile and be impressed by your achievements.
Natasha Walstra is the founder and CEO of NearPoint Strategies. She is an expert in personal branding and social selling strategy and helps entrepreneurs and sales professionals increase revenue through LinkedIn, personal branding, and social selling strategy. Today, Natasha shares her insights on the importance of personal branding in the modern business landscape, emphasizing the need for professionals to establish a strong online presence and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to differentiate themselves, build relationships, and drive business growth.
Quotes
“The future of business is near-bound, actually bringing it back to how it used to be by moving away from some of the automation, the robots, and the chatbots. It’s about human-to-human conversations and focusing on relationships.” – Natasha Walstra
“You want to be asking yourself, ‘Am I being productive, or just active?’ while spending time on LinkedIn. If you're just being active and scrolling, you’re not going to get anything out of it.” – Natasha Walstra
“Content doesn’t get you conversations; conversations get you content.”– Natasha Walstra
Takeaways
00:10 Personal branding is no longer optional - it is essential for business growth and visibility as a leader.
10:58 Leveraging LinkedIn effectively requires intentional, productive activity, not just mindless scrolling.
13:49 Aligning your personal branding efforts with your overall business goals is crucial.
16:50 Building genuine relationships through conversations, not just automated pitches, is the key to successful social selling on LinkedIn.
28:35 Content creation should be informed by real client conversations and pain points, not just produced in a vacuum.
Resources
- NearPoint Strategies: High-Integrity Social Selling on LinkedIn for Business Owners and Sales Teams Website
- Natasha Walstra on LinkedIn
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1080: Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Strategies for Organizational Wellness with Founder of Sixth Gear Consulting Dr. Anthony Simmons
Are you frustrated by the lack of engagement in your workplace? Feeling like leadership is lacking direction and inspiration? Many organizations struggle with disconnected cultures, unclear strategies, and unfulfilled employees. But it doesn't have to be this way. There are frameworks you can follow for building high-trust, high-performing teams. By developing self-awareness, empowering individuals, and unlocking their potential, you can transform your organization toward success.
Dr. Anthony Simmons is the President and Founder of Sixth Gear Consulting and the author of the book, “Championing Organization Wellness.” He is also a retired Navy captain with an impressive 28-year career as a surface warfare officer. Nowadays, Dr. Simmons focuses on connecting people, building trust in the workplace, and sharing his expertise on human resource strategies, emotional intelligence, and his unique approach to inspiring and empowering individuals. Today, Dr. Simmons discusses his passion for helping organizations appreciate and connect their people through his "Champion of Organizational Wellness" model. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, cultural understanding, and continuous learning to overcome challenges and create high-performing teams.
Quotes
“Responsibility, accountability, loyalty, and trust are key. It's just as important for you to trust me as it is for me to trust you.” – Dr. Anthony Simmons
“The art of success is human; the science of success is technology.” – Dr. Anthony Simmons
“No matter how much superficial stuff you add, it won't help if you magnify what you don't like. You have to love yourself.”– Dr. Anthony Simmons
Takeaways
00:57 Developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership and building trust in organizations.
04:28 Continuous learning, coaching, and empowering individuals are essential for sustainable organizational wellness.
06:13 Navigating cultural differences and meeting people halfway is key to connecting and inspiring teams.
17:04 Integrating people skills and technology is vital for achieving success in today's fast-paced, complex business environment.
21:43 Resilience, authenticity, and a focus on the bigger picture can help leaders overcome challenges and setbacks.
Resources
- Sixth Gear Consulting: Coaching Leaders on SERVANTSHIP!
- Dr. Anthony Simmons on LinkedIn
- Championing Organization Wellness by Dr. Anthony Simmons on Amazon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:32 — 32.5MB) | Embed
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1079: Unpack the Sexy Future of Warehousing with Founder and Host of The Warehouse Podcast Kevin Lawton
Curious about how technology will revolutionize warehousing in the future? With innovations such as automation, robotics, and advanced analytics, warehouses are becoming more efficient and adaptable than ever before. Embracing these advancements promises to streamline operations, increase productivity, and meet the growing demands of modern logistics. That’s why our guest believes that Warehouses are Sexy!
Kevin Lawton is a passionate advocate for the warehouse industry. As the founder and host of The New Warehouse podcast for over 5 years, he creates awareness of the latest innovations in warehousing technology, automation, and logistics. Today, Kevin talks about the latest innovations and technologies transforming warehouses, including automation, AI, robotics, data analytics, and how these advancements have enabled next-day delivery and complex logistics operations.
Quotes
“We've come a long way within the industry. There's so much technology involved.” – Kevin Lawton
“Creating a workplace where employees feel valued, invested in, and supported in their productivity can foster a win-win scenario for attracting and retaining staff.” – Kevin Lawton
“Be curious and don't be afraid to ask why.”– Kevin Lawton
Takeaways
01:50 Warehouses have undergone a technological revolution, with advancements in automation, AI, robotics, and data analytics enabling complex logistics and fast delivery.
