The Influential Personal Brand Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rory & AJ Vaden
Build and monetize your personal brand. This show is full of some of the best marketing tips for (aspiring) influencers, entrepreneurs, speakers, authors, coaches, executives, and anyone who wants to get their message out to more people. You’ll learn the strategies and tactics that any service-minded messenger can use to find their uniqueness and separate from all the noise to create more impact, influence, and income. Each episode is hosted by New York Times bestselling author and Hall of Fame Speaker Rory Vaden, and his wife, business partner and CEO of Brand Builders Group, AJ Vaden. Brand Builders Group is trusted by people like Lewis Howes (School of Greatness Podcast), Julie Solomon (The Influencer Podcast), and Chalene Johnson (Build Your Tribe Podcast) to provide personal branding expertise for themselves and/or their audiences.
Why do some people give up while others rise and keep going? In this episode, Rory Vaden shares three battle-tested mindset hacks that the world’s top achievers use to overcome the impossible—and keep showing up long after others quit.
You’ll hear:
- The #1 mindset shift that ultra-successful people share
- Why falling in love with the daily grind is the real secret to growth
- How to turn hard moments into long-term competitive advantage
- The “Law of the Moat” and how your toughest trials become your greatest protection
- A behind-the-scenes reflection on Rory’s interview with $700M+ entrepreneurs Mike and Kass Lazerow
Whether you're building a business, chasing a dream, or just trying to stay afloat, this episode is your reminder: Perseverance is the goal.
No matter how hard it gets, the people who win are the ones who stay in the fight. This is how they do it.
What’s the difference between influencers who look successful… and entrepreneurs who actually are?
In this riveting episode, Rory sits down with Mike and Kass Lazerow, the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo behind multiple high-impact businesses—including Buddy Media, which they sold to Salesforce for $745 million.
They’ve helped scale companies like Scopely ($5B exit) and Liquid Death, advised countless founders, and now they’re opening up like never before about what it really takes to build a business that lasts. From burning out on the way to $50M in ARR in just three years, to rebuilding after failed exits and learning how to balance marriage, money, mission, and meaning—this conversation is a raw, honest, and deeply insightful masterclass in entrepreneurship.
You’ll learn:
- Why going viral isn’t the same as building enterprise value
- The “swamp” that traps 7-figure personal brands—and how to escape it
- How to scale without breaking your marriage or your soul
- Why building systems beats hiring saviors
- The cheat code they wish they’d used sooner (and how you can now)
- Why “shoveling the crap” is the real secret to success
Plus, hear their take on personal branding, reputation, and why real impact doesn’t always trend on TikTok—but it changes lives.
If you’re serious about entrepreneurship, leadership, or building something that outlasts you, this is a must-listen.
🎧 Grab their new book — Shoveling Bleep: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to Success
We live in a world obsessed with more—more followers, more likes, more views, more subscribers, more clients, more money. But what if more isn’t what you need? What if more is actually costing you peace, clarity, focus… and real results?
In this powerful solo episode, AJ Vaden flips the script on one of the most deeply ingrained assumptions in marketing and entrepreneurship: that bigger is always better.
Drawing from a recent conversation with long-time friend and marketing leader Lee Pepper, AJ dives deep into the difference between vanity metrics and real growth indicators—and why chasing the wrong metrics could be the very thing holding you back.
If you've ever found yourself:
- Feeling pressure to "go viral" without knowing why
- Posting endlessly but getting no real traction
- Confused about what social media metrics actually matter
- Burnt out trying to “scale” a business you’re not equipped to handle
- Overwhelmed by more noise, more platforms, and more expectations
…this episode is your wake-up call.
You'll learn:
✅ Why “more” often brings more pressure, not more peace ✅ The hidden cost of chasing likes, followers, and superficial numbers ✅ The core real metrics that actually grow your personal brand and business ✅ How to turn existing engagement into real conversions and paying clients ✅ A simple mindset shift that could transform your marketing strategy overnight ✅ Why focusing on fewer platforms can generate more impact and income ✅ How doing less with intention outperforms doing more without purpose
AJ reminds us that true influence isn’t measured by impressions—it’s measured by impact. And in this episode, she’ll help you reclaim your time, focus, and revenue by aligning your metrics with your mission.
🎧 Whether you're just starting your personal brand or scaling into your next level of influence, this is an episode you'll want to revisit again and again.
👉 Listen now and discover why being better is always more important than being bigger.
In this powerhouse episode, AJ welcomes longtime friend and marketing strategist Lee Pepper to unpack what most brands miss—real strategy. From leading marketing for a private equity-backed company that scaled 60X to writing a leadership playbook rooted in military mental models, Lee brings the kind of clarity most execs never get.
The conversation dives deep into:
- Why most marketing fails (spoiler: it’s not the tactics)
- How military frameworks like “Commander’s Intent” translate to corporate innovation
- The overlooked role of marketing in HR, finance, and company-wide leadership
- Real vs. vanity metrics (and how to stop being "Twitter rich and dollar poor")
Whether you're scaling a startup or revamping a marketing team, this episode delivers the insight and strategy you’ve been missing.
🎯 Pre-order Lee’s book Never Outmatched: neveroutmatched.com
In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Rory sits down with the unstoppable JJ Virgin, a four-time New York Times bestselling author, podcast host with over 20 million downloads, and one of the most recognized names in the health and nutrition world.
JJ pulls back the curtain on her incredible journey of resilience, from reclaiming her personal brand after a turbulent business exit to rebuilding her company and even saving her son’s life after a tragic accident. She shares the raw truth about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the pivotal mindset shifts that propelled her forward, and the power of stretching outside your comfort zone.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a personal brand enthusiast, or simply someone looking for inspiration, JJ's story will leave you empowered to face your biggest challenges head-on.
🌟 Topics covered:
- The behind-the-scenes story of how JJ sold her business, lost control of her brand, and bought it back
- How adversity sharpened her focus and reignited her passion
- The secrets to standing out in the crowded health and wellness space
- Why investing in yourself—even when you’re successful—is the key to lasting growth
- How doing hard physical things trains your mind for resilience and success
🔗 Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will push you to embrace challenges, invest in your growth, and realize that success comes from doing the hard things.
What if the systems that make your business thrive could also save your marriage? 💡
In this candid and empowering solo episode, AJ Vaden shares 10 game-changing habits that have helped her and husband Rory Vaden build a business and a marriage that lasts. Drawing from 15 years of lessons in love, leadership, and laundry (yes, really), AJ reveals the practical frameworks they’ve implemented at home—from weekly meetings and shared calendars to house manuals and sex coupons. 💬
Whether you're a high-performing entrepreneur, a busy parent, or just someone trying to bring more peace into your home, this episode is packed with real talk, tactical tips, and heartfelt encouragement.
You’ll learn: ✅ The #1 meeting every couple should have each week ✅ How to create a “house manual” that eliminates chaos ✅ Why a shared family calendar could save your sanity ✅ How outsourcing chores can protect your relationship ✅ The secret “gift” that keeps AJ and Rory connected
This isn’t fluff. It’s the behind-the-scenes blueprint of how to build a marriage and family as intentionally as you build your career.
🎧 Tune in now and steal what works for your family.
If You Don’t Know Your Numbers, You Don’t Own a Business
Too many entrepreneurs are flying blind when it comes to their finances—and it’s costing them big time. In this powerful recap episode, AJ Vaden breaks down the most important lessons from her interview with CPA and bestselling author Greg Crabtree (Simple Numbers) to help you take control of your business with clarity and confidence.
You’ll learn:
- The 3 numbers every business owner must track monthly
- Why you must separate business and personal finances (no matter your revenue)
- The difference between tax filing and tax planning—and why it matters
- How to create a simple but powerful system for managing your money
- Why profit doesn’t happen by accident (and how to actually budget for it)
Whether you're just starting or scaling into seven figures, this episode gives you a crash course in real-world financial intelligence—without the jargon. This isn’t about spreadsheets. It’s about survival and success.
🎯 Want to keep your business alive and thriving? Start here.
Most entrepreneurs think they understand their numbers — until reality hits. In this eye-opening episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with Greg Crabtree, CPA, author of Simple Numbers and Simple Numbers 2.0, and one of the most trusted financial voices in the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO).
Greg breaks down the two most important—and misunderstood—metrics for business owners: Labor Efficiency Ratio (LER) and Contribution Margin. You'll learn how to:
- Use data, not gut feelings, to decide when to hire
- Optimize profitability without scaling expenses
- Identify toxic productivity killers inside your team
- Use just a handful of key numbers to guide your business decisions
- Build a capital-efficient business that’s ready to sell—or ready to scale
This conversation turns traditional financial “best practices” upside down and gives you a clear, actionable roadmap to measure what actually matters in your business.
Whether you’re a solo operator or a 7-figure founder, this episode will forever change how you think about your numbers.
🎯 Learn more: simplenumberscri.com 📘 Grab the book: Simple Numbers 2.0 🌐 Connect with Greg: gregcrabtree.net
How Nick Built a Million Followers by Leading with Heart (Not Hype)
In a world obsessed with algorithms, trends, and viral hacks, Nick (aka Nicholas John) proves that authenticity still wins. In this raw and inspiring episode, Rory sits down with the content creator, former model, and self-proclaimed bookworm who went from filming solo in front of a window to building a loyal audience of over a million people—without a single brand deal and without selling out.
Nick shares:
- How he overcame imposter syndrome by starting a new anonymous account
- The surprising reason he never told his friends what he was doing
- His simple but powerful video setup that helped him go viral
- Why enthusiasm is the most underrated content strategy
- How Jesus radically changed his purpose—and how that purpose fuels everything he creates
This is more than a story of social growth—it’s a masterclass in serving first, building trust, and showing up with integrity. Whether you're a creator, a dreamer, or someone just trying to figure out your next step, Nick's journey will move you.
In this episode, AJ Vaden recaps the podcast with Vincent Phamvan that flips the script on typical marketing strategy. While the world obsesses over what to post and where to show up online, Vincent makes a bold case for a “Who First” strategy—focusing on the person you’re trying to serve before anything else.
If you're a personal brand, content creator, or mission-driven entrepreneur, this episode will reframe how you think about your audience, your message, and your impact. Learn why platforms, formats, and funnels are secondary—and how knowing your who brings total clarity to your what and where.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to reconnect with your purpose, this episode is your reminder: your message isn’t for everyone—it’s for someone. Get clear on who that someone is, and everything else becomes obvious.
In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with entrepreneur and tech innovator Vincent Phamvan, founder and CEO of Vyten Apps. Together, they dive deep into the biggest shifts happening right now in marketing, technology, and personal branding — and what you must know to stay ahead. You'll learn: Why technology is evolving faster than ever—and how to keep up How personal brands are being built differently in the digital economy The major impact of AI on marketing, communication, and content creation Why traditional email and social media strategies are no longer enough How personal brand apps are giving entrepreneurs the same tools large companies have used for years Practical steps to embrace AI without losing your authenticity Why now is the time to own your audience—not rent it Vincent also shares insights from building Vyten, how personal brand apps are changing the way we reach our audiences, and why the future belongs to creators who act now.
Text: Free Mobile App Strategy Call with Vyten Link: https://vyten.com/bbg
How to BOOST Your Brain Power, Prevent Dementia & Beat Brain Fog (For Good) | Dr. Helena Popovic What if the key to your long-term success, energy, and clarity isn’t more productivity hacks—but better brain health? In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with Dr. Helena Popovic, a leading authority on brain health, dementia prevention, and positive aging. This isn’t just a conversation about the science of the brain—it’s a practical guide to reclaiming your mental sharpness, reducing brain fog, and taking proactive steps toward long-term wellness. Dr. Popovic shares the deeply personal story that led her to this work and unpacks why brain health should matter to everyone—no matter your age or profession. In this episode, you’ll learn: What brain health actually means (and why your doctor isn’t talking about it) Early warning signs of cognitive decline and what you can do about them Why movement, muscle strength, and balance are essential for brain function The shocking truth about sugar, sitting, and sleep—and how they impact your brain Simple, daily habits that can radically improve your mental performance and protect your future Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or simply someone who wants to stay sharp and healthy for the long haul, this episode is packed with powerful takeaways you can start applying today. Want to build a personal brand that aligns with your purpose and expertise? At Brand Builders Group, we help mission-driven individuals grow their influence, impact, and income. Visit https://brandbuildersgroup.com/call to schedule your free Brand Strategy Call. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Dr. Helena Popovic: https://drhelenapopovic.com Explore her books and research on brain health, dementia prevention, and positive aging Subscribe to the Influential Personal Brand podcast and never miss an episode. New conversations weekly with thought leaders, authors, and experts who are building brands that matter. #BrainHealth #DementiaPrevention #PersonalDevelopment #AJVaden #InfluentialPersonalBrand #DrHelenaPopovic #MentalClarity #BrainFog #BrandBuildersGroup #HighPerformanceHabits
What if the life you're living right now is being shaped by the words you speak every day—especially the ones you say to yourself? In this video, I break down what I call the Creation Principle of Integrity from my book Take the Stairs: 👉 You think it. You speak it. You act. Then it happens. From the chair you're sitting in to the goals you're chasing, everything begins the moment you speak it into existence. But here's the real challenge: What are you telling yourself about yourself? Most of us say things to ourselves that we’d never allow others to say to our spouse, kids, or closest friends. And over time, we start to believe those lies—not because they’re true, but because we hear them over and over. 🔥 In this video, you'll learn: Why your words are the genesis of all creation How self-talk shapes your identity and future The heartbreaking truth about how we treat ourselves A mindset shift that could radically change your life If you're ready to take control of your internal narrative and start speaking the life you want into reality, this message is for you. 💬 Comment below: What’s one negative belief you’re ready to stop saying to yourself? 🎯 Ready to rewrite your story and clarify your message? Schedule a Free Brand Call with Brand Builders Group and discover how to build a personal brand that aligns with your true identity and calling. freebrandcall.com #SelfTalk #MindsetShift #PersonalDevelopment #SpeakLife #TakeTheStairs #BrandBuildersGroup #Integrity #PersonalBranding #Transformation #createyourlife
What if you could transform your toughest experiences into a powerful way to connect with potential clients and build a thriving business? Today, we welcome one of our first Brand Builders Group clients; speaker, coach, sales expert, and Founder and CEO of Untap Your Sales Potential, Ian Koniak. Four years into his business, Ian hit an impressive $3 million in revenue! In this episode, he shares his incredible journey, from his career and personal struggles to how he met AJ and Rory. He opens up about the near-death experience that sparked his business and the challenges he’s faced along the way. We explore his battle with addiction, the power of authentic storytelling in business, and the importance of confronting your deepest struggles. Tune in today to discover how embracing vulnerability and authenticity can help you grow your business and connect with your audience on a deeper level! Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of drug and sex addiction, which may be sensitive for some listeners and children. Please listen with care.
Key Points From This Episode: The story behind Untap Your Sales Potential and its rapid growth. Insight into Ian’s journey to creating his business and newsletter. TW: Ian’s struggle with addiction and how he overcame it from [15:47] to [21:07]. How sharing the hard parts of your story can help your business in the long term. Where you can learn more about Ian and his work online.
Choose Your Hard — A Life-Changing Mindset Shift with Rory Vaden
In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, AJ Vaden delivers a powerful message that will transform how you approach life’s challenges. Whether it's in your health, relationships, finances, or personal growth, everything in life is hard — but you get to choose your hard.
AJ dives deep into:
- Why hard choices lead to greater satisfaction and growth
- Real-life examples that highlight the power of intentional decision-making
- How discomfort in the short term often leads to peace, progress, and purpose in the long term
- The connection between hard conversations and strong relationships
- The true cost of convenience in our health and habits
This isn’t just motivational — it’s transformational.
Key Takeaways:
- Hard isn’t bad — it’s often the beginning of breakthrough.
- Avoiding difficulty today often leads to deeper pain tomorrow.
- You can’t escape life’s hard choices, but you can decide which ones are worth it.
- Growth, healing, and success are almost always found on the harder path.
Ready to turn your mess into your message and build a brand that actually makes a difference? Start by booking your Free Brand Call with Brand Builders Group today!
👉 Learn more HERE
Struggling with clarity in your business? Feeling stuck in transition or unsure how to pivot your brand or purpose? In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Influential Personal Brand podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with Jamal Miller—founder of Miller Media Group and a purpose-driven entrepreneur who went from food stamps to leading a $3M launch in just 30 days.
Together, they unpack the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of what it really looks like to chase purpose over profit, build a thriving brand with your spouse, and navigate the highs and lows of success—all while staying aligned with your calling. Jamal shares his personal transformation from youth pastor to 7-figure business owner, the spiritual breakthroughs that changed his life, and the mindset shifts that helped him scale without losing his soul.
If you're in a season of transition, feeling overwhelmed, or searching for a breakthrough, this episode is for you. You’ll also learn the secret behind his "Circle of Purpose" framework and the business philosophy that led him to build brands that make both impact and income.
Don’t miss:
- How Jamal and his wife built a personal brand from a viral love story
- The danger of chasing money over meaning
- Why every entrepreneur needs to constantly redefine success
- The power of sowing into purpose—even when you have nothing
- Jamal’s top advice for getting unstuck and growing faster
This episode is packed with purpose, strategy, and truth—and will leave you inspired to take bold, aligned action.
Ready to turn your mess into your message and build a brand that actually makes a difference? Start by booking your Free Brand Call with Brand Builders Group today!
👉 Learn more HERE
The great irony of personal branding is this: it’s not actually about you. We are back with another special recap episode of the podcast, and today we are diving into why the strongest personal brands are built on service, not self. True personal branding begins when you focus on who you can help, what you can teach, and how you can add value to others. Tune in to learn what makes a great personal brand, why a focus on service leads to real wins, the key question you need to answer, and how having a clear mission to serve can destroy fear. Thanks for listening!
How do you build a thriving business around a niche audience? In this episode, we sit down with Remington Ramsey to unpack how he built a business around curating top real estate professionals. Remington is an influential author, speaker, and entrepreneur renowned for his significant contributions to the real estate industry. He is the creator of Real Producers, a popular media platform that includes a magazine connecting top real estate agents and industry leaders across markets nationwide. In our conversation, Remington shares the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey and how he created a business model that benefits agents, vendors, and local real estate communities. We discuss the steps for building a community around a brand and maintaining momentum as your brand and community grow. Explore why print is making a comeback, the "build a Cathedral" marketing concept, how merit and exclusivity drive engagement, and why staying top of mind is more valuable than being the best at your job. Gain insights into how Real Producers monetized and scaled without charging agents for exposure, why likeability is vital for sales, alternative sources of revenue Real Producers leverages, and the role of awards, events, and community-building in strengthening the brand. Join us and uncover the secret to turning niche audiences into revenue-generating communities with Remington Ramsey. Tune in now!
Failure is a prerequisite for success! Do you want to know what the number one thing is that’s holding you back from what you want most? In this special recap of our conversation with Jason Stacy, we discuss the one thing that holds us all back from success, fear! Most of us live in a fictional fear-filled world inside our own brains. It’s not rooted in reality and yet it is the thing preventing us all from achieving our dreams. In this conversation, you’ll hear all about the power and importance of walking through fear, how you can overcome it, and redefining failure. To close off, AJ asks us to consider what they are most afraid of doing right now and implores us to commit to doing that thing. You can only become fearless when you walk through fear-filled situations so what do you have to do to become fearless today?
We can all build resilience by learning about how to manage our emotions, energy, and environment, which is imperative to sustain true, long-term success. This episode is all about how to succeed in life – it’s one of those universal conversations that will help you no matter who you are, where you are in life, and what you do! Joining us today is Jason Stacy, owner of The Coaching Sweet Spot, to discuss how to manage your emotions, energy, and environment to achieve success. Tune in to hear all about Jason’s journey from homelessness to high performance! We delve into why you need to give 100% to everything you do, asking yourself if you’re doing something because you have to or because you want to, how to face what’s holding you back, and so much more! We go on to discuss why managing your emotions, energy, and environment is imperative to success before Jason shares the best ways to manage those things. Learn about self-awareness, how to manage overwhelming moments, why what you are doing in that moment should be the most important thing you need to do, and more! Jason even explains why the most important part of your environment is the people in it and the power of reciprocity. Finally, Jason tells us what you can do to sustain success. Thanks for listening in!
It’s not just talent, knowledge, or luck that separates the truly successful from the rest. It’s a set of habits and mindsets that are often overlooked. In this special recap episode of The Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Rory breaks down three essential traits that drive lasting success. Drawing from the journeys of top entrepreneurs and personal brands, as well as our own experiences here at Brand Builders Group, you’ll discover the mindset shifts you need to make to reach the next level. Find out why crushing it where you are now is the foundation for future success, how trust-building is the key to sales and influence, and why perseverance through setbacks is the number one predictor of long-term success. If you want to grow your personal brand, boost your revenue, or build a thriving business, this episode will reveal the mindset and strategy to make it happen. Tune in to start applying these success principles today!
Do you feel frustrated and overwhelmed by digital clutter, lost files, or chaotic inboxes? In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer, to explore expert strategies for decluttering your digital life. Join us as Shawn offers practical tips for managing emails, passwords, files, and tasks efficiently, all while reducing stress and boosting creativity and productivity. From taming your inbox to mastering project management tools, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you reclaim your time and focus on what matters most. To learn how digital organization can transform your workflow and free up your energy for what truly counts, tune in today!
Why do people buy, and why should they buy from you? If you’re selling high-ticket offers, you need to understand what makes an offer truly compelling. In this special recap episode, we revisit our conversation with Zach Hesterberg, founder of Paid Events, to break down the key ingredients of a great offer. We explore how every purchase decision ties back to four core desires — better health, better relationships, more time, or more money — and why the best offers speak directly to these motivations. You'll also learn why people don’t buy processes or features; they buy results. Tune in to discover how to position your offer for maximum impact and make it irresistible to your audience!
What if you could convert high-ticket clients without relying on exhausting one-on-one sales calls? Zach Hesterberg, founder of Paid Events, has helped business owners do just that. By leveraging paid virtual events, he’s helped generate six and seven-figure paydays while eliminating the unpredictability of traditional sales funnels. In this episode, he shares why events are one of the most efficient ways to build trust and increase conversions without burnout. He breaks down pricing strategies, event structures, and the biggest mistakes people make when hosting live events. You’ll also learn why shorter, multi-day sessions outperform all-day events, strategies for driving traffic using organic and paid methods, and how to create an irresistible offer for your audience. If you want to scale your business without relying on endless sales calls, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in now!
Scaling your business starts with hiring the right people at the right time. In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face—when and who to hire first. We break down the essential hires that will help you free up time, scale your business, and build a thriving personal brand. Hear why you should hire for your personal life initially and a first-hire suggestion that may surprise you. Learn about the value of outsourcing household chores, the role of an assistant, when you should consider hiring marketing support, and what makes marketing a "tactical" skill set. Find out about the pros and cons of contractors, hear advice for hiring an accountant, discover the importance of delegating client work, uncover the secret to scaling your business successfully, and delve into the fundamental departments every business needs. Join us to unpack the skills you need to build a high-performing team and take the next step in growing your business. Tune in now!
Our previous episode featuring Jen Kem blew our minds, as she shared significant and monumental advice on monetizing live events! So of course, we just had to have her back, and today, we are thrilled for her return as she dives into the inner workings of her new book, Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success. Jen is a Forbes-recognized top brand strategist specializing in launching innovative ideas with high-performing teams, and we begin today’s conversation with a high-level overview of her latest written work. Jen then explains the basic requirements for modern leaders, what a unicorn team is and how to build one, the nine motivational or leadership energies necessary for success, and the undeniable significance of energy. To end, our guest shares valuable advice on protecting your energy as we learn how to connect with the remarkable Jen Kem.
Are you working just to retire? Are we saving all of our money just so that we can no longer be useful one day? In this special recap episode of our discussion with Caleb Guilliams, we are discussing what it means to redefine work in the long term. Tuning in, you’ll hear what the definition of retirement is, why you can decide to be excellent at any job you do, where the concept of retirement came from, and more! We even discuss the importance of finding a way to be in service to others for the rest of your life, even after you retire from your ‘job’. So to hear all this and be inspired to be of service until you are no longer physically able to be, press play now!
In this episode, we sit down with Caleb Guilliams, founder of BetterWealth and author of The AND Asset. Caleb launched BetterWealth at just 21 years old, bringing a fresh and innovative approach to financial independence, wealth building, and intentional living. He now runs a thriving national firm that helps individuals and entrepreneurs optimize their money through tax strategies, investments, and financial coaching. In our conversation, Caleb redefines what it means to be wealthy and challenges traditional financial advice. We explore actionable frameworks for removing financial friction, maximizing your greatest asset—you—and aligning money with your goals. We also discuss the two fundamental uses of money, wealth-increasing strategies, why tracking your money is a superpower, common misconceptions around debt, and more. Caleb’s insights will change how you think about saving, spending, and investing, empowering you to live with purpose and intention. Join us to uncover the secret to using money as a tool to create the life you truly want. Tune in now!
After our recent conversation with the author of the wonderful nine-book series The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, Mike Thomas, and in line with our own Bestseller Lunch Plan at Brand Builders Group, we have laid out a four-step process that serves as a great longtail sales strategy. We begin with the importance of adequate market testing before exploring word of mouth, having a complete product, relying on a tunnel-vision marketing strategy, and the power of giving your product away to those in your target market. To end, we discuss the universal human condition of being willing to do more when our actions are incentivized.
Today, we discover how to become a bestselling author by going all-in on one marketing strategy. We are joined by Mike Thomas, legendary author of The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls nine-book series – a time-traveling epic that helps kids explore the Bible and their faith. After explaining where the idea for his widely popular series came from, Mike describes how his novels began as a simple Word document printout and evolved into the complete work of art you see today and why he chose to go all-in on influencer marketing after his first book launch. We unpack strategies for getting your book into the hands of many readers as quickly as possible, the various book marketing options and their budget considerations, the power of word of mouth, and the importance of choosing your words very carefully when approaching potential marketing partners. To end, we get an overview of the expected timeline from publishing to marketing to your book becoming a bestseller, and Mike details the pros and cons of other marketing avenues like Facebook and Amazon Ads.
If you're looking for excellent books to add to your list for 2025, then you have come to the right place! In today’s special recap episode, AJ shares her favorite reads from the past year, her top quotes from each book, and why you should put these titles on your reading list for 2025. Learn timeless lessons about growth and success in What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith and Take the Stairs by Rory Vaden. Uncover deep personal teachings on marriage and faith in Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. And dive deep on leadership and relationships in The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. Tune in now to find out why each of these books should be on your reading list for 2025!
In 2024, AJ committed to reading two books every month of the year, a tradition she’s been building on for three consecutive years! Today, she shares her most influential books for 2024, how they have shaped her outlook, and why you might want to check them out yourself. Discover why Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara is required reading for the entire Brand Builders Group team; how Gary Thomas’s Sacred Marriage has deepened AJ’s understanding of what it means to be married; what The Go-Giver by Bob Burg teaches readers about learning through relationships; why AJ decided to revisit Take the Stairs, written by her husband, Rory Vaden; and why What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith is essential reading for anyone ready to level up. Regardless of whether you decide to read these books in the coming year, ask yourself, ‘Am I implementing what I’ve learned, and how can I use it to create real change in my life?’ Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation with AJ Vaden on her top books and lessons from 2024!
Most people don’t realize that there are three key components to delivering a world-class presentation. If you’re in that group, don’t miss today’s recap episode of The Influential Personal Brand podcast, where Rory breaks down these three essentials for speaking success! By following Rory’s advice and maximizing your content, charisma, and the circumstances of your setup, you’ll create a powerful connection with your audience and leave them with a memorable experience. To dive into these three keys, start listening now. Enjoy!
There’s nothing more powerful than an in-person event in terms of building trust with people. Lesley Logan is one of the world’s leading experts, if not the world’s leading expert, on Pilates and how Pilates changes your life. She’s the Chief Pilates Officer at OnlinePilatesClasses.com, has taught thousands of students, and trained hundreds of Pilates teachers. She’s led dozens of workshops at global conferences, been featured in magazines, and been on Fox, CBS, and KTLA. Lesley has certifications in trauma-informed breathwork, mindset, habits coaching, and several other things related to physical health and mental health. She’s on the show today, however, to share a piece of her business model that involves doing live event tours and it just so happens to be something we haven’t talked a lot about on the podcast. Join the conversation as Lesley shares insights into the big strategy behind live event tours, how to find a location, their business goal with live event tours, and so much more! Our goal is to inspire listeners with ideas on how to put themselves out there, without waiting for an invitation to step onto someone else's stage. Enjoy!
Life is filled with the opportunity to make powerful choices – all of which will inevitably have hard parts to them. Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are recapping AJ’s interview with Chris Janssen and discussing how you can start to choose your hard in 2025. Press play now to get a sneak peek into our conversation with the author of Grace Yourself and hear two questions you should be asking yourself about your decisions for 2025. The secret to choosing your hard is weighing up the rewards of choosing it and the consequences of not choosing it. To hear all this and more, be sure to tune in now!
When making a difficult decision, it’s easy to focus on how hard it’s going to be, but what if we focused on what we will gain by making that change? During this conversation, author and coach Chris Janssen joins us to discuss her new book, what it takes to become a bestseller, and sobriety. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Chris’ journey as an author, how her latest book experience differed from her first, what you need to know if you want to write a bestselling book, all things PR, and so much more! We delve into the different ways to publish a book before discussing the importance of finding a publishing team that you truly trust. Chris goes on to share what her new book, Grace Herself, is about and discusses her complicated sobriety journey. Finally, hear all about how to become sober curious, the concept of ‘choosing your hard’, and the importance of approaching addiction one day at a time. If you are an author or aspiring author, then this episode is tailor-made for you, so be sure to listen now!
If you want to become a bestselling author, you need to make sure you don’t fall for common misconceptions about how to achieve this goal. Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are discussing what it means to be a bestselling author. In this conversation, we break down some of the most common misconceptions about how to become a bestselling author, discuss what does actually work, and so much more! Hear all about the importance of having a team to support the sale of your book and what it actually means to be a bestselling author. You’ll even be reminded about what really matters as an author; making a difference in the world. Thanks for tuning in!
It took Rory years to figure out how to get signed by a literary agent. Years were spent learning who they were, what they did, how they operated, and finally, how to connect with one and build a relationship. Today, we’re going to fast-track that process for you. In this episode, we sit down with one of the most successful literary agents of our time, Lucinda Halpern. With a career spanning bestselling authors and major book deals, Lucinda has now crossed over to the other side as an author with her new book Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author. Join us as we explore three key strategies for catching the attention of an A-list literary agent, gain insight into how to spot timely ideas, and Lucinda breaks down the four types of writers who land book deals. She also shares how literary agents assess platforms and set realistic expectations around advances. Don’t miss this insightful conversation, tune in now!
Join AJ in this special recap episode of The Influential Personal Brand podcast! In this episode, AJ delves into the importance of remembering that you always have a choice, in what you do and the environment you find yourself in, and why everything you do has a gift in it somewhere. AJ also sheds light on some important things to remember about developing courses, the fundamentals to grow your podcast, and tips and tricks for stepping into the world of physical products. Don’t miss another insightful episode, start listening now!
At Brand Builders Group, we firmly believe that the best form of marketing is through a changed life. Today, AJ stands testament to this truth as her life’s transformation through the Fast40 weight loss training program for women prompted the presence of today’s guest, the program’s creator, Dr. Cody Golman—who holds the unique position of empowering women aged 35 to 55 who struggle with stubborn weight loss. He begins our conversation by walking us through his professional history and how he ended up where he is today before explaining why he’s confident enough to give his hormone-reset weight loss program a 100% guarantee. We unpack the design and working mechanics of Fast40, how to start making healthier food choices, the hidden threats that lurk in our foods, and the importance of discipline and consistency in living healthier lives. We also lift back the veil that the medical community has put over our eyes to expose how big medicine deliberately misleads us, how Dr. Cody honed in on his niche audience, the relationship between health and spirituality, and the undeniable importance of accountability. We end with the reasons for Dr. Cody’s short-session treatment protocol and an invitation to visit Dr. Cody’s website and sign up for free for The 3 Secrets To Permanent Weight Loss live Masterclass!
How you open your cold call makes a big difference. That’s why this episode is dedicated to making the most of those first moments on the line: mistakes to avoid and a three-step process you can follow every time. We kick off the conversation with a key mindset shift that will transform your approach to selling. Next, we discuss two common pitfalls that limit results and how you can avoid them. Finally, we dive into the steps you can follow to capture the attention of anyone you call and give them a reason to listen to your point. Rory shares the ‘who’ not ‘what’ strategy he uses and why it's so effective on so many different scales and we dive into what to change to frame each conversation this way. Tune in for a host of practical tips to transform the way you do cold calls. Thanks for listening!
Ever wonder why some people effortlessly convert free calls into paying clients while others struggle to seal the deal? In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Lang, Fractional VP of Sales at Brand Builders Group, to uncover the secrets of mastering the art of the free call. Ryan is a high-performance coach, co-founder of Empire Partners, and a sales expert with a proven track record of helping thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs boost their revenue through effective sales and marketing strategies. In this episode, he reveals the techniques he used to increase our conversion rate by up to 15%. You’ll discover how to attract potential clients to book a free call, structure your conversation for maximum impact, build trust, confidently demonstrate how you can bridge the gap between their challenges and their goals, and so much more. If you’re ready to elevate your sales game and learn how to close more free calls with ease, be sure to tune in today!
Something our guest Toni Collier shared in a recent interview has really stuck with AJ. Toni said that if you want to build a speaking career, you need to be so passionate about it, so called to it, that you’d be willing to speak for free! In this episode, AJ unpacks three key reasons why you should speak for free until you’ve developed your skills and strengthened your speaking muscles to truly serve your audience. The art of speaking takes time, dedication, and practice. Thanks for tuning in!
If you would do your work for free but are paid to do it because you’re so brilliant at it, then you’re on the right track! Today, we are joined by the incredible speaker and author Toni Collier to discuss how to figure out what makes you unique. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about how Toni built her personal brand and became excellent at what she does by speaking for free at first, the power of relational capital, her thoughts on passive income, why you need to diversify your work, how you can find your target audience, and so much more! We then delve into the value of sharing difficult experiences before discussing Toni’s faith and how she has found salvation after falling off track. Finally, our guest tells us why she decided to write a book about her story. This is an incredibly inspirational conversation that you do not want to miss. Press play now!
Looking for ways to grow your followers in just weeks? Then don’t miss out on this special recap episode! Join Rory Vaden in this recap episode from their recent interview with Sarah Maslowski. He dives into five simple ideas, including tips on your “hook,” the importance of screen quality, and adding stimuli, stories, and stages! These are easy strategies you can apply to grow your followership in just a few weeks. Thanks for tuning in, enjoy!
Anyone can use social media as a way to drive traffic to their business, it’s just about learning how to! Today on the International Personal Brand Podcast, we are joined by the incredible realtor and YouTube sensation, Sarah Maslowski to dive deep into this topic. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about our guest’s career, what drew her to YouTube, how she curates her content, her recording and post-production process, and so much more! We delve into the importance of consistency when it comes to starting a YouTube channel before Sarah reminds us that views and followers mean nothing until they convert into sales. She even shares some title and thumbnail tips for new YouTubers. Finally, our guest talks us through how to create calls to action in YouTube videos. To hear all this and find out how you can make evergreen content on YouTube, press play now!
Do you have a dream that feels just slightly out of reach; just a little too impossible? Well, today is for you because it’s all about setting big goals and finding the right pathways to achieving them. We begin with the definition of “big goals” before exploring why it’s vital for human growth and development to always shoot for the stars. Then, we unpack Caroline Adams Miller’s summation of Dr. Edwin A. Locke's Goal Setting Theory as found in her latest book, Big Goals, why you need to be surrounded by people who support you while also holding yourself accountable, how to build the necessary grit and resilience to help you persevere, and the undeniable power of consistency. We end by examining the motivations behind your goals and the importance of understanding your “why”, and it’s always helpful to remember the people in your life who may be affected by your actions and decisions.
As the clock winds down for another year, now is the perfect time to think about what you hope to achieve in 2025. But are the goals we set for ourselves big enough and perhaps more importantly, are they the right goals? Today we pose these questions to the eight-time bestselling author, international speaker, and world-renowned expert in positive psychology, Caroline Adams Miller. Caroline’s work is focused on setting big goals for yourself and finding the grit and determination to achieve them, and she begins today’s conversation by sharing details of her latest book, Big Goals – a manual that reveals the science behind the power of Dr. Edwin A. Locke's Goal Setting Theory. Caroline defines “big goals” and how they differ from others before explaining how setting big goals can change a person for the better. We discuss the modern trend of trying to eliminate all stress from our lives and how that has bred a timid generation, helpful tips and tools from the world of applied positive psychology, how learning goals and performance goals manifest in real life, and the roles of happiness and accountability in achieving everything you set out to do. We end with the reminder that hard work often leads to satisfaction and that through healthy competition, we are able to develop resilience, determination, and grit.
The great irony in personal branding is that your personal brand is not actually about you! Welcome back to another special recap episode with your host, Rory Vaden. Today’s recap episode stems from our recent interview with Jamie Hess, and we hone in on what most people get wrong about personal branding. Tune in as we explore why the best personal brands are service-focused rather than self-centered, what might be holding you back, and the key differences between selling and serving. Thanks for joining us!
Want to know how you can secure brand deals, bring in extra income, and even increase your followers? You’re in luck! Today, we’re joined by the incredible brand deal coach, Jamie Hess, who shares her secrets to securing brand deals! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about our guest’s career, her brave shift to entrepreneurship, how brand deals became part of her work, and what led her to coach. She delves into the financial aspects of brand deals before sharing ways to find brands to partner with, how to approach them, and more! It takes a lot of courage to approach big brands, especially smaller influencers, and in this episode, Jamie also shares her tips for gaining confidence in yourself and tells us how she helps her clients shift their mindsets about brand deals. Thanks for listening in and remember not to underestimate the power you have as an influencer!
Ask yourself: What do you truly want to accomplish with the money you make? And how do you know when the number in your bank is truly enough? We’re back with a recap of our conversation with Vanessa and Shana from Budget Besties, where AJ talks about recognizing when enough is enough. Making more money isn’t a bad thing; it’s good and sometimes necessary. But ultimately, it’s what we do with that money and how much control we let it have over our hearts that makes the difference. Join AJ as she shares her thoughts on the topic, breaks down the natural lifestyle acclimation of earning more, shares her belief in “dying with zero,” and much more. Thanks for tuning in!
If you’re wondering if this episode is for you, ask yourself: Do you want to have more money? Would you like to keep more of what you make? Have less debt and more spending power? More financial peace and less stress? If you answered yes to any of these, then this episode is for you! AJ welcomes Vanessa Porten and Shana Roberson from Budget Besties to the Influential Personal Brand podcast for a deep dive into budgeting and financial health. Join the conversation to hear more about how they wound up founding Budget Besties, what causes people to make good money but have nothing to show for it, and the biggest mistakes people make when managing their money and how to avoid them. We also talk about some tactical approaches to managing your money and separate accounts, the 90-day audit, why you should look at your finances often, navigating and overcoming your money baggage, and much more! Don’t miss out on another great episode, start listening now!
Before you sell to customers, you have to find them, but where do you look for your ideal clients? It starts with the places you frequently visit because serving like-minded individuals is your most powerful position. Then, it’s always helpful to ask the right questions, lean on other industry leaders, and listen to podcasts as you utilize every online search box you come across. Lastly, Google Alerts is your best friend for staying informed on your clientele’s movements, and similarly, SparkToro will help you connect the dots between certain topics and the people who follow them.