09:23 Retaining warehouse workers is a significant challenge, requiring companies to create engaging work environments, invest in employee development, and leverage technology to make jobs easier.
22:26 Podcasting can be an effective way to share industry knowledge, build relationships, and uncover unique insights.
30:21 Innovative solutions like micro-fulfillment centers are emerging, leveraging smaller urban spaces and predictive analytics to enable same-day and two-hour delivery.
39:52 Maintaining curiosity and a willingness to ask "why" can lead to increased knowledge and education, helping professionals in any industry stay ahead of the curve.
Resources
- The New Warehouse: Your source for insights and ideas from the distribution, transportation and logistics industry.
- Support the Warehouses Are Sexy Podcast by purchasing their exclusive merchandise!
- Kevin Lawton on LinkedIn
- Kevin Lawton on Facebook
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1078: Stress Mastery for Peak Performance with Founder of Paradigms & Perspectives Media Joe A. Simmons
Ever wondered if reducing stress could be the key to unlocking your path to success? Reducing stress is not just about feeling better; it's about unlocking your pathway to success. Managing stress effectively can help boost productivity, enhance focus, and achieve your goals with greater ease. Embracing stress reduction techniques empowers you to navigate challenges confidently and create a more fulfilling life.
Joe A. Simmons is a creative producer, scriptwriter, and podcast host for Paradigms & Perspectives Media. He is also the author of the book “MAD Money.” Joe helps busy professionals achieve more success with less stress. With over 20 years of experience, he has developed a unique framework to help individuals overcome stress and fulfill their goals. Today, Joe identifies common reasons goals go unfulfilled such as entitlement, impatience, and stress, and emphasizes the importance of competency over compensation through developing specialized knowledge and skills.
Quotes
“Competency comes before compensation.” – Joe A. Simmons
“People are rewarded in public for what they practice in private.” – Joe A. Simmons
“Business is just solving problems, wants or needs for profit.”– Joe A. Simmons
Takeaways
02:41 Competency comes before compensation. Developing specialized knowledge and skills is key to achieving success and higher earnings.
16:56 Effective communication requires clarity, building rapport, and active listening - not just verbal delivery.
18:29 Branding is about establishing your values and identity, which then enables more effective marketing and networking.
25:04 Relationships and reciprocity are essential in business - solving problems and meeting needs for mutual benefit.
32:57 Practicing discipline and hard work in private will lead to being rewarded in public.
Resources
- MAD Money: 12 Foundational Principles To Make More Money In Half The Time With Half The Stress by Joe A. Simmons on Amazon
- Paradigms & Perspectives Podcast on Spotify
- Joe A. Simmons on LinkedIn
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1077: Pain to Purpose and Your Destiny with Real Estate Agent, Published Author, Speaker, Actress and Film Producer Danielle Forbes
Maybe you're still learning the ropes of marketing or struggling to find time to pursue your passions amidst life's demands. Remember, it's okay to learn as you go, and it's okay to ask for help. Think about your challenges. Are they really roadblocks or just detours? It's about having faith in your abilities and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Danielle Forbes, a Real Estate Agent, Published Author, Speaker, Actress, and Film Producer. With a focus on pursuing her passions despite obstacles, she embodies resilience and determination. Today, Danielle discusses her journey as an author and filmmaker, the challenges she faced in funding and marketing her projects, her strategies for overcoming obstacles, and much more, so stay tuned!
Quotes
“I faced many forms of adversity, but none of them stopped me from being all that God has created me to be.” – Danielle Forbes
“Waking up is half the battle. It's God giving you another opportunity to step into your purpose and His perfect will for your life. Having breath in my body is what makes me tick and keeps me going.” – Danielle Forbes
“Your Creator has placed a greater purpose in us. Whether you're doing it or thinking about it, go for it. Go forth. Don't be afraid. Be afraid to dream small, not big.”– Danielle Forbes
Takeaways
01:17 Pursuing multiple passions and dreams simultaneously is possible with faith, flexibility, and perseverance.
09:38 Turning a book into a successful film adaptation requires networking, securing the right funding and distribution, and a willingness to adapt to challenges.
16:25 Maintaining a positive, faith-driven mindset can help overcome adversity and empower individuals to achieve their full potential.
19:04 Effective marketing and promotion are crucial for the success of creative projects, and it's an ongoing process that requires research, expert assistance, and a strategic approach.
26:03 Continuously building upon initial successes, such as a book or film, by creating sequels, spin-offs, and related content can help sustain and grow an audience.
Resources
- Danielle Forbes on Facebook
- Danielle Forbes on LinkedIn
- Destiny: A Love Story Gone Terribly Wrong by Danielle Forbes on Amazon
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