Today’s guest does everything we teach personal brands to do, except for one thing, he’s not our client! Michael Mogill is the Founder and CEO of Crisp – America’s number one law firm growth company – and he joins us today to share his story of how he’s built a massive business by serving one, very specific niche. Crisp, America’s fastest-growing company of its kind, advises law firms on how to grow their practices and improve operational efficiency, and we begin today’s conversation with some interesting analytics about the company, including details on how it was founded and why it chose to only serve lawyers. Then, we dive into Michael’s recipes for success as we learn how to narrow one’s niche effectively, the power of free marketing through satisfied customers, his advice to novice entrepreneurs who want a better life for themselves, and his tips for scaling a business in a short time. To end, Michael underlines the goals of the Crisp Game Changers Summit, how it’s evolved since its inception, and how it plans to grow moving forward.
Have you ever wondered how you can turn self-doubt into self-belief? What if all of the experiences that have made you doubt yourself can actually help someone else in their own struggles? Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, AJ is sharing her definitions of self-doubt and self-belief and the differences between them. Tune in to hear all about how to turn self-doubt into self-belief, learn how to let the experiences that make you doubt yourself help others, and be reminded that failure is what people need to hear about the most. To hear all this and be encouraged to lean into the things that make you doubt yourself, tune in now!
You cannot find your true destiny if you do not experience disruption in your life first! Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are joined by the illustrious author, coach, TV personality, and mother, Marshawn Evans Daniels to discuss the concept of believing bigger. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Marshawn’s upbringing as well as how that shaped who she is and what she does, the inspiration behind her books, how she began to believe bigger with Christ as her strength, and so much more! We delve into how to figure out what you are called to do in each season of your life, hearing God’s voice to shape you, and purpose-driven success before discussing the two voices that battle for your belief in your identity. Finally, our guest even tells us about a free gift for listeners and what it’s all about. You don’t want to miss out on this incredibly inspirational and insightful episode, so be sure to press play now!
Our recent conversation with the high-flying coach, author, and entrepreneur, Markus Kaulius raised five important milestones that are vital to the success and financial security of an entrepreneur. It starts with becoming debt-free, as debt is the anchor to stress and anxiety while liberation from it leads to freedom and peace. Next, you need to invest in yourself first and then in your business, keep your investment strategy simple and ‘boring,’ prioritize abundance in all aspects of your life, and finally, become the best money-making ally to those around you. If you want to discover why proximity, peace, and self-love are all profitable, then press play now.
Minutes before recording this episode, we found out that Play a Bigger Game officially earned its place on USA Today's Bestsellers list! Today, we are thrilled to be joined by the book's author and fellow Brand Builders Group member, Markus Kaulius – a serial entrepreneur who has built multiple eight and nine-figure businesses, and whose influence spans many industries from business to health and fitness. Markus is here to share his story of personal growth and success, and he begins by explaining how and why he became a member of Brand Builders Group. We discuss God's undeniable and profound influence over Markus's life, how he grew his supplements startup into a multi-million dollar business, how he navigates the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and his take on the importance of growth and personal development. To end, Markus shares some helpful advice for Christian entrepreneurs who are trying to reach the pinnacle of their profession, and we discover how to connect with him, his book, and his many good works.
After AJ interviewed Rory about what it takes to become a bestselling author, we now take a closer look at why you’d want to be on a bestseller list in the first place. Why should you take the time; invest your energy; do the work; and spend the money required to be on a bestseller’s list? The answer is simple: You want your book to change people’s lives and bestseller lists will help you to reach more people. So, if you revisit your ‘why’ for writing the book, that should bring more clarity on the value of bestseller lists for authors. That’s all for now, thanks for tuning in.
We’ve learned so much in our 15-year adventure in publishing and realized that maybe we’re more than just authors; maybe we have a bigger role to play. So today, AJ sits down with Rory to reveal exciting new publishing developments at Brand Builders Group, the current state of the publishing industry, and a comprehensive five-step guide on what it takes to become a bestselling author. After a high-level overview of the 5 steps necessary to becoming a bestselling author, we closely examine the pros and cons of each publishing channel: traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing. Then, we discuss Mission Driven Press and why we decided to launch our hybrid publishing imprint, how to approach marketing and sales for a successful book launch, why PR alone will not help you reach your sales targets, and why being a bestseller is only one of many markers that gives a book and its author credibility. To end, we implore you to visit the Mission Driven Press website to see how we can help bring your life-changing vision to life because books do change lives!
So many entrepreneurs underestimate the role and power that faith plays in your business. They may not even realize how faith can shape your future profits. On this episode of the Influential Personal Brand podcast, Rory dives into three ways your faith affects your profits based on his recent interview with highly successful entrepreneur, renowned TEDx keynote speaker, and bestselling author, Graham Cochrane. Tune in as he unpacks three different exercises and demonstrations of faith that are elemental to growing your business!
On our journey to finding true fulfillment, we must reflect on three key elements: our joy, dreams, and desires. Today’s guest firmly believes these elements were placed within us by God to help us discover who we are. Graham Cochrane is a highly successful entrepreneur, renowned TEDx keynote speaker, and bestselling author of How To Get Paid For What You Know and his upcoming book, Rebel: Find Yourself by Not Following The Crowd. He hosts The Graham Cochrane Show, a podcast ranked in the top 0.5% globally, and has amassed 700,000 YouTube subscribers. With over 14 years of experience in online coaching and content creation, Graham has built multiple seven-figure businesses that require less than five hours of work per week to maintain, establishing himself as a leading figure in the life-giving business movement. In today’s conversation, we dive into his new book, how to make money doing what you love, getting paid for what you know, and much more! If you want to learn how to work fewer hours while continuing to grow your business and make more money, don’t miss out! Thanks for listening.
Have you ever wondered how to get referrals? What if we told you that the best way to get referrals is incredibly simple? Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are recapping our conversation with Sara Hardwick of GIFT-OLOGY about how to get referrals. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about why the secret to getting referrals is simply to give them first! We dive into how giving someone something first makes asking for something easier before discussing where referral hesitation comes from and how you can avoid that obstacle. We even talk about the importance of reframing our perception of what a referral is, why you need to know exactly who you want to be referred to, and the ins and outs of relationship-building as a business growth strategy. You don’t want to miss this so be sure to press play now!
Can you meaningfully grow your business through referrals? Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Sara Hardwick from GIFT-OLOGY joins us to discuss their new referral course and the importance of building connections to grow your revenue. This episode is the perfect way to honor the late CEO of GIFT-OLOGY, John Ruhlin who left an incredible legacy by doing just that. Tuning in, you’ll hear that a referral is simply an introduction that adds value, how you can get referrals without asking, three key points to consider when having a referral conversation, the best and worst time to ask for referrals, focusing on finding a referral partnership, and a breakdown of their COPE system to find the right referral partners. We delve into the importance of having a strategy and system for referrals before discussing how to create ‘incentives’ for people to refer your business and why a ‘thank you’ goes a long way. We even discuss how important it is for the person who receives a referral to communicate. Finally, Sara shares advice for helping referral partners to introduce you to their contacts. To hear all this and find out more about GIFT-OLOGY’s Referral Partner Transformation Course, press play now!
Most people are unaware of the three key components of a world-class presentation, so here they are now: Content, charisma, and circumstance. You always start with content because, without content, you have nothing (no jokes!). Charisma is all about how you deliver your presentation; being a great storyteller is key! And lastly, it’s easy to forget just how important the environment is to the overall quality of presentations. Your circumstance is one-third of delivering a world-class presentation, so always consider the five W’s and one H when outlining your presentation.
Are you looking for a framework to build a highly profitable and transformational event? You’re in the right place! Jennifer Kem works with thought leaders and personal brands to help them make more impact (and more money). Named by Forbes as a top brand strategist, Jennifer’s company, Master Brand Media, collaborates with influencers, celebrities, CEOs, bestselling authors, and modern entrepreneurs to teach them how to master their businesses, create unforgettable personal brands, and dominate their niches by turning their ideas into cash and meaning. She joins us today to discuss one of her not-so-secret marketing mastermind superpowers: monetizing live events. Tune in as she offers insight into her Million Dollar Experience program, which shows you how to design, build, and sell a high-ticket live event. From structuring the agenda to building the offer, creating a pre-event questionnaire, making the framework the hero, and much more, this episode is jam-packed with practical strategies that will help you elevate your brand, maximize your profits, and create impactful experiences for your audience. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the secrets to live event success!
How do you build a company culture when your entire team is virtual? Or if you’re growing so quickly that you can’t interact with every leader or employee on a regular basis? In today’s recap of AJ’s interview with Britney Ruby Miller, AJ shares key lessons on how to create a thriving company culture under any circumstance. She breaks down the ins and outs of creating a shared language for your team, the power of putting together a virtual company library, and what you can do to build well-documented and well-communicated core values. AJ also digs into the importance of defining your core mission and how to attract, manage, and retain people who share your common values. Tune in now to learn how to build a lasting company culture by creating a lasting set of core principles and beliefs!
If you don’t know Britney Ruby Miller by name, then you’re missing out. Britney is the CEO at Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, a nationally ranked, family-owned restaurant group, and the author of 5-Star Life: The Faithful Fight to Overcome Obstacles and Pursue Excellence. She joins us today to talk about stepping into the family business and the impactful leadership lessons she’s learned from the industry, her colleagues, and her many mentors. In our conversation, we discuss the challenges of finding balance as a CEO and mom of four, how she learned to lean on her team after her brother experienced a medical emergency, and the art of letting go. Britney also opens up about why she felt called to write her book during the COVID-19 pandemic, her decision to share personal stories from her marriage, and her deep desire to help other couples. To hear the full scope of our inspiring conversation with Britney Ruby Miller, be sure to tune in!
Can you outlast your fear? Can you push past self-doubt, insecurities, inconveniences, and the inevitable pains of getting your message out? In this recap episode, Rory reflects on his interview with his brother, Randy Gale, sharing three powerful strategies — sources of inspiration, if you will — that will help you outlast your competition and overcome the challenges you’ll face along the way. Tune in now to hear more and succeed on your journey to conquering something great!
On this special episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, listeners have the privilege of meeting Randy Gale, Rory’s elder brother, whose pivotal role in Rory's upbringing has greatly shaped his character. Randy, a military veteran with service in two wars with the United States Navy, has instilled invaluable qualities such as discipline, perseverance, and resilience in Rory. Amongst other accomplishments, Randy is a dedicated volunteer coach for competitive women’s high school softball teams in Colorado. The impetus for this episode stems from Randy’s recent remarkable physical transformation, catalyzed by a profound reality check that led him to pursue amateur bodybuilding. Join the conversation as we explore Randy's journey towards improving his health, his insights on perseverance, and the challenges of bodybuilding. We also delve into shared childhood experiences as Randy reflects on the hardships they faced and offers wisdom on true life transformation. Don't miss out on this engaging episode, start listening now!
At some point, we've all fallen into the trap of believing that more is always better. Whether it's money, accolades, possessions, or accomplishments. In today’s recap episode of AJ’s interview with Robin Robins, she challenges this mindset, exploring how you can actually build more with less. She discusses how to grow a thriving business with a smaller, more engaged audience and how less can lead to greater impact and success. Thanks for tuning in!
When starting a business, being scrappy is how most entrepreneurs manage to get things done but there has to come a time when they focus on strategy instead. Today’s guest on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, the most in-demand IT consultant, Robin Robins joins us to tell us about her career and share how to grow an 8-figure business. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about our guest and her career, how she started her business, why she decided to hone in on the micro-niche she serves today, and how to let go of clients who don’t serve your company. Robin walks us through the importance of finding who you serve and starting with the smallest buyable audience before warning us about watering down our message to appeal to the masses. We discuss hiring leaders who are going to stay true to your mission, why you are going to be the best at selling your product most of the time, and knowing when to take control and step back as a business owner. Finally, our guest shares the most important lessons she has learned throughout her career as a business owner. You don’t want to miss this episode so be sure to tune in now!
When starting a new business venture or personal brand, one of the most important (and sometimes daunting) tasks is getting the right kind of media attention to promote it. Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we discuss three ways to get mainstream publicity. Tuning in, you’ll learn why you need to connect your expertise to what is happening in the news and how you can do that. We delve into the importance of “becoming the media” and learn why the media needs us just as much as we need it. We also discuss why you need to build relationships before you need them and why hard work will always pay off! Finally, you’ll hear all about Brand Builders Group's goal to shape the voices that will shape the world.
Have you ever wondered how to turn your personal brand into a thriving business? Join us as we dive into the success story of Ryan Serhant, the real estate mogul behind one of the biggest brands in the world. Ryan is an American real estate broker, bestselling author, and reality TV star of the two-time Emmy-nominated series Million Dollar Listing New York and its spin-off Sell it Like Serhant. He’s also the founder and CEO of SERHANT., a vertically integrated tech-forward brokerage known for its cutting-edge innovation, extravagant listings, full-service media production company, and digital education platform. In this episode, you’ll find out how Ryan turned his personal brand into a scalable business with serious enterprise value. More specifically, you’ll discover what goes into creating a compelling TV show that is not only entertaining but good for business too. From crafting the perfect pitch reel to choosing the right streaming service and mastering the art of storytelling algorithms, we explore it all! Don't miss this captivating conversation with possibly the most famous real estate agent in the world. Tune in today to unlock the secrets to entrepreneurial success with Ryan Serhant!
If you live in the United States, statistically speaking, you are already richer than most human beings on the planet. If you make more than $50,000 a year, then you make more than most people do worldwide. But if you want to learn how to be successful, which is a part of what being rich means, then this episode is for you! Join us as we consider what it looks like to apply extreme focus and intentionality to reaching our goals, how this translates to success, and the real-life results that come from identifying and prioritizing a limited list of priorities each day. Don’t miss this bite-sized episode filled with life-changing practical advice!
You’ve heard lots about AI, you probably know a lot about AI too. But do you use it to create efficiencies in your business? Matt Fornito is known as the AI Guy. He is the Founder of the AI Advisory Group and a well-known expert and speaker on AI. He believes that the most important thing is having a transformative mindset, and he joins us today to share his philosophy of being people-first and AI-driven to allow everyone to spend more time on the things that they love. Sharing his journey into business ownership, he unpacks how to simplify your focus, what to do and what to avoid when you are using AI tools, and shares a whole host of tools that he and his team use daily. We also discuss the important principle of prioritizing strategy over tactics, especially when you are considering AI implementation. This conversation is going to add value to your life, whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, salesperson, leading marketing operations, or someone aspiring to do any of those things. Thanks for listening!
Our entire digital marketing strategy is deceptively simple: teach everything you know in small, bite-sized chunks, in random order, for free. Now, you might be asking ‘But then what will people pay me for?’ Today, we reveal the answer to this question, and much more, as we take a quick, informative dive into our complete digital marketing strategy and why it works. Join Rory as he unpacks why you should share your knowledge for free, the expertise that people will pay you for, how to apply the three E’s of content creation, key tips for producing and distributing content, and much more. Tune in now to unlock the secrets to effective digital marketing and transform your strategy!
Sean Cannell is, without a doubt, one of the world’s leading authorities on YouTube strategy; building your influence, income, and impact with video. He believes that YouTube will work best for those users who think of it not as a tactic but as a lifestyle! Sean is one of the OGs in this space and as the CEO of Think Media, the host of the Think Media podcast, a YouTuber, an international speaker, and a coach, he helps entrepreneurs build their influence and income with online video. Sean's YouTube channels have over a million subscribers, his videos have been viewed over 100 million times, and he has been featured in the "20 Must Watch YouTube Channels That Will Change Your Business" by Forbes. Join the conversation as we dive into how he got into the YouTube game, why it’s not too late to start your YouTube adventure, his thoughts on the admission price, and why you need to build your content-creating muscles! This is truly an insightful episode, filled with golden nuggets of wisdom, so be sure not to miss out. Thanks for listening!
The sooner you embrace the fact that everyone is a salesperson by nature, the sooner you will become better at sales! Today we are recapping AJ’s discussion with Dr. Cindy, a bestselling author and consultant, and sharing six traits of a great salesperson. Tuning in, you’ll hear about why you need to consider yourself a salesperson, the lessons we can learn about sales from children, why you need to know exactly what problem you solve, and more. We delve into the importance of being aware of any sales opportunity and having the courage to engage, why ‘no’ is a research opportunity and a gift, and why you need to be grateful for everyone who has trusted you enough to do business with you. Finally, AJ stresses the importance of relationships in business and sales and reminds us to be diligent with all follow-ups in order to become better salespeople. You don’t want to miss this one so be sure to press play now and if you haven’t already, listen to AJ’s interview with Dr. Cindy!
Everyone is in sales, even if you don’t know it! Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and CEO of Orange Leaf Consulting, Dr. Cindy joins us to discuss all things sales. Dr. Cindy finally embraced her identity as a saleswoman when she realized that every single verbal and non-verbal exchange we have in life is a sale! In this conversation, you’ll hear all about Dr. Cindy’s life and career, why the negative perception of sales is incorrect, how she freed herself from that stigma, and so much more! We delve into how to reframe how we see sales before Dr. Cindy shares some examples of sales we make unconsciously every day. She also walks us through universal sales skills that she believes everyone needs to develop to improve their communication skills. We even learn that getting a ‘no’ is a gift and learn how to embrace rejection. Finally, our guest describes ‘the unofficial sale’ and tells us where we can find her incredibly educational sales books. Thanks for listening in!
How can you turn anxiety into confidence when stepping onto the stage? In this recap of our inspiring conversation with Terri Sjodin, we unpack our main takeaways and explore how to transform presentation nerves into star power! Rory sheds light on the preparation process behind his public speaking events and practical tips and resources to help you look like an expert every time you step on stage. Tuning in, you’ll discover how to customize a presentation for your target audience and learn the steps for planning content effectively with your client. For valuable insights into the secret to aligning your presentation with your client’s values, how to grab an audience’s attention, and much more, don’t miss this episode!
Have you ever wondered about the secret sauce behind those presentations that close deals and grow businesses? In today’s episode, we sit down with Terri Sjodin to uncover the science behind creating content that captivates audiences as a personal brand. Terri serves as the Principal and Founder of Sjodin Communications, a company specializing in public speaking, sales training, and consulting services. And is one of the country’s most sought-after sales, communications, and speaking consultants. Terri is also the author of the hit book Small Message, Big Impact; a guide to crafting concise and compelling messages, particularly for business professionals. In our conversation, we delve into the art of communication through the lens of her new book, Presentation Ready. Discover the top presentation pitfalls, insightful results from the research conducted for her book, and the power of speaking to people directly. Gain insights into the difference between concluding and closing a deal, why the hardest product to sell is the one you don’t believe in, the role of a persuasive mindset, technology and demonstration failures, and much more. Tune in as we learn to unlock the hidden potential of persuasive presentations with Terri Sjodin!
Worrying is part of the human condition. It is based on the universal experience of fear and cannot be escaped by anyone. But what if you could challenge that worry and find a way to get to the other side of it? Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are recapping AJ’s conversation with the incredible Victoria Jackson and discussing the beauty that lies on the other side of fear. Tuning in, you’ll hear some highlights from AJ’s conversation with Victoria, how you can get past fear, the relief and joy that lies at the end of that journey, how taking action in your fears will not only bring you joy but will inspire others to do the same too, and so much more! AJ even shares one of her fears, how she overcame it, and why she is better for embracing that part of herself. Finally, listeners are challenged to identify something that plagues them with worry, figure out what fear lies behind it, and take the first steps to overcome it. Thanks for listening in!
Key Points From This Episode:
- A brief overview of Victoria Jackson and her life filled with high highs and low lows.
- The relief and joy on the other side of fear and how to get past fear.
- AJ shares some of her traumatic experiences and how her faith got her through them.
- Why she worried about sharing her faith throughout her youth and how that changed.
- How taking action in your fears and worries will empower others to do the same.
- What embracing the beauty on the other side of fear has done for AJ.
- A challenge to figure out the worry consuming you and how to get to the other side.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Victoria Jackson
No Makeup Makeup
We All Worry, Now What?
AJ Vaden on LinkedIn
AJ Vaden on X
Rory Vaden Rory Vaden on LinkedIn Rory Vaden on X
Take the Stairs
Brand Builders Group
Brand Builders Group Free Video Short Course
Brand Builders Group Free Call
The Influential Personal Brand Podcast on Apple
Email Your Review to Brand Builders Group
What truly sets successful entrepreneurs apart is their ability to persevere and make use of what they have to make a true impact in the world! Today we are joined by the incredibly influential National Women’s Hall of Fame nominee, Victoria Jackson. Victoria is the owner of the original ‘no makeup, makeup’ brand now called, No Makeup Makeup. Victoria pioneered this incredible concept that has taken the beauty industry by storm all while healing from her sexual assault survival, raising three children, battling her daughter’s rare autoimmune disease, funding a massive charity, and so much more! Tune in to this episode to hear about Victoria’s career from doing makeovers to becoming a professional makeup artist, to making over a billion dollars in sales from TV commercials. We discuss how her perseverance led her through 13 years of perfecting her business model before she shares how she turned her income into impact in the form of The Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation. Hear about how you can find ways to give back to your community and make an impact, how Victoria became passionate about writing, why she wanted to write an entire book about worrying, and the most important takeaway from it. To end off, we hear about what inspired the relaunch of Victoria’s cosmetic brand, No Makeup Makeup. You don’t want to miss this one, so be sure to tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing today’s illustrious guest, Victoria Jackson.
- How Victoria got into the world of makeup and the importance of perseverance.
- Creating the concept of ‘no makeup makeup’ and how her vast experience perfected it.
- Victoria walks us through her path of turning income into impact.
- How to find a way to give back to your community and find ways to support each other.
- Where her passion for writing comes from, writing five books, and what her new book is about.
- Victoria shares her writing process and tells us why she prefers to handwrite her books.
- Why she decided to write an entire book about the impact of worry and who it’s for.
- The one thing she wants people to take away from her new book, We All Worry, Now What?
- What inspired Victoria to relaunch her incredible product, No Makeup Makeup.
- Victoria tells us what’s next for her and stresses the importance of fighting to overcome fear.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Victoria Jackson
Victoria Jackson on Instagram
No Makeup Makeup
We All Worry, Now What?
The Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation
AJ Vaden on LinkedIn
AJ Vaden on X
Rory Vaden Rory Vaden on LinkedIn Rory Vaden on X
Take the Stairs
Brand Builders Group
Brand Builders Group Free Video Short Course
Brand Builders Group Free Call
The Influential Personal Brand Podcast on Apple
Email Your Review to Brand Builders Group
We are back with another special recap episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast! Today’s recap is based off of our interview with Clate Mask, CEO and Co-Founder of Keap. Join Rory as he shares four painful lessons he wished he’d known before becoming an entrepreneur! Thanks for tuning in, enjoy!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Perseverance matters more than pedigree.
- Why you need to up your game with making sales, building systems, and recruiting superstars!
- Loyalty is just a paycheck away (the scariest thing to learn).
- All that matters is what’s in your contract.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Clate Mask on LinkedIn
Clate Mask on X
Clate Mask
Keap
Conquer the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy
AJ Vaden on LinkedIn
AJ Vaden on X
Rory Vaden Rory Vaden on LinkedIn Rory Vaden on X
Take the Stairs
Email Your Review Screenshot Here
Brand Builders Group
Brand Builders Group Free Video Short Course
Brand Builders Group Free Call
The Influential Personal Brand Podcast on Apple
Email Your Review to Brand Builders Group
Are you looking to conquer the chaos of growing your small business, without going crazy? Then look no further because this episode is for you! Joining Rory on the Influential Personal Brand podcast is his dear friend, Clate Mask. His product, company, and life mission have radically changed both Rory and AJ’s lives and their business. Clate is the CEO and Co-Founder of Keap, the world’s leading business automation software. In this conversation, Rory shares the key role Keap has played in the success of their businesses and dives into the concepts behind Clate’s new book, Conquer the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy. Clate unpacks the personal and professional aspects included in the six keys and delves into the dark side of entrepreneurship with a story about how he almost left Keap. To hear more about finding your rhythm, and what the three transformative habits for future success are according to Clate, don’t miss out. Press play now!
What are the top ten books that you should read if you are an entrepreneur, or consider yourself an entrepreneur at heart? Whether you're a solopreneur, small business owner, or a real estate agent, if you have that entrepreneurial spirit, this episode has you covered! Join AJ as she shares her top ten book recommendations from her entrepreneur bookshelf, covering central themes like time, money, and leadership. Find out why these books are pivotal for personal and professional growth and discover which book could transform your entrepreneurial journey!
If you had to make a list of the books that have had the biggest influence on your life, which ones would you recommend? Today, AJ does just that, as she shares her top ten picks that have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. These books are not just for entrepreneurs; they’re for anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset looking to grow in business and as a leader. Each book offers universally applicable lessons on life, leadership, and business, regardless of your field. Tune in as AJ shares the contents of her entrepreneurial bookshelf, why each book holds such a special place in her heart, and the standout lessons she wants to share with listeners. Discover timeless wisdom on topics ranging from the emotional side of financial decisions to mastering time management and leadership. You won’t want to miss this eye-opening episode – your next great read could be just a listen away!
Have you ever wondered how to generate a steady stream of warm referrals for your business? Discover the secrets from performance coach Jordan Montgomery in this recap episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast. In this episode, we provide listeners with the steps to creating a steady stream of referrals and unpack the benefits that go beyond increasing revenue. We discuss the role of giving out referrals, the common mistakes to avoid, and the value of shared relationships. Discover the law of reciprocity, how it relates to personal brands, and why a systematic approach to referrals is vital. Explore the positive by-products of a successful referral system, what it means to be in service of others, and the reasons why you need to become a master giver. Tune in now!
In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Montgomery, Speaker, Performance Coach, and Founder and CEO of Montgomery Companies, to delve into the intricacies of building and scaling a coaching business. Jordan is known for his performance coaching, keynote speaking, and motivational presentations, which have gained national recognition. He is also the author of The Art of Encouragement, a comprehensive guide on the transformative power of encouragement. In our conversation, Jordan shares his professional journey and how he transitioned to becoming a highly-respected performance coach. Hear how he went from the ‘penthouse’ to the ‘outhouse’ almost overnight and how this defining moment led to his success story. We discuss the lessons from his career transition, why letting go of control of his company was vital to its growth, and how Jordan developed his client base. Discover why a brand is all about reputation, the benefits of overdelivering, and how he incorporated public speaking into his business model. We talk about the value of working for free, why engagement in public speaking is vital, public speaking pitfalls, and the coaching opportunities public speaking offers. Gain insights into his new book, his motivation for writing it, the power of encouragement, why it is a vital leadership skill, and more. Tune in now!
Our recent conversation with marketing, public relations, and branding strategist, David Avrin highlighted many crucial lessons for growing your personal brand, namely the importance of finding your competitive advantage. In today's episode, we expand on that conversation with an exploration of everything that isn't your competitive advantage. This list may surprise you as it includes the quality of your product, the quality of your staff, and your use of technology as things that do not contribute toward your competitive advantage. We also reveal how to find your competitive advantage by working out everything about you and your business that makes you easy to work with! Be sure to tune in today, and don’t forget to get your copy of David's latest book, Ridiculously Easy To Do Business With, which asks the difficult questions that will help you uncover your unique (and valuable) position in the marketplace.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Understanding all the things that don't contribute toward your competitive advantage.
- How to find your competitive advantage: what makes you easy to work with?
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
David Avrin
Ridiculously Easy To Do Business With
Entrepreneurs’ Organization
Pete Wilson
AJ Vaden on LinkedIn
AJ Vaden on X
Rory Vaden Rory Vaden on LinkedIn Rory Vaden on X
Take the Stairs
Brand Builders Group
Brand Builders Group Free Video Short Course
Brand Builders Group Free Call
The Influential Personal Brand Podcast on Apple
Email Your Review to Brand Builders Group
Building a business is not nearly as valuable as building a reputation, and one of the best ways to build that reputation is by becoming ridiculously easy to do business with. Today, we are joined by David Arvin, a close friend of ours and one of the most internationally in-demand customer experience speakers, who has just penned his seventh title, Ridiculously Easy To Do Business With. David is here to reveal how business success and longevity start with ease, accessibility, and simplicity. We discuss his journey into speaking and becoming an author and the advice he'd share with anyone eager to follow a similar career path to his. We also unpack David's latest book by exploring the business side of speaking, the role of authoring in being a successful speaker, the biggest customer pain points that David is always trying to solve, and why building a strong personal brand should always be top-of-mind. To end, our guest reiterates his book's theme of gaining a competitive advantage and we are reminded of the REAL reasons people would want to do business with you! Tune in for all this and much more.
Are you ready to leverage your personal brand to generate unprecedented earnings? In this episode, we explore three powerful strategies to achieve a million-dollar income through your personal brand. Discover how to excel as a high-paid speaker, leverage membership sites for recurring revenue, and create compelling online courses. You’ll also gain insights into crafting a clear message and how to use effective marketing to amplify your brand's impact and profitability. Tune in for actionable steps to achieve financial success with your personal brand!
Entrepreneurship is often glorified as a path to success, freedom, and fulfillment. While it can certainly lead to those outcomes, the reality is far more nuanced and messy. In today’s episode, we sit down with Alli Webb, entrepreneur and best-selling author, as she shares hard lessons from her entrepreneurial pursuits. Alli is a dynamic entrepreneurial force known for her transformative impact on the beauty industry and beyond. She is also passionate about sharing her insights and experiences with others. Her upcoming book, The Messy Truth, will offer valuable wisdom and inspiration from her entrepreneurial journey. In our conversation, we delve into her new book and learn the truth behind her entrepreneurial success. From the breakdown of her marriage to her son's struggles with addiction, we uncover her true entrepreneurial journey. We also hear why she recommends trying different career paths, the value she saw in PR for brands, and how she shifted from founder to media personality. Discover her approach to choosing which companies to work with, how she decides what role she wants to take on in the company, and how she balances the demands of each. Gain insights into the benefits and responsibilities that come with a company, how the startup landscape has changed, what she has planned for the future, and more. Tune in now!
Do you want to be stronger mentally? Do you want the mindset that allows you to take adversity head-on? In this recap episode, we discuss the main takeaways from our inspiring conversation with former British Special Forces Soldier Dean Stott. We provide listeners with the three fundamental aspects needed to pursue success and build mental resilience. Hear why excellence is never an accident, the steps for building mental endurance, and why anticipation is always worse than participation. Discover how our brain's self-protection measures cause fear, why fear is normal, and how to overcome your ‘fear’ programming. Explore why formulating a plan is fundamental, the role of confidence in executing it, the importance of focusing on your work ethic, and why you should not be ashamed of failure. Gain insights into why persistence is essential for mental toughness, the difference between healthy and unhealthy deadlines, and why it is okay to extend your timeline. Join us as we uncover the steps to overcome the psychological hurdles to build mental toughness and resilience. Tune in now!
What does it take to become a soldier in the British Special Forces, to break world records in cycling and fitness, or to write a book that drastically improves the lives of many who read it? Most of us would be happy with achieving just one of these things, but today’s guest has done them all! Dean Stott is a speaker, author, and world-renowned expert in risk and security consulting, and he joins us today to share what it takes to build a mindset that relentlessly pursues excellence. Dean’s core philosophy is all about taking action, and he explains how this mindset helps in overcoming challenges both foreseen and unexpected. Our guest walks us through his process of building mental toughness, how to rise above fear, the importance of research and careful planning, and how to build a mindset of resilience. Dean’s final words of wisdom and hope explain why it’s better to participate rather than anticipate.
There have been a lot of changes in the law and as a business owner, you need to stay up to date with them so that you can make the necessary changes to your business and stay compliant! Today we are discussing the new non-compete rule and what the changes will mean for your business. From non-solicitations to protection of business owners’ confidential information, to updating your agreements, this episode tells you everything you need to know about non-competes becoming a thing of the past. Be sure to tune in now and remember to contact your attorney for advice!
As a business owner, you have to wear a million different hats and focus on so many moving parts to keep your company running. But it is impossible to also keep up with constantly changing and evolving laws, and if you don’t remain compliant, things get risky. Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, renowned attorney Matthew Miller joins us to discuss how business owners can stay up-to-date with business laws. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the laws businesses need to be aware of, what a non-compete is, the pros and cons of the agreement, how to protect your confidential information as a business owner, and what the Corporate Transparency Act is. We delve into the importance of having a lawyer to help advise you about the complexities of the legal system as a business owner before Matthew explains how you can make your business work buying. Finally, we discuss valuation metrics and what we need to know about how businesses are being valuated today. You don’t want to miss out on this invaluable information so be sure to tune in now!
Join Rory in another special recap edition of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, where we debrief our latest epsiode with guest Mel Abraham, to learn more about what you need to know to make more money. Today, Rory delves into four principles for making more money, including the payoffs of being debt-free, spending your money to save time, figuring out how to be paid for your results and not your time, and lastly de-risking your own business but investing in the 3 P’s. Be sure not to miss out on this valuable episode, and be sure to check out Rory’s Higher Earner Habits Training, 7 Ways That Wealthy People Think and Live. Thanks for listening!
Could the most important purchase we ever make ultimately be freedom? If you're curious to explore this idea further, then this episode is tailored for you! Today, Rory is joined by a true authority on all things money. In addition to his background as a CPA, he's also a globally recognized thought leader, having shared the stage with Fortune 500 companies and spoken at some of the world's largest public events. Mel Abraham brings a profound understanding of both online and offline business, coupled with extensive knowledge of financial matters. We're delighted to have him on the show! Tune in to discover Mel's journey into the world of finance, his strategies for gaining financial control, and why he advocates for harmony over balance. We also delve into essential questions for those building a personal brand, the importance of focusing on the solutions you create, and Mel's insights on retirement planning for entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore why every dollar should have a job description. Thanks for tuning in!
Do you want to know how to protect your personal brand? Whether you're a content creator or you have a unique methodology or framework for your business, this episode is for you! We recently spoke with Autumn Witt Boyd, an IP attorney and the Founder of The AWB Firm, who specializes in helping business owners safeguard their creations. Tune in to hear Autumn's insights on what you need to do even before you get started, practical tips for protecting your personal brand as you grow, when to consider a trademark or copyright (and the differences between them), and much more!
In an industry that seems to shift and change daily, it might feel impossible for business owners to keep up with their legal requirements. You need a legal team who will guide you, help you create a big-picture strategy, and take the time to understand your long-term goals before jumping into your legal projects. Enter Autumn Witt Boyd, an IP attorney who helps online CEOs build sustainable, profitable companies. As the founder of Autumn Witt Boyd (AWB) Firm, Autumn specializes in helping business owners protect what they've built, and she joins us today to walk you through the steps you need to take to protect your personal brand. From the what, why, and how of intellectual property to trademarks, copyrights, contract templates, and more, this episode covers it all! No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, you will find immeasurable value in this conversation, which outlines everything you need to know to safeguard your personal brand today.
Imagine a life free from limitations, where all your dreams and goals become reality. Believe it or not, that life is not beyond your reach! The only thing standing in your way is your brain. To help you harness the limitless power of your brain and create a limitless life, we share five key takeaways from our recent conversation with Jim Kwik, a New York Times bestselling author, an internationally acclaimed authority on brain optimization, and a world-leading expert in speed-reading, memory improvement, and accelerated learning. Tune in to find out how to overcome your limitations, get unstuck by finding new perspectives, change your destination by taking just one step in a new direction, and much more!
If you change your brain, you can change your life and, ultimately, change the world. This is the belief of today’s guest, Jim Kwik, a New York Times bestselling author and internationally acclaimed authority on brain optimization. With more than 30 years of experience, Jim has dedicated his life to helping people unlock the full potential of their brains. Along the way, he has amassed millions of followers, trained CEOs and celebrities, and spoken for numerous world-renowned organizations. His book, Limitless, sold hundreds of thousands of copies and offers readers practical tools and strategies to level up their mental performance, learn anything faster, achieve their goals, and transform their lives. In this episode, Jim shares his inspirational message for mission-driven entrepreneurs and offers some profound insight into the competitive advantage that brain optimization can offer us. Join us as we discuss how your struggles can lead to strengths, the correlation between reason and result, how just one step in a different direction can completely change your destination, and much more!
If you’ve ever thought about writing a children’s book but don’t know where to begin, you’d better stick around! In today’s episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we unpack the main takeaways from our conversation with bestselling children’s author and mentor, Eevi Jones. Tuning in, you’ll learn how to start inspiring the next generation of leaders through storytelling and why translating life lessons into children-friendly stories is critical. Join us as we unlock the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation, ensuring a brighter, more resilient future for us all!
Have you ever wondered how to bridge the gap between your business wisdom and captivating storytelling? In today’s episode, we are joined by Eevi Jones, an accomplished children's book author and mentor, to explore the exciting journey of turning your brand’s story into a children’s masterpiece. Recognizing a need in the children's book industry, Eevi founded the Children’s Book University and established herself as a trusted resource for aspiring authors. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of writing, self-publishing, marketing, and building a thriving author platform. You’ll discover the secrets behind crafting compelling narratives tailored for young minds, Eevi’s approach to working with authors, and how she turns complex ideas into child-friendly stories. She also shares valuable advice for aligning your brand’s identity with a children’s story, sharing your brand’s message through children’s books, how long the writing and publishing process takes, and more! Tune in today as we uncover the fundamentals of crafting and publishing children's literature and explore its profound impact on personal branding with Eevi Jones!
Taking the leap from your current job to pursuing entrepreneurship can be quite terrifying! But don’t worry, today we are giving you four principles to orchestrate this change. Welcome to this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast! Today you will hear all about the importance of doing your absolute best in your current gig, how to avoid getting diluted results, lowering personal debt, and why starting with what you know best will pay off. We even share the fasted path to cash with listeners! You don’t want to miss this one so be sure to tune in now!
With the right methods and motivation, anyone can reach financial freedom and achieve their personal brand dreams! Climbing the ladder from NFL cheerleader to successful entrepreneur coach is no easy feat, and today’s guest, Kelly Roach is here to share her success secrets with us! Listening in, you’ll hear all about Kelly’s background and how her family’s financial issues inspired her to become financially free, her journey from NFL cheerleader to entrepreneur, building her business as a side hustle while working full time, and so much more! We delve into the three unconventional decisions Kelly made when starting her business, including why it’s so important to have support even prior to having clients before discussing the power of one-to-one coaching models. Kelly then shares how she suggests you start hiring people and in what order, how to attach operational roles to profit, and the importance of keeping in touch with past customers. Lastly, Kelly reminds us to focus on the lifetime value of customers instead of just on the acquisition of customers. This episode is filled with incredible pearls of wisdom that you don’t want to miss out on so tune in now!
Are you grappling with how to transform your passion into a thriving business but feel unsure about where to start? Perhaps you’ve had to overcome overwhelming odds in your life and feel compelled to help others going through the same thing, but lacking a proper roadmap is holding you back. In today’s special recap episode, AJ reflects on her conversation with Sara and Ben Jensen, the founders of Hugh and Grace – a company inspired by their journey with infertility, that takes its name from their two miracle children – as she explores how to transition between what you’re currently doing, and what you feel called to do. Discover how to turn your passion into a full-time business, why business success is about being willing to make plenty of mistakes (in the most inexpensive way possible), and what you can do to grow quickly and reach more people, plus a whole lot more. To hear all of AJ’s top takeaways from her conversation with Sara and Ben, be sure to tune in!
When Sara and Ben got married in their early twenties, the last thing they expected to struggle with was infertility. For 14 years, their inability to conceive remained unexplained. Then, during their quest to find answers, they discovered the pivotal role of hormonal health. Join us today as we sit down with Sara and Ben to discuss what inspired them to create clean, safe, and trusted products supporting hormone health and the phenomenal story behind their brand, Hugh & Grace, named after their two miracle children — both of whom were borne by Sara and Ben’s wonderful sisters who volunteered to be surrogates! In our conversation, we get into the disruptive impact that ingredients in everyday products can have on our hormones, the many conditions beyond infertility associated with exposure to these chemicals, and why they felt compelled to start this company and help others, despite the challenges. Sara and Ben also share their insights on navigating entrepreneurship, identifying customer pain points, how they developed their products, and much more. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to turn your passion into a business, while also making logical, business-minded decisions, then this informative and inspirational conversation is a must-listen!
Building on the resilience explored in part one of this special Mother’s Day episode, we continue our journey with Tessie Gale, Rory’s mom and someone who has had a profound impact on the world around her. From the depths of hardship as a young single mother to the triumphs of finding love and stability, Tessie's story is one of unwavering determination and unyielding hope. In this second installment, we delve deeper into Tessie's remarkable life story, exploring her ability to navigate financial struggles, build a supportive community, confront and overcome post-abortive shame, and ultimately discover the love that would transform her world. Join us as we witness the poignant arc of Tessie's narrative, which illustrates the enduring power of the human spirit. Please be advised that this episode contains references to sensitive themes, including abortion, suicide, domestic violence, and alcoholism. Listener discretion is advised.
Apart from being Rory’s mom, today’s guest, Tessie Gale has overcome incredible odds to create a profound impact on not only those around her but the world we live in too. In this special two-part episode in celebration of Mother’s Day, you’ll learn how Tessie triumphed over adversity to grow her family and the resilience and tenacity that allowed her to create opportunities for herself, make special memories for her children, and build a promising life for them all. From navigating harrowing circumstances to crafting a brighter future against all odds, Tessie's resilience and determination will inspire and uplift you. But please note that this episode delves into raw and emotional territory, touching on themes of abortion, suicide, domestic violence, and alcoholism. Listen with care, and prepare to be profoundly moved by Tessie's unwavering spirit.
Want to gain thousands of followers in just a few weeks? Well, this is the episode for you! From elevating your production value to telling great stories, you’ll learn how to not only capture a viewer’s attention but how to keep it too. Tune in as we share five surprisingly simple techniques to help you grow your audience, increase engagement, and create better content!
From pro baseball player to successful real estate investor to serial entrepreneur, Ryan Pineda knows a thing or two about building wealth! In 2015, he leveraged a small amount of capital to launch a house-flipping business that grew to include hundreds of flips, even more rentals, and six multimillion-dollar companies, amassing over a million social media followers in the process. Ryan joins us today to share his story and some surprisingly simple strategies to help you live what he calls the Wealthy Way. Tuning in, you’ll learn why social media is such a powerful tool, practical tips for running successful in-person live events, and how you can benefit from being a mission-driven businessperson. We also discuss the role that his Christian faith has played in his success, why watch time is a more important metric than followers or views, how to build trust with your audience, and much more! Ryan’s story is an inspiration for anyone pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, emphasizing the importance of persistence, resilience, and a willingness to adapt and pivot when circumstances change. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
Almost everyone has a story inside them that is bursting to be told, but timing is indeed everything. So, how do you know when it’s the right time to sit down and begin writing? Today, AJ recaps our recent conversation with the best-selling author, Bill Blankschaen, to highlight everything you need to know about writing your first words. First, it’s important to understand that writing a book is a time-consuming process and one that you should never rush. Then, we learn about the importance of knowing your book’s purpose and intent before writing your first word, and why you’ll know you’re ready to write a book when you’re willing to talk about it, on repeat, for at least two years.
Writing is a unique medium in that it requires one-way communication to feel like a two-way conversation, and without any context pertaining to the reader who is, essentially, a stranger. So, for your written words to resonate with someone you’ve never met, you need to have a certain something that separates you from the rest, and that is why today, with the help of Bill Blankschaen, we will be exploring everything that it takes to become a great writer. Bill is an accomplished best-selling author and is also the Founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders – a creative group of story architects and story artisans who empower individuals and organizations to tell stories that make the world a better place. After explaining his entry into writing, how he started working with Jon Maxwell’s team, and how being mission-driven allowed him to grow, Bill walks us through the timing of writing a book, when to publish it, and how to choose the best publishing route. Our guest then shares his thoughts on what it takes to be a great writer, how to write your first words, the role of technology and AI in modern writing, and why “collaborative writing” is a more accurate term to use than ghostwriting. To end, we learn about how StoryBuilders brings dreams to fruition, and how you can connect with Bill to elevate your storytelling to the next level.
It’s not just you. Networking is uncomfortable! Standing self-consciously in the corner with a drink in your hand and a name badge on your chest is a more common experience than you might realize. Join us today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast as we dive into three top tips to help you break the ice, take the pressure off new relationships, feel less awkward at networking events, and meet more people to grow your business!
How can small businesses apply big business principles to help them scale faster? To help us answer this question, we’re joined by an early Brand Builders Group member who has climbed the ladder in the financial and telecoms industries, built several businesses, and advised both US and international corporations from startups to billion-dollar enterprises. As an expert in sales, operations, and growing revenue, April Garcia knows what it takes to scale a business! A few years ago, she decided to pivot and work with small businesses to help them succeed. In this episode, she shares some of those success secrets and offers practical advice to help small business owners think big, stop iterating, and start selling. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the importance of processes, why product development should be messy, how to focus on who you should serve, not who you can serve, what is missing from the SMART goals format, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with international business advisor, performance coach, and strategy and mindset speaker, April Garcia!
Even if you aren’t an entrepreneur, this episode is for you, because it’s all about cultivating an ownership mindset in every aspect of your life. Join us as we walk you through the five things you need for a rock-solid entrepreneurial mindset. You’ll also learn how to build as you grow, how to put sales first, why serving your community should be prioritized over growth, and why you should never settle for anything less than hiring the very best!
Recently, we’ve taken a step back to observe and appreciate the incredible growth that we’ve achieved over the years at Brand Builders Group. In this solo episode with AJ, you’ll learn eight important lessons to help you on your journey to eight figures. We discuss sales and revenue, the simple law of economics, how to be versatile and flexible, and everything you need to know about hiring the right talent. We also cover the advantages of requesting feedback from customers and then acting on it, why it helps to deliver at least 10x more value than your prices suggest, the necessity of care, developing a trustworthy team, and the power of putting God (or your spirituality) first, plus so much more!
A key principle we teach at Brand Builder’s Group is the idea that the depth of your impact is far more important than the width of your reach because, ultimately, new customers are the most expensive and returning customers are the most profitable! Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we delve into six tips to help you scale the profits of your personal brand. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the Fractal Math Concept, why new customers are the most expensive kind, and how our community can serve you and your personal brand for life. We even break down key questions we always ask ourselves to increase monetization by providing better services to our customers. This episode is jam-packed with pearls of wisdom that will help you scale your personal brand to new heights, so be sure to press play now!
Most personal brands you may come across often do not have associated businesses. Creating a personal brand you can leverage for an enterprise requires a vastly different approach. In this episode, we sit down with Jeremie Kubicek to discuss how to turn your personal brand into a business with enterprise value. Jeremie is one of the best in the personal brand space and is a globally recognized keynote speaker, author, and relational intelligence expert who has been transforming leaders and teams since 2013. He is also the CEO and co-founder of GiANT Worldwide, a global media and content development company. In our conversation, we unpack the steps needed to build a scalable enterprise and the main takeaways of his new book, The Communication Code. We discuss his experience in the enterprise space, how he closed a significant sponsorship deal, and his entrepreneurial roots in events. Hear about the gap he saw in the content space and how it led to a scalable business. Discover how he is helping build businesses and communities through his brand while generating revenue. Explore how he cultivated his brand into a SaaS company, built a growing and recurring revenue, and his alternative partnership-centric approach to business. Gain insights into effective communication, unlocking The Communication Code, the five code words of communication, and much more! Tune in now!
For anyone getting ready to launch a product or service, it can be tempting to try and make your offer as sophisticated and perfect as you possibly can. The problem is that you’ll probably never feel like you’re ready to launch! If you’re someone who tends to overthink things, then we’d like to offer you an honest and straightforward solution to the question ‘How do you know when you’re ready to launch?’ And while there is a time and place for more complex solutions like a fancy website, webinars, and more, there’s really only one thing that you need to have in place to launch your business. Join AJ today, as she unpacks the one simple question you need to ask and find out if you’re ready to launch your business. The answer may surprise you!
Are you eager to start a business or grow your company but feel like you need to build a massive online following first? What if you could permit yourself to take the next step before things were perfectly aligned? If you’ve been struggling with questions like these, then you won’t want to miss today’s conversation with Melanie Ann Layer, Founder and CEO of Alpha Femme, a global coaching and mentoring company that has helped countless clients transform not just their businesses but also their lives. Tuning in, you’ll learn how Melanie first built her company from the ground up without the help of paid advertising, funding, or social media, all while working out of her car, and how she got to where she is today. She shares how her desire to transform her client's lives fueled the growth of her business, why authenticity was instrumental to her organic online growth, and how she made her first million with only 284 clients and fewer than 10,000 followers on Instagram. If you’d like to learn more about Melanie’s inspirational journey and how she achieved her success without a huge audience, then be sure to tune in for this eye-opening conversation!
Building a sustainable business, focusing on systems, and developing people is far more profitable in the long run than any viral marketing campaign could ever be. That being said, a successfully viral social media post can have the reach of a major game-day commercial for a fraction of the cost, so it’s certainly a tool worth having in your toolkit! In this episode, we share four techniques to make your content go viral. From trends to watch for to the anatomy of a ‘hook’, how to create one, and much more, this podcast is jam-packed with tips and strategies to help you cut through the digital clutter, command attention, and transform your content into a viral sensation, so be sure to tune in today!
Imagine a life where you connect with your true self and ignite a spark that transforms your existence into an exhilarating journey filled with purpose, passion, and untapped possibilities. This is the essence of Passion Struck, a movement founded by behavior change expert, John R. Miles. John has captivated millions with his globally renowned podcast and national radio show, making a significant impact as a thought leader in the fields of self-leadership and personal mastery. As an author, entrepreneur, and sought-after keynote speaker John blends practical wisdom with relatable anecdotes to make seemingly complex ideas more accessible and inspiring. In today’s episode, John joins us to talk about the science behind behavior change and delves into some powerful principles to unlock your purpose and “ignite your most intentional life” from his groundbreaking book, Passion Struck. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the importance of listening to your inner voice, how to align action with intention, tips for building an authentic personal brand, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this fascinating conversation about overcoming self-doubt, unleashing your highest potential, and all things personal growth!
Building a community is part of a business. After having an amazing conversation with Lindsey Schwartz, who founded Powerhouse Women, this episode covers some of the highlights. We talk about the difference between building a community and having an audience, unpack culture-building and what it ideally achieves, and explore what it means to establish a shared mission among your ideal community members. Finally, hear how we have found creative and tactically sufficient ways for people to connect with one another at Brand Builder’s Group, and some essential principles to help you to do the same. Thanks for listening!
If you are in a season of figuring out how to build an engaged community around your personal brand and your business, this is a custom-designed episode for you! It’s also been created for those looking to create more engagement for their online and offline community. If you’re someone who wants to create live offline experiences, this is for you too. Lindsey Schwartz is an author, investor and master community builder, and the Founder of Powerhouse Women, where she is fiercely committed to supporting other women. Tune in today to hear Lindsey’s story, from the humble beginnings of her community-focused business to her powerful definition of faith, and her plans for the future. She shares three crucial elements to facilitating a truly engaged community with practical examples of how to get started, offers an insider’s perspective on the task of running big events, and much more. Thanks for tuning in!
Rory’s recent conversation with CEO and Podcast Host, Hala Taha, revealed eight winning strategies for how to grow your podcast into a global sensation. In this episode, we revisit Hala’s approach by paying special attention to the power of appearing on other podcasts, the value of intimate engagement and emotive content, the importance of consistency, and the secrets to booking high-profile guests. We also take a look at some simple tricks that podcasters can easily implement before discussing why podcasting is the most overlooked prospecting strategy of all time.
Today’s guest is known as the Podcast Princess. Hala Taha is the host of a huge podcast called the Young and Profiting Podcast, which regularly reaches number one on the business and entrepreneurship charts. She is also the Founder and CEO of YAP Media and a top LinkedIn influencer supporting others to create success on the platform. Join us as Hala shares her wealth of wisdom on how to create and measure podcast growth, set up trades with fellow hosts, make the most of digital databases, and more! We discuss direct sponsorship techniques, budgeting according to your stage of growth, and the benefits of dynamic insertion. Tune in for for a deep dive into the world of social media for business and making the most of your platform as a podcaster today!
Most people avoid awkwardness like the plague. Our conversation with Henna Pryor explores what it means to embrace awkwardness to give yourself an advantage when you connect with your audience. During this recap conversation, we discuss what it might mean to embrace awkwardness and turn it into an advantage and how both AJ and Rory have done so as they have built Brand Builders. Tune in to hear two examples of embarrassing experiences that became opportunities to be relatable and establish a sense of comfort and ease. Listen in to hear all this and more today!
Awkwardness is part of life. But not many of us know how to navigate it, let alone leverage it for success. During this episode, Henna Pryor joins us to discuss the superpower of embracing awkwardness. Among her many accolades, she is an award-winning TEDx speaker, sought-after workplace expert, and international keynote speaker. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Henna’s experiences of growing up and feeling awkward, entering the staffing industry, and finding her calling in speaking. Learn how she has honed her skills as a powerful public speaker, how she went about testing for and establishing an audience for her book, and what her life as a speaker looks like in a day-to-day sense. Henna shares her perspective on our weakening social musculature and offers a definition for awkwardness and ‘good awkwardness’. We discuss using embarrassment to create loyalty, why you should never cater to your audience, and what it looks like to prioritize your response to this inevitable experience. Thanks for tuning in!
What does it take to write great copy? And how can you master it to reach your audience and share your message? In today’s conversation, you’ll hear Rory share his top three copywriting secrets for producing persuasive copy and the key lessons he’s learned over the course of his career. Using his best-selling book Take The Stairs as a jumping-off point, Rory unpacks what it means to sell the destination instead of the vehicle, the role of pain copy, and how to write excellent pay-off text. Listen now to hear all the details of these three copywriting secrets, and transform how you communicate with your audience!
If you’ve ever struggled to explain your offer, you’re not alone. It can be daunting trying to pitch what you do (and why it’s important) without coming across as arrogant or cocky, which means we often end up shrinking ourselves or downplaying our abilities in the process. But what if, instead of concentrating on selling yourself, you focused on your customers and the key problems they need to have solved? That’s where the groundbreaking StoryBrand method comes in! We are joined today by StoryBrand expert, Dr. JJ Peterson, host of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast and co-author of Marketing Made Simple: A Step-by-Step StoryBrand Guide for Any Business, which he co-wrote with Donald Miller, who first developed the StoryBrand method. We talk with JJ about the StoryBrand method, how it was developed, and why positioning your customer as the hero of the story, instead of yourself, is such a game changer. Tuning in you’ll learn about the seven key elements of any good story, how each of these can be applied to marketing, and the power of leveraging storytelling frameworks to share your message and help others. Join us for a fascinating conversation on marketing, storytelling, and much more!
AJ gained some valuable insight after her conversation with the Owner and CMO of eSpeakers, Joe Heaps, about what it takes to make speaking your profession and how to grow your speaking business. This recap episode highlights the biggest mistakes that new speakers make and how to avoid them, how to make the perfect demo video, why it’s important to understand what buyers are looking for, and everything you need to remember when setting fees for your speaking business.
The speaking industry has grown leaps and bounds to the extent that speakers are now considered entrepreneurs, as they are now personal brands and businesses. But finding work is not as simple as just sending a text or email, and being a successful speaker requires the same hard work and dedication that is necessary for any thriving business. Joining AJ in conversation today is Joe Heaps, the Owner and CMO of eSpeakers, an online platform that connects speakers with their audience. Joe believes that his business is crucial for the industry and credits its established systems and processes as the vehicle behind its prosperity. We learn about the importance of the Audience Benefit statement, how speaking is no different than any other business, how speakers should prepare for their events, and what non-celebrity speakers need to take into account. We also explore Joe’s special recipe for connecting speakers with clients, how to set your fees as a speaker, the trending topics that speakers are being hired for, and how speakers can play their part in upholding standards of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Many people don’t see breakthrough in their lives, despite their best efforts. Following our conversation with Michael Bungay Stanier, we’re sharing our five step formula, to support you as you help others to have a massive breakthrough in their lives. Tune in to hear the real reason it’s so hard for most people to make much-needed changes before we dive into the true premise of coaching, and explore your role in identifying and calling out limiting beliefs and leading client’s toward new ones. We equip you with a new understanding of how to encourage and inspire people, and offer an informed glimpse into what really happens when you help someone to overcome limiting beliefs and find breakthrough. Join us today to hear all this and more.
Despite its undeniable power to affect change and bring forth transformation, coaching, as a profession, is still widely misunderstood. Understanding coaching and what it could do for you and those around you is vital for the future of unlocking every individual’s inner greatness. Michael Bungay Stanier is a world-renowned coach, speaker, and bestselling author, and his most famous title, The Coaching Habit, acts as the foundation of today’s conversation. Michael joins us to share what it means to be a coach, starting with his behavior-based definition of coaching followed by an explanation of the true purpose of coaching, how teaching and managing differ yet act harmoniously when in coaching, and the importance of asking questions and leading with curiosity. We learn how coaches can go about their work to gain the most out of their clients, finding the real problem and how to address it, the proximity clause and finding balance, and the importance of self-discovery. Michael also debunks many coaching stigmas by working through the five levels of resistance, and to end he details the habits that all successful coaches need to develop.
Getting referrals is one of the best ways to grow your client base, and by extension, your business. But how do you go about initiating this process? And where is the best place to start? In today’s recap episode, AJ revisits her conversation with Barb Betts as she shares her top takeaways and breaks down the three most important steps for getting more referrals for your business. Find out what’s holding you back from asking for referrals, how to overcome this, and why it’s worth putting in the work. Be sure to tune in for an informative recap of this thought-provoking conversation along with special insights from AJ herself!
You might think that, in 2024, the most effective way to grow your business is through your online presence. But you’d be wrong. The truth is that the majority of businesses today still thrive, not through Google searches or social media, but through the undeniable impact of trusted referrals and recommendations. And referrals hinge, more than anything, on the power of relationships. Our conversation today is a near-perfect example of this lesson in action. We are joined by Barb Betts, a sought-after keynote speaker, entrepreneur, educator, and CEO of The RECollective. We were so impressed with the referral training she did with our strategy team here at Brand Builders Group, that we had to have her on the show to share her expertise with all of you! Tuning in, you’ll hear Barb unpack the fundamentals of building your referral-based business, her advice to anyone starting without a client list, and a breakdown of her step-by-step guide to building, nurturing, and maintaining relationships. Discover the power of authentic connections, the importance of learning how to ask for help, and much more. For an eye-opening conversation on the art of building relationships, from a guest who is a living embodiment of what she teaches, be sure to tune in today!
What can you do to increase the likelihood of success? What are the things we do to self-sabotage? In this episode, we recap our main takeaways from our insightful conversation with Erwin McManus. Using our conversation with Erwin as a foundation, we delve into the key mindset shifts needed to build a personal brand, be a successful entrepreneur, and maximize potential. We unpack the power of being your own cheerleader and why approval from others is not an ingredient for success. Discover why you should not measure success by your achievements, the benefits of recognizing your hard work that nobody else sees, and why it is okay to feel like a beginner. Gain insights into how masters ‘pay the rent’ of success every day,
the value of leaning into what makes you unique, common mistakes people make, and much more! To explore the mindset shifts needed to uncover your self-worth and reach your full potential, tune in now!
Achieving massive success requires more than talent or strategies; it also involves cultivating the right mindset. In today’s episode, we sit down with Erwin McManus, a pastor, author, and speaker known for his inspirational teachings on leadership, creativity, and spirituality. His latest book, Mindset Shifts, guides readers through developing an inner framework to navigate and overcome the internal mental structures preventing success and living a fulfilling life. In our conversation, we unpack the intricate nuances of success and failure, why focusing on yourself rather than your achievements is critical, and why it is essential to approach success as an outcome rather than an intention. We delve into the power of making a mind shift, why success weighs more heavily than failure, preparing for the burden of success, and the transitional loneliness that comes with it. Discover how taking responsibility empowers change, the curse of talent, why you must not be a prisoner of praise, overcoming imposter syndrome, and much more! Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you inspired to make your own mind shift and embark on a journey toward a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life with Erwin McManus!
Building a strong foundation for your personal brand, and your business, is essential. But how do you go about building that foundation? And how do you determine the amount of time you should be spending on it? In today’s special recap episode, AJ uses her conversation with Elizabeth Stephens as a springboard to give listeners a comprehensive breakdown of how to tackle these questions, why it’s so important, and why you should never rush this process. Tuning in you’ll learn about Brand Builders Group’s mission-driven approach, the deeply-held beliefs that underpin their work, and how they help clients build a solid foundation that will pay off in the long term. AJ provides a breakdown of the Brand Builders Group curriculum, their four core customer journeys, and the key questions every personal brand must be able to answer before growing their business. Today’s episode is jam-packed with indispensable advice that you won’t want to miss out on. Tune in to learn more about Brand Builders Group, establishing your personal brand, and building a rock-solid foundation!
No matter where you are in your personal brand journey, there are always key questions that you should be asking yourself, like “What should I be working on right now?” and “Where should I be investing my time and resources?” There is perhaps no one better suited to tackle these questions than today's guest, Elizabeth Stephens, who just so happens to be a part of the Brand Builders Group’s founding team, and currently serves as the Vice President of Customer Service! In today’s conversation, you’ll learn about the best ways to navigate your personal brand path, key pain points you need to understand, and the four core customer journeys we’ve identified for our clients. We also unpack the biggest lessons we’ve learned from working closely with hundreds of individuals, before providing guidance for listeners to help them determine the trajectory they should be on. No matter where you are on your journey, today’s conversation has something for everyone. Tune in for key insights and universally applicable lessons on building your personal brand with ease and passion!
Can small enhancements to your customer journey make a memorable impact? Will Guidara, restaurateur, speaker, founder of creative hospitality agency Thank You, host of The Welcome Conference, and bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality, believes that any business can take ordinary transactions and turn them into extraordinary experiences. In our most recent interview with Will, we took a deep dive into the valuable service and leadership lessons he’s learned throughout his restaurant career. Today, we expand on that insightful conversation and share five keys to using customer experience as a competitive advantage. From making people feel seen, heard, and welcome to taking a one-size-fits-one approach, this episode is full of practical advice that will make you reconsider the role that hospitality plays in your business and help you transform your approach to customer experience. Tune in today!
When Will Guidara decided to serve a two-dollar hot dog in his four-star New York restaurant, his life was changed forever. This move to create a personalized street food experience for out-of-town customers earned such a positive reaction that Will began to practice "unreasonable hospitality" full-time, seeking out new and creative ways to create extraordinary experiences. His national bestseller, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect, details the service and leadership lessons he’s learned throughout his restaurant career, and in today’s episode, he shares surprisingly simple ideas to help you craft memorable moments centered on human connection, no matter what business you're in. As founder of the creative hospitality agency Thank You and host of the Welcome Conference, Will also has some practical advice for business owners that will make you reconsider your definition of hospitality and transform your approach to customer service. Join us as we explore the importance of the daily huddle, why crazy generosity doesn’t need to cost a lot, what Will means by “one size fits one,” and more!
Navigating cancellations can be tricky. Today’s conversation is all about the role of your cancellation strategy in supporting client retention. Tune in to hear some of our post-show thoughts following an extremely enriching conversation with retention expert Shana Lynn. From understanding why people cancel, to starting with the beginning in mind, and more, this episode is short, but mighty. If you have a community or a membership in which retention is a key driver, this is a conversation for you!
This episode is all about community and retention. It doesn’t matter who you are, this message is for you! Joining us to explore this super important, universal topic is Shana Lynn, a podcast host, speaker, and consultant with more than ten years of experience in retention. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Shana’s college thesis that got her on stages across the country, her experience at Vanderbilt Medical Centre, and being handpicked to work for Stu McClaren. We unpack what it really means to have strong retention systems in place, personal touches in a digital world, and the ongoing nature of the job of selling. We discuss how to structure your cancellation procedure, three things every client should believe at the end of your onboarding process, and four key elements to a thriving membership community. Join us today to hear all this and more!
Money is a topic that is just not talked about enough – how to make it; save it; invest it; wisely spend it; and keep it. So we were thrilled when we got the chance to sit down with Rob Luna recently, and he made some powerful, life-changing observations that we’d like to share with you today. We distilled Rob’s message into 5 key points that will enable you to become more financially secure as an entrepreneur. We discuss how being debt-free leads to freedom, why you should always be your number one investment, how “boring” can also be a good thing, and the power of choosing abundance over scarcity. We also learn about helping others to make money, and how this can lead to a boomerang effect of profit for you.
One of our favorite things to do is speak with clients who have expertise relevant to the Influential Personal Brand community. In today’s episode, we speak with Rob Luna, a distinguished wealth strategist and CEO of Real Talk Capital, about tax and financial strategies for personal brands. Rob’s mission is to help people build, grow, protect, and enjoy their wealth. His experience and dedication to financial success make him a valuable resource for those seeking financial guidance and security. In this conversation, Rob unpacks the various strategies that personal brands can leverage to reduce their tax liability and secure a reliable source of future income. From retirement planning to fixed-income and dividend-paying stocks, we cover everything personal brands need to know! Rob explains the types of assets personal brands should focus on for long-term investment and how to supplement your income by buying other businesses. To gain insight into the range of financial products suitable for personal brands, why long-term investment is an indispensable part of your financial journey, vital steps to formulate an effective investment approach, and more, be sure to tune in and take charge of your financial future today with Rob Luna!
There’s more than one way to become a highly paid professional speaker. But what are the best paths to success? And how do you choose what’s right for you? In today’s special recap episode, AJ takes us through her top takeaways from her conversation with Shawn Hanks, CEO of Premiere Speakers Bureau. We find out about the three non-negotiables for becoming a highly paid professional speaker, before taking a closer look at how to hone your craft, the evergreen speaking categories you should be aware of for exponential growth, and how to tailor your niche content for a new category, empowering you to have substantial increases over time. AJ also covers why having an excellent video is crucial for speakers, how to go about creating a phenomenal reel out of your footage, what you need to include in your press kit, and a whole lot more. To hear all of AJ’s insights on this fascinating topic, press play now!
Are you a talented speaker looking to advance your career, but unsure of how to take the next steps and scale up? Then look no further than today’s conversation with Shawn Hanks, CEO of Premiere Speakers Bureau (PSB) – a company that has spent over 25 years successfully partnering leading speakers with satisfied clients. Tuning in, you’ll hear Shawn unpack everything you need to know about the dynamics of working with bureaus, along with a host of practical tips for aspiring speakers. We explore the nuances of choosing your content as a speaker, what to consider when it comes to trending topics, and how you can tailor your content to suit the market. Our conversation also covers essential assets for speakers looking to land top gigs, including a detailed breakdown of what to consider when putting together a preview reel — like getting audience reaction shots — and how to tailor keynote descriptions for different industries. For a comprehensive overview of what speakers bureaus are all about, plus Shawn’s actionable advice and top strategies, be sure to tune in today!
There is a guiding principle for wealth accumulation and financial prosperity that says money loves speed. Take a moment to reflect on that. Money tends to grow faster when it’s put to work quickly, and people are almost always willing to pay more for speedier results! Today, we expand on our recent episode with Jay Baer, titled ‘The Time to Win with Jay Baer’. Join Rory as he shares his key takeaways from that conversation, including a powerful question to ask yourself to help you make more money, get more referrals, and become more well-known. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the concept of the fast pass and why you should be making a time promise, especially one you can overdeliver on. For more insightful tips to help you make more money by using speed as a competitive advantage, don’t miss this episode!
Speed is an incredibly important factor in delivering products and services to your customers and it is often overlooked. Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Jay Baer joins us to discuss his new book, The Time to Win, the importance of finding the perfect time to deliver to your customers, and why that time is most likely faster than you think. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the premise of the book, how the pandemic inspired Jay to write it, why speed is as important as price, fast passes in business, and finding the perfect balance of speed. We delve into the relationship between responsiveness and respect before discussing the importance of under-promising and over-delivering. Finally, Jay tells us all about his work in the tequila space and where we can find out more. To hear all of this and so much more, press play now!
Welcome to the recap of our conversation with the author and CEO of Copper Books, Allison Trowbridge about why an author is also an entrepreneur. In this episode, we discuss why this is the golden age of publishing, why it is easier than ever before for anyone to write a book, and more! We even delve into why being an author automatically makes you an entrepreneur before being reminded that writing a book is a calling. In the previous episode, Allison likened the three ways to publish a book to business moves, and today, we recap those. Finally, we talk about the importance of falling in love with the process, not just the highs. Thank you for listening!
Authors are entrepreneurs! If you are an author of any kind or if you aspire to write a book someday, then this is the episode for you! Today we are joined by the incredible Allison Trowbridge, author and entrepreneur, to discuss her book, her company, and so much more! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about what made Allison want to write a book, what it’s about, how she got her start in the world of books before she even started writing, and more! If you are ready to be an author and sell your story to other people then you also have to be ready to be an entrepreneur and in this episode, our guest highlights what her company, Copper Books, does to help aspiring authors achieve their dreams. She even shares two key insights aspiring authors need to know before telling us about her favorite book. Finally, Allison gives us some advice about following dreams. To hear all this and even get a discount code for Copper Books’ Accelerator Course, press play now!
Ever wonder about the secrets behind Brand Builders Group’s success? Then don’t miss out on this special recap episode stemming from our recent interview with Matt McWilliams. Today, Rory talks about the secrets to building an amazing affiliate lead generation machine, including what it means when we say affiliate marketing and the essentiality of overdelivering to the people who already trust you, and in you. Rory expands on their BBG for Free Program, how to kick-start your referral cycle, why affiliate marketing works, and so much more! Dive in and unlock the secrets to transforming your customer source into your sales powerhouse and discover practical strategies and insights that can elevate your business game. Enjoy!
Building a business is not as valuable as building a reputation, and there are few better ways of carrying your business’ reputation forward than by implementing an affiliate program. Affiliate marketing uses third-party affiliates to market and promote your products, and you only pay them once a sale has been made. So today, we’ve asked the affiliate guy himself, Matt McWilliams, to join us and explain why every business needs to have its own affiliate program. We discuss how to know when the time is right for your company to start sourcing affiliates, how the programs work and the money behind them, why it helps to be an affiliate first, and how to find affiliates for your business or become one yourself. As a bonus, we explore the software behind affiliate marketing programs and why the space makes room for multiple technologies, and Matt details everything that you can find in the affiliate marketing guide that he has made available for all our loyal listeners!
As we recap the inspirational conversation that we had with Elevate and Scale’s Kyle Stout, we decided to hone in on how to get the best outputs from using ChatGPT. The most important thing to understand is that you need to train ChatGPT in order for it to give you the best results on a consistent basis. That means honing your inputs until ChatGPT understands your personal brand and being as specific and detailed as possible for optimal results.
There are many fears surrounding AI and its recent evolution. While many of these are valid, some are not, and many people are forgetting about the undeniable benefits of using AI in business. Joining us today is Kyle Scout, the Founder of Elevate Scale, a company that helps e-commerce brands maximize their revenue with SMS and email marketing. The first half of our conversation with Kyle is all about using AI for content generation, as we explore how he learned to use AI efficiently and effectively, what he thinks about using AI as a copywriter, how to generate the perfect prompt, the ups and downs of using AI to generate content, and how AI affects the copywriting market. Then, we dive deeper into email marketing as Kyle explains its importance, how to maximize the benefits of email marketing, how sales price influences email copy, and some of the biggest mistakes that businesses make when it comes to email marketing. All-in-all, AI can help us be more efficient and effective in everything we do, including helping to generate the perfect email for your list of loyal customers.
Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are recapping our discussion with Paige Dungan and highlighting three secrets to gaining publicity. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the importance of connecting your expertise to the news cycle, the two ways you can ‘become the media’, the importance of having a relationship engine, and why the media needs you just as much as you need them! We even delve into the biggest publicity secret of all, the principle of the relationship switchboard. Finally, we are reminded to give, give, give, and do our part to make the world a better place. To hear all this and so much more, press play now!
The media doesn’t care about your book until you have proven yourself as an expert! The incredible PR guru, Paige Dungan, joins us today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast to discuss publicity for book launches. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about what authors need to know about getting media attention for their books, how to build a relationship with the media, knowing your target audience, and the biggest mistakes authors make in PR for their books. We discuss how TV and podcasting can bring you great publicity for your book before delving into the ways you can get a great national TV hit for your book launch. Finally, Paige reminds us not to give up on our book launch pitches while respecting those we are pitching to. You don’t want to miss this one so press play now!
In the previous episode, we spoke to author and speaker, David Baker, about the steps to positioning yourself as an expert in your field. Using the insights gained from our conversation with David, in this recap episode, we unpack the steps to building your consulting practice by leveraging your expertise. We delve into the concept of expertise, how to avoid being a generalist, and why you should narrow your focus. We uncover what it means to be a true expert in your field and why this distinction can be a game-changer for your career. Gain insights into how being an expert increases your value, the main difference between a generalist and an expert, why it is okay to say no, and much more. To discover how to redefine your path and transform from generalist to expert, tune in now!
Have you ever wondered why being an expert in your field can make or break your brand's success? Becoming an expert takes time and effort. It requires continuous learning, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and relentlessly demonstrating your knowledge. Over time, your expertise will contribute significantly to your brand's growth and reputation. Joining us today is David Baker, author and speaker, to explain what it means to be an expert, how to become an expert, and everything in between. In our conversation, we discuss why long-term relationships can be dangerous for your advisory practices, productizing your service offerings, how to avoid the time-for-money trap, and the steps to position yourself as an expert in your field. David also reveals his approach to writing, emphasizing the key elements that keep him inspired and motivated. Discover why it's not about knowing the right thing; it's about having the courage to share your thoughts and experiences. To learn the secret sauce to becoming an expert and how to charge more for doing less, tune in now!
Ever wondered how a personal brand transforms into a global phenomenon? In today’s episode, Rory delves into what it means to be a mission-driven messenger and the incredible things that can happen when you commit to sharing your message with the world. Using last week’s conversation with Pat Flynn as a jumping-off point, we kick things off with a refresher on how AI can help automate the mundane aspects of business and free you up to focus on the more meaningful and human elements of your enterprise. You’ll then hear about one of our talented clients, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, how the Brand Builders Group method helped launch her book, Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well, and what her story teaches us about the power of prioritizing the message, not the messenger. Find out how to hone in on the message you feel compelled to share, why promoting that message is not just a duty, but a privilege, and why every piece of content you share should be a gift to your audience. Rory also shares the details of his new podcast, Eternal Life, why he felt compelled to share it, and what drove him to put so much work into something that he couldn’t monetize. To learn more about turning your personal brand into a worldwide movement and the power of prioritizing your message, be sure to tune in for this thought-provoking episode!
AI might be all the rage right now, but in keeping up with all the latest advancements in this field it is important not to lose sight of the power of real, human connection. That is the opinion of today’s guest, Pat Flynn, a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, creator, and founder of SPI (Smart Passive Investment) Media. Pat is a truly multi-talented individual and in today’s conversation, he shares his expertise on a range of subjects from podcasting to Pokémon. Tuning in you’ll hear Pat share the details of his podcasting journey, starting back in 2010, and how he aspires to create content that can serve as a gift to his audience. He goes on to unpack his expansion into YouTube and the staggering success of his Pokémon channel, Deep Pocket Monsters, which he started during the pandemic as a way to bond with his son. At this point, the channel has accumulated almost 200 million views and we hear from Pat about how he’s applying lessons from entrepreneurship to further leverage the success of this channel. Our conversation also touches on his work as an advisor for various SaaS companies, his opinions about AI, and why he believes that micro-communities are the future. Today’s conversation is jam-packed with actionable advice and powerful insights, so be sure to tune in to hear everything that Pat has to share!
In the previous episode, we spoke to Carli van Heerden, CEO and Founder of We Edit Podcasts, about what it takes to start your own podcast and the ins and outs of podcast production. In this recap episode, we highlight the main takeaways from our conversation with Carli, with a focus on the hidden benefits of creating and hosting your own podcast. From continuous learning and expert exposure to the art of audience growth through diverse content, we'll unravel the perks of hosting versus being a guest, and how podcasting allows you to target a niche audience like never before. Discover how hosting can be a dynamic tool for business outreach and client connections, and why podcasting is a potent sales technique. To discover how to leverage the hidden perks of creating and hosting your own podcast, tune in now!
How do I get started in podcasting? If I do start a podcast, what can I do to make sure it succeeds? These are just some of the common questions we hear regarding podcasts, so we thought it would be a great idea to do a podcast about podcasting! Here to help answer these questions and guide us through the podcasting landscape is Carli van Heerden. Carli is the CEO and Founder of We Edit Podcasts, a company that specializes in providing comprehensive podcast production services. Their primary focus is to simplify the podcasting process for their clients, reduce the overhead involved, and help podcasters publish their content quickly with the support of a professional team. In our conversation, we explore how to turn your podcasting dreams into reality and uncover the basics of podcast production. Learn how We Edit Podcasts was borne from her own need for podcast production and how podcasting has changed over time. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put a podcast together, from editing the audio to being the host, we cover the entire process. Learn the essentials of podcasting success as Carli demystifies the biggest challenge in the game and what pitfalls to avoid. Explore the hidden perks of hosting and gain valuable insights from Carli's trade secrets. Plus, learn about the exceptional production services offered by We Edit Podcasts. Whether you are a podcaster or someone who wants to be a podcaster, this episode is for you! Tune in and learn the secret sauce of podcasting with expert Carli van Heerden!
Are you interested in the idea of creating miracles in your life? Join us as we make it practical on today’s recap episode and talk about three ways to set yourself up for a miracle! The interview with Tim Storey was incredible and he posed an inspiring question. He said, “What can you do to make your situation different, better, and more magical?” Today, your host, Rory Vaden, dives into a discussion on three ways to position yourself for a miracle including being willing to ask for one, taking actionable (working) steps toward your miracle, and exposing yourself to miracles. Make sure you tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into how you can set yourself up for a miracle, even if you don’t believe in the supernatural, God, the Bible, or other Christian things. Thanks for listening!
Different, better, and more magical, whether due to faith or what is innately in you, our guest today wants to encourage you to step out into who you are supposed to be and open yourself up to the supernatural realm because it is wonderfully powerful. Today, we welcome to the podcast Tim Storey. Tim is an acclaimed culture-influencing thought leader, life strategist, author, speaker, and counselor. Known for his insight and coaching among high-profile individuals who find themselves in a place of personal recovery and discovery, he has been labeled as the Original Comeback Coach. And he is here today to talk about having a Miracle Mentality, which also happens to be the title of his new book! We dive into what it means to have a miracle mentality, how to manage expectations, and what that requires, and he shares his insights into how you can discern the voice of God in your life. We talk about aligning to your assignment, tapping into and accessing a miracle mindset, and then Tim shares the steps of a comeback. He’s an example of someone who is unashamedly owning the gift and life that God has given him and wants to empower you to take on a miracle mindset, because, your mindset is ultimately yours to set. For all this, and so much more, don’t miss out on this episode. Start listening now.
In the entrepreneurial community, there are plenty of conversations being had on the topic of other people’s money, but when it comes to other people’s platforms there is so much that is being left unexplored. For today’s special recap episode, AJ revisits her phenomenal conversation with Tom Schwab to share her thoughts and elaborate on his most illuminating insights. She unpacks some of the top reasons why you should consider not taking other people's money, but instead, leverage their platforms and explains how this can help you attract your top customers when you can’t afford expensive marketing strategies. You’ll also learn why you don't need to be visible everywhere, how to connect with your clients, and why partnering with someone you have a trusted relationship with can be such a powerful catalyst. To learn more about the power of borrowed audiences and how to attract top customers, be sure to tune in for this informative recap!
These days there’s so much pressure for your brand to be everywhere online. But what if digital marketing is actually harming your brand, rather than helping it? Joining us today to unpack this controversial topic is Tom Schwab, Chief Evangelist Officer and Founder of Interview Valet, a podcast interview marketing agency that helps thought leaders drive growth by leveraging select audiences on other platforms. Tom has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to sales and branding, having worked with over 700 leading brands to transform their content. We talk with Tom about the biggest misconceptions people have when it comes to marketing and sales, how to determine where you should be marketing online, and why you should be having quality conversations with your super-consumers. Our conversation also delves into the subject of podcasting, with Tom sharing his biggest tips, like how to go about choosing your guests, and what you can do to grow your audience by leveraging other people’s platforms. If you’re interested in taking your content to the next level and supercharging your marketing, then look no further than today’s conversation with Tom Schwab!
We are back with a special recap of our interview with Scott Jeffrey Miller. What an inspirational story to hear, it’s not about fame, it’s not about notoriety, it’s about impact. To be able to hear the journey of how they took Franklin Covey to become a $300 million public company, was truly amazing. Today we share three things, two that we 100% agree with and one that we don’t. The first two are secrets imperative to growing your company, and principles we fully implement at Brand Builders and educate our clients on. If you're eager to discover insights on how to expand your company to $300 million, and why we disagree with Scott Jeffrey Miller on a particular point, then don’t miss this episode! Tune in now.
On our show today is Scott Jeffrey Miller, a twenty-five-year FranklinCovey associate, serving as the Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of thought leadership. He is the host of On Leadership With Scott Miller, the world’s largest weekly leadership podcast, and CSuite Conversations with Scott Miller. Scott is also the co-founding partner at Gray+Miller, a speaking, literary, and talent agency. As you join the conversation, you’ll hear from Scott about what led to his recruitment by Franklin Covey, his account of the transition of the company from being privately held to becoming publicly traded, and how the business model changed as a result of the acquisition. We also discuss the influence of a foundation built on successful books, Dr. Covey's humility, and his stepping out of the way, and Scott highlights pivotal marketing strategies and the mantra at Franklin Covey. To delve deeper into Scott's insights on the viability of embracing and integrating personal and corporate brands, and more on how to build a $300 million training company, make sure to listen in now.
The interview with Nikki Nash was truly insightful, as she provided fantastic tips for doubling your business in 12-18 months, including 5 Must-Haves for 7-Figure business owners, so be sure to go back and check out our interview with Nikki. In this special recap episode, AJ takes us through three key concepts to take full advantage of your existing clients. To find out how you can grow your business by selling new programs and services to existing clients, focusing on retaining your current clients, and generating referrals from your existing client base, be sure to start listening now!
If you are looking to grow your business, you do not want to miss this episode! Today, we dive into how you can double your business in the next 12-18 months, and we are excited to have Nikki Nash on the podcast. Nikki is the Hay House bestselling author of her new book Market Your Genius, and she’s also the host of a top-rated podcast bearing the same name as her book, a renowned expert in crafting marketing strategies with a unique focus on empowering fast-growing coaching and online companies, and has a real specialty in helping drive sustainable growth. Today, we dive into the key things you should be doing to take advantage of your current and past clients, tips on having conversations early with your clients regarding their long-term retention trajectory, and unleashing the power of client referrals. Nikki then shares the 5 Top Must-Haves that 7-figure business owners must do to double their business. This episode is a golden opportunity if you're serious about expanding your business, so hit that play button now!
After an incredibly insightful conversation with Rebecca Zung about maintaining your integrity and finding practical resolutions while disengaging from a covert, overt, or malignant narcissist, we're excited to bring you this special recap episode. Today, we'll be discussing how you can position yourself for success in a lawsuit by following Rory's 7 Tips for Winning a Lawsuit. These insights have been distilled from the personal experiences and legal challenges that both Rory and AJ have encountered over the years. Tune in to uncover these valuable takeaways and ensure you're well-prepared for potential legal challenges.
If you tell a narcissist what you want, they will ensure you don’t get it. Rebecca Zung is a negotiation expert specializing in the seemingly impossible task of negotiating with a narcissist. She is a top attorney with a huge personal brand, empowering people in tricky dynamics to strategically navigate the process of getting a fair deal. During today’s conversation, she shares insights from her two published books, Negotiate Like You M.A.T.T.E.R. and Breaking Free, and offers a glimpse into her upcoming release, Slay the Bully. Our conversation is filled with valuable tips to maintain your integrity and find a reasonable solution as you dissolve your connection to a covert, overt, or malignant narcissist. Whether you are dealing with dissolving a personal relationship or negotiating the end of a business partnership, today’s guest is here to tell you that there is a way to emerge with your peace intact. Tune in today to hear all this and more!
Your most important content is the conversations you are having while engaging on your social media platform. Welcome to the recap episode of our conversation with Chelsea Peitz, all about how you can uplevel your Instagram game. Today, we share three tips you can implement to help build your brand by using Instagram as your social media platform. You’ll hear about how knowing how the algorithm works can reward your efforts on Instagram, then we dive into tactical tips to optimize your findability, and finally, we go through insightful tips to create engaging short-form video content! To hear more about the 3 tips to uplevel your Instagram game, tune in now.
Diving into the world of social media to build your personal brand is definitely a rollercoaster ride on the track of a love-hate relationship. On one hand, there's the thrill of connecting with people worldwide and molding your online presence. On the other, it's a juggling act to keep things real and human in a carefully crafted digital world. In this episode, we take a deep dive into all things Instagram, with amazing guest Chelsea Peitz. Chelsea is a coach, author, speaker, real estate veteran, and marketing pro, who teaches people how to build an irresistible personal brand on social media with easy-to-follow action steps and best practices.
In our conversation, we dive into why you need to stick around, especially if you are questioning whether or not you should even be on social media. Chelsea demystifies the mysterious ever-changing Instagram algorithm and also talks about the neuroscience behind social media and your interactions with notifications. We delve into the importance of community engagement, and her advice for entrepreneurial brand development, and on top of that, Chelsea goes in-depth into optimizing your Instagram profile and bio. Stick around for some incredibly insightful tips for getting over the video ick and creating engaging short-form video content. For all this and so much more, start listening now!
Resilience, grit, perseverance; why do some people have it, and others don’t? What’s the difference? Consider this a debrief, recap, and summary of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast episode with Bianca Olthoff! Tune in to hear 30 questions to help you find your ‘why’ and create success in your life. This episode is built on three key ideas; what purpose you feel called to in your life, what material things you want to have and what goals you want to achieve, and what kind of person you need to become to make your dreams into a reality. If you are clear on those three questions, you will develop more resilience, grit, and determination. Listening in, you’re sure to be challenged and motivated to pave a new way forward rooted in the clarity of your ‘why.’ Thanks for listening!
Bianca Olthoff believes that grit is not something we’re born with but rather that it’s something everyone can build. She is a best-selling author, lead pastor, and speaker promoting perseverance to audiences across the country. She joins us today to share her story of unlikely success, having overcome massive challenges to find purpose and passion in all her current roles. Bianca offers her definition of grit before providing listeners with a path toward becoming more resilient, based on her three easy-to-remember P’s! Bianca and Rory offer biblical examples of building tenacity and reaping the rewards based on the life of Paul. We also touch on the incredible power of pausing and taking a pulse check to ensure that you are truly following your calling. Join us today for an amazingly rich and informative conversation with this inspiring guest!
Just because it’s out there doesn’t mean you need it! That is the essence of our conversation with Josh Hotsenpiller, and today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are recapping our discussion with the incredible founder and CEO of Juno. You’ll hear all about our discussion and its main takeaways including the very important question you need to ask yourself when considering investing in the amazing selection of technology we have available to us today. For all this and more, tune in now!
Join us on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast as we delve into the world of AI, apps, and technology with Josh Hotsenpiller, Founder and CEO of JUNO and strategic partner to the Brand Builders community! Discover why we chose to work with JUNO to create our very own app and how AI can be used to enhance community building, streamline processes, and achieve greater efficiency. Josh has an extensive background in the tech industry and holds a strong belief in the power of community and using technology as a tool for good. With him, we explore the potential benefits of AI and why embracing it is crucial. Tune in to learn why choosing faith over fear is essential when considering the future of AI and how you can leverage technology to ultimately scale your business and nurture your community!
Today's episode is a serious departure from our usual way of doing things, and we are using the inspiring conversation we had with Randy Stocker as a jumping-off point to start an exploration of spirituality, Christianity, and eternity. This episode serves as the first in a seven-part series, that will more than likely continue on a separate feed or platform, but we wanted to introduce it here, and welcome you all to join us on this journey. In this episode, the focus is on death, what comes after, and what your strategy is for understanding and confronting that. The idea here is to use a logical and non-emotional approach to answer some of life's biggest questions, and share some hope for future generations at the same time! This new avenue might evolve into a book to be published in the future, but for now, it felt like the right time to begin this exploration and start asking these questions together, as a community, even if some of our individual answers might be different. So if this interests you at all, please feel free to tune in for this first part of something new and deeply meaningful.
Grief is an unfortunate but inevitable part of life, yet most of us don’t feel equipped to support people around us who are grieving. Today’s guest, Randy Stocker, has dealt with tragic, traumatic loss during his life, and in this episode, he talks openly about his experiences and some of the most important lessons that he has learned about the grieving process. Randy is the author of Hugs Help, and today he shares some of the key principles that he explores in this book, including how to be a supporter rather than a comforter, the importance of understanding that everybody grieves differently, and things that he recommends saying (and not saying) to somebody who is grieving. The biggest gift you can give a grieving person is to be patient with them and to let them grieve in their own way.
Contrary to popular belief, writing a book may not actually be the most beneficial step to building your personal brand. Join us as we provide a debrief of our recent interview with Risha Grant on the ins and outs of writing, publishing, and selling a book. In this episode, we share our main takeaways, from when it truly makes sense to write a book to how to navigate the options of traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing, and master the art of effective sales and marketing. Tune in to find out what you need to consider before taking on the commitment of writing a book!
Writing a book is one thing; selling it is another altogether. Today, we are joined by author and award-winning diversity consultant, Risha Grant as she shares her profound insights into the reality of writing, publishing, and selling a book. Risha discusses her journey from idea to publication; explaining the motivation behind her book, Be Better Than Your BS and its theme of radical acceptance. She provides invaluable advice on navigating the complexities of traditional publishing versus self-publishing and the power of personal relationships in driving book sales. In this episode, we explore the dedication required to write, publish, and sell a book and the challenge of selling a book after it's written. Risha has been through the transformational process of transitioning from idea to impactful change in the lives of readers, so tune in to hear her advice not only for creating but also selling a successful, impactful book.
Step into the riveting world of storytelling and its profound impact on your brand's message in this special episode recap. Explore the significance of transforming your brand's story into an inspirational narrative that cultivates emotional connections, sets you apart from competitors, fosters trust, captivates your audience, and aligns seamlessly with customer values. In this episode, we highlight the main takeaways from our conversation with Damon West and unpack how to tell a good story and get your message across to audiences based on insights from our conversation with him. We delve into the profound choice of viewing the world through fear or faith, uncovering the transformative power of maintaining a positive mindset even in the face of adversity, why consistency plays a pivotal role in cultivating and sustaining a positive outlook on life, and much more. Join us as we unlock the key to leaving a lasting impact through your unique narrative and empowering others through your message of authenticity, resilience, and unwavering faith. Tune in now!
In this episode, we explore the importance of turning your brand's story into a powerful message. We discuss how this process enables you to create emotional connections, stand out from competitors, build trust, engage your audience, and align with customer values. Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of Damon West, a renowned keynote speaker, and best-selling author. Damon's story of redemption, resilience, and determination has inspired countless individuals worldwide. During his time in prison, Damon experienced a life-changing conversation that sparked a spiritual awakening. This pivotal moment revealed his ability to transform his environment, much like a coffee bean changing under heat and pressure. With unwavering commitment, a program of recovery, and renewed faith, Damon emerged from over seven years in prison as a completely transformed individual. In our conversation, we delve into Damon's remarkable transition from a football player to a prison inmate and his path to becoming an author and speaker. Discover how he effectively spread his message to the world and how following his passion enabled him to turn his life around. Join us for an inspiring discussion that will leave you motivated to unleash the power of your own story.
In our most recent episode, we spoke with Chicken Soup for the Soul trailblazer, Patty Aubery, about the successes and challenges of building the publishing industry’s first billion-dollar brand. Today, we supplement that fascinating conversation with five of the most common reasons that authors miss bestseller lists. At Brand Builders Group, we’ve helped 14 different authors become New York Times or Wall Street Journal Best Sellers, so it’s something that we know quite a lot about! Whether you’re an aspiring author, an established writer looking to make every sale count, or an entrepreneur using the art of writing to gain more momentum in your career, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to tune in today for some key insights into the publishing world and practical advice for cracking the bestseller code. As you’ll discover, there's a lot more to becoming a bestselling author than just selling a lot of books!
There’s no doubt that you’ve heard of Jack Canfield and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, which has over 250 titles and has sold more than 500 million copies in 43 languages worldwide. Today, you’ll hear from Patty Aubery, President of the Canfield Training Group, former secretary to Jack Canfield, and one of the people behind the biggest book brand in history. Join us as Patty offers some insight into the successes and challenges of building the publishing industry’s first billion-dollar brand. We talk about how they did it, the role that promotional partnerships and licensing deals played, and what the Canfield Group is up to these days. As the author of the bestselling book and course, Permission Granted, Patty also shares her passion for business building, her desire to help people live life on their own terms, and how she helps speakers, authors, and coaches create the lives and businesses they’ve always wanted through her online programs, coaching, mentoring, and luxury retreats. If you’re looking for inspiration to show up more authentically and go after your own dreams, this episode is full of incredible anecdotes and practical advice from someone who has done exactly that! For all this and so much more, be sure to tune in to this conversation with the one and only Patty Aubery.
If you are a speaker, consultant, coach, author, or any other type of content creator, you are probably the kind of person who is motivated by engaging in meaningful work. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get paid well for what you do, because what you do is so valuable! We want to help you get to the point where you have the confidence to charge more, so in this episode, we run through an exercise where you get the opportunity to rank yourself (from non-existent at level 1 to crushing it at level 10!) according to the five categories that we believe should be the determinants of your fees. These five categories are credibility, content, delivery, marketing materials, and reach. Doing this exercise will help you understand which areas you need to work on so that you can charge more for your offerings!
If you’re driven to help people thrive, you’re already well on your way to success as a coach. The next step is setting your prices right and finding the clients who want to pay you what you are worth. Today’s guest, Mitch Matthews, has been an informal “coach” for most of his life, so when he decided to make a career out of this passion, he was faced with the conundrum of how to charge for something he had been giving away for free for so long. In this episode, among many other insightful things, Mitch explains the journey that led him to where he is today, why the high prices that he charges for his coaching sessions are actually beneficial to his clients, some of the keys to being a great coach, and how to get to the point where you are charging the prices you should be (and feeling confident about it)!
In this episode, we build on our recent episode with Nena Madonia, delving into the world of book deals, publishing, and bestseller lists. We share our expertise and proven strategies, as well as the secrets to becoming a bestselling author! If you’re an author, you’ll discover why it ultimately falls to you to sell your book and what truly moves the needle in order to do so! Tune in to learn the impact of offline relationships and the true goal of making a difference in readers' lives. Whether you're an aspiring or experienced author, this episode offers guidance in navigating the world of publishing and achieving your goals.
Literary agents play an important role in bringing an author’s words to life. They help authors to secure the book deals that they need to turn a simple concept into a lucrative accomplishment. Today we are joined by one of the most prolific literary agents in the business, Nena Madonia Oshman. In her 17 years as an agent, Nena has worked on over 500 titles, has assisted on more than 300 book deals, and has helped secure a whopping 5 million dollars in book advances! We are grateful to have someone of her notoriety on the show today as she shares the hidden secrets for getting a big book deal as a new author. Tuning in, you’ll gain a better understanding of the relationship between an author and their agent, the factors involved in determining your publishing route, what publishers and agents are looking for when signing up authors, and why an author’s passion for their work is non-negotiable. We explore the various challenges of publication and determine the derivative rights that a book could be turned into, before Nena shares some effective strategies for a successful book launch while offering up advice to new and prospective authors. Nena’s wealth of knowledge cannot be matched and it’s available to you here, for free! So, press play now.
Inspired by our conversation with Phil Treadwell, this episode centers on social media, human interaction, and how this relates to finding our people and building our personal brands. Tuning in, you’ll hear about social media as a tool for business and why we need to question why our audiences go online and how they’re using these platforms. AJ talks about what she learned from the book Find Your People by Jennie Allen, the importance of commonalities for forming natural connections, and how this plays out on social media. Tune in today to learn how to differentiate yourself from your competition by letting people get to know you.
If you’re wondering how you can use your personal brand to leverage and differentiate yourself to generate more leads when the market is challenging, this episode is for you! In this niche episode aimed at real estate developers, brokers, loan officers, or anyone in the mortgage and real estate industry, we are joined by Phil Treadwell to discuss how to build your brand and diversify your income stream. Phil is a mindset coach and a national speaker. He's the founder of the M1 Academy and the host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast. In this discussion, we talk about the power of educational social media content, how to use it to solidify referrals, the platforms Phil recommends for maximum impact, how often to post, and how to strike the perfect balance between personal and business content. Phil also explains why having a website is essential and how to take online interactions offline for true success, before shedding light on how you can leverage your personal brand to diversify your income and revenue streams. For all this and more, tune in today!
Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are recapping our discussion with Brittany Hodak about creating superfans and sharing two revenue-growing customer service secrets with you! Be sure to tune in to hear all about why you want to have secret service, not customer service, how to anticipate your clients' needs, and so much more! Giving unexpected gifts at unexpected times tailored to your clients and being ahead of the needs of your clients will set you apart from everyone else and in this episode, we give you the keys to achieving both of these tricks. Find out why your clients’ wins are your wins by pressing play now!
Did you know that creating superfans of your personal brand is the key to long-lasting success? Joining us today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast is our friend, Brittany Hodak, to tell us all about her new book, Creating Superfans: How to Turn Your Customers into Lifelong Advocates. Brittany is a marketing and customer service expert, keynote speaker, and author. In this episode, she shares her definition of what a superfan is, what the ladder to ‘superfandom’ entails, and some of the mistakes most companies make. You’ll also gain some insight into Brittany’s game-changing CX system, the SUPER Model, and how you can use the tools she provides to create superfans and build a successful brand. All of these things are outlined in detail in her book and, if you stay tuned, she even offers us a special link to get the first four chapters for free! You won’t want to miss out on this incredibly informative episode, so go ahead and hit play now.
If you are starting your coaching journey or you’ve been on it for a while, in this recap episode, we discuss our key takeaways from our interview with Andy Bailey on how to scale your coaching practice. We discuss the importance of understanding your motivation for scaling and the various costs involved, including financial, resource-related, time, and effort. You’ll learn about why you should allow your practice to grow organically and in response to demand, the importance of gaining clarity on shaping your culture, and how to optimize your people acquisition process. We also talk about price setting, why you may need to raise your prices, and strategies to establish recurring revenue streams. Join us as we distill these invaluable lessons, empowering you to make informed decisions and chart a successful path toward scaling your coaching practice!
If you are a coach, consultant, trainer, speaker, author, or expert who wants to scale your coaching practice, then this episode is for you! Andy Bailey is a renowned serial entrepreneur, speaker, and constant adventurer who has built two successful coaching businesses, Petra Coach and Boundless. Today he joins us to share insights from years of experience and breaks down the top three things he believes business owners need to do to grow and scale. You’ll learn about nurturing personal growth within your team, mastering sales and marketing, and the importance of profitability. You’ll also hear about Andy's own mistakes, gain valuable tips on how to hire and maintain top talent, and hear why you should probably raise your prices. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the secrets to building and sustaining a thriving coaching business!
After our conversation with Dan Martell, in which he laid out his plan for buying back your time, we wanted to double down on this concept and underline some of the most important steps that you can take as an entrepreneur to escape the traps of busyness and overwhelm. Following on from the themes in our chat with Dan, Rory shares some of the complementary ideas from his second book, Procrastinate on Purpose, and how they relate to Dan's message. The power of time multiplication can make a world of difference to business owners and their success, and by tuning today you will hear about the three biggest concepts for moving the needle in the right direction. As always, mindset is a key component, and in order to behave like a multiplier, we need to think like one! So if you want to learn about escaping urgency, building systems, time arbitrage, hiring smartly, and the 10-80-10 rule, make sure to listen in with us!
Today we welcome to the show angel investor, influencer, YouTuber, thought leader, bestselling author, and standout entrepreneur, Dan Martell! After founding, scaling, and exiting three tech companies in ten years, Dan dedicated himself to coaching work, publishing his book, Buy Back Your Time, and starting the SaaS Academy. Dan focuses his energy on working with SaaS founders to help them break through the limitations on their business growth and success, and in today's conversation we get to hear all about his central idea of maximizing time. Dan goes into his perspectives on media in the entrepreneurial sphere, delegating outcomes not tasks, and creating the right kind of feedback loops. We also hear from Dan about the importance of communication and the steps he has taken in his work to become a world-class communicator. So if you want some strong motivation from a massively successful coach and entrepreneur, press play now and hear it all!
In the context of so many recent changes in technology and business, entrepreneurs and brand leaders need to stay abreast of what keeps their companies and ideas safe. In this recap episode, AJ goes over the biggest lessons that Heather Pearce Campbell shared during our recent chat with her. The focus of the conversation with Heather was the legal steps that are vital for any business to take, and here, AJ covers a few of these that stood out. You can expect to hear some insight into intellectual property considerations, the different types of agreements and their legal requirements, and all about legal entity structure. So make sure to tune in and also listen to our full episode with Heather if you have not already!
Some of our episodes are so foundational and important that they can apply to all of our listeners, no matter what niche of online business and personal brand building you occupy. Today's conversation about legal protection with the amazing Heather Pearce Campbell is one of these! Heather is a powerhouse attorney, legal coach, mother, and a whole lot more, and in this chat, we get to cover some of the most pressing issues that entrepreneurs need to be aware of. We talk about copyrights and trademarks, different types of agreements and contracts, and everything in between. As Heather points out, this is such a vital part of a business but is often neglected, which happens for a variety of reasons. So if you want to put your concerns to rest, or just brush up on where you should be focusing your energy, join us to hear Heather simplify the often complex legal side of your business.
All of the most successful people in the world have cracked the ‘mental toughness code’ and today, we are recapping our chat with Todd Durkin, entrepreneur, speaker, and trainer, discussing the three elements of mental toughness. First, we delve into the three elements and explain how they lead to success. We then discuss how you can increase your discipline, why negative thoughts are dangerous, the place grief has and how it serves you, and so much more! To hear all this and even be introduced to Rory’s brand-new concept, tune in now!
Do you want to recapture the mojo you have lost? We want you to do the work to get your mind right and today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are joined by the incredible personal trainer and high-performance expert Todd Durkin. Following a back injury and some life-changing realizations, Todd began working as a trainer, inspiring athletes to get their minds right. Tuning in, you’ll hear about how Todd has overcome struggles, why you need to take time and listen to ‘whispers’, the importance of positive talk, and so much more! Todd even shares the secret to getting your mind right before explaining why you need someone to hold you accountable and support your goals. If you want to change your life and fix your mindset, this is the episode for you!
Success is difficult to define because it is a subjective and evolving concept influenced by individual values, changing circumstances, external factors, and the multifaceted nature of human life. It requires introspection, self-awareness, and an understanding of one's own priorities and values to arrive at a meaningful definition of success. In this recap episode, we review our interview with entrepreneur and best-selling author Ryan Blair and unpack what success looks like. AJ shares her definition of success and how it relates to time, confidence, and serving others. We discuss the power of being able to walk away, the freedom of time, and why continually paying it forward is vital. To discover the true definition of success, tune in now!
Turning your job into your calling is a process that takes time and effort. By focusing on your values, building positive relationships, and taking ownership of your work, you can find greater fulfillment and purpose in your job. In this episode, we talk to Ryan Blair, a bestselling author and successful entrepreneur about the secrets to success. Despite growing up in a tough environment and being involved in gang activity as a teenager, Ryan turned his life around and became a thriving entrepreneur, author, and thought leader. In our conversation, Ryan shares his incredible journey from gang member to multimillionaire entrepreneur and discusses the key strategies he used to build an influential personal brand. We delve into how he has been able to turn the personal aspects of his life into a business, crafting the hero in his story, the role of mentors, keeping a healthy balance between your personal and professional lives, embracing your faith, and how God uses clues to guide you. We also dive into his fascination with technology, the ways technology is impacting business, why AI might replace your job but not your calling, AI-powered coaching, and building your business based on purpose instead of profit. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or aspiring thought leader, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation.
Marketing automation is an exciting endeavor because it empowers marketers to optimize their processes, deliver personalized experiences, nurture leads, and drive revenue growth. It combines technology, data, and creativity to create efficient, targeted, and impactful marketing campaigns that yield measurable results. In this recap episode, we highlight the key takeaways from our conversation with Lauren Cannon about funnels and marketing automation tools. We dive deep into the fundamental principles and strategies that will help you optimize every stage of your funnel and achieve exceptional business growth. Join us as we uncover the secrets to driving conversions, captivating your audience, and taking your online marketing to new heights. Tune in now and discover the secrets to unlocking unstoppable growth with Rory Vaden!
Funnels are a powerful concept in marketing and sales that can help drive revenue and growth. A funnel represents the customer journey from initial awareness to making a purchase or taking a desired action. By optimizing each stage of the funnel, businesses can increase conversion rates and ultimately generate more revenue. In this episode, we are joined by the CEO and Founder of Make It Pretty, Lauren Cannon, to help unpack using marketing automation and funnels to drive revenue growth. In our conversation, we discuss leveraging marketing automation to reach and serve more people, how to incentivize customers, and her approach to closing a deal. We talk about how lead magnets act as a sliding scale of perceived value, building an audience with free coaching, and the best approach for high-value items and services. We also unpack the sweet spot for a product or service launch, the value of email marketing, why you should not rely on evergreen webinars, and more! Join us as we unlock the secrets of using marketing automation and funnels to supercharge your revenue growth with Lauren Cannon!
Vinnie Fisher is a businessman, entrepreneur, author, husband, father, and the co-founder and CEO of Fully Accountable, a full-service accounting firm that goes beyond basic bookkeeping and offers outsourced finance and accounting services for eCommerce and technology companies. In our recent conversation with Vinnie, we learned about some of the differences between growth and scale, the mindset that comes with growing your business and setting good profitability goals, and whether or not you should even be thinking about scaling right now. In this recap episode, we share our highlights, key takeaways, and reflections on how you can grow your business by changing the way you think, plan for healthy growth while keeping an eye on profits, and so much more! Tune in today.
Many entrepreneurs and business owners struggle with proper growth and scaling strategies for their companies. While there are a few critical areas that usually hold a business back from scaling effectively, today’s guest believes that it starts with the mindset of the CEO at the helm. Vinnie Fisher is a businessman, entrepreneur, author, husband, father, and the co-founder and CEO of Fully Accountable, our bookkeeping, fractional CFO, tax strategy, and all-things-accounting firm. You could even say that Fully Accountable serves as the financial department for the Brand Builders Group! A lawyer by training, Vinnie practiced tax and business law for a decade before leaving the field in 2007 to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. Tuning into today’s episode, you’ll gain some insight into Vinnie’s career journey and learn about the difference between growth and scale, the mindset that comes with growing your business and setting good profitability goals, and whether or not you should be thinking about scaling right now. If you’re in a season of your life where you want to grow but you’re not sure where to start, this is the episode for you! Join us as Vinnie shares tips and practical advice that will help you build a profits- and people-first mindset and skyrocket in all areas of your life, leadership, and business.
After all these years, email is still the king for monetizing an audience. Most people with an email list the size of ours have millions of social media followers! Why is that? It’s all about where you place your focus. Today’s conversation is an overview of three of our favorite email marketing tips, and how we implement them at Brand Builders Group. Taking inspiration from a recent conversation with Nathan Barry, we share practical how-to’s on getting the most out of broadcast, long-term nurture sequences, and RSS email. Tune in today to learn more!
Marketing automation is one of the most powerful resources in the world. That’s especially true as it pertains to email! Today’s guest is an author and entrepreneur with a tremendous success story. The founder of ConvertKit, one of the best-respected tools for email marketing creators, Nathan Barry built his business with a bootstrapping approach from the ground up. Tune in to hear his insights on everything from the power of email marketing to choosing a cadence that’s right for you. Nathan demystifies the role of a flywheel and shares his perspective on warming up a list that has gone cold. He believes in the power of automation to nurture client relationships and offers his thoughts on how to capitalize on this. Nathan also shares some real-life examples of ConvertKit’s use for clients and gives us a glimpse into the future of the brand. Join us today to hear all this and more!
This episode is a quick overview of our recent episode with CPA, Fractional CFA, and podcast host, Shannon Weinstein. Join us to hear some highlights from our enriching conversation about money, taxes, and financial literacy. We unpack what it means to learn financial literacy as an entrepreneur, what causes small businesses to fail, and what you can do to make sure that you stay in business. Hear about account dispersion and how it can be of value to your business, and dive in with us as we discuss the mindset shifts that can pay off for you and your business. Join us today to hear all this and more!
Today’s episode is for everyone, no matter how much or how little you make! How do you keep more of the money you’re making? That’s a question relevant to everyone who earns an income. It’s not for millionaires or billionaires; it’s for everyone! You need to have these skills, tools, and mindsets when it comes to money. During today’s episode, we welcome CPA, Fractional CFO, and Keep What You Earn podcast host, Shannon Weinstein. She is here to share her insights on financial management that will transform the way you think about cash flow and making your money work for you. Join us as we discuss goal-setting, cash flow forecasting, and why knowing your tax strategy is just as important as having a good one. We explore how to think outside of the box to create tax-free cash flow, and how to get the most out of conducting your business from home. This episode also touches on hiring your kids, the difference between a deduction and a rebait, and much more. Join us to learn more from today’s inspiring guest!
We recently hosted Dr. Mariel Buqué for an enriching conversation about her rise from private practitioner to household name. She is a Columbia-trained psychologist and author who has been featured across television and media platforms and has over 700 000 followers online. To kick off our recap, we consider the impact of the consistent flow of information that Dr. Buqué has been publishing over a seven-year period. Next, we talk about prioritizing and taking responsibility for what falls within your control. We invite you to check in with yourself and offer three strategic actions you can take today to invest in your dream, get committed, and stay inspired. Join us to hear our key takeaways from the conversation and insights from our own experience today!
Today’s guest is a true expert in mental health and trauma recovery. Dr. Mariel Buqué is a Columbia-trained psychologist and author who has been featured across television and media platforms. She joins us today to tell the story of her rise from private practice to a personal brand with over 700 000 followers. Despite her concerns that building a social media presence would detract from her credibility as an expert, these platforms have helped Dr. Buqué to create visibility, leading to real-life opportunities in academic spaces. Join us to hear how she structures her content, the strategy behind growing her team, and plenty of tips to enhance your social media journey. Thanks for tuning in!
After our incredible conversation with therapist and entrepreneur, Michelle Chalfant, we wanted to take a closer look at imposter syndrome and how it affects our lives. To start, we define what imposter syndrome is, how you can find out if you have it, where it comes from, and how it disrupts our lives. Then, we tackle some solutions for overcoming limiting beliefs including slowing down and taking control of your emotional health, adopting positive affirmations, and moving through life with desire and intention. If you feel like you are living as a fraud, then please tune in, this one is for you!
It is very easy to tell ourselves that we are not good enough, that we are not worthy, and that we don’t deserve to have it all. And in business, self-doubt sticks out like a sore thumb and can deter would-be business partners from working with you. To help us rediscover our worth and to show us that we are indeed valuable, is therapist and entrepreneur, Michelle Chalfant. In our conversation, we get a sense of Michelle’s professional background and how she became ingrained in multiple industries. Michelle explains what The Adult Chair podcast is all about, why she launched her coaching certification program, and what her timeline of success looks like. We also discuss the need for hard work, dedication, and persistence, what you can do to navigate low seasons, and how to foster self-worth and beat imposter syndrome. As we explore the recent explosion of the coaching industry, we encourage you to invest in yourself by taking part in Michelle’s free Self-Worth Bundle course! We end this informative conversation with examples of how to find your why, how to always put your best foot forward, how to outsource correctly, and Michelle’s five tenets for how to be an emotionally healthy adult. Enjoy!
Successful people usually have a mix of traits that are easy to spot and others that are not as evident but are just as important. What are those hidden traits of success? Welcome to the recap edition of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast as we debrief, recap, and summarize our insightful interview with Carey Nieuwhof to unpack the character traits of successful people. Hear why achieving success in your current circumstances paves the way for even more success, the crucial role that trust, collaboration, and building relationships play, and the power of not giving up on your dreams. Discover what you need to commit to, why existential aspects should not dictate your achievements, enduring short-term pain to acquire long-term success, and much more. To uncover the price of admission for ultimate success, tune in now!
What began as a hobby ended up turning Carey Nieuwhof into one of the most influential leadership speakers and authors in the world! Between 2012 and 2014, while Carey was pastoring at Connexus (the church he founded), he began blogging and podcasting casually. Today, his online content gets over 1.5 billion views a month and his podcast episodes have been downloaded over 27 million times. In this episode, Carey talks about the providential meeting that kick-started his speaking career, how he has gradually developed his personal brand over the years, and his approach to fulfilling his personal mission of serving leaders. From law school to seminary to the global stage, Carey’s story exemplifies what life can look like when you listen to your calling!
As an author, you are no doubt much more occupied with writing an exceptional book, than you are with selling it. And while not all authors are in the business of hitting bestseller lists, most publishers are. So if you’re interested in working with a traditional publisher or publishing house, then you'll need to know what it takes to be featured on these lists and what your role will be in marketing your work. In today’s recap episode, we delve into the many facets of this topic as AJ shares her thoughts on writing a bestseller while recounting her conversation with Esther Fedorkevich, Founder and CEO of The Fedd Agency, a literary agency that has helped more than 100 people hit the New York Times Bestseller list. You’ll hear AJ provide an insightful breakdown of her top takeaways, like how to create excellent content that stands out from the rest, the benefits of allowing people to accompany you on your journey, and what it takes to implement a successful marketing strategy. To hear all of AJ’s observations on writing, marketing, publishing, and more, be sure to tune in today!
Not every author aspires to become a bestseller. But if your goal is to join the ranks of one of these coveted lists, such as the New York Times, then there are a few key things to know before you get started. Our guest today, Esther Fedorkevich, is uniquely qualified to share advice on this multifaceted topic. Not only is she the founder and CEO of her very own thriving literary agency, The Fedd Agency, but she has also helped over 100 authors hit the New York Times Bestseller list! Tuning in, you’ll hear insights from Esther’s years of experience as she unpacks what it takes to produce a bestseller, why it relies on more than just good writing, and how the decline of retail and the rise of social media has changed the way that people discover books and authors. In our conversation, Esther reflects on how her love of literature, people, marketing, and sales puts her in an excellent position to support writers, before detailing the important role she plays in helping authors and celebrities uncover the story that they are uniquely qualified to tell. We also discuss what authors need to know about marketing their books, identifying when it's time to enlist the help of a qualified sales team, and how to get books into the hands of readers, before revisiting an important reminder that the ultimate goal is not about selling copies, but changing lives. If you’re interested in sharing your story with the world but are unsure of where to start, then you’ll definitely want to hear all that Esther has to say!
In the previous episode, we spoke to John Meese about building massive membership sites. In this recap episode, we zone in on the key ways to build massive recurring revenue within the membership site model. We explain what recurring revenue is and why it matters, how it affects business valuation, and why we love it! In order to secure consistently recurring revenue, it’s essential to generate new sales while retaining existing customers. Utilization equals retention and today, you’ll find out how to increase the utilization of your offer, keeping the back door closed and the front door open. Tune in to find out how you can better serve your customers, and reduce risk and volatility within your business.
Membership sites are a great way to ensure continuous revenue and build a community. Today we are joined by membership site expert John Meese. John has helped people and brands build six to seven-figure membership sites, one of the most notable being Platform University which he managed to scale to the point of resale. He is also the author of the bestselling book, Survive and Thrive: How to Build a Profitable Business in Any Economy (Including This One), and in this episode, he fills us in on everything we need to know about building a membership site. We discuss ways to facilitate and nurture the community aspect of membership sites and leverage the urgency factor to encourage people to sign up. John shares the keys to membership retention and delivering a high-value membership site. Tune in to discover John’s view on the free trial strategy, the infinite promise, and more! This episode will equip you to build a strong membership base of satisfied customers who continue to come back for more.
Today’s episode is for all the coaches out there! Tune in for a series of quick and practical tips on how anyone can elevate their offerings as a coach. In this brief, but informative episode, AJ shares her top takeaways from her conversation with Minal Mehta, CEO and Co-founder of AllTakes, an online platform built specifically for coaches. You’ll hear AJ break down the value of niching down as a coach and how to run an exceptional coaching business, before illustrating the top three ways that technology can elevate the coaching experience. For a series of powerful insights on coaching, technology, and more, be sure to tune in today!
There’s a big difference between the skills required to be an exceptional coach and the expertise you need to create a thriving business. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the technology side of building a coaching business, then this episode is for you! We sat down with Minal Mehta, CEO and Co-founder of AllTakes, to talk about her journey from employee to coach to entrepreneur, and how she became aware of the demand for an online tool that could serve the needs of coaches. AllTakes is a groundbreaking platform that is not only built specifically with coaches in mind but is also designed by an incredible individual who has spent many years working as an accomplished coach herself! Tuning in, you’ll hear Minal share her insights on the current rise in coaching, what she has learned from her coaching career, and why she wanted to create a product that would streamline the technological components of being a coach. We also unpack what it takes to become an exceptional coach in a niche market before discussing how AllTakes is providing unique solutions for coaches who want to build meaningful connections and community. So if you’re a coach looking to streamline your process — or if you’re debating whether it’s finally time to share what you’ve learned with the people who need your expertise most — then you’ll definitely want to tune in for this one!
Building and nurturing a community is an essential part of building a brand. In this episode, we recap our recent interview with AppIt Ventures CEO, Amanda Moriuchi, and share our most significant takeaways. Our conversation with Amanda was centered around how we can use technology (apps, specifically) to deepen relationships with and within our communities. This recap lists the benefits of having your own app, rather than relying solely on social media, as well as the three things you need to consider as you strategize community-building tactics. Tune in to discover the value of owning and consolidating engagement, and what it takes to create a deeper sense of community!
Having an app allows for a more intimate engagement with your customers, but how do you know whether you’re ready to take that step? Joining us today to break down the process of building, launching, growing, and monetizing an app is the CEO of Appit Ventures, Amanda Moriuchi. In this episode, Amanda shares insights into the growing mobile app trends, the sense of community tech facilitates, and the role of apps in creating intimate bonds amongst customers. We discuss the main revenue streams of applications, when it makes sense to monetize them, and how to calculate the price point for paid apps. Tune in to find out how to determine whether you need an app, and what it will take to create and maintain one while providing value to your community.
Much of what we do here at Brand Builders Group and on this podcast is geared toward helping you grow your income, but there is more to being a successful business owner than just that! Today we are reflecting on our recent chat with Henry Yoshida and sharing 15 powerful tax-saving strategies. Our conversation with Henry was packed with amazing insight and useful tactics, and taxes only made up a portion of what he covered, so make sure to go back and listen to that episode if you have not already. These are all legitimate, legal, and ethical tax strategies that you can implement today if you want to save, and the crazy thing is that so many of these are not widely known about! It is important to remember that these strategies are applicable to the US, as tax laws differ across the world, but there is also a good possibility that if you live elsewhere, there may be a comparable rule that you could adhere to in order to save. So without further ado, let's get into the 15 ways you and your business can start saving today!
Today we are very excited to bring you a finance and investment focussed episode of the show, as we welcome the CEO and Co-Founder of Rocket Dollar, Henry Yoshida! Rocket Dollar is a fintech platform aimed at helping investors prepare smartly for retirement by offering private alternative investment options. Henry has been a CFP since he was 22, and spent 10 years at Merrill Lynch before the segue into building his own companies. He is also a licensed realtor, so he knows a thing or two about the important subject of investing in real estate! In our chat today, Henry shares some amazing wisdom and insight that will help any listener improve their understanding of self-directed IRAs, pension plans, and real estate purchases. He also unpacks why he chose to pursue building a fintech company, and how this work compares to his previous position as an active advisor. Tune in to hear it all!
A healthy relationship between marketing and sales is crucial. But how often does your sales and marketing team truly communicate, collaborate, brainstorm, or provide feedback? And how can you ensure they’re working together in the sales enablement process without getting siloed off from one another? Today on the show, AJ answers these questions and more as she reflects on her conversation with Ben Rigsby on sales enablement and how to run a seamless marketing-to-sales pipeline. Tuning in, you’ll hear AJ break down the most effective lead nurturing strategies (both online and offline), the importance of converting your social media followers into customers, and how to grow your email list by creating high-value offers. She also shares her tips for effective communication with customers and unpacks what it means to create lifetime value. To learn why the relationship between sales and marketing is like a marriage, how to put excellent sales enablement processes in place, and much more, be sure to tune in today!
If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner, then you are no doubt aware of the challenges of running a seamless marketing-to-sales pipeline. But what do you do when your lead generation processes aren't resulting in sales, and your customer retention rates are continually dropping, no matter what you try? Joining us today to answer all these questions, and more, is Ben Rigsby, Co-founder and President of SnapShot Interactive, and President of ECOS. Throughout his career, Ben has helped countless clients create frictionless digital processes that elevate the client experience, and in today’s episode, he shares his expertise with us! Tuning in you’ll hear Ben provide a detailed breakdown of how to fix lead generation, speed up the sales process, and provide lifetime value for clients. He delves into the important relationship between marketing and sales, how to identify sales-qualified leads (SQL), and what you can do to foster synergy between your marketing and sales processes. We also discuss the power of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools like HubSpot, how to use them, the importance of innovation, and much more. If you want to create a digital infrastructure for a thriving sales and marketing process, but aren’t sure where to start, then today’s episode is for you!
As an entrepreneur, on a mission-driven trajectory, only you can make the decision that you will not be stopped. You can’t accept someone else’s rejection as permanent and only you can decide that you are going to make it! We’re back with another special recap edition of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, where Rory does a debrief, recap, and summary of the most recent interview with Annie F Downs and provides listeners with three big takeaways. Annie dropped some very insightful nuggets in our interview including how to monetise podcasting, getting help before you can actually afford it, and the importance of having the resolve to not quit along your journey. Tune in now to hear more from Rory in this recap episode.
If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while now, you’ll know that your hosts from the Vaden Villa are hard-core, Bible-thumping, Jesus freaks, and one of the questions we’ve been wanting to answer is how you build a bestselling brand in the Christian market. Our guest today is a New York Times bestselling author and speaker that speaks all over the country doing sermons and Christian conferences, along with some business gigs every year. She is a teaching pastor at our church and also the host of an amazing podcast called That Sounds Fun. Annie also founded and co-owns a podcast network called the That Sounds Fun Network. In our conversation with Annie today we hear from her about the journey of her company, Downs Books Inc., and how she worked her way up from the beginning of her career by recognizing the doors that were opened for her and the opportunities that arose. She describes her transition from speaking to young teen girls to speaking to women and provides insight into how she utilized events that she was paid to do, in order to create opportunities that would allow her to do what she wanted to do. We then dive into how you can build your business in a Christian market before she breaks down the different types of things you can do as paid events and how to make money from your podcasts. For all this, and much more, don’t miss out on today’s episode. Tune in now!
Here at the Influential Brand Podcast, we believe that a personal brand is a formalization of what you want to be known for and who you want to be known by. It is not your visual identity. In this episode, we unpack why people incorrectly confuse their visual identities with their personal brands and get hung up on fonts and colors. We reflect on a past episode with Nadine Hanafi from Digital Brand Kit and break down some of the key tips we learned from her about how to create your visual identity and where to place your focus in the process. Tune in for key tips to consider when creating your visual identity while keeping your eye on the bigger picture of building your personal brand.
Most people assume that having an expensive-looking brand costs a lot of money. As you’ll discover in today’s episode, that isn’t necessarily the case! Since 2013, Nadine Hanafi has helped everyone from Fortune 100 C-suite executives to bestselling authors to startup entrepreneurs share their brand message through inspired visual storytelling. After founding the award-winning design firm, We Are Visual and crafting eye-catching visuals for some of the most viral TED Talks on the internet, Nadine is now funneling all of her talent and expertise into her latest passion project: Digital Brand Kit. As the world’s first turnkey branding system for personal brands, Digital Brand Kit offers you all the strategic design assets you need to create a beautiful, cohesive, and affordable brand identity that looks and feels like you. Today, you’ll learn how Nadine can help you create your visual identity in just 30 days or less, some of the biggest mistakes that people make when embarking on this process (and how to avoid them,) as well as tips for hiring a designer and so much more. If you’re struggling with crafting your brand’s visual identity, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns caused unprecedented disruptions in industries across the world. One of the first sectors to feel the impact was live events. Overnight, companies were being forced to either postpone their events indefinitely or cancel them altogether. In today’s special recap episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Bari Baumgardner, Founder and Chief Strategist at SAGE Event Management, a company that managed to rapidly pivot to virtual live events shortly after the onset of the pandemic. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory recap his top takeaways from their conversation, including a breakdown of the four non-negotiable rules that Bari follows for virtual events, why it’s so effective at emulating the dynamics of an in-person event, and why Bari swears by her three-day event formula. For a brief recap and summary of this hugely informative conversation, make sure you tune in today!
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the world of live events was decimated, and global lockdowns left the industry scrambling to adapt. At the time SAGE event management was one of the first companies to pivot and offer virtual live events at a large scale. And, after rapidly organizing a massive virtual event for one of their top clients (the legendary Tony Robbins) it quickly led to them becoming a front-runner in the virtual industry. SAGE has also been one of Brand Builders Group's most trusted partners and has helped countless clients produce high-ticket offers and grow their platforms through virtual events. Joining us today to give a breakdown of their business, and how they adapted during the height of lockdown, is the wonderful Bari Baumgardner, Founder and Chief Strategist at SAGE event management. Bari unpacks how SAGE helps its clients, what sets them apart from other event production companies, and why they lead with strategy first. You’ll hear a breakdown of the differences between virtual and live events, the technology they developed to facilitate these events, and how their model allows you to cater to both logical and emotional buyers. She also shares her advice on how to get started with virtual events using nothing more than a TV, a computer, and a Zoom account. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, so if you’re interested in learning more about how to host live virtual events for high-ticket offers, then make sure you tune in today!
We kicked off our conversation with Lori Harder with a simple and powerful reminder: no matter where you are in life, you have a choice! During this episode, we share the highlights of our conversation with the incredibly inspiring guest. You’ll hear an overview of the wisdom Lori shares with us, including taking stock environment and making the necessary changes, tweaking your approach to failure, and remembering that the fundamentals never get old. Listening in, you’ll also get a glimpse of what Lori shared about her journey from having an unknown podcast, to growing into a household name. Find out what is key to moving from an information-based product, to a physical product, and get a taste of the do’s and don’ts behind Lori’s success. You can’t afford to miss this episode!
How do you make a successful transition from one career, industry, or company to another? Today’s guest is the true epitome of someone who has taken their reputation and all of their success and accomplishments, and turned it into so many different things during the course of their career! Lori Harder has built three seven-figure businesses and recently founded a new product line. She’s the best-selling author of A Tribe Called Bliss and the host of the must-listen Earn Your Happy Podcast, which has over 46 million downloads. She’s also a three-time world champion in the fitness industry, a cover model, and more! Lori has truly seen the ups and downs, and she is here to share hard-earned wisdom from her journey that you can learn from and implement today. If you are a person experiencing any sort of transition, this episode is for you.
The art of motivation can be tricky. And what drives us can change over time as we grow and our priorities shift. In today’s episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Micheal Burt, founder and leading authority on the Prey Drive principle, Supercoach, and author of the new book Flip the Switch: Activate Your Drive to Achieve a Freakish Level of Success. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory reflect on his conversation with Burt and how the source of his motivational drive has evolved throughout his life and career. He examines the role that family and faith have played in his evolution, and how he has come to be motivated by a sense of service. Rory also takes the time to unpack the misconceptions many of us have about happiness and how living a life of service can provide you with perpetual meaning. There is nothing quite as powerful as helping others. We hope you’ll join us for this powerful rumination on motivation, meaning, and the immense joy of helping others!
One of the key factors in whether or not you achieve success is your level of motivational drive. But what makes that drive so powerful in some people while others struggle to access it? Our guest today, Micheal Burt, is an expert in the art of motivation and has spent the better part of his career cultivating his unique approach to what he describes as competitive intelligence. His new book Flip the Switch: Activate Your Drive to Achieve a Freakish Level of Success is a comprehensive guide to finding your motivation and unlocking your inner potential. We talk with Micheal about how he got his start coaching basketball and what it taught him about fostering motivation within a team. He goes on to share the story of how he transitioned into becoming a speaker and coach while developing his trademark Prey Drive philosophy. Next, Micheal offers a fascinating breakdown of his Prey Drive philosophy and how anyone can access it by harnessing innate human emotions. He also explains how it can help any of us overcome complacency, one of the biggest obstacles to motivation. When it comes to the art of cultivating motivation, there are few people as knowledgeable as Micheal. If you want to flip the switch and achieve your most aspirational goals in 2023, then make sure you tune in to this episode filled with top-level insights from one of the best in the business!
If you have the desire to write a book or have written a book, there’s a good chance that you are hoping to share a message that will help people. And while the first step to writing a successful book is creating a quality product, that is just one component of reaching your intended audience. If you want to reach the people who will benefit most from your message, then you need to have a plan in place. Today on the show, AJ revisits her conversation with Bob Wheatley and unpacks the three key things that you need to consider if you want to write a book. Whether you’re an aspiring author or are about to publish your first book, today’s episode is bound to give you fresh insight into the key elements that will determine the success of your book. Make sure you tune in to hear it all!
Writing your first book is a huge undertaking, and getting the right support on your journey can be the deciding factor in whether you achieve your goal, or not. Our guest today, Bob Wheatley, knows this better than anyone and after two and a half years of hard work and dedication is set to release his first book Our Hearts' Desire: How Our Stories Reveal the Thing We Want Most. In our conversation with Bob, we discuss how he first realized that he wanted to write a book and the key lesson he learned from the process. He provides a detailed breakdown of the publishing routes that aspiring authors can choose to pursue, the financial implications, and why he chose to use the hybrid publishing model. He goes on to explain how having a mentor helped him, and why he is so grateful to have learned from the mistakes of others. He also expands on how the skills he learned as a professional athlete helped him pitch up every day, and how to embrace the fact that your first draft won’t be very good. Writing a book takes a tremendous amount of commitment, and while it requires many hours of working in solitude, the only way you’ll deliver the best product possible is by enlisting the help of trusted friends, family, and mentors. If you feel like you have a message in you that you need to share with the world but don’t know where to begin, then this episode is here to give you the tools you need to start your journey!
Welcome to the second half of Rory’s conversation on how he stopped drinking, and why he decided to make such a big change. In our previous episode, Rory broke down the seven reasons why he decided to quit alcohol and gave an overview of the strategies that helped him break old habits and take on new ones. During part two you’ll hear Rory go into detail on how to rewrite your programming and replace your choices, and why this applies to anyone looking to make a change or create better habits. He breaks down how to implement these strategies and how each of them helped him successfully quit drinking. If you enjoyed part one and want to gain a deeper understanding of how to go about forming new habits, then make sure you tune in for part two!
Today’s episode is a deviation from our regular format and gets a little bit more personal. Traditionally, we interview exceptional individuals from any number of fields to discuss not just personal branding, but also their journey to success and the challenges they faced along the way. In today’s special episode, however, we hear from our very own Rory Vaden about how he strengthened his personal character and transformed his habits when he decided to give up alcohol. This is the first in a two-part series where Rory shares the strategies he used to break his habit of drinking and how he formed new habits that were in service of the life he wanted to live. Rory takes the time to unpack why he doesn’t believe everyone needs to give up alcohol to make this type of change, and why he felt it was the right choice for him. He also explains why you need a strong personal character to build a strong personal brand, and why your influence will never grow wider than your character runs deep. If you’re interested in making a change in your life but are feeling intimidated by the immensity of the challenge, then stick around for Rory’s story of personal growth and transformation!
In today’s special recap episode, AJ revisits her illuminating conversation with Megan Roudebush, Founder of Keepwith, on the power of networking and being authentic. Tuning in, you’ll hear AJ’s top takeaways from her conversation with Megan, like the importance of implementing a networking strategy and how to determine who you want to have in your sphere. She also reflects on the ways you can network outside of your business and how to make the perfect introduction. For a quick overview of our conversation with Megan on how to be a better networker, make sure you tune in today!
If you consider yourself to be someone who struggles with networking, then this episode is for you! Whether you’re an introvert who feels overwhelmed by big business conferences, or an extrovert who needs clarity on who they want to meet, there is a networking solution for you. Our guest today, Megan Roudebush, is the Founder of Keepwith, a new platform that facilitates authentic networking and solves the networking issues you didn’t even know you had. We talk with Megan about how she first saw a need for a platform like Keepwith, how they spent years developing it, and some of the incredible features it offers users. Megan shares her extensive knowledge about networking, from how to network in different spaces to understanding the responsibility of making introductions. She also unpacks the importance of having a networking strategy, how to identify who you want to meet, and why she encourages everyone to become a superconnector. Today’s conversation is a welcome reminder of the power of relationships and why networking does not need to be nearly as intimidating as we make it out to be. Be sure to tune in to hear all of Megan’s incredible insights on how to build meaningful relationships and how you can become a more authentic networker!
Rory’s conversation with Todd Herman was one of the most profound interviews that has been done on this show because it provided insights into a topic that most people know very little about: trademarks. It may come as a surprise to you, but if you are ever planning on selling your coaching business, be prepared to answer questions relating to the trademarks that you own. If you don’t have any, start registering some. And if you do have them, don’t hold back on protecting them! Todd’s interview is going to have a transformative impact on Brand Builders Group, and if you’re serious about scaling, don’t delay listening because it could do the same for your business.
“How many trademarks do you own?” If you’re planning on selling your coaching business, expect this to be one of the first questions you are asked by potential buyers. During this episode, our guest, Todd Herman, shares the stories of how he successfully founded, scaled, and sold three different coaching companies. Todd has been in the coaching game since before most people even knew what coaching was, and because of his experience, his passion for the industry, and his desire to continuously improve, he has made a name for himself all around the world! Todd explains the value of trademarks to your personal brand (and why he doesn’t ever hold back when it comes to protecting his own), why traction trumps content in the coaching world, and why you shouldn’t let your ego control your business decisions. Tune in for an interview that is unlike any other we’ve ever had on this show!
Building a side hustle takes plenty of planning, innovation, and motivation. And the same is doubly true for making your side hustle your main hustle. In today’s episode, AJ revisits her conversation with Nick Loper, Founder of Side Hustle Nation, and shares her top three takeaways from their conversation. Tuning in you’ll hear AJ reflect on Nick’s most insightful advice, like how to use your podcast as an income stream, even if you don’t have sponsorships or advertising, as well as the many ways podcasts can support your business. For a concise and informative recap of AJ’s fascinating conversation with Nick Loper, make sure you tune in today!
You may have noticed a substantial increase in ‘side hustles’ over the past few years. And as this trend has increased, so has the desire for many people to make their side hustle their main hustle. In today’s episode, we sit down with Nick Loper, Founder of Side Hustle Nation, to talk about the concept of a side hustle, how to build one, and what it takes to make your side hustle your main hustle. We kick things off by delving into Nick’s past side hustles and how he founded Side Hustle Nation. Learn about his early adoption of opportunities in the e-commerce sector and how he applied the lessons he learned to subsequent side hustles. We also discuss the role that SaaS (Software as a Service) can play in your side hustle, how to make money with affiliate marketing, and what you can do to monetize a small, but mighty, podcast. To hear all of Nick’s practical tips and insights on how to make your side hustle your main hustle, and achieve the financial freedom you deserve, make sure you tune in today!
If you’re a mission-driven messenger, then you undoubtedly want to spend your time helping people and impacting lives, not mired in technical details about websites, video editing, or marketing strategies. But once you reframe marketing as a form of artistry necessary for sharing your message, you will be able to gain a new level of appreciation for the skill it takes to market your brand, even if you have a team who does it all for you. In today’s special recap episode, Rory reflects on the role of marketing before revisiting his conversation with Eric Solomon, a video producer, editor, and storyteller who helps personal brands grow with powerful, authentic video content. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory share how his opinions of marketing have changed over the years as well as his top takeaways from his conversation with Eric. For a comprehensive summary of this important conversation, make sure you tune in today!
Making promotional videos for your personal brand can feel intimidating and striking the right tone can be tricky. But if you have a good team behind you, you can create seamless video content that authentically demonstrates who you are, and what you do, without it ever feeling like a sales pitch. That is the message of today’s guest Eric Solomon, a video producer, editor, and storyteller who helps personal brands grow with powerful, authentic videos. In our conversation, Eric breaks down four key ways that individuals can create persuasive promotional videos, along with his personal philosophies on how to ensure that your content is always authentic. Tuning in you’ll hear us unpack the power of interviews, the work Eric has done for Brand Builders Group, and why he prefers to film without a script. Eric also breaks down the types of video content he deems essential for anyone with a personal brand and how to go about producing them. To learn more about Eric’s approach and how you can create authentic and persuasive promotional videos, make sure you tune in today!
In today’s special recap episode, AJ revisits her powerful conversation with keynote speaker, consultant, and author Matt Mayberry. Tuning in, listeners will hear AJ share her top three takeaways from their conversation as well as her unique thoughts and insights on the topics they talked about. One of the biggest lessons from their conversation is the concept of company culture and why it can be defined as behavior at scale. But how does this apply to the individual? There are countless resources on how to create company culture, but where are the resources that teach people how to create their reputation, especially when it comes to their personal brand? If you want to find out the answer to these and other questions, while also learning more about how you can intentionally create your reputation and personal brand, then make sure you tune in today!
We have all had to face and overcome some type of hardship in our lives, whether big or small, but it can often be difficult or painful to talk about. And yet, finding the courage to be open, vulnerable, and honest, is one of the only ways to truly build trust and is a key part of any meaningful relationship. When it comes to building a personal brand, it can be tempting to focus solely on your successes. But it’s your struggles that truly make you relatable and can really build a sense of connection with your audience. No one knows this better than our guest today, Matt Mayberry, who overcame immense personal struggles to build the brand he has today, and found the strength to share the most despairing details of his story in order to best serve his audience. Tuning in you’ll hear Matt break down how he made the pivot from his NFL career to public speaking and consulting, as well as details of how he found the courage to share the darkest parts of his story. He explains what he has learned about the art of storytelling, like what to include or emphasize based on the message he wants to impart. We also delve into the extensive research Matt does on his audience for each event, the topics he covers as a speaker, and how he helps companies make lasting improvements to the culture of their organization. Our conversation today covered a range of topics. Not only is Matt hugely inspiring, but he is also deeply knowledgeable about how to transform organizational leadership and culture. You won’t want to miss this profoundly informative episode on speaking, consulting, and storytelling!
Many of us have found ourselves needing to pivot in our careers. And after the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for flexibility and adaptability has become more necessary than ever. In today’s episode, AJ revisits her conversation with former NFL Player Clay Harbor on how to pivot and shift your identity to ensure longevity and success in your career. In addition to sharing her top takeaways from their conversation, AJ also reflects on key lessons like how comparison can hold you back, why comparing yourself does nothing but hurt you, and what you can do to break the cycle of comparison. For special insight into how Brand Builders Group got started and why you should let go of comparison, make sure you tune in today!
If you’ve ever found yourself at a pivotal point in your career where you needed to reinvent yourself or shift your identity, then today’s episode is for you! Our guest today is an incredible individual who has consistently used discipline, routine, and hard work to achieve great things. Many of our listeners will already be familiar with Clay Harbor from the nine years he spent playing for the NFL, his memorable appearances on The Bachelorette, or his health and fitness brand; which includes an impressive social media presence that boasts more than 240 thousand followers on Instagram alone. After a series of injuries left Clay unable to continue his football career, he decided to ask himself what else he was passionate about and what he wanted to be known for going forward. In our conversation, Clay shares what this transitional time was like for him, how he hoped to use his appearance on The Bachelorette as a stepping stone to a larger goal, and how a disciplined routine has been integral to his success in life and business. We also discuss how Clay and his brother transcended their challenging circumstances, why Clay is passionate about dedicating his life to helping others, and how Brand Builders Group helped Clay further establish his personal brand. Tune in today for a fascinating conversation with a truly inspirational and humble individual on how to find success and build your brand, one small step at a time!
One of the key components to building your personal brand is understanding your audience, and one of the best ways to get to know your audience is by really listening to them. No one knows this better than Amberly Lago, an incredible speaker, podcast host, and best-selling author, who has formed profound relationships with her followers on social media. Tuning in you’ll hear AJ’s top takeaways from her conversations with Amberly like how to be an effective communicator, what it means to curate your audience, and how you can get to know them better. She also reflects on Amberly’s love of people and her gift for treating her audience like family, as well as how Amberly’s desire for meaningful connections has shaped her personal brand. For an insightful recap of this wonderful conversation with a phenomenal human being, make sure you tune in today!
Building a personal brand can feel overwhelming. There are so many examples of how you can go about it and a seemingly endless list of things that you could choose to focus on. Today’s guest has done an incredible job of cutting through the noise and building her brand by staying true to who she is, listening to her audience, and trusting her gut. Amberly Lago is a TED speaker, fitness addict, and host of the True Grit and Grace Podcast. She is also the bestselling author of True Grit and Grace: Turning Tragedy into Triumph, a book that chronicles how a devastating motorcycle accident shattered her right leg and permanently altered the course of her fitness career. In it, she is deeply vulnerable and shares how she overcame her darkest moments of despair by learning to love herself again and finding meaning in what happened to her by helping others. Tuning in you’ll hear Amberly talk about her journey from being a fitness coach with virtually zero technical expertise to purchasing a laptop in her forties and building an impressive social media following in the run-up to her book launch. Learn how Amberly created her personal brand from a place of authenticity and why she was so passionate about forming real, lasting relationships through social media. We also delve into the self-doubt that tends to plague us when we evaluate the worth of our personal stories, and how Amberly found belief in the power of her story when she recognized the impact it could have on the lives of others. Amberly is not only a truly inspiring individual, but she is also deeply compassionate and her love of people is infectious. Join us today for a profound conversation on overcoming pain, finding your authenticity, and the power of connection!
Ian Koniak is a powerful example of how our philosophy works in practice! As someone who came in as a high-flyer from the world of sales, and made the leap into coaching and entrepreneurship using his unique set of skills and expertise, we are so proud to call Ian part of our tribe! We believe so strongly in what we teach, and this is something that Ian's story underlines boldly. In this recap of our recent chat with Ian, listeners will get to hear the top three takeaways from the conversation on how to sell more high-dollar offers, and feel great while doing it! We all hate the idea of feeling sleazy and slimy, and this can be so easily avoided by putting the needs and goals of your clients first. If you know what you are offering and the value of your services, you are able to find people who truly fit with you and can benefit from what you are selling. Listen in to hear about why 'no' is better than 'maybe', boosting referrals through over-delivering, and why helping others succeed is what we are all about at Brand Builders Group!
Our guest today is one of the best salespeople we know! Ian Koniak has proven himself at all levels of the world of sales, having worked at Ricoh and Salesforce, and now as a full-time sales coach. Ian's message is something that we can really get behind, and in this episode, we get to dig down into his sales philosophy, and how you can start selling more today! Our guest talks about going from belief to energy to engagement, escaping neediness, and the all-important piece of closing deals. Listeners can expect to come away from today's chat with a huge dose of sales medicine, and a refresher on lead generation, how to increase referrals, and much more! Make sure to stay tuned to hear Ian unpack his P.R.E.D.I.C.T. selling framework, which makes any sales call so much easier. Listen in to hear it all!
Authenticity may seem like an intangible concept, but in reality, there are methods you can use to strategically implement it in the workplace and get incredible results. Today on the show AJ revisits her conversation with Erin Hatzikostas, where they discuss authentic leadership and how it can transform our work environments. Tuning in you’ll hear AJ’s top four takeaways from their conversation, including Erin’s definition of authenticity, and how data from her research study demonstrates the parallel between authentic cultures and talent retention. We also discuss the difference between authenticity and transparency, and why you can never be too authentic, but you can be too transparent. Make sure you tune in for a recap of this essential interview about authenticity, both in life and in the workplace!
Authenticity is all about exposing who you are when people least expect it. That insight comes from today’s guest Erin Hatzikostas, bestselling author of You Do You(ish): Unleash Your Authentic Superpowers to Get the Career You Deserve, podcast co-host of ‘b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck’, and all-round authenticity aficionado. Erin is also a keynote speaker, coach, consultant, and leader of a recent national research study on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. In today’s episode, you’ll hear all about how Erin went from being a corporate CEO to, what she calls, a professional pot-stirrer. She shares the story of how she stumbled on authentic leadership in her role as CEO and how the experience led her down the path of entrepreneurship and data-driven research. You’ll learn why authenticity isn’t just whimsical fluff, but something you can strategically implement to achieve exceptional results, and how these claims are backed up by Erin's recent national study, The Impact of Authenticity in the Workplace. We discuss how authenticity in the workplace is proven to help retain talent, negotiate with business partners, build trust, and ultimately, achieve incredible results. We also unpack how authenticity can help address imposter syndrome, how to let go of societal misconceptions around success and sacrifice, and overcome our addiction to the grind. Today’s conversation is full of profound insights, expert advice, and a huge dose of authenticity. Tune in to learn how you can start implementing these lessons in your life and achieve results you never expected!
For many of us niching down may seem unintuitive, but it’s actually the most effective way to reach your audience and build your personal brand. In today’s special recap episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Chris Ducker, Founder and CEO at Youpreneur®, where they discuss the tremendous value of niching down. Rory shares his top takeaways from their conversation: including how to optimize based on your resources, why you don’t need millions of followers, and the many benefits of niching down. For an insightful summary of our recent episode with Chris Ducker, make sure you tune in today!
Some people might say that you should never promote your competitors or others in your field. But if you live with an abundance mindset then there’s no reason why you can’t lift up those around you. That is why we’re delighted to be joined by Chris Ducker, a fellow expert in personal branding who is helping entrepreneurs build profitable, future-proof businesses. In our conversation, Chris shares key lessons he’s learned over the course of his career, including the value of niching down and why it’s so much more effective at generating revenue than trying to serve everyone. Chris provides examples of how to niche down based on whom you want to serve and breaks down why it’s the most practical approach for finding your audience. We also discuss The Elevated Entrepreneur Experience that Chris is leading and how you can get involved. For an engrossing episode on personal branding, entrepreneurship, and finding your first client, make sure you tune in today!
Thanks for tuning into this recap episode of the fantastic conversation we had recently with Denise Villa! This was such an insightful chat, and if you haven't already listened to that, you know what to do! Denise got so real with us about the ins and outs of life as an entrepreneur and shared a lot of important things that we think aspiring entrepreneurs need to know. Join us today as AJ recounts some of the things she found most impactful, talking about family businesses, the positives and negatives of working with a spouse, and what entrepreneurship really demands of us. For AJ, seeing Rory in his element has always been something to be grateful for, and makes all the other hurdles and difficulties worth it. AJ also teases out Denise's messages about the highs and lows of owning a business, and some of the parts of our work that might not be so glamorous. To finish off this recap, AJ reflects on the parts of her identity that reach beyond her work, and how becoming a parent gave her a new perspective on herself and her energy. Be sure to tune in to catch it all!
Taking the leap into entrepreneurship can seem incredibly daunting, especially when you already have an established career. As a result, it can often take a life-altering event to prompt you to reassess your trajectory and make a pivotal change. That was the case for today’s guest Denise Villa, Ph.D., and co-author of Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business―and What to Do About It. After structuring her entire career around teaching, a series of life events prompted Denise to reevaluate what she wanted to do with her life. In our conversation, we talk with Denise about how she made the shift to entrepreneurship and what it’s been like embarking on this journey with her husband and business partner, Jason Dorsey. We delve into the complexity of entering into business with your spouse, why trust is essential in any relationship, and how their different skills and traits complement one another. Denise also expands on their company called The Center for Generational Kinetics, why they are passionate about separating generational myth from truth, and what it was like co-authoring Zconomy with her husband. Today’s episode is full of refreshing insights on entrepreneurship, partnerships, and how to uncover what you truly want. Make sure you tune in for this joyful conversation filled with tons of relatable stories and useful advice!
In today’s special recap episode, Rory revisits his fascinating conversation with Alan Stein, Jr., who spent 15 years working as a high performance and mental training coach for NBA superstars and athletes, before transitioning into the realm of leadership and speaking. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory share his top takeaways from their conversation, including the importance of mastering the basics and why, as a high performer, you can exhibit both confidence and humility. Rory also reflects on why it’s important to recognize that there is a big difference between being the world's greatest player and being the world's greatest coach, and how this knowledge can transform your mindset. For premium insights from our conversation with Alan Stein, Jr. and how they can help you build a personal brand, make sure you tune in today!
It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to speak with someone who has spent years working closely alongside the likes of Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Our guest today, Alan Stein, Jr. has done exactly that. For 15 years he worked as a high performance and mental training coach for NBA superstars and athletes to help them achieve and maintain incredible levels of performance. Since then he has transitioned into the world of leadership and speaking, where he helps to improve and elevate individual and organizational performance. He is also the co-author of Raise Your Game: High-Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best as well as his latest book Sustain Your Game: High Performance Keys to Manage Stress, Avoid Stagnation, and Beat Burnout. In our conversation, Alan shares the insights he gained from working with ultra-high-level athletes such as why the best never tire of the basics, why repetition isn’t punishment, and why being process-driven is far more useful than chasing external results and validation. We also delve into how these lessons apply to life, leadership, and business, what it means to coach above your weight class, and why you can offer invaluable insight and support to your clients regardless of their level of expertise. Today’s episode is jam-packed with useful insights and high performance secrets. Join us for all this and much more!
One of the best ways to elevate your content is to view it from the perspective of your client. It’s an opportunity to gain fresh insight into what they need and how you can deliver on it. In today’s recap episode AJ revisits her conversation with Nora Sudduth, Co-Founder and CRO of Hello Audio, a podcast hosting platform with a range of features that make it easier than ever to connect with your audience. Tuning in you’ll hear AJ share her top takeaways; like why more information does not necessarily mean more value, and how to identify the currency your audience is trading in - whether it’s time, money, or both. She reflects on Nora’s key advice on how to increase your content engagement, from making your product entertaining and accessible and increasing the ease of use, to identifying the needs of your clients and delivering on them. AJ’s interview with Nora is packed with hidden gems, so be sure to tune in for a recap of this important conversation!
How often have you purchased a course with every intention of completing it, but never found the time to actually do it? If this sounds familiar, it’s probably because this issue is incredibly common. According to comprehensive data and surveys, most courses are never completed; leaving behind countless hours of unused footage and missed educational opportunities. Armed with this information and a passion for student success, our guest today, Nora Sudduth founded Hello Audio, a podcast hosting platform with a range of features that make it easier than ever to connect with your audience. In our conversation, Nora shares her obsession with customer success and delves into how she abandoned her corporate career to pursue a more entrepreneurial path. She explains why Hello Audio started out as Podcast Your Course, and how its features allow for private podcasts. We discuss the many benefits of private podcasts and unpack why audio is an excellent method for relaying coursework in a medium that students have time for. Nora also shares her top advice for increasing content engagement from reducing ‘time to value’ and using your ‘existing reach’, to creating concise copy and content, and providing a solution to your customers’ primary problems. Today’s episode is filled with valuable advice and key insights from an inspiring individual. Make sure you tune in for an informative conversation on the power of podcasting, how to generate engagement, and more!
Our conversation with publicity expert Selena Soo was filled with insights; not only in what she had to say but how she said it. In this special recap edition of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we share our main takeaways from Selena’s professionalism as an interviewee to her most astute publicity tips. Selena schooled us on the true value of mainstream media and when it’s actually a suitable pursuit, as well as how to get on TV when it is, indeed, the appropriate media outlet for your product. Join us as we debrief after our inspiring conversation with Selena, covering everything from finding riches in the niches and finding a new way to think about your online audience, to identifying and running with your lead magnet.
Many personal brands aim to make it onto national television, but could it be that you’re missing a few crucial steps along the way? Is national television truly the most profitable pursuit for your brand? Joining us today to talk all things publicity is publicity expert and lead magnet, Selena Soo. Selena’s reputation precedes her and in this episode she talks us through her Publicity Pyramid framework. She fills us in on the pros and cons of magazine features and television interviews, and explains which questions you should be asking yourself rather than “How do I get on TV?”. When pitching for TV is appropriate, however, you’ll need to know how, as TV interviews differ greatly from podcast interviews. Selena shares some helpful pitching advice and explains why it’s important to aim local first. She touches on the difference between niche and mainstream expert topics, and which is best to focus on from a publicity perspective, before delving into the value of prestige media and how to repurpose your features and appearances. This episode is packed full of hot tips and tools for doing your own publicity without hiring a publicist. Tune in to find out how to source the most suitable media outlets for your brand, as well as the story ideas they’re looking for!
Our recent chat with Mori Taheripour was absolutely overflowing with insight and inspiring ways to improve your negotiation game. We also spoke a lot about the world of publishing and some of the lessons that Mori learned that might help you if you are wanting to share your message with the world by writing a book! So to hear all of that, and get a deep dive into the amazing content of the book and her story, be sure to go back and listen to that episode if you have not already. In this recap AJ gives her top three takeaways from the chat, highlighting the themes of mindset and perception, collaboration over confrontation, and getting clear on what you want. This was an amazing chat with so much value for all of our listeners, and Mori's passion for helping others definitely lefts its mark on us. Tune in to hear all about it!
Deep down, we probably all want to be better negotiators, and feel more confident as we enter into discussions we care about, whether for our career or personal life. Today we are very lucky to have an amazing conversation with a negotiation expert, Mori Taheripour, and this is an episode that we promise you are not going to want to miss. Mori is the author of the inspiring book, Bring Yourself, in which she lays out her philosophy and approach to self-worth, honest storytelling, and communicating in ways that safeguard against dissatisfaction. Mori has worked in a variety of roles and sectors, and we get to hear about a few of the important stepping stones of her long and winding path to where she is today! Mori explains how she was influenced by the time she spent working in public health, how she became a teacher at The Wharton School, and how this led to her publishing her book. We also talk about developing a more fearless attitude, what makes a truly great negotiator, how to make negotiation less difficult (and even enjoyable!), and much more!
If you’ve ever been curious about how Brand Builders Group helps their clients build their speaking careers, then today’s episode is for you! In today’s episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Grant Baldwin, founder of The Speaking Lab, a company that enables aspiring speakers to consistently get booked (and paid!), by utilizing their SPEAK Framework™. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory break down the key curriculums they use here at Brand Builders Group to teach their clients how to excel, not just in the art of crafting a speech, but also in the business side of speaking. Discover the highlights from our eight-part miniseries called How To Get The Gig and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to integrate speaking into your business model. Rory also gives a detailed overview of the seven different ways that you can get paid for speaking engagements, especially if you’re starting out. From charging a straightforward speaking fee to gathering testimonials, or capturing video footage for your demo tape, each method offers an excellent way to get paid as a speaker! Tune in to learn how Brand Builders Group is helping mission-driven messengers grow their business, generate wealth, and impact more people!
For most up-and-coming speakers their primary concern is going onstage and giving an excellent performance. And while being a great speaker is essential for success, it shouldn’t cause you to neglect the other elements that make up your business. That is why today’s guest, Grant Baldwin, started The Speaking Lab; a company that empowers up-and-coming speakers by providing them with the resources, knowledge, and insights they need to succeed. The Speaking Lab enables aspiring speakers to consistently get booked (and paid!) by utilizing their SPEAK Framework™, also known as the business side of speaking. Tuning in you’ll hear Grant give a comprehensive breakdown of the SPEAK framework and how to implement it. From uncovering the specific problem you want to solve and choosing the industry that you should focus on, to preparing your talk and establishing yourself as an expert, to learning the best methods for acquiring paid speaking gigs and knowing how and when to scale. We also discuss the role that your online presence plays in your success, how to calculate your speaking fee, and when it’s okay to do free speaking gigs. Grant has a wealth of knowledge, and today’s conversation has something for everyone, whether you want to make speaking your side hustle or build your entire business around it. Make sure you tune in for clear and practical tips that will set you on the path to making speaking a consistent and profitable part of your business!
From the outside, it may look like someone achieved success overnight, but the truth is that in almost every instance there are months, years, and decades of invisible hard work behind that success. In today’s recap episode, AJ revisits her conversation with Travis Blakely and Teun van der Lugt (Tony) of Inner Light Media. Tuning in you’ll hear AJ’s top three takeaways from their interview, like why Plan B should always be to make Plan A work, how to create authenticity in your videos, and why you should be focusing your efforts on one message and one platform. For a quick summary of this inspiring conversation, make sure you tune in today!
Creating video content can be intimidating, but when you focus on topics you’re interested in, your passion will reflect in the quality of your work and attract an audience who shares your interests. Today on the show we get together with Travis Blakely, a Social Media Strategist, and Founder and Owner of Inner Light Media; and Teun van der Lugt, also known as Tony, a Video Creator and Strategist, and Founder of Golden Era Media. In our conversation, Tony and Travis break down the many facets that will help you create meaningful content; from choosing your topic to refining your script, to being relaxed, engaging, and (most importantly) yourself, in front of the camera. Tuning in you’ll gain valuable insight into how to create the best videos for your purposes as well as practical tips on how to elevate your content so that it resonates with your viewers. You’ll also learn why YouTube is an excellent long-term social media investment (even if it takes a while to grow), as well as the benefits of focusing your energy on one platform, before expanding to other channels. Tony and Travis are both dedicated to making a positive difference in the world and it’s reflected in the high-quality, meaningful content that they create. To learn more about creating exceptional content that also has the potential to go viral, be sure to tune in today!
We recently had Kindra Hall on the podcast to share some wisdom about the path to becoming a paid professional speaker, and if you caught that episode, you know it was a goodie! Today we are recapping some of the most impactful points and reflections from that chat, and underlining the wisdom that Kindra was so generous with! Kindra is a great example of someone who is reaping the rewards of putting in the hard work, and it was clear in her story and our conversation how much can be achieved by setting a goal and following through. One of today's main takeaways was the benefit of zeroing in on speaking at associations when starting out, and we explore five reasons that should inspire you to prioritize this. We also get into the art of storytelling and, as an expert storyteller, Kindra unpacked the impact that the stories we tell ourselves has on our journey toward our goals. So if you want to hear all this and more, and get a running start towards earning the speaking fees of your dreams, tune in today!
If you’re an aspiring speaker, today’s episode is for you! Kindra Hall is an author, storyteller, and keynote speaker who grew her career and became one of the biggest female speakers on the global stage in a record amount of time. Storytelling has played a pivotal role in Kindra’s life and career and her latest book, Choose Your Story, Change Your Life: Silence Your Inner Critic and Rewrite Your Life from the Inside Out, is a testament to the power of stories and the transformative role they can play in our lives. In this conversation, Kindra shares how she got started by sending out one hundred emails a week for six weeks to prospective organizations, the events that accepted her, and how this allowed her to test her message and gain exposure. Tuning in, you’ll hear Kindra unpack the role that storytelling has played in her career, how she collects and chooses stories, and how to craft engaging narratives. She also shares her limiting beliefs, how she overcame them, and how we can rewrite our own stories to be more empowering. Today’s installment is filled with powerful insights and actionable tips on how to become a more engaging storyteller and grow your speaking career. Be sure to tune in for all this and much more!
In today’s special recap episode, we revisit our conversation with Vinney Chopra, an incredible individual with an infectious positivity who has dramatically scaled his real estate investments over the past seven years. Tuning in you’ll hear AJ share her top three takeaways from her conversation, as well as her reflections on why they are so significant. Discover why teaching is just choice learning, the power of syndication through pooling your resources, what to expect from the three metaphorical tsunamis that are currently taking place in the US, and how to invest accordingly. For all this and much more, make sure you tune in today!
Our guest today, Vinney Chopra, has had a fascinating career, from studying engineering to decades of work as a prolific fundraiser to building a real estate empire in his sixties. When Vinney first came to the US he only had seven dollars in his bank account. Since then he has acquired over $650 million in assets, an achievement that is nothing short of incredible! Tuning in you’ll learn about Vinney’s entrepreneurial journey, how he learned to be an exceptional salesperson, and what it has taught him about resilience and building wealth. Learn about Vinney’s real estate career later in life as we break down why syndication is such a powerful tool, how to leverage your email list, and how Vinney managed to raise over $4 million while on vacation. We also discuss Vinney’s personal brand, his passion for teaching, and his goal to impart his knowledge and create 1 million millionaires. Vinney's positive attitude is both infectious and inspiring. Tune in to learn more about his incredible career, how to scale through investing, and much more!
Whenever you make a sale, it is essential that you first educate your customer and earn their trust. One of the best ways to earn that trust is by sharing your expertise for free, thereby demonstrating your integrity and your worth. Today on the show Rory revisits his conversation with Evan Carmichael of Brandlytics on how to dominate on YouTube and why you should give away your expertise for free. Tuning in, you’ll hear Rory share his top three takeaways, including how to make data-driven decisions for your online content, and why YouTube videos should be longer than you think. For more on why YouTube is considered education at scale, and how you can use it to grow your brand on multiple platforms, make sure you check out this recap!
One of the key things that sets YouTube apart from other social media platforms is that it's primarily used as an education platform which makes it the ideal home for long-form content. Today on the show we talk with Evan Carmichael, an incredible speaker and author who has built a following of over three million YouTube subscribers, about how to make compelling content and dominate on YouTube. Tuning in you’ll learn what attracts users to educational content, what you should be sharing in your videos, and how to use YouTube’s native analytics to improve and repurpose your content. Evan also unpacks the audience retention curve, how you can use it to become a better speaker, and why quality of thought is more important than production quality. Tune in for a great conversation full of practical tips, and profound insights on how to take your YouTube content to the next level!
The great resignation has put more pressure than ever on leaders to find and retain great talent. In today’s recap episode, AJ revisits her conversation with Matt White, Executive Advisor at Culture Index, a company that uses unique psychometric assessments to help businesses hire and retain the right talent for the right job. Tuning in, you’ll hear AJ share her top three takeaways from their conversation, as well as her own thoughts and insights. Learn about the Culture Index Assessment, why the great resignation should be called the great re-evaluation, and how visionary leadership can help you retain great talent. Make sure you tune in for a brief and insightful recap of this incredible conversation!
The great resignation is one of the most interesting phenomena to come about as a result of the COVD-19 pandemic. Many people are realizing that they aren’t well suited to their jobs and that it’s time to find something that matches their passion, talent, and skill sets. Today on the show, we talk with Matt White, Executive Advisor at Culture Index, a company that uses its unique psychometric assessment to help businesses hire the right talent and put them in a position where they can perform at their very best. Tuning in, you’ll learn more about the Culture Index Assessment, what it does (and does not) measure, and how it equips companies to find the best fit for their roles. We discuss how the Culture Index Assessment differs from other popular personality tests, like the Enneagram, and how they structure their profiles. Matt also sheds light on the importance of defining what you need from a role, how to communicate your vision, and the characteristics that make for a great leader. Today’s episode is full of incredible takeaways for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to match their passion with their job, so make sure you tune in to hear it all!
All of us have an internal narrative about our lives, but we can never know the full picture of why we are the way we are. And yet, the stories we tell ourselves about our past are incredibly powerful and have the ability to determine our identity as well as our future — a stirring example of why it is so important to discard confining beliefs that no longer serve you. This important insight comes from Rory’s recent interview with Ian Morgan Cron, a leading expert on the Enneagram and its many applications. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory share his top takeaways from that interview, including why your biggest strength is also your biggest weakness, what it means to have a false origin story, and why what is true to us is what we tell ourselves most often. If you’re interested in the Enneagram or the psychology of influence, then join us for an insightful recap on our meeting with Ian Morgan Cron!
Whether you’ve never heard of Enneagrams before, or you’re a die-hard fan, today’s episode is for you! We talk with Enneagram Teacher, Author, Speaker, Psychotherapist, and Consultant, Ian Morgan Cron, about the Enneagram and why it’s such a powerful personality tool. In our conversation, Ian gives an overview of how the Enneagram works, the nine personality types it is made up of, and how it differs from other personality tools. He explains why he’s a fan of any tool that helps its users gain self-knowledge, why information can only lead to growth if you are empowered with the tools for transformation, and how you can rewrite your story. We also
discuss his book The Story of You: An Enneagram Journey to Becoming Your True Self, as well as his podcast Typology, a podcast that explores the mystery of the human personality and how we can use the Enneagram typing system as a tool to become our most authentic selves. Today’s conversation offers key insights into the invisible forces that govern our lives, how we can rewrite our stories, and why self-knowledge is integral to a happy life. We hope you’ll join us for this life-changing conversation!
Approaching your personal brand with a servant leadership mindset is tremendously powerful. In today’s special recap episode, AJ revisits her conversation with Lethia Owens, a servant leader who is building an incredible legacy for her children and grandchildren. Tuning in you’ll hear AJ’s top three takeaways, along with her own thoughts and insights. Learn about the concept of being a game-changer, what it means to have a servant mindset, and how to be a legacy creator. For all this and more, make sure you tune in today!
Many people are hesitant to pursue building a personal brand because of the misguided notion that it’s a selfish endeavor. In reality building, a successful personal brand is much more closely aligned with having a servant mindset and asking yourself how you can help others. No one knows this better than today’s incredible guest, Lethia Owens. Lethia serves as an expert Market and Personal Branding Speaker and Strategist. She is also a tech CEO and author of the book Your Brand Influence: The Art and Science of Building an Influential Personal Brand. Tuning in you’ll learn about Lethia’s work as a speaker and strategist, how she persevered through adverse circumstances to get where she is today, and why her superpower is being true to herself, no matter what. We delve into what it means to be a game-changer, how to find your lane as a speaker, and how Lethia is building a legacy for her grandchildren. You’ll also learn about her program Certify Your Brilliance, how it empowers clients to certify their skills, and its ability to open up new revenue streams. It was such an honor having Lethia on the show, and we’re sure you’ll find this conversation as eye-opening and inspiring as we did!
When you have an exceptional service but are afraid to market it, you are actually depriving your potential clients of the help they need. No one knows this better than Dean Graziosi, an expert information marketer, author, investor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Mastermind.com alongside legendary Tony Robbins. Tuning in you’ll Rory share his top three takeaways from their conversation, including why the person with the broadest reach is not necessarily the best at what they do but is undoubtedly the best at marketing. We also discuss how to overcome your sales reluctance by being so passionate about your product that you feel guilty if you don’t make people aware of it and the conviction Rory feels when it comes to the services they offer at Brand Builders Group. To learn more about our eye-opening conversation with Dean Graziosi and how to take advantage of his free training with Tony Robbins, make sure you tune in today!
Many of our clients here at Brand Builders Group are what we call Mission Driven Messengers. They have dedicated their lives to making an impact, and are committed to helping people by serving their followers and clients to the best of their abilities. Yet time and again we see them struggle to reconcile their humility with the sales element of their personal brand. Our guest today is no stranger to this predicament and is a firm believer that sales and marketing have formed the backbone of some of the most important movements in history. Dean Graziosi is a giant in his field and has excelled as an author, investor, entrepreneur, & trainer. In 2019 he partnered with Tony Robbins to create Mastermind.com, a platform that allows you to thrive in the virtual economy by empowering you to share your knowledge using unmatched success strategies along with their worldwide directory. Tuning in you’ll hear Dean break down the partnership between purpose and marketing, how to approach paid advertising, and why you are doing your potential clients a huge disservice when you don’t market yourself well. We also cover the concept of a value ladder, how to cater to a range of client needs, and how you can get in on Tony Robbins’ and Dean’s exclusive free training offer. It was such an honor having Dean on the show, and we’re sure you’ll find our conversation as thought-provoking and inspiring as we did. Make sure you tune in for tons of great insights and learn why you need to love what you do so much that you feel bad if people don't use it!
It takes a lot of courage to make yourself vulnerable, but what exactly does that mean, and how does one do it? According to Kathryn Gordon, the practical answer is: to share what you are feeling. This may sound like simple advice, but it can be tough to follow. After all, when you share your innermost thoughts, you run the risk of being ridiculed, rejected, or even causing harm. And in no relationship is vulnerability more important than in your marriage. Today on the show, Rory revisits his conversation with Kathryn to talk about vulnerability, intimacy, and why acknowledging the hardship someone is facing is so important. When it comes to this podcast we may focus a lot on personal branding strategies, but we are also deeply aware of the monumental role those personal relationships play in all our lives. Tune in for a humbling recap on marriage, communication, and what it means to be a supportive spouse.
Despite our focus on personal brands and business here on this podcast, we know that relationships, family, and marriages are a huge part of a healthy life, and deserve just as much attention as anything else. On the show today, to share some of her wisdom about building and maintaining healthier bonds with a spouse, is the amazing Kathryn Gordon! Kathryn is a good friend of ours and is truly inspiring as a person and personal brand. She is a mother, businesswoman, movie producer, best-selling author, and host of the Kathryn For Real Podcast! She published the inspiring and informative book Relationship Grit together with her husband Jon, and we hear all about her journey, the process of bringing her lessons to the world, and what her experiences through the last few years have given her. Kathryn talks about when to look outside for help, how husbands can approach supporting their wives through tough times, and the types of communication pitfalls that so many of us fall into. So to hear it all from this powerful woman, make sure to catch the show!
You may think that giving presentations is reserved for a select set of career choices, such as keynote speakers or press secretaries. But in fact, there are a wide range of scenarios that require us to call upon our presentation skills. Whether you’re giving a speech at a wedding, or you need to lead training at work, you’ll need to draw on your public speaking skills to share information and keep your audience engaged. Today on the show, AJ reflects on her conversation with Stephanie Szostak, a model and actress who you may recognize from her memorable roles in film and television. Tuning in, you’ll hear AJ recount her top takeaways from their conversation, including her presentation tips and why it’s never too late to find your calling. We loved having Stephanie on the show and we can’t wait to share her wonderful insights with you. Make sure you tune in for a quick and informative recap on how to overcome your fear of public speaking and bring your best self to any presentation!
Your career does not define you and there are countless facets to your life that make you who you are. Our guest today is an incredible, multi-talented individual, who is dedicated to helping people find their truth. Stephanie Szostak is an accomplished Hollywood actress, activist, creator, and so much more. She is the founder of Our Boobs Stories, a project that gives women the opportunity to share their feelings about their breasts, including milestones like puberty, reconstructive surgery, and cancer. Tuning in you’ll hear Stephanie’s unconventional entry into the world of acting and modeling, what initially drew her to the craft, and the steps she took to pursue her interest in performance. She also shares her tips as an actress on how to give powerful, emotionally connected, presentations, and how to bring authenticity to your content. Stephanie didn’t always want to be an actress, but by following her inner voice she was able to uncover the truth of what she was most passionate about and achieve alignment between the many facets of her life. Tune in to learn about the steps you can take to uncover your purpose, how to elevate your presentations, and much more!
Almost all of us can benefit from reading people better, especially their body language. In today’s episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Vanessa Edwards, a celebrated author, keynote speaker, and an expert in the science of people who has helped thousands of individuals learn crucial interpersonal skills and become charismatic speakers. Rory shares his top takeaways from the conversation including how to build a following by being aggressively helpful and how to use SEO to optimize your book sales long term. You’ll also learn about a game-changing technique that Brand Builders Group teaches their students and how you can incorporate it into your personal branding strategy. Join us for an illuminating recap along with exclusive insights into the Brand Builders Group curriculum!
Being an entrepreneur and launching a new business is a daunting task and having a brilliant idea is only the beginning. Your soft skills and leadership qualities play a huge role in the future success of your business, especially since you need to build meaningful connections and a robust network if you want your business to grow and thrive. Here today to help us make sense of this essential topic is Vanessa Van Edwards. She is a celebrated author, keynote speaker, and recovering awkward person, who has helped thousands of individuals learn crucial interpersonal skills and become charismatic speakers. In our conversation, we delve into her new book Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication, why she wrote it, and the years of scientific research behind its ideas. Vanessa breaks down the four key ways that we broadcast our cues and explains why charisma is the perfect combination of warmth and competence. We also discuss how understanding these cues can help you interact with people, why it’s important, and how you can utilize your charisma to better represent your product and yourself, both in your content and in person. Make sure you tune in to gain crucial insight into what charisma truly means, in life and business!
In today's episode, AJ revisits her conversation with Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). She shares her top three takeaways from their conversation and reflects on some of Mollie’s most prescient insights into personal branding and how it is changing the way that people engage with sports. AJ highlights Mollie’s insight that we all form part of a team, whether it’s with our family, our friends, or at work, and why every role is important. She also discusses the LPGA’s shift in making sure the stories of the players are known, and why Mollie is intent on focusing on the present. To learn more about our wonderful conversation with Mollie, and more, make sure you tune in today!
Sometimes building a personal brand is easier to do when you’re doing it for a cause that’s bigger than yourself. Our guest today, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), is on a mission to do just that. She is a fierce admirer of the women who form a part of her organization and firmly believes that more people should know about their stories as well as their incredible accomplishments. In our conversation, we discuss Mollie’s storied career in sports, how she came to work for the LPGA, and how she hopes to contribute to the organization. We delve into the changing role of personal branding in sports, and how an individual’s brand can elevate their organization. Mollie breaks down some of the changes she’d like to see in the golfing world, including equal pay for women, and broader access to a sport that can be prohibitively expensive for many people. We also talk about the importance of being a team player, no matter the size of your role, and how we form a part of many teams in our lifetime, whether it’s at work or at home. To learn more about personal branding in sports, and much more, make sure you tune in today!
In today's special recap episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Ray Higdon, where they discussed sales, personal branding, network marketing, and leadership. Tuning in, you’ll hear Rory’s top three takeaways from their conversation, as well as his unique reflections and insights. Rory unpacks the importance of being duplicatable, not just with network marketing, but also with your personal brand. He also explains why standard approaches scale and custom approaches fail, why sales is short-term and marketing is long-term, and how to learn to do both. For a quick and insightful recap of this highly informative conversation, along with key insights, make sure you tune in today!
When it comes to network marketing, there’s no single tried and true method that you need to follow. Whether you’re leveraging social media or doing cold calls, each strategy has its merits. Today on the show we talk with Ray Higdon, founder of Rank Makers, an elite network of marketing entrepreneurs, about network marketing, personal branding, and sales. In our conversation, we discuss the nature of network marketing, why it’s so empowering, and how Ray created Rank Makers. Learn about the role that personal branding plays in network marketing, how to leverage social media, and why consistency is key. We unpack the role that network marketing plays in many influencers' residual income, why it's so common, and why they work so well together. Ray also shares his tips for anyone starting as a network marketer on how to immediately drive revenue for their business and succeed. To learn more about network marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal branding, make sure you tune in today!
Do you ever look at someone on TV, whether they’re a presenter or a news anchor, and wonder how they got there? In today’s recap episode AJ revisits her interview with Emmy and Gracie award-winning broadcaster, Lindsay Czarniak, and shares her top three takeaways from their conversation. AJ reflects on the importance of building sincere, caring relationships, what to do if you’re shy in front of the camera, and why relatability is key to finding your core audience. Tune in for a quick recap of this wonderful conversation with Lindsay Czarniak!
You never know how your current job could be preparing you for your next opportunity, which is why it’s so important to learn everything you can from your present position. Today on the show we get together with Lindsay Czarniak, an Emmy and Gracie Award-Winning Broadcaster, to talk about her career, breaking through the noise, and what she’s learned from competing in such a male-dominated field. Tuning in you’ll hear about the pivotal moments and relationships that shaped Lindsay’s career, why there’s no such thing as an overnight success, and her thoughts on why there are moments in her career that make much more sense looking back than they did when she was in the thick of it. Lindsay also shares how taking a risk led her to achieve her big break, how she learned to trust her gut, and why it’s so important to have a student’s heart. It was such a delight having Lindsay on the show, not only is she an accomplished broadcaster with a multitude of talents, but she is also an incredibly humble and down-to-earth person. For a ton of profound insights, valuable advice, and a peek behind the scenes of Lindsay’s life, make sure you tune in today!
For many entrepreneurs, one of the biggest challenges is getting their message out there. Not only is it difficult to stand out in a competitive market, but you also need the self-confidence and conviction to do so. Today on the show, Rory shares a recap of his conversation with Brand Builders Group CEO, AJ Vaden, where they discussed Brand Builders Group’s new free training on How to Double Your Business in 12 Months, and how to overcome some of the most common misconceptions in entrepreneurship. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory share his top three takeaways from their conversation. He breaks down the key distinctions between pride and self-confidence, why conviction in your service will transform your business, and why you shouldn't be afraid to give away value to earn trust. Rory also reflects on misconceptions around social media and why you're much more likely to find your next customer in your real-life community than on TikTok. Tune in for a recap of this refreshing conversation on what it means to be a service leader, how to grow your business, and much more!
Being an expert at anything requires time and practice. Yet, as entrepreneurs and solopreneurs, we so often try to fill every role ourselves, leaving virtually no time to spend doing the things we are actually good at! In today’s episode, we turn the mic on our very own AJ Vaden, CEO of Brand Builders Group, to discover how she got to where she is today and the important lessons she has learned along the way. Something you may not know about AJ is that she is an exceptional producer who has raised millions in revenue for multiple companies. Tuning in, you’ll hear AJ share what her experience as a producer has taught her and why she is so passionate about helping speakers, leaders, consultants, and entrepreneurs reach their goals and build their personal brands. We discuss the incredible growth rate the consulting and coaching industry is currently experiencing and delve into the importance of identifying your niche and clearly communicating what you offer to clients. You’ll also learn about the exciting free webinar we’re offering on How to Double Your Business In 12 Months, and discover who it’s for, what you can expect, and why you shouldn’t miss out! Finally, AJ leaves us with key insights into our misconceptions around social media and why you don't need clients from around the world; you simply need clients in your own community. Make sure you tune in today for a very special episode on how you can grow your personal brand with AJ Vaden!
One of the best things you can do to build a successful personal brand is to be authentic. In today's episode, AJ shares her top three takeaways from her conversation with Natasha Stoneking about how she organically built and monetized her personal brand. Hear why consistency is key to long-term success and building relationships, and how Natasha has done this with her brand. AJ also unpacks the value of email lists, how to continue to build them, and why it’s so important to create fun and excitement on your platform. Tune in today for a quick and insightful recap of our wonderful conversation with Natasha!
Building your online following is one thing, but finding ways to monetize it is an entirely different challenge. On the show today we get together with Natasha Stoneking, who has built an incredible online following and managed to monetize her personal brand in unique and brilliant ways. Natasha first started her blog over 10 years ago when she was working as a corporate marketing manager and needed a creative outlet. Since then, it has evolved organically, accompanying the changes in her life from wedding design, to fashion, to motherhood. During that time, she also amassed a huge following by being authentic and building trust. Not only does she have over 160,000 followers on Instagram, but she also has a robust email list that is always growing. Tuning in you’ll hear Natasha describe how she organically grew her following by building trust and rapport, how she chooses what to focus on for her platforms, and her top tips on how to monetize your personal brand. We delve into why email lists are effective, the importance of adding value, and how to make signing up simple and easy. Natasha also gives a breakdown on partnering with brands, like how to reach out to them and why she isn’t afraid to hear the word ‘no’. We loved having Natasha on the show, and we’re sure you’ll find her insights as joyful and informative as we did. To learn more about how to build and monetize your personal brand, and much more, make sure you tune in today!
The story you tell yourself about your life has the power to shape your mindset and determine your future. In today’s recap episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Ed Mylett where they talk about his new book, The Power of One More, and shares his top three takeaways from their conversation. Learn about the message of the book, why mindset is integral to success, and why everyone should be a student of personal development. For key insights, and a brief summary of this inspiring conversation, make sure you tune in today!
Finding the balance between humility and confidence isn’t always easy, but it’s a worthwhile pursuit that will change your outlook and what you believe is possible. Our guest today consistently strives to find this balance in all aspects of his life, whether he’s deferring to social media experts or stepping into his giftedness as an entrepreneur. Ed Mylett is a Peak Performance Expert, Global Keynote Speaker, and Best Selling Author of #MAXOUT Your Life along with his new book The Power of One More. In our conversation, we discuss Ed’s entrepreneurship journey, how he grew his social media channel to over 3 million followers on a minimal team, and how he came to write his latest book. We delve into the role God has played in Ed’s life, how to embody all the elements of your identity in any circumstance, and why it’s possible to embrace both science and faith simultaneously. Ed also shares how his relationship with his father shaped him, the immense influence he had on Ed’s life, and the part he plays in Ed’s new book. Ed is an incredible individual and continually demonstrates that humility and confidence is the key to a happy life. Tune in today as we unpack the concept of ‘one more’, how to implement it, and much more!
In today’s special recap episode, AJ revisits her conversation with Cary Jack, Founder of The Happy Hustle and CaryJack.com. Tuning in you’ll hear AJ’s top three takeaways from their conversation. She reflects on why you only need one set of life-changing content to build your business and how Cary did such a fantastic job of clarifying his message and reaching his audience through multiple mediums. Learn how you can create evergreen content and why doing small things consistently is the key to success. For all this and much more, make sure you tune in today!
Our guest today is a true multi-hyphenate. Cary Jack is a lifestyle entrepreneur, author, podcast host, professional actor, model, martial artist, eco-warrior, and so much more! He is the Founder of The Happy Hustle and CaryJack.com, and helps burnt out entrepreneurs find balance through The Happy Hustle podcast, his new book The Ten Alignments of a Happy Hustler, as well as his Montana Mastermind Epic Camping adventure. In today’s episode, AJ sits down with Cary to discuss how he first decided to create his personal brand and how Brand Builders Group helped him clarify his vision, his message, and who he was called to serve. Cary shares how he determined which formats would work best for him and his audience, and how his podcast, book and outdoor entrepreneur program work together to serve his greater following. You’ll also hear a breakdown of the 10 alignments in Cary’s book and how they can teach you to become a more balanced entrepreneur and human being. Cary leads a truly extraordinary life and is a living example of what it means to pursue balance every day. Tune in to learn how he balances it all, how you can achieve that same focus in your life, and much more!
It’s not every day that you get a chance to access the mind of someone who has sold a company for a billion dollars. Yes, a billion dollars! Speaking with Lisa Bilyeu, the founder of Quest Nutrition, was awe inspiring, and made us think differently about many elements of the brand-building process. In this recap episode, Rory shares three of his top takeaways from the episode: giving a product away for free is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to help elevate your brand in the early stages, making your core idea palatable the key to effective marketing, and aiming to evoke emotion through your content is far more impactful than aiming for more views or subscribers!
Lisa Bilyeu is Co-founder of the billion-dollar company, Quest Nutrition, and Co-founder and President of Impact Theory, as well as an author and the host of Women of Impact, a show featuring women who have overcome incredible hardship to achieve massive success. In her new book, Radical Confidence, Lisa shares the story of how she unpaused her life to cofound a company that went from zero to a billion dollars in just five years and become a leader in the world of personal development. Transforming herself with a growth mindset, Lisa learned to face her insecurities and inadequacies, embrace new challenges, solve her own problems, and become the hero of her own life by life-hacking her way to feeling confident and, in today’s episode, she shares some practical advice to help you do the same! Tuning in, you’ll discover some of the tools and techniques that Lisa uses to show up confidently every day and she shares a little secret with us: you don’t actually need confidence to get started! To learn more about overcoming self-doubt, turning your kryptonite into your superpower, and asking yourself the hard questions, make sure not to miss this insightful conversation with Lisa Bilyeu!
One of the things we do at Brand Builder’s Group is help our clients write, launch, and sell books. In today’s special recap episode, we revisit our conversation with Gabby Bernstein, a New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, and marketing master, to talk about her spiritual outlook on life and how it has helped her embrace the sacred responsibility of marketing your message. Tuning in, you'll hear Rory share his top three takeaways from their conversation, from what it means to be vulnerable in your writing and the responsibility you have to share your calling, to why clarity and sticking to your core message is essential. You’ll also learn about Gabby’s upcoming masterclass, what it entails, and how you can be a part of it. For a quick recap of this inspiring conversation, tune in today!
Our guest today, Gabby Bernstein, is a New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, and spirit junkie! She was recently described by Oprah as the ‘New thought leader for the next generation’, and just released her new book Happy Days: The Guided Path from Trauma to Profound Freedom and Inner Peace. Tuning in you’ll learn about how Gabby has managed her writing career, her desire to be a spiritual leader from an early age, and how her spiritual journey has shaped her as writing. We discuss some of the biggest challenges that accompany writing a new book, including landing a publishing deal, writing the book itself, and why so many writers have a mental block when it comes to self-promotion. Learn how Gabby addresses these issues in her upcoming live masterclass, in collaboration with Brand Builders Group, and how you can be a part of it! Gabby also shares an overview of how she approaches her book launches, what she’s learned about exceptional marketing, and how she has managed to successfully publish nine books in eleven years. Tune in for an inspirational and heartwarming conversation on how to overcome your limiting beliefs and share your message with the world!
Amy Porterfield is a master of creating excellent online courses that sell. Her Digital Course Academy has taught over 40,000 clients how to create, market, and sell exceptional online content. In today’s special recap episode, Rory shares his top three takeaways from their conversation. Hear Amy’s fantastic insights on how you can determine the optimal length for any course, and why customers are paying for results, not the amount of time they spend on it. Rory reflects on Amy’s advice on how to earn the right to sell by sharing free high-quality marketing vehicles that offer true value, and why it’s better to perfect one, or a few products, rather than having dozens of mediocre ones. For a quick recap of this wonderful conversation with the queen of online courses, make sure you tune in today!
Getting started with building an online course can feel overwhelming. You need to choose your topic, create excellent content, before finding an audience who will buy it. While it's easy to get discouraged along the way and become convinced that the market is simply too saturated, it’s worth persevering. Today’s incredible guest will give you the guidance you need to perfect your content and find your audience! Amy Porterfield is an expert in creating thriving online courses that sell, and has helped thousands of students share their knowledge through exceptional content. Her Digital Course Academy has taught over 40,000 students how to build, market, and sell their courses. Amy also hosts one of the world’s top-rated marketing podcasts called Marketing Made Easy. In our conversation, we talk about how Amy started creating online courses, what she’s learned over the years, and how digital courses have evolved over the past decade. She explains how the pandemic has affected the world of online courses, and why she loves being more involved with her students. You’ll also hear Amy’s tips on how to create a fantastic course on a tight budget, what it means to have a ten percent edge, and why you need to perfect your content and relaunch your course multiple times before moving on to the next one. We loved having Amy on the show and we’re sure you’ll find the conversation as informative and inspiring as we did. Tune in to hear it all!
Whether you’ve created it consciously or not, as a small business owner you already have a personal brand. In today’s episode, you’ll get a short recap of AJ’s conversation with Jill Flodstrom, a Small Business Strategist, Speaker, and Serial Entrepreneur. Jill has built five different booming businesses in three separate industries and is passionate about sharing what she’s learned throughout her career with other small business owners. Tune in to hear AJ reflect on some of Jill’s most incisive advice, from how to simplify your business and create more time, to why you should hire before you’re ready, and learn how you can revolutionize your small business!
If you’re a small business owner who is unsure about whether they should be concentrating on building a personal brand, then this episode is for you! Our guest today, Jillian Flodstrom, is a Small Business Strategist, Speaker, and serial entrepreneur who has built five different booming businesses in three separate industries. Her latest venture is called Scale Your Small Business and is the result of all the lessons she’s learned throughout her career. In our conversation, we discuss the chaos and overwhelm that many small business owners experience, how to revolutionize your operations, and some of the first steps you can take to get organized and thrive. Tuning in you’ll hear Jill share practical tips on how to get your business to where it needs to be, from how to reach Inbox Zero, to finding the management software that’s right for your business. Learn why consciously building your brand as a small business owner is essential, and how people may perceive you if you’ve done it without intention up until this point. Jill also describes why she is a firm believer in hiring before you’re ready and how it drives business owners to take their business to the next level. Jill’s business was born out of a desire to help other small business owners get organized and thrive because when entrepreneurs consciously support and help one another, the results are life-changing. To learn more about being a small business owner and building a personal brand, make sure you tune in today!
In today’s special recap episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Chris Norton, the subject of the new documentary, 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story, which can now be found on Netflix. Chris’s life was changed forever when he suffered a severe spinal cord injury while playing college football. Since then he has gone on to have a thriving speaking career, along with a beautiful family of six kids that he adopted with his wife Emily. Tuning in, you’ll hear Rory share his top takeaways from the conversation. He reflects on the importance of being grateful for what you have, the significance of focusing on what you can do, rather than what you can’t, and why excellence is not an accident, but a decision. To learn more about Rory’s thoughts on his conversation with Chris, make sure you tune in today!
When Chris Norton went out to play his sixth game of college football, he had no idea the life-changing effect that game would have on his life. On the field that day he contracted a spinal cord injury that would alter the course of his life and leave him with a three percent chance of ever walking again, or doing any other type of small movement, like scratching his face. In our conversation, Chris shares what a dark and difficult time this was in his life and how he was motivated by his determination to overcome the odds and walk again. What he didn’t know at the time was that years later he would walk across the stage at graduation and that a video of that moment would go viral around the world. Since then, his story has been published and has also been recorded in the documentary, 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story, which can now be found on Netflix. Chris describes what he has learned in the years since his injury and how you can still live a meaningful life, even if you’re bound to a wheelchair. He talks about the incredible relationships he has formed during his life, and how he and his wife Emily have come to adopt six kids and foster nineteen. We also spend some time talking about Chris’s first public speaking opportunity and how he realized that it was possible to pursue speaking as a career. He shares what speaking has meant for him and his family, how he’s honed his craft through study and coaching, and what he’s done to sustain his speaking career long-term. Today’s episode is deeply inspiring and a testament to appreciating and fully embracing the life you have! Tune in to hear more of Chris's story and what it means to live a meaningful life.
In today’s recap episode AJ revisits her conversation with Tiffany Taylor and Leon Chen, the founders of Tiff’s Treats. Tuning in, you’ll hear AJ share her top three takeaways from their conversation and why she found them so valuable. For her first takeaway AJ reflects on the value of having someone in your company who is dedicated to looking out for the reputation of you and your company’s brand, and why saying ‘no’ is sometimes necessary to stop your brand from becoming diluted. She also explores some of the ways we can open ourselves up to opportunities, why you don’t need that much to get started, and how we can learn a tremendous amount from simply getting to know our customers and why they use our brands. To hear more about what AJ learned from Tiffany and Leon, make sure you tune in today!
Starting a business is a huge undertaking, especially if you want to take it from a side hustle to a smashing success. Our guests today are all too aware of the sacrifices you need to make to build and grow a business but were much more naive when they first began their business 23 years ago. Today on the show, we talk with the wonderful Tiffany Taylor and Leon Chen about their company, Tiff’s Treats, how it all started, and what it's been like being a married couple in business together. Learn the surprising story of how they started their business as a result of Tiffany standing Leon up for a date, and how they grew their cookie delivery service over the past two decades. Tuning in you’ll learn how they built their brand, how it was inspired by their customers, and why having a brand protector within your company is so important. We also discuss their new book It's Not Just Cookies: Stories and Recipes from the Tiff’s Treats Kitchen. Tiffany and Leon share what the writing and publishing process has been like, what they’d want to put in the next book, and why this book is for anyone interested in business. It was such a treat having Tiffany and Leon on the show, and we really appreciate their honesty on what it’s like to be a husband and wife in business together. Make sure you tune in to learn more about their new book, what it takes to start a business, and much more!
Often the guests featured on this podcast are figures who are already recognized and highly esteemed in their field. In this special recap episode, Rory revisits a conversation with a Brand Builders Group client who is in the earlier stages of building a personal brand. Tuning in, you’ll learn about Jesse Terranova and his business along with some of Rory’s key takeaways from that conversation. Rory reflects on what it’s like to be in the initial stages of building a personal brand, from identifying your uniqueness to learning how to serve your audience in the most meaningful possible way, to how to grow and scale your business. Learn about some of the biggest stumbling blocks clients are currently facing, why your next customer is unlikely to come from social media, and why finding alignment in your business is the key to long-term success. For all this and more, make sure you tune in today!
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, levels of isolation and loneliness were already at alarmingly high rates. Since the onset of the pandemic, those numbers have risen ever higher and broken new records. But once you identify a problem, you can begin to solve it. Our guest today, Jesse Terranova, is no stranger to loneliness and has made it his mission to have a positive impact on this issue, one connection at a time. In our conversation, we talk about how Jesse first discovered Brand Builders Group and why it entered his life at the perfect time. We hear how traveling the world has shaped Jesse’s outlook, the lessons you learn when you exit your comfort zone, and the challenge of implementing those lessons when you return home. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory’s advice for the challenges that Jesse is currently facing, from how to scale his business to the best way to grow his reach. We also unpack how giving customers an unparalleled experience can help you gain referrals, and why your next connection won’t come from social media, but from an existing client’s cellphone. To learn about finding an aligned business model, tune in to this very special conversation with a Brand Builders Group client who is doing the work and making it happen!
For anyone out there building a digital business, growing an audience, scaling courses, and creating content, we have a treat for you today! Joining us on the show is our friend, and the man behind Piano with Jonny, Jonny May! We have a fascinating chat with Jonny and get into his amazing membership site, incredible YouTube channel, and how he built these from the ground up. His piano course platform has over 10k active monthly members, and his YouTube videos have amassed more than 70 million views, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers. In our chat with Jonny, we get into the importance of building a relationship with an audience, how to leverage YouTube clout for your membership site, and why repackaging ideas is a powerful way to connect with the right audience. He also speaks about leading with your best content, and why giving before you start asking is the best way forward. So to hear it all from someone who has built a business and brand that was beyond his wildest dreams when he started out, listen up!
Today we are so happy to invite Nathan Chan, CEO of Foundr, to talk about how he turned his online magazine into a digital media empire. We hear about how Nathan decided to start Foundr as a side-hustle after finishing his marketing degree that he worked on when he wasn’t at his real job. He talks about how he chose to go full-time when he realized that staying at his job was actually losing him money. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the strategy Nathan used to grow the magazine into a media and online education company, and he talks about the models he uses for revenue generation and customer acquisition. Here Nathan speaks about his omnichannel marketing approach, the difference between customer acquisition and profit-generating products, and why he is using a subscription model to build Foundr into the world’s premium learning platform for entrepreneurship. Our discussion also touches on personal brand building and Nathan talks about why he has always focused on building Foundr first, but how his own brand has grown very successfully along with his company. Tune in today!
The rise of remote work has changed businesses in many ways. One of the most notable consequences has been its effect on the way employees behave and work. Not only is the line between work and home life becoming increasingly blurred, but the distinction between our work and personal devices has also become less clear than ever. While it may seem simpler and cheaper to allow your employees to work on their own devices, the truth is that the laxness around regulated devices and passwords is creating a huge security risk at a time when the threat of cybercrime attacks, like hacking and ransomware, has never been higher. Here to help us tackle this important topic is Denis O’Shea, Founder of Mobile Mentor, a company that provides its clients with invisible securities that aren’t disruptive to their employees’ workflow. In our conversation, Denis describes the challenge that companies currently face in attempting to create a robust security system, while also ensuring a seamless employee experience, and what can be done about it. We also discuss their surprise win of the prestigious Microsoft Partner of the Year award, how it was all thanks to several innovative shifts they’d instituted over the past two years, and what they’re doing to make sure they win again next year. To learn more about security in 2022 and how to leverage the power of an award to scale effectively, make sure you tune in today!
The best time to start building an online presence will always be in the past, and therefore, out of reach. The next best time, however, is now! Our guest today, Vanessa Lau, is an amazing example of how you can rapidly grow your business, and your brand, through social media, even if you’re late to the game. After reaching an unbearable point of exhaustion and dissatisfaction in her corporate career, Vanessa finally took the plunge into entrepreneurship. In 2018 she started her YouTube channel and today has over 500 000 followers, not to mention the thousands of subscribers she has also gained on her other platforms, like Instagram and TikTok. In our conversation with Vanessa, we discuss her transition into entrepreneurship and the elements that made her success possible. Vanessa explains how her honesty attracted followers and how she unknowingly created a community out of the simple desire to build her network. Tuning in you’ll learn how Vanessa inadvertently found her niche as a business specialist who helps content creators, coaches, and corporate escapees build their businesses, by addressing the pain points that resonated with her community. We also discuss the course business model, how to scale it, and how Vanessa created her flagship course. To learn more about Vanessa’s rapid growth and why it’s never too late, or too early, to get on a new social media platform, make sure you tune in today!
The only reason a business exists is because of its customers, so every decision it makes should be in service of them. Today on the show we are blessed to be joined by customer success guru Brittany Hodak to hear everything you need to know about how to get CSX right in 2022. Brittany is an award-winning entrepreneur and keynote speaker who teaches sales and marketing leaders to multiply customers by creating superfans. She has spoken to organizations like American Express and the UN, published more than 350 articles for outlets including Forbes, and has also worked with names like Disney, Amazon, Walmart, and Dolly Parton. In our conversation with Brittany, she talks about how to structure your organization so that your customer feels cared for at every touchpoint. We hear about the need to include the CCO in every conversation, how to do away with siloing customer care into one department, and how to empower employees to care for customers in a way that feels right to them. We also talk about how Brittany became obsessed with customer care, how she transferred approaches to building fan loyalty used by entertainers like Taylor Swift into the brand space, and a whole lot more. Be sure to tune in today!
Publishing has changed a lot in the last few years. With the advent of self-publishing, writers no longer have to go the traditional route. However, this has led to self-publishing becoming more competitive, making it extremely important to know how to launch your self-published book in a way that differentiates you. Chandler Bolt is the Founder of Self-Publishing School and he joins us today to share some of the secrets from his new book Published: The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold. Central to Chandler’s thesis is the need to think of a book launch as a year-long project rather than a one-week sprint. To this end, he has designed a ‘launch triangle’, a three-part framework that you can use to skyrocket your launch. We explore this framework with Chandler and he explains how to set up and manage its individual pieces: the launch team, reviews, and promotions. In our conversation, Chandler also explains how to use reviews and structure your book’s content as well as its Amazon order page to boost its discoverability. If you want to be a self-published author, this episode will be extremely relevant to you, so be sure to tune in today.
One of the biggest things that Brand Builders Group clients, especially performance and business coaches, seem to struggle with, is how to set their rates. Whether you gravitate towards charging an hourly rate or putting yourself on retainer, each has its unique benefits and downsides. And determining how to price your services can be a singularly challenging process, especially when you need to demonstrate your value to the client, while also factoring in all the hidden costs that are inherent to being an entrepreneur, in contrast to having a corporate salary with benefits. Our guest today, Mary Sobon, is no stranger to these challenges and has spent the past 13 years learning everything there is to know about pricing and finding the right client fit. Mary is a consultant with an extensive executive corporate background, and for the past decade has struck out on her own as a successful consultant with a range of fantastic clients, including our very own AJ Vaden! In their conversation, AJ and Mary discuss how Mary made the transition from working in the corporate realm to being independent, how she learned about the type of client she wanted to serve, and why everyone should consider rewarding clients who are a dream to work with. We also delve into how referrals have helped Mary keep her costs down, the function of adding free services to your invoices, and why you should never publish your rates! To learn more about the art of determining the best rates for yourself, your business, and your clients, make sure you tune in today!
We can’t always know the lasting impacts that our actions may have on the people we encounter, but sometimes we can see the impacts that someone else’s actions have had on our own lives. For Dr. John Demartini, finding someone who believed in him changed the trajectory of his life. Today on the show, Rory sits down with Dr. Demartini, a human behavior expert, author, and celebrated public speaker, to talk about the unfolding of his career and how he came to be the esteemed figure he is today. In our conversation, Dr. Demartini starts off by recounting his early years and describes the immense difficulties he had to overcome. He shares how speech and learning impediments affected him at school, and how the low expectations of his doctors damaged his self-esteem. He explains how a chance encounter with Paul Bragg changed his perception of himself and inspired him to alter the course of his life forever by motivating him in his efforts to overcome his learning difficulties. Tuning in, you'll hear how Dr. Demartini built his speaking career, starting as a young man in college, and how sticking to his core competencies has been instrumental to his success. To learn more about Dr. Demartini’s life and what he’s learned from his career, tune in today!
As an entrepreneur or a solopreneur, there is only so much you can do yourself. And while it may be tempting to hire contractors, especially when you’re starting out and wanting to keep your costs low, it’s important to bear in mind the significant benefits that come from opting into an employee-based model. This week on the show, AJ sits down with Casey Clark, CEO of Cultivate Advisors, to talk about how he built and scaled his 8 figure coaching business from the ground up, in an astoundingly brief period. They discuss Casey’s phenomenally successful history in franchising and how those lessons led him to establish Cultivate Advisors, a consulting company that coaches small businesses on how to grow and scale effectively. Hear about the actions that helped place them in the prestigious top 800 of the Fastest Growing Companies on the Inc 5000 list, like prioritizing the quality of their output and utilizing LinkedIn to find exceptional talent. Casey also delves into the importance of building a robust referral model, how they help their clients create sustainable lead generation, and why the two go hand in hand. Today’s episode is full of keenly observed insights from someone with a wealth of knowledge and experience, so if you’re looking to take your small business to the next level, make sure you tune in today!
A struggle many pro athletes face is that once their careers end, it’s difficult to find an equally lucrative and glamorous profession. It is possible to parlay one’s fame into a business idea or career as an influencer, but only during a short window period in which one’s cards have to be played right. As a former NFL player turned entrepreneur and the Founder of Ice Shaker (as seen on Shark Tank), Chris Gronkowski did exactly this, and he joins us today to tell the story. When Chris got released from The Chargers after injuring himself, he dived straight into his wife’s business, and after a year they were making more money than he did in the NFL. Chris wanted to get back into sports and fitness though, and that is when he came up with Ice Shaker, the idea that would become his signature premium-quality, vacuum-insulated protein shaker. We hear how Chris leveraged all his resources to develop his product before getting the opportunity to present it on Shark Tank. Chris talks about the boom in sales his business experienced after being selected by the committee, going from $80 000 to making over three million in the next 12 months. We take a deep dive into Chris’s marketing strategies today as well, hearing him talk about how to get high rankings on Amazon, the value of engaging with one’s audience, and what he did on TikTok to generate more site visits from one video than he got from the first live airing of his Shark Tank episode.
Building a brand as a full-time speaker might seem difficult, but that does not make it impossible. You have to start somewhere, be fueled by a genuine passion to change lives, be willing to do it for free at first, and be willing to keep refining your craft. Today we are thrilled to invite Molly Fletcher onto the show to speak about how she transitioned from being a sports agent to a world-class professional speaker using a mixture of passion, persistence, a growth mindset, and a willingness to serve. Molly talks about how her desire to help young aspiring sports agents led to her writing her first book. This led to a second book and a few speaking gigs until one day an audience member encouraged her to take speaking seriously as a potential career. We hear about the steps Molly took after that to promote herself online and how she approached every keynote delivery with a desire to overdeliver. In our conversation with Molly, we talk about how her passion for customer service results in happy clients across the board, which then translates into referrals that land her more and more opportunities to speak. She also speaks to the idea that it is the job of the speaker to build confidence in potential clients because when they invite somebody onto their stage, they are essentially placing their trust in a stranger. Molly is not just a brilliant speaker but a kindhearted person who finds as much pleasure in the success of others as her own, so tune in and prepare for a masterclass in personal branding as well as compassion.
With the dramatic rise of remote work in response to the COVID pandemic, the world has seen major developments in the space of online services, from reliable platforms for remote meetings, to new toolkits for running a remote business. We are also in the midst of a new phase of development for virtual worlds, like Meta’s Horizon and its concomitant tool, Oculus. While all these changes may seem overwhelming, it’s important to stay abreast of how this online space is developing, especially if you want to grow and maintain your online presence with the changing internet. Here to help us make sense of these exciting new opportunities is Tristan Ahumada, a highly esteemed real estate agent and CEO Of Lab Coat Agents, a company that specializes in helping their clients build and grow their community. We talked with Tristan about his work, how he advises his clients, and why you should build your community around a topic you’re passionate about. Our conversation also covers the emerging world of metaverses, why it’s the future of the internet, and how to establish your presence while it’s still in these early stages. If you’re interested in learning about the different metaverses and how to get involved, make sure you tune in today!
In this episode, we recap a very special conversation between co-founders Rory Vaden and AJ Vaden. Rory reflects on his interview with his wife and business partner AJ, about a ground-breaking new study conducted by Brand Builders Group, on the role of Personal Branding in Marketing. Not only does the episode announce the completion of an incredible new national study, but it also describes the new format for the Influential Personal Brand podcast! From now on Rory and AJ will be doubling their weekly output by each conducting their own interviews and recap, all in one episode! Now you’ll be able to listen to an interview conducted by either AJ or Rory, followed immediately by a special recap episode filled with their thoughts, insights, and biggest takeaways. Tuning in you'll hear Rory share his biggest takeaways from his interview with AJ, like how best to define personal branding, as well as some of the most surprising find-ings from their study. Make sure you tune in to learn how Americans perceive personal brand-ing, the biggest factors in building trust with your audience, and much more!
When Brand Builders Group first launched three and a half years ago, we firmly believed that personal branding would be the future of marketing. Since then we have had this belief repeatedly affirmed through our own experiences, along with those of our clients. Yet, with so much rapid change happening, we noticed a surprising amount of misconceptions around the term personal branding. Not just from the general public, but also from amongst our clients, and even within our teams. It was our passion for this topic, and our dedication to basing our practices on unbiased and robust data, that led us to conduct a new Personal Branding National Research Study, along with the help of an experienced and impartial third-party firm. This study illustrates the role of personal branding on a national scale. Over the past year, our teams have been hard at work conducting surveys across the United States and gathering data on American perceptions and attitudes towards personal branding. The results simultaneously illuminated important factors we’d overlooked in the past, while also being hugely affirming of what we do here at Brand Builders Group. Tuning in you’ll learn about the study’s most impactful findings and their implications, from the number one most effective way to earn trust with your audience, to which professions benefit the most from having a personal brand. We also share exciting news about how we’ll be changing our podcast format, and why you can expect to hear much more from our incredible CEO, AJ Vaden, in the future! Tune in for this important conversation on the power of personal branding in the US and what that means for you and your business!
In today’s recap episode, we revisit our conversation with Tori Gordon, a highly successful coach, accomplished podcast host, and TikTok phenomenon. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory share his top three takeaways from their interview, as well as his insights and reflections on what they talked about. Rory breaks down some of the practical tips that have helped make Tori so popular on TikTok, including optimizing SEO and understanding how to leverage the algorithms for different platforms. Rory also reflects on his own reservations when it comes to using social media and the piece of advice from Tori that changed his whole perspective. To hear more about how you can shift your attitude to social media and have a positive impact, tune in today!
While many of us might still view TikTok as an app for sharing dance and music videos, it has evolved into so much more than that. Over the past two years, the app has diversified exponentially and become a place for all kinds of content from educational videos, to coaching content, to inspirational storytelling. This week on the show we get together with the inimitable Tori Gordon, to talk about her journey and how she went from having a successful career in sales to having over 800 000 followers on TikTok, and becoming a Brand Builders Group client! In our conversation we discuss what she loves about the app, why her first foray into it was a leap of faith, and how raw and authentic videos are what define the TikTok online culture. Tuning in you’ll learn all about Tori’s tips for being successful on TikTok, like how to monetize your following, why you shouldn’t overproduce your videos, and how to capitalize on TikTok’s algorithm. Join us today for a fascinating and inspiring conversation on the power of authenticity and the future of connection and community!
Our conversation with Peter Sheahan was filled with a wealth of incredible insights. Not only is he an expert in getting people to pay attention in a competitive and seemingly over-saturated media landscape, but he also has immense knowledge of how finding your uniqueness can help you make better decisions, gain clarity of purpose, and build a personal brand. In today’s episode, Rory reflects on his interview with Peter and how his lessons have informed Brand Builders Group, from the concept of Sheahan’s wall to advice on how to play to your strengths. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory’s top three takeaways from their conversation, as well as lessons on how Brand Builders Group helps their clients elevate their personal brand and take them to the next level. Learn how you can find clarity by asking the right questions, and why you're the most powerfully positioned individual to serve the person you once were! For all this and much more, make sure you tune in today!
In today’s crowded social media landscape, it can be more difficult than ever to stand out from the crowd, and no one knows that better than our guest this week, Peter Sheahan. Peter is a renowned public speaker and the best-selling author of several books including Making It Happen: Turning Good Ideas Into Great Results, and Generation Y: Thriving and Surviving with Generation Y at Work. Peter is an incredibly accomplished individual, having built not one, but two multimillion-dollar companies, all by the time he was thirty. He also has extensive experience as a public speaker, having spoken more than 2500 times in over 40 countries around the globe. In our conversation with Peter, we discuss the concept of the attention barrier, how to break it, and why getting people to pay attention is the primary obstacle for most businesses struggling to get off the ground. He unpacks the key concept of his book, Making It Happen and explains why it’s so beneficial to be tight and targeted in what you do. Peter also elaborates on aligned and misaligned ideas, how to make yours fall into place to ensure a thriving business model and why authenticity is key to uncovering your value offering. Tune in to learn more about how to ask the right questions, make better decisions and break through the attention barrier!
In today’s show, we recap our brilliant episode with Hilary Billings and Marshall Seese, talking about how the team got Hilary’s TikTok account to the 400k followers mark in 40 days! What Hilary and Marshall’s story taught us was that no longer is it enough to merely be talented as an entertainer. A major market indicator of your success comes from the audience you build on social media. We also learned the value of structuring content around what is trending and that the Discover tab on TikTok is a great place to find popular hashtags. Finally, Marshall and Hilary showed us that as a creator, you should gauge your performance on the systems for content creation you have set up, and not on the performance of individual pieces of content themselves!
Often as leaders, we’re told that being emotional is not beneficial. Tia Graham’s new book Be a Happy Leader disputes that claim and shows how our emotions play a key role in exemplary leadership. In today’s episode, AJ revisits her conversation with Tia where they discuss the contents of her book, the science of happiness, and why being in touch with our emotions is crucial to being an exceptional leader. AJ shares her top three takeaways from their discussion as well as some special insights that Tia shared in their post-interview conversation. For an incisive recap, plus some bonus content, make sure you tune in today!
People make the decision to grow their personal brand for a myriad of reasons, whether it’s for personal exposure or to grow their existing business. When Tia Graham first approached Brand Builders Group to grow her personal brand she had already built a thriving business, Arrive at Happy, and wanted to take it to the next level. Not only is Tia a successful business owner, but she is also a keynote speaker and author of the new book Be a Happy Leader: Stop Feeling Overwhelmed, Thrive Personally, and Achieve Killer Business Results. Today on the show we get together with this amazing client to discuss her new book, why it’s been such a huge undertaking, and the importance of constructing an exceptional business plan for putting your manuscript out into the world. Tuning in you’ll hear what Tia has learned from growing her personal brand, how it has helped her business, and why building relationships have been integral to her career. We also discuss the value of authenticity, how to maximize your platform, and why reach and credibility have been two of the biggest motivating factors for Tia’s book. Make sure you tune in for this insightful conversation on building a personal brand, growing your business, and what it takes to write a book!
We had such an amazing conversation with Alison Lumbatis, that was absolutely jam-packed with knowledge bombs and great insights. Today we recap the top four highlights from that chat, and believe us when we say that it was hard to narrow it down to just four! Alison got into how she built her million-dollar membership site, sharing a lot of inspiring information, and a few reminders of the lessons that we teach here at Brand Builders. We always feel so lucky to have our amazing friends and clients on the podcast, and when they are as special as Alison, we know we are doing something right! So tune into this recap to hear all about creating the program you need, capturing leads and building a list, community growth, and the central tenet of personal development. We know these tips can help get you to the next level, so do not miss out!
Today on the show we are very happy to welcome an amazing entrepreneur and friend! Alison Lumbatis runs a successful fashion blog that receives loads of traffic and houses a great membership program with over a hundred thousand paying members! On top of all of that, Alison recently released her book, The Ultimate Book of Outfit Formulas, which shot to the top of Amazon's bestsellers list. In our conversation, we hear from Alison about what enabled all of this incredible success, and the continued journey of personal development that is central to all entrepreneurs. Alison comments on how fulfilling and enjoyable this process of learning has been, some of the simple steps she has applied to ensure successful launches, and the different frameworks and models that have come to suit her particular business. Alison is such a great example of someone carving out the personal brand of her dreams, and looking at her story truly shows how this is possible for anyone with drive and passion. So, join us today to hear it all!
Today we recap our interview with the world-renowned advisor on leadership and human potential, Dr. Margie Warrell. Our first big takeaway comes from Dr. Warrell’s words, “we tend to fail more from fear and timidity than we do from overdaring.” It is important to treat life as an experiment and not let perfectionism stop us from taking the risks that lead to success! Much of Dr. Warrell’s success has come from her willingness to demonstrate her skills for free as a way of convincing people that she is worth paying for, and we explore the value of this approach as our second takeaway. Finally, we speak about the importance of rising above the inner voice inside us all that tells us we are not good enough. It is only by winning against this voice that we can step up to the plate and do the impossible!
Most of us are pretty familiar with our inner critic but are less aware of the consequences that can occur as a result of listening to it too often and too consistently. Our guest today has built her career around helping people recognize and overcome their overly cautious inner voice to live a life where they are empowered to take risks and reach their full potential. Dr. Margie Warrell is a five-time bestselling author, a Forbes columnist, and a world-renowned advisor on leadership and human potential. She works with companies like NASA, Google, Deloitte, and Berkshire Hathaway and has lectured at Columbia and Georgetown University. She is also a highly successful speaker and consultant and has spent 25 years researching fear and bravery to support people by boosting their courage, elevating their performance, and accelerating growth. In our conversation with Margie, we hear about her early experiences with self-doubt, how she overcame them, and why so many of us don’t realize the high cost of being overly cautious and refusing to take risks. To learn more about fear, bravery, and why we should all be living outside of our comfort zone, tune in today!
Hilary Billings and Marshall Seese Jr. are viral video creators who have amassed a total of 800 million views between them. Recently, Hilary went from zero to 400,000 followers on TikTok in just 40 days! She now has an audience of more than 870,000 and has collected over 19 million likes. In today’s episode, she talks about her meteoric rise and how a glitch on Facebook led her to open an account on TikTok in the first place. Her and Marshall also share some great tips and tricks for content creators that are new to TikTok and debunk some misconceptions regarding intellectual property. We also discuss the benefits of repurposing content across platforms, the importance of utilizing the tools at your disposal, and why it’s crucial to take an experimental approach, plus a whole lot more. Hilary and Marshall have so much insight and practical advice to share, so make sure not to miss this episode!
In the last episode, we were joined by the amazing and inspiring Michelle Poler to talk about her incredible journey and speaking career. Michelle's big focus is on overcoming fear, a subject that she has helped many people with through her talks and her book. We are huge fans of Michelle and hearing her talk about her path to success can give us all hope. There were so many lessons packed into the episode about overcoming fears, how to go about leveling up your career, and the rapid transformations that are possible. She talked about the systems and processes that enable the kind of trajectory many of us hope for. In today's recap, we go over some of the biggest takeaways from our guest, including how to use learning as a means to confront fears, how to make better decisions, and why video marketing can make all the difference. Tune in to hear all about it!
When Michelle first set out to do her video project 100 Days Without Fear on YouTube as a part of her Master’s degree, she had no idea that it would lead to a speaking career. Fast forward five years and she has built a beloved reputation and spoken on some of the most prestigious stages in the country. She has been invited to speak at exceptional companies like Netflix, Facebook, and Google, and recently published her first book Hello, Fears. In our conversation with Michelle, we unpack the project that started it all, and how seeing its impact on other people’s lives gave her the confidence, and perseverance to overcome her feelings of imposter syndrome and speak on the TEDx stage in Houston. Hear how she leveraged her brand identity to launch her speaking career, and learn why she always asks herself whether her choices keep her in her comfort zone or challenge her to grow. We loved having Michelle on our show and can’t wait to see what she does next! Tune in today to hear how you can face your fears and change your life!
Last time out, we hosted our friend Jim Doyle and had a fascinating chat about the essentials of selling. Like it or not, as an entrepreneur and business owner, you have to get your sales skills up to scratch, and the wisdom that Jim offered us is a great place to start that journey. We loved this powerful conversation, and in today's recap episode we will be going over the top three takeaways from the episode. We have said before that in some ways we have quite a specific and unusual sales philosophy here at Brand Builders. This is because we like to differentiate ourselves from the ocean of sales 'gurus' out there. We believe in getting the basics right; knowing your customer and what they really want, how to serve these needs, and sticking to what is most important. That's why Jim's approach is so in line with our visions! Tune in to hear all about the subtle shifts in mindset that can move the needle, some common marketing mistakes that are made by brands, and why centering your customer instead of yourself is the only way to really build a loyal audience!
This week on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast we get together with Jim Doyle, author of the new book Selling With A Servant Heart. So often as sellers we are taught to chase numbers and not give up until we make the sale. But what if you could flip that concept by focusing on the needs of the client while also reaching your sales targets? In Jim’s new book he outlines the philosophies which helped him build a multi-million dollar enterprise that has helped train thousands of salespeople to sell with a Servant Heart. Tuning in you’ll hear how to employ acute listening and why it will help you have deeper business conversations with customers. You'll also get to hear why those who start in training often make the best salespeople, as well as some of the key lessons Jim learned from interviewing some prominent figures in sales. Make sure you tune in to learn more about the awesome power of listening, and why prioritizing your customers’ needs always pays off!
In our most recent episode, we hosted Sam Richter to share some amazing and potentially life-altering information! We had a big conversation about Boolean logic and how simple modifications to your search terms can bring back incredibly useful information that you may have thought was inaccessible. Sam talked all about his customized interfaces for search tools, how these work across different platforms, and what they have enabled him and his audience to accomplish. As a sign of just how seriously we take this tool, we are purchasing it for our entire community, and today we get to go over some of the biggest takeaways from that conversation, and the application of Sam's methods. We go over some of the use cases for the interface, and reflect on how powerful these ideas are, considering how under-the-radar they are. So to hear all about this nerdy and super-technical conversation that could just move the needle for you and your brand, listen in!
Most of us are aware of the incredible power and scope of the behemoth tech company Google. While they may have initially started with the aim of building a sophisticated search engine, today they are primarily focused on advertising, which impacts the type of search results most readily available to their users. This means that users are often left wading through non-specific search results in a desperate attempt to track down what’s relevant to them. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Our guest today, Sam Richter, has spent plenty of time and energy constructing an elegant solution to these challenges, saving businesses hundreds of hours otherwise spent on fruitless research. In addition to being one of the world’s top-rated keynote speakers, he's also a bestselling author and a leading authority on Sales Intelligence, a concept that he deftly unpacks today! Tuning in you’ll learn about the extent of the invisible web, easy tips for applying Boolean logic, and how “thinking like the author” can get you the results you need quickly and efficiently. Today’s episode is packed with great insights along with easily accessible and actionable steps for increasing your reach and building your network. Tune in to hear it all!
In this week’s special recap edition, we revisit our conversation with Dorie Clark, a consultant and sought-after keynote speaker who teaches executive education at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School. Dorie is also a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Reinventing You, Entrepreneurial You, and Stand Out, along with her most recent title, The Long Game: How to be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World. Rory shares his top three takeaways from their interview and reflects on how Dorie’s lessons can help listeners weather difficult periods in their life and business. Tune in for key insights into conquering adversity and what envy can teach you about what you want!
Today’s guest has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50, and recognized as the number one Communication Coach in the world by the Marshall Gold-smith Leading Global Coaches Awards. Dorie Clark is a consultant and sought after keynote speaker who teaches executive education at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School, as well as the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Reinventing You, Entrepreneurial You, Stand Out, and her most recently released title, The Long Game: How to be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World. In this episode, Dorie shares her insight and expertise with listeners about how to play the long game. We dive into how long the long game actually takes, practical applications for long-term thinking in your daily life, and how to stay motivated along the way, and Dorie leaves us with some poignant advice: there are no “wrong goals.” You can pivot at any time! Tune in today to learn more from remarkable storyteller and global entrepreneurial inspiration, Dorie Clark!
In this week’s special recap edition, we revisit our conversation with David Glickman, a phenomenal public speaker and a master of crafting incisive humor. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory share his top three takeaways from their interview as he takes a moment to consider the art of humor. Discover why anyone can learn how to delight their audience with funny observations and misdirection and why that’s so empowering. You’ll also learn about the five C’s of observation and gain insight into why they’re such effective tools for winning over your audience. Tune in today for a comprehensive recap on how to master the skills for humor in public speaking and much more!
Humor is a wonderful part of being human, but it doesn’t need to be limited to comedy specials or social occasions, it can also be an excellent tool for elevating your speeches and for connecting with your audience members. No one knows this better than David Glickman, who has helped countless people write funnier speeches. David is a Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker, Corporate Entertainer, Humor Speechwriter, and author who first started out in show business. During his earlier career, he worked with big names like Steve Martin and Ellen DeGeneres, and also owned a chain of comedy clubs earning him years of experience and insight into the art and science of humor. Tuning in, you’ll hear why David believes that anyone can learn how to be an expert at humor and some of the most useful tools that you can use to inject comedy into your presentations. Discover the rule of three, how to spot an opportunity for a callback, as well as the difference between evergreen humor and customized humor, and how to use each accordingly. We also make a note of what type of humor to stay away from and how to use observation, audience frustrations, and pop culture references to connect with your audience. Be sure you tune in for a wealth of applicable tips, priceless insights, and much more!
This week we revisit our eye-opening conversation with Jeff Goins on how to find your big idea and create your unique take on it. Rory and AJ share their top three takeaways from their conversation with Jeff Goins, the best-selling author of five books including Real Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age and The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do. Tuning in, you’ll hear Rory and AJ discuss some of Jeff’s most incisive insights, including the twenty percent rule and why you need to sell the idea of a book, rather than the book itself. Tune in today for this quick and insightful recap!
Thanks to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, putting a book out into the world is easier than ever. But just because something is easy to do, doesn’t necessarily mean you should do it. This week on The Influential Personal Brand Podcast we are joined by one of our favorite long-time part-ners Jeff Goins. Jeff is the best-selling author of five books including Real Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age and The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do. Jeff has spent over 15 years in the marketing and publishing space, and in that time has developed a masterful intuition for what works and what doesn’t, especially when it comes to choosing which ideas to pursue and how to implement them. Tuning in you’ll hear Jeff explain why good ideas don’t necessarily result in good books, how to find the perfect balance between the familiar and the absurd, and why you can only sub-vert expectations once you’ve fulfilled them. Our conversation with Jeff is filled with remarkable insights that will give you a renewed appreciation for the art of storytelling and the Olympian ef-fort involved with writing a great book. Make sure you tune in to hear it all!
In this week’s special recap edition, we revisit our conversation with Brendan Kane, author of Hook Point: How to Stand Out in a 3-Second World and One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days. Rory and AJ share their top three takeaways from their conversation with Brendan, including several simple actionable steps on how to drastically increase your following. Tune in to hear the best of the best from this content-rich interview with Brendan Kane!
Growing a following on social media requires a multi-pronged approach, and it’s not always easy to tell what actions will yield the best results. Here to help us make sense of the current social media landscape and gain valuable insight into how to navigate and master it, is Brendan Kane, author of One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days. Brendan describes himself as an outside-the-box thinker who empowers brands to scale, expand and accelerate their businesses and influence. In our conversation with Brendan we discuss his approach to branding and delve into the key tenets of his new book Hook Point: How to Stand Out in a 3-Second World. Tuning in, you’ll hear Brendan describe the importance of a varied distribution model as well as a breakdown of how to institute a robust process that will elevate your presence on social media. We discuss the biggest obstacles that brands face when they get stuck, no matter the size of the company, and how to use research as a tool for transforming your approach. You’ll also learn about the relationship between attention, algorithms, and how to engineer virality. You won’t want to miss this information-packed episode from a leader in the field. Make sure you tune in to hear it all!
In this week’s special recap edition, we revisit our conversation with Jasmine Star, who has built a highly influential personal brand and is known for her amazing, practical, fun, and inspiring content. The instinct to be liked is a natural human desire, but often we end up playing down parts of our personality to adapt to what we think other people want us to be. Not Jasmine Star. As Rory and AJ share their top three takeaways they reflect on Jasmine’s lessons on being your authentic self, why lukewarm followers aren't powerful, and why she’d much rather have people fall in love with who she truly is, rather than a carbon copy of what she thinks people want her to be. To hear more insights from this inspiring conversation, tune in today!
We are so happy to bring you today's conversation, with one of the best people to follow on social media, right now! Jasmine Star is known for her amazing, practical, fun, and inspiring content, and her journey serves as such a powerful lesson in how to build an influential personal brand and become a mission-driven messenger! We get to hear from Jasmine about the important points on her path, how she made the big decision to drop out of law school, buy a camera, and follow her passion. We also get into the details of her latest project, Social Curator, how it can help you, and why Jasmine is so excited about this avenue. As we often say, we love when good people win, and our guest's story is a shining example of that happening! To hear all about the permission of imperfection, why repelling is as important as attracting, and the three things that all strong entrepreneurs do, listen in with us!
As children, there is often a much greater sense of freedom around asking questions. But as we age, and learn to navigate the world, we adapt and often lose touch with ourselves and what we truly want. In this recap episode, we hear from AJ about her top three takeaways from their interview with Mark Victor Hansen and Crystal Dwyer Hansen. She reflects on the concept of being an uncorrected asker, the surprising role that quantum physics has to play in your expectations and outcomes, and what it means to ask yourself life-giving questions. Tune in today for special insights into our full interview with these two thought leaders!
What if the one thing that stood between yourself and achieving your destiny was being willing to ask for help? This week we get together with power couple, Mark Victor Hansen and Crystal Dwyer Hansen to talk about their new book Ask!: The Bridge from Your Dreams to Your Destiny to learn how neuroscience, quantum physics, and the art of asking can help you reach your fullest potential. In our conversation with Crystal and Mark, we discuss the seven roadblocks that stop us from accessing our higher selves and how we can address and eventually overcome them. Listening in you’ll hear Crystal lend her expertise and incredible insight into the psychology of asking and why we’re so resistant to it. We delve into some of the concepts of the book and unpack the three channels of asking, namely ask yourself, ask others, and ask God, and why each step is integral to the process. Discover the necessity of self-knowledge and why so many of us are letting past experiences shape our expectations and as a result, our future. We also discuss the importance of curiosity and hear Mark and Crystal’s advice for mission-driven messengers and entrepreneurs looking to access their higher calling in life. You won’t want to miss this life-changing conversation, so make sure to tune in today!
In today’s special recap edition, Rory revisits his conversation with Naren Aryal on hybrid publishing and how it can help to optimize your Amazon books sales. Tuning in you’ll hear why Naren and his company Amplify Books, has become one of Brand Builders Group’s favorite partners, and the tremendous amount of work that goes into creating, publishing, and marketing any book. Rory also shares his top three takeaways and unpacks why books that make the bestseller lists are not necessarily the ones that are the best written, but whose authors have established the largest audiences. Tune in for lots of technical tips and insights into what it takes to become an Amazon bestseller!
Many authors find themselves struggling to choose between traditional publishing and self-publishing, whether to embrace the support system that comes with traditional publishing or the independence and ownership inherent to self-publishing. For them, hybrid publishing might be the happy middle ground they’ve been hoping for! In this episode, we get together with CEO, lawyer, and speaker, Naren Aryal to discuss hybrid publishing and what he has learned from over ten years in the industry. Naren is the CEO of two thriving hybrid publishing companies, Amplify Publishing and Mascot Books, and has helped countless authors publish and market their books. Listening in, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how hybrid publishing works. While this method requires an investment from the author, it supports them throughout the process and allows the author considerably more control as well as the bulk of the royalties. Naren gives a detailed account of the distribution process and how hybrid and traditional publishing can leverage their connections to access broader methods of distribution. Next, we delve into effective strategies for optimizing book sales on Amazon and how Amplify Publishing is able to help its authors sell successfully on Amazon. Naren also shares his insights on marketing through content, and why your book should be the culmination of a larger content strategy. Join us today for this fascinating look at the world of publishing, marketing, Amazon, and more!
In today's recap episode, we look back on the amazing conversation we had with Craig Valentine, with Rory and AJ both revealing their top three takeaways. Craig is a master of the story and how to use stories to really engage an audience, and it was hard to narrow our list down, but we managed! Craig talked about why it is not enough to just 'get ready' and that, as a brand builder and storyteller, you need to 'stay ready' for whatever opportunity may come knocking. He also emphasized the need for conflict in any story you are trying to sell. We highlight the points Craig made about character dialogue and using repeatable statements before touching on the idea of our dreams not being for sale and why you should sell a result than a product. To hear all the details on all of these great takeaways, tune in today!
In 1999 our guest, Craig Valentine, became the World Champion of Public Speaking and subsequently learned a lesson that he has carried with him throughout his career: that he could no longer ‘get ready to speak’ he had to ‘stay ready to speak’. Craig has built his career on his exceptional acumen as a public speaker, his presentation skills, and his prolific coaching. He runs a prodigious coaching certification program called World Class Speaking, in addition to the Speak and Prosper Academy, and is the author of The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking. In our conversation with Craig, we dive straight into his passion for public speaking and how he discovered that ‘staying in your lane’ is not necessarily the best advice. Listening in you’ll glean key insights into the art of storytelling and why it is integral to effective public speaking. Learn why conflict is the most important part of storytelling and how escalating conflict can elevate a good story into a great one. We also delve into the intricacies of dialogue, why it’s important, and how it offers rich opportunities for humor and connection with your audience. Later, Craig breaks down how he combines storytelling and messaging to reach his audience, and why his approach to storytelling varies depending on the situation. Tune in today for an engrossing and highly informative episode as we see phenomenal storytelling in action!
In today’s special recap edition, Rory revisits his conversation with Marley Jaxx on the world of video content and how to take your online presence to the next level. With the majority of us having a camera readily available on our smartphones, creating video content has become more accessible than ever before. Tuning in you’ll hear about how to take advantage of the power of video content and why YouTube is uniquely suited to marketing, thanks to its search engine optimization and sophisticated algorithm. Rory shares his top three takeaways from his conversation with Marley and elaborates on both her technical and psychological advice for putting yourself out there. Make sure you tune in to this essential episode on the power of video content and the future of marketing your personal brand!
Creating video content can be intimidating. You need to decide which camera you’re going to use, what you should be talking about, and even after you’ve filmed your footage you’re still faced with figuring out your editing process. In today’s episode, we are joined by Marley Jaxx, to help us better understand the world of video content and answer our many questions about how to start a digital video journey and take our video content to the next level. Marley is an entrepreneur and acceleration coach who boasts over 1.8 Million views on YouTube. She has shared the stage as a public speaker with the likes of Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, and Frank Kern. In our conversation with Marley, we dive straight in with our most pressing questions on starting a YouTube channel and how to optimize your content. Listening in, you'll hear why the best camera is the one you already have, why search engines are an excellent resource for finding topics, and why it’s so useful to hire someone for the editing process. Marley expands on key concepts like ‘curiosity hooks’ and how to use them to optimize viewer engagement. She also shares some of her key tips, like when to employ a call to action in your videos, how to get the most out of the editing process, and how to gain leads from your content. We loved having Marley on the show and can’t wait to see what she does next. Join us today for this essential conversation on taking your video content to the next level!
In this special recap episode, we reflect on our interview with Celinne Da Costa, a story architect who has worked with countless leaders and entrepreneurs over her eventful career. We discuss how her disarming wisdom and insight offer a fresh appreciation for the internal work necessary to live a happy and successful life. Listening in, you'll hear Rory and AJ share their top three takeaways from the interview and how it applies to Brand Builders Group and their services. Learn how identifying your uniqueness is integral to your personal brand and why so many people struggle to see how accomplished they are. For all this and much more, tune in today!
Imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs about yourself can affect a wide array of people, even successful leaders and entrepreneurs, yet so often we don’t recognize the internal work that needs to be done and end up chasing external goals instead. Our guest today, Celinne Da Costa has seen this time and again in her work as a story architect working with countless leaders and entrepreneurs. As a brand story expert and self-actualization coach, she helps visionary entrepreneurs not only tell but become the greatest story they ever told. In our conversation with Celinne, we discuss how she helps individuals identify and overcome unconscious beliefs about themselves in order to connect with the story of their true selves. She breaks down the four-step process that she uses with clients to unlock, embody, design, and amplify their true stories. We also discuss how limiting beliefs can cause you to undermine your own success and why conditioning is at the heart of why so many of us are cut off from our true purpose. Join us today for all this and much more!
In the world of digital marketing and social media, capturing and maintaining the attention of potential customers can seem like an impossible task. In this special recap episode, we revisit our conversation with Mike Michalowicz, a master in the art of gaining instant attention in marketing. Rory and AJ identify their biggest takeaways from their conversation with Mike and elaborate on how they see the lessons reflected in their own business. Listening in, you’ll hear us discuss what small businesses can learn from one another, why marketing is essentially neuroscience, and how pattern interruption is crucial for effective marketing. We also give a shout-out to some of our favorite marketing campaigns and discuss how to take your marketing to the next level. Make sure you tune in today for this quick and informative recap episode!
In today’s episode, we are joined by one of the world’s foremost thinkers on entrepreneurship, Mike Michalowicz. Mike is a best-selling author of renowned titles like Fix This Next, Clockwork, and Profit First. He also worked as a small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal and as a makeover specialist on MSNBC. Mike has considerable experience in the world of business, having established, built, and sold two successful companies by the time he was 35 years old. He is also an international speaker and has traveled across the globe to speak at conferences and events for entrepreneurs. In our conversation with Mike, we discuss his new book Get Different: Marketing That Can't Be Ignored! and delve into why he saw a need for this content. Mike breaks down some of the key concepts and strategies from his new book as well as some of the most common mistakes small businesses make when it comes to marketing. We hear from Mike about why small businesses need to reframe how they view marketing as well as the crucial psychological insights that inform his methodology. We loved having Mike on the show and we’re sure you will find the conversation every bit as fascinating as we did! For all this and much more, tune in today!
Having a thorough understanding of humor is valuable in almost any situation, whether you want to create some brevity during a presentation, or cheer up your best friend. In this special recap edition, we revisit Rory’s interview with Darren LaCroix on public speaking and the power of humor! Rory and AJ share their top three takeaways and expand on how they’ve applied these lessons in their own lives. Listening in you’ll hear key insights about how to naturally weave humor into any public speaking occasion and why it’s important to connect with your audience on an emotional level. We also discuss the immense amount of work that goes into refining a good joke and how you can draw on the absurdities of everyday life to create your very own brand of humor! For all this and much more, tune in today!
Many of us believe that, for the most part, being funny is an innate skill that cannot be learned, but today's episode might just change your mind. Darren LaCroix is a legend in the world of public speaking and is especially well-known for his deft implementation of humor. In today’s episode, we get together with Darren for a jam-packed conversation on humor, comedy, and the tremendous amount of work and dedication it takes to become proficient in the art of stand-up. We hear from Darren about how he first got into public speaking, why initially he was so intimidated by being humorous on stage, and how he learned that anyone can acquire the skills needed to be funny. Tuning in you’ll hear Darren break down the differences between humor and comedy and why it’s important to discern when to use which. Learn why the first step to comedy is training yourself to identify opportunities for humor, as well as how to hone your delivery skills. Later, Darren explains why it’s important to understand tried-and-tested comedy formulas and how to implement them successfully as well as why identifying what’s top of mind for an audience is crucial. We had a fantastic time talking with Darren and unpacking his knowledge and expertise. For all this and much more, tune in today!
This week we revisit Rory’s conversation with John David Mann about how to be a better writer. Rory and AJ share their top three takeaways and how being a better writer and storyteller is integral to speaking and your personal brand. Tuning in you’ll hear plenty of tips on how to improve your writing and storytelling, from why your core concept is the hero of your story to how humor can be revealed organically through stories and characters. AJ explains why writer’s block should really be thought of as memory block, and how to use your life experience to inform your writing. We also discuss some technical tips and how best to build suspense. Tune in today to hear it all!
Have you ever wondered whether you might have what it takes to write a novel? In today's episode, we’re very excited to get together with award-winning author John David Mann to discuss his new thriller Steel Fear and gain valuable insights from his immense writing wisdom. Tuning in you’ll hear John discuss some of his previous works including his partnership with Bob Burg in writing the hugely popular Go-Giver books. John unpacks his writing process and discusses some of the unique challenges of writing his first thriller, like constructing nuanced characters and figuring out the plot. We hear from John about how he balances structure and flow in his writing and how his previous experience running a sales organization has informed his approach to writing characters. In closing, John emphasizes the importance of empathy and why it’s crucial for storytelling as well as character creation. Join us today for a fascinating look at the writing process, practical tips, and much more!
In today’s episode, we revisit our conversation with Shep Hyken, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who is also featured in the Professional Speaking Hall of Fame. Shep has achieved considerable success over several decades across multiple industries as an author, public speaker, and customer service expert. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory share his top three takeaways from their conversation and dig into some of Shep’s most prescient insights, from how to successfully market yourself in a b2b environment to gaining thousands of followers. Rory shares how he’s seen Shep’s advice in action in the lives of his clients and why consistency is crucial to the success of your brand and reputation. For a concise breakdown of these valuable lessons and more, tune in today!
When you see the phrase ‘New York Times Bestselling Author’ or ‘Hall of Fame Speaker’, it can be difficult to comprehend the years of work and energy that went into achieving those titles. In today’s episode, our guest Shep Hyken gives a candid breakdown of how he achieved success across multiple industries as an author, public speaker, and customer service expert over several decades. Shep is both a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author and is featured in the Professional Speaking Hall of Fame. Tuning in you’ll hear key insights from this industry expert on how he first entered the world of business, including how he identified and pursued clients. Hear how Shep discovered his passion for customer service as a young adult and how the National Speaking Association dramatically increased his proficiency as a public speaker as well as his advice for anyone looking to improve their customer service. Join us today for a fascinating conversation on how to create resilience and flexibility in your business and thrive in your field, no matter the circumstances!
Deciding who to hire for a project can be daunting and arduous. Often, you will need to sift through dozens of profiles, and even then, there’s no guarantee that you will find a good fit for your project or your budget. Our guest today is an expert in his field and possesses a wealth of knowledge when it comes to hiring internationally. Hanson Cheng is a rapid skill acquisition expert, speaker, and multi-million dollar earner who helps CEOs optimize their time to ensure more freedom and flexibility, allowing them to spend more time on their vision and increase their earning power. In our conversation with Hanson, we discuss his tips for finding competent individuals on LinkedIn and how he approaches hiring individuals in non-western countries. We delve into artificial intelligence and how Hanson utilizes translation software when hiring people who aren’t first language English speakers. Tuning in you’ll hear about changes happening on the frontiers of machine learning and how that will affect content creation and plagiarism. Later Hanson shares why building relationships in your working life is so important and how a Reddit post landed him an interview with Entrepreneur Magazine. Join us for a fascinating conversation on what it means to hire internationally and how artificial intelligence will affect automation.
In today’s special recap episode, Rory and AJ revisit their conversation with entrepreneur and bestselling author, Kevin Kruse. They share their top three takeaways from their conversation and expand on the significance of Kevin’s unique insights into the world of entrepreneurship, business, and tech. Listening in, you'll learn about the three primary business valuations, how a service-based business is valued differently from a subscription-based business, and why building a business you want to sell is no different from building a business you want to keep. We also interrogate the ubiquity of apps and discuss how to efficiently design your app for the highest chance of success. Our conversation with Kevin is a must-listen for any entrepreneur looking to take their business to the next level. For all this and much more, tune in today!
Our guest today is an accomplished figure, not only in the world of personal brands but also in entrepreneurial one. Kevin Kruse is a New York Times best-selling author of nine books and has built several businesses throughout his career. As an entrepreneur and executive, Kevin has a distinguished line of companies to his name, including being the Co-Founder of Connexa which was acquired by IBM. Today he is the Founder and CEO of LEADx, a fascinating AI-powered platform geared to helping companies scale leadership behaviors and employee engagement. In our conversation with Kevin, we ask him to share his entrepreneurial wisdom on how to leverage your personal brand in the current marketplace. He explains why those with a personal brand need to consider whether they want to hire employees or be a solo practitioner and why having employees adds considerable value to your company. Later we discuss why subscription-based models are valued at a higher rate than service-based models and how to leverage that for your personal brand. We delve into the earning potential of building an app for your personal brand as well as the real-world steps and challenges involved in getting an app off the ground. Join us today for a fascinating conversation on personal brands, entrepreneurship, app development, and much more!
In today’s special recap episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Scott McKain, one of the world’s leading thinkers on what it means to be distinct. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory share his top three takeaways from their conversation and elaborate on why being distinct as a brand is reliant on your unique perspective. Rory reflects on the fact that no one is loyal to ‘generic’ and discusses why it’s necessary to do tough internal work in order to identify and refine the core ideas that inform your personal brand and business. Hear how Brand Builders Group is constructed to help entrepreneurs do meaningful internal work and why making a decision is the toughest part of taking action. For all this and much more, tune in today!
In today’s episode, we speak with the leading expert on the concept of distinction in personal branding and business. Scott McKain is the author of ICONIC: How Organizations and Leaders Attain, Sustain, and Regain the Highest Level of Distinction which has been named as one of the Top 10 Business Books of the Year, he is a keynote speaker at events for top organizations and has the rare honor of being feature in both the Speakers Hall of Fame and the Sales and Marketing Hall of Fame. In our conversation with Scott, we dive straight into the concept of distinction and why it’s so important for your personal brand. We hear Scott’s breakdown of the four cornerstones of distinction: clarity, creativity, communication, and the customer experience focus. Scott places a particular emphasis on the concept of clarity and why it is in many ways the most difficult step since it involves identifying what makes you distinct and excluding potential business opportunities that do not fall within what makes your personal brand unique. Scott offers his advice and tips for finding your distinction and explains why we should all find out why people recommend us. Join us today for an edifying discussion on the concept of distinction and how to define it for your personal brand!
In today’s special recap episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Juliet Funt, author of the new book A Minute to Think, and shares his top three takeaways from the interview. Rory breaks down key concepts from Juliet’s book, such as why we all need more oxygen in our lives and why having whitespace on our calendars is essential. He reflects on the elegance of her writing and how the phrase "interlacing moments of thoughtfulness throughout your day" is such a profound lesson. Hear why it’s important to ask yourself direct questions like “Where am I doing high quantity, low-value work” and “Am I comfortable being quiet?”. Join us today as we discuss some of the incredible work Juliet has been doing, as well as how to listen to your own wisdom, and much more!
The rise in remote work as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic has left many of us living our lives in a whirlwind of zoom meetings, endless email chains, and urgent work tasks. Our guest today is a firm believer in the transformative power of integrating small moments of thoughtfulness throughout the day, and has the science to prove it. Juliet Funt is a renowned speaker, author, and CEO of White Space at Work, a training and consulting firm that helps organizations reexamine the norms of business to reclaim their creativity, productivity, and engagement. We talk with Juliet about the key concepts in her new book A Minute to Think and discuss why so many of us are prioritizing low-value quantity work over slow, deep work. Tuning in you’ll hear Juliet explain how our brains benefit from interlaced moments of quiet as well as why many of us may be addicted to busyness as a distraction from our own thoughts. Join us today for an essential conversation on productivity, creativity, and meaningful work!
In today’s episode, we revisit our conversation with Chester Elton, a best-selling author, and co-founder of FindMojo, a global assessment company. Tuning in you’ll hear Rory and AJ discuss their top three takeaways from Rory’s interview with Chester and how they’ve seen those lessons reflected in their own lives and careers. The power of proprietary data is indisputable, especially as a means to gain dominance in your field. AJ discusses why accurately interpreting your data is an essential skill and how to share it with your audience in a way that is relevant to them. Rory delves into Chester’s lessons on creating an audience for your book and why it is ultimately up to the author to market and sell their publication. We had a great time catching up with Chester and hearing his many tips and insights. For all our highlights from the interview and more, tune in today!
In today’s episode, we are joined by Chester Elton, the co-founder of FindMojo, a global assessment company. Chester has had tremendous success, along with his business partner, Adrian Gostick, in being a dominant presence in their area of expertise, namely workplace culture. They realized early on that data was essential to giving credibility to their research and obtained a sizable portion of proprietary data of over one million working adults. Together, they have written multiple bestsellers, from The Carrot Principle and Leading with Gratitude to their most recent title, Anxiety at Work. In our conversation with Chester, we delve into how they go about conducting research, why they hire outside help to assist in putting together their assessments, and why he believes that Anxiety at Work is their most important book to date. We hear from Chester about the importance of a competent team, why it’s ultimately up to the author to sell their books, and why it’s essential to leverage your personal brand to do so successfully. For all this and more, tune in today!
In today’s recap episode Rory and AJ get together to discuss their conversation with Ken Coleman, a master interviewer and host of The Ken Coleman Show. Rory and AJ each share their top three takeaways from the interview and what they learned from talking with Ken. Rory notes Ken’s insight into the importance of being attentive, not only to what your guest is saying but how they are saying it. He reflects on how he was also able to sharpen that skill while working in sales and how it has benefited him as a transferable skill during interviews. AJ discusses the power you gain from not being intimidated by your guests and why experience and preparation are key, much more so than whether you have a close relationship with the person you’re interviewing. Tuning in you’ll hear a summary of Ken’s expert tips for interview preparation, how to be entertaining as an interviewer, and much more!
Any good show host knows that, to conduct a great interview, your number one priority needs to be the guest and the audience, not yourself. On today’s episode of the Influential Personal Brand podcast, we get together with consummate interviewer, Ken Coleman, host of The Ken Coleman Show, to talk about the interviews he’s conducted with highly accomplished individuals like George W. Bush and Condoleezza Rice, as well as the skills and lessons he’s learned from taking almost 5,000 live calls live on air. In this conversation, we discuss his show’s philosophy that every individual has a unique purpose in how they contribute to society and the profound impact this belief has had on his work. We hear from Ken about how he gets to the heart of his callers’ problems in the short span of six minutes while still being entertaining and engaging to his audience, why he is not intimidated by the accomplished figures he has interviewed, and why intense preparation leads to reflexive performance. He also explains some of the key questions interviewers need to ask themselves while preparing and why thorough research is so important. Join us today for an informative episode full of wisdom and practical tips on the art of interviewing!
On today’s recap episode Rory and AJ get together to discuss Rory’s conversation with Stephen Scoggins about how he became a certified strategist, his personal brand journey, and the subject of visual identity when building a personal brand. Rory and AJ each share their top three takeaways from the interview and what they learned from talking with Stephen. We delve into why one of the biggest challenges of building a personal brand is whether you feel worthy of having a voice and the value in doing what you can with what you have at a given moment in time. AJ shares her admiration for Stephen’s ability to be resourceful and still produce high-quality services and how he has been able to help people and have an impact. For all this and more, join us today as we revisit our conversation with Stephen Scoggins!
In today’s episode, we get together with our good friend Stephen Scoggins. Stephen is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, best-selling author, and business and life-mastery thought leader. We talk with Stephen about how he was able to overcome adversity early in his life to build a highly successful business empire comprising of different pursuits like real estate and building a personal brand. In our conversation, Stephen shares why he was resistant to building a personal brand for so long and how the advice of a friend helped him decide to pursue it. Tuning in you’ll hear how Stephen was able to gain over 100 000 followers in just twelve months and what some of his biggest challenges were during his journey to building his personal brand. We break down the concept of the content diamond and why it’s so useful in helping you optimally use your time to establish a cohesive online presence. Later we discuss one of the biggest problems that new public speakers face and how Stephen and the Brand Builders Group are helping public speakers and others build their personal brand by offering accessible, high-quality video and photography content production. Stephen emphasizes the importance of investing in your dreams and why your visual identity is so important to your personal branding. Join us today for an energizing discussion on how to take the most important steps for your personal brand, and so much more!
In today’s episode, we revisit our conversation with longtime Silicon Valley influencer Claire Díaz-Ortiz. Rory and AJ share their top three takeaways from the interview and discuss how they see the lessons reflected in their own lives and business. Tuning in you’ll hear about how it’s an entrepreneur's responsibility to share their idea with the world and how ultimately you have the ability to be your own media company thanks to the power of social media. We discuss what it means to reframe PR as ‘moment making’ and why it’s so much more engaging than sending out a press release. Finally, we reflect on the increased necessity for an online presence and how best to optimize that by understanding your messaging and how that needs to manifest on different platforms. Claire is an expert in her field and we loved talking with her. For all our highlights from the interview and more, tune in today!
For public speakers, establishing a personal brand is essential, but what about entrepreneurs and the owners of new companies and startups? When it comes to the two spheres of social media marketing and tech startups, and how they overlap, there is no one better to talk to than Claire Díaz-Ortiz. Claire established herself in tech during her time at Twitter, where she was hired to lead corporate social innovation. She is the author of several books with titles ranging from Social Media Success for Every Brand: The Five StoryBrand Pillars That Turn Posts Into Profits to One Minute Mentoring: How to find and work with a mentor - and why you’ll benefit from being one. She is also a speaker, advisor, and angel investor in early-stage startups. Tuning in, you’ll hear us discuss how the world of personal branding has changed over the past 20 years and how best to leverage the power of social media to engage with your followers. We unpack the increasing pressure to have an online presence, regardless of your line of work, and why building a personal brand and engaging with your followers adds immense value to any business. Later, Claire discusses her enthusiasm for mentoring and explains why early-stage investments are ideal opportunities for mentorship. Claire has a wealth of knowledge and we loved having her on the show. Join us today for an inspiring discussion on how to leverage the power of social media and finding which platform is right for you!
On today’s recap episode Rory and AJ get together to discuss Rory’s conversation with Tom Rath, bestselling author of books like StrengthFinders 2.0 and It’s Not About You. Rory and AJ each share their top three takeaways from the interview and what they learned about creating a work of nonfiction that will sell and have an impact. Tuning in you’ll hear about the importance of giving your readers something to do and why it’s important to give advice that is backed up by data and research, not just opinions. We delve into what makes an idea more shareable and why you should always consider how to incorporate human connectivity into your topic for maximum impact. For all this and more, join us today as we revisit our conversation with Tom Rath!
What are the factors that determine whether a nonfiction business book will be a bestseller? In today’s episode, we get together with a highly knowledgeable and accomplished figure in the world of publishing to find the answers to this question. Tom Rath is the author of several bestselling books, including StrengthsFinder 2.0, which happens to be one of the bestselling nonfiction books on Amazon. He has sold over 10 million copies of his various books over the years and is a senior scientist and advisor to Gallup, where he previously spent 13 years leading the organization’s work on employee engagement, strengths, and wellbeing. Tuning in, listeners will hear what Tom has learned from his years in publishing and what characteristics have helped make his books so successful. Find out why giving your readers something tangible to do can be a good predictor for the success of a book and why it’s good to base your book on one or a few central ideas. We hear from Tom about his primary goals when tackling a new writing project and how COVID-19 affected the release of his book, It’s Not About You: A Brief Guide to a Meaningful Life. As we wrap up, Tom shares what has kept him humble and grounded, despite his success in business and publishing. For all this and more, join us today!
On today’s special recap episode, Rory and AJ get together to discuss their interview with their former pastor, Pete Wilson. We hear from AJ about why she is so passionate about the concept of reinvention and why she believes that we are all in a constant state of reinvention in some area of our lives. She shares how a behind-the-scenes conversation with Pete gave her an insight into how he sees himself and his accomplishments, versus how other people see him, and how we can all benefit from seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. Rory unpacks the beauty of a blank slate and why we are never truly starting over since we all have a past set of skills that we can realign to serve our current purpose. For all this and more, tune in today!
In today's episode, AJ and Rory get together with their former pastor Pete Wilson to discuss the topic of reinvention, especially when one considers the amount of upheaval that has been caused by the COVID 19 pandemic. Pete is the best-selling author of Plan B: What to Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would, which he wrote after undergoing his own reinvention several years ago when he drastically altered his life by leaving his successful career in ministry. In 2019 he established Good Vibes Management, an organization that, among other things, pairs up high profile individuals with ethical corporate brands, giving new purpose to their celebrity platforms. He also hosts a podcast, Good Talk with his wife, where they inspire people to be healthier, happier, and more purpose-driven versions of themselves. In our conversation, Pete shares what he learned from his reinvention and how interviewing others informed his viewpoint. He discusses the important role that gratitude and humility have to play when adjusting your mindset for reinvention and why you must reevaluate your definition of success. Join us today for an eye-opening discussion on the challenges and potential that lies in reinvention and much more!
In today’s special recap episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor and most recently Just Work. Rory reflects on their conversation and how its lessons extend far beyond applications to one’s personal brand. Rory shares his top three takeaways from their conversation, the most fundamental of which is the idea that discrimination exists on a continuum, with Kim categorizing its different forms in the workplace as bias, prejudice, and bullying. Rory also reflects on his desire to receive criticism with more humility and less defensiveness and how to apply the important lesson that it’s one’s impact that matters, not one’s intention. For all this and more, tune in today for an informative and thought-provoking recap!
Most of us aspire to behave in a manner that is ethical, fair, and just, but our efforts are often undermined by unconscious biases, and without outside interventions, we may never take the necessary steps to change these unintended habits. In today’s episode we sit down with Kim Scott to talk about her new book Just Work: Get Sh*t Done, Fast & Fair. Some listeners may recognize her as the New York Times bestselling author of Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity. Kim has spent many years working as a high-profile CEO coach, doing in-depth work at Dropbox, Qualtrics, and Twitter to name a few. She was also involved with AdSense at Google, is a member of the faculty at Apple University, and has worked directly for Sheryl Sandberg. In our conversation with Kim, we talk about what she learned from writing Radical Candor and how she applied those lessons to her latest book Just Work. Kim breaks down the three revelations she experienced after getting feedback from a colleague, the most striking of which was that Radical Candor did not address how much more difficult it is to apply its lessons if you are a woman and especially if you are a woman of color. She explains why she felt it urgent and necessary to delineate the distinctions between bias, prejudice, and bullying in Just Work, and how she recommends using ‘bias interrupters’ to facilitate a more just and equitable workplace. Later we discuss how influencers can become more aware of their biases when using social media and how to respond reasonably to criticism and feedback by taking the time to step away and calm down when our fight or flight response gets triggered. We had a fascinating conversation with Kim and we’re sure that you will find it every bit as informative and stimulating as we did! Tune in today for all this and more!
On today’s special recap episode, Rory revisits his interview with Mark Divine, a Navy SEALs commander, and New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Rory shares his top three takeaways from speaking with Mark about his lessons on cultivating an Unbeatable Mind. Rory dives right into box breathing, a method that Mark uses with his operatives before going into battle as a way to center themselves and calm their nervous systems. Rory reflects on the fact that this can be applied to many situations, including giving a presentation or media interview. Other takeaways include the phrase, "No plan survives contact with the enemy,” and how to incorporate that attitude into your mindset, as well as how to have a productive relationship with your thoughts. Join us today for this reflective recap on how to cultivate an Unbeatable Mind!
No plan survives contact with the enemy, which is why you need to be ready for anything. In today’s episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we speak with Mark Divine. Mark is an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in an astonishingly diverse range of areas. He holds an MBA from NYU, is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, while also having a long and established career as a Navy SEALs commander. He is also a high-profile public speaker and was recently part of a Tony Robbins event. In addition, Mark has an enduring relationship with martial arts, meditation, mindfulness, and ancient yoga practices, which are integral to his leadership style and having what he calls an Unbeatable Mind. In our conversation, Mark almost immediately dives into the intricacies of his zen training and how he has utilized it over the years to train and lead his Navy SEALs teams to incredible effect. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of an inner meditative practice for leaders in a world that is facing ever-increasing environmental damage due to self-serving human interests and how one can go about fostering a mindfulness practice. Listeners will hear Mark share his insights on the conflict of flow and why the ego isn’t something to be feared, as well as how to apply these lessons as a leader. Join us today for deep dive into mindful leadership, the nature of fear, and how it all comes together. You won’t want to miss this!
We had such an amazing conversation with Todd Henry in our last episode, and today we will be looking at the biggest takeaways from it! Todd's work is all about accessing creativity and using our energy and strengths to make an impact. Todd talked about how creativity is more about problem-solving than anything else, and this can be applied to so many different areas of our lives. Wherever you look, in your personal, professional, and family life, there are problems to solve, and creativity can be applied to these situations! The next big takeaway from Todd was how he defines art: for Todd, art's central component is its expression of value. This means that no matter what you are creating if you are expressing your values through it, you can consider it your art! We believe that starting a business or brand is nothing other than an expression of values and the realization of your internal value system into the external world. Todd's point on where to start with building a personal brand and service is such a great piece of advice; he believes that our greatest strengths are most often the things that seem most obvious and negligible to us. So think about what seems almost too simple and straightforward to you and consider how it might just be your gift to the world! The last takeaway we wanted to underline was Todd's beautiful point about pursuing mastery of a craft instead of chasing stardom. This is a message we wholeheartedly believe in and can be the key to success, longevity, and lasting impact!
The ocean of creative work is not limited to processes that create art. Creativity is in so much of what we do as humans, and as our guest for today's show, Todd Henry explains, creativity is essentially problem-solving. Todd is the host of the Accidental Creative Podcast, which has over 10 million downloads! He is a leading thinker on the topics of creativity, leadership, passion, and bringing out your everyday brilliance. He has written five books, with the most recent being The Motivation Code,and we get to hear a bit about some of the ideas that his amazing books contain. We also get to see why Todd sees himself as an arms dealer for the creative revolution, and his particular set of gifts for helping people access deeper parts of their creativity. In our conversation, we cover demystifying the journey of success, why we are the worst judges of our own work, and how leaders can foster more successfully creative spaces for their teams. So for all this and a whole lot more from Rory and Todd, be sure to join in today!
On today's special recap episode, Rory and AJ get together to discuss his interview with Tom Ziglar, son of the legendary Zig Ziglar. Rory and AJ each share their top three takeaways from the interview and unpack the nuances of each point. AJ reflects on an old Zig Ziglar quote that Tom brought up, namely “If you pursue a standard of living you will likely never have a better quality of life, but if you pursue a better quality of life the standard of living will always go up”. They discuss how the words still ring true today and how it has made them evaluate their motivations. Both AJ and Rory were moved by Tom’s wise insight that his skills are very different from those of his father and how that acceptance was able to allow him to embrace his own unique skills and strengths. Join us for a meditative recap on lessons from Tom Ziglar on what gives life meaning, how to be true to yourself, and much more!
“You can have everything in life if you help enough other people get what they want,” these are the famous words of Zig Ziglar that the Ziglar Inc brand continues to live by. In today’s episode, we get together with Tom Ziglar, CEO of Ziglar Inc, Author, Speaker, and proud son of Zig. His most recent book is titled Choose to Win: Transform Your Life, One Simple Choice at a Time. In our conversation, Tom speaks about the challenges he faced in continuing the family brand and legacy. Tom explains how once he changed his mindset and stopped trying to emulate his father, he was able to fully tap into his skills and understand how best to serve the company and its clients. Later in our conversation, Tom addresses the pandemic, the changing nature of work, and why employees should expect more from their company leadership. Tom introduces the concept of asynchronous vulnerability to illustrate how to nurture the human spirit in a digital environment. Join us for an honest conversation about understanding yourself, helping others, and prioritizing a high quality of life while achieving your work goals!
On today’s special recap episode, Rory and AJ revisit their interview with Allison Fallon, author of The Power of Writing It Down: A Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine Your Life. Rory and AJ each share their top three takeaways and share what they found most valuable from their conversation. They each emphatically agree on the notion that great writing comes from great thinking, which forms a key point in Allison’s book, and they note that the biggest obstacle to great writing is writer's block. AJ remarks on Allison’s advice to get past your writer’s block by prioritizing the reader and asking yourself how you can provide value to them and Rory shares his enthusiasm for Allison’s assertion that, if you have a valuable idea, it means you have a responsibility to share it and put it out into the world. Join us for an informative recap with lots of special comments and insights!
What transformation do you want the reader to undergo after reading your book and how do you achieve that? Sometimes, the surest way to overcome mental obstacles is to take a new approach and ask different questions. Today’s guest is an expert in helping writers process their self-doubt and put their ideas into motion. Allison Fallon has a distinguished reputation for writing and ghostwriting and has helped countless clients become published authors. She is the author of over 12 books, including her latest release, The Power of Writing It Down: A Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine Your Life. In today’s episode, she shares the most common mental roadblocks that new authors encounter and her practical advice for how to overcome them. Hear Allison’s thoughts on why getting on the New York Times bestseller list shouldn’t necessarily be a priority and why self-doubt puts you in very good company. She also explains the difference between content-driven and story-driven books and the middle ground that exists in between. Tune in for more key insights and a fascinating discussion on the writing process and the world of publishing!
In today’s special recap episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Eric Siu, where they discussed methods for leveling up your paid acquisitions strategy. Rory dives straight into how to create scalable growth for your personal brand by sharing his top three takeaways from his conversation with Eric, and he breaks down the different types of advertising traffic and why they are important, namely paid traffic, unpaid traffic, and get-paid traffic. He notes that paid traffic’s unique attribute is predictability and expands on this by breaking down how to utilize this quality and why a new iOS update will drastically change what type of paid advertising gets results. Listening in, you will hear all about the implications of this update, how to adapt to the future landscape of digital advertising, and why influencer marketing could be particularly useful. You won’t want to miss this! Tune in today for all the highlights from Rory’s conversation with Eric, plus his personal insights!
Internet marketing is the science of efficiently reaching audiences online, an essential skill set not just for SaaS companies but personal brand builders too. Today we are joined by internet marketing guru, podcast host, and recent author of Leveling Up, Eric Siu, to talk about his audience-building strategies and gamified approach to life and business. We hear about the dual method of influencer marketing and paid ads Eric is using to promote his book. He talks about why he has chosen to write a book about the game of life rather than his extensive marketing knowledge. For Eric, writing about his relationship with gaming is his way of appealing to an already extensive community. He explains how the notion of community fits into Naval Ravikant’s four forms of leverage and is one of the most powerful forces a brand builder can utilize. Tune in for countless golden nuggets and marketing secrets from Eric today!
It’s easy to feel resistance to setting up chatbots for your brand, but is it all that different from a pre-recorded video or online course? On today’s special recap episode, Rory revisits his conversation with Natasha Takahashi on utilizing chatbots to generate ROI for your Business. Rory shares his top three takeaways from their discussion and how it’s been a learning process for him. Hear Rory’s thoughts on what to look out for when setting up a chatbot service and why it’s important to be closely involved with the writing process when it comes to engineering the chatbot’s script. Rory tackles questions like how to monetize social media and when to integrate chatbots with marketing automation. Join us today for all this and more!
On today’s episode of The Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we get technical! We speak with Natasha Takahashi from The School of Bots about the amazing potential of chatbots and what they are already doing for marketing campaigns across industries. In our conversation, Natasha explains exactly how chatbots work by automating direct messaging at scale for exponential impact. Listeners can expect to hear about the best platforms to utilize for making chatbots a part of your business and why it’s far more effective to implement once you are an established business. Natasha explains how chatbots are a combination of artificial intelligence, conversational design, and decision trees. We also speak about the ethical and emotional concerns around chatbots, especially when it comes to personal branding and how to address those concerns safely. Learn how the evolution of chatbots increased with Facebook messenger and why it’s still the ideal place to start for testing chatbots. For all this and more, join us today!
In today’s episode of The Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we revisit a recent conversation we had with Bob Burg. Hear about our top three takeaways, as well as why we love Bob Burg’s philosophy of being a Go-Giver and why it’s a concept that works! We expand on how speaking for free, while still monetizing your time was essential to the careers of countless esteemed personal speakers including Tony Robbins and Bryan Tracy, in addition to Bob Burg. Hear a frank rundown of what we think is broken about the world of sales today, and why the Brand Builders Group takes a novel approach that prioritizes serving the client to ensure lasting success and an enduring reputation. Listeners can expect special insights into the ethos of the Brand Builders Group as well as an introduction to their new training program on pressure-free persuasion. For all this and more, join us today!
“Great salesmanship is never about the salesperson. Great salesmanship is about the people whose lives are made better because you’ve been a part of it.” This profound message comes from renowned speaker, author, and today’s guest, Bob Burg. He joins us to discuss how you can get more profits and referrals by embracing the ‘Go-Giver’ mentality. We devote the early part of this episode to unpacking Go-Giving and exactly how consistently providing value leads to financial profitability. After exploring why Go-Giving perfectly aligns with the free market, Bob shares his journey in developing this business strategy. Later, he touches on why his Go-Giver books are written as parables and how he promoted his book through speaking engagements. We wrap up our conversation by looking at the importance of learning from the experts who came before you. As Bob explains, the Go-Giver approach is both the most meaningful and the most profitable way of conducting business. Tune in to hear all about it.
In today’s special recap episode of The Influential Personal Brand Podcast, your host, Rory Vaden shares his biggest takeaways and thoughts from his recent interview with Jennifer Cohen. Hear how Jennifer achieved viral success with her TED Talk and why she advocates for trusting the process and being patient. Rory unpacks lessons from the interview and explains why it’s important to market your product based on the result rather than the content. Tune in for a quick recap and plenty of thought-provoking insights!
In today’s episode of The Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Jennifer Cohen returns to talk about the runaway success of her TedTalk entitled ‘The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life’. Jennifer is an entrepreneur, fitness authority and best-selling author of Strong Is the New Skinny and also hosts a podcast called ‘Habits and Hustle’. In our conversation today we talk about Jennifer’s experience on the TED Talk stage and how she got there. Hear anecdotes of everything that went wrong during her talk and how that may have contributed to the viral success of her video. Jennifer also unpacks the process during which Rory and his company helped distill her ideas into the impactful TED Talk that resulted from their work together. Listeners will also hear how the success of her TED Talk has affected her business and why giving actionable advice is so powerful. For all this and more, join us today!
The key distinction between overthinking and preparation is that preparation leads to action and overthinking leads to more thinking. In today’s recap episode, we reflect on our top takeaways from our conversation with Jon Acuff, a brilliant speaker and bestselling author whose recent research has resulted in extensive knowledge on how what we think affects what we do. We devoted much of our conversation to successful self-talk for personal brands. Today, we further unpack the nature of negative self-talk and why our brains believe the thoughts we repeatedly feed it, even if they aren’t true. Later, we discuss why what you believe about yourself affects how clients see you and how that affects your career. We also elaborate on how our brains are like computers and why it’s important to consciously choose your thoughts to reprogram them. Join us today as we take deep dive into the impact of thoughts and how to change your habits for the better!
In this episode, we get together with Jon Acuff, New York Times Bestselling Author of seven books. Jon is an incredible speaker and speaks for big companies such as Fedex, Nissan, and Chick-fil-A. His last book was a number one Wall Street Journal bestseller called Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done. During our conversation, Jon shares all about the research he has been doing lately for his new book, Soundtracks — finding the solution to overthinking and specifically some of the mindsets issues that need to be resolved to really build and grow and become an influential personal brand. We also dive into some of the biggest evolutions that Jon has undergone in his mindsets to rewrite the negative soundtracks that were holding him back. Stay tuned to today’s episode as we unpack Jon’s top strategies for building a successful personal brand!
In today’s special recap episode of The Influential Personal Brand Podcast, your host, Rory Vaden shares a debrief and summary of his most recent interview with Honorée Corder. You’ll hear some of the key lessons to be learned from that episode, namely the fact that launching a book is not just launching a book, it’s launching a business. There are so many aspects to it, and a book outline is not just a “how to” for writing a book, but a business proposal too! Listen in as Rory shares three quick takeaways from the Honorée Corder episode as it relates to book launches. Enjoy!
Writing and getting books published, distributed, and marketed properly is one of the biggest pain points that many listeners have. Over the years, your host, Rory Vaden has had the opportunity to interface with a number of people with superpowers in the writing and publishing space and, in this episode, he introduces you to one of them. Today’s guest is Honorée Corder, strategic book coach, publishing specialist, and co-creator of The Miracle Morning book series with Hal Elrod. She specifically caters to those who wish to self-publish and maintain ownership and rights of their work, and has written over 50 books herself. Tuning in, you’ll hear her advice for getting past that first blank page, the importance of being accessible to your readers, and some strategies to use when you are launching your book, as well as the value of learning from the experience of an established author. Honorée believes that the best tool you'll ever have for your business or personal brand is a book with your name on the cover, so make sure to tune in today to learn more!
What are you focused on that is truly unique? And what can you do so deeply in your subject matter that no one else can compete with you? Today we recap our interview with David Horsager, a thought leader who is so cemented in his niche that his brand is synonymous with his specialty: building trust in businesses. Our first takeaway relates to how you can create brand clout and credibility by being research-driven. We then dive into how David uses gratitude to differentiate himself. After talking about the benefits of providing unique perspectives and of being the first in your space, we unpack David’s advice on getting speaking engagements. Later, we discuss how you can use your existing content to generate different revenue streams. As David has shown, it pays to be trustworthy. Tune in for our recap where we show you the how and the why of being a trusted leader.
Most of us are trying to solve the wrong problem. As David Horsager explains in today’s episode, trust is at the root of every business challenge. David should know. As the foremost expert on trust and CEO of the Trust Edge Leadership Institute, he’s helped companies increase their revenue by improving their reputation. We open our conversation with David by exploring how he went from humble beginnings to becoming a world-renowned thought leader. He shares how he discovered his niche and why most issues in business relate to a lack of trust. After discussing why data-driven research is the backbone of trustworthy leadership, we look at the many benefits of being a reputable leader. David then chats about what he does to differentiate his brand before unpacking his business model. Later, we talk about his book and the bonuses that David is offering to the Influential Personal Brand Podcast community. This episode shows that without trust, people and businesses fail. Tune in to hear what you can do to build your trustworthiness.
To find success, you don’t always have to be the best in your niche. Sometimes all it takes is being the first in your niche. In this recap episode, we reflect on our top takeaways from our conversation with podcast grandmaster John Lee Dumas, someone who has built his brand by having the first-mover advantage. After chatting about the advantages of being the first person in your niche, we highlight John’s lesson that consistently creating and putting yourself out there will lead to excellence. Or in his words, “focusing on quantity will guarantee quality.” Later, we discuss how John’s direct, honest, and personal marketing approach so effortlessly wins over his audiences. Join us to hear us unpack more of John’s recipe for success.
Discovering your one big idea and then making it a reality is the key to unlocking financial freedom and fulfillment. Today we speak with John Lee Dumas, the creator and host of Entrepreneurs on Fire, a podcast that’s enjoyed over 100 million downloads. In our conversation with John, we explore what he did to find uncommon success while also unpacking his best lessons from interviewing over 3,000 of the world’s top entrepreneurs. Early in this episode, John talks about the most important elements to building a thriving brand. After chatting about how he discovered his niche, he dives into why being the first in your niche is such an advantage. We then discuss when and why you should focus on quantity over quality and why excellence is often achieved from consistent work. Later, we talk about John’s book and how it provides 17 core principles that are the foundations for entrepreneurial success. As John explains, there’s a common path that anyone can follow to achieve their dreams. Tune in and learn how you can take your first step.
Take creative risks. Often it’s the only way to differentiate yourself and build a memorable brand. This simple message is a top takeaway from our interview with eminent speaker and business expert Victoria Labalme. Today we share our chief learnings from our conversation with her. After chatting about her book, Risk Forward, we unpack what it means to take creative risks. Reflecting on how artfulness entrepreneurship is, we explore why you need to balance having business processes and structure with a creative approach to your brand. Later, we look at why uncertainty is a good thing and how feeling comfortable at unclear points is key to innovating your brand. Join us to hear more about the profound impact of taking creative risks.
What can only you do? And how can you do it in your own way? Answering these questions is the key to building a brand that stands out from the crowd. Today we welcome presentation strategist Victoria Labalme onto the show to help listeners discover the value that only their brand can provide. We also speak with Victoria about how her book, Risk Forward, can help you find success when the future seems uncertain. Early in our conversation, we chat with Victoria about how critical creative risks are to forming strong brands. She then shares her insights on how you can find your unique value proposition, and how you can then refine your proposition before taking large risks. After talking about the emotional side of dealing with risk, we discuss how the biggest business leaders are pulled toward creative risk-taking. While reflecting on the power of listening to our intuitions, Victoria unpacks how listeners can move forward at times when their path seems unclear. As Victoria explains, “the extraordinary lie at the edge of not knowing.” Join us to hear more about the incredible benefits of taking a risk forward.
The golden path to effective SEO doesn’t require any technical expertise. Instead, it requires that you consistently publish content that relates to your market. This critical insight comes from our interview with the Godfather of SEO and marketing thought leader, Neil Patel. Today we recap more of our top takeaways from that conversation. For our next highlight, we talk about how you can use content to drive your business growth, adding tips on how you can best do this. Reflecting the view that SEO is a long-term strategy, we then unpack Neil’s advice to start your SEO project by going after niche terms within broad topical areas. After exploring why this is such an effective strategy, we look at how you can use heat maps to create highly optimized web pages. Throughout this episode, we also share SEO best practices to draw in traffic and build your website authority and subscriber list. Tune in to hear the next step of your SEO journey.
Building an SEO strategy may seem like a daunting task. But in reality, the most effective SEO is built on strong foundations and consistent work that requires little to no technical skill. Today we welcome SEO and marketing king Neil Patel onto the show to talk about the core SEO fundamentals that personal brands need to cover. Neil’s first lesson highlights that SEO is a long-game that requires you to consistently post content. After chatting about the hit and miss nature of content, we dive into the role that keyword research plays in your SEO strategy. Neil then opens up his keyword playbook, sharing insights into the kinds of keywords that you should target. Linked to this, we discuss how tools like Ubersuggest can help you find keywords to target, along with how Schema markup can help you create a faster-loading website. Later, we look at how you can optimize your website for a near-perfect web experience. Throughout our conversation, Neil offers clear and actionable advice that will up your SEO game. Join us to begin your journey to SEO mastery.
The deepest satisfaction in life can only come from serving others. And to do that you need to be bold enough to be your authentic self. This idea is one of the top takeaways from our episode with Luvvie Ajayi Jones, viral TED Talk speaker and author of Professional Troublemaker. In this episode, we recap our phenomenal interview with her, with our first highlight touching on how courage is contagious. As Luvvie explains, you can strengthen your audience by being a source of emotional fortitude. We then dive into what it means to be a purpose-driven personal brand and why being authentic is linked to serving your community. Later, we explore the value of yourself and others, and permission to be yourself. Fortune favors the bold. Tune in for more on living fearlessly.
This is the second time we’re welcoming charismatic New York Times best-selling author and speaker Luvvie Ajayi Jones onto the show. Today we speak with Luvvie about the key message of her new book; that to truly, meaningfully change our lives, we have to become professional troublemakers. Early in our conversation, we discuss the importance that boldness can have when building your personal brand. Luvvie then shares how she developed her boldness. As she explains, being a person of impact means that you’ll both repel and attract people no matter what your intentions are. We explore why being judged shouldn’t be seen as a worst-case scenario, with Luvvie adding insight into how she uses her boldness to empower people. We ask Luvvie about her courage to post online about her beliefs. In her answer, she highlights the strict criteria that inform each of her posts and the role of thinking about a topic before posting. Later, she reflects on the responsibility that comes with being a public figure, how she overcomes her fear of success, why she wrote her book for the person she once was, and why the risk of offending people shouldn’t prevent you from doing your work. Luvvie’s mission is to give people permission to be themselves. Tune in to learn about the benefits of conquering fear, being yourself, and living audaciously.
Just because it hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean that your inspired idea won’t work. Jamie Kern Lima’s life is proof that you can build a successful business from your unique idea. Today we recap our conversation with Jamie and share our top takeaways from her story. We open by discussing why you shouldn’t look to your competitors for insights into your value proposition. We then dive into the power of listening to your gut. Using Jamie’s example, she was told that no one would buy products from someone who looked like her. She’s since sold her company for $1.2 billion. Later, we dive into the vital role that authenticity plays when building your brand before looking into why inauthenticity guarantees failure. We wrap up our overview by unpacking the importance of tying your passion to hard work. Tune in as we highlight the key lessons from our discussion with the incredible Jamie Kern Lima.